PARIS, February 17, 2010 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- 1. Fourth quarter 2009 - Revenue EUR 1,268 million - Organic growth -5.4% (-4.6% excluding GM) 2. Full year 2009 - Revenue EUR 4,524 million - Organic growth -6.5% (-5.3% excluding GM) - Operating margin EUR 680 million - Percentage operating margin 15.0% - Net income attributable to Publicis Groupe EUR 403 million - Free cash flow (1) EUR 524 million - Headline diluted EPS (2) EUR 1.97 - Debt/equity ratio 0.14 - Dividend (3) 0.60 (1) Before change in WCR (2) Before impairment, amortization of intangibles arising on acquisition, capital gains (losses) on sales of land and buildings, and the tax credit associated with the deferred tax liability on 2014 Oceane (3) Subject to the approval of the Annual general Meeting of shareholders on June 1,2010 Maurice Levy, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Publicis Groupe comments: "The year was something of a paradox for the Publicis Groupe. While our marketplace experienced a double-digit downturn, we were able to stop the slide and cut it by half, thus actually gaining market share. The economic environment worldwide was characterized by constant crisis of unprecedented proportions. In our industry, it manifested itself by a shrinking of the advertising market, which, month after month, caused us to reduce our outlook by as much as 12% to 14%. That left us few options but to manage on a short-term basis, making constant corrections that nevertheless kept us on course to pursue our long-term strategy. The upheaval in our industry was generated not only by macroeconomic factors; it was also the product of changing dynamics in the communications business. This included the rapid development of digital technologies, the explosion of social networks and other forms of communication, accentuating the shift in the media landscape and accelerating the pace of changes in consumer behavior. What has all this meant for the Groupe? A decline in organic growth, yet one limited in our case by an improved performance in New Business. Thus, while the market overall was down by 12% to 14%, Publicis managed to limit the decrease to 6.5%, thereby gaining market share. Tight control over our costs and headcount; services with added value; these are some of the reasons why we were able to achieve an operating margin which remains one of the highest on the market despite the crisis. We can also report an exceptionally sound balance sheet, coupled with a significant reduction in debt, a high level of liquidity, and a debt/equity ratio of 0.14. So it would be no exaggeration to say that Publicis has weathered the crisis well, containing its negative impacts on both margin and growth, while, at the same time, taking strategic initiatives to make the most of the recovery. Our performance in New Business and the market share gained in 2009 will bear fruit fairly rapidly. I would like to thank our clients who were at once more demanding and yet even more confident in placing their trust in us. Our employees, in every sector and in every corner of the world, redoubled their efforts and proved their talent, creativity, innovation and dedication despite a freeze on pay and recruitment (selective, to ensure we remain highly competitive). Thank you, all of you; once again, you made all the difference. After massive investments in digital in the recent past, made with an eye to the future, Publicis has now added to its strengths with the acquisition of Razorfish. Our aim is eventually to derive a total of 60% of our revenue from the two sectors of digital activities and emerging economies. As already announced, we are seeing a steady and continuing increase in our numbers starting last summer, and the trend continued in January 2010. Our objective is to return to positive organic growth, outperforming the market once again, in 2010. We are continuing to invest in talent and technology and are aiming to maintain our margins prior to embarking in 2011 on a new phase of margin growth." The Supervisory Board of Publicis Groupe at its meeting of February 16, 2010, chaired by Mrs. Elisabeth Badinter, approved the financial statements for the 2009 financial year presented by Mr. Maurice Levy, Chairman and CEO. Key figures in EUR million, except for 2009 2008 2007 percentages and (unaudited) per-share data (in euros) Income statement data Revenue 4,524 4,704 4,671 Operating margin before 772 889 888 depreciation and amortization As % of revenue 17.1% 18.9% 19.0% Operating margin 680 785 779 As % of revenue 15.0% 16.7% 16.7% Operating income 629 751 746 Net income attributable to 403 447 452 Publicis Groupe Earnings per share 1.99 2.21 2.18 Diluted earnings per share 1.90 2.12 2.02 Dividend per share 0.60 0.60 0.60 Balance sheet data December 31, December 31, December 2009 2008 31, 2007 Total assets 12,730 11,860 12,244 Shareholders' equity 2,813 2,320 2,198 The dividend of EUR0.60 per share will be proposed to the Annual General Meeting of shareholders on June 1, 2010. Subject to approval by the AGM, the dividend will be payable as of July 5, 2010. Analysis of key figures - 2009 activity As expected, after the advertising market reached its low point in 2009 during the summer, the decline, which had been gathering pace since mid-2008, began to slow, and then stopped. The fourth quarter brought an improvement, confirming the first signs of recovery. While the second half-year benefits from comparison against a weak second half during the previous period, and although the recovery is still only very gradual, the renewed activity of advertisers seems to be real. - 2009 revenue Consolidated revenue for 2009 was EUR4,524 million, compared with EUR4,704 million in 2008, i.e. down 3.8 %. (Exchange rate impact was 28 million euros). Organic growth was -6.5% but, without General Motors, would have been -5.3%. Digital Services continued to grow rapidly, achieving 7.1% organic growth. If the negative impact of General Motors were factored out, organic growth would have reached 11.9%. Digital activities accounted for 22.4% of total revenue. Specialized Agencies and Marketing Services (SAMS), including all digital activities, accounted for 44% of 2009 consolidated revenue compared to 35% for advertising and 21% for media. Revenue from emerging economies integrating high-growth countries represented 22.5% of the Groupe's total revenue in 2009 (excluding Razorfish). - Breakdown of 2009 revenue by region: 2009 revenue breaks down by region as follows: (EUR million) Revenue Organic growth 2009 2008 Europe 1,579 1,805 - 9.9% North America 2,094 2,008 - 4.2% Asia-Pacific 499 519 - 7.7% Latin America 218 238 - 0.6% Africa and Middle 134 134 - 4.0% East Total 4,524 4,704 - 6.5% Without exception, all regions were adversely affected by the economic crisis already in evidence in the last quarter of 2008 but which gradually worsened until it peaked in the second quarter of 2009. Europe was very severely hit, particularly southern Europe where revenue fell by over 15%. North America fell 4.2% but held up well due to the high proportion of digital services in the region (34.6% of the Groupe's revenue in North America). Factoring out the impact of the GM bankruptcy, the Groupe would have posted organic growth of -1.2% for North America, with Digital Services alone achieving +15.3% organic growth. Asia-Pacific, on the other hand, experienced a sharp downturn in activity, but showed a marked improvement in the last quarter. Latin America fared well, due largely to Brazil. Finally, Africa and the Middle East were penalized by the severe financial crisis in Dubai. 2009 revenue in US dollars would be $6,287 million, down 8.9% on last year. In GBP, revenue would be GBP4,029 million, an increase of 7.9%. - Revenue in the 4th quarter of 2009 Consolidated revenue in the 4th quarter of 2009 stood at EUR1,268 million, down 7.6% from EUR1,373 million for the corresponding period in 2008. The exchange rate impact was negative by 86 million euro. Organic growth was -5.4% for the last quarter, a net improvement on the third quarter (-7.4%). Excluding GM, the reduction was 4.6% - Breakdown of 4th quarter revenue by region Revenue in Q4 2009 breaks down as follows: (EUR million) Revenue Organic growth 4th quarter 4th quarter 2009 2008 483 521 -7.5% Europe North America 545 585 -4.0% Asia-Pacific 146 152 -2.8% Latin America 51 65 -1.7% Africa and Middle 43 50 -12.1% East Total 1,268 1,373 -5.4% - Operating margin Operating margin before depreciation and amortization of EUR772 million in 2009 represented 17.1% of revenue, and was down 13.2% from EUR889 million in 2008. Operating margin was EUR680 million, 15% of revenue in euros, down 13.4% on 2008. Personnel expenses totaled EUR2,812 million, compared with EUR2,852 million in 2008, i.e. down 1.4% and equivalent to 62.2% of total consolidated revenue. Major efforts were made during this period of markedly slower activity and, after eliminating acquisition effects, personnel expenses in 2009 were down 4.9% on those of 2008 (stated at the 2009 exchange rates). Other operating expenses totaled EUR940 million, a decrease of 2.4% by comparison with 2008, despite the higher occupancy-related costs (rent and charges), thanks to continued optimization efforts. When acquisition effects are factored out, total operating costs in 2009 fell 5.1% by comparison with 2008 (restated at 2009 exchange rates). The percentage operating margin was 15.0% in 2009. This percentage margin is down on 2008 and reflects the adjustments and restructurings implemented in 2009, whether due to the downturn in revenue or to longer-term restructuring operations. Restructuring costs amounted to EUR80 million for 2009. Ongoing efforts to control costs throughout the Groupe made it possible to absorb the costs of integrating various acquisitions and of accelerating the rollout of digital activities worldwide. The Groupe secured its operating margin by optimizing various operating expenses and by controlling investments. - Net income After a net financial expense of EUR70 million, a tax charge of EUR146 million, share of profit of associates (accounted for by the equity method) of EUR4 million and minority interests of EUR14 million, net income attributable to the Groupe stood at EUR403 million, compared to EUR447 million in 2008. - Free Cash Flow (excluding change in Working Capital Requirements) The Groupe's free cash flow, excluding changes in working capital requirements (WCR), was EUR524 million for the period. - Net financial debt Net financial debt was reduced by EUR283 million (a reduction of 42%), from EUR676 million at December 31, 2008 to EUR393 million at December 31, 2009. The Groupe's average net debt at December 31, 2009 was also down sharply at EUR929 million, from EUR1,102 million at December 31, 2008. Available liquidity at the end of the year stood at EUR3.7 billion. - Shareholders' equity Consolidated shareholders' equity including minority interests was EUR2,838 million at December 31, 2009 compared with EUR2,350 million at December 31, 2008. At December 31, 2009, the debt/equity ratio was 0.14 compared with 0.29 at December 31, 2008. Highlights of 2009 - Awards/creativity On the creative side, the Groupe equaled its performances of recent years. Publicis Groupe has occupied the Gunn Report's top spot for Creative Performance without interruption since 2004. At the Cannes Lions 56th International Advertising Festival, Publicis Groupe won one Grand Prix and 110 Lions including 21 Gold, 25 Silver and 46 Bronze. The Groupe was also highly successful at the Clio Awards, the prestigious international advertising competition, with 54 awards (13 Gold, 11 Silver and 30 Bronze). Last but not least, Publicis Groupe took 84 awards at The One Show, including 3 Gold, 5 Silver and 8 Bronze awards. Publicis Groupe entities were awarded top prizes in all major advertising sector festivals, particularly the Effie Awards, FIAP (Festival Iberoamericano de la Publicidad), Eurobest, New York Festival Awards, Valencia Festival of Media, Asian Marketing Effectiveness Awards, Andy Awards, D&AD, ANA Awards, El Ojo de Iberoamerica Festival, Telly Awards, Sabre Awards, European Excellence Awards, Manny Awards, Clio Healthcare Awards, Epica, Dubai Lynch, CMAs, OMMAs, Media Spikes Asia, Golden Drums, Asia Pacific Advertising Festival, etc. Four agencies received "Agency of the Decade" awards: BBH (BestAds Agency of the Decade), Saatchi & Saatchi Australia (Campaign Brief), with Saatchi & Saatchi New Zealand ranked second best Agency of the Decade (Campaign Brief). Adweek also ranked Starcom MediaVest Group best media agency of the decade. In addition, Publicis Groupe agencies carried off 9 "Agency of the Year" awards. - Employee stockholding Significantly, despite the very uncertain economic environment and the instability in the advertising market, 136 key executives at Publicis Groupe opted to subscribe to a proposed co-investment program. At the same time, the Groupe also decided to issue 50 free shares to all members of staff, beginning with a program in France in 2009 before implementing the program worldwide over the next two years. These decisions clearly illustrate the commitment of the key executives to the Groupe and that of the Groupe towards all its employees. - New Business 2009 was a very good year for account wins with net new business totaling $6 billion, thus confirming the attractiveness and competitiveness of Publicis Groupe's offering and placing the Groupe well ahead of all its competitors (as ranked by Nomura, Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan). - External growth In line with its strategy of focusing development on high-growth activities, particularly in digital communication services, while adding to its network of specialized agencies, Publicis Groupe pursued an active policy of external growth in 2009. - Digital Services acquisitions: The acquisition from Microsoft of Razorfish, the world's Ndegrees2 interactive agency (the leader, Digitas, is already owned by Publicis), was closed on October 13, 2009, consolidating the Groupe's leadership in digital services for the future while bringing in new digital skills and adding to our portfolio of blue-chip clients. Following the closing, the two groups also signed a strategic alliance agreement enabling Microsoft to broaden its offering and Publicis Groupe to provide its clients with access to very attractive offers. Under the terms of this agreement, VivaKi and Microsoft will provide the Groupe's clients with higher added value and greater efficiency in all aspects of digital services, whether in terms of content, performance or audienceIn early April, Publicis Groupe acquired Nemos, the leading interactive communications agency in Switzerland. The acquisition was motivated by the Groupe's ongoing strategic commitment to offering digital services. On September 1, Publicis Groupe acquired Unilever's CRM program Pour Tout Vous Dire. Publicis emerged from this acquisition with one of the four leading multi-brand CRM platforms in the consumer goods business in France. Initially designed to add value to 30 Unilever brands spanning beauty, hygiene, food products and services, the program currently covers more than 5 million households, including 2 million customers on an online basis. Pour Tout Vous Dire offers a benchmark e-CRM platform for showcasing brands and fostering interaction with consumers. It will gradually be rolled out to all consumer retail brands and fast moving consumer goods and thus made available to other advertisers. - Other acquisitions In May, Publicis Groupe announced the acquisition of its long-term affiliate Publicis MARC, the Bulgarian integrated communications agency. The Sofia-based agency joined the Publicis Worldwide global network. In early September, Publicis Groupe announced its acquisition of a majority stake in the Women's Forum for the Economy and Society. Founded in 2005, this is an independent global women's forum. In 2009, the Women's Forum numbered 1,200 participants from 90 countries. The shared goal is to expand the scope of the Forum meetings as of 2010 to eventually cover all world regions. These initiatives bear witness to Publicis Groupe's ability to anticipate market developments in order to meet its clients' new needs, provide the solutions consumers expect, and thus assure the Groupe's growth. - Finance In the midst of the liquidity crisis, and as part of its endeavor to preserve the Groupe's financial strength and capacity, on June 24, 2009, Publicis Groupe S.A. launched a EUR719 million convertible bond issue that will mature in 2014. Moreover, in December 2009, the company issued an offer to exchange its 2012 Eurobonds with a view to the issuance of new 2015 bonds. The purpose of these two transactions was to extend the company's resources over a longer period. 2010 - Recent events January 2010 saw the early redemption at the holders' option of outstanding 2018 Oceane convertible bonds. According to the 2018 Oceane prospectus, any holder was entitled to request early redemption of all or part of its Oceane bonds at the early redemption price of EUR45.19 per bond. At the early redemption date, i.e. January 18, 2010, a total of 617,985 Oceane bonds were repaid early for a total amount of EUR28 million. The number of these Oceane bonds outstanding is 2,624,538, representing 14.9% of the number initially issued (17,624,521). Furthermore, in view of the authorization granted by the Combined Annual General Meeting of the shareholders on June 9, 2009, Publicis Groupe SA entered into an agreement on January 8, 2010, with an authorized intermediary, with a view to purchasing 2.7 million Publicis Groupe shares. This authorization was granted for a period of eighteen months from June 9, 2009, i.e. until December 8, 2010. - New Business The early part of 2010 continues to be dynamic with more new accounts being won. Since January 1, the Groupe is proud to number Chrysler, Aviva and Turner Broadcasting among its new clients. Outlook Despite the still difficult global context and economic uncertainties, Publicis Groupe can confirm an improvement in its key figures since the summer of 2009, with a more rapid return to growth in the emerging economies. The recovery in the developed economies is proving slower and more gradual. These trends should accelerate towards the middle of the year. While the strategy implemented in recent years has enabled the Groupe to weather the crisis much better than the market as a whole, Publicis Groupe has decided for 2010 to equip itself with necessary additional means required to better prepare the future. In this perspective, and during the quarters to come, the Groupe will continue its growth and transformation by integrating its digital activities as a core business, by investing in businesses and regions where growth and value are to be found. The Groupe also intends to continue investing in talent while optimizing costs, notably by the development of shared service platforms, the deployment of ERP worldwide and the reconfiguration of information systems. The Groupe has set itself the medium-term goal of expanding its digital activities and its positions in high-growth countries with the aim of generating the bulk of its total revenue from these two segments, in order to return to, or even surpass, the levels of percentage operating margin it enjoyed before the financial crisis. The Groupe's financial situation is very solid, with sufficient liquidity for its future development. New business won in recent years, and particularly in 2009, demonstrates the dynamism and attractiveness of Publicis Groupe, as well as its commitment to its clients which permitted it to win increased market share. It is these qualities that will enable Publicis Groupe to achieve positive organic growth in 2010, and greater than that predicted for the market as a whole. About Publicis Groupe Publicis Groupe [Euronext Paris: FR0000130577] is the world's fourth largest communications group. In addition, it is ranked as the world's second largest media agency, and is a global leader in digital and healthcare communications. With activities spanning 104 countries on five continents, the Groupe employs approximately 45,000 professionals. Publicis Groupe offers local and international clients a complete range of advertising services through three global advertising networks, Leo Burnett, Publicis, Saatchi & Saatchi, and two multi-hub networks, Fallon and 49%-owned Bartle Bogle Hegarty. Media consultancy and buying is offered through two worldwide networks, Starcom MediaVest Group and ZenithOptimedia; and interactive and digital marketing led by Digitas and Razorfish. Publicis Groupe launched VivaKi to leverage the combined scale of the autonomous operations of Digitas, Razorfish, Starcom MediaVest Group, Denuo and ZenithOptimedia to develop new services, tools, and next generation digital platforms. Publicis Groupe's Specialized Agencies and Marketing Services offer healthcare communications, corporate and financial communications, sustainability communications, shopper marketing, public relations, CRM and direct marketing, event and sports marketing, and multicultural communications. Web site: http://www.publicisgroupe.com/ "This document contains forward-looking statements. The use of the words "aim(s)," "expect(s)," "feel(s)," "will," "may," "believe(s)," "anticipate(s)" and similar expressions in this press release are intended to identify those statements as forward looking. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Other than in connection with applicable securities laws, Publicis Groupe undertakes no obligation to publish revised forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Publicis Groupe urges you to review and consider the various disclosures it made concerning the factors that may affect its business carefully, including the disclosures made to the French financial authority (AMF)" Definitions Percentage operating margin: operating margin as a percentage of revenue Average net debt: 12-month average of average monthly net debt Free cash flow: cash flow from operations after net capital expenditure excluding acquisitions Net new business: this figure is not taken from financial reporting but is based on an estimate derived from the estimated media-marketing budgets based on an estimate of annualized advertising media spending on new business, net of losses, from new and existing clients For further information, please visit our website: http://www.finance.publicisgroupe.com/ Appendix New Business 2009 Key New Business Wins Digitas Total (France), TGI Friday's (United States), Whirpool (Brazil), Carrefour (Brazil) Fallon The Auteurs (global), Kerry Foods LowLow (United Kingdom), Burton's Foods Jammie Dodgers (United Kingdom), Unilever (United Kingdom), Cadbury Maynards wine gums (United Kingdom), Innocent (United Kingdom), Oxfam International (United Kingdom), Comic Relief (United Kingdom), The BBC - Olympics 2012 design (United Kingdom), Orion books (United Kingdom), SeeSaw (United Kingdom), RSA Group 300th Anniversary (United Kingdom), SCA Hygiene - Velvet & Charmin (Europe), Chrysler (United States), Charter Communications (United States), Cruzan Rum (United States), Barry Callebaut (United States) Leo Burnett Caltex oil (Australia), Carrefour (Colombia), MCYS Government Social Awareness (Singapore), MillerCoors (United States), Turkcell telecom (Turkey), Wellatone-P&G (Russia), Falabella department store (Colombia), TVO television channel (Canada), Alfa telecommunications (Lebanon), Tourism Board (Singapore), Movistar (Colombia), Telkomsel mobile telecom (Indonesia), Herbapol food (Poland), BMW (China), Ajisen Ramen (China), Alpina (Columbia), Zeebo Toys (Mexico), Shop Direct Littlewoods.com (United Kingdom), Fiat (Brazil), Heinz (Mexico), Sportsbet (Australia), Thailand Business Coalition on Aids (Thailand), Kellogg's (global) MS&L Group Volkswagen (Asia), Middle East Coal (Asia), World Gold Council (global), Biscuit LeClerc (United States), Carrefour (France), City of The Hague (Netherlands), Diageo (United Kingdom), FIMF online banking services (Germany), Lactalis dairy products (Italy), Ministry of Agriculture (Netherlands), Ministry of Economy, Industry and Employment (France), Roman Meal (United States), Sanofi-aventis (Germany), Multaq Pharmaceuticals (USA), Mead Johnson (USA), French Hospitals Foundation (France), Shell (Germany), Ministry of Interior (The Netherlands), Nestle Gerber (United States) Publicis Worldwide Carrefour (International), Procter & Gamble Crest (International), Vichy (United Kingdom), Wrigley (China), Zurich Connect (EMEA), Century 21 (France), BNP Paribas-Fortis (Belgium), Pernod-Ricard/ Malibu (global), Swatch (Brazil), Nestle (Brazil), Anheuser-Bush In Bev - Beck's (United States), Barratt Developments (United Kingdom), Royal Bank of Scotland (United Kingdom), BMW (South East Asia), The Children's Workforce Development Council (United Kingdom), T.G.I Friday's (United States), HP Personal Systems Group - Above the line and digital (Europe/Middle East/Africa), Yoplait (United Kingdom), Armani Fragrances (global), Ebay (France), Marriott (Hong Kong), Prime Gaming (United Kingdom), Easyjet (United Kingdom), Cirque du Soleil (Europe), Walmart (United States), Chevrolet/Chevy (United States), Nescafe Dolce Gusto (global), Compaq (global), Maserati (France), Le Monde (France) Publicis Healthcare Communications Group (PHCG) Sanofi-aventis (Aplenzin-United States), Biogen-Idec neurology (United States), Durex (United States) Saatchi & Saatchi House of Travel (New Zealand), Invalidity Insurance (Switzerland), LMG International auto insurance (Thailand), Panasonic (Indonesia), RTA/Dubai Metro Launch (United Arab Emirates), Suning household electrical appliances (China), Tsingtao beer (China), Midea household electrical appliances (China), Cadbury Dairy Milk (Australia/New Zealand), MillerCoors-Miller Genuine Draft, Keystone, NGD 64 beer (United States), HP PSG (Switzerland/EMEA), San Miguel (United Kingdom), Siemens (China), Amway-Nutrilite (China), Maxima (India), Kerry Foods (United Kingdom), Wei Chuan (Taiwan), Huiyan Juices (China), Oak Pacific Interactive-http://www.renrens.cn (China), Asia games & China Football Club (China), Lion Nathan- Hahn Super Dry (Australia), Sara Lee/Douwe Egberts - Senseo (Belgium/Europe), Haagen-Dazs (France), EurosportBet (France), Vivesco (Germany), Postel (Italy), The European Tour (global), Olympus (United Kingdom), Asda (United Kingdom), Mead Johnson (United States), Merck Sharp & Dohme (Singapore/Asia), Toyota (Finland, Spain, Sweeden, UK) Starcom MediaVest Group Capital One (United Kingdom), Cerveceria Nacional (Panama), Heinz (Mexico), Honda (Spain), Kraft Foods (United Arab Emirates), Metro Group (Poland), PTC telecommunications (Poland), PZU financial services (Poland), Schering Plough Claritin (Hungary), CNAMTS health insurance (France), Supermercados Plaza's (Venezuela), Bupa International health insurance (United Kingdom), British Gas (United Kingdom), Comcast (United States), An Post postal service (Ireland), National Foods / Dairy Farmers (Australia), Wrigley food (United States), TGI Friday's (United States), Adevarul Holding media (Romania), Abbott Healthcare (India), Baguepi food (France), MEDEF (France), Telefonica (Latin America), Autoglass (United Kingdom), Bristol-Myers Squibb (United States), World Gold Council (United Arab Emirates), Eko Mobile (India), Kellogg's (Korea), Malaysia Airlines (Malaysia), Walt Disney Entertainment (India) The KaPlan Thaler Group Wendy's (United States, Canada), Napa Auto Parts (United States), Omnaris (United States), Cascade (global) ZenithOptimedia Al-Bandar Group multibrand shop (Saudi Arabia), Nestle (Netherlands), Si.mobil Vodafone (Slovenia), Jenny Craig (United States), Ubank (Australia), T38/40 weight-loss product (Portugal), MTV (United Kingdom), Panasonic (Indonesia), Turismo de Valencia (Spain), Haberturk newspaper (Turkey), British Airways (United Kingdom), Kang Yuan pharmaceutical products (China), Parques Reunidos amusement parks (Spain), Sanofi-aventis (Ukraine), Madrid 2016 (Spain), ICO public institute for loans and financing (Spain), Tourism of Cataluna (Spain), 118118 (United Kingdom), JP Morgan (United States), TCL electronic components (China), Videocon Group telecommunications (India), Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (Singapore), Travel Channel (Germany), Charles Vogele garment industry (Germany), JKP music production (Germany), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (Poland), LIDL supermarkets (Spain), Saxo Bank (Switzerland), Gucci Group (United States), Perfetti Van Melle confectioner (China), Red Bull (China), Mars (China), Roads and Transport Authority (United Arab Emirates), Red.Es Public institution, entity for the ministry of industry, tourism, and commerce (Spain), Campofrio (International), Mars Wrigley (UK, Spain), Dairy Queen food (United States), Mortgage Choice (Australia), Marriott (Asia-Pacific), Wearnes Automotive (Singapore), Gamina digital (Taiwan), l'Oreal (Thailand), Turismo del Pais Vasco (Spain), Pringle of Scotland Clothing (International), Georgia Pacific (Spain), WingTai Fashion (Singapore), Unitech Wireless (India), Decathlon (Belgium), Lactalis (EMEA), Ministry of Information, Communication and the Arts (Singapore), Costbank (Germany), Arma (Egypt), Orlen (Poland), Molson Coors (United Kingdom), L'Oreal China (China), Swarovski (APAC) 2009 Press Releases 01/08/09 Mathias Emmerich is appointed Senior Vice President of Publicis Groupe 01/14/09 Philippe Lentschener leaves Publicis Groupe 02/04/09 Isabelle Simon joins Publicis Groupe as Senior Vice President 02/11/09 Annual results 2008 02/12/09 Publicis announces that it has repurchased a portion of its OCEANEs maturing on January, 18, 2018, and is offering to purchase the remaining OCEANEs for a price of EUR42.5724 per bond 02/20/09 Results of the standing purchase offer of OCEANEs maturing on January 18, 2018 03/11/09 Publicis Groupe involves its employees in Group growth 03/24/09 136 Publicis key executives invest strongly in the Group 04/15/09 Publicis Groupe pursues its global digital expansion, acquires Nemos, Swiss leader in multimedia and flash programming 04/16/09 Publicis Groupe won HP personal systems group pan-European advertising and digital communications 04/30/09 Eric Giuily leaves Publicis Consultants | Worldwide 05/11/09 Appointments at Publicis Groupe 05/19/09 Publicis Groupe acquires the Publicis MARC Group, strengthens holistic offer in the Balkan region 05/20/09 Publicis Groupe grants 50 free shares to each employee in France 06/04/09 Publicis Groupe - General Motors 06/09/09 Publicis Groupe annual general shareholders' meeting, dividend set at 0.60 euros per share 06/16/09 Publicis Groupe announces the offering of convertible bonds 06/16/09 Publicis Groupe issue of convertible bonds (OCEANEs) in the amount of 625 million euros - Final terms for the OCEANE 2014 06/17/09 Publics Groupe issue of convertible bonds (OCEANEs) in the amount of 625 million euros - Granting of the AMF visa 06/19/09 Publics Groupe issue of convertible bonds (OCEANEs) - Exercise of the over-allotment (greenshoe) option for the issue of approximately 625 million euros increased to approximately 719 million euros 06/25/09 Microsoft Corporation and Publicis Groupe announce broad strategic agreement 06/30/09 Publicis Groupe, second most awarded group in Cannes, with a total of 101 Lions 07/09/09 Publicis Groupe to receive the 2009 Global Equity Organization award for the most innovative and creative plan design for its employee stock plan 13/07/09 Publication date for half-year results 22/07/09 GM 23/07/09 Half-year 2009 results 09/08/09 Publicis Groupe to Acquire Razorfish from Microsoft Corporation 01/09/09 Publicis Groupe Announces Acquisition Agreement of Unilever C.R.M. Program "Pour Tout Vous Dire" 03/09/09 Women's Forum for Economy and Society Joins Publicis Groupe 22/09/09 Publicis Groupe Phonevalley Collaborates With Microsoft Mobile Advertising on Custom Mobile 14/10/09 Acquisition of Razorfish Closed 16/11/09 Publicis Groupe Combines MS&L Worldwide, Publicis Consultants And Publicis Events To Create A Powerful Public Relations and EventsNetwork, MS&L Group 01/12/09 Supervisory Board 16/12/09 Renault Pursues its Relationship with Publicis Groupe 18/12/09 Successful Completion of Publicis Groupe Exchange Offer For further information: http://www.publicisgroupe.com/ Publicis Groupe 2009 Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) Consolidated income statement (in millions of euros) 2009 2008 2007 Revenue 4,524 4,704 4,671 Personnel expenses (2,812) (2,852) (2,829) Other operating expenses (940) (963) (954) Operating margin before depreciation and 772 889 888 amortization Depreciation and amortization expense (92) (104) (109) (excluding intangibles arising on acquisitions) Operating margin 680 785 779 Amortization of intangibles arising on (30) (29) (30) acquisitions Impairment (28) (13) (6) Non-current income (expense) 7 8 3 Operating income 629 751 746 Interest expense (73) (110) (124) Interest income 12 29 51 Cost of net financial debt (61) (81) (73) Other financial income (expense) (9) 2 (5) Net income of consolidated companies 559 672 668 before taxes Income taxes (146) (196) (201) Net income of consolidated companies 413 476 467 Share in net income of associates 4 2 9 Net income 417 478 476 Net income attributable to minority 14 31 24 interests Net income attributable to equity holders 403 447 452 of the parent Per share data (in euros) Number of shares 202,257,125 202,536,963 207,599,301 Net earnings per share 1.99 2.21 2.18 Number of shares - diluted 220,867,344 220,728,941 239,365,113 Net earnings per share - diluted 1.90 2.12 2.02 (unaudited) Consolidated statement of Comprehensive income (in millions of euros) 2009 2008 2007 Net income for the period (a) 417 478 476 Other comprehensive income - Reevaluation of securities available 12 (15) (16) for sale - Actuarial gains and losses on defined (4) (45) 11 benefit plans - Cumulative translation adjustment (59) (5) (216) - Deferred taxes on other comprehensive 1 16 (3) income Other comprehensive income for the (50) (49) (224) period(b) Total comprehensive income for the 367 429 252 period (a) + (b) Attributable to minority interests 17 28 21 Attributable to equity holders of the 350 401 231 parent (unaudited) Consolidated balance sheet (in millions of euros) December December December 31, 2009 31, 2008 31, 2007 Assets Goodwill, net 3,928 3,693 3,546 Intangible assets, net 835 794 826 Property and equipment, net 458 480 501 Deferred tax assets 73 91 148 Investments in associates 49 44 49 Other financial assets 94 101 112 Non-current assets 5,437 5,203 5,182 Inventory and costs billable to 290 319 391 clients Accounts receivable 4,875 4,843 4,926 Other receivables and other 548 628 432 current assets Cash and cash equivalents 1,580 867 1,313 Current assets 7,293 6,657 7,062 Total assets 12,730 11,860 12,244 Liabilities and shareholders' equity Share capital 79 78 81 Additional paid-in capital and 2,734 2,242 2,117 retained earnings Sharholders' equity 2,813 2,320 2,198 Minority interests 25 30 27 Total equity 2,838 2,350 2,225 Long-term financial debt (more 1,796 1,323 1,293 than 1 year) Deferred tax liabilities 214 232 240 Long-term provisions 449 459 449 Non-current liabilities 2,459 2,014 1,982 Accounts payable 5,835 5,802 5,662 Short-term financial debt (less 214 218 819 than 1 year) Income taxes payable 63 68 99 Short-term provisions 100 110 107 Other creditors and other current 1,221 1,298 1,350 liabilities Current liabilities 7,433 7,496 8,037 Total liabilities and 12,730 11,860 12,244 shareholders' equity (unaudited) Consolidated cash flow statement (in millions of euros) 2009 2008 2007 Cash flows from operating activities Net income 417 478 476 Income tax 146 196 201 Cost of net financial debt 61 81 73 Capital (gains) losses on disposals (before tax) (10) (2) (3) Depreciation, amortization and impairment on 150 146 145 property and equipment and intangible assets Non-cash expenses on stock options and similar 24 9 22 items Other non-cash income and expenses 11 8 9 Share in net income of associates (4) (2) (9) Dividends received from associates 9 10 11 Taxes paid (157) (169) (197) Interest paid (75) (89) (87) Interest received 16 37 51 Change in working capital requirements (1) 59 12 106 Net cash provided by (used in) operating 647 715 798 activities (I) Cash flows from investing activities Purchases of property and equipment and (74) (92) (88) intangible assets Proceeds from sale of property and equipment and 10 28 11 intangible assets Purchases of investments and other financial 10 (1) (6) assets, net Acquisitions of subsidiaries (298) (172) (1,006) Disposals of subsidiaries 1 - 10 Net cash flows provided by (used in) investing (351) (237) (1,079) activities (II) Cash flows from financing activities Capital increase - 1 2 Dividends paid to parent company shareholders (107) (106) (92) Dividends paid to minority shareholders of (26) (24) (26) subsidiaries Cash received on new borrowings 744 482 12 Reimbursement of borrowings (108) (1,128) (24) Net (purchases)/sales of treasury shares and 5 (174) (162) equity warrants Cash received on hedging transactions - - 52 Net cash flows provided by (used in) financing 508 (949) (238) activities (III) Impact of exchange rate fluctuations (IV) (94) 19 (82) Net change in consolidated cash flows (I + II + 710 (452) (601) III + IV) Cash and cash equivalents at January 1 867 1,313 1,920 Bank overdrafts at January 1 (30) (24) (30) Net cash and cash equivalents at beginning of 837 1,289 1,890 period Cash and cash equivalents at December 31 (Note 1,580 867 1,313 18) Bank overdrafts at December 31 (Note 22) (33) (30) (24) Net cash and cash equivalents at end of year 1,547 837 1,289 Net change in cash and cash equivalents 710 (452) (601) (1) Breakdown of change in working capital requirements Change in inventory and costs billable to 29 64 32 clients Change in accounts receivable and other 160 (110) (689) receivables Change in accounts payable, other creditors and (130) 58 763 provisions Change in working capital requirements 59 12 106 Statement of changes in shareholders' equity (unaudited) Number of (in millions of euros) Share Additional Reserves outstanding Capital paid-in and shares capital retained earnings 183,603,878 December 31, 2006 79 2,631 (670) Net income 452 Other comprehensive income Valuation of available-for-sale investments at fair value Hedge on net investments Actuarial gains and 8 losses on defined benefit plans Cumulative translation adjustment Total other - - (8) comprehensive income Total recognized income - - 460 and (expenses) for the period 3,678,125 Increase in share 2 111 (48) capital of Publicis Groupe SA Dividends paid (92) Share-based compensation 14 (1) Fair value of the stock 65 options included in the acquisition cost of Digitas Additional interest on (3) ORANE Effect of changes in scope of consolidation and of commitments to purchase minority interests (3,681,592) Purchases/sales of (162) treasury shares 183,600,411 December 31, 2007 81 2,742 (436) Net income 447 Other comprehensive income Valuation of available-for-sale investments at fair value Actuarial gains and (29) losses on defined benefit plans Cumulative translation adjustment Total other - - (29) comprehensive income Total recognized income - - 418 and (expenses) for the period 1,633,629 Increase (decrease) in (3) (189) 192 share capital of Publicis Groupe SA and cancellation of treasury shares Dividends paid (106) Share-based compensation 8 (1) Additional interest on (7) ORANE (6,379,739) Purchases/sales of (174) treasury shares 178,854,301 December 31, 2008 78 2,553 (105) Net income 403 Other comprehensive income Valuation of available-for-sale investments at fair value Actuarial gains and (3) losses on defined benefit plans Cumulative translation adjustment Total other - - (3) comprehensive income Total recognized income - - 400 and (expenses) for the period 1,562,129 Increase in share 1 47 (48) capital of Publicis Groupe SA Equity component , 49 OCEANE 2014 Dividends paid (107) Share-based compensation 26 (1) Additional interest on (6) ORANE Effect of changes in scope of consolidation and of agreements to purchase minority interests 6,752,338 Purchases/sales of 181 treasury shares 187,168,768 December 31, 2009 79 2,600 390 - TABLE CONTINUED - Number of (in millions of Cumulative Reva- Total Mino- Total luation rity share- outstanding euros) translation reserve attrib. Interest holders shares adjustment Group equity 183,603,878 December 31, 2006 (100) 140 2,080 27 2,107 Net income 452 24 476 Other comprehensive income Valuation of (16) (16) (16) available-for-sale investments at fair value Hedge on net (1) (1) (1) investments Actuarial gains 8 8 and losses on defined benefit plans Cumulative (212) (212) (3) (215) translation adjustment Total other (213) (16) (221) (3) (224) comprehensive income Total recognized (213) (16) 231 21 252 income and (expenses) for the period 3,678,125 Increase in share 65 65 capital of Publicis Groupe SA Dividends paid (92) (26) (118) Share-based 14 14 compensation (1) Fair value of the 65 65 stock options included in the acquisition cost of Digitas Additional (3) (3) interest on ORANE Effect of changes - 5 5 in scope of consolidation and of commitments to purchase minority interests (3,681,592) Purchases/sales of (162) (162) treasury shares 183,600,411 December 31, 2007 (313) 124 2,198 27 2,225 Net income 447 31 478 Other comprehensive income Valuation of (15) (15) (15) available-for-sale investments at fair value Actuarial gains (29) (29) and losses on defined benefit plans Cumulative (2) (2) (3) (5) translation adjustment Total other (2) (15) (46) (3) (49) comprehensive income Total recognized (2) (15) 401 28 429 income and (expenses) for the period 1,633,629 Increase - - (decrease) in share capital of Publicis Groupe SA and cancellation of treasury shares Dividends paid (106) (25) (131) Share-based 8 8 compensation (1) Additional (7) (7) interest on ORANE (6,379,739) Purchases/sales of (174) (174) treasury shares 178,854,301 December 31, 2008 (315) 109 2,320 30 2,350 Net income 403 14 417 Other comprehensive income Valuation of 12 12 12 available-for-sale investments at fair value Actuarial gains (3) (3) and losses on defined benefit plans Cumulative (62) (62) 3 (59) translation adjustment Total other (62) 12 (53) 3 (50) comprehensive income Total recognized (62) 12 350 17 367 income and (expenses) for the period 1,562,129 Increase in share - - capital of Publicis Groupe SA Equity component , 49 49 OCEANE 2014 Dividends paid (107) (26) (133) Share-based 26 26 compensation (1) Additional (6) (6) interest on ORANE Effect of changes - 4 4 in scope of consolidation and of agreements to purchase minority interests 6,752,338 Purchases/sales of 181 181 treasury shares 187,168,768 December 31, 2009 (377) 121 2,813 25 2,838 (1) Share-based compensation disclosed net of deferred tax (unaudited) Appendix 1. Organic Growth calculation (millons of'euros) 2009 2008 revenue 4,704 Currency impact 28 2008 revenue at 2009 exchange rate (a) 4,732 2009 revenue before impact of acquisitions 4 ,426 (1) (b) Revenue from acquisitions (1) 98 2009 revenue 4,524 Organic growth (b) / (a) - 6,5% (1) net of disposals Appendix 2a. Earnings per share (In thousands of euros except 2009 2008 2007 for share data) Earnings calculation used for EPS Net income attributable to the a 403 447 452 Group Impact of dilutive instruments: - Savings in financial expenses 16 20 32 related to the conversion of debt instruments, net of tax Net income attributable to the b 419 467 484 Group - diluted Number of shares used for the calculation of EPS Average number of shares in the 196,020,983 196,277,148 200,072,094 company's capital stock Deduct: treasury stock (average (15,633,664) (16,651,410) (16,946,147) for the year) Shares to be issued to redeem 21,869,806 22,911,225 24,473,354 the ORANEs Average number of shares used c 202,257,125 202,536,963 207,599,301 for the calculation Impact of dilutive instruments: (2) - Restricted stock and dilutive 1,770,247 137,404 2,941,554 stock options - Warrants - - 167,511 - Shares from the conversion of 16,839,972 18,054,574 28,656,747 bonds Number of shares - diluted d 220,867,344 220,728,941 239,365,113 (in euros) Net earnings per share a/c 1.99 2.21 2.18 Net earnings per share - b/d 1.90 2.12 2.02 diluted (1) In 2007 and 2008, both the OCEANE 2008s and 2018s are factored into the calculation; however, the OCEANE 2008s only appear in the calculation of diluted net income for the period January 1 to July 17, 2008 as they were redeemed on maturity at the latter date. (2) Only the restricted stock, stock options and warrants with a dilutive effect (i.e., whose exercise price is lower than the average share price for the year) enter into the calculation. (3) Redemption of the OCEANE 2008 in July 2008 automatically led to the elimination of 23,172,413 potentially dilutive shares. Conversely, the issue in June 2009 of a new OCEANE maturing in 2014 involved the creation of 25,761,647 potentially dilutive shares. (unaudited) Appendix 2b. Headline earnings per share (In thousands of euros except 2009 2008 2007 for share data) Net income used for the calculation of headline (1) earnings per share Net income attributable to the 403 447 452 Group Items excluded: - Amortization of intangibles 18 18 18 from acquisitions, net of tax - Impairment, net of tax 27 11 4 - Net capital gains (losses) on (6) (5) - disposal of land, buildings and long-term real estate leases - Deferred tax asset from the (23) - - OCEANE 2014S 2 Adjusted net income e 419 471 474 attributable to the Group Impact of dilutive instruments: - Savings in financial expenses 16 20 32 related to the conversion of debt instruments, net of tax Adjusted net income f 435 491 506 attributable to the Group - diluted Number of shares used for the calculation of EPS Average number of shares in the 196,020,983 196,277,148 200,072,094 company's capital stock Deduct: treasury stock (average (15,633,664) (16,651,410) (16,946,147) for the year) Shares to be issued to redeem 21,869,806 22,911,225 24,473,354 the ORANEs Average number of shares used c 202,257,125 202,536,963 207,599,301 for the calculation Impact of dilutive instruments: - Restricted stock and dilutive 1,770,247 137,404 2,941,554 stock options - Warrants - - 167,511 - Shares resulting from the 16,839,972 18,054,574 28,656,747 conversion of bonds Number of shares - diluted d 220,867,344 220,728,941 239,365,113 (in euros) Headline earnings per share (1) e/c 2.07 2.33 2.28 Earnings per share - diluted f/d 1.97 2.22 2.11 (1) EPS before amortization of intangibles arising from acquisitions, impairment, capital gains (losses) on disposal of land and buildings, and deferred tax asset on the OCEANE 2014S. (2) Effect of the deferred tax asset recognized in an amount equal to the deferred tax liability recognized on the equity portion of the OCEANE 2014S. In January 2010, the company purchased 617,985 OCEANE 2018 bonds in the partial exercise of a put, thus eliminating an equivalent number of potentially dilutive shares. DATASOURCE: Publicis Groupe Services CONTACT: CONTACTS Publicis Groupe: Peggy Nahmany, Corporate Communications: +33-(0)1-44-43-72-83, ; Martine Hue, Investor Relations: +33(0)1-44-43-65-00,

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