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Equifax shares slip as Q4 revenue rises 9%, margins narrow amid broader software-sector pressure

Equifax Inc. (NYSE: EFX) shares fell modestly in early trading after the company reported results for the fourth quarter and full year 2025, showing mixed earnings data amid a broader software sector pullback. EFX was last down about 0.7% following the release of quarterly results, reversing an initial gain, according to Reuters.

Stock context:

Equifax’s shares have underperformed recently, trading well below their 52-week high of about $281 and near the lower end of that range this week. Over the past year, EFX has declined roughly in line with broader market pressure on data and software names.

Quarterly results:

For the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2025, Equifax reported revenue of $1.551 billion, up 9% from the year-ago period. This figure was about $30 million above the midpoint of the company’s own guidance, despite a weaker backdrop in U.S. hiring and mortgage markets.

On a segment basis, U.S. Mortgage revenue grew strongly by about 20% in Q4. Workforce Solutions revenue rose 9%. In the U.S. Information Solutions (USIS) unit, revenue climbed 12%, while International revenue increased about 7% on a reported basis and 5% on a local currency basis.

Equifax reported diluted EPS of $1.44 for Q4 2025, up modestly from $1.39 a year earlier. Net income attributable to Equifax rose about 1% to roughly $176 million.

On an adjusted basis, which excludes certain charges, EPS was $2.09, slightly below the prior year but above consensus estimates cited in market write-ups.

Full-year performance:

For the full calendar year 2025, Equifax reported revenue of approximately $6.07 billion, about 7% above 2024. Full-year diluted EPS was $5.32 compared with $4.84 a year earlier, and net income climbed about 9% year-over-year.

Margins and cash flow:

Adjusted EBITDA margins narrowed in Q4 compared with the prior year (32.8% vs. 35.4%), reflecting investment and mix shifts, though free cash flow for 2025 grew nearly 40%, and the company returned substantial cash to shareholders, including $500 million in share repurchases.

Guidance:

Equifax issued guidance for 2026 with a midpoint revenue expectation around $6.72 billion, roughly 10.5% above 2025 on a reported basis, and projected adjusted EPS around $8.50. Organic constant-currency growth is expected near 10%. The guidance assumes a modest decline in the U.S. mortgage market and continued adoption of competing credit scoring models.

Macro and sector context:

Data and analytics stocks, including Equifax, have faced pressure amid broader technology sector volatility. In the software space, concerns over AI disruptions and macroeconomic headwinds have weighed on valuations and share performance. Equifax’s own commentary noted continued traction in its credit scoring solutions but acknowledged the impact of interest rate dynamics on mortgage credit inquiries and hiring trends.

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