* FY EBIT $939 million vs consensus $823 million
* Annual cost savings target raised to $150 million
* Total dividend up 8 percent
* Expects to grow profits at constant currency this year
(Adds further detail)
LONDON, May 20 (Reuters) - British credit information firm Experian reported an 8 percent increase in full-year operating profit at constant exchange rates on Wednesday, ahead of forecasts, and lifted its cost savings targets.
Experian, best known for running consumer credit checks for banks, reported earnings before interest and tax for the year to end March of $939 million, ahead of the consensus forecast of $823 million pounds, according to a Reuters poll of 9 analysts.
The group said its cost efficiency programme was ahead of plan with savings of $80 million delivered in the year, compared with a target of $70 million, and raised its guidance for annualised savings by $20 million to $150 million.
Experian said it expects little organic growth in the first half of the current year but expects to grow profits at constant currency and broadly maintain margins over the full year.
The group said the performance had been robust in the face of extraordinary market conditions.
"There is more stability today in US and UK financial services than over the past 12 months, but this has yet to translate into significant change in client behaviour and the near-term outlook remains weak," said CEO Don Robert.
The group is paying an interim dividend of 13.25 cents, giving a full-year dividend of 20 cents, up 8 percent.
(Reporting by Matt Scuffham; editing by Simon Jessop)