By Duncan Ferris
Date: Thursday 24 Oct 2019
LONDON (ShareCast) - (Sharecast News) - Relx on Thursday maintained its full-year outlook after confirming underlying revenue growth in the first nine months of the year.
The information-based analytics and decision tools provider said underlying revenue increased by 4% over the first nine months of the year, with the third quarter yielding some improvement in underlying metrics in all four of its business areas when compared to the first half.
Year-to-date underlying revenue growth was strongest at its risk and business analytics division, which booked a 7% rise driven by growth in insurance.
The exhibitions segment saw underlying revenue jump by 6% in the first nine months of the year after the negative impact of venue constraints in Japan was more than offset by good conditions in China, Europe and the US.
Meanwhile, the scientific, technical and medical and legal business units enjoyed growth of 1% and 2%, respectively, over the nine month period ended 30 September.
So far in 2019, Relx has made 12 acquisitions for a total of £378m and disposed of seven assets for £62m, while the remaining £50m of its previously announced £600m share buyback was set to be deployed before the start of 2020.
"As we enter the final quarter of 2019 key business trends are in line with the full year 2018. We remain confident that, by continuing to execute on our strategy, we will deliver another year of underlying growth in revenue and in adjusted operating profit, together with growth in adjusted earnings per share on a constant currency basis in 2019," said the company.
Analysts from Liberum said they remained confident in Relx's ability to deliver against market expectations for the full year due to the organic revenue demonstrated across all business units.
Relx shares were 2.80% higher at 1,819.00 at 0952 BST.