Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Underlying revenue growth was 7% and underlying adjusted operating profit growth was 9% in the first half of 2025 [2][13] - Adjusted earnings per share growth was 10% at constant currency, with a 7% increase in the GBP interim dividend [3][14] - Group adjusted operating margin improved to 34.8%, reflecting strong operating results [13][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Risk, underlying revenue growth was 8% and underlying adjusted operating profit growth was 9%, driven by AI-enabled analytics and decision tools [4][6] - In Scientific, Technical, and Medical (STM), underlying revenue growth was 5%, with developing momentum supported by new product introductions [5][6] - In Legal, underlying revenue growth improved to 9%, with adjusted operating profit growth at 11% [6][7] - Exhibitions delivered underlying revenue growth of 8%, with margins significantly above pre-pandemic levels [8][9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total group revenue growth at constant currency was 4%, impacted by portfolio effects and print exposure reduction [16][17] - In Sterling, total revenue growth was 2%, affected by the strength of Sterling against the U.S. Dollar [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The strategic direction remains focused on the transition from print to electronic formats, with print revenue now at 4% [10][11] - The company aims to sustain strong long-term growth in Risk, STM, Legal, and Exhibitions, while managing cost growth below revenue growth [11][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in continued strong underlying revenue growth and adjusted operating profit growth for the full year [24] - Positive momentum is expected across the group, with strong new sales and renewals in various segments [28][29] Other Important Information - Cash conversion was strong at 100%, with net debt at just under $7.5 billion and a leverage ratio of 2.2 times [21][23] - The company completed three acquisitions totaling £262 million and deployed £1 billion for share buybacks in the first half [14][22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of NIH's open access policy on revenues - Management noted that while the NIH's policy change is significant, it is unlikely to impact the overall growth trajectory, which remains strong [28][29] Question: Rationale for partnership with Harvey in Legal - The partnership aims to enhance customer value through integrated tools and seamless interactions, focusing on customer needs [29][30] Question: Connection between cash flow conversion and print segmentation - Management clarified that the strong cash conversion was due to normal timing of receipts and payments, not directly related to print segmentation changes [32] Question: Demand patterns in the legal industry - Management indicated that while demand growth has been strong, the focus remains on adding value through new tools rather than on industry growth rates [75] Question: Incremental growth and margin contribution from digital tools in exhibitions - Management stated that digital offerings are integral to overall growth, but specific contributions are hard to quantify [73][76] Question: Future M&A strategy and leverage considerations - The company is open to acquisitions that enhance organic development but primarily focuses on organic growth opportunities [77][78]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Underlying revenue growth was 7% and underlying adjusted operating profit growth was 9% in the first half of 2025 [1][11] - Adjusted earnings per share grew by 10% at constant currency, with a 7% increase in the GBP interim dividend [2][12] - The adjusted operating margin improved to 34.8% [11][17] - Cash conversion was strong at 100%, with leverage at 2.2 times [12][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Risk, underlying revenue growth was 8%, with adjusted operating profit growth of 9% driven by AI-enabled analytics [3][4] - SCM, excluding print, saw 5% underlying revenue growth and 7% adjusted operating profit growth [4][5] - Legal experienced a 9% growth in underlying revenue, with adjusted operating profit growth of 11% [5][6] - Exhibitions delivered 8% underlying revenue growth and 9% adjusted operating profit growth, with margins significantly above pre-pandemic levels [7][8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total group revenue growth at constant currency was 4%, impacted by portfolio effects and print exposure reduction [14][15] - In Sterling, total revenue growth was 2% due to the strength of Sterling against the U.S. Dollar [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The strategic focus remains on the transition from print to electronic formats, with print revenue declining from 64% to 4% over 25 years [8] - The company aims to sustain strong long-term growth in Risk, STM, Legal, and Exhibitions, with a focus on higher growth analytics and decision tools [9][12] - Continuous process innovation is emphasized to manage cost growth below revenue growth, resulting in a higher growth profile with improving returns [9] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in continued strong underlying revenue growth and adjusted operating profit growth for the full year [21] - Positive momentum is noted across the group, with expectations for strong growth in adjusted earnings per share on a constant currency basis [21] Other Important Information - The company completed three acquisitions totaling £262 million in the first half and deployed £1 billion for share buybacks [12][19] - The focus on print-related activities has been reduced, with expectations for profit from print to decline in the high single digits annually [15][16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of NIH's open access policy on revenues - Management noted that while they are aware of the NIH's policy change, it is not expected to significantly impact the overall revenue trajectory, which remains strong [23][25] Question: Rationale for partnership with Harvey - The partnership aims to enhance customer value through collaboration on legal tools, focusing on seamless integration with existing services [26][27] Question: Connection between cash conversion and print segmentation - Management clarified that the strong cash conversion was due to timing of receipts and payments, not directly related to changes in print segmentation [29] Question: Future growth in Legal and STM - Management indicated that while Legal has shown positive momentum, it is unlikely to reach a 10% growth rate this year, with a focus on long-term growth objectives [42][48] Question: Exhibitions margin guidance - Management expects full-year margins to be lower than the first half due to seasonality but still anticipates decent improvement [39][57] Question: Changes in demand from U.S. universities - Management stated that there have been no significant changes in demand patterns from U.S. universities, maintaining a consistent outlook [68][69]