Experian Revenues Decline in Q1

Information services giant Experian has seen an 8% decline in first quarter revenues and reported poor performance across all regions, particularly in the UK and Ireland. The group is expecting little organic growth during the first half. Separately, the firm has upgraded its Mosaic segmentation tool.

Revenue from continuing activities was up 1% at constant currency rates, as well as on an organic basis.

By activity, revenues saw organic decline of 7% in Decision Analytics and 8% in Marketing Services, but organic growth of 10% in Interactive Services and 2% in Credit Services.

On a geographical basis, North American revenue declined 2% in the quarter, while in Latin America, revenues fell 9% from the prior year period, but increased 15% at constant exchange rates.

In the EMEA/Asia Pacific region, first-quarter revenue declined 8%, while at constant exchange rates, revenue increased 5%, and organic revenue growth was nil.

Total revenues in the UK and Ireland fell 22% from last year and dropped 6% in Decision Analytics and 4% in Marketing Services.

CEO Don Robert commented: 'Our businesses traded in line with our expectations during the quarter, and we continue to expect little organic revenue growth in the first half. We are managing the business tightly and are on track for the year to broadly maintain margins, grow profits at constant currency and deliver strong cash flow conversion.'

Earlier today, Experian shares declined 2.17% or 9.75 pence, to 439.50 pence.

Separately, in the UK, Experian has updated its consumer segmentation tool Mosaic with a range of additional data sources which it says reflects a number of changes in British society. These include the growth in ethnic diversity and the impact of the Internet, and the tool now comprises 15 lifestyle groups, 67 lifestyle types and 141 person types.

Recently, the group launched a model to help predict the next product a catalogue shopper is likely to purchase, as well as the channel through which that purchase will be made.

Web site: www.experianplc.com .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.