Equifax Reports Record Fourth Quarter and Record Full Year 2016 Results; Board Approves 18 Percent Increase in Quarterly Dividend to $0.39 per share, the 7th Consecutive Double-Digit Annual Increase

ATLANTA, Feb. 8, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Equifax Inc. (NYSE: EFX) today announced financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2016.

"The business had an outstanding performance in the fourth quarter, delivering results that exceeded both our revenue and EPS guidance," said Richard F. Smith, Equifax's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Equifax ends the year with record results and enters 2017 with outstanding momentum across all business units and centers of excellence."   

Financial Results Summary

The company reported revenue of $801.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2016, a 20 percent increase from the fourth quarter of 2015 and a 23 percent increase in local currency.

Fourth quarter diluted EPS attributable to Equifax was $1.01, an increase of 9 percent as compared to fourth quarter of 2015. Adjusted EPS attributable to Equifax was $1.42, up 25 percent as compared to fourth quarter of 2015. This financial measure for 2016 excludes the accrual for certain legal settlements, and the realignment of internal resources. The financial measure for both 2016 and 2015 excludes the acquisition-related amortization expense, net of associated tax impacts, and Veda acquisition related amounts, as described more fully in the attached Q&A.

For the full year 2016, revenue was $3.1 billion, an 18 percent increase from 2015. Diluted EPS attributable to Equifax was $4.04, a 14 percent increase from the prior year. Full year adjusted EPS attributable to Equifax was $5.52, up 23 percent from the prior year period. For the full year 2016, operating margin was 26.0 percent compared to 26.1 percent for the prior year.  Full year adjusted EBITDA margin was 35.8 percent compared to 34.7 percent in 2015. These financial measures for 2016 and 2015 have been adjusted for certain items, which affect the comparability of the underlying operational performance and are described more fully in the attached Q&A.

USIS delivered strong organic revenue growth and very healthy expansion in its Adjusted EBITDA margin when compared to the year ago quarter.

• Total revenue was $316.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2016 an increase of 7 percent from the fourth quarter of 2015. Operating margin for USIS was 44.5 percent in the fourth quarter of 2016, compared to 41.6 percent in the fourth quarter of 2015. Adjusted EBITDA margin for USIS was 51.0 percent in the fourth quarter of 2016 compared to 48.7 percent in the fourth quarter of 2016.
• Online Information Solutions revenue was $211.4 million, up 4 percent from a year ago.
• Mortgage Solutions revenue was $36.2 million, up 29 percent from a year ago.
• Financial Marketing Services revenue was $68.6 million, up 7 percent when compared to a year ago.

International had another quarter of very strong growth in local currency revenue and Adjusted EBITDA margin when compared to the year ago quarter.

• Total revenue was $212.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2016, up 49 percent from the fourth quarter of 2015 and a 62 percent increase on a local currency basis. Operating margin for International was 15.1 percent in the fourth quarter of 2016 compared to 20.6 percent in the fourth quarter of 2015. Adjusted EBITDA margin for International was 30.3 percent in the fourth quarter of 2016 compared to 27.3 percent in the fourth quarter of 2015.
• Asia Pacific revenue was $70.7 million, compared to $2.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2015.
• Europe revenue was $63.6 million, up 4 percent from the fourth quarter of 2015 and up 21 percent on a local currency basis.
• Latin America revenue was $47.5 million, down 4 percent from the fourth quarter of 2015 and up 11 percent on a local currency basis.
• Canada revenue was $30.6 million, up 4 percent from the fourth quarter of 2015 and up 4 percent on a local currency basis.

Workforce Solutions again delivered strong, double digit revenue growth and increased its Adjusted EBITDA compared to the year ago quarter.

• Total revenue was $173.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2016, a 21 percent increase from the fourth quarter of 2015. Operating margin for Workforce Solutions was 39.5 percent in the fourth quarter of 2016 compared to 36.8 percent in the fourth quarter of 2015. Adjusted EBITDA margin for Workforce Solutions was 45.8 percent in the fourth quarter of 2016, compared to 44.3 percent in the fourth quarter of 2015.
• Verification Services revenue was $113.7 million, up 24 percent when compared to a year ago.
• Employer Services revenue was $59.9 million, up 15 percent when compared to a year ago.

Global Consumer Solutions delivered strong, double digit local currency revenue growth and very strong expansion in its Adjusted EBITDA margin when compared to the year ago quarter.

• Revenue was $98.9 million, an 18 percent increase from the fourth quarter of 2015 and up 20 percent on a local currency basis. Operating margin was 32.1 percent compared to 27.1 percent in the fourth quarter of 2015. Adjusted EBITDA margin was 34.5 percent compared to 29.7 percent in the fourth quarter of 2015.

Full Year 2017 and First Quarter Outlook

For the full year we anticipate revenue between $3.375 billion and $3.425 billion, and Adjusted EPS between $5.96 and $6.10. Given the recent strength of the US dollar, at current exchange rates, we expect foreign currency to negatively impact 2017 revenue growth by approximately 1 percent and Adjusted EPS by slightly over $0.02. On a constant currency basis, revenue is expected to grow 8 percent to 9 percent in 2017 and Adjusted EPS is expected to grow 9 percent to 11 percent.

"This compares favorably to the outlook we discussed when we released our third quarter earnings in October", said Smith. "At that time, our expectation was to deliver revenue growth in 2017 at the high end of our total growth model of 7 percent to 10 percent assuming a flat mortgage origination market. Since that time, our mortgage origination outlook has changed to down 15 percent. This creates a 3 percent headwind to our growth rate in 2017 which we have offset with New Product Innovation and Enterprise Growth Initiatives."

For the first quarter, we anticipate revenue between $822 million and $826 million, and Adjusted EPS between $1.39 and $1.42. Given the recent strength of the US dollar, at current exchange rates, we expect foreign currency to negatively impact revenue growth by almost 1 percent, and Adjusted EPS by just under $0.01. On a constant currency basis, revenue is expected to grow 14 percent and Adjusted EPS is expected to grow 14 percent to 16 percent.

Quarterly Dividend Announcement

The Equifax Board of Directors has approved an 18 percent increase in the quarterly cash dividend, increasing it to $0.39 per share from the previous quarterly dividend of $0.33 per share. The cash dividend is payable on March 15, 2017 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on March 3, 2017.

About Equifax

Equifax powers the financial future of individuals and organizations around the world. Using the combined strength of unique trusted data, technology and innovative analytics, Equifax has grown from a consumer credit company into a leading provider of insights and knowledge that helps its customers make informed decisions. The company organizes, assimilates and analyzes data on more than 820 million consumers and more than 91 million businesses worldwide, and its databases include employee data contributed from more than 7,100 employers.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., Equifax operates or has investments in 24 countries in North America, Central and South America, Europe and the Asia Pacific region. It is a member of Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500® Index, and its common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol EFX. Equifax employs approximately 9,500 employees worldwide.

Some noteworthy achievements for the company include: Ranked 13 on the American Banker FinTech Forward list (2015); named a Top Technology Provider on the FinTech 100 list (2004-2015); named an InformationWeek Elite 100 Winner (2014-2015); named a Top Workplace by Atlanta Journal Constitution (2013-2015); named one of Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies (2011-2015); named one of Forbes' World's 100 Most Innovative Companies (2015). For more information, visit www.equifax.com.

Earnings Conference Call and Audio Webcast

In conjunction with this release, Equifax will host a conference call tomorrow, February 9, 2017 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. This press release is also available on that website.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This earnings release presents adjusted EPS attributable to Equifax which (to the extent noted above for different periods) excludes acquisition-related amortization expense, net of tax, acquisition-specific transaction and due diligence expense, as well as integration expense in the first twelve months following the closure of the acquisition, an accrual for certain legal claims, realignment of internal resources, income from the settlement of escrow amounts, impairment of our Boa Vista Servicos ("BVS") investment, state income tax benefit, and the adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interest that reflects a redemption value in excess of fair value. 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. These are important financial measures for Equifax but are not financial measures as defined by GAAP.

Beginning in 2017, adjusted EPS attributable to Equifax will also exclude the income tax effects of stock awards that are recognized upon vesting or settlement.

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/GAAP/Non-GAAP Measures" on our website at www.equifax.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements or 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, 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 capital investments or asset acquisitions or dispositions), as well as from developments beyond our control, including, but not limited to, changes in worldwide and U.S. economic conditions that materially impact consumer spending, consumer debt and employment and the demand for Equifax's products and services. Other risk factors include adverse or uncertain economic conditions and changes in credit and financial markets; economic, political and other risks associated with U.S. and international sales and operations; risks relating to illegal first party efforts to access data or other cybersecurity or physical security breaches; changes in, and the effects of, laws and regulations and government policies governing our business, including, without limitation, our examination and supervision by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ("CFPB"), a federal agency that holds primary responsibility for the regulation of consumer protection with respect to financial products and services in the U.S., supervision by the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority of our debt collections services and core credit reporting businesses in the U.K. (including the requirement that we obtain certain authorizations to carry on these businesses, which for debt collections services has been received and for the core businesses was applied for in March 2016); federal or state responses to identity theft concerns; potential adverse developments in new and pending legal proceedings or government investigations, including investigations or examinations undertaken by the CFPB, state attorneys general or other governmental agencies; 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, all of 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, 2015, 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 by operating segment?

Operating revenue consists of the following components:

2.    What was the currency impact on the foreign operations?

The U.S. dollar impact on operating revenue is as follows:

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, adjusted for Veda acquisition related amounts other than acquisition-related amortization, an accrual for certain legal claims, realignment of internal resources, income from the settlement of escrow amounts, impairment of our BVS investment, state income tax benefit, income taxes, and acquisition-related amortization expense:

(1)     During the fourth quarter of 2016, we recorded acquisition-related amortization expense of certain acquired intangibles of $46.1 million ($37.2 million net of tax). We calculate this financial measure by excluding the impact of acquisition-related amortization expense and including a benefit to reflect the significant cash income tax savings resulting from the income tax deductibility of amortization for certain acquired intangibles. The $8.9 million of tax is comprised of $15.1 million of tax expense net of $6.2 million of a cash income tax benefit. During the fourth quarter of 2015, we recorded acquisition-related amortization expense of certain acquired intangibles of $29.3 million ($25.9 million net of tax). The $3.4 million of tax is comprised of $9.6 million of tax expense net of $6.2 million of a cash income tax benefit.

For the year ended December 31, 2016, we recorded acquisition-related amortization expense of certain acquired intangibles of $176.5 million ($143.3 million net of tax). We calculate this financial measure by excluding the impact of acquisition-related amortization expense and including a benefit to reflect the significant cash income tax savings resulting from the income tax deductibility of amortization for certain acquired intangibles. The $33.2 million of tax is comprised of $58.0 million of tax expense net of $24.8 million of a cash income tax benefit. For the year ended December 31, 2015, we recorded acquisition-related amortization expense of certain acquired intangibles of $122.3 million ($105.4 million net of tax). The $16.9 million of tax is comprised of $41.7 million of tax expense net of $24.8 million of a cash income tax benefit.

(2)     During the fourth quarter of 2016, we recorded $5.0 million ($3.5 million, net of tax) for Veda acquisition related amounts other than acquisition-related amortization, of which $4.6 million related to integration costs is included in operating income, $0.2 million is recorded in depreciation and amortization, and $0.2 million related to foreign exchange loss is included in other income, net. See the Notes to this reconciliation for additional detail. During the fourth quarter of 2015 and for the year ended December 31, 2015, we recorded $0.5 million ($0.3 million, net of tax) for Veda acquisition related amounts. $3.7 million relates to due diligence expenses and fees incurred as a direct result of the proposed acquisition, recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses on our consolidated statement of income. $4.2 million relates to a mark-to-market gain on foreign currency options and amortization of acquisition specific debt issuance costs, recorded in other income, net, on our consolidated statements of income. See the Notes to this reconciliation for additional detail.

For the year ended December 31, 2016, we recorded $40.2 million ($28.2 million, net of tax) for Veda acquisition related amounts. $30.1 million related to transaction and integration costs in operating income, $9.2 million is recorded in other income, net and is the impact of foreign currency changes on the transaction structure, including the economic hedges, $0.2 million is recorded in depreciation and amortization, and $0.7 million is recorded in interest expense. See the Notes to this reconciliation for additional detail.

(3)     During the fourth quarter 2016, we recorded a $6.5 million ($5.0 million, net of tax) charge for a settlement with the CFPB consisting of consumer restitution of $3.8 million, a fine of $2.5 million and associated legal costs of $0.2 million. During the third quarter of 2015, we recorded a charge of $7.5 million ($4.7 million, net of tax) related to an accrual for certain legal claims. This charge is recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses on our consolidated statements of income. See the Notes to this reconciliation for additional detail.

(4)     The realignment of internal resources and other costs for the fourth quarter of 2016 of $5.7 million ($3.7 million, net of tax) and for the year ended December 31, 2015 of $23.4 million ($14.9 million, net of tax) predominantly relates to the realignment of our internal resources to support the Company's strategic objectives and increase the integration of our global operations. See the Notes to this reconciliation for additional detail.

(5)     During the fourth quarter of 2016, we recorded the tax impact of adjustments of $13.9 million comprised of (i) acquisition-related amortization expense of certain acquired intangibles of $8.9 million ($15.1 million of tax expense net of $6.2 million of a cash income tax benefit), (ii) tax adjustment of $1.5 million for Veda acquisition related amounts other than acquisition-related amortization, (iii) tax adjustment of $1.5 million related to a settlement with the CFPB, and (iv) tax adjustment of $2.0 million related to the realignment of internal resources. During the fourth quarter of 2015 we recorded the tax impact of adjustments of $3.2 million comprised of (i) acquisition-related amortization expense of certain acquired intangibles of $3.4 million ($9.6 million of tax expense net of $6.2 million of a cash income tax benefit), and (ii) tax adjustment of $0.2 million related to a gain on foreign currency hedges.

For the year ended December 31, 2016, we recorded the tax impact of adjustments of $48.7 million comprised of (i) acquisition-related amortization expense of certain acquired intangibles of $33.2 million ($58.0 million of tax expense net of $24.8 million of a cash income tax benefit), (ii) tax adjustment of $12.0 million for Veda acquisition related amounts other than acquisition-related amortization, (iii) tax adjustment of $1.5 million related to a settlement with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and (iv) tax adjustment of $2.0 million related to the realignment of internal resources. For the year ended December 31, 2015, we recorded the tax impact of adjustments of $31.8 million comprised of (i) acquisition-related amortization expense of certain acquired intangibles of $16.9 million ($41.7 million of tax expense net of $24.8 million of a cash income tax benefit), (ii) tax adjustment of $8.5 million related to the realignment of internal resources, (iii) tax adjustment of $5.0 million related to the impairment of our BVS cost method investment, (iv) tax adjustment of $2.8 million related to an accrual for certain legal claims, (v) tax adjustment of $1.2 million from the settlement of escrow amounts, and (vi) tax adjustment of $0.2 million related to a gain on foreign currency hedges.

(6)     During the third quarter of 2015, we recorded income of $12.3 million ($11.1 million, net of tax) from the settlement of escrow amounts related to an acquisition completed in January 2014. The income of $12.3 million is recorded in other income, net, on our consolidated statements of income. See the Notes to this reconciliation for additional detail.

(7)     Impairment of our BVS investment of $14.8 million ($9.8 million, net of tax) relates to the impairment of our cost method investment in Brazil in the second quarter of 2015. The impairment of $14.8 million is recorded in other (expense) income, net, on our consolidated statements of income. See the Notes to this reconciliation for additional detail.

(8)     The state income tax benefit of $8.6 million was generated from a tax law change enacted in the second quarter of 2015.

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

B.    Reconciliation of net income attributable to Equifax to adjusted EBITDA, excluding Veda acquisition related amounts other than acquisition-related amortization, an accrual for certain legal claims, realignment of internal resources and other costs, income from the settlement of escrow amounts, impairment of BVS investment, income taxes, interest expense, net and depreciation and amortization expense, and presentation of adjusted EBITDA margin:

(1)     During the fourth quarter of 2016, we recorded $5.0 million ($3.5 million, net of tax) for Veda acquisition related amounts other than acquisition-related amortization, of which $4.6 million related to integration costs is included in operating income, $0.2 million is recorded in depreciation and amortization, and $0.2 million related to foreign exchange loss is included in other income, net. See the Notes to this reconciliation for additional detail. During the fourth quarter and for the year ended December 31, 2015, we recorded $0.5 million ($0.3 million, net of tax) for Veda acquisition related amounts. $3.7 million relates to due diligence expenses and fees incurred as a direct result of the proposed acquisition, recorded in selling, general, and administrative expenses on our consolidated statement of income. $4.2 million relates to a mark-to-market gain on foreign currency options and amortization of acquisition specific debt issuance costs, recorded in other income, net, on our consolidated statement of income and does not impact our operating margin. See the Notes to this reconciliation for additional detail.

For the year ended December 31, 2016, we recorded $40.2 million ($28.2 million, net of tax) for Veda acquisition related amounts. $30.1 million relates to transaction and integration costs in operating income, $9.2 million is recorded in other income, net and is the impact of foreign currency changes on the transaction structure, including the economic hedges, $0.2 million is recorded in depreciation and amortization, and $0.7 million is recorded in interest expense. See the Notes to this reconciliation for additional detail.

(2)     During the fourth quarter of 2016, we recorded a $6.5 million ($5.0 million, net of tax) charge for a settlement with the CFPB consisting of consumer restitution of $3.8 million, a fine of $2.5 million and associated legal costs of $0.2 million. During the third quarter of 2015, we recorded a charge of $7.5 million ($4.7 million, net of tax) related to an accrual for certain legal claims. This charge is recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses, on our consolidated statements of income. See the Notes to this reconciliation for additional detail.

(3)     The realignment of internal resources and other costs for during the fourth quarter 2016 of $5.7 million ($3.7 million, net of tax) and for the year ended December 31, 2015 of $23.4 million ($14.9 million, net of tax) predominantly relates to the realignment of our internal resources to support our strategic objectives and increase the integration of our global operations. See the Notes to this reconciliation for additional detail.

(4)     Impairment of BVS investment of $14.8 million ($9.8 million, net of tax) relates to the impairment of our cost method investment in Brazil in the second quarter of 2015. The impairment of $14.8 million is recorded in other (expense) income, net, on our consolidated statements of income. See the Notes to this reconciliation for additional detail.

(5)     During the third quarter of 2015, we recorded income of $12.3 million ($11.1 million, net of tax) from the settlement of escrow amounts related to an acquisition completed in January 2014. The income of $12.3 million is recorded in other income, net, on our consolidated statements of income. See the Notes to this reconciliation for additional detail.

C.    Reconciliation of operating income to Adjusted EBITDA, excluding Veda acquisition related amounts, an accrual for certain legal claims, realignment of internal resources and other costs, income from the settlement of escrow amounts, impairment of BVS investment, income taxes, depreciation and amortization expense, other income, net, noncontrolling interest, and presentation of adjusted EBITDA margin for each of the segments: