Equifax Inc. today announced record financial results for the three months ended September 30, 2006. Revenue increased 5 percent to $394.6 million, in comparison to a strong third quarter of 2005 when revenue grew 17 percent. Net income rose 26 percent to $78.9 million, from the third quarter of 2005. Diluted earnings per share grew 30 percent to 61 cents, from the third quarter of 2005.


On a non-GAAP basis, excluding the favorable net impact of certain litigation and tax matters in the third quarter of 2006 and the negative incremental impact of adopting Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123®, “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS 123R”) on January 1, 2006, net income grew 7 percent to $66.9 million and diluted earnings per share rose 10 percent to 52 cents, from the third quarter of 2005. See the reconciliations of non- GAAP financial measures to the comparable GAAP financial measures attached to this earnings release for additional information.


“Our financial results reflect continued growth and are consistent with the messages communicated at our Investor Day on September 8th. These results are a testament to the strength of our market franchise, the dedication of our leadership team and the diversity of our customer base,” said Richard F. Smith, Equifax Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.


As announced on October 9, 2006, Equifax acquired Austin Consolidated Holdings, Inc., known as Austin-Tetra, a leading provider of business-to- business data management and enhancement services to the commercial market. This acquisition is an integral part of our long-term growth strategy, complementing our commercial information business. “The acquisition of Austin- Tetra expands Equifax’s market-leading commercial information database and will broaden the suite of solutions we can provide our largest customers,” Mr. Smith said.


Third Quarter 2006 Highlights

  • Operating margin increased to 31 percent in the third quarter of 2006 from 29 percent in the third quarter of 2005. On a non-GAAP basis, excluding the favorable impact of certain litigation matters and the negative incremental impact of adopting SFAS 123R, operating margin was 30 percent in the third quarter of 2006.
  • Cash provided by operating activities for the third quarter of 2006 was $99.4 million, bringing the total cash provided by operating activities to $255.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.
  • Equifax repurchased 2.0 million shares of its common stock on the open market for $65.0 million during the third quarter of 2006. At September 30, 2006, $183.4 million remained authorized for future share repurchases.
  • The effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2006 was 29.7 percent, as compared to 39.0 percent for the same period in 2005. The decline was primarily driven by the reversal of certain income tax reserves related to uncertain tax positions due to the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations during the third quarter of 2006. On a non-GAAP basis, excluding the favorable impact of the reversal of certain income tax reserves, our effective tax rate was 38.1 percent.


North America


Total revenue increased 3 percent to $314.1 million in the third quarter of 2006, from the third quarter of 2005. This increase is in comparison to a strong third quarter of 2005 when revenue grew 17 percent. Operating margin for North America was 40 percent in the third quarter of 2006 compared to 38 percent in the third quarter of 2005. On a non-GAAP basis, excluding the favorable impact of certain litigation matters, operating margin was 38 percent in the third quarter of 2006.

  • North America Information Services revenue was $212.9 million, up 1 percent compared to the third quarter of 2005.
  • Marketing Services revenue was $68.7 million, up 5 percent compared to the third quarter of 2005.
  • Personal Solutions revenue was $32.5 million, up 13 percent compared to the third quarter of 2005.


Europe


Total revenue was $39.8 million, up 13 percent compared to the third quarter of 2005. In local currency, revenue was up 8 percent when compared to the same period in the prior year. Operating margin was 22 percent, down from 25 percent in the third quarter of 2005.


Latin America


Total revenue was $40.7 million, up 18 percent compared to the third quarter of 2005. In local currency, revenue was up 14 percent when compared to the same period in the prior year. Operating margin was 31 percent, up from 29 percent in the third quarter of 2005.


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