London-based Hunstworth reported first half revenues rose four percent to £86.6 million as its health, consumer and financial PR operations offset ongoing US restructuring and struggles in the Middle East and Africa.
On a like-for-like basis, overall revenue was up only 0.3% for the period. Huntsworth Health rose 11.4%, while Citigate Dewe Rogerson was up 4.4%. Grayling fell 14.7%.
Operating loss was £7.9M, down from a loss of £44.8M a year earlier.
CEO Paul Taaffe said a 20% profit increase in the first half came from increased growth at its Huntsworth Health, Red, and Citigate Dewe Rogerson operations. The health unit was especially strong in the US and offset a restructuring underway at Grayling in the US as well as any fallout from Brexit.
The Grayling revamp, which includes divesting its US state lobbying business, reducing overhead and focusing PR on longer-term and bigger client mandates, is expected to show an "upside" in 2017, Taaffe added. The overhaul included a charge of £15 for the first half.
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