WPP (NYSE:WPP) Stock Rating Upgraded by Barclays

WPP (NYSE:WPP) was upgraded by equities researchers at Barclays from an “underweight” rating to an “equal weight” rating in a report issued on Friday, MarketBeat reports.

Other equities research analysts also recently issued research reports about the company. Citigroup assumed coverage on WPP in a report on Monday, January 12th. They set a “neutral” rating for the company. Zacks Research upgraded shares of WPP from a “strong sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Monday, December 29th. Wall Street Zen cut shares of WPP from a “hold” rating to a “sell” rating in a research note on Sunday, February 8th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a “sell (d+)” rating on shares of WPP in a report on Wednesday, January 21st. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of “Hold”.

WPP Stock Performance

Shares of WPP stock opened at $18.58 on Friday. The business has a fifty day moving average of $20.65 and a 200 day moving average of $22.23. WPP has a 1 year low of $17.25 and a 1 year high of $41.87.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On WPP

Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. GAMMA Investing LLC increased its holdings in shares of WPP by 185.0% during the 4th quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 1,254 shares of the business services provider’s stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 814 shares in the last quarter. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd acquired a new stake in WPP during the third quarter valued at $28,000. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. grew its position in WPP by 323.9% during the third quarter. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. now owns 1,454 shares of the business services provider’s stock valued at $36,000 after buying an additional 1,111 shares during the period. Global Retirement Partners LLC increased its holdings in WPP by 1,279.5% in the fourth quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC now owns 1,821 shares of the business services provider’s stock valued at $41,000 after buying an additional 1,689 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Farther Finance Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of WPP by 184.5% in the fourth quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 1,889 shares of the business services provider’s stock worth $42,000 after acquiring an additional 1,225 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 4.34% of the company’s stock.

WPP News Roundup

Here are the key news stories impacting WPP this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Barclays upgraded WPP from “underweight” to “equal weight”, signaling some analyst confidence that the stock is nearer fair value after the reset. Barclays upgrade via Benzinga
• Positive Sentiment: WPP says the Elevate28 plan will deliver roughly $676 million of savings and reorganise into four core divisions — a sizeable cost takeout that could help margins if execution holds. WPP launches new Elevate28 strategy
• Positive Sentiment: At least one long-form analyst note views WPP as a contrarian recovery opportunity, arguing deep valuation and cost cuts could produce significant upside over 2026–2028. Seeking Alpha contrarian thesis
• Neutral Sentiment: Management published the Q4 2025 earnings call transcript and slide deck — useful for detail on client wins/losses, margins, and the timing of cost saves (readers should check for guidance and KPI targets). Q4 2025 earnings call transcript
• Neutral Sentiment: Industry commentary explains the shift from a holding-company model to an integrated structure and a brand refresh — strategic moves that reduce complexity but carry execution risk and transition costs. B&T on Elevate28 reset
• Negative Sentiment: WPP reported a large EPS miss (reported EPS -$0.80 vs. consensus +$2.72) despite higher revenue, highlighting accounting or one-off items and disappointing profitability. MarketBeat earnings summary
• Negative Sentiment: The board cut the final dividend sharply (from 24.4p to 7.5p) as part of the turnaround — a liquidity/return-to-shareholders negative that typically pressures sentiment. WSJ on dividend cut
• Negative Sentiment: Markets reacted negatively to the overhaul announcement (shares previously fell ~4.5% on the news) and broker commentary that the company faces structural client and AI-related risks. Proactive Investors on share reaction
• Negative Sentiment: Short interest increased materially in February (a ~41% rise month-on-month), which can amplify downward pressure and volatility while the turnaround is executed.

About WPP

WPP plc (NYSE: WPP) is a British multinational advertising and public relations company headquartered in London, England. Recognized as one of the world’s largest communications services groups, WPP provides a wide array of marketing, advertising, media investment management and data consultancy services. Through its integrated network of agencies—among them Ogilvy, Grey, GroupM and Wavemaker—the company delivers creative content, brand strategy, digital transformation and media planning solutions to clients across virtually every industry.

Established in 1971 by Martin Sorrell as Wire and Plastic Products, the firm underwent a strategic transformation in the 1980s, focusing on acquisitions that expanded its capabilities into advertising and communications.