Experian reports strong growth across the B2B areas of Credit Services, Decision Analytics and Marketing Services

Experian reported preliminary results for fiscal 2017 (ending March 31, 2017) with 6% total revenue growth, 5% organic revenue growth at constant currency, consistent with its target range.  On an ongoing activities basis Benchmark EBIT margin was up 60 basis points to 27.7%1, up 30 basis points at constant currency and Benchmark EBIT growth was 7% at constant currency.

  • Strategy translating into results; significant growth opportunities emerging over the medium term.
  • Strong growth across the B2B areas of Credit Services, Decision Analytics and Marketing Services.
  • Growth across all regions, with particular strength in Latin America and EMEA/Asia Pacific.
  • Considerable progress made towards repositioning Consumer Services, now securing millions of free members to engage with new offers.
  • Portfolio focus further sharpened, following agreement to sell the email/cross channel marketing business.
  • Continuing strong commitment to shareholder returns:
    – Over US$700m returned to shareholders in the year via dividend and share repurchases
    – Second interim dividend up 4% to 28.5 US cents per ordinary share; total dividend for FY17 up 4% to 41.5 US cents per share.
    – Share repurchase programme of US$600m to be executed during FY18.

Statutory financial highlights

 

Brian Cassin, Chief Executive Officer, commented:

“It has been a good year for Experian. We have made considerable progress strategically, operationally and financially. Our portfolio is sharper and we are continuing to invest to drive growth through innovative products and new services. We have also returned significant capital to our shareholders.

“As we look ahead, our sector is vibrant. Clients are seeking new ways to combine and analyse vast quantities of data to drive better business outcomes and consumers want to better understand and protect their financial status. This plays to our core strengths and is opening up many new opportunities for Experian. Over the next 12-18 months we will continue to innovate and are introducing a wave of new products to bring fresh thinking and new services to meet this demand.

“As we look ahead, we expect to sustain good momentum in our financial performance and we anticipate another year of good growth, within our target mid single-digit organic revenue growth range, with stable margins and further progress in Benchmark earnings per share.”

Source: Experian Earnings Release  – For segment results please log on