Upside case
Bull case
$73+104.7%
RELX would need investors to value it at roughly 52x earnings — about 26x more generous than today's 25x forward P/E. That requires meaningful multiple expansion on top of continued earnings growth.
Analysis OverviewBuyUpdated May 1, 2026
RELX Plc (RELX) Stock Analysis
Wall Street verdict, consensus price target, and analyst rating breakdown — everything needed to frame the risk/reward at today's price.
Analyst consensus
Buy
Covering
7
analysts
5 bullish · 0 bearish · 7 covering RELX
Strong Buy
0
Buy
5
Hold
2
Sell
0
Strong Sell
0
Consensus Target
$26
-27.3% vs today
Scenario Range
$38 – $73
Model bear to bull value window
Coverage
7
Published analyst ratings
Valuation Context
25.2x
Forward P/E · Market cap $64.7B
RELX price targets
Three scenarios for where RELX stock could go
Current
~$36
Confidence
40 / 100
Updated
May 1, 2026
Where we are now
Current · $36
Bear
$38
Base
$57
Bull
$73
Market caseClosest to today
Base case
$57+58.2%
At 40x on FY1 earnings, the base case reflects a reasonable but not stretched valuation. It prices in continued growth without assuming an exceptional setup.
Stress case
Bear case
$38+5.4%
The bear case assumes sentiment or fundamentals disappoint enough to push RELX down roughly 5% from the current price.
Not financial advice. Model confidence reflects internal scenario assumptions, not a guarantee of returns. Past performance does not predict future results.
RELX Plc
RELX · NYSECommunication ServicesPublishingDecember year-end
RELX is a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers across multiple sectors. It generates revenue through four main segments: Risk (30%), Scientific/Technical/Medical (30%), Legal (25%), and Exhibitions (15%), primarily via subscription-based access to its proprietary databases and analytics platforms. The company's moat lies in its massive, hard-to-replicate datasets — accumulated over decades — and the deep integration of its tools into professional workflows, creating high switching costs.
Market Cap
$64.7B
Revenue TTM
$18.8B
Net Income TTM
$3.8B
Net Margin
20.3%
RELX Revenue and Earnings Performance
Quarterly beat-or-miss track record against analyst estimates, plus forward revenue and EPS outlook for the next two fiscal years.
EPS Beat Rate
9%Exceptional
12 quarters tracked
Revenue Beat Rate
36%Exceptional
vs consensus estimates
Avg EPS Surprise
-11.1%
above Street consensus
Beat / Miss Record
BeatMissLeft = EPS · Right = Revenue
Q4 2024
Q1 2025
Q3 2025
Q1 2026
Last 4 Quarters
EPS beats: 1 of 4Q4 2024
EPS
$0.66/$0.77
Revenue
$5.9B/$6.1B
Q1 2025
EPS
$0.64/$0.80
Revenue
$6.0B/$6.5B
Q3 2025
EPS
$0.72/$0.56
Revenue
$6.5B/$6.5B
Q1 2026
EPS
$0.79/$0.85
Revenue
$6.6B/$6.7B
| Quarter | EPS (Actual / Est) | EPS Surprise | Revenue (Actual / Est) | Rev Surprise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q4 2024 | $0.66/$0.77 | -14.5% | $5.9B/$6.1B | -4.0% |
| Q1 2025 | $0.64/$0.80 | -19.1% | $6.0B/$6.5B | -7.0% |
| Q3 2025 | $0.72/$0.56 | +28.1% | $6.5B/$6.5B | +0.1% |
| Q1 2026 | $0.79/$0.85 | -6.7% | $6.6B/$6.7B | -1.2% |
FY1–FY2 Estimates
Revenue Outlook
FY1
$18.3B
-2.7% YoY
FY2
$19.3B
+5.1% YoY
EPS Outlook
FY1
$2.06
-0.4% YoY
FY2
$2.21
+7.3% YoY
Trailing FCF (TTM)$5.0B
FCF Margin: 26.7%
Next Earnings
—
Expected EPS
—
Expected Revenue
—
RELX beat EPS estimates in 1 of 4 tracked quarters. Mixed delivery makes the upcoming report a key data point for re-rating.
RELX Revenue Breakdown by Segment
Product and geographic revenue mix from the latest annual disclosure, with year-over-year growth by segment.
Latest disclosure
FY 2024
Total disclosed revenue $9.4B
Product Mix
Latest annual revenue by segment or product family
Electronic
82.9%
+2.6% YoY
Tap, hover, or focus a slice to inspect segment detail.
Geographic Mix
Latest annual revenue by reported region
North America
58.2%
+2.0% YoY
Tap, hover, or focus a slice to inspect segment detail.
Electronic is the largest disclosed segment at 82.9% of FY 2024 revenue, up 2.6% YoY.
North America is the largest reported region at 58.2%, up 2.0% YoY.
RELX Valuation Snapshot
Current multiples compared to the S&P 500, the company's sector, and its own five-year average.
Relative Value Signal
Slightly Undervalued
Fair value est. $39 — implies +7.1% from today's price.
Upside to Fair Value
7.1%
potential upside
Deep DiscountFair ValueVery Expensive
vs S&P 500 Trailing P/E
RELX
25.5x
vs
S&P 500
25.2x
In line with benchmark
vs Communication Services Trailing P/E
RELX
25.5x
vs
Communication Services
15.5x
+64% premium
vs RELX 5Y Avg P/E
Today
25.5x
vs
5Y Average
40.2x
36% discount
Forward PE
25.2x
S&P 500
19.1x
+32%
Communication Services
13.1x
+93%
5Y Avg
—
—
Trailing PE
25.5x
S&P 500
25.2x
+1%
Communication Services
15.5x
+64%
5Y Avg
40.2x
-36%
PEG Ratio
4.26x
S&P 500
1.75x
+144%
Communication Services
0.66x
+546%
5Y Avg
—
—
EV/EBITDA
17.1x
S&P 500
15.3x
+12%
Communication Services
8.7x
+97%
5Y Avg
24.4x
-30%
Price/FCF
18.4x
S&P 500
21.3x
-14%
Communication Services
11.6x
+59%
5Y Avg
34.9x
-47%
Price/Sales
5.0x
S&P 500
3.1x
+61%
Communication Services
1.0x
+381%
5Y Avg
7.8x
-35%
Dividend Yield
2.27%
S&P 500
1.88%
+21%
Communication Services
3.38%
-33%
5Y Avg
1.57%
+45%
| Metric | RELX | S&P 500 | Communication Services | 5Y Avg RELX |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forward PE | 25.2x | 19.1x+32% | 13.1x+93% | — |
| Trailing PE | 25.5x | 25.2x | 15.5x+64% | 40.2x-36% |
| PEG Ratio | 4.26x | 1.75x+144% | 0.66x+546% | — |
| EV/EBITDA | 17.1x | 15.3x+12% | 8.7x+97% | 24.4x-30% |
| Price/FCF | 18.4x | 21.3x-14% | 11.6x+59% | 34.9x-47% |
| Price/Sales | 5.0x | 3.1x+61% | 1.0x+381% | 7.8x-35% |
| Dividend Yield | 2.27% | 1.88% | 3.38% | 1.57% |
RELX trades above S&P 500 benchmarks on 4 of 6 measured multiples — is elevated on some multiples, but competitive on others — a mixed valuation picture.
Forward P/E and PEG reflect analyst consensus estimates. Historical averages use trailing ratios where forward data is unavailable.S&P 500 and sector benchmarks both use trailing median P/E — similar readings indicate the broader index and sector are priced alike.
Open valuation toolRELX Financial Health
Verdict
Exceptional
RELX generates $5.0B in free cash flow at a 26.7% margin — 21.8% ROIC signals a durable competitive advantage · returns 4.4% of market cap to shareholders annually.
Cash Engine
Revenue, margins, and cash generation
Revenue (TTM)
Trailing-twelve-month sales base
$18.8B
Revenue Growth
TTM vs prior year
+11.4%
Gross Margin
Gross profit as a share of revenue
64.7%
Operating Margin
Operating income divided by revenue
30.4%
Net Margin
Net income divided by revenue
20.3%
EPS (TTM)
Diluted earnings per share, trailing twelve months
$2.07
Free Cash Flow (TTM)
Cash generation after capex
$5.0B
FCF Margin
FCF as share of revenue — the primary cash quality signal
26.7%
Capital Quality
ROIC, leverage, and debt serviceability
ROIC
Return on invested capital — primary competitive quality signal
21.8%
ROA
Return on assets, trailing twelve months
26.6%
Cash & Equivalents
Liquid assets on the balance sheet
$119M
Net Debt
Total debt minus cash
$6.4B
Debt Serviceability
Net debt as a multiple of annual free cash flow
1.3× FCF
~1.3 years to full repayment at current FCF run-rate
ROE *
Return on equity, trailing twelve months
174.0%
* Elevated by buyback-compressed equity — compare ROIC (21.8%) for an undistorted picture of capital efficiency.
Shareholder Returns
How capital is returned to owners
Total shareholder yield
4.4%
Dividend
2.3%
Buyback
2.1%
Share Repurchases
Trailing buyback outflow — dollar magnitude of capital returned
$1.0B
Dividend / Share
Annualized trailing dividend per share
$0.60
Payout Ratio
Share of earnings distributed as dividends
58.0%
Shares Outstanding
Declining as buybacks retire shares
1.9B
All figures from the trailing twelve months. ROIC uses invested capital (equity + net debt). ROE marked * where buyback-compressed equity base may inflate the figure.
Open full ratios pageRELX Stock Risk Factors
Key factors that could pressure the stock price, compress the multiple, or weigh on future results.
AI analysis · updated April 11, 2026
High Risk
AI-Driven Fraud
RELX’s LexisNexis Risk Solutions division must continually invest in advanced AI tools to detect and counter sophisticated fraud schemes. Failure to stay ahead could erode client trust and lead to contract losses. The cost of new technology and potential remediation of breaches could materially impact earnings.
High Risk
Product Obsolescence
Rapid generative‑AI advances threaten to render RELX’s legal and financial analytics products obsolete as customers shift to direct AI solutions. A loss of market share in these segments would compress revenue growth and margin expectations.
Medium
Competitive AI Platforms
Rivals such as Experian, Equifax, and FICO are developing comparable AI fraud platforms, intensifying bid pressure for contracts and renewals. Increased competition could force price concessions and reduce profitability.
Medium
Risk‑Analytics Rivalry
The entry of new AI‑driven analytics entrants risks eroding RELX’s differentiation in data quality and insights. Clients may switch to lower‑priced alternatives, pressuring revenue and margin growth.
Medium
Investor Sentiment & Valuation
Recent releases of competitor AI capabilities have depressed investor sentiment, lowering RELX’s valuation multiples. A continued perception of overvaluation could trigger further share price declines.
Lower
Cybersecurity
Compromise of RELX’s cybersecurity systems or unauthorized database access could expose sensitive client data and trigger regulatory penalties, damaging reputation and financial performance.
These are risk mechanisms, not predictions. The key question is which would force a cut to earnings estimates or a lower multiple than the market currently prices in.
Why RELX Stock Could Outperform
Structural drivers behind the upside case and why the stock could outperform over the next 12 months.
AI analysis · updated April 11, 2026
Analytics‑Driven Business Mix Shift
RELX is shifting its portfolio toward higher‑growth, technology‑enabled analytics and decision tools. This transition is driving revenue growth and tightening profit margins, with a focus on AI‑powered solutions.
Robust 2025 Financial Trajectory
RELX delivered 7% underlying revenue growth and a 9% rise in underlying adjusted operating profit in 2025. The company maintains an operating margin of about 30% and a net margin exceeding 20%, underscoring solid profitability.
Generative AI in Legal Solutions
RELX is embedding generative AI into its Legal segment with products such as Lexis+AI and Protege. This AI integration is positioned as a key driver for future growth and enhanced customer value.
Workflow Prison Advantage
RELX’s products are deeply embedded in professional workflows, creating a “workflow prison” that makes them difficult to replace. Coupled with unique data sets and analytics, this provides a strong competitive moat.
Strategic Data & Analytics Acquisitions
The company supplements organic growth with selective acquisitions of data sets, analytics capabilities, and assets in high‑growth markets, further strengthening its position as a data and analytics powerhouse.
A real bull case compounds — each driver matters most when it strengthens margins, supports capital returns, and keeps the company above the market's minimum growth bar simultaneously.
RELX Stock Price Performance
52-week range context and price returns across multiple time horizons. Dividend contribution is shown separately in the Capital Return section.
Current Price
$35.75
52W Range Position
28%
52-Week Range
Current price plotted between the 52-week low and high.
52-Week Low
$27.57
+29.7% from the low
52-Week High
$56.33
-36.5% from the high
1 Month
+6.37%
3 Month
+21.68%
YTD
-10.2%
1 Year
-34.9%
3Y CAGR
+5.4%
5Y CAGR
+6.2%
10Y CAGR
+7.1%
Range context matters because valuation compression and earnings misses rarely hit from the same starting point. A stock already far below its high can still fall, but it is no longer carrying the same embedded optimism as one pressing a fresh peak.
RELX vs Peers
Valuation, growth, and margin comparison against the closest publicly traded peers for this company.
Peer Set
Accurate peer set
Forward PE
25.2x
vs 20.8x median
+21% above peer median
Revenue Growth
-2.7%
vs +4.9% median
-154% below peer median
Net Margin
20.3%
vs 14.6% median
+39% above peer median
| Company | Mkt Cap | Fwd PE | Rev Grw | Margin | Rating | Upside |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
REL RELX RELX Plc | $64.7B | 25.2x | -2.7% | 20.3% | Buy | -27.3% |
TRI TRI Thomson Reuters Corporation | $40.0B | 20.8x | +4.9% | 19.9% | Buy | +60.3% |
WLY WLY John Wiley & Sons, Inc. | $1.8B | 9.7x | -6.4% | 9.2% | Hold | — |
VRS VRSK Verisk Analytics, Inc. | $22.4B | 22.4x | +5.6% | 29.3% | Hold | +35.3% |
IHS IHS IHS Holding Limited | $2.8B | 8.7x | -2.8% | 9.1% | Buy | +3.7% |
SPG SPGI S&P Global Inc. | $125.4B | 21.6x | +7.8% | — | Buy | +29.4% |
This peer comparison reflects companies with similar business models, product lines, or market positioning, supplemented by industry grouping when direct matches are limited.
RELX Dividend and Capital Return
RELX returns 4.4% total yield, led by a 2.27% dividend, raised 14 consecutive years. Buybacks add another 2.1%.
Dividend SustainableFCF Well Covered
Total Shareholder Yield
4.4%
Dividend + buyback return per year
Buyback Yield
2.1%
Dividend Yield
2.27%
Payout Ratio
58.0%
How RELX Splits Its Return
Div 2.27%
Buyback 2.1%
Dividend 2.27%Buybacks 2.1%
Dividend Profile
Yield, cadence, and growth quality
Dividend / Share
Trailing annualized cash dividend
$0.60
Growth Streak
Consecutive years of dividend increases
14Y
3Y Div CAGR
8.8%
5Y Div CAGR
8.0%
Ex-Dividend Date
—
Payment Cadence
Annual
3 payments over the last 12 months
Buyback Engine
How much per-share support comes from repurchases
Repurchases (TTM)
Cash used for buybacks in the latest trailing period
$1.0B
Estimated Shares Retired
28M
Approx. Share Reduction
1.5%
Shares Outstanding
Current diluted share count from the screening snapshot
1.9B
At 1.5%/year, buybacks mechanically lift EPS even with flat earnings — each remaining share represents a slightly larger piece of the company.
| Year | Div / Share | YoY Grw | BB Yield | Total Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $0.66 | — | — | — |
| 2025 | $0.87 | +13.9% | — | — |
| 2024 | $0.76 | +11.0% | 1.2% | 2.5% |
| 2023 | $0.69 | +2.0% | 1.1% | 2.5% |
| 2022 | $0.67 | +0.9% | 1.0% | 2.9% |
FAQ
7 questionsRELX Investor Questions
Common questions answered from live analyst data and company financials.
01Is RELX Plc (RELX) stock a buy or sell in 2026?
RELX Plc (RELX) is rated Buy by Wall Street analysts as of 2026. Of 7 analysts covering the stock, 5 rate it Buy or Strong Buy, 2 rate it Hold, and 0 rate it Sell or Strong Sell. The consensus 12-month price target is $26, implying -27.3% from the current price of $36. The bear case scenario is $38 and the bull case is $73.
02What is the RELX stock price target for 2026?
The Wall Street consensus price target for RELX is $26 based on 7 analyst estimates. The high-end target is $28 (-21.7% from today), and the low-end target is $24 (-32.9%). The base case model target is $57.
03Is RELX Plc (RELX) stock overvalued in 2026?
RELX trades at 25.2x times forward earnings. The stock's valuation is broadly in line with the broader market. Based on current multiples versus the peer group, the relative model signals slightly undervalued. Whether the stock is over or undervalued ultimately depends on whether consensus earnings estimates are achievable.
04What are the main risks for RELX Plc (RELX) stock in 2026?
The primary risks for RELX in 2026 are: (1) AI-Driven Fraud — RELX’s LexisNexis Risk Solutions division must continually invest in advanced AI tools to detect and counter sophisticated fraud schemes. (2) Product Obsolescence — Rapid generative‑AI advances threaten to render RELX’s legal and financial analytics products obsolete as customers shift to direct AI solutions. (3) Competitive AI Platforms — Rivals such as Experian, Equifax, and FICO are developing comparable AI fraud platforms, intensifying bid pressure for contracts and renewals. Each factor has the potential to pressure earnings or compress the stock's valuation multiple.
05What is RELX Plc's revenue and earnings forecast?
Analyst consensus estimates RELX will report consensus revenue of $18.3B (-2.7% year-over-year) and EPS of $2.06 (-0.4% year-over-year) for the upcoming fiscal year. The following year, analysts project $19.3B in revenue.
06When does RELX Plc (RELX) report its next earnings?
A confirmed upcoming earnings date for RELX is not yet available. Check the Earnings section above for the most recent quarterly report dates and forward estimates.
07How much free cash flow does RELX Plc generate?
RELX Plc (RELX) generated $5.0B in free cash flow over the trailing twelve months — a free cash flow margin of 26.7%. RELX returns capital to shareholders through dividends (2.3% yield) and share repurchases ($1.0B TTM).