Havas has reported organic net revenue growth of 2.5%, to US$753 million (€638 million), for the first quarter of 2026.
Growth was supported by a solid performance in the US, its second-largest market, which grew 7.4%. Europe, which represents 50% of Havas’ net revenue, grew organically by 1.1% due to a “good level” of performance in France, particularly from Havas Media, while the UK “remained stable”. Meanwhile, organic growth declined in APAC and Africa (-6.2%) and Latin America (-0.6%).
The French holding group also reported the first impact of its recent acquisitions, which provided a "positive scope impact" of 1.7% over the quarter. UK experiential agency Bearded Kitten was included in this impact, alongside corporate and financial communications business Gauly Advisors in Germany, media agency Kaimera in Australia and New Zealand, and public affairs consultancy Acento in Spain.
Regarding conflict in the Middle East, the group said it has “modest exposure” in the region, with operations in Dubai, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Israel, representing a weighted 1.9% of 2025 net revenue. As such, it added that the effects of conflict “do not have material impact” on its financial statements.
The group confirmed its guidance for 2026, expecting net revenue growth of between 2% and 3%, adjusted Ebit margin of 13.2% to 13.5%, and a dividend payout ratio of approximately 40%.
Havas chairman and chief executive Yannick Bolloré said the group started 2026 “on a solid footing”. He added: “While the environment remains uncertain, the fundamentals of our model and our ability to adapt with agility give us confidence in our capacity to deliver sustainable, profitable growth. I would like to thank our clients for their continued trust and recognise the commitment of our teams around the world, who play a central role in our success.”
Earlier this week, Havas rival Publicis Groupe reported 4.5% net revenue growth for Q1 2026 and confirmed its 2026 forecast of 4% to 5% growth.
WPP is set to report its Q1 results on 28 April. In a first quarter trading update on 9 April, it stated that the impact of net new business is expected to be “a more significant drag” in the first half of 2026 compared with 2025. It stated: “We also anticipate that the first quarter will see the weakest LFL [like-for-like growth] for the year.”
Omnicom is due to publish Q1 results on 28 April.
Source: Campaign UK
