Key facts
- Relx reported 7% organic revenue growth and 70 basis points margin expansion.
- UBS noted AI-led organic acceleration with 6% growth in Scientific, Technical & Medical and 10% in Legal.
- Deutsche Bank reiterated a 'buy' recommendation with a target price of 3,100p.
Relx has reported strong sales growth, defying investor fears that artificial intelligence could disrupt its business model. The FTSE 100 data giant's first-half results showed a 7% increase in organic revenue and a 70 basis points expansion in margins, exceeding analyst expectations. Growth in its Scientific, Technical & Medical division rose to 6%, while the Legal division advanced to 10%, driven by increasing adoption of AI-powered products like LeapSpace and Lexis+ with Protégé. Analysts from Deutsche Bank and UBS reiterated 'buy' ratings, with Deutsche Bank suggesting AI worries are overplayed due to Relx's proprietary content and data infrastructure.