Informa has reported strong trading through 2025 and set out higher growth targets for 2026.

In a market update published on 20 January, the group confirmed underlying revenue growth of 6%± for 2026, alongside the launch of a new £200m share buyback programme.

The update follows a year of double-digit reported growth. Informa said revenue for 2025 is expected to exceed £4bn, representing reported growth of more than 12.5% year on year.

Underlying revenue growth for the year is forecast at around 6.25%, or approximately 8% when excluding the TechTarget consolidation and non-recurring large language model contracts.

Adjusted earnings per share are expected to reach around 55.5p, up between 10.5% and 11% year on year. Free cashflow is forecast to exceed £860m.

Stephen Carter, group CEO of Informa, said the business had delivered a strong performance.

“2025 was a strong year for Informa and we have set ourselves the target of delivering another strong performance year in 2026,” he said.

Outlook for 2026

Looking ahead, Informa said it is targeting higher underlying revenue growth of 6%± in 2026. Within this, B2B Events are expected to deliver underlying growth of more than 7%.

The group said it has strong visibility for the year ahead. Around £1.5bn of revenue is already booked or committed for 2026, driven by forward exhibitor sales, subscriptions and advance contracts.

Informa also confirmed a proposed ordinary dividend of 22p per share for 2025, up 10% year on year. This will be confirmed with full-year results in March.

DWTC partnership and launch of inD

Alongside the market update, Informa confirmed the launch of inD, a new operating business formed in partnership with Dubai World Trade Centre.

The partnership combines Informa’s B2B Live Events business across the UAE and wider IMEA region with DWTC’s events portfolio. The new business will operate more than 40 major B2B brands, including Gulfood, GITEX, Dubai Airshow and WHX.

inD will be fully consolidated within Informa, with equity ownership split 52% to Informa and 48% to DWTC.