In fact, results would have been better in the third quarter, in spite of the impact of a weak U.S. dollar. With constant exchange rates, Publicis' revenues would have been up 15 percent in the third quarter. Results for the first nine months could have approached 12 percent vs. 7.5 percent after the impact of currency exchanges, according to Media Post.

Publicis is not the only global agency holding company to be impacted negatively by the U.S. dollar's exchange rate. London-based WPP Group, and Havas, the Paris-based parent of MPG, Media Contacts and other agencies, also reported similar stories.