Equifax Releases Fourth Quarter 2020 Results

ATLANTA, Feb. 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Equifax Inc. (NYSE: EFX) today announced financial results for the quarter and full year ended December 31, 2020.

"Equifax delivered its fourth consecutive quarter of strong double-digit growth and margin expansion, concluding a record year in which we delivered over $4 billion in revenue for the first time. Workforce Solutions and U.S. Information Services outperformance fueled our 23% revenue growth in the fourth quarter by leveraging our new Equifax Cloud capabilities, new product roll-outs, new data assets, and customer growth," said Mark W. Begor, Equifax Chief Executive Officer. "We are entering a new chapter at Equifax as we leverage our expanding cloud native data, analytics and technology infrastructure to accelerate innovation, new products and growth. Our strong performance in these challenging times reflects the strength and resiliency of our business model as we look to build upon our momentum and focus on growth in 2021 and beyond. We are increasing our focus on acquisitions that will accelerate our growth including our acquisition of Kount in Identity and Fraud. Based on our confidence in the future we plan to restart our share repurchase program at an expected level over $100 million in 2021, to offset dilution from employee benefit plans."

Financial Results Summary

The Company reported revenue of $1,118.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2020, a 23 percent increase from the fourth quarter of 2019 on both a reported and local currency basis.

Fourth quarter 2020 diluted EPS attributable to Equifax was $0.61 per share, up from $0.13 per share in the fourth quarter of 2019.

Net income attributable to Equifax of $74.5 million was up from $15.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2019.

In the fourth quarter, Equifax incurred a $31.9 million charge related to right sizing the organization as investments in technology transformation are reduced in 2021 relative to 2020.

For the full year 2020, revenue was $4,127.5 million, an 18 percent increase from 2019 on both a reported and local currency basis. Diluted EPS attributable to Equifax was $4.24 per share, up from a loss of $3.15 per share for the full year 2019. Net income attributable to Equifax was $520.1 million, up compared to a net loss of $384.1 million for the full year 2019.

As further discussed in the attached Common Questions and Answers, our pension accounting method has changed to mark-to-market during the fourth quarter of 2020. The change in accounting method has been applied retrospectively for the periods presented in this earnings release. The mark-to-market adjustment for 2020 resulted in a $32.2 million loss.

USIS fourth quarter results

• Total revenue was $387.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2020, an increase of 17 percent from the fourth quarter of 2019. Operating margin for USIS was 29.6 percent in the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to 33.6 percent in the fourth quarter of 2019. Adjusted EBITDA margin for USIS was 43.5 percent in the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to 45.1 percent in the fourth quarter of 2019.
• Online Information Solutions revenue was $267.5 million, an increase of 18 percent from the fourth quarter of 2019.
• Mortgage Solutions revenue was $50.4 million, an increase of 55 percent from the fourth quarter of 2019.
• Financial Marketing Services revenue was $69.6 million, a decrease of 2 percent when compared to the fourth quarter of 2019.

Workforce Solutions fourth quarter results

• Total revenue was $406.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2020, a 62 percent increase from the fourth quarter of 2019. Operating margin for Workforce Solutions was 49.2 percent in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to 39.2 percent in the fourth quarter of 2019. Adjusted EBITDA margin for Workforce Solutions was 56.2 percent in the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to 47.0 percent in the fourth quarter of 2019.
• Verification Services revenue was $330.0 million, up 70 percent when compared to the fourth quarter of 2019.
• Employer Services revenue was $76.5 million, up 35 percent when compared to the fourth quarter of 2019.

International fourth quarter results

• Total revenue was $247.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2020, a 5 percent increase from the fourth quarter of 2019 and an increase of 3 percent on a local currency basis. Operating margin for International was 13.0 percent in the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to 15.3 percent in the fourth quarter of 2019. Adjusted EBITDA margin for International was 34.0 percent in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to 36.4 percent in the fourth quarter of 2019. 
• Asia Pacific revenue was $81.4 million, up 10 percent from the fourth quarter of 2019 and up 4 percent on a local currency basis.
• Europe revenue was $82.5 million, up 8 percent from the fourth quarter of 2019 and up 4 percent on a local currency basis.
• Latin America revenue was $42.5 million, down 8 percent from the fourth quarter of 2019 and down 1 percent on a local currency basis.
• Canada revenue was $41.1 million, up 4 percent from the fourth quarter of 2019 and up 3 percent on a local currency basis.

Global Consumer Solutions fourth quarter results

• Revenue was $77.0 million, a 13 percent decrease from the fourth quarter of 2019 on a reported and local currency basis. Operating margin was 4.7 percent compared to 13.8 percent in the fourth quarter of 2019. Adjusted EBITDA margin was 20.8 percent compared to 26.9 percent in the fourth quarter of 2019.

Adjusted EPS and Adjusted EBITDA Margin

• Adjusted EPS attributable to Equifax was $2.00 for the fourth quarter of 2020, up 28 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2019. The financial measure for both 2020 and 2019 excludes acquisition-related amortization expense of certain acquired intangibles, costs related to the 2017 cybersecurity incident, pension mark-to-market fair value adjustment and income tax effects of stock awards recognized upon vesting or settlement. The financial measure for 2020 also excludes a fair market value adjustment of an equity investment, income tax effects of the Q1 2020 gain on fair market value adjustment of an equity investment, foreign currency impact of certain intercompany loans and costs associated with the realignment of internal resources. The financial measure for 2019 also excludes an accrual of legal matters related to the 2017 cybersecurity incident and the foreign currency impacts of Argentina being a highly inflationary economy. All adjustments are net of tax, with a reconciling item with the aggregated tax impact of the adjustments. The adjustments affect the comparability of the underlying operational performance and are described more fully in the attached Q&A.
• Adjusted EBITDA margin was 37.8 percent for the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to 35.6 percent in the fourth quarter of 2019. These financial measures for 2020 and 2019 have been adjusted for certain items, including costs related to the 2017 cybersecurity incident, which affect the comparability of the underlying operational performance and are described more fully in the attached Q&A.
• Full year adjusted EPS attributable to Equifax was $6.97, up 22 percent from the prior year period. Full year adjusted EBITDA margin was 36.2 percent compared to 33.8 percent in 2019. These financial measures for 2020 and 2019 have been adjusted for certain items, including costs related to the 2017 cybersecurity incident, which affect the comparability of the underlying operational performance and are described more fully in the attached Q&A.
• Adjusted EPS, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin are non-GAAP financial measures which are explained under "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below and are reconciled to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures in the attached Q&A.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

At December 31, 2020, the Company had approximately $1.7 billion in cash and $1.1 billion available to borrow under its revolving credit facility, which matures in September 2023. We amended our credit facility in the second quarter of 2020 to increase the maximum leverage ratio through 2021 to provide us with additional financial flexibility.

2021 First Quarter and Full Year Guidance

• For the first quarter of 2021, we expect reported revenue to be between $1,105 and $1,125 million, reflecting growth as compared to the first quarter of 2020 of 15.3% to 17.4%, with an expected 1.9% positive impact of foreign exchange. Adjusted EPS is expected to be between $1.45 and $1.55 per share. Impacting first quarter 2021 revenue and adjusted EPS is an expectation of a 24% increase in U.S. mortgage market inquiries impacting our USIS and EWS units.
• We expect full year 2021 reported revenue to be between $4.350 and $4.450 billion, reflecting local currency growth compared to 2020 of 5.4% to 7.8%, with an expected 1.5% positive impact of foreign exchange. Adjusted EPS is expected to be between $6.20 and $6.50 per share. We expect to engage in share repurchases for a total amount to exceed $100 million. U.S. mortgage market inquiries are expected to decline by 5% in 2021 versus 2020, with growth in inquiries in the first half of 2021, offset by a decline in inquiries in the second half of 2021.

About Equifax

At Equifax (NYSE: EFX), we believe knowledge drives progress. As a global data, analytics, and technology company, we play an essential role in the global economy by helping financial institutions, companies, employees, and government agencies make critical decisions with greater confidence. Our unique blend of differentiated data, analytics, and cloud technology drives insights to power decisions to move people forward. Headquartered in Atlanta and supported by more than 11,000 employees worldwide, Equifax operates or has investments in 25 countries in North America, Central and South America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region. For more information, visit Equifax.com.

Earnings Conference Call and Audio Webcast

In conjunction with this release, Equifax will host a conference call on February 11, 2021 at 8:30 a.m. (ET) via a live audio webcast. To access the webcast, go to the Investor Relations section of our website at www.equifax.com. The discussion will be available via replay at the same site shortly after the conclusion of the webcast. In addition, we are now posting certain supplemental financial information in the February 2021 Investor Presentation available in the Investor Relations section of our website. This press release is also available at that website.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This earnings release presents adjusted EPS attributable to Equifax which is diluted EPS attributable to Equifax adjusted (to the extent noted above for different periods) for acquisition-related amortization expense, costs related to the 2017 cybersecurity incident, accrual for legal matters related to the 2017 cybersecurity incident, fair market value adjustment of equity investments, pension mark-to-market fair value adjustment, income tax effects related to the Q1 2020 gain on fair market value adjustment of equity investment, foreign currency impact of certain intercompany loans, valuation allowance for certain deferred tax assets, tax benefit on legal settlement related to the 2017 cybersecurity incident, settlements with commercial customers, realignment of internal resources, income tax effects of stock awards that are recognized upon vesting or settlement, the foreign exchange impact resulting from accounting for Argentina as a highly inflationary economy, PayNet acquisition-related amounts other than acquisition-related amortization and the income tax impact of these adjustments. All adjustments are net of tax, with a reconciling item with the aggregated tax impact of the adjustments. This earnings release also presents adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin which is defined as consolidated net income attributable to Equifax plus net interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, and also excludes certain one-time items. Additionally, this earnings release presents adjusted revenue which is defined as GAAP revenue adjusted for a charge related to settlements with commercial customers. These are important financial measures for Equifax but are not financial measures as defined by GAAP.

These non-GAAP financial measures should be reviewed in conjunction with the relevant GAAP financial measures and are not presented as an alternative measure of net income or EPS as determined in accordance with GAAP.

Reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures and related notes are presented in the Q&A. This information can also be found under "Investor Relations/Financial Information/Non-GAAP Financial Measures" on our website at www.equifax.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. These statements can be identified by expressions of belief, expectation or intention, as well as statements that are not historical fact. These statements are based on certain factors and assumptions including with respect to foreign exchange rates, expected growth, results of operations, performance, the outcome of legal proceedings, business prospects and opportunities and effective tax rates. While the Company believes these factors and assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available, they may prove to be incorrect.

Several factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, actions taken by us, including restructuring or strategic initiatives (including our EFX2020 cloud technology, data and security transformation program, capital investments and asset acquisitions or dispositions), as well as developments beyond our control, including, but not limited to, the impact of COVID-19 and changes in U.S. and worldwide economic conditions that materially impact consumer spending, consumer debt and employment and the demand for Equifax's products and services. The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic could negatively impact our operations will depend on future developments which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence, including the duration of the outbreak, new information which may emerge concerning the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, the actions taken to control the spread of COVID-19 or treat its impact, and changes in U.S. and worldwide economic conditions. Further deteriorations in economic conditions, as a result of COVID-19 or otherwise, could lead to a further or prolonged decline in demand for our products and services and negatively impact our business. It may also impact financial markets and corporate credit markets which could adversely impact our access to financing, or the terms of any financing. We cannot at this time predict the extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic impact, but it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Other risk factors include the impact of our technology and security transformation and improvements in our information technology and data security infrastructure; changes in tax regulations; adverse or uncertain economic conditions and changes in credit and financial markets; uncertainties regarding the ultimate amount and timing of payments for the legal proceedings and government investigations related to the 2017 cybersecurity incident; potential adverse developments in new and pending legal proceedings or government investigations; risks associated with our ability to comply with business practice commitments and similar obligations under settlement agreements and consent orders entered into in connection with the 2017 cybersecurity incident; economic, political and other risks associated with international sales and operations; risks relating to unauthorized access to data or breaches of confidential information due to criminal conduct, attacks by hackers, employee or insider malfeasance and/or human error; changes in, and the effects of, laws and regulations and government policies governing or affecting our business, including, without limitation, our examination and supervision by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, a federal agency that holds primary responsibility for the regulation of consumer protection with respect to financial products and services in the U.S., oversight by the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA") and Information Commissioner's Office of our debt collections services and core credit reporting businesses in the U.K., oversight by the Office of Australian Information Commission, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission ("ACCC") and other regulatory entities of our credit reporting business in Australia and the impact of current privacy laws and regulations, including the European General Data Protection Regulation and the California Consumer Privacy Act, or any future privacy laws and regulations; federal or state responses to identity theft concerns; our ability to successfully develop and market new products and services, respond to pricing and other competitive pressures, complete and integrate acquisitions and other investments and achieve targeted cost efficiencies; timing and amount of capital expenditures; changes in capital markets and corresponding effects on the Company's investments and benefit plan obligations; foreign currency exchange rates and earnings repatriation limitations; and the decisions of taxing authorities which could affect our effective tax rates. A summary of additional risks and uncertainties can be found in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, including without limitation under the captions "Item 1. Business -- Governmental Regulation" and "-- Forward-Looking Statements" and "Item 1A. Risk Factors," and in our other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements are given only as at the date of this release and the Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Common Questions & Answers (Unaudited)
(Dollars in millions)

1.    Can you provide a further analysis of operating revenue for the fourth quarter and adjusted revenue for the full year by operating segment?

Operating and adjusted revenue consists of the following components:

2.    What is the breakdown of costs related to the 2017 cybersecurity incident?

Costs related to the 2017 cybersecurity incident are defined as incremental costs to transform our information technology infrastructure and data security; legal fees and professional services costs to investigate the 2017 cybersecurity incident and respond to legal, government and regulatory claims; as well as costs to provide free product and related support to the consumer.

We recorded $112.6 million ($82.3 million, net of tax) and $181.6 million ($147.0 million, net of tax) for the fourth quarter of 2020 and 2019, respectively, for costs related to the 2017 cybersecurity incident. We recorded $365.0 million ($270.5 million, net of tax) and $1,138.2 million ($938.4 million, net of tax) for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, for costs associated with the 2017 cybersecurity incident. The components of the costs are as follows:

The $111.5 million and $358.5 million of technology and data security costs include incremental costs to transform our technology infrastructure and improve application, network, and data security. These include, but are not limited to, costs for people, professional and contracted services, technical services and products, and other costs added either directly or indirectly to manage, execute, and support the implementation of these plans. The $1.1 million and $6.5 million of legal and investigative fees include legal fees and professional services costs to investigate the 2017 cybersecurity incident and respond to legal, government, and regulatory investigations and claims related to the 2017 cybersecurity incident.

3.    What is the impact of the pension accounting change?

In the fourth quarter of 2020, we voluntarily changed our method of accounting for recognizing actuarial gains and losses and expected return on plan assets for our defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans. Under the accounting method change, remeasurement of projected benefit obligation and plan assets are immediately recognized in earnings through net periodic benefit cost within Other Income (Expense) on the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss), with pension and postretirement plans to be remeasured annually in the fourth quarter or on an interim basis as triggering events require remeasurement. In addition, we changed our accounting for measuring the market-related value of plan assets from a calculated amount to fair value, no longer recognizing the difference between expected return on assets and actual return on assets over a five year period. Prior to this accounting method change, unrecognized actuarial gains and losses were included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) on the Consolidated Balance Sheet and were amortized into earnings over the average remaining service period of active employees expected to receive benefits under the plan. We also determined the market-related value of plan assets based on a calculated market adjustment to reflect investment gains and losses during each of the last five years, with differences between expected and actual return on plan assets recognized at a rate of 20% per year. While the historical accounting principle was acceptable, we believe that the current accounting policies provide a better representation of the operating results of the Company and the economic performance of plan assets in relation to the measurement of its benefit obligations for the period. The changes in accounting will more clearly reflect the current period impact of the Company's pension asset investment strategy to readers of the financial statements.

This accounting change has been applied on a retrospective basis for all prior years presented. Due to the nature of the accounting change, it has impacted both our GAAP and adjusted results. The following tables reflect the effects of the change in accounting method on amounts previously reported in prior periods:

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2020, the pension accounting change resulted in a $9.2 million ($6.9 million, net of tax) decrease to Other Income (Expense). The $9.2 million ($6.9 million, net of tax) decrease in Other Income (Expense) consists of the $32.2 million loss ($24.3 million, net of tax) related to the mark-to-market fair value adjustment of our pension and postretirement benefit plans, partially offset by a $23.0 million ($17.4 million, net of tax) increase in Other Income (Expense) due to the impact of the accounting change on the calculation of pension expense.

Additional information around the impact of the pension accounting change will be included within our upcoming Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures to the Comparable GAAP Financial Measures (Unaudited)
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

A.    Reconciliation of net income attributable to Equifax to diluted EPS attributable to Equifax, defined as net income adjusted for acquisition-related amortization expense, costs related to the 2017 cybersecurity incident, accrual for legal matters related to the 2017 cybersecurity incident, fair value adjustment of equity investments, pension mark-to-market fair value adjustments, income tax effects of Q1 2020 gain on fair market value adjustment of equity investment, foreign currency impact of certain intercompany loans, valuation allowance for certain deferred tax assets, tax benefit on legal settlement related to the 2017 cybersecurity incident, settlements with commercial customers, realignment of internal resources and other costs, the income tax effect of stock awards recognized upon vesting or settlement, Argentina highly inflationary foreign currency impacts, PayNet acquisition-related amounts other than acquisition-related amortization, and income tax adjustments:

Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures to the Comparable GAAP Financial Measures (Unaudited)
(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)

B.    Reconciliation of adjusted revenue, defined as GAAP revenue adjusted for a charge related to settlements with commercial customers, and net income attributable to Equifax to adjusted EBITDA, defined as net income excluding income taxes, interest expense, net, depreciation and amortization, costs related to the 2017 cybersecurity incident, accrual for legal matters related to the 2017 cybersecurity incident, fair value adjustment of equity investments, pension mark-to-market fair value adjustments, foreign currency impact of certain intercompany loans, settlements with commercial customers, realignment of internal resources and other costs, Argentina highly inflationary foreign currency impacts, PayNet acquisition-related amounts other than acquisition-related amortization, and presentation of adjusted EBITDA margin: