Deluxe(US:DLX)2025-08-06 22:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q2 2025 was $521 million, down 2.5% year-over-year, attributed mainly to the low-margin promotional portion of Print [4][17] - Comparable adjusted EBITDA increased by 4.5% year-over-year to $106 million, with EBITDA margin expanding by 140 basis points to just above 20% [4][5] - Comparable adjusted EPS rose by 3.5% to $0.88, and year-to-date free cash flow expanded by over 200% to more than $34 million compared to 2024 [5][17] - The leverage ratio improved to 3.5 times, with a target to be below 3 times next year [5][28] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - Data Solutions segment revenue grew by over 18% in Q2, continuing to be a standout performer [5][22] - Merchant Services revenue increased by 2.9% year-over-year to $101.4 million, with adjusted EBITDA improving by 13% to $21.7 million [18][19] - B2B payments segment revenues were $71 million, up 1.1% year-over-year, with adjusted EBITDA expanding by 11.4% [20] - Print segment revenue declined by 9% year-over-year to $281.1 million, with adjusted EBITDA declining by 3.7% but maintaining a margin of 32.2% [23][26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The overall revenue ratio remains modestly weighted toward Print at 54% to 46% for the year [10] - Payments and Data segments combined have expanded year-over-year by a blended rate of just under 7.5% [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on transforming from a paper payments company to a digital payments and data company, with ongoing investments in technology and partnerships [15][11] - The acquisition of CheckMatch is expected to enhance the Deluxe Payment Network, creating revenue and cost synergy opportunities [11][12] - The company aims to maintain strong margins in Print while avoiding low-margin promotional deals [8][27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty but expressed confidence in affirming revenue and earnings guidance while increasing free cash flow expectations [30][33] - The company expects to see continued growth in the Data Solutions segment and a solid exit growth rate for B2B payments as it enters 2026 [21][30] Other Important Information - The company ended Q2 with a net debt level of $1.44 billion, a reduction from previous levels, and aims for a leverage ratio of three times or better by 2026 [28][29] - A quarterly dividend of $0.30 per share was approved, payable on September 2, 2025 [30] Q&A Session Summary Question: What has driven the efficiency in the merchant business? - Management highlighted a focus on operating efficiency, pricing strategies, and new market expansions as key drivers for margin improvement [35][36] Question: Has Brian Mahoney implemented any ideas in the merchant business? - Management confirmed that Mahoney has made significant progress and is already seeing positive results from his initiatives [37][39] Question: What are the key drivers for the increase in free cash flow? - The increase is attributed to improved profitability, reduced restructuring spend, and better working capital efficiency [40][42] Question: What continues to drive growth in the Data Solutions segment? - Growth is driven by helping financial institutions target low-cost deposits and expanding into non-FI verticals [46][48] Question: What does the CheckMatch acquisition bring to the company? - CheckMatch enhances the existing Deluxe Payment Network by adding more lockboxes, allowing for digital payment processing and improved cash flow [49][51] Question: What is the outlook for future acquisition opportunities? - The company remains disciplined in capital allocation and will consider opportunities that align with its strategy for growth [60][62] Question: How is the company managing macroeconomic challenges? - Management noted a continuation of consumer hesitancy but emphasized good forecast accuracy and performance across the business [55][57]