Quad/Graphics(US:QUAD)2025-10-29 13:32Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for Q3 2025 were $588 million, a decrease of 7% compared to Q3 2024, excluding a 6% impact from the divestiture of European operations [20] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2025 was $53 million, down from $59 million in Q3 2024, while the adjusted EBITDA margin improved from 8.7% to 8.9% year-to-date [21] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share increased by 19% to $0.31 in Q3 2025 from $0.26 in Q3 2024, and year-to-date adjusted diluted earnings per share rose by 33% to $0.65 in 2025 from $0.49 in 2024 [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Targeted print offerings increased by 2% as a percentage of total net sales, driven by growth in direct marketing, packaging, and in-store solutions [21] - Direct mail revenue increased by over 6% year-to-date, packaging grew over 9%, and in-store solutions rose by 11% year-to-date [36] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company continues to monitor macroeconomic pressures such as inflation and high postage costs, which may impact clients' marketing plans [5] - The USPS announced it would not issue a January price increase for market-dominant mail, which is seen as positive news for marketers [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is investing in AI-powered tools and systems, data and audience intelligence services, and its In-Store Connect retail media network to diversify revenue and return to net sales growth by 2028 [4] - The strategic focus is on maximizing savings for clients while increasing marketing effectiveness through innovative solutions [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the future growth of In-Store Connect, citing strong results from CPG campaigns and a growing pipeline of clients [17] - The company anticipates a seasonal pattern for free cash flow, expecting a significant positive cash flow in Q4 2025 [23] Other Important Information - The company returned $19 million of capital to shareholders year-to-date through dividends and share repurchases [25] - The adjusted EBITDA guidance for 2025 has been narrowed to between $190 million and $200 million, with free cash flow expected to be at the higher end of the original guidance range [29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Trends in targeted print categories - Management noted that catalog sales are muted due to postal increases, while direct mail, packaging, and in-store solutions are seeing growth [36] Question: Impact of USPS postponing price increase - Management indicated that the postponement is favorable and could positively influence client spending for 2026 [38] Question: Updated guidance for net sales - Management explained that direct mail could see variability in the fourth quarter based on client budget adjustments [42] Question: Adjusted EBITDA and CapEx guidance - Management confirmed a slight decrease in the adjusted EBITDA midpoint and discussed a shift in CapEx focus towards technology and automation [46][47] Question: In-Store Connect deployment updates - Management reported increased interest from clients and a strong pipeline for In-Store Connect, with positive feedback from recent deployments [48]