Digital Marketing Solutions

In Q1 and Q2 2024, Digital Marketing was cited as a headwind with double‐digit declines and depressed transactional volumes. " "

In Q3 2024, it showed sequential improvement with declines narrowed to low single digits. " "

Healthy recovery – Still a headwind but now trending toward improvement. " " " "

Credibility Solutions

Mentioned in Q1 2024 as a 60–basis point headwind and in Q2 2024 with a 7% revenue decline, prompting turnaround efforts. " " "

In Q3 2024, the segment reported low single-digit growth with initiatives like a money‑back guarantee helping to soften underperformance. " "

Recovering – Earlier underperformance is now showing mild improvement. " " " " "

Third Party Risk Management & Compliance

Consistently celebrated in Q1 (nearly 40% international growth) and Q2 2024 (over 20% growth driven by Risk Analytics and API integrations). " "

Q3 2024 continued to highlight contributions in both North America and International markets, driving overall Finance and Risk revenue increases. " "

Sustained strength – Growth remains robust and consistently positive. " " " "

Master Data Management

Firmly established in Q1 2024 with double‑digit growth and Q2 2024 expansion noted through international wins and contribution to Sales and Marketing. " "

In Q3 2024, MDM contributed to a 5% increase in Sales and Marketing revenues in North America. "

Steady and strategic – Consistently driving positive revenue growth. " " "

Generative AI Investments and Strategies

Early-stage initiatives were discussed in Q1 2024 with partnerships (IBM, Google) and included in investment guidance; Q2 2024 emphasized AI internal efficiency and trials (e.g. Ask Procurement). " " " "

Q3 2024 saw the launch of Chat D&B—a generative AI assistant tested internally with positive feedback—marking a meaningful operational milestone. "

Accelerating innovation – Transitioning from early investments to actionable solutions. " " " " "

Macro Environment Challenges

Q1 2024 mentioned client health and some softness in Sales and Marketing; Q2 2024 focused on digital spend reduction and macro factors affecting volume. " "

In Q3 2024, challenges are noted via lengthening sales cycles and disciplined client spending, reflecting persistent external pressures. " "

Persistent caution – Macroeconomic pressures remain, though managed proactively. " " " "

Cloud Platform Migration Impacts

Discussed in Q1 and Q2 2024 as significant investments affecting margins but aimed at long‑term efficiency gains. " "

Q3 2024 did not provide specific remarks on cloud migration impacts.

De-emphasized – Increasingly discussed in earlier periods and now less prominent. " "

Leverage Levels and Debt Reduction

Across Q1 and Q2 2024, consistent updates on leverage ratios (around 3.7x) and detailed debt management strategies were provided. " "

Q3 2024 continued to report on leverage ratios with targets maintained for near‑term and medium‑term deleveraging. "

Stable and on track – Ongoing focus with clear medium‑term targets. " " "

Lengthening Sales Cycles and Disciplined Client Spending

Q1 2024 noted largely consistent sales cycles with only some softness in digital segments; Q2 2024 did not highlight this area.

Q3 2024 explicitly described slightly lengthened sales cycles and disciplined spending due to external conditions. " "

Emerging focus – Gaining attention as an operational challenge in the current period. " "

Emerging Digital Channels Expansion

In Q2 2024, expansion into Connected TV, Retail Media, and Social Media was discussed as an emerging growth area, particularly in response to a cookie-less environment. " "

Q3 2024 made no mention of these channels.

Dropped from current focus – Previously highlighted opportunities are no longer discussed. " "

Strategic Initiatives and Technology Partnerships

In Q1 and Q2 2024, partnerships (with IBM, Google) and strategic initiatives were discussed in the context of AI investments and cloud migration. " "

Q3 2024 expanded this discussion with new high‑profile partnerships with LSEG and ICE, and the rollout of Chat D&B. " "

Increasing emphasis – Broader and more strategic partnerships are emerging as key growth drivers. " " " "

Underperforming Business Segments and Divestiture Considerations

Q1 2024 focused on transforming the credibility segment without mention of divestitures; Q2 2024 raised various strategic options for the 10% underperforming revenue segments. " "

Q3 2024 continued to evaluate these segments, now with discussions leaning toward a potential full‑company sale rather than just smaller divestitures. " "

Sharpening focus – The conversation is evolving from transformation to possible divestiture strategies. " " " "

Margin Expansion and Investment Trade-offs

Q1 and Q2 2024 reported modest margin expansions (50–60 basis points) balanced against investments in cloud and AI initiatives. " " "

Q3 2024 reported a 60‐basis point margin expansion with planned reductions in capitalized software spend as part of investment efficiency. " "

Consistently positive – Margin expansion continues despite necessary trade‑offs to invest in innovation. " " " "

Effective Tax Rate Impacts

In Q4 2023 and earlier periods, tax impacts were discussed with some detail including changes linked to international tax adjustments. " "

Q3 2024 provided only a brief guidance (22%–23%) without further discussion.

Less emphasized – Once a detailed topic, now mentioned only in passing as guidance. " "

Capital Markets Opportunities

Q4 2023 featured detailed discussion on capital markets solutions and wins, while Q1 and Q2 2024 made little to no mention.

Q3 2024 reintroduced capital markets themes via strategic partnerships with LSEG and ICE, connecting data insights to private market opportunities. "

Reemerging with strategic depth – Previously less discussed in recent quarters, now back with defined partnerships. " "