WPP posted a 5% drop in Q1 2025 revenue to £3.24 billion amid macroeconomic pressures, cautious client spending, and ongoing restructuring. Like-for-like revenue fell 0.7%, while revenue less pass-through costs declined 2.7%.
Despite the softness, CEO Mark Read said results met expectations and highlighted progress in AI adoption, operational efficiency, and new business wins from clients like Heineken and Levi’s. GroupM, its media arm, declined slightly, while specialist agencies saw modest growth.
India stood out with 5.5% growth, offsetting declines in China (–17.4%) and Europe. WPP raised its annual AI investment target to £300 million and reported growing usage of its WPP Open platform.
The company maintained its full-year outlook, expecting flat to –2% like-for-like revenue and stable margins, while staying focused on cost control and strategic investments in AI and data solutions.