Equifax Strong Performance Helps EPS Rise 35 Percent in 2004

ATLANTA, GA – Equifax Inc. (NYSE: EFX) today reported record revenue of $328 million for the fourth quarter of 2004, an increase of 12 percent from the same period last year. Earnings from continuing operations were $55 million, up 70 percent from the same period last year. Earnings per share from continuing operations (EPS) totaled $0.42, a 75 percent increase from the fourth quarter of 2003. For the full year 2004, revenues increased 5 percent to a record $1.27 billion. EPS from continuing operations in 2004 were $1.78 per share, a 35 percent increase from 2003.

Earnings excluding one-time adjustments, a non-GAAP financial measure, resulted in fourth quarter 2004 EPS of $0.42, a 2 percent increase from 2003. Excluding one-time adjustments for the full year, EPS were $1.62, a 9 percent increase from 2003.

“By any measure, Equifax’s performance in 2004 was strong. We delivered record financial performance and added significant value to our customers and shareholders,” said Thomas F. Chapman, Equifax chairman and CEO.

Fourth quarter performance highlights compared to the fourth quarter of 2003:

• Cash flow from operations was $102 million, up 4 percent; free cash flow, a non-GAAP measure, was $87 million, up 8 percent;
• Consolidated operating margins increased to 30 percent from 20 percent;
• North America reported revenue of $264 million, up 11 percent;
  • North America Information Services reported revenue of $180 million, up 13 percent;
  • Marketing Services revenue in North America was $61 million, up 1 percent;
  • Personal Solutions increased revenue 25 percent to $23 million;
• Europe revenue grew to $38 million, up 17 percent;
• Latin America revenue rose to $25 million, an 11 percent increase.

2004 performance highlights compared to 2003

• Cash flow from operations rose to $309 million, up 5 percent; free cash flow increased to $262 million, up 9 percent;
• Consolidated operating margins rose to 30 percent from 26 percent;
• North America reported revenue of $1.04 billion, up 2%;
  • North America Information Services revenues increased by 4 percent to $707 million;
  • Marketing Services revenue was $236 million, down 11 percent;
  • Personal Solutions revenue grew 38 percent to $96 million;
• Europe revenue was $142 million, an increase of 23 percent;
• Latin America revenue rose by 14 percent to $92 million.

2005 Outlook
Based on recent business trends, Equifax expects earnings per share to be between $1.69 and $1.76. This does not account for the impact of expensing share-based payments under Financial Accounting Standards Board No. 123®, “Share-Based Payment.” Revenue growth is expected to be between 6 percent and 9 percent, excluding the regulatory recovery fee. Free cash flow from continuing operations is expected to be in the range of $255 million to $275 million, and capital expenditures are targeted at $60 million to $70 million.

About Equifax
Equifax Inc. is a global leader in turning information into intelligence. For businesses, Equifax provides faster and easier ways to find, approve and market to the appropriate customers. For consumers, Equifax offers easier, instantaneous ways to buy products or services and better insight into and management of their personal credit. Equifax. Information that Empowers.