Omnicom focuses on addressable TV

WPP, Publicis, S4 Capital, Dentsu, Omnicom and Havas showed mixed stock market performance during the latest reporting period. Publicis in particular came under pressure following discussions surrounding the acquisition of LiveRamp, while WPP benefited from several account developments and a recovery in media pitches.

Share price performance: 19–26 May 2026

WPP declined from 285.10 to 275.90 pounds. Publicis lost ground on the Paris stock exchange and traded at 82.32 euros, compared to 85.66 euros a week earlier. S4 Capital fell from 43.00 to 41.10 pounds. Dentsu lost ground in Tokyo, dropping from 3188 to 3061 yen. Omnicom was the only major holding company in the group to post gains, trading at 74.41 dollars compared to 73.14 dollars a week earlier. Havas rose slightly from 16.20 to 16.65 euros.

WPP benefits from account news

At WPP, attention centred on several account developments. Jaguar Land Rover appointed WPP as its global growth partner, with AI and data playing a major role in the collaboration. It was also announced that SoundCloud selected WPP influencer agency Goat Agency as its influencer agency of record.

WPP also showed signs of recovery in international media pitches. According to analyses by COMvergence, WPP Media was among the strongest performers in first-quarter account wins, despite continued pressure from client losses in other markets. This suggests the group is regaining ground within the international media landscape.

Publicis defends LiveRamp acquisition

Publicis received considerable attention this week regarding its planned multi-billion acquisition of LiveRamp. Competitors warned that the neutrality of the data platform could come under pressure once it becomes part of Publicis Groupe.

Publicis and LiveRamp responded publicly to the criticism, emphasizing that clients would continue to have access to independent data solutions. Analysts also pointed to Publicis’ broader AI strategy, which several market observers see as a key component of the group’s future growth plans.

S4 Capital remains under pressure

S4 Capital once again lost ground on the London stock exchange. Investors continue to scrutinize the company’s growth expectations and margins.

Analysts noted that S4 Capital remains heavily dependent on digital marketing budgets from major international advertisers. At the same time, the market remains cautious about the pace at which demand for digital services will recover.

Dentsu expands activities

Dentsu renewed its contract with Tourism and Events Queensland in Australia and also gained responsibility for offline media buying. The group is also continuing organizational changes within its Australian operations.

Market research from Dentsu this week also showed that technology companies are increasingly acting as strategic partners within advertising and media operations. At the same time, video continues to grow as a key driver of podcast revenues.

Omnicom tests addressable TV with ITV

Omnicom, together with ITV, presented a pilot project involving live addressable TV advertising. The move reflects the company’s continued focus on data-driven television campaigns and personalized advertising models.

At the same time, debate arose regarding the compensation package of CEO John Wren. Several shareholders voted against the approximately 70 million dollar remuneration package. Analysts also continue to monitor the integration of Interpublic and the role of AI within Omnicom’s future strategy.

Havas continues string of account wins

Havas recorded several account successes this week. Havas Media won the Turespaña account, while Havas Red Brisbane was appointed for campaigns by Farmsafe Australia. In India, Havas Media also secured media responsibilities for Matrimony.com.

Havas also reported progress in its ongoing share buyback programme. The stock traded higher than a week earlier on the Amsterdam stock exchange.

Marketing Report Markets is an editorial analysis of share price developments within the marcom sector and does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell securities.