Experian increases 2014 interim dividend by 7%

DividendMax Ltd.

Experian increases 2014 interim dividend by 7%

Strategic highlights

Good first half progress with organic revenue growth across all regions and business lines.

Encouraging reception for new products across Credit Services, Decision Analytics and Marketing Services and significant progress in UK Consumer Services.

Proposed acquisition of Passport Health Communications, Inc. for US$850m will enable us to offer a one-stop-shop payments capability in the US healthcare market.

Financial highlights

Total and organic revenue from continuing activities up 6% at constant exchange rates. Total revenue from continuing activities up 3% at actual exchange rates. Total revenue of US$2.3bn (2012: US$2.3bn).

EBIT margin from continuing activities maintained at 26.0%, in line with guidance. Total EBIT from continuing activities up 7%, at constant exchange rates. Total EBIT from continuing operations of US$608m up 3% at actual exchange rates.

Benchmark profit before tax of US$573m, up 2%. Profit before tax from continuing operations of US$480m (2012: US$73m).

Benchmark EPS of 42.5 US cents, up 10% at actual rates. Basic EPS from continuing operations of 34.2 US cents (2012: (7.6) US cents).

Strong cash conversion in the traditionally weaker half year for cash flow. 84% conversion of EBIT into operating cash flow (2012: 74%), and growth in operating cash flow of 18%. Net debt of US$3,156m at 30 September 2013.

Shareholder returns

First interim dividend of 11.5 US cents per ordinary share, up 7%.

Net share repurchases of US$322m as at 30 September 2013.

Companies mentioned