RELX (RELX) sets £450m buyback within £2.25bn 2026 programme
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
RELX PLC plans an irrevocable, non-discretionary share buyback programme running from 12 February 2026 to 20 March 2026, with a planned spend of £450 million. This means an independent broker will repurchase RELX shares within pre-set parameters, without day-to-day influence from the company.
This new programme follows completion of a separate £250 million non-discretionary buyback on 6 February 2026. Together, these programmes form part of the £2.25 billion total that RELX intends to deploy on share buybacks in 2026. The stated purpose is to reduce the company’s capital, with repurchased shares expected to be held in treasury. The authority from shareholders permits the repurchase of up to 155.2 million ordinary shares.
Positive
- Large planned capital return via buybacks: RELX targets £2.25 billion of share repurchases in 2026, including a £450 million non-discretionary programme and a completed £250 million tranche, which may enhance per-share metrics if underlying performance is maintained.
Negative
- None.
Insights
RELX outlines a large, structured £2.25bn 2026 share buyback, signalling substantial capital return.
RELX PLC is implementing an irrevocable, non-discretionary buyback of ordinary shares between
The programmes are designed to reduce the company’s capital, with shares to be held in treasury. Execution is delegated to UBS AG London Branch under irrevocable instructions, so trading decisions are taken independently of management, within pre-set parameters and existing shareholder authority to repurchase up to 155.2 million shares.
The scale of the planned buybacks indicates a meaningful capital return framework for 2026. Actual impact will depend on execution within the stated window and any further details provided in future company communications on progress against the £2.25 billion target.