Citi raises WPP stock target to GBp 450 from GBp 430

Published on 10/27/2026 at 12:53 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS

Citi maintained Neutral on October 21, 2026 at GBp 450.00. WPP stock costs EUR 4.73 on October 27, 2026 at Lang & Schwarz.

Analyst view and trading dates

WPP announced its third-quarter update for October 29, 2026, covering September 30, 2026.
First-half revenue fell 4.4 percent to GBP 6.373 billion in the six months to June 2026.
WPP stock was trading at EUR 4.73 at 12:46 p.m. CEST at Lang & Schwarz on October 27, 2026.
Citi maintained a Neutral rating and set a GBp 450.00 target on October 21, 2026.

WPP, JE00B8KF9B49, Illustration mit AI erstellt.

WPP (JE00B8KF9B49) was trading at EUR 4.73 at Lang & Schwarz on October 27, 2026 at 12:46 p.m. CEST. Markets Insider reported that Citi raised its WPP target to GBp 450.00 from GBp 430.00 and kept a Neutral rating on October 21, 2026.

WPP prepares for October update

The next operating test arrives on October 29, 2026, when WPP is scheduled to publish its third-quarter trading update for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2026. The company will hold its analyst call at 9:00 a.m. BST, according to the StockTitan reproduction of WPP's October 1, 2026 filing.

The chronology shows why the update matters. On September 23, 2026, WPP maintained 2026 guidance for a low to mid-single-digit second-half decline in like-for-like revenue less pass-through costs and a 12 percent to 13 percent headline operating margin, as reported by Admiral Markets. On October 1, 2026, WPP scheduled the October 29 update for the September 30 reporting period. On October 21, 2026, Citi raised its target from GBp 430.00 to GBp 450.00.

What does the target mean for margins?

The answer depends on whether the margin range can coexist with weaker revenue. WPP's first-half 2026 revenue fell 4.4 percent to GBP 6.373 billion, while revenue less pass-through costs declined 5.6 percent to GBP 4.745 billion, according to ABC Money. Headline operating profit was GBP 398 million, with an 8.4 percent margin, compared with GBP 412 million and 8.9 percent in the first half of 2025.

Dates set the next test

The October 29, 2026 trading update is the next dated event. It will show whether the first-half decline narrowed in the second half and whether the 12 percent to 13 percent margin outlook still frames management's plan. For investors, the combination of a higher Citi target and falling first-half revenue makes execution the central issue.

Price and execution remain linked

WPP's market story now rests on two measurable checkpoints: the October 29 operating update and the delivery of the margin range. The current euro quotation gives German investors a direct market reference, while the LSE target remains denominated in pence and is not comparable with the euro quotation.

WPP was trading at EUR 4.73 at Lang & Schwarz on October 27, 2026 at 12:46 p.m. CEST.

The further course of trading is shown by the continuously updated real-time quote of WPP stock.