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(Sharecast News) - Public Policy Holding Company reported a 27.5% rise in first-quarter revenue on Wednesday, driven by organic growth across all three of its segments and contributions from recent acquisitions.
The AIM-traded strategic communications group said revenue for the three months ended 31 March rose to $50.1m, from $39.3m a year earlier, while organic revenue growth was 5.1%.
Adjusted EBITDA increased 29.7% year-on-year to $11.2m, representing a margin of 22.3%, while adjusted net income more than doubled to $7.4m.
Adjusted diluted earnings per share rose 74.5% to 25cents.
On a GAAP basis, the group reported a net loss of $11.5m, compared with a loss of $10.6m in the first quarter of 2025.
Basic and diluted loss per share improved to 49cents from 63cents.
PPHC said it had reduced net debt to $1.8m following its US initial public offering and January capital raise.
It also completed significant talent additions during the quarter, announced an acquisition that closed in the second quarter, and was added to the Russell 2000 and Russell 3000 indices on 23 March.
Chief executive officer Stewart Hall said PPHC had delivered its strongest quarter to date for both revenue and adjusted EBITDA.
"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," he said.
Hall said the US listing had increased the group's visibility and strengthened its pipeline of acquisition and senior talent opportunities, adding that clients were increasingly seeking integrated advice across political, regulatory and reputational issues.
Chief financial officer Roel Smits said the January capital raise and US IPO had left PPHC entering its next phase of growth "from a position of strength".
For 2026, PPHC said it expected reported revenue of between $205m and $209m, excluding any future acquisitions.
It guided to adjusted EBITDA of $46m to $48m, representing an adjusted margin of 22% to 23%, reflecting US public company costs and technology investments.
The company said it continued to target average organic revenue growth of about 5%, supplemented by acquisitions, and saw itself as a natural consolidator in the fragmented strategic communications market.
Management said its acquisition pipeline across the US, UK and mainland Europe remained robust, with the group looking to add member companies with complementary specialisms and attractive financial profiles.
At 1059 BST, shares in Public Policy Holding Company were up 0.51% at 980p.
Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.
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