Experian plc issued its financial report for the 4th quarter and year ended 31 March 2018.

  • A strong finish to the year.
    • Q4 total revenue growth of 12% and Q4 organic revenue growth of 8%.
    • North America Consumer Services returned to growth in Q4 and UK trends continued to improve.
  • Full Year 2018: Good progress, with momentum in B2B* and improving trends in Consumer Services. 
    • 8% total revenue growth, 8% total Benchmark EBIT growth, 11% Benchmark EPS growth.
    • 5% organic revenue growth, 8% B2B organic revenue growth.
    • Benchmark EBIT margin of 27.7%, in line with prior year at constant rates, up 10 basis points at actual rates.
    • Strong cash conversion of 93% and Return on Capital Employed of 15.7%.
  • Significant progress on our strategy.
    • Key investments to add new sources of data, e.g. low income lending, mobile phone, affordability.
    • Strong client reception for product introductions such as Experian Ascend, PowerCurve Collections, CrossCore, and a strong pipeline of future initiatives underway.
    • Good initial market reception for consumer identity protection offers and significant steps taken to advance position in consumer credit comparison.
    • Proposed acquisition of ClearScore will extend services to UK consumers.
  • Continuing commitment to shareholder returns and disciplined capital allocation:
    • $305m acquisitions and investments completed.
    • Over US$950m returned to shareholders in the year, by dividends and share repurchases.
    • Second interim dividend up 10% to 31.25 US cents per ordinary share; total dividend for FY18 up 8% to 44.75 US cents per share.
    • New net share repurchase program of up to US$400m.

Statutory Financial Highlights (millions):  Full Year Revenue: US$ 4,662 versus US$ 4,335 prior year.  Operating Profit: US$ 1,095 versus US$ 1,075

*B2B = business-to business activities consists of Credit Services (7% organic revenue growth), Decision Analytics (12%) and Marketing Services (7%) business segments

Brian Cassin, Chief Executive Officer, commented:

“We delivered a strong performance in FY18 as we execute on our innovation agenda and our One Experian approach. Growth was particularly strong across B2B and we have made significant progress in Consumer Services, which returned to growth in North America in the fourth quarter.

“The investments we have made will continue to power our performance. We begin the year with momentum in the business, and we expect another year of strong performance, with EBIT growth at or above revenue growth and further strong progress in Benchmark earnings per share.”

Source: Experian Earnings Release

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