WPP today reported a 4.5 percent revenues dip to $718.9M during the first half for its PR/PA unit that includes Hill+Knowlton Strategies, Burson-Marsteller, RLM Finsbury and Ogilvy.
CEO Martin Sorrell noted the strength of the sterling "ravaged" WPP's revenues and profit numbers on a reported basis
WPP reported a 2.7 percent growth in revenues to 5.469 pounds during the first-half of 2014. In dollar terms, the ad/PR combine posted an 11.3 percent growth to $9.1B and a 6.5 percent jump in euros.
The firm's pre-tax profit rose 15 percent to 491M pounds ($818M).
Sorrell reinforced his message of a "dual focus" for 2014. That strategy is geared to "stronger than competitor" revenue growth and continued emphasis on "balancing net sales growth with headcount increases and improvement in staff costs."
The chief said WPP showed strong growth in Russia during the first-half.
He anticipates facing strong headwinds there for the balance of the year due to US and EU-imposed sanctions for its invasion of Ukraine.
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