City predicts 'bright future' for Experian data business

City analysts have hailed the performance of Experian’s marketing data operation after the firm reported a revenue of $4.8bn for the year to 31 March 2019, up from $4.5bn in the prior 12 months.
Experian’s pre-tax profits also rose from $950m to $957m over the same period, while its revenue in UK and Ireland increased from $785m to $819m.
Chief executive Brian Cassin said it was “a very good year for Experian”, adding that the company’s investment and innovation agenda delivered strong and broad-based growth with “exciting new offers for consumers and businesses”.
Cassin added: “We have strengthened our prospects and expanded our opportunities; both our B2B and consumer services businesses delivered strongly.
“With another year of continued investments, FY20 is expected to deliver further strong performance, with organic revenue growth in the 6-8% range, benchmark EBIT growth at or above revenue growth and strong progress in benchmark earnings per share.”
Nicholas Hyett at Hargreaves Landsown said: “Credit data is still Experian’s bread and butter. But with big data playing an increasingly important role in all walks of life, it’s turning its data mining expertise to marketing and analytics as well.
“We continue to believe Experian is a high-quality business and has a bright future. Big data is [being used by] an ever-growing number of industries, and Experian’s steady growth is testament to its willingness to innovate and enter new markets.”