GlobalData, a London-based data analytics firm backed by billionaire Mike Danson, has issued a second financial warning in under three months, citing weaker-than-expected revenue growth and pressures on profit margins. The company, which provides subscription-based data and analytics services across sectors such as pharmaceuticals and food production, reported underlying revenue growth of only 1 percent to £163 million in the first half of 2026, while pre-tax profit declined by 6 percent to £23.2 million.

The company’s adjusted profits for the year are now anticipated to fall below market expectations, a development attributed to disappointing revenue performance combined with increased investment in proprietary data, artificial intelligence capabilities, and a larger sales force. Elevated debt levels have also contributed to higher finance costs, with net debt rising sharply to £133 million at the end of June from £16.8 million at the end of 2025.

GlobalData’s shares struggled amid the announcement, dropping by more than 20 percent in midday trading to 56.75 pence, continuing a year-long decline of around 62 percent. The firm’s chief executive, Mike Danson, emphasized that the company’s foundations are in place and highlighted a renewed focus on accelerating revenue growth through targeted investments.

The firm has encountered a challenging macroeconomic environment, which has dampened client spending and impacted its performance. In July, GlobalData had already cautioned that adjusted earnings would likely land at the lower end of previous forecasts but remained optimistic about margin improvement in the latter half of the year.

Analysts from Shore Capital downgraded profit projections for this year and the next by 11 percent and 8 percent, respectively. Alasdair Young, a Shore analyst, noted that the company’s updated strategy continues to prioritize investments in AI, data assets, and sales capabilities but expressed a desire for clearer plans to unlock additional value.

GlobalData was established in 2016 by Mike Danson through the merger of several data and analytics companies and has positioned itself as a challenger to established market leaders such as Bloomberg. This year, the firm transitioned from the junior Aim market to London’s main market and entered the FTSE 250 index in June.

Last year, GlobalData received separate takeover offers from private equity firms KKR and Intermediate Capital Group, but no deal was reached as discussions on terms fell through. The company’s board has indicated that the sum-of-the-parts valuation of its portfolio could exceed its current market capitalization.

Danson, who holds a controlling stake of just over 60 percent in GlobalData, is also the owner of Progressive Media International, which publishes the New Statesman, and Press Gazette. He has a history in market research and media, having sold and later repurchased the market research firm Datamonitor.