Credit data firm Experian forecasts annual revenue growth at top end of range

(Reuters) -Experian on Wednesday projected a full-year revenue growth of 11%, at the top end of its outlook, as the world's largest credit-reporting firm benefits from a nascent recovery in U.S. lending and robust demand for its consumer services.

Experian's push to diversify beyond its core credit-scoring business appears to be paying off, driven by strong demand for its data analytics and fraud-prevention tools. Early signs of a recovery in the U.S. mortgage and lending market have also helped the company navigate a challenging macroeconomic environment.

The company has spent $1.2 billion in acquisitions to bulk up services such as fraud prevention in growing markets such as Australia, New Zealand and Brazil.

The Dublin-based company also expects an annual organic revenue growth of 8%, at the top end of its previous forecast of 6% to 8%. Analysts, on average, expect the company to log 7.5%, as per company-compiled consensus.

(Reporting by Yamini Kalia in Bengaluru; Editing by Sherry Jacob-Phillips)