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(Sharecast News) - Informa maintained its full-year earnings growth guidance on Tuesday despite further disruption to events in the Middle East, although it warned that revenue growth could slow significantly if trading in Saudi Arabia remained suspended.
The FTSE 100 events group reported underlying revenue growth of 6.5% in the nine months to 30 September, excluding non-recurring data contracts, driven by continued demand for business-to-business events.
The B2B Live Events division delivered underlying growth of 8%, supported by strength in the Americas, Europe, ASEAN and parts of the Middle East, India and Africa region.
Academic Markets revenue grew 4%, while Informa TechTarget recorded a 1.6% decline as technology customers prioritised artificial intelligence investment over marketing and sales support.
Informa said escalating disruption in Saudi Arabia had forced further event rescheduling, including the postponement of Cityscape Global to January 2027 and the physical Global Health Exhibition to October 2027.
Assuming no further Saudi revenue contribution this year, the group now expects underlying revenue growth of around 3%, compared with its previous guidance of around 6%.
However, it maintained its forecast for double-digit underlying earnings growth, excluding dilution from shares issued for the Clarion acquisition.
Chief executive Stephen Carter said strong demand for live events and the group's international reach were helping offset disruption in individual markets.
Informa added that its acquisition of Clarion Events remained on track to complete in early December, adding more than 100 event brands to its portfolio.
Informa shares were down 1.9% at 818p in early deals on Tuesday.
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