Laura Metayer's questions to WPP PLC (WPP) leadership • H1 2025
Question
Laura Metayer of Morgan Stanley inquired about the current pricing environment, WPP's competitive positioning in influencer marketing, and whether further acquisitions are needed in that space. She also asked for more details on the one-off factors that negatively impacted H1 2025 performance.
Answer
CEO Mark Read stated that while the pricing environment is competitive, WPP addresses this through scope expansion and believes its AI platform, WPP Open, will be a source of competitive advantage. He affirmed confidence in their existing influencer marketing capabilities and sees no immediate need for more acquisitions. CFO Joanne Wilson clarified that the one-off factors were related to contractual obligations in the European media business and are not expected to recur.