YouGov (YOU): Share buyback replacing dividend
This situation live
YOU YouGov
24 Mar 2026 · Board expects to launch buyback · +78% until the next step
Given dislocation between our confidence in YouGov's intrinsic value and the current market valuation , the Board expects to launch a share buyback programme in place of the annual dividend .
6 Aug 2026 · Facility amended to permit buyback; launch intended · +12% until the next step
The terms of the banking facilities have therefore been amended to permit a share buyback programme.
13 Oct 2026 · Buyback of up to £15m launched · −12% since
The Company will be replacing the dividend for FY26 with a share buyback of up to £15m (the "Share Buyback Programme") commencing today, supporting a more efficient use of capital.
13 Oct 2026 · Buyback launched 13 Oct 2026, run by Berenberg · −12% since
The programme is expected to be completed within the second half of FY27.
Share buyback replacing dividend
Buyback launched 13 Oct 2026, run by Berenberg
Next: Buyback expected to complete within second half of FY27
Every step · 4
- 24 Mar 2026 Board expects to launch buyback – Given dislocation between our confidence in YouGov's intrinsic value and the current market valuation , the Board expects to launch a share buyback... ↗
- 6 Aug 2026 Facility amended to permit buyback; launch intended – The terms of the banking facilities have therefore been amended to permit a share buyback programme. ↗
- 13 Oct 2026 Buyback of up to £15m launched – The Company will be replacing the dividend for FY26 with a share buyback of up to £15m (the "Share Buyback Programme") commencing today, supporting a more... ↗
- 13 Oct 2026 Buyback launched 13 Oct 2026, run by Berenberg – The programme is expected to be completed within the second half of FY27. ↗
What is happening
YouGov: Share buyback replacing dividend – Buyback launched 13 Oct 2026, run by Berenberg. ['Buyback launched 13 Oct 2026, run by Berenberg']
- In short
- In March 2026 the Board said it expected to replace the annual dividend with a buyback, citing a gap between intrinsic and market value. Facilities were amended by 6 Aug 2026. On 13 Oct 2026 it launched a buyback of up to £15m, run by Berenberg on non-discretionary terms, with all shares bought to be cancelled and completion expected in H2 FY27.
- Announced
- 24 Mar 2026 · Board expects to launch buyback
- Latest
- 13 Oct 2026 · Buyback launched 13 Oct 2026, run by Berenberg
- Balance sheet
- Year-end leverage 1.7x; net debt £142.1m; debt facilities extended
- Size
- Up to £15m maximum aggregate consideration, in lieu of the FY26 annual dividend
- Condition
- Provided the dislocation between intrinsic value and market value persists
- Timing
- Expected to be completed within the second half of FY27
- Start
- Effective 13 October 2026
- Broker
- Berenberg, non-discretionary, makes independent trading decisions including in closed periods
- Treatment
- All Ordinary Shares purchased to be cancelled, reducing share capital
- Authority
- Shareholder authority from AGM of 4 December 2025; conducted under UK MAR and FCA Listing Rules
What comes next
Buyback expected to complete within second half of FY27.
Briefing
YouGov in 4 minutes
YouGov is a UK research and data group that runs a panel of 31 million registered members in 64 markets and sells what they say and do to companies, media and governments. In January 2024 it paid €315m for a European...
- Act 1A big European deal at the top
- Act 2Sales stall, guidance cut, costs cut
- Act 3Paying for Shopper and a new efficiency plan
From the company's own announcements. Not investment advice.
Also at YouGov 2 open
Sale process / strategic reviewShopper strategic review – Review ongoing; no outcome
Turnaround plan with targetsValue Delivery Plan – Wave 1 done; Wave 2 ahead of plan
YouGov – company page →