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Q3 TRADING UPDATE 28 October 2021
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Q3 TRADING UPDATE

Jan 22, 2022

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Page 1: Q3 TRADING UPDATE

Q3 TRADING UPDATE

28 October 2021

Page 2: Q3 TRADING UPDATE

This presentation contains statements that are, or may be deemed to be, “forward-looking statements”. Forward-looking statements give the Group’s current expectations or forecasts of future events. An investor can identify these statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They use words such as ‘anticipate’, ‘estimate’,‘expect’, ‘intend’, ‘will’, ‘project’, ‘plan’, ‘believe’, ‘target’ and other words and terms of similar meaning in connectionwith any discussion of future operating or financial performance.

Other than in accordance with its legal or regulatory obligations (including under the Market Abuse Regulations, UK Listing Rules and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority), the Group undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Investors should, however, consult any additional disclosures that the Group may make in any documents which it publishes and/or files with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). All investors, wherever located, should take note of these disclosures. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that any particular expectation will be met and investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions, inherent risks and uncertainties, many of which relate to factors that are beyond the Group’s control or precise estimate. The Group cautions investors that a number of important factors, including those in this presentation, could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement. Such factors include, but are not limited to, those discussed under Item 3.D ‘Risk factors’ in the Group’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for FY 2020 and any impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the Group speak only as of the date they are made and are based upon the knowledge and information available to the Directors on the date of this presentation.

2

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Q3 2021 TRADING UPDATE

Page 3: Q3 TRADING UPDATE

1. Q3 HIGHLIGHTS2. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE3. BUSINESS UPDATE4. Q&A

AGENDA

Page 4: Q3 TRADING UPDATE

• Q3 LFL1 revenue less pass-through costs +15.7% (Q1 +3.1%, Q2 +19.3%)- GIA +13.5%, PR +16.0%, Specialist Agencies +41.5%

- +6.9% LFL over 2019 (Q1: -0.3%, Q2 +1.3%)

• Q3 LFL1 revenue less pass-through costs by major market: US +12.4%, UK +16.9%, Germany +34.5%, Greater China +18.0%, Australia +2.4%, India +28.0%

• Strong performance in new business: $4.6 billion YTD, new wins include Beiersdorf, L’Oreal, Sainsbury’s and TD Bank; Unilever and Bayer retained/expanded

• Ongoing strategic progress: merger of Finsbury Glover Hering and SVC, acquisition of Satalia

• £448 million share buybacks year-to-date; at least £600 million in total by year-end

• Net debt £1.6 billion, down £1.0 billion year-on-year at 2021 exchange rates

• Full year guidance raised again: LFL1 revenue less pass-through costs 11.5-12.0%, headline operating margin slightly above 14%

4

VERY STRONG PERFORMANCE, BEYOND A CYCLICAL RECOVERY

Q3 2021 TRADING UPDATE1. Like-for-like. LFL comparisons are calculated as follows: current year, constant currency actual results (which include acquisitions

from the relevant date of completion) are compared with prior year, constant currency actual results, adjusted to reflect the results of acquisitions and disposals for the commensurate period in the prior year.

Page 5: Q3 TRADING UPDATE

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

Page 6: Q3 TRADING UPDATE

REVENUE LESS PASS-THROUGH COSTS BY QUARTER

CONTINUING OPERATIONS

£M Δ REPORTED Δ LFL Δ VS 19 LFL

Q1 2,334 (1.4%) 3.1% (0.3%)

Q2 2,565 11.5% 19.3% 1.3%

H1 4,899 5.0% 11.0% 0.5%

Q3 2,640 9.9% 15.7% 6.9%

YTD 7,539 6.7% 12.6% 2.6%

6Q3 2021 TRADING UPDATE

Page 7: Q3 TRADING UPDATE

GLOBAL INTEGRATED AGENCIES: GROUPM VERY STRONG

Q3 PERFORMANCE

• +5.9% LFL on Q3 2019

• GroupM +19.0% LFL, +14.6% on Q3 2019

• Continued double-digit LFL growth at Hogarth, VMLY&R

• AKQA Group, Ogilvy and Wunderman Thompson all showing an improving two-year trend compared to Q2

Note: 2020 growth rates have not been restated for the reassignment of AKQA, Geometry, GTB and International Healthcare from Specialist Agencies to Global Integrated Agencies from Q1 2021

(2.6%)

(15.7%)

(6.7%) (6.3%)

2.8%

19.2%

13.5%

0.1% 0.5%

5.9%

(20.0%)

(15.0%)

(10.0%)

(5.0%)

0.0%

5.0%

10.0%

15.0%

20.0%

25.0%Q1 2020 Q2 2020 Q3 2020 Q4 2020 Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021

LFL REVENUE LESS PASS-THROUGH COSTS GROWTH

1-year 2-year

7Q3 2021 TRADING UPDATE

Page 8: Q3 TRADING UPDATE

PUBLIC RELATIONS: HIGH DEMAND FOR STRATEGIC COMMS ADVICE

Q3 PERFORMANCE

• +12.6% LFL on Q3 2019

• Specialist PR continues to be the strongest performer

• Accelerating growth at BCW and H+K

• Finsbury Glover Hering/SVC merger

(1.4%)

(7.5%)

(2.9%)(4.1%)

2.0%

12.9%

16.0%

0.6%

4.4%

12.6%

(10.0%)

(5.0%)

0.0%

5.0%

10.0%

15.0%

20.0%Q1 2020 Q2 2020 Q3 2020 Q4 2020 Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021

LFL REVENUE LESS PASS-THROUGH COSTS GROWTH

1-year 2-year

8Q3 2021 TRADING UPDATE

Page 9: Q3 TRADING UPDATE

SPECIALIST AGENCIES: BEST-PERFORMING SECTOR

Q3 PERFORMANCE

• +21.8% LFL on Q3 2019

• Brand Consulting in strong demand

• CMI momentum continues

• Growth boosted by COVID-related contract in Germany

Note: 2020 growth rates have not been restated for the reassignment of AKQA, Geometry, GTB and International Healthcare from Specialist Agencies to Global Integrated Agencies from Q1 2021

(7.4%)

(16.3%)(13.9%)

(8.6%)

7.5%

27.8%

41.5%

(0.5%)

7.0%

21.8%

(20.0%)

(10.0%)

0.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

50.0%Q1 2020 Q2 2020 Q3 2020 Q4 2020 Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021

LFL REVENUE LESS PASS-THROUGH COSTS GROWTH

1-year 2-year

9Q3 2021 TRADING UPDATE

Page 10: Q3 TRADING UPDATE

MAJOR MARKETS PERFORMANCE1

1. Like-for-like revenue less pass-through costs growth vs prior year from continuing operations

2.Includes Hong Kong and Taiwan

(9.6%)(5.5%) (6.2%)

0.7%

12.6% 12.4%

(1.2%)

1.8% 6.2%

Q2 2020 Q3 2020 Q4 2020 Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021USA

(23.3%)

(6.5%) (7.4%)

3.9%

31.8%

16.9%

(0.5%)

1.1%9.3%

Q2 2020 Q3 2020 Q4 2020 Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021UK

(11.6%)

(1.8%) (0.8%)

2.5%

20.3%

34.5%

(1.9%)

6.3%

32.1%

Q2 2020 Q3 2020 Q4 2020 Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021GERMANY

(3.1%)

(16.7%)(12.1%)

18.4%

1.4%

18.0%

(6.8%)(1.7%) (1.7%)

Q2 2020 Q3 2020 Q4 2020 Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021GREATER CHINA2

(20.3%)(13.3%)

(9.4%) (7.6%)

8.4%2.4%

(12.2%) (13.6%) (11.2%)

Q2 2020 Q3 2020 Q4 2020 Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021AUSTRALIA

10Q3 2021 TRADING UPDATE

Key

1-year growth rate

2-year growth rate

Page 11: Q3 TRADING UPDATE

OTHER MAJOR MARKETS PERFORMANCE1

1. Like-for-like revenue less pass-through costs growth vs prior year from continuing operations

(27.9%)

(13.1%) (12.7%)

(1.0%)

27.9%16.1%

(5.0%) (7.8%)

0.9%

Q2 2020 Q3 2020 Q4 2020 Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021FRANCE

(20.6%)

0.5% 3.6%

15.7%33.5%

8.7%14.4%

6.0% 9.2%

Q2 2020 Q3 2020 Q4 2020 Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021CANADA

(17.2%) (11.9%) (12.8%)(4.7%)

15.8% 12.7%

(8.3%)(4.1%) (0.7%)

Q2 2020 Q3 2020 Q4 2020 Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021

SPAIN

(29.9%)

(5.3%) (7.4%)

12.4%

52.7%

14.3%

(5.8%)

7.0% 8.2%

Q2 2020 Q3 2020 Q4 2020 Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021

ITALY

11Q3 2021 TRADING UPDATE

(25.1%)(16.3%)

(8.9%)(0.5%)

30.0% 28.0%

5.6%

(2.6%)

7.1%

Q2 2020 Q3 2020 Q4 2020 Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021INDIA

Key

1-year growth rate

2-year growth rate

Page 12: Q3 TRADING UPDATE

SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT IN NET DEBT YEAR-ON-YEAR (£M)

Notes: - Net debt at 30 September 2020 was £2.6 billion at 2021 exchange rates, leading to a year-

on-year reduction in net debt to September 2021 of £1.0 billion- Itemised movements in net debt represent management figures, which may vary from the

presentation of the cash flow under IFRS- Acquisitions/disposals include earn-out payments

12Q3 2021 TRADING UPDATE

-696

-1,629

-1,540

-2,318

Page 13: Q3 TRADING UPDATE

• Full year 2021 LFL revenue less pass-through costs growth now expected to be 11.5-12.0%, up from 9-10%

• Headline operating margin slightly above 14%

• £448 million share buybacks year-to-date

- £600 million by year-end

- Plan to continue at a similar rate up to 2021 preliminary results

GUIDANCE AND BUYBACK

13Q3 2021 TRADING UPDATE 13Q3 2021 TRADING UPDATE

Page 14: Q3 TRADING UPDATE

BUSINESS UPDATE

Page 15: Q3 TRADING UPDATE

ONGOING STRATEGIC PROGRESS

• AI-driven solutions in resource optimisation

• Clients include Unilever, Tesco and DFS

• >80 people across Europe

• Acting as a hub of AI expertise across WPP

SATALIA

• Merger with SVC• Creates the world’s

leading strategic communications firm

• Board-level engagement• Reputation and purpose

increasingly important to our clients

FINSBURY GLOVER HERING/SVC

• Kantar significantly strengthens US presence

• Numerator: digital panel of >1 million US consumers

• Advanced analytics for faster insights

• Strong underlying progress at Kantar

NUMERATOR

15Q3 2021 TRADING UPDATE

Page 16: Q3 TRADING UPDATE

OUR WORK

Sky GlassAKQA

16Q3 2021 TRADING UPDATE

Page 17: Q3 TRADING UPDATE

Blue Paradox/SCJOgilvy

OUR WORK

17Q3 2021 TRADING UPDATE

Page 18: Q3 TRADING UPDATE

Mondelez DiwaliOgilvy

OUR WORK

18Q3 2021 TRADING UPDATE

Page 19: Q3 TRADING UPDATE

1. H1 20 figure2. YTD Sep-20

INDUSTRY-LEADING PARTNERSHIPS

Launched Snapchat ‘AR Lab’ partnership

>5,750 GMP certified consultants

Google Marketing Platform Global Partner

First-of-its-kind global agency partnership with

TikTok

Sitecore’s Global Excellence in Solution Delivery award 2021

Global Salesforce Partner Innovation in Media award

2021 (Emark)

Global-first collaboration to access Amazon Advertising’s Overlapping Audiences API

X

19Q3 2021 TRADING UPDATE

Page 20: Q3 TRADING UPDATE

ACCOUNT M/C REGION WPP AGENCY

M NA 2 2

M Global

C NA

M 6 markets

STRONG NEW BUSINESS PERFORMANCE

ACCOUNT M/C1 REGION WPP AGENCY

M Global

M Global

M Global

M Europe and APAC

C NA

M APAC

C Europe

C NA

M NA

M APAC

M Europe

M APAC

M Global

C Europe

M APAC

M 6 markets

Selected wins/retentions since August Selected losses since August

1. Media/Creative2. Haworth is a 49% owned subsidiary

20Q3 2021 TRADING UPDATE

Page 21: Q3 TRADING UPDATE

YEAR-TO-DATE MEDIA NEW BUSINESS

21Q3 2021 TRADING UPDATESource: COMvergence. Provisional data

Page 22: Q3 TRADING UPDATE

SUMMARY AND OUTLOOK

• Very strong quarter; raising guidance for the full year again

• Ongoing execution of strategy:- Targeted acquisitions in growth areas- Creating global leaders in the WPP portfolio

• Good momentum into 2022:- Strong new business performance, retaining key accounts- Leveraging technology partnerships for skills and growth- Some markets/sectors still impacted by COVID

22Q3 2021 TRADING UPDATE

Page 23: Q3 TRADING UPDATE

Q&A

Page 24: Q3 TRADING UPDATE

OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Page 25: Q3 TRADING UPDATE

REVENUE LESS PASS-THROUGH COSTS GROWTH VS PRIOR YEAR

Q3

15.7%

(0.4%)

(5.4%)

9.9%

LFL

Acquisitions/ disposals

FX

Reported

Q2

19.3%

(0.3%)

(7.5%)

11.5%

Acquisitions/ disposals

FX

Reported

LFL

Q1

3.1%

(0.2%)

(4.3%)

(1.4%)

LFL

Acquisitions/disposals

FX

Reported

Continuing Operations:

YTD

12.6%

(0.3%)

(5.6%)

6.7%

LFL

Acquisitions/ disposals

FX

Reported

25Q3 2021 TRADING UPDATE

Page 26: Q3 TRADING UPDATE

REVENUE LESS PASS-THROUGH COSTS BY SECTOR1

THIRD QUARTER 2021 £M 2020 £M Δ REPORTED Δ LFL

Global Integrated Agencies 2,185 2,016 8.3% 13.5%

Public Relations 231 210 10.4% 16.0%

Specialist Agencies 224 175 27.9% 41.5%

Total Continuing Operations 2,640 2,401 9.9% 15.7%

1. Continuing operations

During 2020, we announced the intention to combine Grey and AKQA into the AKQA Group, and to bring Geometry and GTB into VMLY&R, and International Healthcare into VMLY&R and Ogilvy. As a result AKQA, Geometry, GTB and International Healthcare are now reported within Global Integrated Agencies, having previously been reported within Specialist Agencies. 2020 comparable figures have been adjusted by a total of £211m to reflect this change

26Q3 2021 TRADING UPDATE

Page 27: Q3 TRADING UPDATE

REVENUE LESS PASS-THROUGH COSTS BY REGION1

THIRD QUARTER 2021 £M 2020 £M Δ REPORTED Δ LFL

North America 975 922 5.6% 12.2%

UK 362 311 16.4% 16.9%

Western Continental Europe 562 493 14.0% 21.5%

Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa & Middle East and Central & Eastern Europe 741 675 9.9% 15.6%

Total Continuing Operations 2,640 2,401 9.9% 15.7%

1. Continuing operations 27Q3 2021 TRADING UPDATE

Page 28: Q3 TRADING UPDATE

REVENUE LESS PASS-THROUGH COSTS BY SECTOR

NINE MONTHS YEAR-TO-DATE 2021 £M 2020 £M Δ REPORTED Δ LFL

Global Integrated Agencies 6,254 5,913 5.8% 11.8%

Public Relations 660 636 3.9% 10.3%

Specialist Agencies 625 520 20.1% 24.9%

Total Continuing Operations 7,539 7,069 6.7% 12.6%

1. Continuing operations

During 2020, we announced the intention to combine Grey and AKQA into the AKQA Group, and to bring Geometry and GTB into VMLY&R, and International Healthcare into VMLY&R and Ogilvy. As a result AKQA, Geometry, GTB and International Healthcare are now reported within Global Integrated Agencies, having previously been reported within Specialist Agencies. 2020 comparable figures have been adjusted by a total of £646m to reflect this change

28Q3 2021 TRADING UPDATE

Page 29: Q3 TRADING UPDATE

REVENUE LESS PASS-THROUGH COSTS BY REGION

NINE MONTHS YEAR-TO-DATE 2021 £M 2020 £M Δ REPORTED Δ LFL

North America 2,792 2,779 0.5% 9.1%

UK 1,042 897 16.2% 16.9%

Western Continental Europe 1,612 1,412 14.1% 17.2%

Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa & Middle East and Central & Eastern Europe 2,093 1,981 5.7% 12.3%

Total Continuing Operations 7,539 7,069 6.7% 12.6%

1. Continuing operations 29Q3 2021 TRADING UPDATE

Page 30: Q3 TRADING UPDATE

REVENUE LESS PASS-THROUGH COSTS GROWTH¹ BY REGION LIKE-FOR-LIKE %

% Q1 Q2 Q3 YTD

Mature Markets 2.6 20.5 15.7 12.8

Faster Growing Markets 4.7 16.1 15.6 12.4

Total 3.1 19.3 15.7 12.6

North America %Q1 Q2 Q3 YTD1.6 13.7 12.2 9.1

UK %Q1 Q2 Q3 YTD3.9 31.8 16.9 16.9

W. Cont. Europe %Q1 Q2 Q3 YTD3.7 27.1 21.5 17.2

Africa & M. East %

Q1 Q2 Q3 YTD(5.9) 19.2 15.0 9.0

C. & E. Europe %Q1 Q2 Q3 YTD9.5 20.6 11.9 14.0

Asia Pacific %Q1 Q2 Q3 YTD4.7 11.7 12.6 9.8

Latin America %Q1 Q2 Q3 YTD

10.2 30.5 30.8 24.0

30Q3 2021 TRADING UPDATE1. Continuing operations

Page 31: Q3 TRADING UPDATE

3.5%

(16.1%)(9.1%)

25.1%

(0.4%)

19.0%

(4.2%)

3.1%

(0.2%)

Q2 2020 Q3 2020 Q4 2020 Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021

CHINA

BRIC MARKETS PERFORMANCE1

1. Like-for-like growth vs prior year from continuing operations

2.Includes Hong Kong and Taiwan

(3.1%)

(16.7%)(12.1%)

18.4%

1.4%

18.0%

(6.8%)(1.7%) (1.7%)

Q2 2020 Q3 2020 Q4 2020 Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021GREATER CHINA²

(0.1%)(6.2%)

5.3%

21.3% 24.4%18.9%

35.2%

24.3%

11.5%

Q2 2020 Q3 2020 Q4 2020 Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021

RUSSIA

(25.1%)(16.3%)

(8.9%)(0.5%)

30.0% 28.0%

5.6%

(2.6%)

7.1%

Q2 2020 Q3 2020 Q4 2020 Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021

INDIA

(18.7%)(14.1%)

(10.5%)

8.5%

29.8% 29.6%

7.1% 5.5%11.3%

Q2 2020 Q3 2020 Q4 2020 Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021BRAZIL

31Q3 2021 TRADING UPDATE

Key

1-year growth rate

2-year growth rate

Page 32: Q3 TRADING UPDATE

CLIENT SECTOR ANALYSIS

Note: % of total designated clients attributable to each industry for continuing operations in the third quarter, and includes an allocation of GroupM trading revenue less pass-through costs. These clients comprise 77% of WPP total revenue less pass-through costs

Third quarter revenue less pass-through costs growth by client sector

23%

19%

11%11%

10%

7%

6%

6%

4% 3%

+18.4%

+7.0%

+18.9%

+17.1%

+2.3%+6.4%

+4.8%

+18.9%

+56.2% +29.6%

CPG

Tech & Digital

Services

Healthcare & Pharma

Automotive

Retail

Telecom, Media & Entertainment

Financial Services

Other

Travel & Leisure

Govt, Public Sector &

Non-Profit

32Q3 2021 TRADING UPDATE

Page 33: Q3 TRADING UPDATE

DEBT MATURITY PROFILE £M AT SEPT 30, 2021

Exchange Rates £/$ 1.3474 £/€ 1.1634 1. Swapped to £444m at 2.61%2.€500m swapped to $604m at 4.03%

Weighted Average Coupon 2.8%

Weighted Average Maturity 7.2 years

Available Liquidity £4,793m

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

33Q3 2021 TRADING UPDATE

£ TOTALCREDIT

£ TOTALDRAWN

£ bonds £400m (2.875% Sep ’46) 400 400

US bond $220m (5.625% Nov ’43) 163 163

US bond $93m (5.125% Sep ’42) 69 69

£ bonds £250m (3.75% May ’32) 250 250

Eurobonds €600m (1.625% Mar ’30) 516 516

Eurobonds €750m (2.375% May ‘27) 645 645

Eurobonds €750m (2.25% Sep '26) 645 645

Eurobond €500m (1.375% Mar ‘25)/£444m Swap1 444 444

US bond $750m (3.75% Sep '24) 557 557

Eurobonds €750m (3.0% Nov ’23)2 663 663

Eurobond €250m (3m EURIBOR + 0.45% Mar ’22) 215 215

Debt Facilities 4,567 4,567

Other facilities 1,855 -

Net cash, overdrafts & other adjustments – (2,938)

Total Borrowing Capacity / Net Debt 6,422 1,629

Page 34: Q3 TRADING UPDATE

EFFECTS OF CURRENCY

1. Effects of currency on continuing operations

THIRD QUARTER 2021 2020£ STRONGER/(WEAKER)

US$ 1.38 1.29 7%

€ 1.17 1.11 6%

Chinese Renminbi 8.92 8.94 -

Brazilian Real 7.21 6.95 4%

Australian $ 1.88 1.81 4%

Canadian $ 1.74 1.72 1%

Indian Rupee 102 96 6%

Singapore $ 1.86 1.78 5%

South African Rand 20.2 21.9 (8%)

• Currency movements accounted for 5.4% decrease¹ in revenue less pass-through costs

• £ stronger against most currencies, particularly the US$ and Euro€

34Q3 2021 TRADING UPDATE

Page 35: Q3 TRADING UPDATE

IMPACT OF FX ON REVENUE LESS PASS-THROUGH COSTS¹

1. Continuing operations

2. Q4 uses 18 October 2021 exchange rates, including £:$1.38, £:€1.19

• YTD currency headwind (5.6%)

• 2020 full year headwind (1.2%)

• 2021 full year currency headwind (5.2%) at latest exchange rates²

(1.2%)

(4.3%)

(7.5%)

(5.4%)

(4.2%)

(5.2%)

(8%)

(7%)

(6%)

(5%)

(4%)

(3%)

(2%)

(1%)

0%20/FY Act 21/Q1 Act 21/Q2 Act 21/Q3 Act 21/Q4 Est² 21/FY Est

35Q3 2021 TRADING UPDATE