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Investing.com -- U.K. credit data firm Experian PLC (LON:EXPN) reported solid revenue growth in its first-quarter trading update for full-year 2026 (FY26), underpinned by strength across its core regions and product lines.
Total (EPA:TTEF) revenue rose 12% at constant exchange rates, with organic revenue up 8%, ahead of the consensus estimate of 7%. The company reaffirmed its financial outlook for the year.
“We delivered strong Q1 growth and have further advanced our strategic priorities,” said CEO Brian Cassin in a Tuesday release.
North America, which contributes 67% of group revenue, posted a 9% increase in organic revenue, led by 12% growth in B2B.
Financial Services showed strong momentum driven by Clarity, Ascend analytics, and improvements in client activity. Automotive and Health also saw robust gains.
In Consumer Services, excluding data breach services, organic revenue rose 11% with good performance in premium subscriptions and credit marketplaces.
"North America B2B is the standout performer; which is particularly impressive given uninspiring credit conditions," Jefferies analysts led by Ryan Flight said in a note.
Latin America delivered 5% organic growth, supported by a 24% surge in Consumer Services. In Brazil, strong credit marketplace performance and enhancements to the Limpa Nome platform helped offset macroeconomic headwinds that weighed on B2B demand.
In the U.K. and Ireland, organic revenue growth came in at 1%. B2B contracted by 2%, although Consumer Services rose 11%, driven by a stronger credit marketplace offering and improved conversion rates.
EMEA and Asia Pacific saw organic growth of 7%, aided by strong performance in Australia, New Zealand, India, and Southern Europe. The acquisition of illion also contributed to overall growth, pushing total revenue up 36% at constant currency in the region.
By business line, B2B, which accounts for nearly three-quarters of total revenue, grew organically by 8%. Financial Services and Verticals rose 9% and 6%, respectively. Consumer Services delivered 6% growth on the same basis.
Experian maintained its conservative financial outlook for FY26, guiding for 6-8% organic revenue growth and a 30-50 basis point expansion in EBITA margin. However, Jefferies analysts noted that consensus estimates "are likely to nudge higher on this strong start to the year."
The company is set to report its half-year results on November 12.