Experian hails record full year, announces $1bn share buyback

(Sharecast News) - Experian announced a $1bn share buyback on Wednesday as it hailed a record full year, having performed at the upper end of its expectations.

In the year to the end of March, statutory pre-tax profit rose 26% from the previous year to $1.95bn on revenue of $8.45bn, up 12%, with all regions contributing to organic revenue growth.

Experian lifted its dividend by 11% to 69.25 cents. Benchmark earnings per share grew 15% to 179.8 cents and the company announced a further $1bn share buyback programme.

Experian said the results were driven by sustained demand for its solutions across the company's B2B and consumer services portfolios. In B2B, it hailed a "very successful" year of commercial execution, securing new clients and deepening relationships with its largest strategic accounts. This led to higher contract values and longer durations.

As far as the consumer services segment is concerned, Experian said it continues to grow its membership and increase engagement, "supported by an expanding range of products that help consumers improve their financial health".

Chief executive Brian Cassin said: "FY26 was a record year for Experian, with performance at the upper end of our expectations and strong strategic momentum. We delivered benchmark EPS growth of 15%, reflecting operating leverage ahead of guidance, alongside 13% total and 8% organic revenue growth, at the top of our guidance range. We also achieved another year of very strong post-tax return on capital employed, at 17.2%.

"Given the strength of our performance, cash generation and balance sheet flexibility, we have today announced a further US$1 billion share repurchase programme, whilst retaining significant capacity to continue investing in growth opportunities.

"Looking ahead, we expect another year of strong growth in FY27, supported by continued expansion of our addressable markets, successful strategic progress, further productivity gains, and whilst taking a prudent approach to macroeconomic uncertainties linked to the Middle East."

Cassin said the company expects to deliver another year of double-digit benchmark EPS growth, underpinned by total revenue growth of 8-11%, organic growth of 6-8%, and margin expansion at the higher end of its medium-term framework.

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