Experian lifts FY profits by 11%, announces $600m share buyback

Information services company Experian reported an 11% rise in profit for the year to the end of March as it announced a $600m share buyback for full-year 2018.

Pre-tax profit increased to $1.1bn (£843m) from $966m in 2016 as revenue rose 2% to $4.34bn and the company said it saw growth across all regions, with particular strength in Latin America and EMEA/Asia Pacific. In addition, it has made "considerable progress" towards repositioning consumer services, securing millions of free members to engage with new offers.

At constant currency, organic revenue growth was 5%, consistent with Experian's target range.

The group declared a second interim dividend of 28.5 cents per share, up 4% and taking the total dividend for full-year 2017 to 41.5 cents.

Chief executive officer Brian Cassin said: "It has been a good year for Experian. We have made considerable progress strategically, operationally and financially. Our portfolio is sharper and we are continuing to invest to drive growth through innovative products and new services. We have also returned significant capital to our shareholders."

"As we look ahead, our sector is vibrant. Clients are seeking new ways to combine and analyse vast quantities of data to drive better business outcomes and consumers want to better understand and protect their financial status. This plays to our core strengths and is opening up many new opportunities for Experian."

"Over the next 12-18 months we will continue to innovate and are introducing a wave of new products to bring fresh thinking and new services to meet this demand."
At xxx BST, the shares were