WPP stock falls 2.46 percent as FTSE 100 entry nears

Published on 09/30/2026 at 14:39 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS

WPP stock is set to join the FTSE 100 on October 1, 2026, after leaving the FTSE 250. WPP kept its 2026 guidance unchanged on September 23 during a CFO transition.

Flatlay mit Aktienzertifikat, ISIN-Karte und Kreativ-Utensilien auf Holztisch — Flatlay mit Aktienzertifikat und ISIN-Karte visualisiert die Aktienanlage in WPP plc (ISIN JE00B8KF9B49) kreativ, Illustration mit AI erstellt.

WPP stock (ISIN JE00B8KF9B49) was trading at EUR 4.37 at Lang & Schwarz on September 30, 2026, at 2:31 p.m. CEST, down 2.46 percent versus the prior close of EUR 4.48. The immediate catalyst is a scheduled return to the FTSE 100, while the company is also managing a change in its finance leadership.

FTSE 100 entry resets the backdrop

Investegate reported on September 28, 2026, that FTSE Russell will add WPP to the FTSE 100 and remove it from the FTSE 250, with the changes effective October 1, 2026. The index switch gives the stock a clearer benchmark profile just as its operating recovery remains under scrutiny.

The move also changes the immediate market narrative. WPP enters the large-cap index while its shares stand below the quoted 52-week high of GBp 412.60 and above the 52-week low of GBp 218.50 in the latest London market snapshot.

Guidance holds during CFO transition

WPP announced on September 23, 2026, that CFO Joanne Wilson will leave for Diageo after a successor is appointed, while 2026 guidance remains unchanged, according to WPP. The continuity of guidance matters because the first-half trend was still negative.

A September 2 report by adapte-toi.com said WPP's first-half 2026 revenue fell 4.40 percent to GBP 6.373 billion, while operating margin was 8.40 percent. That combination leaves execution, cost control and the second-half recovery as the central operating tests.

Berenberg lifts its price target

On September 15, 2026, Berenberg raised its WPP price target from GBP 4.05 to GBP 4.70 and kept a Buy rating, according to MarketScreener. The target revision contrasts with a broader consensus of Hold from 15 analysts, making the index change and execution record more important reference points for investors.

WPP stock trades lower in London

WPP stock was trading at EUR 4.37 at Lang & Schwarz on September 30, 2026, at 2:31 p.m. CEST, down 2.46 percent from the Lang & Schwarz prior close of EUR 4.48 on September 29, 2026. The company has a market capitalization of USD 5.5 billion as of September 29, 2026.