# LSEG boosts returns for shareholders amid activist investor pressure

By Dan Coatsworth — 2026-02-26

Dan Coatsworth, head of markets at AJ Bell, said: “London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) looks to be in defensive mode after becoming the target of activist investor Elliott.

“The tone of its results is one of a business trying to convince the market (and Elliott) that it is doing much better than its share price would suggest.

“Banging the drum to say it has consistently met or exceeded medium-term guidance set out in 2023 is LSEG’s way of trying to prove it is not dragging its heels.

“It also plays the ‘trust’ card when describing how LSEG is an important provider of data, implying that people might not get the same quality of information through third-party AI tools.

“Dangling a new £3 billion share buyback carrot in front of investors is certainly one way to get them on side, but Elliott might view that as only the first in many steps to get the shares moving up again.

“The drama is only just beginning.”

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