Relx eyes year of strong growth as half-year profit and sales climb

Relx PLC on Thursday boosted its dividend as it reported "strong" underlying revenue and profit growth in the first half of 2026.

The London-based provider of business, scientific and legal information said pretax profit rose 4.6% to £1.59 billion in the six months ended June 30 from £1.52 billion a year prior.

Adjusted operating profit increased 4.8% to £1.73 billion from £1.65 billion, ahead of £1.72 billion market consensus cited by Bloomberg, or 9% on an underlying basis, with adjusted earnings per share of 68.6 pence, up 11% at constant currency from 63.5p.

Revenue grew 2.7% to £4.87 million from £4.74 billion a year before, just shy of £4.91 billion Bloomberg consensus, with 7% underlying growth.

By division at constant currency, revenue grew by 7% in Risk, 6% in Scientific, Technical & Medical, 9% in Legal, and 1% in Exhibitions.

Operating profit grew by 9% in Risk, 8% in Scientific, Technical & Medical, and 12% in Legal, but fell 1% in Exhibitions, also at constant currency.

Relx declared an interim dividend of 20.9 pence, up 7.2% from 19.5p.

Chief Executive Officer, Erik Engstrom, commented: "Relx delivered strong underlying revenue and profit growth and strong new sales in the first half of 2026; continued strong growth in Risk; a step up in growth in Scientific, Technical & Medical; a further step up in growth in Legal; and strong ongoing growth in Exhibitions."

Shares in Relx were up 2.1% at 2,505.00 pence each in London on Thursday morning.

Adjusted cash flow was £1.69 billion versus £1.65 billion a year ago. Capital expenditure was £292 million, rising on-year from £255 million.

Looking ahead, Relx said: "We continue to see positive momentum across the group, and we expect another year of strong underlying growth in revenue and adjusted operating profit, as well as strong growth in adjusted earnings per share on a constant currency basis."

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