GlobalData cuts margin guidance but gives confident outlook

(Sharecast News) - Shares in GlobalData dropped sharply on Monday after the data, insight and technology company tempered its full-year profit outlook due to the slower-than-expected integration of acquired businesses throughout the year. Revenues for the full year are expected to be in line with forecasts, with third-quarter revenues up 13.5% on last year.

This was helped by a 2% increase in underlying subscriptions, up from 1% in the first half, as well as the positive impact of revenues from recently completed acquisitions - predictive consumer insights and product innovation platform Ai Palette and consumer trends intelligence business Stylus.

For the full year, GlobalData expects to deliver a low-single-digit percentage improvement in underlying revenues, which it says it in line with market consensus.

However, given continued investments in the second half and the slower-than-expected integration of acquired businesses, the adjusted EBITDA margin for the second half is now forecast to be 35%, up from 33% in the first half but lower than the 37% guidance.

"The recent acquisitions and the GTP [transformation programme] are expected to achieve expected run-rate cost synergies by the end of FY25 leaving synergy-contribution expectations for FY26 unchanged with their beneficial contributions driving the Group margin back towards the 40% benchmark," GlobalData said.

The company said it had entered the fourth quarter - its largest quarter for billing, for both renewals and new logos - with confidence, progress in contracted forward revenue growth and an acceleration in underlying subscription revenue growth.

Shares were 5.4% lower at 114p by 0911 BST.