$WKL (-3,95 %)
Wolters Kluwer, a global provider of specialized information, software and services, has published its figures for the first nine months of 2025 and confirmed its forecast for the year.
Strong organic growth and increasing profitability
Revenue increased by 7% at constant exchange rates in the first nine months (+6% organically). Recurring revenue (+7%) and cloud software revenue (+15%) were the main growth drivers. Operating profit increased by 15%, while free cash flow rose by 17% - supported by cost efficiency and favorable working capital effects.
Regions and business divisions at a glance
- North America (+5% organic) remains the largest market share driver (63% of total sales).
- Europe grew by 6%, Asia-Pacific & Rest of the World also by 6%.
- Health: +5% organic growth, strong momentum in UpToDate Expert AI and digital solutions.
- Tax & Accounting: +7% organic, driven by CCH Axcess cloud platform and new AI features.
- Financial & Corporate Compliance: +4% organic; integration of RASI strengthens US business.
- Legal & Regulatory: +6% organic, thanks to growing demand for GenAI-supported platforms such as VitalLaw.
- Corporate Performance & ESG: +8% organic, driven by strong cloud growth at CCH Tagetik and Enablon.
Focus on innovation and sustainability
Wolters Kluwer continues to make targeted investments in AI-supported cloud solutions and digital platforms. Newly introduced "Expert AI" functions improve productivity and workflow efficiency in medicine, tax and law.
The company also recorded a 7% reduction in office space and is keeping employee turnover stable at 10%.
Financial strength and capital repatriation
The company completed a share buyback program of € 1 billion on 3 November 2025 and will launch a further program of € 200 million from 6 November 2025 until February 2026.
The debt ratio (net debt/EBITDA) was 2.2x as at September 30.
Outlook for 2025 confirmed
Wolters Kluwer expects for the full year:
- Organic revenue growth at around the previous year's level,
- operating margin near the upper end of the target corridor (27.1 - 27.5 %),
- free cash flow and EPS growth in the mid to high single-digit range.
CEO Nancy McKinstry emphasizes:
"We are seeing strong momentum in all our core areas and are using AI to support our customers with innovative solutions. Our results confirm that we are on track."
In a nutshell:
Wolters Kluwer remains on track for growth in 2025 - thanks to strong cloud demand, strategic acquisitions and targeted AI innovations. The annual targets have been confirmed and the company is financially solid and future-oriented.
