RELX(US:RELX)2025-10-23 08:30Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a strong underlying revenue growth of 7% in the first nine months of the year, with an unchanged full-year outlook at both the group level and for each of the four business areas [1][3] - In the risk segment, underlying revenue growth was 8%, while business services, which accounts for over 40% of divisional revenue, also showed strong growth driven by financial crime compliance and fraud solutions [1][2] - The legal division experienced a 9% underlying revenue growth, with double-digit growth in law firms and corporate legal segments [2][3] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In business services, strong growth was attributed to financial crime compliance and fraud and identity solutions, with robust new sales [1][2] - The insurance segment, representing around 40% of divisional revenue, also saw strong growth due to the expansion of solution sets and positive market factors [2] - The STM segment had an underlying revenue growth of 5%, supported by new product introductions and renewals, with databases and electronic reference tools showing strong performance [2][3] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The legal segment's growth was driven by the success of Lexis+ AI and the rapid adoption of Protégé, the next-generation AI legal assistant [3] - The exhibitions segment reported an 8% underlying revenue growth, reflecting improved growth profiles and progress on digital initiatives [3] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on a higher quality growth profile, driven by a shift towards higher growth analytics and decision tools [1][3] - There is an emphasis on integrating AI solutions across various platforms to enhance customer accessibility and value [9][10] - The company aims to leverage AI-driven tools to add value in academic and applied research, with a gradual approach to growth in the STM segment [30][31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term structural growth of the financial crime compliance market, driven by innovation and technology [7][8] - The legal industry is currently in good shape, with customers interested in leveraging new tools for competitive advantage [67] - The company does not foresee any material impact from economic cycles on the growth trajectory of its STM division due to its global and diverse nature [26][27] Other Important Information - The company maintains a focus on organic development while being open to acquisitions that can enhance growth [71] - The legal division's renewal discussions are ongoing, with a significant portion of renewals now involving generative AI solutions [55][56] Q&A Session Summary Question: Growth in financial crime and compliance - Management noted strong growth in financial crime compliance due to ongoing innovation and a long-term structural growth market [6][7] Question: Differences between Protégé and Harvey - Management clarified that Protégé is designed to integrate with various legal tech tools, including Harvey, and aims to enhance customer accessibility [9][10] Question: New STM solution launch timing - The STM solution is expected to be available for purchase early next year, with a focus on being an upgrade to existing products [14][16] Question: Legal industry financial state and budget capacity - The legal industry is in relatively good shape, with customers actively seeking new tools to enhance their competitive edge [67] Question: Capital allocation strategy - The company plans to balance capital structure through buybacks while focusing on organic growth opportunities [71]