WPP maintains 2026 guidance as revenue decline narrows

WPP, the London-listed advertising and marketing group, reported that third-quarter revenue less pass-through costs fell 2.1% on a like-for-like basis to £2.411 billion. This represents a smaller decline compared to the 2.8% drop recorded in the second quarter.

Chief Executive Cindy Rose stated that the results show sequential improvement in like-for-like growth, reinforcing confidence in the company’s strategy to return to growth during 2027. The group is currently focused on the first phase of its ‘Elevate28’ plan, which aims to stabilize performance and create a more unified business structure.

Key client developments include renewing a global media partnership with Coca-Cola (excluding North America, Japan, and South Korea) and expanding its remit with DoorDash. WPP also secured media business for Waymo in North America and EMEA, alongside assignments from Nestlé and Uber.

While the WPP Media division returned to growth of 0.3%, the WPP Creative division saw a 5.1% decline. Regional performance varied, with China contracting 8.7% and the Middle East and Africa falling 12.4%. The company maintained its full-year headline operating margin forecast of 12% to 13%.