5 Takeaways From Informa’s Trading Update
June 24, 2024
Released on June 21, the latest trading update highlights from Informa reveals continued momentum and growth across its business units, driven by strategic focus, financial discipline and technological integration.
What they’re saying: “The Informa Group has changed gears and we are now delivering 10%+ growth,” said Informa Group Chief Executive Stephen A. Carter. “Our strategy to focus on specialist markets, unique content and internationalization is delivering double-digit underlying revenue growth, margin expansion and increasing profits and cash flows.”
Context: Informa employs more than 12,000 colleagues in approximately 30 countries and serves customers in 150 countries, according to its Informa Annual Report 2023. The company, which owns TSNN, reported group underlying revenue growth of 30% in 2023, with Informa Markets, its B2B exhibitions division, exceeding 2019 revenue in 2023.
Why it matters: We curated five takeaways for trade show organizers and suppliers to draw market insights from Informa, producer of B2B exhibitions and events serving specialist markets, including biotech and pharma, health and nutrition, artificial intelligence, medicine and healthcare, finance, foodservice, education, professional beauty, labels and packaging, and psychology.
1. Strong Revenue Growth
Informa reported a robust 10.1% underlying revenue growth in the first five months of 2024. This reflects strong operational performances across all its businesses.
2. Increased Financial Visibility
The company has delivered approximately £1.4 billion (approximately $1.75 billion USD) in revenues year-to-date with an additional £1 billion (approximately $1.25 billion USD) in committed and visible revenue for 2024. Event rebookings for 2025 are also strong, ensuring continued financial visibility.
3. Solid Balance Sheet and Cash Flow
Informa’s operating performance and capital allocation discipline have led to enhanced credit ratings from Moody’s and S&P Global. The company is on track to generate more than £720 million (approximately $900 million USD) in free cash flow in 2024. [Free Cash Flow = Operating Cash Flow − Capital Expenditures]
4. AI Technology Integration
The deployment of AI technology is driving efficiencies and product benefits across Informa. This includes applications in research submission, data validation and content summaries, as well as exploring new partnerships in AI.
5. Strategic Partnerships and Expansion
Informa continues to expand through strategic partnerships, particularly in key markets, such as Saudi Arabia and China. The proposed combination with TechTarget is set to create a leading B2B digital services business by the end of 2024.
Read the full release here.
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Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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