Contacts

 

Experian

Nadia Ridout-Jamieson               Investor queries                                     +44 (0)20 3042 4215

Gerry Tschopp                           Media queries

 

Finsbury

Rollo Head                                                                                            +44 (0)20 7251 3801

Jenny Davey

 

There will be a presentation today at 9.30am (UK time) to analysts and investors at the Bank of America Merrill Lynch Financial Centre, 2 King Edward Street, London, EC1A 1HQ. The presentation can be viewed live via the link from the Experian website at www.experianplc.com and can also be accessed live via a telephone dial-in facility: 0800 783 0906 (UK primary) or 01296 480 100 (UK direct) or +44 1296 480 100 (International direct), using access code 165 053 46. The supporting slides and an indexed replay will be available on the website later in the day.

 

Experian will update on third quarter trading for FY18 on 18 January 2018.

 

Roundings

Certain financial data have been rounded within this announcement. As a result of this rounding, the totals of data presented may vary slightly from the actual arithmetic totals of such data.

 

Forward looking statements

Certain statements made in this announcement are forward looking statements. Such statements are based on current expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from any expected future events or results referred to in these forward looking statements. See page 14 for further information on risks and uncertainties facing Experian.

 

Company website

Neither the content of the Company's website, nor the content of any website accessible from hyperlinks on the Company's website (or any other website), is incorporated into, or forms part of, this announcement.

 

About Experian

Experian is the world's leading global information services company. During life's big moments - from buying a home or a car, to sending a child to college, to growing a business by connecting with new customers - we empower consumers and our clients to manage their data with confidence. We help individuals to take financial control and access financial services, businesses to make smarter decisions and thrive, lenders to lend more responsibly, and organisations to prevent identity fraud and crime.

 

We have 16,000 people operating across 37 countries and every day we're investing in new technologies, talented people and innovation to help all our clients maximise every opportunity. We are listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN) and are a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index.

 

Learn more at www.experianplc.com or visit our global content hub at our global news blog for the latest news and insights from the Group.

 

 

Chief Executive Officer's review

 

We have started the year well, with strong growth across our business-to-business (B2B) activities and have made further progress in Consumer Services. We delivered total revenue growth of 5% at constant currency, organic revenue growth of 4%, consistent with our mid single-digit target range. We are making good progress as we attack material new opportunities, introduce new sources of data and as we accelerate the rate at which we bring innovative new services to market.

 

Highlights in the first half include:

 

·      We delivered strong B2B performance, with organic revenue growth of 7%, as we introduce new superior sources of data, extend our lead in analytical tools and decisioning software, and extend our footprint in new verticals such as healthcare.

 

·      We have made further progress in Consumer Services following the launch in May of identity protection services and our credit comparison platform. Strong enrolments in IdentityWorks are helping to mitigate declines in traditional credit monitoring products.

 

·      Regionally, we delivered good growth across three of our four regions, with particular highlights in Latin America and EMEA/Asia Pacific. This offset a modest decline in the UK and Ireland.

 

·      We continue to invest in innovative companies in the fintech sector to broaden our access to new sources of data and emerging technologies. We have now completed four bolt-on acquisitions and investments for a total of US$202m, of which US$170m was after the period end.

 

·      We repurchased US$397m of shares and have raised the first interim dividend by 4%.

 

·      Our actions resulted in further good progress during the half, with total revenue growth of 5% at constant currency, organic revenue growth of 4% (Q1 4%; Q2 4%), Benchmark EBIT growth of 5% and Benchmark earnings per share growth of 6%.

 

The results demonstrate further progress on our strategy to serve the needs of our clients who want to grow their business, deliver better digital customer experiences, manage risks as effectively as possible and protect against fraud. Our strategy is also directed towards helping consumers to protect their identities and manage their financial lives. We are meeting these needs through our strategy which emphasises extending our lead in data and analytics and transforming our engagement with consumers.

 

We also place significant emphasis on protecting sensitive data and maintaining strong defences. We are committed to providing a safe and secure environment for data. We invest heavily in information security, deploying a multi-layered approach in order to maintain strong systems. This has always been of the highest priority for Experian and we will continue to direct significant investment in this area.

 

Regional highlights

 

North America

 

We delivered a solid performance in North America, with total revenue growth of 6% and organic revenue growth of 4%, reflecting a strong performance across B2B partially offset by Consumer Services.

 

Our B2B business is on a strong trajectory as we bring new technology and product innovations to market. We have introduced several new capabilities to sustain strong rates of growth, including our new full-file analytical sandbox called Experian Ascend, a consumer debt resolution service, new sources of data to verify income and assets and our text-for-credit service, and we expect these to gain in momentum as we move through the year. We were also delighted to be accepted by Fannie Mae to provide trended data services to the mortgage industry, commencing in January 2018. These innovations further our aim to simplify and modernise the lending process and to bring greater convenience to consumers at the point of lending, both major drivers of our industry today. Our strategy to expand in newer market segments also continues to produce results, with strong growth in health fuelled by wins with new clients in the healthcare sector and as we expand our position with existing clients.

 

We are transforming Consumer Services by diversifying our revenue streams and reducing our dependence on credit subscription services. Since launching in May 2017, IdentityWorks, our new identity monitoring service, has performed strongly. Paying members reached 120,000 by the end of October and we expect to generate a meaningful revenue contribution from this product during this financial year. We witnessed a spike in enrolments in the immediate aftermath of the Equifax data breach. Normalising for this event, take-up rates have been strong and, over the balance of the year, we will introduce new features to build on and sustain this momentum. Growth in IdentityWorks helped to offset ongoing moderation in our credit subscription product. Here we are enhancing the value of our offer by introducing new features to help consumers enhance their credit scores and become eligible for more credit products at better rates. We are also pleased with progress in Partner Solutions (which includes our affinity channel, data breach and CS Identity (CSID) partner relationships), where we have won several new client contracts which we expect to benefit performance as we move through the year.

 

Latin America

 

Latin America performed strongly in the half, with organic revenue growth of 7%, including growth in Brazil of 7%. We have made significant investments in our business through the recent economic downturn and we are well positioned to fully realise our potential as Brazil starts to recover economically. We have reorganised our service and delivery functions in Decision Analytics and Marketing Services to create greater value for clients through integrated products, we have invested in new innovations for small and medium enterprise clients and we have signed new long term agreements with major Brazilian banks to deliver a broad range of services and satisfy the demand to transform and enhance digital experiences for their customers. These steps are feeding into our results today and position us extremely well for the future.

 

We have also made considerable progress towards gaining scale in the services we offer to consumers. By the end of October 2017 over 16m people were enrolled at Serasa Consumidor. Our goal, as in our other markets, is to generate large quantities of traffic and then to engage consumers with a variety of offers. We are building on our strong brand reputation with debt resolution services (Limpa Nome) and we have seen considerable interest from consumers to better understand their Serasa Score. Over the coming months we will launch new offers at a rapid rate and will build scale in this part of the business.

 

We also have the potential to realise significant opportunities across the Latin America region, where we are relatively underpenetrated. And while our growth in the half was held back by reduced revenue outside Brazil, we see significant growth potential as we introduce new services and as the broader region trends towards a macroeconomic recovery.

 

UK and Ireland

 

In the UK and Ireland, organic revenue decreased by 3%, as growth in B2B was offset by a decline in Consumer Services.

 

Our business in the UK has unique advantages stemming from the strength of our brand, our market-leading capabilities, the breadth of our offer to clients and the scale of our distribution network. These advantages contributed to further progress across our B2B segments, which collectively grew by 3%. This included particular strength in Credit Services, where we have strengthened our market position and as we continue to secure new opportunities in the price comparison sector and in the fintech segment. We are investing in a series of growth moves to secure new sources of data, to introduce new services in the mortgage sector, and to support major financial institutions as they upgrade their underwriting infrastructure.

 

We have taken a number of important steps to reposition Consumer Services. We are generating scale in our free score offer, having now attracted nearly 3 million free members since launch. Our strategy to engage consumers in a variety of new offers is making good progress, and we plan to introduce additional new services to help consumers manage credit and monitor the status of their financial lives. Today, the main revenue trends show strong growth in CreditMatcher, which matches consumers to card and loan offers, offset by attrition in subscription-based credit monitoring offers. The full benefit of new services will materialise over the next several quarters and we continue to expect the rate of decline in this part of our business to moderate somewhat in the second half.

 

EMEA/Asia Pacific

 

EMEA/Asia Pacific performed strongly, with organic growth of 11%.

 

We are pleased with progress in EMEA/Asia Pacific which delivered high rates of growth, largely driven by wins across our Decision Analytics portfolio where we have a clear leadership position. Last year, we rationalised this part of our business to focus our efforts on a more concentrated set of large opportunities. We see a lot of white space potential, particularly in emerging markets.

 

 

 

Benchmark EBIT margin

We continue to deliver growth in profitability alongside organic investment and our Benchmark EBIT margin from ongoing activities was 26.5%, flat for the first half, of which 10 basis points was accounted by a positive foreign exchange translation.

 

Cash generation and uses of cash

Benchmark EBIT conversion into Benchmark operating cash flow was 68% (2016: 88%), principally due to the increase in organic investment on strategic initiatives and the phasing of cash flows. Our cash flows are typically second-half weighted and we therefore expect conversion of Benchmark EBIT into Benchmark operating cash flow to be around 90% for the full-year (2016: 96%). Consistent with our capital allocation strategy, use of cash was balanced between organic investment, acquisitions and returns to shareholders. Benchmark operating cash flow was US$393m, with US$187m allocated to net organic capital investment. Acquisitions and investments represented US$32m, net share repurchases amounted to US$389m and equity dividends were US$264m.

 

We ended the first half with net debt of US$3,403m, up US$230m, placing us at 2.2 times EBITDA by the end of the half-year and within our target leverage range of 2 to 2.5 times net debt to EBITDA.

 

After the half-year end, we completed a number of bolt-on acquisitions and investments totalling US$170m. These included Runpath, a UK-based fintech company which enhances our ability to aggregate Experian data with external sources of data and Clarity Inc, a leading specialised consumer credit bureau in the USA focused on providing credit histories about consumers who rely on alternative financial services products. We also secured a minority stake in BankBazaar.com, India's leading online financial marketplace.

 

Dividend and share repurchases

We are announcing a first interim dividend of 13.5 US cents per share, up 4% on the prior year. This dividend will be paid on 2 February 2018 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 5 January 2018. In May, we announced an expectation to make share repurchases of US$600m during FY18. We have completed US$397m of the share repurchase programme (of which US$8m was not settled until 3 October 2017) and we expect to complete the programme over the course of the financial year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Group financial results

 

Revenue by region

 

Six months ended 30 September	2017  US$m	20161 US$m	Growth %
			Total at actual rates	Total at constant rates	Organic at constant rates
North America
Credit Services	697	652		7	7
Decision Analytics	83	77		8	8
Marketing Services	104	93		12	12
Consumer Services	374	360		4	(4)
Total ongoing activities	1,258	1,182	6	6	4
Exited business activities	-	-
Total North America	1,258	1,182
Latin America
Credit Services	340	311		4	4
Decision Analytics	28	20		35	35
Marketing Services	13	9		30	30
Total ongoing activities	381	340	12	7	7
Exited business activities	-	-
Total Latin America	381	340
UK and Ireland
Credit Services	124	122		7	5
Decision Analytics	98	101		3	3
Marketing Services	70	75		-	-
Consumer Services	86	112		(18)	(18)
Total ongoing activities	378	410	(8)	(2)	(3)
Exited business activities	-	-
Total UK and Ireland	378	410
EMEA/Asia Pacific
Credit Services	73	73		(1)	(1)
Decision Analytics	79	64		25	25
Marketing Services	21	17		13	13
Total ongoing activities	173	154	12	11	11
Exited business activities	-	-
Total EMEA/Asia Pacific	173	154
Total revenue - ongoing activities	2,190	2,086	5	5	4
Total revenue - exited business activities	-	-
Revenue	2,190	2,086

1. 2016 restated for the divestment of the email/cross-channel marketing business.

See Appendix 2 (page 15) for analyses of revenue, Benchmark EBIT and Benchmark EBIT margin from ongoing activities by business segment.

 

 

Income statement, earnings and EBIT margin analysis

 

Six months ended 30 September	2017  US$m		20161  US$m		Growth %
					Total at actual rates		Total at constant rates
Benchmark EBIT by geography
North America	395		377				5
Latin America	118		107				5
UK and Ireland	112		122				(3)
EMEA/Asia Pacific	(14)		(17)				11
Benchmark EBIT before Central Activities	611		589				4
Central Activities - central corporate costs	(30)		(36)
Benchmark EBIT from ongoing activities	581		553		5		5
EBIT - exited business activities	-		-
Benchmark EBIT	581		553		5		5
Net interest	(40)		(35)
Benchmark PBT	541		518		4		4
Amortisation of acquisition intangibles	(53)		(51)
Acquisition and disposal expenses	(9)		(10)
Financing fair value remeasurements	(12)		43
Profit before tax	467		500
Group tax charge	(122)		(118)
Profit after tax	345		382
Benchmark earnings
Benchmark PBT	541		518		4		4
Benchmark tax charge	(145)		(134)
Total Benchmark earnings	396		384
For owners of Experian plc	397		385		3		3
For non-controlling interests	(1)		(1)
Benchmark EPS	US43.0c		US40.7c		6		5
Basic EPS	US34.5c		US40.6c
Weighted average number of ordinary shares	924m		945m
Benchmark EBIT margin - ongoing activities
North America		31.4%		31.9%
Latin America		31.0%		31.5%
UK and Ireland		29.6%		29.8%
EMEA/Asia Pacific		(8.1%)		(11.0%)
Benchmark EBIT margin		26.5%		26.5%

1. 2016 restated for the divestment of the email/cross-channel marketing business.

See Appendix 1 (page 15) and note 5 to the condensed half-yearly financial statements for definitions of non-GAAP measures.

See Appendix 2 (page 15) for analyses of revenue, Benchmark EBIT and Benchmark EBIT margin from ongoing activities by business segment.

 

 

 

Business review

 

North America

 

Total revenue from ongoing activities in North America was US$1,258m, with total revenue growth of 6% and organic revenue growth of 4%. The difference relates mainly to the contribution from the acquired CSIdentity business.

 

Credit Services

Total and organic revenue growth was 7% with strong growth across all business units. In consumer information, we saw good growth in volumes in credit pre-qualification, origination and account management, while mortgage represented a slight headwind. Business information also showed strong momentum as a result of new product introductions and new business wins, and automotive remained stable. In health, there was further growth in new client bookings and increased share of wallet within existing clients as we cross-sell services.

 

Decision Analytics

Total and organic revenue was up 8%, reflecting a significant One Experian win with a major US bank. Growth reflects good demand across decisioning software, fraud prevention tools and analytics, and pipelines are also strong.

 

Marketing Services

Total and organic revenue increased 12%, largely driven by strong growth in targeting as we secure new client wins and make further progress in digital accounts.

 

Consumer Services

Total revenue growth was 4%, reflecting the acquisition of CSID, with organic revenue of (4)%. We saw growth in identity protection subscriptions, affinity partnerships and price comparison services. This was offset by further decline in the revenue from subscription based credit monitoring services.

 

Benchmark EBIT and EBIT margin

North America Benchmark EBIT from ongoing activities was US$395m, up 5%. The Benchmark EBIT margin from ongoing activities was 31.4%, down 50 basis points year-on-year reflecting investment in Consumer Services to support the launch of new offers.

 

Latin America

 

Total revenue from ongoing activities in Latin America was US$381m, with total and organic revenue growth of 7% at constant exchange rates.

 

Credit Services

At constant exchange rates, total and organic revenue growth was 4%. In Brazil, continuing growth of 5% was driven by a number of factors, including, expansion of our position with a number of the largest Brazilian banks, growth across the telecommunications and insurance segments and the introduction of enhanced services for small and medium enterprises. We also launched free services to help consumers better manage their credit, including the Serasa Score which helps to educate consumers about the benefits of positive data and improve consumer access to credit. Growth in Brazil offset a modest decline in Spanish Latin America, which is consolidating its market position after a number of years of double digit growth.

 

Decision Analytics

Total and organic revenue growth was 35% at constant exchange rates reflecting new contract wins and strong demand across a variety of products, including decisioning software, analytics and scoring. 

 

Marketing Services

Total and organic revenue at constant exchange rates increased 30%. We made good progress in Marketing Services with a strong contribution from data quality services.

 

Benchmark EBIT and EBIT margin

Latin America Benchmark EBIT from ongoing activities was US$118m, up 5% at constant exchange rates. Benchmark EBIT margin from ongoing activities was 31.0% (2016: 31.5%) reflecting investment in new consumer offers in Brazil and the mix effect of strong growth in Decision Analytics and Marketing Services.

 

 

 

UK and Ireland

 

In the UK and Ireland, total revenue from ongoing activities was US$378m, with total and organic revenue 2% and 3% lower respectively at constant exchange rates. The difference is due to the contribution from the acquired Runpath business.

 

 

Credit Services

Total revenue at constant exchange rates increased 7% and organic revenue growth was 5%. Growth reflected increases in credit reference and background checking volumes, as well as strong demand for credit pre-qualification services across the banking, telecoms, utilities and price comparison sectors. 

 

Decision Analytics

At constant exchange rates, both total and organic revenue increased 3%. Growth was driven by strong demand for origination software and identity verification services, partially offset by the impact of a strong one-off prior year comparative.

 

Marketing Services

Total and organic revenue at constant exchange rates was flat. We continue to benefit from strong take up of new digital marketing tools which use data and analytics to help clients advertise more effectively across social media and other digital platforms. Overall growth was offset by moderation in data management services.

 

Consumer Services

At constant exchange rates, total and organic revenue declined by 18% as we continue to execute on our strategy to diversify our sources of revenue. Revenue declined by 19% in the first quarter, improving to 17% in the second quarter. There was good progress in the affinity channel, reflecting further take up of scores-on-statements, as well as continued growth in referral fees from CreditMatcher. This was offset by attrition in subscription-based credit monitoring revenues.

 

Benchmark EBIT and EBIT margin

Benchmark EBIT from ongoing activities was US$112m, down 3% at constant exchange rates. Benchmark EBIT margin from ongoing activities was 29.6% (2016: 29.8%), primarily reflecting organic growth investments and the transition of the Consumer Services business.

 

 

EMEA/Asia Pacific

 

Total revenue from ongoing activities in EMEA/Asia Pacific was US$173m, with total and organic revenue growth of 11% at constant exchange rates.

 

Credit Services

Total and organic revenue at constant exchange rates was down 1%, with growth across Spain, Italy, Southeast Asia and India offset by decline in China.

 

Decision Analytics

At constant exchange rates total and organic revenue growth was 25%, driven mainly by significant new wins for credit decisioning and fraud prevention software, as well as for analytics.

 

Marketing Services

Total and organic revenue growth at constant exchange rates was 13%, with strong growth across data quality and targeting services.

 

Benchmark EBIT and EBIT margin

Benchmark EBIT was a loss of US$(14)m (2016: US$(17)m). Benchmark EBIT margin from ongoing activities improved 290 basis points at (8.1)% as the business gains in scale.

 

 

Group financial review

 

Key financials

 

Six months ended 30 September
	2017		20161
Profitability performance measures: Benchmark EBIT	US$581m		US$553m
Benchmark EBIT growth at constant currency	5%		5%
Benchmark EBIT margin	26.5%		26.5%
Benchmark profit before tax	US$541m		US$518m
Benchmark EPS	US43.0c		US40.7c
Benchmark tax rate	26.8%		25.9%
Key statutory measures Revenue	US$2,190m		US$2,086m
Operating profit	US$518m		US$490m
Profit before tax	US$467m		US$500m
Effective rate of tax based on profit before tax	26.1%		23.6%
Basic EPS	US34.5c		US40.6c
Other performance measures:
Benchmark operating cash flow	US$393m		US$487m
Cash flow conversion	68%		88%
Total investment	US$219m		US$558m
Net share purchases	US$397m		US$79m
Net debt	US$3,403m		US$3,278m

1.   2016 results have been re-presented to exclude discontinued operations except for growth rates, which are as previously reported.

 

Profitability performance measures

We have identified and defined certain non-GAAP measures, as they are the key measures used within the business to assess performance. These measures are used within this Group financial review and, unless otherwise indicated, all discussion of Revenue, Benchmark EBIT and Benchmark EBIT margin relates to ongoing activities only.

 

Revenue and profit performance

Over the six months ended 30 September 2017, revenue increased by US$104m. At constant currency, total revenue growth was 5%.

 

Over the six months ended 30 September 2017, Benchmark EBIT increased by US$28m. At constant currency, Benchmark EBIT increased by 5%. Across the first half, foreign exchange increased Benchmark EBIT margin by 10 basis points.

 

Net interest expense

The net interest expense for the period was US$40m (2016: US$35m). Both our interest expense and the related cash flows continue to benefit from low interest rates globally and the mix of our funding.

 

 

 

Other adjustments made to derive Benchmark PBT

 

Six months ended 30 September	2017		20161
	US$m		US$m
Other adjustments made to derive Benchmark PBT:
Amortisation of acquisition intangibles	53		51
Acquisition and disposal expenses	9		10
Within total operating expenses	62		61
Financing fair value remeasurements	12		(43)
Within net finance costs	12		(43)
Net charge for Other adjustments made to derive Benchmark PBT	74		18

1.   The results for the six months ended 30 September 2016 have been re-presented in respect of the email/cross-channel marketing business which has been treated as a discontinued operation.

 

An explanation of the reasons for the exclusion of such items from our definition of Benchmark PBT is given in note 6(a) to the condensed half-yearly financial statements.

 

Further information in respect of these items is given in note 9 to the condensed half-yearly financial statements.

 

Tax

The Benchmark tax rate was 26.8% (2016: 25.9%) reflecting our current profit and funding profile.

The total tax charge for the six months ended 30 September 2017 was US$122m and the effective tax rate was 26.1%. This is lower than the Benchmark tax rate due to the effect of tax relating to Other adjustments made to derive Benchmark PBT as set out above.

 

The total tax charge for the six months ended 30 September 2016 was US$118m and the effective tax rate was 23.6%. The difference to the Benchmark tax rate was also attributable to the effect of tax relating to Other adjustments made to derive Benchmark PBT.

 

Earnings per share ('EPS')

Basic EPS from continuing operations was 37.5 US cents (2016: 40.5 US cents). Benchmark EPS was 43.0 US cents (2016: 40.7 US cents). Further information is given in note 13 to the condensed half-yearly financial statements.

 

At 30 September 2017, we had 988 million ordinary shares in issue of which 74 million shares were held by employee trusts or in treasury. Accordingly, the number of shares to be used for the purposes of calculating EPS from 30 September 2017 is 914 million. Issues and purchases of shares after 30 September 2017 will result in amendments to this figure.

 

Seasonality

In recent years, our Benchmark EBIT performance has tended to be weighted towards the second half of the year reflecting revenue seasonality. This pattern is expected to continue during the year ending 31 March 2018.

 

Other performance measures

 

Total investment

An analysis of total investment of US$219m (2016: US$558m) is given in Appendix 5 on page 16. Investments in the half included acquisition cash flows of US$32m. In the period to 30 September 2016 we acquired CSIdentity Corporation (US$355m) and two small minority business investments (US$29m).

 

Net share purchases

Net share purchases were US$397m (2016: US$79m), of which $8m was not settled until 3 October 2017.

 

Cash flow and net debt

We generated a Benchmark operating cash flow of US$393m (2016: US$487m). Note 18 to the condensed half-yearly financial statements reconciles Cash generated from operations, as reported in the Group cash flow statement on page 21, to Benchmark operating cash flow as reported in the Cash flow and net debt summary table in Appendix 4 on page 16.

 

 

Key benchmark cash flow and net debt trends during the half included:

 

·      Conversion of Benchmark EBIT into Benchmark operating cash flow was 68%, lower than the prior period principally due to increased capital expenditure and the phasing of payments.

 

·      Net outflow for capital expenditure was US$28m (2016: US$4m) as net capital expenditure was US$187m (2016: US$166m), 9% (2016: 8%) of revenue, while amortisation and depreciation, excluding the amortisation of acquisition intangibles, were US$159m (2016: US$162m). Investment included strategic technology investments, our Experian Consumer Services' platform, new product innovations in our PowerCurve product suite and CrossCore and call centre technology.

 

·      An increase in working capital of US$194m (2016: US$88m). There was a US$193m (2016: US$155m) decrease in payables and a US$1m increase in (2016: US$67m decrease in) receivables. A significant proportion of our receivables are due for payment on the last day of each month, as 30 September 2017 was a Saturday, some collections fell into the second half of the year.

 

·      Benchmark free cash flow in the period was US$289m (2016: US$427m), with the decrease reflecting the reduction in Benchmark operating cash flow and increased tax payments of US$66m (2016: US$32m).

 

·      Net cash outflow from continuing operations in the period was US$20m (2016: US$229m) after acquisition and investment spend of US$32m (2016: US$392m) and Ordinary dividend payments of US$264m (2016: US$260m).

 

·      Cash inflow from discontinued operations was US$229m (2016: US$9m) primarily from the divestment of the email/cross-channel marketing business ('CCM').

 

·      Net debt was US$3,403m at 30 September 2017, an increase of US$230m from 31 March 2017.

 

 

Key statutory measures

 

Statutory revenue

We continued to make good progress during the period and revenue increased by 5% to US$2,190m (2016: US$2,086m). The improvement in statutory revenue reflects an improved underlying performance.

 

Statutory operating profit

Operating profit for the six months ended 30 September 2017 was US$518m (2016: US$490m).

 

Statutory Basic EPS

Basic EPS was 34.5 US cents (2016: 40.6 US cents). Basic EPS from continuing operations was 37.5 US cents (2016: 40.5 US cents) excluding the effect of the loss from discontinued operations in the six months ended 30 September 2017. The decrease in these statutory measures reflects a mix of factors with a higher tax charge, higher finance costs and a lower number of shares in issue as a consequence of our continuing share repurchase programme.

 

Statutory cash flow

Cash generated from operations was US$542m (2016: US$637m) reflecting movements in working capital. Undrawn committed borrowing facilities were US$2,325m at 30 September 2017, a reduction of US$50m from 31 March 2017.

 

Tax

The effective rate of tax based on profit before tax has increased from 23.6% in the period ended 30 September 2016 to 26.1% in the current period, driven by the profit and funding mix and an increase in expenses not deductible for tax purposes.

 

Balance sheet commentary

 

Net assets

At 30 September 2017, net assets amounted to US$2,378m (2016: US$2,490m). Capital employed, as defined in note 6(q) to the condensed half-yearly financial statements, was US$6,210m (2016: US$6,119m).

 

 

 

Equity

There was a decrease in equity of US$273m from US$2,651m at 31 March 2017 with movements detailed in the Group statement of changes in equity on page 20.

 

Key movements in equity during the half included:

·      Profit for the period of US$318m.

 

·      Currency translation gains of US$27m.

 

·      Remeasurement gains of US$22m in respect of defined benefit pension plans.

 

·      Ordinary dividends of US$264m and a movement of US$397m in connection with net share purchases.

 

Foreign exchange rates and sensitivity

 

Foreign exchange - average rates

The principal exchange rates used to translate revenue and Benchmark EBIT into the US dollar are shown in the table below.

 

	Period ended 30 September 2017	Period ended 30 September 2016	Year ended 31 March 2017
US dollar : Brazilian real	3.19	3.38	3.30
Sterling : US dollar	1.29	1.37	1.30
Euro : US dollar	1.14	1.12	1.10
US dollar : Colombian peso	2,949	2,970	2,969

 

The impact of currency movements on revenue from ongoing activities is set out in note 7(c).

 

Foreign exchange - closing rates

The principal exchange rates used to translate assets and liabilities into the US dollar at the period end dates are shown are shown in the table below.

 

	30 September 2017	30 September 2016	31 March 2017
US dollar : Brazilian real	3.17	3.25	3.17
Sterling : US dollar	1.34	1.30	1.25
Euro : US dollar	1.18	1.12	1.07
US dollar : Colombian peso	2,935	2,871	2,894

 

 

 

Risks

The recent Equifax data breach will increase the external risks associated with information security and has heightened legislative and regulatory activity, particularly as it relates to information security matters.  Except for these matters, the principal risks and uncertainties we face in the remaining six months of the year remain largely unchanged from those explained in detail on pages 12 to 21 of our Annual Report and Group financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2017: 

 

·      Loss or inappropriate use of data and systems;

·      Failure to comply with laws and regulations;

·      Non-resilient IT/business environment;

·      Business conduct risk;

·      Dependence on highly skilled personnel;

·      Adverse and unpredictable financial markets or fiscal developments;

·      New legislation or changes in regulatory environment;

·      Increasing competition;

·      Data ownership, access and integrity; and

·      Undesirable investment outcomes.

 

In our most recent Annual Report, we highlighted the current status of each of the above risks, which also remain largely unchanged.

 

In the first half of the financial year, we note that the Equifax data breach has resulted in increased legislative and regulatory activity, and may result in increased oversight of security matters. The notoriety of the breach has also increased in the near term the external risks associated with information security. We continue to see increased consumer protection focused legislative and regulatory activity in our key markets.  We are experiencing an increasing number of consumer and class actions in the US unrelated to the Equifax data breach issue. We also note uncertainty in the development of tax legislation in our key regions and the longer-term impact from the result of the European Union referendum on our UK business.

 

Further information on financial risk management is given in note 25 to the condensed half-yearly financial statements.

 

The Chief Executive Officer's, Business and Group financial reviews on pages 3 to 13 include consideration of key uncertainties affecting us for the remainder of the current financial year. There may however be additional risks unknown to us and other risks, currently believed to be immaterial, which could turn out to be material. These risks, whether they materialise individually or simultaneously, could significantly affect our business and financial results.

 

Going concern

Having reassessed the principal risks at the time of approving these condensed half-yearly financial statements, the directors considered it appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of accounting.

 

 

Appendices

 

1. Non-GAAP financial information

 

We have identified and defined certain measures that we believe assist understanding of our performance. These measures are not defined under IFRS and they may not be directly comparable with other companies' adjusted measures. The non-GAAP measures are not intended to be a substitute for, or superior to, any IFRS measures of performance but we have included them as these are considered to be key measures used within the business for assessing the underlying performance of our ongoing businesses. Information on certain of our non-GAAP measures is set out below in the further appendices. Definitions of all our non-GAAP measures are given in note 6 to the condensed half-yearly financial statements.

 

The reconciliation of revenue from ongoing activities is set out in note 7(c) on page 27, Benchmark EBIT and Benchmark PBT in Appendix 3 on page 16 and Benchmark EPS in note 13 on page 32.

 

2. Revenue, Benchmark EBIT and Benchmark EBIT margin by business segment

 

Six months ended 30 September			Growth
	2017	20161	Total at constant rates	Organic at constant rates
	US$m	US$m	%	%
Revenue
Credit Services	1,234	1,158	6	5
Decision Analytics	288	262	12	12
Marketing Services	208	194	9	9
Consumer Services	460	472	(1)	(8)
Total - ongoing activities	2,190	2,086	5	4
Benchmark EBIT
Credit Services	415	387	6
Decision Analytics	39	34	20
Marketing Services	54	34	59
Consumer Services	103	134	(22)
Total business segments	611	589	4
Central Activities - central corporate costs	(30)	(36)
Total - ongoing activities	581	553	5
Benchmark EBIT margin - ongoing activities
Credit Services	33.6%	33.4%
Decision Analytics	13.5%	13.0%
Marketing Services	26.0%	17.5%
Consumer Services	22.4%	28.4%
Total Benchmark EBIT margin	26.5%	26.5%

1.   The results for the six months ended 30 September 2016 have been re-presented in respect of the email/cross-channel marketing business which has been treated as a discontinued operation.

 

Appendices (continued)

 

3. Summary reconciliation of Benchmark EBIT to statutory profit before tax

 

Six months ended 30 September	2017	20161
	US$m	US$m
Benchmark EBIT	581	553
Net interest expense	(40)	(35)
Benchmark PBT	541	518
Other adjustments made to derive Benchmark PBT	(74)	(18)
Profit before tax	467	500

 

4. Cash flow and net debt summary

 

Six months ended 30 September	2017	20161
	US$m	US$m
Benchmark EBIT	581	553
Amortisation and depreciation charged to Benchmark EBIT	159	162
Benchmark EBITDA	740	715
Net capital expenditure	(187)	(166)
Increase in working capital	(194)	(88)
Profit retained in associates	1	-
Charge for share incentive plans	33	26
Benchmark operating cash flow	393	487
Net interest paid	(37)	(28)
Tax paid - continuing operations	(66)	(32)
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests	(1)	-
Benchmark free cash flow	289	427
Acquisitions	(32)	(363)
Purchase of investments	-	(29)
Disposal of businesses - ongoing activities	-	(3)
Movement in other non-benchmark items	(13)	(1)
Ordinary dividends paid	(264)	(260)
Net cash outflow - continuing operations	(20)	(229)
Net cash inflow - discontinued operations	229	9
Net debt at 1 April	(3,173)	(3,023)
Net share purchases	(389)	(79)
Foreign exchange and other movements	(50)	44
Net debt at 30 September	(3,403)	(3,278)

 

5. Total investment

 

Six months ended 30 September	2017	20161
	US$m	US$m
Capital expenditure	191	171
Disposal of property, plant and equipment	(4)	(5)
Net capital expenditure	187	166
Acquisitions	32	363
Purchase of investments	-	29
Total investment	219	558

 

1. The results for the six months ended 30 September 2016 have been re-presented in respect of the email/cross-channel marketing business which has been treated as a discontinued operation.

 

 

Condensed half-yearly financial statements

Group income statement

for the six months ended 30 September 2017

	Six months ended 30 September 2017					Six months ended 30 September 2016 (Re-presented) (Note 3)
	Benchmark1	Non-benchmark2	Statutory Total			Benchmark1	Non-benchmark2	Statutory Total
	US$m	US$m	US$m			US$m	US$m	US$m
Revenue (note 7(a))	2,190	-	2,190			2,086	-	2,086
Total operating expenses (note 9)	(1,610)	(62)	(1,672)			(1,535)	(61)	(1,596)
Operating profit/(loss)	580	(62)	518			551	(61)	490
Interest income	8	-	8			10	-	10
Finance (expense)/credit	(48)	(12)	(60)			(45)	43	(2)
Net finance (costs)/income (note 10(a))	(40)	(12)	(52)			(35)	43	8
Share of post-tax profit of associates	1	-	1			2	-	2
Profit/(loss) before tax (note 7(a))	541	(74)	467			518	(18)	500
Group tax (charge)/credit (note 11(a))	(145)	23	(122)			(134)	16	(118)
Profit/(loss) for the period from continuing operations	396	(51)	345			384	(2)	382
(Loss)/profit for the period from discontinued operations (note 12)	-	(27)	(27)			-	1	1
Profit/(loss) for the period	396	(78)	318			384	(1)	383
Attributable to:
Owners of Experian plc	397	(78)	319			385	(1)	384
Non-controlling interests	(1)	-	(1)			(1)	-	(1)
Profit/(loss) for the period	396	(78)	318			384	(1)	383
Total Benchmark EBIT1	581	-	581			553	-	553
	US cents	US cents	US cents			US cents	US cents	US cents
Earnings/(loss) per share (note 13(a))
Basic	43.0	(8.5)	34.5			40.7	(0.1)	40.6
Diluted	42.6	(8.4)	34.2			40.4	(0.1)	40.3
Earnings/(loss) per share from continuing operations
Basic	43.0	(5.5)	37.5			40.7	(0.2)	40.5
Diluted	42.6	(5.5)	37.1			40.4	(0.2)	40.2

 

1.      Total Benchmark EBIT is a non-GAAP measure, defined in note 6 to the condensed half-yearly financial statements.

 

2.      The loss before tax for non-benchmark items of US$74m (2016: US$18m) is analysed in note 9 to the condensed half-yearly financial statements.

 

The segmental disclosures in note 7 and 8 indicate the impact of business disposals on comparative revenue and Total Benchmark EBIT.
 

Condensed half-yearly financial statements

Group statement of comprehensive income

for the six months ended 30 September 2017

		Six months ended 30 September
		2017		2016
		US$m		US$m
Profit for the period		318		383
Other comprehensive income:
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss:
Remeasurement of post-employment benefit assets and obligations		22		(67)
Deferred tax credit		-		11
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss		22		(56)
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:
Fair value gain on available-for-sale financial assets		3		1
Currency translation gains		27		32
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss		30		33
Items reclassified to profit or loss:
Reclassification of cumulative currency translation gain in respect of divestments		1		-
Items reclassified to profit or loss		1		-
Other comprehensive income for the period1		53		(23)
Total comprehensive income for the period		371		360
Attributable to:
Continuing operations		398		360
Discontinued operations		(27)		1
Owners of Experian plc		371		361
Non-controlling interests		-		(1)
Total comprehensive income for the period		371		360

 

1.      Amounts reported within Other comprehensive income are in respect of continuing operations and, except as reported for post-employment benefit assets and obligations, there is no associated tax. Currency translation items are recognised in the translation reserve within other reserves. Other items within Other comprehensive income are recognised in retained earnings.

 

Condensed half-yearly financial statements

Group balance sheet

at 30 September 2017

	Notes		30 September		31 March
			2017	2016	2017
			US$m	US$m	US$m
Non-current assets
Goodwill			4,305	4,501	4,245
Other intangible assets			1,467	1,518	1,461
Property, plant and equipment			323	332	329
Investments in associates			68	22	42
Deferred tax assets			57	136	83
Post-employment benefit assets	16(a)		41	-	14
Trade and other receivables			5	6	6
Available-for-sale financial assets			61	58	57
Other financial assets			157	71	57
			6,484	6,644	6,294
Current assets
Inventories			-	1	-
Trade and other receivables			947	853	910
Current tax assets			28	27	26
Other financial assets			8	22	20
Cash and cash equivalents	19(b)		114	144	83
			1,097	1,047	1,039
Assets classified as held for sale			-	-	358
			1,097	1,047	1,397
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables			(957)	(968)	(1,109)
Borrowings	19(b)		(373)	(910)	(759)
Current tax liabilities			(166)	(165)	(150)
Provisions			(46)	(89)	(50)
Other financial liabilities			(19)	(3)	(15)
			(1,561)	(2,135)	(2,083)
Liabilities classified as held for sale			-	-	(58)
			(1,561)	(2,135)	(2,141)
Net current liabilities			(464)	(1,088)	(744)
Total assets less current liabilities			6,020	5,556	5,550
Non-current liabilities
Trade and other payables			(14)	(15)	(15)
Borrowings	19(b)		(3,075)	(2,417)	(2,285)
Deferred tax liabilities			(358)	(363)	(296)
Post-employment benefit obligations	16(a)		(56)	(90)	(54)
Other financial liabilities			(139)	(181)	(249)
			(3,642)	(3,066)	(2,899)
Net assets			2,378	2,490	2,651
Equity
Called up share capital	21		98	101	100
Share premium account	21		1,543	1,529	1,530
Retained earnings			18,503	18,641	18,813
Other reserves			(17,776)	(17,795)	(17,804)
Attributable to owners of Experian plc			2,368	2,476	2,639
Non-controlling interests			10	14	12
Total equity			2,378	2,490	2,651

 

Condensed half-yearly financial statements

Group statement of changes in equity

for the six months ended 30 September 2017

 

	Called up share capital	Share premium account	Retained earnings	Other reserves	Attributable to owners of Experian plc	Non-controlling interests	Total equity
	US$m	US$m	US$m	US$m	US$m	US$m	US$m
At 1 April 2017	100	1,530	18,813	(17,804)	2,639	12	2,651
Comprehensive income:
Total profit/(loss) for the period	-	-	319	-	319	(1)	318
Other comprehensive income	-	-	25	27	52	1	53
Total comprehensive income	-	-	344	27	371	-	371
Transactions with owners:
Employee share incentive plans:
- value of employee services	-	-	33	-	33	-	33
- shares issued on vesting	-	13	-	-	13	-	13
- other exercises of share awards and options	-	-	(28)	38	10	-	10
- related tax charge	-	-	(4)	-	(4)	-	(4)
- purchase of shares by employee trusts	-	-	-	(37)	(37)	-	(37)
- other payments	-	-	(2)	-	(2)	-	(2)
Purchase and cancellation of own shares	(2)	-	(372)	-	(374)	-	(374)
Transactions in respect of non-controlling interests	-	-	(17)	-	(17)	(1)	(18)
Dividends paid	-	-	(264)	-	(264)	(1)	(265)
Transactions with owners	(2)	13	(654)	1	(642)	(2)	(644)
At 30 September 2017	98	1,543	18,503	(17,776)	2,368	10	2,378

 

Group statement of changes in equity

for the six months ended 30 September 2016

 

	Called up share capital	Share premium account	Retained earnings	Other reserves	Attributable to owners of Experian plc	Non-controlling interests	Total equity
	US$m	US$m	US$m	US$m	US$m	US$m	US$m
At 1 April 2016	102	1,519	18,633	(17,830)	2,424	14	2,438
Comprehensive income:
Total profit/(loss) for the period	-	-	384	-	384	(1)	383
Other comprehensive income	-	-	(55)	32	(23)	-	(23)
Total comprehensive income	-	-	329	32	361	(1)	360
Transactions with owners:
Employee share incentive plans:
- value of employee services	-	-	26	-	26	-	26
- shares issued on vesting	-	10	-	-	10	-	10
- other exercises of share awards and options	-	-	(25)	31	6	-	6
- purchase of shares by employee trusts	-	-	-	(28)	(28)	-	(28)
- other payments	-	-	(2)	-	(2)	-	(2)
Purchase of shares held as treasury shares	(1)	-	(60)	-	(61)	-	(61)
Transactions in respect of non-controlling interests	-	-	-	-	-	1	1
Dividends paid	-	-	(260)	-	(260)	-	(260)
Transactions with owners	(1)	10	(321)	3	(309)	1	(308)
At 30 September 2016	101	1,529	18,641	(17,795)	2,476	14	2,490

 

 

Condensed half-yearly financial statements

Group cash flow statement

for the six months ended 30 September 2017

	Notes		Six months ended 30 September
			2017		2016
					(Re-presented)
					(Note 3)
			US$m		US$m
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations	17(a)		542		637
Interest paid			(45)		(37)
Interest received			8		9
Dividends received from associates			2		2
Tax paid			(66)		(32)
Net cash inflow from operating activities - continuing operations			441		579
Net cash (outflow)/inflow from operating activities - discontinued operations	12(b)		(48)		17
Net cash inflow from operating activities			393		596
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of other intangible assets	17(c)		(167)		(142)
Purchase of property, plant and equipment			(24)		(29)
Sale of property, plant and equipment			18		14
Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired	17(d)		(15)		(360)
Purchase of investment in associates			-		(14)
Purchase of other investments			-		(15)
Disposal of subsidiaries - continuing operations	23(b)		-		(3)
Net cash flows used in investing activities - continuing operations			(188)		(549)
Net cash flows from/(used in) investing activities - discontinued operations	12(b)		277		(8)
Net cash flows from/(used in) investing activities			89		(557)
Cash flows from financing activities
Cash inflow in respect of shares issued	17(e)		14		10
Cash outflow in respect of net share purchases	17(e)		(403)		(89)
Other payments on vesting of share awards			(2)		(2)
(Payments to acquire)/receipts for transactions with non-controlling interests			(8)		1
New borrowings			881		307
Repayment of borrowings			(651)		(2)
Net payments for cross currency swaps and foreign exchange contracts			(11)		(24)
Net receipts from equity swaps			1		2
Dividends paid			(265)		(260)
Net cash flows used in financing activities			(444)		(57)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents			38		(18)
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 April			81		151
Exchange movements on cash and cash equivalents			(6)		8
Cash and cash equivalents at 30 September	17(f)		113		141

 

Notes to the condensed half-yearly financial statements

for the six months ended 30 September 2017

1. Corporate information

Experian plc (the 'Company'), the ultimate parent company of the Experian group of companies ('Experian' or the 'Group'), is incorporated and registered in Jersey as a public company limited by shares and is resident in Ireland. The Company's registered office is at 22 Grenville Street, St Helier, Jersey JE4 8PX. The Company's ordinary shares are traded on the London Stock Exchange's Regulated Market (Premium Listing). Experian is the leading global information services group.

2. Basis of preparation

The condensed half-yearly financial statements are prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard ('IAS') 34 'Interim financial reporting' ('IAS 34') as adopted by the European Union (the 'EU').

The condensed half-yearly financial statements:

·      comprise the consolidated results of the Group for the six months ended 30 September 2017 and 30 September 2016;

·      were approved for issue on 14 November 2017;

·      have not been audited but have been reviewed by the Company's auditor with their report set out on page 45; and

·      do not constitute the Group's statutory financial statements but should be read in conjunction with the Group's statutory financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2017.

No significant events impacting the Group, other than those disclosed in this document, have occurred between 30 September 2017 and 14 November 2017.

The Group's statutory financial statements comprise the Annual Report and audited financial statements which are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ('IFRS' or 'IFRSs') as adopted by the EU. The most recent such financial statements, for the year ended 31 March 2017, were approved by the directors on 17 May 2017 and subsequently delivered to the Jersey Registrar of Companies. The auditor's report was unqualified and did not contain a statement under Article 111(2) or Article 111(5) of the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991. Copies of these financial statements are available on the Company's website, at www.experianplc.com/annualreport, and from the Company Secretary at Newenham House, Northern Cross, Malahide Road, Dublin 17, D17 AY61, Ireland.

The financial information for the year ended 31 March 2017 included in the condensed half-yearly financial statements is not the Company's statutory accounts for that financial year, but has been extracted from the Group's statutory financial statements.

As required by the UK Financial Conduct Authority Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules Sourcebook, these condensed financial statements have been prepared applying the accounting policies and presentation that were applied in the preparation of the Group's statutory financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2017, except for the presentation of discontinued operations as set out in note 3.

3. Comparative information

On 31 March 2017, the Group signed a definitive agreement to sell a 75% interest in the Group's email/cross-channel marketing business ('CCM') to Vector Capital, subject to customary closing conditions. This transaction completed on 31 May 2017. In accordance with IFRS 5 'Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations', the results and cash flows of the business for the six months ended 30 September 2016 have been reclassified as discontinued. The results of the Group's operating segments (shown within note 7(a)) and the information on business segments (shown within note 8) have been re-presented accordingly.

Except as indicated above, the financial statements have been prepared on a basis consistent with that reported for the six months ended 30 September 2016.

 

 

 

Notes to the condensed half-yearly financial statements

for the six months ended 30 September 2017

4. Accounting policies, estimates and judgments

(a) Introduction

The preparation of the condensed half-yearly financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent liabilities. If in the future such estimates and assumptions, which are based on management's best judgment at the date of these condensed half-yearly financial statements, deviate from actual circumstances, the original estimates and assumptions will be modified as appropriate in the period in which the circumstances change. There have been no significant changes in the bases upon which estimates have been determined, compared to those applied at 31 March 2017, and no change in estimate has had a material effect on the current period.

(b) Tax (note 11)

The tax charge recognised in the period is derived from the estimated tax rate for the full year, taking account of one-off tax charges and credits arising in the period and expected to arise in the full year and the tax effect of exceptional items and other adjustments made to derive Benchmark PBT.

(c) Goodwill

Goodwill held in the Group's balance sheet is tested annually for impairment and details of the methodology used are set out in the Group's statutory financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2017.

During the six months ended 30 September 2017 the annual tests were performed and no impairment identified.

(d) Post-employment benefits (note 16)

The Group has updated the accounting valuation of its principal defined benefit pension plan in light of changes in the key actuarial assumptions, and this is recognised in the condensed half-yearly financial statements. The actuarial assumption with the most significant impact at 30 September 2017 is the discount rate of 2.6% (2016 :2.2%). The discount rate used in the year ended 31 March 2017 was 2.5%.

5. Accounting developments

There have been no accounting standards, amendments and interpretations that are effective for the first time in respect of the Group condensed half-yearly financial statements for the six months ended 30 September 2017 and which have had a material impact on those financial statements.

At 30 September 2017 there are a number of new standards and amendments to existing standards in issue but not yet effective, including three significant standards:

·      IFRS 9 'Financial instruments';

·      IFRS 15 'Revenue from contracts with customers'; and

·      IFRS 16 'Leases'.

 

IFRS 9 and IFRS 15 are endorsed and expected to be effective for Experian for the year ending 31 March 2019 with IFRS 16 (which is also subject to EU endorsement) expected to be effective for the year ending 31 March 2020. It is not currently practicable to quantify the effect of IFRS9 or IFRS16. The effect of IFRS15 is expected to be immaterial to Experian's balance sheet at the date of transition and for individual reporting periods.

Our assessment of the transitional impact of IFRS 15 on the Group financial statements remains ongoing. Where Experian does have accounting changes under IFRS15, we see a mix of revenue acceleration on some contracts and revenue deferral on other contracts. In combination, we expect these movements to offset each other over a full year, though on a quarterly basis the timing of delivery patterns means this may not always be the case. Experian does not expect a significant growth impact on a full year basis.

It is estimated that the total revenue recognised in any financial year would not materially change under IFRS15, compared to current accounting standards. Experian intends to adopt IFRS 15 on a partial retrospective basis and restate its results for the year ending 31 March 2018 as a prior year comparative. Experian are still evaluating the additional disclosure requirements that IFRS 15 introduces.

 

 

 

 

Notes to the condensed half-yearly financial statements

for the six months ended 30 September 2017

5. Accounting developments (continued)

 

IFRS 15 is based on the principle that revenue is recognised when control of goods or services is transferred to the customer and provides a single, principles-based five-step revenue recognition model to be applied to all sales contracts. In implementing IFRS15, the anticipated effect will be in relation to certain contracts predominantly related to the Decision Analytics business segment. The contracts affected represent less than 15% of Group revenue; with the period in which in which multi-year revenue is recognised changing.

The key change for the Group under IFRS15 is the introduction of the concept of 'performance obligations' and recognising revenue when these have been met and the customer takes control. It will therefore result in fewer of our services being separated/unbundled. Experian sees the largest impacts in the following areas:

 

·       Software licence and delivery services will primarily be accounted for as a single performance obligation, with revenue recognised when the combined offering is delivered to the customer. Experian will see a new distinction in treatment between Experian-hosted solutions (revenue spread over the contract term) and on-premise software licence arrangements (revenue recognised on delivery completion). For these contracts we will generally see a delay in when delivery revenue is recognised compared to current accounting.

·       Batch data arrangements which include an ongoing update service will be apportioned across each delivery to the customer, rather than apportioned on Experian delivery hours.

·       Platform set-up fees across a range of business units will be recognised over the contractual life of the wider service provided to the customer, compared to the current approach of recognition as the set-up is delivered.

·       Certain costs will be deferred as Contract Assets and expensed over the period that the related revenue stream is recognised. These costs include sales commissions and labour costs directly relating to an implementation service.

There are no other new standards, amendments to existing standards or interpretations that are not yet effective that would be expected to have a material impact on the Group. The Group routinely reviews such developments and adapts its financial reporting systems as appropriate.

6. Use of non-GAAP measures in the condensed half-yearly financial statements

As detailed below, the Group has identified and defined certain measures that it believes assist understanding of Experian's performance. The measures are not defined under IFRS and they may not be directly comparable with other companies' adjusted measures. The non-GAAP measures are not intended to be a substitute for, or superior to, any IFRS measures of performance but management has included them as they consider them to be key measures used within the business to assess the underlying performance of the Group's ongoing businesses.

(a) Benchmark profit before tax ('Benchmark PBT') (note 7(a))

Benchmark PBT is disclosed to indicate the underlying profitability of the Group's ongoing businesses. It is defined as profit before amortisation and impairment of acquisition intangibles, impairment of goodwill, acquisition and disposal expenses, adjustments to contingent consideration, exceptional items, financing fair value remeasurements, tax and discontinued operations. It includes the Group's share of continuing associates' post-tax results.

An explanation of the basis on which Experian reports exceptional items is provided below. Other adjustments made to derive Benchmark PBT are explained as follows:

·       Charges for the amortisation and impairment of acquisition intangibles are excluded from the calculation of Benchmark PBT because these charges are based on judgments about their value and economic life and bear no relation to the Group's underlying ongoing performance. Impairment of goodwill is similarly excluded.

·       Acquisition and disposal expenses (representing the incidental costs of acquisitions and disposals, one-time integration costs and other corporate transaction expenses) relating to successful, active or aborted acquisitions are excluded from the definition of Benchmark PBT as they bear no relation to the Group's underlying ongoing performance or to the performance of any acquired businesses. Adjustments to contingent consideration are similarly excluded from the calculation of Benchmark PBT.

 

 

 

Notes to the condensed half-yearly financial statements

for the six months ended 30 September 2017

6. Use of non-GAAP measures in the condensed half-yearly financial statements (continued)

(a) Benchmark profit before tax ('Benchmark PBT') (continued) (note 7(a) and note 8)

 

·       Charges and credits for financing fair value remeasurements within finance expense in the Group income statement are excluded from the definition of Benchmark PBT. These include retranslation of intragroup funding, that element of the Group's derivatives that is ineligible for hedge accounting, together with gains and losses on put options in respect of acquisitions. Amounts recognised generally arise from market movements and accordingly bear no direct relation to the Group's underlying performance.

(b) Benchmark earnings before interest and tax ('Benchmark EBIT') and margin ('Benchmark EBIT margin') (note 7(a))

Benchmark EBIT is defined as Benchmark PBT before the net interest expense charged therein and accordingly excludes exceptional items as defined below. Benchmark EBIT margin is Benchmark EBIT from ongoing activities expressed as a percentage of revenue from ongoing activities.

(c) Benchmark earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation ('Benchmark EBITDA')

Benchmark EBITDA is defined as Benchmark EBIT before the depreciation and amortisation charged therein.

(d) Exited business activities

Exited business activities are businesses sold, closed or identified for closure during a financial year. These are treated as exited business activities for both revenue and Benchmark EBIT purposes. The results of exited business activities are disclosed separately with the results of the prior period re-presented in the segmental analyses as appropriate. This measure differs from the definition of discontinued operations set out in IFRS 5.

(e) Ongoing activities

The results of businesses trading at 30 September 2017, which are not disclosed as exited business activities, are reported as ongoing activities.

(f) Constant exchange rates

To highlight its organic performance, Experian discusses its results in terms of growth at constant exchange rates, unless otherwise stated. This represents growth calculated after translating both years' performance at the prior year's average exchange rates.

(g) Total growth (note 7(c))

This is the year-on-year change in the performance of Experian's activities at actual exchange rates. Total growth at constant exchange rates removes the translational foreign exchange effects arising on the consolidation of Experian's activities and comprises Experian's measure of performance at constant exchange rates.

(h) Organic revenue growth (note 7(c))

This is the year-on-year change in the revenue of ongoing activities, translated at constant exchange rates, excluding acquisitions until the first anniversary of their consolidation.

(i) Benchmark earnings and Total Benchmark earnings (note 13)

Benchmark earnings comprise Benchmark PBT less attributable tax and non-controlling interests. The attributable tax for this purpose excludes significant tax credits and charges arising in the year which, in view of their size or nature, are not comparable with previous years, together with tax arising on exceptional items and on other adjustments made to derive Benchmark PBT. Benchmark PBT less attributable tax is designated as Total Benchmark earnings.

(j) Benchmark earnings per share ('Benchmark EPS') (note 13(a))

Benchmark EPS comprises Benchmark earnings divided by the weighted average number of issued ordinary shares, as adjusted for own shares held.

(k) Benchmark PBT per share

Benchmark PBT per share comprises Benchmark PBT divided by the weighted average number of issued ordinary shares, as adjusted for own shares held.

 

Notes to the condensed half-yearly financial statements

for the six months ended 30 September 2017

6. Use of non-GAAP measures in the condensed half-yearly financial statements (continued)

(l) Benchmark tax charge and rate (note 11(b))

The Benchmark tax charge is the tax charge applicable to Benchmark PBT. It differs from the Group tax charge by tax attributable to exceptional items and other adjustments made to derive Benchmark PBT, and exceptional tax charges. A reconciliation is provided in note 11(b) to these condensed half-yearly financial statements. The Benchmark effective rate of tax is calculated by dividing the Benchmark tax charge by Benchmark PBT.

(m) Exceptional items

The separate reporting of non-recurring exceptional items gives an indication of the Group's underlying performance. Exceptional items include those arising from the profit or loss on disposal of businesses, closure costs of major business units, costs of significant restructuring programmes and other financially significant one-off items. All other restructuring costs are charged against Benchmark EBIT, in the segments in which they are incurred.

(n) Benchmark operating and Benchmark free cash flow

Benchmark operating cash flow is Benchmark EBIT, plus amortisation, depreciation and charges in respect of share-based incentive plans, less capital expenditure net of disposal proceeds and adjusted for changes in working capital and the profit or loss retained in continuing associates. Benchmark free cash flow is derived from Benchmark operating cash flow by excluding net interest, tax paid in respect of continuing operations and dividends paid to non-controlling interests.

(o) Cash flow conversion

Cash flow conversion is Benchmark operating cash flow expressed as a percentage of Benchmark EBIT.

(p) Net debt and Net funding (note 19)

Net debt is borrowings (and the fair value of derivatives hedging borrowings) excluding accrued interest, less cash and cash equivalents and other highly liquid bank deposits with original maturities greater than three months. Net funding is borrowings (and the fair value of the effective portion of derivatives hedging borrowings) excluding accrued interest, less cash held in Group Treasury.

(q) Return on capital employed ('ROCE')

ROCE is defined as Benchmark EBIT less tax at the Benchmark rate divided by a three-point average of capital employed over the year. Capital employed is net assets less non-controlling interests, further adjusted to add or deduct the net tax liability or asset and the average capital employed in discontinued operations, and to add Net debt.

Notes to the condensed half-yearly financial statements

for the six months ended 30 September 2017

7. Segment information

(a) Income statement
Six months ended 30 September 2017		North America		Latin America	UK and Ireland	EMEA/ Asia Pacific	Total operating segments	Central Activities	Total continuing operations
		US$m		US$m	US$m	US$m	US$m	US$m	US$m
Revenue from external customers		1,258		381	378	173	2,190	-	2,190
Reconciliation from Benchmark EBIT to profit/ (loss) before tax
Benchmark EBIT		395		118	112	(14)	611	(30)	581
Net interest (note 10(b))		-		-	-	-	-	(40)	(40)
Benchmark PBT		395		118	112	(14)	611	(70)	541
Amortisation of acquisition intangibles		(38)		(10)	(3)	(2)	(53)	-	(53)
Acquisition and disposal expenses		(7)		-	-	(2)	(9)	-	(9)
Financing fair value remeasurements (note 10(c))		-		-	-	-	-	(12)	(12)
Profit/(loss) before tax		350		108	109	(18)	549	(82)	467
Six months ended 30 September 2016 (Re-presented) (Note 3)		North America		Latin America	UK and Ireland	EMEA/ Asia Pacific	Total operating segments	Central Activities	Total continuing operations
		US$m		US$m	US$m	US$m	US$m	US$m	US$m
Revenue from external customers		1,182		340	410	154	2,086	-	2,086
Reconciliation from Benchmark EBIT to profit/ (loss) before tax
Benchmark EBIT		377		107	122	(17)	589	(36)	553
Net interest (note 10(b))		-		-	-	-	-	(35)	(35)
Benchmark PBT		377		107	122	(17)	589	(71)	518
Amortisation of acquisition intangibles		(33)		(12)	(4)	(2)	(51)	-	(51)
Acquisition and disposal expenses		(2)		-	(1)	(1)	(4)	(6)	(10)
Financing fair value remeasurements (note 10(c))		-		-	-	-	-	43	43
Profit/(loss) before tax		342		95	117	(20)	534	(34)	500

The results for the six months ended 30 September 2016 have been re-presented in respect of the disposal of the email/cross-channel marketing business.

A profit before tax of US$22m (2016: loss before tax of US$2m) arose in the period in respect of discontinued operations. Further information on such operations which comprise the Group's email/cross-channel marketing business in the current and prior periods and the Group's comparison shopping and lead generation businesses in the prior period is given in note 12.

Additional information by operating segment, including that on total and organic growth at constant exchange rates, is provided within pages 3 to 9.

 

(b) Revenue by business segment

The additional analysis of revenue from external customers provided to the chief operating decision-maker and accordingly reportable under IFRS 8 'Operating segments' is given within note 8. This is supplemented by voluntary disclosure of the profitability of groups of service lines. For ease of reference, Experian continues to use the term 'business segments' when discussing the results of groups of service lines.

 

(c) Reconciliation of revenue from ongoing activities

		North America	Latin America	UK and Ireland	EMEA/ Asia Pacific	Total ongoing activities
		US$m	US$m	US$m	US$m	US$m
Revenue for the six months ended 30 September 2016		1,182	340	410	154	2,086
Adjustment to constant exchange rates		-	6	(22)	(2)	(18)
Revenue at constant rates for the six months ended 30 September 2016		1,182	346	388	152	2,068
Organic revenue growth		45	24	(12)	17	74
Revenue from acquisitions		31	-	3	-	34
Revenue at constant rates for the six months ended 30 September 2017		1,258	370	379	169	2,176
Adjustment to actual exchange rates		-	11	(1)	4	14
Revenue for the six months ended 30 September 2017		1,258	381	378	173	2,190
Organic revenue growth at constant rates		4%	7%	(3)%	11%	4%
Revenue growth at constant rates		6%	7%	(2)%	11%	5%

 

The above table demonstrates the application of the methodology set out in note 6 in determining organic and total revenue growth at constant exchange rates.

Notes to the condensed half-yearly financial statements

for the six months ended 30 September 2017

8. Information on business segments (including non-GAAP disclosures)

Six months ended 30 September 2017		Credit Services	Decision Analytics	Marketing Services		Consumer Services	Total business segments	Central Activities	Total continuing operations
		US$m	US$m	US$m		US$m	US$m	US$m	US$m
Revenue from external customers		1,234	288	208		460	2,190	-	2,190
Reconciliation from Benchmark EBIT to profit/(loss) before tax
Benchmark EBIT		415	39	54		103	611	(30)	581
Net interest (note 10(b))		-	-	-		-	-	(40)	(40)
Benchmark PBT		415	39	54		103	611	(70)	541
Amortisation of acquisition intangibles		(37)	(4)	(2)		(10)	(53)	-	(53)
Acquisition and disposal expenses		(5)	-	-		(4)	(9)	-	(9)
Financing fair value remeasurements (note 10(c))		-	-	-		-	-	(12)	(12)
Profit/(loss) before tax		373	35	52		89	549	(82)	467
Six months ended 30 September 2016          (Re-presented) (Note 3)		Credit Services	Decision Analytics	Marketing Services		Consumer Services	Total business segments	Central Activities	Total continuing operations
		US$m	US$m	US$m		US$m	US$m	US$m	US$m
Revenue from external customers		1,158	262	194		472	2,086	-	2,086
Reconciliation from Benchmark EBIT to profit/(loss)before tax
Benchmark EBIT		387	34	34		134	589	(36)	553
Net interest (note 10(b))		-	-	-		-	-	(35)	(35)
Benchmark PBT		387	34	34		134	589	(71)	518
Amortisation of acquisition intangibles		(38)	(5)	(3)		(5)	(51)	-	(51)
Acquisition and disposal expenses		(1)	-	-		(3)	(4)	(6)	(10)
Financing fair value remeasurements (note 10(c))		-	-	-		-	-	43	43
Profit/(loss) before tax		348	29	31		126	534	(34)	500

The results for the six months ended 30 September 2016 have been re-presented in respect of the email/cross-channel marketing business.

 

A profit before tax of US$22m (2016: loss before tax of US$2m) arose in the period in respect of discontinued operations. Further information on such operations which comprise the Group's email/cross-channel marketing business in the current and prior periods and the Group's comparison shopping and lead generation businesses in the prior period is given in note 12.

 

Notes to the condensed half-yearly financial statements

for the six months ended 30 September 2017

9. Other adjustments made to derive Benchmark PBT

 

	Six months ended 30 September
	2017	2016
		(Re-presented)
		(Note 3)
	US$m	US$m
Other adjustments made to derive Benchmark PBT:
Amortisation of acquisition intangibles	53	51
Acquisition and disposal expenses1	9	10
Financing fair value remeasurements (note 10(c))	12	(43)
Charge for other adjustments made to derive Benchmark PBT	74	18
Net charge for Other adjustments made to derive Benchmark PBT	74	18
By income statement caption:
Within total operating expenses	62	61
Within operating profit	62	61
Within net finance costs	12	(43)
Net charge for Other adjustments made to derive Benchmark PBT	74	18

 

1.   Acquisition and disposal expenses comprise US$9m (2016: US$4m) for the incidental cost of acquisitions and US$nil (2016: US$6m) for disposals.

10. Net finance costs

(a) Net finance costs included in Profit before tax
		Six months ended 30 September
		2017	2016
		US$m	US$m
Interest income:
Bank deposits, short-term investments and loan notes		(8)	(10)
Finance expense:
Interest expense		48	45
Charge/(credit) in respect of financing fair value remeasurements (note 10(c))		12	(43)
Finance expense		60	2
Net finance costs/(income) included in Profit before tax		52	(8)
(b) Net interest expense included in Benchmark PBT
		Six months ended 30 September
		2017	2016
		US$m	US$m
Interest income		(8)	(10)
Interest expense		48	45
Net interest expense included in Benchmark PBT		40	35

 

 

 

Notes to the condensed half-yearly financial statements

for the six months ended 30 September 2017

10. Net finance costs (continued)

(c) Analysis of charge/(credit) in respect of financing fair value remeasurements
		Six months ended 30 September
		2017		2016
		US$m		US$m
Foreign exchange losses/(gains) on Brazilian real intra-Group funding		1		(28)
Increase in the fair value of put options		3		2
Other financing fair value losses/(gains)		8		(17)
Charge/(credit) in respect of financing fair value remeasurements		12		(43)

 

In 2012, Brazilian real intra-Group funding was provided to Serasa in Brazil from a Group company whose functional currency was not the Brazilian real. As the funding was considered to be permanent, no foreign exchange volatility was recognised within financing fair value remeasurements in the Group income statement. In November 2014, the funding was partially repaid. The Group exchanged the repayment into US dollars and used it to repay debt. Following the partial repayment of the debt, the remaining funding was no longer regarded as permanent for the purposes of EU-IFRS and foreign exchange gains or losses on this intra group funding are recognised in the Group income statement.

11. Tax - ongoing activities

(a) Group tax charge and effective rate of tax

 

	Six months ended 30 September
	2017	2016
		(Re-presented)
		(Note 3)
	US$m	US$m
Group tax charge	122	118
Profit before tax	467	500
Effective rate of tax based on Profit before tax	26.1%	23.6%

 

(b) Reconciliation of the Group tax charge to the Benchmark tax charge

 

	Six months ended 30 September
	2017	2016
		(Re-presented)
		(Note 3)
	US$m	US$m
Group tax charge	122	118
Tax relief on other adjustments made to derive Benchmark PBT	23	16
Benchmark tax charge	145	134
Benchmark PBT	541	518
Benchmark tax rate	26.8%	25.9%

 

(c) Tax recognised in other comprehensive income

In the six months ended 30 September 2017, a deferred tax credit of US$nil (2016: US$11m) has been recognised in other comprehensive income, principally relating to remeasurement losses on defined benefit pension plans of US$67m in the prior period.

12. Discontinued operations

On 31 May 2017 Experian completed the divestment of the Group's email/cross-channel marketing business, and the results and cash flows of this business are accordingly classified as discontinued with comparative figures re-presented. Experian completed a transaction to divest its comparison shopping and historic lead generation businesses in October 2012, and their results and cash flows are classified as discontinued.

 

 

Notes to the condensed half-yearly financial statements

for the six months ended 30 September 2017

12. Discontinued operations (continued)

 

(a) Results for discontinued operations

The loss for the financial year from discontinued operations of US$27m (2016: profit of US$1m) comprises a loss of US$27m (2016: profit of US$14m) in respect of the email/cross-channel marketing business. In the prior period a loss of US$13m was recognised in respect of the comparison shopping and lead generation businesses. This disposal has now been finalised with receipt of US$15m in respect of the loan note outstanding.

		2017			2016
The results of the email/cross-channel marketing business were:				(Re-presented)
					(Note 3)
		US$m			US$m
Revenue		46			150
Labour costs		(34)			(77)
Data and information technology costs		(7)			(13)
Depreciation and amortisation charges		-			(11)
Marketing and customer acquisition costs		(1)			(2)
Other operating charges		(16)			(27)
Total operating expenses		(58)			(130)
(Loss)/profit before tax		(12)			20
Tax credit/(charge)		2			(6)
(Loss)/profit after tax of discontinued operations		(10)			14
Profit on disposal of discontinued operations (note 23(a))		34			-
Tax charge in respect of disposal		(51)			-
(Loss)/profit for the six months ended 30 September from discontinued operations		(27)			14

 

Depreciation and amortisation include amortisation of acquisition intangibles of US$nil (2016: US$1m). The operating loss for the six months ended September 2017 includes certain restructuring costs and one-off costs of separation. A deferred tax credit on the disposal of US$45m was recognised in the year ended 31 March 2017.

 

The results of the comparison shopping and lead generation businesses were:		2017			2016
		US$m			US$m
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations		-			(22)
Tax credit in respect of disposal		-			9
Loss for the six months ended 30 September from discontinued operations		-			(13)

 

The loss on disposal in the prior period arose from the reduction in the carrying value of the loan note receivable issued as part of the disposal. The carrying value of US$15m was received by Experian in the six months ended 30 September 2017.

 

(b) Cash flows for discontinued operations		2017			2016
		US$m			US$m
Cash (outflow)/inflow from operating activities		(48)			17
Cash flow from/(used in) investing activities		277			(8)
Net cash inflow from discontinued operations		229			9

 

The cash outflow from operating activities of US$48m (2016: inflow of US$17m) all relates to the email/cross-channel marketing business and is stated after tax paid on the income of that business of US$4m (2016: US$nil).

 

Cash flow from investing activities of US$277m (2016: used in investing activities US$8m) comprises an inflow of US$262m (2016: outflow of US$8m) relating to the email/cross-channel marketing business, and a cash inflow of US$15m (2016: US$nil) on the redemption of the loan note which arose on the disposal of the comparison shopping and lead generation businesses.

 

Notes to the condensed half-yearly financial statements

for the six months ended 30 September 2017

13. Earnings per share disclosures

(a) Earnings per share ('EPS')
	Six months ended 30 September
	Basic				Diluted
	2017	2016			2017	2016
	(Re-presented)				(Re-presented)
		(Note 3)				(Note 3)
	US cents	US cents			US cents	US cents
Continuing and discontinued operations	34.5	40.6			34.2	40.3
Add/(less): discontinued operations loss/(profit)	3.0	(0.1)			2.9	(0.1)
Continuing operations	37.5	40.5			37.1	40.2
Add: other adjustments made to derive Benchmark PBT, net of related tax	5.5	0.2			5.5	0.2
Benchmark EPS (non-GAAP measure)	43.0	40.7			42.6	40.4
(b) Analysis of earnings
					Six months ended 30 September
					2017	2016
					(Re-presented)
						(Note 3)
					US$m	US$m
Continuing and discontinued operations attributable to owners of Experian plc					319	384
Add/(less): discontinued operations loss/(profit)					27	(1)
Continuing operations					346	383
Add: other adjustments made to derive Benchmark PBT, net of related tax					51	2
Benchmark earnings attributable to owners of Experian plc (non-GAAP measure)					397	385
Benchmark earnings attributable to non-controlling interests (non-GAAP measure)					(1)	(1)
Total benchmark earnings (non-GAAP measure)					396	384
(c) Reconciliation of Total benchmark earnings to Profit for the period
					Six months ended 30 September
					2017	2016
					(Re-presented)
						(Note 3)
					US$m	US$m
Total benchmark earnings (non-GAAP measure)					396	384
(Loss)/profit from discontinued operations					(27)	1
Loss from other adjustments made to derive Benchmark PBT, net of related tax					(51)	(2)
Profit for the period					318	383

 

(d) Weighted average number of ordinary shares used
				Six months ended 30 September
		2017			2016
		million			million
Weighted average number of ordinary shares		924			945
Add: dilutive effect of share incentive awards, options and share purchases		9			7
Diluted weighted average number of ordinary shares		933			952

 

 

Notes to the condensed half-yearly financial statements

for the six months ended 30 September 2017

14. Dividends

			Six months ended 30 September
		2017		2017	2016	2016
		US cents per share		US$m	US cents per share	US$m
Amounts recognised and paid:
Second interim - paid in July 2017 (2016: July)		28.50		264	27.50	260
First interim - announced		13.50		123	13.00	121

A first interim dividend of 13.50 US cents per ordinary share will be paid on 2 February 2018 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 5 January 2018 and is not included as a liability in these condensed half-yearly financial statements. The first interim dividend for the six months ended 30 September 2016 was 13.00 US cents per ordinary share and the total dividend per ordinary share for the year ended 31 March 2017 was 41.50 US cents with a total full year cost of US$385m.

15. Capital expenditure, disposals and capital commitments

(a) Additions

During the six months ended 30 September 2017, the Group made fixed asset additions of US$191m (2016: US$179m).

(b) Disposals

Excluding any amounts in connection with the disposal of businesses, the book value of other intangible fixed assets and property, plant and equipment disposed of in the six months ended 30 September 2017 was US$4m (2016: US$5m) and the profit on disposal was US$14m (2016: US$9m).

(c) Capital commitments

At 30 September 2017, the Group had capital commitments in respect of intangible assets and property, plant and equipment for which contracts had been placed of US$32m (2016: US$30m). Capital commitments at 30 September 2017 include commitments of US$8m not expected to be incurred before 30 September 2018. Capital commitments at 30 September 2016 included commitments of US$13m not then expected to be incurred before 30 September 2017.
 

Notes to the condensed half-yearly financial statements

for the six months ended 30 September 2017

16. Post-employment benefit assets and obligations - defined benefit plans

(a) Amounts recognised in the Group balance sheet
				30 September
			2017				2016
			US$m				US$m
Retirement benefit assets/(obligations) - funded plans:
Fair value of funded plans' assets			1,117				1,053
Present value of funded plans' obligations			(1,076)				(1,092)
Retirement benefit assets/(obligations) - surplus/(deficit) in funded plans			41				(39)
Retirement benefit obligations - unfunded plans:
Present value of unfunded pension obligations			(51)				(45)
Present value of post-retirement healthcare obligations			(5)				(6)
Retirement benefit obligations - unfunded plans			(56)				(51)
Net retirement benefit obligations			(15)				(90)
The net retirement benefit obligations of US$40m at 1 April 2017 comprised assets of US$14m in respect of funded plans and obligations of US$54m in respect of unfunded plans. The retirement benefit assets and obligations are denominated primarily in sterling.
(b) Movements in net amount recognised in the Group balance sheet
				Six months ended 30 September
			2017				2016
			US$m				US$m
At 1 April			(40)				(29)
Charge to Group income statement within total operating expenses			(5)				(5)
Remeasurements recognised within other comprehensive income			22				(67)
Differences on exchange			(1)				6
Contributions paid by the Group			9				5
At 30 September			(15)				(90)
There was a small funding deficit at the date of the 2016 full actuarial valuation of the Experian Pension Scheme. As previously announced, the employer has agreed to pay deficit contributions of US$4m per annum over five years from 1 April 2017. The first of these payments was made in the six months ended 30 September 2017.   (c) Actuarial assumptions
				30 September
			2017				2016
			%				%
Discount rate			2.6				2.2
Inflation rate - based on the UK Retail Prices Index (the 'RPI')			3.2				3.0
Inflation rate - based on the UK Consumer Prices Index (the 'CPI')			2.2				2.0
Increase in salaries			3.7				3.5
Increase for pensions in payment - element based on the RPI (where cap is 5%)			3.0				2.8
Increase for pensions in payment - element based on the CPI (where cap is 3%)			1.9				1.8
Increase for pensions in payment - element based on the CPI (where cap is 2.5%)			1.7				1.6
Increase for pensions in deferment			2.2				2.0
Inflation in medical costs			6.2				5.9

The mortality and other demographic assumptions used at 30 September 2017 remain unchanged from those used at 31 March 2017 and disclosed in the Group's statutory financial statements for the year then ended.

 

 

Notes to the condensed half-yearly financial statements

for the six months ended 30 September 2017

17. Notes to the Group cash flow statement

(a) Cash generated from operations
					Six months ended 30 September
					2017			2016
								(Re-presented)
								(Note 3)
					US$m			US$m
Profit before tax					467			500
Share of post-tax profit of associates					(1)			(2)
Net finance costs/(income)					52			(8)
Operating profit					518			490
Profit on disposal of fixed assets					(14)			(9)
Amortisation and depreciation1					212			213
Charge in respect of share incentive plans					33			26
Increase in working capital (note 17(b))					(194)			(88)
Movement in other non-benchmark items included in working capital					(13)			5
Cash generated from operations					542			637
1. Amortisation and depreciation includes amortisation of acquisition intangibles of US$53m (2016: US$51m) which is excluded from Benchmark EBIT.
(b) Increase in working capital
					Six months ended 30 September
					2017			2016
								(Re-presented)
								(Note 3)
					US$m			US$m
Trade and other receivables					(1)			67
Trade and other payables					(193)			(155)
Increase in working capital					(194)			(88)
(c) Purchase of other intangible assets
				Six months ended 30 September
					2017			2016
								(Re-presented)
								(Note 3)
					US$m			US$m
Databases					95			94
Internally generated software					54			33
Internal use software					18			15
Purchase of other intangible assets					167			142

 

(d) Cash outflow on acquisitions (non-GAAP measure)

			Six months ended 30 September
			2017	2016
			US$m	US$m
Purchase of subsidiaries (note 24)			10	377
Net cash acquired with subsidiaries			-	(22)
Deferred consideration settled			5	5
As reported in the Group cash flow statement			15	360
Acquisition expenses paid			9	4
Payments to acquire/(receipts for transactions with) non-controlling interests			8	(1)
Cash outflow for acquisitions (non-GAAP measure)			32	363

 

 

Notes to the condensed half-yearly financial statements for the six months ended 30 September 2017 17. Notes to the Group cash flow statement (continued) (e) Cash outflows in respect of net share purchases (non-GAAP measure)
	Notes		Six months ended 30 September
			2017	2016
			US$m	US$m
Issue of ordinary shares			(14)	(10)
Purchase of shares by employee trusts	22		37	28
Purchase and cancellation of own shares			366	61
Cash outflow in respect of net share purchases (non-GAAP measure)			389	79
As reported in the Group cash flow statement:
Cash inflow in respect of shares issued			(14)	(10)
Cash outflow in respect of net share purchases			403	89
			389	79

 

(f) Analysis of cash and cash equivalents

			30 September
			2017	2016
			US$m	US$m
Cash and cash equivalents in the Group balance sheet			114	144
Bank overdrafts			(1)	(3)
Cash and cash equivalents - as reported in the Group cash flow statement			113	141

Cash and cash equivalents at 1 April 2017 of US$81m in the Group cash flow statement were reported net of overdrafts of US$2m. Cash and cash equivalents at 1 April 2016 of US$151m in the Group cash flow statement were reported net of overdrafts of US$5m.

18. Reconciliation of Cash generated from operations

to Benchmark operating cash flow (non-GAAP measure)

	Notes			Six months ended 30 September
				2017		2016
				(Re-presented)
						(Note 3)
				US$m		US$m
Cash generated from operations	17(a)			542	637
Purchase of other intangible assets	17(c)			(167)	(142)
Purchase of property, plant and equipment				(24)	(29)
Sale of property, plant and equipment				18	14
Acquisition expenses paid				9	-
Cash flows in respect of other non-benchmark items				13	5
Dividends received from associates				2	2
Benchmark operating cash flow (non-GAAP measure)				393	487

 

Benchmark free cash flow for the six months ended 30 September 2017 was US$289m (2016: US$427m). Cash flow conversion for the six months ended 30 September 2017 was 68% (2016: 88%).

 

Notes to the condensed half-yearly financial statements

for the six months ended 30 September 2017

19. Net debt (non-GAAP measure)

(a) Analysis by nature
	30 September
	2017	2016
	US$m	US$m
Cash and cash equivalents (net of overdrafts)	113	141
Debt due within one year - bonds and notes	-	(599)
Debt due within one year - commercial paper	(371)	(302)
Debt due within one year - bank loans and finance lease obligations	(1)	(2)
Debt due after more than one year - bonds and notes	(2,320)	(1,717)
Debt due after more than one year - bank loans and finance lease obligations	(701)	(650)
Derivatives hedging loans and borrowings	(123)	(149)
	(3,403)	(3,278)
(b) Analysis by balance sheet caption
	30 September
	2017	2016
	US$m	US$m
Cash and cash equivalents	114	144
Current borrowings	(373)	(910)
Non-current borrowings	(3,075)	(2,417)
Borrowings	(3,448)	(3,327)
Total reported in the Group balance sheet	(3,334)	(3,183)
Accrued interest reported within borrowings above but excluded from net debt	54	54
Derivatives reported within other financial assets included in net debt	39	21
Derivatives reported within other financial liabilities included in net debt	(162)	(170)
	(3,403)	(3,278)

At 30 September 2017 the fair value of borrowings was US$3,400m (2016: US$3,421m).

(c) Movements in net debt
		1 April 2017		Movements in the period ended 30 September 2017								30 September  2017
				Cash flow		Net share purchases		Fair value gains/(losses)		Exchange and other
		US$m		US$m		US$m		US$m		US$m		US$m
Cash and cash equivalents		83		425		(389)		-		(5)		114
Borrowings		(3,044)		(227)		-		23		(200)		(3,448)
Total reported in the Group balance sheet		(2,961)		198		(389)		23		(205)		(3,334)
Accrued interest excluded from net debt		20		-		-		-		34		54
Derivatives hedging loans and borrowings		(232)		11		-		(34)		132		(123)
		(3,173)		209		(389)		(11)		(39)		(3,403)

 

20. Undrawn committed bank borrowing facilities

	30 September
	2017	2016
	US$m	US$m
Facilities expiring in:
One to two years	300	350
Two to three years	225	-
Three to four years	1,800	225
Four to five years	-	1,800
	2,325	2,375

At 31 March 2017, there were undrawn committed borrowing facilities of US$2,375m.

The financial covenants in connection with the borrowing facilities generally provide that the underlying profitability of the Group must exceed three times net interest expense before financing fair value remeasurements. The Group has complied with its covenants throughout the period.
 

Notes to the condensed half-yearly financial statements

for the six months ended 30 September 2017

21. Called up share capital and share premium account

	Number of shares		Called up share capital	Share premium account
	million		US$m	US$m
At 1 April 2016	1,023.0		102	1,519
Shares issued under employee share incentive plans	0.7		-	10
Purchase and cancellation of own shares	(3.4)		(1)
At 30 September 2016	1,020.3		101	1,529
Shares issued under employee share incentive plans	0.1		-	1
Purchase and cancellation of own shares	(14.8)		(1)	-
At 31 March 2017	1,005.6		100	1,530
Shares issued under employee share incentive plans	1.0		-	13
Purchase and cancellation of own shares	(18.5)		(2)	-
At 30 September 2017	988.1		98	1,543
22. Own shares held		Number of shares			Cost of shares
		million			US$m
At 1 April 2016		77			1,240
Purchase of shares by employee trusts		1			28
Exercise of share awards and options		(2)			(31)
At 30 September 2016		76			1,237
Exercise of share awards and options		(1)			(5)
At 31 March 2017		75			1,232
Purchase of shares by employee trusts		2			37
Exercise of share awards and options		(3)			(38)
At 30 September 2017		74			1,231

Own shares held at 30 September 2017 include 62 million (2016: 63 million) shares held as treasury shares and 12 million (2016: 13 million) shares held in employee trusts. Own shares held at 31 March 2017 included 62 million shares held as treasury shares (1 April 2016: 63 million shares) and 13 million shares (1 April 2016: 14 million shares) held in employee trusts.

The total cost of own shares held at each balance sheet date is deducted from other reserves in the Group balance sheet.

 

23. Disposals

 

(a)        Profit on disposal

Disposal of the email/cross-channel marketing business:		US$m
Net assets disposed of - book value at date of disposal:
Goodwill		216
Other intangible assets		48
Property, plant and equipment		17
Trade and other receivables		70
Deferred tax assets		2
Trade and other payables		(10)
Accruals and deferred income		(13)
Current tax liabilities		(3)
Deferred tax liabilities		(17)
Net assets disposed of		310
Disposal proceeds:
Net cash proceeds after consideration of working capital adjustments and mutual transaction costs		267
Promissory Note		75
Share of divested business		27
Transaction costs and provisions		(25)
Total net proceeds		344
Profit on disposal		34

Notes to the condensed half-yearly financial statements

for the six months ended 30 September 2017

 

23. Disposals (continued)

 

(b) Cash inflow from disposals

 

Disposal of the email/cross-channel marketing business:

Proceeds received in cash		267
Transaction costs		(5)
Net cash inflow		262

As indicated in note 12, on 31 May 2017 Experian completed the divestment of the Group's email/cross-channel marketing business.

Disposal of the comparison shopping and lead generation businesses:

Proceeds from loan note

15

As indicated in note 12, in the six months ended 30 September 2017, Experian received the remaining value of the loan note receivable in relation to the disposal of the comparison shopping and lead generation businesses.

Total Cash Inflow from Disposals

277

 

The cash outflow on disposal of businesses in the six months ended 30 September 2016 of US$3m relates to the disposal of the Consumer Insights business, completed in the second half of the year ended 31 March 2016.

24. Acquisitions

The Group completed a small acquisition on 4 May 2017, in connection with which provisional goodwill of US$9m was recognised based on the provisional fair value of the net assets acquired of US$3m.

25. Financial risk management

(a) Financial risk factors

The Group's activities expose it to a variety of financial risks. These are market risk, including foreign exchange risk and interest rate risk, credit risk and liquidity risk. The nature of these risks and the policies adopted by way of mitigation are unchanged from those reported in the Annual Report and Group financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2017. Full information and disclosures were contained in that document.

(b) Analysis by valuation method for items measured at fair value

(i) As at 30 September 2017

		Level 1	Level 2	Level 3	Total
		US$m	US$m	US$m	US$m
Financial assets:
Derivatives used for hedging		-	41	-	41
Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss		-	46	-	46
Amounts reported as other financial assets		-	87	-	87
Available-for-sale		40	-	21	61
		40	87	21	148
Financial liabilities:
Derivatives used for hedging		-	125	-	125
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit and loss		-	17	15	32
		-	142	15	157
Net financial assets/(liabilities)		40	(55)	6	(9)

 

 

 

Notes to the condensed half-yearly financial statements

for the six months ended 30 September 2017

25. Financial risk management (continued)

(b) Analysis by valuation method for items measured at fair value (continued)

 

(ii) As at 30 September 2016

		Level 1	Level 2	Level 3	Total
		US$m	US$m	US$m	US$m
Financial assets:
Derivatives used for hedging		-	27	-	27
Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss		-	47	-	47
Amounts reported as other financial assets		-	74	-	74
Available-for-sale		33	-	25	58
		33	74	25	132
Financial liabilities:
Derivatives used for hedging		-	134	-	134
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit and loss		-	38	17	55
		-	172	17	189
Net financial assets/(liabilities)		33	(98)	8	(57)

 

In accounting for items measured at fair value, Experian follows EU-IFRS including IFRS 13 'Fair value measurement'. The fair values of derivative financial instruments and other financial assets and liabilities are determined by using market data and established estimation techniques such as discounted cash flow and option valuation models. The fair value of foreign exchange contracts is based on a comparison of the contractual and period end exchange rates. The fair values of other derivative financial instruments are estimated by discounting the future cash flows to net present values using appropriate market rates prevailing at the period end. There have been no changes in valuation techniques during the period under review.

The levels used in the above tables are defined in IFRS 13 and are summarised here for completeness:

·      assets and liabilities whose valuations are based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities are classified as Level 1;

·      assets and liabilities which are not traded in an active market and whose valuations are derived from available market data that is observable for the asset or liability are classified as Level 2; and

·     assets and liabilities whose valuations are derived from inputs not based on observable market data are classified as Level 3.

Level 3 items principally comprise minority shareholdings in unlisted businesses, trade investments, contingent consideration and put and call options associated with corporate transactions. The inputs used in determining valuations are a mix of earnings and asset valuations reflecting different contractual arrangements. There would be no material effect on the amounts stated from any reasonably possible change in such inputs at 30 September 2017.

There have been no transfers between levels during the current or prior period.

 

(c) Analysis of movements in Level 3 net financial assets/(liabilities)

 

(i) Six months ended 30 September 2017

 

		Available-for-sale	Contingent consideration	Other	Total
		US$m	US$m	US$m	US$m
At 1 April 2017		21	(2)	(12)	7
Fair value losses recognised in Group income statement (note 10(c))		-	-	(3)	(3)
Settlement of contingent consideration		-	5	-	5
Other		-	(3)	-	(3)
At 30 September 2017		21	-	(15)	6

 

 

 

Notes to the condensed half-yearly financial statements

for the six months ended 30 September 2017

25. Financial risk management (continued)

(c) Analysis of movements in Level 3 net financial assets/(liabilities) (continued)

 

(ii) Six months ended 30 September 2016

 

		Available-for-sale	Contingent consideration	Other	Total
		US$m	US$m	US$m	US$m
At 1 April 2016		10	(7)	(10)	(7)
Purchase of investment		15	-	-	15
Fair value losses recognised in Group income statement (note 10(c))		-	-	(2)	(2)
Settlement of contingent consideration		-	5	-	5
Other		-	(3)	-	(3)
At 30 September 2016		25	(5)	(12)	8

 

 (d) Other financial assets and liabilities

Information in respect of the carrying amounts and the fair value of borrowings is included in note 19(b). There are no material differences between the carrying value of the Group's other financial assets and liabilities and their estimated fair values. The following assumptions and methods are used to estimate the fair values of financial assets and liabilities not measured at fair value:

·      the fair values of receivables, payables and cash and cash equivalents are considered to approximate to the carrying amounts;

·      the fair values of short-term borrowings are considered to approximate to the carrying amounts due to the short maturity terms of such instruments;

·      the fair value of that portion of bonds carried at amortised cost is based on quoted market prices, employing a valuation methodology falling within Level 1 of the IFRS 13 fair value hierarchy;

·      the fair values of long-term floating rate bank loans and finance lease obligations are considered to approximate to the carrying amount; and

·      the fair values of other financial assets and liabilities are calculated based on a discounted cash flow analysis, using a valuation methodology falling within Level 2 of the IFRS 13 fair value hierarchy.

(e) Carrying value of financial assets and liabilities

There have been no unusual changes in economic or business circumstances that have affected the carrying value of the Group's financial assets and liabilities at 30 September 2017.

 

 

Notes to the condensed half-yearly financial statements

for the six months ended 30 September 2017

26. Related party transactions

The Group's related parties were disclosed in the Group's statutory financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2017. The only material change during the six months ended 30 September 2017 is the creation of an additional associate undertaking following the divestment of the email/cross-channel marketing business disclosed in note 3. As a result of this transaction the Group now owns 25% of the issued share capital of Vector CM Holdings (Cayman), L.P. ('Vector'), a partnership incorporated in Cayman Islands.

During the six months ended 30 September 2017 the Group entered into the following transactions with Vector and its subsidiaries:

		Transaction amount			Balance owed to Experian
		To 30 September 2017	To 30 September 2016	At 30 September 2017		At 30 September 2016
		US$m	US$m	US$m		US$m
Promissory Note		75	-	75		-
Interest on Promissory Note		2	-	2		-
Transitional Services Arrangement ('TSA') Fees		6	-	3		-
Net amounts exchanged and due under the TSA		10	-	13		-
		93	-	93		-

 

The Promissory Note is due and payable to Experian on 31 May 2024 with interest also payable on this date. A Transitional Services Arrangement ('TSA') is in place between the Group and Vector to provide services to the partnership for a period of 12 months unless terminated earlier or an agreement to extend is executed. During the six months ended 30 September 2017 and until the conclusion of the TSA, Experian processes transactions on behalf of Vector. Experian receives a pre-agreed fee for the execution of the TSA and does not receive any margin on individual transactions. Details of amounts arising from the TSA are shown in the table below.

			Transaction amount			Balance owed to Vector
			To 30 September 2017	To 30 September 2016	At 30 September 2017		At 30 September 2016
			US$m	US$m	US$m		US$m
Cash received on behalf of Vector			29	-	5		-

 

		Transaction amount			Balance owed to Experian
		To 30 September 2017	To 30 September  2016	At 30 September 2017		At 30 September 2016
		US$m	US$m	US$m		US$m
Cash paid on behalf of Vector		39	-	18		-

27. Contingencies

(a) North America security incident

In September 2015, Experian North America suffered an unauthorised intrusion to its Decision Analytics computing environment that allowed unauthorised acquisition of certain data belonging to a client, T-Mobile USA, Inc. Experian notified the individuals who may have been affected and offered free credit monitoring and identity theft resolution services. In addition, government agencies were notified as required by law. The one-off costs to Experian of directly responding to this incident were reflected in a US$20m income statement charge in the year ended 31 March 2016.

 

Experian has received a number of class actions, all of which have been consolidated, and continues to work with regulators and government bodies as part of their investigations. It is currently not possible to predict the scope and effect on the Group of these various regulatory and government investigations and legal actions, including their timing and scale. In the event of unfavourable outcomes, the Group may benefit from applicable insurance recoveries.

 

 

Notes to the condensed half-yearly financial statements

for the six months ended 30 September 2017

27. Contingencies (continued)

(b) Brazil credit scores

As indicated in our 2014 Annual Report and Group financial statements, the Group had received a significant number of claims in Brazil, primarily in three states, relating to the disclosure and use of credit scores. In November 2014, The Superior Tribunal of Justice, the highest court in Brazil for such cases, determined the principal legal issues involved and ruled that the cases had no merit under Brazilian law. Whilst elements of the legal process have yet to be exhausted, the directors do not believe that the outcome of any such claims will have a materially adverse effect on the Group's financial position. However, as is inherent in legal proceedings, there is a risk of outcomes that may be unfavourable to the Group.

 

(c) Brazil tax

As previously indicated, Serasa S.A. has been advised that the Brazilian tax authorities are challenging the deduction for tax purposes of goodwill amortisation arising from its acquisition by Experian in 2007. In October 2016 the First Chamber or the Tax Administrative Counsel ruled in favour of Serasa S.A.'s appeal in the proceedings in respect of the tax assessment for the years 2007 to 2010. The tax authority appealed this ruling to the Superior Chamber. In August 2017 the Superior Chamber ruled in favour of Serasa S.A. and cancelled the assessment with no further right to appeal. There remains a risk that subsequent deductions will be challenged. The possibility of this resulting in a liability to the Group is believed to be remote, on the basis of the advice of external legal counsel, the recent successful case and other factors in respect of the claim.

 

(d) North America contractual dispute

In March 2017 Experian received an adverse ruling on a 2010 contractual dispute in Canada in respect of a software product no longer offered by the Group and damages were awarded of approximately US$30m. Experian believes it has good grounds for a favourable ruling on appeal and is vigorously defending its position. However, as is inherent in legal proceedings, there remains a risk of an outcome that may be unfavourable to the Group.

 

(e) Other litigation and claims

There continue to be a number of pending and threatened litigation and other claims involving the Group across all its major geographies which are being vigorously defended. The directors do not believe that the outcome of any such claims will have a materially adverse effect on the Group's financial position. However, as is inherent in legal, regulatory and administrative proceedings, there is a risk of outcomes that may be unfavourable to the Group. In the case of unfavourable outcomes, the Group may benefit from applicable insurance recoveries.

 

28. Events occurring after the end of the reporting period

(a) First interim dividend

Details of the first interim dividend approved by the Board on 14 November 2017 are given in note 14.

 

(b) Acquisitions and divestments

Clarity Services, Inc

On 6 October 2017 the Group acquired 100% of the issued share capital of Clarity Services, Inc ('Clarity'), a leading credit bureau servicing the sub-prime market, based in the United States. Clarity's products are highly complementary to Experian's and include unique credit data and insights into over 60m individuals. The acquisition reinforces Experian's position as the leading national credit bureau, striving to support 100% of US consumers. The purchase consideration was US$100m, plus contingent consideration currently valued at $6m payable over three years, and was funded from the Group's cash resources.

 

29. Seasonality

The Group's results are subject to certain seasonal fluctuations and effects, as described in the commentary on page 11.

 

30. Company website

The Company has a website which contains up-to-date information on Group activities and published financial results. The directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of statutory and audited information on this website. The work carried out by the auditor does not involve consideration of these matters. Jersey legislation and UK regulation governing the preparation and dissemination of financial information may differ from requirements in other jurisdictions.

 

Statement of directors' responsibilities

 

The directors are responsible for preparing the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 30 September 2017 in accordance with applicable law, regulations and accounting standards.

 

The directors confirm that these condensed half-yearly financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 'Interim financial reporting' as adopted by the EU, and that, to the best of their knowledge, the interim management report herein includes a fair review of the information required by:

 

(a) DTR 4.2.7R of the UK Financial Conduct Authority Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules Sourcebook, being an indication of important events that have occurred during the first six months of the financial year and the impact on these condensed half-yearly financial statements; and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the financial year; and

 

(b) DTR 4.2.8R of the UK Financial Conduct Authority Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules Sourcebook, being related party transactions that have taken place in the first six months of the financial year and that have materially affected the financial position or performance of the enterprise during that period; and any changes in the related party transactions described in the last annual report that could do so.

 

The names and biographical details of the directors of Experian plc as at 17 May 2017 were listed in the Group's statutory financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2017. Mike Rogers was appointed as a new independent Non-Executive Director, and as Chairman-designate of the Experian plc Remuneration Committee, on 1 July 2017. Roger Davis has notified the Company of his intention to step down as a Director of Experian plc and Chairman of the Remuneration Committee with effect from the Annual General Meeting of the Company to be held in July 2018. A list of current directors is maintained on the Company website at www.experianplc.com.

By order of the Board

Charles Brown

Company Secretary

 

14 November 2017

Independent review report to Experian plc

 

Conclusion

 

We have been engaged by the Company to review the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 30 September 2017 of the Company and its subsidiaries (together the 'Group') which comprises the Group income statement, the Group statement of comprehensive income, the Group balance sheet, the Group statement of changes in equity, the Group cash flow statement and the related explanatory notes.

 

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 30 September 2017 is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with IAS 34 'Interim financial reporting' as adopted by the EU and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules Sourcebook (the 'DTR') of the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (the 'UK FCA').

 

Scope of review

 

We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410 Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the UK. A review of interim financial information consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. We read the other information contained in the half-yearly financial report and consider whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the condensed set of financial statements.

 

A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.

 

Directors' responsibilities

 

The half-yearly financial report is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the directors. The directors are responsible for preparing the half-yearly financial report in accordance with the DTR of the UK FCA.

 

As disclosed in note 2, the annual financial statements of the Group are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU. The directors are responsible for preparing the condensed set of financial statements included in the half-yearly financial report in accordance with IAS 34 as adopted by the EU.

 

Our responsibility

 

Our responsibility is to express to the Company a conclusion on the condensed set of financial statements in the half-yearly financial report based on our review.

 

The purpose of our review work and to whom we owe our responsibilities

 

This report is made solely to the Company in accordance with the terms of our engagement to assist the Company in meeting the requirements of the DTR of the UK FCA. Our review has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company those matters we are required to state to it in this report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company for our review work, for this report, or for the conclusions we have reached.

 

 

Paul Korolkiewicz

for and on behalf of KPMG LLP

Chartered Accountants

15 Canada Square

London

E14 5GL

United Kingdom

 

14 November 2017

 

Shareholder information

 

Company website

A full range of investor information is available at www.experianplc.com.

Electronic shareholder communication

Shareholders may register for Share Portal, an electronic communication service provided by Link Market Services (Jersey) Limited, via the Company website at www.experianplc.com/shares. The service is free and it facilitates the use of a comprehensive range of shareholder services online.

When registering for Share Portal, shareholders can select their preferred communication method - email or post. Shareholders will receive a written notification of the availability on the Company's website of shareholder documents unless they have elected to either (i) receive such notification via email or (ii) receive paper copies of shareholder documents where such documents are available in that format.

Dividend information

Dividends for the year ending 31 March 2018

A first interim dividend in respect of the year ending 31 March 2018 of 13.50 US cents per ordinary share will be paid on 2 February 2018 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 5 January 2018. Unless shareholders elect by 5 January 2018 to receive US dollars, their dividends will be paid in sterling at a rate per share calculated on the basis of the exchange rate from US dollars to sterling on 12 January 2018.

Income access share ('IAS') arrangements

As its ordinary shares are listed on the London Stock Exchange, the Company has a large number of UK resident shareholders. In order that shareholders may receive Experian dividends from a UK source, should they wish, the IAS arrangements have been put in place. The purpose of the IAS arrangements is to preserve the tax treatment of dividends paid to Experian shareholders in the UK, in respect of dividends paid by the Company. Shareholders who elect, or are deemed to elect, to receive their dividends via the IAS arrangements will receive their dividends from a UK source (rather than directly from the Company) for UK tax purposes.

Shareholders who hold 50,000 or fewer Experian shares on the first dividend record date after they become shareholders, unless they elect otherwise, will be deemed to have elected to receive their dividends under the IAS arrangements.

Shareholders who hold more than 50,000 shares and who wish to receive their dividends from a UK source must make an election to receive dividends via the IAS arrangements. All elections remain in force indefinitely unless revoked.

Unless shareholders have made an election to receive dividends via the IAS arrangements, or are deemed to have made such an election, dividends will be received from an Irish source and will be taxed accordingly.

Dividend Reinvestment Plan ('DRIP')

The DRIP enables those shareholders who receive their dividends under the IAS arrangements to use their cash dividends to buy more shares in the Company. Eligible shareholders, who wish to participate in the DRIP in respect of the first interim dividend for the year ending 31 March 2018 to be paid on 2 February 2018, should return a completed and signed DRIP application form, to be received by the registrars by no later than 5 January 2018. Shareholders should contact the registrars for further details.

American Depositary Receipts ('ADR')

Experian has a sponsored Level 1 ADR programme, for which Bank of New York Mellon acts as depositary. This programme is not listed on a stock exchange in the US and trades in the over-the-counter market on the OTCQX platform under the symbol EXPGY. Each ADR represents one Experian plc ordinary share. Further information can be obtained by contacting:

Shareholder Relations

BNY Mellon Depositary Receipts

PO Box 505000 Louisville, KY 40233-5000

USA

T +1 201 680 6825 (from the US: 1-888-BNY-ADRS) E shrrelations@cpushareownerservices.com W www.mybnymdr.com

 

 

Shareholder information (continued)   Financial calendar
First interim ex-dividend date	4 January 2018
First interim dividend record date	5 January 2018
First interim dividend exchange rate determined	12 January 2018
Trading update, third quarter	18 January 2018
First interim dividend payment date	2 February 2018
Preliminary announcement of full year results	17 May 2018
Trading update, first quarter	13 July 2018
Annual General Meeting	18 July 2018

 

  Contact information

Corporate headquarters

Experian plc Newenham House

Northern Cross

Malahide Road

Dublin 17 D17 AY61

Ireland

T +353 (0) 1 846 9100

F +353 (0) 1 846 9150

Investor relations

E investors@experian.com

Registered office

Experian plc 22 Grenville Street

St Helier

Jersey

JE4 8PX Channel Islands

Registered number 93905

 

Registrars

Experian Shareholder Services

Link Market Services (Jersey) Limited

PO Box 532

St Helier

Jersey

JE4 5UW Channel Islands

Shareholder helpline - 0371 664 9245 (+44 800 141 2952 for calls from outside the UK)

E - experian@linkregistrars.com

Calls are charged at the standard geographic rate and will vary by provider. Calls from outside the UK are charged at the applicable international rate. Lines are open between 9.00am and 5.30pm (UK time), Monday to Friday excluding public holidays in England and Wales.

Stock exchange listing information

Exchange: London Stock Exchange, Premium Main Market

Index: FTSE 100

Symbol: EXPN