Here’s a growth stock I want to buy with defensive traits!

Sumayya Mansoor explains why she likes this growth stock with its defensive characteristics as well as a passive income opportunity.

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A growth stock that excites me right now is Experian (LSE: EXPN). Here’s why I like the look of it.

Information services

Experian is a global business and information services company. Operating in four main areas, Credit Services, Decision Analytics, Marketing Solutions, and Interactive, it is best known for its credit checking operations. This is one of its services I have used personally for many years now. This allows consumers to check and keep track of their credit scores.

Let’s take a look at Experian’s share price activity. As I write, the shares are trading for 2,856p. At this time last year, they were trading for 2,939p, which is a 2% drop over a 12-month period.

Should you invest £1,000 in Experian Plc right now?

When investing expert Mark Rogers has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for nearly a decade has provided thousands of paying members with top stock recommendations from the UK and US markets. And right now, Mark thinks there are 6 standout stocks that investors should consider buying. Want to see if Experian Plc made the list?

See the 6 stocks

Created with Highcharts 11.4.3Experian Plc PriceZoom1M3M6MYTD1Y5Y10YALLwww.fool.co.uk

Why I like this growth stock

To start with, I’m buoyed by Experian’s dominant market position in a world changing due to the digital revolution. I believe demand for its data-driven products will rise as the world continues to rely on digital solutions. This rise could translate into future earnings.

Next, I believe that Experian possesses defensive traits too, as some of its services are essential. This is because businesses across many industries globally rely on Experian for identity, credit, and fraud checks. This defensive nature should help boost future earnings as well as potential share price growth and investor returns.

Moving onto growth, I believe Experian could experience great growth through opportunities in the Latin American market. This region in particular is currently undertaking major upgrades to its financial services market and infrastructure. Experian could help and play a part through its offering. It already has a presence here and expects it to grow.

Finally, Experian shares would also boost my passive income currently through dividends. A dividend yield of 1.5% may seem modest right now, but I believe this will increase in the future. However, I am aware that dividends are never guaranteed.

Risks and what I’m doing now

Despite my bullish stance on Experian as a growth stock, there are risks to note too. Firstly, when any issues occur in the banking sector, like recently in the US, the shares can pull back as demand for some of its services may be deemed non-essential. Although this is not the case for all of Experian’s services, it is worth noting that Experian is the largest credit bureau in the US. Any downturn in the banking sector could impact performance and returns.

Furthermore, if Experian were to experience any type of data breach or technical issues, this could dampen performance and investor sentiment. This is a noteworthy risk for nearly all firms that rely on tech and hold sensitive customer data.

Overall I’m buoyed by Experian and feel it is a great growth stock with lots of potential ahead. In addition to this, it is already well established with deep rooted relationships and a great reputation. I’d be willing to add some shares to my holdings when I have the spare cash to invest.

But what does the head of The Motley Fool’s investing team think?

Should you invest £1,000 in Experian Plc right now?

When investing expert Mark Rogers has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for nearly a decade has provided thousands of paying members with top stock recommendations from the UK and US markets.

And right now, Mark thinks there are 6 standout stocks that investors should consider buying. Want to see if Experian Plc made the list?

See the 6 stocks

Should you invest, the value of your investment may rise or fall and your capital is at risk. Before investing, your individual circumstances should be assessed. Consider taking independent financial advice.

Sumayya Mansoor has no position in any of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Experian Plc. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.

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