("=WPP 3Q Like-For-Like Revenue +9%, Decline Slowing," at 0717 GMT, misstated the revenue decline in the headline and first and third paragraphs. The correct version follows:)
By Ruth Bender
Of DOW JONES NEWSWIRES
PARIS -(Dow Jones)- WPP PLC, the world's largest marketing company by revenue, Friday reported an 8.7% on-year fall in third-quarter like-for-like revenue, but said the rate of decline is slowing.
"There is little doubt that consumer and corporate confidence has recovered somewhat from the panic levels of the fourth quarter of 2008 and first quarter of 2009," the company said in a statement, adding consumer confidence remains "fragile."
The Dublin-based company said like-for-like revenue, a closely watched metric in the advertising industry which strips out the impact of acquisitions and exchange-rate movements, fell 8.7% in the three months ended Sept. 30.
Seven analysts polled by Dow Jones Newswires had forecast a drop of 8.9%.
Third-quarter revenue rose 17% to GBP2 billion, boosted by the integration of recently acquired market research firm Taylor Nelson Sofres and the benefit of a weaker sterling. The figure was roughly in line with the GBP2.03 billion forecast by analysts.
The advertising industry has been hit hard by the global recession, with companies cutting ad spending, forcing advertising agencies to cut jobs as revenue shrinks.
WPP shares closed Thursday at 545 pence. The stock has gained about 32% since the start of the year as WPP is seen well-positioned to weather the downturn due to its size and a strong position in emerging markets.
-By Ruth Bender, Dow Jones Newswires; +33 1 40 17 17 54; jason.douglas@dowjones.com; ruth.bender@dowjones.com