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Omnicom Reports Third Quarter 2024 Results

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Revenue of $3.9 billion, with organic growth of 6.5%

Net income of $385.9 million

Diluted earnings per share of $1.95; $2.03 Non-GAAP adjusted

Operating income of $600.1 million; EBITA of $622.3 million and 16.0% margin

NEW YORK, Oct. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Omnicom (NYSE: OMC) today announced results for the quarter ended September 30, 2024.

“Omnicom delivered a strong quarter, with 6.5% organic revenue growth, and 7.9% EBITA growth. We did so while continuing to strengthen our organization by investing in talent, service capabilities, and technology platforms to enhance our client offerings,” said John Wren, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Omnicom. “Our cash flow improved, and we continued our very disciplined capital allocation. With exceptional new business wins and exciting new work for our clients, we expect to finish the year with strong momentum.”

Third Quarter 2024 Results

$ in millions, except per share amounts

Three Months Ended September 30,

2024

2023

Revenue

$         3,882.6

$         3,578.1

Operating Income

600.1

560.8

Operating Income Margin

15.5 %

15.7 %

Net Income1

385.9

371.9

Net Income per Share – Diluted1

$               1.95

$               1.86

Non-GAAP Measures:2,3,4

EBITA6

622.3

576.5

EBITA Margin

16.0 %

16.1 %

Adjusted EBITA

622.3

576.5

Adjusted EBITA Margin

16.0 %

16.1 %

Non-GAAP Adjusted Net Income per Share – Diluted

$               2.03

$               1.92

Notes 1-6, see page 10. 

Revenue
Revenue in the third quarter of 2024 increased $304.5 million, or 8.5%, to $3,882.6 million. Worldwide revenue growth in the third quarter of 2024 compared to the third quarter of 2023 was led by an increase in organic revenue of $231.3 million, or 6.5%. Acquisition revenue, net of disposition revenue, increased revenue by $74.4 million, or 2.1%, primarily due to the Flywheel Digital acquisition in the Precision Marketing discipline during the first quarter of 2024. The impact of foreign currency translation was neutral.

Organic growth by discipline in the third quarter of 2024 compared to the third quarter of 2023 was as follows: 9.4% for Advertising & Media, 35.3% for Experiential, 4.3% for Public Relations, 0.8% for Precision Marketing, and 0.3% for Execution & Support, partially offset by declines of 1.1% for Healthcare, and 5.4% for Branding & Retail Commerce.

Organic growth by region in the third quarter of 2024 compared to the third quarter of 2023 was as follows: 6.5% for the United States, 10.9% for Asia Pacific, 6.8% for Euro Markets & Other Europe, 24.8% for the Middle East & Africa, 8.7% for Latin America, and 1.5% for Other North America, partially offset by a decline of 0.2% for the United Kingdom.

Expenses
Operating expenses increased $265.2 million, or 8.8%, to $3,282.5 million in the third quarter of 2024 compared to the third quarter of 2023.

Salary and service costs increased $209.5 million, or 8.1%, to $2,796.0 million. These costs tend to fluctuate with changes in revenue and are comprised of salary and related costs, which include employee compensation and benefits costs, freelance labor, third-party service costs, and third-party incidental costs. Salary and related costs increased $90.2 million, or 5.1%, to $1,846.9 million, primarily due to our acquisition of Flywheel Digital. Third-party service costs include third-party supplier costs when we act as principal in providing services to our clients. Third-party incidental costs that are required to be included in revenue primarily consist of client-related travel and incidental out-of-pocket costs, which are billed back to the client directly at our cost. Third-party service costs increased $105.7 million, or 15.6%, to $784.5 million, primarily as a result of organic growth in our Advertising & Media and Experiential disciplines. Third-party incidental costs increased $13.6 million, or 9.0%, to $164.6 million.

Occupancy and other costs, which are less directly linked to changes in revenue than salary and service costs, increased $37.0 million, or 12.8%, to $325.6 million. The increase is primarily related to our acquisition activity during the year. Increased office and other related costs were partially offset by lower rent expense.

SG&A expenses increased $9.7 million, or 10.8%, to $99.5 million, primarily due to professional fees related to strategic initiatives.

Operating Income
Operating income increased $39.3 million, or 7.0%, to $600.1 million in the third quarter of 2024 compared to the third quarter of 2023, and the related margin decreased to 15.5% from 15.7%.

Interest Expense, net
Net interest expense in the third quarter of 2024 increased $2.1 million to $40.4 million compared to the third quarter of 2023. Interest expense increased $12.9 million to $66.4 million, primarily due to higher outstanding debt, and interest income increased, primarily due to higher cash balances. In August 2024, we issued $600 million aggregate principal amount of 5.3% Senior Notes due 2034. Net proceeds from the offering, along with available cash, will be used to fund the $750 million repayment of our 3.65% Senior Notes due November 1, 2024.

Income Taxes
Our effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2024 increased period-over-period to 26.8% from 26.0%.

Net Income – Omnicom Group Inc. and Diluted Net Income per Share
Net income – Omnicom Group Inc. for the third quarter of 2024 increased $14.0 million, or 3.8%, to $385.9 million compared to the third quarter of 2023. Diluted shares outstanding for the third quarter of 2024 decreased 0.9% to 198.2 million from 199.9 million as a result of net share repurchases. Diluted net income per share of $1.95 increased $0.09, or 4.8%, from $1.86.  Non-GAAP Adjusted Net Income per Share – Diluted for the third quarter of 2024 increased $0.11, or 5.7%, to $2.03 from $1.92. Non-GAAP Adjusted Net Income per Share – Diluted excluded $16.4 million and $11.6 million of after-tax amortization of acquired and internally developed strategic platform assets in the third quarters of 2024 and 2023, respectively. We present Non-GAAP Adjusted Net Income per Share – Diluted to allow for comparability with the prior year period.

EBITA
EBITA and Adjusted EBITA increased $45.8 million, or 7.9%, to $622.3 million in the third quarter of 2024 compared to the third quarter of 2023, and the related margin decreased to 16.0% from 16.1%. EBITA and Adjusted EBITA excluded amortization of acquired and internally developed strategic platform assets of $22.2 million and $15.7 million in the third quarters of 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Risks and Uncertainties
Current global economic disruptions, including geopolitical events, international hostilities, acts of terrorism, public health crises, high and sustained inflation in countries that comprise our major markets, high interest rates, and labor and supply chain issues could cause economic uncertainty and volatility. The impact of these issues on our business will vary by geographic market and discipline. We monitor economic conditions closely, as well as client revenue levels and other factors. In response to reductions in revenue, we can take actions to align our cost structure with changes in client demand and manage our working capital. However, there can be no assurance as to the effectiveness of our efforts to mitigate any impact of the current and future adverse economic conditions, reductions in client revenue, changes in client creditworthiness, and other developments.

Definitions – Components of Revenue Change
We use certain terms in describing the components of the change in revenue above. 

Foreign exchange rate impact: calculated by translating the current period’s local currency revenue using the prior period average exchange rates to derive current period constant currency revenue. The foreign exchange rate impact is the difference between the current period revenue in U.S. Dollars and the current period constant currency revenue.

Acquisition revenue, net of disposition revenue: Acquisition revenue is calculated as if the acquisition occurred twelve months prior to the acquisition date by aggregating the comparable prior period revenue of acquisitions through the acquisition date. As a result, acquisition revenue excludes the positive or negative difference between our current period revenue subsequent to the acquisition date, and the comparable prior period revenue and the positive or negative growth after the acquisition date is attributed to organic growth. Disposition revenue is calculated as if the disposition occurred twelve months prior to the disposition date by aggregating the comparable prior period revenue of disposals through such date. The acquisition revenue and disposition revenue amounts are netted in the description above.

Organic growth: calculated by subtracting the foreign exchange rate impact component and the acquisition revenue, net of disposition revenue component from total revenue growth.

Conference Call
Omnicom will host a conference call to review its financial results on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, starting at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time.  A live webcast of the call, along with the related slide presentation, will be available at Omnicom’s investor relations website, investor.omnicomgroup.com, and a webcast replay will be made available after the call concludes.

Corporate Responsibility
At Omnicom, we are committed to promoting responsible practices and making positive contributions to society around the globe. Please explore our website (omnicomgroup.com/corporate-responsibility) for highlights of our progress across the areas on which we focus: Empower People, Protect Our Planet, Lead Responsibly.

About Omnicom
Omnicom (NYSE: OMC) is a leading provider of data-inspired, creative marketing and sales solutions. Omnicom’s iconic agency brands are home to the industry’s most innovative communications specialists who are focused on driving intelligent business outcomes for their clients. The company offers a wide range of services in advertising, strategic media planning and buying, precision marketing, retail and digital commerce, branding, experiential, public relations, healthcare marketing and other specialty marketing services to over 5,000 clients in more than 70 countries. For more information, visit www.omnicomgroup.com.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We present financial measures determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) and adjustments to the GAAP presentation (“Non-GAAP”), which we believe are meaningful for understanding our performance. We believe these measures are useful in evaluating the impact of certain items on operating performance and allows for comparability between reporting periods. EBITA is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, and amortization of acquired intangible assets and internally developed strategic platform assets, and EBITA margin is defined as EBITA divided by revenue. We use EBITA and EBITA margin as additional operating performance measures, which exclude the non-cash amortization expense of acquired intangible assets and internally developed strategic platform assets. We also use Adjusted Operating Income, Adjusted Operating Income Margin, Adjusted EBITA, Adjusted EBITA Margin, Adjusted Income Tax Expense, Adjusted Net Income – Omnicom Group Inc. and Adjusted Net Income per share – Omnicom Group Inc. – Diluted as additional operating performance measures. Non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, financial information presented in accordance with GAAP. Non-GAAP financial measures as reported by us may not be comparable to similarly titled amounts reported by other companies.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this document contain forward-looking statements, including statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In addition, from time to time, the Company or its representatives have made, or may make, forward-looking statements, orally or in writing. These statements may discuss goals, intentions and expectations as to future plans, trends, events, results of operations or financial position, or otherwise, based on current beliefs of the Company’s management as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, the Company’s management. Forward-looking statements may be accompanied by words such as “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “plan,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “future,” “guidance,” “intend,” “may,” “will,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project” or similar words, phrases or expressions. These forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside the Company’s control. Therefore, you should not place undue reliance on such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include: adverse economic conditions, including those caused by geopolitical events, international hostilities, acts of terrorism, public health crises, high and sustained inflation in countries that comprise our major markets, high interest rates, and labor and supply chain issues affecting the distribution of our clients’ products; international, national, or local economic conditions that could adversely affect the Company or its clients; losses on media purchases and production costs incurred on behalf of clients; reductions in client spending, a slowdown in client payments, and a deterioration or disruption in the credit markets; the ability to attract new clients and retain existing clients in the manner anticipated; changes in client advertising, marketing, and corporate communications requirements; failure to manage potential conflicts of interest between or among clients; unanticipated changes related to competitive factors in the advertising, marketing, and corporate communications industries; unanticipated changes to, or the ability to hire and retain key personnel; currency exchange rate fluctuations; reliance on information technology systems and risks related to cybersecurity incidents; effective management of the risks, challenges and efficiencies presented by utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies and related partnerships in our business; changes in legislation or governmental regulations affecting the Company or its clients; risks associated with assumptions the Company makes in connection with its acquisitions, critical accounting estimates and legal proceedings; the Company’s international operations, which are subject to the risks of currency repatriation restrictions, social or political conditions, and an evolving regulatory environment in high-growth markets and developing countries; and risks related to our environmental, social, and governance goals and initiatives, including impacts from regulators and other stakeholders, and the impact of factors outside of our control on such goals and initiatives. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties that may affect the Company’s business, including those described in Item 1A, “Risk Factors” and Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and in other documents filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required under applicable law, the Company does not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

OMNICOM GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Unaudited)

(In millions, except per share amounts)

Three Months Ended 

September 30,

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

2024

2023

2024

2023

Revenue

$    3,882.6

$    3,578.1

$  11,366.9

$  10,631.3

Operating Expenses:

Salary and service costs

2,796.0

2,586.5

8,288.7

7,747.2

Occupancy and other costs

325.6

288.6

953.9

877.9

Real estate and other repositioning costs1

57.8

191.5

Gain on disposition of subsidiary1

(78.8)

Cost of services

3,121.6

2,875.1

9,300.4

8,737.8

Selling, general and administrative expenses

99.5

89.8

295.8

278.1

Depreciation and amortization

61.4

52.4

181.4

157.4

Total operating expenses1

3,282.5

3,017.3

9,777.6

9,173.3

Operating Income

600.1

560.8

1,589.3

1,458.0

Interest Expense

66.4

53.5

182.9

165.9

Interest Income

26.0

15.2

74.0

80.9

Income Before Income Taxes and Income From Equity Method Investments

559.7

522.5

1,480.4

1,373.0

Income Tax Expense1

150.2

136.1

389.9

360.7

Income From Equity Method Investments

0.4

1.9

4.6

3.1

Net Income1

409.9

388.3

1,095.1

1,015.4

Net Income Attributed To Noncontrolling Interests

24.0

16.4

62.5

49.7

Net Income – Omnicom Group Inc.1

$        385.9

$        371.9

$    1,032.6

$        965.7

Net Income Per Share – Omnicom Group Inc.:

Basic

$          1.97

$          1.88

$          5.25

$          4.84

Diluted1

$          1.95

$          1.86

$          5.19

$          4.78

Dividends Declared Per Common Share

$          0.70

$          0.70

$          2.10

$          2.10

Operating income margin

15.5 %

15.7 %

14.0 %

13.7 %

Non-GAAP Measures:4

EBITA2

$        622.3

$        576.5

$    1,654.5

$    1,503.2

EBITA Margin2

16.0 %

16.1 %

14.6 %

14.1 %

EBITA – Adjusted1,2

$        622.3

$        576.5

$    1,712.3

$    1,615.9

EBITA Margin – Adjusted1,2

16.0 %

16.1 %

15.1 %

15.2 %

Non-GAAP Adjusted Net Income Per Share – Omnicom Group Inc. – Diluted1,3

$          2.03

$          1.92

$          5.65

$          5.39

1)

See Notes 3-5 on page 10 regarding our repositioning actions.

2)

See Note 6 on page 10 for the definition of EBITA.

3)

Beginning with the first quarter of 2024, Adjusted Net Income per Share – Diluted excludes after-tax amortization of acquired intangible assets and internally developed strategic platform assets. We believe these measures are useful in evaluating the impact of these items on operating performance and allows for comparability between reporting periods.

4)

See Non-GAAP reconciliations starting on page 8.

 

OMNICOM GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

DETAIL OF OPERATING EXPENSES

(Unaudited)

(In millions)

Three Months Ended 

September 30,

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

2024

2023

2024

2023

Revenue

$           3,882.6

$       3,578.1

$        11,366.9

$        10,631.3

Operating Expenses:

Salary and service costs:

Salary and related costs

1,846.9

1,756.7

5,531.1

5,306.7

Third-party service costs1

784.5

678.8

2,293.8

2,033.9

Third-party incidental costs2

164.6

151.0

463.8

406.6

Total salary and service costs

2,796.0

2,586.5

8,288.7

7,747.2

Occupancy and other costs

325.6

288.6

953.9

877.9

Real estate and other repositioning costs3

57.8

191.5

Gain on disposition of subsidiary3

(78.8)

    Cost of services

3,121.6

2,875.1

9,300.4

8,737.8

Selling, general and administrative expenses

99.5

89.8

295.8

278.1

Depreciation and amortization

61.4

52.4

181.4

157.4

Total operating expenses

3,282.5

3,017.3

9,777.6

9,173.3

Operating Income

$              600.1

$          560.8

$           1,589.3

$           1,458.0

1)

Third-party service costs include third-party supplier costs when we act as principal in providing services to our clients.

2)

Third-party incidental costs primarily consist of client-related travel and incidental out-of-pocket costs, which we bill back to the client directly at our cost and which we are required to include in revenue.

3)

See Notes 3-5 on page 10 regarding our repositioning actions.

 

OMNICOM GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

(Unaudited)

(In millions)

Three Months Ended 

September 30,

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

2024

2023

2024

2023

Net Income  – Omnicom Group Inc.

$       385.9

$       371.9

$    1,032.6

$       965.7

Net Income Attributed To Noncontrolling Interests

24.0

16.4

62.5

49.7

Net Income

409.9

388.3

1,095.1

1,015.4

Income From Equity Method Investments

0.4

1.9

4.6

3.1

Income Tax Expense

150.2

136.1

389.9

360.7

Income Before Income Taxes and Income From Equity Method Investments

559.7

522.5

1,480.4

1,373.0

Interest Expense

66.4

53.5

182.9

165.9

Interest Income

26.0

15.2

74.0

80.9

Operating Income

600.1

560.8

1,589.3

1,458.0

Add back: amortization of acquired intangible assets and internally developed strategic platform assets1

22.2

15.7

65.2

45.2

Earnings before interest, taxes and amortization of intangible assets (“EBITA”)1

$       622.3

$       576.5

$    1,654.5

$    1,503.2

Amortization of other purchased and internally developed software

4.3

4.6

13.4

13.7

Depreciation

34.9

32.1

102.8

98.5

EBITDA

$       661.5

$       613.2

$    1,770.7

$    1,615.4

EBITA

$       622.3

$       576.5

$    1,654.5

$    1,503.2

Real estate and other repositioning costs2

57.8

191.5

Gain on disposition of subsidiary2

(78.8)

EBITA – Adjusted1,2

$       622.3

$       576.5

$    1,712.3

$    1,615.9

Revenue

$    3,882.6

$    3,578.1

$  11,366.9

$  10,631.3

Non-GAAP Measures:

EBITA1

$       622.3

$       576.5

$    1,654.5

$    1,503.2

EBITA Margin1

16.0 %

16.1 %

14.6 %

14.1 %

EBITA – Adjusted1,2

$       622.3

$       576.5

$    1,712.3

$    1,615.9

EBITA Margin  – Adjusted1

16.0 %

16.1 %

15.1 %

15.2 %

1)

See Note 6 on page 10 for the definition of EBITA.

2)

See Notes 3-5 on page 10 regarding our repositioning actions.

The above table reconciles the U.S. GAAP financial measure of Net Income – Omnicom Group Inc. to EBITDA, EBITA, and EBITA – Adjusted. We use EBITA and EBITA Margin as additional operating performance measures, which exclude the non-cash amortization expense of acquired intangible assets and internally developed strategic platform assets. The above table also presents Non-GAAP adjustments to EBITA to present EBITA – Adjusted for the periods presented. Accordingly, we believe EBITA, EBITA Margin, EBITA – Adjusted, and EBITA Margin – Adjusted are useful measures for investors to evaluate the comparability of the performance of our business year to year.

 

OMNICOM GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

(Unaudited)

(In millions)

Three Months Ended September 30,

Reported
2024

Non-GAAP
Adj.

Non-GAAP
2024 Adj.

Reported
2023

Non-GAAP
Adj.

Non-GAAP
2023 Adj.

Revenue

$ 3,882.6

$             —

$ 3,882.6

$ 3,578.1

$             —

$ 3,578.1

Operating Expenses

3,282.5

3,282.5

3,017.3

3,017.3

Operating Income

600.1

600.1

560.8

560.8

Operating Income Margin

15.5 %

15.5 %

15.7 %

15.7 %

Nine Months Ended September 30,

Reported  
2024

Non-GAAP
Adj.

Non-GAAP
2024 Adj.

Reported
2023

Non-GAAP
Adj. (1)

Non-GAAP
2023 Adj.

Revenue

$  11,366.9

$             —

$  11,366.9

$  10,631.3

$             —

$  10,631.3

Operating Expenses1

9,777.6

(57.8)

9,719.8

9,173.3

(112.7)

9,060.6

Operating Income

1,589.3

57.8

1,647.1

1,458.0

112.7

1,570.7

Operating Income Margin

14.0 %

14.5 %

13.7 %

14.8 %

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

Nine Months Ended September 30,

2024

2023

2024

2023

Net Income

Net Income
per Share-
Diluted

Net Income

Net Income
per Share-
Diluted

Net Income

Net Income
per Share-
Diluted

Net Income

Net Income
per Share-
Diluted

Net Income – Omnicom Group Inc. – Reported

$   385.9

$           1.95

$   371.9

$           1.86

$  1,032.6

$           5.19

$   965.7

$           4.78

Real estate and other repositioning costs1

42.9

0.22

145.5

0.72

Gain on disposition of subsidiary1

(55.9)

(0.28)

Amortization of acquired intangible assets and internally
developed strategic platform assets (after-tax)2

16.4

0.08

11.6

0.06

48.2

0.24

33.4

0.17

Non-GAAP Net Income – Omnicom Group Inc. – Adjusted2,3

$   402.3

$           2.03

$   383.5

$           1.92

$  1,123.7

$           5.65

$  1,088.7

$           5.39

1)

See Notes 3-5 on page 10 regarding our repositioning actions.

2)

Beginning with the first quarter of 2024, Adjusted Net Income per Share – Diluted excludes after-tax amortization of acquired intangible assets and internally developed strategic platform assets. We believe these measures are useful in evaluating the impact of these items on operating performance and allows for comparability between reporting periods.

3)

Weighted-average diluted Shares for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 were 198.2 million and 199.9 million, respectively. Weighted-average diluted shares for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 were 198.9 million and 202.0 million, respectively. The above tables reconcile the GAAP financial measures of Operating Income, Net Income – Omnicom Group Inc., and Net Income per Share – Diluted to adjusted Non-GAAP financial measures of Non-GAAP Operating Income – Adjusted, Non-GAAP Net Income-Omnicom Group Inc. – Adjusted and Non-GAAP Adjusted Net Income per Share – Diluted. Management believes these Non-GAAP measures are useful for investors to evaluate the comparability of the performance of our business year to year.

 

NOTES:

1)

Net Income and Net Income per Share for Omnicom Group Inc.

2)

See non-GAAP reconciliations starting on page 8.

3)

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, operating expenses include $57.8 million ($42.9 million after-tax) of repositioning costs, primarily related to severance, which reduce diluted net income per share- Omnicom Group Inc. by $0.22. There were no repositioning costs for the three months ended September 30, 2024.

4)

There were no repositioning costs impacting the three months ended September 30, 2023.

5)

For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, operating expenses included real estate operating lease impairment charges, severance, and other exit costs of $191.5 million ($145.5 million after-tax) related to repositioning actions we took in the first and second quarters of 2023 to reduce our real estate requirements, rebalance our workforce, and consolidate operations in certain markets. In addition, in the second quarter of 2023, we recorded a gain of $78.8 million ($55.9 million after tax) on disposition of certain of our research businesses in the Execution & Support discipline. The net impact of these actions reduced diluted net income per share- Omnicom Group Inc. by $0.44.

6)

Beginning with the first quarter of 2024, EBITA is defined as earnings before interest, taxes and amortization of acquired intangible assets and internally developed strategic platform assets. As a result, we reclassified the prior year periods to be consistent with the revised definition, which reduced EBITA from previously reported amounts.

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/omnicom-reports-third-quarter-2024-results-302276965.html

SOURCE Omnicom Group Inc.

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Gloo expands AI offerings to churches and ministries with custom models and community engagement capabilities

BOULDER, Colo., Jan. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Gloo, the technology platform for the faith ecosystem, announced the acquisition of Faith Assistant (previously Bible Chat). The artificial intelligence-based chatbot helps ministries engage their people through conversational AI, trained on the ministry’s own content. The company serves a variety of organizations — from churches and parachurches to publishers, seminaries and home school organizations. 

“We’ve admired Faith Assistant’s vision and innovation since their impressive work during the first Gloo AI Hackathon,” said Steele Billings, chief AI officer at Gloo. “Faith Assistant puts ministries in control of their content — they decide what the model is trained on and where it’s deployed. This aligns perfectly with our mission to provide trusted AI tools for redemptive purposes, and we’re excited to be a part of scaling it to the next level.”

“The faith ecosystem is diverse — it includes pastors, professors, administrators, missionaries and organizations looking to serve others. We’re seeing our AI help these ministries engage people on a deeper level, 24/7,” said Chase Cappo, co-founder of Faith Assistant. “Now, with Gloo, we can help more ministries implement unique AI strategies to accomplish their missions.”

Faith Assistant creates custom AI models and chatbots, or AI assistants, for organizations like Luis Palau Association, Concordia Church, The Christian Post and Texas-based radio station, KCBI. The customized model answers questions, recommends resources and even connects users with staff or volunteers who are ready to respond. 

“Our journey has always been about using technology to support the Church’s mission,” said Andrew Rogers, co-founder of Faith Assistant. “Partnering with Gloo means we can expand that vision while staying true to our core values. Their commitment to empowering ministry leaders aligns perfectly with our goals.”

“The platform lets us provide 24/7 answers, encouragement and support, which means we can serve our audience whenever they need us,” said Emily Haring Thevarajoo, Digital Content Director at KCBI Radio, about Faith Assistant. “It’s also helped us think differently about how we engage listeners and even how we approach donors. With its analytics, we’re able to better understand everything from the kinds of questions being asked to the challenges our community is walking through.”

Cappo and Rogers will continue to contribute to the growth of Faith Assistant while integrating it into Gloo, with Cappo assuming the role of director of the Gloo AI Enterprise Division.

As part of the expansion, Faith Assistant will launch a free version for churches built on the Gloo Kingdom-Aligned Large Language Model (KALLM). The free subscription will allow church leaders to create their own AI assistant, trained on their sermons and content. Church leaders can access advanced Faith Assistant features as part of the Gloo+ membership. Enterprise options are available for larger ministries and publishers looking for fully custom AI models that transform content into interactive, two-way conversations. This tiered approach will make the AI assistant available and affordable for ministries of all sizes.

Churches and ministries can learn more at faithassistant.com.

Gloo is the technology platform connecting the Christian faith ecosystem. Gloo connects ministry leaders to resources, people, insights and funding so their people and communities flourish and their organizations thrive. Gloo enables trusted exchange between organizations and people, so they can collaborate with greater confidence. Gloo serves over 90,000 churches and over 1,000 resource partners. Gloo is based in Boulder, Colorado.

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VOCODIA HOLDINGS INC. AND TRACCOM INC. HAVE SIGNED AN MOU TO FORM A JOINT VENTURE THAT WILL REVOLUTIONIZE EVENT MONITORING WITH NARRATIVE AI

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Real Time Voice-Enabled Alerts and Conversations to Redefine Crisis Response, Process Management, and Decision Making

BOCA RATON, Fla., Jan. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Traccom Inc. (OTCMKTS: TRCC), through its wholly owned subsidiary and operating entity Vulcain Inc., and Vocodia Holdings Inc. (OTCMKTS: VHAI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding towards forming a joint venture to introduce “Narrative AI.” This cutting-edge solution integrates causal analysis with advanced voice AI technology. The partnership has been formed to set a new standard in real time event monitoring, Response Management©, and decision-making across industries.

Transforming Event Monitoring with Narrative AI
Narrative AI represents the next frontier in proactive alert systems. Unlike traditional text-based notifications that often lack urgency and interactivity, this innovative platform uses Vulcain’s Causal AI solution to monitor real time critical events. When Causal AI reasoning predicts an event breach, the system triggers an immediate actionable and appropriate response management process to the relevant response parties.

This capability ensures swift communication and active problem-solving. Narrative AI utilizes an intelligent dialogue regarding the impending event and recommends potential actions to mitigate its impact. Narrative AI applications provide unparalleled precision and speed. Current Response Management AI use cases include emergency management, logistics, healthcare, and financial risk monitoring.

“Text Alerts Aren’t Enough”
Brian Podolak, CEO of Vocodia, emphasized the critical need for Response Management innovation.
“In high-stakes situations, text alert systems fall short. Narrative AI goes beyond simple notifications, enabling real time, Response Management that ensures clarity, prompt action, and better outcomes. This is the future of event response.”

Greg Duffell, CEO of Vulcain, added:
“Our mission at Vulcain has always been to empower organizations with actionable insights through causal intelligence. Partnering with Vocodia allows us to take this vision further, by combining our expertise with their state-of-the-art Response Management AI. Narrative AI doesn’t just inform—it engages in intelligent conversation, ensuring that the right people take the right actions at the right time.”

Robust Pipeline
Both companies shared their optimism on the revenue potential of this joint venture. A preliminary pipeline of opportunities is already established across multiple industries. The partnership plans to scale rapidly and is targeting aggressive revenue growth for 2025, with Narrative AI as a key driver of profitability.

Key Features of Narrative AI:

Causal Event Monitoring: Advanced AI algorithms track and analyze complex event patterns in real time.Response Management©: Dynamic mechanisms including natural-sounding voice AI engages stakeholders, ensuring clear understanding and rapid, pre-emptive action that identifies, reduces, and eliminates threat levels.Cross-Industry Applications: Suitable for emergency response, logistics, healthcare, financial services, and more.Scalable Integration: Seamlessly integrates into existing workflows, enabling immediate deployment and impact.

Pioneering the Future of Crisis Response
This venture builds on Vocodia’s expertise in Response Management AI and Vulcain ‘s Causal AI Platform. Together, the companies aim to redefine how organizations monitor and respond to critical events, with solutions that are intelligent and intuitive.

About Vocodia Holdings Corp.

Vocodia is an AI software company that develops practical AI solutions, making them easily accessible for businesses through cloud-based platforms. These solutions are cost-effective and scalable to enterprise levels. Vocodia specializes in conversational AI, providing scalable enterprise-level AI sales and customer service solutions. Their Digital Intelligent Sales Agents (DISAs) are designed to sound and feel human, performing tasks that require human-like conversation, thereby reducing labor costs and enhancing communication effectiveness. For more information, please visit: http://www.vocodia.com.

About Traccom, Inc.

Vulcain is at the intersection of human and artificial intelligence, leading the charge to AI 3.0 with high value feature solutions for business. Vulcain’s Causal AI platform is used for harmonizing, testing, and validating data for extracting and commercializing knowledge. The Vulcain platform combines hundreds of millions of AI ready data sets with human domain knowledge. It can provide a ready to use solution that can be customized, scaled and adapted for customer use-cases and human intervention.  With a commitment to human-AI, excellence, sustainability, and customer-centric solutions, the company believes that it is poised for long-term growth and success in the global AI marketplace.

For more information about the company and its wholly owned subsidiary Vulcain, Inc., email shareholders@vulcain.ai or visit www.vulcain.ai 

Forward-Looking Statements This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as: “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “expect,” strategy,” “future,” “likely,” “may,”, “should,” “will” and similar references to future periods. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date and undertake no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law.

Contact Details: (561) 484-5234

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Casio Privia PX-S Series Named ‘Home Digital Keyboard of the Year’ for the Fourth Consecutive Year

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Casio’s Flagship PX-S7000 Earns Top Industry Recognition from MMR’s Prestigious Dealers’ Choice Awards

DOVER, N.J., Jan. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Casio’s Privia PX-S Series has once again been crowned “Home Digital Keyboard of the Year” by Musical Merchandise Review’s (MMR) esteemed Dealers’ Choice Awards. This marks the fourth consecutive year and the ninth win since 2015—solidifying Casio’s leadership in the digital piano market.

“This repeated acknowledgment reflects not only the strength of our instruments but also the unwavering trust music retailers and customers place in Casio,” said Stephen Schmidt, vice president of Casio’s Electronic Musical Instruments Division.

As an award determined solely by U.S. music retailers, this recognition underscores the PX-S Series’ exceptional design, performance, and reliability—qualities that resonate deeply with musicians and dealers nationwide.

“We are honored to see Privia recognized for the fourth straight year,” said Stephen Schmidt, vice president of Casio’s Electronic Musical Instruments Division. “This repeated acknowledgment reflects not only the strength of our instruments but also the unwavering trust music retailers and customers place in Casio. The PX-S7000, in particular, redefines elegance and excellence in the digital piano space.”

Since its inception, the Casio Privia line has earned global acclaim for delivering premium sound, authentic touch, and timeless style while remaining accessible and practical. The standout model of the series, the PX-S7000, pushes boundaries further with its unmatched sound quality, sophisticated mid-century modern design, and professional-grade performance.

Christian Wissmuller, executive editor of MMR, shared, “The PX-S7000 is a stunningly successful pairing of impressive, professional-level sound and playability with powerfully appealing aesthetics. Casio’s designers devoted just as much thought and energy into creating an instrument that would enhance the visual appeal of a domestic living space as they did on engineering specs that have yielded a wonderful-sounding musical instrument. The numbers don’t lie: for four years in a row, now, the PX-S Series consoles have been irresistibly compelling options for end-users, consistently generating profit – and satisfied, repeat customers – for MI retailers.

About the Awards

For 32 years, MMR’s Dealers’ Choice Awards have celebrated the best-in-class products shaping the musical instrument industry. Voted on by retailers, these awards highlight instruments that drive innovation, delight customers, and fuel business success.

The Casio Privia PX-S Series is available nationwide at select music dealers. For more information on Casio’s full lineup of electronic musical instruments, visit Casio.com.

About Casio America, Inc.

Casio America, Inc., Dover, N.J., is the U.S. subsidiary of Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of consumer electronics and business equipment solutions. Established in 1957, Casio America, Inc. markets calculators, keyboards, digital cameras, mobile presentation devices, disc title and label printers, watches, cash registers and other consumer electronic products. Casio has strived to fulfill its corporate creed of “creativity and contribution” through the introduction of innovative and imaginative products. For more information, visit www.casio.com.

Media Contact
Peter Giles, Giles Communications, 1 (914) 644-3500 700, pgiles@giles.com, www.giles.com

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