Finance
Ad giant Omnicom posts upbeat quarterly revenue on boost from IPG acquisition, new clients
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 19, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 19, 2026
Tags:Advertising
Quick Summary
Omnicom beat Q4 revenue estimates after closing the IPG acquisition, posting $5.53B and 27.9% growth. It launched a $5B buyback, while adjusted EPS of $2.59 missed forecasts amid $1.1B in restructuring.
Omnicom revenue beats as IPG deal closes; $5B buyback and new clients
By Jaspreet Singh
Feb 18 (Reuters) - Omnicom beat analysts' estimates for fourth-quarter revenue on Wednesday thanks to strong performance in its media and advertising unit, as the ad giant attracted new clients.
The results are the first after Omnicom closed its $13.25 billion acquisition of rival Interpublic Group, which boosted the combined company's quarterly revenue to 27.9%.
Shares of the company rose around 4% in extended trading after Omnicom also announced a $5 billion share buyback.
"We've secured new business and extended contracts with leading brands such as American Express, Bayer, BBVA, BNY, Clarins, Mercedes, and NatWest," Omnicom CEO John Wren said on a conference call with analysts.
Companies like UK's WPP, French ad giant Publicis and Omnicom have long been the creative voices behind brands, but the rise of advanced ad creation tools from companies including Meta, TikTok and Google is intensifying competition.
The company's revenue of $5.53 billion for the quarter exceeded analysts' average estimate of $5.04 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG.
"Revenue growth was meaningful, but much of it was acquisition-driven, which shifts the conversation from 'breakout growth' to can they 'harmonize capabilities and deliver integrated value at scale'," said Jeremy Goldman, senior director at Emarketer.
Omnicom CFO Philip Angelastro said the company recorded $1.12 billion in severance and repositioning costs, which included expenses for severance, real estate, and contract exits.
Last year, the company announced job cuts of more than 4,000 employees and folded several well-known agency brands.
Omnicom's results come as the ad industry has been consolidating in recent years to reduce costs and embrace AI in a crowded market. Omnicom is merging its public relations firms Golin and Ketchum, and folding Novelli into FleishmanHillard.
The media and advertising segment, Omnicom's largest by revenue, posted an organic growth of 31.9% to $3.32 billion in the quarter ended December 31.
Omnicom said it earned $2.59 per share on an adjusted basis, falling short of expectations of $2.68 apiece.
(Reporting by Jaspreet Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Alan Barona)
Key Takeaways
- •Q4 revenue reached $5.53B, up 27.9% year over year, topping the $5.04B estimate.
- •Omnicom closed its ~$13.25B acquisition of Interpublic Group, aiding growth.
- •Board authorized a $5B share repurchase, including a $2.5B accelerated program.
- •Company recorded about $1.12B in severance and repositioning costs amid consolidation.
- •Media & advertising segment saw strong momentum; adjusted EPS of $2.59 missed $2.68 consensus.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ad giant Omnicom posts upbeat quarterly revenue on boost from IPG acquisition, new clients
1What is the main topic?
Omnicom’s first post-acquisition quarter after buying Interpublic Group, highlighting a revenue beat, strong media and advertising performance, and a new $5B share buyback.
2How much did Omnicom’s revenue grow and why?
Revenue rose 27.9% year over year to $5.53B, helped by the addition of IPG’s results for part of the quarter and continued strength in media and advertising alongside new client wins.
3What restructuring actions did Omnicom take?
It booked roughly $1.1B in severance and repositioning costs and is consolidating agencies, including merging Golin with Ketchum and folding Porter Novelli into FleishmanHillard.
