Equifax Q3 2026 Results Lifted By Diversified Markets

Equifax Inc. (EFX) reported third-quarter 2026 results on Oct. 20, showing revenue and profit gains driven by strength in diversified markets and momentum in its VantageScore credit-scoring platform. The company trimmed its full-year revenue outlook due to late-quarter weakness in the mortgage market.

Third-Quarter Results and Outlook

Equifax posted revenue of $1.693 billion for the quarter ended Sept. 30, 2026, up 10% on a reported basis and 9% in constant currency, according to its investor-relations release. Diversified Markets revenue increased 8% (7.5% in constant currency), contributing broadly to growth across the business.

Adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS) rose 11% to $2.26 from $2.04 a year earlier. State-agency contract signings reached $550 million in annual contract value, adding recurring revenue visibility and supporting the company’s long-term growth strategy.

On a GAAP basis, net income attributable to Equifax was $211.7 million, with GAAP diluted EPS of $1.79. Adjusted EBITDA, a proxy for operating profit, increased 11% to $560.2 million, and the adjusted-EBITDA margin expanded to 33.1% from 32.7% a year earlier. Segment revenue growth included Workforce Solutions up 7%, U.S. Information Solutions up 13%, and International revenue up 9%.

U.S. mortgage revenue rose 15% year over year, but management said late-quarter deterioration reduced quarterly revenue by about $20 million compared with its July forecast. This pressure slowed sequential momentum despite higher year-over-year mortgage volumes.

For the fourth quarter, Equifax guided revenue between $1.605 billion and $1.635 billion, adjusted EPS of $2.07 to $2.17, and adjusted EBITDA of $529 million to $546 million, implying a margin of roughly 33.0% to 33.4%. Full-year revenue guidance was lowered to $6.646 billion–$6.676 billion, with adjusted EPS set at $8.45 to $8.55 and adjusted EBITDA at $2.116 billion to $2.133 billion. The company expects adjusted-EBITDA margin excluding FICO to expand by about 100 basis points to 33.8%–34.1%, free cash flow to exceed $1.0 billion, and cash conversion above 100%. These projections assume a 6.5%–7.5% decline in U.S. mortgage originations and high-single-digit growth in Diversified Markets.

During the quarter, Equifax returned $158 million to shareholders through $92 million in share repurchases and $66 million in dividends. Management cited productivity initiatives and tighter cost controls as drivers of margin and cash-flow gains. The company expects to close its acquisition of Mexican credit bureau Círculo de Crédito in the fourth quarter, subject to remaining conditions.

Strong performance in diversified markets and targeted cost management underpin profitability despite near-term pressure from mortgage market weakness, shaping the company’s capital-allocation outlook.