London, Feb 26, 2026, 08:23 GMT — Regular session
- RELX shares slipped in early London trading, pulling back after surging 6.3% the previous day.
- The company revealed two separate share buyback programs through UBS.
- Investors are watching how fast the buyback moves, along with RELX’s upcoming update and the next dividend date.
RELX (REL.L) slipped 0.6% to 2,401 pence early Thursday in London, having ranged from 2,385p to 2,434p so far. Over the past year, shares have dropped roughly 37%.
Choppy trading in RELX stands out, since the company’s often seen as a bellwether for how information and workflow firms handle generative AI muscling in on their markets. Share buybacks have helped support the price, yet investors remain quick to react to any sign the company’s grip on pricing might be slipping.
RELX, provider of analytics and decision-making tools to lawyers, bankers, and scientists, insists its AI launch will deepen its competitive edge. “Then we’re applying our algorithms, proprietary algorithms, so that we can get out the right judgments, the right inferences, and the right interpretations,” Chief Financial Officer Nick Luff told Reuters, highlighting RELX’s data resources and unique models as key advantages. Reuters
RELX surged 6.25% on Wednesday, ending the session at 24.15 pounds. That move put it well ahead of the FTSE 100, which managed a 1.18% gain, MarketWatch data showed.
Buybacks remain active. RELX disclosed a 300,000-share purchase Wednesday via UBS, with prices ranging from 2,322p to 2,431p. Since Jan. 2, the company has snapped up 19.23 million shares.
The day before, the company picked up 350,000 shares through UBS, paying between 2,205p and 2,315p per share.
RELX has set up an “irrevocable, non-discretionary” share buyback programme, according to a U.S. SEC filing. The company plans to spend £450 million on repurchases between Feb. 12 and March 20. UBS will handle trading for the programme, making decisions without direction from RELX, the filing added.
RELX posted 2025 revenue of £9.59 billion and adjusted operating profit of £3.34 billion in its Feb. 12 annual results release, and signaled more growth ahead in 2026. “RELX delivered strong underlying revenue and profit growth and strong new sales in 2025,” chief executive Erik Engstrom said. Relx
Still, the downside risk is hanging around. Suppose AI assistants let customers draft, search, or summarize without shelling out for premium databases—renewals and pricing could start to feel the squeeze. And a buyback? That doesn’t solve the demand issue.
Investors looking ahead will want to note a few key dates: RELX holds its annual general meeting and delivers a trading update on April 23. The ex-dividend date for the 2025 final dividend lands on May 7, with payment set for June 18.
