WPP (NYSE: WPP)'s Turnaround Strategy: Navigating Challenges and Future Growth

• WPP is implementing its "Elevate28" restructuring plan to streamline operations into four key units.
• Citigroup maintained a Neutral rating on WPP, acknowledging both positive developments and ongoing challenges.
• Despite improving business wins and slowing revenue decline, WPP faces continued revenue contraction, lagging behind peers like Omnicom.

WPP (NYSE: WPP) is a global advertising and public relations company that competes with other industry giants like Omnicom. The company is in the middle of a major turnaround through its Elevate28 restructuring plan. This strategy aims to simplify WPP into four main operating units: Creative, Media, Production, and Enterprise Solutions.

On August 10, 2026, analyst firm Citigroup maintained its Neutral rating on WPP, which is considered a hold action. At the time of this rating, the stock price was $26.70. This neutral stance reflects a balance of positive developments against ongoing business challenges that the company is currently facing.

There are several positive indicators supporting this view. As highlighted by Seeking Alpha, WPP shows improving new business wins and client retention. The company's quarterly revenue trend also improved, with the decline slowing to 2.8% in the second quarter from 6.7% in the first quarter. Debt concerns have also materially reduced.

However, challenges remain that justify the cautious outlook. WPP is still in a period of revenue decline, reporting a 4.7% like-for-like drop for the first half of 2026. This performance lags behind peers like Omnicom, which are growing. WPP management states the company is stabilizing and expects to return to growth in 2027.