Havas N.V (HAVAS) | News Based Sentiment Analysis

• On September 1, 2025, Havas continued its share buyback program, repurchasing 637,547 shares at an average price of €1.5202. This builds on the €50 million program launched on May 28, 2025, and demonstrates a continued commitment to returning capital to shareholders, having now repurchased a total of 9,267,178 shares for approximately €13.87 million.
• Havas expanded its global footprint with two key moves in September. On September 10, 2025, Havas Health Network launched Havas Health in Taiwan, operating within Havas Taiwan Village, to capitalize on the growing healthcare marketing opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region. Simultaneously, on September 1, 2025, Alberto Canteli was appointed Executive Chairman of Havas Africa, aiming to accelerate growth across the continent.
• Despite positive developments, Havas was excluded from the Euronext AMS Next 20® index, effective September 22, 2025, following a review on September 9, 2025. This change, announced by Euronext, suggests a shift in market perception or weighting within the index.
• Leadership changes occurred within Havas Play UK and Havas India during September. Lucy Basden-Smith, UK managing director of Havas Play, departed after 14 years with the holding company on September 11, 2025. Earlier in the month, on September 5, 2025, Arindam Sengupta was elevated to Chief Client Officer of Havas India, signaling a focus on strengthening client relationships.
• Analysts highlighted Havas’s attractive valuation on September 3, 2025, noting a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 8.4x and a 5.3% dividend yield. They anticipate the share buyback program will contribute to low double-digit EPS growth, alongside 2.5% organic growth and 1.5% growth from mergers and acquisitions.

The Investment Story: September was a month of expansion and internal adjustments for Havas, marked by continued share buybacks, strategic leadership appointments in key growth regions, and a notable exclusion from the AMS Next 20® index. These developments paint a picture of a company actively pursuing growth while navigating market shifts.

What It Means for Investors: The ongoing buyback program and attractive dividend yield remain appealing for income-focused investors. While the index exclusion may cause short-term volatility, the expansion into Africa and Taiwan suggests long-term growth potential. Leadership changes indicate a strategic focus on key markets.

Looking Ahead: Investors should monitor the progress of the share buyback program and track the performance of Havas Africa and Havas Health Taiwan. Further announcements regarding mergers and acquisitions will also be important to watch for.

The Bottom Line: Havas presents a mixed investment picture, combining a commitment to shareholder returns with strategic expansion efforts. The index exclusion warrants attention, but the overall narrative suggests a company positioning itself for future growth.