Public Policy Holding Company, Inc. Announces Q3 2026 Financial Results
Higher revenue and lower net debt accompanied declining adjusted earnings per share following the January 2026 U.S. IPO.
Sentiment and the balance of points
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Rhea-AI Summary
Public Policy Holding Company (PPHC) reported third-quarter revenue of $55.2 million, up year over year, and reaffirmed its full-year outlook. Revenue rose 13.2%, including 5.1% organic growth. GAAP net income was $0.2 million versus a $7.4 million loss, helped by a $9.8 million non-cash acquisition gain. Adjusted earnings per diluted share fell to $0.33 from $0.36.
Nine-month revenue rose 15.2% to $157.5 million, while the GAAP loss narrowed to $15.0 million from $23.8 million. Net debt was $21.4 million at September 30, versus $38.5 million a year earlier. PPHC completed Tancredi and The Advocacy Partners acquisitions during the quarter, followed by Reevemark on November 1. The company maintained 2026 guidance of $213 million–$216 million revenue, $48.5 million–$50.5 million adjusted EBITDA, a measure of operating earnings excluding certain costs, and approximately 5% organic growth.
How this balance works
Rhea-AI gives every point it takes from this document a weight. Minor counts 1, Moderate 3 and Major 9, so one Major point outweighs several Minor ones. The bar adds up the weights on each side, and when neither side holds more than 65% of the total the balance reads Mixed.
It reads the document as published, with the same rules for every company, and it does not look at what the market expected or at how the stock traded, so a point can be objectively good on a day the stock falls.
Rhea-AI Sentiment measures something else, the tone of the wording.
Hollow bars mark forward-looking points. How the balance works
Positive
- Moderate pointQ3 revenue increased 13.2% year over year to $55.2 million.
- Moderate pointQ3 GAAP net income reached $0.2 million, versus a $7.4 million loss, including a $9.8 million non-cash acquisition gain.
- Moderate pointQ3 adjusted EBITDA increased 11.1% year over year to $12.8 million.
- Moderate pointQ3 adjusted net income rose 8.7% year over year to $10.7 million.
- Moderate pointSeptember 30 net debt fell to $21.4 million from $38.5 million a year earlier.
- Moderate pointBank of America credit facilities were expanded, as announced November 2, 2026.
20 minor points
- Minor pointQ3 organic revenue growth reached 5.1% year over year.
- Minor pointQ3 GAAP loss per share narrowed to $0.01 from $0.45 a year earlier.
- Minor pointNine-month revenue increased 15.2% year over year to $157.5 million.
- Minor pointNine-month organic revenue growth was 4.7% year over year.
- Minor pointNine-month GAAP loss narrowed to $15.0 million from $23.8 million a year earlier.
- Minor pointNine-month adjusted EBITDA rose 9.9% year over year to $36.2 million.
- Minor pointNine-month adjusted net income increased 12.8% year over year to $28.6 million.
- Minor pointNine-month GAAP loss per share narrowed to $0.68 from $1.51 a year earlier.
- Minor point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.PPHC reaffirmed 2026 revenue guidance of $213 million–$216 million and approximately 5% organic growth.
- Minor point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.PPHC reaffirmed 2026 adjusted EBITDA guidance of $48.5 million–$50.5 million, with a 22.5%–23.5% margin.
- Minor pointTancredi acquisition completed July 1, 2026, expanding communications operations in London and Milan.
- Minor pointThe Advocacy Partners acquisition completed August 1, 2026, establishing government-relations capabilities in Florida.
- Minor pointReevemark acquisition completed November 1, 2026, adding corporate, financial, litigation and crisis communications capabilities.
- Minor pointTop-10 client revenue concentration declined to 7.7% in nine-month 2026 from 9.2% a year earlier.
- Minor pointGovernment Relations nine-month revenue grew 12.0% year over year, including 6.7% organic growth.
- Minor pointGovernment Relations adjusted earnings margin before bonuses rose 3.0 percentage points to 47.2% in nine-month 2026.
- Minor pointCorporate Communications & Public Affairs nine-month revenue increased 21.1% year over year, driven by acquisitions.
- Minor pointCompliance and Insights nine-month revenue grew 14.0% year over year, both reported and organically.
- Minor pointNet interest expense declined to $0.7 million in Q3 and $1.9 million over nine months.
- Minor pointTax expense declined to $0.5 million in Q3 and $3.6 million over nine months.
Negative
- Moderate pointQ3 adjusted diluted earnings per share fell to $0.33 from $0.36, reflecting the post-IPO higher share count.
- Moderate pointPost-acquisition compensation charges increased to $6.7 million in Q3 and $13.7 million over nine months. 4% of market cap
- Moderate pointShare-based accounting charges totaled $7.2 million in Q3 and $21.9 million over nine months. 6.4% of market cap
- Moderate pointAcquisition-related contingent-payment valuation charges totaled $1.7 million in Q3 and $8.8 million over nine months. 2.6% of market cap
- Minor pointNine-month adjusted diluted earnings per share fell to $0.92 from $0.97, reflecting the post-IPO higher share count.
11 minor points
- Minor pointAdjusted basic earnings per share fell to $0.35 from $0.39 in Q3 and $0.98 from $1.03 over nine months.
- Minor pointQ3 adjusted EBITDA margin declined 0.4 percentage points to 23.2% year over year.
- Minor pointNine-month adjusted EBITDA margin declined 1.1 percentage points to 23.0% year over year.
- Minor pointAdjusted net income margins fell to 19.3% in Q3 and 18.2% over nine months, versus 20.1% and 18.5%.
- Minor pointDebt outstanding was $39.8 million at September 30, 2026, offset by $18.4 million cash.
- Minor pointCorporate Communications & Public Affairs nine-month organic revenue declined 0.9% year over year.
- Minor pointCorporate Communications & Public Affairs adjusted earnings margin before bonuses fell 2.5 percentage points to 25.1% over nine months.
- Minor pointCompliance and Insights adjusted earnings margin before bonuses declined year over year to 48.9%, primarily reflecting cost allocation.
- Minor pointAcquisition expenses increased to $0.9 million in Q3 and $2.0 million over nine months.
- Minor pointLong-term incentive charges increased to $2.8 million in Q3 and $4.8 million over nine months.
- Minor pointIntangible-asset amortization increased to $1.9 million in Q3 and $5.0 million over nine months.
News Explained
Nine-month total growth exceeded organic growth; positive net income still produced a GAAP loss per share under the disclosed two-class method.
PPHC reaffirmed its 2026 guidance with only Reevemark’s limited two-month contribution included; the outlook excludes the impact of future acquisitions, so future deals are not reflected in the stated guidance.
Nine-month total revenue growth was
Key Figures
- Q3 revenue
- $55.2 million (+13.2% YoY)
- Three months ended September 30, 2026
- Q3 organic revenue growth
- 5.1%
- Compared with Q3 2025
- Q3 Adjusted EBITDA
- $12.8 million (+11.1% YoY)
- Three months ended September 30, 2026
- Nine-month revenue
- $157.5 million (+15.2% YoY)
- Nine months ended September 30, 2026
- Nine-month Adjusted EBITDA
- $36.2 million (+9.9% YoY)
- Nine months ended September 30, 2026
- 2026 revenue guidance
- $213 million to $216 million
- Full-year guidance reaffirmed
- 2026 Adjusted EBITDA guidance
- $48.5 million to $50.5 million
- Full-year guidance reaffirmed
- Net debt
- $21.4 million
- At September 30, 2026, compared with $38.5 million a year earlier
Previous Earnings Reports
-
Q2 revenue rose, Adjusted EBITDA declined, and full-year guidance was raised.
24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.
Key Terms
non-gaap financial measures financial
contingent consideration financial
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
Continued Organic Growth and Expansion Through M&A; 2026 Guidance Reaffirmed
- Nine-Month 2026 YoY revenue growth of
15.2% with organic revenue growth of4.7% - Completed two acquisitions during the quarter, with one more acquisition concluding post-period
- Net Debt as of September 30, 2026 of
$21.4 million ; post-period announced expansion of credit facility - Full Year 2026 guidance reaffirmed
WASHINGTON, DC, Nov. 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 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 quarter ended September 30, 2026 ("Q3 2026") and for the nine months ended September 30, 2026 ("9M 2026").
Q3 2026 Financial Highlights
- Revenue increased
13.2% over Q3 2025 to$55.2 million - Organic revenue growth of
5.1% over Q3 2025 - GAAP net income of
$0.2 million , an improvement compared to the net loss of$7.4 million in Q3 2025, resulting from a$9.8 million non-cash bargain purchase gain on this quarter's acquisitions - Adjusted EBITDA of
$12.8 million , up11.1% over Q3 2025, achieved at a23.2% margin, reflecting incremental public company costs incurred following January 2026 U.S. IPO, and, to a lesser extent, a shift in business mix - Adjusted Net Income of
$10.7 million , up8.7% over Q3 2025 - GAAP basic and diluted loss per share of
$0.01 , an improvement as compared to a loss of$0.45 per share in Q3 2025. GAAP net income is resulting in a GAAP net loss per share as a result of application of the two-class method, whereby the dividend declared on non-vested shares exceeded net income. - Adjusted EPS, fully diluted of
$0.33 compared to$0.36 in Q3 2025, reflecting the higher share count following January 2026 U.S. IPO
9M 2026 Financial Highlights
- Revenue increased
15.2% over 9M 2025 to$157.5 million - Organic Revenue growth of
4.7% over 9M 2025 - GAAP Net Loss of
$15.0 million compared to$23.8 million in 9M 2025 - Adjusted EBITDA of
$36.2 million , up9.9% over 9M 2025, achieved at a23.0% margin - Adjusted Net Income of
$28.6 million , up12.8% over 9M 2025 - GAAP Basic and diluted loss per share of
$0.68 an improvement as compared to a loss of$1.51 per share in 9M 2025 - Adjusted EPS, fully diluted of
$0.92 compared to$0.97 in 9M 2025, reflecting the higher share count following the January 2026 U.S. IPO - Debt position of
$39.8 million offset by cash of$18.4 million , resulted in a Net Debt position of$21.4 million compared to$38.5 million on September 30, 2025, due to proceeds of 2026 U.S. IPO and continued repayment of debt balances.
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 another strong quarter, with revenue increasing
"The performance reflects the benefits of our diversified platform, with particularly strong results in Government Relations, alongside continued execution of our growth strategy. During the quarter, we expanded our capabilities and geographic reach through the acquisitions of Tancredi and The Advocacy Partners, and we continued that strategic expansion following the period end with the acquisition of Reevemark.
"With a broad and diversified client base, lower year-on-year net debt and additional financial capacity, we remain focused on delivering consistent organic growth while selectively pursuing opportunities to strengthen the platform and create long-term value for shareholders."
Roel Smits, CFO of PPHC, Commentary and Financial Guidance:
"PPHC's nine-month performance reflects continued revenue growth, Adjusted EBITDA growth with margins stabilized and aligned with our prior guidance. We continue to manage the business back towards our
Reaffirms Financial Outlook
For full year 2026, PPHC is maintaining its guidance:
- Revenue in the range of
$213 million to$216 million - Adjusted EBITDA in the range of
$48.5 million to$50.5 million , reflecting an adjusted margin between22.5% and23.5% - Organic Revenue Growth of approximately
5%
This guidance includes the limited 2 months' contribution from the Reevemark acquisition (completed November 1, 2026) and continues to exclude the impact of any future acquisitions. The Company does not provide a reconciliation of forward-looking non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures because the reconciling items, including acquisition-related charges, share-based accounting charges and changes in the fair value of contingent consideration, cannot be reasonably predicted without unreasonable effort.
Operational Highlights
PPHC continued to execute its growth strategy through complementary acquisitions, senior hires and the development of new capabilities across the Group:
- Completed the acquisition of Tancredi on July 1, 2026, adding financial, corporate and litigation communications expertise as the first member of TrailRunner Group, the Group’s corporate and financial communications platform, and expanding international operations in London and Milan.
- Completed the acquisition of The Advocacy Partners on August 1, 2026, establishing PPHC’s government-relations capabilities in Florida and strengthening its state-level presence across key U.S. markets.
- Following the period end, completed the acquisition of Reevemark on November 1, 2026, adding specialist corporate, financial, litigation and crisis communications capabilities as the second member of the TrailRunner group.
- Strengthened senior talent with significant new hires in Government Relations, Corporate Communications, and Public Affairs.
- FTP and Seven Letter were named to PRNEWS’ Agency Elite Top 120, while professionals across the Group received individual recognition from Washingtonian, PRWeek and PRNEWS.
- Revenue diversification further enhanced with the top 10 Group clients representing
7.7% of revenue in 9M 2026 (9M 2025:9.2% ). Revenue mix by segment also diversified further, with the Corporate Communications & Public Affairs segment, the Group's second-largest reporting segment, growing to represent35.5% of total revenue in 9M 2026 (9M 2025:33.8% ). - PPHC's client base has grown to approximately 1,700 clients served in the last twelve months, including representations of approximately half of the Fortune 100 and many more via trade associations, reflecting continued high retention and new-business generation.
- The Group ended 9M 2026 with 484 employees (9M 2025: 451).
2026 Segment Results
- Government Relations Consulting revenue grew at
12.0% for 9M 2026, as compared to 9M 2025, as a consequence of continued organic growth of6.7% in tandem with the acquisitions of Pine Cove Strategies, LLC ("Pine Cove") (completed July 11, 2025), WPI (completed April 1, 2026), and TAP (completed August 1, 2026). The margin of Segment Adjusted pre-bonus EBITDA increased by 3.0 percentage points to47.2% , reflecting the consistent pricing of retainer contracts both at U.S. Federal and State level. - Corporate Communications & Public Affairs Consulting revenue increased by
21.1% for 9M 2026, as compared to 9M 2025, driven by the impact of the acquisitions of TrailRunner International, LLC ("TrailRunner") (completed April 1, 2025), WPI (completed April 1, 2026), and Tancredi (completed July 1, 2026), while partially offset by a0.9% organic revenue decline. The margin of Segment Adjusted pre-bonus EBITDA decreased by 2.5pts to25.1% in 9M 2026, reflecting the inclusion of acquired revenues, representing operating margins that are lower than the Group's average, and reduced project volumes. - Compliance and Insights Services continued its strong topline growth at
14.0% for 9M 2026, as compared to 9M 2025 (reported and organic) as a result of high renewal rates, price increases, and new client wins, reflective of a unique and high value-added offering. The margin of Segment Adjusted pre-bonus EBITDA was high at48.9% , with the decline versus prior-year period primarily reflecting the Company's cost allocation structure for this segment rather than a change in its underlying profitability. The margin continues to benefit from strong pricing on subscription-based contracts and the increased use of technology in servicing clients.
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, November 9, 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/pkaeo8z7/
Dial-in: https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI779e286feb6c462e9f64ebe001de757a
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.
This announcement contains inside information under the UK Market Abuse Regulation. The person responsible for arranging for the release of this announcement on behalf of the Company is Roel Smits, CFO.
About PPHC
Incorporated in 2014, PPHC is a global strategic communications platform that supports clients in enhancing and defending their reputations, advancing policy objectives, managing regulatory risk, and engaging with federal and state-level policymakers, stakeholders, media, and the public.
Engaged by approximately 1,700 clients over the last twelve months, including companies, trade associations and non-governmental organizations, PPHC is active in all major sectors of the economy, including healthcare and pharmaceuticals, financial services, energy, technology, telecoms and transportation.
With operations across the United States and internationally, PPHC's services include government relations, public affairs and corporate communications, research and analytics, digital advocacy campaigning, and compliance support. The Company's shares are admitted to trading on the Nasdaq Global Market and on AIM, a market operated by the London Stock Exchange, under the ticker symbol "PPHC".
For more information, visit www.pphcompany.com.
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
Adjusted Profit & Loss Statement
| (Amounts in millions, except per share data) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | $ Change | % Change | 2026 | 2025 | $ Change | % Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | 55.2 | $ | 48.8 | $ | 6.4 | 13.2 | % | $ | 157.5 | $ | 136.7 | $ | 20.8 | 15.2 | % | |||||||||||||
| GAAP Net income (loss) | 0.2 | (7.4 | ) | 7.7 | 103.2 | % | (15.0 | ) | (23.8 | ) | 8.8 | 37.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | 12.8 | 11.5 | 1.3 | 11.1 | % | 36.2 | 33.0 | 3.3 | 9.9 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA margin | 23.2 | % | 23.6 | % | (0.4) pts | 23.0 | % | 24.1 | % | (1.1) pts | |||||||||||||||||||
| M&A expense | (0.9 | ) | (0.1 | ) | (0.8 | ) | (611.6 | )% | (2.0 | ) | (0.4 | ) | (1.6 | ) | (387.0 | )% | |||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA incl M&A expense | 11.9 | 11.4 | 0.5 | 4.2 | % | 34.2 | 32.5 | 1.7 | 5.2 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation | (0.1 | ) | (0.1 | ) | (0.0 | ) | (5.3 | )% | (0.2 | ) | (0.1 | ) | (0.0 | ) | (5.3 | )% | |||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBIT | 11.8 | 11.3 | 0.5 | 4.2 | % | 34.1 | 32.4 | 1.7 | 5.2 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net interest | (0.7 | ) | (1.0 | ) | 0.3 | 28.3 | % | (1.9 | ) | (2.4 | ) | 0.4 | 18.7 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBT | 11.1 | 10.4 | 0.7 | 7.2 | % | 32.1 | 30.0 | 2.1 | 7.1 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Taxes | (0.5 | ) | (0.6 | ) | 0.1 | 19.5 | % | (3.6 | ) | (4.7 | ) | 1.1 | 23.8 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Effective tax rate | 4.2 | % | 5.5 | % | (1.4) pts | 11.1 | % | 15.5 | % | (4.5) pts | |||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted Net Income | $ | 10.7 | $ | 9.8 | $ | 0.9 | 8.7 | % | $ | 28.6 | $ | 25.3 | $ | 3.2 | 12.8 | % | |||||||||||||
| Adjusted Net Income margin | 19.3 | % | 20.1 | % | (0.8) pts | 18.2 | % | 18.5 | % | (0.4) pts | |||||||||||||||||||
| GAAP basic and diluted earnings per share | $ | (0.01 | ) | $ | (0.45 | ) | $ | 0.44 | 97.0 | % | $ | (0.68 | ) | $ | (1.51 | ) | $ | 0.83 | 55.2 | % | |||||||||
| Adjusted EPS ($) (basic) | $ | 0.35 | $ | 0.39 | $ | (0.04 | ) | (10.4 | )% | $ | 0.98 | $ | 1.03 | $ | (0.05 | ) | (5.1 | )% | |||||||||||
| Adjusted EPS ($) (fully diluted) | $ | 0.33 | $ | 0.36 | $ | (0.03 | ) | (9.4 | )% | $ | 0.92 | $ | 0.97 | $ | (0.04 | ) | (4.5 | )% | |||||||||||
Bridge from Adjusted to Reported Results
| (Amounts in millions, except percentages) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | $ Change | % Change | 2026 | 2025 | $ Change | % Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted Net Income | $ | 10.7 | $ | 9.8 | $ | 0.9 | 8.7 | % | $ | 28.6 | $ | 25.3 | $ | 3.2 | 12.8 | % | |||||||||||||
| Share-based accounting charge | (7.2 | ) | (7.4 | ) | 0.2 | 2.1 | % | (21.9 | ) | (22.2 | ) | 0.3 | 1.6 | % | |||||||||||||||
| M&A: Post-combination compensation | (6.7 | ) | (4.0 | ) | (2.7 | ) | (69.0 | )% | (13.7 | ) | (12.7 | ) | (1.0 | ) | (7.8 | )% | |||||||||||||
| M&A: Gain on bargain purchase | 9.8 | — | 9.8 | — | 10.7 | — | 10.7 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| M&A: change in contingent consideration | (1.7 | ) | (2.3 | ) | 0.6 | 27.3 | % | (8.8 | ) | (4.9 | ) | (3.9 | ) | (78.8 | )% | ||||||||||||||
| Long Term Incentive Program charges | (2.8 | ) | (2.0 | ) | (0.8 | ) | (39.9 | )% | (4.8 | ) | (4.6 | ) | (0.2 | ) | (3.6 | )% | |||||||||||||
| Amortization intangibles | (1.9 | ) | (1.6 | ) | (0.2 | ) | (14.5 | )% | (5.0 | ) | (4.6 | ) | (0.4 | ) | (9.5 | )% | |||||||||||||
| Other income, net | 0.0 | — | 0.0 | — | 0.0 | (0.0 | ) | 0.0 | 3,228.4 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| GAAP net income (loss) | $ | 0.2 | $ | (7.4 | ) | $ | 7.7 | 103.2 | % | $ | (15.0 | ) | $ | (23.8 | ) | $ | 8.8 | 37.0 | % | ||||||||||
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 principally reflect non-cash accounting items, while certain M&A related charges relate to consideration paid in prior or current periods, or payable in future periods, nor do they reflect management’s view of the 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.
Revenue
| ($ in millions, except percentages) | |||||||||||||||||
| Three months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | ||||||||||||||||
| Revenue from acquisitions | Organic revenue | Total revenue | Total revenue | Organic Revenue Growth(1) | Total Growth | ||||||||||||
| Government Relations Consulting | $ | 2.4 | $ | 29.5 | $ | 31.9 | $ | 27.5 | 7.5 | % | 16.1 | % | |||||
| Corporate Communications & Public Affairs Consulting | 1.6 | 17.9 | 19.5 | 18.0 | (0.8 | )% | 8.1 | % | |||||||||
| Compliance and Insights Services | — | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.3 | 16.3 | % | 16.3 | % | |||||||||
| Total | $ | 4.0 | $ | 51.3 | $ | 55.2 | $ | 48.8 | 5.1 | % | 13.2 | % | |||||
| ($ in millions, except percentages) | |||||||||||||||||
| Nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | ||||||||||||||||
| Revenue from acquisitions | Organic revenue | Total revenue | Total revenue | Organic Revenue Growth(1) | Total Growth | ||||||||||||
| Government Relations Consulting | $ | 4.3 | $ | 86.4 | $ | 90.6 | $ | 80.9 | 6.7 | % | 12.0 | % | |||||
| Corporate Communications & Public Affairs Consulting | 10.2 | 45.8 | 55.9 | 46.2 | (0.9 | )% | 21.1 | % | |||||||||
| Compliance and Insights Services | — | 10.9 | 10.9 | 9.6 | 14.0 | % | 14.0 | % | |||||||||
| Total | $ | 14.4 | $ | 143.1 | $ | 157.5 | $ | 136.7 | 4.7 | % | 15.2 | % | |||||
(1) Refer to the Non-GAAP Financial Measures section below for the Company’s definition of Organic Revenue Growth.
| ($ in millions, except percentages) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | $ change | % change | 2026 | 2025 | $ change | % change | ||||||||||||||||
| United States | $ | 50.1 | $ | 46.3 | $ | 3.8 | 8.2 | % | $ | 145.6 | $ | 130.3 | $ | 15.3 | 11.7 | % | |||||||
| International | 5.1 | 2.4 | 2.6 | 106.6 | % | 11.8 | 6.3 | 5.5 | 86.5 | % | |||||||||||||
| Revenue by geographic market | $ | 55.2 | $ | 48.8 | $ | 6.4 | 13.2 | % | $ | 157.5 | $ | 136.7 | $ | 20.8 | 15.2 | % | |||||||
| Percent of Revenue by Segment | Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | change | 2026 | 2025 | change | ||||||||||
| Government Relations | 57.8 | % | 56.3 | % | 1.5 pts | 57.5 | % | 59.2 | % | (1.7) pts | |||||
| Corporate Communications and Public Affairs | 35.3 | % | 36.9 | % | (1.6) pts | 35.5 | % | 33.8 | % | 1.7 pts | |||||
| Compliance and Insights Services | 6.9 | % | 6.7 | % | 0.2 pts | 6.9 | % | 7.0 | % | (0.1) pts | |||||
| Percent of Revenue by geographic market | Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | change | 2026 | 2025 | change | ||||||||||
| United States | 90.8 | % | 95.0 | % | (4.1) pts | 92.5 | % | 95.4 | % | (2.9) pts | |||||
| International | 9.2 | % | 5.0 | % | 4.1 pts | 7.5 | % | 4.6 | % | 2.9 pts | |||||
Profit
Long-term Profit
| (dollars in millions) | |||||||||||||||||||
| FY | FY | FY | FY | 9M | 9M | ||||||||||||||
| 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2025 | 2026 | ||||||||||||||
| GAAP Net loss | $ | (15.0 | ) | $ | (14.2 | ) | $ | (24.0 | ) | $ | (39.0 | ) | $ | (23.8 | ) | $ | (15.0 | ) | |
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 31.5 | $ | 35.4 | $ | 38.6 | $ | 45.4 | $ | 33.0 | $ | 36.2 | |||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA margin | 29.0 | % | 26.2 | % | 25.8 | % | 24.3 | % | 24.1 | % | 23.0 | % | |||||||
| Adjusted net income | $ | 26.5 | $ | 27.7 | $ | 36.6 | $ | 25.3 | $ | 28.6 | |||||||||
| Adjusted net income margin | 19.6 | % | 18.5 | % | 19.6 | % | 18.5 | % | 18.2 | % | |||||||||
GAAP Net losses decreased from
The
Adjusted EBITDA for the nine months ended September 30, 2026 was
| Revenue and Profit by Segment | ($ in millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | % variance | 2026 | 2025 | % variance | |||||||||||||||||
| Government Relations | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | 31.9 | $ | 27.5 | 16.1 | % | $ | 90.6 | $ | 80.9 | 12.0 | % | ||||||||||
| Segment Adjusted pre-bonus EBITDA | $ | 15.4 | $ | 11.5 | 33.5 | % | $ | 42.8 | $ | 35.8 | 19.6 | % | ||||||||||
| Segment Adjusted pre-bonus EBITDA margin | 48.3 | % | 42.0 | % | 6.3 pts | 47.2 | % | 44.2 | % | 3.0 pts | ||||||||||||
| Corporate Communications and Public Affairs | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | 19.5 | $ | 18.0 | 8.1 | % | $ | 55.9 | $ | 46.2 | 21.1 | % | ||||||||||
| Segment Adjusted pre-bonus EBITDA | $ | 5.0 | $ | 5.5 | (9.4 | )% | $ | 14.0 | $ | 12.7 | 10.2 | % | ||||||||||
| Segment Adjusted pre-bonus EBITDA margin | 25.5 | % | 30.4 | % | (4.9) pts | 25.1 | % | 27.5 | % | (2.5) pts | ||||||||||||
| Compliance and Insights Services | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | 3.8 | $ | 3.3 | 16.3 | % | $ | 10.9 | $ | 9.6 | 14.0 | % | ||||||||||
| Segment Adjusted pre-bonus EBITDA | $ | 1.8 | $ | 1.8 | (0.8 | )% | $ | 5.3 | $ | 5.2 | 2.7 | % | ||||||||||
| Segment Adjusted pre-bonus EBITDA margin | 46.3 | % | 54.3 | % | (8.0) pts | 48.9 | % | 54.3 | % | (5.4) pts | ||||||||||||
| Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | 55.2 | $ | 48.8 | 13.2 | % | $ | 157.5 | $ | 136.7 | 15.2 | % | ||||||||||
| Segment Adjusted pre-bonus EBITDA | $ | 22.1 | $ | 18.8 | 17.7 | % | $ | 62.2 | $ | 53.7 | 15.8 | % | ||||||||||
| Segment Adjusted pre-bonus EBITDA margin | 40.1 | % | 38.5 | % | 1.6 pts | 39.5 | % | 39.3 | % | 0.2 pts | ||||||||||||
| Non-allocated Corporate costs | $ | (4.8 | ) | $ | (3.0 | ) | (59.3 | )% | $ | (13.4 | ) | $ | (9.6 | ) | (40.5 | )% | ||||||
| Non-allocated Corporate costs % of revenue | (8.6 | )% | (6.1 | )% | (2.5) pts | (8.5 | )% | (7.0 | )% | (1.5) pts | ||||||||||||
| Non-allocated Bonus | (4.6 | ) | (4.3 | ) | (6.7 | )% | (12.5 | ) | (11.2 | ) | (11.9 | )% | ||||||||||
| Non-allocated Bonus % of revenue | (8.3 | )% | (8.8 | )% | 0.5 pts | (7.9 | )% | (8.2 | )% | 0.2 pts | ||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 12.8 | $ | 11.5 | 11.1 | % | $ | 36.2 | $ | 33.0 | 9.9 | % | ||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA margin | 23.2 | % | 23.6 | % | (0.4) pts | 23.0 | % | 24.1 | % | (1.1) pts | ||||||||||||
| GAAP net income (loss) | $ | 0.2 | $ | (7.4 | ) | 103.2 | % | $ | (15.0 | ) | $ | (23.8 | ) | (37.0) % | ||||||||
For a reconciliation between Adjusted EBITDA and GAAP net loss, see the Adjusted Profit & Loss Statement and the Bridge from Adjusted to Reported Results.
Segment Adjusted pre-bonus EBITDA increased from
Non-allocated corporate costs went up from
Non-allocated bonus increased from
Other
The Group’s net finance costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2026 were
The income tax expense accrual for the three months ended September 30, 2026 was
The income tax expense accrual for the nine months ended September 30, 2026 was
After interest and taxes, the Group’s Adjusted Net Income for the three months ended September 30, 2026 amounted to
The Group ended Q3 2025 with 451 employees and on September 30, 2026, this had increased to 484, primarily as a result of the acquisitions of WPI, Tancredi, and TAP. The Group’s average employee count during the three months ended September 30, 2026 was 480 (2025: 451).
Cash Flow
PPHC's GAAP Cash Flow statement has certain acquisition-related payments included in the Cash provided by (used in) Operating Activities and in the Cash provided by Financing Activities, as a consequence of certain acquisition payments being made subject to continued employment.
The impact of acquisition-related payments on Cash provided by (used in) Operating Activities was especially pronounced in this year's nine months period. As a consequence, Cash provided by (used in) Operating Activities reduced from
Consequently, in addition to our GAAP statement of cash flows, we use a non‑GAAP liquidity measure, Adjusted Free Cash Flow, to evaluate our cash generation. Adjusted Free Cash Flow should be viewed as supplemental to, and not a substitute for, GAAP net cash provided by (used in) operating activities and total changes in cash and cash equivalents.
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 of the year.
The Group recorded Adjusted Free Cash Flow of
Conversion Cash flow from Operations to Adjusted Free Cash Flow and Summary of Cash Uses and Sources
| (Amount in millions, except percentages) | ||||||||||||||
| Nine months ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | $ Change | % Change | |||||||||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities - as reported | $ | (16.5 | ) | $ | 10.0 | $ | (26.5 | ) | (264.3 | )% | ||||
| Prepaid post-combination expense | 27.5 | 10.3 | 17.2 | 167.1 | % | |||||||||
| Change in other liability | 2.8 | 1.0 | 1.8 | 181.6 | % | |||||||||
| Change in contingent consideration | 1.4 | 0.0 | 1.4 | 51,139.4 | % | |||||||||
| Capex | (0.7 | ) | (0.2 | ) | (0.5 | ) | (224.8 | )% | ||||||
| Adjusted Free Cash Flow | 14.6 | 21.1 | (6.5 | ) | (31.0 | )% | ||||||||
| Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired | (9.2 | ) | (21.0 | ) | 11.8 | 56.0 | % | |||||||
| Acquisition Payments included in Cash flow from Operations | (31.8 | ) | (11.3 | ) | (20.5 | ) | (181.1 | )% | ||||||
| Acquisition Payments included in Cash flow from Financing | (0.3 | ) | (0.7 | ) | 0.4 | 57.9 | % | |||||||
| Cash Flow related to acquisitions | (41.3 | ) | (33.0 | ) | (8.3 | ) | (25.1 | )% | ||||||
| Proceeds from notes payable | — | 24.0 | (24.0 | ) | (100.0 | )% | ||||||||
| Payment of debt issuance costs | — | (0.1 | ) | 0.1 | 100.0 | % | ||||||||
| Loan issued to related parties | — | (0.5 | ) | 0.5 | 100.0 | % | ||||||||
| Proceeds received for notes receivable - related parties | 0.4 | — | 0.4 | — | ||||||||||
| Principal payment of note payable | (7.3 | ) | (6.5 | ) | (0.8 | ) | (12.8 | )% | ||||||
| Cash Flow related to debt financing | (6.9 | ) | 16.9 | (23.8 | ) | (140.6 | )% | |||||||
| Dividends paid | (7.0 | ) | (7.1 | ) | 0.1 | 1.0 | % | |||||||
| Payment of deferred equity offering costs | (4.2 | ) | (1.5 | ) | (2.7 | ) | (182.0 | )% | ||||||
| Proceeds from U.S. initial public offering, net of underwriting fees of | 42.9 | — | 42.9 | — | ||||||||||
| Cash Flow related to equity financing | 31.7 | (8.6 | ) | 40.3 | 469.0 | % | ||||||||
| Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | (0.1 | ) | 0.2 | (0.2 | ) | (134.3 | )% | |||||||
| Net Cash Movement | $ | (2.0 | ) | $ | (3.4 | ) | $ | 1.4 | 41.1 | % | ||||
Cash outflows related to acquisitions increased from
Adjusted Free Cash Flow is a non‑GAAP liquidity measure. It adjusts GAAP net cash provided by (used in) operating activities for acquisition‑related and capital expenditure cash flows as described above. These are cash outflows that occur in connection with our acquisition strategy and ongoing investment needs, and Adjusted Free Cash Flow should not be construed as representing additional cash available for use.
Net debt position
PPHC's debt position on September 30, 2026 of
| (Amounts in millions, except percentages) | |||||||||||||||
| September 30, | June 30, | December 31, | September 30, | ||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2026 | 2025 | 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents as of end of period | $ | 18.4 | $ | 36.9 | $ | 20.4 | $ | 11.1 | |||||||
| Notes payable, long-term, net | (30.5 | ) | (32.3 | ) | (37.9 | ) | (41.5 | ) | |||||||
| Notes payable, current portion, net | (9.3 | ) | (9.9 | ) | (9.1 | ) | (8.2 | ) | |||||||
| Total Debt | $ | (39.8 | ) | $ | (42.2 | ) | $ | (47.0 | ) | $ | (49.7 | ) | |||
| Net debt at period-end | $ | (21.4 | ) | $ | (5.2 | ) | $ | (26.6 | ) | $ | (38.5 | ) | |||
Earnout obligations
As part of the typical structure applied for the acquisitions completed post-London IPO, the Group committed to certain contingent earnout payments. These earnout payments are based on a profit-driven formula and 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
In nominal terms, over the period 2026 Q4 to 2031, based on expected performance of each of the acquired companies, management anticipates having to make earnout payments of
The maximum earnout liability over that same period, which would only be reached if each acquisition meets very aggressive profit growth targets, would be
Revisions to these expectations, relative to those reported in prior periods, are attributable to the execution of actual earnout payments, to the passage of time, as well as to modifications in the financial forecasts of the acquired companies.
Estimated Earnout Liabilities – in Nominal Terms(1)
| ($ in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Q4 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 | 2030 | 2031 | Total | ||||||||||||||
| Expected earnout payments in Cash | $ | 0.6 | $ | 5.0 | $ | 25.2 | $ | 3.5 | $ | 2.9 | $ | 6.7 | $ | 43.8 | ||||||
| Expected earnout payments in PPHC stock | — | 2.0 | 24.5 | 2.2 | 2.9 | 4.8 | 36.4 | |||||||||||||
| Expected earnout payments - total | $ | 0.6 | $ | 7.0 | $ | 49.7 | $ | 5.7 | $ | 5.7 | $ | 11.6 | $ | 80.2 | ||||||
| Maximum earnout payments in Cash | $ | 0.6 | $ | 15.7 | $ | 27.7 | $ | 19.3 | $ | 10.0 | $ | 38.4 | $ | 111.6 | ||||||
| Maximum earnout payments in PPHC stock | — | 7.2 | 26.2 | 11.8 | 10.0 | 27.7 | 82.9 | |||||||||||||
| Maximum earnout payments - total | $ | 0.6 | $ | 22.9 | $ | 53.9 | $ | 31.1 | $ | 20.0 | $ | 66.1 | $ | 194.5 | ||||||
(1) Earnout liabilities above reflect the position as of September 30, 2026 and therefore do not include the impact of the post-period acquisition of Reevemark.
Dividend
On September 10, 2026, the Company's Board of Directors declared an Interim Dividend for the financial year ending December 31, 2026 of
The Interim Dividend equated to an aggregate amount of approximately
The Interim Dividend is consistent with the Company's dividend policy of paying out up to
Information per Share
| Share count in thousands | ||||||||||||||
| Three months ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | Share count / $ Change | % Change | |||||||||||
| # weighted avg shares - GAAP - basic and fully diluted | 25,457 | 17,403 | 8,054 | 46.3 | % | |||||||||
| # weighted avg shares - Legally outstanding - basic | 30,326 | 24,999 | 5,326 | 21.3 | % | |||||||||
| # weighted avg shares - Legally outstanding - fully diluted | 32,261 | 26,886 | 5,374 | 20.0 | % | |||||||||
| EPS - GAAP reported (basic and fully diluted) | $ | (0.01 | ) | $ | (0.45 | ) | $ | 0.44 | 97.0 | % | ||||
| Adjusted EPS - basic | $ | 0.35 | $ | 0.39 | $ | (0.04 | ) | (10.4 | )% | |||||
| Adjusted EPS - fully diluted | $ | 0.33 | $ | 0.36 | $ | (0.03 | ) | (9.4 | )% | |||||
| Share count in thousands | ||||||||||||||
| Nine months ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | Share count / $ Change | % Change | |||||||||||
| # of shares period end - GAAP - basic and fully diluted | 25,460 | 17,524 | 7,937 | 45.3 | % | |||||||||
| # of shares period end - Legally outstanding - basic | 30,396 | 25,135 | 5,262 | 20.9 | % | |||||||||
| # of shares period end - Legally outstanding - fully diluted | 32,325 | 26,886 | 5,439 | 20.2 | % | |||||||||
| # weighted avg shares - GAAP - basic and fully diluted | 24,578 | 17,165 | 7,413 | 43.2 | % | |||||||||
| # weighted avg shares - Legally outstanding - basic | 29,133 | 24,526 | 4,608 | 18.8 | % | |||||||||
| # weighted avg shares - Legally outstanding - fully diluted | 30,942 | 26,192 | 4,750 | 18.1 | % | |||||||||
| EPS - GAAP reported (basic and fully diluted) | $ | (0.68 | ) | $ | (1.51 | ) | $ | 0.83 | 55.2 | % | ||||
| Adjusted EPS - basic | $ | 0.98 | $ | 1.03 | $ | (0.05 | ) | (5.1 | )% | |||||
| Adjusted EPS - fully diluted | $ | 0.92 | $ | 0.97 | $ | (0.04 | ) | (4.5 | )% | |||||
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 acquisitions following the London IPO, 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 the weighted average number of shares for the nine months ended September 30, 2026 (
Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
Forward-Looking Statements
This earnings release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are often identified by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would,” and similar expressions, or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company’s future financial performance, business strategy, market opportunities, anticipated financial position, liquidity and capital needs, and other statements that are not historical facts. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this earnings release, and on the current expectations and assumptions of the Company’s management, which are inherently subject to uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict, including as detailed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment and new risks emerge from time to time. It is not possible for our management to predict all risks, many of which are outside the control of the Company, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the future events and trends discussed in this earnings release may not occur and actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements and we cannot guarantee any future performance, conditions or results. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Copies of our filings with the SEC can be found on our investor relations website (investors.pphcompany.com) or on the SEC website (www.sec.gov).
Industry Information
Market data and estimates used throughout this earnings release are based on information from independent third parties and other publicly available information in addition to management’s internal estimates. Such data involves a number of assumptions and limitations, and you are cautioned not to give undue weight to such estimates. No representations or warranties are made by the Company or any of its affiliates as to the accuracy of any such information. Projections, assumptions and estimates of the future performance of the industry in which the Company operates are necessarily subject to a high degree of uncertainty and risk due to a variety of factors. These and other factors could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in management’s estimates and beliefs and in the estimates prepared by independent parties.
Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States ("U.S. GAAP" or "GAAP").
When the Company purchases services or goods on behalf of its clients (for example in the case of media purchases), the Group does not recognize the purchased goods as net revenue, but only the net fees earned on the purchases. Therefore, purchases on behalf of clients do not materially impact the top-line or the margins.
Management believes that Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Net Income are more useful performance indicators than the reported Net Income. The following elements distinguish our Adjusted Net Income from our Reported Net Income:
(1) Share-based accounting charge: As mentioned in all prior filings and annual reports, shares issued to employee shareholders at the time of the 2021 London IPO are subject to a vesting schedule. In addition, their employment agreements contain certain provisions which enable cash derived from the sale of shares at the time of the 2021 London IPO to be clawed back and forfeited on certain events of termination of employment. These items create a non-cash share-based accounting charge in accordance with guidance under U.S. GAAP, Accounting Standards Codification, 718- 10-S99-2, "Compensation-Stock Compensation". Based on the value of the Company at the time of admission (
(2) Post-combination compensation charge: In the acquisitions that have been completed since the London IPO in 2021, the Group makes payments in cash and shares. In order to protect the interests of the Group, the shares issued as part of these transactions were made subject to vesting schedules. To a similar degree, also the cash paid as part of these transactions can be clawed back and forfeited on certain events of termination of employment.
The addition of these provisions to purchase price paid creates a post-combination compensation charge in accordance with accounting guidance under U.S. GAAP, Accounting Standards Codification, ASC 805-10-55-25, "Business Combinations - Contingent Payments". For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2026 the non-cash charges were
(3) LTIP charges. In 2022 the Group issued the first stock-based compensation units under the Public Policy Holding Company, Inc. 2021 Omnibus Incentive Plan. This plan was introduced at the time of the 2021 London IPO and allows the Group to issue up to a certain number of stock-related units (e.g. options, restricted stock). The charges relating to these issuances were
(4) Amortization of intangibles: The non-cash amortization charge of
(5) Bargain purchase: As laid out in point 2, because a significant part of the purchase price of our acquisitions is tied to continued employment, this part has been accounted for as post-combination compensation in the Group’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. As a consequence, for certain acquisitions, the remaining book purchase price is lower than the tax purchase price. The reason for the bargain purchase gain is tied directly to the tax purchase price significantly exceeding the book purchase price and is not a reflection of a true bargain purchase of the actual intangible and tangible assets of these acquisitions. The income recorded relating to the bargain purchase was
(6) Change in Contingent Consideration: The contingent consideration liability recorded as part of the acquisitions is adjusted at each reporting period for the change in the estimated fair value of that liability. The fair value changes over time based on management assumptions, the passage of time, payments made, and other external inputs, such as discount rates and volatility. The change in the estimated fair value of the contingent consideration is recorded as a non-operating expense of
(7) M&A expenses: since Q2 2025 reporting, the Group has been excluding M&A expenses from the Adjusted EBITDA. Reflecting our selective M&A strategy, M&A-related costs are highly variable across periods and may not occur in any given period. Expenses typically consist of M&A advisory fees, debt origination costs, and transaction related taxes. The M&A expenses in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2026 amounted to
For the calculation of EPS based on GAAP Profit, as a denominator, the Group uses the weighted average number of common stock outstanding during the period. For the calculation of EPS based on Adjusted Profit, as a denominator, the Group uses the weighted average number of Legally Issued shares during the period. This comprises all the common stock outstanding, as well as those shares that were yet unvested but entitled the owner to dividends and voting rights.
Definitions and Uses of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We use a variety of financial and operating metrics to analyze our performance. These metrics are significant factors in assessing our operating results and profitability. These financial and operating metrics include Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, Adjusted EBITDA Including M&A expense, Adjusted net income, Adjusted EPS basic, Adjusted EPS fully diluted, Organic Revenue Growth, and Adjusted Free Cash Flow which are financial measures not recognized under U.S. GAAP.
These non-GAAP financial measures are used by management to measure our operating performance, but may not be directly comparable to similar measures, such as EBITDA or Adjusted EBITDA, relied on or reported by other companies, including other companies in our industry. We believe excluding items that neither relate to the ordinary course of business nor reflect our underlying business operating performance, such as equity-based compensation, the amortization of acquired intangible assets, acquisition-related post-combination compensation and contingent consideration, gains on bargain purchase price, interest and tax enables meaningful period-to-period comparisons of our operating performance. We also use these non-GAAP financial measures when publicly providing our business outlook, for internal management purposes, and as a basis for evaluating potential acquisitions and dispositions.
For full description of our Non-GAAP Financial Measures please refer to page 47 of our 2025 Form 10-K.
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
| Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets | |||||||
| (Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data) | |||||||
| September 30, 2026 | December 31, 2025 | ||||||
| (Unaudited) | |||||||
| ASSETS: | |||||||
| Current assets: | |||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 18,440 | $ | 20,436 | |||
| Contract receivables, net | 32,763 | 21,851 | |||||
| Notes receivable - related parties, current portion | 351 | 750 | |||||
| Income taxes receivable | — | 2,068 | |||||
| Prepaid post-combination compensation, current portion | 11,038 | 3,585 | |||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 6,311 | 9,598 | |||||
| Amounts due from related parties | — | 266 | |||||
| Total current assets | 68,903 | 58,554 | |||||
| Property and equipment at cost, less accumulated depreciation | 1,281 | 598 | |||||
| Notes receivable - related parties, long term | 900 | 900 | |||||
| Operating lease right of use asset | 28,329 | 18,829 | |||||
| Goodwill | 59,433 | 56,990 | |||||
| Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization | 46,250 | 37,113 | |||||
| Deferred income tax asset | 34,121 | 24,600 | |||||
| Prepaid post-combination compensation, long term | 20,058 | 4,692 | |||||
| Other long-term assets | 512 | 276 | |||||
| TOTAL ASSETS | $ | 259,787 | $ | 202,552 | |||
| LIABILITIES AND EQUITY: | |||||||
| Current liabilities: | |||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | 29,431 | 30,819 | |||||
| Income taxes payable | 2,653 | — | |||||
| Amounts owed to related parties | 473 | — | |||||
| Deferred revenue | 5,424 | 3,310 | |||||
| Operating lease liability, current portion | 5,835 | 5,070 | |||||
| Contingent consideration, current portion | 2,346 | 3,134 | |||||
| Other liability, current portion | 3,408 | 1,441 | |||||
| Notes payable, current portion, net | 9,342 | 9,082 | |||||
| Total current liabilities | 58,912 | 52,856 | |||||
| Notes payable, long term, net | 30,461 | 37,906 | |||||
| Contingent consideration, long term | 16,162 | 9,864 | |||||
| Other liability, long term | 10,587 | 10,553 | |||||
| Operating lease liability, long term | 25,601 | 16,469 | |||||
| Total liabilities | $ | 141,723 | $ | 127,648 | |||
| Shareholders' equity: | |||||||
| Common stock, | 28 | 24 | |||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 306,272 | 237,075 | |||||
| Accumulated deficit | (188,975 | ) | (163,381 | ) | |||
| Accumulated other comprehensive income | 739 | 1,186 | |||||
| Total shareholders’ equity | 118,064 | 74,904 | |||||
| TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | $ | 259,787 | $ | 202,552 | |||
| CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) | ||||||||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||
| (Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data) | ||||||||||||||||
| Three Months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | 2026 | 2025 | |||||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | 55,207 | $ | 48,787 | $ | 157,473 | $ | 136,686 | ||||||||
| Operating expenses: | ||||||||||||||||
| Salaries and other personnel costs | 47,041 | 41,940 | 125,028 | 114,605 | ||||||||||||
| Office and other direct costs | 2,244 | 1,918 | 6,010 | 5,204 | ||||||||||||
| Cost of services | 49,285 | 43,858 | 131,038 | 119,809 | ||||||||||||
| Salaries, general and administrative | 9,855 | 6,882 | 31,218 | 23,908 | ||||||||||||
| Mergers and acquisitions expense | 925 | 130 | 1,979 | 406 | ||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization expense | 1,790 | 1,551 | 4,761 | 4,319 | ||||||||||||
| Change in fair value of contingent consideration | 1,650 | 2,270 | 8,845 | 4,946 | ||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | 63,505 | 54,691 | 177,841 | 153,388 | ||||||||||||
| Loss from operations | (8,298 | ) | (5,904 | ) | (20,368 | ) | (16,702 | ) | ||||||||
| Gain on bargain purchase | 9,798 | — | 10,696 | — | ||||||||||||
| Interest income | 13 | 27 | 279 | 89 | ||||||||||||
| Interest expense | (698 | ) | (981 | ) | (2,225 | ) | (2,481 | ) | ||||||||
| Other income (expense), net | (117 | ) | (7 | ) | 178 | (30 | ) | |||||||||
| Net income (loss) before income taxes | 698 | (6,866 | ) | (11,440 | ) | (19,124 | ) | |||||||||
| Income tax expense | (462 | ) | (574 | ) | (3,555 | ) | (4,662 | ) | ||||||||
| Net income (loss) | 236 | (7,440 | ) | (14,995 | ) | (23,786 | ) | |||||||||
| Less unvested common stock dividends under the two - class method | (578 | ) | (410 | ) | (1,660 | ) | (2,161 | ) | ||||||||
| Net loss attributable to common shareholders | $ | (342 | ) | $ | (7,850 | ) | $ | (16,655 | ) | $ | (25,947 | ) | ||||
| Net loss per share attributable to common shareholders, basic and diluted | $ | (0.01 | ) | $ | (0.45 | ) | $ | (0.68 | ) | $ | (1.51 | ) | ||||
| Weighted average basic and diluted shares outstanding | 25,457,276 | 17,403,040 | 24,577,763 | 17,165,104 | ||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | 236 | $ | (7,440 | ) | $ | (14,995 | ) | $ | (23,786 | ) | |||||
| Foreign currency translation gain (loss) | (95 | ) | (524 | ) | (448 | ) | 1,717 | |||||||||
| Total comprehensive income (loss) | $ | 141 | $ | (7,965 | ) | $ | (15,443 | ) | $ | (22,069 | ) | |||||
| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| (Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Stock | Additional Paid-In Capital | Accumulated Deficit | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Total Shareholders' Equity | |||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of December 31, 2025 | 25,174,492 | $ | 24 | $ | 237,075 | $ | (163,381 | ) | $ | 1,186 | $ | 74,904 | |||||||||
| Long term incentive program charges | — | — | 1,530 | — | — | 1,530 | |||||||||||||||
| Issuance of unvested legally outstanding shares | 16,579 | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
| 2026 U.S. IPO Issuance, net of underwriting discounts and offering expenses | 3,742,500 | 4 | 35,945 | — | — | 35,949 | |||||||||||||||
| Post-combination compensation charge-shares | — | — | 1,042 | — | — | 1,042 | |||||||||||||||
| Forfeiture, Retained Pre-UK IPO shares | (4,794 | ) | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Share-Based Accounting Charge | — | — | 7,282 | — | — | 7,282 | |||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation loss | — | — | — | — | (323 | ) | (323 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Net loss | — | — | — | (11,497 | ) | — | (11,497 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Balance as of March 31, 2026 | 28,928,777 | $ | 28 | $ | 282,874 | $ | (174,878 | ) | $ | 863 | $ | 108,887 | |||||||||
| Long term incentive program charges | — | — | 2,018 | — | — | 2,018 | |||||||||||||||
| Offering cost reclassification | — | — | (148 | ) | — | — | (148 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Related to acquisitions | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock for settlement of other liability | — | — | 1,211 | — | — | 1,211 | |||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock for settlement of contingent consideration | — | — | 1,727 | — | — | 1,727 | |||||||||||||||
| Issuance of unvested legally outstanding shares | 713,380 | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
| Vesting of restricted stock units | 254,017 | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
| Forfeiture of unvested restricted stock awards | (885 | ) | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Post-combination compensation charge-shares | — | — | 690 | — | — | 690 | |||||||||||||||
| Dividends | — | — | — | (7,041 | ) | — | (7,041 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Share-Based Accounting Charge | — | — | 7,362 | — | — | 7,362 | |||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation loss | — | — | — | — | (29 | ) | (29 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Net loss | — | — | — | (3,735 | ) | — | (3,735 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Balance as of June 30, 2026 | 29,895,289 | $ | 28 | $ | 295,734 | $ | (185,654 | ) | $ | 834 | $ | 110,942 | |||||||||
| Long term incentive program charges | — | — | 2,264 | — | — | 2,264 | |||||||||||||||
| Issuance of vested shares | 181,822 | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
| Issuance of unvested legally outstanding shares | 349,437 | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
| Dividends declared | — | — | — | (3,557 | ) | — | (3,557 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Vesting of restricted stock units | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
| Forfeitures | (30,309 | ) | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Post-combination compensation charge-shares | — | — | 1,033 | — | — | 1,033 | |||||||||||||||
| Share-based accounting charge | — | — | 7,241 | — | — | 7,241 | |||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation loss | — | — | — | — | (95 | ) | (95 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | 236 | — | 236 | |||||||||||||||
| Balance as of September 30, 2026 | 30,396,239 | $ | 28 | $ | 306,272 | $ | (188,975 | ) | $ | 739 | $ | 118,064 | |||||||||
| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| (Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Stock | Additional Paid-In Capital | Accumulated Deficit | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Total Shareholders' Equity | |||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of December 31, 2024 | 24,017,599 | $ | 23 | $ | 197,489 | $ | (115,721 | ) | $ | (536 | ) | $ | 81,255 | ||||||||
| Long term incentive program charges | — | — | 1,179 | — | — | 1,179 | |||||||||||||||
| Vesting of stock issued from acquisitions | — | — | 1 | (1 | ) | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Repayment of note receivable by related party | (63,356 | ) | — | (532 | ) | — | — | (532 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Post-combination compensation charge-shares | — | — | 605 | — | — | 605 | |||||||||||||||
| Share-Based Accounting Charge | — | — | 7,444 | — | — | 7,444 | |||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation gain | — | — | — | — | 721 | 721 | |||||||||||||||
| Net loss | — | — | — | (10,614 | ) | — | (10,614 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Balance as of March 31, 2025 | 23,954,243 | $ | 23 | $ | 206,186 | $ | (126,336 | ) | $ | 185 | $ | 80,058 | |||||||||
| Long term incentive program charges | — | — | 1,148 | — | — | 1,148 | |||||||||||||||
| Issuance of unvested legally outstanding shares | 719,547 | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
| Forfeiture of unvested restricted stock | (2,630 | ) | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Dividends | — | — | — | (5,765 | ) | — | (5,765 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Vesting of restricted stock awards | — | — | 1 | (1 | ) | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Vesting of restricted stock units | 100,333 | — | 1 | (1 | ) | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock for acquisition | 134,915 | — | 1,190 | — | — | 1,190 | |||||||||||||||
| Post-combination compensation charge-shares | — | — | 893 | — | — | 893 | |||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock for settlement of other liability | — | — | 342 | — | — | 342 | |||||||||||||||
| Share-based accounting charge | — | — | 7,394 | — | — | 7,394 | |||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation gain | — | — | — | — | 1,520 | 1,520 | |||||||||||||||
| Net loss | — | — | — | (5,730 | ) | — | (5,730 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Balance as of June 30, 2025 | 24,906,408 | $ | 23 | $ | 217,155 | $ | (137,833 | ) | $ | 1,705 | $ | 81,050 | |||||||||
| Long term incentive program charges | — | — | 1,626 | — | — | 1,626 | |||||||||||||||
| Dividends | — | — | — | (1,347 | ) | — | (1,347 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Vesting of restricted stock units | 185,471 | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
| Issuance of common stock for acquisition | 42,829 | — | 94 | — | — | 94 | |||||||||||||||
| Post-combination compensation charge-shares | — | — | 662 | — | — | 662 | |||||||||||||||
| Share-based accounting charge | — | — | 7,394 | — | — | 7,394 | |||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation loss | — | — | — | — | (524 | ) | (524 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Net loss | — | — | — | (7,440 | ) | — | (7,440 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Balance as of September 30, 2025 | 25,134,708 | $ | 23 | $ | 226,931 | $ | (146,620 | ) | $ | 1,181 | $ | 81,515 | |||||||||
| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | |||||||
| (Unaudited) | |||||||
| (Amounts in thousands, except share and per share data) | |||||||
| Nine months ended September 30, | |||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | ||||||
| Cash Flows from Operating Activities: | |||||||
| Net loss | $ | (14,995 | ) | $ | (23,786 | ) | |
| Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: | |||||||
| Depreciation | 153 | 146 | |||||
| Amortization expense - intangibles | 5,030 | 4,486 | |||||
| Amortization of right of use assets | 4,205 | 3,397 | |||||
| Amortization of prepaid post-combination compensation | 4,959 | 6,474 | |||||
| Accretion of other liability | 6,017 | 4,069 | |||||
| Amortization of debt discount | 94 | 164 | |||||
| Provision for deferred income taxes | (5,757 | ) | (1,609 | ) | |||
| Share-based accounting charge | 21,885 | 22,232 | |||||
| Stock-based compensation | 4,791 | 4,623 | |||||
| Post-combination compensation charge-shares | 2,765 | 2,160 | |||||
| Change in fair value of contingent consideration | 8,845 | 4,950 | |||||
| Gain on bargain purchase | (10,696 | ) | — | ||||
| Expected credit losses | 1,728 | 2,349 | |||||
| Decrease (increase) in: | |||||||
| Contract and unbilled receivables | (11,576 | ) | (8,321 | ) | |||
| Prepaid post-combination expense | (27,526 | ) | (10,306 | ) | |||
| Prepaid expenses and other assets | (2,756 | ) | (1,097 | ) | |||
| Transactions with members and related parties | 806 | 461 | |||||
| Increase (decrease) in: | |||||||
| Accounts payable and accrued expenses | (2,902 | ) | 342 | ||||
| Income taxes payable and receivable | 3,831 | 2,326 | |||||
| Deferred revenue | 2,116 | 1,765 | |||||
| Contingent consideration | (1,447 | ) | (3 | ) | |||
| Operating lease liability | (3,245 | ) | (3,797 | ) | |||
| Other liabilities | (2,804 | ) | (996 | ) | |||
| Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Operating Activities | (16,479 | ) | 10,030 | ||||
| Cash Flows from Investing Activities: | |||||||
| Purchases of property and equipment | (720 | ) | (222 | ) | |||
| Proceeds issued for notes receivable - related parties | — | (500 | ) | ||||
| Proceeds received for notes receivable - related parties | 400 | — | |||||
| Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired | (9,226 | ) | (20,991 | ) | |||
| Net Cash Used in Investing Activities | (9,546 | ) | (21,713 | ) | |||
| Cash Flows from Financing Activities: | |||||||
| Proceeds from initial public offering, net of underwriting fees of | 42,866 | — | |||||
| Proceeds from notes payable | — | 24,000 | |||||
| Payment of debt issuance costs | — | (115 | ) | ||||
| Payment of deferred equity offering costs | (4,151 | ) | (1,472 | ) | |||
| Principal payment of note payable | (7,280 | ) | (6,455 | ) | |||
| Payment of contingent considerations | (306 | ) | (726 | ) | |||
| Dividends paid | (7,041 | ) | (7,112 | ) | |||
| Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities | 24,088 | 8,120 | |||||
| Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | (59 | ) | 172 | ||||
| Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents | (1,996 | ) | (3,391 | ) | |||
| Cash and Cash Equivalents as of Beginning of Period | 20,436 | 14,536 | |||||
| Cash and Cash Equivalents at the End of Period | $ | 18,440 | $ | 11,145 | |||
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(Amounts in thousands)
| Nine months ended September 30, | |||||
| 2026 | 2025 | ||||
| Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: | |||||
| Cash paid for interest | $ | 2,131 | $ | 2,304 | |
| Cash paid for income taxes | $ | 5,481 | $ | 8,060 | |
| Common stock received for repayment of note receivable with Alpine Group | $ | — | $ | 532 | |
| Right of use assets obtained with lease liabilities | $ | 11,270 | $ | 265 | |
| Right of use assets obtained with business combinations | $ | 2,447 | $ | 1,806 | |
| Contingent consideration issued for acquisitions | $ | — | $ | 2,871 | |
| Common stock issued for acquisitions | $ | — | $ | 1,281 | |
| Stock issued for settlement of other liability | $ | 1,211 | $ | 342 | |
| Accrued deferred equity offering costs | $ | — | $ | 298 | |
| Consideration owed to Tancredi Sellers | $ | 498 | $ | — | |
| Stock issued for settlement of contingent consideration | $ | 1,727 | $ | — | |
| Dividends declared | $ | 3,557 | $ | — | |
Contact Information
Public Policy Holding Company, Inc.
800 North Capitol St. NW
Washington, DC 20002
+1 (202) 688 0020
For Investors
Matthew Mazzanti, Chief Administrative Officer and Investor Relations
IR@pphcompany.com
For Media & Other
inquiries@pphcompany.com
FAQ
AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
What were PPHC's third-quarter 2026 financial results?
PPHC reported $55.2 million revenue, up 13.2% year over year, and GAAP net income of $0.2 million versus a $7.4 million loss. Adjusted EBITDA rose 11.1% to $12.8 million, while adjusted diluted earnings per share fell to $0.33 from $0.36.
What is PPHC's full-year 2026 guidance?
PPHC maintained guidance for $213 million–$216 million revenue, $48.5 million–$50.5 million adjusted EBITDA, a 22.5%–23.5% adjusted EBITDA margin and approximately 5% organic revenue growth.
Does PPHC's 2026 guidance include the Reevemark acquisition?
The guidance includes a limited 2 months' contribution from Reevemark, acquired November 1, 2026. It excludes the impact of any future acquisitions.
What adjusted EBITDA margin is PPHC targeting?
PPHC is working toward a 25% adjusted EBITDA margin target. The company expects progress as recently acquired businesses scale and it absorbs the first full year of U.S. public-company costs.