(Alliance News) - Experian PLC on Wednesday predicted strong growth ahead after it performed well in its recent financial year.
The FTSE 100-listed, London-based credit-checking firm posted revenue of USD5.37 billion for the year that ended March 31, up 7% at an actual rate and 4% organically, from USD5.18 billion the previous year.
Organic revenue growth for the final quarter was 5%, at the top end of guidance, Experian noted.
Despite growth globally, Experian's UK and Ireland business shrank, with revenue down 6% to USD737 million. However it noted the region returned to growth for the fourth quarter.
Pretax profit rose 14% to surpass the billion-dollar mark at USD1.08 billion, up from USD942 million.
Chief Executive Brian Cassin commented: "Experian delivered a strong performance this year, even as the world faced the testing times posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
"We have again shown Experian's resilience in the face of external shocks, which is due to the diversity of our portfolio and our successful innovation-led investments in new opportunities."
Growth from Experian's North American business was singled out by the group, with the acquisitions of Tapad and Corporate Cost Control in the year helping grow revenue 8.7% to USD3.53 billion. The region now accounts for almost two thirds of global revenue.
Looking ahead, Experian is forecasting organic revenue growth in the range of 15% to 20% for the first quarter. It also was buoyant in its full-year guidance, predicting organic revenue growth between 7% and 9% and total revenue growth between 11% and 13%.
The second interim dividend of 32.5 cents per share was flat compared to last year, bringing the full-year payout to 47 cents per share, unchanged from 2020.
Shares in Experian were down 2.8% at 2,556.00 pence in London early Wednesday morning.
By Will Paige; willpaige@alliancenews.com
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Experian (EXPN)