Stagwell's Q1 2025 Earnings Call: Navigating Contradictions in Growth, Government Contracts, and AI Focus

Net new business growth and client behavior, dependency on government contracts, investment in products and technology, AI and digital transformation focus, timing and impact of new client wins on revenue are the key contradictions discussed in Stagwell's latest 2025Q1 earnings call.



Strong Revenue Growth and New Business Trends:
- Stagwell Inc. reported net revenue growth of 9% excluding Advocacy for Q1 2025, with $130 million in net new business, almost double the amount from the previous year.
- The growth was driven by strong performance in Digital Transformation and Creativity, along with a record-breaking quarter in net new business, indicating a strengthening position as the challenger network.

Digital Transformation and AI Initiatives:
- The company's Digital Transformation capability led by Code & Theory grew net revenue by 15% year-over-year in Q1, excluding Advocacy.
- This was fueled by investments in AI tools and the integration of AI capabilities, such as generative AI, into client offerings, enhancing personalization and creativity.

Stagwell Marketing Cloud Growth:
- Stagwell Marketing Cloud posted $63 million in net revenue for the quarter, an increase of 32% year-over-year, with 45% growth excluding Advocacy.
- Growth was driven by strategic acquisitions like BERA.ai and Leaders, as well as platform enhancements at Harris Quest, enhancing data analysis and marketing capabilities.

Tariff and Macroeconomic Stability:
- Stagwell saw minimal impact from tariffs in Q1, with only one customer reducing spend due to import tariffs.
- Despite macroeconomic uncertainties, the company has maintained a stable business environment, attributed to a diversified client base and strong performance in tech-focused industries.

Investment in Acquisitions and M&A Strategy:
- Stagwell fully reinvested proceeds from the concentric-like disposition into M&A, focusing on accretive multiples to expand capabilities and international presence.
- Recent acquisitions like JetFuel, UNICEPTA, and Create. Group, along with the anticipated acquisition of ADK GLOBAL, are strategic moves to strengthen the company's global footprint and capabilities.