Experian shares slide despite record full-year results and $1bn buyback

Shares in Experian (LSE: EXPN) fell sharply on Wednesday, dropping more than 5% to around 2,559p, making the global data and technology company one of the biggest fallers on the FTSE 100, despite reporting record annual results and unveiling a fresh $1 billion share buyback programme.

The sell-off appears to be driven by concerns that the company’s organic revenue growth guidance for FY27 of 6-8% as well as ongoing investor fears over AI disruption to its core business model.

Shares in Experian have now fallen approximately 23% year-to-date.

The results themselves were broadly strong. Revenue from ongoing activities rose 13% to $8.43 billion for the year to 31 March 2026, while Benchmark EBIT climbed 15% to $2.41 billion. Statutory pre-tax profit surged 26% to $1.95 billion, supported by revenue growth, favourable non-cash financing items and lower restructuring costs. Benchmark EPS grew 15% to USc 179.8, with the full-year dividend lifted 11% to USc 69.25 per share.

Chief Executive Brian Cassin hailed “a record year for Experian, with performance at the upper end of our expectations.” He struck a cautious note on FY27, citing “macroeconomic uncertainties linked to the Middle East” as a reason for prudent guidance, while still forecasting double-digit Benchmark EPS growth, total revenue growth of 8-11% and further margin expansion.