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Quad Reports Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2024 Results

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Quad (NYSE: QUAD) reported its Q4 and full-year 2024 results, showing a decrease in net sales to $2.7 billion from $3.0 billion in 2023. The company reported a net loss of $51 million ($1.07 per share) in 2024, slightly improved from a $55 million loss in 2023. Adjusted EBITDA reached $224 million with an improved margin of 8.4%.

Notable achievements include reducing net debt to $350 million, achieving a leverage ratio of 1.6x, and generating $56 million in free cash flow plus $71 million from asset sales. The company increased its quarterly dividend by 50% to $0.075 per share and expects to complete the sale of its European operations in early 2025.

For 2025, Quad projects an organic net sales decline of 2-6%, Adjusted EBITDA between $180-220 million, and free cash flow of $40-60 million, while targeting a debt leverage ratio of approximately 1.5x.

Quad (NYSE: QUAD) ha riportato i risultati del quarto trimestre e dell'intero anno 2024, mostrando una diminuzione delle vendite nette a 2,7 miliardi di dollari rispetto ai 3,0 miliardi del 2023. L'azienda ha registrato una perdita netta di 51 milioni di dollari (1,07 dollari per azione) nel 2024, leggermente migliorata rispetto a una perdita di 55 milioni nel 2023. EBITDA rettificato ha raggiunto i 224 milioni di dollari con un margine migliorato dell'8,4%.

Tra i risultati notevoli c'è la riduzione del debito netto a 350 milioni di dollari, il raggiungimento di un rapporto di indebitamento di 1,6x e la generazione di 56 milioni di dollari di flusso di cassa libero più 71 milioni da vendite di attivi. L'azienda ha aumentato il suo dividendo trimestrale del 50% a 0,075 dollari per azione e prevede di completare la vendita delle sue operazioni europee all'inizio del 2025.

Per il 2025, Quad prevede un calo delle vendite nette organiche del 2-6%, un EBITDA rettificato tra 180-220 milioni di dollari e un flusso di cassa libero di 40-60 milioni di dollari, puntando a un rapporto di indebitamento di circa 1,5x.

Quad (NYSE: QUAD) informó sobre sus resultados del cuarto trimestre y del año completo 2024, mostrando una disminución en las ventas netas a 2.7 mil millones de dólares desde 3.0 mil millones en 2023. La compañía reportó una pérdida neta de 51 millones de dólares (1.07 dólares por acción) en 2024, ligeramente mejor que una pérdida de 55 millones en 2023. EBITDA ajustado alcanzó los 224 millones de dólares con un margen mejorado del 8.4%.

Logros notables incluyen la reducción de la deuda neta a 350 millones de dólares, alcanzando una relación de apalancamiento de 1.6x, y generando 56 millones de dólares en flujo de caja libre más 71 millones de dólares por ventas de activos. La compañía aumentó su dividendo trimestral en un 50% a 0.075 dólares por acción y espera completar la venta de sus operaciones en Europa a principios de 2025.

Para 2025, Quad proyecta una disminución orgánica de ventas netas del 2-6%, EBITDA ajustado entre 180-220 millones de dólares y flujo de caja libre de 40-60 millones de dólares, mientras apunta a una relación de apalancamiento de aproximadamente 1.5x.

Quad (NYSE: QUAD)는 2024년 4분기 및 연간 실적을 보고하며 2023년 30억 달러에서 27억 달러로 순매출이 감소했다고 발표했습니다. 회사는 2024년에 5,100만 달러(주당 1.07달러)의 순손실을 기록했으며, 이는 2023년 5,500만 달러 손실에서 약간 개선된 수치입니다. 조정된 EBITDA는 2억 2,400만 달러에 도달했으며, 개선된 마진은 8.4%입니다.

주목할 만한 성과로는 순부채를 3억 5천만 달러로 줄이고, 레버리지 비율을 1.6배로 달성하며, 자산 매각을 통해 5,600만 달러의 자유 현금 흐름을 생성한 것이 포함됩니다. 회사는 분기 배당금을 50% 인상하여 주당 0.075달러로 늘렸으며, 2025년 초에 유럽 사업 매각을 완료할 것으로 예상하고 있습니다.

2025년을 위해 Quad는 유기적 순매출 감소를 2-6%로 예상하며, 조정된 EBITDA는 1억 8천만 달러에서 2억 2천만 달러 사이, 자유 현금 흐름은 4천만 달러에서 6천만 달러 사이를 예상하며, 약 1.5배의 부채 레버리지 비율을 목표로 하고 있습니다.

Quad (NYSE: QUAD) a annoncé ses résultats du quatrième trimestre et de l'année complète 2024, montrant une diminution des ventes nettes à 2,7 milliards de dollars contre 3,0 milliards en 2023. L'entreprise a enregistré une perte nette de 51 millions de dollars (1,07 dollar par action) en 2024, légèrement améliorée par rapport à une perte de 55 millions en 2023. EBITDA ajusté a atteint 224 millions de dollars avec une marge améliorée de 8,4%.

Parmi les réalisations notables, on peut citer la réduction de la dette nette à 350 millions de dollars, atteignant un ratio d'endettement de 1,6x, et la génération de 56 millions de dollars de flux de trésorerie libre plus 71 millions de dollars provenant de la vente d'actifs. L'entreprise a augmenté son dividende trimestriel de 50% à 0,075 dollar par action et s'attend à finaliser la vente de ses opérations européennes début 2025.

Pour 2025, Quad prévoit une baisse organique des ventes nettes de 2-6%, un EBITDA ajusté entre 180-220 millions de dollars et un flux de trésorerie libre de 40-60 millions de dollars, tout en visant un ratio d'endettement d'environ 1,5x.

Quad (NYSE: QUAD) hat seine Ergebnisse für das vierte Quartal und das Gesamtjahr 2024 veröffentlicht und einen Rückgang des Nettoumsatzes auf 2,7 Milliarden Dollar im Vergleich zu 3,0 Milliarden Dollar im Jahr 2023 festgestellt. Das Unternehmen berichtete von einem Nettoverlust von 51 Millionen Dollar (1,07 Dollar pro Aktie) im Jahr 2024, was eine leichte Verbesserung gegenüber einem Verlust von 55 Millionen Dollar im Jahr 2023 darstellt. Bereinigtes EBITDA erreichte 224 Millionen Dollar mit einer verbesserten Marge von 8,4%.

Zu den bemerkenswerten Erfolgen gehört die Reduzierung der Nettoverschuldung auf 350 Millionen Dollar, eine Verschuldungsquote von 1,6x sowie die Generierung von 56 Millionen Dollar an freiem Cashflow und 71 Millionen Dollar aus Vermögensverkäufen. Das Unternehmen hat seine vierteljährliche Dividende um 50% auf 0,075 Dollar pro Aktie erhöht und erwartet, den Verkauf seiner europäischen Aktivitäten Anfang 2025 abzuschließen.

Für 2025 prognostiziert Quad einen organischen Rückgang des Nettoumsatzes von 2-6%, ein bereinigtes EBITDA zwischen 180-220 Millionen Dollar und einen freien Cashflow von 40-60 Millionen Dollar, während es ein Verschuldungsverhältnis von etwa 1,5x anstrebt.

Positive
  • Reduced net debt by $684 million (66%) over five years to $350 million
  • Improved Adjusted EBITDA margin by 48 basis points to 8.4%
  • Generated $56 million in free cash flow and $71 million from asset sales
  • Increased quarterly dividend by 50% to $0.075 per share
  • Improved Adjusted Diluted EPS to $0.85 from $0.52 in 2023
Negative
  • Net sales declined 9.7% to $2.7 billion in 2024
  • Reported net loss of $51 million in 2024
  • Q4 net sales decreased 10.1% year-over-year
  • Lost a large grocery client
  • Projects 2-6% organic net sales decline for 2025
  • Lower projected 2025 Adjusted EBITDA range ($180-220M) compared to 2024 ($224M)

Insights

Quad's financial results demonstrate a strategic transformation in progress, marked by both challenges and improvements. The 9.7% revenue decline to $2.7 billion reflects the company's deliberate pivot from traditional print services, with lower paper sales and print volumes being primary factors. However, the improvement in Adjusted EBITDA margin to 8.4% reveals successful operational optimization.

The reduction of net debt to $350 million and achievement of a 1.6x leverage ratio represents a remarkable 66% decrease over five years, positioning Quad with significantly improved financial flexibility. This strengthened balance sheet, combined with the 50% dividend increase, indicates management's confidence in future cash generation capabilities.

The company's strategic evolution into a marketing experience (MX) company, particularly its investment in household-based data analytics and platforms like At-Home Connect, represents a important pivot toward higher-margin, technology-driven services. This transformation, while causing near-term revenue pressure, positions Quad to capture emerging opportunities in data-driven marketing solutions.

The 2025 guidance projecting a 2% to 6% organic revenue decline suggests continued challenges in the traditional business, but the maintained EBITDA guidance of $180-220 million indicates confidence in profitability preservation through operational efficiency and strategic initiatives. The pending European operations sale will further streamline operations and could accelerate the transformation toward technology-enabled marketing services.

Reduced Net Debt Leverage to 1.6x

Increased Quarterly Dividend by 50% from $0.05 Per Share to $0.075 Per Share

Introduces 2025 Guidance

SUSSEX, Wisc., Feb. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Quad/Graphics, Inc. (NYSE: QUAD) ("Quad" or the "Company"), a marketing experience company that solves complex marketing challenges for its clients, today reported results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2024.

Recent Highlights

  • Recognized Net Sales of $2.7 billion in 2024 compared to $3.0 billion in 2023.
  • Reported a Net Loss of $51 million or $1.07 Diluted Loss Per Share in 2024 compared to a Net Loss of $55 million or $1.14 Diluted Loss Per Share in 2023.
  • Achieved Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA of $224 million in 2024 compared to $234 million in 2023 and reported $0.85 Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share in 2024 compared to $0.52 in 2023.
  • Increased Adjusted EBITDA Margin by 48 basis points to 8.4% in 2024 compared to 7.9% in 2023.
  • Delivered $113 million of Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities and $56 million of Free Cash Flow, while also generating $71 million of cash from asset sales in 2024.
  • Continued to invest in Company's proprietary, household-based data stack to drive new revenue streams through expanded audience intelligence and activation services.
  • Enhanced brands' ability to connect with consumers through the launch of At-Home Connect, an intelligent, automated direct mail platform, while continuing to build sales momentum for its In-Store Connect retail media network.
  • Progressed on the sale of its European operations to Capmont and expects to complete the sale in early 2025.
  • Reduced Net Debt to $350 million and achieved Net Debt Leverage of 1.6x at December 31, 2024, representing a reduction of $684 million or 66% over the past five years as part of a multi-year debt reduction strategy.
  • Increased the quarterly dividend by 50% from $0.05 per share to $0.075 per share.
  • Introduces 2025 guidance, including using continued strong cash generation to lower Net Debt Leverage to approximately 1.5x.

Joel Quadracci, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Quad, said: "I am proud of the strategic and financial progress we made in 2024 as we continue to advance our revenue diversification strategy on our path to Net Sales growth, which we estimate in our mid-term outlook will happen between 2027 and 2028. Our full-year 2024 results reflect our disciplined operating performance, including increased profitability margins and continued strong cash generation that we used to further reduce debt despite the expected decrease in sales.

"As we communicated at our 2024 Investor Day in November, we are confident in our vision, the Quad brand and our market positioning for driving future diversified growth. Through our conversations with existing and prospective clients, we continue to win print segment share and gain distinction as a marketing experience, or MX, company with a tailored suite of solutions that is uniquely flexible, scalable and connected. Not only are we able to remove friction from wherever it occurs in the marketing journey, we also optimize media and marketing performance through integration, which improves outcomes for our clients as they move seamlessly across all our services.

"For the modern marketer, nothing matters more than audience data, and we have built a superior household-based data stack for smarter audience intelligence and activation across all online and offline media channels. Anchored in household-centric data, our stack brings unparalleled consistency and elevated insights to audience targeting that includes hundreds of proprietary identifiers related to consumer interests or passions, which help drive deeper, more meaningful consumer engagement and improved business outcomes. We will continue to invest in our industry-differentiating data capability, including AI optimization tools, to drive new revenue streams.

"Our powerful data capability is at the core of our MX Solutions Suite and is enabled by technology to help our clients connect the right message with the right audience at the right time, whether in the home, in-store or online. For example, we recently launched At-Home Connect, which modernizes the direct mail channel with an intelligent, automated platform that connects online engagement and offline impact. Our solution makes it easy for marketers to trigger personalized direct mail based on online consumer interactions or life events – and with the scale, automation and efficiency of digital marketing. Similarly, our In-Store Connect retail media network makes it easy for retailers and brands to make consumer connections where the vast majority of retail sales still happen – in brick-and-mortar stores. We continue to build sales momentum, particularly among mid-market grocery clients, and are currently onboarding our first Midwest-based grocery banner. We look forward to expanding relationships with existing and new retailers and CPG brand marketers in 2025."

Added Tony Staniak, Chief Financial Officer of Quad: "In 2024, we were pleased to reduce Net Debt Leverage to 1.6x and Net Debt to $350 million, representing a reduction of $684 million or 66% over the past five years as part of a multi-year debt reduction strategy. In addition, our flexible operating model, higher labor productivity and disciplined approach to managing all aspects of our business enabled us to increase our Adjusted EBITDA Margin by 48 basis points in 2024 compared to the prior year. We also continued to be a strong cash generator with $56 million of Free Cash Flow as well as $71 million of cash from asset sales. In 2025, we will shift our capital allocation priorities and use our strong cash generation to (1) amplify our strategic investments in innovation and accelerate our offerings to drive future diversified revenue growth, (2) increase return of capital to shareholders through a 50% higher quarterly dividend and opportunistic share repurchases, and (3) further reduce our debt leverage to approximately 1.5x, which is the low end of our long-term targeted debt leverage range."

Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Results

  • Net Sales were $708 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, a decrease of 10.1% compared to the same period in 2023 primarily due to lower paper, agency solutions and print sales, including the loss of a large grocery client.
  • Net Earnings were $5 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to a Net Loss of $22 million in the same period in 2023. The improvement was primarily due to benefits from increased manufacturing productivity, savings from cost reduction initiatives, lower restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges, lower depreciation and amortization, and lower interest expense, partially offset by the impact from lower Net Sales.
  • Adjusted EBITDA was $63 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to $66 million in the same period in 2023. The decrease was due to lower Net Sales, partially offset by benefits from increased manufacturing productivity and savings from cost reduction initiatives.
  • Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share was $0.36 in the fourth quarter of 2024, increased from $0.23 in the same period in 2023.

Full-Year 2024 Financial Results

  • Net Sales were $2.7 billion in 2024, a decrease of 9.7% compared to 2023 primarily due to lower paper sales and lower print volumes, including the impact from client mix and increased gravure volume that has a lower unit price with a higher profit margin, as well as lower agency solutions sales, including the loss of a large grocery client.
  • Net Loss was $51 million in 2024 compared to a Net Loss of $55 million in 2023. The improvement was primarily due to benefits from increased manufacturing productivity, savings from cost reduction initiatives, lower depreciation and amortization, and lower interest expense, partially offset by higher restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges and the impact from lower Net Sales.
  • Adjusted EBITDA was $224 million in 2024, a decrease of $10 million compared to 2023. The decrease was due to lower Net Sales and $11 million of unfavorable foreign exchange impacts in Selling, General and Administrative Expenses, partially offset by benefits from increased manufacturing productivity and savings from cost reduction initiatives.
  • Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share was $0.85 in 2024, increased from $0.52 in 2023, primarily due to higher Adjusted Net Earnings and the beneficial impact from the Company repurchasing Class A shares. The Company repurchased approximately 11% of its outstanding shares since the second quarter of 2022.
  • Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities was $113 million in 2024 compared to $148 million in 2023. Free Cash Flow was $56 million in 2024 compared to $77 million in 2023. The decline in Free Cash Flow was primarily due to a $35 million decrease in Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities mainly driven by reduced working capital benefits, partially offset by a $14 million decrease in capital expenditures.
  • Net Debt was $350 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $470 million at December 31, 2023. The Debt Leverage Ratio decreased to 1.6x at December 31, 2024, from 2.0x at December 31, 2023.

Dividend

Quad's Board of Directors approved an increase in the regular quarterly cash dividend from $0.05 per share, or $0.20 per share on an annualized basis, to $0.075 per share, or $0.30 per share on an annualized basis. The dividend will be payable on March 14, 2025, to shareholders of record as of February 28, 2025.

2025 Guidance

The Company's full-year 2025 financial guidance excludes the European operations to be divested and is as follows:

Financial Metric

2025 Guidance

Organic Annual Net Sales Change (1)

2% to 6% decline

Full-Year Adjusted EBITDA

$180 million to $220 million

Free Cash Flow

$40 million to $60 million

Capital Expenditures

$65 million to $75 million

Year-End Debt Leverage Ratio (2)

Approximately 1.5x


(1) Organic Annual Net Sales Change excludes the 2024 Net Sales of $153 million from the Company's European operations.

(2) Debt Leverage Ratio is calculated at the midpoint of the Adjusted EBITDA guidance.

Conference Call and Webcast Information

Quad will hold a conference call at 8:30 a.m. ET on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, hosted by Joel Quadracci, Chairman, President and CEO of Quad, and Tony Staniak, Chief Financial Officer of Quad. The full earnings release and slide presentation will be concurrently available on the Investors section of Quad's website at http://www.quad.com/investor-relations. As part of the conference call, Quad will conduct a question and answer session.

Participants can pre-register for the webcast by navigating to https://dpregister.com/sreg/10196048/fe4fe0fce0. Participants will be given a unique PIN to access the call on February 19. Participants may pre-register at any time, including up to and after the call start time.

Alternatively, participants may dial in on the day of the call as follows:

  • U.S. Toll-Free: 1-877-328-5508
  • International Toll: 1-412-317-5424

An audio replay of the call will be posted on the Investors section of Quad's website shortly after the conference call ends.  In addition, telephone playback will also be available until March 19, 2025, accessible as follows:

  • U.S. Toll-Free: 1-877-344-7529
  • International Toll: 1-412-317-0088
  • Replay Access Code: 6443668

About Quad

Quad (NYSE: QUAD) is a marketing experience, or MX, company that helps brands make direct consumer connections, from household to in-store to online. The company does this through its MX Solutions Suite, a comprehensive range of marketing and print services that seamlessly integrate creative, production and media solutions across online and offline channels. Supported by state-of-the-art technology and data-driven intelligence, Quad simplifies the complexities of marketing by removing friction wherever it occurs along the marketing journey. The company tailors its uniquely flexible, scalable and connected solutions to each clients' objectives, driving cost efficiencies, improving speed-to-market, strengthening marketing effectiveness and delivering value on client investments.

Quad employs more than 12,000 people in 14 countries and serves approximately 2,500 clients including industry leading blue-chip companies that serve both businesses and consumers in multiple industry verticals, with a particular focus on commerce, including retail, consumer packaged goods, and direct-to-consumer; financial services; and health. Quad is ranked among the largest agency companies in the U.S. by Ad Age, buoyed by its full-service media agency, Rise, and creative agency, Betty. Quad is also one of the largest commercial printers in North America, according to Printing Impressions.

For more information about Quad, including its commitment to operating responsibly, intentional innovation and values-driven culture, visit quad.com.

Forward-Looking Statements   

This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Forward-looking statements include statements regarding, among other things, our current expectations about the Company's future results, financial condition, sales, earnings, free cash flow, margins, objectives, goals, strategies, beliefs, intentions, plans, estimates, prospects, projections and outlook of the Company and can generally be identified by the use of words or phrases such as "may," "will," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "plan," "foresee," "project," "believe," "continue" or the negatives of these terms, variations on them and other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results to be materially different from those expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based largely on the Company's expectations and judgments and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are unforeseeable and beyond our control.

The factors that could cause actual results to materially differ include, among others: the impact of increased business complexity as a result of the Company's transformation to a marketing experience company, including adapting marketing offerings and business processes as required by new markets and technologies, such as artificial intelligence; the impact of decreasing demand for printing services and significant overcapacity in a highly competitive environment creates downward pricing pressures and potential under-utilization of assets; the impact of increases in its operating costs, including the cost and availability of raw materials (such as paper, ink components and other materials), inventory, parts for equipment, labor, fuel and other energy costs and freight rates; the impact of changes in postal rates, service levels or regulations; the impact macroeconomic conditions, including inflation and elevated interest rates, as well as postal rate increases, tariffs, trade restrictions, cost pressures and the price and availability of paper, have had, and may continue to have, on the Company's business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations (including future uncertain impacts); the inability of the Company to reduce costs and improve operating efficiency rapidly enough to meet market conditions; the impact of a data-breach of sensitive information, ransomware attack or other cyber incident on the Company; the fragility and decline in overall distribution channels; the failure to attract and retain qualified talent across the enterprise; the impact of digital media and similar technological changes, including digital substitution by consumers; the failure of clients to perform under contracts or to renew contracts with clients on favorable terms or at all; the impact of risks associated with the operations outside of the United States ("U.S."), including trade restrictions, currency fluctuations, the global economy, costs incurred or reputational damage suffered due to improper conduct of its employees, contractors or agents, and geopolitical events like war and terrorism; the impact negative publicity could have on our business and brand reputation; the failure to successfully identify, manage, complete and integrate acquisitions, investment opportunities or other significant transactions, as well as the successful identification and execution of strategic divestitures; the impact of significant capital expenditures and investments that may be needed to sustain and grow the Company's platforms, processes, systems, client and product technology, marketing and talent, to remain technologically and economically competitive, and to adapt to future changes, such as artificial intelligence; the impact of the various restrictive covenants in the Company's debt facilities on the Company's ability to operate its business, as well as the uncertain negative impacts macroeconomic conditions may have on the Company's ability to continue to be in compliance with these restrictive covenants; the impact of an other than temporary decline in operating results and enterprise value that could lead to non-cash impairment charges due to the impairment of property, plant and equipment and other intangible assets; the impact of regulatory matters and legislative developments or changes in laws, including changes in cyber-security, privacy and environmental laws; and the impact on the holders of Quad's class A common stock of a limited active market for such shares and the inability to independently elect directors or control decisions due to the voting power of the class B common stock; and the other risk factors identified in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, which may be amended or supplemented by subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q or other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Except to the extent required by the federal securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This press release contains financial measures not prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (referred to as non-GAAP), specifically EBITDA, EBITDA Margin, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin, Free Cash Flow, Net Debt, Debt Leverage Ratio and Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net earnings (loss) excluding interest expense, income tax expense, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) and restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges, net. EBITDA Margin and Adjusted EBITDA Margin are defined as either EBITDA or Adjusted EBITDA divided by net sales. Free Cash Flow is defined as net cash provided by operating activities less purchases of property, plant and equipment. Debt Leverage Ratio is defined as total debt and finance lease obligations less cash and cash equivalents (Net Debt) divided by the last twelve months of Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share is defined as earnings (loss) before income taxes excluding restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges, net, and adjusted for income tax expense at a normalized tax rate, divided by diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding.

The Company believes that these non-GAAP measures, when presented in conjunction with comparable GAAP measures, provide additional information for evaluating Quad's performance and are important measures by which Quad's management assesses the profitability and liquidity of its business. These non-GAAP measures should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for or superior to, net earnings (loss) as a measure of operating performance or to cash flows provided by operating activities as a measure of liquidity. These non-GAAP measures may be different than non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies. Reconciliations to the GAAP equivalent of these non-GAAP measures are contained in tabular form on the attached unaudited financial statements.

Investor Relations Contact

Don Pontes
Executive Director of Investor Relations
916-532-7074
dwpontes@quad.com

Media Contact

Claire Ho
Director of Corporate Communications
414-566-2955
cho@quad.com

 

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

(in millions, except per share data)

(UNAUDITED)

 


Three Months Ended December 31,


2024


2023

Net sales

$                 708.4


$                 787.9

Cost of sales

549.4


633.1

Selling, general and administrative expenses

96.6


89.5

Depreciation and amortization

23.1


31.1

Restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges, net

19.6


30.7

Total operating expenses

688.7


784.4

Operating income

19.7


3.5

Interest expense

15.1


19.0

Net pension income

(0.2)


(0.4)

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

4.8


(15.1)

Income tax expense

0.1


6.9

Net earnings (loss)

$                     4.7


$                 (22.0)





Earnings (loss) per share




Basic

$                   0.10


$                 (0.47)

Diluted

$                   0.09


$                 (0.47)





Weighted average number of common shares outstanding




Basic

47.8


47.2

Diluted

51.2


47.2

 

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

For the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

(in millions, except per share data)

 


Year Ended December 31,


(UNAUDITED)




2024


2023

Net sales

$              2,672.2


$              2,957.7

Cost of sales

2,092.2


2,381.2

Selling, general and administrative expenses

356.8


344.5

Depreciation and amortization

102.5


128.8

Restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges, net

101.5


77.5

Total operating expenses

2,653.0


2,932.0

Operating income

19.2


25.7

Interest expense

64.5


70.0

Net pension income

(0.8)


(1.7)

Loss before income taxes

(44.5)


(42.6)

Income tax expense

6.4


12.8

Net loss

$                 (50.9)


$                 (55.4)





Loss per share




Basic and Diluted

$                 (1.07)


$                 (1.14)





Weighted average number of common shares outstanding




Basic and Diluted

47.6


48.4

 

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

As of December 31, 2024 and 2023

(in millions)

 


(UNAUDITED)




December 31,
2024


December 31,
2023

ASSETS




Cash and cash equivalents

$                   29.2


$                   52.9

Receivables, less allowances for credit losses

273.2


316.2

Inventories

162.4


178.8

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

69.5


39.8

Total current assets

534.3


587.7





Property, plant and equipment—net

499.7


620.6

Operating lease right-of-use assets—net

78.9


96.6

Goodwill

100.3


103.0

Other intangible assets—net

7.2


21.8

Other long-term assets

78.6


80.0

Total assets

$              1,299.0


$              1,509.7





LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY




Accounts payable

$                 356.7


$                 373.6

Other current liabilities

289.2


237.6

Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt

28.0


151.7

Current portion of finance lease obligations

0.8


2.5

Current portion of operating lease obligations

24.0


25.4

Total current liabilities

698.7


790.8





Long-term debt

349.1


362.5

Finance lease obligations

1.3


6.0

Operating lease obligations

61.4


77.2

Deferred income taxes

3.2


5.1

Other long-term liabilities

135.4


148.6

Total liabilities

1,249.1


1,390.2





Shareholders' Equity




Preferred stock


Common stock

1.4


1.4

Additional paid-in capital

842.8


842.7

Treasury stock, at cost

(28.0)


(33.1)

Accumulated deficit

(635.1)


(573.9)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(131.2)


(117.6)

Total shareholders' equity

49.9


119.5

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

$              1,299.0


$              1,509.7

 

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

(in millions)

 


Year Ended December 31,


(UNAUDITED)




2024


2023

OPERATING ACTIVITIES




Net loss

$                 (50.9)


$                 (55.4)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:




Depreciation and amortization

102.5


128.8

Impairment charges

74.9


25.2

Amortization of debt issuance costs and original issue discount

1.6


2.0

Stock-based compensation

7.3


5.6

Gain on the sale of an investment

(4.1)


Gains on the sale or disposal of property, plant and equipment, net

(22.5)


(10.9)

Deferred income taxes

(2.0)


(3.7)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities - net of acquisitions and divestitures

6.1


56.0

Net cash provided by operating activities

112.9


147.6





INVESTING ACTIVITIES




Purchases of property, plant and equipment

(57.2)


(70.8)

Cost investment in unconsolidated entities

(0.2)


(0.7)

Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment

49.1


31.7

Proceeds from the sale of an investment

22.2


Loan to an unconsolidated entity


(0.6)

Acquisition of a business


(1.5)

Other investing activities

(1.2)


(4.5)

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

12.7


(46.4)





FINANCING ACTIVITIES




Payments of current and long-term debt

(183.7)


(51.9)

Payments of finance lease obligations

(2.7)


(2.6)

Borrowings on revolving credit facilities

1,458.1


1,437.9

Payments on revolving credit facilities

(1,457.8)


(1,442.6)

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

53.1


0.6

Payments of debt issuance costs and financing fees

(4.4)


Purchases of treasury stock


(12.6)

Equity awards redeemed to pay employees' tax obligations

(2.1)


(1.7)

Payment of cash dividends

(9.4)


(0.1)

Other financing activities

(0.2)


(0.6)

Net cash used in financing activities

(149.1)


(73.6)





Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

(0.2)


0.1





Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

(23.7)


27.7





Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

52.9


25.2





Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

$                   29.2


$                   52.9

 

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC

SEGMENT FINANCIAL INFORMATION

For the Three Months and Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

(in millions)

 


Net Sales


Operating

Income (Loss)


Restructuring,

Impairment and

Transaction-Related

Charges, Net (1)

Three months ended December 31, 2024 (UNAUDITED)






United States Print and Related Services

$                      627.2


$                        37.5


$                          14.6

International

81.2


(4.9)


8.4

Total operating segments

708.4


32.6


23.0

Corporate


(12.9)


(3.4)

Total

$                      708.4


$                        19.7


$                          19.6







Three months ended December 31, 2023 (UNAUDITED)






United States Print and Related Services

$                      700.2


$                        18.6


$                          24.5

International

87.7


(1.9)


5.4

Total operating segments

787.9


16.7


29.9

Corporate


(13.2)


0.8

Total

$                      787.9


$                          3.5


$                          30.7







Year ended December 31, 2024 (UNAUDITED)






United States Print and Related Services

$                   2,329.5


$                      112.8


$                          42.8

International

342.7


(45.7)


61.9

Total operating segments

2,672.2


67.1


104.7

Corporate


(47.9)


(3.2)

Total

$                   2,672.2


$                        19.2


$                        101.5







Year ended December 31, 2023






United States Print and Related Services

$                   2,554.3


$                        56.6


$                          66.3

International

403.4


18.3


9.6

Total operating segments

2,957.7


74.9


75.9

Corporate


(49.2)


1.6

Total

$                   2,957.7


$                        25.7


$                          77.5

______________________________

(1)       Restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges, net are included within operating income (loss).

 

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC

RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP MEASURES

EBITDA, EBITDA MARGIN, ADJUSTED EBITDA AND ADJUSTED EBITDA MARGIN

For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

(in millions, except margin data)

(UNAUDITED)

 


Three Months Ended December 31,


2024


2023

Net earnings (loss)

$                 4.7


$             (22.0)

Interest expense

15.1


19.0

Income tax expense

0.1


6.9

Depreciation and amortization

23.1


31.1

EBITDA (non-GAAP)

$               43.0


$               35.0

EBITDA Margin (non-GAAP)

6.1 %


4.4 %





Restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges, net (1)

19.6


30.7

Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP)

$               62.6


$               65.7

Adjusted EBITDA Margin (non-GAAP)

8.8 %


8.3 %

______________________________

(1)       

Operating results for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, were affected by the following restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges, net:




Three Months Ended December 31,


2024


2023

Employee termination charges (a)

$                   11.4


$                   18.5

Impairment charges (b)

9.0


9.4

Transaction-related charges (income) (c)

(2.4)


3.1

Integration costs (d)

0.1


Other restructuring charges (income) (e)

1.5


(0.3)

Restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges, net

$                   19.6


$                   30.7

______________________________

(a)   

Employee termination charges were related to workforce reductions through facility consolidations and separation programs.

(b)      

Impairment charges were for certain property, plant and equipment no longer being utilized in production as a result of facility consolidations and other capacity reduction and strategic divestiture activities.

(c)   

Transaction-related charges (income) consisted of professional service fees related to business acquisition and divestiture activities, as well as adjustments to estimated acquisition consideration.

(d)   

Integration costs were primarily costs related to the integration of acquired companies.

(e)      

Other restructuring charges (income) primarily include costs to maintain and exit closed facilities, as well as lease exit charges, and are presented net of a $9.2 million gain on the sale of the Merced, California facility during the three months ended December 31, 2023.

In addition to financial measures prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP), this earnings announcement also contains non-GAAP financial measures, specifically EBITDA, EBITDA Margin, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin, Free Cash Flow, Net Debt, Debt Leverage Ratio and Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share.  The Company believes that these non-GAAP measures, when presented in conjunction with comparable GAAP measures, provide additional information for evaluating Quad's performance and are important measures by which Quad's management assesses the profitability and liquidity of its business.  These non-GAAP measures should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for or superior to, net earnings (loss) as a measure of operating performance or to cash flows provided by operating activities as a measure of liquidity.  These non-GAAP measures may be different than non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies.

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC

RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP MEASURES

EBITDA, EBITDA MARGIN, ADJUSTED EBITDA AND ADJUSTED EBITDA MARGIN

For the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

(in millions, except margin data)

(UNAUDITED)

 


Year Ended December 31,


2024


2023

Net loss

$             (50.9)


$             (55.4)

Interest expense

64.5


70.0

Income tax expense

6.4


12.8

Depreciation and amortization

102.5


128.8

EBITDA (non-GAAP)

$             122.5


$             156.2

EBITDA Margin (non-GAAP)

4.6 %


5.3 %





Restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges, net (1)

101.5


77.5

Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP)

$             224.0


$             233.7

Adjusted EBITDA Margin (non-GAAP)

8.4 %


7.9 %

_________________________________

(1)       

Operating results for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, were affected by the following restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges, net:




Year Ended December 31,


2024


2023

Employee termination charges (a)

$                   30.5


$                   35.1

Impairment charges (b)

74.9


25.2

Transaction-related charges (income) (c)

(0.6)


4.2

Integration costs (d)

0.4


1.0

Other restructuring charges (income) (e)

(3.7)


12.0

Restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges, net

$                 101.5


$                   77.5

________________________________________________

(a)  

Employee termination charges were related to workforce reductions through facility consolidations and separation programs.

(b)      

Impairment charges were for certain property, plant and equipment no longer being utilized in production as a result of facility consolidations and other capacity reduction and strategic divestiture activities, including $57.6 million related to the expected sale of the European operations to reduce the carrying value to its estimated fair value during the year ended December 31, 2024, as well as charges for operating lease right-of-use assets.

(c)   

Transaction-related charges (income) consisted of professional service fees related to business acquisition and divestiture activities, as well as adjustments to estimated acquisition consideration.

(d)   

Integration costs were primarily related to the integration of acquired companies.

(e)      

Other restructuring charges (income) primarily include costs to maintain and exit closed facilities, as well as lease exit charges, and are presented net of a $20.5 million gain on the sale of the Saratoga Springs, New York facility during the year ended December 31, 2024 and a $9.2 million gain on the sale of the Merced, California facility during the year ended December 31, 2023.

In addition to financial measures prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP), this earnings announcement also contains non-GAAP financial measures, specifically EBITDA, EBITDA Margin, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin, Free Cash Flow, Net Debt, Debt Leverage Ratio and Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share.  The Company believes that these non-GAAP measures, when presented in conjunction with comparable GAAP measures, provide additional information for evaluating Quad's performance and are important measures by which Quad's management assesses the profitability and liquidity of its business.  These non-GAAP measures should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for or superior to, net earnings (loss) as a measure of operating performance or to cash flows provided by operating activities as a measure of liquidity.  These non-GAAP measures may be different than non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies.

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC

RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP MEASURES

FREE CASH FLOW

For the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

(in millions)

(UNAUDITED) 

 


Year Ended December 31,


2024


2023

Net cash provided by operating activities

$                 112.9


$                 147.6





Less: purchases of property, plant and equipment

57.2


70.8





Free Cash Flow (non-GAAP)

$                   55.7


$                   76.8

In addition to financial measures prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP), this earnings announcement also contains non-GAAP financial measures, specifically EBITDA, EBITDA Margin, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin, Free Cash Flow, Net Debt, Debt Leverage Ratio and Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share.  The Company believes that these non-GAAP measures, when presented in conjunction with comparable GAAP measures, provide additional information for evaluating Quad's performance and are important measures by which Quad's management assesses the profitability and liquidity of its business.  These non-GAAP measures should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for or superior to, net earnings (loss) as a measure of operating performance or to cash flows provided by operating activities as a measure of liquidity.  These non-GAAP measures may be different than non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies.

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC

RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP MEASURES

NET DEBT AND DEBT LEVERAGE RATIO

As of December 31, 2024 and 2023

(in millions, except ratio)

(UNAUDITED)

 


December 31,
2024


December 31,
2023

Total debt and finance lease obligations on the condensed consolidated balance sheets

$              379.2


$              522.7

Less: Cash and cash equivalents

29.2


52.9

Net Debt (non-GAAP)

$              350.0


$              469.8





Divided by: Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended (non-GAAP)

$              224.0


$              233.7





Debt Leverage Ratio (non-GAAP)

                  1.56 x


                  2.01 x

In addition to financial measures prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP), this earnings announcement also contains non-GAAP financial measures, specifically EBITDA, EBITDA Margin, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin, Free Cash Flow, Net Debt, Debt Leverage Ratio and Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share.  The Company believes that these non-GAAP measures, when presented in conjunction with comparable GAAP measures, provide additional information for evaluating Quad's performance and are important measures by which Quad's management assesses the profitability and liquidity of its business.  These non-GAAP measures should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for or superior to, net earnings (loss) as a measure of operating performance or to cash flows provided by operating activities as a measure of liquidity.  These non-GAAP measures may be different than non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies.

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC

RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP MEASURES

ADJUSTED DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE

For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

(in millions, except per share data)

(UNAUDITED)

 


Three Months Ended December 31,


2024


2023

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

$                     4.8


$                 (15.1)





Restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges, net

19.6


30.7

Adjusted net earnings, before income taxes (non-GAAP)

24.4


15.6





Income tax expense at 25% normalized tax rate

6.1


3.9

Adjusted net earnings (non-GAAP)

$                   18.3


$                   11.7





Basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding

47.8


47.2

Plus: effect of dilutive equity incentive instruments (1)

3.4


2.8

Diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding (non-GAAP)

51.2


50.0





Adjusted diluted earnings per share (non-GAAP) (2)

$                   0.36


$                   0.23





Diluted earnings (loss) per share (GAAP)

$                   0.09


$                 (0.47)

Restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges, net per share

0.38


0.61

Income tax expense from condensed consolidated statement of operations per share


0.14

Income tax expense at 25% normalized tax rate per share

(0.12)


(0.08)

Effect of dilutive equity incentive instruments

0.01


0.03

Adjusted diluted earnings per share (non-GAAP) (2)

$                   0.36


$                   0.23

______________________________

(1)     

Effect of dilutive equity incentive instruments for the three months ended ended December 31, 2023 is non-GAAP.

(2)      

Adjusted diluted earnings per share excludes the following: (i) restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges, net and (ii) discrete income tax items.

In addition to financial measures prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP), this earnings announcement also contains non-GAAP financial measures, specifically EBITDA, EBITDA Margin, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin, Free Cash Flow, Net Debt, Debt Leverage Ratio and Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share.  The Company believes that these non-GAAP measures, when presented in conjunction with comparable GAAP measures, provide additional information for evaluating Quad's performance and are important measures by which Quad's management assesses the profitability and liquidity of its business.  These non-GAAP measures should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for or superior to, net earnings (loss) as a measure of operating performance or to cash flows provided by operating activities as a measure of liquidity.  These non-GAAP measures may be different than non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies.

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC

RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP MEASURES

ADJUSTED DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE

For the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

(in millions, except per share data)

(UNAUDITED)

 


Year Ended December 31,


2024


2023

Loss before income taxes

$                 (44.5)


$                 (42.6)





Restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges, net

101.5


77.5

Adjusted net earnings, before income taxes (non-GAAP)

57.0


34.9





Income tax expense at 25% normalized tax rate

14.3


8.7

Adjusted net earnings (non-GAAP)

$                   42.7


$                   26.2





Basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding

47.6


48.4

Plus: effect of dilutive equity incentive instruments (non-GAAP)

2.8


2.3

Diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding (non-GAAP)

50.4


50.7





Adjusted diluted earnings per share (non-GAAP) (1)

$                   0.85


$                   0.52





Diluted loss per share (GAAP)

$                 (1.07)


$                 (1.14)

Restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges, net per share

2.01


1.53

Income tax expense from condensed consolidated statement of operations per share

0.13


0.25

Income tax expense at 25% normalized tax rate per share

(0.28)


(0.17)

Effect of dilutive equity incentive instruments

0.06


0.05

Adjusted diluted earnings per share (non-GAAP) (1)

$                   0.85


$                   0.52

______________________________

(1)

Adjusted diluted earnings per share excludes the following: (i) restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges, net and (ii) discrete income tax items.

In addition to financial measures prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP), this earnings announcement also contains non-GAAP financial measures, specifically EBITDA, EBITDA Margin, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin, Free Cash Flow, Net Debt, Debt Leverage Ratio and Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share.  The Company believes that these non-GAAP measures, when presented in conjunction with comparable GAAP measures, provide additional information for evaluating Quad's performance and are important measures by which Quad's management assesses the profitability and liquidity of its business.  These non-GAAP measures should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for or superior to, net earnings (loss) as a measure of operating performance or to cash flows provided by operating activities as a measure of liquidity.  These non-GAAP measures may be different than non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/quad-reports-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-2024-results-302379499.html

SOURCE Quad

FAQ

What was QUAD's net debt reduction achievement in 2024?

QUAD reduced its net debt to $350 million and achieved a net debt leverage ratio of 1.6x by December 31, 2024, representing a reduction of $684 million or 66% over the past five years.

How much did QUAD increase its quarterly dividend in 2024?

QUAD increased its quarterly dividend by 50%, from $0.05 per share to $0.075 per share ($0.30 per share annually), payable on March 14, 2025.

What are QUAD's revenue projections for 2025?

QUAD projects an organic net sales decline of 2% to 6% for 2025, excluding European operations.

How did QUAD's Adjusted EBITDA margin perform in 2024?

QUAD's Adjusted EBITDA margin increased by 48 basis points to 8.4% in 2024 compared to 7.9% in 2023.

What was QUAD's free cash flow in 2024 and what is projected for 2025?

QUAD generated $56 million in free cash flow in 2024 and projects $40-60 million in free cash flow for 2025.

Quad / Graphics Inc

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