TORONTO, June 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to the latest data from Equifax® Canada's Market Pulse Q1 2024 Business Credit Trends Report, new installment loan originations surged by 74 per cent year-over-year in the second half of 2023. Businesses that raced to meet the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) forgiveness deadline of January 18th, 2024 could potentially be driving this higher-thanseasonal demand. Industrial trades (credit accounts between businesses and suppliers) have seen a signi ...

Equifax® Canada's Market Pulse Q1 2024 Business Credit Trends "While it may feel like CEBA is moving into the rear-view mirror, it's truly a matter of businesses turning to new installment loans to secure their financial stability," said Jeff Brown, Head of Commercial Solutions for Equifax Canada. "Many businesses were focused on the forgiveness deadline and paying back debt to take advantage of this timeline. The increased reliance on these loans has also contributed to a notable rise in delinquencies, par ...

Core Insights - Consumer debt in Canada reached $2.46 trillion at the end of Q1 2024, a 3.5% increase from the previous year, indicating rising financial strain among consumers [2] - Mortgage delinquency rates are climbing in high-priced housing markets like Ontario and British Columbia, with severe delinquency in Ontario exceeding $1 billion for the first time, double the pre-pandemic level [5][6] - The housing market in Alberta showed resilience with a 10.6% increase in new mortgage originations compared to Q1 2023, attributed to high interprovincial migration [4] Consumer Behavior - Consumers are adapting their credit decisions due to financial stress, with many extending mortgage lengths to reduce payments despite longer loan commitments [3] - There has been a nearly 19% increase in the number of credit score checks by consumers compared to the same period last year, indicating a shift towards more proactive financial management [3] - Lender switching has become more common, with 25.8% of consumers choosing different providers in late 2023, up from 21.7% in 2022 [16] Delinquency Trends - Over 1.26 million consumers missed at least one payment in Q1 2024, marking a 12.2% increase from Q1 2023, with Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec experiencing above-average jumps in missed payments [11] - Delinquency rates for credit cards and other non-mortgage debts are rising, with credit card full-payment rates dropping from 65.6% in 2023 to 64.5% in Q1 2024 [7] - The average loan value for new mortgages reached $321.7K, a 3.1% increase year-over-year, despite a decrease in new mortgage originations [9] Regional Analysis - Ontario's average debt in Q1 2024 was $21,869, with a 2.51% year-over-year increase and a delinquency rate of 1.40%, reflecting a 28.18% rise from the previous year [14] - Alberta's average debt was $24,157, showing a slight decrease of 0.69% year-over-year, with a delinquency rate of 1.70% [14] - Major cities like Toronto and Vancouver have seen delinquency rates rise above pre-pandemic levels, with Toronto's mortgage delinquencies increasing from 0.09% to 0.14% since Q1 2020 [10]

Core Insights - Consumer debt in Canada reached $2.46 trillion at the end of Q1 2024, a 3.5% increase from the previous year [2] - Mortgage delinquency rates are rising, particularly in Ontario and British Columbia, with Ontario's severe delinquency balance exceeding $1 billion for the first time [7][10] - Financial stress is evident as consumers adapt their credit decisions, with a notable increase in lender switching and credit score checks [3][6] Consumer Debt Trends - Total consumer debt rose to $2.46 trillion, marking a 3.5% year-over-year increase [2] - Mortgage debt, comprising 74.4% of total consumer debt, increased by 3.1% year-over-year, while new mortgage originations hit an all-time low [4] - The average loan value for new mortgages reached $321.7K, up 3.1% from the previous year [4] Mortgage Market Dynamics - Alberta's housing market showed resilience with a 10.6% increase in new mortgage originations compared to Q1 2023 [5] - Consumers are extending mortgage lengths to reduce payments, with 37.1% extending amortization terms [6] - Payment shocks are affecting consumers, with nearly 9% of mortgage renewals seeing monthly payments increase by over $500 [6] Delinquency Rates and Financial Strain - Delinquency rates for credit products are rising, with over 1.26 million consumers missing at least one payment in Q1 2024, a 12.2% increase from Q1 2023 [10] - Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec experienced significant increases in delinquency rates, with Ontario's rate rising by 28.18% year-over-year [14] - Credit card delinquencies are increasing, with full-payment rates dropping from 65.6% to 64.5% [11] Age and Regional Analysis - Average debt for Canadians in Q1 2024 was $21,276, with a year-over-year increase of 1.77% [14] - The delinquency rate for the 18-25 age group was 1.80%, showing a 7.02% increase year-over-year [13] - Major cities like Toronto and Vancouver have seen delinquency rates rise above pre-pandemic levels, with Toronto's rate increasing from 0.09% to 0.14% [8]

Core Insights - Akero Therapeutics announced significant data from its lead product candidate efruxifermin (EFX) at the EASL Congress 2024, highlighting its potential in treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) [1][7] Study Results - The Phase 2b HARMONY study demonstrated that EFX met its primary endpoint, showing ≥1-stage improvement in fibrosis after 24 weeks for both 50 mg (41%, p<0.05) and 28 mg (39%, p<0.05) dose groups, compared to 20% for placebo [2] - At Week 96, response rates for fibrosis improvement increased to 75% (p<0.001) for the 50 mg group and 46% (p=0.07) for the 28 mg group, versus 24% for placebo [2] - The study also reported that 36% (p<0.01) and 31% (p<0.01) of patients in the 50 mg and 28 mg groups, respectively, achieved a 2-stage improvement in fibrosis without worsening of MASH, significantly higher than the placebo rate of 3% [3] Treatment Efficacy - EFX treatment showed sustained and expanded treatment response over 96 weeks, with over 80% of EFX-treated patients maintaining improved fibrosis from Week 24 to Week 96 [4] - Among non-responders at Week 24, 63% of patients treated with 50 mg EFX experienced improvement in fibrosis by Week 96, compared to a placebo rate of 21% [4] - The results indicate EFX was well tolerated, with no liver injury or decompensation events reported [4] Biomarker Analysis - A post-hoc analysis revealed significant changes in key biomarkers associated with collagen synthesis and degradation, indicating EFX's effects on extracellular matrix remodeling in the liver [5] - EFX treatment led to decreased interstitial collagens and regeneration of structural collagens, correlating with reductions in liver injury markers [5] Company Overview - Akero Therapeutics is focused on developing treatments for serious metabolic diseases, including MASH, with EFX being evaluated in multiple ongoing clinical trials [12] - MASH affects over 17 million Americans and is a leading cause of liver transplants and cancer in the US and Europe [11]

Core Viewpoint - Equifax will participate in several investor conferences in June 2024, showcasing its commitment to engaging with investors and providing insights into its operations and strategies [1][2]. Group 1: Upcoming Events - Mark W. Begor, CEO, and John Gamble, CFO, will attend the Baird Global Consumer, Technology & Services Conference on June 4, 2024, featuring a Fireside Chat at 12:15 P.M. Eastern Time [1]. - The Stifel Cross Sector Insight Conference will take place on June 5, 2024, with a Fireside Chat scheduled for 3:00 P.M. Eastern Time [1]. - Trevor Burns, Senior Vice President of Corporate Investor Relations, will attend the JP Morgan Canada 1X1 Forum on June 11, 2024 [2]. Group 2: Investor Engagement - Investors are invited to join live webcasts of the Fireside Chat events, with replays available within 24 hours on the company's Investor Relations website [2]. Group 3: Company Overview - Equifax is a global data, analytics, and technology company that plays a crucial role in the global economy by assisting financial institutions, companies, employers, and government agencies in making informed decisions [3]. - The company is headquartered in Atlanta and employs nearly 15,000 individuals worldwide, operating or investing in 24 countries across North America, Central and South America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region [3].

Core Insights - Equifax Canada is dedicated to enhancing financial inclusion and access to fair credit opportunities for Canadians by exploring non-traditional data sources for credit scoring [1][2] - The company is analyzing the potential impact of including payday loan data in credit histories, which could benefit consumers with limited credit histories or those previously unbanked [2][3] - Utilizing alternative data may lead to improved credit scores for consumers who demonstrate responsible repayment of payday loans, resulting in better loan terms and interest rates [3] Company Overview - Equifax operates as a global data, analytics, and technology company, playing a crucial role in the global economy by assisting various entities in making informed decisions [4] - The company is headquartered in Atlanta and employs nearly 15,000 individuals, with operations or investments in 24 countries across multiple regions [4]

Core Insights - Equifax Canada is dedicated to enhancing financial inclusion and access to fair credit opportunities for Canadians by exploring non-traditional data sources for credit scoring [1][2] - The company is analyzing the potential impact of including payday loan data in credit histories, which could improve credit visibility for consumers with limited or no credit history [2][3] - Utilizing alternative data may lead to better credit scores for consumers who responsibly repay payday loans, resulting in improved loan terms and interest rates from lenders [3] Company Overview - Equifax operates as a global data, analytics, and technology company, playing a crucial role in the global economy by assisting various entities in making informed decisions [4] - The company is headquartered in Atlanta and employs nearly 15,000 individuals across 24 countries in North America, Central and South America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region [4]

Core Insights - Equifax (EFX) has shown strong stock performance, gaining 21.6% over the past year, outperforming the industry average of 17.2% [1] - The company reported mixed first-quarter 2024 results, with adjusted earnings of $1.5 per share, exceeding estimates by 4.2% and increasing 4.9% year-over-year, while total revenues of $1.4 billion slightly missed consensus but rose 6.7% from the previous year [1] Company Overview - Equifax provides diversified services across various sectors including finance, mortgage, consumer, employee, telecommunications, and automotive, which helps mitigate vulnerabilities by leveraging strengths in different areas [2] - The company focuses on expanding its customer base through multi-data solutions, enhancing its unique data assets and analytics capabilities [2] Service Offerings - The services offered by Equifax are essential for clients who utilize credit information and analytical services for processing applications for credit cards, loans, and other financial products [3] - Advanced statistical techniques are employed to evaluate data, providing tailored insights and decision-making solutions that help clients manage and protect their data [3] Strategic Acquisitions - Equifax's core business is bolstered by strategic acquisitions, such as the recent acquisition of Efficient Hire, which enhances its portfolio of employer and HR-focused solutions [4] Financial Performance - The company's global operations expose it to foreign exchange fluctuations, which have negatively impacted revenues by $51.2 million in 2023, $94.9 million in 2022, and $50.4 million in 2021 [5] - As of the end of first-quarter 2024, Equifax's current ratio was 0.73, down from 0.77 in the previous year, indicating potential challenges in meeting short-term obligations [6]

Core Viewpoint - Equifax reported mixed Q1 2024 results, with earnings exceeding estimates but revenues falling short, leading to a 14.9% increase in shares since the last earnings report, outperforming the S&P 500 [1][2]. Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share were $1.5, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 4.2% and increasing 4.9% year-over-year. Total revenues were $1.4 billion, missing estimates but up 6.7% from the previous year [2]. - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2024 was $404.6 million, reflecting a 7% increase year-over-year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 29.1%, down 10 basis points from the prior year [6]. Segment Performance - Workforce Solutions segment revenues were $602.8 million, slightly missing estimates, with Verification Services revenues at $476.5 million, up 5% year-over-year, while Employer Services revenues declined by 10% [3]. - USIS segment revenues reached $465.3 million, up 10% year-over-year, exceeding estimates, with Online Information Solutions revenues increasing by 12% [4]. - International division revenues totaled $321.3 million, gaining 13% year-over-year but missing estimates, with notable growth in Latin America at 65% year-over-year [5]. Balance Sheet & Cash Flow - At the end of Q1, cash and cash equivalents were $201 million, down from $216.8 million in the previous quarter. Long-term debt remained stable at $4.7 billion [8]. - Cash generated from operating activities was $252.7 million, with capital expenditures totaling $131.9 million and dividends distributed amounting to $48.2 million [8]. Future Outlook - For Q2 2024, Equifax expects revenues between $1.41 billion and $1.43 billion, with adjusted EPS projected at $1.65 to $1.75. For the full year, revenues are anticipated to be between $5.67 billion and $5.77 billion, with adjusted EPS of $7.2 to $7.5 [10]. - Recent estimates have shown a downward trend, with a consensus estimate shift of -7.5% [11].