Wolters Kluwer 2024 Full-Year Report
Wolters Kluwer 2024 Full-Year Report
Alphen aan den Rijn, February 26, 2025 – Wolters Kluwer, a
global leader in professional information solutions, software and
services, today releases its full-year 2024 results.
Highlights
- Revenues €5,916
million, up 6% in constant currencies and up 6% organically.
- Recurring revenues
(82% of total revenues) up 7% organically; non-recurring trends
varied.
- Expert
solutions (59% of total revenues) grew 7% organically.
- Cloud software (19%
of total revenues) grew 16% organically.
- Adjusted operating
profit €1,600 million, up 8% in constant currencies.
- Adjusted operating
profit margin of 27.1%.
- Includes a €27
million one-time pension gain and restructuring costs of €28
million.
- Diluted adjusted EPS
€4.97, up 9% overall and up 11% in constant currencies.
- Adjusted free cash
flow €1,276 million, up 9% in constant currencies, ahead of
expectation.
- Net-debt-to-EBITDA
of 1.6x; return on invested capital (ROIC) improved to 18.1%.
- Proposed 2024 total
dividend €2.33 per share, an increase of 12%.
- Announcing 2025
share buyback of up to €1 billion, of which €100 million completed
in the year to date.
- Outlook 2025: expect
good organic revenue growth and adjusted operating profit margin
improvement, with mid-single-digit growth in diluted adjusted EPS
reflecting higher financing cost and tax.
- Nancy McKinstry to
retire in early 2026; Stacey Caywood nominated successor.
Full-Year Report of the Executive Board
Nancy McKinstry, CEO and Chair of the Executive Board,
commented: “Wolters Kluwer delivered another year of 6% organic
growth and a further increase in the adjusted operating profit
margin. Recurring revenues, in particular cloud software
subscriptions, continued to be the main driver of our growth. We
maintained product investment at high levels, introducing
GenAI-enabled features across many of our platforms and launching
several new solutions. We are confident in delivering another set
of good results in 2025.”
Key Figures – Year ended December 31 |
€ million (unless otherwise stated) |
2024 |
2023 |
∆ |
∆ CC |
∆ OG |
Business performance – benchmark figures |
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
5,916 |
5,584 |
+6% |
+6% |
+6% |
Adjusted operating profit |
1,600 |
1,476 |
+8% |
+8% |
+8% |
Adjusted operating profit margin |
27.1% |
26.4% |
|
|
|
Adjusted net profit |
1,185 |
1,119 |
+6% |
+7% |
|
Diluted adjusted EPS (€) |
4.97 |
4.55 |
+9% |
+11% |
|
Adjusted free cash flow |
1,276 |
1,164 |
+10% |
+9% |
|
Net debt |
3,134 |
2,612 |
+20% |
|
|
ROIC |
18.1% |
16.8% |
|
|
|
IFRS reported results |
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
5,916 |
5,584 |
+6% |
|
|
Operating profit |
1,441 |
1,323 |
+9% |
|
|
Profit for the period |
1,079 |
1,007 |
+7% |
|
|
Diluted EPS (€) |
4.52 |
4.09 |
+11% |
|
|
Net cash from operating activities |
1,654 |
1,545 |
+7% |
|
|
∆: % Change; ∆ CC: % Change in constant currencies (€/$ 1.08); ∆
OG: % Organic growth. Benchmark figures are performance measures
used by management. See Note 3 for a reconciliation from
IFRS to benchmark figures. |
Full-Year 2025 Outlook
Our guidance for full-year 2025 is provided in the table below.
We expect to achieve full-year 2025 organic growth in line with the
prior year (6%). Organic growth is expected to be more modest in
the first two quarters due to challenging comparables in Health and
Tax & Accounting. The adjusted operating profit margin is
expected to see improvement in 2025 led by Health and Corporate
Performance & ESG.
Full-Year 2025 Outlook |
Performance indicators |
2025 Guidance |
2024 Actual |
Adjusted operating profit margin* |
27.1%-27.5% |
27.1% |
Adjusted free cash flow** |
€1,250-1,300 million |
€1,276 million |
ROIC* |
18-19% |
18.1% |
Diluted adjusted EPS growth** |
Mid-single-digit growth |
11% |
*Guidance for adjusted operating profit margin and ROIC is in
reporting currency and assumes an average EUR/USD rate in 2025 of
€/$1.04. **Guidance for adjusted free cash flow and diluted
adjusted EPS is in constant currencies (€/$ 1.08).
Guidance reflects share repurchases of €1 billion in 2025. |
In 2024, Wolters Kluwer generated over 60% of its revenues and
adjusted operating profit in North America. As a rule of thumb,
based on our 2024 currency profile, each 1 U.S. cent move in the
average €/$ exchange rate for the year causes an opposite change of
approximately 4.5 euro cents in diluted adjusted EPS.
Restructuring costs are included in adjusted operating profit.
We expect 2025 restructuring costs to be in the range of €5-15
million (FY 2024: €28 million). We expect adjusted net financing
costs1 in constant currencies to increase to
approximately €75 million. The benchmark tax rate on adjusted
pre-tax profits is expected to rise in 2025 but to remain in the
range of 23.0%-24.0% (FY 2024: 23.1%).
Capital expenditures are expected to be in the range of
5.0%-6.0% of total revenues (FY 2024: 5.3%). We expect the
full-year 2025 cash conversion ratio to be within 95%-100% (FY
2024: 102%), due to higher capital expenditures and lower working
capital inflows.
Our guidance assumes no additional significant change to the
scope of operations. We may make further acquisitions or disposals
which can be dilutive to margins, earnings, and ROIC in the near
term. The acquisition of RASi, if completed, is expected to have an
immaterial impact on near term adjusted earnings.
2025 outlook by division
Our guidance for 2025 organic revenue growth by division is
based on a pro forma view reflecting the transfer of our Finance,
Risk & Reporting (FRR)2 unit to the Financial &
Corporate Compliance division (See Appendix 4).
Health: we expect full-year 2025 organic growth to be in line
with or slightly below prior year (FY 2024: 6%) with the first half
facing challenging comparables across the division.
Tax & Accounting: we expect full-year 2025 organic growth to
be in line with prior year (FY 2024: 7%), with the first half
facing a more challenging comparable.
Financial & Corporate Compliance: we expect full-year 2025
organic growth to be slightly below prior year
(FY 2024: 5% pro forma including FRR).
Legal Regulatory: we expect full-year 2025 organic growth to be
in line with prior year (FY 2024: 5%).
Corporate Performance & ESG: we expect full-year 2025
organic growth to be above prior year (FY 2024: 6% pro forma
excluding FRR) reflecting higher growth for CCH Tagetik.
Strategic priorities 2025-2027
Our strategic plan for the next three years (2025-2027) marks a
further evolution of the direction we have been following. Our goal
is to drive long-term sustainable value and profitable revenue
growth by providing expert solutions and services that
deliver increased productivity and improved outcomes for
professionals. Expert solutions combine deep domain
knowledge with state-of-the-art technology to deliver information
and actionable insights as part of automated and integrated
workflows.
In 2024, expert solutions, which include our software
products and certain advanced information solutions, accounted for
59% of total revenues (FY 2023: 58%) and grew 7% organically.
Software made up 45% of total revenues and grew 7% organically. Of
this, recurring cloud software grew 16% organically and accounted
for 42% of total software revenues, exceeding on-premise software
revenues for the first time.
Our strategy is centered on organic growth and product
innovation, supplemented by selective acquisitions that enhance our
value. Our three-year plan envisages spending approximately 11% of
total revenues each year on product development and innovation. Our
priorities for the next three years are:
- Scale expert
solutions: we intend to increase penetration of cloud-based
expert solutions promoting subscription revenue models
(SaaS). We will continue to embed artificial intelligence (AI) into
customer workflows and to harness our content and data to deliver
insights for customers.
- Accelerate growth:
we will continue pursuing high-growth adjacencies with a build,
buy, or partner approach. We will accelerate innovation which
advances customer productivity and outcomes while further
developing partnerships to extend our market reach.
- Evolve capabilities:
we intend to enhance our go-to-market capabilities and sales
effectiveness. We will embrace new technologies to drive
operational performance and foster a great place to work and
best-in-class ESG performance.
A more detailed discussion of our business model and strategy
can be found in our annual report.
CEO succession plan
In a separate release today, Wolters Kluwer announced that Nancy
McKinstry, Chief Executive Officer, will retire in February 2026
following a one-year transition period. At the Annual General
Meeting of Shareholders in May, the Supervisory Board will nominate
Stacey Caywood, the current CEO of Wolters Kluwer Health, as a
member of the Executive Board, with the intention of appointing her
as CEO of Wolters Kluwer in February 2026. As CEO of Health, Ms.
Caywood has been leading the further evolution of our healthcare
solutions by leveraging generative AI and other technologies with
our leading content. As CEO of the Legal & Regulatory, she led
a strategic transformation which returned the business to growth
and good margins.
Divisional management update
Steve Meirink, who led our Financial & Corporate Compliance
division, informed us of his decision to pursue opportunities
outside of Wolters Kluwer as of January 2025. We expect to announce
the new CEO of Financial & Corporate Compliance in a matter of
weeks. Until such time, the role is being fulfilled by Nancy
McKinstry.
Agreement to acquire Registered Agent Solutions, Inc.
On February 7, 2025, we announced an agreement to acquire
Registered Agent Solutions, Inc. (RASi) for approximately
$415 million in cash. Subject to regulatory clearances and
customary closing conditions, we expect the transaction to close in
the first half of 2025. RASi offers registered agent services and
other compliance solutions and will expand CT Corporation’s
presence in the small and mid-sized businesses. In 2024, RASi
generated revenues of approximately $52 million (unaudited)
and has a track record of profitability. The acquisition is
expected to reach a return on invested capital at or above Wolters
Kluwer’s after-tax weighted average cost of capital (8%) in its
fifth full year of ownership. In the near term, the acquisition is
expected to have an immaterial impact on Wolters Kluwer adjusted
earnings.
Transfer of Finance, Risk & Reporting to Financial &
Corporate Compliance division
As per January 1, 2025, our Finance, Risk & Reporting unit
(FRR) was transferred into the Financial & Corporate Compliance
division where it will be more closely aligned to our other banking
software and services. FRR was part of the Corporate Performance
& ESG (CP&ESG) division in 2023 and 2024 and had revenues
of €123 million in 2024. The transfer will allow CP&ESG to
focus on its three global enterprise software platforms (Enablon,
CCH Tagetik, and TeamMate). See Appendix 4 for pro forma divisional
revenues and adjusted operating profit.
Capital allocation and target leverage range
We use our free cash flow to invest in the business organically
and through acquisitions, to maintain optimal leverage, and to
provide returns to shareholders. We regularly assess our financial
position and evaluate the appropriate level of debt in view of our
expectations for cash flow, investment plans, interest rates, and
capital market conditions.
Since 2011, our twelve months’ rolling net-debt-to-EBITDA ratio
has fluctuated between 1.3x and 2.4x, providing a strong and secure
financial foundation for our business. As we execute on our
strategic priorities, we will aim to maintain leverage in the range
of 1.5x to 2.5x. We may temporarily deviate from this range, but
our high proportion of recurring revenues and resilient free cash
flows give us the ability to rapidly return to this range.
Dividend policy and proposed final dividend 2024
Wolters Kluwer remains committed to a progressive dividend
policy, under which we aim to increase the dividend per share in
euros each year, independent of currency fluctuations. The payout
ratio3 can therefore vary from year to year. Proposed
annual increases in the dividend per share consider our financial
performance, market conditions, and our need for financial
flexibility. The policy considers the characteristics of our
business, our expectations for future cash flows, and our plans for
organic investment in innovation and productivity, or for
acquisitions. We balance these factors with the objective of
maintaining a strong balance sheet.
At the 2025 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, we will
propose a final dividend of €1.50 per share, which would result in
a total dividend over the 2024 financial year of €2.33 per share,
an increase of 12%. Dividends are paid in cash. Shareholders can
choose to reinvest interim and final dividends by purchasing
additional Wolters Kluwer shares through the Dividend Reinvestment
Plan (DRIP) administered by ABN AMRO Bank N.V.
Share buybacks 2024 and 2025
As a matter of policy since 2012, Wolters Kluwer will offset the
dilution caused by our annual incentive share issuance with share
repurchases (Anti-Dilution Policy). In addition, when appropriate,
we return capital to shareholders through share buyback programs.
Shares repurchased by the company are added to and held as treasury
shares and are either cancelled or utilized to meet future
obligations arising from share-based incentive plans.
In 2024, we completed share repurchases of €1 billion (6.7
million shares at an average price of €149.23). See Note 8
for further information on issued share capital.
We are today announcing our intention to repurchase shares for
up to €1 billion in 2025. In the year to date, up to and including
February 24, 2025, we have repurchased €100 million in shares
(583,629 shares at an average price of €171.34). Assuming global
economic conditions do not deteriorate substantially, we believe
this level of share buybacks leaves us with ample headroom to
support our dividend plans, to sustain organic investment, and to
make selective acquisitions.
The share repurchase program may be suspended, discontinued, or
modified at any time. For the period starting February 28, 2025, up
to and including May 5, 2025, we have mandated a third party to
execute €155 million in share buybacks on our behalf, within
the limits of relevant laws and regulations (in particular
Regulation (EU) 596/2014) and the company’s Articles of
Association. The maximum number of shares which may be repurchased
will not exceed the authorization granted by the Annual General
Meeting of Shareholders.
Full-Year 2024 Results
Benchmark figures
Group revenues were €5,916 million, up 6% overall and up 6% in
constant currencies. The effect of currency and the net effect of
divestments and acquisitions were both negligible in 2024, and
organic revenue growth was also 6% (FY 2023: 6%).
Revenues from North America accounted for 64% of total group
revenues and grew 6% organically (FY 2023: 5%). Revenues
from Europe, 28% of total revenues, grew 5% organically (FY 2023:
7%). Revenues from Asia Pacific and Rest of World, 8% of total
revenues, grew 6% organically (FY 2023: 9%).
Adjusted operating profit was €1,600 million (FY 2023: €1,476
million), up 8% in constant currencies, resulting in a margin of
27.1%. Adjusted operating profit included a €27 million one-time
non-cash gain related to an amendment to our Dutch pension fund.
Excluding the pension gain, the adjusted operating profit margin
increased 20 basis points to 26.6% (FY 2023: 26.4%), within our
guidance range (26.4%-26.8%)4. Included in adjusted
operating profit were restructuring expenses of €28 million (FY
2023: €15 million).
Investment in product development spending (including
capitalized spend) increased 6% in constant currencies and amounted
to 11% of revenues in 2024 (FY 2023: 11%).
Adjusted net financing costs increased to €62 million (FY 2023:
€27 million) due to lower interest income on lower average cash
balances combined with higher coupon interest on refinanced debt.
In addition, in 2024, we recorded a €9 million net foreign exchange
loss, mainly on the translation of intercompany balances, whereas
the prior year had benefitted from a €7 million net foreign
exchange gain.
Adjusted profit before tax was €1,540 million (FY 2023: €1,450
million), up 7% in constant currencies. The benchmark tax rate on
adjusted profit before tax increased to 23.1% (FY 2023: 22.9%),
mainly due to unfavorable movements in our deferred tax positions
and the negative impact of Pillar II global minimum tax rules.
Adjusted net profit was €1,185 million (FY 2023: €1,119
million), an increase of 7% in constant currencies.
Diluted adjusted EPS was €4.97 (FY 2023: €4.55), up 11% in
constant currencies, reflecting the increase in adjusted net profit
and a 3% reduction in the diluted weighted average number of shares
outstanding to 238.4 million (FY 2023: 246.0 million).
IFRS reported figures
Reported operating profit increased 9% to €1,441 million (FY
2023: €1,323 million), largely reflecting the increase in adjusted
operating profit. Reported operating profit included a net loss of
€3 million on the divestment of a continuing medical education
unit, whereas the prior year included a disposal gain of
€4 million. Amortization and impairments of acquired
identifiable intangible assets and goodwill increased 2% to €149
million.
Reported financing results amounted to a net cost of €65 million
(FY 2023: €27 million cost) reflecting the change in adjusted net
financing cost.
The reported effective tax rate reduced to 21.7% (FY 2023:
22.4%) reflecting the positive tax impact of the divestment of our
continuing medical education unit (Learner’s Digest) on August 30,
2024.
Net profit for the year increased 7% overall to €1,079 million
(FY 2023: €1,007 million). Diluted EPS increased 11% overall
to €4.52 (FY 2023: €4.09), reflecting the increase in net profit
and the reduction in weighted average number of shares
outstanding.
Cash flow
Adjusted operating cash flow was €1,627 million (FY 2023: €1,476
million), up 10% in constant currencies. This reflects a full-year
cash conversion ratio of 102% (FY 2023: 100%), which was higher
than anticipated. Working capital inflows of €82 million were lower
than in the prior year (FY 2023: €98 million). Capital expenditures
were €313 million. Capex as a percent of revenues declined to 5.3%
of revenues (FY 2023: 5.8%). Cash payments related to leases,
including lease interest paid, were €70 million (FY 2023:
€74 million). Depreciation of physical assets, amortization
and impairment of internally developed software, and depreciation
of right-of-use assets totaled €330 million (FY 2023: €299
million).
Net interest paid, excluding lease interest paid, increased to
€34 million (FY 2023: €17 million), reflecting the higher
coupon interest and lower interest income on cash balances. Income
tax paid decreased to €318 million (FY 2023: €325 million).
The net cash effect of restructuring was €7 million inflow (FY
2023: outflow of €1 million). As a result, adjusted free cash
flow was €1,276 million (FY 2023: €1,164 million), up 9% in
constant currencies.
Total acquisition spending, net of cash acquired and including
transaction costs, was €342 million (FY 2023:
€68 million) and primarily relates to the acquisition of the
Isabel Group accountancy solutions by Tax & Accounting on
September 5, 2024. Dividends paid amounted to €521 million (FY
2023: €467 million). The cash deployed towards share repurchases
was €1 billion, in line with the prior year (FY 2023: €1
billion).
Net debt, leverage, credit facility, and liquidity
As of December 31, 2024, net debt was €3,134 million, up from
€2,612 million on December 31, 2023. The net-debt-to-EBITDA ratio
increased to 1.6x at year end 2024 (FY 2023: 1.5x). Gross debt of
€4,090 million includes the €600 million Eurobond (5-year term;
3.250% annual coupon) issued on March 18, 2024. As of December 31,
2024, net cash available was €945 million5, and our €600
million multi-currency credit facility remained undrawn.
Sustainability and ESG achievements 2024
In 2024, we continued efforts to attract, develop, motivate, and
retain talent globally. Our employee turnover rate improved to 9.5%
(FY 2023: 9.8%) in what remain competitive markets for talent. Our
employee engagement and belonging scores, measured by an
independent third party, Microsoft Glint, were stable at 78 and 75,
respectively (FY 2023: 78 and 75). The Glint Global Top 25%
benchmarks for these two measures were also stable while the Glint
Global Median benchmarks declined slightly. We conducted our first
global pay equity analysis and determined that the
adjusted6 gender pay-gap ratio was 3.1% in 2024.
In 2024, our scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which
are based on energy purchased and consumed in our offices around
the world, were reduced by 11%, compared to 2023. This reduction
was in large part the result of our real estate decarbonization
program which reduced our global office footprint (m2)
by 9% underlying compared to year-end 2023 (FY 2023: 5% reduction).
In January 2025, we raised our near-term (2030) emissions reduction
targets for scope 1 and 2 to 60% (previously 50%) from a 2019 base
year. We continue to target a 30% reduction in scope 3 emissions by
2030 from a 2019 base year. In January 2025, we submitted our long
term (2050) targets to become net zero to the Science Based Targets
initiative (SBTi) for validation.
Our ESG risk rating from Morningstar Sustainalytics improved to
11.37 (2023: 14.35), which continues to qualify Wolters Kluwer as
top-rated in the Software & Services sector, ranked in the
leading 2% of 962 Software and Services companies. Wolters Kluwer
has retained the highest MSCI ESG rating of AAA for the
6th consecutive year (2019-2024). In February 2025, our
CDP7 score improved to B (from C).
Our 2024 sustainability statements have been prepared in
accordance with European Sustainability Reporting Standards
following a mandatory framework set by the EU Corporate
Sustainability Reporting Directive.
Divisional Review
Overall organic revenue growth was 6%, led by Tax &
Accounting. The increase in group adjusted operating profit margin
was mainly driven by Legal & Regulatory and Financial &
Corporate Compliance.
Divisional Summary – Year ended December 31 |
|
€ million (unless otherwise stated) |
2024 |
2023 |
∆ |
∆ CC |
∆ OG |
|
Revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Health |
1,584 |
1,508 |
+5% |
+5% |
+6% |
|
Tax & Accounting |
1,561 |
1,466 |
+6% |
+7% |
+7% |
|
Financial & Corporate Compliance |
1,105 |
1,052 |
+5% |
+5% |
+5% |
|
Legal & Regulatory |
946 |
875 |
+8% |
+8% |
+5% |
|
Corporate Performance & ESG |
720 |
683 |
+5% |
+5% |
+5% |
|
Total revenues |
5,916 |
5,584 |
+6% |
+6% |
+6% |
|
Adjusted operating profit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Health |
480 |
454 |
+6% |
+6% |
+6% |
|
Tax & Accounting |
519 |
479 |
+8% |
+9% |
+10% |
|
Financial & Corporate Compliance |
433 |
403 |
+7% |
+7% |
+7% |
|
Legal & Regulatory |
176 |
138 |
+28% |
+27% |
+19% |
|
Corporate Performance & ESG |
61 |
68 |
-10% |
-9% |
-9% |
|
Corporate |
(69) |
(66) |
+4% |
+4% |
+4% |
|
Total adjusted operating profit |
1,600 |
1,476 |
+8% |
+8% |
+8% |
|
Adjusted operating profit margin |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Health |
30.3% |
30.1% |
|
|
|
|
Tax & Accounting |
33.2% |
32.7% |
|
|
|
|
Financial & Corporate Compliance |
39.2% |
38.3% |
|
|
|
|
Legal & Regulatory |
18.6% |
15.7% |
|
|
|
|
Corporate Performance & ESG |
8.5% |
9.9% |
|
|
|
|
Total adjusted operating profit margin |
27.1% |
26.4% |
|
|
|
∆: % Change; ∆ CC: % Change in constant currencies (€/$ 1.08); ∆
OG: % Organic growth. |
|
Total recurring revenues, which include subscriptions and other
renewing revenue streams, accounted for 82% of total revenues (FY
2023: 82%) and grew 7% organically (FY 2023: 7%). Within recurring
revenues, digital and service subscriptions, sustained 8% organic
growth (FY 2023: 8%).
Total non-recurring revenues increased 1% on an organic basis
(FY 2023: 0%), with varied trends. Of this, total transactional
revenues increased 6% organically (FY 2023: decline of 3%) while
print book revenues were flat. Other non-recurring revenue streams,
which include on-premise software licenses and implementation fees,
declined 4% organically (FY 2023: 1% organic growth), with
mixed performances by division. (See Appendix 3 for details by
division).
Revenues by Type – Year ended December 31 |
€ million (unless otherwise stated) |
2024 |
2023 |
∆ |
∆ CC |
∆ OG |
Digital and service subscription |
4,458 |
4,134 |
+8% |
+8% |
+8% |
Print subscription |
125 |
136 |
-8% |
-8% |
-8% |
Other recurring |
285 |
273 |
+5% |
+5% |
+7% |
Total recurring revenues |
4,868 |
4,543 |
+7% |
+7% |
+7% |
Transactional |
436 |
411 |
+6% |
+6% |
+6% |
Print books |
120 |
120 |
0%
25 |
0% |
0% |
Other non-recurring |
492 |
510 |
-3% |
-3% |
-4% |
Total non-recurring revenues |
1,048 |
1,041 |
+1% |
+1% |
+1% |
Total revenues |
5,916 |
5,584 |
+6% |
+6% |
+6% |
∆: %
Change; ∆ CC: % Change in constant currencies (€/$ 1.08); ∆ OG: %
Organic growth. Other non-recurring revenues include software
licenses, software implementation fees, professional services, and
other non-subscription offerings. |
Health
- Organic growth 6%,
led by Clinical Solutions up 7%.
- Learning, Research
& Practice grew 4% organically, driven by nursing education
solutions.
- Margin reflects
operational gearing and mix shift, partly offset by one-time
write-offs.
Health – Year ended December 31 |
€ million (unless otherwise stated) |
2024 |
2023 |
∆ |
∆ CC |
∆ OG |
Revenues |
1,584 |
1,508 |
+5% |
+5% |
+6% |
Adjusted operating profit |
480 |
454 |
+6% |
+6% |
+6% |
Adjusted operating profit margin |
30.3% |
30.1% |
|
|
|
Operating profit |
440 |
406 |
+8% |
|
|
Net capital expenditure |
43 |
49 |
|
|
|
Ultimo FTEs |
3,401 |
3,333 |
|
|
|
∆: %
Change; ∆ CC: % Change in constant currencies (€/$ 1.08); ∆ OG: %
Organic growth. |
Health revenues increased 5% in constant currencies, reflecting
the divestment of our continuing medical education unit on August
30, 2024. Organic growth was 6%, in line with prior year (FY 2023:
6%).
Adjusted operating profit increased 6% in constant currencies
and 6% on an organic basis. The margin increased slightly, as the
favorable effect of operational gearing and mix shift was partly
countered by write-offs related to the education unit divestment
and the sunsetting of products. IFRS operating profit increased 8%
overall, reflecting the increase in adjusted operating profit and a
decrease in amortization of acquired identifiable intangible
assets.
Clinical Solutions (56% of divisional revenues) sustained 7%
organic growth (FY 2023: 7%), driven by good renewal rates for our
clinical decision support tool (UpToDate) and clinical drug
databases (Medi-Span and Lexidrug), despite on-going pressures on
hospital budgets. UpToDate Enterprise, unveiled in March 2024,
introduced a data analytics dashboard and access to the UpToDate AI
Labs GenAI functionality. The UpToDate patient engagement solution
performed well. Our clinical surveillance, compliance, and medical
terminology unit (Sentri7 and other products) achieved good organic
growth, benefitting from the new AUR8 module and the
inclusion of Invistics, which was acquired in June 2023.
Learning, Research & Practice (44% of divisional revenues)
achieved 4% organic growth (FY 2023: 5%). In research, organic
growth slowed to 3% against a challenging comparable, the prior
year having benefitted from new revenues related to the New
England Journal of Medicine digital distribution contract, won
in late 2022. In learning and practice, organic revenue improved to
6%, led by continued strong growth in our nursing education
solutions. Lippincott Ready for NCLEX, a digital solution
launched in May 2024 to help nursing students pass the NCLEX exam,
signed its first customers. Print book revenues were up 1% for the
year (FY 2023: 3% decline).
Tax & Accounting
- Organic growth 7%,
with strong performances across North America and Europe.
- Recurring revenues
(92% of division) rose 8% organically, buoyed by 19% growth in
cloud software revenues.
- Margin increase
driven by operational gearing and cost efficiencies.
Tax
& Accounting – Year ended December 31 |
€ million (unless otherwise stated) |
2024 |
2023 |
∆ |
∆ CC |
∆ OG |
Revenues |
1,561 |
1,466 |
+6% |
+7% |
+7% |
Adjusted operating profit |
519 |
479 |
+8% |
+9% |
+10% |
Adjusted operating profit margin |
33.2% |
32.7% |
|
|
|
Operating profit |
497 |
460 |
+8% |
|
|
Net capital expenditure |
68 |
74 |
|
|
|
Ultimo FTEs |
7,159 |
7,276 |
|
|
|
∆: %
Change; ∆ CC: % Change in constant currencies (€/$ 1.08); ∆ OG: %
Organic growth. |
Tax & Accounting revenues increased 7% in constant
currencies and 7% on an organic basis (FY 2023: 8%). Adjusted
operating profit increased 9% in constant currencies and 10%
organically. The margin increased 50 basis points, reflecting
operational gearing and cost efficiencies. IFRS operating profit
increased 8%, largely reflecting the development of adjusted
operating profit.
Tax & Accounting North America (60% of divisional revenues)
achieved 8% organic growth (FY 2023: 8%). Cloud software revenues
grew 20% organically, driven by adoption of additional workflow
modules, customer migration to the CCH Axcess cloud platform, and
continued strong growth of CCH iFirm tax and practice management
software in Canada. Our new cloud-based audit suite, CCH Axcess
Engagement, was enhanced during 2024 with Knowledge Coach titles
and expanded to support global bank confirmations. Outsourced
professional services grew at a double-digit rate. Our U.S.
publishing unit sustained low single-digit organic growth. During
2024, the North American business introduced GenAI-enabled features
across several products, including conversational search and
virtual assistants.
Tax & Accounting Europe (36% of divisional revenues)
delivered 7% organic growth (FY 2023: 7%), with good
performance across all countries. Growth was lifted by double-digit
organic growth in cloud and hybrid-cloud software solutions. The
integration of the cloud-based financial workflow and data exchange
solutions acquired from Isabel Group on September 5, 2024, is
proceeding to plan; performance in initial four months has met
expectations. CCH iFirm, a global cloud-based practice management
and compliance software platform, was launched in the UK.
Tax & Accounting Asia Pacific & Rest of World (4% of
divisional revenues) revenues were up 1% organically (FY 2023:
5%), with growth in Australia, New Zealand and India partly offset
by weakness in China. The prior period included the Chinese legal
solution (BOLD) which was transferred to Legal & Regulatory
division as of January 1, 2024. Australia and New Zealand launched
CCH iFirm Analytics.
Financial & Corporate Compliance
- Organic growth 5%,
led by Legal Services up 7%.
- Recurring revenues
grew 6% organically, while non-recurring revenues returned to
growth.
- Margin increase
mainly reflects operational gearing and cost efficiencies.
Financial & Corporate Compliance – Year ended December 31 |
€ million (unless otherwise stated) |
2024 |
2023 |
∆ |
∆ CC |
∆ OG |
Revenues |
1,105 |
1,052 |
+5% |
+5% |
+5% |
Adjusted operating profit |
433 |
403 |
+7% |
+7% |
+7% |
Adjusted operating profit margin |
39.2% |
38.3% |
|
|
|
Operating profit |
415 |
383 |
+8% |
|
|
Net capital expenditure |
54 |
58 |
|
|
|
Ultimo FTEs |
3,030 |
3,056 |
|
|
|
∆: %
Change; ∆ CC: % Change in constant currencies (€/$ 1.08); ∆ OG: %
Organic growth. |
Financial & Corporate Compliance revenues increased 5% in
constant currencies and 5% organically (FY 2023: 2%), helped
by a recovery in non-recurring transactional revenues in Legal
Services.
The adjusted operating profit margin increased 90 basis points,
driven by operational gearing and cost efficiencies. IFRS operating
profit increased 8%, mainly reflecting the increase in adjusted
operating profit.
In Legal Services (59% of divisional revenues), CT Corporation
recorded 7% organic growth (FY 2023: 2%). Recurring service
subscriptions rose 7% (FY 2023: 8%) while Legal Services
transactional revenues rose 8% organically against an easy
comparable in the prior year (FY 2023: 9% decline). Transactions
linked to U.S. M&A volumes remained subdued. CT Corporation
generated €10 million in new revenues (subscription and
transactional) from its beneficial ownership (BOI) reporting
solution launched in 2024 to support compliance with the Corporate
Transparency Act (CTA).
Financial Services (41% of divisional revenues) achieved 3%
organic growth (FY 2023: 2%), supported by 4% organic growth in
recurring revenues (FY 2023: 5%). Financial Services (FS)
transactional revenues rose 1% (FY 2023: 3% decline) as
mortgage-related transactions and lien search and filing volumes
remained subdued reflecting elevated interest rates.
On February 7, 2025, we announced an agreement to acquire
Registered Agent Solutions, Inc. (RASi) for $415 million in
cash. Subject to regulatory clearances and closing conditions, the
transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2025.
Legal & Regulatory
- Organic growth 5%,
led by growth in digital information solutions up 7%.
- Legal &
Regulatory Software grew 6% organically.
- Margin increase
reflects gearing, mix shift, efficiencies, as well as a one-time
pension gain.
Legal
& Regulatory – Year ended December 31 |
€ million (unless otherwise stated) |
2024 |
2023 |
∆ |
∆ CC |
∆ OG |
Revenues |
946 |
875 |
+8% |
+8% |
+5% |
Adjusted operating profit |
176 |
138 |
+28% |
+27% |
+19% |
Adjusted operating profit margin |
18.6% |
15.7% |
|
|
|
Operating profit |
145 |
114 |
+27% |
|
|
Net capital expenditure |
53 |
58 |
|
|
|
Ultimo FTEs |
4,147 |
4,033 |
|
|
|
∆: %
Change; ∆ CC: % Change in constant currencies (€/$ 1.08); ∆ OG: %
Organic growth. |
Legal & Regulatory revenues increased 8% in constant
currencies, mainly reflecting the transfer of our Chinese legal
research solution (BOLD) into the division as of January 1, 2024.
On an organic basis (excluding the transfer and the effect of small
acquisitions in 2023), revenues grew 5% (FY 2023: 4%).
Adjusted operating profit increased 27% in constant currencies
and 19% on an organic basis, including €15 million related to
the Dutch pension plan amendment gain. Excluding this non-cash
gain, the adjusted operating profit margin improved 130 basis
points, driven by operational gearing, mix shift, and cost
effectiveness. Reported IFRS operating profit increased 27%, mainly
reflecting the increase in adjusted operating profit.
Legal & Regulatory Information Solutions (77% of divisional
revenues) revenues grew 9% in constant currencies, partly
reflecting the aforementioned transfer and acquisitions. On an
organic basis, Information Solutions grew 5% (FY 2023: 4%), driven
by digital information solutions which grew 7% organically (FY
2023: 8%). Print subscriptions and book revenues both declined, as
expected. During 2024, we introduced GenAI features to our U.S.
legal research solution (VitalLaw) and launched a GenAI-enabled
beta version of InView Legal in The Netherlands.
Legal & Regulatory Software (23% of divisional revenues)
recorded 6% organic growth (FY 2023: 5%). ELM Solutions (Tymetrix
and Passport) delivered mid-single-digit organic growth, supported
by 9% organic growth in transactional revenues linked to legal
spend volumes. Legal practice management software, mainly Kleos and
Legisway, sustained high single-digit organic growth.
Corporate Performance & ESG
- Organic growth 5%,
driven by recurring cloud software revenues up 20%.
- Margin decline
reflects lower software license revenues and increased
investment.
- In 2025, Finance,
Risk & Reporting (FRR) transferred to Financial & Corporate
Compliance.
Corporate Performance & ESG – Year ended December 31 |
€ million (unless otherwise stated) |
2024 |
2023 |
∆ |
∆ CC |
∆ OG |
Revenues |
720 |
683 |
+5% |
+5% |
+5% |
Adjusted operating profit |
61 |
68 |
-10% |
-9% |
-9% |
Adjusted operating profit margin |
8.5% |
9.9% |
|
|
|
Operating profit |
13 |
26 |
-50% |
|
|
Net capital expenditure |
95 |
84 |
|
|
|
Ultimo FTEs |
3,315 |
3,215 |
|
|
|
∆: %
Change; ∆ CC: % Change in constant currencies (€/$ 1.08); ∆ OG: %
Organic growth. |
Corporate Performance & ESG revenues increased 5% in
constant currencies and 5% on an organic basis (FY 2023: 9%).
Total recurring revenues (69% of divisional revenues) grew 12%
organically (FY 2023: 11%), while non-recurring revenues declined
7% organically (FY 2023: 5% organic growth), due primarily to a
decline in CCH Tagetik license revenue as new customers
increasingly chose the CCH Tagetik cloud subscription (SaaS)
solution.
Adjusted operating profit declined 9% in constant currencies and
9% on an organic basis (FY 2023: decline of 12%) due to the impact
of lower license revenues combined with increased investment in
product development. IFRS operating profit decreased to €13
million, reflecting the decline in adjusted operating profit and
higher amortization of acquired identifiable intangible assets.
In EHS & ESG9 (25% of divisional revenues), the
Enablon suite delivered 15% organic growth (FY 2023: 16%), with
double-digit growth across all regions globally. Recurring cloud
software revenues increased 21% organically (FY 2023: 21%).
Non-recurring on-premise software license fees declined, but this
was more than offset by second half growth in implementation
services revenues. Enablon’s carbon capture, air, and water quality
modules saw strong growth.
In Corporate Performance, Corporate Tax, Audit & Assurance
(58% of divisional revenues), performance was mixed. The
CCH Tagetik corporate performance management
platform10 revenues were flat (FY 2023: 20% organic
growth) due to an unexpected decline in software license revenues
in December 2024 as new customers opted for cloud subscriptions.
Recurring cloud subscription revenues for the CCH Tagetik platform,
typically recognized over three-year contracts, grew 18%
organically (FY 2023: 21%), driven by new customer wins and
increased uptake of software modules. CCH Tagetik gained over 200
new customers in 2024 and upgraded more than 40 customers to its
new AI-enabled CCH Tagetik Intelligent Platform. Our Corporate Tax
(CCH SureTax) and Audit & Assurance (TeamMate) units delivered
robust organic growth, driven by double-digit organic growth in
recurring cloud software revenues.
Finance, Risk & Reporting11 (17% of divisional
revenues), which provides regulatory reporting and risk solutions
to banks (OneSumX), posted positive organic growth (2023: decline),
driven by growth in recurring software revenues and non-recurring
professional services revenues. We increased investment in the
integrated OneSumX platform to support banks in preparing for Basel
IV and other regulatory changes.
Corporate
Net corporate expenses increased 4% in constant currencies and
4% on an organic basis, due to an increase in personnel costs and
higher third-party services.
Corporate – Year ended December 31 |
€ million (unless otherwise stated) |
2024 |
2023 |
∆ |
∆ CC |
∆ OG |
Adjusted operating profit |
(69) |
(66) |
+4% |
+4% |
+4% |
Operating profit |
(69) |
(66) |
+4% |
|
|
Net capital expenditure |
0 |
0 |
|
|
|
Ultimo FTEs |
148 |
143 |
|
|
|
∆: %
Change; ∆ CC: % Change in constant currencies (€/$ 1.08); ∆ OG: %
Organic growth. |
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the years ended
December 31, 2024, and 2023
The full-year figures for 2024 and 2023 in this report are
derived from the 2024 consolidated financial statements, which are
prepared in accordance with IFRS and which will be published on
March 12, 2025.
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Total Equity
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss
(in millions of euros, unless otherwise stated)
|
Note |
Full year |
|
|
2024 |
2023 |
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
4 |
5,916 |
5,584 |
Cost of revenues |
|
(1,626) |
(1,576) |
Gross profit |
|
4,290 |
4,008 |
|
|
|
|
Sales costs |
|
(969) |
(929) |
General and administrative costs |
|
(1,870) |
(1,749) |
Total operating expenses |
|
(2,839) |
(2,678) |
|
|
|
|
Other gains and (losses) |
3 |
(10) |
(7) |
Operating profit |
|
1,441 |
1,323 |
|
|
|
|
Financing results |
|
(65) |
(27) |
Share of profit of equity-accounted associates, net of tax |
|
2 |
1 |
Profit before tax |
|
1,378 |
1,297 |
|
|
|
|
Income tax expense |
|
(299) |
(290) |
|
|
|
|
Profit for the year |
|
1,079 |
1,007 |
|
|
|
|
Attributable to: |
|
|
|
|
|
1,079 |
1,007 |
- Non-controlling interests
|
|
0 |
0 |
Profit for the
year |
|
1,079 |
1,007 |
|
|
|
|
Earnings per share (EPS) (€) |
|
|
|
Basic EPS |
5 |
4.54 |
4.11 |
Diluted
EPS |
5 |
4.52 |
4.09 |
|
|
|
|
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
(in millions of euros)
|
Full Year |
|
2024 |
2023 |
Comprehensive income |
|
|
Profit for the year |
1,079 |
1,007 |
|
|
|
Other comprehensive income |
|
|
Items that are or may be reclassified subsequently to the
statement of profit or loss: |
|
|
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations |
227 |
(127) |
Recycling of foreign exchange differences on loss of control |
(1) |
– |
Net gains/(losses) on hedges of net investments |
(12) |
3 |
Net gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges |
(7) |
(7) |
|
|
|
Items that will not be reclassified to the statement of profit
or loss: |
|
|
Remeasurements on defined benefit plans |
(5) |
(1) |
Other comprehensive income/(loss) for the year, before tax |
202 |
(132) |
|
|
|
Income tax on items that are or may be reclassified subsequently to
the statement of profit or loss |
4 |
0 |
Income tax on items that will not be reclassified to the statement
of profit or loss |
1 |
0 |
Income tax on other comprehensive income |
5 |
0 |
|
|
|
Other comprehensive income/(loss) for the year, net of tax |
207 |
(132) |
|
|
|
Total comprehensive income for the year |
1,286 |
875 |
|
|
|
Attributable to: |
|
|
|
1,285 |
875 |
- Non-controlling interests
|
1 |
0 |
Total comprehensive income for the year |
1,286 |
875 |
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
(in millions of euros)
Note |
Full Year |
|
2024 |
2023 |
|
|
|
Cash flows from operating activities |
|
|
Profit for the year |
1,079 |
1,007 |
Adjustments for: |
|
|
Income tax expense |
299 |
|
290 |
|
Share of profit of equity-accounted associates, net of tax |
(2) |
|
(1) |
|
Financing results |
65 |
|
27 |
|
Amortization, impairments, and depreciation |
479 |
|
445 |
|
Book (profit)/loss on disposal of operations and non-current
assets |
(5) |
|
(4) |
|
Fair value changes of contingent considerations |
0 |
|
– |
|
Additions to and releases of provisions |
14 |
|
12 |
|
Appropriation of provisions |
(9) |
|
(10) |
|
Changes in employee benefit provisions |
(24) |
|
(7) |
|
Share-based payments |
31 |
|
31 |
|
Autonomous movements in working capital |
82 |
|
98 |
|
Other adjustments |
5 |
|
8 |
|
Total adjustments |
935 |
889 |
|
|
|
Interest paid and received (including the interest portion of lease
payments) |
(42) |
(26) |
Paid income tax |
(318) |
(325) |
Net cash from operating activities |
1,654 |
1,545 |
|
|
|
Cash flows from investing activities |
|
|
Net capital expenditure |
(313) |
(323) |
Acquisition spending, net of cash acquired 6 |
(335) |
(61) |
Receipts from divestments, net of cash disposed 6 |
1 |
8 |
Dividends received |
1 |
0 |
Cash used for settlement of net investment hedges |
(6) |
2 |
Net cash used in investing activities |
(652) |
(374) |
|
|
|
Cash flows from financing activities |
|
|
Repayment of loans |
(738) |
(926) |
Proceeds from new loans |
1,237 |
977 |
Repayment of principal portion of lease liabilities |
(62) |
(65) |
Collateral received/(paid) |
(2) |
‒ |
Repurchased shares |
(1,000) |
(1,000) |
Dividends paid |
(521) |
(467) |
Net cash used in financing activities |
(1,086) |
(1,481) |
|
|
|
Net cash flow before effect of exchange differences |
(84) |
(310) |
|
|
|
Exchange differences on cash and cash equivalents and bank
overdrafts |
40 |
(31) |
Net change in cash and cash equivalents less bank overdrafts |
(44) |
(341) |
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents less bank overdrafts at January 1 |
989 |
1,330 |
Cash and cash equivalents less bank overdrafts at December 31 |
945 |
989 |
|
|
|
Add: Bank
overdrafts at December 31 |
9 |
146 |
Cash and cash equivalents in the statement of financial
position at December 31 |
954 |
1,135 |
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
(in millions of euros)
|
Note |
December 31, 2024 |
December 31, 2023 |
Non-current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
Goodwill |
|
4,710 |
|
4,322 |
|
Intangible assets other than goodwill |
|
1,735 |
|
1,598 |
|
Property, plant, and equipment |
|
79 |
|
79 |
|
Right-of-use assets |
|
214 |
|
241 |
|
Investments in equity-accounted associates |
|
13 |
|
11 |
|
Financial assets and other receivables |
|
16 |
|
20 |
|
Non-current contract assets |
|
18 |
|
18 |
|
Deferred tax assets |
|
56 |
|
51 |
|
Total non-current assets |
|
|
6,841 |
|
6,340 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
Inventories |
|
79 |
|
84 |
|
Contract assets |
|
148 |
|
160 |
|
Trade and other receivables |
|
1,394 |
|
1,289 |
|
Current income tax assets |
|
82 |
|
86 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
954 |
|
1,135 |
|
Total current assets |
|
|
2,657 |
|
2,754 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets |
|
|
9,498 |
|
9,094 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
Issued share capital |
|
29 |
|
30 |
|
Share premium reserve |
|
87 |
|
87 |
|
Other reserves |
|
1,429 |
|
1,632 |
|
Equity attributable to owners of the company |
|
|
1,545 |
|
1,749 |
Non-controlling interests |
|
|
0 |
|
0 |
Total equity |
|
|
1,545 |
|
1,749 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term debt, excl. lease liabilities |
7 |
3,484 |
|
2,877 |
|
Lease liabilities |
7 |
179 |
|
209 |
|
Deferred tax liabilities |
|
324 |
|
281 |
|
Employee benefits |
|
67 |
|
81 |
|
Provisions |
|
5 |
|
5 |
|
Non-current deferred income |
|
110 |
|
102 |
|
Total non-current liabilities |
|
|
4,169 |
|
3,555 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current
liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred income |
|
2,054 |
|
1,899 |
|
Other contract liabilities |
|
76 |
|
86 |
|
Trade and other payables |
|
1,087 |
|
997 |
|
Current income tax liabilities |
|
117 |
|
128 |
|
Short-term provisions |
|
28 |
|
21 |
|
Borrowings and bank overdrafts |
7 |
359 |
|
196 |
|
Short-term bonds |
7 |
‒ |
|
400 |
|
Short-term lease liabilities |
7 |
63 |
|
63 |
|
Total current liabilities |
|
|
3,784 |
|
3,790 |
Total liabilities |
|
|
7,953 |
|
7,345 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total equity and liabilities |
|
|
9,498 |
|
9,094 |
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Total Equity
(in millions of euros)
|
|
|
2024 |
|
Equity attributable to the owners of the company |
Non-controlling interests |
Total equity |
Balance at January 1 |
1,749 |
0 |
1,749 |
|
|
|
|
Total comprehensive income for the year |
1,285 |
1 |
1,286 |
Share-based payments |
31 |
– |
31 |
Final cash dividend 2023 |
(324) |
(1) |
(325) |
Interim cash dividend 2024 |
(196) |
– |
(196) |
Repurchased shares |
(1,000) |
– |
(1,000) |
Balance at December 31 |
1,545 |
0 |
1,545 |
|
|
|
2023 |
|
Equity attributable to the owners of the company |
Non-controlling interests |
Total equity |
Balance at
January 1 |
2,310 |
0 |
2,310 |
|
|
|
|
Total comprehensive income for the year |
875 |
0 |
875 |
Share-based payments |
31 |
– |
31 |
Final cash dividend 2022 |
(291) |
0 |
(291) |
Interim cash dividend 2023 |
(176) |
– |
(176) |
Repurchased shares |
(1,000) |
– |
(1,000) |
Balance at December 31 |
1,749 |
0 |
1,749 |
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Note
1 Reporting
entity
Wolters Kluwer N.V. ('the company') with its subsidiaries
(together referred to as 'the group', and individually as ‘group
entities’) is a global provider of information, software solutions,
and services for professionals in the health, tax and accounting,
financial and corporate compliance, legal and regulatory, and
corporate performance and ESG sectors. Our expert
solutions combine deep domain knowledge with technology to
deliver both content and workflow automation to drive improved
outcomes and productivity for our customers.
These condensed consolidated financial statements for the year
ended December 31, 2024, comprise the group and the group’s
interests in associates.
Note
2 Basis
of preparation
Statement of compliance
The accounting policies applied in these condensed consolidated
financial statements are the same as those applied in the 2024
Annual Report which will be published on March 12, 2025. The
consolidated financial statements included in the 2024 Annual
Report were authorized for issuance by the Executive Board and
Supervisory Board on February 25, 2025. Deloitte Accountants B.V.
has completed its external audit. The unqualified auditor’s opinion
will be published in the 2024 Annual Report, which will be
submitted for adoption to the Annual General Meeting of
Shareholders on May 15, 2025.
These condensed consolidated financial statements have been
prepared in accordance with the IFRS® Accounting Standards (‘IFRS
Accounting Standards’), as adopted by the European Union, except
they do not include all the information required for a complete set
of IFRS financial statements. Selected explanatory notes are
included to explain events and transactions that are significant to
an understanding of the changes in the group’s financial position
and performance since the last annual consolidated financial
statements for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Effect of new accounting standards
The group has applied the following amendments for the first time
for the annual reporting period commencing January 1, 2024:
- Supplier finance arrangements (amendments to IAS 7 and IFRS
7);
- Classification of liabilities as current or non-current
(amendments to IAS 1);
- Non-current liabilities with covenants (amendments to IAS 1);
and
- Lease liability in a sale and leaseback (amendments to IFRS
16).
The application of the abovementioned amendments has not had any
material impact on the
amounts reported or disclosed in these financial statements.
Effect of forthcoming accounting standards
A number of new standards and amendments are not yet effective for
the year ended December 31, 2024, and have not been early adopted
in these condensed consolidated financial statements. With the
exception of IFRS 18 – Presentation and Disclosures in Financial
Statements, the group expects no significant changes because of
these amendments and new standards.
Presentation currency
The condensed consolidated financial statements are presented in
euros and rounded to the nearest million, unless otherwise
indicated.
Exchange rates to the euro |
2024 |
2023 |
U.S. dollar (average) |
1.08 |
1.08 |
U.S. dollar (at December 31) |
1.04 |
1.11 |
Estimates and judgments
The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with IFRS
requires management to make estimates, judgments, and assumptions
that affect the application of policies and reported amounts of
assets and liabilities, the disclosed amounts of contingent assets
and liabilities, and the reported amounts of income and expense,
that are not clear from other sources. The estimates, judgments,
and underlying assumptions are based on historical experience and
other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the
circumstances. Actual results may differ from those estimates and
may result in material adjustments in the
next financial year(s).
The impact of climate-related matters was considered while
preparing the financial statements, with a focus on the potential
financial impact on estimates and judgments related to the
impairment of non-financial assets. Hereby management considered
the outcome of the double materiality assessment and the group’s
emission reduction targets and associated abatement plans.
Management concluded that the financial impact of climaterelated
matters on estimates and judgments is not material.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an
ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in
the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects
only that period, or the period of the revision and future periods
if the revision affects both current and future periods. Judgments
made by management in the application of IFRS that could have an
effect on the financial statements and estimates with the risk of a
material adjustment in future years are further discussed in the
corresponding notes to the consolidated statements of profit or
loss and financial position:
- Revenue recognition;
- Accounting for income taxes; and
- Valuation, measurement, and impairment testing of goodwill and
intangible assets other than goodwill.
Management believes that risks are adequately covered in its
estimates and judgments.
Note
3 Benchmark
Figures
Wherever used in this report, the term ‘adjusted’ refers to
figures adjusted for non-benchmark items and, where applicable,
amortization and (reversal of) impairment of acquired identifiable
intangible assets and goodwill.
Adjusted figures are non-IFRS compliant financial figures but
are internally regarded as key performance indicators to measure
the underlying performance of the business from continuing
operations. These figures are presented as additional information
and do not replace the information in the condensed consolidated
statement of profit or loss and in the condensed consolidated
statement of cash flows. The term ‘adjusted’ is not a defined term
under IFRS.
Reconciliation of benchmark figures
Revenue bridge
|
€ million |
% |
|
|
|
Revenues 2023 |
5,584 |
|
Organic change |
325 |
6 |
Acquisitions |
17 |
0 |
Divestments |
(9) |
0 |
Currency impact |
(1) |
0 |
Revenues 2024 |
5,916 |
6 |
U.S. dollar 2024: average €/$ 1.08 versus 2023: average €/$
1.08
Reconciliation between operating profit and adjusted
operating profit
(in millions of euros) |
Full Year |
|
2024 |
2023 |
|
|
|
Operating profit |
1,441 |
1,323 |
Amortization and impairment of acquired identifiable intangible
assets and goodwill |
149 |
146 |
Non-benchmark items in operating profit |
10 |
7 |
Adjusted operating profit |
1,600 |
1,476 |
Reconciliation between total financing results and adjusted
net financing costs
(in millions of euros) |
Full Year |
|
2024 |
2023 |
|
|
|
Total financing results |
(65) |
(27) |
Non-benchmark items in total financing results |
3 |
0 |
Adjusted net financing costs |
(62) |
(27) |
Reconciliation between profit for the year and adjusted net
profit
(in millions of euros) |
Full Year |
|
2024 |
2023 |
Profit for the year attributable to the owners of the
company (A) |
1,079 |
1,007 |
Amortization and impairment of acquired identifiable intangible
assets and goodwill |
149 |
146 |
Tax benefits on amortization and impairment of acquired
identifiable intangible assets and goodwill |
(38) |
(37) |
Non-benchmark items, net of tax |
(5) |
3 |
Adjusted net profit (B) |
1,185 |
1,119 |
Summary of non-benchmark items
(in millions of euros) |
Full Year |
|
2024 |
2023 |
|
|
|
Divestment-related results |
(3) |
4 |
Acquisition-related costs |
(7) |
(7) |
Additions to acquisition integration provisions |
0 |
(4) |
Other gains and (losses) in operating profit |
(10) |
(7) |
|
|
|
Included in financing results: |
|
|
Results on divestments of investments available for sale |
‒ |
3 |
Financing component employee benefits |
(3) |
(3) |
Total non-benchmark items in financing results |
(3) |
0 |
|
|
|
Total non-benchmark items, before tax |
(13) |
(7) |
|
|
|
Tax benefits/(charges) on non-benchmark items |
18 |
4 |
Impact of changes in tax rates |
0 |
0 |
Non-benchmark items, net of tax |
5 |
(3) |
Reconciliation between net cash from operating activities
and adjusted free cash flow
(in millions of euros) |
Full Year |
|
2024 |
2023 |
|
|
|
Net cash from operating activities |
1,654 |
1,545 |
Net capital expenditure |
(313) |
(323) |
Repayment of principal portion of lease liabilities |
(62) |
(65) |
Paid acquisition-related costs |
7 |
7 |
Paid divestment expenses |
5 |
0 |
Dividends received |
1 |
0 |
Income tax paid/(received) on divested assets |
(16) |
0 |
Adjusted free cash flow (C) |
1,276 |
1,164 |
Return on invested capital (ROIC) calculation
(in millions of euros, unless otherwise stated) |
Full Year |
|
2024 |
2023 |
|
|
|
Adjusted operating profit |
1,600 |
1,476 |
Allocated tax |
(370) |
(338) |
Net operating profit after allocated tax (NOPAT) (D) |
1,230 |
1,138 |
Average invested capital (E) |
6,788 |
6,780 |
|
|
|
ROIC-ratio (D/E) (%) |
18.1 |
16.8 |
Per share information
(in euros, unless otherwise stated) |
Full Year |
|
2024 |
2023 |
|
|
|
Total number of ordinary shares outstanding at December
311 |
234.4 |
240.5 |
Weighted-average number of ordinary shares (F)1 |
237.5 |
244.9 |
Diluted weighted-average number of ordinary shares
(G)1 |
238.4 |
246.0 |
|
|
|
Adjusted EPS (B/F) |
4.99 |
4.57 |
Diluted adjusted EPS (B/G) |
4.97 |
4.55 |
Diluted adjusted EPS in constant currencies |
5.01 |
4.53 |
|
|
|
Basic EPS (A/F) |
4.54 |
4.11 |
Diluted EPS (A/G) |
4.52 |
4.09 |
|
|
|
Adjusted free cash flow per share (C/F) |
5.37 |
4.75 |
Diluted adjusted free cash flow per share (C/G) |
5.35 |
4.73 |
1 In millions of shares.
Benchmark tax rate
(in millions of euros, unless otherwise stated) |
Full Year |
|
2024 |
2023 |
|
|
|
Income tax expense |
299 |
290 |
Tax benefits on amortization and impairment of acquired
identifiable intangibles |
38 |
37 |
Tax benefits/(charges) on non-benchmark items |
18 |
4 |
Impact of changes in tax rates |
0 |
0 |
Tax on adjusted profit before tax (H) |
355 |
331 |
Adjusted net profit |
1,185 |
1,119 |
Adjustment for non-controlling interests |
0 |
0 |
Adjusted profit before tax (I) |
1,540 |
1,450 |
|
|
|
Benchmark tax rate (H/I) (%) |
23.1 |
22.9 |
Cash conversion ratio
(in millions of euros, unless otherwise stated) |
Full Year |
|
2024 |
2023 |
|
|
|
Operating profit |
1,441 |
1,323 |
Amortization, depreciation, and impairments |
479 |
445 |
EBITDA |
1,920 |
1,768 |
Non-benchmark items in operating profit |
10 |
7 |
Adjusted EBITDA |
1,930 |
1,775 |
Autonomous movements in working capital |
82 |
98 |
Net capital expenditure |
(313) |
(323) |
Book (profit)/loss on sale of non-current assets |
(2) |
0 |
Repayment of principal portion of lease liabilities |
(62) |
(65) |
Interest portion of lease payments |
(8) |
(9) |
Adjusted operating cash flow (J) |
1,627 |
1,476 |
|
|
|
Adjusted operating profit (K) |
1,600 |
1,476 |
|
|
|
Cash conversion ratio (J/K) (%) |
102 |
100 |
Note
4 Segment
Reporting
Divisional revenues and operating profit
(in millions of euros) |
Full Year |
|
2024 |
2023 |
Revenues |
|
|
Health |
1,584 |
1,508 |
Tax &
Accounting |
1,561 |
1,466 |
Financial &
Corporate Compliance |
1,105 |
1,052 |
Legal &
Regulatory |
946 |
875 |
Corporate
Performance & ESG |
720 |
683 |
Total revenues |
5,916 |
5,584 |
|
|
|
Operating
profit/(loss) |
|
|
Health |
440 |
406 |
Tax &
Accounting |
497 |
460 |
Financial &
Corporate Compliance |
415 |
383 |
Legal &
Regulatory |
145 |
114 |
Corporate
Performance & ESG |
13 |
26 |
Corporate |
(69) |
(66) |
Total operating profit |
1,441 |
1,323 |
Disaggregation of revenues
The group disaggregates revenues by media format and by revenue
type as part of the management information discussed by the
Executive Board. Reference is made to Appendix 1,
2, and 3 of this report.
Note
5 Earnings
per share
Earnings per share (EPS)
(in millions of euros, unless otherwise stated) |
Full Year |
|
2024 |
2023 |
|
|
|
Profit for the year attributable to the owners of the company
(A) |
1,079 |
1,007 |
|
|
|
Weighted-average number of ordinary shares, in millions of
shares |
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding ordinary shares at January 1 |
248.5 |
257.5 |
Effect of cancellation of shares |
(2.9) |
(3.4) |
Effect of repurchased shares |
(8.1) |
(9.2) |
Weighted-average number of ordinary shares for the year (F) |
237.5 |
244.9 |
|
|
|
Basic EPS (€) (A/F) |
4.54 |
4.11 |
|
|
|
Diluted weighted-average number of ordinary shares, in millions
of shares |
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted-average number of ordinary shares (F) |
237.5 |
244.9 |
Effect of Long-Term Incentive Plan |
0.9 |
1.1 |
Diluted weighted-average number of ordinary shares for the year
(G) |
238.4 |
246.0 |
|
|
|
Diluted EPS (€) (A/G) |
4.52 |
4.09 |
Note
6 Acquisitions
and Divestments
Acquisitions
On September 5, 2024, Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting completed
the acquisition of 100% of the shares of Finca Group NV for €325
million in cash (net of cash and debt-like items). Finca held all
assets and liabilities purchased from the Isabel Group for the
portfolio of cloud-based financial workflow and data exchange
solutions. The transaction had no deferred and contingent
considerations. The portfolio of solutions provides seamless and
secure transfer of bank statements, invoices, and other relevant
data to optimize client collaboration and address the e-invoicing
compliance needs of accounting firms and their clients across
Europe. This portfolio complements Wolters Kluwer’s existing
European tax and accounting solutions and enables it to provide
end-to-end coverage of the accountants’ workflow from
pre-accounting to post-accounting. In 2023, gross revenues of the
acquired solutions grew 23% to reach €34 million (unaudited).
Approximately 90 FTEs, based in Belgium and France, joined Wolters
Kluwer Tax & Accounting Europe.
In addition, other smaller acquisitions were completed, with a
combined total consideration of €10 million (2023: €15 million),
including deferred and contingent considerations.
The fair values of the identifiable assets and liabilities of
the abovementioned acquisitions, as reported at December 31, 2024,
are provisional, but no material deviations from these fair values
are expected.
In 2024, acquisition-related costs amounted to €7 million (2023:
€7 million).
The goodwill relating to the 2024 acquisitions represents future
economic benefits specific to the group arising from assets that do
not qualify for separate recognition as intangible assets. These
benefits include revenues from expected new customers and from new
capabilities of the acquired product platforms, as well as expected
synergies that will arise following the acquisitions.
Of the goodwill recognized in 2024, none was deductible for
income tax purposes (2023: none).
The following table provides information in aggregate for all
business combinations in 2024:
(in millions of euros) |
Full Year |
|
2024 |
2023 |
|
|
|
Consideration payable in cash |
357 |
60 |
Deferred and contingent considerations |
0 |
4 |
Total consideration |
357 |
64 |
|
|
|
Non-current assets |
189 |
51 |
Current assets |
33 |
7 |
Non-current liabilities |
(5) |
(1) |
Current liabilities |
(12) |
(9) |
Deferred tax liabilities |
(45) |
(10) |
Fair value of net identifiable assets/(liabilities) |
160 |
38 |
|
|
|
Goodwill on acquisitions |
197 |
26 |
|
|
|
Cash effect of acquisitions: |
|
|
Consideration payable in cash |
357 |
60 |
Cash acquired |
(25) |
(2) |
Deferred and contingent considerations paid |
3 |
3 |
Acquisition spending, net of cash acquired |
335 |
61 |
The fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities will
be revised if new information, obtained within one year from the
acquisition date, about facts and circumstances that existed at the
acquisition date, causes adjustments to the above amounts, or for
any additional provisions that existed at the acquisition date.
The acquisitions completed in 2024 resulted in a maximum
achievable undiscounted deferred and contingent consideration of €0
million. The fair value of this deferred and contingent
consideration amounted to €0 million at acquisition date and
at December 31, 2024.
Divestments
In 2024, net divestment proceeds amounted to €1 million, for the
most part relating to our divested Health business LDI. In 2023,
net divestment proceeds amounted to €8 million.
Divestment-related results on operations
(in millions of euros) |
Full Year |
|
2024 |
2023 |
Divestment of operations: |
|
|
Consideration receivable in cash |
1 |
5 |
Consideration receivable |
1 |
5 |
|
|
|
Non-current assets |
3 |
– |
Current assets (incl. assets held for sale) |
3 |
– |
Current liabilities (incl. liabilities held for sale) |
(6) |
– |
Deferred tax assets/(liabilities) |
(1) |
1 |
Net identifiable assets/(liabilities) |
(1) |
1 |
|
|
|
Reclassification of foreign exchange differences on loss of control
to profit or loss, previously recognized in other comprehensive
income |
1 |
– |
Book profit/(loss) on divestments of operations |
3 |
4 |
|
|
|
Divestment-related costs |
(5) |
0 |
Restructuring
of stranded costs following divestments |
(1) |
– |
Divestment-related results, included in other gains and
(losses) |
(3) |
4 |
|
|
|
Divestment of equity-accounted associates and financial
assets |
|
|
Consideration receivable in cash |
– |
3 |
Carrying value of financial assets |
– |
0 |
Divestment-related results, included in financing
results |
0 |
3 |
|
|
|
Cash effect of divestments: |
|
|
Consideration receivable in cash |
1 |
8 |
Cash included in divested operations |
0 |
– |
Receipts from divestments, net of cash disposed |
1 |
8 |
Note
7 Net
Debt
Reconciliation gross debt to net debt
(in millions of euros, unless otherwise stated) |
December 31,
2024 |
December 31,
2023 |
|
|
|
Bonds |
3,324 |
2,723 |
Private placements |
122 |
127 |
Other long-term debt |
21 |
21 |
Deferred and contingent acquisition payables |
0 |
1 |
Derivative financial instruments |
17 |
5 |
Total long-term debt, excl. lease liabilities |
3,484 |
2,877 |
|
|
|
Lease liabilities |
179 |
209 |
Total long-term debt |
3,663 |
3,086 |
|
|
|
Borrowings and bank overdrafts |
359 |
196 |
Short-term bonds |
‒ |
400 |
Short-term lease liabilities |
63 |
63 |
Deferred and contingent acquisition payables |
2 |
4 |
Derivative financial instruments |
3 |
‒ |
Total short-term debt |
427 |
663 |
Gross debt |
4,090 |
3,749 |
|
|
|
Minus: |
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
(954) |
(1,135) |
Collateral |
(2) |
‒ |
Derivative financial instruments: |
|
|
Non-current assets |
– |
– |
Current assets |
– |
(2) |
Net debt |
3,134 |
2,612 |
|
|
|
Net-debt-to-EBITDA ratio |
1.6 |
1.5 |
Note
8 Equity,
Dividends, and LTIP
In 2024, the group executed a share buyback of €1,000 million,
consisting of 6.7 million of ordinary shares at an average stock
price of €149.23 (2023: €1,000 million, or 8.7 million shares, at
an average stock price of €114.44).
Repurchased shares are added to and held as treasury shares.
Part of the shares held in treasury are retained and used to meet
future obligations under share-based incentive plans. In 2024, the
group used 0.6 million shares held in treasury for the vesting of
the LTIP grant 2021-23.
On September 13, 2024, the company canceled 10.0 million
treasury shares as approved by shareholders at the Annual General
Meeting in May 2024 (2023: 9.0 million shares). Following the share
cancelation, the number of issued ordinary shares is 238.5 million,
of which 4.2 million are held in treasury as at
December 31, 2024.
The 2023 dividend of €2.08 per share amounting to €500 million
(2022 dividend: €451 million) was fully distributed in cash. This
2023 dividend was paid in two parts, an interim dividend of €176
million in the second half of 2023 and a final dividend of €324
million in the first half of 2024.
As announced on February 22, 2024, the Supervisory Board and
Executive Board of Wolters Kluwer resolved to distribute an interim
dividend for the year 2024 at 40% of the prior year’s total
dividend, or €0.83 per ordinary share. This interim dividend of
€196 million was paid on September 19, 2024. Subject to the
approval of the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, a final
dividend totaling to €352 million, or €1.50 per ordinary share,
will be paid in cash on June 11, 2025.
The LTIP 2021-23 vested on December 31, 2023. On Total
Shareholder Return (TSR), Wolters Kluwer ranked third relative to
its peer group of 15 companies, resulting in a payout of 125% of
the conditional base number of shares awarded to the Executive
Board and senior management. The EPS- and ROIC-related shares
resulted in a payout of 150%. A total of 543,748 shares were
released on February 22, 2024. At that date, the
volume-weighted-average share price of Wolters Kluwer N.V. was
€147.15.
The LTIP 2022-24 vested on December 31, 2024. The EPS- and
ROIC-related shares resulted in a payout of 145% and 150%,
respectively. On Total Shareholder Return (TSR), Wolters Kluwer
ranked fourth relative to its peer group of 15 companies, resulting
in a payout of 125% of the conditional base number of shares
awarded to the Executive Board and senior management. The shares
will be released on February 27, 2025. The volume-weighted-average
price for the shares released will be based on the average exchange
prices traded on Euronext Amsterdam N.V. on February 27, 2025.
Under the 2023-25 LTIP grant, 338,699 shares were conditionally
awarded to the Executive Board and other senior managers in the
year 2023. In 2023 and 2024, a total of 989 and 33,494 shares were
forfeited, respectively.
Under the 2024-26 LTIP grant, 263,249 shares were conditionally
awarded to the Executive Board and other senior managers in the
year 2024. In 2024, a total of 7,362 shares were forfeited.
In 2023, the company launched a new equity-settled share-based
payment plan, comprised of Restricted
Stock Units (RSUs). RSU shares are granted and vest over time with
vesting conditioned on continued participation. In 2024, €4 million
was recognized in personnel expenses (2023: €2 million) related to
the cost of the total cost of the RSU grants.
At December 31, 2024, the Executive Board jointly held 487,952
shares (2023: 412,167 shares), of which 427,202 shares (2023:
372,131 shares) were held by Ms. McKinstry and 60,750 shares (2023:
40,036) by Mr. Entricken.
At December 31, 2024, Mrs. A.E. Ziegler holds 1,894 American
Depositary Receipts of shares of the company (2023: 1,894
ADRs).
Note 9 Events
after the Reporting Period
Subsequent events were evaluated up to February 25, 2025, which
is the date the consolidated financial statements were authorized
for issuance by the Executive Board and the Supervisory Board.
As per January 1, 2025, our Finance, Risk & Reporting unit
(FRR) was transferred into the Financial & Corporate Compliance
division where it will be more closely aligned to our other banking
software and services. FRR was part of the Corporate Performance
& ESG (CP&ESG) division in 2023 and 2024 and had revenues
of €123 million in 2024. The transfer will allow CP&ESG to
focus on its three global enterprise software platforms (Enablon,
CCH Tagetik, and TeamMate).
On February 7, 2025, Wolters Kluwer Financial & Corporate
Compliance (“FCC”) has signed an agreement with Lexitas, a legal
services provider backed by funds advised by Apax Partners
(“Apax”), to acquire Registered Agent Solutions, Inc. (“RASi”) for
approximately $415 million in cash. The acquisition will expand the
presence of FCC Legal Services (“CT Corporation”) with small
businesses, middle-market companies and law firms in the U.S.
RASi serves thousands of customers across all 50 U.S. states and
the District of Columbia. Founded in 2002, RASi is headquartered in
Austin, Texas, and employs approximately 180 professionals. In
addition to registered agent services, the company provides a suite
of corporate services including business licenses, UCC search and
filing, beneficial ownership filing, business formation services,
and entity management and compliance solutions.
Appendix
1 Divisional
Supplemental Information – Year ended December 31
|
(€ million, unless otherwise
stated) |
|
|
Change: |
|
2024 |
2023 |
Organic |
Acquisition/ Divestment |
Currency |
Health |
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
1,584 |
1,508 |
85 |
(7) |
(2) |
Adjusted
operating profit |
480 |
454 |
27 |
(1) |
0 |
Adjusted operating profit margin |
30.3% |
30.1% |
|
|
|
Tax & Accounting |
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
1,561 |
1,466 |
106 |
(9) |
(2) |
Adjusted
operating profit |
519 |
479 |
46 |
(4) |
(2) |
Adjusted operating profit margin |
33.2% |
32.7% |
|
|
|
Financial & Corporate Compliance |
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
1,105 |
1,052 |
54 |
‒ |
(1) |
Adjusted
operating profit |
433 |
403 |
30 |
‒ |
0 |
Adjusted operating profit margin |
39.2% |
38.3% |
|
|
|
Legal & Regulatory |
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
946 |
875 |
44 |
24 |
3 |
Adjusted
operating profit |
176 |
138 |
28 |
8 |
2 |
Adjusted operating profit margin |
18.6% |
15.7% |
|
|
|
Corporate Performance & ESG |
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
720 |
683 |
36 |
‒ |
1 |
Adjusted
operating profit |
61 |
68 |
(6) |
‒ |
(1) |
Adjusted operating profit margin |
8.5% |
9.9% |
|
|
|
Corporate |
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted operating profit |
(69) |
(66) |
(3) |
‒ |
0 |
Total Wolters Kluwer |
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
5,916 |
5,584 |
325 |
8 |
(1) |
Adjusted
operating profit |
1,600 |
1,476 |
122 |
3 |
(1) |
Adjusted operating profit margin |
27.1% |
26.4% |
|
|
|
Note:
Acquisition/divestment column includes the contribution from 2024
and 2023 acquisitions before these became organic (12 months from
their acquisition date), the impact of 2024 and 2023 divestments,
and the effect of asset transfers between divisions, if any. |
Appendix 2
Revenues by Media
Format – Year ended December 31
|
(€ million, unless otherwise stated) |
2024 |
2023 |
∆ |
∆ CC |
∆ OG |
Software |
2,690 |
2,515 |
+7% |
+7% |
+7% |
Other digital |
2,345 |
2,208 |
+6% |
+6% |
+6% |
Digital |
5,035 |
4,723 |
+7% |
+7% |
+6% |
Services |
569 |
534 |
+7% |
+7% |
+7% |
Print |
312 |
327 |
-5% |
-5% |
-5% |
Total revenues |
5,916 |
5,584 |
+6% |
+6% |
+6% |
∆: %
Change; ∆ CC: % Change in constant currencies (€/$ 1.08); ∆ OG: %
Organic growth. Other digital includes digital information and
services related to software. Services includes legal
representation, consulting, training, events, and other
services. |
Appendix 3
Divisional Revenues
by Type – Year ended December 31
(€ million, unless otherwise stated) |
2024 |
2023 |
∆ |
∆ CC |
∆ OG |
Health |
|
|
|
|
|
Digital and
service subscription |
1,279 |
1,204 |
+6% |
+6% |
+7% |
Print
subscription |
41 |
45 |
-11% |
-10% |
-10% |
Other recurring |
129 |
125 |
+4% |
+4% |
+8% |
Total recurring revenues |
1,449 |
1,374 |
+5% |
+6% |
+6% |
Print
books |
60 |
59 |
+2% |
+2% |
+2% |
Other non-recurring |
75 |
75 |
0% |
0% |
0% |
Total Health |
1,584 |
1,508 |
+5% |
+5% |
+6% |
Tax & Accounting |
|
|
|
|
|
Digital and
service subscription |
1,273 |
1,188 |
+7% |
+7% |
+8% |
Print
subscription |
14 |
16 |
-12% |
-12% |
-12% |
Other recurring |
144 |
135 |
+6% |
+7% |
+6% |
Total recurring revenues |
1,431 |
1,339 |
+7% |
+7% |
+8% |
Print
books |
18 |
18 |
-1% |
0% |
+4% |
Other non-recurring |
112 |
109 |
+3% |
+3% |
+3% |
Total Tax & Accounting |
1,561 |
1,466 |
+6% |
+7% |
+7% |
Financial & Corporate Compliance |
|
|
|
|
|
Digital and
service subscription* |
744 |
704 |
+6% |
+6% |
+6% |
Total recurring revenues |
744 |
704 |
+6% |
+6% |
+6% |
LS
transactional |
206 |
192 |
+7% |
+8% |
+8% |
FS
transactional |
130 |
128 |
+1% |
+1% |
+1% |
Other non-recurring |
25 |
28 |
-10% |
-11% |
-11% |
Total Financial & Corporate Compliance |
1,105 |
1,052 |
+5% |
+5% |
+5% |
Legal & Regulatory |
|
|
|
|
|
Digital and
service subscription |
664 |
596 |
+11% |
+11% |
+7% |
Print
subscription |
70 |
74 |
-5% |
-5% |
-5% |
Other recurring |
12 |
13 |
-3% |
-3% |
-3% |
Total recurring revenues |
746 |
683 |
+9% |
+9% |
+6% |
Print
books |
42 |
43 |
-1% |
-2% |
-3% |
ELM
transactional |
100 |
91 |
+9% |
+9% |
+9% |
Other non-recurring |
58 |
58 |
0% |
0% |
-2% |
Total Legal & Regulatory |
946 |
875 |
+8% |
+8% |
+5% |
Corporate Performance & ESG |
|
|
|
|
|
Digital and
service subscription |
498 |
443 |
+12% |
+12% |
+12% |
Total recurring revenues |
498 |
443 |
+12% |
+12% |
+12% |
Other non-recurring |
222 |
240 |
-7% |
-7% |
-7% |
Total Corporate Performance & ESG |
720 |
683 |
+5% |
+5% |
+5% |
Total Wolters Kluwer |
|
|
|
|
|
Digital and
service subscription |
4,458 |
4,134 |
+8% |
+8% |
+8% |
Print
subscription |
125 |
136 |
-8% |
-8% |
-8% |
Other recurring |
285 |
273 |
+5% |
+5% |
+7% |
Total recurring revenues |
4,868 |
4,543 |
+7% |
+7% |
+7% |
Transactional |
436 |
411 |
+6% |
+6% |
+6% |
Print
books |
120 |
120 |
0% |
0% |
0% |
Other non-recurring |
492 |
510 |
-3% |
-3% |
-4% |
Total non-recurring revenues |
1,048 |
1,041 |
+1% |
+1% |
+1% |
Total Wolters Kluwer |
5,916 |
5,584 |
+6% |
+6% |
+6% |
∆: % Change; ∆ CC: % Change in constant currencies (€/$ 1.08); ∆
OG: % Organic growth. Note: Other non-recurring revenues include
license & implementation fees. * Includes €1 million print
recurring / subscription in 2023 (2024: €0 million). |
Appendix 4 Pro
Forma Divisional Summary – Year ended December 31
As of January 1, 2025, Finance, Risk & Reporting (FRR) was
transferred from Corporate Performance & ESG to Financial &
Corporate Compliance. The table below provides pro forma divisional
revenue and adjusted operating profit.
Pro forma divisional summary
€ million (unless otherwise stated) |
2024 |
2023 |
∆ |
∆ CC |
∆ OG |
Revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
Health |
1,584 |
1,508 |
+5% |
+5% |
+6% |
Tax &
Accounting |
1,561 |
1,466 |
+6% |
+7% |
+7% |
Financial &
Corporate Compliance |
1,228 |
1,172 |
+5% |
+5% |
+5% |
Legal &
Regulatory |
946 |
875 |
+8% |
+8% |
+5% |
Corporate
Performance & ESG |
597 |
563 |
+6% |
+6% |
+6% |
Total revenues |
5,916 |
5,584 |
+6% |
+6% |
+6% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted
operating profit |
|
|
|
|
|
Health |
480 |
454 |
+6% |
+6% |
+6% |
Tax &
Accounting |
519 |
479 |
+8% |
+9% |
+10% |
Financial &
Corporate Compliance |
433 |
403 |
+7% |
+7% |
+7% |
Legal &
Regulatory |
176 |
138 |
+28% |
+27% |
+19% |
Corporate
Performance & ESG |
61 |
68 |
-10% |
-9% |
-9% |
Corporate |
(69) |
(66) |
+4% |
+4% |
+4% |
Total operating profit |
1,600 |
1,476 |
+8% |
+8% |
+8% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjusted
operating profit margin |
|
|
|
|
|
Health |
30.3% |
30.1% |
|
|
|
Tax &
Accounting |
33.2% |
32.7% |
|
|
|
Financial &
Corporate Compliance |
35.3% |
34.4% |
|
|
|
Legal &
Regulatory |
18.6% |
15.7% |
|
|
|
Corporate
Performance & ESG |
10.2% |
12.0% |
|
|
|
Adjusted operating profit margin |
27.1% |
26.4% |
|
|
|
∆: % Change; ∆ CC: % Change in constant currencies (€/$ 1.08); ∆
OG: % Organic growth. |
About Wolters Kluwer
Wolters Kluwer (EURONEXT: WKL) is a global leader in information
solutions, software and services for professionals in healthcare;
tax and accounting; financial and corporate compliance; legal and
regulatory; corporate performance and ESG. We help our customers
make critical decisions every day by providing expert
solutions that combine deep domain knowledge with technology
and services.
Wolters Kluwer reported 2024 annual revenues of €5.9 billion.
The group serves customers in over 180 countries, maintains
operations in over 40 countries, and employs approximately 21,600
people worldwide. The company is headquartered in Alphen aan den
Rijn, the Netherlands.
Wolters Kluwer shares are listed on Euronext Amsterdam (WKL) and
are included in the AEX, Euro Stoxx 50, and Euronext 100 indices.
Wolters Kluwer has a sponsored Level 1 American Depositary Receipt
(ADR) program. The ADRs are traded on the over-the-counter market
in the U.S. (WTKWY).
For more information, visit www.wolterskluwer.com, follow us on
LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram
Financial Calendar
March 12, 2025
Publication
of 2024 Annual Report
May 7,
2025 First-Quarter
2025 Trading Update
May 15,
2025 Annual
General Meeting of Shareholders
May 19,
2025 Ex-dividend
date: 2024 final dividend ordinary shares
May 20,
2025 Record
date: 2024 final dividend
June 11,
2025 Payment
date: 2024 final dividend ordinary shares
June 18,
2025 Payment
date: 2024 final dividend ADRs
July 30,
2025 Half-Year
2025 Results
August 26,
2025 Ex-dividend
date: 2025 interim dividend ordinary shares
August 27,
2025 Record
date: 2025 interim dividend
September 18,
2025 Payment date:
2025 interim dividend
September 25,
2025 Payment date:
2025 interim dividend ADRs
November 5,
2025 Nine-Month 2025
Trading Update
February 25,
2026 Full-Year 2025
Results
March 11,
2026 Publication
of 2025 Annual Report
Media |
Investors/Analysts |
Stefan Kloet |
Meg Geldens |
Associate Director, Global Communications |
Investor Relations |
m +31 (0)612 22 36 57 |
t +31 (0)172-641-407 |
press@wolterskluwer.com |
ir@wolterskluwer.com |
Forward-looking Statements and Other Important Legal
Information
This report contains forward-looking statements. These
statements may be identified by words such as “expect”, “should”,
“could”, “shall” and similar expressions. Wolters Kluwer cautions
that such forward-looking statements are qualified by certain risks
and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to
differ materially from what is contemplated by the forward-looking
statements. Factors which could cause actual results to differ from
these forward-looking statements may include, without limitation,
general economic conditions; conditions in the markets in which
Wolters Kluwer is engaged; conditions created by global pandemics,
such as COVID-19; behavior of customers, suppliers, and
competitors; technological developments; the implementation and
execution of new ICT systems or outsourcing; and legal, tax, and
regulatory rules affecting Wolters Kluwer’s businesses, as well as
risks related to mergers, acquisitions, and divestments. In
addition, financial risks such as currency movements, interest rate
fluctuations, liquidity, and credit risks could influence future
results. The foregoing list of factors should not be construed as
exhaustive. Wolters Kluwer disclaims any intention or obligation to
publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether
as a result of new information, future events or
otherwise.
Elements of this press release contain or may contain inside
information about Wolters Kluwer within the meaning of Article 7(1)
of the Market Abuse Regulation (596/2014/EU). Trademarks referenced
are owned by Wolters Kluwer N.V. and its subsidiaries and may be
registered in various countries.
1 Adjusted net financing costs include lease interest
charges.
2 As of January 1, 2025, Finance, Risk & Reporting
(FRR) was transferred from Corporate Performance & ESG to
Financial & Corporate Compliance.
3 Dividend payout ratio: dividend per share divided by
adjusted earnings per share.
4 Approximately half of the Dutch pension fund amendment
gain was recorded in our Legal & Regulatory division with the
remainder distributed across divisions based on FTEs in the
plan.
5 Total cash and cash equivalents of €954 million less
overdrafts used for cash management purposes of €9m.
6 Adjusted gender pay-gap ratio considers factors such
as job level, geographic location, and experience.
7 CDP is a non-profit organization which operates an
environmental data disclosure platform.
8 AUR = Anti-microbial Use and Resistance
9 EHS = environmental, health, and safety; ESG =
environmental, social, and governance (Enablon suite).
10 Excluding U.S. Corporate Tax (SureTax).
11 As of January 1, 2025, Finance, Risk & Reporting
(FRR) was transferred from Corporate Performance & ESG to
Financial & Corporate Compliance. See Appendix 4 for a pro
forma view.
- 2025.02.26 Wolters Kluwer 2024 Full-Year Results
Grafico Azioni Wolters Kluwers NV (TG:WOSB)
Storico
Da Feb 2025 a Mar 2025
Grafico Azioni Wolters Kluwers NV (TG:WOSB)
Storico
Da Mar 2024 a Mar 2025