M&C Saatchi’s shares have risen by more than 6% to 132.96p in the first 80 minutes of trading despite the group reporting a fall in annual revenue.
Investors have seemed to focus on cost savings, profitability and signs of improving momentum going into 2026.
In an unaudited trading update for the year to 31st December 2025, the advertising and marketing business said like-for-like net revenue is expected to fall around 7%, or around 2.5% excluding Australia.
It has already had well-documented struggles Down Under, with the company cutting its 2025 outlook in November as a result.
In September, M&C Saatchi said that it was taking ‘significant actions to reshape the Australia business’ – new leadership, the closure of an unprofitable full-service media business as well as restructuring – with £12 million of annualised cost savings set to be made.
Reported net revenue for the year is now expected to come in at £210m, with operating profit of £26m.
The company said it delivered on its target of £12m of annualised cost savings in the second half of the year.
It also ended the year with net cash of £13m, which it said leaves it well-positioned to pursue strategic opportunities while staying aligned with its capital allocation policy and previously announced share buyback commitment.
The London-based business said it saw improved pipeline conversion in the second half of the year, supported by the rollout of its regional growth teams.
It pointed to a number of multi-specialism wins across different markets, including work for Coca-Cola linked to its Premier League sponsorship activity, two creative strategy and development roster wins with the UK Government, as well as a consumer launch campaign tied to a Super Bowl advert.
The group also reported an increased scope of work with clients including JP Morgan Chase and Ferrari.
“In a year defined by a challenging macro environment, I would like to thank all colleagues at M&C Saatchi for their continued hard work and commitment in delivering fantastic work for clients,” said Zaid Al-Qassab, CEO of M&C Saatchi.
“I am confident that our world-famous creativity and excellent client retention combined with our portfolio strategy and higher-margin growth drivers will deliver value for clients, colleagues and shareholders.”
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