International live B2B events, digital services and academic markets group, Informa, has published half year results for 2025 that show strong growth in the group’s Events and Academic Markets businesses.
Informa is reporting 20%+ growth across its four key performance measures: Revenues, Operating Profit, Earnings per Share and Free Cash Flow.
The group is also reporting more than £2bn in first half revenues for the first time, with operating margin increasing to 28.4%.
Informa has also upgraded full-year revenue and profit guidance at the half year point. Full year reported revenues are now expected to exceed £4bn for the first time, with adjusted earnings expected to grow by more than 10%.
The group said there would be a further £150m of share buy backs planned in the second half, and strong forward visibility, with over £3bn of 2025 revenue committed and a further £0.5bn+ already booked for 2026.
Stephen A. Carter (pictured), group chief executive, said: “Informa is further increasing the pace of performance, delivering 20%+ growth in our four key performance measures…Informa is built around world class brands, leading International market positions, first party data and, most importantly, colleagues with specialist expertise and a passion to deliver for customers.”
Informa is also showing balance sheet strength: €700m bond issue is completed, and pro-forma average debt maturity is extended to 4.5 years.
In the Live B2B Events business, there has been continuing strong growth and demand for category-leading live B2B events which deliver unique experiences, specialist content and access to international supply chains. This has led to 8.5% in underlying revenue growth in H1.
The group also reports a “deepening position” in key B2B growth markets, including recent expansion in Luxury & Lifestyle through Informa Prestige, which now includes 10+ unique, high value brands (e.g. Palm Beach Boat Show, Boat International Publishing Group, Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, Monaco Yacht Show, Art Miami, Art Monte-Carlo), generating $150m-200m of revenues.
There is also further syndication of B2B Brands in faster-growth geographies, including India, Vietnam, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and The UAE, including the launch of Money 20/20 Middle East in Riyadh and the proposed Dubai- based combination with Dubai World Trade Centre.
The group also reported deployment of Informa’s proprietary specialist AI agent, Elysia, across the group.
The group also increased the 2025 interim dividend 9.4% year-on-year to 7.0p.
Share buybacks of £200m were completed year-to-date, with an additional £150m committed in the second half, taking total share buybacks to £350m in 2025 and over £1.8bn since 2022.
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