Fraud and credit checks bolster Experian’s sales
Data company Experian yesterday posted a five per cent rise in first-quarter revenue in the UK, with particularly strong growth in its anti-fraud services.
“We’re making solid progress in the UK and Ireland, with further revenue momentum in the quarter, and good strategic progress as we secured a number of significant client wins by combining capabilities from across our main business lines,” said the London-listed firm.
Experian, which provides analytical tools to businesses that include credit checks and fraud prevention, said its UK decision analytics line had an “outstanding (and somewhat exceptional) quarter, with organic revenue growth of 15 per cent, reflecting growth in fraud and identity management”.
The group posted a three per cent rise in revenue growth worldwide.
Of its four business lines, credit services delivered revenue growth of seven per cent and decision analytics was up nine per cent, but marketing services and consumer services declined by two per cent and six per cent respectively. Experian said it is making “considerable progress” in turning around consumer services, by building its online offering. Revenue from Experian.com rose 20 per cent.
Chief executive Brian Cassin said that the company had made “an encouraging start to the year” and that full-year expectations remain unchanged.
Experian forecasts further growth in the second half of the year and said margins should be stable despite currency headwinds.
Shares closed up 1.25 per cent.