ATLANTA, October 19, 1998 -- Equifax Inc. today announced record third quarter results driven by continued double digit revenue growth, operating leverage and solid performance across all four operating groups.

• Revenue for the quarter ending September 30, 1998 of $425.4 million increased 23.6% over third quarter 1997. Excluding acquisitions, revenue grew 9.8%.
• Operating income from continuing operations of $99.6 million increased 20.4% compared to the prior year period.
• Third quarter earnings per share from continuing operations (diluted) rose 15.6% to $.37 from $.32 in the third quarter of 1997.

"Once again this quarter, all operating groups produced revenue and operating income growth," said Thomas F. Chapman, president and CEO. "Our third quarter results demonstrate the continued strong financial performance of this enterprise which for almost six years has turned in record setting results. What's particularly noteworthy about this quarter is our announcement of two strategic acquisitions in Brazil, cementing our position in Latin America. Equifax is now the preeminent provider in Latin America of information services and card processing - two of our core businesses."

During the quarter, Equifax repurchased 950,000 shares of stock at a cost of $34.2 million. For the first nine months of 1998, Equifax has repurchased $97.4 million in Equifax stock. As of September 30, about $125 million remained available for repurchase. Tom Chapman said, "Equifax knows that the repurchase of our stock is an excellent investment and a good way to return value for our shareholders. We intend to buy more stock in the fourth quarter."

1999 OUTLOOK

Equifax expects 1999 to be another strong performing year for the company. Chapman said, "Like most global companies, we are cautiously approaching 1999, given the reality of a slowing world economy and the increasing concentration on Year 2000 readiness, as well as dilution related to our recent Brazilian acquisitions (estimated to be about $.07 per share in 1999). Nevertheless, Equifax expects continued strong year over year revenue and profit growth.

"With our 1998 acquisitions, we are well positioned for the new millennium. Equifax is the industry leader in the markets we serve. By continuing to grow our business and manage expenses, we will add incremental economic value for our shareholders," Mr. Chapman added.

BUSINESS RESULTS

Payment Services, which operates through Card Services and Check Services, increased revenue 20.0% to $130.4 million. Card Services is the leading provider of third party full-service processing solutions to credit unions and independent banks in the U.S. The revenue increase in Payment Services was led primarily by growth in Card Services, with an increase in card and merchant processing, as well as the acquisition of 59% of Unnisa, a card services business in Brazil. Operating income of $26.5 million increased 45.4% primarily as a result of the substantial operating leverage from the integration of the acquisition of CUNA Service Group, Inc. in late 1996, as well as continued growth of the Card Services business. Revenue and operating income also benefitted from the performance of its credit card software business.

For the quarter, revenue in North American Information Services of $201.6 million increased 12.8% versus third quarter last year and 7.2% excluding acquisitions. Revenue performance benefitted from growth in U.S. Information Services, with increased sales from the finance, telecommunications and utilities industries as well as growth in risk management (Equifax's unique outsourcing business) and real estate related services. Operating income of $70.5 million increased 11.8% versus third quarter 1997.

Equifax Europe revenue of $61.6 million increased 35.2% versus third quarter 1997 (11.5% excluding acquisitions), with improvement across all businesses, particularly Financial Solutions and Motor Solutions. Operating income of $7.6 million increased 4.7%, impacted by a recent joint venture investment and increased Year 2000 costs.

Revenue in Equifax Latin America was $29.5 million, with much of the growth from the consolidation of results in Argentina due to our year-end acquisition of a controlling interest in Veraz, as well as the recent acquisition of SCI in Brazil. Operating income was $6.0 million in the third quarter of 1998 versus $1.8 million one year ago.

EQUIFAX (NYSE: EFX) is a worldwide leader in shaping global commerce by bringing buyers and sellers together through its information, transaction processing, consulting and knowledge-based businesses. Equifax serves the banking, financial, retail, credit card, telecommunications/utilities, transportation and healthcare industries and government. Founded in 1899, Atlanta-based Equifax today has 14,000 employees in 18 countries and sales in more than 40 countries. Revenues for the 12 months ended September 30, 1998, were more than $1.5 billion. For more Equifax information, visit the company's Internet web site at http://www.equifax.com.

Statements in this press release that relate to future plans, objectives, expectations, performance, events and the like are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Future events, risks and uncertainties, individually or in the aggregate, could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. Those factors could include worldwide and U.S. economic conditions, changes in demand for the company's products and services, risks associated with the integration of acquisitions and other investments, and other factors 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.