Cimpress plc, a strategically focused collection of businesses specializing in print mass customization, has demonstrated resilience and adaptability in the face of industry challenges. With a diverse portfolio of brands, including VistaPrint, PrintBrothers, and National Pen, the company has leveraged its expertise to deliver customized products and services to a wide range of customers.
Financials
In the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023, Cimpress reported annual revenue of $3,079,627,000 and a net loss of $185,978,000. Despite the challenging environment, the company generated annual operating cash flow of $130,289,000 and annual free cash flow of $18,730,000, showcasing its ability to navigate the complexities of the market.
The third quarter of fiscal year 2024, ended March 31, 2024, saw Cimpress deliver strong results. Consolidated revenue grew 5% on a reported basis and 4% on an organic constant-currency basis, despite the impact of the earlier timing of the Easter holiday, which dampened revenue growth by approximately 80 basis points. Adjusted EBITDA increased by $25 million year-over-year to $94 million, driven by continued gross margin expansion and operating expense efficiency.
Segmental Performance
Vista, the parent brand of multiple offerings including VistaPrint and VistaCreate, continued to demonstrate robust growth, with revenue increasing 5% on a constant-currency basis. The segment's strong performance was driven by increases in both customer count and revenue per customer, as well as growth across all major markets.
The PrintBrothers segment, which includes the results of druck.at, Printdeal, and WIRmachenDRUCK, saw an 8% increase in reported revenue and a 6% rise in constant-currency revenue. The segment's profitability also improved, with segment EBITDA growing 6% year-over-year, benefiting from gross margin expansion and government incentives.
The Print Group, comprising Easyflyer, Exaprint, Packstyle, Pixartprinting, and Tradeprint, reported a 3% increase in reported revenue and a 2% rise in constant-currency revenue. The segment's EBITDA grew by 34% during the quarter, driven by gross profit growth and a reduction in long-term incentive compensation expense.
National Pen, the global operations of the custom writing instruments and promotional products business, delivered a 10% increase in reported revenue and a 10% rise in constant-currency revenue. The segment's EBITDA grew by 244% year-over-year, benefiting from revenue growth, reduced advertising spend, and lower long-term incentive compensation expense.
The All Other Businesses segment, which includes BuildASign and Printi, reported flat revenue on a constant-currency basis. Segment EBITDA declined by 21% due to a decline in profitability in the BuildASign business, partially offset by reduced operating losses in the Printi business.
Liquidity
Cimpress' liquidity position remains strong, with $160.8 million in cash and marketable securities and full access to its $250 million revolving credit facility as of March 31, 2024. During the third quarter and April 2024, the company repurchased a total of 1.3 million shares for $120 million, reducing its shares outstanding by approximately 5%.
The company has also provided guidance for fiscal year 2025 and beyond. Cimpress expects to grow organic constant-currency revenue at mid-single-digit rates, with adjusted EBITDA growing slightly faster than revenue. The company also expects the annual conversion rate of adjusted EBITDA to adjusted free cash flow to be in the range of 45% to 50%, with fluctuations from one year to the next.
Cimpress has also disclosed a new leverage policy, targeting net leverage at approximately 2.5x or below, with the possibility to take net leverage up to as high as approximately 3.0x from time to time for investments that the company believes have good returns. The company expects to reach the 2.5x net leverage target in fiscal year 2025, with the potential to exit fiscal year 2025 at or below approximately 2.75x if the company continues to have attractive share repurchase opportunities.
Risks and Challenges
While Cimpress has demonstrated its ability to navigate the evolving print mass customization landscape, the company faces several risks, including fluctuations in currency exchange rates, changes in customer preferences, and potential disruptions in its supply chain. Additionally, the company's success is dependent on its ability to continue innovating and delivering value to its customers.
Outlook
Despite these challenges, Cimpress' strategic focus, diversified portfolio, and commitment to operational efficiency position the company well for the future. The company's guidance for fiscal year 2025 and beyond, along with its new leverage policy, suggest a continued focus on driving growth, improving profitability, and enhancing shareholder value.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cimpress plc has demonstrated its resilience and adaptability in the face of industry challenges. The company's strong segmental performance, liquidity position, and strategic initiatives suggest a promising outlook for the future. As the print mass customization market continues to evolve, Cimpress' ability to navigate these changes and deliver value to its customers will be crucial to its long-term success.