Tag: PPHC

PPHC Announces Q1 2026 Financial Results

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Strong Revenue Growth Demonstrating Success of Company Strategy

  • Revenue growth of 27.5% with organic revenue growth of 5.1% compared to Q1 2025
  • Completed significant talent additions, and announced an acquisition which closed in Q2 2026
  • PPHC added to Russell 2000® and Russell 3000® Indices as of March 23, 2026
  • Net Debt reduced to $1.8 million following U.S. IPO

Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, Adjusted EBITDA Incl. M&A expense, Adjusted net income, Adjusted EPS, fully diluted, Organic Revenue Growth and Adjusted Free Cash Flow, are non-GAAP financial measures, as defined and reconciled to the nearest related GAAP measure below.

Stewart Hall, CEO of PPHC, commented:

“PPHC delivered its strongest quarter to date for both revenue and Adjusted EBITDA, reflecting continued organic growth and the accelerating contribution from recent acquisitions. Our strategy remains focused on building a differentiated group of companies with complementary capabilities, expanded geographic reach, and strong intercompany synergies, while maintaining the financial flexibility to pursue additional M&A and strategic hires.

The U.S. listing has further increased PPHC’s visibility and strengthened our pipeline of opportunities, both for acquisitions and senior talent. In a complex political, regulatory, and reputational environment, clients are increasingly seeking integrated counsel across multiple spheres of influence, and we believe PPHC is uniquely positioned to meet that need. I want to thank our people across the Group for their continued commitment to our clients and to the long-term growth of PPHC.”

Roel Smits, CFO of PPHC, Commentary and Financial Guidance:

“With the completion of our January capital raise and U.S. IPO, PPHC has entered 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 in Q4 and now also Q1 has set us up well for a successful 2026.

In general, PPHC expects to continue growing revenue at an average organic rate of approximately 5%, and that this will be supplemented by acquisitions. For 2026, we anticipate reported revenue in the range between $205 million and $209 million. While we continue to target Adjusted EBITDA at a margin around 25%, based on our current business mix and ambitions, in 2026 we will experience the impact from assuming U.S. public company costs and certain technology investments and therefore we anticipate Adjusted EBITDA in a range between $46 million and $48 million, reflecting an adjusted margin between 22% and 23%. The guidance above excludes the impact of any future acquisitions.

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, with each of these factors impacting our organic growth result.

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 with strategically and financially attractive opportunities while adding complementary specializations.”

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 5.1% growth in revenue for Q1 2026 year-on-year which represents a step-up from the 4.7% growth in Q1 2025, attributable to increases across our three segments.
    • Announced the acquisition of WPI Strategy and made other significant hires across the group, expanding group-wide capabilities in Corporate Communications and providing cross-referral revenue opportunities.
    • Revenue remained diversified with the top 10 Group clients representing 8.0% of revenue in Q1 2026 versus 9.0% in Q1 2025; and revenue mix by segment was further diversified with the Corporate Communications & Public Affairs segment, our second largest reporting segment, growing to represent 36.5% of total revenue in Q1 2026 (Q1 2025: 25.5%).
    • The Group ended Q1 2026 with a client base of approximately 1,500, with representations of approximately a quarter of the Fortune 100 in addition to many more via trade associations, underlining that our retention rates remain high.

First Quarter 2026 Segment Results

  • Government Relations Consulting grew at 8.4% for Q1 2026, as compared to Q1 2025 as a consequence of continued organic growth of 5.2% in tandem with the acquisition of Pine Cove Strategies, LLC (“Pine Cove”) (2025 Q3). The margin of Segment Adjusted pre-bonus EBITDA remained relatively stable at 45.5%, reflecting the stable pricing of retainer contracts both at U.S. Federal and State level.
  • Corporate Communications & Public Affairs Consulting increased by 82.7% for Q1 2026, as compared to Q1 2025 as a consequence of continued strong organic growth of 3.3%, in tandem with the acquisition of TrailRunner International, LLC (“TrailRunner”) (2025 Q2). The margin of Segment Adjusted pre-bonus EBITDA increased significantly from 22.4% in Q1 2025 to 26.2% in Q1 2026, reflecting the operating leverage effects of realizing higher revenues, although still operating at margins that are lower than the Group’s average.
  • Compliance and Insights Services continued its strong growth at 10.8% for Q1 2026, as compared to Q1 2025 (reported and organic) as a result of high renewal rates, price increases, and new client wins, all together reflective of a unique and high value-added offering. The margin of Segment Adjusted pre-bonus EBITDA further improved to 50.2%, reflecting the strong pricing of subscription contracts in this area, in combination with the increased use of technology in servicing our clients.

The full press release is available on PPHC’s Investor Site.

PPHC Grows Top 20 Presence in Q1 2025 LDA Rankings with Continued Growth in Federal Lobbying Revenue

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WASHINGTON — Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) revenues for Q1 2025 were released this week, and Public Policy Holding Company (PPHC) is pleased to report continued momentum across its federal lobbying practices.

All three of PPHC’s core federal lobbying firms—Forbes Tate Partners, Crossroads Strategies, and Alpine Group—have once again maintained their rankings among the top 20 lobbying firms in Washington, underscoring the Group’s consistency and client trust.

Additionally, O’Neill and Associates in Boston, MA, which primarily focuses on state-based lobbying but does federal work as well, contributed to strong performance this quarter. Combined, PPHC’s firms reported $18.7 million in LDA revenue for Q1 2025, representing a 5.73% increase over Q4 2024 disclosures.

This follows a strong finish to 2024, when PPHC’s firms collectively disclosed $68.9 million in annual federal lobbying revenue.

PPHC Appoints John Green as Chief Client Officer

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Public Policy Holding Company, Inc., the leading government relations and public affairs group providing a comprehensive range of advisory services, is pleased to announce the appointment of John Green as Chief Client Officer. This pivotal role underscores PPHC’s commitment to maximising cross-firm collaboration and delivering unparalleled outcomes for its clients.

Having completed four significant acquisitions since its IPO, and now with ten operating companies and over 1,200 clients based globally, John’s appointment will accelerate the Group’s  cross-referral program, fostering deeper integration and synergy and enhancing organic revenue growth.  With a focus on business development and execution, John will work to unlock new opportunities by leveraging the unique capabilities of each firm, ensuring clients benefit from the full breadth of PPHC’s expertise.

John brings over two decades of experience as a trusted advocate in the federal policy space. In addition to his new role, he will continue to serve as Chairman of Crossroads Strategies, one of PPHC’s premier federal affairs firms. Before joining Crossroads, John co-founded Federalist Group, LLC, which was later acquired by Ogilvy Public Relations and became one of the top five government relations firms in Washington, D.C. His track record reflects a deep understanding of the industry and a proven ability to drive growth and client success.

This announcement reflects PPHC’s forward-looking strategy to integrate expertise across its firms, creating value for clients and shareholders alike. The Company’s focus on collaboration and innovation continues to position it as the go-to partner for organisations navigating complex policy and reputational challenges.

Stewart Hall, CEO of PPHC, commented:

“John has an outstanding reputation and will deploy his abilities to connect the dots between our firms and create bespoke teams tailored to client needs. His deep understanding of our business portfolio and connectivity with the CEOs of our operating companies makes him the ideal person to lead this initiative. With ten companies under the Group’s umbrella and a strong M&A pipeline, this appointment signals our commitment to further harnessing our collective strengths and driving organic growth across the Group.”

John Green, CCO of PPHC, commented:

“I’m honored to take on this role and work closely with our talented teams across the Group. By fostering collaboration and innovation, we have an incredible opportunity to not only enhance client outcomes but also further solidify PPHC’s position as the leader in public affairs and government relations.”

PRWeek: Three agencies on PRWeek UK’s radar this week

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PRWeek spotlights agencies with a story to tell from the past seven days that we think are worth keeping an eye on.

Pagefield

Pagefield feels like an agency to watch these days. Fresh from its acquisition this summer by PPHC, the US government relations and public affairs holding company, the London firm last week announced a trio of senior appointments.

Read the full story from PRWeek.

PPHC Acquires Leading London Firm Pagefield to Anchor UK & European Network 

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Industry-leading government relations and public affairs group adds first international presence with acquisition of UK consultancy  

Washington, DC and London, UK – PPHC, the government relations and public affairs holding company, has acquired Pagefield Communications Limited (“Pagefield”), a UK-based strategic communications firm headquartered in London, for an initial consideration of £16.2m, establishing a foothold outside the US for the first time.  

PPHC has been targeting acquisitions within the key political capitals of London and Brussels, as well as into further key US state capitals, to broaden its geographical presence. The Group’s healthy M&A pipeline is reflected by the pace of dealmaking, as the Pagefield deal follows the acquisition of Lucas Public Affairs (“LPA”) based in Sacramento, CA on 1 May 2024. Today’s announcement is PPHC’s fourth significant acquisition since IPO in December 2021 on the London Stock Exchange’s AIM, and Pagefield becomes the 10th complementary brand to sit under the Group’s growing umbrella. 

The addition of Pagefield marks a significant step towards PPHC’s stated goal of being the world’s premier provider of government relations and integrated communications services for corporate interests and NGOs, and further solidifies its position as an industry leader. Founded in 2010, Pagefield has earned widespread recognition for its excellence and impact in helping clients navigate the UK’s complex legislative and regulatory environment and is known for high-level reputation, issues management and strategic communications campaigns. Comprising an entirely cross-party team of 36 full-time employees, the firm has deep familiarity with the UK’s political, business and media landscapes.   

As with each of PPHC’s specialist firms, Pagefield will operate independently as a wholly owned subsidiary, maintaining its distinct brand identity and management team. The acquisition sets the stage for significant synergies between the Group’s network of more than 1,200 clients and 350+ policy and communications experts. Going forward, Pagefield will serve as a critical anchor for PPHC’s further expansion into Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).  

“The consequential nature of UK – and US – public policy at this very moment demonstrates why having leading strategists working in collaboration is so important to clients across the globe. This is a major milestone for PPHC and it is only possible because the shared strategic goals between Pagefield and PPHC were clear from the very start,” said Stewart Hall, PPHC CEO. “The addition of Pagefield’s experienced team will help us ensure our clients’ needs are met in an increasingly complex public policy and regulatory environment. The myriad of risks and opportunities faced by corporate and NGO leaders are no longer determined by borders or time zones. PPHC is uniquely positioned to advance our clients’ interests at a particularly determinative time in our political and cultural history.”    

“We seek partners, not just acquisitions. And after an extensive, multi-year search for a consultancy which is capable to serve our clients and help fuel our growth internationally, to find Pagefield at an inflection point themselves was true serendipity,” added Thomas Gensemer, PPHC Chief Strategy Officer, who also leads the Group’s international expansion. “Our goal is to be the premier provider of government relations and integrated communications around the world and we remain on the lookout for high quality consultancy partners in the UK, internationally and in additional states across the US. Our pipeline of acquisition opportunities under development remains extremely healthy as we solidify our positions.” 

Oliver Foster, CEO of Pagefield, commented: 

“We are delighted to be joining the PPHC family whilst maintaining the Pagefield brand, ethos and values. This next phase in our growth will open up a huge well of professional – and international – expertise to our clients. We already advise and represent a number of international clients in the UK, and PPHC works with a number of UK clients in the US. Therefore, the long-term client benefits were crystal clear from the moment we began our discussions and the opportunities for professional collaboration to add further value to current, new and shared clients is incredibly exciting.”  

Mark Gallagher, Co-Founder of Pagefield, added: 

“I am thrilled that we have found a terrific new home for Pagefield and our exceptional team – a prerequisite for the future of a company we founded some fourteen years ago. Today we are laying the foundation stone of what I have no doubt will be a transatlantic PR powerhouse. As founders of the business, Sara Price and I are also delighted to maintain our involvement in Pagefield and to have a stake in the future success of PPHC as a whole.” 

In addition to the 1 May acquisition of LPA, the Pagefield deal follows the 1 March 2023 acquisition of MultiState Associates, the Washington, DC firm which specialises in state-based government relations across the US and Canadian provinces and territories and the November 2023 launch of Concordant, a new corporate communications advisory, based in Chicago.   

PPHC’s other brands include Alpine Group Partners, Crossroads Strategies, Forbes Tate Partners, KP Public Affairs, O’Neill & Associates and Seven Letter. 

PPHC is listed on the Alternative Investment Market (“AIM”) of the London Stock Exchange (Ticker: PPHC) 

PPHC Hosts Breakfast Celebrating Black History Month

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WASHINGTON – Last Thursday, Public Policy Holding Company hosted a Black History Month breakfast reception at the Hart Senate Office Building. The reception featured Senators Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) who spoke to the crowd of nearly 200 about the importance of elevating black voices in Congress. Alpine Group Principal and PPHC Board Member, Keenan Austin-Reed (pictured above with the three guests of honor) kicked off the morning’s events.

Other notable attendees included Maya Wiley (President & CEO at the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights), Dr. Kimberly McClain (Assistant Secretary for Congressional & Intergovernmental Relations, U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development), and Shaniqua McClendon (Vice President of Political Strategy, Crooked Media).

Check out Playbook PM’s recap of the event here.