Oppenheimer Rates Equifax (EFX) Perform
Oppenheimer has downgraded Equifax's rating to Perform amid recent performance metrics.
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Oppenheimer rated Equifax Inc. ($EFX) "Perform" on October 16, 2026.
Key Points
- On October 16, 2026, Oppenheimer downgraded Equifax Inc. (NYSE: EFX) to a Perform rating, marking a shift in their outlook.
- Equifax shares recently traded around $160.40, reflecting a strong position ahead of their earnings report on October 20.
- The company reported a revenue growth of 10.6% year-over-year, with a next earnings date approaching.
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Not investment advice. EarningsIQ is not a registered investment adviser, and this automated Equifax Inc. alert may contain errors. Disclosures
Oppenheimer downgraded Equifax Inc. (NYSE: EFX) to a Perform rating on October 16, 2026. This change comes as the company prepares for its upcoming earnings report on October 20.
Oppenheimer vs. the S&P 500
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Oppenheimer's Call on Equifax
Oppenheimer's downgrade signals a shift in their expectations for Equifax. The firm did not provide a new price target with this downgrade. This decision follows a series of other analysts maintaining their ratings, with Barclays and Morgan Stanley both adjusting their targets recently.
Other Institutional Activity in Equifax
Several other institutional investors have adjusted their positions in Equifax. Blackrock Inc. reduced its stake by 66,237 shares, bringing its total to 9,396,150 shares worth about $1.51 billion. Vanguard Capital Management LLC decreased its holdings by 44,603 shares, ending with 7,780,433 shares valued at approximately $1.25 billion. Harris Associates L.P. also trimmed its position, selling 82,070 shares and holding 7,447,263 shares worth around $1.20 billion. Meanwhile, State Street Corporation increased its stake by 175,832 shares, totaling 5,199,595 shares valued at about $838 million.
Equifax Inc. Stock Up 1.0%
Equifax shares are recently trading around $160.40. This price is notable as it comes just ahead of the company's next earnings report. The stock's performance has been steady, reflecting a solid position despite the downgrade from Oppenheimer.
Recent Earnings
Equifax reported trailing-twelve-month revenue of approximately $6.44 billion with a year-over-year revenue growth of 10.6%. The company's net margin stands at 10.7%, and it has a return on equity of 14.3%. The next earnings report is scheduled for October 20, 2026.
Earnings drift grade
Outlook vs expectations on the last report — not price action.
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Forward outlook
3 target cuts vs 0 raises.
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EPS & revenue
EPS beat estimates by 8.3%. Revenue beat estimates by 1.0%.
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Profit surprise
EBITDA met by 2 percent. Operating income met by 1 percent.
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Pre-earnings setup
Expectations were about average.
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Analyst signal
3 target cuts.
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Earnings quality
Gross margin down 1.0 points. Operating margin up 1.1 points. Positive free cash flow.
Earnings Call Summary
Equifax had a strong first quarter with revenue of $1.649 billion up 14 percent and earnings per share of $1.86 up 22 percent, both ahead of expectations. The big driver was U.S. mortgage revenue which jumped 38 percent, boosted by new Work Number Indicator products and strong mortgage activity in February before interest rates rose. Management is excited about their artificial intelligence driven products and record numbers of pending patents, but they are holding full year guidance steady due to concerns about the Iran conflict and rising interest rates dampening mortgage demand over the rest of the year.
Guidance Equifax reaffirmed its full year 2026 guidance of about $6.745 billion in revenue and $8.54 in earnings per share despite strong first quarter results. Management kept guidance steady because of economic uncertainty tied to the Iran conflict and interest rate volatility, which pressured mortgage volumes in March and April. They still expect mortgage revenue to grow over 20 percent for the full year and diversified markets to grow in the high single digits.
Very weak report. The release materially worsened the forward outlook.
Insider Buying and Selling at Equifax Inc.
Insider transactions at Equifax have shown recent selling activity. John W. Gamble Jr., the Chief Operating Officer, sold 3,500 shares on May 1, 2026, for about $617,890. Chad M. Borton, another officer, sold 2,455 shares on May 7, 2026, valued at approximately $426,900. Additionally, CEO Mark W. Begor sold 37,791 shares on July 24, 2026, totaling around $6.51 million, while Gamble sold another 4,500 shares on September 3, 2026, for about $845,820.
Analysts Set New Price Targets
On October 2, 2026, Barclays maintained its Equal-Weight rating with a price target of $155, down from $200. Morgan Stanley also maintained its Overweight rating but lowered its target from $225 to $205 on October 13, 2026. Needham kept its Buy rating while reducing its target from $245 to $190. Oppenheimer's downgrade to Perform comes amid these adjustments from other firms.
About Equifax Inc.
Equifax Inc. is a data, analytics, and technology company based in Atlanta, GA. It operates through three main segments: Workforce Solutions, U.S. Information Solutions, and International. The company's focus on providing data-driven insights is crucial as it navigates recent changes in analyst ratings.
Bottom Line
Investors should watch for Equifax's upcoming earnings report on October 20, 2026, to gauge how the company is performing amid the recent downgrade from Oppenheimer. Further analyst coverage and institutional activity will also be important to track as the market responds to these developments.
Source: Oppenheimer's rating change on $EFX (Oct 16, 2026). Written by software, not financial advice. How we make alerts
