WPP (NYSE:WPP) Stock

Headquartered in the United Kingdom, WPP is the world's largest ad holding company based on annual revenue. Its services, which include traditional and digital advertising, public relations, and consulting, are provided worldwide, with over 70% of its revenue coming from more developed regions such as North America, the UK, and Western Europe. WPP is the largest media buying entity in the world.

WPP PLC

WIIM

WPP shares are trading lower after the company updated its H1, Q2 and FY25 guidance.

News

Guidance

Reported Earlier:  WPP Is Updating The Market Today On H1 Trading And The FY 2025 Outlook; Now Anticipates H1 Like-For-Like  Revenue Less Pass-Through Costs To Decline By -4.2% To -4.5%, With A Decline Of -5.5% To -6.0% In Q2; Reducing  Guidance For 2025 Like-For-Like Revenue Less Pass-through Costs To -3% To -5%

U.S. stock futures were mixed this morning, with the Dow futures gaining around 0.1% on Wednesday.
Shares of Aehr Test Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AEHR#NASDAQ">AEHR</a>) fell sharply in pre-market trading after the company reported worse-than-expected fourth-<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AEHR">quarter sales results</a>.
Aehr Test Systems reported fourth-quarter revenue of $14.09 million, missing analyst estimates of $14.82 million, according to estimates from Benzinga Pro.
Aehr Test Systems shares dipped 20.3% to $12.07 in the pre-market trading session.
Here are some other stocks moving lower in pre-market trading.
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>RxSight, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RXST#NASDAQ">RXST</a>) shares tumbled 37.6% to $7.98 in pre-market trading after the company cut its 2025 revenue guidance from $160M–$175M to $120M–$130M.</li>
<li>Vertical Aerospace Ltd. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EVTL#NASDAQ">EVTL</a>) fell 18.2% to $5.67 in pre-market trading after the company announced a $60 million offering.</li>
<li>WPP plc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WPP#NYSE">WPP</a>) dipped 16.2% to $30.01 in pre-market trading.</li>
<li>Penguin Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PENG#NASDAQ">PENG</a>) fell 6.3% to $19.89 in pre-market trading. Penguin Solutions reported upbeat earnings for the third quarter, while sales missed estimates. The company raised its FY2025 earnings guidance, but narrowed its sales forecast</li>
<li>Bit Digital, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BTBT#NASDAQ">BTBT</a>) shares declined 5% to $3.56 in pre-market trading after gaining 7% on Tuesday.</li>
<li>Enphase Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ENPH#NASDAQ">ENPH</a>) fell 4.2% to $39.24 in pre-market trading after declining around 4% on Tuesday.</li>
<li>Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TNDM#NASDAQ">TNDM</a>) declined 2.7% to $16.17 in pre-market trading. Tandem Diabetes Care will release its second quarter results after the financial markets close on Wednesday, Aug. 6.</li>
<li>Mobileye Global Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MBLY#NASDAQ">MBLY</a>) fell 2.3% to $18.21 in pre-market trading as the company announced a secondary offering of shares of Class A common stock, concurrent repurchase and conversion.</li>
</ul>
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Pre-Market Outlook

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Aehr Test Systems Posts Downbeat Sales, Joins RxSight, Vertical Aerospace And Other Big Stocks Moving Lower In Wednesday's Pre-Market Session

Shares of The AES Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AES#NYSE">AES</a>) rose sharply in pre-market trading following reports the company <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AES">has received takeover interest.</a>
AES is exploring options including a potential sale as multiple large investment firms have expressed interest in acquiring the company, according to Bloomberg.
AES shares jumped 10.2% to $12.20 in the pre-market trading session.
Here are some other stocks moving in pre-market trading.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Gainers</h3>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Scage Future (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SCAG#NASDAQ">SCAG</a>) surged 207.6% to $12.92 in pre-market trading after gaining over 10% on Tuesday.</li>
<li>SOBR Safe, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SOBR#NASDAQ">SOBR</a>) climbed 57.7% to $5.31 in pre-market trading after the company announced it has been granted European patent number EP4171362.</li>
<li>Calidi Biotherapeutics, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CLDI#NYSE">CLDI</a>) rose 52% to $0.5150 in pre-market trading. The stock's after-hours surge comes on the heels of a development in the healthcare sector. Calidi Biotherapeutics has been making headlines for its innovative approaches to cancer treatment. On Tuesday, it was reported that 12 health care stocks, including Calidi Biotherapeutics, were experiencing movement in the after-market session.</li>
<li>Basel Medical Group Ltd (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BMGL#NASDAQ">BMGL</a>) jumped 29.1% to $2.35 in pre-market trading after falling 5% on Tuesday.</li>
<li>ProKidney Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PROK#NASDAQ">PROK</a>) gained 21.6% to $4.54 in pre-market trading. ProKidney shares jumped 515% on Tuesday after the company reported statistically and clinically significant topline results from its Phase 2 REGEN-007 trial evaluating Rilparencel in patients with chronic kidney disease and diabetes.</li>
<li>Verona Pharma plc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VRNA#NASDAQ">VRNA</a>) gained 18.4% to $102.82 in pre-market trading following a 5% decline on Tuesday. </li>
<li>Birks Group Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BGI#NYSE">BGI</a>) gained 17.4% to $1.06 in pre-market trading. Birks Group completed the acquisition of the Watch and Jewellery Business of European Boutique and related debt financing amendments.</li>
<li>SharpLink Gaming, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SBET#NASDAQ">SBET</a>) gained 14.4% to $18.62 in pre-market trading. SharpLink Gaming shares jumped 29% on Tuesday after the company announced it acquired an additional 7,689 ETH for the week of June 28 through July 4, 2025</li>
<li>GameSquare Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GAME#NASDAQ">GAME</a>) gained 13.7% to $1.75 in pre-market trading after a $100 million Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>) investment announcement spurred a 58% rally on Tuesday.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Losers</h3>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>RxSight, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RXST#NASDAQ">RXST</a>) dipped 37.6% to $7.98 in pre-market trading after the company cut its 2025 revenue guidance from $160M–$175M to $120M–$130M.</li>
<li>Wag! Group Co (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PET#NASDAQ">PET</a>) shares tumbled 27.3% to $0.1850 in pre-market trading after gaining over 27% on Tuesday.</li>
<li>Aehr Test Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AEHR#NASDAQ">AEHR</a>) fell 20.3% to $12.07 in pre-market trading after the company reported worse-than-expected fourth-quarter sales results.</li>
<li>Vertical Aerospace Ltd. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EVTL#NASDAQ">EVTL</a>) dipped 18.2% to $5.67 in pre-market trading after the company announced a $60 million offering.</li>
<li>WPP plc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WPP#NYSE">WPP</a>) fell 16.2% to $30.01 in pre-market trading.</li>
<li>LakeShore Biopharma Co., Ltd (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LSB#NASDAQ">LSB</a>) fell 13.1% to $1.20 in pre-market trading. LakeShore Biopharma shares jumped over 40% on Tuesday after the company announced a $15 million private placement financing.</li>
<li>CURRENC Group Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CURR#NASDAQ">CURR</a>) declined 10.4% to $1.89 in pre-market trading after gaining 6% on Tuesday.</li>
<li>Penguin Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PENG#NASDAQ">PENG</a>) declined 6.3% to $19.89 in pre-market trading. Penguin Solutions reported upbeat earnings for the third quarter, while sales missed estimates. The company raised its FY2025 earnings guidance, but narrowed its sales forecast</li>
<li>Bit Digital, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BTBT#NASDAQ">BTBT</a>) shares fell 5% to $3.56 in pre-market trading after gaining 7% on Tuesday.</li>
<li>Enphase Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ENPH#NASDAQ">ENPH</a>) fell 4.2% to $39.24 in pre-market trading after declining around 4% on Tuesday.</li>
</ul>
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Photo via Shutterstock

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Why AES Shares Are Trading Higher By Over 10%; Here Are 20 Stocks Moving Premarket

As market volatility intensifies and economic uncertainty remains persistent, investors increasingly see holding companies in the marketing technology (MarTech) and public relations (PR) sectors as attractive investment opportunities. The recent wave of consolidation within these industries not only streamlines operational efficiency but also sets the stage for significant growth as market conditions stabilize and businesses seek comprehensive, integrated, and scalable solutions.
Stagwell Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/STGW#NASDAQ">STGW</a>), often referred to by industry insiders as the "Goldilocks Network," exemplifies the strategic advantages of sector consolidation. Stagwell maintains a balanced portfolio that combines the agility and innovation typical of smaller agencies with the extensive resources and capabilities of a larger network. Under the leadership of Chairman and CEO Mark Penn, who previously advised President Clinton and served as Microsoft&#8217;s Chief Strategy Officer, Stagwell has proactively leveraged consolidation trends to enhance its expertise in digital transformation, advanced analytics, communication strategies, and performance marketing. The firm is strategically positioned to reach nearly $5 billion in annual revenue by 2029, reflecting the tangible benefits consolidation can yield in terms of market competitiveness and shareholder value.
Similarly, Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OMC#NYSE">OMC</a>), a global powerhouse in marketing communications and advertising, continues to capitalize on industry consolidation by integrating specialized agencies into its vast network. Omnicom's robust balance sheet and extensive global presence enable rapid integration of innovative services, technologies, and expertise. By continuously broadening its offerings in data-driven marketing, branding, crisis communications, and digital media analytics, Omnicom remains resilient, adaptive, and well-equipped to respond swiftly to evolving market dynamics, presenting investors with a stable growth trajectory.
Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IPG#NYSE">IPG</a>) has also adeptly navigated the industry&#8217;s consolidation trends. By emphasizing integrated, analytics-driven solutions across its subsidiaries, IPG ensures its ability to deliver measurable results that appeal strongly to clients. Its commitment to digital innovation, transparency, and accountability resonates deeply with businesses increasingly prioritizing cost-effective strategies that maximize return on investment, positioning IPG favorably for sustained growth as the MarTech and PR sectors rebound.
Meanwhile, WPP plc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WPP#NYSE">WPP</a>), historically one of the most dominant forces in MarTech and PR globally, is undergoing a transformative restructuring aimed at maximizing the potential offered by industry consolidation. WPP's strategic divestitures of non-core assets and significant investments in AI-powered analytics and digital marketing capabilities illustrate a clear focus on emerging high-growth areas. This targeted strategy positions WPP as a rejuvenated market leader, poised to capitalize significantly on anticipated growth opportunities.
Beyond the strategic moves of individual companies, the broader consolidation trend reflects a structural shift in MarTech and PR. Companies are increasingly seeking integrated services that blend strategic insight, data analytics, creative execution, and measurable outcomes—all areas where consolidated holding companies excel. As economic stability returns, demand for sophisticated, integrated marketing and communication solutions is expected to surge, providing fertile ground for substantial revenue growth.
The ongoing consolidation in the MarTech and PR sectors has created optimal conditions for strong future performance. Holding companies such as Stagwell, Omnicom, IPG, and WPP are strategically positioned to benefit significantly from this environment, offering investors exposure to industries that stand ready to rebound and thrive in the coming economic cycle.

Equities

Opinion

Media

STGW

Stocks Poised To Benefit From Ongoing Consolidation In MarTech/PR Sectors

Barclays analyst Julien Roch downgrades WPP (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WPP#NYSE">WPP</a>) from Equal-Weight to Underweight.

Downgrades

Analyst Ratings

Barclays Downgrades WPP to Underweight

The most oversold stocks in the communication services sector presents an opportunity to buy into undervalued companies.
The RSI is a momentum indicator, which compares a stock&#8217;s strength on days when prices go up to its strength on days when prices go down. When compared to a stock&#8217;s price action, it can give traders a better sense of how a stock may perform in the short term. An asset is typically considered oversold when the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/rsi">RSI is below 30</a>, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>.
Here's the latest list of major oversold players in this sector, having an RSI near or below 30.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">T-Mobile US Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TMUS#NASDAQ">TMUS</a>)</h3>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>According to a Reuters report, SoftBank offloaded 21.5 million T-Mobile shares at $224 each. This price point reflects a discount of approximately 3% compared to T-Mobile's closing price of $230.99 on Monday. The company's stock fell around 9% over the past month and has a 52-week low of $173.74.</li>
<li>RSI Value: 23.9</li>
<li>TMUS Price Action: Shares of T-Mobile fell 4.1% to close at $221.43 on Tuesday.</li>
<li>Edge Stock Ratings: 77.53 Momentum score with Value at 24.68. </li>
</ul>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/TMUS"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="453" height="170" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/18051409/image-276.png" alt="" class="wp-image-953541" style="width:378px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/18051409/image-276.png 453w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/18051409/image-276-300x113.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 453px) 100vw, 453px" /></a></figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">WPP PLC (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WPP#NYSE">WPP</a>)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</h3>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>On Feb. 27, WPP reported fourth-quarter and 2024 preliminary results. Revenue for the year was 14.74 billion British pounds ($18.8 billion) compared to 14.85 billion British pounds in 2023. The company's stock fell around 13% over the past month and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/WPP">has a 52-week low</a> of $31.52.</li>
<li>RSI Value: 27.1</li>
<li>WPP Price Action: Shares of WPP fell 4.2% to close at $35.23 on Tuesday.</li>
<li>Benzinga Pro&#8217;s charting tool helped identify the trend in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0618">WPP stock</a>. </li>
</ul>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0618"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="920" height="830" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/18051553/image-277.png" alt="" class="wp-image-953543" style="width:612px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/18051553/image-277.png 920w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/18051553/image-277-300x271.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/18051553/image-277-768x693.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 920px) 100vw, 920px" /></a></figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Vimeo Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VMEO#NASDAQ">VMEO</a>)</h3>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Vimeo&#8217;s Gillian Munson will step down as CFO effective Aug. 8. The company's stock fell around 10% over the past month and has a 52-week<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/VMEO"> low of $3.44</a>.</li>
<li>RSI Value: 29.4</li>
<li>VMEO Ltd Price Action: Shares of Vimeo fell 3% to close at $4.16 on Monday.</li>
<li>Benzinga Pro&#8217;s signals feature notified of a potential breakout in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0618">VMEO shares</a>. </li>
</ul>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0618"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="857" height="821" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/18051646/image-278.png" alt="" class="wp-image-953545" style="width:548px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/18051646/image-278.png 857w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/18051646/image-278-300x287.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/18051646/image-278-768x736.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 857px) 100vw, 857px" /></a></figure>
Learn more about BZ Edge Rankings—click to see scores for other stocks in the sector and s<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-2#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound">ee how they compare.</a>
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Long Ideas

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Top 3 Tech And Telecom Stocks That May Rocket Higher This Month

<a href="https://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/publicis-takes-mars-17-billion-media-account-from-wpp/#:~:text=Publicis%20Groupe%20has%20won%20Mars,bespoke%20team%20called%20%E2%80%9COneMars.%E2%80%9D" title="https://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/publicis-takes-mars-17-billion-media-account-from-wpp/#:~:text=Publicis%20Groupe%20has%20won%20Mars,bespoke%20team%20called%20%E2%80%9COneMars.%E2%80%9D">https://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/publicis-takes-mars-17-billion-media-account-from-wpp/#:~:text=Publicis%20Groupe%20has%20won%20Mars,bespoke%20team%20called%20%E2%80%9COneMars.%E2%80%9D</a>

Contracts

'Publicis Takes Mars' $1.7 Billion Media Account From WPP' - AdWeek

<ul>
<li>There is a critical need for trustworthy, hyper-personalized information earlier in the diagnosis and treatment journey to empower patients to participate in their care</li>
<li>The partnership will initially focus on endometriosis and hematology; high-need therapeutic areas where patients are actively seeking information</li>
<li>Connecting tailored information with relevant, motivated audiences will reinvent the way DTC advertising interacts and engages with consumers</li>
</ul>
NEW YORK, May 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ --&nbsp;<a href="https://ubiehealth.com/company">Ubie</a>, an AI-driven and medically vetted healthcare prediction platform that guides patients to the care they need, and <a href="https://cmimediagroup.com/">CMI Media Group</a>, a WPP (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WPP#NYSE">WPP</a>), healthcare media agency, announced a partnership aiming to transform direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising, beginning with women's health and hematology/oncology. The collaboration integrates Ubie's AI Symptom Checker with CMI's precision media expertise to address the pharmaceutical industry's challenges in reaching patients with personalized, engaging messaging at scale. This combination will help accelerate time to diagnosis and the identification of the best available treatment.

Ubie And CMI Media Group Partner To Transform Direct-To-Consumer Advertising, Beginning With Women's Health And Hematology/Oncology

<a href="https://news.sky.com/story/ad-giant-wpp-launches-75m-sale-of-in-flight-media-service-spafax-13333162" title="https://news.sky.com/story/ad-giant-wpp-launches-75m-sale-of-in-flight-media-service-spafax-13333162">https://news.sky.com/story/ad-giant-wpp-launches-75m-sale-of-in-flight-media-service-spafax-13333162</a>

Asset Sales

'Ad Giant WPP Launches £75 Million Sale Of In-Flight Media Service Spafax; The Embattled FTSE-100 Marketing Services Group Is Working With Bankers On A Sale Of A Provider Of Entertainment Services To Dozens Of Airlines' - Sky News

<a href="https://www.ft.com/content/5ee92217-712e-47a6-81c9-059e56757dd9">https://www.ft.com/content/5ee92217-712e-47a6-81c9-059e56757dd9</a>

PUBGY

"Publicis Wins Coke Mandate In U.S. And Canada From London-Listed Rival" - Financial Times

<a href="https://www.ft.com/content/5ee92217-712e-47a6-81c9-059e56757dd9" title="https://www.ft.com/content/5ee92217-712e-47a6-81c9-059e56757dd9">https://www.ft.com/content/5ee92217-712e-47a6-81c9-059e56757dd9</a>

'WPP Loses Coca-Cola Media Work In North America' - Financial Times

Barclays analyst Julien Roch downgrades WPP (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WPP#NYSE">WPP</a>) from Overweight to Equal-Weight.

Barclays Downgrades WPP to Equal-Weight

WPP PLC&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WPP#NYSE">WPP</a>) shares are trading lower on Thursday after the company <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/02/b44002380/wpp-2024-preliminary-results" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported fourth-quarter and 2024 preliminary results</a>.
Revenue for the year was 14.74 billion British pounds ($18.8 billion) compared to 14.85 billion British pounds in 2023.
Revenue declined by 0.7%&nbsp;year over year (Y/Y) on a reported basis, and there was an increase of&nbsp;2.3%&nbsp;Y/Y on a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/earnings" rel="noreferrer noopener">like-for-like (LFL) basis.&nbsp;</a>
Adjusted operating cash flow increased to 1.460 billion British pounds in FY24 from 1.28 billion British pounds and adjusted free cash flow rose to 738 million British pounds, benefiting from strong working capital management.
As of December 31, 2024, adjusted net debt stood at 1.7 billion British pounds. Cash restructuring and transformation costs of 275 million British pounds, included in non-headline cash items are slightly lower than the guidance given in January 2024 and relate to actions communicated at the January Capital Markets Day.
These costs include the structural cost-saving plan related to the creation of VML and Burson and the simplification of GroupM.
The structural savings are expected to generate annualized net cost savings of approximately 125 million British pounds in 2025, with 85 million British pounds of that achieved in 2024, ahead of the original plan (40-50%).
The fourth-quarter like-for-like (LFL) revenue excluding pass-through costs declined by 2.3%. By geographies, growth in Western Continental Europe (+1.4%) was offset by declines in North America (-1.4%), the U.K. (-5.1%), and the Rest of World (-4.8%), with China seeing a significant drop of -21.2% in the quarter.
By business, Global Integrated Agencies LFL revenue less pass-through costs fell 2.2%, GroupM rose 2.4% Y/Y, while other Global Integrated Agencies declined 6.5% Y/Y.
FY25&nbsp;Outlook: WPP expects mergers and acquisitions to reduce revenue less pass-through costs by around 3.0ppts primarily <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendars/guidance" rel="noreferrer noopener">due to the disposal of FGS Global.</a>
The company expects capex of around 250 million British pounds and adjusted operating cash flow before working capital of around 1.4 billion British pounds.
Price Action: WPP shares are down 15.6% at $40.98 at the last check Thursday.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/12/42392555/omnicom-inks-13-billion-deal-for-interpublic-will-it-topple-wpp-as-top-ad-company" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Omnicom Inks $13 Billion Deal For Interpublic: Will It Topple WPP As Top Ad Company?</a></li>
</ul>
Image via Shutterstock.

Earnings

Large Cap

Why Is Ad Giant WPP Stock Falling Today?

WPP shares are trading lower after the company reported FY24 Adj EPS below estimates.

WPP (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WPP#NYSE">WPP</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $1.13 per share. This is a 3.42 percent decrease over earnings of $1.17 per share from the same period last year. The company reported $18.89 billion in sales this quarter. This is a 2.37 percent increase over sales of $18.46 billion the same period last year.

WPP FY Adj EPS $1.13 Down From $1.17 YoY, Sales $18.89B Up From $18.46B YoY

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Earnings Scheduled For February 27, 2025

Omnicom Group Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OMC#NYSE">OMC</a>) agreed Monday to acquire Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IPG#NYSE">IPG</a>) in a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/12/n42386996/omnicom-to-acquire-interpublic-group-to-create-premier-marketing-and-sales-company" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stock-for-stock transaction</a>.
Interpublic shareholders will receive 0.344 Omnicom shares for each share of Interpublic common stock.
Should the transaction close, Omnicom shareholders will own 60.6% of the combined company, and Interpublic shareholders will own 39.4%.
John Wren&nbsp;will remain chairman and CEO of Omnicom.&nbsp;Phil Angelastro&nbsp;will remain EVP and CFO of Omnicom.&nbsp;Philippe Krakowsky&nbsp;and&nbsp;Daryl Simm&nbsp;will serve as Co-Presidents and COOs of Omnicom.
Wall Street Journal was the first to report the deal.
Omnicom, the third-largest advertising company, bid $35 billion for Publicis Groupe SA (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PGPEF#OTC">PGPEF</a>) (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PUBGY#OTC">PUBGY</a>) in 2014. The deal never came to fruition.
According to COMvergence data, Omnicom secured $7.37 billion in client billings this year. That includes $4.4 million from retained accounts, surpassing its closest competitor by over 40%. Notably, Omnicom achieved the highest retention rate in the industry, keeping 85% of billings under review while <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/12/n42294314/omnicom-media-group-tops-comvergence-q1-q3-report-with-7-37-billion-in-total-new-business" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adding new clients</a>.
Rationale
<ul>
<li>The transaction should generate annual cost synergies of&nbsp;$750 million.</li>
<li>The companies involved value the deal at around $13 billion. It could create the world&#8217;s largest advertising company, surpassing WPP Plc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WPP#NYSE">WPP</a>) in revenue.</li>
<li>The combined entity&#8217;s proforma 2023 revenue is around&nbsp;$25.6 billion, with adjusted EBITDA of&nbsp;$3.9 billion and free cash flow of&nbsp;$3.3 billion.</li>
<li>A successful merger with Interpublic would mark Omnicom&#8217;s largest deal to date. However, the transaction is expected to draw regulatory scrutiny due to its potential impact on ad-buying competition.</li>
</ul>
Both companies face increasing pressure from tech giants like Google and Meta, whose AI-driven advertising tools threaten to disrupt traditional agency revenue models.
Generative AI poses challenges for ad agencies by automating tasks historically performed by copywriters, designers, and ad buyers.
Citing Forrester Research, the WSJ report notes that automation could eliminate 33,000 ad agency jobs by 2030, accounting for nearly 8% of the workforce.
Interpublic has struggled in recent years, losing major accounts such as Amazon&#8217;s ad-buying business. Under CEO Philippe Krakowsky, the company has been exploring strategic options, including restructuring efforts advised by McKinsey and the sale of underperforming assets.
<ul>
<li>Last week, Interpublic sold the digital company Huge to AEA Investors, a private investment firm. Deal terms <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/12/g42343564/interpublic-announces-sale-of-huge" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">were not disclosed</a>.</li>
<li>Recently, Interpublic acquired Intelligence Node, an eCommerce intelligence platform, to enhance its commerce capabilities. The platform provides clients real-time product and market intelligence to understand shopper trends, drive sales growth, and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/12/g42335409/interpublic-strengthens-commerce-offering-with-acquisition-of-intelligence-node-creating-unmatched" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">optimize performance</a>.</li>
</ul>
If the merger proceeds, it would reflect Omnicom&#8217;s strategic pivot towards larger-scale consolidation after focusing on organic tech development and smaller acquisitions. The deal could provide a lifeline for Interpublic amid increasing competitive pressure and declining market share.
Price Action: IPG stock is up 13.5% at $33.23, and OMC stock is down 2.34% at $101 during the premarket session at last check Monday.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/price-target/24/12/42372173/docusign-stock-jumps-on-strong-q3-analysts-await-proof-of-sustained-growth" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DocuSign Stock Jumps On Strong Q3, Analysts Await Proof Of Sustained Growth</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

General

PGPEF

Omnicom Inks $13 Billion Deal For Interpublic: Will It Topple WPP As Top Ad Company?

WPP shares are trading higher after the company reported Q3 financial results.

WPP Reaffirmed FY24 Outlook: LFL Revenue Less Pass-through Costs Of -1% To 0%, With Q4 Facing A Tougher Comparative Than Q3 And Macro Uncertainty

Press Releases

WPP 2024 Preliminary Results

New Research from CMI Media Group Focuses on Healthcare Equity in America and the Role Healthcare Brands Can Play to Support Consumers

National Vision Names VML Agency of Record

Healthcare Brands to Gain Enhanced Engagement through CMI Media Group and Compas Collaboration with Microsoft Advertising

New PSAs Aim to Help Families Identify Subtle Signs of Alzheimer's in Loved Ones

CMI Media Group Achieves $1 Billion Incremental Revenue Milestone with Audience-Engagement Tool

Ubie and CMI Media Group Partner to Modernize DTC Advertising with Highly Personalized Consumer Campaigns in Women's Health, Hematology

Grey and UNACEM Named Honoree in Fast Company's 2025 "World Changing Ideas" Awards

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