GlobalData (LSE:DATA) delivered modest growth during the first half of 2026, with revenue increasing by around 3%, underlying revenue rising approximately 1% and adjusted EBITDA improving by between 4% and 5%. The company said trading continued to be affected by longer sales cycles and a challenging macroeconomic backdrop. However, renewal rates remained strong at around 89%, while contracted forward revenue increased by roughly 6%, reflecting the resilience of its subscription-based business model and proprietary data offering.
As it reaches the conclusion of its current Growth Transformation Plan, GlobalData is reshaping its operating model by combining its AI-enabled platform with market-focused business units and updated go-to-market strategies aimed at accelerating future growth. During the period, the company completed the acquisition of Cambridge Healthcare, strengthening its competitive intelligence capabilities for global pharmaceutical customers. It also secured additional financing capacity and announced a £30 million tender offer at 85 pence per share, bringing planned shareholder returns for the year to £45 million, plus a further £8 million carried forward from previous plans. Management expects to outline its next phase of strategic development in September.
The company also continues to enhance its artificial intelligence capabilities through the integration of its Ava AI Research Assistant into Microsoft 365 Copilot. GlobalData believes this will increase customer engagement by embedding its proprietary intelligence more deeply into clients’ daily workflows. The board also stated that it believes the combined value of the group’s individual businesses exceeds its current market valuation. Although adjusted EBITDA for the full year is expected to come in towards the lower end of market expectations, management remains focused on disciplined execution, targeted acquisitions, margin improvement and sustainable revenue growth.
GlobalData’s outlook continues to benefit from stable revenue growth and dependable cash generation. However, higher debt levels and reduced shareholders’ equity have increased balance sheet risk. Technical indicators point to improving share price momentum, although overbought conditions and a share price still below the 200-day moving average suggest some caution. Valuation appears broadly reasonable, supported by a mid-20s price-to-earnings ratio and a modest dividend yield.
More about GlobalData
GlobalData Plc is a provider of subscription-based data, analytics and technology solutions serving enterprise customers across healthcare and a wide range of commercial industries. Its AI-enabled Connected Intelligence platform combines proprietary datasets, industry expertise and artificial intelligence to deliver market intelligence and decision-support tools. The platform includes the Ava AI Research Assistant, which is integrated into Microsoft 365 Copilot to help customers access actionable insights within their everyday workflows.
The company generates the majority of its revenue through recurring subscriptions and maintains high customer renewal rates. With particular strength in pharmaceutical intelligence alongside broader commercial markets, GlobalData continues to pursue long-term growth through organic expansion, targeted acquisitions and disciplined capital allocation.
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