EXPN.L

Experian Plc
Experian plc - Half-year Report
13th November 2024, 07:00
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RNS Number : 9730L
Experian plc
13 November 2024
 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Experian-BM-RGB

 news release

 

Strong execution drives good growth in H1

 

7am, 13 November 2024 ─ Experian plc, the global data and technology company, today issues its financial report for the six months ended 30 September 2024.       

 

Brian Cassin, Chief Executive Officer, commented:

"We delivered good growth in H1. We continue to execute successfully on our growth strategy to introduce new products, deploy advanced analytics and scale our leading platforms. At constant currency and from ongoing activities, revenue was up 7%, Benchmark EBIT increased 10%, and Benchmark EBIT margin was up by 60 basis points. Currency was a 1% headwind to revenue and total Benchmark EBIT. Benchmark earnings per share increased by 8% at actual exchange rates.

"For FY25, we continue to expect organic revenue growth in the range of 6% to 8%. Based on our progress, we are raising our margin outlook, and now expect margin accretion to be towards the upper end of our +30 to +50 basis points guidance range. All measures are at constant exchange rates and on an ongoing basis."

  

Benchmark and Statutory financial highlights

 

2024
US$m

2023
US$m

Actual rates growth %

Constant rates growth %

Organic growth %2

Benchmark¹






Revenue - ongoing activities3

3,617

3,399

6

7

7

Benchmark EBIT - ongoing activities3,4

1,011

932

8

10

n/a

Total Benchmark EBIT

999

928

8

9

n/a

Benchmark EPS

USc 76.0

USc 70.4

8

9

n/a

Statutory






Revenue

3,628

3,424

6

n/a

n/a

Operating profit

880

799

10

n/a

n/a

Profit before tax

718

763

(6)

n/a

n/a

Basic EPS

USc 60.2

USc 62.3

(3)

n/a

n/a

First interim dividend

USc 19.25

USc 18.0

7

n/a

n/a

 

1. See Appendix 1 (page 14) and note 6 to the condensed interim financial statements for definitions of non-GAAP measures.

2. Organic revenue growth is at constant currency.

3. Revenue and Benchmark EBIT for the six months ended 30 September 2023 have been re-presented for the reclassification to exited business activities of certain Business-to-Business (B2B) businesses, detail is provided in notes 7(a) and 8 to the condensed interim financial statements.

4. See page 16 for reconciliation of Benchmark EBIT from ongoing activities to Profit before tax.

 

 

 

Highlights

·      Strong H1 progress. Q1 organic revenue growth was 7%, with Q2 organic revenue growth also at 7%, resulting in total revenue growth from ongoing activities of 7% at constant and 6% at actual exchange rates.

·      All regions contributed positively in H1. Organic revenue growth was 7% in North America, 7% in Latin America, 2% in the UK and Ireland, and 7% in EMEA and Asia Pacific.

·    Consumer Services organic revenue growth was 9%. We now serve over 190 million free members as we continue to grow membership and engagement, and provide innovative tools for our members to navigate their financial lives.

·    B2B organic revenue growth was 6%, strengthening in Q2. Analytics expansion, mortgage, along with strong performance in our North America verticals, drove growth in H1.

·    Benchmark EBIT from ongoing activities rose 10% at constant exchange rates and 8% at actual exchange rates to US$1,011m, with a Benchmark EBIT margin of 28.0%, up 60 basis points at actual exchange rates and constant currency.

·    Good conversion from Benchmark EBIT into Benchmark EPS. Benchmark EPS growth of 8% at actual exchange rates, and 9% at constant exchange rates.

·    Benchmark operating cash flow was US$707m, a conversion of 71% in our seasonally weaker half for cash conversion.

·    Strong financial position, driven by capital discipline and strategic execution, with Net debt to Benchmark EBITDA of 2.0x.

·      We invested US$818m in acquisitions to support our strategic growth.

·    Statutory profit before tax of US$718m, a decline of (6)% (2023: US$763m), principally due to non-cash movements in the fair value of our interest rate swaps. Statutory Basic EPS down (3)%.

·    First interim dividend up 7% to USc 19.25 per ordinary share.

 

Experian

Nadia Ridout-Jamieson              Investor queries                                    +44 (0)20 3042 4220

Nick Jones                                Media queries

 

Teneo

Graeme Wilson, Louise Male and Lisa Jarrett-Kerr                                   +44 (0)20 7353 4200

 

There will be a presentation today at 9.30am (UK time) to analysts and investors via webcast. To view the slides and listen in online please go to experianplc.com for the link.

 

Experian will update on third quarter trading for FY25 on 15 January 2025.

 

Roundings

Certain financial data has been rounded within this announcement. As a result of this rounding, the totals of data presented may vary slightly from the actual arithmetic totals of such data.

 

Forward-looking statements

Certain statements made in this announcement are forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on current expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from any expected future events or results referred to in these forward-looking statements. See the risk section on page 13 note 25 to the condensed interim financial statements for further information on risks and uncertainties facing Experian.

 

Company website

Neither the content of the Company's website, nor the content of any website accessible from hyperlinks on the Company's website (or any other website), is incorporated into, or forms part of, this announcement.

 

About Experian

Experian is a global data and technology company, powering opportunities for people and businesses around the world. We help to redefine lending practices, uncover and prevent fraud, simplify healthcare, deliver digital marketing solutions, and gain deeper insights into the automotive market, all using our unique combination of data, analytics and software. We also assist millions of people to realise their financial goals and help them to save time and money.

We operate across a range of markets, from financial services to healthcare, automotive, agrifinance, insurance, and many more industry segments.

We invest in talented people and new advanced technologies to unlock the power of data and innovate. As a FTSE 100 Index company listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN), we have a team of 22,500 people across 32 countries. Our corporate headquarters are in Dublin, Ireland. Learn more at experianplc.com.

 



Strategic report

Part 1 - Chief Executive Officer's review

We are pleased with our H1 performance. We delivered good growth in revenue, and made strong progress in Benchmark EBIT margin expansion whilst delivering on our strategic objectives. We have driven growth through new product innovation, client wins and consumer expansion, despite a credit supply backdrop that remains subdued. Highlights in H1 include strength in Fraud, Health, Automotive, and Targeting all of which performed well, and our Consumer Services business has driven further gains in membership, engagement and ecosystem expansion.

H1 organic revenue growth was 7%, growing 7% in each of Q1 and Q2. Underlying momentum improved, with organic revenue growth excluding one-off data breach services accelerating in Q2. Consumer Services grew 9% organically, with B2B delivering 6% growth. All regions contributed positively to growth, with sustained strong growth in North America and EMEA and Asia Pacific, an improvement in our Latin America performance in Q2, and modest growth in the UK and Ireland (UK&I). We delivered good progress in expanding Benchmark EBIT margins, whilst continuing to invest across the organisation.

 

First-half financial highlights

·      Revenue growth was in-line with our expected performance. Total revenue growth from ongoing activities was 6% at actual exchange rate and 7% at constant currency. Organic revenue growth was 7%.

·      All of our regions contributed to growth. Organic revenue growth was 7% in North America, 7% in Latin America, 2% in UK&I, and 7% in EMEA and Asia Pacific.

·      By quarter, organic revenue growth was 7% in Q1 and 7% in Q2. Organic revenue growth was 8% in Q1 and 7% in Q2 in North America, 5% in Q1 and 9% in Q2 in Latin America, 2% in Q1 and 2% in Q2 in UK&I, and 7% in Q1 and 8% in Q2 in EMEA and Asia Pacific.

·      Consumer Services organic revenue growth was 9%. Organic growth was 11% in Q1 and 6% in Q2 reflecting the timing of one-off data breach revenue. Excluding data breach revenue, Consumer Services organic revenue growth was 8% in Q1 and 11% in Q2. We grew to over 190m free members. In Brazil, Limpa Nome was a key contributor to growth, along with the expansion of our product offerings. Our premium subscription business and growing insurance marketplace were primary contributors to North America growth, offsetting a decline in breach-related revenue.

·      B2B organic revenue growth was 6%. Organic growth was 5% in Q1 and 7% in Q2. Expansion of our client footprint, driving cross-sell, and innovation offset a credit environment in the USA and the UK that remains below historical growth trends.

·      We delivered strong progress in Benchmark EBIT from ongoing activities, up 10% at constant and up 8% at actual exchange rates. Benchmark EBIT margin from ongoing activities increased by 60 basis points at both constant and actual exchange rates to 28.0%.

·      We delivered strong growth in Benchmark earnings per share, which increased by 9% at constant exchange rates driven by revenue growth and margin expansion. Basic EPS was USc 60.2 (2023: USc 62.3), down (3)%.

·      Cash flow conversion of Benchmark EBIT into Benchmark operating cash flow was 71%, in our seasonally weaker half of the year for cash flow. Benchmark operating cash flow at actual exchange rates was US$707m, compared to US$711m year-on-year, largely related to product mix and phasing impacts of trade and other payables. Our full year guidance for cash flow conversion remains at greater than 90%.

·      We continued to invest in data, technology and new products through capital expenditure, which represented 8% of revenue. We continue to expect to invest c.9% of revenue in the form of capital expenditure for the full year.

·      We invested US$818m in acquisitions to support our strategic initiatives and spent a net US$95m of our US$150m share repurchase programme. We are selective with our capital deployment and carefully measure the strategic fit and financial return of potential deals.

·      During H1, we completed the acquisition of Neuro-ID, Inc. (NeuroID) in North America, an industry leader in fraud-related behavioural analytics, and the previously announced acquisition of illion, a commercial and credit bureau in Australia and New Zealand. In Brazil, we acquired TEx, which facilitates our insurance marketplace expansion, and SalaryFits, a building block for our income verifications business. After the half-year end, we announced an agreement to acquire Clear Sale S.A. (ClearSale), a leading provider of digital fraud prevention solutions in Brazil, for up to R$1,905m, net of cash and other closing conditions. We expect the transaction to complete in the first half of the next calendar year.

·      Net debt to Benchmark EBITDA of 2.0x, compared to our target range of 2.0-2.5x.

·      We have announced a first interim dividend of USc 19.25 per share, up 7%. This will be paid on 7 February 2025 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 10 January 2025.

 



 

First-half strategic highlights

Our strategic focus is on identifying and positioning our business in growing markets, and leveraging our data and world-class analytics and software products to extend further into customer workflows. Our strategic investments have enabled us to establish a broad client base across several verticals including Financial Services, Health and Automotive, with a growing footprint in Targeting, Fraud prevention, and Insurance. We are confident that our focus on platforms, new product innovation and cross-sell, and increasing realisation of synergies across Business-to-Business and Consumer Services position our business for strong growth irrespective of the underlying credit backdrop.

 

Strategic highlights this half include:

In Business-to-Business:

·      We have increased the number of clients and solutions on our Ascend Platform, with an initial focus on migrating existing customers. We have provisioned over 1,800 client solutions[1] on the platform and are seeing positive engagement trends from customers.

·      We have progressed in embedding Generative AI (GenAI) capabilities across the organisation. We have rolled out GenAI productivity tools to all regions and recently launched a GenAI powered Experian Assistant within the Ascend Sandbox in North America.

·      We acquired NeuroID, an industry leader in behavioural analytics, which enhances our existing fraud prevention suite by providing new capabilities around digital behavioural signals and analytics. NeuroID solutions are already available on the Ascend Platform.

·      Employer and Verification Services continues to scale. Record count has increased to 61 million (at 31 October 2024) and we have driven strong client growth across both Employer and Verification Services. Within Employer Services, our Compliance Library solution was recognised as a 2024 Top HR Product of the Year by Human Resource Executive and the HR Technology Conference.

·      In North America Health, we have successfully integrated our WaveHDC acquisition (now Patient Access Curator), with this new functionality resonating highly in the market and driving significant new wins.

·      In Brazil, we are investing in large and growing market opportunities within fraud prevention, Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs), and agrifinance. After the half-end, we announced an agreement to acquire ClearSale, the leading digital fraud prevention provider in Brazil. The acquisition of ClearSale extends our capabilities in the attractive, high growth identity & fraud (ID&F) market in Brazil, by adding transaction fraud detection to our existing strengths in account opening and account takeover prevention.

·      In EMEA and Asia Pacific, on 30 September 2024, we completed the previously announced acquisition of illion, one of the leading consumer and commercial credit bureaux in Australia and New Zealand, and a transaction we expect to transform our market position in this important region.

 

In Consumer Services:

·      We have grown our free membership base as we continue to enhance the products and services we offer to help consumers navigate their financial lives. Globally, memberships grew to over 190 million.

·      In North America, we continue to scale Experian Activate, our platform which creates a more seamless lending marketplace for both our financial institution clients and Experian members. We have added new features and functionality for lenders and onboarded new clients across the personal loans and credit cards verticals.

·      We recently launched ongoing rate monitoring in our Experian Insurance Marketplace. This service provides ongoing alerts to North American consumers if there is a better rate on their auto insurance and removes much of the need for comparison shopping.

·      In Brazil, our business is evolving to offer more services with a connected journey, making Serasa Experian an integrated part of a consumer's financial timeline. Our recent acquisition of TEx expands our new business opportunities into the insurance market, building on our existing capabilities in credit, payments, and data protection.

·      In the UK&I, 90% of our marketplace lender panel is onboarded or in the process of onboarding to Experian Activate. This solution is resonating with clients, helping them improve the competitiveness of their offers and speed to market, and helping us gain exclusive product launches.

 

                 ____________________________

                    1. Client solutions refer to any client specific instance of a product provisioned on the Ascend Platform


 

Environmental, social and governance (ESG)

·      We are uniquely positioned to help people thrive on their financial journey, through our direct relationship with consumers and innovative combinations of data and analytics. More than 16 million US consumers have now connected their accounts to take advantage of Experian Boost to improve their credit score, or to use Personal Financial Management tools. Experian Go has helped nearly a quarter of a million 'credit invisible' US consumers to establish their financial identity. Our consumer strategy has been broadening beyond credit to help consumers save money in other ways. Premium members have collectively saved over US$10m on everyday bills through Experian BillFixer which provides both bill negotiation and subscription cancellation.

·      We pride ourselves on our 'People first' culture. This year we were featured on Fortune's 2024 100 Best Companies to Work For list for the fifth consecutive year. We're certified as a Great Place to Work in 24 countries, 88% of employees who participated are proud to tell others they work at Experian and 92% agree that Experian's flexible ways of working enable them to work productively.

·      We have continued to reduce our Scope 1 and 2 emissions by increasing our electricity consumption from renewables, from 75% in FY24 to 84% in H1. We have launched 'On target for climate', a supplier engagement programme for our Scope 3 target - in addition to the 27% of our spend covered by suppliers with science-based targets, an additional 13% have now committed to set or maintain targets in the next two years by signing our supplier sustainability commitment, a good start in our supplier engagement journey.

·      Experian was named in the inaugural edition of the TIME magazine's 'World's Most Sustainable Companies 2024' Special Report, recognising our strong social impact and our environmental performance and reporting.

 

Other financial developments

Benchmark EBIT of US$999m, was up 8% at actual exchange rates. Benchmark EBIT includes the impact of a US$12m operating loss from exited business activities. These exited businesses came primarily from our Latin America and EMEA and Asia Pacific regions and included a one-off write-down on a business closure. Benchmark EBIT from ongoing activities of US$1,011m rose 8% at actual exchange rates and removes the impact of these exited businesses.

Benchmark profit before tax (PBT) was US$929m, up 8% at actual exchange rates, after a net interest expense of US$70m (2023: US$68m). Our interest expense increased only marginally despite the rise in market rates due to our forward rate fixing programme. For FY25, we now expect net interest expense to be c.US$155m, this includes the financing costs associated with acquisitions completed during the half.

The Benchmark tax rate was 25.0% (2023: 25.1%). For FY25, we now expect a rate of c.26% (FY24: 25.7%), taking into account the expected profit mix for the second half of the year.

Our Benchmark EPS was USc 76.0, an increase of 8% at actual exchange rates and 9% at constant exchange rates. For FY25, we still expect a weighted average number of ordinary shares (WANOS) of c.914m.

Foreign exchange translation was a 1% headwind to Benchmark EPS in the half, primarily related to the deprecation of the Brazilian real relative to the US dollar. For FY25, we expect the foreign exchange translation effect to be around a (2)% headwind on revenue and Benchmark EBIT, assuming recent foreign exchange rates prevail.

Non-benchmark items:

·       Profit before tax was US$718m, down from US$763m, reflecting non-cash movements in the fair value of our interest rate swaps, as well as movements on put options and a devaluation of the Brazilian real exchange rate.

 



 

Reconciliation of statutory to Benchmark measures for the six months ended 30 September 2024

 

 

Statutory

Non-benchmark and other items

Benchmark

 

 


Investment-

related items1

Amortisation of acquisition intangibles

Non-cash financing items2

Exceptional items3




US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

 


3,617

-

-

-

-

3,617

Ongoing


11

-

-

-

-

11

Exited

Revenue

3,628

-

-

-

-

3,628

Revenue

 

 





 

 

 

892

11

95

-

13

1,011

Ongoing

 

(12)

-

-

-

-

(12)

Exited

Operating profit

880

11

95

-

13

999

Benchmark EBIT

 

 





 

 

Profit before tax

718

10

95

93

13

929

Benchmark PBT

 

 





 

 

Basic EPS USc

60.2

1.1

7.5

9.1

(1.9)

76.0

Benchmark EPS USc

 

1.   Investment-related items include the Group's share of continuing associates' Benchmark post-tax results.

2.   Non-cash financing items of US$93m includes US$42m adverse movements on interest rate swaps, US$31m foreign exchange losses on Brazil intra-Group funding, US$28m fair value increases on put options, partially offset by other favourable items of US$(8)m.

3.   Exceptional items are analysed in note 9 to the condensed interim financial statements.

 

 

Part 2 - Regional highlights for the six months ended 30 September 2024

 

 


Year-on-year % change in organic¹ revenue - for the six months ended 30 September 2024

 

Benchmark

EBIT

margin²

% of Group revenue³

Data

Decisioning

B2B

Consumer Services

Total

Total

North America

68

8

7

8

7

7

34.5%

Latin America

14

0

9

2

27

7

28.1%

UK and Ireland

12

1

1

1

6

2

18.9%

EMEA and Asia Pacific

6

5

13

7

n/a

7

0.4%

Total global

100

6

7

6

9

7

28.0%

 

1.   At constant exchange rates.

2.   At actual exchange rates.

3.   Percentage of Group revenue from ongoing activities calculated based on H1 FY25 revenue at actual exchange rates.

 

North America

North America delivered good growth with revenue of US$2,466m, representing organic revenue growth of 7%. Total revenue growth was 8% including the contribution from the WaveHDC acquisition completed last year.

B2B delivered organic revenue growth of 8%, with growth of 7% in Q1 and 9% in Q2. The breadth and richness of our data, along with our innovative software offerings, makes Experian a critical partner for our clients as they look to expand revenue and drive efficiencies. We benefitted in the half from growth in mortgage, notable client wins in Clarity, our alternative data business, and continued client penetration of our Ascend analytics, Ascend marketing and fraud prevention solutions. While mortgage volumes improved as the half progressed, non-mortgage credit growth remains constrained. We recently completed the acquisition of NeuroID, an industry leader in fraud-related behavioural analytics, which will enhance our fraud prevention capabilities and is already available on our Ascend Platform. We have continued to expand our market coverage within income and employment verification services, with our active record count now totalling 61 million as at 31 October 2024.

Our Automotive, Targeting, and Health businesses performed well. Automotive revenue grew 7% driven by the breadth of our product suite, despite a still soft market for vehicle sales. Targeting revenue grew 6%. New business wins were driven by our leading data and identity graph that provide differentiated solutions for our digital advertiser clients. Health revenue increased by 8%, helped by an expansion of our product solutions, including the integration of WaveHDC (now Patient Access Curator), within our client base, while also capitalising on strong market demand with new client wins.

Consumer Services delivered organic revenue growth of 7%, with growth of 10% in Q1 and 3% in Q2. Growth across the half reflected variability in one-off data breach services. Excluding data breach services, Consumer Services delivered growth in Q1 of 6% and Q2 of 9% as membership and marketplace growth improved as the half progressed.

Our goal is to be a leading platform to help our customers navigate their financial lives. We are making progress utilising our unique market position to leverage our B2B and customer relationships to provide leading and differentiated solutions.

We continue to add value to members and this is driving growth on our platform. Free membership continues to grow at strong rates. We generated solid broad-based revenue performance, with growth across premium subscriptions, marketplace, and partner solutions. Within our insurance business, growth has accelerated as we scale up our differentiated product that removes much of the friction from insurance shopping. We have gained market traction, and now have three out of the top five insurance carriers displaying quotes in our ecosystem, with two of these carriers providing fully integrated bound offers. Insurance growth was the key driver of marketplace performance in the first half. Premium membership revenue also contributed positively, driven by our investments in financial health and increasing demand for identity protection. Partner Solutions performed well, benefitting from strong growth at recently launched clients, despite weakening data breach trends.

Benchmark EBIT rose 10% to US$850m and Benchmark EBIT margin increased by 60 basis points to 34.5%. Margins reflected the mix of growth and productivity initiatives, notwithstanding investments in our innovations across our scaling verticals, such as verification solutions and our insurance marketplace.

 

Latin America

Latin America performance was good, with revenue from ongoing activities of US$512m increasing by 7% organically and total constant currency revenue growing by 10%. Acquisition contributions included MOVA, Flexpag, AllowMe, TEx, and SalaryFits. As expected, organic revenue growth improved during the half from 5% in Q1 to 9% in Q2.

B2B organic revenue growth was 2%.

In Brazil B2B, we continue to expand our ecosystem and capabilities. We are leveraging unique data sets and consistently driving innovation, leading to new business opportunities and deeper positions with clients. We delivered strong growth in decisioning solutions, as well as across identity and fraud prevention. Following the end of the first half, we agreed to acquire ClearSale, which will further extend our ID&F addressable market into transactional fraud and provides us a highly unique data asset. Small & Medium Enterprises revenue also saw good growth. B2B performance in the half reflected the Q1 impact from severe flooding in the south of Brazil, macro and interest rate uncertainty and lower collections activity.

Consumer Services organic revenue growth was 27%. We are striving to build the leading consumer financial platform in Brazil to assist consumers through their credit and financial journeys. Our debt resolution service, Limpa Nome, continues to benefit Brazilians. We are driving increased agreements between consumers and lenders, with the integration of our Serasa e-wallet into this process driving a more efficient process for both parties. Ecosystem expansion also contributed to growth with further traction across our credit marketplace and payment solutions, and we have recently introduced a new insurance marketplace.

Benchmark EBIT from ongoing activities in Latin America was US$144m, up 13% at constant exchange rates. The Benchmark EBIT margin from ongoing activities at actual exchange rates was 28.1%, up by 40 basis points, benefitting from strong operating leverage within our scaling Consumer Services business.

 

UK and Ireland

The UK and Ireland delivered revenue from ongoing activities of US$413m, with organic revenue growth of 2% and total constant currency growth of 3%.

In B2B, organic revenue increased by 1%, with growth across consumer and business information helped by new business wins and despite a relatively subdued underlying credit environment. Our data quality capabilities also continue to differentiate us in the market and also resulted in strong new business wins. These factors offset ongoing Targeting weakness and other one-time factors. Strategically, our focus is on driving adoption of the Ascend Platform, growing data coverage and usage of income and employment verification products and the ongoing build out of our fraud prevention capabilities. We are encouraged by this progress and client reception for these initiatives.

In Consumer Services, organic revenue was up 6%. Marketplace revenue is growing well, benefitting from our investments in personalised customer acquisition, enhancements to our product experience, and expansion of our lender panel following the introduction of Experian Activate. Subscription growth improved through the half driven by new premium feature launches, with our paid member base increasing during the period.

Benchmark EBIT from ongoing activities was US$78m, a (1)% decline at constant exchange rates. The Benchmark EBIT margin from ongoing activities was 18.9%, compared to 19.5% in the prior period, due to the phasing of investment in the verifications business, partially offset by strength in Consumer Services.

 

EMEA and Asia Pacific

In EMEA and Asia Pacific, revenue from ongoing activities was US$226m, with organic growth of 7% and total growth at constant exchange rates of 8%. The difference relates to the acquisition of a small cloud-based decisioning business. Data delivered organic revenue growth of 5%, while Decisioning delivered strongly, with growth of 13%.

EMEA and Asia Pacific has progressed on its transformation as we focus on securing leading positions in our core markets. The recently completed acquisition of illion will extend our capabilities in the large Australia and New Zealand (A/NZ) region. The transaction will combine illion's strong credit and identity assets with our leading decisioning capabilities.

Revenue growth is on a good trajectory as we have strengthened our data assets and driven innovation in areas such as scores and attributes and identity and fraud management. We expect to continue to improve profitability over time through scaling, improved product mix, and productivity initiatives.

Benchmark EBIT from ongoing activities was US$1m, compared to US$4m in FY24. The Benchmark EBIT margin from ongoing activities was 0.4% compared to 1.9% in the prior period.

 

FY25 modelling considerations

Organic revenue growth

6 - 8%

Inorganic revenue contribution

c.1.5%

Benchmark EBIT margin¹

Upper end of +30 to +50 basis points guidance range

Foreign exchange

c.(2%) on revenue and Benchmark EBIT

Net interest

c.US$155m

Benchmark tax rate

c.26%

WANOS²

c.914m

Capital expenditure

c.9% of revenue

OCF³ conversion

>90%

Share repurchases

US$150m

 

1.   At constant exchange rates.

2.   Weighted average number of shares.

3.   Benchmark operating cash flow.

 

 

Medium term outlook

Organic revenue growth

High-single-digits

Benchmark EBIT margin¹

Good margin improvement

+30 to +50 basis points per annum

Capital expenditure

Trend to c.7% of revenue

 



 

Group financial results

 

Business mix including % change in organic revenue year-on-year for the six months ended 30 September 2024

Segment

Business unit

% of Group revenue¹

Organic revenue growth %²

Q1

Q2

H1

North America

68%

8%

7%

7%

 Data

CI/BI bureaux

24%

6%

11%

9%

- CI/BI bureaux, excluding mortgage

21%

2%

6%

4%

- Mortgage Profiles

3%

37%

56%

45%

Automotive

5%

9%

5%

7%

Targeting

4%

5%

7%

6%

 Decisioning

Health

9%

8%

8%

8%

DA/Other

4%

7%

2%

4%

 B2B

Business to Business

46%

7%

9%

8%

 Consumer

Consumer Services

22%

10%

3%

7%

Latin America

14%

5%

9%

7%

 Data

CI/BI bureaux

8%

(1)%

(1)%

(1)%

Other

0%

17%

40%

27%

 Decisioning

DA/Other

3%

5%

14%

9%

B2B

Business to Business

11%

1%

3%

2%

 Consumer

Consumer Services

3%

24%

30%

27%

UK and Ireland

12%

2%

2%

2%

 Data

CI/BI bureaux

5%

4%

3%

3%

Targeting/Auto

1%

(14)%

(14)%

(14)%

 Decisioning

DA/Other

3%

3%

(1)%

1%

 B2B

Business to Business

9%

2%

0%

1%

 Consumer

Consumer Services

3%

4%

8%

6%

EMEA and Asia Pacific

6%

7%

8%

7%

Total global

100%

7%

7%

7%

 

1.   Percentage of Group revenue from ongoing activities calculated based on H1 FY25 revenue at actual exchange rates.

2.   Ongoing activities, at constant exchange rates.

CI = Consumer Information, BI = Business Information, DA = Decision Analytics.



Revenue by region

 

Six months ended 30 September

2024

 US$m

2023¹

US$m

Growth %

Total at actual exchange rates

Total at constant exchange rates

Organic at constant exchange rates

North America






Data

1,191

1,101


8

8

Decisioning

465

427


9

7

Business-to-Business

1,656

1,528


8

8

Consumer Services

810

760


7

7

Total ongoing activities

2,466

2,288

8

8

7

Exited business activities

-

-


 

 

Total North America

2,466

2,288

 

 

 

Latin America






Data

294

312


2

0

Decisioning

101

97


12

9

Business-to-Business

395

409


4

2

Consumer Services

117

97


32

27

Total ongoing activities

512

506

1

10

7

Exited business activities

6

10

 

 

 

Total Latin America

518

516

 

 

 

UK and Ireland






Data

204

199


1

1

Decisioning

116

110


3

1

Business-to-Business

320

309


2

1

Consumer Services

93

86


6

6

Total ongoing activities

413

395

5

3

2

Exited business activities

-

2

 

 

 

Total UK and Ireland

413

397

 

 

 

EMEA and Asia Pacific






Data

156

147


5

5

Decisioning

70

63


14

13

Total ongoing activities

226

210

8

8

7

Exited business activities

5

13

 

 

 

Total EMEA and Asia Pacific

231

223

 

 

 

Total revenue - ongoing activities

3,617

3,399

6

7

7

Total revenue - exited business activities

11

25

 

 

 

Revenue

3,628

3,424

6

7

 

 

1.   The results for the six months ended 30 September 2023 have been re-presented for the reclassification to exited business activities of certain B2B businesses, detail is provided in notes 7(a) and 8 to the condensed interim financial statements.

 

See Appendix 1 (page 14) and note 6 to the condensed interim financial statements for definitions of non-GAAP measures.

See Appendix 3 (page 16) for analyses of revenue, Benchmark EBIT and Benchmark EBIT margin from ongoing activities by business segment.



 

Income statement, earnings and Benchmark EBIT margin analysis

 

Six months ended 30 September

2024

 US$m

2023¹

 US$m

Growth %

Total at actual exchange rates

Total at constant exchange rates

Benchmark EBIT by geography





North America

850

775


10

Latin America

144

140


13

UK and Ireland

78

77


(1)

EMEA and Asia Pacific

1

4


(88)

Benchmark EBIT before Central Activities

1,073

996

8

9

Central Activities - central corporate costs

(62)

(64)



Benchmark EBIT from ongoing activities

1,011

932

8

10

Exited business activities

(12)

(4)



Benchmark EBIT

999

928

8

9

Net interest

(70)

(68)



Benchmark PBT

929

860

8

9

Exceptional items

(13)

4



Amortisation of acquisition intangibles

(95)

(95)



Acquisition and disposal expenses

(8)

(13)



Adjustment to the fair value of contingent consideration

(2)

(24)



Financing fair value remeasurements

(93)

31



Profit before tax

718

763

(6)

 

Tax charge

(165)

(191)



Profit for the financial year

553

572

(3)

 

 

 

 



Benchmark earnings

 

 

 

 

Benchmark PBT

929

860

8

9

Benchmark tax charge

(232)

(216)



Total Benchmark earnings

697

644

 

 

Owners of Experian plc

695

643

8

9

Non-controlling interests

2

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benchmark EPS

USc 76.0

USc 70.4

8

9

Basic EPS

USc 60.2

USc 62.3

(3)

 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares

914

914



 



 

 

Benchmark EBIT margin - ongoing activities



 

 

North America

34.5%

33.9%

 

 

Latin America

28.1%

27.7%

 

 

UK and Ireland

18.9%

19.5%

 

 

EMEA and Asia Pacific

0.4%

1.9%

 

 

Benchmark EBIT margin

28.0%

27.4%

 

 

 

1.  Benchmark results for the six months ended 30 September 2023 have been re-presented for the reclassification to exited business activities of certain B2B businesses, detail is provided in notes 7(a) and 8 to the condensed interim financial statements.

 

See Appendix 1 (page 14) and note 6 to the condensed interim financial statements for definitions of non-GAAP measures.

See Appendix 3 (page 16) for analyses of revenue, Benchmark EBIT and Benchmark EBIT margin from ongoing activities by business segment.

 



 

 

Group financial review

 

Key statutory measures

Statutory revenue

We delivered a good performance in the period, with continued expansion and contributions from newer products. Growth was in line with our expectations and revenue increased by 6% to US$3,628m (2023: US$3,424m).

Statutory operating profit and profit before tax

Operating profit for the six months ended 30 September 2024 improved by 10% to US$880m (2023: US$799m), driven by revenue growth, the scaling of our Consumer Services business, and our productivity initiatives. The movements in Benchmark EBIT at constant currency are discussed in the Chief Executive Officer's review and Regional highlights on pages three to eight.

Net finance expense increased to US$163m (2023: US$37m), impacted by financing fair value losses of US$93m (2023: gains of US$31m), primarily on interest rate swaps, as well as put options and foreign exchange losses on funding our Brazilian operations. Profit before tax decreased to US$718m (2023: US$763m) as a consequence of this higher finance charge.

Statutory Basic EPS

Basic EPS decreased to 60.2 US cents (2023: 62.3 US cents), reflecting a lower profit before tax partially offset by a reduced effective tax rate.

Statutory cash flow

Cash generated from operations improved to US$975m (2023: US$973m) reflecting the higher operating profit and working capital movements. Net borrowing inflows were US$803m (2023: US$263m). Cash outflows for net share purchases were US$95m (2023: US$47m), offsetting deliveries under employee share plans. Undrawn committed bank borrowing facilities at 30 September 2024 totalled US$2.1bn (2023: US$2.3bn).

Tax

The effective rate of tax based on profit before tax was 23.0%, a decrease of 2.0 percentage points from the comparative period, largely attributable to the recognition of a one-off deferred tax credit relating to tax losses where recognition is supported by the acquisition of the illion Group.

Net assets

Net assets at 30 September 2024 increased to US$4,790m (2023: US$4,173m). Capital employed, as defined in note 6(p) to the condensed interim financial statements, was US$9,718m (2023: US$8,501m).

Equity

There was an increase in equity of US$121m from US$4,669m at 31 March 2024, with movements detailed in the Group statement of changes in equity on page 21.

Key movements in equity in the half include:

 

·      Profit for the period of US$553m.

·      A reduction in the fair value of investments revalued through Other comprehensive income (OCI) of US$40m.

·      Employee share awards and options cost of US$65m.

·      Ordinary dividends of US$370m and a movement of US$95m in connection with net share purchases.

Seasonality

We anticipate Benchmark EBIT to be somewhat weighted towards the second half of the year reflecting revenue seasonality and historical performance.



 

Risks

Identifying and managing risk is key to our purpose and the delivery of our strategy and objectives. Our risk management process is designed to identify, assess, respond to, report on and monitor the risks that threaten our ability to do this.

The principal risks and uncertainties we face in the remaining six months of the year remain consistent with those explained in detail on pages 92 to 99 of our Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2024:

·      Data loss/misuse

·      Macroeconomic

·      Legislative/regulatory change and compliance

·      Resiliency

·      Business conduct

·      Talent acquisition and retention

·      Competition

·      Investment outcomes.

There are no changes to our assessments of our principal risks in the first half of the financial year, when compared with those reported in our Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2024. Overall risks remain stable, and we continue to develop our responses to these and other risks on an ongoing basis. The below matters are noted as part of our ongoing assessment.

Data Loss/misuse - External cyber security threats to businesses continue to increase in complexity and evolve in their nature and scope. Our threat-informed defence programme concurrently monitors and targets the most active threats to mitigate and reduce risks.

Legislative/regulatory change and compliance - Risks associated with new laws, new interpretations of existing laws, changes to existing regulations and regulatory scrutiny continue at a heightened level. We continue to see regional regulatory and legislative agendas across key areas of our business in most regions. The US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau remains interested in topics around the consumer dispute process, medical debt, open banking and credit report accuracy, and continues to promote new and novel interpretations of existing law through its rulemaking, supervision and enforcement activities involving Experian. In the UK, the proposed Digital Information and Smart Data bill is one of several outlined by the new government which may impact Experian. Regulation of Artificial Intelligence, recently published in the European Union (EU) and drafted in Brazil, will likely require additional processes and validation for credit scores.

Macroeconomic - Moving into FY25, the USA, UK and Brazil have experienced modest economic growth in Q2 2024. Inflationary levels in the USA and UK have trended towards their targets and while there remains some short-term concern about labour market weakness, there is an expectation of decreasing interest rate levels. Brazil has seen an increase in inflation and a response in its interest rate. We continue to monitor the macroeconomic trends impacting our business.

Resiliency - In common with many organisations, Experian faces an external threat from ransomware and other cyber attacks. This includes cyber resilience threats to third parties critical to our operations where we cannot switch them out easily or quickly in the event of encountering a cyber risk event. We continue to assess the potential impact of these threats, as the nature and sophistication of these attacks continually evolve. Given the size and scale of recent cyber and other resiliency events across the market we remain focused on our preparedness activities. Our response planning includes a number of key initiatives aimed at continually improving our existing capability in this area.

Further information on financial risk management is given in note 23 to the condensed interim financial statements.

The Chief Executive Officer's, Business and Group financial reviews on pages 3 to 12 include consideration of key uncertainties affecting us for the remainder of the current financial year. There may however be additional risks unknown to us and other risks, currently believed to be immaterial, which could turn out to be material. These risks, whether they materialise individually or simultaneously, could significantly affect our business and financial results.

Going concern

The principal risks and uncertainties we face and our assessment of viability, remain largely unchanged from those explained in detail on pages 92 to 101 of our Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2024.

The Group has a robust balance sheet with access to considerable funding and continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing these condensed interim financial statements. Cash flow in the period was solid with cash flow conversion of 71% (2023: 77%). Our undrawn committed bank borrowing facilities at 30 September 2024 totalled US$2.1bn (2023: US$2.3bn) and had an average remaining tenor of four years (2023: two years).

The directors believe that the Group is well placed to manage its financing and other business risks satisfactorily and have a reasonable expectation that the Group will have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for at least 12 months from the date of signing these condensed interim financial statements. See note 2 to the condensed interim financial statements for further detail.

Appendices

 

1. Non-GAAP financial information

We have identified and defined certain measures that we believe assist the understanding of our performance. These measures are not defined under IFRS and they may not be directly comparable with other companies' adjusted performance measures. These non-GAAP measures are not intended to be a substitute for any IFRS measures of performance, but we consider them to be key measures used for assessing the underlying performance of our business.

The table below summarises our non-GAAP measures. There is a fuller explanation, and references to where the measures are used and reconciled, in note 6 to the condensed interim financial statements.

Benchmark PBT

Profit before amortisation and impairment charges, acquisition expenses, Exceptional items, financing fair value remeasurements, tax (and interest thereon) and discontinued operations. It includes the Group's share of continuing associates' Benchmark post-tax results.

Benchmark EBIT

Benchmark PBT before net interest expense.

Benchmark EBITDA

Benchmark EBIT before depreciation and amortisation.

Exited business activities

The results of businesses sold, closed or identified for closure during a financial year.

Ongoing activities

The results of businesses that are not disclosed as exited business activities.

Constant exchange rates

Results and growth calculated after translating both years' performance at the prior year's average exchange rates.

Total growth

This is the year-on-year change in the performance of Experian's activities at actual exchange rates.

Organic revenue growth

This is the year-on-year change in the revenue of ongoing activities, translated at constant exchange rates, excluding acquisitions until the first anniversary of their consolidation.

Benchmark earnings

Benchmark PBT less attributable tax and non-controlling interests.

Total Benchmark earnings

Benchmark PBT less attributable tax.

Benchmark EPS

Benchmark earnings divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares.

Exceptional items

Exceptional items include those arising from the profit or loss on disposal of businesses, closure costs of significant operations (including associated onerous global support costs), costs of significant restructuring programmes, and other financially significant one-off items.

Benchmark operating cash flow

Benchmark EBIT plus amortisation, depreciation and charges for share-based incentive plans, less net capital expenditure and adjusted for changes in working capital, principal lease payments and the Group's share of the Benchmark profit or loss retained in continuing associates.

Cash flow conversion

Benchmark operating cash flow expressed as a percentage of Benchmark EBIT.

Net debt and Net funding

Net debt is borrowings (and the fair value of derivatives hedging borrowings) excluding accrued interest, less cash and cash equivalents. Net funding is borrowings (and the fair value of the effective portion of derivatives hedging borrowings) excluding accrued interest, less cash held in Group Treasury.

 

Return on capital employed (ROCE)

Benchmark EBIT less tax at the Benchmark rate divided by average capital employed, in continuing operations, over the year. Capital employed is net assets less non-controlling interests and right-of-use assets, plus or minus the net tax liability or asset and plus Net debt.

 



 

Appendices (continued)

2. Foreign currency

Foreign exchange - average rates

The principal exchange rates used to translate revenue and Benchmark EBIT into the US dollar are shown in the table below.


Six months ended

30 September 2024

Six months ended

30 September 2023

Year ended

31 March 2024

US dollar : Brazilian real

5.38

4.92

4.94

Pound sterling : US dollar

1.28

1.26

1.26

Euro : US dollar

1.09

1.09

1.08

US dollar : Colombian peso

4,013

4,233

4,113

US dollar : Australian dollar

1.51

1.51

1.52

The impact of foreign currency movements on revenue from ongoing activities is set out in note 7(c) to the condensed interim financial statements.

Foreign exchange - closing rates

The principal exchange rates used to translate assets and liabilities into the US dollar at the period end dates are shown in the table below.


30 September 2024

30 September 2023

31 March 2024

 

US dollar : Brazilian real

5.45

5.02

5.01

Pound sterling : US dollar

1.34

1.22

1.26

Euro : US dollar

1.12

1.06

1.08

US dollar : Colombian peso

4,176

4,043

3,852

US dollar : Australian dollar

1.44

1.55

1.53

 



 

Appendices (continued)

3. Revenue, Benchmark EBIT and Benchmark EBIT margin by business segment

 

Six months ended 30 September



Growth %

 

 

 

2024

 

 

20231

Total at constant exchange

Organic at constant exchange

 

 

US$m

US$m

rates

rates

 

Revenue






Data

1,845

1,759

6

6


Decisioning

752

697

9

7


Business-to-Business

2,597

2,456

7

6


Consumer Services

1,020

943

9

9


Ongoing activities

3,617

3,399

7

7


Exited business activities

11

25

n/a

 


Total

3,628

3,424

7

 


Benchmark EBIT






Business-to-Business

789

757

5



Consumer Services

284

239

19



Business segments

1,073

996

9



Central Activities - central corporate costs

(62)

(64)

n/a



Ongoing activities

1,011

932

10



Exited business activities

(12)

(4)

n/a



Total Benchmark EBIT

999

928

9



Net interest expense

(70)

(68)

n/a



Benchmark PBT

929

860

9



Exceptional items2

(13)

4




Other adjustments made to derive Benchmark PBT2

(198)

(101)




Profit before tax

718

763

 



Benchmark EBIT margin - ongoing activities






Business-to-Business

30.4%

30.8%




Consumer Services

27.8%

25.3%




Benchmark EBIT margin3

28.0%

27.4%

 

 

 

1.     Revenue of US$15m and Benchmark EBIT of US$(3)m for the six months ended 30 September 2023 have been re-presented for the reclassification to exited business activities of certain B2B businesses. See notes 7(a) and 8 to the condensed interim financial statements.

2.     See note 9 to the condensed interim financial statements.

3.     Benchmark EBIT margin for ongoing activities is calculated by dividing Benchmark EBIT for ongoing activities by revenue from ongoing activities.

 



 

Appendices (continued)

 

4. Cash flow and Net debt summary1

 

Six months ended 30 September

2024

2023

 

US$m

US$m

 

Benchmark EBIT

999

928


Amortisation and depreciation charged to Benchmark EBIT

270

252


Benchmark EBITDA

1,269

1,180


Impairment of non-current assets charged to Benchmark EBIT

6

-


Net capital expenditure (Appendix 5)

(297)

(307)


Increase in working capital

(314)

(194)


Principal lease payments

(21)

(24)


Benchmark profit retained in associates

(1)

(1)


Charge for share incentive plans

65

57


Benchmark operating cash flow2

707

711

 

Net interest paid

(87)

(84)


Tax paid

(193)

(251)


Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

(1)

-


Benchmark free cash flow

426

376

 

Acquisitions3

(818)

(206)


Disposal of operations4

-

5


Purchase of investments

(28)

(5)


Disposal of investments

19

-


Movement in Exceptional and other non-benchmark items

(14)

(57)


Ordinary dividends paid

(370)

(345)


Net cash outflow

(785)

(232)

 

Net debt at 1 April

(4,053)

(4,030)


Net share purchases

(95)

(47)


Non-cash lease obligation additions and disposals

(8)

(35)


Principal lease payments

21

24


Additions through business combinations

(2)

(7)


Foreign exchange and other movements

(42)

27


Net debt at 30 September

(4,964)

(4,300)

 

1.  For Group cash flow statement see page 22.

2.  A reconciliation of Cash generated from operations to Benchmark operating cash flow is provided in note 17(g) to the condensed interim financial statements.

3.  See note 17(d) to the condensed interim financial statements.

4.  Includes the disposal of operations classified as held-for-sale.

5. Reconciliation of net investment

 

Six months ended 30 September

2024

2023

 

US$m

US$m

 

Capital expenditure as reported in the Group cash flow statement

298

310


Disposal of property, plant and equipment

(1)

(1)


Disposal of assets classified as held-for-sale

-

(2)


Net capital expenditure

297

307


Acquisitions

818

206


Purchase of investments

28

5


Disposal of operations and investments

(19)

(5)


Net investment

1,124

513

 

 



 

Condensed interim financial statements

Group income statement

for the six months ended 30 September 2024


Six months ended 30 September 2024

 

 

 

Six months ended 30 September 2023



Benchmark1

Non-benchmark2

Total

 

 

 

Benchmark1

Non-benchmark2

Total



US$m

US$m

US$m

 

 

 

US$m

US$m

US$m


Revenue (note 7(a))

3,628

-

3,628

 

 

 

3,424

-

3,424

 

Total operating expenses

(2,630)

(118)

(2,748)

 

 

 

(2,497)

(128)

(2,625)

 

Operating profit/(loss)

998

(118)

880

 

 

 

927

(128)

799

 

 



 

 

 

 



 

 

Finance income

11

-

11

 

 

 

9

-

9

 

Finance expense

(81)

(93)

(174)

 

 

 

(77)

31

(46)

 

Net finance (expense)/income (note 10(a))

(70)

(93)

(163)

 

 

 

(68)

31

(37)

 

Share of post-tax profit of associates

1

-

1

 

 

 

1

-

1

 

Profit/(loss) before tax (note 7(a))

929

(211)

718

 

 

 

860

(97)

763

 

Tax (charge)/credit (note 11(a))

(232)

67

(165)

 

 

 

(216)

25

(191)

 

Profit/(loss) for the period

697

(144)

553

 

 

 

644

(72)

572

 

 



 

 

 

 

 


 


 



 

 

 

 

 


 


Attributable to:



 

 

 

 

 


 


Owners of Experian plc

695

(145)

550




643

(74)

569


Non-controlling interests

2

1

3




1

2

3


Profit/(loss) for the period

697

(144)

553




644

(72)

572


 



 






 


Total Benchmark EBIT1 (note 7(a))

999


 




928


 


 



 

 

 

 



 


 



 






 


 

US cents


US cents




US cents


US cents


Earnings per share (note 12(a))



 






 


Basic

76.0


60.2




70.4


62.3


Diluted

75.5


59.8




70.0


61.9


 

1.     Total Benchmark EBIT and other Benchmark items are non-GAAP measures, defined in note 6 to the condensed interim financial statements.

2.     The loss before tax for non-benchmark items of US$211m (2023: US$97m) is analysed in note 9(a) to the condensed interim financial statements.

 



 

Condensed interim financial statements

Group statement of comprehensive income

for the six months ended 30 September 2024


 

Six months ended 30 September

 


 

2024


2023

 


 

US$m


US$m

 

Profit for the period

 

553


572

Other comprehensive income/(expense)

 

 



Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss:

 

 



Remeasurement of post-employment benefit assets and obligations (note 16(b))

 

6


(22)

Changes in the fair value of investments revalued through OCI

 

(40)

 

(12)

Deferred tax (charge)/credit

 

(8)

 

6

Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss

 

(42)


(28)

Items that are or may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:

 

 



Currency translation gains

 

2


10

Fair value gain/(loss) on cash flow hedge

 

26


(6)

Hedging (gain)/loss reclassified to profit or loss (note 10(c))

 

(31)


8

Items that are or may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss

 

(3)


12

Other comprehensive expense for the period1

 

(45)


(16)

Total comprehensive income for the period

 

508

 

556


 

 



Attributable to:

 

 



Owners of Experian plc

 

501

 

555

Non-controlling interests

 

7

 

1

Total comprehensive income for the period

 

508

 

556

 

 

 

 

 

 











1.   There is no associated tax on amounts reported within OCI, except as reported for post-employment benefit assets and obligations. Currency translation items, not reclassified to profit or loss, are recognised in the hedging or translation reserve within other reserves and in non-controlling interests. Other items within OCI are recognised in retained earnings.

 

 



Condensed interim financial statements

Group balance sheet

at 30 September 2024



 

30 September

31 March



 

2024

2023

2024


Notes

 

US$m

US$m

US$m

Non-current assets

 

 

 



Goodwill

14

 

6,570

5,727

5,962

Other intangible assets


 

2,714

2,352

2,437

Property, plant and equipment


 

359

380

379

Investments in associates


 

12

13

11

Deferred tax assets


 

88

49

55

Post-employment benefit assets

16(a)

 

206

151

186

Trade and other receivables


 

202

151

196

Financial assets revalued through OCI


 

223

311

234

Other financial assets


 

134

204

174



 

10,508

9,338

9,634

 


 

 



Current assets


 

 



Trade and other receivables


 

1,669

1,584

1,660

Current tax assets


 

66

41

97

Other financial assets


 

20

6

9

Cash and cash equivalents - excluding bank overdrafts

18(b)

 

245

195

312

 


 

2,000

1,826

2,078

Assets classified as held-for-sale


 

-

10

-

 


 

2,000

1,836

2,078

 


 

 



Current liabilities


 

 



Trade and other payables


 

(1,785)

(1,785)

(2,036)

Borrowings

18(b)

 

(581)

(816)

(772)

Current tax liabilities


 

(101)

(141)

(83)

Provisions


 

(33)

(29)

(28)

Other financial liabilities


 

(24)

(57)

(44)

 


 

(2,524)

(2,828)

(2,963)

Net current liabilities


 

(524)

(992)

(885)

Total assets less current liabilities


 

9,984

8,346

8,749

 


 

 



Non-current liabilities


 

 



Trade and other payables


 

(167)

(226)

(190)

Borrowings

18(b)

 

(4,617)

(3,479)

(3,494)

Deferred tax liabilities


 

(177)

(150)

(129)

Post-employment benefit obligations

16(a)

 

(40)

(35)

(39)

Provisions


 

(3)

(4)

(3)

Financial liabilities revalued through OCI


 

-

(28)

(10)

Other financial liabilities


 

(190)

(251)

(215)



 

(5,194)

(4,173)

(4,080)

Net assets


 

4,790

4,173

4,669

 


 

 



Equity


 

 



Called-up share capital

20

 

97

97

97

Share premium account

20

 

1,837

1,815

1,819

Retained earnings


 

21,293

20,661

21,155

Other reserves


 

(18,477)

(18,435)

(18,437)

Attributable to owners of Experian plc


 

4,750

4,138

4,634

Non-controlling interests


 

40

35

35

Total equity


 

4,790

4,173

4,669

 

 



Condensed interim financial statements

Group statement of changes in equity

for the six months ended 30 September 2024

 


Called-up share capital

Share premium account

Retained earnings

Other reserves

Attributable to owners of Experian plc

Non-controlling interests

Total equity


(Note 20)

(Note 20)



 


 


US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

At 1 April 2024

97

1,819

21,155

(18,437)

4,634

35

4,669

Comprehensive income:

 

 



 


 

Profit for the period

-

-

550

-

550

3

553

Other comprehensive (expense)/income

-

-

(42)

(7)

(49)

4

(45)

Total comprehensive income/(expense)

-

-

508

(7)

501

7

508

Transactions with owners:





 


 

Employee share incentive plans:





 


 

- value of employee services

-

-

65

-

65

-

65

- shares issued on vesting

-

18

-

-

18

-

18

- purchase of shares by employee trusts

-

-

-

(83)

(83)

-

(83)

- other vesting of awards and exercises of share options

-

-

(66)

80

14

-

14

- related tax credit

-

-

7

-

7

-

7

- other payments

-

-

(5)

-

(5)

-

(5)

Purchase of shares held as treasury shares

-

-

-

(30)

(30)

-

(30)

Transactions with non-controlling interests

-

-

(1)

-

(1)

(1)

(2)

Dividends paid

-

-

(370)

-

(370)

(1)

(371)

Transactions with owners

-

18

(370)

(33)

(385)

(2)

(387)

At 30 September 2024

97

1,837

21,293

(18,477)

4,750

40

4,790

 

Group statement of changes in equity

for the six months ended 30 September 2023

 


Called-up share capital

Share premium account

Retained earnings

Other reserves

Attributable to owners of Experian plc

Non-controlling interests

Total equity


(Note 20)

(Note 20)



 


 


US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

At 1 April 2023

96

1,799

20,447

(18,413)

3,929

35

3,964

Comprehensive income:

 

 



 


 

Profit for the period

-

-

569

-

569

3

572

Other comprehensive (expense)/income

-

-

(28)

14

(14)

(2)

(16)

Total comprehensive income

-

-

541

14

555

1

556

Transactions with owners:





 


 

Employee share incentive plans:





 


 

- value of employee services

-

-

57

-

57

-

57

- shares issued on vesting

1

16

-

-

17

-

17

- purchase of shares by employee trusts

-

-

-

(56)

(56)

-

(56)

- other vesting of awards and exercises of share options

-

-

(36)

49

13

-

13

- other payments

-

-

(4)

-

(4)

-

(4)

Purchase of shares held as treasury shares

-

-

-

(29)

(29)

-

(29)

Transactions with non-controlling interests

-

-

1

-

1

(1)

-

Dividends paid

-

-

(345)

-

(345)

-

(345)

Transactions with owners

1

16

(327)

(36)

(346)

(1)

(347)

At 30 September 2023

97

1,815

20,661

(18,435)

4,138

35

4,173

 

 

 



 

Condensed interim financial statements

Group cash flow statement

for the six months ended 30 September 2024



 

Six months ended 30 September



 

2024

 

2023


Notes

 

US$m


US$m

Cash flows from operating activities

 

 

 



Cash generated from operations

17(a)

 

975


973

Interest paid


 

(94)


(90)

Interest received


 

7


6

Tax paid


 

(193)


(251)

Net cash inflow from operating activities

 

 

695

 

638


 


 



Cash flows from investing activities

 

 




Purchase of other intangible assets

17(c)

 

(283)


(292)

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

 

 

(15)


(18)

Disposal of property, plant and equipment


 

1


1

Disposal of assets classified as held-for-sale


 

-


2

Purchase of other financial assets


 

(28)


(5)

Disposal of other financial assets


 

19


-

Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired

17(d)

 

(781)


(194)

Disposal of operations

9(b)

 

-


5

Net cash flows used in investing activities

 

 

(1,087)

 

(501)


 


 



Cash flows from financing activities

 

 

 



Cash inflow in respect of shares issued

17(e)

 

18


17

Cash outflow in respect of share purchases

17(e)

 

(113)


(64)

Other payments on vesting of share awards

 

 

(5)


(4)

Transactions in respect of non-controlling interests

17(d)

 

(1)


-

New borrowings1

 

 

1,016


76

Repayment of borrowings

 

 

(537)


(7)

Net receipts from issuing commercial paper1

 

 

324


194

Principal lease payments

 

 

(21)


(24)

Net receipts for derivative contracts

 

 

39


11

Dividends paid

 

 

(371)


(345)

Net cash flows from/(used in) financing activities

 

 

349


(146)

 

 

 

 



Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

(43)

 

(9)

Cash and cash equivalents at 1 April


 

300


198

Exchange movements on cash and cash equivalents


 

(14)


4

Cash and cash equivalents at 30 September

17(f)

 

243


193

1.   Movements in commercial paper have been analysed separately on the face of the cash flow statement to reflect their short-term maturity. The total of new borrowings for the six months ended 30 September 2023 has been re-presented accordingly.



Notes to the condensed interim financial statements

for the six months ended 30 September 2024

1. Corporate information

Experian plc (the Company) is the ultimate parent company of the Experian group of companies (Experian or the Group). Experian is the leading global information services group.

The Company is incorporated and registered in Jersey as a public company limited by shares and is resident in Ireland. The Company's registered office is at 22 Grenville Street, St Helier, Jersey JE4 8PX, Channel Islands.

The Company's ordinary shares are traded on the London Stock Exchange's Regulated Market as equity shares (commercial companies).

There has been no change in this information since the Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2024, save for a revision of the listing segment classification, following changes to the UK Financial Conduct Authority's Listing Rules effected on 29 July 2024.

2. Basis of preparation

The condensed consolidated interim financial statements (the condensed interim financial statements) are prepared on the going concern basis and in accordance with International Accounting Standard (IAS) 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' (IAS 34) adopted pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002 as it applies in the EU, and as adopted for use in the UK and as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).

The condensed interim financial statements:

·      comprise the consolidated results of the Group for the six months ended 30 September 2024 and 30 September 2023

·      were approved for issue on 12 November 2024

·      have not been audited but have been reviewed by the Company's auditor with their report set out on pages 54 and 55

·      do not constitute the Group's statutory financial statements but should be read in conjunction with the Group's statutory financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024.

The Group's statutory financial statements comprise the Annual Report and audited financial statements which are prepared in accordance with the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991 and IFRS Accounting Standards as adopted pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002 as it applies in the European Union (EU-IFRS), UK-adopted international accounting standards (UK-IFRS) and IFRS as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB-IFRS). EU-IFRS, UK-IFRS, and IASB-IFRS all differ in certain respects from each other, however the differences have no material impact for the periods presented.

The most recent such statutory financial statements, for the year ended 31 March 2024, were approved by the directors on 14 May 2024 and subsequently delivered to the Jersey Registrar of Companies. The auditor's report was unqualified and did not contain a statement under Article 113B(3) or Article 113B(6) of the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991. Copies of these financial statements are available on the Company's website, at experianplc.com, and from the Company Secretary at 2 Cumberland Place, Fenian Street, Dublin 2, D02 HY05, Ireland.

The financial information for the year ended 31 March 2024 included in the condensed interim financial statements is not the Company's statutory accounts for that financial year, but has been extracted from the Group's statutory financial statements.

As required by the UK Financial Conduct Authority Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules Sourcebook, these condensed interim financial statements have been prepared applying the accounting policies and presentation that were applied in the preparation of the Group's statutory financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024.

No significant events impacting the Group, other than those disclosed in this document, have occurred between 1 October and 12 November 2024.



 

Notes to the condensed interim financial statements

for the six months ended 30 September 2024

2. Basis of preparation (continued)

Going concern

Our going concern assessment focuses on immediately available sources of liquidity to fund our anticipated trading pattern, plus anticipated acquisition spend, returns to shareholders and capital investment, ensuring we always maintain a comfortable margin of headroom in case of the unexpected. We also perform a review of indicators typical of emerging going concern issues, and have identified none.

The directors believe that the Group is well placed to manage its financing and other business risks satisfactorily to continue to meet its liabilities as they fall due, and have a reasonable expectation that the Group will have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for at least 12 months from the date of signing these condensed interim financial statements. The directors therefore consider it appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the condensed interim financial statements. In reaching this conclusion, the directors noted the Group's solid cash performance in the period and the substantial undrawn committed bank borrowing facilities at 30 September 2024 of US$2.1bn (2023: US$2.3bn) which had an average remaining tenor of four years (2023: two years).

3. Climate-related matters

As an information services business, our main environmental impact is the carbon footprint generated from our operations and value chain. The majority of our footprint is made up of greenhouse gas emissions from Purchased Goods and Services and Upstream Leased Assets including third-party data centres, with emissions from our direct operations making up approximately 3% of total emissions.

We are committed to reducing our carbon emissions and to becoming carbon neutral in our own operations by 2030. We continue to develop our plans to decarbonise our business further and reduce energy consumption at our data centres and across the Group. We have reduced our Scope 1 and 2 emissions in excess of 75% since 2019.

We recognise the importance of identifying and effectively managing the physical and transitional risks that climate change poses to our operations and consider the impact of climate-related matters, including legislation, on our business. The current climate change scenario analyses undertaken in line with Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations did not identify any material impact on the Group's financial results or on going concern or viability.

The following climate change considerations were made in preparing these condensed interim financial statements:

·      The impact in the going concern period or on the viability of the Group over the next three years.

·      The impact on factors such as residual values, useful lives and depreciation methods that determine the carrying value of non-current assets.

·      The impact on forecasts of cash flows used in impairment assessments for the value-in-use of non-current assets including goodwill (note 14).

·      The impact on forecasts of cash flows used in the fair value measurement of assets and liabilities (note 23(d)).

·      The impact on post-employment benefit assets (note 16).

At present, there is no material impact of climate-related matters on the Group's financial results or on going concern or viability.

4. Accounting and other developments

There have been no accounting standards, amendments or interpretations effective for the first time in these condensed interim financial statements which have had a material impact on the Group's consolidated results or financial position.

On 9 April 2024, the IASB issued IFRS 18 'Presentation and Disclosure in Financial Statements', which is expected to be effective for Experian for the year ending 31 March 2028, subject to UK and EU endorsement. IFRS 18 sets out requirements for the presentation and disclosure of information in general purpose financial statements and replaces IAS 1 'Presentation of Financial Statements'. Our assessment of the impact of IFRS 18 on the Group financial statements has commenced; areas of potential change have been noted and are undergoing further review.

There are no other new standards, amendments to existing standards or interpretations that are not yet effective that are expected to have a material impact on the Group's financial results. Accounting developments are routinely reviewed by the Group and its financial reporting systems are adapted as appropriate.

Notes to the condensed interim financial statements

for the six months ended 30 September 2024

5. Accounting policies, estimates and judgments

(a) Introduction

The preparation of the condensed interim financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities, and the disclosure of contingent liabilities. If in the future such estimates and assumptions, which are based on management's best judgment at the date of these condensed interim financial statements, deviate from actual circumstances, the original estimates and assumptions will be modified as appropriate in the period in which the circumstances change. There have been no significant changes in the bases upon which estimates have been determined, compared to those applied at 31 March 2024, and no change in an estimate has had a material effect in the current period.

The accounting policies applied in these condensed interim financial statements are the same as those applied in the Annual Report and Group financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024.

(b) Goodwill (note 14)

Goodwill held in the Group's balance sheet is tested annually for impairment, or more frequently if there is an indication that it may be impaired and details of the methodology used are set out in the Group's statutory financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024.

During the six months ended 30 September 2024 the annual tests were performed with no impairment identified.

(c) Acquisition intangibles (note 22)

On acquisition, specific intangible assets are identified and recognised separately from goodwill and then amortised over their estimated useful lives. These include items such as brand names and customer lists, to which value is first attributed at the time of acquisition. The capitalisation of these assets and the related amortisation charges are based on estimates of the value and economic life of such items. The economic lives of acquisition intangibles are estimated at between one and 20 years. Amortisation methods, useful lives and residual values are reviewed at each reporting date and adjusted if appropriate.

(d) Post-employment benefits (note 16)

We have updated the accounting valuation of our principal defined benefit pension plan in light of changes in the key actuarial assumptions, and this is recognised in these condensed interim financial statements. The actuarial assumption with the most significant impact at 30 September 2024 is the discount rate of 5.1% (2023: 5.7%). The discount rate used at 31 March 2024 was 4.9%.

(e) Contingent consideration (note 23 (c))

The initially recorded cost of an acquisition includes a reasonable estimate of the fair value of any contingent amounts expected to be payable in the future. Any cost or benefit arising when such estimates are revised is recognised in the Group income statement (note 9(a)).

(f) Provisions and contingencies

A contingent liability is disclosed where the likelihood of a loss arising is possible rather than probable. A provision is recognised when it is probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle an obligation, and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount.

The provision is measured at the best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the obligation at the reporting date, discounted at a pre-tax rate reflecting current market assessments of the time value of money and risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised as a finance expense in the Group income statement. In making its estimates, management takes into account the advice of legal counsel.

In the case of pending and threatened litigation claims, management forms a judgment as to the likelihood of ultimate liability. No liability is recognised where the likelihood of any loss arising is possible rather than probable.

(g) Put options (note 23 (c))

Where put option agreements are in place in respect of shares held by non-controlling shareholders, the liability is stated at the present value of the expected future payments. Such liabilities are shown as financial liabilities in the Group balance sheet. The change in the value of such options is recognised in the Group income statement as a financing fair value remeasurement within net finance expense, while any change in that value attributable to exchange rate movements is recognised directly in OCI.



 

Notes to the condensed interim financial statements

for the six months ended 30 September 2024

5. Accounting policies, estimates and judgments (continued)

(h) Revenue recognition (note 7)

Revenue is stated net of any sales taxes, rebates and discounts and reflects the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for the transfer of promised goods and services.

Total consideration from contracts with customers is allocated to the performance obligations identified based on their standalone selling price, and is recognised when those performance obligations are satisfied and the control of goods or services is transferred to the customer, either over time or at a point in time.

Total consideration only includes variable consideration if it is highly probable a significant reversal will not occur. Estimates of variable consideration are not typically included within recognised revenue, as the uncertainty surrounding variable consideration is normally resolved once the performance obligation is satisfied or begins to be satisfied. Inflationary increases based on external indices are treated as variable consideration and only recognised when they become certain.

·      The provision and processing of transactional data is distinguished between contracts that:

-      provide a service on a per unit basis, where the transfer to the customer of each completed unit is considered satisfaction of a single performance obligation. Revenue is recognised on the transfer of each unit

-      provide a service to the customer over the contractual term, normally between one and five years, where revenue is recognised on the transfer of this service to customers. For the majority of contracts this means revenue is spread evenly over the contract term, as customers simultaneously receive and consume the benefits of the service

-      require an enhanced service at the start, where revenue is recognised to reflect the upfront benefit the customer receives and consumes. Revenue for such contracts is recognised proportionally in line with the costs of providing the service.

·      Revenue from referral fees for credit products and white-label partnerships is recognised as transactional revenue.

·      Revenue from transactional batch data arrangements that include an ongoing update service is apportioned across each delivery to the customer and is recognised when the delivery is complete, and control of the batch data passes to the customer. Performance obligations are determined based on the frequency of data refresh: one-off, quarterly, monthly, or real-time.

·      Subscription and membership fees for continuous access to a service are recognised over the period to which they relate, usually 1, 12 or 24 months. Customers simultaneously receive and consume the benefits of the service; therefore, revenue is recognised evenly over the subscription or membership term.

·      Revenue for one-off credit reports is recognised when the report is delivered to the consumer.

·      Software licence and implementation services are primarily accounted for as a single performance obligation, with revenue recognised when the combined offering is delivered to the customer. Contract terms normally vary between one and five years. These services are distinguished between:

-      Experian-hosted or Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions, where the customer has the right to access a software solution over a specified time period. Customers simultaneously receive and consume the benefits of the service and revenue is spread evenly over the period that the service is available.

-      On-premise software licence arrangements, where the software solution is installed in an environment controlled by the customer. The arrangement represents a right to use licence and so the performance obligation is considered to be fulfilled on delivery completion, when control of the configured solution is passed to the customer. Revenue is recognised at that point in time.

·      The delivery of support and maintenance agreements is generally considered to be a separate performance obligation to provide a technical support service including minor updates. Contract terms are often aligned with licence terms. Customers simultaneously receive and consume the benefits of the service, therefore revenue is spread evenly over the term of the maintenance period.

·      The provision of distinct standalone consultancy and professional services is distinguished between:

-      Professional consultancy services where the performance obligation is the provision of personnel. Customers simultaneously receive and consume the benefits of the service, and revenue is recognised over time, in line with hours provided.

-      The provision of analytical models and analyses, where the performance obligation is a deliverable, or a series of deliverables, and revenue is recognised on delivery when control is passed to the customer.

Sales are typically invoiced in the geographic area in which the customer is located. As a result, the geographic location of the invoicing undertaking is used to attribute revenue to individual countries.

Notes to the condensed interim financial statements

for the six months ended 30 September 2024

5. Accounting policies, estimates and judgments (continued)

(h) Revenue recognition (note 7) (continued)

Accrued income balances, which represent the right to consideration in exchange for goods or services that we have transferred to a customer, are assessed as to whether they meet the definition of a contract asset:

·      When the right to consideration is conditional on something other than the passage of time, a balance is classified as a contract asset. This arises where there are further performance obligations to be satisfied as part of the contract with the customer and typically includes balances relating to software licencing contracts.

·      When the right to consideration is conditional only on the passage of time, the balance does not meet the definition of a contract asset and is classified as an unbilled receivable. This typically arises where the timing of the related billing cycle occurs in a period after the performance obligation is satisfied.

Costs incurred prior to the satisfaction or partial satisfaction of a performance obligation are first assessed to see if they are within the scope of other standards. Where they are not, certain costs are recognised as an asset providing they relate directly to a contract (or an anticipated contract), generate or enhance resources that will be used in satisfying (or to continue to satisfy) performance obligations in the future and are expected to be recovered from the customer. Costs which meet these criteria are deferred as contract costs and these are amortised on a systematic basis consistent with the pattern of transfer of the related goods or services.

·      Costs to obtain a contract predominantly comprise sales commissions.

·      Costs to fulfil a contract predominantly comprise labour costs directly relating to the implementation services provided.

If evidence emerges that a contract is loss making, no further costs are capitalised and any related contract assets are reviewed for impairment. A provision for future losses is established when the unavoidable costs of the contract exceed the economic benefits expected to be received.

Contract liabilities arise when we have an obligation to transfer future goods or services to a customer for which we have received consideration, or the amount is due from the customer and includes both deferred income balances and specific reserves.

(i) Tax (note 11)

The tax charge recognised in the period is derived from the estimated tax rate for the full year, taking account of one-off tax charges and credits arising in the period and expected to arise in the full year, and the tax effect of Exceptional items and other adjustments made to derive Benchmark PBT.



 

Notes to the condensed interim financial statements

for the six months ended 30 September 2024

6. Use of non-GAAP measures in the condensed interim financial statements

As detailed below, the Group has identified and defined certain measures that it uses to understand and manage its performance. The measures are not defined under IFRS and they may not be directly comparable with other companies' adjusted performance measures. These non-GAAP measures are not intended to be a substitute for any IFRS measures of performance but management considers them to be key measures used for assessing the underlying performance of our business.

(a) Benchmark profit before tax (Benchmark PBT) (note 7(a) and note 8)

Benchmark PBT is disclosed to indicate the Group's underlying profitability. It is defined as profit before amortisation and impairment of acquisition intangibles, impairment of goodwill, acquisition expenses, adjustments to contingent consideration, Exceptional items, financing fair value remeasurements, tax (and interest thereon) and discontinued operations. It includes the Group's share of continuing associates' Benchmark post-tax results.

An explanation of the basis on which we report Exceptional items is provided in note 6(l). Other adjustments, in addition to Exceptional items, made to derive Benchmark PBT are explained as follows:

·      Charges for the amortisation and impairment of acquisition intangibles are excluded from the calculation of Benchmark PBT because these charges are based on judgments about their value and economic life and bear no relation to the Group's underlying ongoing performance. Impairment of goodwill is similarly excluded from the calculation of Benchmark PBT.

·      Acquisition and disposal expenses (representing the incidental costs of acquisitions and disposals, one-time integration costs and other corporate transaction expenses) relating to successful, active or aborted acquisitions and disposals are excluded from the definition of Benchmark PBT as they bear no relation to the Group's underlying ongoing performance or to the performance of any acquired businesses. Adjustments to contingent consideration are similarly excluded from the definition of Benchmark PBT.

·      Charges and credits for financing fair value remeasurements within finance expense in the Group income statement are excluded from the definition of Benchmark PBT. These include retranslation of intra-Group funding, and that element of the Group's derivatives that is ineligible for hedge accounting, together with gains and losses on put options in respect of acquisitions. Amounts recognised generally arise from market movements and accordingly bear no direct relation to the Group's underlying performance.

(b) Benchmark earnings before interest and tax (Benchmark EBIT) and margin (Benchmark EBIT margin) (note 7(a) and note 8)

Benchmark EBIT is defined as Benchmark PBT before the net interest expense charged therein and accordingly excludes Exceptional items as defined below. Benchmark EBIT margin is Benchmark EBIT from ongoing activities expressed as a percentage of revenue from ongoing activities.

(c) Benchmark earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (Benchmark EBITDA) (Appendix 4)

Benchmark EBITDA is defined as Benchmark EBIT before the depreciation and amortisation charged therein.

(d) Exited business activities (note 7(a) and note 8)

Exited business activities are businesses sold, closed or identified for closure during a financial year. These are treated as exited business activities for both revenue and Benchmark EBIT purposes. The results of exited business activities are disclosed separately with the results of the prior period re-presented in the segmental analyses as appropriate. This measure differs from the definition of discontinued operations in IFRS 5 'Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations'.

(e) Ongoing activities (note 7(a) and note 8)

The results of businesses trading at 30 September 2024, that are not disclosed as exited business activities, are reported as ongoing activities.

(f) Constant exchange rates

To highlight our organic performance, we discuss our results in terms of growth at constant exchange rates, unless otherwise stated. This represents growth calculated after translating both years' performance at the prior year's average exchange rates.



 

Notes to the condensed interim financial statements

for the six months ended 30 September 2024

6. Use of non-GAAP measures in the condensed interim financial statements (continued)

(g) Total growth (note 7(c))

This is the year-on-year change in the performance of our activities at actual exchange rates. Total growth at constant exchange rates removes the translational foreign exchange effects arising on the consolidation of our activities and comprises one of our measures of performance at constant exchange rates.

(h) Organic revenue growth (note 7(c))

This is the year-on-year change in the revenue of ongoing activities, translated at constant exchange rates, excluding acquisitions until the first anniversary of their consolidation.

(i) Benchmark earnings and Total Benchmark earnings (note 12)

Benchmark earnings comprises Benchmark PBT less attributable tax and non-controlling interests. The attributable tax for this purpose excludes significant tax credits and charges arising in the year which, in view of their size or nature, are not comparable with previous years, together with tax arising on Exceptional items and on other adjustments made to derive Benchmark PBT. Benchmark PBT less attributable tax is designated as Total Benchmark earnings.

(j) Benchmark earnings per share (Benchmark EPS) (note 12(a))

Benchmark EPS comprises Benchmark earnings divided by the weighted average number of issued ordinary shares, as adjusted for own shares held.

(k) Benchmark tax charge and rate (note 11(b))

The Benchmark tax charge is the tax charge applicable to Benchmark PBT. It differs from the tax charge by tax attributable to Exceptional items and other adjustments made to derive Benchmark PBT, and exceptional tax charges. A reconciliation is provided in note 11(b) to these condensed interim financial statements. The Benchmark effective rate of tax is calculated by dividing the Benchmark tax charge by Benchmark PBT.

(l) Exceptional items (note 9(a))

The separate reporting of Exceptional items gives an indication of the Group's underlying performance. Exceptional items include those arising from the profit or loss on disposal of businesses, closure costs of significant operations (including onerous global support costs associated with those operations), costs of significant restructuring programmes and other financially significant one-off items. All other restructuring costs are charged against Benchmark EBIT, in the segments in which they are incurred.

(m) Benchmark operating and Benchmark free cash flow (note 17(g) and Appendix 4)

Benchmark operating cash flow is Benchmark EBIT plus amortisation, depreciation and charges in respect of share-based incentive plans, less capital expenditure net of disposal proceeds and adjusted for changes in working capital, principal lease payments and the Group's share of the Benchmark profit or loss retained in continuing associates. Benchmark free cash flow is derived from Benchmark operating cash flow by excluding net interest, tax paid in respect of continuing operations and dividends paid to non-controlling interests.

(n) Cash flow conversion (note 17(g))

Cash flow conversion is Benchmark operating cash flow expressed as a percentage of Benchmark EBIT.

(o) Net debt and Net funding (note 18)

Net debt is borrowings (and the fair value of derivatives hedging borrowings) excluding accrued interest, less cash and cash equivalents and other highly liquid bank deposits with original maturities greater than three months. Net funding is borrowings (and the fair value of the effective portion of derivatives hedging borrowings) excluding accrued interest, less cash held in Group Treasury.

(p) Return on capital employed (ROCE) (note 7(e)(iii))

ROCE is defined as Benchmark EBIT less tax at the Benchmark rate divided by a three-point average of capital employed, in continuing operations, over the year. Capital employed is net assets less non-controlling interests and right-of-use assets, further adjusted to add or deduct the net tax liability or asset and to add Net debt.

Notes to the condensed interim financial statements

for the six months ended 30 September 2024

7. Segment information

(a) Income statement

 

North

America

Latin

America

 

UK and Ireland

EMEA and Asia Pacific

Total operating segments

Central

Activities

Total

Group

Six months ended 30 September 2024

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

Revenue from external customers





 

 

 

Ongoing activities

2,466

512

413

226

3,617

-

3,617

Exited business activities

-

6

-

5

11

-

11

Total

2,466

518

413

231

3,628

-

3,628

Reconciliation from Benchmark EBIT to

profit/(loss) before tax





 


 

Benchmark EBIT





 


 

Ongoing activities

850

144

78

1

1,073

(62)

1,011

Exited business activities

-

(4)

1

(9)

(12)

-

(12)

Total

850

140

79

(8)

1,061

(62)

999

Net interest (expense)/income included in

Benchmark PBT (note 10(b))

(1)

(1)

1

(1)

(2)

(68)

(70)

Benchmark PBT

849

139

80

(9)

1,059

(130)

929

Exceptional items (note 9(a))

(3)

(1)

(7)

-

(11)

(2)

(13)

Amortisation of acquisition intangibles

(57)

(10)

(4)

(24)

(95)

-

(95)

Acquisition and disposal expenses

-

(4)

(1)

(3)

(8)

-

(8)

Adjustment to the fair value of contingent consideration

4

(6)

-

-

(2)

-

(2)

Financing fair value remeasurements (note 10(c))

-

-

-

-

-

(93)

(93)

Profit/(loss) before tax

793

118

68

(36)

943

(225)

718

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North

America

Latin

America

UK and Ireland

EMEA and Asia Pacific

Total operating segments

Central

Activities

Total

Group

Six months ended 30 September 20231

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

Revenue from external customers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ongoing activities

2,288

506

395

210

3,399

-

3,399

Exited business activities

-

10

2

13

25

-

25

Total

2,288

516

397

223

3,424

-

3,424

Reconciliation from Benchmark EBIT to

profit/(loss) before tax





 


 

Benchmark EBIT





 


 

Ongoing activities before transfer pricing and other adjustments

791

139

71

 

(4)

997

(65)

932

Transfer pricing and other allocation adjustments

(16)

1

6

8

(1)

1

-

Ongoing activities

775

140

77

4

996

(64)

932

Exited business activities

-

(2)

1

(3)

(4)

-

(4)

Total

775

138

78

1

992

(64)

928

Net interest (expense)/income included in

Benchmark PBT (note 10(b))

(2)

(1)

1

-

(2)

(66)

(68)

Benchmark PBT

773

137

79

1

990

(130)

860

Exceptional items (note 9(a))

(1)

-

-

5

4

-

4

Amortisation of acquisition intangibles

(55)

(10)

(3)

(27)

(95)

-

(95)

Acquisition and disposal expenses

4

(8)

(5)

(4)

(13)

-

(13)

Adjustment to the fair value of contingent consideration

(21)

(3)

-

-

(24)

-

(24)

Financing fair value remeasurements (note 10(c))

-

-

-

-

-

31

31

Profit/(loss) before tax

700

116

71

(25)

862

(99)

763














1.   Revenue of US$15m and Benchmark EBIT of US$(3)m for the six months ended 30 September 2023 have been re-presented for the reclassification to exited business activities of certain B2B businesses.

Additional information by operating segment, including that on total and organic growth at constant exchange rates is provided within pages 3 to 11.



 

Notes to the condensed interim financial statements

for the six months ended 30 September 2024

7. Segment information (continued)

(b) Revenue by business segment

The additional analysis of revenue from external customers provided to the chief operating decision-maker and accordingly reportable under IFRS 8 'Operating Segments' is given within note 8. This is supplemented by voluntary disclosure of the profitability of groups of service lines. For ease of reference, we continue to use the term 'business segments' when discussing the results of groups of service lines.

(c) Reconciliation of revenue from ongoing activities

 

North

America

Latin

America

 

UK and Ireland

EMEA and Asia Pacific

 

Total ongoing activities

 

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

Revenue for the six months ended 30 September 20231

2,288

506

395

210

3,399

Adjustment to constant exchange rates

-

(4)

(2)

-

(6)

Revenue at constant rates for the six months ended 30 September 2023

2,288

502

393

210

3,393

Organic revenue growth

168

35

7

15

225

Revenue from acquisitions

10

15

3

1

29

Revenue at constant rates for the six months ended 30 September 2024

2,466

552

403

226

3,647

Adjustment to actual exchange rates

-

(40)

10

-

(30)

Revenue for the six months ended 30 September 2024

2,466

512

413

226

3,617

Organic revenue growth at constant exchange rates

7%

7%

2%

7%

7%

Revenue growth at constant exchange rates

8%

10%

3%

8%

7%

1.   Revenue for the six months ended 30 September 2023 has been re-presented for the reclassification to exited business activities of certain B2B businesses.

The table above demonstrates the application of the methodology set out in note 6 in determining organic and total revenue growth at constant exchange rates.



 

Notes to the condensed interim financial statements

for the six months ended 30 September 2024

7. Segment information (continued)

(d) Disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers

 

North

America

Latin

America

 

UK and Ireland

EMEA and Asia Pacific

Total operating segments

Six months ended 30 September 2024

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

Revenue from external customers

 

 

 

 

 

Data

1,191

294

204

156

1,845

Decisioning

465

101

116

70

752

Business-to-Business

1,656

395

320

226

2,597

Consumer Services

810

117

93

-

1,020

Ongoing activities

2,466

512

413

226

3,617

Exited business activities

-

6

-

5

11

Total

2,466

518

413

231

3,628

 





 

 

North

America

Latin

America

 

UK and Ireland

EMEA and Asia Pacific

Total operating segments

Six months ended 30 September 20231

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

Revenue from external customers

 

 

 

 

 

Data

1,101

312

199

147

1,759

Decisioning

427

97

110

63

697

Business-to-Business

1,528

409

309

210

2,456

Consumer Services

760

97

86

-

943

Ongoing activities

2,288

506

395

210

3,399

Exited business activities

-

10

2

13

25

Total

2,288

516

397

223

3,424

1.   Revenue for the six months ended 30 September 2023 has been re-presented for the reclassification to exited business activities of certain B2B businesses, and includes Latin America, UK and Ireland and EMEA and Asia Pacific Data revenue of US$8m, US$2m and US$5m respectively.

Revenue in respect of exited business activities of US$11m (2023: US$25m) comprises Latin America, UK and Ireland and EMEA and Asia Pacific Data revenue of US$6m (2023: US$10m), US$nil (2023: US$2m) and US$3m (2023: US$6m) and EMEA and Asia Pacific Decisioning revenue of US$2m (2023: US$7m) respectively.

Data revenue is predominantly transactional with a portion from licence fees.

Decisioning revenue is derived from:

·      software and system sales, and includes recurring licence fees, consultancy and implementation fees, and transactional charges

·      credit score fees which are primarily transactional

·      analytics income comprising a mix of consultancy and professional fees as well as transactional revenue.

Consumer Services revenue primarily comprises monthly subscription and one-off fees, and referral fees for financial products and white-label partnerships.

The timing of revenue recognition in relation to these revenue streams is discussed in note 5(h).

Notes to the condensed interim financial statements

for the six months ended 30 September 2024

7. Segment information (continued)

(e) Balance sheet

 

(i)   Net assets/(liabilities)

North

America

Latin

America

 

UK and Ireland

EMEA and Asia Pacific

 

Total operating segments

Central

Activities and other

Total

Group

At 30 September 2024

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

Goodwill

3,952

943

781

8941

6,570

-

6,570

Investments in associates

4

-

8

-

12

-

12

Right-of-use assets

48

11

36

20

115

5

120

Other assets

2,615

871

612

657

4,755

1,051

5,806

Total assets

6,619

1,825

1,437

1,571

11,452

1,056

12,508

Lease obligations

(62)

(13)

(41)

(22)

(138)

(5)

(143)

Other liabilities

(1,113)

(471)

(279)

(205)

(2,068)

(5,507)

(7,575)

Total liabilities

(1,175)

(484)

(320)

(227)

(2,206)

(5,512)

(7,718)

Net assets/(liabilities)

5,444

1,341

1,117

1,344

9,246

(4,456)

4,790

1.     Includes the provisional goodwill arising on the acquisition of illion of US$389m (note 14(b)).

 

 

North

America

Latin

America

 

UK and Ireland

EMEA and Asia Pacific

 

Total operating segments

Central

Activities and other

Total

Group

At 30 September 2023

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

Goodwill

3,662

874

718

473

5,727

-

5,727

Investments in associates

4

-

9

-

13

-

13

Right-of-use assets

63

15

36

19

133

5

138

Assets classified as held-for-sale

-

-

-

-

-

10

10

Other assets

2,467

812

533

469

4,281

1,005

5,286

Total assets

6,196

1,701

1,296

961

10,154

1,020

11,174

Lease obligations

(79)

(18)

(36)

(20)

(153)

(4)

(157)

Other liabilities

(1,218)

(401)

(256)

(168)

(2,043)

(4,801)

(6,844)

Total liabilities

(1,297)

(419)

(292)

(188)

(2,196)

(4,805)

(7,001)

Net assets/(liabilities)

4,899

1,282

1,004

773

7,958

(3,785)

4,173

(ii)  Central Activities and other

 

30 September

 

2024

 

2023

 

Assets

Liabilities

Net assets/

(liabilities)

 

Assets

Liabilities

Net assets/

(liabilities)

 

US$m

US$m

US$m

 

US$m

US$m

US$m

Central Activities

619

(124)

495

 

733

(170)

563

Net debt1

283

(5,110)

(4,827)


197

(4,344)

(4,147)

Tax (current and deferred)

154

(278)

(124)


90

(291)

(201)

 

1,056

(5,512)

(4,456)


1,020

(4,805)

(3,785)

1.   Net debt comprises amounts reported within Central Activities plus lease obligations in operating segments, net of interest of US$137m (2023: US$153m).

(iii)    Capital employed

 

30 September

 

 

2024

2023

 

US$m

US$m

North America

5,444

4,899

Latin America

1,341

1,282

UK and Ireland

1,117

1,004

EMEA and Asia Pacific 

1,344

773

Total operating segments

9,246

7,958

Central Activities

495

563

Add: lease obligations in operating segments

138

153

Less: accrued interest on lease obligations in operating segments

(1)

-

Less: right-of-use assets

(120)

(138)

Less: non-controlling interests

(40)

(35)

Capital employed attributable to owners

9,718

8,501







 

Notes to the condensed interim financial statements

for the six months ended 30 September 2024

8. Information on business segments (including non-GAAP disclosures)

 

Business-to-

Business

 

Consumer Services

 

Total business segments

Central

Activities

 

Total

Group

Six months ended 30 September 2024

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

 



 

 

 

Revenue from external customers



 


 

Ongoing activities

2,597

1,020

3,617

-

3,617

Exited business activities

11

-

11

-

11

Total

2,608

1,020

3,628

-

3,628

Reconciliation from Benchmark EBIT to

profit/(loss) before tax



 


 

Benchmark EBIT



 


 

Ongoing activities

789

284

1,073

(62)

1,011

Exited business activities

(13)

1

(12)

-

(12)

Total

776

285

1,061

(62)

999

Net interest expense included in Benchmark PBT (note 10(b))

(1)

(1)

(2)

(68)

(70)

Benchmark PBT

775

284

1,059

(130)

929

Exceptional items (note 9(a))

(6)

(5)

(11)

(2)

(13)

Amortisation of acquisition intangibles

(81)

(14)

(95)

-

(95)

Acquisition and disposal expenses

(11)

3

(8)

-

(8)

Adjustment to the fair value of contingent consideration

-

(2)

(2)

-

(2)

Financing fair value remeasurements (note 10(c))

-

-

-

(93)

(93)

Profit/(loss) before tax

677

266

943

(225)

718




 


 

 

Business-to-

Business

 

Consumer Services

 

Total business segments

Central

Activities

 

Total

Group

Six months ended 30 September 20231

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

 



 


 

Revenue from external customers



 


 

Ongoing activities

2,456

943

3,399

-

3,399

Exited business activities

25

-

25

-

25

Total

2,481

943

3,424

-

3,424

Reconciliation from Benchmark EBIT to

profit/(loss) before tax



 



Benchmark EBIT



 


 

Ongoing activities before transfer pricing and other adjustments

753

244

997

(65)

932

Transfer pricing and other allocation adjustments

4

(5)

(1)

1

-

Ongoing activities

757

239

996

(64)

932

Exited business activities

(5)

1

(4)

-

(4)

Total

752

240

992

(64)

928

Net interest expense included in Benchmark PBT (note 10(b))

(1)

(1)

(2)

(66)

(68)

Benchmark PBT

751

239

990

(130)

860

Exceptional items (note 9(a))

4

-

4

-

4

Amortisation of acquisition intangibles

(79)

(16)

(95)

-

(95)

Acquisition and disposal expenses

(8)

(5)

(13)

-

(13)

Adjustment to the fair value of contingent consideration

(24)

-

(24)

-

(24)

Financing fair value remeasurements (note 10(c))

-

-

-

31

31

Profit/(loss) before tax

644

218

862

(99)

763

 

1.   Revenue of US$15m and Benchmark EBIT of US$(3)m for the six months ended 30 September 2023 have been re-presented for the reclassification to exited business activities of certain B2B businesses.

Additional information by business segment, including that on total and organic growth at constant exchange rates is provided within pages 3 to 11 and within Appendix 3 on page 16.



 

Notes to the condensed interim financial statements

for the six months ended 30 September 2024

9. Exceptional items and other adjustments made to derive Benchmark PBT

(a) Net charge for Exceptional items and other adjustments made to derive Benchmark PBT

 

 

Six months ended 30 September

 

 

2024

2023

 

 

US$m

US$m

Exceptional items:

 

 


Profit on disposal of operations (note 9(b))

 

-

(5)

Restructuring costs (note 9(c))

 

24

-

Legal provisions movement (note 9(d))

 

(11)

1

Net charge/(credit) for Exceptional items

 

13

(4)


 

 


Other adjustments made to derive Benchmark PBT:

 

 


Amortisation of acquisition intangibles

 

95

95

Acquisition and disposal expenses

 

8

13

Adjustment to the fair value of contingent consideration (note 23(c))

 

2

24

Financing fair value remeasurements (note 10(c))

 

93

(31)

Net charge for other adjustments made to derive Benchmark PBT

 

198

101

Net charge for Exceptional items and other adjustments made to derive Benchmark PBT

 

211

97


 

 


By income statement caption:

 

 


Within total operating expenses included in operating profit

 

118

128

Within finance expense

 

93

(31)

Net charge for Exceptional items and other adjustments made to derive Benchmark PBT

 

211

97

(b) Profit on disposal of operations

The profit in the six months ended 30 September 2023 of US$5m on the disposal of operations comprised a gain on the disposal of interests in a number of small subsidiary undertakings in EMEA and Asia Pacific.

(c) Restructuring costs

As we execute on the final stages of our technology transformation and cloud migration, we will realign our staff resources to our new technology architecture and accelerate the shift to our global development centres to drive productivity. Severance costs of US$24m were recognised in the six months ended 30 September 2024 in relation to this programme. We expect the full-year charge to be c.US$30m - US$50m, predominantly in one-off staff exit costs. The associated cash outflow in the period was US$15m (2023: US$nil).

(d) Legal provisions movement

Movements have occurred in provisions held for a number of historical legal claims, and reflect insurance recoveries in North America of US$11m (2023: legal costs of US$1m).

Notes to the condensed interim financial statements

for the six months ended 30 September 2024

10. Net finance expense/(income)

(a) Net finance expense included in profit before tax

 


Six months ended 30 September

 

 

2024

2023

 

 

US$m

US$m

Interest income:

 

 


Bank deposits, short-term investments and loan notes

 

(7)

(6)

Interest on pension plan assets (note 16(b))

 

(4)

(3)

Interest income

 

(11)

(9)


 

 


Finance expense:         

 

 


Interest on borrowings and derivatives

 

77

73

Interest on leases

4

4

Charge/(credit) in respect of financing fair value remeasurements (note 10(c))

93

(31)

Finance expense

 

174

46

Net finance expense included in profit before tax

 

163

37

(b) Net interest expense included in Benchmark PBT

 


Six months ended 30 September

 

 

2024

2023

 

 

US$m

US$m

Interest income


(11)

(9)

Interest expense

 

81

77

Net interest expense included in Benchmark PBT

 

70

68

(c) Analysis of charge/(credit) in respect of financing fair value remeasurements

 

 

 

Six months ended 30 September

 

 

 

2024

2023

 

 

 

US$m

US$m

Foreign exchange losses on Brazilian real intra-Group funding1

 

 

31

2

Foreign currency (gains)/losses on cross currency-swaps designated as a cash flow hedge - transfer from OCI

 

 

(31)

8

Other financing fair value losses/(gains)2

 

 

93

(41)

Charge/(credit) in respect of financing fair value remeasurements

 

 

93

(31)

1.   A Group company whose functional currency is not the Brazilian real provides Brazilian real intra-Group funding to Serasa S.A. Foreign exchange gains or losses on this funding are recognised in the Group income statement.

2.   Other financing fair value losses/(gains) primarily relate to our portfolio of interest rate swaps used for managing the proportion of fixed rate debt, as well as fair value losses of US$31m (2023: gains of US$8m) on borrowings which are in a cash flow hedge relationship, and fair value losses on put options of US$28m (2023: US$6m) (note 23(c)).

11. Tax

(a) Tax charge and effective rate of tax

 

Six months ended 30 September

 

2024

2023

 

US$m

US$m

Tax charge1

165

191

Profit before tax

718

763

Effective rate of tax based on profit before tax

23.0%

25.0%

1.   The tax charge comprises a current tax charge of US$241m (2023: US$267m) and a deferred tax credit of US$76m (2023: US$76m).

Tax charged in the six months ended 30 September 2024 has been calculated by applying the effective rate of tax which is expected to apply to the Group for the year ending 31 March 2025 using rates substantively enacted by 30 September 2024 as required by IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting'.



 

Notes to the condensed interim financial statements

for the six months ended 30 September 2024

11. Tax (continued)

(a) Tax charge and effective rate of tax (continued)

The decrease in the effective rate of tax from the comparative period is largely attributable to the recognition of a one-off deferred tax credit relating to tax losses where recognition is supported by the acquisition of the illion Group.

The Group's tax charge will continue to be influenced by the profile of profits earned in the different countries in which the Group's subsidiaries operate, in particular our material markets of the USA, Brazil and the UK.

Continued focus on tax reform is expected throughout 2024 and the following years, driven mainly by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's (OECD's) project to address the tax challenges arising from the digitalisation of the economy including the enactment of global minimum tax legislation in Ireland. The OECD's global minimum tax legislation applies to the Group from the financial year ending 31 March 2025. An assessment of this legislation has been completed and it does not materially impact the Group's effective tax rate in the current or future periods.

(b) Reconciliation of the tax charge to the Benchmark tax charge

 

Six months ended 30 September

 

2024

2023

 

US$m

US$m

Tax charge

165

191

Tax relief on Exceptional items and other adjustments made to derive

Benchmark PBT

67

25

Benchmark tax charge

232

216


 


Benchmark PBT

929

860

Benchmark tax rate

25.0%

25.1%

12. Earnings per share disclosures

(a) Earnings per share (EPS)

 

Six months ended 30 September

 

Basic

 

Diluted

 

2024

2023

 

2024

2023

 

US cents

US cents

 

US cents

US cents

EPS

60.2

62.3

 

59.8

61.9

Add: Exceptional items and other adjustments made to derive Benchmark PBT, net of related tax

15.8

8.1

 

15.7

8.1

Benchmark EPS (non-GAAP measure)

76.0

70.4

 

75.5

70.0

 

 






 













(b) Analysis of earnings

 

Six months ended 30 September

 

2024

2023

 

US$m

US$m

Profit for the period attributable to owners of Experian plc

550

569

Add: Exceptional items and other adjustments made to derive Benchmark PBT,

net of related tax, attributable to owners of Experian plc

145

74

Benchmark earnings attributable to owners of Experian plc (non-GAAP measure)

695

643

Benchmark earnings attributable to non-controlling interests (non-GAAP measure)

2

1

Total Benchmark earnings (non-GAAP measure)

697

644

 

 

 

 

 










 

Notes to the condensed interim financial statements

for the six months ended 30 September 2024

12. Earnings per share disclosures (continued)

(c) Reconciliation of Total Benchmark earnings to profit for the period

 

Six months ended

30 September

 

2024

2023

 

US$m

US$m

Total Benchmark earnings (non-GAAP measure)

697

644

Exceptional items and other adjustments made to derive Benchmark PBT, net of related tax:

 


- attributable to owners of Experian plc

(145)

(74)

- attributable to non-controlling interests

1

2

Profit for the period

553

572

(d) Weighted average number of ordinary shares

 

Six months ended

30 September

 

2024

2023

 

million

million

Weighted average number of ordinary shares

914

914

Add: dilutive effect of share incentive awards, options and share purchases

6

5

Diluted weighted average number of ordinary shares

920

919

13. Dividends on ordinary shares

 

Six months ended 30 September

 

2024


2023

 

 

US cents

per share

 

US$m


US cents

per share

 

US$m

Amounts recognised and paid:

 

 

 

 

 

Second interim - paid in July 2024 (2023: July)

40.50

370


37.75

345


 

 




First interim - announced

19.25

176


18.00

164

A first interim dividend of 19.25 US cents per ordinary share will be paid on 7 February 2025 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 10 January 2025 and is not included as a liability in these condensed interim financial statements. The first interim dividend for the six months ended 30 September 2023 was 18.0 US cents per ordinary share and the total dividend per ordinary share for the year ended 31 March 2024 was 58.5 US cents, with a total full year cost of US$534m. Further administrative information on dividends is given in the Shareholder information section on pages 56 and 57. Dividend amounts are quoted gross.

14. Goodwill

(a) Movements in goodwill

 

Six months ended 30 September

 

2024

2023

 

US$m

US$m

Cost

 


At 1 April

6,208

5,821

Differences on exchange

12

(20)

Additions through business combinations (note 22(a))

605

167

At 30 September

6,825

5,968

Accumulated impairment

 


At 1 April

246

246

Differences on exchange

9

(5)

At 30 September

255

241

Net book amount at 1 April

5,962

5,575

Net book amount at 30 September

5,727

 



 

Notes to the condensed interim financial statements

for the six months ended 30 September 2024

14. Goodwill (continued)

(b) Goodwill by group of cash-generating units (CGUs)

 

30 September

 

2024

2023

 

US$m

US$m

North America

3,952

3,662

Latin America

943

874

UK and Ireland

781

718

EMEA and Asia Pacific

505

473

illion (note 22(a))

389

-


6,570

5,727

The provisional goodwill arising on the acquisition of illion has been disclosed as a separate group of CGUs at 30 September 2024. It is anticipated that this provisional goodwill will be allocated to the existing EMEA and Asia Pacific group of CGUs, which is the group of CGUs that is expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination, but, as a result of the timing of the acquisition, the provisional goodwill was monitored separately at the period end. The allocation exercise will be undertaken before 31 March 2025 and the previously reported groups of CGUs will continue to be the lowest level at which goodwill will be monitored by management on an ongoing basis.

(c) Key assumptions for value-in-use calculations by group of CGUs

 

Six months ended

30 September 2024


Year ended

31 March 20241

 

 

Discount rate

Long-term growth rate


Discount rate

Long-term growth rate


% p.a.

% p.a.

 

% p.a.

% p.a.

North America

9.7

3.5

 

10.6

3.6

Latin America

17.6

5.2


19.1

5.1

UK and Ireland

10.7

2.8


11.7

3.1

EMEA and Asia Pacific

12.6

4.1


13.8

4.1

1.   The comparatives presented are for the most recent value-in-use calculation performed for each CGU in the year ended 31 March 2024.

As indicated in note 6(a) of the Group's statutory financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024, value-in-use calculations are underpinned by financial forecasts looking forward up to five years, which continue to reflect our current assessment of the impact of climate change and associated commitments the Group has made. Management's key assumptions in setting the financial forecasts for the initial five-year period were as follows:

·      Forecast revenue growth rates were based on past experience, adjusted for the strategic opportunities within each CGU; the forecasts used average nominal growth rates of up to 19%, with rates of up to 13% in EMEA and Asia Pacific.

·      Benchmark EBIT was forecast based on historical margins and expectations of future performance. Margins were expected to improve modestly throughout the period in the mature CGUs and improve annually by an absolute mid-single-digit amount in EMEA and Asia Pacific.

·      Forecast Benchmark operating cash flow conversion rates were based on historical conversion rates achieved and performance expectations in the respective CGUs, with long-term conversion rates of 96% used in EMEA and Asia Pacific.

Further details of the principles used in determining the basis of allocation by group of CGUs and annual impairment testing are given in note 6(a) of the Group's statutory financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024.



 

Notes to the condensed interim financial statements

for the six months ended 30 September 2024

14. Goodwill (continued)

(d) Results of annual impairment review as at 30 September 2024

The annual impairment reviews of goodwill were performed as at 30 September 2024, using the key modelling assumptions discussed in note 14(c). As a result of the timing of the acquisition, the provisional goodwill allocated to illion was not included in this process. No triggers that could indicate an impairment of the illion goodwill at the balance sheet date were identified.

The recoverable amount of the EMEA and Asia Pacific group of CGUs exceeded its carrying value by US$495m. Any decline in the estimated value-in-use in excess of that amount would result in the recognition of an impairment charge. The sensitivities, which result in the recoverable amount being equal to the carrying value, are summarised as follows:

·      an absolute increase of 4.2 percentage points in the discount rate, from 12.6% to 16.8%; or

·      an absolute reduction of 6.8 percentage points in the long-term growth rate, from growth of 4.1% to a decline of 2.7%; or

·      a reduction of 8.1 percentage points in the forecast FY30 profit margin, from 23.2% to 15.1%. A reduction in the annual margin improvement of approximately 1.6 percentage points per year over the five-year forecast period would also reduce the recoverable amount to the carrying value; or

·      an absolute reduction of 35% in the forecast FY30 profit.

The recoverable amount of all other groups of CGUs exceeded their carrying value, on the basis of the assumptions set out in the table in note 14(c) and any reasonably possible changes thereof.

The impairment review considered the potential impact of climate change by considering the results of the scenario analysis performed consistent with the recommendations of the TCFD. There was no impact on the reported amounts of goodwill as a result of this review.

15. Capital expenditure, disposals and capital commitments

(a) Additions

 

Six months ended 30 September

 

2024

2023

 

 

US$m

US$m

 

Capital expenditure

298

310

 

Right-of-use-assets

13

39

 


311

349

 

(b) Disposal of other intangible assets and property, plant and equipment

Other intangible assets and property, plant and equipment totalling US$6m (2023: US$5m) were disposed of at book value in the six months ended 30 September 2024. Of the disposal US$5m (2023: US$4m) related to right-of-use assets.

(c) Capital commitments

30 September

 

 

2024

2023

 

 

US$m

US$m

 




Capital expenditure for which contracts have been placed:

 


Other intangible assets

40

50

Property, plant and equipment

7

9


47

59







Capital commitments at 30 September 2024 included commitments of US$33m not expected to be incurred before 30 September 2025. Capital commitments at 30 September 2023 included commitments of US$43m not then expected to be incurred before 30 September 2024. There were no commitments at 30 September 2024 (2023: US$5m) for leases where the term had not yet started.

Notes to the condensed interim financial statements

for the six months ended 30 September 2024

16. Post-employment benefit assets and obligations

(a) Amounts recognised in the Group balance sheet


30 September



2024

2023


 


US$m

US$m


 

Retirement benefit assets/(obligations) - funded defined benefit plans:

 



 

Fair value of funded plans' assets

913

778


 

Present value of funded plans' obligations

(707)

(627)


 

Assets in the Group balance sheet for funded defined benefit pensions

206

151


 


 



 

Obligations for unfunded post-employment benefits:

 



 

Present value of defined benefit pensions - unfunded plans

(37)

(33)


 

Present value of post-employment medical benefits

(3)

(2)


 

Liabilities in the Group balance sheet

(40)

(35)


 

Net post-employment benefit assets

166

116


 







The net post-employment benefit assets of US$147m at 1 April 2024 (1 April 2023: US$135m) comprised assets of US$186m (1 April 2023: US$174m) in respect of funded plans, and obligations of US$39m  (1 April 2023: US$39m) in respect of unfunded plans. The post-employment benefit assets and obligations are denominated primarily in pounds sterling.

The funded defined benefit pension plans hold a range of assets including equities, index-linked gilts, global corporate bonds, secured credit, and a Liability Driven Investment strategy which is used to hedge against interest fluctuations and inflation. The primary drivers impacting the fair value of the plans' funded assets and obligations are changes to pound sterling interest rates and the retranslation of assets and obligations into US dollars.

(b) Movements in net post-employment benefit assets recognised in the Group balance sheet


Six months ended 30 September


2024

2023


US$m

US$m

At 1 April

147

135

Charge to the Group income statement within total operating expenses

(2)

(1)

Credit to the Group income statement within interest income

4

3

Remeasurements recognised within OCI

6

(22)

Differences on exchange

10

(1)

Contributions paid by the Group

1

2

At 30 September

166

116

 



 







The Experian Pension Scheme was closed to the future accrual of new benefits from 1 April 2022, contributions paid relate to unfunded post-employment benefits. The remeasurement recognised in OCI relates to defined benefit pension plans.

(c) Actuarial assumptions

 

 


30 September

 


2024


2023



% p.a.


% p.a.


Discount rate

5.1


5.7


Inflation rate - based on the UK Retail Prices Index (RPI)

3.2


3.4


Inflation rate - based on the UK Consumer Prices Index (CPI)

2.8


2.9


Increase for pensions in payment - element based on the RPI (where cap is 5%)

3.0


3.1


Increase for pensions in payment - element based on the CPI (where cap is 2.5%)

1.9


1.9


Increase for pensions in payment - element based on the CPI (where cap is 3%)

2.2


2.2


Increase for pensions in deferment

2.8


2.9


Inflation in medical costs

6.3


6.3











 

Notes to the condensed interim financial statements

for the six months ended 30 September 2024

16. Post-employment benefit assets and obligations (continued)

(c) Actuarial assumptions (continued)

The principal financial assumption is the real discount rate, which is the excess of the discount rate over the rate of inflation. The discount rate is based on the market yields of high-quality corporate bonds of a currency and term appropriate to the defined benefit obligations and has increased by 15 basis points in the six-month period from 31 March 2024.

The assumed single equivalent margin between RPI and CPI has been reduced to 40 basis points from 45 basis points at 31 March 2024, consistent with our continued assumption of a 100 basis point margin prior to 2030, with a ten basis point margin assumed thereafter. The single equivalent differential is expected to reduce over time towards 2030. This results in an increase in retirement benefit obligations at 30 September 2024 of approximately US$1m.

The mortality and other demographic assumptions at 30 September 2024 remain unchanged from those used at 31 March 2024 and disclosed in the Group's statutory financial statements for the year then ended, save for an update for the latest published version of a UK model for projected improvements in life expectancy.

The Group has considered the potential impact of climate change and, at the present time, we do not believe there is sufficient evidence to require a change in the long-term mortality assumptions. We will continue to monitor any potential future impact on the mortality assumptions used.

(d) Virgin Media case

In June 2023, the English High Court issued a judgment involving the Virgin Media NTL Pension Plan which held that amendments to the plan's rules in relation to benefit changes were invalid in the absence of a confirmation from the scheme actuary under Section 37 of the Pension Schemes Act 1993. Virgin Media appealed the judgment. The Court of Appeal has now heard the case and on 25 July 2024 dismissed the appeal.

While the ruling only applied to the specific pension plan in question it could be expected to apply across other 'UK contracted out' pension plans. We are considering the implications of the case for our two closed UK funded defined benefit pension schemes. At 30 September, the defined benefit obligations have been calculated on the basis of the pension benefits currently being administered, and at this stage we have not assessed any likely impact due to the Court ruling on the defined benefit obligations. Any subsequent developments following the Court of Appeal's judgment will be monitored by the Group.

17. Notes to the Group cash flow statement

(a) Cash generated from operations


 

Six months ended 30 September


 

2024

2023


Notes

US$m

US$m

Profit before tax

 

718

763

Share of post-tax profit of associates

 

(1)

(1)

Net finance expense

 

163

37

Operating profit

 

880

799

Profit on disposal of operations

9(b)

-

(5)

Impairment of other intangible assets

 

6

-

Amortisation and depreciation1

 

365

347

Charge in respect of share incentive plans

 

65

57

Increase in working capital

17(b)

(314)

(194)

Acquisition expenses - difference between income statement charge and amount paid

 

(4)

5

Acquisition employee incentives paid

17(d)

(24)

(4)

Adjustment to the fair value of contingent consideration

23(c)

2

24

Movement in Exceptional and other non-benchmark items included in

working capital

 

(1)

(56)

Cash generated from operations

 

975

973

 

 

 


 








1.   Amortisation and depreciation includes amortisation of acquisition intangibles of US$95m (2023: US$95m) which is excluded from Benchmark PBT. Depreciation of right-of-use assets totalled US$23m (2023: US$24m).



 

Notes to the condensed interim financial statements

for the six months ended 30 September 2024

17. Notes to the Group cash flow statement (continued)

(b) (Increase)/decrease in working capital


Six months ended 30 September


2024

2023


US$m

US$m

Trade and other receivables

2

(41)

Trade and other payables

(316)

(153)

Increase in working capital1

(314)

(194)

1.   There was no material change to contract assets, contract costs or loss allowance in the current or prior period. Contract liabilities reduced by US$89m (2023: US$57m) from 1 April predominantly due to the cyclical nature of invoicing and exchange gains.

(c) Purchase of other intangible assets



 

 

Six months ended 30 September

 

2024

2023

 

US$m

US$m

Databases

98

98

Internally generated software

162

171

Internal use software

23

23

Purchase of other intangible assets

283

292







 

(d) Cash flows on acquisitions (non-GAAP measure)

 

 

Six months ended 30 September

 

 

2024

2023

 

Notes

US$m

US$m

Purchase of subsidiaries

22(a)

809

107

Less: net cash acquired with subsidiaries

22(a)

(35)

(16)

Settlement of deferred and contingent consideration


7

103

As reported in the Group cash flow statement

 

781

194

Acquisition expenses paid

 

12

8

Acquisition employee incentives paid

 

24

4

Transactions in respect of non-controlling interests

 

1

-

Cash outflow for acquisitions (non-GAAP measure) (Appendix 5)

 

818

206

 

(e) Cash outflow in respect of net share purchases (non-GAAP measure)

 

 

Six months ended 30 September

 

 

2024

2023

 

Notes

US$m

US$m

Issue of ordinary shares

20

(18)

(17)

Purchase of shares by employee trusts

21

83

56

Purchase of shares held as treasury shares

21

30

8

Cash outflow in respect of net share purchases (non-GAAP measure)

95

47

 


 

 

 

As reported in the Group cash flow statement:


 

 

Cash inflow in respect of shares issued


(18)

(17)

Cash outflow in respect of share purchases


113

64

Cash outflow in respect of net share purchases (non-GAAP measure)

95

47









Treasury share purchases of US$29m were executed in the six months ended 30 September 2023, of which US$21m was settled after the end of that period.

(f) Analysis of cash and cash equivalents

 

 

30 September

 

 

2024

2023

 

 

US$m

US$m

Cash and cash equivalents in the Group balance sheet


245

195

Bank overdrafts


(2)

(2)

Cash and cash equivalents in the Group cash flow statement


243

193

Cash and cash equivalents in the Group cash flow statement at 31 March 2024 of US$300m were reported net of bank overdrafts of US$12m.

Notes to the condensed interim financial statements

for the six months ended 30 September 2024

17. Notes to the Group cash flow statement (continued)

(g) Reconciliation of Cash generated from operations to Benchmark operating cash flow

(non-GAAP measure)



 

 



Six months ended 30 September



2024

2023


Notes

US$m

US$m

Cash generated from operations

17(a)

975

973

Purchase of other intangible assets

17(c)

(283)

(292)

Purchase of property, plant and equipment


(15)

(18)

Disposal of property, plant and equipment


1

1

Disposal of assets classified as held-for-sale


-

2

Principal lease payments


(21)

(24)

Acquisition expenses paid

17(d)

12

8

Acquisition employee incentives paid

17(d)

24

4

Cash flows in respect of Exceptional and other non-benchmark items


14

57

Benchmark operating cash flow (non-GAAP measure) (Appendix 4)


707

711







Cash flow conversion for the six months ended 30 September 2024 was 71% (2023: 77%). Benchmark free cash flow for the six months ended 30 September 2024 was US$426m (2023: US$376m).

18. Net debt (non-GAAP measure)

(a) Analysis by nature

 

 

 

30 September

 

2024

2023

 

US$m

US$m

Cash and cash equivalents (net of overdrafts)

243

193

Debt due within one year - bonds and notes

-

(472)

Debt due within one year - commercial paper

(540)

(303)

Debt due within one year - lease obligations

(38)

(38)

Debt due after more than one year - bonds and notes

(4,123)

(3,202)

Debt due after more than one year - bank loans

(387)

(158)

Debt due after more than one year - lease obligations

(104)

(119)

Derivatives hedging borrowings

(15)

(201)

Net debt

(4,964)

(4,300)






 

(b) Analysis by balance sheet caption

 

 

 

 

 

30 September

 

 

2024

2023

 

 

US$m

US$m

 

Cash and cash equivalents

245

195

 

Current borrowings

(581)

(816)

 

Non-current borrowings

(4,617)

(3,479)

 

Borrowings

(5,198)

(4,295)

 

Total of Group balance sheet line items

(4,953)

(4,100)

 

Accrued interest reported within borrowings excluded from Net debt

4

1

 

Derivatives reported within Other financial assets

37

2

 

Derivatives reported within Other financial liabilities

(52)

(203)

 

Net debt

(4,964)

(4,300)

 







At 30 September 2024, the fair value of borrowings was US$5,055m (2023: US$3,869m).



 

Notes to the condensed interim financial statements

for the six months ended 30 September 2024

18. Net debt (non-GAAP measure) (continued)

(c) Analysis of movements in Net debt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 April


Movements in the six months ended 30 September 2024

30 September

 

 

2024


Net

cash

 flow

Non-cash lease obligation

movements1

Principal lease payments

Net share purchases

Additions
 through business combinations

Fair

value

gains/

losses

Exchange

and other movements

2024

 

 

US$m


US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

Derivatives hedging

loans and borrowings

(123)


(35)

-

-

-

-

48

95

(15)



Borrowings2,3

(4,266)




(762)

(8)

-

-

(2)

(5)

(155)

(5,198)

Liabilities from financing activities

(4,389)


(797)

(8)

-

-

(2)

43

(60)

(5,213)

Accrued interest

24


(20)

-

-

-

-

-

-

4

Cash and cash equivalents

312


32

-

21

(95)

-

-

(25)

245

Net debt

(4,053)

 

(785)

(8)

21

(95)

(2)

43

(85)

(4,964)

 























1.   Non-cash lease obligation movements include additions of US$13m and disposals of US$5m (note 15).

2.   On 10 September 2024 the Group issued €650m 3.375% bonds due 10 October 2034. The bond issue extends the maturity of the Company's debt portfolio. The proceeds were swapped to US dollars using cross-currency swaps, and will be used for general corporate purposes, including acquisitions.

3.   The £400m 2.125% Euronotes due September 2024 matured during the period.

19. Undrawn committed bank borrowing facilities

 

30 September

 

2024

2023


US$m

US$m

Facilities expiring in:



One to two years

113

143

Two to three years

150

2,050

Three to four years

-

150

Four to five years

1,800

-

 

2,063

2,343

At 31 March 2024, there were undrawn committed bank borrowing facilities of US$2,366m.

There is one financial covenant in connection with the borrowing facilities. Benchmark EBIT must exceed three times net interest expense before financing fair value remeasurements. The calculation of the financial covenant excludes the effects of IFRS 16 'Leases'. The Group monitors this, and the Net debt to Benchmark EBITDA leverage ratio, and has complied with this covenant throughout the current and prior period.

20. Called-up share capital and share premium account

 

 

Number of

shares

Called-up share

capital

Share premium account


million

US$m

US$m

At 1 April 2023

971.4

96

1,799

Shares issued under employee share incentive plans

0.6

1

16

At 30 September 2023

972.0

97

1,815

Shares issued under employee share incentive plans

0.2

-

4

At 31 March 2024

972.2

97

1,819

Shares issued under employee share incentive plans

0.7

-

18

At 30 September 2024

972.9

97

1,837



 

Notes to the condensed interim financial statements

for the six months ended 30 September 2024

21. Own shares held


Number of

shares

Cost of shares


million

US$m

At 1 April 2023

59.0

1,273

Purchase of shares by employee trusts

1.5

56

Purchase of shares held as treasury shares

0.9

29

Other vesting of awards and exercises of share options

(3.2)

(49)

At 30 September 2023

58.2

1,309

Purchase of shares held as treasury shares

1.2

40

Other vesting of awards and exercises of share options

(0.3)

(6)

At 31 March 2024

59.1

1,343

Purchase of shares by employee trusts

1.8

83

Purchase of shares held as treasury shares

0.7

30

Other vesting of awards and exercises of share options

(3.7)

(80)

At 30 September 2024

57.9

1,376

Own shares held at 30 September 2024 included 4.6 million (2023: 6.0 million) shares held in employee trusts and 53.3 million (2023: 52.2 million) shares held as treasury shares. Own shares held at 31 March 2024 included 5.7 million (1 April 2023: 6.7 million) shares held in employee trusts and 53.4 million (1 April 2023: 52.3 million) shares held as treasury shares.

The total cost of own shares held at each balance sheet date is deducted from other reserves in the Group balance sheet.

22. Acquisitions

(a) Acquisitions in the period

The Group made four acquisitions in the six months ended 30 September 2024, including the acquisition on 30 September 2024 of 100% of Credit Data Solutions Pty Ltd and its subsidiary undertakings (illion), a leading consumer and commercial credit bureau in Australia and New Zealand. On 12 August 2024, we also acquired 100% Neuro-ID, Inc. (NeuroID) in the USA, an industry leader in behavioural analytics, supplementing Experian's fraud risk suite.

The net assets acquired, goodwill and acquisition consideration are analysed below:

 

illion

NeuroID

Other

Total

 

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

Intangible assets:





Customer and other relationships

183

8

6

197

Software development

36

30

29

95

Marketing-related assets

3

1

-

4

Other intangibles

28

-

-

28

Intangible assets

250

39

35

324

Property, plant and equipment

2

-

1

3

Deferred tax assets

1

-

(7)

(6)

Trade and other receivables

13

2

-

15

Cash and cash equivalents (note 17(d))

21

12

2

35

Trade and other payables

(22)

(9)

(4)

(35)

Borrowings

(2)

-

-

(2)

Deferred tax liabilities

(67)

(10)

(10)

(87)

Total identifiable net assets

196

34

17

247

Goodwill (note 14(a))

389

111

105

605

Total

585

145

122

852

Satisfied by:





Cash and cash equivalents (note 17(d))

585

145

79

809

Contingent consideration

-

-

43

43

Total

585

145

122

852

Other includes adjustments to prior year acquisition provisional amounts for deferred tax assets, recognised during the six months ended 30 September 2024.

Notes to the condensed interim financial statements

for the six months ended 30 September 2024

22. Acquisitions (continued)

(a) Acquisitions in the period (continued)

These provisional fair values are determined by using established estimation techniques.

Acquisition intangibles are valued using discounted cash flow models. For the six months ended 30 September 2024, the most significant inputs to these calculations are the proportion of earnings attributable to customer and other relationships and software development for illion.

The fair value of material contingent consideration is determined using a Monte-Carlo simulation model applied to the forecast performance of the relevant metric linked to each liability. The contingent consideration payable for Salt Participações S.A. and its subsidiary undertakings (SalaryFits) in Brazil, which the Group acquired on 2 September 2024, is linked to the revenue and Benchmark EBIT margin performance of the business for the year ending 31 March 2027. Providing that certain minimum thresholds are satisfied, we expect the earnout payment to be within an undiscounted range of US$20m to US$117m. We have determined the fair value of the contingent consideration at acquisition to be US$40m, which is included in the US$43m of other contingent consideration above.

We engage with third-party valuation experts to assist with the valuation process for all significant or complex acquisitions, including for the valuation of contingent consideration and put option liabilities. Provisional fair values contain amounts which will be finalised no later than one year after the date of acquisition. Provisional amounts, predominantly for intangible assets, associated tax balances and contingent consideration have been included at 30 September 2024, as a consequence of the timing and complexity of the acquisitions.

Goodwill represents the synergies, assembled workforces and future growth potential of the acquired businesses. The goodwill in relation to one acquisition is currently deductible for tax purposes.

(b) Additional information in respect of acquisitions in the period

 

 

illion

NeuroID

Other

Total

 

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

Increase/(decrease) in book value of net assets due to provisional fair value adjustments:

 

 

 

 

Intangible assets

223

39

35

297

Deferred tax assets

(11)

-

(7)

(18)

Trade and other payables

-

(1)

(2)

(3)

Deferred tax liabilities

(67)

(10)

(10)

(87)

Increase in book value of net assets due to provisional fair value adjustments

145

28

16

189

Gross contractual amounts receivable in respect of trade and other receivables

13

2

-

15

Pro forma revenue from 1 April 2024 to date of acquisition

58

4

7

69

Revenue from date of acquisition to 30 September 2024

-

1

3

4

(Loss)/profit before tax from date of acquisition to

30 September 2024

-

(1)

1

-

At the dates of acquisition, the gross contractual amounts receivable in respect of trade and other receivables of US$15m were expected to be collected in full. If the transactions had occurred on the first day of the financial year, the estimated additional contribution to profit before tax would have been US$7m.

(c) Prior year acquisitions

Contingent consideration of US$7m (2023: US$102m) was settled in the period in respect of acquisitions made in earlier years. The cash flows in the six months ended 30 September 2023 principally comprised US$30m in relation to the acquisition of Tax Credit Co, LLC (TCC) in FY22, and US$60m in relation to the acquisition of BrScan Processamento de Dados e Tecnologia Ltda (BrScan) in FY21. Further detail on contingent consideration fair value adjustments recognised in the period is provided in note 23(c).

The Group made five acquisitions in the six months ended 30 September 2023, none of which was individually material. A cash outflow of US$91m was reported in the Group cash flow statement for that period, after deduction of US$16m in respect of net cash acquired.

There have been no other material gains, losses, corrections or other adjustments recognised in the six months ended 30 September 2024 that relate to acquisitions in earlier years.

Notes to the condensed interim financial statements

for the six months ended 30 September 2024

22. Acquisitions (continued)

(d) Post balance sheet acquisition

On 4 October 2024, we agreed to acquire Clear Sale S.A. a leading provider of digital fraud prevention solutions in Brazil for up to R$1,905m (c.US$350m), net of cash and other closing conditions. The acquisition is subject to shareholder, competition and regulatory approval.

23. Financial risk management

(a) Financial risk factors

The Group's activities expose it to a variety of financial risks. These are market risk, including foreign exchange risk and interest rate risk, credit risk and liquidity risk. The nature of these risks and the policies adopted by way of mitigation are unchanged from those reported in the Annual Report and Group financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024. Full information and disclosures were contained in that document.

(b) Analysis by valuation method for put options and items measured at fair value

 

At 30 September 2024

 

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

 

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

Financial assets:

 




 

Derivatives used for hedging - fair value hedges1

 

-

8

-

8

Non-hedging derivatives

 

-

128

-

128

Other financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

 

-

-

18

18

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

 

-

136

18

154

Derivatives used for hedging - cash flow hedge1

 

-

18

-

18

Listed and trade investments

 

57

-

148

205

Financial assets revalued through OCI

 

57

18

148

223


 

57

154

166

377

Financial liabilities:





 

Derivatives used for hedging - fair value hedges1

 

-

(48)

-

(48)

Non-hedging derivatives

 

-

(13)

-

(13)

Other liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

 

-

-

(126)

(126)

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

 

-

(61)

(126)

(187)

Put options

 

-

-

(153)

(153)


 

-

(61)

(279)

(340)

Net financial assets/(liabilities)

 

57

93

(113)

37

 

At 30 September 2023

 

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

 

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

Financial assets:






Non-hedging derivatives


-

198

-

198

Other financial assets at fair value through profit or loss


-

-

12

12

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss


-

198

12

210

Listed and trade investments2


65

-

246

311



65

198

258

521

Financial liabilities:





 

Derivatives used for hedging - fair value hedges1


-

(163)

-

(163)

Non-hedging derivatives


-

(37)

-

(37)

Other liabilities at fair value through profit or loss


-

-

(124)

(124)

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss


-

(200)

(124)

(324)

Derivatives used for hedging - cash flow hedge1, 2


-

(28)

-

(28)

Put options


-

-

(108)

(108)



-

(228)

(232)

(460)

Net financial assets/(liabilities)

 

65

(30)

26

61

1.     Derivatives used for hedging are in documented hedge accounting relationships.



 

2.     Listed and trade investments, and derivatives designated as a cash flow hedge, which are in a documented hedge accounting relationship, are revalued through OCI.

Notes to the condensed interim financial statements

for the six months ended 30 September 2024

23. Financial risk management (continued)

(b) Analysis by valuation method for put options and items measured at fair value (continued)

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss (FVPL) are reported within Other financial assets in the Group balance sheet. Contingent consideration is reported within trade and other payables in the Group balance sheet. Put options and other financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are reported within Other financial liabilities in the Group balance sheet. Cross-currency swaps in respect of the cash flow hedge are reported within Financial assets revalued through OCI or Financial liabilities revalued through OCI, in the Group balance sheet.

The fair values of derivative financial instruments and other financial assets and liabilities are determined by using market data and established estimation techniques such as discounted cash flow and option valuation models. The fair value of foreign exchange contracts is based on a comparison of the contractual and period-end exchange rates. The fair values of other derivative financial instruments are estimated by discounting the future cash flows to net present values using appropriate market rates prevailing at the period end. There have been no changes in valuation techniques during the period under review.

The analysis by level in the above tables, is a requirement of IFRS 13 'Fair Value Measurement' and the definitions are summarised here for completeness:

·      assets and liabilities whose valuations are based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities are classified as Level 1

·      assets and liabilities which are not traded in an active market, and whose valuations are derived from available market data that is observable for the asset or liability, are classified as Level 2

·      assets and liabilities whose valuations are derived from inputs not based on observable market data are classified as Level 3.

Level 3 items principally comprise minority shareholdings in unlisted businesses, trade investments, contingent consideration and put options associated with corporate transactions.

Unlisted equity investments, initially measured at cost, are revalued where sufficient indicators are identified that a change in the fair value has occurred. The inputs to any subsequent valuations are based on a combination of observable evidence from external transactions in the investee's equity and estimated discounted cash flows that will arise from the investment.

The calculation of the fair value of the Group's acquisition-related contingent consideration and put option liabilities requires management to estimate the outcome of uncertain future events. These liabilities are typically linked to the future financial performance of the acquired business, with the key area of estimation uncertainty being the estimation of the relevant financial metrics. Material valuations are based on Monte Carlo simulations using the most recent management expectations of relevant business performance, reflecting the different contractual arrangements in place.

The likely range of the undiscounted put option exercise price on the FY24 acquisition of MOVA Sociedade de Empréstimo entre Pessoas S.A. (MOVA) is set out in note 23(c). There would be no material effect on the other amounts stated from any reasonably possible change in such inputs at 30 September 2024. There have been no transfers between levels during the current or prior period.



 

Notes to the condensed interim financial statements

for the six months ended 30 September 2024

23. Financial risk management (continued)

(c) Analysis of movements in Level 3 net financial (liabilities)/assets

 

Six months ended 30 September 2024

Financial assets revalued through OCI

Other financial assets at FVPL

Contingent consideration

Put options

Total

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

At 1 April 2024

167

14

(92)

(133)

(44)

Additions1

22

6

(43)

-

(15)

Conversion of convertible debt to equity investments

3

(3)

-

-

-

Settlement of contingent consideration

-

-

7

-

7

Adjustment to the fair value of contingent consideration2

-

-

(2)

-

(2)

Valuation losses recognised in the Group income statement3,4

-

-

-

(28)

(28)

Valuation losses recognised in OCI5

(44)

-

-

-

(44)

Currency translation gains recognised directly in OCI

-

-

4

8

12

Other

-

1

-

-

1

At 30 September 2024

148

18

(126)

(153)

(113)

 

Six months ended 30 September 2023

Financial assets revalued through OCI

Other financial assets at FVPL

Contingent consideration

Put options

Total

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

At 1 April 2023

252

16

(139)

(33)

96

Additions1,6

5

-

(58)

(71)

(124)

Conversion of convertible debt to equity investments

5

(5)

-

-

-

Settlement of contingent consideration7

-

-

102

-

102

Adjustment to the fair value of contingent consideration2,8

-

-

(24)

-

(24)

Valuation losses recognised in the Group income statement3

-

-

-

(6)

(6)

Valuation losses recognised in OCI5

(16)

-

-

-

(16)

Currency translation (losses)/gains recognised directly in OCI

-

-

(2)

2

-

Other

-

1

(3)

-

(2)

At 30 September 2023

246

12

(124)

(108)

26

1.   Additions to contingent consideration comprised US$43m (2023: US$58m) in respect of acquisitions (note 22(a)).

2.   Contingent consideration is revalued at each reporting date based on current projections of the associated targets, with any fair value remeasurements recognised as a non-benchmark item in the Group income statement (note 9(a)).

3.   Movements in the present value of expected future payments for put options are unrealised and are recognised in financing fair value remeasurements in the Group income statement.

4.   In the six months ended 30 September 2024, a valuation loss of US$26m was recorded on the put option recognised on the acquisition of MOVA in FY24. The exercise price of this put option is linked to the 2028 calendar year revenue and Benchmark EBIT margin performance of the business. If exercised, we expect the likely range of the undiscounted option exercise price to be between US$82m and US$254m. We have determined the fair value of the put option liability at 30 September 2024 to be US$101m. If the discount rate used in this determination increased or decreased by a percentage point, the put option liability would decrease or increase by approximately US$4m.

5.   Of the valuation losses recognised in OCI, US$24m (2023: US$4m) related to our investment in Vector CM Holdings (Cayman) L.P.

6.   Additions to put options in the six months ended 30 September 2023 comprised US$71m in respect of the acquisition of MOVA.

7.   In the six months ended 30 September 2023, contingent consideration settled principally related to the acquisitions of TCC US$30m and BrScan US$60m.

8.   In the six months ended 30 September 2023, contingent consideration in relation to TCC increased by US$22m following fair value adjustments which were determined by revenue and profit performance. There are limits in place for contingent consideration payments, and at 30 September 2023 the liability in respect of the TCC contingent consideration was equal to the present value of the maximum payment of US$50m. In the second half of FY24 however, all remaining liabilities were settled for US$40m.

 



 

Notes to the condensed interim financial statements

for the six months ended 30 September 2024

23. Financial risk management (continued)

(d) Fair value methodology

Information in respect of the carrying amounts and the fair value of borrowings is included in note 18(b). There are no material differences between the carrying value of the Group's other financial assets and liabilities not measured at fair value and their estimated fair values. The following assumptions and methods are used to estimate the fair values:

·      the fair values of receivables, payables and cash and cash equivalents are considered to approximate to the carrying amounts

·      the fair values of short-term borrowings, other than bonds, are considered to approximate to the carrying amounts due to the short maturity terms of such instruments

·      the fair value of that portion of bonds carried at amortised cost is based on quoted market prices, employing a valuation methodology falling within Level 1 of the IFRS 13 fair value hierarchy

·      the fair value of listed investments is based on quoted market prices, employing a valuation methodology falling within Level 1 of the IFRS 13 fair value hierarchy

·      the fair values of long-term variable rate bank loans and lease obligations are considered to approximate to the carrying amount

·      the fair values of other financial assets and liabilities are calculated based on a discounted cash flow analysis, using a valuation methodology falling within Level 2 of the IFRS 13 fair value hierarchy, apart from the fair values of trade investments and contingent consideration which are determined using a valuation methodology falling within Level 3 of the IFRS 13 fair value hierarchy.

The Group considers the impact of climate-related matters, including legislation, on the fair value measurement of assets and liabilities. At present, the impact of climate-related matters is not material to these condensed interim financial statements.

(e) Carrying value of financial assets and liabilities

There have been no unusual changes in economic or business circumstances that have affected the carrying value of the Group's financial assets and liabilities at 30 September 2024.

24. Related party transactions

The Group had no material or unusual related party transactions during the six months ended 30 September. The Group's related parties were disclosed in the Group's statutory financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 and there have been no material changes during the six months ended 30 September 2024.

25. Contingencies

(a) Latin America tax

As previously indicated, Serasa S.A. has been advised that the Brazilian tax authorities are challenging the deduction for tax purposes of goodwill amortisation arising from its acquisition by Experian in 2007. The Brazilian administrative courts have ultimately upheld Experian's position in respect of the tax years from 2007 to 2012 with no further right of appeal. The Brazilian tax authorities have raised similar assessments in respect of the 2013 to 2018 tax years, in relation to the goodwill amortisation related to both the original acquisition of a majority shareholding in Serasa S.A. in 2007 and the acquisition of the remaining holding in 2012, and also in relation to the acquisition of Virid Interatividade Digital Ltda in 2011. Experian has claimed a tax deduction for goodwill amortisation of US$207m across these years. During FY25, Experian has been successful at the first level administrative court in defending the position that US$149m of this goodwill arising in years 2013 to 2016 is deductible, but Brazilian tax authorities may appeal this decision and may also raise similar claims in respect of other years. The possibility of this resulting in a liability (which may consist of underpaid tax, interest and penalties), to the Group is considered to be remote, based on the advice of external legal counsel, success in cases to date and other factors in respect of the claims.



 

Notes to the condensed interim financial statements

for the six months ended 30 September 2024

25. Contingencies (continued)

(b) Other litigation and claims

There continues to be an increase in regulatory activity, including a number of pending and threatened regulatory actions and other claims involving the Group across all its major geographies which are in various stages of investigation or enforcement, and which are being vigorously defended. These include increased investigation and enforcement activity from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau related to the consumer dispute process in our Credit Reference business, and the Federal Trade Commission in the USA related to our Marketing Service business, as well as potential rulemaking and federal and state level legislation which could impact our Credit Reference, Consumer Services and Marketing Services businesses in the USA. The directors do not believe that the outcome of any rulemaking or regulatory investigation or enforcement will have a materially adverse effect on the Group's financial position.

We have also seen increased GDPR investigation and enforcement activity in the European Union (EU), including a claim from the Dutch Data Protection Authority (the AP) claiming that our Credit Reference business in the Netherlands (c.US$7m annual turnover) cannot process credit reference data based on legitimate interest and is not sufficiently transparent under GDPR, and asserting an associated fine which could range as high as 4% of global turnover under GDPR. The AP's position is contrary to established regulatory positions in our other EU markets, which recognise that legitimate interest is a proper basis to process credit reference data in order to maintain a fair and efficient lending process. Based on external legal opinions, relevant precedents, and the facts of the underlying matter, we believe the AP's position is legally wrong, we will contest the matter and we do not believe it will have a materially adverse effect on the Group's financial position.

There also continue to be individual consumer and class action litigation matters in Brazil and the USA related to our Marketing Services, Consumer Services and Credit Reference businesses. Some of these class action litigation matters in the USA allege willful misconduct under the US Fair Credit Reporting Act that, if proven, carry the potential for liability which includes statutory damages between US$100 to US$1,000 per consumer. The directors do not believe that the outcome of any individual litigation matter action will have a materially adverse effect on the Group's financial position.

As is inherent in legal, regulatory and administrative proceedings, there is a risk of outcomes that may be unfavourable to the Group. In the case of unfavourable outcomes, the Group may benefit from applicable insurance recoveries.

26. Events occurring after the end of the reporting period

(a) First interim dividend

Details of the first interim dividend approved by the Board on 12 November 2024 are given in note 13.

(b) Acquisition

On 4 October 2024, we agreed to acquire Clear Sale S.A. a leading provider of digital fraud prevention solutions in Brazil for up to R$1,905m (c.US$350m), net of cash and other closing conditions. The acquisition is subject to shareholder, competition and regulatory approval.

27. Company website

The Company has a website which contains up-to-date information on Group activities and published financial results. The directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of statutory and audited information on this website. The work carried out by the auditor does not involve consideration of these matters. Jersey legislation and UK regulation governing the preparation and dissemination of financial information may differ from requirements in other jurisdictions.



Statement of directors' responsibilities

 

The directors are responsible for preparing the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 30 September 2024 in accordance with applicable law, regulations and accounting standards.

 

The directors confirm that these condensed interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' adopted pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002 as it applies in the EU, and as adopted for use in the UK and as issued by the IASB, and that, to the best of their knowledge, the interim management report herein includes a fair review of the information required by:

 

(a) DTR 4.2.7R of the UK Financial Conduct Authority Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook, being an indication of important events that have occurred during the first six months of the financial year and the impact on these condensed interim financial statements; and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the financial year; and

 

(b) DTR 4.2.8R of the UK Financial Conduct Authority Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook, being related party transactions that have taken place in the first six months of the financial year and that have materially affected the financial position or performance of the enterprise during that period; and any changes in the related party transactions described in the last annual report that could do so.

 

The names and functions of the directors of Experian plc at 14 May 2024 were listed in the Group's statutory financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024. On 20 August 2024, Craig Boundy stepped-down as a director. A list of current directors is maintained on the Company website at experianplc.com.

 

 

By order of the Board

Charles Brown

Company Secretary

 

12 November 2024



Independent review report to Experian plc

 

Conclusion

We have been engaged by the Company to review the condensed interim financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 30 September 2024 which comprises the Group income statement, the Group statement of comprehensive income, the Group balance sheet, the Group statement of changes in equity, the Group cash flow statement and the related explanatory notes.

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the condensed interim financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 30 September 2024 are not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting adopted pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002 as it applies in the EU, and as adopted for use in the UK and as issued by the IASB, and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook (the DTR) of the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (the UK FCA).

Basis for conclusion

We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK) 2410 Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity (ISRE (UK) 2410) issued for use in the UK. A review of interim financial information consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. We read the other information contained in the half-yearly financial report and consider whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the condensed interim financial statements.

A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

Based on our review procedures, which are less extensive than those performed in an audit as described in the Basis of conclusion section of this report, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the directors have inappropriately adopted the going concern basis of accounting, or that the directors have identified material uncertainties relating to going concern that have not been appropriately disclosed.

This conclusion is based on the review procedures performed in accordance with ISRE (UK) 2410. However, future events or conditions may cause the Group to cease to continue as a going concern, and the above conclusions are not a guarantee that the Group will continue in operation.

Directors' responsibilities

The half-yearly financial report is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the directors. The directors are responsible for preparing the half-yearly financial report in accordance with the DTR of the UK FCA.

As disclosed in note 2, the annual financial statements of the Group are prepared in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards as adopted pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002 as it applies in the European Union (EU-IFRS), UK-adopted international accounting standards (UK-IFRS) and IFRS as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB-IFRS).

The directors are responsible for preparing the condensed interim financial statements included in the half-yearly financial report in accordance with IAS 34 adopted pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002 as it applies in the EU, and as adopted for use in the UK, and as issued by the IASB.

In preparing the condensed interim financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the Group's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the Group or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Our responsibility

Our responsibility is to express to the Company a conclusion on the condensed interim financial statements in the half-yearly financial report based on our review. Our conclusion, including our conclusions relating to going concern, are based on procedures that are less extensive than audit procedures, as described in the Basis for conclusion section of this report.



 

Independent review report to Experian plc (continued)

The purpose of our review work and to whom we owe our responsibilities

This report is made solely to the Company in accordance with the terms of our engagement to assist the Company in meeting the requirements of the DTR of the UK FCA. Our review has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company those matters we are required to state to it in this report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company for our review work, for this report, or for the conclusions we have reached.

 

 

 

 

 

Zulfikar Walji

for and on behalf of KPMG LLP

Chartered Accountants

15 Canada Square

London

E14 5GL

United Kingdom

 

12 November 2024



Shareholder information

 

Company website

A full range of investor information is available at experianplc.com.

Electronic shareholder communication

Shareholders may register for Share Portal, an electronic communication service provided by Link Market Services (Jersey) Limited, via the Company website at experianplc.com/shares. The service is free and it facilitates the use of a comprehensive range of shareholder services online.

When registering for Share Portal, shareholders can select their preferred communication method - email or post. Shareholders will receive a written notification of the availability on the Company's website of shareholder documents unless they have elected to either (i) receive such notification via email or (ii) receive paper copies of shareholder documents where such documents are available in that format.

Dividend information

Dividends for the year ending 31 March 2025

A first interim dividend in respect of the year ending 31 March 2025 of 19.25 US cents per ordinary share will be paid on 7 February 2025 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 10 January 2025. Unless shareholders elect by 10 January 2025 to receive US dollars, their dividends will be paid in pounds sterling at a rate per share calculated on the basis of the exchange rate from US dollars to pounds sterling on 17 January 2025.

Income Access Share (IAS) arrangements

As its ordinary shares are listed on the London Stock Exchange, the Company has a large number of UK resident shareholders. In order that shareholders may receive Experian dividends from a UK source, should they wish, the IAS arrangements have been put in place. The purpose of the IAS arrangements is to preserve the tax treatment of dividends paid to Experian shareholders in the UK, in respect of dividends paid by the Company. Shareholders who elect, or are deemed to elect, to receive their dividends via the IAS arrangements will receive their dividends from a UK source (rather than directly from the Company) for UK tax purposes.

Shareholders who hold 50,000 or fewer Experian shares on the first dividend record date after they become shareholders, unless they elect otherwise, will be deemed to have elected to receive their dividends under the IAS arrangements.

Shareholders who hold more than 50,000 shares and who wish to receive their dividends from a UK source must make an election to receive dividends via the IAS arrangements. All elections remain in force indefinitely unless revoked.

Unless shareholders have made an election to receive dividends via the IAS arrangements, or are deemed to have made such an election, dividends will be received from an Irish source and will be taxed accordingly. The final date for submission of elections to receive UK sourced dividends via the IAS arrangements is 10 January 2025.

Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRIP)

The DRIP enables those shareholders who receive their dividends under the IAS arrangements to use their cash dividends to buy more shares in the Company. Eligible shareholders, who wish to participate in the DRIP in respect of the first interim dividend for the year ending 31 March 2025 to be paid on 7 February 2025, should return a completed and signed DRIP application form, to be received by the registrars by no later than 10 January 2025. Shareholders should contact the registrars for further details.

American Depositary Receipts (ADR)

Experian has a sponsored Level 1 ADR programme, for which J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. acts as Depositary. This ADR programme is not listed on a stock exchange in the USA and trades on the highest tier of the US over-the-counter market, OTCQX, under the symbol EXPGY. Each ADR represents one Experian plc ordinary share. Further information can be obtained by contacting:

Shareowner Services

J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A.

PO Box 64504

St. Paul, MN 55164-0504

USA

T +1 651 453 2128 (from the USA: 1 800 990 1135)

E Visit shareowneronline.com, then select 'Contact Us'

W adr.com

Shareholder information (continued)

Financial calendar


 

First interim ex-dividend date

9 January 2025

 

First interim dividend record date

10 January 2025

 

First interim ex-dividend and record date for American Depositary Receipts (ADRs)

10 January 2025

 

First interim dividend exchange rate determined

17 January 2025

 

Trading update, third quarter

15 January 2025

 

First interim dividend payment date

7 February 2025

 

Preliminary announcement of full-year results

14 May 2025

 

Annual General Meeting

16 July 2025

 

 

Contact information

Corporate headquarters

Experian plc

2 Cumberland Place

Fenian Street

Dublin 2

D02 HY05

Ireland

T +353 (0) 1 846 9100

 

Investor relations

E investors@experian.com

 

Registered office

Experian plc

22 Grenville Street

St Helier

Jersey

JE4 8PX

Channel Islands

Registered number - 93905

ISIN - GB00B19NLV48

Registrars

Experian Shareholder Services

Link Market Services (Jersey) Limited

12 Castle Street

St Helier

Jersey

JE2 3RT

Channel Islands


Shareholder helpline 0371 664 9245 (+44 800 141 2952 for calls from outside the UK)

E experian@linkregistrars.com


Calls are charged at the standard geographic rate and will vary by provider. Calls from outside the United Kingdom will be charged at the applicable international rate. Lines are open between 8.30am and 5.30pm (UK time), Monday to Friday excluding public holidays in England and Wales.

 

Stock exchange listing information

Exchange: London Stock Exchange, Equity shares (commercial companies)

Index: FTSE 100

Symbol: EXPN

 

 

 




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