Third Annual Report Provides Unique Equifax Cloud™-based Insights to Help Lenders Around the World Make More Informed Decisions and Innovate FasterATLANTA, April 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Equifax® (NYSE: EFX) has released its 2024 Global Consumer Credit Trends, a report that features global consumer credit data and trends information from 10 different countries including Australia, Brazil, Canada, India, Spain and the United States. The third annual report, made possible by the Equifax Cloud™ and the company ...

Core Insights - Equifax's revenue is benefiting from a diverse clientele and investments in Equifax cloud, with anticipated revenue growth of 5.4% in 2025 and 11.9% in 2026 [1] - The company has shown resilience in operational efficiency despite challenges in the mortgage and hiring sectors, indicating potential for exponential growth as macroeconomic conditions improve [6] Revenue Growth - Equifax has experienced a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6% over the last five years (2020-2024) and is expected to see a revenue increase of 5.8% year over year in 2025 [2] - The anticipated growth is driven by acquisitions, consumer credit activity, product innovation, and efficient business execution [2] Client Base and Services - Equifax operates with a diverse client base across various industries, including finance, mortgage, telecommunications, and government, which helps mitigate sector-specific issues [4] - The company's primary goal is to expand its customer base through organic growth, mergers and acquisitions, or partnerships [4] Cloud Investment - The company is nearing the point where 85% of its revenue will be generated from the new Equifax cloud, which is expected to provide a competitive edge starting in 2025 [5] - This investment allows Equifax to focus on growth, product development, innovation, and rapid AI integration [5] Financial Performance - In Q4 2024, Equifax reported an adjusted EBITDA of $502 million, reflecting a $30 million increase from the previous quarter, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 35.4% [6] - This performance indicates strong operational efficiency despite external challenges [6] Liquidity Concerns - Equifax's current ratio at the end of Q4 2024 was 0.75, below the industry average of 1.19, indicating potential issues in meeting short-term obligations [8] - The current ratio declined from 0.88 in the previous quarter due to a significant drop in total current assets [8]

Core Insights - Information Services Group (III) is currently viewed as a better value opportunity compared to Equifax (EFX) based on various financial metrics and analyst outlooks [1] Valuation Metrics - III has a forward P/E ratio of 13.47, significantly lower than EFX's forward P/E of 27.15, indicating that III may be undervalued [5] - The PEG ratio for III is 0.84, while EFX has a PEG ratio of 2.38, suggesting that III offers better value relative to its expected earnings growth [5] - III's P/B ratio stands at 1.87, compared to EFX's P/B of 5.37, further supporting the notion that III is undervalued [6] Analyst Outlook - III holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating a more favorable earnings estimate revision activity compared to EFX, which has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [3][7] - The improving earnings outlook for III enhances its attractiveness as a value investment [7] Value Grades - Based on the aforementioned metrics, III has earned a Value grade of A, while EFX has received a Value grade of D, highlighting the relative strength of III in terms of value investing [6]

Group 1 - Akero Therapeutics (NASDAQ: AKRO) experienced a significant stock increase, more than doubling in January due to positive Phase 2b study results for efruxifermin (EFX) targeting metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) [1] - The study revealed that 39% of patients treated with EFX showed a reversal of their condition [1] Group 2 - Total Pharma Tracker offers tools for DIY investors, including a software that provides extensive curated research material for any ticker [2] - For investors seeking hands-on support, in-house experts analyze tools to identify the best investable stocks, along with buy/sell strategies and alerts [2]

Core Viewpoint - Equifax will announce its financial results for Q1 2025 on April 22, 2025, at 6:30 a.m. ET, followed by a conference call at 8:30 a.m. ET to discuss the results [1]. Group 1 - The financial results release will be available on investor.equifax.com at the same time as the announcement [1]. - The conference call will include discussions by senior management regarding financial and business results for the quarter [1]. - Participants are required to register 5-10 minutes prior to the call, providing their name and affiliation [2]. Group 2 - An audio replay of the conference call will be accessible on investor.equifax.com starting April 23 [3]. - Equifax operates globally, with nearly 15,000 employees and investments in 24 countries across various regions [4]. - The company focuses on providing data, analytics, and technology to help institutions make informed decisions [4].

Core Insights - Equifax has released its 2024 Security Annual Report, emphasizing its commitment to cybersecurity leadership and innovation, showcasing measures taken to combat modern cyber threats, including a passwordless authentication transformation [1][3] Company Commitment and Strategy - Since 2018, Equifax has focused on establishing itself as a security leader, transforming its organization to integrate security into its culture and operations [2] - The company is leveraging the Equifax Cloud™ and EFX.AI capabilities to drive innovation and future growth, with cybersecurity being a core aspect of its business actions [2] Cybersecurity Landscape and Response - The cybersecurity landscape has become increasingly concerning due to AI-driven threats and geopolitical tensions, prompting Equifax to modernize its defenses and accelerate cloud adoption [4] - Equifax has outperformed major industry benchmarks in security maturity and maintained a security posture score above industry averages in Technology and Financial Services [4] Product Innovation and Security Integration - In 2024, Equifax launched over 100 new product innovations while maintaining a best-in-class security program, highlighting the synergy between security and technology [5] Future Outlook - Security remains a critical strategic priority for Equifax as it continues to evolve its security posture and programs to address emerging cybersecurity threats [6] Performance Metrics - Equifax defends against 15 million cybersecurity threats daily, equating to 175 hostile attempts per second, marking a 25% increase from 2023 [9] - The company has transitioned nearly 22,000 global employees to passwordless authentication, addressing the primary threat of stolen credentials [9] - Equifax completed over 210,000 simulations to test its workforce against cyber tactics, achieving a 2.9% click rate in phishing simulations and a mean detection time of under one minute for potential intrusions [9]

Core Viewpoint - Equifax (EFX) is currently rated as a Zacks Rank 5 (Strong Sell) due to recent negative movements in earnings estimates despite having beaten earnings expectations in the past [1][5]. Company Overview - Equifax, Inc. provides information solutions and human resources business process outsourcing services, operating through segments such as U.S. Information Solutions, Workforce Solutions, and International [2]. Earnings History - Equifax has achieved four consecutive beats of the Zacks Consensus Estimate over the last year, with the most recent quarter reporting earnings of $2.12 against a consensus of $2.10 [4]. Earnings Estimates - Recent earnings estimates for Equifax have declined, with the current fiscal year consensus dropping from $8.70 to $7.69 over the last 60 days, and the next year's estimate falling from $10.82 to $9.51 over the last 30 days [5]. - The negative movement in earnings estimates is a significant factor contributing to the stock's Zacks Rank of 5 (Strong Sell) [5]. Market Context - Many stocks within the Zacks universe are experiencing negative earnings estimate revisions, leading to a broader trend of stocks falling to a Zacks Rank 5 (Strong Sell) [6].

Core Insights - Equifax has launched The Work Number® Report Indicator, which integrates employment status with credit reports to enhance mortgage qualification processes [1][2][4] - This innovation is part of a broader $1.5 billion investment in technology and data transformation into the Equifax Cloud, aimed at improving data accessibility and governance [3] Company Overview - Equifax is a global data, analytics, and technology company that plays a crucial role in the economy by aiding financial institutions and other entities in making informed decisions [8] - The company operates in 24 countries and employs nearly 15,000 individuals worldwide [8] Industry Context - The competitive lending environment necessitates a comprehensive view of consumers' financial profiles, which The Work Number Report Indicator aims to provide [2] - The solution allows lenders to verify income and employment status quickly, streamlining the mortgage underwriting process and enhancing borrower experience [5][6] Benefits of The Work Number Report Indicator - Lenders gain a competitive edge by leveraging unique income and employment insights during prequalification, improving decision-making and risk assessment [7] - The solution enhances cost efficiency by managing verification expenses and predicting costs to close [7] - It streamlines loan processing, allowing for a faster and more predictable workflow [7] - The borrower experience is improved by reducing documentation requests and creating a smoother approval process [7]

Core Viewpoint - Enerflex Ltd. has announced the approval of a Normal Course Issuer Bid (NCIB) to repurchase up to 5% of its public float over the next twelve months, reflecting the company's strategy to enhance shareholder returns and address the perceived undervaluation of its shares [1][2][3]. Group 1 - The NCIB will allow Enerflex to purchase common shares for cancellation through the Toronto Stock Exchange, alternative Canadian trading systems, or the New York Stock Exchange [2]. - The company plans to apply for TSX approval for the NCIB, which will be conducted in accordance with TSX rules and applicable securities laws [2]. - Enerflex's Interim CEO, Preet Dhindsa, emphasized that the company is operating within its target leverage range, enabling it to increase direct shareholder returns through the NCIB and a previously announced 50% increase in its quarterly dividend [3]. Group 2 - The company believes that repurchasing common shares is an effective use of cash resources and is in the best interests of both Enerflex and its shareholders [3]. - Enerflex asserts that the current market price of its common shares does not fully reflect their underlying value, justifying the NCIB [3]. - Further details regarding the NCIB will be provided once TSX approval is obtained [4]. Group 3 - Enerflex is a global provider of energy infrastructure and energy transition solutions, focusing on natural gas and sustainability offerings [8][9]. - The company employs over 4,600 professionals dedicated to transforming energy for a sustainable future [9]. - Enerflex's common shares are traded on both the Toronto Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange [10].

Core Insights - Concerns about fraud are rising among Canadians, with 89% believing companies need to enhance personal data protection [1][3] - Seniors and Quebec residents express the highest levels of concern regarding fraud prevention measures [1][5] Fraud Trends - Auto fraud rates have increased, with Q4 2024 rates at 0.26%, up 2 basis points from Q3 2024 and 9 basis points from two years ago [3] - New-to-credit and new-to-Canada consumers face significantly higher auto fraud rates, at 0.51% compared to 0.22% for established consumers [3] - Mortgage fraud rates have decreased from 0.46% in Q4 2023 to 0.19% in Q4 2024, but falsified financial documents remain a major issue, constituting over 90% of mortgage fraud cases [4] Public Sentiment and Action - 55% of respondents believe identity thieves will always be ahead, and 51% are unsure how to respond to fraud [5][6] - 96% of seniors aged 65+ agree that companies must improve fraud protections, while 94% of Quebec residents demand more action from companies [5][6] - 88% of respondents think both public and private sectors should collaborate to combat financial crime [6] Recommendations for Improvement - 61% of respondents suggest banks should implement stronger security protocols, and 59% believe companies should use more sophisticated fraud detection tools [6] - There is a call for improved public fraud education from the government, with 84% of respondents supporting this initiative [6][7] - Canadians are encouraged to take personal steps to safeguard their data, with 77% recognizing the need for personal diligence [6]