Shares in Informa (LSE:INF) moved higher after the events and academic publishing group reported solid trading across its core businesses during the opening months of 2026 and reiterated its expectations for double-digit growth in adjusted earnings per share for the full year.
The company reported underlying revenue growth of 6.4% for the first five months of the year, supported by continued strength in both its Academic Markets and B2B Live Events divisions.
Academic Publishing Continues to Deliver
Taylor & Francis, Informa’s academic publishing business, recorded underlying revenue growth of 5.5% during the period.
The performance was driven by ongoing demand for subscription-based content, open research products and advanced learning solutions.
Management said the division remains on course to achieve approximately 4% revenue growth for the full year, reflecting the resilience of its recurring revenue model and strong position within global academic publishing markets.
Live Events Business Maintains Strong Growth
Informa’s B2B Live Events division delivered underlying revenue growth of 7.6%, benefiting from robust activity across multiple geographic regions and industry sectors.
The company highlighted strong performances in the Americas, Greater China, ASEAN, Europe and IMEA markets, with healthcare, food, beauty and financial services events among the leading contributors to growth.
Management said event activity across these regions has remained resilient despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty in certain markets.
Recovery Emerging in Previously Disrupted Markets
The group also reported improving conditions in regions that have been affected by recent conflicts and disruptions.
These markets account for roughly 10% of Informa’s B2B Live Events portfolio.
More than 15 event brands impacted by regional instability have now been rescheduled within the 2026 calendar year, while several planned launches have been postponed until 2027.
The company said these adjustments have helped preserve long-term growth opportunities while limiting disruption to customers and exhibitors.
Revenue Visibility Remains Strong
Informa highlighted the strength of its forward revenue profile, reporting that more than $4 billion of expected 2026 revenue has already been traded, contracted, booked or is otherwise visible through subscriptions and recurring arrangements.
The company also disclosed that more than $600 million of revenue relating to the first half of 2027 has already been secured or confirmed.
Management said this high level of visibility provides confidence in the group’s near-term outlook and supports ongoing investment in growth initiatives.
Outlook Reaffirmed
Looking ahead, Informa maintained its guidance for double-digit underlying growth in adjusted earnings per share during 2026.
The company also expressed confidence that growth will accelerate further in 2027 as its multi-year strategy to expand and scale its B2B growth platform continues to progress.
Management believes the combination of strong recurring revenues, global event brands and growing academic publishing operations positions the group well for continued expansion.
More about Informa
Informa plc is an international events, digital services and academic publishing company serving specialist markets around the world. Its portfolio includes the Taylor & Francis academic publishing business and a large network of B2B events across industries including healthcare, finance, technology, beauty and food. The group operates globally, generating revenues through subscriptions, exhibitions, conferences, digital services and research products.
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