Ipsos boasts ‘resilience' in face of downturn

FRANCE-- Ipsos has said it improved its operating margin in 2008 despite increasing economic difficulties, and expects to increase it further this year.

Full earnings figures for 2008 will be published next month but the firm revealed yesterday that total revenue was €979.3m, up 5.6% on 2007, or 7.8% on an organic basis. Its most recent operating margin figures are 9.8% for 2007 and 9% for the first half of 2008.

Ipsos said that although there was great economic uncertainty ahead, it has “never been as crucial” for companies to have good market information.

It said the research market will show “resilience” in 2009 and that “Ipsos believes it is in a position to pursue further growth, albeit at a less brisk pace than in previous years”.

The statement went on: “The current crisis naturally marks the onset of some profound changes. Policies focused on innovation, client relationships, brand management, human resources management and, to an even greater extent, relationships between consumers/citizens and businesses and institutions are set to be transformed. For research companies, and for Ipsos in particular, this represents a tremendous opportunity to strengthen their ties with their clients and to develop new services that will help businesses and institutions to design and manage their future as effectively as possible.”

The firm said growth was steady in Western Europe, but revenue was down 1.5% in North America, where it has seen particularly tough conditions amid the economic downturn.

It also reported a slowdown towards the end of the year in customer satisfaction and advertising research.

Author: Robert Bain

Related links:

Ipsos reports steady revenue growth across all sectors

North America lagging behind for Ipsos

Economic woes hit US growth for Ipsos