GlobalData Plc Completes Repurchase of 95,987 Shares at 73.43p Average Price Under Ongoing Buyback Scheme

Overview of Share Buyback Programme and Authorisation

GlobalData Plc initiated its Share Buyback Programme on 23 June 2026, with the recent share purchases representing activity under this formal initiative. This programme reflects a strategic capital allocation decision, highlighting management's confidence in the current valuation of GlobalData shares. The buyback was authorised through appropriate corporate governance processes, enabling the board to deploy surplus capital transparently and in compliance with regulatory standards.

Investec Bank plc was appointed as the broker to execute the repurchases, ensuring adherence to market conduct rules and the company's buyback parameters. This structured approach, including defined pricing windows and transparent reporting, demonstrates GlobalData's commitment to fairness and compliance with the UK Listing Authority's regulatory framework governing capital transactions.

Transaction Breakdown and Pricing on 23 July 2026

On 23 July 2026, Investec executed 95,987 share purchases in 68 transactions between 08:05:32 and 16:15:15. Prices ranged from 72.40p to 74.20p per share, reflecting typical intraday market fluctuations. The volume-weighted average price was 73.4268p per share, achieved through an algorithmic execution strategy designed to minimize market impact and secure best execution.

Trade sizes varied from a single share to 4,433 shares, consistent with a sophisticated algorithm absorbing liquidity across the order book while maintaining orderly market conditions. Larger trades were concentrated between 14:37:53 and 15:10:36, indicating tactical timing to capitalize on higher liquidity periods. All trades occurred on XLON and were assigned unique regulatory reference numbers for reporting and audit.

Effect on Issued Share Capital and Voting Rights

Following cancellation of the 95,987 repurchased shares, GlobalData's issued ordinary share capital decreased to 745,328,825 shares of A30.0001 each. This figure represents the total voting rights relevant for shareholder notification thresholds under the FCA's Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules. The company holds no treasury shares, confirming all repurchased shares are permanently cancelled rather than reserved for future issuance.

The updated voting rights figure is crucial for shareholders monitoring their ownership percentages. Under FCA rules, shareholders must notify the company and market if their voting rights cross or fall below thresholds such as 3%, 5%, 10%, and every 1% thereafter. The reduction in total voting rights means fixed shareholdings now represent a slightly higher percentage, potentially bringing some investors closer to notification thresholds. GlobalData has provided this figure to assist shareholders in accurately calculating their disclosure obligations.

Compliance with Market Abuse Regulation Requirements

The detailed transaction schedule complies with Article 5(1)(b) of the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No 596/2014, as incorporated into UK law. This mandates public disclosure of granular trade-level data including timing, volume, and price for share buybacks. The disclosure of 68 individual transactions, each with unique reference numbers and XLON identifiers, underscores GlobalData's commitment to transparency and regulatory compliance.

Transaction reference numbers (formatted as 00408XXXXTRLO1) enable regulators and market participants to trace executions through London Stock Exchange post-trade reporting systems. This transparency deters market abuse, facilitates FCA monitoring of buyback compliance, and provides shareholders with verifiable evidence that repurchases occurred at fair market prices without manipulation. The structured disclosure format aligns precisely with Market Abuse Regulation requirements.

Execution Strategy and Market Impact Mitigation

The 95,987 shares were acquired via 68 transactions spread throughout the trading day to manage market impact and achieve best execution. Instead of a few large trades, the volume was divided into multiple tranches typically ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 shares, with some larger blocks when market liquidity allowed. The largest trade was 4,433 shares at 74.20p executed at 14:47:22, near the day's peak price.

Trade timing showed clustering during midday and early afternoon, particularly between 14:37 and 15:10, reflecting heightened purchasing activity. Morning trades from 08:05 to 12:35 were steadier with smaller sizes. No purchases occurred in the final hour before market close, likely to avoid end-of-day volatility and ensure regulatory disclosures were prepared while markets remained open.

Capital Allocation and Shareholder Value Implications

GlobalData's buyback programme signals management's view that shares trading around 73.43p represent attractive value relative to earnings and strategic outlook. Buybacks are a capital allocation choice prioritizing repurchasing equity over alternatives such as acquisitions, debt repayment, or dividend increases. The phased execution of approximately 96,000 shares in this initial tranche suggests a measured approach rather than an urgent repurchase.

For shareholders, buybacks can enhance value by reducing shares outstanding, potentially increasing earnings per share, signaling confidence, and offering a tax-efficient alternative to dividends in some jurisdictions. The benefits depend on repurchases occurring below intrinsic business value. Investors will monitor whether GlobalData continues buybacks at higher prices or adjusts the programme in response to market and business developments.

GlobalData's Business Model and Market Positioning

GlobalData Plc is a publicly traded information and analytics provider serving multiple sectors with business intelligence, research, and data-driven insights. Its subscription-based model delivers recurring revenues from clients relying on proprietary databases, analytical tools, and expert commentary across industries such as energy, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, technology, defence, and financial services. This recurring revenue stream provides earnings visibility supporting capital allocation decisions like share buybacks.

Operating within a structurally attractive sector characterized by high entry barriers, strong customer retention, and secular growth drivers like digital transformation and regulatory complexity, GlobalData holds a significant market position. The share price range during the buyback indicates a substantial UK-listed valuation. Choosing buybacks over aggressive M&A reflects confidence in organic growth and a preference for capital return rather than acquiring assets at current valuations.

Shareholder Base Impact and Disclosure Thresholds

The reduction in total voting rights to 745,328,825 affects all shareholders by increasing the percentage ownership represented by fixed shareholdings. Investors near FCA disclosure thresholds (3%, 5%, 10%, etc.) may cross notification triggers due to this change. Conversely, some may move below thresholds if holdings have declined.

GlobalData advises shareholders to use the updated voting rights figure for calculating notification requirements under FCA rules. This guidance assists institutional investors and funds in maintaining compliance and reduces the risk of inadvertent breaches caused by outdated share count data.

Outlook on Share Buyback Programme and Future Activity

The announcement does not specify the total value, duration, or target completion date of the Share Buyback Programme initiated on 23 June 2026. It also does not indicate whether further tranches will follow the recent 95,987-share purchase or if this represents the programme's conclusion. Regulatory constraints limit pre-announcement of detailed repurchase plans to avoid market manipulation or disclosure of inside information.

Investors will monitor subsequent RNS disclosures to assess the programme's scope and pace. Additional tranches at higher prices could indicate reassessed intrinsic value or defensive EPS management. Conversely, programme curtailment may reflect changing capital priorities or constraints. Investor relations and analyst communications will provide context on material buyback developments.

Regulatory Reporting and Transparency of Post-Trade Data

The detailed disclosure of 68 individual transactions, including timestamps, volumes, prices, and regulatory reference numbers, meets the transparency standards mandated by the Market Abuse Regulation as retained in UK law. All trades executed on XLON are subject to real-time public reporting via regulatory information services, allowing investors and regulators to track buyback activity live. Reference numbers (e.g., "00408XXXXTRLO1") correspond to XLON's reporting system, facilitating cross-verification with official post-trade data.

This compliance with Article 5(1)(b) of the Market Abuse Regulation ensures share buybacks are conducted openly and at market-aligned prices. The broker-managed execution model via Investec Bank plc, operating under a pre-defined algorithm, adds independence and control, mitigating risks of insider trading or price manipulation.