YouGov (LSE:YOU) reported a 2% increase in full-year revenue to £396.6 million for FY2026, with financial performance broadly in line with management guidance despite lower adjusted operating profit and margins.
The international research and data analytics company said stronger trading during the second half supported its annual revenue performance, while investment in its operations and non-cash impairment charges affected reported profitability.
YouGov also outlined plans to continue its cost reduction programme, expand its artificial intelligence capabilities and return up to £15 million to shareholders through a share buyback programme.
The company expects adjusted operating profit to increase by between 7% and 12% in FY2027, supported by operational changes and its ongoing Value Delivery Plan.
During FY2026, performance varied across YouGov’s three principal business divisions: Data Products, Research and Shopper.
The Data Products division reported higher profits and improved margins, reflecting performance across its established data and analytics offerings.
The division provides clients with research datasets and analytical products designed to support commercial decision-making, brand monitoring and consumer understanding.
YouGov’s Research division reported improvements in its pipeline of strategic projects, as the company continued developing relationships with corporate and institutional clients.
The business provides customised research services, including studies designed to assess consumer behaviour, market conditions and brand performance.
Meanwhile, the Shopper division delivered relatively stable revenue but experienced a reduction in profitability.
The company attributed the division’s performance partly to targeted investment and confirmed that a strategic review of the business was under way.
The review forms part of YouGov’s broader assessment of its operations and allocation of resources across the group.
Management said the company was progressing ahead of schedule with its Value Delivery Plan, which is intended to simplify operations, reduce costs and improve financial performance.
The programme has already delivered savings, although the supplied update did not specify their total value.
YouGov has been implementing operational changes alongside investment in technology and product development, seeking to improve efficiency while maintaining its research and analytics capabilities.
Artificial intelligence remains an area of investment for the company, with management highlighting the development of AI-enabled products and services.
During the year, YouGov launched YouGov Voices, a new offering incorporating AI technology into its research and data capabilities.
The company said the product had already contributed to new business generation, although it did not disclose the associated revenue or contract values.
YouGov is continuing to integrate AI tools into its products and internal processes, using its research panels and existing datasets to support the development of new analytical services.
Management sees opportunities to expand its product portfolio as clients seek data and research services that can be incorporated into AI-supported business processes.
Alongside its operational initiatives, YouGov reported improvements in cash conversion and extended its debt facilities.
The extension provides additional financing arrangements as the company continues implementing its operational and investment plans.
The board also announced a change to its approach to shareholder distributions.
Instead of paying a dividend for FY2026, YouGov intends to undertake a share buyback programme of up to £15 million.
The proposed repurchases will provide a mechanism for returning capital to shareholders, with the amount ultimately deployed dependent on the programme’s execution.
Looking ahead, YouGov expects adjusted operating profit growth of 7% to 12% in FY2027.
The forecast reflects management’s expectations for the contribution from cost savings, operational improvements and continued development of the company’s data and research offerings.
The group is also preparing for a leadership transition as it implements its next phase of operational changes.
Details of the incoming leadership arrangements were not provided in the supplied update.
YouGov’s priorities for FY2027 include continuing its Value Delivery Plan, expanding AI-enabled products, progressing the Shopper division’s strategic review and improving profitability.
The company will also focus on converting its Research division’s project pipeline into revenue while maintaining the performance of its Data Products business.
With annual revenue reaching £396.6 million, YouGov enters FY2027 targeting improved adjusted operating profitability following a year of investment, restructuring activity and mixed divisional performance.
About YouGov plc
YouGov plc is an international research and data analytics company providing market intelligence, consumer insights and research services to businesses and institutions.
The group operates across data products, customised research and shopper analytics, supporting clients with information about consumer behaviour, brand performance and market developments.
Its services include brand tracking, audience analysis, consumer research and strategic research projects.
YouGov uses its international research panels and data resources to collect and analyse information for clients across different industries and geographical markets.
The company is also developing AI-enabled research products, incorporating artificial intelligence into its analytical services and product development activities.
Its business model combines recurring data product revenue with customised research projects and other analytics services.
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