Core Viewpoint - Equifax Inc. is a significant player in the fintech sector, with a market capitalization of $25.9 billion, and has shown resilience in its financial performance despite challenges in the mortgage and hiring markets [1][5]. Company Overview - Equifax is a global data, analytics, and technology company based in Atlanta, providing information solutions and HR outsourcing services [1]. - The company operates through three segments: Workforce Solutions, U.S. Information Solutions (USIS), and International [1]. Market Position - Equifax is classified as a large-cap stock due to its valuation exceeding $10 billion, reflecting its strong influence in the industrial space and operations across multiple regions [2]. - The stock has experienced a 24.7% decline from its 52-week high of $281.07, reached on January 27 [3]. Stock Performance - Over the past three months, Equifax's stock has decreased by 15.3%, underperforming the Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLI), which saw a 2.4% increase [3]. - Year-to-date, EFX stock has declined by 17%, and over the past 52 weeks, it has dropped by 18.9%, contrasting with XLI's gains of 17.3% in 2025 and 9.7% over the past year [4]. Financial Results - In Q3, Equifax reported a 7.2% year-over-year growth in operating revenues, totaling $1.5 billion, which exceeded market expectations by 1.5% [5]. - The adjusted EPS for the quarter increased by 10.3% year-over-year to $2.04, surpassing consensus estimates by 5.7% [5]. - Following the release of its Q3 results, the stock initially dipped but regained positive momentum in subsequent trading sessions [5]. Peer Comparison - Compared to its peer TransUnion, Equifax has underperformed, with TransUnion experiencing an 8.9% decline in 2025 and a 14.2% drop over the past 52 weeks [6].

Core Insights - The report from Paycheck indicates a stable job market for small businesses, but hiring has slowed down slightly [1][3] - Small businesses, particularly those with fewer than 50 employees, have shown less than a 1 percentage point change in hiring over the past year, indicating stability despite economic uncertainties [3][4] - There is a notable increase in weekly hours worked, reaching a near-decade high, suggesting that employers are hesitant to hire new staff [5][6] Employment Trends - The small business segment is experiencing a labor supply issue, with challenges in finding qualified workers due to immigration constraints [6][7] - In the last two months, there has been a consecutive increase of over 3% in hours worked, a trend not seen in the past decade [8] - Historically, increases in hours worked at this level often precede employment growth in subsequent quarters, indicating potential future hiring [9] Wage Growth and Inflation - Hourly wage growth has remained below 3% for the 15th consecutive month, which is below the pace of annualized inflation [10][11] - The cost of labor is a significant factor for small and midsize businesses, and maintaining wage inflation at this level could help reduce overall inflation towards the Federal Reserve's target of 2% [11][12]