Quad/Graphics(QUAD) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial 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 [21] - Adjusted EBITDA was $53 million in Q3 2025, down from $59 million in Q3 2024, with an adjusted EBITDA margin improving from 8.7% to 8.9% year-to-date [22] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share increased by 19% to $0.31 in Q3 2025 from $0.26 in Q3 2024 [23] - Free cash flow improved by $5 million to -$87 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 [24] 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%, packaging by over 9%, and in-store solutions by 11% year-to-date [38] 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][6] - The USPS announced no price increase for market-dominant mail in January, which is seen as favorable for marketers [7][39] 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][9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the future growth of In-Store Connect, citing strong sales lift results from campaigns [16][17] - The company anticipates a similar seasonal pattern for free cash flow and net debt, expecting significant positive cash flow in Q4 2025 [24][29] Other Important Information - The company returned $19 million of capital to shareholders year-to-date through dividends and share repurchases [26] - The adjusted EBITDA guidance for 2025 has been narrowed to between $190 million and $200 million [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 [38] Question: Impact of USPS postponing price increase - Management indicated that the postponement is positive, but concerns remain about future postal rate increases [39][60] Question: Updated guidance ranges - Management discussed variability in direct mail and reaffirmed the midpoint of the sales outlook for Q4 [43][46] 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 industry events [49][50]