10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2014

EQUIFAX INC Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2014

Filed April 24, 2014For Securities:EFX

Summary

Equifax Inc. reported solid revenue growth of 3% to $584.5 million for the first quarter of 2014, driven by acquisitions and organic growth in most core businesses, partially offset by a continued decline in mortgage activity. Net income attributable to Equifax was $83.9 million, a decrease from $101.1 million in the prior year, primarily due to the absence of a significant gain from discontinued operations in the prior year. However, excluding this one-time item, income from continuing operations showed growth. The company successfully integrated the acquisition of TDX Group and other smaller acquisitions, demonstrating its strategic growth initiatives. Equifax maintained a strong liquidity position with ample availability under its credit facilities, enabling continued investment and strategic capital allocation, including share repurchases and dividend payments.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$584.50M
SG&A Expenses$175.40M
Operating Expenses$432.60M
Operating Income$151.90M
Interest Expense$17.30M
Net Income$83.90M
EPS (Basic)$0.69
EPS (Diluted)$0.67
Shares Outstanding (Basic)122.00M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)124.40M

Key Highlights

  • 1Total operating revenue increased by 3% to $584.5 million in Q1 2014, compared to $566.5 million in Q1 2013, driven by acquisitions and organic growth in non-mortgage businesses.
  • 2Net income attributable to Equifax decreased to $83.9 million from $101.1 million in the prior year, largely due to the absence of a gain from discontinued operations recognized in Q1 2013.
  • 3Acquisition of TDX Group in the UK and Forseva were completed in Q1 2014, contributing to revenue growth, primarily within the International and North America Commercial Solutions segments, respectively.
  • 4Mortgage Solutions revenue declined by 18%, and Verification Services revenue saw a 7% decrease due to the ongoing slowdown in the mortgage market.
  • 5Operating income from continuing operations increased slightly to $86.3 million from $84.2 million, indicating underlying business strength.
  • 6The company repurchased $24.4 million of its common stock and increased its quarterly dividend to $0.25 per share, reflecting confidence in its financial position and commitment to shareholder returns.
  • 7Availability under the Senior Credit Facility was $555.8 million as of March 31, 2014, indicating strong liquidity for operational needs and strategic initiatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Revenue growth was primarily driven by strategic acquisitions, including TDX Group and Forseva, as well as organic growth in most of Equifax's core non-mortgage businesses. This growth was partially offset by a decline in mortgage-related revenues.

The decrease in net income attributable to Equifax was mainly due to the absence of a significant gain from discontinued operations that was recognized in the first quarter of 2013. Excluding this one-time item, income from continuing operations showed an increase.

The decline in the mortgage market is negatively impacting segments that are heavily involved in mortgage-related activities. Specifically, Mortgage Solutions revenue decreased by 18%, and Verification Services revenue within Workforce Solutions saw a 7% decline due to lower mortgage refinancing activity and overall loan volumes.

Equifax anticipates long-term average organic revenue growth of 6% to 8%, with an additional 1% to 2% growth expected from strategic acquisitions. The company views its recent acquisitions as key to expanding its product offerings and market reach.