London, 09:39 GMT, January 16, 2026 — Regular session
- Experian shares slipped roughly 1.2% early Friday, underperforming the flat FTSE market
- Attention shifts to the Jan. 21 third-quarter trading update and the dividend FX conversion rate established on Jan. 16
- Recent company reports highlighted demand trends tied to AI in lending and credit-building data
Experian (EXPN.L) shares dropped 1.2% to 3,291 pence in early Friday trading, pulling back after a modest gain the day before. Around 137,000 shares changed hands. 1
Coming up next: a third-quarter trading update on Jan. 21. It’s a brief note on revenue trends that could shake up near-term forecasts. Also on the calendar, the interim dividend exchange rate is set to be decided this Friday. 2
Experian plc will pay a first interim dividend of 21.25 U.S. cents per share on Feb. 6 to shareholders registered by the close of business on Jan. 9. Shareholders opting out of U.S. dollar payments will receive sterling instead, calculated using the U.S. dollar/sterling exchange rate on Jan. 16. 3
Off the tape, Experian is pushing hard on its analytics offerings for lenders. In its “Experian Perceptions of AI” survey, which polled over 200 financial institution decision-makers, 84% ranked AI as critical or a top priority for the next two years. Even more—89%—said AI will be crucial throughout the lending lifecycle, according to the company. “This study helps us better understand the business drivers behind the strong and increasingly fast-moving investments in AI among our financial institution customers,” said Vijay Mehta, executive vice president at Experian Software Solutions. 4
Experian released a U.S. analysis Thursday on credit-building loans tracked by nonprofit members of the Credit Builders Alliance. The report found that 70% of previously “unscored” borrowers—those lacking enough history for a credit score—moved into prime or near-prime territory within a year of having a CBA tradeline reported. “When underserved consumers are given the opportunity to participate in the mainstream credit ecosystem, they rise to the occasion,” said CBA CEO Dara Duguay. 5
The broader London market barely moved, the FTSE slipping roughly 0.1%. 6
Experian raised its fiscal 2026 forecast in its half-year update this November. CEO Brian Cassin said the company now anticipates total revenue growth of 11%, with organic growth—excluding currency effects and acquisitions—at 8%, hitting the upper limit of its previous guidance. 7
North America drives the bulk of profits, making the Jan. 21 update crucial for clues on consumer credit demand, mortgage services, and fraud prevention. It won’t deliver full earnings, but the tone will be telling.
Still, the bar has been raised with the guidance upgrade and the stock’s defensive edge in a volatile market. A weaker volume report or increased regulatory scrutiny on credit data usage could quickly challenge that.
