Don't Count Out the Holding Companies -- At Least Not Yet

The latest holding company news, gleefully reported in the trade press, shows a shortfall in WPP's first half 2017 growth rates, with forecasts of lower long-term growth in coming years.  WPP's share price took a dive.  Campaign U.S. headlined "Sorrell under pressure to streamline WPP as FMCG clients cut back on marketing."  Panic!  WPP is not the only holding company affected by advertiser spend cutbacks, but Sir Martin is highly visible, and he takes most of the industry flack.  How concerned should investors be?  Don't count out the holding companies yet.  They have not played all the potential cards in their hands.