Experian reports strong full-year financial performance
Experian reported a strong financial performance for the year ended 31 March on Wednesday, with robust growth across all regions and continued strategic investment driving higher revenue and profit on a benchmark basis.
Revenue from ongoing activities rose 7% to $7.51bn, or 8% at constant exchange rates, while benchmark EBIT increased 8% to $2.11bn, up 11% at constant currency.
Benchmark earnings per share climbed 8% to 156.9 cents, supported by strong operating margins and a 97% cash conversion rate.
The FTSE 100 consumer credit information specialist said statutory profit before tax was flat at $1.55bn, held back by restructuring and non-cash revaluation costs, while statutory basic earnings per share declined 3% to 127.6 cents.
It raised its full-year dividend by 7% to 62.5 cents per share.
Organic revenue growth reached 7% for both the fourth quarter and the full year, with consumer services and B2B segments each delivering solid gains.
Experian said it now serves over 200 million free members, and growth in analytics, mortgage, and alternative data supported the B2B performance.
All geographic regions contributed to organic growth, with North America strengthening, and the UK, Ireland, Latin America, and EMEA and Asia Pacific showing resilience in mixed economic conditions.
The company reported a benchmark EBIT margin of 28.1%, up 50 basis points, and return on capital employed of 16.6%.
Net debt-to-EBITDA stood at 1.8x, below its target range, reflecting strong cash flow and capital discipline.
Experian said it invested $1.2bn in acquisitions during the year, with pro forma spending rising to $1.6bn including the recently completed ClearSale deal.
The company said it made significant progress on its cloud programme and the integration of generative AI features.
“2025 was a strong year for Experian, with significant strategic and financial progress across both consumer services and business-to-business,” said chief executive officer Brian Cassin.
“At constant currency and from ongoing activities, revenue was up 8% with organic revenue growth of 7%.
“We delivered constant currency EBIT growth of 11%, with margin expansion above our guidance range.”
Cassin noted that benchmark earnings per share increased 11% at constant currency, and 8% at actual rates.
“For the 2026 financial year, we expect total revenue growth of 9-11%, with organic revenue growth of 6-8%.
“We expect margin expansion in line with our Medium-Term Framework, in the range of 30-50 basis points.”
All measures were at constant exchange rates and on an ongoing basis, Brian Cassin noted.
“While we are mindful of the outlook for the broader global economy, we have a broad and resilient portfolio with a strong track record of growth, and we are confident of another good year of growth in 2026.”
At 0939 BST, shares in Experian were down 0.55% at 3,960p.
Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.