STGW

Communication Services

Stagwell Inc. · Advertising Agencies · $2B

UQS Score — Balanced Preset
36.9
Below Average

Stagwell Inc. scores 36.9/100 using the Balanced preset.

UQS vs Communication Services Sector
STGW
36.9
Sector avg
35.8
Quality
Weak
Moat
Weak
Growth
Neutral
Risk
Weak
Valuation
Attractive

What is Stagwell Inc.?

Stagwell Inc. is a New York-based marketing and communications company built around digital transformation, performance media, and creative services. It serves brands looking to modernize how they reach and engage consumers across digital channels.

Stagwell generates revenue by helping brands navigate digital change — designing platforms, running media campaigns, and shaping communications strategies. Its three operating segments — Integrated Agencies Network, Media Network, and Communications Network — cover everything from building mobile apps and data platforms to public relations and influencer marketing. The company also develops proprietary technology products, including cookie-less audience targeting tools and e-commerce software, positioning itself as a tech-enabled alternative to legacy agency holding companies.

Stagwell was founded in 1995 and is headquartered in New York City.

  • Digital platform design and development
  • Performance media buying and planning
  • Consumer insights and brand strategy
  • Public relations and strategic communications
  • Proprietary ad-tech and data software tools

Is STGW a Good Stock to Buy?

UQS Score rates STGW as Below Average overall.

Among the five pillars, Valuation stands out as Attractive — meaning the stock appears priced modestly relative to its fundamentals. Growth earns a Neutral rating, suggesting the business is expanding at a pace roughly in line with sector expectations rather than significantly lagging.

Quality, Moat, and Risk all score Weak, reflecting concerns about earnings durability, competitive differentiation, and the financial risk profile — areas that weigh heavily on the composite score.

See the exact pillar breakdown and full financial metrics by signing up for a UQS Pro account. Sign up free →

Past performance does not guarantee future results. UQS Score is based on fundamental data and is not a buy/sell recommendation.

Does STGW pay dividends?

No — Stagwell Inc. does not currently pay a dividend.

Stagwell does not currently pay a dividend. For a growth-oriented marketing technology company, this is common — available cash tends to be directed toward acquisitions, technology development, and expanding service capabilities rather than returned to shareholders as income. Investors seeking yield would need to look elsewhere in the Communication Services sector.

When does STGW report earnings?

Stagwell reports earnings on a quarterly cadence, typical for US-listed equities.

The company has been working to demonstrate consistent revenue generation across its agency and media segments, though profitability has remained a focus area for investors. Results can vary quarter to quarter depending on client spending cycles and the pace of new business wins.

For the most recent quarter's results, visit Stagwell's investor relations page directly.

STGW Price History

+50.6% over 5Y

Monthly close, adjusted for stock splits and dividend reinvestment.

Return Calculator

What if I invested in Stagwell Inc.?

$
Today it would be worth
$21,208
That's a +112% total return, or +16.2% annualized.

Based on Stagwell Inc.'s historical closing prices, adjusted for stock splits and dividend reinvestment. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice.

STGW Long-term Outlook

Stagwell's Growth pillar rating of Neutral points to a business that is expanding but has not yet demonstrated the kind of accelerating trajectory that would push it into higher-rated territory. The Weak Risk profile introduces meaningful uncertainty around that growth path — elevated leverage or earnings volatility could limit upside. The Attractive Valuation label suggests the market may already be pricing in these concerns, which could limit downside but also cap near-term re-rating potential.

Growth drivers

  • Continued brand shift toward digital and performance-based marketing spend
  • Proprietary ad-tech products differentiating from traditional agency peers
  • Cross-selling opportunities across integrated agency and media segments

Key risks

  • Weak Quality and Moat ratings signal limited earnings durability
  • Competitive pressure from both large holding companies and specialist digital agencies
  • Macro sensitivity — client marketing budgets contract quickly in downturns

STGW vs Peers

Stagwell competes across digital media, marketing technology, and communications services — a fragmented space with players of varying scale and focus.

ZDSTGW scores lower
Ziff Davis, Inc.

Ziff Davis focuses on digital media brands and cybersecurity software, giving it a more content-driven revenue mix compared to Stagwell's agency-led model.

MGNISTGW scores lower
Magnite, Inc.

Magnite operates as an independent sell-side advertising platform, competing with Stagwell's media network on programmatic ad technology rather than full-service agency capabilities.

CMPRSimilar UQS
Cimpress plc

Cimpress targets small businesses with mass-customized marketing products, occupying a different customer segment than Stagwell's enterprise and mid-market brand focus.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Stagwell Inc. do?

Stagwell provides digital transformation, performance media, consumer insights, and creative communications services. It operates through three segments — Integrated Agencies Network, Media Network, and Communications Network — helping brands modernize marketing through a mix of agency expertise and proprietary technology products.

Does STGW pay dividends?

No, Stagwell does not currently pay a dividend. The company reinvests available capital into acquisitions, technology development, and expanding its service offerings rather than distributing income to shareholders.

When does STGW report earnings?

Stagwell reports on a quarterly cadence, consistent with standard US-listed company practice. For exact dates and the most recent results, check Stagwell's official investor relations page.

Is STGW a good stock to buy?

UQS Score rates STGW as Below Average, reflecting Weak scores across Quality, Moat, and Risk pillars. The Valuation pillar is Attractive, which may interest value-oriented investors, but the weak fundamental profile warrants careful consideration. The full pillar breakdown is available to Pro members.

Is STGW overvalued?

Based on the UQS Valuation pillar, STGW is rated Attractive — suggesting the stock is not expensive relative to its fundamentals. However, a low price alone does not offset concerns in other areas; the Weak Quality and Moat ratings remain relevant context.

How does STGW compare to its competitors?

Stagwell sits in a fragmented space alongside digital media companies like Ziff Davis, ad-tech platforms like Magnite, and marketing product firms like Cimpress. Each competitor has a distinct model — Stagwell's differentiation lies in combining full-service agency capabilities with proprietary technology tools.

What is STGW's market cap bracket?

Stagwell is classified as a small-cap company. This places it below large-cap peers in the Communication Services sector, which can mean higher volatility and less institutional coverage but also potential for re-rating if fundamentals improve.

Who founded Stagwell Inc.?

Stagwell's founding history and leadership background are widely available through public sources and the company's own investor relations materials. The company has been headquartered in New York City since its establishment.

Is STGW a long-term quality investment?

As a long-term quality indicator, the UQS Score rates STGW Below Average. Weak scores in Quality, Moat, and Risk suggest the business has not yet demonstrated the durability and competitive positioning typically associated with strong long-term compounders. Monitoring pillar trends over time is advisable.

What is the main competitive advantage of Stagwell?

Stagwell positions itself as a tech-enabled marketing services company, differentiating through proprietary ad-tech products — including cookie-less targeting platforms and e-commerce tools — alongside traditional agency capabilities. However, the UQS Moat pillar rates this advantage as Weak relative to sector peers.

What sector does STGW belong to?

Stagwell operates in the Communication Services sector, specifically within marketing, advertising, and digital media services. This sector is sensitive to advertising spending cycles and broader macroeconomic conditions, which can affect revenue visibility.

Is STGW a growth stock or value stock?

Based on UQS pillar labels, STGW shows Neutral Growth and Attractive Valuation — a profile that leans more toward value territory than high-growth. It does not exhibit the rapid expansion characteristics of a pure growth stock, but the modest valuation may appeal to contrarian or value-oriented investors.

Unlock Full STGW Analysis

Sign in to unlock the detailed analysis behind the UQS Score.

  • View the complete five-pillar UQS Score breakdown
  • Access detailed financial metrics and trend data
  • Compare STGW against sector peers side by side
  • Track pillar changes across reporting periods
  • Screen for stronger-rated Communication Services stocks
Analyze STGW in Detail →

Pro Analysis

STGW — Score History

30354045Apr 2Apr 12Apr 22May 2May 12May 22May 24v5
Score changes· 12 most recent
DateUQSQualityMoatGrowthRiskValueChange
May 21, 202636.828.227.043.23.891.6+0.1
May 19, 202636.728.227.043.23.891.40.0
May 18, 202636.728.227.043.23.891.1-0.5
May 12, 202637.228.227.043.23.894.1+0.1
May 10, 202637.14.127.043.238.0100.00.0
May 9, 202637.128.227.043.23.893.90.0
May 8, 202637.14.127.043.238.0100.00.0
May 4, 202637.129.927.043.23.591.5-0.2
Apr 26, 202637.329.927.044.03.591.5+0.1
Apr 19, 202637.229.927.044.23.590.5-0.1

STGW — Pillar Breakdown

Quality

28.2/100 (25%)

Stagwell Inc. currently shows below-average quality metrics, suggesting challenges with profitability.

Capital Efficiency (ROIC)Weak

How effectively capital is deployed to generate returns.

Return on EquityWeak

Profitability relative to shareholders' equity.

Operating ProfitabilityWeak

Ability to convert revenue into operating profit.

Net ProfitabilityWeak

Bottom-line profit as a share of revenue.

Gross Profit / AssetsModerate

Asset productivity — how much gross profit each dollar of assets generates.

Cash GenerationStrong

Free cash flow relative to market value.

Growth

43.2/100 (20%)

Stagwell Inc. shows steady but unspectacular growth, typical for mature companies.

Recent Revenue TrendWeak

Revenue trajectory over the last twelve months.

3Y Revenue CAGRWeak

Compound annual revenue growth rate over 3 years.

EPS GrowthStrong

Year-over-year earnings per share growth.

Forward Revenue OutlookWeak

Analyst consensus for future revenue growth.

Forward EPS GrowthStrong

Analyst consensus for future earnings growth.

Risk

3.8/100 (15%)

Stagwell Inc. presents elevated risk with concerns around leverage or financial stability.

Financial LeverageWeak

Debt levels relative to earnings capacity.

Debt/EquityWeak

Total debt relative to shareholder equity.

Current RatioWeak

Short-term liquidity — ability to pay near-term obligations.

Interest CoverageWeak

Earnings capacity relative to interest payments.

Valuation

92.4/100 (15%)

Stagwell Inc. appears attractively valued relative to its earnings, cash flows, and sector peers.

Earnings YieldStrong

Inverse of forward P/E — higher yield means cheaper stock.

Price to Free Cash FlowStrong

How many years of FCF the market cap represents.

PEG RatioStrong

P/E relative to earnings growth — lower is more attractive.

EV/EBITDA vs SectorModerate

Enterprise value multiple relative to sector median.

Moat

27/100 (25%)

Stagwell Inc. operates in a highly competitive environment with limited sustainable advantages. The Moat pillar evaluates competitive advantages across five dimensions: Switching Costs, Network Effects, Cost Advantage, Intangible Assets, and Scale & Ecosystem. Sign in to customize moat ratings for STGW.

Score Composition

Quality
28.2×25%7.0
Growth
43.2×20%8.6
Risk
3.8×15%0.6
Valuation
92.4×15%13.9
Moat
27.0×25%6.8
Total
36.9Below Average

Financial Data

More Stock Analysis

How is the STGW UQS Score Calculated?

The UQS (Unified Quality Score) for Stagwell Inc. is calculated using a proprietary 6-pillar framework with 29 financial metrics. Each pillar evaluates a different dimension on a 0–100 scale, then combines into a single weighted score. Scoring thresholds are calibrated per sector. Momentum is an optional Pro toggle — without it, you get the 5-pillar / 25-metric core shown below.

Quality (25%) measures profitability and capital efficiency — ROIC, ROE, margins, GP/Assets, and FCF Yield.

Moat (25%) assesses Stagwell Inc.'s competitive advantages across switching costs, network effects, cost advantages, intangible assets, and ecosystem scale.

Growth (20%) tracks revenue trajectory and earnings momentum, combining historical results with analyst forward estimates.

Risk (15%) is inversely scored — lower leverage and strong balance sheet health result in higher scores.

Valuation (15%) measures whether Stagwell Inc. is fairly priced using earnings yield, price-to-FCF, PEG ratio, and EV/EBITDA relative to sector peers.

Six investor-inspired presets are available, each with different pillar weights: Balanced, Buffett, Munger, Lynch, Cathie Wood, and Graham. The public score shown here uses the Balanced preset. Learn more in our FAQ.