Experian reported first half revenue growth of 12%, ignoring currency moves, to $4.1bn. That reflected organic growth of 8% (7.9% expected). Growth was broad based across geographies and business lines.
Underlying operating profit rose 14% to $1.1bn, with margins imprioving to 28.3%.
Underlying free cash flow rose 26% to $535mn and net debt ended the half at $5.2bn.
An interim dividend of $0.2125 was announced, up 10%.
Full year guidance has been raised. Revenue growth is now expected at 11% (with 8% organic growth), and margins are on track to improve by 0.3-0.5 percentage points.
The shares fell 1.4% in early trading.
Our view
HL view to follow.
Experian key facts
All ratios are sourced from LSEG Datastream, based on previous day’s closing values. Please remember yields are variable and not a reliable indicator of future income. Keep in mind key figures shouldn’t be looked at on their own – it’s important to understand the big picture.
This article is original Hargreaves Lansdown content, published by Hargreaves Lansdown. It was correct as at the date of publication, and our views may have changed since then. Unless otherwise stated estimates, including prospective yields, are a consensus of analyst forecasts provided by LSEG. These estimates are not a reliable indicator of future performance. Yields are variable and not guaranteed. Investments rise and fall in value so investors could make a loss.
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