Experian shares higher after Q3 organic growth beats estimates

By Scott Kanowsky 

Investing.com -- London-listed shares in Experian PLC (LON:EXPN) rose on Wednesday after the data analytics firm reported better-than-expected sales growth in the second quarter.

Revenues jumped on an organic basis by 8% during the period, slightly ahead of estimates from UBS analysts for an increase of 7%.

Underpinning this increase was strength in its consumer services division, which saw revenue gain 12% over the six months ended on September 30 thanks in part to new product offerings that helped expand its customer base.

Experian's operations also expanded significantly in Latin America, reflecting heavy demand in Spanish-speaking countries in the region in particular.

However, half-year statutory pre-tax profit fell to $517 million, down from $654M, mainly due to a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $152M in Experian's Europe, Middle East and Africa unit.

In a statement, chief executive officer Brian Cassin said the Dublin-based company is monitoring "tougher" macroeconomic headwinds over the rest of its fiscal year, including recession concerns and the impact of soaring inflation on consumer and business spending. He also flagged that third quarter results will face higher year-on-year comparison figures.

But Experian still confirmed its annual financial guidance for organic revenue growth of between 7% - 9% and "modest margin accretion."

"We see little change to current consensus, but the solid trading and reiterated growth outlook - with Experian currently tracking at the middle of the range - should be somewhat reassuring for investors worried about a sharper growth slowdown," the UBS analysts said.