Experian : Half-year financial report FY19

7am, 13 November 2018 ─ Experian plc, the global information services company, today issues its half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 30 September 2018.

Brian Cassin, Chief Executive Officer, commented:

'We have started the year well, with first-half organic revenue growth of 8% as we expand our data assets, introduce new global products and gain momentum in Consumer Services.

'We now expect full-year organic revenue growth in line with the first half, and at the top of our previous guidance range. While foreign exchange translation remains a headwind, we expect EBIT growth at or above revenue growth and strong progress in Benchmark earnings per share, all at constant currency.'

Benchmark and Statutory financial highlights

	2018 US$m	2017³ US$m	Actual rates growth %	Constant rates growth %	Organic growth %
Benchmark¹
Revenue - ongoing activities	2,364	2,204	7	9	8
Benchmark EBIT2,4	649	608	7	10	n/a
Benchmark EPS	US48.7c	US45.2c	8	12	n/a
Total dividend	US14.0c	US13.5c	4	n/a	n/a
Statutory
Revenue	2,364	2,207	7	9	n/a
Operating profit	580	546	6	n/a	n/a
Profit before tax	470	495	(5)	n/a	n/a
Basic EPS	US35.3c	US36.8c	(4)	n/a	n/a

1 See Appendix 1 on page 12 and note 6 to the condensed half-yearly financial statements on pages 24-26 for definitions of non-GAAP measures.
2 From ongoing activities.
3 Results for 2017 are restated for IFRS 15, Benchmark measures are also restated for exited business activities which comprise certain B2B businesses.
4 See page 8 for reconciliation of Benchmark EBIT from ongoing activities to Profit before tax.

• A strong first half.
  • 9% total revenue growth at constant currency, 8% organic revenue growth, 7% total revenue growth.
  • Benchmark EBIT margin of 27.5%, up 20 basis points at constant rates, down 10 basis points at actual rates, with 7% total Benchmark EBIT growth.
  • 12% Benchmark EPS growth at constant rates.

• Further momentum in B2B and continued progress in Consumer Services.
  • B2B organic revenue growth of 9%.
  • Consumer Services organic revenue growth of 5%, with strong progress across new products.

• Operational highlights.
  • Ascend big data analytics platform installed in 14 of our largest US clients; global roll-out underway.
  • Clarity Services acquisition exceeds buy-plan expectations; realising synergies.
  • Global B2B platforms scaling across our geographies; new opportunities secured for PowerCurve, CrossCore, Text for Credit and Verdus.
  • Strong performance in Experian health; double digit growth.
  • IdentityWorks memberships reach 280,000, up over 300% year-on-year.
  • Free consumer memberships reach over 45m combined across our three major markets.
  • New services for consumers introduced: Triple Scan, Child ID Scan and Experian Financial Profile.

• Continuing commitment to shareholder returns and disciplined capital allocation.
  • First interim dividend up 4% to 14.0 US cents per ordinary share.
  • Net share repurchases of US$107m, at 30 September 2018.

View the full press release in PDF format.

Contacts

Experian

Nadia Ridout-Jamieson Investor queries [phone]

Gerry Tschopp Media queries

Finsbury

Rollo Head [phone]

Jenny Davey

There will be a presentation today at 9.30am (UK time) to analysts and investors at the Bank of America Merrill Lynch Financial Centre, 2 King Edward Street, London, EC1A 1HQ. The presentation can be viewed live via the link from the Experian website at www.experianplc.com and can also be accessed live via a telephone dial-in facility: 0800 783 0906 (UK primary) or 01296 480 100 (UK direct) or [phone] (International direct), using access code 898 553 59. The supporting slides and an indexed replay will be available on the website later in the day.

Experian will update on third quarter trading for FY19 on 17 January 2019.

Roundings

Certain financial data has been rounded within this announcement. As a result of this rounding, the totals of data presented may vary slightly from the actual arithmetic totals of such data.

Definitions

B2B - Business-to-Business.

B2B2C - business-to-business-to-consumer.

Forward looking statements

Certain statements made in this announcement are forward looking statements. Such statements are based on current expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from any expected future events or results referred to in these forward-looking statements. See page 11 for further information on risks and uncertainties facing Experian.

Company website

Neither the content of the Company's website, nor the content of any website accessible from hyperlinks on the Company's website (or any other website), is incorporated into, or forms part of, this announcement.

About Experian

Experian is the world's leading global information services company. During life's big moments - from buying a home or a car, to sending a child to college, to growing a business by connecting with new customers - we empower consumers and our clients to manage their data with confidence. We help individuals to take financial control and access financial services, businesses to make smarter decisions and thrive, lenders to lend more responsibly, and organisations to prevent identity fraud and crime.

We have 16,500 people operating across 39 countries and every day we're investing in new technologies, talented people and innovation to help all our clients maximise every opportunity. We are listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN) and are a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index.

Learn more at www.experianplc.com or visit our global content hub at our global news blog for the latest news and insights from the Group.