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Quad/Graphics(QUAD) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2026-02-18 14:32
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, net sales were $631 million, a decrease of 5.7% compared to Q4 2024, excluding the divestiture of European operations [24] - For the full year 2025, net sales were $2.4 billion, a 4.8% decline compared to 2024, also excluding the European divestiture [24] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2025 was $55 million, down from $63 million in Q4 2024, while full-year adjusted EBITDA was $196 million, compared to $224 million in 2024 [26] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share for Q4 2025 was $0.36, consistent with Q4 2024, while full-year adjusted diluted earnings per share increased by 19% to $1.01 [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Targeted print categories, including direct mail and packaging, experienced net sales growth, while traditional print product lines like magazines and catalogs saw declines [4][25] - The QuadMed employer-sponsored healthcare business also showed revenue increases, offsetting declines in logistics and agency sales [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a significant increase in co-mail volumes by over 50%, enhancing carrier route density levels and achieving postal savings [57] - The postal service is expected to implement a mid-year rate increase of 6%-8%, which could impact marketing spend [80] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on revenue diversification and has made targeted investments in artificial intelligence to drive efficiency and effectiveness in marketing solutions [4][19] - Quad aims to return to net sales growth by 2028, with a strategic emphasis on integrated marketing solutions and targeted print offerings [4][42] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the operating environment, noting increased confidence among clients and a potential for reinvestment [75] - The company is closely monitoring inflationary pressures and postal rate increases, which could affect marketing spend [40] Other Important Information - The company increased its quarterly dividend by 33% to $0.10 per share, reflecting a commitment to shareholder returns [5][31] - A significant transition in the manufacturing network was announced, with the closure of a plant in Thomaston, Georgia, expected to be completed by early March [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on direct mail performance and future trends - Management clarified the distinction between direct mail as a product and the direct marketing agency, emphasizing the importance of personalized, data-driven approaches to enhance response rates [47][48] Question: Impact of postal rate increases on catalogs - Management noted that while catalogs have been responsive, the significant increases in postal rates have led to further declines in catalog usage, particularly in prospecting mailings [56] Question: Updates on In-Store Connect and future deployments - Management indicated that there has been an acceleration in conversations and opportunities regarding In-Store Connect, with plans for further rollouts [60] Question: Factors influencing 2026 sales and Adjusted EBITDA guidance - Management highlighted that postal impacts and the momentum in targeted print categories will influence the sales trend, with expectations for improved margins as the revenue mix evolves [66][67] Question: Capital allocation strategy moving forward - Management confirmed a balanced approach to capital allocation, focusing on shareholder returns, potential tuck-in acquisitions, and growth investments [68][69]