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Advantage Solutions Reports 2024 Second Quarter Results and Reaffirms its Full-Year Outlook

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Advantage Solutions Inc. (NASDAQ: ADV) reported its Q2 2024 financial results, showing a revenue decline of 9% to $873 million, but a 1% increase when excluding the impact of European joint venture deconsolidation. The company reported a net loss of $113 million, compared to a $13 million loss in Q2 2023. Adjusted EBITDA remained stable at $90 million with a 10.3% margin. Despite challenges, management reaffirmed its full-year outlook, expecting low single-digit growth in revenues and Adjusted EBITDA. The company has substantially completed its non-core asset divestitures, generating approximately $280 million in proceeds for debt reduction. Advantage Solutions continues to focus on its strategic transformation, investing in technology and third-party collaborations to enhance core capabilities.

Advantage Solutions Inc. (NASDAQ: ADV) ha riportato i risultati finanziari del secondo trimestre 2024, mostrando un declino del fatturato del 9% a 873 milioni di dollari, ma un aumento dell'1% escludendo l'impatto della deconsolidazione della joint venture europea. L'azienda ha segnalato una perdita netta di 113 milioni di dollari, rispetto a una perdita di 13 milioni nel secondo trimestre 2023. L'EBITDA rettificato è rimasto stabile a 90 milioni di dollari con un margine del 10,3%. Nonostante le sfide, la direzione ha ribadito le previsioni per l'intero anno, prevedendo una crescita a bassa cifra singola sia per i ricavi che per l'EBITDA rettificato. L'azienda ha completato sostanzialmente le dismissioni degli attivi non core, generando circa 280 milioni di dollari in proventi per la riduzione del debito. Advantage Solutions continua a concentrarsi sulla sua trasformazione strategica, investendo in tecnologia e collaborazioni con terze parti per migliorare le capacità principali.

Advantage Solutions Inc. (NASDAQ: ADV) informó sus resultados financieros del segundo trimestre de 2024, mostrando un declive de ingresos del 9% a 873 millones de dólares, pero un aumento del 1% al excluir el impacto de la deconsolidación de la empresa conjunta europea. La compañía reportó una pérdida neta de 113 millones de dólares, en comparación con una pérdida de 13 millones en el segundo trimestre de 2023. El EBITDA ajustado se mantuvo estable en 90 millones de dólares con un margen del 10.3%. A pesar de los desafíos, la dirección reafirmó sus expectativas para todo el año, esperando un crecimiento de un solo dígito bajo en ingresos y EBITDA ajustado. La empresa ha completado sustancialmente la desinversión de activos no esenciales, generando aproximadamente 280 millones de dólares en ingresos para la reducción de deuda. Advantage Solutions sigue centrada en su transformación estratégica, invirtiendo en tecnología y colaboraciones con terceros para mejorar sus capacidades centrales.

Advantage Solutions Inc. (NASDAQ: ADV)는 2024년 2분기 재무 결과를 발표하며 매출이 9% 감소하여 8억 7300만 달러에 달했다고 보고했으나, 유럽 합작 투자 탈퇴의 영향을 제외하면 1% 증가했다고 밝혔습니다. 회사는 1억 1300만 달러의 순손실을 기록했으며, 이는 2023년 2분기의 1300만 달러 손실에 비해 증가한 수치입니다. 조정된 EBITDA는 9000만 달러로 안정적으로 유지되었으며, 마진은 10.3%에 달합니다. 어려움에도 불구하고 경영진은 연간 전망을 재확인하며 매출과 조정된 EBITDA에서 낮은 한 자릿수 성장을 예상하고 있습니다. 이 회사는 비핵심 자산 매각을 거의 완료하고, 이를 통해 약 2억 8000만 달러의 수익을 부채 감소에 사용했습니다. Advantage Solutions는 여전히 전략적 전환에 집중하고 있으며, 핵심 역량 강화를 위해 기술 및 제3자와의 협업에 투자하고 있습니다.

Advantage Solutions Inc. (NASDAQ: ADV) a annoncé ses résultats financiers pour le deuxième trimestre 2024, montrant une baisse de 9% des revenus à 873 millions de dollars, mais une augmentation de 1% en excluant l'impact de la déconsignation de la coentreprise européenne. L'entreprise a déclaré une perte nette de 113 millions de dollars, contre une perte de 13 millions au deuxième trimestre 2023. L'EBITDA ajusté est resté stable à 90 millions de dollars avec une marge de 10,3%. Malgré les défis, la direction a réaffirmé ses prévisions pour l'année entière, s'attendant à une croissance à un chiffre bas tant pour les revenus que pour l'EBITDA ajusté. L'entreprise a achevé la vente de ses actifs non essentiels, générant environ 280 millions de dollars de recettes pour réduire ses dettes. Advantage Solutions continue de se concentrer sur sa transformation stratégique, investissant dans la technologie et les collaborations avec des tiers pour améliorer ses capacités principales.

Advantage Solutions Inc. (NASDAQ: ADV) hat seine Finanzzahlen für das zweite Quartal 2024 veröffentlicht und einen Umsatzrückgang von 9% auf 873 Millionen US-Dollar gemeldet, jedoch einen Anstieg von 1%, wenn man die Auswirkungen der Dezentralisierung des europäischen Joint Ventures ausschließt. Das Unternehmen verzeichnete einen Nettoverlust von 113 Millionen US-Dollar, verglichen mit einem Verlust von 13 Millionen US-Dollar im zweiten Quartal 2023. Das bereinigte EBITDA blieb stabil bei 90 Millionen US-Dollar mit einer Marge von 10,3%. Trotz der Herausforderungen bestätigte das Management seine Jahresprognose und erwartet ein niedriges einstelliges Wachstum bei den Umsätzen und dem bereinigten EBITDA. Das Unternehmen hat die Veräußerrung von nicht zum Kerngeschäft gehörenden Vermögenswerten weitgehend abgeschlossen und somit rund 280 Millionen US-Dollar zur Schuldentilgung erzielt. Advantage Solutions fokussiert sich weiterhin auf seine strategische Transformation und investiert in Technologie sowie Kooperationen mit Dritten zur Verbesserung der Kernfähigkeiten.

Positive
  • Reaffirmed full-year guidance for low single-digit growth in revenues and Adjusted EBITDA
  • Generated ~$280 million from non-core asset divestitures for debt reduction
  • Adjusted EBITDA remained stable at $90 million with a 10.3% margin
  • Experiential Services revenue grew 12% year-over-year
  • Adjusted Unlevered Free Cash Flow was $129 million, 132% of Adjusted EBITDA
Negative
  • Revenue declined 9% to $873 million
  • Reported net loss of $113 million, compared to $13 million loss in Q2 2023
  • Non-cash goodwill impairment of $100 million related to Jun Group divestiture
  • Branded Services revenue declined due to planned client exits and soft market conditions
  • High wage inflation not fully covered by price realization

Insights

Advantage Solutions' Q2 2024 results show a mixed performance. While revenues declined 9% to $873 million, they increased by 1% when excluding the impact of European joint venture deconsolidation. The company reported a net loss of $113 million, largely due to a $100 million non-cash goodwill impairment.

Positively, Adjusted EBITDA remained stable at $90 million, with a 10.3% margin. The company's focus on debt reduction and share repurchases demonstrates a commitment to shareholder value. The completion of non-core asset divestitures, generating ~$280 million in proceeds, provides flexibility for debt reduction.

The reaffirmed full-year guidance of low single-digit growth in revenues and Adjusted EBITDA, along with improved cash flow conversion expectations, suggests cautious optimism. However, investors should monitor the impact of ongoing transformation costs and market challenges on profitability.

Advantage Solutions' Q2 results reflect broader market dynamics affecting consumer goods and retail. The company's Branded Services segment faced headwinds from soft market conditions in brokerage and omni-commerce marketing services, indicating potential challenges for consumer product companies.

Conversely, the 12% growth in Experiential Services, driven by increased events and price realization, suggests a recovery in consumer engagement activities. The stable performance in Retailer Services, despite softer conditions in traditional grocery, highlights the importance of diversified offerings.

The company's strategic focus on enhancing core capabilities through technology investments and third-party collaborations aligns with evolving market trends. However, the impact of high wage inflation and planned client exits underscores the competitive pressures in the industry. Investors should consider these market dynamics when assessing the company's long-term growth prospects.

Advantage Solutions' Q2 results highlight its ongoing strategic transformation. The substantial completion of non-core asset divestitures marks a important milestone in simplifying the business model. This streamlining, coupled with the focus on debt reduction, positions the company for potentially improved financial flexibility.

The revised IT transformation plan, with reduced capital expenditure projections, demonstrates adaptability in execution. The expected $140-150 million three-year spend, down from $160-170 million, suggests potential for improved return on investment.

Management's commitment to enhancing core capabilities through technology investments and collaborations aligns with evolving market needs. However, the ongoing transformation costs and reorganization efforts may pressure near-term profitability. Investors should weigh the long-term strategic benefits against short-term financial impacts, considering the company's ability to execute its transformation while maintaining operational performance.

Management expects 2024 revenues and Adjusted EBITDA to grow low single digits on a continuing operations basis.

Actions to simplify the business are substantially complete, marking an important milestone in the Company's strategic transformation.

Divestiture of non-core assets in 2024 generated proceeds of ~$280 million available to opportunistically reduce debt.

ST. LOUIS, Aug. 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Advantage Solutions Inc. (NASDAQ: ADV) (“Advantage,” “Advantage Solutions,” the “Company,” “we,” or “our”), a leading business solutions provider to consumer goods manufacturers and retailers, today reported financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024. Unless otherwise noted, results presented in this release are on a continuing operations basis. Revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2024 were $873 million, compared with $964 million a year ago. Net loss from continuing operations was $113 million, compared to a net loss of $13 million for the second quarter of 2023.

  • Revenues increased by 1% when excluding the impact of $101 million related to the deconsolidation of its European joint venture.
  • Adjusted EBITDA was $90 million, in line with the prior year, and margins were 10.3%.
  • Management remains focused on disciplined capital allocation with debt and share repurchases of $27 million and $9 million, respectively, in the second quarter.

“I want to thank our teammates for their hard work and focus in delivering improved underlying second quarter performance in a dynamic market environment,” said Advantage Solutions CEO Dave Peacock. “Importantly, we made meaningful progress on our strategic transformation by substantially completing the divestitures of non-core assets to simplify our business and pay down debt."

"As we look to the second half of the year, we remain committed to enhancing our core capabilities through investments in technology and third-party collaborations to offer clients unmatched interconnected service offerings. We are excited about our progress and pleased to reaffirm our full-year guidance to deliver growth during a year of significant investment.”

Second Quarter 2024 Highlights

Revenues

  Three Months Ended June 30,  Change 
(amounts in thousands) 2024  2023  $  % 
Branded Services $322,340  $447,265  $(124,925)  (27.9)%
Experiential Services  319,508   285,174   34,334   12.0%
Retailer Services  231,509   231,319   190   0.1%
Total revenues $873,357  $963,758  $(90,401)  (9.4)%
 

Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations

  Three Months Ended June 30,  Change 
(amounts in thousands) 2024  2023  $  % 
Branded Services $42,856  $51,787  $(8,931)  (17.2)%
Experiential Services  22,611   16,202   6,409   39.6%
Retailer Services  24,431   21,865   2,566   11.7%
Total Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations $89,898  $89,854  $44   0.0%
 

Revenues declined 9% to $873 million and increased by approximately 1% when excluding the impact of $101 million related to the deconsolidation of the European joint venture in 4Q'23. Pass-through costs were approximately $123 million and $120 million in 2Q’24 and 2Q’23, respectively.

Branded Services' revenue decline was due primarily to the deconsolidation. Pass-through costs in 2Q’24 and 2Q’23 were $38 million and $45 million, respectively. Excluding these items, revenues declined by approximately 6%. Revenues were adversely impacted by the planned client exits and continued soft market conditions affecting brokerage and omni-commerce marketing services for consumer product companies.

Revenue growth for Experiential Services was driven by increased events per day and price realization. Excluding pass-through costs of approximately $85 million and $75 million in 2Q’24 and 2Q’23, respectively, the year-over-year revenue growth was approximately 12%.

Retailer Services revenues were relatively unchanged year-over-year due to softer market conditions in the traditional grocery channel, which offset the benefits from the timing of the Easter Holiday, increased activities associated with agency-related services, and price realization.  

The operating loss of $91 million was due to a non-cash goodwill impairment of approximately $100 million related to the Jun Group divestiture and an increase in costs associated with transformation activities to enhance its service offerings and reorganize the Company, in particular Branded Services.

Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations was $90 million, which was in line with the prior year, and benefited from higher events per day in Experiential Services and more efficient deployment of labor and cost discipline in Retailer Services. These favorable results helped to offset the adverse effects of high wage inflation that were not fully covered by price realization, soft market conditions, investment to implement the Company's transformation strategy and planned client exits affecting Branded Services.

The reported net loss attributable to stockholders was $101 million compared to a net loss of $9 million in the prior year, largely driven by the non-cash impairment of goodwill.

First Half 2024 Highlights

Revenues

  Six Months Ended June 30,  Change 
(amounts in thousands) 2024  2023  $  % 
Branded Services $651,394  $875,962  $(224,568)  (25.6)%
Experiential Services  626,859   542,341   84,518   15.6%
Retailer Services  456,516   470,168   (13,652)  (2.9)%
Total revenues $1,734,769  $1,888,471  $(153,702)  (8.1)%
 

Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations

  Six Months Ended June 30,  Change 
(amounts in thousands) 2024  2023  $  % 
Branded Services $77,191  $103,588  $(26,397)  (25.5)%
Experiential Services  39,304   23,208   16,096   69.4%
Retailer Services  44,044   45,310   (1,266)  (2.8)%
Total Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations $160,539  $172,106  $(11,567)  (6.7)%
 

Revenues declined 8% to $1,735 million and increased by approximately 2%, excluding $194 million related to the deconsolidation. Pass-through costs were $255 million and $229 million in 1H’24 and 1H’23, respectively.

The operating loss was $121 million due to the non-cash goodwill impairment of approximately $100 million for the Jun Group divestiture and an increase in Company reorganization costs related to the strategic business transformation in both quarters.

Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations was $161 million, led by a better-than-expected performance by Experiential Services and Retailer Services. This helped to offset the adverse effects of high wage inflation that were not fully covered by price realization, soft market conditions, investments and planned client exits affecting Branded Services.

The reported net loss attributable to stockholders was $106 million compared to a net loss of $56 million in the prior year, which included the gain in discontinued operations related to the sale of businesses and non-cash impairment noted above.

Capital Structure and Balance Sheet Highlights

The Company closed the Jun Group sale to Verve Group SE on July 31, 2024, and received approximately $130 million in cash. Two additional installments are expected to be paid 12 and 18 months after closing, bringing the total gross proceeds to approximately $185 million. Management plans to use most of the approximately $280 million in divestiture proceeds generated in 2024 to pay down debt and reinvest in the business. The Company expects to reduce its net leverage ratio to less than 3.5 times over the long term.

In the second quarter, the Company voluntarily repurchased $27 million of its senior secured notes at attractive discounts. As of June 30, 2024, the net debt ratio was approximately 4.1x Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing and Discontinued Operations. Approximately 90% of the debt outstanding is hedged or at a fixed interest rate.

Under its stock repurchase program, the Company repurchased approximately 8 million of its outstanding shares from the start of the year through July 31, 2024. These purchases are consistent with Advantage’s capital allocation philosophy to maximize returns for equity holders, which includes deleveraging its balance sheet and investing behind core business offerings to fuel future growth.

Capital expenditures were approximately $15 million in the second quarter, primarily supporting investments to modernize, transform and further differentiate Advantage Solutions for future growth. Adjusted Unlevered Free Cash Flow was $129 million, or approximately 132% of Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing and Discontinued Operations.

Fiscal Year 2024 Outlook

With the divestitures substantially complete, management expects revenues and Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations to grow low single digits. Management conducted a periodic review of the IT transformation plan to improve operating efficiencies and potential benefits from divestitures and partnerships. As a result, the three-year IT transformation capital expenditures are now expected to be $140 million to $150 million, down from the initial range of $160 million to $170 million. For 2024, capital expenditures are expected to be in the range of $65 million to $80 million versus the original estimate of $90 million to $110 million. The strategic objectives remain the same, and the plan includes a tapering in capital expenditures in 2025 and a return to historical capital spending levels in 2026.

The efficient conversion of earnings into cash is a priority for the Company, and the expectation for 2024 is for Adjusted Unlevered Free Cash Flow conversion to be at the high end of the 55% to 65% range, based on Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing and Discontinued Operations. Because of the investments, changes to the organization to transform the business, and cash needs of the business, management expects minimal excess cash in 2024. However, cash proceeds from the divestitures provide sufficient liquidity to continue paying down debt. Additional guidance metrics can be found in the Company’s supplemental earnings presentation.

Conference Call Details

Advantage will host a conference call at 8:30 am EDT on August 7, 2024, to discuss its second quarter 2024 financial performance and business outlook. To participate, please dial 800-267-6316 within the United States or +1-203-518-9783 outside the United States approximately 10 minutes before the call's scheduled start. The conference call code is ADVQ2. The conference call will also be accessible live via audio broadcast on the Investor Relations section of the Advantage website at ir.advantagesolutions.net. 

A conference call replay will be available online on the investor section of the Advantage website. In addition, an audio replay of the call will be available for one week following the call. It can be accessed by dialing 844-512-2921 within the United States or +1-412-317-6671 outside the United States. The replay ID is 11156139.

About Advantage Solutions

Advantage Solutions is a leading provider of outsourced sales, experiential and marketing solutions uniquely positioned at the intersection of brands and retailers. Our data- and technology-driven services — which include headquarter sales, retail merchandising, in-store and online sampling, digital commerce, omni-channel marketing, retail media and others — help brands and retailers of all sizes get products into the hands of consumers, wherever they shop. As a trusted partner and problem solver, we help our clients sell more while spending less. Advantage has offices throughout North America and strategic investments in select markets throughout Africa, Asia, Australia, Latin America and Europe through which the Company serves the global needs of multinational, regional and local manufacturers. For more information, please visit advantagesolutions.net.

Included with this press release are the Company’s consolidated and condensed financial statements as of and for the three months ended June 30, 2024. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the information contained in the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on or about August 9, 2024.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including statements regarding the expected future performance of Advantage's business and projected financial results. Forward-looking statements generally relate to future events or Advantage’s future financial or operating performance. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “may”, “should”, “expect”, “intend”, “will”, “would”, “could”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “predict”, “confident”, “potential” or “continue”, or the negatives of these terms or variations of them or similar terminology. Such forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements.

These forward-looking statements are based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Advantage and its management at the time of such statements, are inherently uncertain. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to, market-driven wage changes or changes to labor laws or wage or job classification regulations, including minimum wage; the COVID-19 pandemic and other future potential pandemics or health epidemics; Advantage’s ability to continue to generate significant operating cash flow; client procurement strategies and consolidation of Advantage’s clients’ industries creating pressure on the nature and pricing of its services; consumer goods manufacturers and retailers reviewing and changing their sales, retail, marketing and technology programs and relationships; Advantage’s ability to successfully develop and maintain relevant omni-channel services for our clients in an evolving industry and to otherwise adapt to significant technological change; Advantage’s ability to maintain proper and effective internal control over financial reporting in the future; potential and actual harms to Advantage’s business arising from the Take 5 Matter; Advantage’s substantial indebtedness and our ability to refinance at favorable rates; and other risks and uncertainties set forth in the section titled “Risk Factors” in the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by the Company with the SEC on March 1, 2024, and in its other filings made from time to time with the SEC. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Advantage assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Related Information

This press release includes certain financial measures not presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), including Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations, Adjusted EBITDA from Discontinued Operations, Adjusted EBITDA by Segment, Adjusted Unlevered Free Cash Flow and Net Debt. These are not measures of financial performance calculated in accordance with GAAP and may exclude items that are significant in understanding and assessing Advantage’s financial results. Therefore, the measures are in addition to, and not a substitute for or superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP, and should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to net income, cash flows from operations or other measures of profitability, liquidity or performance under GAAP. You should be aware that Advantage’s presentation of these measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. Reconciliations of historical non-GAAP measures to their most directly comparable GAAP counterparts are included below.

Advantage believes these non-GAAP measures provide useful information to management and investors regarding certain financial and business trends relating to Advantage’s financial condition and results of operations. Advantage believes that the use of Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations, Adjusted EBITDA from Discontinued Operations, Adjusted EBITDA by Segment, Adjusted Unlevered Free Cash Flow, and Net Debt provides an additional tool for investors to use in evaluating ongoing operating results and trends and in comparing Advantage’s financial measures with other similar companies, many of which present similar non-GAAP financial measures to investors. Non-GAAP financial measures are subject to inherent limitations as they reflect the exercise of judgments by management about which expense and income are excluded or included in determining these non-GAAP financial measures. Additionally, other companies may calculate non-GAAP measures differently, or may use other measures to calculate their financial performance, and therefore Advantage’s non-GAAP measures may not be directly comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.

Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations and Adjusted EBITDA from Discontinued Operations means net (loss) income before (i) interest expense (net), (ii) provision for (benefit from) income taxes, (iii) depreciation, (iv) amortization of intangible assets, (v) impairment of goodwill, (vi) changes in fair value of warrant liability, (vii) stock-based compensation expense, (viii) equity-based compensation of Karman Topco L.P., (ix) fair value adjustments of contingent consideration related to acquisitions, (x) acquisition and divestiture related expenses, (xi) (gain) loss on divestitures, (xii) reorganization expenses, (xiii) litigation expenses (recovery), (xiv) costs associated with COVID-19, net of benefits received, (xv) costs associated with (recovery from) the Take 5 Matter, (xvi) EBITDA for economic interests in investments and (xvii) other adjustments that management believes are helpful in evaluating our operating performance.

Adjusted EBITDA by Segment means, with respect to each segment, operating income (loss) before (i) depreciation, (ii) amortization of intangible assets, (iii) loss (gain) on divestitures, (iv) equity-based compensation of Karman Topco L.P., (v) stock-based compensation expense, (vi) fair value adjustments of contingent consideration related to acquisitions, (vii) acquisition and divestiture related expenses, (viii) costs associated with COVID-19, net of benefits received, (ix) EBITDA for economic interests in investments, (x) reorganization expenses, (xi) litigation expenses (recovery), (xii) costs associated with (recovery from) the Take 5 Matter and (xiii) other adjustments that management believes are helpful in evaluating our operating performance, in each case, attributable to such segment.

Adjusted Unlevered Free Cash Flow represents net cash provided by (used in) operating activities from continuing and discontinued operations less purchase of property and equipment as disclosed in the Statements of Cash Flows further adjusted by (i) cash payments for interest; (ii) cash paid for income taxes; (iii) cash received from interest rate derivatives (iv) cash paid for acquisition and divestiture related expenses; (v) cash paid for contingent earnout payments included in operating cash flow (vi) cash paid for reorganization expenses; (vii) cash paid for costs associated with COVID-19, net of benefits received; (viii) net effect of foreign currency fluctuations on cash; (ix) cash paid for costs associated with the Take 5 Matter; and (x) other adjustments that management believes are helpful in evaluating our operating performance. Adjusted Unlevered Free Cash Flow as a percentage of Adjusted EBITDA means Adjusted Unlevered Free Cash Flow divided by Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations and Adjusted EBITDA from Discontinued Operations.

Net Debt represents the sum of the current portion of long-term debt and long-term debt, less cash and cash equivalents and debt issuance costs. With respect to Net Debt, cash and cash equivalents are subtracted from the GAAP measure, total debt, because they could be used to reduce the debt obligations. We present Net Debt because we believe this non-GAAP measure provides useful information to management and investors regarding certain financial and business trends relating to the Company’s financial condition and to evaluate changes to the Company's capital structure and credit quality assessment.

Due to rounding, numbers presented throughout this document may not add up precisely to the totals provided and percentages may not precisely reflect the absolute figures.

This press release also includes certain estimates and projections of Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations, including with respect to expected fiscal 2024 results. Due to the high variability and difficulty in making accurate estimates and projections of some of the information excluded from Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations, together with some of the excluded information not being ascertainable or accessible, Advantage is unable to quantify certain amounts that would be required to be included in the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures without unreasonable effort. Consequently, no disclosure of estimated or projected comparable GAAP measures is included and no reconciliation of such forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures is included.  


Advantage Solutions Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income
(Unaudited)
 
  
  Three Months Ended June 30,  Six Months Ended June 30, 
(in thousands, except share and per share data) 2024  2023  2024  2023 
             
Revenues $873,357  $963,758  $1,734,769  $1,888,471 
Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)  751,337   847,549   1,503,181   1,660,295 
Selling, general, and administrative expenses  62,858   48,481   151,939   103,881 
Impairment of goodwill  99,670      99,670    
Depreciation and amortization  51,317   52,477   101,065   105,021 
(Income) loss from unconsolidated investments  (566)     123    
Total operating expenses  964,616   948,507   1,855,978   1,869,197 
Operating (loss) income from continuing operations  (91,259)  15,251   (121,209)  19,274 
Other (income) expenses:            
Change in fair value of warrant liability  (686)  73   (399)   
Interest expense, net  39,754   30,446   75,515   77,608 
Total other expenses  39,068   30,519   75,116   77,608 
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes  (130,327)  (15,268)  (196,325)  (58,334)
Benefit from income taxes for continuing operations  (17,311)  (2,244)  (33,176)  (9,416)
Net loss from continuing operations  (113,016)  (13,024)  (163,149)  (48,918)
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax  12,181   5,178   59,199   (6,606)
Net loss  (100,835)  (7,846)  (103,950)  (55,524)
Less: net income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interest     909      909 
Less: net income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interest     7   2,192   (84)
Net loss attributable to stockholders of Advantage Solutions Inc. $(100,835) $(8,762) $(106,142) $(56,349)
             
Net loss per common share:            
Basic loss per common share from continuing operations $(0.35) $(0.04) $(0.51) $(0.15)
Basic earnings (loss) per common share from discontinued operations $0.04  $0.02  $0.18  $(0.02)
Basic loss per common share attributable to stockholders of Advantage Solutions Inc. $(0.31) $(0.03) $(0.33) $(0.17)
             
Diluted net loss per share:            
Diluted loss per common share from continuing operations $(0.35) $(0.04) $(0.51) $(0.15)
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share from discontinued operations $0.04  $0.02  $0.18  $(0.02)
Diluted loss per common share attributable to stockholders of Advantage Solutions Inc. $(0.31) $(0.03) $(0.33) $(0.17)
             
Weighted-average number of common shares:            
Basic  322,791,242   324,178,691   322,124,698   322,665,312 
Diluted  322,791,242   324,178,691   322,124,698   322,665,312 
             
Comprehensive (Loss) Income:            
Net loss attributable to stockholders of Advantage Solutions Inc. $(100,835) $(8,762) $(106,142) $(56,349)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:            
Foreign currency translation adjustments  (2,340)  3,722   (5,057)  5,246 
Total comprehensive loss attributable to stockholders of Advantage Solutions Inc. $(103,175) $(5,040) $(111,199) $(51,103)
             


Advantage Solutions Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheet
(Unaudited)
 
  
  June 30,  December 31, 
(in thousands, except share data) 2024  2023 
ASSETS      
Current assets      
Cash and cash equivalents $153,988  $120,839 
Restricted cash  15,382   16,363 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for expected credit losses from continuing operations of $16,054 and $29,294 respectively  647,397   659,499 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets  106,957   115,921 
Current assets of discontinued operations  152,892   99,412 
Total current assets  1,076,616   1,012,034 
Property and equipment, net  86,862   64,708 
Goodwill  610,521   710,191 
Other intangible assets, net  1,463,303   1,551,828 
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates  220,088   210,829 
Other assets  40,021   43,543 
Other assets of discontinued operations     186,190 
Total assets $3,497,411  $3,779,323 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY      
Current liabilities      
Current portion of long-term debt $13,275  $13,274 
Accounts payable  204,903   172,894 
Accrued compensation and benefits  138,890   161,447 
Other accrued expenses  118,895   144,415 
Deferred revenues  28,852   26,598 
Current liabilities of discontinued operations  4,136   22,669 
Total current liabilities  508,951   541,297 
Long-term debt, net of current portion  1,769,196   1,848,118 
Deferred income tax liabilities  174,179   204,136 
Other long-term liabilities  71,351   74,555 
Other liabilities of discontinued operations     7,140 
Total liabilities  2,523,677   2,675,246 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)      
Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 3,290,000,000 shares authorized; 323,020,596 and 322,235,261 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively  32   32 
Additional paid in capital  3,452,358   3,449,261 
Accumulated deficit  (2,420,792)  (2,314,650)
Loans to Karman Topco L.P.  (6,707)  (6,387)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (11,433)  (3,945)
Treasury stock, at cost; 8,875,170 and 3,600,075 shares as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively  (39,724)  (18,949)
Total equity attributable to stockholders of Advantage Solutions Inc.  973,734   1,105,362 
Noncontrolling interest     (1,285)
Total stockholders’ equity  973,734   1,104,077 
Total liabilities, noncontrolling interest, and stockholders’ equity $3,497,411  $3,779,323 
  


Advantage Solutions Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
 
  
  Six Months Ended June 30, 
(in thousands) 2024  2023 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES      
Net loss $(103,950) $(55,524)
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax  59,199   (6,606)
Net loss from continuing operations  (163,149)  (48,918)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities      
Noncash interest income  (5,427)  (9,500)
Deferred financing fees related to repricing of long-term debt  1,079    
Amortization of deferred financing fees  3,470   4,238 
Impairment of goodwill  99,670    
Depreciation and amortization  101,065   105,021 
Change in fair value of warrant liability  (399)   
Fair value adjustments related to contingent consideration  1,678   8,969 
Deferred income taxes  (29,546)  (33,403)
Equity-based compensation of Karman Topco L.P.  (480)  (3,487)
Stock-based compensation  16,082   20,417 
Loss from unconsolidated investments  (123)  (3,002)
Distribution received from unconsolidated affiliates  3,289   1,611 
Gain on repurchases of Senior Secured Notes and Term Loan Facility debt  (5,103)  (4,969)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from divestitures:      
Accounts receivable, net  9,268   32,854 
Prepaid expenses and other assets  26,233   63,109 
Accounts payable  32,834   (35,944)
Accrued compensation and benefits  (21,602)  2,435 
Deferred revenues  2,449   12,501 
Other accrued expenses and other liabilities  (27,233)  (11,523)
Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations  44,055   100,409 
Net cash provided by operating activities from discontinued operations  6,368   4,581 
Net cash provided by operating activities  50,423   104,990 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES      
Purchase of investment in unconsolidated affiliates  (10,932)   
Purchase of property and equipment  (25,029)  (14,046)
Proceeds from divestitures, net of cash from divestitures  146,828   12,763 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities from continuing operations  110,867   (1,283)
Net cash used in investing activities from discontinued operations  (7,332)  (4,506)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities  103,535   (5,789)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES      
Borrowings under lines of credit     72,735 
Payments on lines of credit     (71,278)
Principal payments on long-term debt  (6,637)  (6,741)
Repurchases of Senior Secured Notes and Term Loan Facility debt  (71,749)  (49,427)
Debt issuance costs  (971)   
Proceeds from issuance of common stock  1,167   1,193 
Payments for taxes related to net share settlement under 2020 Incentive Award Plan  (11,113)  (1,277)
Contingent consideration payments  (4,455)  (1,867)
Holdback payments     (656)
Redemption of noncontrolling interest     (154)
Purchase of treasury stock  (20,775)   
Net cash used in financing activities from continuing operations  (114,533)  (57,472)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities from discontinued operations  (4,243)  397 
Net cash used in financing activities  (118,776)  (57,075)
Net effect of foreign currency changes on cash from continuing operations  (2,579)  1,843 
Net effect of foreign currency changes on cash from discontinued operations  (435)  (349)
Net effect of foreign currency changes on cash  (3,014)  1,494 
Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash  32,168   43,620 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period  137,202   138,532 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period  169,370   182,152 
Less: Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash of discontinued operations     2,824 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period $169,370  $179,328 
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION      
(Gain) loss on divestitures from discontinued operations $(70,195) $17,655 
Purchase of property and equipment recorded in accounts payable and accrued expenses $10,660  $1,507 
         


Advantage Solutions Inc.
Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted EBITDA
(Unaudited)
 
  
Continuing OperationsThree Months Ended June 30,  Six Months Ended June 30, 
(in thousands)2024  2023  2024  2023 
Net loss from continuing operations$(113,016) $(13,024) $(163,149) $(48,918)
Add:           
Interest expense, net 39,754   30,446   75,515   77,608 
Benefit from income taxes (17,311)  (2,244)  (33,176)  (9,416)
Depreciation and amortization 51,317   52,477   101,065   105,021 
Impairment of goodwill 99,670      99,670    
Change in fair value of warrant liability (686)  73   (399)   
Stock-based compensation expense(h) 7,528   10,012   16,082   20,417 
Equity-based compensation of Karman Topco L.P.(a) (872)  (1,218)  (480)  (3,487)
Fair value adjustments related to contingent consideration related to acquisitions(b) 900   4,648   1,678   8,969 
Acquisition and divestiture related expenses(c) (1,774)  395   (1,334)  2,732 
Reorganization expenses(d) 20,291   5,794   55,343   16,932 
Litigation (recovery) expenses(e) (993)  4,350   (709)  4,350 
Costs associated with COVID-19, net of benefits received(f)    2,317      3,334 
Costs associated with the Take 5 Matter, net of (recoveries)(g) 456   (1,576)  696   (1,496)
EBITDA for economic interests in investments(i) 4,634   (2,596)  9,737   (3,940)
Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations$89,898  $89,854  $160,539  $172,106 


Discontinued OperationsThree Months Ended June 30,  Six Months Ended June 30, 
(in thousands)2024  2023  2024  2023 
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations$12,181  $5,178  $59,199  $(6,606)
Add:           
Interest expense, net 16   14   48   43 
Benefit from income taxes (2,377)  1,828   11,860   1,304 
Depreciation and amortization 1,883   4,261   4,491   8,821 
Fair value adjustments related to contingent consideration related to acquisitions(b) 1,972   420   1,883   391 
Acquisition and divestiture related expenses(c) 2,224   103   3,103   198 
(Gain) loss on divestitures (13,179)  1,158   (70,195)  17,655 
Reorganization expenses(d) 5,211   43   7,285   53 
Stock-based compensation expense(h) 102   1,214   (1,232)  2,019 
EBITDA for economic interests in investments(i) (95)  139   (385)  298 
Adjusted EBITDA from Discontinued Operations$7,938  $14,358  $16,057  $24,176 


Branded Services SegmentThree Months Ended June 30,  Six Months Ended June 30, 
(in thousands)2024  2023  2024  2023 
Operating (loss) income from continuing operations$(107,280) $8,920  $(129,398) $12,206 
Add:           
Depreciation and amortization 32,327   35,609   64,314   71,181 
Impairment of goodwill 99,670      99,670    
Stock-based compensation expense(h) 2,797   4,318   6,723   7,620 
Equity-based compensation of Karman Topco L.P(a) 24   (463)  522   (1,484)
Fair value adjustments related to contingent consideration related to acquisitions(b) 900   4,632   1,678   8,953 
Acquisition and divestiture related expenses(c) 30   258   104   1,325 
Reorganization expenses(d) 9,248   3,015   22,904   9,550 
Litigation (recovery) expenses(e) 50      241    
Costs associated with COVID-19, net of benefits received(f)    (361)     (332)
Costs associated with the Take 5 Matter, net of (recoveries)(g) 456   (1,576)  696   (1,496)
EBITDA for economic interests in investments (i) 4,634   (2,565)  9,737   (3,935)
Branded Services Segment Adjusted EBITDA$42,856  $51,787  $77,191  $103,588 


Experiential Services SegmentThree Months Ended June 30,  Six Months Ended June 30, 
(in thousands)2024  2023  2024  2023 
Operating income from continuing operations$6,453  $4,805  $2,811  $479 
Add:           
Depreciation and amortization 11,015   9,002   20,935   18,065 
Stock-based compensation expense(h) 2,170   (646)  4,098   (1,082)
Equity-based compensation of Karman Topco L.P(a) (458)  (358)  (502)  (905)
Fair value adjustments related to contingent consideration related to acquisitions(b)    7      7 
Acquisition and divestiture related expenses(c) (101)  48   5   422 
Reorganization expenses(d) 3,472   1,304   11,724   3,270 
Litigation (recovery) expenses(e) 60      233    
Costs associated with COVID-19, net of benefits received(f)    2,040      2,952 
Experiential Services Segment Adjusted EBITDA$22,611  $16,202  $39,304  $23,208 


Retailer Services SegmentThree Months Ended June 30,  Six Months Ended June 30, 
(in thousands)2024  2023  2024  2023 
Operating income from continuing operations$9,568  $1,526  $5,378  $6,589 
Add:           
Depreciation and amortization 7,975   7,866   15,816   15,775 
Stock-based compensation expense(h) 2,561   6,340   5,261   13,879 
Equity-based compensation of Karman Topco L.P(a) (438)  (397)  (500)  (1,098)
Fair value adjustments related to contingent consideration related to acquisitions(b)    9      9 
Acquisition and divestiture related expenses(c) (1,703)  89   (1,443)  985 
Reorganization expenses(d) 7,571   1,475   20,715   4,112 
Litigation (recovery) expenses(e) (1,103)  4,350   (1,183)  4,350 
Costs associated with COVID-19, net of benefits received(f)    638      714 
EBITDA for economic interests in investments(i)    (31)     (5)
Retailer Services Segment Adjusted EBITDA$24,431  $21,865  $44,044  $45,310 
  


Advantage Solutions Inc.
Adjusted Unlevered Free Cash Flow Reconciliation
(Unaudited)
  
(in thousands) Three Months
Ended June 30,
2024
 
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities $58,257 
Less:   
Purchase of property and equipment  (15,196)
Cash received from interest rate derivatives  (7,959)
Add:   
Cash payments for interest  55,764 
Cash payments for income taxes  6,430 
Cash paid for acquisition and divestiture related expenses(j)  1,939 
Cash paid for reorganization expenses(k)  22,093 
Cash paid for contingent consideration included in operating activities(l)  7,327 
Cash paid (received) for costs associated with (recovery from) the Take 5 Matter (n)  696 
Net effect of foreign currency fluctuations on cash  (568)
Adjusted Unlevered Free Cash Flow $128,783 
    
  Three Months
Ended June 30,
2024
 
(amounts in thousands)   
Numerator - Adjusted Unlevered Free Cash Flow $128,783 
Denominator - Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing and Discontinued Operations $97,836 
Adjusted Unlevered Free Cash Flow as a percentage of Adjusted EBITDA  131.6%
  


Advantage Solutions Inc.
Reconciliation of Total Debt to Net Debt
(Unaudited)
 
  
(amounts in thousands) June 30, 2024 
Current portion of long-term debt $13,275 
Long-term debt, net of current portion  1,769,196 
Less: Debt issuance costs  25,573 
Total Debt $1,808,044 
Less: Cash and cash equivalents  (153,988)
Total Net Debt $1,654,056 
    
LTM Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing and Discontinued Operations $404,661 
Net Debt / LTM Adjusted EBITDA ratio 4.1x 

_______________________

(a)Represents non-cash compensation expense related to performance stock units, restricted stock units, and stock options under the 2020 Advantage Solutions Incentive Award Plan and the Advantage Solutions 2020 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
(b)Represents expenses related to (i) equity-based compensation expense associated with grants of Common Series D Units of Topco made to one of the Advantage Sponsors, and (ii) equity-based compensation expense associated with the Common Series C Units of Topco.
(c)Represents adjustments to the estimated fair value of our contingent consideration liabilities related to our acquisitions, for the applicable periods.
(d)Represents fees and costs associated with activities related to our acquisitions, divestitures, and related reorganization activities, including professional fees, due diligence, and integration activities.
(e)Represents fees and costs associated with various internal reorganization activities, including professional fees, lease exit costs, severance, and nonrecurring compensation costs.
(f)Represents legal settlements, reserves, and expenses that are unusual or infrequent costs associated with our operating activities.
(g)Represents (i) costs related to implementation of strategies for workplace safety in response to COVID-19, including employee-relief fund, additional sick pay for front-line associates, medical benefit payments for furloughed associates, and personal protective equipment; and (ii) benefits received from government grants for COVID-19 relief.
(h)Represents cash receipts from an insurance policy for claims related to the Take 5 Matter and costs associated with investigation and remediation activities related to the Take 5 Matter, primarily, professional fees and other related costs.
(i)Represents additions to reflect our proportional share of Adjusted EBITDA related to our equity method investments and reductions to remove the Adjusted EBITDA related to the minority ownership percentage of the entities that we fully consolidate in our financial statements.
(j)Represents cash paid for fees and costs associated with activities related to our acquisitions, divestitures and reorganization activities including professional fees, due diligence, and integration activities.
(k)Represents cash paid for fees and costs associated with various reorganization activities, including professional fees, lease exit costs, severance, and nonrecurring compensation costs.
(l)Represents cash paid included in operating cash flow for our contingent consideration liabilities related to our acquisitions.
(m)Represents cash paid or (cash received) for (a) costs related to implementation of strategies for workplace safety in response to COVID-19, including additional sick pay for front-line associates and personal protective equipment; and (b) benefits received from government grants for COVID-19 relief.
(n)Represents cash paid for costs associated with the Take 5 Matter, primarily, professional fees and other related costs.
  

Investor Contacts:  

Ruben Mella
ruben.mella@advantagesolutions.net

Media Contacts:  
Peter Frost
peter.frost@advantagesolutions.net


FAQ

What were Advantage Solutions' (ADV) Q2 2024 revenue and net loss?

Advantage Solutions reported Q2 2024 revenue of $873 million, down 9% year-over-year, and a net loss of $113 million from continuing operations.

How much did Advantage Solutions (ADV) generate from non-core asset divestitures in 2024?

Advantage Solutions generated approximately $280 million in proceeds from non-core asset divestitures in 2024, which will be used primarily to reduce debt.

What is Advantage Solutions' (ADV) outlook for fiscal year 2024?

Management reaffirmed its full-year outlook, expecting low single-digit growth in revenues and Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations for fiscal year 2024.

How did Advantage Solutions' (ADV) Experiential Services segment perform in Q2 2024?

Advantage Solutions' Experiential Services segment showed strong performance, with revenue growth of 12% year-over-year, driven by increased events per day and price realization.

What was Advantage Solutions' (ADV) Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 2024?

Advantage Solutions reported Adjusted EBITDA from Continuing Operations of $90 million for Q2 2024, which was in line with the prior year, with margins at 10.3%.

Advantage Solutions Inc.

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