Equifax Inc (EFX)

Liquidity ratios

Dec 31, 2023 Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019
Current ratio 0.67 0.68 0.49 1.00 0.89
Quick ratio 0.56 0.55 0.42 0.87 0.69
Cash ratio 0.11 0.12 0.10 0.62 0.30

Based on the provided data, Equifax, Inc.'s liquidity ratios have shown some fluctuations over the past five years.

1. Current Ratio: Equifax's current ratio has been consistently below 1, which indicates that it may have difficulty meeting its short-term obligations with its current assets alone. The ratio decreased from 1.00 in 2020 to 0.67 in 2023, showing potential challenges in managing current liabilities.

2. Quick Ratio: The quick ratio, also known as the acid-test ratio, reflects Equifax's ability to cover its short-term liabilities with its most liquid assets. The quick ratio has mirrored the trend of the current ratio, remaining consistently below 1 over the years.

3. Cash Ratio: The cash ratio reveals the proportion of Equifax's current liabilities that could be covered by its cash and cash equivalents. The cash ratio has fluctuated significantly, from 0.74 in 2020 to 0.22 in 2023. This implies a potential decrease in the company's ability to cover its immediate obligations with cash on hand.

In conclusion, Equifax's liquidity ratios indicate a potential strain on its ability to meet short-term obligations with its current assets. The declining trend in these ratios suggests a need for the company to monitor its liquidity position closely and take necessary steps to improve its short-term financial health.


Additional liquidity measure

Dec 31, 2023 Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019
Cash conversion cycle days 49.52 52.95 45.66 52.04 51.52

The cash conversion cycle of Equifax, Inc. has shown variability over the past five years, indicating fluctuations in the company's efficiency in managing its cash flows. In 2023, the cash conversion cycle increased to 32.07 days, representing a slower process of converting investment in inventory into cash receipts from sales. This may suggest challenges in managing inventory, collecting receivables, or delaying payables.

Compared to 2022 when the cash conversion cycle was 19.07 days, the increase in 2023 indicates a decline in efficiency. In 2021, the cycle was lower at 14.95 days, reflecting a more efficient cash conversion process. However, the cycle increased in 2020 to 22.34 days and slightly decreased in 2019 to 19.80 days.

Overall, Equifax, Inc. should focus on optimizing its cash conversion cycle to ensure timely collection of receivables, efficient management of inventory, and strategic payment of payables. Analyzing the trends in the cycle can provide insights into the company's liquidity management and operational effectiveness over time.