WPP cuts revenue forecasts

The advertising giant posted a 1.9 per cent rise in revenue to £7.4bn in the first six months of the year, but like-for-like net sales fell 0.5 per cent.

The company, headed up by Sir Martin Sorrell, said it saw pressure on client spending in the second quarter, particularly in the fast-moving consumer goods sector.

As a result, WPP forecasts that full-year like-for-like revenue and net sales will come in between zero and 1 per cent growth.

It had previously pencilled in 2 per cent growth.

Current trading is also challenging, WPP added, with all regions - except the United Kingdom, Latin America and Central & Eastern Europe - showing lower revenue in July compared with the same month in 2016.

The company said “all sectors were down”, with advertising and media investment management and data investment management the most affected.

WPP said: “Competition is fierce and as image in trade magazines, in particular, is crucial to many, account wins at any cost are paramount.

“There have been several examples recently of major groups being prepared to offer clients up-front discounts as an inducement to renew contracts.”

Pre-tax profit rose more than 52 per cent to £779m in the period.