Workflow
The ODP (ODP) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated total revenue of $1.7 billion in Q1 2025, reflecting a 9% decline compared to the same quarter last year, but showing improvement in year-over-year trends compared to prior quarters [19] - Adjusted EBITDA was $76 million, down from $91 million in the previous year, while adjusted free cash flow increased significantly to $45 million, more than double the $17 million generated in the same period last year [21][23] - GAAP operating loss was $32 million, compared to a GAAP operating income of $41 million in the prior year, primarily due to restructuring expenses and asset impairments [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The consumer division, Office Depot, reported sales of $838 million, down 11% year-over-year, but showed a 500 basis point improvement in same-store sales compared to the previous year [23][24] - ODP Business Solutions reported revenue of $852 million, down 8% year-over-year, impacted by cautious business conditions and a large customer loss from the previous year [26] - The supply chain business, VARE, achieved over 85% year-over-year revenue growth from third-party customers, highlighting strong demand for its services [12][31] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is expanding into the hospitality market, which is valued at $16 billion, and has established partnerships with major suppliers to support this initiative [14][15] - The onboarding of new business contracts, including a significant contract with CoreTrust, is ongoing, with expectations for these to contribute more meaningfully in the second half of the year [11][27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on its "Optimize for Growth" plan, which aims to realign its organizational structure and reduce fixed costs while enhancing its B2B pivot and expanding into higher growth segments [7][16] - The strategy includes reducing reliance on retail and increasing operational flexibility, with a focus on capitalizing on core strengths in supply chain and distribution [7][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in improving trends within the consumer business and anticipates better performance in the B2B segment as new customers are onboarded and the hospitality sector gains traction [36][39] - The company is actively monitoring the evolving tariff situation and has taken proactive measures to mitigate potential impacts, including diversifying sourcing strategies [35][66] Other Important Information - The company closed nine retail stores as part of its restructuring plan and eliminated areas of corporate support to reduce costs [17] - Total liquidity at the end of the quarter was $653 million, consisting of $185 million in cash and $468 million in available credit [33] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights into retail momentum and sales strategies - Management highlighted four key strategies driving improved performance: enhanced customer engagement, a revised merchandising strategy, a daily management system, and targeted sales promotions [42][44][46] Question: Future pace of store closures - The company will evaluate store closures based on optimizing cash flow and margin dollars, with ongoing assessments of store performance [49][50] Question: Onboarding delays for new contracts - Delays are attributed to longer lead times in the hospitality sector and the complexity of onboarding large contracts like CoreTrust [52][54] Question: Categories strengthening in retail - Management noted success in non-tariff categories and a shift to a more value-oriented merchandising strategy, which has improved sales [61][62] Question: Impact of tariffs on business - The company believes it has mitigated most tariff impacts through strategic sourcing and pricing adjustments, with ongoing monitoring of the situation [64][66] Question: Converting new business pipeline into revenue - New leadership and a rigorous management system are being implemented to enhance the conversion of the business pipeline into revenue [88][90] Question: Update on stock buyback - Management reassured that they continually evaluate stock repurchase opportunities, reflecting confidence in the company's future [93]