Stagwell Inc 10-Q

Item 1. Financial Statements STAGWELL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts) Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Revenue $ 466,634 $ 228,097 $ 857,436 $ 574,970 Operating Expenses Cost of services 324,782 149,011 558,856 373,064 Office and general expenses 121,770 42,666 226,720 127,181 Depreciation and amortization 24,790 9,974 46,122 29,838 Impairment and other losses 14,926 — 14,926 — 486,268 201,651 846,624 530,083 Operating income (loss) ( 19,634 ) 26,446 10,812 44,887 Other Income (expenses): Interest expense, net ( 11,912 ) ( 1,778 ) ( 15,197 ) ( 4,665 ) Foreign exchange, net ( 893 ) ( 856 ) ( 1,955 ) 794 Gain on sale of business and other, net 45,621 263 46,806 948 32,816 ( 2,371 ) 29,654 ( 2,923 ) Income before income taxes and equity in earnings of non-consolidated affiliates 13,182 24,075 40,466 41,964 Income tax expense 5,183 2,618 9,205 3,211 Income before equity in earnings of non-consolidated affiliates 7,999 21,457 31,261 38,753 Equity in losses (income) of non-consolidated affiliates ( 76 ) ( 35 ) ( 75 ) 7 Net income 7,923 21,422 31,186 38,760 Net income attributable to noncontrolling and redeemable noncontrolling interests ( 9,994 ) ( 3,614 ) ( 10,987 ) ( 4,636 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Stagwell Inc. common shareholders $ ( 2,071 ) $ 17,808 $ 20,199 $ 34,124 Income (loss) Per Common Share: Basic Net loss attributable to Stagwell Inc. common shareholders $ ( 0.06 ) N/A $ ( 0.06 ) N/A Diluted Net income attributable to Stagwell Inc. common shareholders $ ( 0.06 ) N/A $ ( 0.06 ) N/A Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding: Basic 76,105,807 N/A 76,105,807 N/A Diluted 76,105,807 N/A 76,105,807 N/A See notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements . 5 Table of Contents STAGWELL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (thousands of United States dollars) Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Net income $ 7,923 $ 21,422 $ 31,186 $ 38,760 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of applicable tax: Foreign currency translation adjustment 12,537 3,231 12,537 ( 1,749 ) Net unrealized loss on available for sale investment — ( 28 ) — ( 5,024 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) 12,537 3,203 12,537 ( 6,773 ) Comprehensive income for the period 20,460 24,625 43,723 31,987 Comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interests ( 9,994 ) ( 3,614 ) ( 10,987 ) ( 4,636 ) Comprehensive income attributable to Stagwell Inc. $ 10,466 $ 21,011 $ 32,736 $ 27,351 See notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements . 6 Table of Contents STAGWELL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (thousands of United States dollars) September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 ASSETS Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 115,489 $ 92,457 Accounts receivable, net 669,612 225,733 Expenditures billable to clients 37,101 11,063 Other current assets 78,884 36,433 Total Current Assets 901,086 365,686 Fixed assets, net 118,526 35,614 Right-of-use lease assets - operating leases 334,867 57,752 Goodwill 1,619,272 351,725 Other intangible assets, net 945,081 186,035 Other assets 24,789 17,043 Total Assets $ 3,943,621 $ 1,013,855 LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS, AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current Liabilities Accounts payable $ 277,385 $ 147,826 Accruals and other liabilities 371,289 90,557 Advance billings 286,790 66,418 Current portion of lease liabilities - operating leases 74,162 19,579 Current portion of deferred acquisition consideration 60,951 12,579 Total Current Liabilities 1,070,577 336,959 Long-term debt 1,265,747 198,024 Long-term portion of deferred acquisition consideration 14,754 5,268 Long-term lease liabilities - operating leases 328,048 52,606 Deferred tax liabilities, net 134,288 16,050 Other liabilities 59,190 5,801 Total Liabilities 2,872,604 614,708 Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests 29,787 604 Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees (Note 11) Shareholders' Equity: Convertible preferred shares, 123,849 ,000 and 0 authorized, issued and outstanding at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively 209,980 — Members' capital — 358,756 Common shares - Class A & B 77 — Common shares - Class C 2 — Paid-in capital 169,537 — Accumulated deficit ( 6,153 ) — Accumulated other comprehensive income 12,537 — Stagwell Inc. Shareholders' Equity 385,980 358,756 Noncontrolling interests 655,250 39,787 Total Shareholders' Equity 1,041,230 398,543 Total Liabilities, Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests and Shareholders' Equity $ 3,943,621 $ 1,013,855 See notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements . 7 Table of Contents STAGWELL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (thousands of United States dollars) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 2020 Cash flows from operating activities: Net income $ 31,186 $ 38,760 Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Stock-based compensation 53,465 — Depreciation and amortization 46,122 29,838 Impairment and other losses 14,926 — Provision for bad debt 1,893 3,241 Deferred income taxes 2,710 ( 2,631 ) Adjustment to deferred acquisition consideration 9,456 2,270 Other 6,998 ( 882 ) Gain on sale of an asset ( 43,440 ) — Changes in working capital: Accounts receivable ( 26,095 ) 6,951 Expenditures billable to clients ( 9,230 ) ( 12,225 ) Other assets ( 14,568 ) ( 6,637 ) Accounts payable ( 37,435 ) 4,539 Accruals and other liabilities ( 26,668 ) 11,128 Advance billings 16,598 18,832 Acquisition related payments ( 5,772 ) — Net cash provided by operating activities 20,146 93,184 Cash flows from investing activities: Capital expenditures ( 13,666 ) ( 8,977 ) Proceeds from sale of assets 37,232 — Acquisitions, net of cash acquired 130,155 ( 5,549 ) Other — ( 1,895 ) Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 153,721 ( 16,421 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Repayment of borrowings under revolving credit facility ( 535,472 ) ( 108,744 ) Proceeds from borrowings under revolving credit facility 408,369 167,000 Shares acquired and cancelled ( 820 ) — Distributions to noncontrolling interests and other ( 19,245 ) ( 3,075 ) Payment of deferred consideration and other — ( 1,500 ) Contributions — 1,576 Proceeds from issuance of the 5.625% Notes 1,100,000 — Debt issuance costs ( 15,365 ) ( 319 ) Distributions ( 204,929 ) ( 98,638 ) Repurchase of 7.50% Senior Notes ( 884,398 ) — Net cash used in financing activities ( 151,860 ) ( 43,700 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 1,025 555 Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 23,032 33,618 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 92,457 63,860 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 115,489 $ 97,478 Supplemental disclosures: Cash income taxes paid $ 42,346 $ 3,618 8 Table of Contents STAGWELL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - (continued) (thousands of United States dollars) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 2020 Cash interest paid $ 22,493 $ 7,288 Non-cash investing and financing activities: Acquisitions of business $ 426,396 $ 23,720 Acquisitions of noncontrolling interest 37,559 — Net unrealized (loss) gain on available for sale investment — 5,024 Non-cash contributions included in Member’s equity 12,372 83,242 Non-cash distributions to Stagwell Media LP 13,000 — Non-cash payment of deferred acquisition consideration $ 7,080 $ 64,322 See notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements . 9 Table of Contents STAGWELL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (thousands of United States dollars, except share amounts) Three Months Ended September 30, 2021 Members' capital Convertible Preference Shares Common Shares - Class A & B Common Shares - Class C Paid-in Capital Accumulated Deficit Other Comprehensive Income Stagwell Inc. Shareholders' Equity Noncontrolling Interests Shareholders' Equity Shares Amount Shares Amount Shares Amount Balance at June 30, 2021 $ 350,395 — $ — — $ — — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 350,395 $ 30,947 $ 381,342 Net income prior to reorganization 3,032 — — — — — — — — — 3,032 70 3,102 Other comprehensive income (loss) ( 63 ) — — — — — — — — — ( 63 ) — ( 63 ) Contributions ( 11,834 ) — — — — — — — — — ( 11,834 ) — ( 11,834 ) Distributions ( 165,717 ) — — — — — — — — — ( 165,717 ) — ( 165,717 ) Distributions to noncontrolling interests — — — — — — — — — — — ( 934 ) ( 934 ) Changes in redemption value of RNCI 2,559 — — — — — — — — — 2,559 — 2,559 Other — — — — — — — — — — — 161 161 Effect of reorganization ( 178,372 ) 123,849,000 209,980 78,793,502 77 179,970,051 2 110,555 — — 142,242 636,416 778,658 Net income (loss) attributable to Stagwell Inc. — — — — — — — — ( 4,545 ) — ( 4,545 ) 6,774 2,229 Other comprehensive income — — — — — — — — — 12,537 12,537 — 12,537 Distributions to noncontrolling interests — — — — — — — — — — — ( 7,561 ) ( 7,561 ) Changes in redemption value of RNCI — — — — — — — — ( 1,608 ) — ( 1,608 ) — ( 1,608 ) Vesting of restricted awards — — — 202,488 — — — — — — — — — Shares acquired and cancelled — — — ( 12,084 ) — — — ( 820 ) — — ( 820 ) — ( 820 ) Stock-based compensation — — — — — — — 49,895 — — 49,895 — 49,895 Purchases of NCI — — — — — — — 9,679 — — 9,679 ( 10,450 ) ( 771 ) Other — — — — — — — 228 — — 228 ( 173 ) 55 Balance at September 30, 2021 $ — 123,849,000 $ 209,980 78,983,906 $ 77 179,970,051 $ 2 $ 169,537 $ ( 6,153 ) $ 12,537 $ 385,980 $ 655,250 $ 1,041,230 10 Table of Contents STAGWELL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY - (continued) (thousands of United States dollars, except share amounts) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 Members' capital Convertible Preference Shares Common Shares - Class A & B Common Shares - Class C Paid-in Capital Accumulated Deficit Other Comprehensive Income Stagwell Inc. Shareholders' Equity Noncontrolling Interests Shareholders' Equity Shares Amount Shares Amount Shares Amount Balance at December 31, 2020 $ 358,756 — $ — — $ — — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 358,756 $ 39,787 $ 398,543 Net income prior to reorganization 24,742 — — — — — — — — — 24,742 2,693 27,435 Other comprehensive loss ( 375 ) — — — — — — — — — ( 375 ) — ( 375 ) Contributions 250 — — — — — — — — — 250 — 250 Distributions ( 204,929 ) — — — — — — — — — ( 204,929 ) — ( 204,929 ) Distributions to noncontrolling interests — — — — — — — — — — — ( 11,936 ) ( 11,936 ) Changes in redemption value of RNCI ( 72 ) — — — — — — — — — ( 72 ) — ( 72 ) Other — — — — — — — — — — — ( 300 ) ( 300 ) Effect of reorganization ( 178,372 ) 123,849,000 209,980 78,793,502 77 179,970,051 2 110,555 — — 142,242 636,416 778,658 Net loss attributable to Stagwell Inc. — — — — — — — — ( 4,545 ) — ( 4,545 ) 6,774 2,229 Other comprehensive income — — — — — — — — — 12,537 12,537 — 12,537 Distributions to noncontrolling interests — — — — — — — — — — — ( 7,561 ) ( 7,561 ) Changes in redemption value of RNCI — — — — — — — — ( 1,608 ) — ( 1,608 ) — ( 1,608 ) Vesting of restricted awards — — — 202,488 — — — — — — — — — Shares acquired and cancelled — — — ( 12,084 ) — — — ( 820 ) — — ( 820 ) — ( 820 ) Stock-based compensation — — — — — — — 49,895 — — 49,895 — 49,895 Purchases of NCI — — — — — — — 9,679 — — 9,679 ( 10,450 ) ( 771 ) Other — — — — — — — 228 — — 228 ( 173 ) 55 Balance at September 30, 2021 $ — 123,849,000 $ 209,980 78,983,906 $ 77 179,970,051 $ 2 $ 169,537 $ ( 6,153 ) $ 12,537 $ 385,980 $ 655,250 $ 1,041,230 See notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements . 11 Table of Contents STAGWELL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY - (continued) (thousands of United States dollars, except share amounts) Three Months Ended September 30, 2020 Members' capital Convertible Preference Shares Common Shares - Class A & B Common Shares - Class C Paid-in Capital Accumulated Deficit Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Stagwell Inc. Shareholders' Equity Noncontrolling Interests Shareholders' Equity Shares Amount Shares Amount Shares Amount Balance at June 30,, 2020 $ 314,598 — $ — — $ — — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 314,598 $ 34,386 $ 348,984 Net income attributable to Stagwell Inc. 17,808 — — — — — — — — — 17,808 4,522 22,330 Other comprehensive loss 3,203 — — — — — — — — — 3,203 — 3,203 Distributions ( 4,724 ) — — — — — — — — — ( 4,724 ) — ( 4,724 ) Distributions to noncontrolling interests — — — — — — — — — — — ( 3,075 ) ( 3,075 ) Changes in redemption value of RNCI ( 199 ) ( 199 ) ( 199 ) Other — — — — — — — — — — — — — Balance at September 30, 2020 $ 330,686 — $ — — $ — — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 330,686 $ 35,833 $ 366,519 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 Members' capital Convertible Preference Shares Common Shares - Class A & B Common Shares - Class C Paid-in Capital Accumulated Deficit Other Comprehensive Income Stagwell Inc. Shareholders' Equity Noncontrolling Interests Shareholders' Equity Shares Amount Shares Amount Shares Amount Balance at December 31, 2019 $ 316,960 — $ — — $ — — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 316,960 $ 31,577 $ 348,537 Net income attributable to Stagwell Inc. 34,124 — — — — — — — — 34,124 7,331 41,455 Other comprehensive loss ( 6,773 ) — — — — — — — — — ( 6,773 ) — ( 6,773 ) Contributions 84,818 — — — — — — — — — 84,818 — 84,818 Distributions ( 98,638 ) — — — — — — — — — ( 98,638 ) — ( 98,638 ) Distributions to noncontrolling interests — — — — — — — — — — — ( 3,075 ) ( 3,075 ) Changes in redemption value of RNCI 193 — — — — — — — — — 193 — 193 Other 2 — — — — — — — — — 2 — 2 Balance at September 30, 2020 $ 330,686 — $ — — $ — — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 330,686 $ 35,833 $ 366,519 See notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. 12 Table of Contents STAGWELL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts, unless otherwise stated) 1. Business and Basis of Presentation Stagwell Inc. (the “Company” or “Stagwell”), incorporated under the laws of Delaware, conducts its business through its networks and their Brands ("Brands"), which provide marketing and business solutions that realize the potential of combining data and creativity. Stagwell’s strategy is to build, grow and acquire market-leading businesses that deliver the modern suite of services that marketers need to thrive in a rapidly evolving business environment. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Stagwell and its subsidiaries. Stagwell has prepared the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements included herein in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for reporting interim financial information on Form 10-Q. Accordingly, the financial statements have been condensed and do not include certain information and disclosures pursuant to these rules. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make judgments, assumptions and estimates about current and future results of operations and cash flows that affect the amounts reported and disclosed. Actual results could differ from these estimates and assumptions. The consolidated results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s other SEC filings. On December 21, 2020, MDC Partners Inc. (“MDC”) and Stagwell Media LP (“Stagwell Media”) announced that they had entered into the Transaction Agreement, providing for the combination of MDC with the operating businesses and subsidiaries of Stagwell Media (the “Stagwell Subject Entities”). The Stagwell Subject Entities comprised Stagwell Marketing Group LLC (“Stagwell Marketing”) and its direct and indirect subsidiaries. On August 2, 2021, we completed the previously announced combination of MDC Partners Inc. (“MDC”) and the operating businesses and subsidiaries of Stagwell Media LP. (“Stagwell Media”) and a series related transactions (such combination and transactions, the “Transactions”). The Transactions were treated as a reverse acquisition for financial reporting purposes, with MDC treated as the legal acquirer and Stagwell Marketing Group LLC (“Stagwell Marketing or SMG”) treated as the accounting acquirer. The results of MDC are included within the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the period beginning on the date of the acquisition through the end of the respective period presented and the results of SMG are included for the entire period presented. See Note 4 for information in connection with the acquisition of MDC. While a recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic is underway, economic conditions will be volatile as long as COVID-19 remains a public health threat. The Company continues to monitor developments. We will continue to monitor the worldwide public health threat, government actions to combat COVID-19 and the impact such developments may have on the overall economy, our clients and operations. The impact of the pandemic and the corresponding actions are reflected in our judgments, assumptions and estimates in the preparation of the financial statements. The judgments, assumptions and estimates will be updated and could result in different results in the future depending on the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The accompanying financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of normally recurring accruals, which in the opinion of management are necessary for a fair presentation, in all material respects, of the information contained therein. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year financial information to conform to the current year presentation. Recent Developments On September 23, 2021, the Company provided notices of conversion to each holder of record of each of the Company’s Series 6 and Series 8 Preferred Stock. See Note 12 for additional information in connection with the conversion of the Preferred Stock to Class A Common Stock. On October 1, 2021 (the "closing date"), the Company entered into an agreement to purchase the remaining 26.7 % interest in Targeted Victory it did not previously own for a combination of cash and Class A Common Stock, up to 50 % with certain exceptions, determined at the option of the Company. The agreement provides for the purchase of half of the remaining interest on the closing date and the other half on July 31, 2023 ("second purchase"). The total purchase price, which is capped at $ 135,000 with certain exceptions, is based on a formula taking a multiple of the two-year average of earnings that includes the year of and the year subsequent to the year of the purchase. The seller has the option to extend the measurement period for two years in connection with the second purchase. 13 Table of Contents 2. Significant Accounting Policies The Company’s significant accounting policies are summarized as follows: Principles of Consolidation . The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Stagwell Inc. and its domestic and international controlled subsidiaries that are not considered variable interest entities, and variable interest entities for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Use of Estimates . The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities including goodwill, intangible assets, contingent deferred acquisition consideration, redeemable noncontrolling interests, deferred tax assets, right-of-use assets and the amounts of revenue and expenses reported during the period. These estimates are evaluated on an ongoing basis and are based on historical experience, current conditions and various other assumptions believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. These estimates require the use of assumptions about future performance, which are uncertain at the time of estimation. To the extent actual results differ from the assumptions used, results of operations and cash flows could be materially affected. Fair Value . The Company applies the fair value measurement guidance for financial assets and liabilities that are required to be measured at fair value and for non-financial assets and liabilities that are not required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis, including goodwill, right-of-use assets and other identifiable intangible assets. See Note 13 included herein for additional information regarding fair value measurements. Concentration of Credit Risk . The Company provides marketing communications services to clients who operate in most industry sectors. Credit is granted to qualified clients in the ordinary course of business. Due to the diversified nature of the Company’s client base, the Company does not believe that it is exposed to a concentration of credit risk. No client accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s consolidated accounts receivable as of September 30, 2021 or December 31, 2020. No sales to an individual client accounted for more than 10% of revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020. Cash and Cash Equivalents . The Company’s cash equivalents are primarily comprised of investments in overnight interest-bearing deposits, money market instruments and other short-term investments with original maturity dates of three months or less at the time of purchase. The Company has a concentration of credit risk in that there are cash deposits in excess of federally insured amounts and international cash balances may not qualify for foreign government insurance programs. To date, the Company has not experienced any losses on cash and cash equivalents. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts . Trade receivables are stated at invoiced amounts less allowances for doubtful accounts. The allowances represent estimated uncollectible receivables associated with potential customer defaults usually due to customers’ potential insolvency. The allowances include amounts for certain customers where a risk of default has been specifically identified. The assessment of the likelihood of customer defaults is based on various factors, including the length of time the receivables are past due, historical experience and existing economic conditions. Allowance for doubtful accounts was $ 5,294 and $ 5,109 at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Expenditures Billable to Clients . Expenditures billable to clients consist principally of outside vendor costs incurred on behalf of clients when providing services that have not yet been invoiced to clients. Such amounts are invoiced to clients at various times over the course of the period. Fixed Assets . Fixed assets are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Computers, furniture and fixtures, and capitalized software are depreciated on a straight-line basis over periods of three to ten years . Leasehold improvements are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the term of the related lease or the estimated useful life of the asset. Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Accumulated depreciation was $ 39,357 and $ 28,365 at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Leases . Effective January 1, 2019, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Codification, Leases (“ASC 842”). The Company recognizes on the balance sheet at the time of lease commencement a right-of-use lease asset and a lease liability, initially measured at the present value of the lease payments. All right-of-use lease assets are reviewed for impairment. With the adoption of ASC 842, the Company elected to apply the package of practical expedients: (i) whether a contract is or contains a lease, (ii) the classification of existing leases, and (iii) whether previously capitalized costs continue to qualify as initial indirect costs. Additionally, the Company elected the practical expedient to not separate non-lease components from lease components for all operating leases. See Note 8 included herein for further information on leases. 14 Table of Contents Impairment of Long-lived Assets . A long-lived asset or asset group is tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. When such events occur, the Company compares the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset or asset group to the carrying amount of such asset or asset group. If this comparison indicates that there is an impairment, the amount of the impairment is typically calculated using discounted expected future cash flows where observable fair values are not readily determinable. The discount rate applied to these cash flows is based on the Company’s weighted average cost of capital (“WACC”), risk adjusted where appropriate, or other appropriate discount rate. Goodwill . Goodwill (the excess of the acquisition cost over the fair value of the net assets acquired) acquired as a result of a business combination which is not subject to amortization is tested for impairment, at the reporting unit level, annually as of October 1st of each year, or more frequently if indicators of potential impairment exist. For the annual impairment test, the Company has the option of assessing qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value or performing a quantitative goodwill impairment test. Qualitative factors considered in the assessment include industry and market considerations, the competitive environment, overall financial performance, changing cost factors such as labor costs, and other factors specific to each reporting unit such as change in management or key personnel. If the Company elects to perform the qualitative assessment and concludes that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is more than its carrying amount, then goodwill is not considered impaired and the quantitative impairment test is not necessary. For reporting units for which the qualitative assessment concludes that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount and for reporting units for which the qualitative assessment is not performed, the Company will perform the quantitative impairment test, which compares the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying amount. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying amount of the net assets assigned to that reporting unit, goodwill is not considered impaired. However, if the fair value of the reporting unit is lower than the carrying amount of the net assets assigned to the reporting unit, an impairment charge is recognized equal to the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value. Determining the fair value of a reporting unit involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. The Company uses a combination of the income approach, which incorporates the use of the discounted cash flow (“DCF”) method, and the market approach, which incorporates the use of earnings and revenue multiples based on market data. The Company generally applies an equal weighting to the income and market approaches for the impairment test. The income approach and the market approach both require the exercise of significant judgment, including judgment about the amount and timing of expected future cash flows, assumed terminal value and appropriate discount rates. The DCF estimates incorporate expected cash flows that represent a spectrum of the amount and timing of possible cash flows of each reporting unit from a market participant perspective. The expected cash flows are developed from the Company’s long-range planning process using projections of operating results and related cash flows based on assumed long-term growth rates, demand trends and appropriate discount rates based on a reporting unit’s WACC as determined by considering the observable WACC of comparable companies and factors specific to the reporting unit. The terminal value is estimated using a constant growth method which requires an assumption about the expected long-term growth rate. The estimates are based on historical data and experience, industry projections, economic conditions, and the Company’s expectations. Definite Lived Intangible Assets . Definite lived intangible assets are subject to amortization over their useful lives. A straight-line amortization method is used over the estimated useful life which is representative of the pattern of how the economic benefits of the specific intangible asset is consumed. Intangible assets that are subject to amortization are reviewed for potential impairment at least annually or whenever events or circumstances indicate that carrying amounts may not be recoverable. The Company uses an income approach, which incorporates the use of the discounted cash flow (“DCF”) method. Business Combinations. Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method and accordingly, the assets acquired (including identified intangible assets), the liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in the acquired business are recorded at their acquisition date fair values. For each acquisition, the Company undertakes a detailed review to identify other intangible assets and a valuation is performed for all such identified assets. The Company uses several market participant measurements to determine the estimated value. This approach includes consideration of similar and recent transactions, as well as utilizing discounted expected cash flow methodologies. A substantial portion of the intangible assets value that the Company acquires is the specialized know-how of the workforce, which is treated as part of goodwill and is not required to be valued separately. The majority of the value of the identifiable intangible assets acquired is derived from customer relationships, including the related customer contracts, as well as tradenames and trademarks. Deferred Acquisition Consideration . Certain acquisitions include an initial payment at the time of closing and provide for future additional contingent purchase price payments. Contingent purchase price obligations for these transactions are recorded 15 Table of Contents as deferred acquisition consideration liabilities on the balance sheet, at the acquisition date fair value and are remeasured at each reporting period. These liabilities are derived from the projected performance of the acquired entity. These arrangements may be dependent on future events, such as the growth rate of the earnings of the relevant subsidiary during the contractual period. At each reporting date, the Company models each business’ future performance, including revenue growth and free cash flows, to estimate the value of each deferred acquisition consideration liability. The liability is adjusted quarterly based on changes in current information affecting each subsidiary’s current operating results and the impact this information will have on future results included in the calculation of the estimated liability. These adjustments are recorded in the results of operations. In instances where such contingent payments require the sellers’ continuous employment with the Company after the transaction, they are recorded as compensation expense in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests . Many of the Company’s acquisitions include contractual arrangements where the noncontrolling shareholders have an option to purchase, or may require the Company to purchase, such noncontrolling shareholders’ incremental ownership interests under certain circumstances. The Company typically has similar call options under the same contractual terms. The amount of consideration under these contractual arrangements is not a fixed amount, but rather is dependent upon various valuation formulas, such as the average earnings of the relevant subsidiary through the date of exercise or the growth rate of the earnings of the relevant subsidiary during that period. In the event that an incremental purchase may be required by the Company, the amounts are recorded as redeemable noncontrolling interests in mezzanine equity on the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at their acquisition date fair value and adjusted for changes to their estimated redemption value through Retained earnings or Paid-in capital (when at an accumulated deficit) in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (but not less than their initial redemption value), except for foreign currency translation adjustments. These adjustments will not impact the calculation of earnings (loss) per share if the redemption values are less than the estimated fair values. Subsidiary and Equity Investment Stock Transactions. Transactions involving the purchase, sale or issuance of interests of a subsidiary where control is maintained are recorded as a reduction in the redeemable noncontrolling interests or noncontrolling interests, as applicable. Any difference between the purchase price and noncontrolling interest is recorded to Common stock and other paid-in capital in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. In circumstances where the purchase of shares of an equity investment results in obtaining control, the existing carrying value of the investment is remeasured to the acquisition date fair value and any gain or loss is recognized in the results of operations. Revenue Recognition . The Company’s revenue is recognized when control of the promised services are transferred to our clients, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. See Note 5 included herein for additional information. Cost of Services . Cost of services sold primarily consists of staff costs that are directly attributable to the Company’s client engagements, as well as third-party direct costs of production and delivery of services to its clients. Cost of services sold does not include depreciation, amortization, and other office and general expenses that are not directly attributable to the Company’s client engagements. Deferred Financing Costs . The Company uses the effective interest method to amortize deferred financing costs and any original issue premium or discount, if applicable. The Company also uses the straight-line method, which approximates the effective interest method, to amortize the deferred financing costs on the Credit Agreement. Income Taxes. We account for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the differences between the financial statement carrying value of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates and laws expected to be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. The Company records associated interest and penalties as a component of income tax expense. The Company records a valuation allowance against deferred income tax assets when management believes it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred income tax assets will not be realized. Management evaluates on a quarterly basis all available positive and negative evidence considering factors such as the reversal of deferred income tax liabilities, taxable income in eligible carryback years, projected future taxable income, the character of the income tax asset, tax planning strategies, changes in tax laws and other factors. The periodic assessment of the net carrying value of the Company’s deferred tax assets under the applicable accounting rules requires significant management judgment. A change to any of these factors could impact the estimated valuation allowance and income tax expense. Stock-Based Compensation . Under the fair value method, compensation cost is measured at fair value at the date of grant and is expensed over the service period, generally the award’s vesting period. The Company uses its historical volatility derived over the expected term of the award to determine the volatility factor used in determining the fair value of the award. The Company recognizes forfeitures as they occur. Stock-based awards that are settled in cash or equity at the option of the Company are recorded at fair value on the date of grant. The fair value measurement of the compensation cost for these awards is based on using the Black-Scholes option 16 Table of Contents pricing-model or other acceptable method and is recorded in Operating income over the service period, in this case the award’s vesting period. The Company has adopted the straight-line attribution method for determining the compensation cost to be recorded during each accounting period. The Company commences recording compensation expense related to awards that are based on performance conditions under the straight-line attribution method when it is probable that such performance conditions will be met. Income (Loss) per Common Share . Basic income (loss) per common share is based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Diluted income (loss) per common share is based on the above, in addition, if dilutive, common share equivalents, which include outstanding options, stock appreciation rights, and unvested restricted stock units. In periods of net loss, all potentially issuable common shares are excluded from diluted net loss per common share because they are anti-dilutive. Foreign Currency Translation . The functional and reporting currency of the Company is the US dollar. Generally, the Company’s subsidiaries use their local currency as their functional currency. Accordingly, the currency impacts of the translation of the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets of the Company and its non-U.S. dollar based subsidiaries to U.S. dollar statements are included as cumulative translation adjustments in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Translation of intercompany debt, which is not intended to be repaid, is included in cumulative translation adjustments. Cumulative translation adjustments are not included in net income (loss) unless they are actually realized through a sale or upon complete, or substantially complete, liquidation of the Company’s net investment in the foreign operation. Translation of current intercompany balances are included in net income (loss). The balance sheets of non-U.S. dollar based subsidiaries are translated at the period end rate. The Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations of the Company and its non-U.S. dollar based subsidiaries are translated at average exchange rates for the period. Gains and losses arising from the Company’s foreign currency transactions are reflected in Foreign exchange, net on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. 3. New Accounting Pronouncements In October 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-08, Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers, to improve the accounting for acquired revenue contracts with customers in a business combination by addressing diversity in practice and inconsistency related to the recognition of an acquired contract liability and other items. ASU 2021-08 is effective January 1, 2023; however, the Company has early adopted the standard and retrospectively applied it to the financial statements herein. In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, and in January subsequently issued ASU 2021-01, Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting, to provide optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. ASU 2020-04 is effective upon issuance, through December 31, 2022. The Company is evaluating the impact of the adoption of this guidance on the Company's financial statements and disclosures. 4. Acquisitions and Dispositions 2021 Acquisition On December 21, 2020, MDC Partners Inc. (“MDC”) and Stagwell Media LP (“Stagwell Media”) announced that they had entered into the Transaction Agreement, providing for the combination of MDC with the operating businesses and subsidiaries of Stagwell Media (the “Stagwell Subject Entities”). The Stagwell Subject Entities comprised Stagwell Marketing Group LLC (“Stagwell Marketing or SMG”) and its direct and indirect subsidiaries. On August 2, 2021 (the “Closing Date”), we completed the combination of MDC and the Stagwell Subject Entities and a series of steps and related transactions (such combination and transactions, the “Transactions”). In connection with the Transactions, among other things, (i) MDC completed a series of transactions pursuant to which it emerged as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, converted into a Delaware limited liability company and changed its name to Midas OpCo Holdings LLC (“OpCo”); (ii) Stagwell Media contributed the equity interests of Stagwell Marketing and its direct and indirect subsidiaries to OpCo; and (iii) the Company converted into a Delaware corporation, succeeded MDC as the publicly-traded company and changed its name to Stagwell Inc. In respect of the Transactions, the acquired assets and assumed liabilities, together with acquired processes and employees, represent a business as defined in the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 805, Business Combinations (“ASC 805”). The Transactions was accounted for as a reverse acquisition using the acquisition method of accounting, pursuant to FASB Topic 805-10, Business Combinations, with MDC treated as the legal 17 Table of Contents acquirer and SMG treated as the accounting acquirer. In identifying SMG as the acquiring entity for accounting purposes, MDC and SMG took into account a number of factors, including the relative voting rights and the corporate governance structure of the Company. SMG is considered the accounting acquirer since Stagwell Media controls the board of directors of the Company following the Transactions and received an indirect ownership interest in the Company’s only operating subsidiary, OpCo, of 69.55 % ownership of OpCo’s common units. However, no single factor was the sole determinant in the overall conclusion that Stagwell is the acquirer for accounting purposes; rather all factors were considered in arriving at such conclusion. Under the acquisition method of accounting, the assets and liabilities of MDC, as the accounting acquiree, were recorded at their respective fair value as of the date the Transactions were completed. On August 2, 2021, an aggregate of 179,970,051 shares of the Company’s Class C common stock were issued to Stagwell Media in exchange for $ 1,800 (the “Stagwell New MDC Contribution”). The Class C common stock does not participate in the earnings of the Company. Additionally, an aggregate of 179,970,051 OpCo common units were issued to Stagwell Media in exchange for the equity interests of the Stagwell Subject Entities (the “Stagwell OpCo Contribution”). The fair value of the purchase consideration is $ 426,396 , consisting of approximately 80,000,000 shares of the Company’s Class A and B common stock and common stock equivalents based on a per share price of approximately $ 5.42 , the closing stock price on the date of the combination. ASC 805 requires the allocation of the purchase price consideration to the fair value of the identified assets acquired and liabilities assumed upon consummation of a business combination. For this purpose, fair value shall be determined in accordance with the fair value concepts defined in ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” (“ASC 820”). Fair value is defined in ASC 820 as “the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.” Fair value measurements can be highly subjective and can involve a high degree of estimation. The total purchase price to acquire MDC has been allocated to the assets acquired and assumed liabilities based upon preliminary estimated fair values, with any excess purchase price allocated to goodwill. The fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities as of the date of acquisition are based on preliminary estimates assisted, in part, by a third-party valuation expert. The estimates are subject to change upon the finalization of appraisals and other valuation analyses, which are expected to be completed no later than one year from the date of acquisition. Although the completion of the valuation activities may result in asset and liability fair values that are different from the preliminary estimates included herein, it is not expected that those differences would alter the understanding of the impact of this transaction on the consolidated financial position and results of operations of the Company. The preliminary purchase price allocation is as follows: 18 Table of Contents Amount Cash and cash equivalents $ 130,155 Accounts receivable 419,742 Other current assets 44,508 Fixed Assets 80,047 Right-of-use lease assets - operating leases 293,034 Intangible assets 809,900 Other assets 16,928 Accounts payable ( 165,443 ) Accruals and other liabilities ( 308,757 ) Advance billings ( 211,687 ) Current portion of lease liabilities ( 55,878 ) Current portion of deferred acquisition consideration ( 53,054 ) Long-term debt ( 1,011,690 ) Long-term portion of deferred acquisition consideration ( 8,056 ) Long-term portion of lease liabilities ( 292,497 ) Other liabilities ( 131,897 ) Redeemable noncontrolling interests ( 30,830 ) Preferred shares ( 209,980 ) Noncontrolling interests ( 158,230 ) Net liabilities assumed ( 843,685 ) Goodwill 1,270,081 Purchase price consideration $ 426,396 The excess of purchase consideration over the fair value of the net assets acquired was recorded as goodwill, which is primarily attributed to the assembled workforce of MDC. Goodwill of $ 1,041,277 , $ 166,658 and $ 62,146 was assigned to the Integrated Agencies Network, the Media Network and the Communications Network reportable segments, respectively. The majority of the goodwill is non-deductible for income tax purposes. Intangible assets consist of trade names and customer relationships. We amortize purchased intangible assets on a straight-line basis over their respective useful lives. The weighted average life of the total acquired identifiable intangible assets is 13 years. The following table presents the details of identifiable intangible assets acquired. Estimated Fair Value Estimated Useful Life in Years Trade Names $ 98,000 10 Customer Relationships 711,900 6 - 15 Total Acquired Intangible Assets $ 809,900 MDC operating results are included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations from the date of the acquisition through September 30, 2021 with revenue of $ 241,257 and a nominal net loss. Transaction expenses were approximately $ 15,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. Pro Forma Financial Information (unaudited) 19 Table of Contents The unaudited pro forma information for the periods set forth below gives effect to the acquisition as if it occurred as of January 1, 2020. The pro forma information is presented for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that actually would have been achieved had the acquisitions been consummated as of that time. Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 Revenue $ 1,612,399 $ 1,445,813 The proforma net loss was nominal for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020. 2020 Acquisitions On February 14, 2020, the Company acquired Sloane & Company (“Sloane”) from an affiliate of MDC for approximately $ 24,400 of total consideration. Total consideration included a cash payment of $ 18,900 made by Stagwell Media (Non-consolidated related party) which was accounted for as a non-cash contribution for the purposes of the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows and Statement of Changes in Equity, the acquisition date fair value of the contingent deferred acquisition consideration of $ 4,800 , and $ 700 of cash paid by the Company. Sloane is an industry-leading strategic communications firm, based out of New York. Sloane will extend SKDK’s current suite of services and allow for the expansion into the capital markets and special situations verticals. On August 14, 2020, the Company acquired Kettle Solutions, LLC (“Kettle”) for approximately $ 5,400 of total consideration. Total consideration included a cash payment of $ 4,900 , plus an additional $ 500 due upon the finalization of Kettle’s working capital accounts, as outlined in the purchase agreement. The purchase agreement also offers the previous owners of Kettle an additional $ 11,900 in deferred consideration, and is dependent on Kettle reaching contractually defined operating goals in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. Kettle is an industry recognized web design and content creation firm that assists its customers in developing and executing marketing campaigns, based out of New York. On October 30, 2020, the Company acquired Truelogic Software, LLC, Ramenu S.A., and Polar Bear Development S.R.L. (collectively referred to as “Truelogic”), for approximately $ 17,300 of total consideration. Total consideration included a cash payment of $ 8,900 , the acquisition date fair value of the contingent deferred acquisition consideration of $ 7,900 , and an additional $ 500 due upon the finalization of Truelogic’s working capital accounts, as outlined in the purchase agreement. Truelogic is a software development firm based in Buenos Aires that assists customers in sourcing top South American engineering talent and developing small-scale software projects. Truelogic is included in the Company’s Code and Theory Brand, which is part of its Digital - Marketing reportable segment. The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of each acquisition (in thousands): 2020 Sloane Kettle Truelogic Total Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ — $ 49 $ 90 $ 139 Accounts receivable and other current assets 2,768 2,732 2,958 8,458 Other noncurrent assets — 172 10 182 Intangible assets 5,900 1,930 9,500 17,330 Property and equipment 72 58 50 180 Right-of-use assets – operating leases — 533 201 734 Accounts payable and other current liabilities ( 469 ) ( 552 ) ( 1,063 ) ( 2,084 ) Advanced billings ( 130 ) ( 310 ) ( 429 ) ( 869 ) Operating lease liabilities — ( 533 ) ( 201 ) ( 734 ) Goodwill 16,275 1,323 6,184 23,782 Total net assets acquired $ 24,416 $ 5,402 $ 17,300 $ 47,118 Goodwill recognized on the Sloane, Kettle and Truelogic acquisitions is fully-deductible for income tax purposes. 20 Table of Contents The following table reports the fair value of intangible assets acquired, including the corresponding weighted average amortization periods, as of the date of each acquisition (in thousands, except years): 2020 Weighted Average Amortization Period Sloane Kettle Truelogic Total Customer relationships 10 years $ 4,600 $ 1,600 $ 9,100 $ 15,300 Tradenames and trademarks 11 years 1,300 330 400 2,030 Total $ 5,900 $ 1,930 $ 9,500 $ 17,330 The following table summarizes the total revenue and net income included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) from the date of each acquisition (in thousands): Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 Revenue $ 10,794 Net Income $ 1,199 Pro Forma Financial Information (unaudited) The unaudited pro forma information for the periods set forth below gives effect to the 2020 acquisitions as if they had occurred as of January 1, 2020. The pro forma information is presented for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that actually would have been achieved had the acquisitions been consummated as of that time (in thousands): Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 Revenue $ 587,343 Net Income $ 39,801 2021 Disposition On September 15, 2021, the Company sold Reputation Defender to a strategic buyer for approximately $ 40,000 resulting in a gain of approximately $ 43,000 . The gain is recognized within the All Other category in Gain on sale of business and other, net within the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. 5. Revenue The Company’s revenue recognition policies are established in accordance with ASC 606, and accordingly, revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to our clients, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The Stagwell network provides an extensive range of services to our clients, offering a variety of marketing and communication capabilities including strategy, creative and production for advertising campaigns across a variety of platforms (print, digital, social media, television broadcast), public relations services including strategy, editorial, crisis support or issues management, media training, influencer engagement and events management. We also provide media buying and planning across a range of platforms (out-of-home, paid search, social media, lead generation, programmatic, television broadcast), experiential marketing and application/website design and development. 21 Table of Contents The primary source of the Company’s revenue is from agency arrangements in the form of fees for services performed, commissions, and from performance incentives or bonuses, depending on the terms of the client contract. In all circumstances, revenue is only recognized when collection is reasonably assured. Certain of the Company’s contractual arrangements have more than one performance obligation. For such arrangements, revenue is allocated to each performance obligation based on its relative stand-alone selling price. Stand-alone selling prices are determined based on the prices charged to clients or using expected cost plus margin. The determination of our performance obligations is specific to the services included within each contract. Based on a client’s requirements within the contract, and how these services are provided, multiple services could represent separate performance obligations or be combined and considered one performance obligation. Contracts that contain services that are not significantly integrated or interdependent, and that do not significantly modify or customize each other, are considered separate performance obligations. Typically, we consider media planning, media buying, creative (or strategy), production and experiential marketing services to be separate performance obligations if included in the same contract as each of these services can be provided on a stand-alone basis, and do not significantly modify or customize each other. Public relations services and application/website design and development are typically each considered one performance obligation as there is a significant integration of these services into a combined output. Certain of the Company’s contracts consist of a single performance obligation. In these instances, the Company does not consider the underlying activities as separate or distinct performance obligations because its services are highly interrelated, and the integration of the various components is essential to the overall promise to the Company’s customer. In certain of the Company’s client contracts, the performance obligation is a stand-ready obligation because the Company provides a constant level of similar services over the term of the contract. We typically satisfy our performance obligations over time, as services are performed. Fees for services are typically recognized using input methods (direct labor hours, materials and third-party costs) that correspond with efforts incurred to date in relation to total estimated efforts to complete the contract. To a lesser extent, revenue is recognized using output measures, such as impressions or ongoing reporting. For client contracts when the Company has a stand-ready obligation to perform services on an ongoing basis over the life of the contract, where the scope of these arrangements includes an undefined number of broad activities and there are no significant gaps in performing the services, the Company recognizes revenue ratably using a time-based measure. In addition, for client contracts where the Company is providing online subscription-based hosted services, it recognizes revenue ratably over the contract term. Point in time recognition primarily relates to certain commission-based contracts, which are recognized upon the placement of advertisements in various media when the Company has no further performance obligation. Revenue is recognized net of sales and other taxes due to be collected and remitted to governmental authorities. The Company’s contracts typically provide for termination by either party within 30 to 90 days. Although payment terms vary by client, they are typically within 30 to 60 days. In addition, the Company generally has the right to payment for all services provided through the end of the contract or termination date. Within each contract, we identify whether the Company is principal or agent at the performance obligation level. In arrangements where the Company has substantive control over the service before transferring it to the client, and is primarily responsible for integrating the services into the final deliverables, we act as principal. In these arrangements, revenue is recorded at the gross amount billed. Accordingly, for these contracts the Company has included reimbursed expenses in revenue. In other arrangements where a third-party supplier, rather than the Company, is primarily responsible for the integration of services into the final deliverables, and thus the Company is solely arranging for the third-party supplier to provide these services to our client, we generally act as agent and record revenue equal to the net amount retained, when the fee or commission is earned. The role of Stagwell’s agencies under a production services agreement is to facilitate a client’s purchasing of production capabilities from a third-party production company in accordance with the client’s strategy and guidelines. The obligation of Stagwell’s agencies under media buying services is to negotiate and purchase advertising media from a third-party media vendor on behalf of a client to execute its media plan. We do not obtain control prior to transferring these services to our clients; therefore, we primarily act as agent for production and media buying services. A small portion of the Company’s contractual arrangements with clients include performance incentive provisions, which allow the Company to earn additional revenues as a result of its performance relative to both quantitative and qualitative goals. Incentive compensation is primarily estimated using the most likely amount method and is included in revenue up to the amount that is not expected to result in a reversal of a significant amount of cumulative revenue recognized. We recognize revenue related to performance incentives as we satisfy the performance obligation to which the performance incentives are related. Disaggregated Revenue Data The Company provides a broad range of services to a large base of clients across the full spectrum of verticals globally. The primary source of revenue is from agency arrangements in the form of fees for services performed, commissions, and from 22 Table of Contents performance incentives or bonuses. Certain clients may engage with the Company in various geographic locations, across multiple disciplines, and through multiple Brands. Representation of a client rarely means that Stagwell handles marketing communications for all brands or product lines of the client in every geographical location. The Company’s Brands often cooperate with one another through referrals and the sharing of both services and expertise, which enables Stagwell to service clients’ varied marketing needs by crafting custom integrated solutions. Additionally, the Company maintains separate, independent operating companies to enable it to effectively manage potential conflicts of interest by representing competing clients across the Stagwell network. The following table presents revenue disaggregated by lines of business for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Lines of Business Reportable Segment 2021 2020 2021 2020 Public Relations Integrated Agencies Network, Communications Network, Other $ 67,497 $ 43,497 $ 118,380 $ 97,217 Creative Integrated Agencies Network 125,637 1,927 127,791 6,792 Digital All Segments 191,643 153,284 445,485 370,711 Experiential Integrated Agencies Network 14,413 — 14,413 — Media Media Network 10,819 — 10,819 — Research Integrated Agencies Network 46,363 24,863 117,467 78,242 Other Media Network, Integrated Agencies Network, Other 10,262 4,526 23,081 22,008 $ 466,634 $ 228,097 $ 857,436 $ 574,970 Stagwell has historically largely focused where the Company was founded in North America, the largest market for its services in the world. The Company has expanded its global footprint to support clients looking for help to grow their businesses in new markets. Stagwell’s Brands are located in the United States and United Kingdom, and an additional eighteen countries around the world. In the past, some clients have responded to weakening economic conditions with reductions to their marketing budgets, which included discretionary components that are easier to reduce in the short term than other operating expenses. The following table presents revenue disaggregated by geography for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Geographical Location Reportable Segment 2021 2020 2021 2020 United States All $ 387,662 $ 208,045 $ 733,038 $ 515,403 United Kingdom All 32,218 4,904 62,416 18,658 Other All 46,754 15,148 61,982 40,909 $ 466,634 $ 228,097 $ 857,436 $ 574,970 23 Table of Contents Contract Assets and Liabilities Contract assets consist of fees and reimbursable outside vendor costs incurred on behalf of clients when providing advertising, marketing and corporate communications services that have not yet been invoiced to clients. Unbilled service fees were $ 137,938 and $ 30,570 at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, and are included as a component of Accounts receivable on the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Outside vendor costs incurred on behalf of clients which have yet to be invoiced were $ 37,101 and $ 11,063 at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, and are included on the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as Expenditures billable to clients. Such amounts are invoiced to clients at various times over the course of providing services. Additions to contract assets of $99,853 were added during the period as a result of the acquisition of MDC. Contract liabilities consist of fees billed to clients in excess of fees recognized as revenue and are classified as Advance billings and also are included within Accruals and other liabilities on the Company’s Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. In arrangements in which we are acting as an agent, the revenue recognition related to the contract liability is presented on a net basis within the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Advance billings at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 were $ 286,790 and $ 66,418 , respectively. The increase in the Advance billings balance of $ 220,372 for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 was primarily driven by the acquisition of MDC, representing a $ 211,687 increase, and by cash payments received or due in advance of satisfying our performance obligations, offset by $ 45,432 of revenues recognized that were included in the Advance billings balances as of December 31, 2020 and reductions due to the incurrence of third-party costs. Contract liabilities classified within Accruals and other liabilities at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 were $ 168,882 and $ 9,311 , respectively. The increase in the balance of $ 159,571 for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 was primarily driven by was primarily driven by the acquisition of MDC, representing a $ 108,488 increase, and by cash payments received or due in advance of satisfying our performance obligations, offset by $ 9,311 of revenues recognized that were included in the balance as of December 31, 2020 and reductions due to the incurrence of third-party costs. Changes in the contract asset and liability balances during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 were not materially impacted by write offs, impairment losses or any other factors. The majority of our contracts are for periods of one year or less. For those contracts with a term of more than one year , we had approximately $ 8,498 of unsatisfied performance obligations as of September 30, 2021, of which we expect to recognize approximately 35 % in 2021, 60 % in 2022 and 4 % in 2023. 6. Income (Loss) Per Common Share The following table sets forth the computations of basic and diluted income (loss) per common share: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 2021 Numerator: Net loss attributable to Stagwell Inc. common shareholders $ ( 4,545 ) $ ( 4,545 ) Denominator: Weighted average number of common shares outstanding 76,105,807 76,105,807 Earnings Per Share - Basic & Diluted $ ( 0.06 ) $ ( 0.06 ) Anti-dilutive: Class C shares 179,970,051 179,970,051 Stock Appreciation Rights and Restricted Awards 6,596,023 6,596,023 24 Table of Contents There were 123,849,000 Preferred Shares outstanding which were convertible into 33,035,446 of Class A common shares at September 30, 2021. These Preferred Shares were anti-dilutive for each period presented in the table above and are therefore excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation. The combination of MDC and SMG was completed on August 2, 2021, which was treated as a reverse acquisition for financial reporting purposes. SMG was treated as the accounting acquirer and MDC was the accounting acquiree. Therefore, under applicable accounting principles, the historical financial results of SMG prior to August 2, 2021 are considered our historical financial results. Accordingly, historical information presented in this Form 10-Q for events occurring or periods ending before August 2, 2021 does not reflect the impact of the Transactions or the financial results of MDC and may not be comparable with historical information for events occurring or periods ending on or after August 2, 2021. SMG’s equity structure, prior to the combination with MDC, was a non-unitized single member limited liability company, resulting in all components of equity attributable to the member being reported within Members' Capital. Given that SMG was a non-unitized single member limited liability company, net income (loss) prior to the combination is not applicable for purposes of calculating earnings per share. Therefore, the net income (loss) in the table above includes the income or loss for the period beginning on the acquisition date through the end of the respective reporting period and as such will not reconcile to the respective amounts presented within the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. 7. Deferred Acquisition Consideration Deferred acquisition consideration on the balance sheet consists of deferred obligations related to contingent and fixed purchase price payments, and to a lesser extent, contingent and fixed retention payments tied to continued employment of specific personnel. Contingent deferred acquisition consideration is recorded at the acquisition date fair value and adjusted at each reporting period through operating income. The Company accounts for certain retention payments through operating income as compensation expense over the required retention period. The following table presents changes in contingent deferred acquisition consideration, which is measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs, and a reconciliation to the amounts reported on the balance sheets as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020: September 30, December 31, 2021 2020 Beginning Balance of Contingent Payments $ 17,847 $ 65,792 Payments ( 12,286 ) ( 66,235 ) Redemption value adjustments (1) 9,535 2,520 Additions (2) 61,110 15,717 Other ( 501 ) 53 Ending balance of contingent payments $ 75,705 $ 17,847 (1) Redemption value adjustments are fair value changes from the Company’s initial estimates of deferred acquisition payments. Redemption value adjustments are recorded within Office and general expenses on the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. (2) Additions in 2021 represent deferred acquisition consideration acquired in connection with the acquisition of MDC. 8. Leases The Company leases office space in North America, Europe, Asia, South America, and Australia. This space is primarily used for office and administrative purposes by the Company’s employees in performing professional services. These leases are classified as operating leases and expire between years 2021 through 2034. The Company’s finance leases are immaterial. The Company’s leasing policies are established in accordance with ASC 842, and accordingly, the Company recognizes on the balance sheet at the time of lease commencement a right-of-use lease asset and a lease liability, initially measured at the present value of the lease payments. Right-of-use lease assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. All right-of-use lease assets are reviewed for impairment. As the Company’s implicit rate in its leases is not readily determinable, in 25 Table of Contents determining the present value of lease payments, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date. Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease liability are comprised of noncancelable lease payments, payments based upon an index or rate, payments for optional renewal periods where it is reasonably certain the renewal period will be exercised, and payments for early termination options unless it is reasonably certain the lease will not be terminated early. Lease costs are recognized in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations over the lease term on a straight-line basis. Leasehold improvements are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the term of the related lease or the estimated useful life of the asset. Some of the Company’s leases contain variable lease payments, including payments based upon an index or rate. Variable lease payments based upon an index or rate are initially measured using the index or rate in effect at the lease commencement date and are included within the lease liabilities. Lease liabilities are not remeasured as a result of changes in the index or rate, rather changes in these types of payments are recognized in the period in which the obligation for those payments is incurred. In addition, some of our leases contain variable payments for utilities, insurance, real estate tax, repairs and maintenance, and other variable operating expenses. Such amounts are not included in the measurement of the lease liability and are recognized in the period when the facts and circumstances which the variable lease payments are based upon occur. Some of the Company’s leases include options to extend or renew the leases through 2044. The renewal and extension options are not included in the lease term as the Company is not reasonably certain that it will exercise its option. From time to time, the Company enters into sublease arrangements both with unrelated third-parties and with our partner agencies. These leases are classified as operating leases and expire between years 2021 through 2031. Sublease income is recognized over the lease term on a straight-line basis. Currently, the Company subleases office space in North America, Asia, Europe and Australia. As of September 30, 2021, the Company has entered into three operating leases for which the commencement date has not yet occurred as the premises are in the process of being prepared for occupancy by the landlord. Accordingly, these three leases represent an obligation of the Company that is not reflected within the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2021. The aggregate future liability related to these leases is approximately $ 31,310 . The discount rate used for leases accounted for under ASC 842 is the Company’s collateralized credit adjusted borrowing rate. The following table presents lease costs and other quantitative information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Lease Cost: Operating lease cost $ 13,502 $ 5,900 $ 27,779 $ 19,279 Variable lease cost 3,230 928 5,167 2,959 Sublease rental income ( 2,359 ) ( 938 ) ( 4,290 ) ( 2,818 ) Total lease cost $ 14,373 $ 5,890 $ 28,656 $ 19,420 Additional information: Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities for operating leases Operating cash flows $ 16,490 $ 5,260 $ 29,854 $ 15,580 Right-of-use lease assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities and other non-cash adjustments $ 353,984 $ 128 $ 353,984 $ 1,961 Weighted average remaining lease term (in years) - Operating leases 6.8 4.6 6.8 4.6 Weighted average discount rate - Operating leases 4.0 % 4.1 % 4.0 % 4.1 % Operating lease expense is included in office and general expenses in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company’s lease expense for leases with a term of 12 months or less is immaterial. The following table presents minimum future rental payments under the Company’s leases at September 30, 2021 and their reconciliation to the corresponding lease liabilities: 26 Table of Contents Maturity Analysis Remaining 2021 $ 23,452 2022 84,730 2023 80,281 2024 65,242 2025 50,076 2026 and thereafter 161,462 Total 465,243 Less: Present value discount ( 63,033 ) Lease liability $ 402,210 9. Debt As of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company’s indebtedness was comprised as follows: September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Revolving credit facility $ 181,112 $ 201,636 Term debt — 994 5.625% Notes 1,100,000 — Debt issuance costs ( 15,365 ) ( 3,612 ) Total debt $ 1,265,747 $ 199,018 Less: Current maturities of long-term debt $ — $ ( 994 ) Long-term debt $ 1,265,747 $ 198,024 Interest expense related to long-term debt included in Interest expense, net on the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 was $ 15,560 and $ 4,317 , respectively. The amortization of debt issuance costs included in Interest expense, net on the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 was $ 2,092 and $ 396 , respectively. Revolving Credit Agreement On November 18, 2019, the Company entered into a debt agreement (“JPM Syndicated Facility”) with a syndicate of banks led by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A (“JPM”). The JPM Syndicated Facility consisted of a five-year revolving credit facility of $ 265,000 (“JPM Revolver”) with the right to be increased by an additional $ 150,000 . On March 18, 2020, the Company increased the commitments on the JPM Revolver by $ 60,000 to $ 325,000 . On August 2, 2021, in connection with the closing of the acquisition of MDC, the Company entered into an amended and restated credit agreement (the “Combined Credit Agreement”) with a syndicate of banks led by JPM to increase commitments on the existing JPM Revolver. The Combined Credit Agreement consists of a $ 500,000 senior secured revolving credit facility with a five-year maturity. The Combined Credit Agreement contains sub-limits for revolving loans and letters of credit of $ 50,000 for loans denominated in pounds sterling or euros. It also includes an accordion feature under which the Company may request, subject to lender approval and certain conditions, to increase the amount of the commitments to an aggregate amount not to exceed $ 650,000 . Borrowings under the Combined Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate equal to, at the Company’s option, (i) the greatest of (a) the prime rate of interest announced from time to time by JPM, (b) the federal funds effective rate from time to time plus 0.50 % and (c) the LIBOR rate plus 1 %, in each case, plus the applicable margin (calculated based on the Company’s total leverage ratio) at that time or (ii) the LIBOR rate plus the applicable margin (calculated based on the Company’s total leverage ratio) at that time. The Company is also required to pay an unused revolver fee to the lenders under the Combined Credit Agreement in respect of the unused commitments thereunder ranging from 0.15 % to 0.30 % of unused commitments depending on the total leverage ratio, as well as customary letter of credit fees. 27 Table of Contents Advances under the Combined Credit Agreement may be prepaid in whole or in part from time to time without penalty or premium. The Combined Credit Agreement commitment may be reduced by the Company from time to time. Principal amounts outstanding under the Combined Credit Agreement are due and payable in full at maturity within five years of the date of the Combined Credit Agreement. If an event of default occurs under the Combined Credit Agreement or any future secured indebtedness, the holders of such secured indebtedness will have a prior right to our assets securing such indebtedness, to the exclusion of the holders of the 5.625 % Notes (as defined below), even if we are in default with respect to the 5.625 % Notes. In that event, our assets securing such indebtedness would first be used to repay in full all indebtedness and other obligations secured by them (including all amounts outstanding under the Combined Credit Agreement), resulting in all or a portion of our assets being unavailable to satisfy the claims of the holders of the 5.625 % Notes and other unsecured indebtedness. The Combined Credit Agreement contains a number of financial and nonfinancial covenants and is guaranteed by substantially all of our present and future subsidiaries, subject to customary exceptions. The Company was in compliance with all covenants at September 30, 2021. A portion of the Combined Credit Agreement in an amount not to exceed $ 50,000 is available for the issuance of standby letters of credit. At September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company had issued undrawn outstanding letters of credit of $ 25,628 and $ 5,500 , respectively. Term Loan On November 13, 2020, the Company, JPM as administrative agent, and a group of lenders entered into a term loan agreement that provided the Company with a delayed draw term loan in an aggregate principal amount of $ 90,000 (“DD Term Loan A”) with a maturity date of November 13, 2023. In connection with the acquisition of MDC, the Company drew down on the full amount of the DD Term Loan A, repaid the amount with the Combined Credit Agreement, and terminated the agreement. Line of Credit On August 2, 2021, the Company entered into an unsecured uncommitted line of credit in the aggregate amount of $ 30,000 with JPM (the “Line of Credit”) to meet certain short-term working capital needs. The Line of Credit expired on August 20, 2021. Senior Notes In August 2021, the Company issued $ 1,100,000 aggregate principal amount of 5.625 % senior notes (" 5.625 % Notes"). A portion of the proceeds from the issuance of the 5.625 % Notes was used to redeem $ 870,300 aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 7.50 % Senior Notes due 2024 (the “Existing Notes”) for a price of $ 904,200 . This price is equal to 101.625 % of the outstanding principal amount of the Existing Notes being redeemed, plus, accrued, and unpaid interest on the principal amount of such Existing Notes. The Company did not recognize a gain or loss on redemption. The 5.625 % Notes are due August 15, 2029 and bear interest of 5.625 % to be paid on February 15 and August 15 of each year, commencing on February 15, 2022. The 5.625 % Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by substantially all of the Company’s subsidiaries. The 5.625 % Notes rank (i) equally in right of payment with all of the Company’s or any guarantor’s existing and future unsubordinated indebtedness, (ii) senior in right of payment to the Company’s or any guarantor’s existing and future subordinated indebtedness, (iii) effectively subordinated to any of the Company’s or any guarantor’s existing and future secured indebtedness to the extent of the collateral securing such indebtedness, including the Combined Credit Agreement, and (iv) structurally subordinated to all existing and future liabilities of the Company’s subsidiaries that are not guarantors. Our obligations under the 5.625 % Notes are unsecured and are effectively junior to our secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such secured indebtedness. Borrowings under the Combined Credit Agreement are secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company, and any existing and future subsidiary guarantors, including all of the capital stock of each restricted subsidiary. The Company may, at its option, redeem the 5.625 % Notes in whole at any time or in part from time to time, on and after August 15, 2024 at a redemption price of 102.813 % of the principal amount thereof if redeemed during the twelve-month 28 Table of Contents period beginning on August 15, 2024, at a redemption price of 101.406 % of the principal amount thereof if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on August 15, 2025 and at a redemption price of 100 % of the principal amount thereof if redeemed on August 15, 2026 and thereafter. Prior to August 15, 2024, the Company may, at its option, redeem some or all of the 5.625 % Notes at a price equal to 100 % of the principal amount of the 5.625 % Notes plus a “make whole” premium and accrued and unpaid interest. The Company may also redeem, at its option, prior to August 15, 2024, up to 40 % of the 5.625 % Notes with the net proceeds from one or more equity offerings at a redemption price of 105.625 % of the principal amount thereof. If the Company experiences certain kinds of changes of control (as defined in the indenture), holders of the 5.625 % Notes may require the Company to repurchase any 5.625 % Notes held by them at a price equal to 101 % of the principal amount of the 5.625 % Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, if the Company sells assets under certain circumstances, it must offer to repurchase the 5.625 % Notes at a price equal to 100 % of the principal amount of the 5.625 % Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest. The indenture includes covenants that, among other things, restrict the Company’s ability and the ability of its restricted subsidiaries (as defined in the indenture) to incur or guarantee additional indebtedness; pay dividends on or redeem or repurchase the capital stock of the Company; make certain types of investments; create restrictions on the payment of dividends or other amounts from the Company’s restricted subsidiaries; sell assets; enter into transactions with affiliates; create liens; enter into sale and leaseback transactions; and consolidate or merge with or into, or sell substantially all of the Company’s assets to, another person. These covenants are subject to a number of important limitations and exceptions. The 5.625 % Notes are also subject to customary events of default, including cross-payment default and cross-acceleration provisions. The Company was in compliance with all covenants at September 30, 2021. Interest Rate Swap The Company also owns an interest rate swap maturing April 2022 with Bank of America to convert $ 11,563 of its variable rate debt as of September 30, 2021 to a fixed rate of 2.7 %. The fair value of the swap was $ 155 and $ 416 and is included in Accruals and other liabilities on the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. 10. Noncontrolling and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests When acquiring less than 100% ownership of an entity, the Company may enter into agreements that give the Company an option to purchase, or require the Company to purchase, the incremental ownership interests under certain circumstances. Where the option to purchase the incremental ownership is within the Company’s control, the amounts are recorded as noncontrolling interests in the equity section of the Company’s Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Where the incremental purchase may be required of the Company, the amounts are recorded as redeemable noncontrolling interests in mezzanine equity at their estimated acquisition date redemption value and adjusted at each reporting period for changes to their estimated redemption value through Retained earnings (but not less than their initial redemption value), except for foreign currency translation adjustments. Changes in the Company’s ownership interests in our less than 100% owned subsidiaries during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020 were as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Net income (loss) attributable to Stagwell Inc. common shareholders $ ( 2,071 ) $ 17,808 $ 20,199 $ 34,124 Transfers from the noncontrolling interest: Increase in Stagwell Inc. paid-in capital for purchase of redeemable noncontrolling interests and noncontrolling interests 9,679 — 9,679 — Net transfers from noncontrolling interests 9,679 — 9,679 — Change from net income (loss) attributable to Stagwell Inc. and transfers to noncontrolling interests $ 7,608 $ 17,808 $ 29,878 $ 34,124 Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests The following table presents changes in redeemable noncontrolling interests: 29 Table of Contents September 30, December 31, 2021 2020 Beginning Balance $ 604 $ 3,603 Redemptions ( 2,831 ) — Acquisitions (1) 30,830 — Changes in redemption value 1,680 127 Net loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests ( 956 ) ( 3,126 ) Other 460 — Ending Balance $ 29,787 $ 604 (1) Represents redeemable noncontrolling interests acquired in connection with the acquisition of MDC. The noncontrolling shareholders’ ability to exercise any such option right is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including conditions requiring notice in advance of exercise and specific employment termination conditions. In addition, these rights cannot be exercised prior to specified staggered exercise dates. The exercise of these rights at their earliest contractual date would result in obligations of the Company to fund the related amounts during 2021 to 2025. It is not determinable, at this time, if or when the owners of these rights will exercise all or a portion of these rights. The redeemable noncontrolling interest of $ 29,787 as of September 30, 2021, consists of $ 14,847 , assuming that the subsidiaries perform over the relevant periods at their current profit levels, $ 14,940 upon termination of such owner’s employment with the applicable subsidiary or death, and $ 0 representing the initial redemption value (required floor) recorded for certain acquisitions in excess of the amount the Company would have to pay should the Company acquire the remaining ownership interests for such subsidiaries. These adjustments will not impact the calculation of earnings (loss) per share if the redemption values are less than the estimated fair values. There is no related impact on the Company’s income per share calculations. 11. Commitments, Contingencies, and Guarantees Legal Proceedings. The Company’s operating entities are involved in legal proceedings of various types. While any litigation contains an element of uncertainty, the Company has no reason to believe that the outcome of such proceedings or claims will have a material adverse effect on the financial condition or results of operations of the Company. Deferred Acquisition Consideration and Options to Purchase. See Notes 7 and 10 of the Notes included herein for information regarding potential payments associated with deferred acquisition consideration and the acquisition of noncontrolling shareholders’ ownership interest in subsidiaries. Guarantees . Generally, the Company has indemnified the purchasers of certain assets in the event that a third party asserts a claim against the purchaser that relates to a liability retained by the Company. These types of indemnification guarantees typically extend for a number of years. Historically, the Company has not made any significant indemnification payments under such agreements and no amount has been accrued in the accompanying consolidated financial statements with respect to these indemnification guarantees. The Company continues to monitor the conditions that are subject to guarantees and indemnifications to identify whether it is probable that a loss has occurred and would recognize any such losses under any guarantees or indemnifications in the period when those losses are probable and estimable. Commitments. At September 30, 2021, the Company had $ 25,628 of undrawn letters of credit. The Company entered into 3 operating leases for which the commencement date has not yet occurred as of September 30, 2021. See Note 8 included herein for additional information. In the ordinary course of business, the Company may enter into long-term, non-cancellable contracts with partner associations that include revenue or profit-sharing commitments related to the provision of its services. These contracts may also include provisions that require the partner associations to meet certain performance targets prior to any obligation to the Company. As of September 30, 2021, the Company estimates its future minimum commitments under these non-cancellable agreements to be: $2,435, $10,636, $5,990, $2,098 for the remainder of 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024, respectively. 12. Share Capital The authorized and outstanding share capital of the Company is below. See Note 1 for information regarding the Transactions. Class A Common Stock (“Class A Shares”) 30 Table of Contents There are 1,000,000,000 shares of Class A common stock authorized. There were 78,979,960 Class A Shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2021. The Class A Shares are an unlimited number of subordinate voting shares, carrying one vote each, with a par value of $ 0.001 entitled to dividends equal to or greater than Class B Shares, convertible at the option of the holder into one Class B Share for each Class A Share after the occurrence of certain events related to an offer to purchase all Class B shares. Class B Common Stock (“Class B Shares”) There are 5,000 shares of Class B common stock authorized. There were 3,946 of Class B Shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2021. These are an unlimited number of voting shares, carrying twenty votes each, with a par value of $ 0 , convertible at any time at the option of the holder into one Class A share for each Class B share. Class C Common Stock (“Class C Shares”) There are 250,000,000 shares of Class C common stock authorized. There were 179,970,051 Class C Shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2021. The Class C shares do not participate in the earnings of the Company. In addition, an aggregate of 179,970,051 OpCo common units were issued to Stagwell Media in exchange for the equity interests of the Stagwell Subject Entities. Each Class C Share, together with the related Class C unit in OpCo, is convertible at any time, at the option of the holder, into one Class A Share. Convertible Preferred Stock ("Preferred Shares") There are 50,000,000 Series 6 Preferred Shares (par value $ 0.001 per share) outstanding held by Stagwell Agency Holdings LLC (a third party with an ownership interest in the Company) and 73,849,000 Series 8 Preferred Shares (par value $ 0.001 per share) held by affiliates of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. ("Goldman") as of September 30, 2021. The Company entered into an agreement with Goldman and on August 4, 2021, redeemed $ 30,000 of liquidation value of the Series 8 Preferred Shares for $ 25,000 , resulting in the redemption of 21,151,000 shares. The terms of the Preferred Shares provided the Company the option to convert the Preferred Shares to Class A Common Shares if Class A Common Shares traded above 125 % of the $ 5.00 per share conversion price for 30 consecutive trading days. On September 23, 2021, the Company provided notices of conversion to each holder of record of each of the Company’s Series 6 and Series 8 Preferred Shares. Pursuant to the notices, the 50,000,000 issued and outstanding Series 6 Preferred Shares were converted into 12,086,700 Class A Common Shares, in the aggregate, on October 7, 2021 and the 73,849,000 issued and outstanding Series 8 Preferred Shares were converted into 20,948,746 Class A Common Shares, in the aggregate, on November 8, 2021. Subsequent to the conversion of the Series 6 and Series 8 preferred shares, the number of Class A Common Shares outstanding was 113,198,517 as of November 8, 2021. 13. Fair Value Measurements A fair value measurement assumes a transaction to sell an asset or transfer a liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the asset or liability. In determining fair value, the Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs to the extent possible as well as considers counterparty credit risk in its assessment of fair value. The hierarchy for observable and unobservable inputs used to measure fair value into three broad levels are described below: • Level 1 - Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for assets or liabilities. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to Level 1 inputs. • Level 2 - Observable prices that are based on inputs not quoted on active markets, but corroborated by market data. • Level 3 - Unobservable inputs are used when little or no market data is available. The fair value hierarchy gives the lowest priority to Level 3 inputs. Financial Instruments that are not Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis The following table presents certain information for our financial liability that is not measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020: September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Carrying Amount Fair Value Carrying Amount Fair Value 5.625% Notes 1,100,000 1,133,891 — — 31 Table of Contents Our long-term debt includes fixed rate debt. The fair value of this instrument is based on quoted market prices in markets that are not active. Therefore, this debt is classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis The following table presents certain information for our financial instruments that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020: September 30, 2021 December 31, 2020 Carrying Amount Fair Value Carrying Amount Fair Value Interest Rate Swap $ 155 $ 155 $ 416 $ 416 Call Options — — 360 360 Preferred Shares — — 12,033 12,033 The interest rate swap and call options are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy. As of December 31, 2020, the Company owned preferred shares in a company called Finn Partners. The preferred shares had a cost basis of $ 10,000 , accrued non-cash dividends, on a cost basis, at a rate of 6 % annually. The shares were redeemable to cash in the amount of the cost-plus accrued interest at any time after February 28, 2021 or upon a liquidation event and were also were convertible to common shares of Finn Partners at any time until February 28, 2021 using a conversion ratio of 1 % per $ 1,000 of preferred shares held including accrued dividends. The conversion feature was not bifurcated and was clearly and closely related to the host instrument, preferred shares. Management determined that the preferred shares were a debt-like financial instrument and should be accounted for as available-for-sale securities at their fair value at each reporting period. These preferred shares are considered to be a Level 3 fair value measurement since they utilize unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market data and which require the Company to develop its own assumptions. On March 11, 2021, the Company transferred all of its ownership in the preferred shares. The Company recognized a gain of $ 1,200 within Gain on sale of business and other, net on the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the nine months ended September 31, 2021 related to this transaction. Contingent deferred acquisition consideration (Level 3 fair value measurement) is recorded at the acquisition date fair value and adjusted at each reporting period. The estimated liability is determined in accordance with models of each business' future performance, including revenue growth and free cash flows. These models are dependent upon significant assumptions, such as the growth rate of the earnings of the relevant subsidiary during the contractual period and the discount rate. These growth rates are consistent with the Company’s long-term forecasts. As of September 30, 2021, the discount rate used to measure these liabilities ranged from 3.5 % to 5.1 %. As these estimates require the use of assumptions about future performance, which are uncertain at the time of estimation, the fair value measurements presented on the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets are subject to material uncertainty. See Note 7 included herein for additional information regarding contingent deferred acquisition consideration. At September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the carrying amount of the Company’s financial instruments, including cash, cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable, approximated fair value because of their short-term maturity. Non-financial Assets and Liabilities that are Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis Certain non-financial assets are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, primarily goodwill, intangible assets (Level 3 fair value measurement) and right-of-use lease assets (Level 2 fair value measurement). Accordingly, these assets are not measured and adjusted to fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to periodic evaluations for potential impairment. The Company did not recognize an impairment of goodwill in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020. The Company did recognize an impairment for intangible assets in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 . Refer to Note 14 for further detail. 14. Supplemental Information Stock-Based Compensation & Purchase of Noncontrolling Interests The Company recognized stock-based compensation expense of $ 53,465 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, of which $ 45,986 was for SMG unit awards (consisting of one share of the Company’s Class C Common stock and one Opco Common Unit) issued in the third quarter of 2021. Immediately following the acquisition of MDC, the Company issued 12,131 SMG unit awards, of which 6,661 were fully vested and 5,470 vest over a 6-month service period. E ach SMG unit award is exchangeable into one share of the Company’s Class A Common Stock. The unit awards were issued from 32 Table of Contents Stagwell Media's total 179,970,051 Class C common shares and Stagwell OpCo common units issued to it in the business combination. Class C common shares and Stagwell OpCo common units. Immediately following the acquisition of MDC, t he Company also purchased the remaining interest it did not already own in Code and Theory ( 8.5 %) and Observatory ( 8.1 %) and an incremental interest in Targeted Victory ( 13.3 %). The acquired interests were also funded from Stagwell Media’s total 179,970,051 Class C common shares and Stagwell OpCo common units issued to it in the business. A total of 6,930 units with a value of $37,560 were exchanged for the above interests in accordance with the business combination transaction agreement. See Note 1 for information related to the purchase of the remaining noncontrolling interest in Targeted Victory. Impairment and Other Losses The Company recognized a charge of $ 14,926 for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 primarily to reduce the carrying value of intangible assets within the Media Network reportable segment in connection with the abandonment of certain trade names as part of the rebranding of the Media Network. 15. Income Taxes Our tax provision for interim periods is determined using an estimated annual effective tax rate, adjusted for discrete items arising in interim periods. On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) was signed into law. The CARES Act includes provisions relating to delaying certain payroll tax payments, refundable payroll tax credits, net operating loss carryback periods, modifications to the net interest deduction limitations and technical corrections to the tax depreciation methods for qualified improvement property. The tax law changes in the CARES Act did not have a material impact on the Company’s income tax provision. The Company had an income tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2021 of $ 5,183 (on a pre-tax income of $ 13,182 resulting in an effective tax rate of 39.3 %) compared to an income tax expense of $ 2,618 (on pre-tax income of $ 24,075 resulting in an effective tax rate of 10.9 %) for the three months ended September 30, 2020. The difference in the effective tax rate of 39.3 % in the three months ended September 30, 2021 as compared to 10.9 % in the same period in 2020 primarily results from the expansion of the group to include more tax-paying entities and proportionally less pre-tax income not subject to tax within the group, as well as non-deductible share based compensation expenses incurred during the third quarter related to the merger. The Company had an income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 of $ 9,205 (on a pre-tax income of $ 40,466 resulting in an effective tax rate of 22.7 %) compared to income tax expense of $ 3,211 (on pre-tax income of $ 41,964 resulting in an effective tax rate of 7.7 %) for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. The difference in the effective tax rate of 22.7 % in the nine months ended September 30, 2021 as compared to 7.7 % in the same period in 2020 primarily results from the expansion of the group to include more tax-paying entities and proportionally less pre-tax income not subject to tax within the group, as well as non-deductible share based compensation expenses incurred during the third quarter related to the merger. The significant change of our deferred tax liability balance of $16,050 to $134,288 from December 31, 2020 to September 30, 2021, respectively, was primarily due to adjustments related to the reverse merger. 16. Related Party Transactions In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into transactions with related parties, including its affiliates. The transactions may range in the nature and value of services underlying the arrangements. Below are the related party transactions that are significant in nature: In August 2016, a Brand of the Company entered into an arrangement to provide technology development services to a client in which several of Brand's partners hold key leadership positions. Under the arrangement, the Brand is expected to receive from the client approximately $ 1,800 , which is expected to be fully recognized as of October 31, 2022. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company recognized $ 200 and $ 300 , respectively, in revenue related to this transaction. As of September 30, 2021, $ 200 was due from the client. In December 2018, a Brand entered into a continuous arrangement with a third-party in which the third-party was to perform marketing services. Several of the Company’s Brand partners hold key leadership positions in this entity. Under the 33 Table of Contents arrangement, the Brand is expected to pay the affiliate based upon the success of their services with no minimum or maximum spend. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company incurred $ 400 and $ 1,200 , respectively, in expenses related to this transaction. As of September 30, 2021, $ 700 was due to the vendor. In October 2020, a Brand entered into a continuous arrangement to provide marketing services to a client in which one of the Brands's partners holds a key leadership position. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company recognized $ 500 and $ 5,100 , respectively, in revenue related to this transaction. As of September 30, 2021, no receivables remained outstanding related to this arrangement. In June 2021, a Brand entered into a continuous arrangement to provide marketing services to a client in which one of Brand's partners has an ownership interest. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company recognized $ 1,300 and $ 2,700 , respectively, in revenue related to this transaction. As of September 30, 2021, $ 2,200 was due from the client. In December 2018, a Brand entered into a continuous arrangement to provide marketing services to a client in which a family member of one of the Brand's partners holds an executive leadership position. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company recognized $ 100 and $ 200 , respectively, in revenue related to this transaction. As of September 30, 2021, $ 200 was due from the client. In March 2019, a Brand of the Company, entered into a loan agreement with a third-party who holds a minority interest in the Brand. The loan receivable of $ 3,800 and $ 3,400 due from the third-party is included within Other current assets in the Company's Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The Company recognized $ 200 and $ 300 of interest income within interest expense, net on its Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively. The Stagwell Group LLC, the registered investment advisor of Stagwell Media, engaged certain of its Brands to provide services for the Stagwell Group for interagency customers. The Company recorded $ 100 and $ 1,200 of related party revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively, and nil and $ 200 of cost of service paid to the Stagwell Group for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively, in connection with such services. The Company did no t recognize any related party revenue or cost of services paid to the Stagwell Group for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021. Stagwell Media made noncash investments in the Company of $ 300 and nil , during the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $ 12,400 and $ 83,200 , during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Additionally, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company made cash investments of $ 1,600 On March 11, 2021, Stagwell Media received a Noncash distribution of $ 13,000 for the transfer of the Company’s ownership in the Finn Partners Preferred shares. Additionally, the Company made cash distributions to Stagwell Media of $ 165,700 and $ 4,700 for the three months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, and $ 191,900 and $ 98,600 for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. 17. Segment Information The Company determines an operating segment if a component (i) engages in business activities from which it earns revenues and incurs expenses, (ii) has discrete financial information, and is (iii) regularly reviewed by the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”), who is Mark Penn, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, to make decisions regarding resource allocation for the segment and assess its performance. Once operating segments are identified, the Company performs an analysis to determine if aggregation of operating segments is applicable. This determination is based upon a quantitative analysis of the expected and historic average long-term profitability for each operating segment, together with a qualitative assessment to determine if operating segments have similar operating characteristics. The CODM uses Adjusted EBITDA (defined below) as a key metric, to evaluate the operating and financial performance of a segment, identify trends affecting the segments, develop projections and make strategic business decisions. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as Net income excluding non-operating income or expense to achieve operating income, plus depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation, deferred acquisition consideration adjustments, and other items. Other items include restructuring costs, acquisition-related expenses, and non-recurring items. The Company has three reportable segments as follows: “Integrated Agencies Network,” “Media Network” and the “Communications Network.” In addition, the Company combines and discloses operating segments that do not meet the 34 Table of Contents aggregation criteria as “All Other.” The Company also reports corporate expenses, as further detailed below, as “Corporate.” All segments follow the same basis of presentation and accounting policies as those described throughout the Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein. • The Integrated Agencies Network reportable segment is comprised of Constellation (72andSunny, Crispin Porter Bogusky, Instrument, Team Enterprises, Harris, and Redscout brands), the Anomaly Alliance (Anomaly, Concentric, Hunter, Mono, YML and Scout brands), the Doner Partner Network (Doner, 6 Degrees, KWT Global, Union, Bruce Mau Design, Vitro, Harris X, Northstar, Veritas and Yamamoto brands) and the Code & Theory Network (Code & Theory, Forsman & Bodenfors, National Research Group, Observatory, Hello Design, and Colle McVoy brands) operating segments. The Integrated Agencies Networks provide a range of services for their clients, primarily including strategy, creative and production for advertising campaigns across a variety of platforms (digital, social media, television broadcast and print) as well as public relations and communications services, experiential, social media and influencer marketing. These operating segments share similar characteristics related to (i) the nature of their services; (ii) the type of clients and the methods used to provide services; and (iii) the extent to which they may be impacted by global economic and geopolitical risks. In addition, these operating segments compete with each other for new business and from time to time have business move between them. • The Media Network reportable segment is comprised of a single operating segment that combines media buying and planning across a range of platforms (out-of-home, paid search, social media, lead generation, programmatic, television broadcast) with technology and data capabilities and includes the Assembly, GALE, MMI Agency, Ink, Multiview, and Kenna brands. • The Communications Network reportable segment is comprised of a single operating segment that provides advocacy, corporate communications, public relations and other services and includes SKDK, Allison & Partners, and Targeted Victory brands. • All Other consists of the Company’s our central innovations group, Reputation Defender (sold in September 2021) and infancy stage digital products such as Prophet. • Corporate consists of corporate office expenses incurred in connection with the strategic resources provided to the operating segments, as well as certain other centrally managed expenses that are not fully allocated to the operating segments. These office and general expenses include (i) salaries and related expenses for corporate office employees, including employees dedicated to supporting the operating segments, (ii) occupancy expenses relating to properties occupied by all corporate office employees, (iii) other office and general expenses including professional fees for the financial statement audits and other public company costs, and (iv) certain other professional fees managed by the corporate office. Additional expenses managed by the corporate office that are directly related to the operating segments are allocated to the appropriate reportable segment and the All Other category. 35 Table of Contents Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 Revenue: (Dollars in Thousands) Integrated Agencies Network $ 288,479 $ 55,293 $ 441,229 $ 163,540 Media Network 103,418 60,777 235,539 185,714 Communications Network 67,348 106,909 157,794 210,100 All Other $ 7,389 $ 5,118 $ 22,874 $ 15,616 Total Revenue $ 466,634 $ 228,097 $ 857,436 $ 574,970 Adjusted EBITDA: Integrated Agencies Network $ 68,356 $ 11,270 $ 100,960 $ 28,913 Media Network 15,371 8,131 29,789 14,993 Communications Network 10,312 20,231 28,302 39,139 All Other 419 ( 193 ) ( 1,316 ) ( 749 ) Corporate ( 6,940 ) ( 2,316 ) ( 7,656 ) ( 3,325 ) Total Adjusted EBITDA $ 87,518 $ 37,123 $ 150,079 $ 78,971 Depreciation and amortization $ ( 24,790 ) $ ( 9,974 ) $ ( 46,122 ) $ ( 29,838 ) Impairment and other losses ( 14,926 ) — ( 14,926 ) — Stock-based compensation ( 53,465 ) — ( 53,465 ) — Deferred acquisition consideration ( 3,422 ) ( 149 ) ( 9,456 ) ( 1,270 ) Other items, net ( 10,549 ) ( 554 ) ( 15,298 ) ( 2,976 ) Total Operating Income (Loss) $ ( 19,634 ) $ 26,446 $ 10,812 $ 44,887 36 Table of Contents Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 2020 2021 2020 (Dollars in Thousands) Other Income (expenses): Interest expense, net $ ( 11,912 ) $ ( 1,778 ) $ ( 15,197 ) $ ( 4,665 ) Foreign exchange, net ( 893 ) ( 856 ) ( 1,955 ) 794 Gain on sale of business and other, net 45,621 263 46,806 948 Income before income taxes and equity in earnings of non-consolidated affiliates 13,182 24,075 40,466 41,964 Income tax expense 5,183 2,618 9,205 3,211 Income before equity in earnings of non-consolidated affiliates 7,999 21,457 31,261 38,753 Equity in losses (income) of non-consolidated affiliates ( 76 ) ( 35 ) ( 75 ) 7 Net income 7,923 21,422 31,186 38,760 Net income attributable to noncontrolling and redeemable noncontrolling interests ( 9,994 ) ( 3,614 ) ( 10,987 ) ( 4,636 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Stagwell Inc. common shareholders $ ( 2,071 ) $ 17,808 $ 20,199 $ 34,124 Depreciation and amortization: Integrated Agencies Network $ 14,396 $ 2,292 $ 19,816 $ 6,715 Media Network 6,597 4,903 17,041 14,751 Communications Network 2,110 1,455 5,087 4,210 All Other 493 815 2,013 2,696 Corporate 1,194 509 2,165 1,466 Total $ 24,790 $ 9,974 $ 46,122 $ 29,838 Stock-based compensation: Integrated Agencies Network $ 32,443 $ — $ 32,443 $ — Media Network 2,608 — 2,608 — Communications Network 15,384 — 15,384 — All Other 16 — 16 — Corporate 3,014 — 3,014 — Total $ 53,465 $ — $ 53,465 $ — The Company’s CODM does not use segment assets to allocate resources or to assess performance of the segments and therefore, total segment assets have not been disclosed. See Note 5 of the Notes included herein for a summary of the Company’s revenue by geographic region for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020.