<PAGE>
FORM 10-Q
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
[ X ] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 1998
------------------------------------
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period ended _________________________
Commission File Number 1-6605
------
EQUIFAX INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Georgia 58-0401110
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S.Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
1600 Peachtree Street, N.W. Atlanta, Georgia
P.O. Box 4081, Atlanta, Georgia 30302
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
404-885-8000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
None
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed
since last report)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant
was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No
----- -----
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Class Outstanding at April 30, 1998
----- -------------------------------------------------
Common Stock, $1.25 Par Value 147,889,108
-------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
INDEX
Page No.
Part I. Financial Information --------
Item 1. Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheets --
March 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997 2 - 3
Consolidated Statements of Income --
Three Months Ended March 31, 1998 and 1997 4
Consolidated Statement of Shareholders'
Equity -- Three Months Ended March 31, 1998 5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows --
Three Months Ended March 31, 1998 and 1997 6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 7 - 9
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of
Operation 10 - 13
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures 13
About Market Risk
Part II. Other Information 14 - 15
-1-
<PAGE>
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
MARCH 31, DECEMBER 31,
(In thousands) 1998 1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Unaudited)
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 76,070 $ 52,251
Accounts receivable 274,672 270,665
Deferred income tax assets 37,704 39,221
Other current assets 46,093 38,795
--------- ---------
Total current assets 434,539 400,932
--------- ---------
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:
Land, buildings and improvements 26,436 24,870
Data processing equipment and furniture 201,559 194,553
--------- ---------
227,995 219,423
Less accumulated depreciation 129,879 124,689
--------- ---------
98,116 94,734
--------- ---------
GOODWILL 405,697 365,427
--------- ---------
PURCHASED DATA FILES 110,431 103,282
--------- ---------
OTHER ASSETS 194,146 212,729
--------- ---------
$1,242,929 $1,177,104
========= =========
The notes on pages 7 through 9 are an integral part of these consolidated
balance sheets.
-2-
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
MARCH 31, DECEMBER 31,
(In thousands, except par value) 1998 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Unaudited)
<S> <C> <C>
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt $ 5,781 $ 12,984
Accounts payable 91,770 94,682
Accrued salaries and bonuses 19,901 26,404
Income taxes payable 28,788 13,827
Other current liabilities 188,797 179,712
---------- ----------
Total current liabilities 335,037 327,609
---------- ----------
LONG-TERM DEBT, LESS CURRENT MATURITIES 428,203 339,301
---------- ----------
LONG-TERM DEFERRED REVENUE 40,244 42,848
---------- ----------
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES 113,235 117,949
---------- ----------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 6)
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common stock, $1.25 par value; shares authorized -
300,000; issued - 173,021 in 1998 and 172,465 in 1997;
outstanding - 141,283 in 1998 and 142,609 in 1997 216,276 215,581
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; shares authorized -
10,000; issued and outstanding - none in 1998 or 1997 -- --
Paid-in capital 252,242 244,496
Retained earnings 453,331 421,541
Accumulated other comprehensive income (Note 5) (20,266) (20,076)
Treasury stock, at cost, 25,185 shares in 1998
and 23,304 shares in 1997 (510,806) (447,578)
Stock held by employee benefits trusts, at cost,
6,553 shares in 1998 and 1997 (64,567) (64,567)
---------- ----------
Total shareholders' equity 326,210 349,397
---------- ----------
$1,242,929 $1,177,104
========== ==========
</TABLE>
The notes on pages 7 through 9 are an integral part of these consolidated
balance sheets.
-3-
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
THREE MONTHS ENDED
MARCH 31,
(In thousands, except per share amounts) 1998 1997
- -------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Operating revenue $353,094 $312,062
-------- --------
Costs of services 201,970 182,703
Selling, general and administrative expenses 70,130 60,812
-------- --------
Total operating expenses 272,100 243,515
-------- --------
Operating income 80,994 68,547
Other income, net 721 372
Interest expense (7,032) (4,469)
-------- --------
Income from continuing operations before income taxes 74,683 64,450
Provision for income taxes 29,948 25,909
-------- --------
Income from continuing operations 44,735 38,541
Income from discontinued operations, net of income
taxes of $4,403 in 1997 -- 6,176
-------- --------
Net income $ 44,735 $ 44,717
======== ========
Per common share (basic):
Income from continuing operations $ 0.32 $ 0.27
Discontinued operations -- 0.04
-------- --------
Net income $ 0.32 $ 0.31
======== ========
Shares used in computing basic earnings per share 141,704 145,176
======== ========
Per common share (diluted):
Income from continuing operations $ 0.31 $ 0.26
Discontinued operations -- 0.04
-------- --------
Net income $ 0.31 0.30
======== ========
Shares used in computing diluted earnings per share 144,812 148,953
======== ========
Dividends per share $ 0.0875 $ 0.0825
======== ========
</TABLE>
The notes on pages 7 through 9 are an integral part of these consolidated
statements.
-4-
<PAGE>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
THREE MONTHS ENDED
(In thousands) MARCH 31, 1998
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
COMMON STOCK:
Balance at beginning of period $ 215,581
Shares issued under stock plans 695
---------
Balance at end of period $ 216,276
=========
PAID-IN CAPITAL:
Balance at beginning of period $ 244,496
Shares issued under stock plans 7,173
Other 573
---------
Balance at end of period $ 252,242
=========
RETAINED EARNINGS:
Balance at beginning of period $ 421,541
Net income 44,735
Cash dividends paid (12,945)
---------
Balance at end of period $ 453,331
=========
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Note 5):
Balance at beginning of period $ (20,076)
Adjustment during period (190)
---------
Balance at end of period $ (20,266)
=========
TREASURY STOCK:
Balance at beginning of period $(447,578)
Cost of shares repurchased (63,262)
Other 34
---------
Balance at end of period $(510,806)
=========
STOCK HELD BY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS TRUSTS:
Balance at beginning of period $ (64,567)
Cost of shares reissued under stock plans --
---------
Balance at end of period $ (64,567)
=========
The notes on pages 7 through 9 are an integral part of this consolidated
statement.
-5-
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) THREE MONTHS ENDED
MARCH 31,
(In thousands) 1998 1997
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income $ 44,735 $ 44,717
Less income from discontinued operations -- (6,176)
-------- --------
Income from continuing operations 44,735 38,541
Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to
net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations:
Depreciation and amortization 22,204 17,613
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net (877) 14,574
Current liabilities, excluding debt 6,928 (11,290)
Other current assets (7,057) (5,358)
Deferred income taxes 3,356 3,104
Other long-term liabilities, excluding debt (8,472) (1,432)
Other assets 4,493 1,874
-------- --------
Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations 65,310 57,626
-------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Additions to property and equipment (9,858) (11,029)
Additions to other assets, net (12,391) (11,510)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (27,737) (57,157)
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates (2,200) --
-------- --------
Net cash used in investing activities of continuing operations (52,186) (79,696)
-------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net short-term borrowings (7,568) 16,186
Net additions to long-term debt 89,312 21,933
Dividends paid (12,945) (12,530)
Treasury stock purchases (63,262) (6,657)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 4,656 5,595
Other 573 541
-------- --------
Net cash provided by financing activities of continuing operations 10,766 25,068
-------- --------
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash (71) 968
Net cash used in discontinued operations -- (8,192)
-------- --------
Net cash provided (used) 23,819 (4,226)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 52,251 48,160
-------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 76,070 $ 43,934
======== ========
</TABLE>
The notes on pages 7 through 9 are an integral part of these consolidated
statements.
-6-
<PAGE>
EQUIFAX INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
MARCH 31, 1998
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION:
The financial statements included herein have been prepared by the Company
pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
This information reflects all adjustments which are, in the opinion of
management, necessary for a fair statement of the financial position of the
Company as of March 31, 1998 and the results of operations and cash flows for
the three months ended March 31, 1998 and 1997. All adjustments made have been
of a normal recurring nature. Certain information and footnote disclosures
normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted. The Company
believes that disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not
misleading. It is suggested that these financial statements be read in
conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto included in the
Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997.
2. NATURE OF OPERATIONS:
The Company principally provides information services to businesses to help them
grant credit and authorize and process credit card and check transactions. The
principal lines of business are information services and payment services (see
Note 8 for industry segment information). The principal markets for both
information and payment services are retailers, banks and other financial
institutions, with information services also serving the telecommunication and
utility industries. The Company's operations are predominately located within
the United States, with foreign operations principally located within Canada and
the United Kingdom.
3. USE OF ESTIMATES:
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions.
These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of
the financial statements as well as reported amounts of revenues and expenses
during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
4. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:
On December 9, 1996, the Company announced its intention to split into two
independent, publicly traded companies by spinning off its Insurance Services
industry segment, contingent on receiving a favorable ruling from the IRS
regarding the tax-free status of the dividend for U.S. shareholders. In July
1997, the Company received the favorable IRS ruling and on August 7, 1997
completed the spinoff of its Insurance Services industry segment. The spinoff
was accomplished by the Company's contribution of the business units that
comprised the Insurance Services segment into one wholly owned subsidiary,
ChoicePoint Inc. All of the common stock of ChoicePoint was then distributed to
Equifax shareholders as a dividend, with one share of ChoicePoint common stock
distributed for each ten shares of Equifax common stock held. As a result of the
spinoff, the Company's consolidated statement of income and consolidated
statement of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 1997 have been
restated and prepared with the Insurance Services segment results of operations
and cash flows shown as "discontinued operations".
5. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
TREASURY STOCK. During the first three months of 1998, the Company repurchased
approximately 1,883,000 of its common shares through open market transactions at
an aggregate cost of $63,262,000, leaving approximately $160 million available
for future share repurchases.
7
<PAGE>
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME. Effective with the first quarter, 1998 the Company
adopted FASB Statement No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income". For the three
month periods ending March 31, 1998 and 1997, comprehensive income is as
follows:
Three Months Ended
March 31,
(In Thousands) 1998 1997
- ------------- ------- -------
Net Income $44,735 $44,717
Change in cumulative foreign
currency translation adjustment (190) (5,059)
------- -------
Comprehensive income $44,545 $39,658
======= =======
Accumulated other comprehensive income at March 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997
consists of the following components:
(In Thousands) March 31, 1998 December 31, 1997
- ------------- -------------- -----------------
Cumulative foreign currency
translation adjustment $13,874 $13,684
Adjustment for minimum liability
under supplemental retirement plan 6,392 6,392
------- -------
$20,266 $20,076
======= =======
6. AGREEMENT WITH COMPUTER SCIENCES CORPORATION:
The Company has an agreement with Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) under
which CSC-owned credit bureaus and certain CSC affiliate bureaus utilize the
Company's credit database service. CSC and these affiliates retain ownership of
their respective credit files and the revenues generated by their credit
reporting activity. The Company receives a processing fee for maintaining the
database and for each report supplied. The agreement expires in July 1998 and is
renewable at the option of CSC for successive ten-year periods. CSC has elected
to allow the term of the agreement to be renewed for the ten-year period
beginning August 1, 1998. The agreement provides CSC with an option to sell its
credit reporting businesses to the Company, and provides the Company with an
option to purchase CSC's credit reporting businesses if CSC does not elect to
renew the agreement or if there is a change in control of CSC while the
agreement is in effect. Both options expire in 2013. The option price is
determined through July 31, 1998 by certain financial formulas and after July
31, 1998 by appraised value.
On November 25, 1997, CSC exercised an option, also contained in the agreement,
to sell its collection businesses to the Company at a purchase price of
approximately $38 million. This transaction was finalized in the second quarter
of 1998. Subsequent to November 25, 1997, the Company determined that the fair
value of the business being sold (based on its estimated discounted cash flows)
was less than the contractual purchase price because a major contract expiring
in 1998 would not be renewed. Accordingly, in the fourth quarter of 1997, the
Company recorded a $25,000,000 charge ($14,950,000 after tax, or $.10 per share)
to reflect a valuation loss on this acquisition, with a corresponding
$25,000,000 liability included in other current liabilities.
8
<PAGE>
The Company currently estimates the option price for CSC's credit reporting
businesses, as determined by the financial formulas, to be approximately $375
million. In its annual report for the fiscal year ended March 28, 1997, CSC
stated that the option price for both its credit reporting and collection
businesses (including the collection businesses that have now been acquired by
the Company) "approximated $538 million at March 28, 1997." The Company
continues to periodically evaluate the estimated fair value of CSC's credit
reporting businesses subject to the option, using estimates of its discounted
cash flows. Based on this analysis, at March 31, 1998, the fair value of those
businesses is not less than their potential purchase price.
7. ACQUISITIONS:
During the first three months of 1998, the Company acquired a risk management
services business in the United Kingdom and the credit files of two affiliates
located in the United States. The businesses were acquired for cash, accounted
for as purchases, and had a total purchase price of $32.0 million. Also during
the first quarter of 1998, the Company obtained the control necessary and began
to consolidate the operations of its 66.7% investment in Organizacion VERAZ S.A.
in Argentina. These acquisitions and the consolidation of VERAZ resulted in
$41.8 million of goodwill and $8.6 million of purchased data files. These
allocations include $18.7 million reallocated from other assets related to the
Company's investment in VERAZ previously accounted for under the equity method.
Their results of operations have been included in the consolidated statements of
income from the dates of acquisition and were not material.
8. INDUSTRY SEGMENT INFORMATION:
Effective with the first quarter, 1998, the Company adopted FASB Statement No.
131, "Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information".
Operating revenue and operating income by industry segment for the first quarter
of 1998 and 1997 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Operating Revenue: 1998 1997
- ------------------ -------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
North American Information Services $181,434 $172,240
Payment Services 107,149 98,820
Equifax Europe 46,433 38,583
Equifax Latin America 15,669 6
Other 2,409 2,413
-------- --------
$353,094 $312,062
======== ========
Operating Income:
- -----------------
North American Information Services $ 61,896 $ 56,734
Payment Services 19,300 16,083
Equifax Europe 3,058 1,960
Equifax Latin America 4,186 542
Other 2,215 2,217
-------- --------
Operating Contribution 90,655 77,536
General Corporate Expense (9,661) (8,989)
-------- --------
$ 80,994 $ 68,547
======== ========
</TABLE>
9
<PAGE>
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATION
Results of Operations - (first quarter of 1998 compared to the first quarter of
1997)
On August 7, 1997, the Company completed the spinoff of its Insurance Services
industry segment (Note 4). Accordingly, the results of operations information
presented below reflect only the continuing operations of the Company.
First quarter revenue increased 13.1% over 1997. After adjusting for the May
1997 divestiture of National Decision Systems, revenue was up 16.2%, with
approximately 7.2 percentage points attributable to acquisitions. Operating
income of $81.0 million increased 18.2% over the prior year. This increase is
primarily the result of revenue growth and continued operating leverage across
all operating groups.
Net income from continuing operations increased 16.1%, from $38.5 million to
$44.7 million. Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations increased
to $0.31 in 1998, compared to $0.26 in the prior year. During the first quarter,
the Company expensed approximately $3.1 million ($1.8 million after tax or $.01
per share) in costs related to modification of computer software for compliance
with Year 2000. The Company still expects that the total impact of these
modification expenses will be approximately $.08 per share in 1998.
The following discussion analyzes operating results by industry segment (See
Note 8) and consolidated interest expense.
North American Information Services
- -----------------------------------
Revenue in North American Information Services, which includes U.S. Reporting
Services, U.S. Risk Management Services, Mortgage Information Services, Canadian
Operations, as well as National Decision Systems (divested in May 1997)
increased 5.3% in the first quarter. Excluding the divestiture, revenue
increased 10.6% with 2.6 percentage points of the increase attributable to
acquisitions. U.S. Reporting Services revenue was up 12.1% in the quarter due to
increased demand from the banking, finance and telecommunication/utility
industries as well as growth in marketing services. Although modest pricing
pressures are expected to continue, average prices for credit reports were up
slightly in the first quarter. Revenue in U.S. Risk Management Services was up
10.5% in the quarter due primarily to continued growth in receivables management
outsourcing, while Mortgage Information Services revenue increased $2.4 million
due to the favorable interest rate environment.
Canadian revenues declined 4.8% due to unfavorable exchange rate movements. In
local currency, first quarter revenues were level with the prior year, with
gains in Reporting Services and Commercial Services being offset by a decline in
Risk Management revenue. First quarter revenue growth in Canadian operations was
adversely impacted by the January ice storms.
Operating income for North American Information Services increased 9.1% in the
quarter due primarily to the revenue growth in U.S. Reporting Services and U.S.
Risk Management Services.
10
<PAGE>
Payment Services
- ----------------
Revenue in Payment Services, which includes Card Services, Check Services, and
FBS Software, increased 8.4% over the prior year. Card Services revenue
increased 12.5% with growth driven by increases in processing of both cardholder
and merchant transactions. Revenue growth in Card Services was tempered by price
reductions within the CSG-Madison operations where certain cost savings achieved
from converting these operations to the Company's card processing system are
being passed on to customers. Excluding these price reductions, Card Services
revenue increased 21%. Check Services revenue increased 5.0% while FBS Software
revenues were down in the quarter due to lower license and consulting revenues.
Operating income increased 20% in the quarter driven by the revenue growth
within Card Services and the operating leverage achieved from the integration of
the CSG-Madison operations, acquired in the fourth quarter of 1996. The growth
in this segment's operating income was tempered by a decline in operating income
in Check Services and FBS Software.
Equifax Europe
- --------------
Equifax Europe consists of operations primarily in the United Kingdom, as well
as joint ventures in Spain and Portugal. In the first quarter revenue was up
20.3%, with 2.7 percentage points attributable to the 1998 acquisition of a risk
management services business. This revenue growth was due to volume increases in
U.K. Consumer Information Services and improved performance across all industry
groups.
Operating income for Equifax Europe increased 56% in the quarter driven by the
operating leverage obtained from the revenue growth and the continued
integration of recent acquisitions.
Equifax Latin America
- ---------------------
Equifax Latin America consists of operations in Chile, Argentina and a
developing operation in Mexico. All of the $15.7 million revenue increase in the
quarter was due to the consolidation of the operations in Chile and Argentina.
In the first quarter of 1997, the Company owned 50% of Chile and 33.3% of
Argentina and accounted for these operations under the equity method of
accounting. In April 1997, the Company increased its ownership in Chile to 100%
and began consolidating this operation. In December 1997, the Company increased
its investment in Argentina to 66.7% and, in early 1998, obtained the control
necessary to consolidate this operation.
Operating income for Equifax Latin America was up $3.6 million in the quarter,
due to the improved performance of all operations, as well as the ownership
increases in Chile and Argentina.
Other
- -----
This segment's revenue of $2.4 million in both 1998 and 1997 is due to a
subcontract related to the Company's lottery subsidiary. Operating income was
$2.2 million in both periods.
Interest Expense
- ----------------
Interest expense increased $2.6 million in the quarter due to higher level of
borrowings for acquisitions and share repurchases.
11
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL CONDITION
Net cash provided by operations increased from $57.6 million to $65.3 million
and working capital increased $26.2 million between years. Normal capital
expenditures and dividend payments were met with these internally generated
funds.
Other significant outlays in the first quarter included $63.3 million of
treasury stock purchases (Note 5) and $27.7 million (net of $4.3 million cash
acquired) for acquisitions (Note 7). These items were principally financed by a
net increase in debt totaling $81.7 million and excess cash from operations.
Capital expenditures for the remainder of 1998 are currently projected to be
approximately $100 million, exclusive of acquisitions. The Company also paid
approximately $38 million in the second quarter of 1998 for CSC's collection
business (Note 6). Additional expenditures are possible as opportunities arise.
As of March 31, 1998, approximately $160 million remained authorized under the
Company's share repurchase program.
The remaining 1998 capital expenditures should be met with internally generated
funds. At March 31, 1998, $535 million was available under the Company's $750
million revolving credit facility to fund future capital requirements, including
the possible purchase of the CSC credit reporting businesses (Note 6).
Management feels that the Company's liquidity will remain strong in both the
short-term and long-term, and that the Company has sufficient debt capacity to
finance all of these requirements, if necessary.
YEAR 2000 INFORMATION
The widespread use of computer software that relies on two digits, rather than
four digits, to define the applicable year may cause computers and computer-
controlled systems to malfunction when processing data across the year 2000
date. In view of the potential adverse impact of this "year 2000" issue on its
business, operations, and financial condition, the Company has established a
central function to coordinate and report on a continuing basis with regard to
the assessment, remediation planning, and plan implementation processes of the
Company directed to "year 2000."
The Company is continuing its assessment of the impact of "year 2000" across its
business and operations, including its customer and vendor base. Further, the
Company continues to develop and implement remediation plans pursuant to
established processes to avoid, or in some instances reduce to an acceptable
level, any adverse impact of "year 2000" on its business and operations.
The Company is devoting the resources necessary to achieve a level of readiness
that will meet its "year 2000" challenges in a timely manner. Further, the
Company believes its assessment, remediation planning, and plan implementation
processes will be effective to achieve "year 2000" readiness.
In 1997, Equifax expensed approximately two cents per share in connection with
"year 2000" assessment, remediation planning, and plan implementation. The
Company plans to expense approximately eight cents per share in 1998 as it
expands and accelerates its activities in connection with its efforts to achieve
"year 2000" readiness in advance of 2000. The company anticipates that most of
its remaining costs allocable to the remediation of its critical software
systems will be expensed in 1998. Pending completion of its "year 2000"
assessments, the Company cannot as yet estimate precisely the costs remaining
after 1998 to achieve "year 2000" readiness, but does not expect those costs to
be material.
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
Statements contained in this Form 10-Q may include "forward-looking statements"
within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These forward-looking
statements reflect management's current expectations and are based upon
currently available data. Actual results are subject to future events, risks and
uncertainties which could cause performance to differ materially from that
expressed or implied in these statements. Important factors that either
individually or in the aggregate could cause actual results to vary from those
expressed in the forward-looking statements, are discussed in the "Forward-
Looking Information" section in the Management's Discussion and Analysis
included in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 1997.
12
<PAGE>
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
No material change since the end of the fiscal year.
<PAGE>
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
---------------------------
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
- ------- --------------------------------
(a) Exhibits
27 Financial Data Schedule, submitted to the Securities and Exchange
Commission in electronic format
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
Registrant did not file any reports on Form 8-K during the quarter
for which this report is filed.
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM EQUIFAX INC.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF AND FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1998 AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1998
<PERIOD-END> MAR-31-1998
<CASH> 76,070
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 284,583
<ALLOWANCES> 9,911
<INVENTORY> 0
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 434,539
<PP&E> 227,995
<DEPRECIATION> 129,879
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 1,242,929
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 335,037
<BONDS> 428,203
0
0
<COMMON> 216,276
<OTHER-SE> 705,573
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 1,242,929
<SALES> 353,094
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 353,094
<CGS> 201,970
<TOTAL-COSTS> 201,970
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 70,130
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 7,032
<INCOME-PRETAX> 74,683
<INCOME-TAX> 29,948
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 44,735
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 44,735
<EPS-PRIMARY> .32
<EPS-DILUTED> .31
</TABLE>
