Strong research segment helps Springer Nature to increased Q1 profits
Strong growth in Springer Nature’s Research segment contributed to strong results in the first quarter of 2026. The publisher’s overall revenue increased to €451.4m (Q1 2025: €450.3m) with 6.2% underlying growth. Adjusted operating profit of €106.7m (Q1 2025: €107.9m) represented underlying growth of 8.6%, reflecting improved product mix and operating leverage.
The Research segment reported revenue of €359.9m (Q1 2025: €354.9m) with underlying growth of 7.2% driven by the Journals portfolio. The number of published articles rose by nearly 15% across the whole portfolio during the first quarter compared to market growth in the period of around 6%.
The 2026 contract renewal season is progressing as expected, the company reports. During the first quarter Springer Nature signed 14 new transformative agreements with national consortia, government bodies and research institutions around the world to further support the transition to OA. Springer Nature’s transformative agreements cover more than 4,000 institutions.
During the period, Springer Nature launched 19 new journals including the introduction of Nature Progress, a new OA journal series, starting with Nature Progress Oncology and Nature Progress Brain Health. Book revenues grew modestly, primarily due to growth in digital.
Adjusted operating profit in Research grew 8.4% in underlying terms to €100.2m (Q1 2025: €99.5m).
Frank Vrancken Peeters, CEO of Springer Nature, said: “Our first-quarter results were driven by our Research segment, which continued to outperform the market. Strong underlying growth was supported by our leadership in open access and a people‑led approach to Technology and AI, where our expert teams deploy AI tools to transform the publishing process, accelerate the dissemination of trusted knowledge, and safeguard trust and integrity.”