10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2019

EQUIFAX INC Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2019

Filed July 25, 2019For Securities:EFX

Summary

Equifax Inc. reported mixed financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019. While total revenue remained relatively flat year-over-year for the quarter and saw a slight decrease for the year-to-date period, the company experienced a significant decline in net income and earnings per share. This was largely driven by substantial increases in operating expenses, particularly selling, general, and administrative costs, which were heavily impacted by accruals for legal proceedings and investigations related to the 2017 cybersecurity incident. Despite these challenges, the Workforce Solutions segment demonstrated strong revenue growth, indicating resilience. The company also provided an update on its significant settlement agreements related to the 2017 cybersecurity incident, which will involve substantial financial contributions. Equifax's liquidity remains adequate, supported by its revolving credit facility and receivables funding facility, as it navigates ongoing legal resolutions and strategic investments in technology and security.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$880.00M
SG&A Expenses$306.80M
Operating Expenses$766.20M
Operating Income$113.80M
Interest Expense$27.60M
Net Income$69.50M
EPS (Basic)$0.58
EPS (Diluted)$0.57
Shares Outstanding (Basic)120.80M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)122.00M

Key Highlights

  • 1Total operating revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2019, was $880.0 million, a slight increase of 0.3% from $876.9 million in the prior year period. For the six months ended June 30, 2019, operating revenue was $1,726.1 million, a decrease of 1.0% from $1,742.6 million in the prior year period.
  • 2Net income attributable to Equifax for the three months ended June 30, 2019, was $66.8 million, a significant decrease from $144.8 million in the prior year period. Diluted EPS decreased to $0.55 from $1.19.
  • 3For the six months ended June 30, 2019, Equifax reported a net loss attributable to Equifax of $(489.1) million, compared to a net income of $235.8 million in the prior year period. Diluted EPS was $(4.02) compared to $1.94.
  • 4Operating expenses increased significantly, with selling, general, and administrative expenses rising by 19% for the quarter and 134% for the six-month period, largely due to accruals for legal proceedings and investigations related to the 2017 cybersecurity incident ($11.3 million for the quarter, $701.3 million year-to-date).
  • 5The Workforce Solutions segment showed strong performance, with revenue increasing by 11% in the quarter and 10% year-to-date, driven by growth in Verification Services.
  • 6The company entered into significant settlement agreements in July 2019 to resolve U.S. Consumer MDL Litigation and investigations by the FTC, CFPB, and state attorneys general, agreeing to contribute $380.5 million to a restitution fund and pay additional penalties totaling $180.5 million.
  • 7The company has $1.1 billion available under its revolving credit facility and $25.0 million under its receivables funding facility, providing adequate liquidity to manage its financial obligations and the anticipated payments from the cybersecurity incident settlements.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver for the significant decrease in net income for the six months ended June 30, 2019, is the substantial increase in operating expenses, particularly selling, general, and administrative expenses. This increase is largely attributable to accruals of $701.3 million for losses related to legal proceedings and investigations stemming from the 2017 cybersecurity incident.

Equifax has entered into significant settlement agreements in July 2019 to resolve the U.S. Consumer MDL Litigation and investigations by regulatory bodies (FTC, CFPB, state attorneys general). These settlements involve a contribution of $380.5 million to a consumer restitution fund, additional penalties of $180.5 million, and commitments to enhance information security. These settlements are subject to court approval.

Equifax's liquidity is supported by its operating cash flows, a $1.1 billion revolving credit facility, and a $225 million receivables funding facility. The company plans to finance its settlement obligations using its existing borrowing capacity, indicating sufficient financial resources to meet these commitments.

The Workforce Solutions segment demonstrated the strongest revenue growth, with an 11% increase in the second quarter and a 10% increase for the first six months of 2019, primarily driven by strong performance in its Verification Services business line.