Wolters Kluwer (WTKWY) reported strong Q1 2025 performance with revenues up 6% in constant currencies and 5% organically. Recurring revenues, comprising 83% of total revenue, grew 7% organically, while non-recurring revenues declined 2%. The company's cloud software revenues showed impressive growth of 14% organically, representing 21% of total revenue. Q1 adjusted operating profit increased 11% at constant currencies, and adjusted free cash flow rose 5%. The company has completed €286 million of its intended €1 billion share buyback. Key divisional performance includes: Health (+4% organic), Tax & Accounting (+5% organic), Financial & Corporate Compliance (+3% organic), Legal & Regulatory (+7% organic), and Corporate Performance & ESG (+10% organic). Management reiterated its full-year 2025 guidance, expecting organic growth in line with 2024's 6% and an adjusted operating profit margin of 27.1%-27.5%.
Wolters Kluwer (WTKWY) ha riportato una solida performance nel primo trimestre 2025, con ricavi in aumento del 6% a valute costanti e del 5% su base organica. I ricavi ricorrenti, che rappresentano l'83% del totale, sono cresciuti del 7% organicamente, mentre i ricavi non ricorrenti sono diminuiti del 2%. I ricavi da software cloud hanno mostrato una crescita impressionante del 14% organica, rappresentando il 21% del totale dei ricavi. L'utile operativo rettificato del primo trimestre è aumentato dell'11% a valute costanti, mentre il flusso di cassa libero rettificato è cresciuto del 5%. L'azienda ha completato un riacquisto di azioni per 286 milioni di euro su un totale previsto di 1 miliardo di euro. Le performance chiave per divisione includono: Health (+4% organico), Tax & Accounting (+5% organico), Financial & Corporate Compliance (+3% organico), Legal & Regulatory (+7% organico) e Corporate Performance & ESG (+10% organico). La direzione ha confermato le previsioni per l'intero 2025, prevedendo una crescita organica in linea con il 6% del 2024 e un margine di utile operativo rettificato tra il 27,1% e il 27,5%.
Wolters Kluwer (WTKWY) reportó un sólido desempeño en el primer trimestre de 2025, con ingresos que aumentaron un 6% en monedas constantes y un 5% orgánicamente. Los ingresos recurrentes, que representan el 83% del total, crecieron un 7% de forma orgánica, mientras que los ingresos no recurrentes disminuyeron un 2%. Los ingresos por software en la nube mostraron un impresionante crecimiento orgánico del 14%, representando el 21% del total de ingresos. El beneficio operativo ajustado del primer trimestre aumentó un 11% en monedas constantes, y el flujo de caja libre ajustado creció un 5%. La compañía ha completado una recompra de acciones por €286 millones de su objetivo total de €1.000 millones. El desempeño clave por divisiones incluye: Health (+4% orgánico), Tax & Accounting (+5% orgánico), Financial & Corporate Compliance (+3% orgánico), Legal & Regulatory (+7% orgánico) y Corporate Performance & ESG (+10% orgánico). La dirección reiteró su guía para todo el año 2025, esperando un crecimiento orgánico alineado con el 6% de 2024 y un margen de beneficio operativo ajustado entre 27,1% y 27,5%.
Wolters Kluwer(WTKWY)는 2025년 1분기에 견고한 실적을 보고했으며, 환율을 고정한 기준으로 매출이 6%, 유기적으로는 5% 증가했습니다. 총 매출의 83%를 차지하는 반복 매출은 유기적으로 7% 성장했으며, 비반복 매출은 2% 감소했습니다. 회사의 클라우드 소프트웨어 매출은 유기적으로 14%라는 인상적인 성장을 기록했으며, 전체 매출의 21%를 차지합니다. 1분기 조정 영업이익은 환율 고정 기준으로 11% 증가했고, 조정 자유 현금 흐름은 5% 상승했습니다. 회사는 목표인 10억 유로 중 2억 8,600만 유로의 자사주 매입을 완료했습니다. 주요 부문별 실적은 다음과 같습니다: Health (+4% 유기적), Tax & Accounting (+5% 유기적), Financial & Corporate Compliance (+3% 유기적), Legal & Regulatory (+7% 유기적), Corporate Performance & ESG (+10% 유기적). 경영진은 2025년 전체 가이던스를 재확인하며, 2024년의 6%와 유사한 유기적 성장과 27.1%~27.5%의 조정 영업이익률을 예상하고 있습니다.
Wolters Kluwer (WTKWY) a annoncé de solides résultats pour le premier trimestre 2025, avec des revenus en hausse de 6 % en devises constantes et de 5 % en organique. Les revenus récurrents, représentant 83 % du chiffre d'affaires total, ont augmenté de 7 % en organique, tandis que les revenus non récurrents ont diminué de 2 %. Les revenus des logiciels cloud ont connu une croissance organique impressionnante de 14 %, représentant 21 % du chiffre d'affaires total. Le bénéfice d'exploitation ajusté du premier trimestre a augmenté de 11 % en devises constantes, et le flux de trésorerie libre ajusté a progressé de 5 %. La société a réalisé un rachat d'actions de 286 millions d'euros sur un objectif total d'un milliard d'euros. Les performances clés par division sont : Santé (+4 % organique), Fiscalité & Comptabilité (+5 % organique), Conformité Financière & d'Entreprise (+3 % organique), Juridique & Réglementaire (+7 % organique) et Performance d'Entreprise & ESG (+10 % organique). La direction a réitéré ses prévisions pour l'année complète 2025, anticipant une croissance organique conforme aux 6 % de 2024 et une marge d'exploitation ajustée comprise entre 27,1 % et 27,5 %.
Wolters Kluwer (WTKWY) meldete eine starke Leistung im ersten Quartal 2025 mit einem Umsatzanstieg von 6 % bei konstanten Wechselkursen und 5 % organisch. Die wiederkehrenden Umsätze, die 83 % des Gesamtumsatzes ausmachen, wuchsen organisch um 7 %, während die nicht wiederkehrenden Umsätze um 2 % zurückgingen. Die Cloud-Software-Umsätze des Unternehmens zeigten ein beeindruckendes organisches Wachstum von 14 % und machten 21 % des Gesamtumsatzes aus. Der bereinigte operative Gewinn im ersten Quartal stieg bei konstanten Wechselkursen um 11 %, und der bereinigte freie Cashflow erhöhte sich um 5 %. Das Unternehmen hat von den geplanten 1 Milliarde Euro für den Aktienrückkauf bereits 286 Millionen Euro umgesetzt. Die wichtigsten divisionären Leistungen umfassen: Health (+4 % organisch), Tax & Accounting (+5 % organisch), Financial & Corporate Compliance (+3 % organisch), Legal & Regulatory (+7 % organisch) und Corporate Performance & ESG (+10 % organisch). Das Management bekräftigte seine Prognose für das Gesamtjahr 2025 und erwartet ein organisches Wachstum in Höhe von 6 % wie im Jahr 2024 sowie eine bereinigte operative Gewinnmarge von 27,1 % bis 27,5 %.
Positive
Q1 revenues up 6% in constant currencies and 5% organically
Strong recurring revenue growth of 7% organically
Cloud software revenues grew 14% organically
Adjusted operating profit increased 11% at constant currencies
€286 million of €1 billion share buyback completed
Proposed dividend increase of 12% to €2.33 per share
Negative
Non-recurring revenues declined 2% organically
Net debt increased to €3,347 million from €3,135 million in December 2024
Net-debt-to-EBITDA ratio increased to 1.7x from 1.6x at year-end 2024
Expected negative impact from U.S. dollar exchange rate for remainder of year
Wolters Kluwer First-Quarter 2025 Trading Update
Alphen aan den Rijn, May 7, 2025 – Wolters Kluwer, a global leader in professional information solutions, software and services, today releases its first-quarter 2025 trading update.
Highlights
Full-year 2025 guidance reiterated.
First-quarter revenues up 6% in constant currencies and up 5% organically.
Recurring revenues (83% of total) up 7% organically; non-recurring revenues down 2% organically.
First-quarter adjusted operating profit increased 11% at constant currencies.
First-quarter adjusted free cash flow increased 5% in constant currencies.
Rolling 12-months’-net-debt-to-EBITDA was 1.7x as of March 31, 2025.
2025 share buyback: €286 million of intended up to €1 billion buyback completed as of May 5.
Nancy McKinstry, CEO and Chair of the Executive Board, commented: “We’ve had a solid start to the year, in line with our expectations, with sustained growth in recurring revenues and good margin improvement. We continue to invest in delivering AI-powered, cloud-based expert solutions that support our customers critical decision-making and help them improve outcomes and productivity. Our business model and the vital role our solutions play in customer workflows even in times of uncertainty gives me confidence in reiterating our full year guidance.”
First-quarter 2025 developments
First-quarter revenues increased 8% in reporting currencies, reflecting organic growth of 5% (1Q 2024: 6%), a favorable effect from currency (1Q 2025 average EUR/USD rate was €/$1.05 versus €/$1.09 in 1Q 2024), and a small net positive effect from acquisitions and divestitures. The absence in the first quarter of the extra leap year day had a slightly negative effect on organic growth. Recurring revenues (83% of revenues), which include subscriptions and other repeating revenue streams, sustained 7% organic growth (1Q 2024: 7%). Non-recurring revenues declined by 2% organically (1Q 2024: 1% organic growth). Within non-recurring revenues, Financial & Corporate Compliance transactional revenues recorded 4% organic growth (1Q 2024: 1% pro forma1) while Legal & Regulatory transactional revenues (ELM Solutions) grew 6% organically (1Q 2024: 11%). Non-recurring software licenses, implementation services fees, and other non-recurring revenues declined 6% organically (1Q 2024: 1% organic growth).
Health revenues increased 3% in constant currencies and 4% organically, as expected, against a challenging comparable (1Q 2024: 7%). Clinical Solutions recorded 5% organic growth (1Q 2024: 9%), mainly reflecting the leap year effect, timing of renewals, and product discontinuations. In clinical decision support, we continued the commercial roll-out of AI-powered UpToDate Enterprise. We announced partnerships with the leading ambient AI players to seamlessly integrate clinical note-taking capabilities with UpToDate, creating additional value for customers. In Learning, Research & Practice, organic growth slowed to 2%, as expected, against a strong prior period (1Q 2024: 5%) which had benefitted from full-scale distribution of the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) and the launch of the NEJM AI journal in December 2023. Print book and print journal revenues trends reversed to historic rates of decline.
Tax & Accounting revenues increased 8% in constant currencies and 5% organically, as expected, against a challenging comparable (1Q 2024: 8%). Recurring revenues grew 7% organically (1Q 2024: 7%). In North America, organic growth slowed to 5% (1Q 2024: 8%) due to declines in outsourced professional services (Xpitax), efiling fees, and print books, all of which had strong growth in the first quarter of 2024. Recurring cloud software subscriptions (CCH Axcess suite) grew 19% organically (1Q 2024: 20%). AI-driven tax research (CCH AnswerConnect) was integrated into the workflow of our Canadian cloud software platform (CCH iFirm). Our European Tax & Accounting group delivered 7% organic growth (1Q 2024: 8%) driven by 17% organic growth in cloud software subscriptions (1Q 2024: 16%). Further progress was made on integrating the software assets acquired from the Isabel Group in 2024. Asia Pacific & Rest of World saw modest organic decline (1Q 2024: 2% organic growth) due to weakness in China.
Financial & Corporate Compliance revenues grew 4% in constant currencies and 3% organically (1Q 2024: 4% pro forma1). Legal Services grew 6% organically (1Q 2024: 4%), driven by growth in recurring service subscriptions and 6% growth in transactional revenues (1Q 2024: 0%). In Financial Services, organic growth slowed to 0% (1Q 2024: 4% pro forma), due to slower growth in recurring revenues and a decline in Financial Services transactional revenues amidst stagnant mortgage and commercial lending markets.
Legal & Regulatory revenues grew 7% in constant currencies and 7% organically (1Q 2024: 5%). Information Solutions saw 7% organic growth (1Q 2024: 4%), driven by 8% organic growth in digital subscriptions and favorable timing of recurring print revenues. We continued the roll out of GenAI-powered virtual assistants in the U.S. (VitalLaw) and Benelux (InView) while preparing for launch in Italy (OneLegale). Legal & Regulatory Software revenues grew 5% organically (1Q 2024: 6%), with improved trends in practice management software (Kleos and Legisway) in Europe offset by slower organic growth at ELM Solutions in the U.S.
Corporate Performance & ESG revenues increased 10% in constant currencies and 10% organically (1Q 2024: 8% pro forma1). Our EHS & ESG2 solutions (Enablon) delivered 12% organic growth (1Q 2024: 8%), driven by double-digit organic growth in recurring cloud subscriptions as well as higher on-premise license fees in the quarter. In Corporate Performance Management (CPM), the CCH Tagetik CPM platform delivered 13% organic growth (1Q 2024: 13%), reflecting 19% growth in recurring cloud subscription revenues partly offset by a decline in on-premise licenses. Our Corporate Tax and Audit & Assurance units recorded single-digit organic growth. The division increased investment to further advance our platforms’ innovative AI capabilities.
Cash flow and net debt
First quarter 2025 cash conversion increased modestly compared to first quarter 2024. Adjusted free cash flow increased 5% in constant currencies, as higher adjusted operating profit was, as expected, partly offset by increased net financing costs. A total of €202 million in cash was deployed towards share repurchases in the first quarter. Net acquisition spending was €387 million, primarily related to the acquisition of Registered Agent Solutions, Inc. (RASi) on March 13, 2025.
Net debt was €3,347 million as of March 31, 2025, up from €3,135 million at December 31, 2024. Net-debt-to-EBITDA, based on rolling twelve-months EBITDA, was 1.7x at the end of March 2025, a slight increase compared to 1.6x at year-end 2024. On March 20, 2025, we issued a new €500 million Eurobond with a 7-year term and 3.375% annual coupon.
Shares outstanding, share buybacks, and dividends
As of March 31, 2025, the number of issued ordinary shares outstanding (excluding 5.1 million shares held in treasury) was 233.4 million. In the year to date, through May 5, 2025, we have repurchased 1.9 million ordinary shares for a total consideration of €286 million (average share price €154.05). This includes a block trade of €32 million executed on February 27, 2025, to offset the dilution caused by our incentive share issuance. For the period starting on May 8, 2025, up to and including July 28, 2025, we have engaged third parties to execute approximately €350 million in share buybacks on our behalf, within the limits of relevant laws and regulations (in particular Regulation (EU) 596/2014) and Wolters Kluwer’s Articles of Association.
At the Annual General Meeting to be held on May 15, 2025, shareholders will be asked to approve a total dividend of €2.33 over financial year 2024, an increase of 12% compared to the 2023 dividend. If approved, the final dividend of €1.50 per share will be paid to shareholders on June 11, 2025 (ADRs: June 18, 2025). The interim dividend for 2025 will be set at 40% of the 2024 total dividend.
Sustainability developments
In 2025, we continued to support a wide range of programs designed to support employee engagement, inclusion, belonging, and general well-being, with particular emphasis on initiatives that enhance skills development and strengthen workplace connections for all employees. Our global real estate team continued executing on plans to achieve a further reduction in our office footprint and scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions, while improving workspaces. In April 2025, our long-term targets were validated by the SBTi3 to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across the value chain by 2050.
Full-Year 2025 Outlook
We reiterate our guidance for the full year as provided in the table below. We continue to expect full-year 2025 organic growth to be in line with prior year (FY 2024: 6%). First half organic growth is expected to be slightly slower 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 €/$1.07. **Guidance for adjusted free cash flow and diluted adjusted EPS is in constant currencies (€/$ 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. If current exchange rates persist, the U.S. dollar rate will have a negative effect on results reported in euros for the remainder of this year.
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). Following the acquisition of RASi and the recent Eurobond issue, we now expect adjusted net financing costs4 in constant currencies to increase to approximately €85-90 million. The benchmark tax rate on adjusted pre-tax profits is expected to rise within 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.
2025 outlook by division
Our guidance for 2025 organic revenue growth by division is based on a pro forma1 view reflecting the transfer of our Finance, Risk & Reporting (FRR) unit.
Health: we continue to expect full-year 2025 organic growth to be in line with or slightly below prior year (FY 2024: 6%) with the first half facing a challenging comparable.
Tax & Accounting: we continue to 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 continue to expect full-year 2025 organic growth to be slightly below prior year (FY 2024: 5% pro forma1), partly due to the suspension of the CTA.
Legal Regulatory: we continue to expect full-year 2025 organic growth to be in line with prior year (FY 2024: 5%).
Corporate Performance & ESG: we continue to expect full-year 2025 organic growth to be above prior year (FY 2024: 6% pro forma1) reflecting higher growth for the CCH Tagetik CPM platform. Organic growth is expected to be more muted in the second quarter before picking up in the second half of 2025.
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 21,900 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 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).
Financial Calendar 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
Global Communications
Investor Relations
m +31 (0)612 223 657
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 pandemics; 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 All pro forma comparisons in this document reflect the transfer, as of January 1, 2025, of our Finance, Risk & Reporting (FRR) unit from the Corporate Performance & ESG division to the Financial & Corporate Compliance division. 2 EHS & ESG refers to our environmental, health & safety, and environmental, social & governance solutions. 3 SBTi refers to the Science Based Targets initiative. 4 Adjusted net financing costs include lease interest charges.
What were Wolters Kluwer's (WTKWY) key financial metrics in Q1 2025?
In Q1 2025, Wolters Kluwer reported 6% revenue growth in constant currencies, 5% organic growth, 7% growth in recurring revenues, and 11% increase in adjusted operating profit at constant currencies.
How much of WTKWY's share buyback program has been completed in 2025?
As of May 5, 2025, Wolters Kluwer has completed €286 million of its intended €1 billion share buyback program at an average share price of €154.05.
What is Wolters Kluwer's dividend proposal for 2024?
Wolters Kluwer proposed a total dividend of €2.33 per share for financial year 2024, representing a 12% increase compared to 2023.
What is WTKWY's full-year 2025 guidance?
The company expects full-year 2025 organic growth in line with 2024 (6%), adjusted operating profit margin of 27.1%-27.5%, and adjusted free cash flow of €1,250-€1,300 million.
How did Wolters Kluwer's cloud software business perform in Q1 2025?
Cloud software revenues, representing 21% of total revenue, grew 14% organically in Q1 2025.
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