Informa PLC (LSE:INF) shares rose 2% to 990p after a trading update showed group revenue growth running ahead of guidance, supported by a robust performance in live events and improved visibility into 2026.
For the 10 months to October, underlying group growth reached 6.6%, slightly ahead of the company’s 6% guidance.
Excluding the impact of the TechTarget consolidation, growth was 7.6%. The events division continued to outperform, with 9% underlying growth in the second half so far, lifting 10-month growth to 8.7%. That compares with full-year guidance of 8%-plus and 8.5% in the first half.
The strong events schedule in the Middle East, including the launch of Money 20/20 in Riyadh and the upcoming Dubai Airshow and Riyadh Cityscape, is expected to contribute further to fourth-quarter performance.
In the academic division, underlying revenue is on track for a low single-digit decline, in line with expectations, as one-off licensing benefits unwind further in Q4.
Panmure Liberum said the company is “trading on the right side of guidance” and that a full-year beat remains possible. The broker also noted that recent US dollar strength could support the final result, with GBP/USD moving to 1.31 compared to its forecast of 1.34.
Looking ahead, Informa has doubled its 2026 revenue visibility to over £1 billion since its July interim results.
Panmure Liberum, which reiterated a 'buy' rating and 1,200p price target, believes the group is tracking toward mid-single-digit growth or better, supporting its view that Informa deserves a valuation more in line with premium professional media peers.