LSEG reports record first half, launches £700M share buyback
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IN SHORT
London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) reported a record first half with income rising 6.9% to £4.8 billion, alongside a significant jump in pre-tax profit. The company is launching a £700 million share buyback program and increasing its dividend. Meanwhile, Labcorp raised its annual profit forecast due to strong demand for diagnostic testing and growth in drug development services, though its shares fell 6% in premarket trading. European banking executives anticipate increased M&A opportunities as US rivals advance.
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Key Numbers
£4.8 billionLSEG total income first half
6.9%LSEG income growth first half
£700 millionLSEG share buyback program
6%Labcorp share decline premarket
Who's Involved
London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG)
Financial market infrastructure and data provider reporting record performance
Labcorp
Laboratory operator raising profit forecast due to strong testing demand
FTSE 100 company
Company nearing completion of a cost-saving program
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Key facts
London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) reported a record first half.
LSEG's total income increased by 6.9% to £4.8 billion.
LSEG plans to launch a share buyback program of up to £700 million.
LSEG's pre-tax profit saw a significant jump.
LSEG's new Pisces venue for private markets is gaining traction.
Labcorp's results were driven by strong diagnostic testing demand and drug development services growth.
Labcorp shares fell about 6% in premarket trading.
European banking executives foresee increased M&A opportunities.
A FTSE 100 company is nearing completion of a cost-saving program.
London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) has announced a record first half performance, with total income increasing by 6.9% to £4.8 billion. The company also reported a significant jump in pre-tax profit, attributing this growth to the increasing momentum of its new Pisces venue, which caters to private markets. In addition to strong financial results, LSEG revealed plans to initiate a share buyback program valued at up to £700 million and announced a dividend increase.
Separately, Laboratory operator Labcorp has raised its annual profit forecast following better-than-expected second-quarter results. This upward revision is driven by consistent demand for its diagnostic testing services and expansion within its drug-development services business. Despite the positive forecast, Labcorp's shares experienced a decline of approximately 6% in premarket trading.
In the broader financial sector, European banking executives are anticipating a rise in merger and acquisition (M&A) opportunities. This outlook comes as their US counterparts continue to solidify their leading positions in the market. Additionally, a FTSE 100 company is reportedly nearing the conclusion of a substantial cost-saving program.
↳ Why This Matters
London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) has announced a record first half performance, with total income increasing by 6.9% to £4.8 billion. The company also reported a significant jump in pre-tax profit, attributing this growth to the increasing momentum of its new Pisces venue, which caters to private markets. In addition to strong financial results, LSEG revealed plans to initiate a share buyback program valued at up to £700 million and announced a dividend increase.
Frequently asked questions
LSEG's total income, excluding recoveries, was £4,799 million in the first half of 2026.
LSEG will commence a share buyback program with an aggregate value of up to £700,000,000.
BNP PARIBAS is acting as a riskless principal in the agreement to purchase shares for LSEG.
The share buyback program is expected to conclude no later than November 6, 2026.
What Happens Next
01Share purchases under the £700 million buyback program will commence immediately.
02The buyback program will end no later than November 6, 2026.
03LSEG is expected to continue its AI monetization strategy for long-term growth.
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