Public Policy Holding Company Inc.
03/23/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/23/2026 14:03
Public Policy Holding Company, Inc. Announces Full Year 2025 Financial Results (Form 8-K)
Public Policy Holding Company, Inc. Announces Full Year 2025 Financial Results
Revenue Growth Driving Group to Record EBITDA
•Revenue of $186.5 million with organic revenue growth of 6.2%
•Record Adjusted EBITDA of $45.4 million, up 17.7% year over year, achieved at a margin of 24.3%
•Successfully completed our $45.8 million IPO in the US and dual-listing on Nasdaq in January 2026
•Net Debt of $26.6 million has reverted to a Net Cash position in 2026
•Completed two acquisitions in 2025, further expanding PPHC's capabilities and geographic reach
Washington, DC - March 23, 2026 - Public Policy Holding Company, Inc. ("PPHC," "Company," "Group") (Nasdaq: PPHC and AIM: PPHC.L), a leading global strategic communications provider offering a comprehensive range of advisory services in the areas of Government Relations, Corporate Communications, and Public Affairs, today reported unaudited financial results for the year ended December 31, 2025 ("FY 2025").
Q4 2025 Financial Highlights
•Q4 revenue increased 27.8% over the prior period to $49.9 million, with organic growth contributing 5.4%.
•GAAP Net Loss of $(15.2) million compared to $(6.7) million in Q4 2024.
•Adjusted EBITDA of $12.4 million, up 27.1% over the prior period, achieved at a 24.9% margin.
•Adjusted Net Income of $11.3 million was up 66.1%.
•GAAP Basic and diluted loss per share of $(0.86) compared to $(0.46) in Q4 2024.
•Adjusted fully diluted EPS of $0.42 was up $0.15 or 58.0%.
FY 2025 Financial Highlights
•FY revenue increased 24.7% to $186.5 million, with organic growth contributing 6.2%.
•GAAP Net Loss of $(39.0) million compared to $(24.0) in 2024.
•Adjusted EBITDA of $45.4 million, up 17.7%, and achieved at a 24.3% margin.
•Adjusted Net Income of $36.6 million was up 32.1%.
•GAAP Basic and diluted loss per share of $(2.37) compared to $(2.34) in 2024.
•Adjusted fully diluted EPS of $1.39 was up $0.27 or 24.7%.
•GAAP Net Cash Provided by Operations of $24.8 million compared to $16.4 million in 2024.
•Adjusted Free Cash Flow of $36.9 million (2024: $22.2 million).
•Final dividend of $0.240 per Common Outstanding Share; total dividend for FY 2025 $0.355 per share.
Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, Adjusted EBITDA Incl. M&A expense, Adjusted net income, Adjusted EPS, fully diluted, Organic Revenue Growth, Adjusted Free Cash Flow, are non-GAAP financial measures, as defined and reconciled below.
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Stewart Hall, CEO of PPHC, commented:
"The Company's performance in 2025 was strong, with a marked uptick in organic growth supplemented by our well-established M&A program. We have built a diversified platform of high quality businesses that operate across the political spectrum, giving us broad-based resilience and the ability to drive organic revenue growth and achieve attractive margins in a volatile operating landscape.
In 2025, our M&A program continued at pace: we acquired firms that broaden our service offerings and extend our global reach, in line with our strategy. We expect further strategic progress in 2026, supported by a strong and recently enhanced balance sheet following our US IPO.
We continue to operate in a fast-moving and complex policy landscape, meaning our clients - including nearly half of the Fortune 100 - require increasing levels of support and continue to turn to PPHC as partner of choice. The tailwinds driving organic growth are set to continue, positioning us well for the balance of the fiscal year and reinforcing our longer-term outlook. "
Operational Highlights
•Significant progress in line with the Group's stated growth strategy, with earnings accretive acquisitions providing an enhanced complementary range of services to the Group's international client base:
◦Organically, the Group recorded 6.2% growth in revenue for FY 2025, year-on-year which represents a step-up from the 2.7% growth in FY 2024, supported by a significant rebound in Corporate Communications and Public Affairs.
◦Acquired TrailRunner, expanding group-wide capabilities in Corporate Communications and providing cross referral revenue opportunities.
◦Acquired Pine Cove Capital, LLC (renamed "Pine Cove Strategies"), a Texas-based strategic consulting firm, adding to the Group's state-based government relations capabilities.
•Revenue remained highly diversified with the top 10 Group clients representing 9.2% of revenue in 2025 versus 8.7% in 2024; and revenue mix by segment was further diversified with Corporate Communications & Public Affairs segment representing 34.9% in FY 2025 of total revenue (2024: 24.3%).
•By segment:
◦Government Relations Consulting grew at 5.9% for FY 2025, as compared to FY 2024 (3.6% organically compared to FY 2024).
◦Corporate Communications & Public Affairs Consulting increased by 78.7% for the FY 2025, as compared to FY 2024 (8.9% organically compared to FY 2024).
◦Compliance and Insights Services continued its strong growth at 21.5% for the FY 2025, as compared to FY 2024 (reported and organic) as a result of high renewal rates, price increases, and new clients wins, all together reflective of a unique and high value-added offering.
•The Group grew its client base to approximately 1,400 (2024: 1,200), with representations of approximately half of the Fortune 100 in addition to many more via trade associations; this is evidence that our retention rates remain high.
• PPHC ended FY 2025 with 613 clients spending more than $100,000 (2024: 503 clients) and 176 spending more than $250,000 (2024: 137 clients).
Financial Outlook
2
Roel Smits, CFO of PPHC, commented:
"With the completion of our recent capital raise and US IPO, PPHC enters the next phase of growth from a position of strength. Our balance sheet flexibility allows us to pursue earnings-accretive acquisitions while our strong cashflow allows us to continue investing in organic growth initiatives. Momentum from Q4 has set us up well for a good start to 2026.
In general, PPHC expects to continue growing revenue at an average organic rate of approximately 5%, and this will be supplemented by acquisitions. We generally anticipate Adjusted EBITDA to come in at a margin around 25%, although in 2026 we will experience the impact from assuming US public company costs and certain technology investments.
Our focus continues to be on driving client retention rates, new business generation, and the continued cross-selling of services across the member companies to support organic growth prospects. Clients are increasingly seeking integrated support to manage complex reputational, regulatory, and stakeholder challenges.
The market for Strategic Communications services in key geographies remains fragmented. Management continues to view the Group as a natural consolidator, and the pipeline of acquisition opportunities under development in the U.S., U.K., and mainland Europe remains robust. The Group is actively seeking to expand its portfolio of member companies internationally with strategically and financially attractive opportunities while adding complementary specializations."
Conference Call Webcast Information
PPHC management will host a conference call to discuss the Company's financial results today at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. The call will be led by Stewart Hall, Chief Executive Officer, Roel Smits, Chief Financial Officer, and Thomas Gensemer, Chief Strategy Officer.
Date: Monday, March 23, 2026
Time: 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time
Webcast: Participants may access the conference call via live webcast at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/hqweq9hx/.
Dial-in: To participate via telephone, please register in advance and receive a unique PIN at https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI23772b4493ce4ac6b83992079c865d5f
A replay of the webcast of the conference call will be available on the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at investors.pphcompany.com.
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About PPHC
Incorporated in 2014, PPHC is a global government relations, public affairs and strategic communications group providing clients with a fully integrated and comprehensive range of services including government and public relations, research, and digital advocacy campaigns. Engaged by approximately 1,400 clients, including companies, trade associations and non-governmental organizations the Group is active in all major sectors of the economy, including healthcare and pharmaceuticals, financial services, energy, technology, telecoms and transportation. PPHC's services support clients to enhance and defend their reputations, advance policy goals, manage regulatory risk, and engage with federal and state-level policy makers, stakeholders, media, and the public.
For more information, see www.pphcompany.com
Operational Review
Introduction
The Group made significant progress in 2025, combining organic growth with two strategically important, earnings-accretive acquisitions. The integration of our Q2 2025 acquisition of TrailRunner International significantly enhances our global corporate communications capabilities, while the addition of our Q3 2025 acquisition of Pine Cove Strategies further strengthens our Government Relations presence in the State of Texas, together advancing our mission to deliver strategic communications services at greater scale, breadth, and sophistication.
As of December 31, 2025, the Group had approximately 1,400 clients. Every year approximately 77% of these clients renew their relationship with the Group, leading to revenue retention of approximately 86%, demonstrating the strength of the Group's services, client relationships, and the quality of our earnings.
A key focus of the Group remains on retained clients with greater annual spending above certain thresholds. PPHC ended FY 2025 with 613 clients spending more than $100,000 (2024: 503 clients) and 176 spending more than $250,000 (2024: 137 clients). This increase was supported by a variety of factors, including increasing cross-company client development, PPHC's internal referral awards system, and compensation programs that are based on Group-wide performance. In January 2025, we were pleased to appoint John Green as Chief Client Officer, a new role underscoring PPHC's commitment to maximizing cross-firm collaboration.
In FY 2025, the Group directly represented close to half of the Fortune 100, in addition to many more via their trade associations that the Group serves.
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Financial Review
Certain monetary amounts, percentages and other figures included elsewhere in this earnings release have been subject to rounding adjustments. Accordingly, figures shown as totals in certain tables or charts may not be the arithmetic aggregation of the figures that precede them, and figures expressed as percentages in the text may not total 100% or, as applicable, when aggregated may not be the arithmetic aggregation of the percentages that precede them.
Adjusted Profit & Loss Statement
| (Amounts in millions, except per share data) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three months ended December 31, | Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | $ Change | % Change | 2025 | 2024 | $ Change | % Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Revenue
|
$ | 49.9 | $ | 39.0 | $ | 10.8 | 27.8 | % | $ | 186.5 | $ | 149.6 | $ | 36.9 | 24.7 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GAAP Net loss | $ | (15.2) | $ | (6.7) | $ | (8.6) | 128.3 | % | $ | (39.0) | $ | (24.0) | $ | (15.0) | 62.8 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Adjusted EBITDA
|
$ | 12.4 | $ | 9.8 | $ | 2.7 | 27.1 | % | $ | 45.4 | $ | 38.6 | $ | 6.8 | 17.7 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Adjusted EBITDA margin
|
24.9 | % | 25.0 | % | (0.1) | pts | 24.3 | % | 25.8 | % | (1.5) | pts | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
M&A expense
|
$ | (0.4) | $ | (0.8) | $ | 0.3 | (44.7) | % | $ | (0.8) | $ | (2.4) | $ | 1.6 | (65.6) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Adjusted EBITDA incl M&A expense
|
$ | 12.0 | $ | 9.0 | $ | 3.0 | 33.4 | % | $ | 44.5 | $ | 36.1 | $ | 8.4 | 23.3 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Depreciation
|
$ | - | $ | - | $ | - | 27.1 | % | $ | (0.2) | $ | (0.1) | $ | (0.1) | 73.5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Adjusted EBIT
|
$ | 11.9 | $ | 9.0 | $ | 3.0 | 33.4 | % | $ | 44.4 | $ | 36.0 | $ | 8.4 | 23.3 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Interest
|
$ | (0.9) | $ | (0.5) | $ | (0.4) | 80.4 | % | $ | (3.3) | $ | (1.7) | $ | (1.6) | 92.8 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Adjusted EBT
|
$ | 11.0 | $ | 8.4 | $ | 2.6 | 30.5 | % | $ | 41.0 | $ | 34.3 | $ | 6.7 | 19.5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Taxes
|
$ | 0.3 | $ | (1.7) | $ | 1.9 | (115.9) | % | $ | (4.4) | $ | (6.5) | $ | 2.1 | (32.1) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Effective tax rate
|
(2.4) | % | 19.6 | % | (21.9) | pts | 10.7 | % | 19.1 | % | (8.4) | pts | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Adjusted Net Income
|
$ | 11.3 | $ | 6.8 | $ | 4.5 | 66.1 | % | $ | 36.6 | $ | 27.7 | $ | 8.9 | 32.1 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Adjusted Net Income margin
|
22.6 | % | 17.4 | % | 5.2 | pts | 19.6 | % | 18.5 | % | 1.1 | pts | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GAAP basic and diluted loss per share | (0.86) | (0.46) | (0.40) | 86.6 | % | (2.37) | (2.34) | (0.03) | 1.4 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Adjusted EPS ($) (basic)
|
0.45 | 0.28 | 0.17 | 58.5 | % | 1.48 | 1.17 | 0.31 | 26.4 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Adjusted EPS ($) (fully diluted)
|
0.42 | 0.27 | 0.15 | 58.0 | % | 1.39 | 1.11 | 0.27 | 24.7 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Dividend paid, per share
|
0.221 | 0.262 | (0.041) | (15.6) | % | 0.344 | 0.702 | (0.358) | (51.0) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
5
Bridge from Adjusted to Reported Results
| (Amounts in millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three months ended December 31, | Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | $ Change | % Change | 2025 | 2024 | $ Change | % Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted Net Income | $ | 11.3 | $ | 6.8 | $ | 4.5 | 66.1 | % | $ | 36.6 | $ | 27.7 | $ | 8.9 | 32.1 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based accounting charge | 7.4 | 8.0 | (0.6) | (7.0) | % | 29.6 | 31.8 | (2.2) | (6.8) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| M&A: Post-combination comp | 8.5 | 2.9 | 5.7 | 198.5 | % | 21.3 | 11.6 | 9.7 | 83.4 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| M&A: bargain purchase | (2.0) | - | - | (2.0) | - | (2.0) | (2.5) | 0.4 | (17.1) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| M&A: change in contingent consideration | 0.2 | - | 0.1 | 0.1 | 39.5 | % | 5.1 | 1.9 | 3.2 | 169.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Long Term Incentive Program charges | 2.5 | 1.2 | 1.3 | 105.2 | % | 7.1 | 4.2 | 2.9 | 70.3 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization intangibles | 1.5 | 1.3 | 0.1 | 11.5 | % | 6.0 | 4.7 | 1.4 | 29.4 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss on impairment of intangible assets | $ | 2.9 | $ | - | $ | 2.9 | - | $ | 2.9 | $ | - | $ | 2.9 | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss on impairment of goodwill | $ | 6.2 | $ | - | $ | 6.2 | - | $ | 6.2 | $ | - | $ | 6.2 | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other income, net | $ | (0.6) | $ | - | $ | (0.6) | - | $ | (0.6) | $ | - | $ | (0.6) | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Income (Reported) | $ | (15.2) | $ | (6.7) | $ | (8.6) | 128.3 | % | $ | (39.0) | $ | (24.0) | $ | (15.0) | 62.8 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Management reviews the progress and performance of its business on the basis of the Adjusted Net Income shown above. The items excluded from the Adjusted Net Income above, while included in our GAAP results, have been shown in the Bridge above. These excluded items do not have a cash impact nor do they reflect ongoing performance of the underlying business. Please refer to the section 'basis of preparation' for a discussion of each of the non-cash items excluded from Adjusted Net Income.
Please note that, during Q2 2025, the Company redefined its Underlying EBITDA definition to be Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA excludes expenses related to M&A transactions (which includes M&A related advisory fees, debt origination, and transaction taxes) as follows:
| (Amounts in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three months ended December 31, |
Years ended December 31,
|
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Old Definition
|
New Definition
|
2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Underlying EBITDA | EBITDA including M&A | $ | 12.0 | $ | 9.0 | $ | 44.5 | $ | 36.1 | |||||||||||||||||
| Remove: M&A Expenses | M&A Expenses | 0.4 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 2.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | EBITDA excluding M&A | $ | 12.4 | $ | 9.8 | $ | 45.3 | $ | 38.6 | |||||||||||||||||
M&A expenses were $0.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, down from $2.4 million in 2024, with 2024 reflecting a substantial investment in M&A expenses driven by the first international acquisition performed by PPHC as well as debt acquisition charges. For its acquisitions in 2025, the Company utilized less external resources and was able to build off the international platform created in 2024.
6
Revenue
|
($ in millions, except percentages)
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three months ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Revenue from acquisitions
|
Organic revenue
|
Total revenue
|
Total revenue
|
Organic Revenue Growth(1)
|
Total Growth
|
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|
Government Relations Consulting
|
$ | 0.8 | $ | 26.8 | $27.6 | $ | 25.9 | 3.6 | % | 6.6 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Corporate Communications & Public Affairs Consulting
|
7.9 | 10.9 | 18.9 | 10.4 | 5.5 | % | 82.1 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Compliance and Insights Services
|
- | 3.4 | 3.4 | 2.8 | 22.6 | % | 22.6 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Total
|
$ | 8.7 | $ | 41.1 | $49.9 | $ | 39.0 | 5.4 | % | 27.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
($ in millions, except percentages)
|
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| Years ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Revenue from acquisitions
|
Organic revenue
|
Total revenue
|
Total revenue
|
Organic Revenue Growth(1)
|
Total Growth
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Government Relations Consulting
|
$ | 2.3 | $ | 106.2 | $ | 108.5 | $ | 102.5 | 3.6 | % | 5.9 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Corporate Communications & Public Affairs Consulting
|
25.4 | 39.7 | 65.1 | 36.4 | 8.9 | % | 78.7 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Compliance and Insights Services
|
- | 13.0 | 13.0 | 10.7 | 21.5 | % | 21.5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Total
|
$ | 27.7 | $ | 158.9 | $ | 186.5 | $ | 149.6 | 6.2 | % | 24.7 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions, except percentages) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three months ended December 31, | Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | $ change | % change | 2025 | 2024 | $ change | % change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
United States
|
$ | 47.3 | $ | 37.3 | $ | 10.0 | 26.8 | % | $ | 177.6 | $ | 145.5 | $ | 32.1 | 22.1 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| International | 2.5 | 1.7 | 0.8 | 49.6 | % | 8.9 | 4.1 | 4.8 | 117.1 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Revenue by geographic market
|
$ | 49.9 | $ | 39.0 | $ | 10.8 | 27.8 | % | $ | 186.5 | $ | 149.6 | $ | 36.9 | 24.7 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Group's total revenue for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2025 increased by 27.8% and 24.7% to $49.9 million and $186.5 million, respectively, as compared to $39.0 million and $149.6 million reported for the same periods in 2024. The organic growth rate was 5.4% and 6.2% as compared to the same periods in 2024, demonstrating the stability of the Group's core business operations, the dedication of our management teams across our member companies, and the critical importance of our work to our clients, with the remainder of growth driven by the successful integration of Lucas Public Affairs, Pagefield Communications (acquisitions completed in Q2 2024) which are now meaningfully contributing to the Group's financial performance, TrailRunner International (completed in Q2 2025), and Pine Cove Strategies (completed in Q3 2025).
Organic growth of 5.4% and 6.2% for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2025, respectively, was the outcome of continued organic growth in Government Relations at 3.6% and 3.6%, Corporate Communications & Public Affairs at 5.5% and 8.9% and Compliance and Insights Services at 22.6% and 21.5%.
During the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2025, 55.3% and 58.1%, respectively, of the Group's revenues stemmed from Government Relations as compared to the same periods in 2024 of 66.3% and 68.5%, 37.9% and 34.9% came from Corporate Communications & Public Affairs as compared to the same periods in 2024 of 26.6% and 24.3%, and 6.9% and 7.0% from Compliance and Insights Services as compared to the same periods in 2024 of 7.2%.
The Group's revenue realized outside of the US was $2.5 million, or 5.1%, and $8.9 million, or 4.8%, for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2025, respectively, as compared to $1.7 million, or 4.4%, and $4.1 million, or 2.7%, for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024, respectively.
7
Profit
Long-term Profit
| (dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||
|
FY
|
FY
|
FY
|
FY
|
|||||||||||
| 2022 | 2023 |
2024
|
2025
|
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| GAAP Net loss | $ | (15.0) | $ | (14.2) | $ | (24.0) | $ | (39.0) | ||||||
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Adjusted EBITDA
|
$ | 31.5 | $ | 35.4 | $ | 38.6 | $ | 45.4 | ||||||
|
Adjusted EBITDA margin
|
29.0 | % | 26.2 | % | 25.8 | % | 24.3 | % | ||||||
GAAP Net losses increased from $(24.0) million in 2024 to $(39.0) million in 2025, the losses primarily being the result of a $29.6 million share based accounting charge stemming from the UK IPO and the treatment of acquisitions in our accounts. The increase in loss in 2025 was driven by a $9.7 million increase in post-combination compensation charges primarily stemming from the Lucas, Pagefield, TrailRunner and Pine Cove acquisitions, a $9.1 million impairment charge related to Pagefield's intangibles and goodwill, and an increase of $3.2 million in the change in fair value of contingent consideration.
Adjusted EBITDA for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2025 of $12.4 million and $45.4 million, up 27.1% and 17.7% from the same periods in 2024, was achieved at a margin of 24.9% and 24.3%, close to the Group's historic performance, while reflecting the change in businesses mix with highly profitable Government Relations activities reducing in relative weight, as well as a partial restoration of the bonus pool.
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| Revenue and Profit by Segment | ($ in millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Three months ended December 31,
|
Years ended December 31,
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| 2025 | 2024 | % variance | 2025 | 2024 | % variance | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Government Relations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | 27.6 | $ | 25.9 | 6.6 | % | $ | 108.5 | $ | 102.5 | 5.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment Adjusted pre-bonus EBITDA | 12.8 | 11.5 | 10.8 | % | $ | 48.5 | $ | 46.9 | 3.4 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment Adjusted pre-bonus EBITDA margin | 46.3 | % | 44.6 | % | 1.8 | pts | 44.7 | % | 45.8 | % | (1.1) | pts | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate Communications and Public Affairs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | 18.9 | $ | 10.4 | 82.1 | % | $ | 65.1 | $ | 36.4 | 78.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment Adjusted pre-bonus EBITDA | $ | 6.1 | $ | 2.8 | 117.5 | % | $ | 18.8 | $ | 7.8 | 141.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment Adjusted pre-bonus EBITDA margin | 32.3 | % | 27.0 | % | 5.3 | pts | 28.9 | % | 21.4 | % | 7.5 | pts | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compliance and Insights Services | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | 3.4 | $ | 2.8 | 22.6 | % | $ | 13.0 | $ | 10.7 | 21.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment Adjusted pre-bonus EBITDA | $ | 1.9 | $ | 1.4 | 42.1 | % | $ | 7.1 | $ | 5.1 | 39.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment Adjusted pre-bonus EBITDA margin | 56.0 | % | 48.3 | % | 7.7 | pts | 54.7 | % | 47.7 | % | 7.0 | pts | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | 49.9 | $ | 39.0 | 27.8 | % | $ | 186.5 | $ | 149.6 | 24.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment Adjusted pre-bonus EBITDA | $ | 20.8 | $ | 15.7 | 32.6 | % | $ | 74.5 | $ | 59.8 | 24.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment Adjusted pre-bonus EBITDA margin | 41.7 | % | 40.2 | % | 1.5 | pts | 39.9 | % | 40.0 | % | (0.1) | pts | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-allocated Bonus | (5.5) | (3.3) | 67.8 | % | (16.7) | (10.4) | 61.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-allocated Corporate costs | (2.8) | (2.6) | 8.1 | % | (12.4) | (10.9) | 13.6 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | 12.4 | 9.8 | 27.2 | % | 45.4 | 38.6 | 17.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA Margin | 24.9 | % | 25.0 | % | (0.1) | pts | 24.3 | % | 25.8 | % | (1.5) | pts | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GAAP Net loss | (15.2) | (6.7) | 128.3 | % | (39.0) | (24.0) | 62.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
In Government Relations, revenue has increased by 5.9% in the year ended December 31, 2025 as a consequence of continued organic growth in tandem with the acquisitions of Pagefield (2024 Q2) and Pine Cove Strategies (2025 Q3). The margin of Segment Adjusted pre-bonus EBITDA remained relatively stable at 44.7%, reflecting the stable pricing of retainer contracts both at U.S. Federal and State level.
In Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, revenue has increased by 78.7% in the year ended December 31, 2025 as a consequence of continued strong organic growth, rebounding from a slower first six months in 2024, in tandem with the acquisitions of Pagefield, Lucas Public Affairs (both 2024 Q2) and Trailrunner International (2025 Q2) . The margin of Segment Adjusted pre-bonus EBITDA increased significantly from 21.4% in 2024 to 28.9% in 2025, reflecting the operating leverage effects of realizing higher revenues, although still operating at margins that are lower than the Group's average.
In Compliance and Insights Services, revenue has increased by 21.5% in the year ended December 31, 2025 as a consequence of continued strong organic growth. The margin of Segment Adjusted pre-bonus EBITDA further improved to 54.7%, reflecting the strong pricing of subscription contracts in this area, in combination with the increased use of technology in servicing our clients.
9
Non-allocated Bonus went up from $10.4 million to 16.7 million in the year ended December 31, 2025, as a result of the growth in pre-bonus EBITDA as well as the restoring of the bonus pool
Non-allocated Corporate costs went up from $10.9 million to $12.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2025, as a result of the building of a robust central platform for supporting our clients, the dual listing, our further growing group of member companies, Also external advisory costs increased as a consequence of these same factors.
After interest and taxes, the Group's Adjusted Net Income for the year ended December 31, 2025 amounted to $36.6 million, up 32.1% from $27.7 million in 2024.
Other
The Group's net finance costs for the year ended December 31, 2025 were $3.3 million as compared to 2024 of $1.7 million, reflecting the inclusion of additional debt on the Group's balance sheet for the acquisitions of Lucas Public Affairs and Pagefield in Q2 2024, and TrailRunner in Q2 2025.
The income tax (expense) benefit tax accrual for the year ended December 31, 2025 was $4.4 million as compared to $6.5 million in 2024, which represents a blended effective tax charge of 10.7% for the year ended December 31, 2025 to Adjusted Profit before Tax. This rate represents a substantial improvement over the 19.1% effective rate in 2024. The reduction was driven by structural and temporary differences between tax accounting and GAAP accounting. At a high level, the two primary driving factors are amortization of goodwill for tax purposes and the vesting of long-term incentive program ("LTIP") compensation.
The Group ended 2024 with 367 employees and at December 31, 2025 this had increased to 450, primarily as a result of the acquisition of TrailRunner. The Group's average employee count during the year ended December 31, 2025 was 426 (2024: 349).
Cash Flow
PPHC's GAAP Cash Flow statement as presented below on page 22 of this earnings release, has certain acquisition-related payments included in the Cash provided by Operating Activities and in the Cash provided by Financing Activities, as a consequence of certain acquisition payments being made subject to continued employment.
In an effort to also provide a more traditional picture of our Cash Flow build-up, we provide a calculation of Adjusted Free Cash Flow as well as an Alternative Cash Flow Statement that ties abovementioned Adjusted Free Cash Flow to the final movement on the balance sheet.
The Group recorded Adjusted Free Cash Flow of $36.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 as compared to $22.2 million in 2024. In general, the generation of Adjusted Free Cash Flow tends to be weighted towards the second half of the year, as a consequence of the payment of annual bonuses in the first half year.
10
Conversion Cash flow from Operations to Adjusted Free Cash Flow
|
(Amount in millions, except percentages)
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | $ Change | % Change | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by Operating Activities - as reported | $ | 24.8 | $ | 16.4 | $ | 8.4 | 51.0 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Prepaid post-combination expense | 10.5 | 4.6 | 5.8 | 125.4 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Change in other liability | 1.7 | 1.0 | 0.7 | 74.6 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Change in contingent consideration | - | 0.3 | (0.3) | (98.5) | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisition Payments included in Cash flow from Operations | 12.2 | 5.9 | 6.3 | 106.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Capex | - | (0.1) | - | (80.3) | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted Free Cash Flow | $ | 36.9 | $ | 22.2 | $ | 14.7 | 66.1 | % | |||||||||||||||
As is typical for the Group, the primary uses of cash are acquisition payments and dividends.
Cash outflows related to acquisitions increased from $26.4 million in 2024 to $33.8 million in 2025, with the 2025 outflow resulting from the completion payments for TrailRunner International and Pine Cove Strategies in combination with an earnout payment for KP Public Affairs. The 2024 outlay was driven by the acquisition payments for Lucas Public Affairs and Pagefield, in addition to an earnout payment for MultiState.
Dividend payments reduced from $16.8 million in 2024 to $8.7 million in 2025. The reduction in dividend reflects the new dividend policy which was announced in January 2025.
11
Summary of Cash Uses and Sources
|
(Amount in millions, except percentages)
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | $ Change | % Change | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted Free Cash Flow | $ | 36.9 | $ | 22.2 | $ | 14.7 | 66.1 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired | (21.1) | (19.8) | (1.3) | 6.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisition Payments included in Cash flow from Operations | (12.2) | (5.9) | (6.3) | 106.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisition Payments included in Cash flow from Financing | (0.6) | (0.8) | 0.2 | (22.4) | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Cash flow related to acquisitions | (33.8) | (26.4) | (7.4) | 28.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from notes payable | 24.0 | 25.0 | (1.0) | (4.0) | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Payment of debt issuance costs | (0.1) | (0.2) | 0.1 | (40.5) | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Loan issued to related parties | (0.5) | - | (0.5) | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds received for notes receivable - related parties | - | 0.4 | (0.4) | (100.0) | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Principal payment of note payable | (9.2) | (3.9) | (5.3) | 137.3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Cash Flow related to debt financing | 14.2 | 21.3 | (7.1) | (33.2) | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends paid | (8.7) | (16.8) | 8.2 | (48.6) | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Payment of deferred equity offering costs | (2.9) | - | (2.9) | - | |||||||||||||||||||
| Cash Flow related to equity financing | (11.6) | (16.8) | 5.3 | (31.2) | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | 0.2 | (0.1) | 0.2 | (388.9) | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net Cash Movement | $ | 5.9 | $ | 0.2 | $ | 5.7 | 2,925.6 | % | |||||||||||||||
Net debt position
PPHC's debt position at December 31, 2025 of $47.0 million offset by cash of $20.4 million, resulted in a Net Debt position of $26.6 million as compared to a Net Debt position of $17.5 million at December 31, 2024. The increase in Net Debt related to the acquisition of TrailRunner in the second quarter of 2025.
|
(Amounts in millions, except percentages)
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
|
December 31,
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | % Change | $ Change | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
Cash and cash equivalents as of end of period
|
$ | 20.4 | $ | 14.5 | 40.6 | % | $ | 5.9 | |||||||||||||||
|
Notes payable, long-term, net
|
(37.9) | (26.0) | 45.7 | % | (11.9) | ||||||||||||||||||
|
Notes payable, current portion, net
|
(9.1) | (6.0) | 50.6 | % | (3.1) | ||||||||||||||||||
|
Total Debt
|
$ | (47.0) | $ | (32.0) | 46.6 | % | $ | (14.9) | |||||||||||||||
|
Net debt at period-end
|
$ | (26.6) | $ | (17.5) | 51.6 | % | $ | (9.0) | |||||||||||||||
12
Earnout obligations
As part of the typical structure applied for the acquisitions that were completed post-UK IPO, the Group also committed to making certain contingent earnout payments. These earnout payments are based on a profit-driven formula and only materialize if the acquired company realizes profit growth after the date of completion. Payments are typically made in a mix of cash and shares. In turn, each of these components of earnout payments may be subject to further vesting requirements and employment conditions, which keeps the recipients financially committed to the Group.
In relation to these earnout payments, the Group has liabilities recorded of $25.0 million on its balance sheet, spread across the 'Contingent Consideration' and 'Other Liabilities' line items. This number is a reflection not only of the estimated foreseen nominal payments, but also of discount factors and fair value estimates.
The liabilities accrued under 'Contingent Consideration' relate to regular M&A payments, whilst the liabilities accrued under "Other Liabilities" relate to those M&A payments that have 'continued employment' requirements and are therefore subject to 'clawback' provisions.
The liabilities accrued under 'Contingent Consideration' relate to regular M&A payments, whilst the liabilities accrued under "Other Liabilities" relate to those M&A payments that have 'continued employment' requirements and are therefore subject to 'clawback' provisions.
In nominal terms, over the period 2025-2030, based on expected performance of each of the acquired companies, management anticipates having to make earnout payments of $78.3 million, of which $44.6 million payable in cash and the remainder in shares.
The maximum earnout liability over that same period, which would only be reached if each acquisition meets very aggressive profit growth targets, would be $141.9 million, of which $83.7 million payable in cash and the remainder in shares. Generally, in order for an acquisition to reach maximum earnout payments, it would need to grow its profit by 25-30% annually over the entire earnout period.
Expected Earnout Liabilities - in Nominal Terms
| ($ in millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
2026
|
2027
|
2028
|
2029
|
2030
|
Total
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Expected earnout payments in Cash
|
$ | 12.0 | $ | 4.6 | $ | 22.8 | $ | 1.3 | $ | 3.9 | $ | 44.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Expected earnout payments in PPHC stock
|
4.6 | 1.7 | 22.8 | 0.8 | 3.9 | 33.7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Expected earnout payments - total
|
$ | 16.6 | $ | 6.3 | $ | 45.5 | $ | 2.1 | $ | 7.9 | $ | 78.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Maximum earnout payments in Cash
|
$ | 17.5 | $ | 15.4 | $ | 22.8 | $ | 18.0 | $ | 10.0 | $ | 83.7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Maximum earnout payments in PPHC stock
|
7.5 | 6.9 | 22.8 | 11.0 | 10.0 | 58.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Maximum earnout payments - total
|
$ | 25.0 | $ | 22.4 | $ | 45.5 | $ | 29.0 | $ | 20.0 | $ | 141.9 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividend
The Company's board of directors have declared a total dividend for 2025 of $0.355 per Common Stock, which equates to an aggregate amount, based on the anticipated number of outstanding Common Stock, of approximately $9.7 million. Because $0.115 per Common Stock was paid as interim dividend in October 2025, a final dividend of $0.240 per Common Stock remains payable to the holders of record of all the issued and outstanding shares of the Company's Common Stock as of the close of business on the record date, April 24, 2026.
The ex-dividend date for shares of the Company's Common Stock traded on AIM is April 23, 2026, and for shares of the Company's Common Stock traded on Nasdaq, the ex-dividend date is April 22, 2026. The final dividend will be paid no later than May 22, 2026.
This proposed final dividend reflects the intended dividend reduction announced in January 2025, aimed at retaining more of the Group's strong cash flow, and enabling the Group to continue pursuing accretive M&A and drive long-term growth.
13
Information per Share
| Share count in thousands | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Years ended December 31,
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 |
Share count
/ $ Change
|
% Change | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
# of shares period end - GAAP - basic and fully diluted
|
20,822 | 16,884 | 3,938 | 23.3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
|
# of shares period end - Legally outstanding - basic
|
25,174 | 24,018 | 1,157 | 4.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
|
# of shares period end - Legally outstanding - fully diluted
|
26,868 | 25,564 | 1,305 | 5.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
|
# weighted avg shares - GAAP - basic and fully diluted
|
17,467 | 13,409 | 4,058 | 30.3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
|
# weighted avg shares - Legally outstanding - basic
|
24,775 | 23,641 | 1,134 | 4.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
|
# weighted avg shares - Legally outstanding - fully diluted
|
26,439 | 24,954 | 1,485 | 5.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
|
EPS - GAAP reported (basic and fully diluted)
|
$ | (2.37) | $ | (2.34) | (0.03) | 1.4 | % | ||||||||||||||||
|
Adjusted EPS - basic
|
$ | 1.48 | $ | 1.17 | 0.31 | 26.4 | % | ||||||||||||||||
|
Adjusted EPS - fully diluted
|
$ | 1.39 | $ | 1.11 | 0.27 | 24.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||
|
Dividend paid - per share
|
$ | 0.344 | $ | 0.702 | (0.358) | (51.0) | % | ||||||||||||||||
|
Adjusted Free Cash Flow per share
|
$ | 1.49 | $ | 0.94 | $ | 0.55 | 58.5 | % | |||||||||||||||
For the purpose of giving investors a useful view on Earnings Per Share ("EPS"), the Group computed EPS not only on a GAAP Reported Profit basis, but also on an Adjusted Net Income basis. For the latter calculation the Group includes in the denominator the legally outstanding number of shares. This definition not only includes the common shares outstanding, but also (i) unvested portion of the pre-UK IPO Retained Shares, (ii) unvested shares that have been issued in relation to post-IPO acquisitions, and (iii) unvested Restricted Stock Awards. While those shares are still subject to vesting rules, and therefore not part of the Common Outstanding share count per GAAP definition, they entitle the recipients to dividends and voting rights.
Note that the growth in weighted of average number of shares for the year ended December 31, 2025 (4.8% basic, 5.9% fully diluted) was driven by annual LTIP issuance as well as M&A related issuances.
(Subsequent to period close, due to the Company's U.S. public offering in January 2026, the number of outstanding shares has increased by 3,400,000 shares.)
(Subsequent to period close, due to the Company's U.S. public offering in January 2026, the number of outstanding shares has increased by 3,400,000 shares.)
Public Policy Holding Company Inc. published this content on March 23, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via EDGAR on March 23, 2026 at 20:04 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]