Havas recorded stable profits in H1 2025 as it accelerated margin growth and organic revenue acceleration across its major markets.
The French network brought in 2.3% organic growth in H1, accelerated to 2.6% in the second quarter, while North America grew by 3.9% in half.
converged.ai—The operating system began implementation in 2024 as part of its 400 million euro AI investment strategy. It utilizes machine learning to support media planning, analysis, creative production and personalization. We are now in our second year, as new tools like the AI video production platform Vermeer are rolling out across the market.
Adjusted EBIT has risen 8.3% year-on-year to 144 million euros, pushing the EBIT margin to 10.7%. This is a 50 basis point improvement. CEO Yannick Bolloré acknowledged the results as commercial momentum, operational efficiency, and HAVAS deepens the integration of artificial intelligence across the business.
Numbers
- 1.35 billion euros: H1 2025 net revenues increased 2.9% year-on-year
- 144 million euros: H1 adjusted EBIT, 8.3% increase
- 10.7%: Increase 50 basis points and add EBIT margin
- 2.3%: Organic Growth in H1 2025
- 2.6%: Organic growth for the second quarter of 2025
- 3.9%: Organic growth of H1 in North America
- 1.6%: Increase in labor costs over the year
A story about water coolers
Havas' leadership highlighted the company's commercial momentum, client victory, and commitment to consolidation across the business during the H1 revenue call.
“Havas has achieved a solid first half of the year, achieving organic growth of 2.3%, promoting dynamic new business momentum, especially in North America, and bringing numerous integrated victories that we are particularly proud of,” Borole said.
“We offer robust performance in both new business and within-business growth. This clearly shows the strength of our client partnership,” he adds, citing important victories such as Olive Garden, Azido and Under Armour, as well as continued growth with clients such as Sanofi and GSK.
Agent investment in AI is at the heart of that strategy. “We are fully committed to this journey with the goal of having a 100% workforce train to make the most of the possibilities of AI.”
CFO François Laroze noted a strong trend in margins. “This primarily reflects staff performance in terms of cost management, as staff costs have risen by 1.6% compared to staff costs that have increased by 2.9%.”
The company reaffirmed its guidance on adjusted EBIT margins from 12.5% to 13.5% annual organic growth exceeded 2%. By 2028, we will continue to target margins of 14% to 15%.
The results marked Havas' first half revenue since becoming an independent public company, following a spinoff from Vivendi in December 2024.
