WPP has reported a decline in its first quarter 2026 financial performance, with revenue reaching £3,030 million, down 6.6% year-on-year on a reported basis and 4.0% on a like-for-like (LFL) basis. Revenue less pass-through costs has stood at £2,260 million, reflecting a 6.7% LFL decline during the quarter.
The company has stated that its Q1 performance has remained in line with expectations and the guidance shared during its preliminary results in February. It has continued to operate amid near-term uncertainty, including geopolitical developments in the Middle East, which have impacted visibility.
WPP has reiterated its outlook for 2026, expecting LFL revenue less pass-through costs to decline in the mid to high-single digits in the first half of the year, followed by an improving trajectory in the second half. The company has maintained its expectation for headline operating profit margin to be in the range of 12% to 13%.
The company has also continued to focus on executing its Elevate28 strategy, aimed at simplification and integration of operations.
“Building a simpler, integrated WPP – powered by WPP Open – is resonating with clients and driving strong new business. While it is only a few months since we unveiled our Elevate28 strategy, I am encouraged by this momentum which validates the ‘Stabilisation’ phase of the plan and our path to growth.” — Cindy Rose OBE, Chief Executive Officer, WPP
“Consistent organic growth remains our North Star. While it will take time to outpace historical losses, our Q1 results are in line with expectations and ahead of Q4 2025,” Rose added.
“I would like to thank our clients and partners for their trust, our shareholders for their continued support and our people for their unwavering commitment as we execute our plan,” Rose said.
