Correction: Corrects headline to say pre-tax profit increased, not declined
Experian Plc (EXPN.L) reported Wednesday first-half pre-tax profit of $351 million, higher than last year's $318 million.
Benchmark profit before tax, before certain items, were $437 million, up 5% from last year.
On an after-tax basis, profit attributable to owners of the company was $249 million or 24.1 cents per share, lower than $258 million or 25.2 cents per share a year ago.
Profit from continuing operations dropped to $273 million or 24.9 cents per share from last year's $276 million or 25.6 cents per share.
Benchmark earnings per share was 31.6 US cents, up 2.9% from 30.7 cents in the prior year. Expressed in GBP, Benchmark earnings per share was 20.1 pence, up 26% from last year.
Total revenue fell to $1.87 billion from $2.02 billion a year ago, after an adverse currency impact in the period. Revenue from continuing activities rose 1% at constant exchange rates. Organic revenue growth of 1%.
The company announced first interim dividend of 7.00 US cents per ordinary share, an increase of 4%.
Looking ahead, Don Robert, Chief Executive Officer of Experian, said, "In the second half, we continue to expect modest organic revenue growth and, for the year as a whole, remain on track to grow profits at constant currency and deliver strong free cash flow."
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