10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2012

EQUIFAX INC Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2012

Filed October 25, 2012For Securities:EFX

Summary

Equifax Inc. reported a strong third quarter and first nine months of 2012, with consolidated operating revenue increasing by 11% year-over-year for both periods. This growth was primarily driven by robust performance in its U.S. Consumer Information Solutions and Workforce Solutions segments, bolstered by increased mortgage refinancing activity and strategic business initiatives. The company also saw a significant increase in net income attributable to Equifax, up 17% for the quarter and 43% for the nine-month period, reflecting both revenue growth and the beneficial impact of divesting its Brazilian business in the prior year. Financially, Equifax maintained a healthy liquidity position, with a significant increase in cash provided by operating activities and ample availability under its senior credit facility. The company continued its capital allocation strategies through share repurchases and an increased dividend. Despite some headwinds in its North America Commercial Solutions segment and international markets facing currency challenges and restructuring costs, the overall financial health and operational performance appear positive, with management expressing confidence in continued growth driven by product innovation, strategic acquisitions, and operational efficiency.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$520.00M
SG&A Expenses$161.50M
Operating Expenses$389.50M
Operating Income$130.50M
Interest Expense$13.60M
Net Income$77.90M
EPS (Basic)$0.65
EPS (Diluted)$0.64
Shares Outstanding (Basic)119.70M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)122.20M

Key Highlights

  • 1Consolidated operating revenue increased by 11% for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, compared to the prior year.
  • 2Net income attributable to Equifax grew significantly, up 17% for the third quarter and 43% for the first nine months, driven by higher operating income and a favorable comparison to the prior year's Brazilian business divestiture.
  • 3U.S. Consumer Information Solutions (USCIS) segment showed strong revenue growth of 15% and 18% for the quarter and nine months, respectively, benefiting from mortgage refinancing and business initiatives.
  • 4Workforce Solutions segment also delivered robust revenue growth of 14% and 16%, largely driven by Verification Services.
  • 5Cash provided by operating activities increased substantially by $93.1 million for the first nine months of 2012.
  • 6The company maintained strong liquidity, with $498.6 million available under its senior credit facility as of September 30, 2012, and no outstanding borrowings.
  • 7Equifax increased its quarterly dividend to $0.18 per share and continued its share repurchase program.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary drivers of Equifax's revenue growth were strong performance in its U.S. Consumer Information Solutions (USCIS) and Workforce Solutions segments. Increased mortgage refinancing activity due to low interest rates and the company's strategic business initiatives, including new product innovation and international market expansion, also contributed significantly.

The divestiture of the Brazilian business, completed in the second quarter of 2011, had a favorable impact on the year-over-year comparison for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. While it negatively impacted revenue by $35.4 million in the current period compared to the prior year, it resulted in a significant decrease in 'Other expense, net' and a lower effective tax rate, contributing to the substantial 43% increase in net income attributable to Equifax for the nine-month period.

Equifax maintains a strong liquidity position, evidenced by a significant increase in cash provided by operating activities and substantial availability under its senior credit facility ($498.6 million as of September 30, 2012) with no outstanding borrowings. The company is actively managing its capital through share repurchases and has increased its quarterly dividend to $0.18 per share, indicating confidence in its financial health and future cash flows.

While overall performance is strong, the North America Commercial Solutions segment experienced a slight revenue decline, primarily due to a decrease in project-oriented revenue as customers delayed marketing programs. Additionally, the International segment saw revenue impacted by foreign currency fluctuations and incurred restructuring expenses, although underlying local currency revenue showed growth in certain regions.