WPP’s shares plunged by nearly 5% on Thursday morning, hitting a 16-year low, after it announced more disappointing financial results and a strategic review under incoming chief executive (CEO) Cindy Rose.

The numbers

4.3% – decline in revenue less pass-through costs for the first half of 2025, with total revenues reaching $6.7 billion (£5.03 billion).

5.8% – decline in revenue less pass-through costs for Q2 2025, reaching $3.3 billion (£2.5 billion).

47.8% – decline in operating profit for the first half of 2025 to $295.5 million (£221 million).

7,000 – reduction in headcount over the past year.

Watercooler talk

The beleaguered holding company, which owns agencies including Ogilvy and VML, halved its dividend and said Rose, who will succeed outgoing CEO Mark Read on Sept. 1,

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