LSEG Reports 43% Profit Rise, Plans $1.3B Share Buyback

The London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) reported a significant rise in its first-half 2025 profit, with pre-tax profit increasing to approximately £991 million, driven by strong demand for its financial data and analytics services amid growing AI adoption and market digitization. Total income, excluding recoveries, rose 7.8% on an organic constant currency basis to £4.49 billion, surpassing analyst expectations. LSEG upgraded its full-year EBITDA margin guidance to a 0.75 to 1 percentage point increase and plans to execute up to £1 billion in share buybacks in the coming months. The company also raised its interim dividend by around 15% to 47 pence per share. Despite these positive results and upgraded forecasts, LSEG shares slipped due to concerns over a drought in market listings on the London Stock Exchange and the potential relocation of major constituents like AstraZeneca to U.S. markets. CEO David Schwimmer highlighted ongoing product launches and new market initiatives aimed at supporting private businesses and tech startups, aiming to boost future listings and revenue streams.