Quad / Graphics Inc Stock Price, News & Analysis

Rise Interactive, a top performance marketing agency and part of Quad, announced its Invoca certification after completing the Invoca Academy training. This certification enhances conversation intelligence capabilities for Rise clients, particularly in industries like healthcare and finance, impacting their bottom line. Rise was previously recognized as Partner Collaborator of the Year at the Invoca Summit in October 2020, showcasing its advanced conversation intelligence use. The agency aims to leverage this certification to provide superior service and insights to marketers facing complex conversion challenges.

Chatham Asset Management, the largest stockholder and bondholder of R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company (RRD), owning approximately 14.9% of its common stock, has expressed frustration over the Board's lack of engagement concerning the company's declining stockholder value. In a letter, Chatham demands a strategic review, cost reductions, improved capital allocation, and executive compensation linked to performance. They threaten a proxy contest if the Board does not respond. Chatham believes these measures could elevate RRD's share price by over 210% to more than $13 per share.

Quad/Graphics, Inc. (NYSE: QUAD) has appointed Kris Persons as Senior Vice President of Direct Marketing. Previously with Merkle and Epsilon, she brings extensive experience in data-driven marketing to enhance Quad's capabilities. Her focus will be on developing targeted marketing strategies that leverage Quad's integrated platform, aimed at improving client engagement and driving measurable results. CEO Joel Quadracci emphasized the importance of data and analytics in Quad's marketing solutions, positioning the company to connect brands effectively with consumers.

On September 15, 2021, Rise Interactive, a subsidiary of Quad, revealed plans to enhance its media automation technology, Connex, to support major retail media networks and marketplaces including Walmart and Target. This expansion aims to integrate audience and product data, providing marketers with a comprehensive view of advertising effectiveness across channels. CEO Larry Fisher emphasized the growth opportunities for brands through improved data access. The partnership with Pacvue aims to optimize marketing strategies, enhancing real-time insights for better ad performance.

Quad/Graphics, Inc. (NYSE: QUAD) reported a strong second quarter 2021 with a 19% increase in net sales at $694 million, driven by growth in print, logistics, and agency solutions. The company achieved net earnings of $34 million, reversing a loss from the previous year, and generated Adjusted EBITDA of $60 million. Cash provided by operating activities rose to $89 million, with Free Cash Flow increasing to $62 million. Quad reduced net debt by $120 million and improved its Debt Leverage Ratio to 3.0x. The company raised its full-year financial outlook, projecting a 1% to 3% increase in net sales.

Connex®, the media management platform from Rise Interactive, a subsidiary of Quad, has been awarded Product of the Year at the 2021 Sales and Marketing Technology Awards by the Business Intelligence Group. This recognition highlights Connex's capabilities in providing proactive intelligence and automation in digital marketing. The platform's new feature, Connex Alerts, offers real-time notifications to optimize digital media performance. CEO Larry Fisher emphasizes their commitment to leveraging data for faster growth opportunities in digital marketing.

Quad (NYSE: QUAD) will host a conference call on August 4, 2021, at 10 a.m. ET to discuss its second quarter results. The call features Joel Quadracci, Quad's Chairman, President & CEO, and CFO Dave Honan. Interested investors can access the full earnings release and presentation on the Investors section of Quad's website. A Q&A session will follow, and participants can submit questions via email. Pre-registration for the webcast is available, and dial-in options are provided for those without internet access.

Quad/Graphics has divested its QuadExpress third-party logistics business for $40 million to Mullen Group, a major logistics provider in Canada. This move aligns with Quad's strategy to enhance its portfolio and focus on marketing solutions. The transaction, which closed on June 30, 2021, allows Quad to use the proceeds to decrease debt and improve its leverage ratio, targeting 2-2.5x. Quad retains control of its in-house logistics division, emphasizing its commitment to delivering integrated marketing solutions.

QuadMed, a subsidiary of Quad (NYSE: QUAD), announced the appointment of Kathryn Quadracci Flores, John Bustle, and Shannon Clark to its executive team. These experienced leaders aim to drive growth and enhance health care access, focusing on innovative solutions to meet employer demands. Dr. Flores, who has a background in COVID-19 response, will lead as President. Dr. Bustle, with expertise in health care management and telehealth, will serve as Chief Medical Officer, while Clark, an operations expert in occupational health, will take on the role of Chief Operating Officer.