Preliminary results for the year ended 31 March 2014

7 May 2014

Experian, the global information services company, today issues its financial results for the year ended 31 March 2014.

General highlights

• A year of good growth, with progress across all regions and business lines
• Significant strategic progress across key growth initiatives
• Strong starts to Passport Health Communications and 41st Parameter acquisitions
• Kerry Williams to be appointed to the Board as Chief Operating Officer

Financial highlights

• At constant exchange rates, total revenue growth from continuing activities was 7%. Organic revenue growth was 5% (H1 6%, H2 5%). Total revenue from continuing activities up 4% at actual exchange rates. Total revenue of US$4.8bn (2013: US$4.7bn).
• Total EBIT from continuing activities of US$1,309m, up 8% at constant exchange rates. Total EBIT of US$1,306m up 4% at actual exchange rates.
• EBIT margin from continuing activities of 27.4%, up 30 basis points year-on-year.
• Benchmark profit before tax of US$1,232m, up 4% at actual rates. Profit before tax from continuing operations of US$1,049m (2013: US$434m).
• Benchmark EPS of 91.7 US cents, up 8% at actual rates. Basic EPS from continuing operations of 76.1 US cents (2013: 24.7 US cents).
• Record year of cash flow, generating in excess of US$1bn of free cash flow. 101% conversion of EBIT into operating cash flow (2013: 94%), and growth in operating cash flow of 12%. Net debt of US$3,809m at 31 March 2014.
• Second interim dividend of 26.00 US cents per ordinary share, to give full year dividend of 37.50 US cents per ordinary share, up 8%.

Don Robert, Chief Executive Officer, commented:
“Experian delivered another year of good progress with organic revenue growth across all four regions and business lines. Decision Analytics was a stand-out performer, as was UK Consumer Services, as we continue to reap benefits from investments made in earlier years. The two key acquisitions completed during the year, Passport Health and 41st Parameter, are performing well. With further margin improvements, we delivered good growth in earnings, and we had an outstanding cash outcome, again demonstrating the fundamental strength of our business model and our broad portfolio.”

“Looking ahead, we have made significant investments which continue to strengthen our core business and which will sustain premium growth into the future. In the short term, we face a number of one-off headwinds, most notably a subdued trading environment in Brazil over the World Cup and the revenue impact of the changes we are driving in North American Consumer Services, which together will constrain growth in the first half. We expect a return to more normal levels of organic revenue growth as the second half of the year progresses. We expect at least to maintain margins for the year, to deliver growth in earnings per share and to exceed 90% cash flow conversion.”

Contact:

There will be a presentation today at 9.30am (UK time) to analysts and investors at the Bank of America Merrill Lynch Financial Centre, 2 King Edward Street, London, EC1A 1HQ. The presentation can be viewed live on the Experian website at www.experianplc.com and can also be accessed live via a dial-in facility on +44 (0)20 3037 9164. The supporting slides and an indexed replay will be available on the website later in the day.

Experian will update on first quarter trading on 11 July 2014, when it will issue an Interim Management Statement.

See Appendix 1 and note 5 to the Group financial statements for definitions of non-GAAP measures used throughout this announcement.

Roundings

Certain financial data have 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 note 28 to the Group 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 the leading global information services company, providing data and analytical tools to clients around the world. The Group helps businesses to manage credit risk, prevent fraud, target marketing offers and automate decision making. Experian also helps individuals to check their credit report and credit score, and protect against identity theft.

Experian plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN) and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 index. Total revenue for the year ended 31 March 2014 was US$4.8 billion. Experian employs approximately 16,000 people in 39 countries and has its corporate headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, with operational headquarters in Nottingham, UK; California, US; and São Paulo, Brazil.

For more information, visit www.experianplc.com

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