Equifax Inc Stock Price, News & Analysis

Equifax (NYSE: EFX) has successfully completed the acquisition of HIREtech, enhancing its Workforce Solutions portfolio. This move aims to deliver improved employer and verification services through advanced technology in human capital management. HIREtech's platform will facilitate better access to data and insights for businesses, supporting critical financial and hiring decisions. CEO Mark W. Begor emphasized that this acquisition aligns with Equifax's growth strategy and commitment to innovation within the HR sector.

Equifax (NYSE: EFX) has launched a new Commercial Real Estate (CRE) Tenant Risk Assessment product suite aimed at asset managers and bankers to improve portfolio management. This suite leverages Equifax's commercial credit data to evaluate tenant financial stability, especially crucial during the economic challenges posed by COVID-19. The suite features a Tenant Risk Assessment Report™ and a cloud-based application to track tenant payment patterns and flag potential risks. This helps stakeholders mitigate losses in a period where 59% of CRE executives reported increased rental payment issues.

Equifax (NYSE: EFX) has launched the Equifax Ignite Lost Sales Analysis solution, designed specifically for mortgage and home equity lenders. This tool provides differentiated data and actionable insights, helping lenders analyze why pre-approved prospects do not close loans. With mortgage applications surging by 42.2% in December 2020, understanding lost sales is crucial for improving marketing ROI and retention. The solution integrates cloud technology with lender data, allowing users to visualize KPIs and optimize marketing strategies effectively.

Equifax (NYSE: EFX) has enhanced its I-9 Anywhere product, catering to employers' remote onboarding needs as the trend of remote work persists. The expansion focuses on increasing the network of trained Form I-9 completers, particularly in states with rising employment. Companies are increasingly seeking remote hiring solutions; a recent survey indicated 36% of firms are open to fully remote hires. The I-9 Anywhere service meets USCIS requirements and simplifies the Form I-9 process for both new hires and re-hires, emphasizing accuracy and efficiency.

Equifax has completed its acquisition of Kount, a leader in AI-driven fraud prevention. This strategic move, initially announced on January 8, 2021, enhances Equifax's capabilities in digital identity and fraud prevention, addressing the surge in online fraud due to COVID-19. Kount’s technology connects trust and fraud data across 32 billion interactions, making it a vital player in safeguarding digital transactions. The integration positions Equifax to drive growth and innovation while enhancing customer experiences worldwide.

Equifax reported strong financial results for Q4 2020, achieving revenue of $1,118.5 million, a 23% increase year-over-year. The company posted a net income of $74.5 million, up from $15.8 million in Q4 2019. Full-year revenue was $4,127.5 million, an 18% increase from 2019. Adjusted EPS for Q4 reached $2.00, a 28% rise from the previous year. Despite these positives, Equifax incurred a $31.9 million charge for organizational resizing. Looking ahead, the company anticipates Q1 2021 revenue between $1,105 and $1,125 million and plans to restart share repurchases exceeding $100 million.

On February 9, 2021, Equifax (NYSE: EFX) announced the acquisition of AccountScore Holdings Limited, enhancing its Open Banking and analytics capabilities. This strategic move aims to combine traditional credit data with bank transaction insights, improving automated income verification and credit scoring for consumers, especially those with limited credit histories. The integration, supported by regulatory approval from the UK's FCA, is expected to empower over 2.5 million users, broadening access to financial products during economic uncertainty.

Equifax (NYSE: EFX) has extended CEO Mark W. Begor's employment contract through 2025. Begor has been instrumental in leading the company since April 2018, notably guiding it post-2017 cyber incident and overseeing a $1.5 billion cloud technology transformation. This investment aims to enhance innovation, product development, and growth. The company's leadership commended Begor's strategic vision, resulting in record revenue in 2020. Looking ahead, Begor expressed commitment to leveraging new technology platforms for continued growth.

Equifax (NYSE: EFX) has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.39 per share, payable on March 15, 2021, to shareholders recorded by February 22, 2021. This marks over 100 consecutive years of cash dividends paid by the company. Equifax operates globally, providing data and analytics to aid decision-making across various sectors. With a workforce exceeding 11,000, the company has a significant presence in North and South America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region.