Equifax 2004 Annual Report Download - page 6

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2
AN฀OUTSTANDING฀YEAR฀
THE฀EQUIFAX฀FRANCHISE
Equifax generated a record performance in 2004. Revenues grew
five percent to $1.27 billion, and earnings per share from continuing
operations increased 35 percent to $1.78 per share. These results were
driven by an operating margin increase from 26 percent to 30 percent
year-over-year, as well as outstanding performances by most Equifax
businesses. Our shareholders also benefited when we completed the sale
of our investment in Intersections Inc., generating almost $60 million
in cash proceeds. This outstanding performance was reflected in your
stock price which increased 13% in 2004 compared to a six percent
increase in the S&P 500 Index. I am very proud of our performance
in 2004 and of the Equifax people who delivered it. Our people work
diligently and with the utmost professionalism to capitalize on every
business opportunity that will bring value to our customers and
shareholders. Equifax people are simply the very best.
Equifax has a rich history of innovation and commitment to
growth, which is reflected in the Strategic Transformation Timeline
also included in my letter. For the first 90 years, our business was
centered on core credit operations. In the early 1990s, we began
looking at ways to evolve our business to provide more opportunities
for growth. Since then, we have been passionate about strategically
transforming Equifax from a provider of high-quality data products
and services into a world-class S&P 500 global information technol-
ogy enterprise. Today, we continue to build new momentum in the
marketplace with unique solutions that enable customers to operate
their businesses more effectively, efficiently and securely.
T O O U R S H A R E H O L D E R S :
“ What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared
to what lies within us.” These words of Ralph Waldo Emerson define
the business of leadership at Equifax. What lies behind Equifax is an
outstanding year. What lies before Equifax is abundant opportunity.
What lies within Equifax are enduring leadership attributes that make
strong performances possible and that turn opportunity into reality.