EQUIFAX SETS QUARTERLY, ANNUAL RECORDS

ATLANTA, Jan. 21, 1997 -- Equifax Inc. today reported record-setting revenue and income for the fourth quarter and calendar 1996.

Revenue for the three months ended Dec. 31, 1996, increased by 16.3 percent over the prior-year period, setting an all-time quarterly record of $487.6 million. Operating income of $92.8 million for the quarter increased 15.9 percent versus 1995 results, and earnings per share of $.37 increased 23 percent versus 1995 E.P.S. of $.30. Net income of $53.8 million increased 21.3 percent over the prior year's reported net income of $44.4 million.

Propelled by these quarterly results, Equifax ended its fiscal year on Dec. 31, 1996, with all-time record annual revenue of $1.811 billion, up 11.6 percent, and operating income of $304.4 million, up 15.8 percent over 1995 results. Earnings per share of $1.22 grew 24.5 percent versus 1995's E.P.S. of $.98. Net income of $177.6 million increased 20.3 percent versus prior year's reported net income of $147.7 million.

"Equifax has ended another very successful year with strong revenue and earnings growth," said Equifax President and Chief Executive Officer Daniel W. McGlaughlin. "And we did so while strategically positioning ourselves to capitalize on future growth opportunities. During the year, we realigned our international operations; divested the Health Information Services Group; announced the proposed spinoff of Insurance Information Services; set in place our management teams for the future; expanded globally, and made several strategic acquisitions. We are well positioned for another record-setting year in 1997."

"For the year, with its solid revenue growth of 11.6 percent, Equifax posted an operating income margin of 16.8 percent, which was 0.6 percentage points greater than 1995," said David A. Post, chief financial officer. "Equifax also successfully completed the divestitures of its health information services businesses while making some key acquisitions in both Financial Services and Insurance Information Services. Financial Services acquired CSG Card Services, Market Knowledge Inc., the remaining interest in Transax and Creditel, among others, while Insurance Information Services acquired Professional Test Administrators Inc. and a controlling interest in CDB Infotek."

Post also noted the latest results reflected "the inclusion of some expenses related to Year 2000 compliance. Equifax has been addressing this issue to ensure its systems are ready well in advance of the Millennium. The expenses related to Year 2000 compliance are reflected in the fourth quarter results."

Fourth Quarter Segment Results

Revenues in Financial Services increased 18.0 percent to $326.2 million. Credit Services revenue increased 9.1 percent, primarily due to continued growth in Credit Reporting Services and Risk Management Services. Payment Services revenue grew 26.5 percent, led by strong growth in Card Services and FBS Software. Card Services continues to expand its customer base, particularly with the acquisition of CSG Card Services, and is benefitting from an increased number of credit card processing transactions as well. Check Services experienced modest revenue growth, which was an improvement over previous quarters. International Operations had a strong quarter, with revenue growth of 27.5 percent as a result of Canadian and European credit operations and acquisitions.

Revenues in Insurance Information Services increased 21.9 percent to $154.8 million. The strong performance of Data Services and recent acquisitions contributed to this performance.

General Information Services, which consists primarily of the now divested health information services companies, posted revenues of $6.6 millon.

Equifax now has completed the sale of all its health information businesses. As a result of these sales, Equifax recorded a net gain in other income which increased earnings per share one cent after tax. This gain was offset by some severance expenses which were taken in Credit Services and International Operations.

The record results were announced just one month after Equifax's Board of Directors voted to proceed with a plan to split into two independent public companies by spinning off the Insurance Information Services Group. The move, to be completed later in 1997, is expected to broaden the long-term growth opportunities of both companies. The spinoff of Insurance Information Services is designed as a tax-free dividend to Equifax shareholders and is subject, among other things, to the receipt of a favorable IRS ruling on the tax-free distribution of shares. Until the spinoff takes place, the management and structure of Equifax will remain unchanged.

Equifax Inc. (NYSE:EFX), committed to Global Information Leadership for the Information Age, is the leading provider of information services that help grant credit, authorize and process credit card and check transactions and insure lives and property. Established in 1899 in Atlanta, Equifax today employs 14,000 people throughout North and South America, the United Kingdom and continental Europe.