WPP reported a challenging first half of 2025, with revenue dropping 7.8% to £6.66 billion and headline operating profit falling 36.2% to £412 million. The company cited reduced client spending, slower new business, and global economic pressures. Diluted earnings per share plummeted to 4.0p, and interim dividends were halved.
Despite financial setbacks, WPP is accelerating its transformation with heavy investments in AI and media restructuring. Key moves include acquiring data platform InfoSum, launching the AI-powered “Open Intelligence” system, and rolling out Burson’s “Reputation Capital” solution. While most regions saw declines, India remained stable, offsetting a sharp drop in China.
CEO Mark Read will step down in September, with Cindy Rose set to take over and drive further strategic changes. WPP reaffirmed its full-year guidance, projecting a like-for-like revenue decline of 3–5% and continued focus on AI-led, tech-enabled growth.