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Experian PLC on Wednesday predicted further strong organic growth and improved margins as it delivered a hefty jump in annual profit. In an upbeat statement alongside results for the year to March, the Dublin-based consumer credit checker said full-year growth was ‘was at the top end of our expectations.’ Shares in Experian rose 8.4% to 3,762.00 pence in early exchanges on Wednesday. Experian said pretax profit in the year ended March 31 jumped 32% to $1.55 billion from $1.17 billion a year prior. Revenue rose 7.3% to $7.10 billion from $6.62 billion a year earlier. Basic earnings per share rose 56% to 131.3 US cents from 84.2 cents. Reflecting the strong performance, Experian upped its full year dividend by 7% to 58.50 cents from 54.75 cents. Chief Executive Brian Cassin predicted further progress ahead. ‘For [financial 2025], we expect further strategic progress and expect to deliver organic revenue growth in the range of 6-8%. We also expect good margin expansion, in the range of 30-50 basis points, at constant currency.’ ‘Looking further ahead, we expect the combination of economic recovery, continued new product and vertical market expansion as well as productivity gains from technology cloud transition to elevate our financial performance. We anticipate strong organic revenue growth, good margin accretion and reduced levels of capital expenditure.’ Experian noted growth improved as the year progressed, with fourth quarter organic growth of 8%, resulting in 6% for the full year. Consumer Services organic revenue grew 7% and business-to-business organic revenue grew 5%. All regions and segments delivered organic revenue growth for the year. Organic revenue growth was 5% in North America, 13% in Latin America, 2% in the UK&I and 7% in Europe, Middle East & Africa and Asia Pacific. Copyright 2024 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
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