Advantage Solutions(ADV) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company's second quarter revenues were $736 million, and adjusted EBITDA was $86 million, down 24% year-over-year [5][22] - The decline in EBITDA was primarily attributed to a client loss in Branded Services from the previous year, which accounted for the entirety of the EBITDA decline [6][22] - The company expects cash generation in the second half of the year to be above normalized levels, with a projected net free cash flow conversion rate of at least 25% of adjusted EBITDA next year and beyond [20][30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Branded Services, revenues were $257 million, and adjusted EBITDA was $34 million, down 21% year-over-year [22] - Experiential Services generated $249 million in revenues and $26 million in adjusted EBITDA, up 614% year-over-year [22] - Retailer Services saw revenues of $231 million, with adjusted EBITDA growing 8% to $26 million, driven by improved staffing levels and increased project activity [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company serves over 4,000 clients and retail stores operating in over 90% of ZIP codes in the U.S., providing a unique perspective on consumer behavior [6] - Retailers reported losing nearly 40% of potential sales when products are not carried or are out of stock, highlighting the importance of the company's merchandising services [7] - 85% of retailers are prioritizing private brands to address channel shifts and shopper preferences, indicating a favorable market for the company's private brand advisory services [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on completing the implementation of its data architecture and system foundation by 2026, which will enhance service delivery and client value [14] - The development of the new Pulse system, an AI-enabled decision engine, aims to improve commercial decision-making speed and efficiency [15] - The company is investing in a centralized labor management model expected to yield benefits in labor utilization, teammate experience, and overall efficiency [16][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to recruit and retain personnel to meet client demand, with staffing levels largely returning to desired levels for the second half of the year [5][19] - The company anticipates sequential improvement in branded services as it laps client exits and losses from the first half of the year [12] - Management reaffirmed 2025 guidance, projecting revenue and adjusted EBITDA to be flat to down low single digits compared to the prior year, supported by favorable demand signals [19][28] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with $103 million in cash, reflecting a heavier use of working capital in the first half of the year [24] - The net leverage ratio was approximately 4.6x adjusted EBITDA, with expectations for this level to taper over the balance of the year [26] - Adjusted unlevered free cash flow was $57 million, with a conversion rate of 66%, driven by lower than expected capital expenditures [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: About branded services and investment reductions impacting brokerage and omni commerce marketing services - Management indicated that reductions depend on client-specific situations rather than a broad pattern across all clients [35] Question: On the new workforce system and transformation costs - Management noted significant reductions in restructuring costs and expects continued decline in transformation costs, with improvements in labor utilization and teammate experience [40][41] Question: On branded EBITDA heading into the second half - Management highlighted expected improvements from new business wins, seasonality, and better cost management as key drivers for growth [51][52] Question: On cash flow and CapEx - Management explained that improved cash flow is primarily driven by better DSO and lower restructuring costs, with some CapEx shifting into 2026 [46][56] Question: On wage inflation and labor availability - Management reported consistent wage inflation around 3% for the year, with pricing nearly offsetting labor inflation [58]