Overview
- London Stock Exchange Group unveiled a £3 billion share buyback alongside full-year results, raised its final dividend 15.7% to 103 pence, and issued multi‑year guidance.
- New guidance points to mid‑ to high‑single‑digit growth in 2026 and a reduction in capital expenditure to 8% of total income by 2029.
- Elliott publicly welcomed the steps as a first move but urged further action, having earlier pushed for about a £5 billion buyback plus a portfolio review and stronger margin expansion.
- LSEG executives said the repurchase was not driven by activist pressure and indicated no plans for asset sales, while keeping acquisitions on the table.
- Shares jumped 9% on the results day, extending gains the next session, as investors weighed LSEG’s defense of its data franchise and calls for clearer proof it can benefit from AI rather than be disrupted.