tiprankstipranks
Trending News
More News >
Harte-Hanks (HHS)
NASDAQ:HHS

Harte-Hanks (HHS) AI Stock Analysis

Compare
145 Followers

Top Page

HH

Harte-Hanks

(NASDAQ:HHS)

46Neutral
Harte-Hanks is facing significant financial challenges with declining revenues, negative profitability, and cash flow issues. The technical indicators suggest bearish momentum and poor valuation metrics further compound the outlook. The lack of positive earnings and dividend yield make the stock less attractive, with substantial risks to financial stability and long-term viability. However, some improvement in debt management provides a slight positive note.

Harte-Hanks (HHS) vs. S&P 500 (SPY)

Harte-Hanks Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionHarte Hanks, Inc. operates as a customer experience company in the United States and internationally. It operates through three segments: Marketing Services, Customer Care, and Fulfillment & Logistics Services. The company provides strategic guidance to help clients to plan and execute omni-channel marketing programs; audience identification, profiling, segmentation and prioritization, predictive modeling, and data strategy services; data hygiene and cleansing services; print, broadcast, direct mail, website, app, display, social, mobile, search engine marketing, and voice services; Website and app development, e-commerce enablement, database building and management, platform architecture creation, and marketing automation services; and outsourcing marketing operations solutions. It also offers customer experience management services comprising interact and resolve consumer concerns across hardware and software platforms, healthcare benefit plans, and recalls or a myriad of other customer service issues; CRM and digital transformation solutions to create meaningful customer interactions by connecting content between agent or AI-driven interfaces and web-based self-help tools and community forums; and intelligence-based B2B solutions that understand audiences and their behaviors, and then inspire and drive action to deliver results. In addition, the company provides product, print-on-demand, and mail fulfillment solutions, such as printing on demand, managing product recalls, and distributing literature and promotional products; custom solutions to engage audiences, target customers, support conferences, and appreciate employees; and third-party logistics and freight optimization services. It primarily serves B2B, consumer brand, financial services, retail, and healthcare vertical markets. Harte Hanks, Inc. was founded in 1923 and is headquartered in Chelmsford, Massachusetts.
How the Company Makes MoneyHarte-Hanks makes money primarily through offering its marketing services to businesses across different industries. The company's revenue model is based on providing data-driven marketing solutions that help clients engage their customers effectively. Key revenue streams include fees for services such as customer database management, analytics, and targeted marketing campaigns. Additionally, Harte-Hanks generates income from its direct mail services, where it assists clients in designing, executing, and analyzing direct mail marketing strategies. Partnerships with technology providers and other firms often enhance the company's service offerings, contributing to its earnings by expanding its reach and capabilities. Harte-Hanks' focus on tailored marketing solutions allows it to charge premium rates for its expertise in enhancing customer engagement and brand loyalty.

Harte-Hanks Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Harte-Hanks is experiencing significant financial challenges with declining revenues and persistent net losses. The income statement highlights operational inefficiencies with negative profit margins. The balance sheet indicates a moderately leveraged position, but profitability issues are evident. The cash flow statement shows negative cash flow generation, raising concerns about liquidity and sustainability. Overall, the financial performance is pressured by these factors, necessitating strategic improvements.
Income Statement
45
Neutral
The company's income statement shows challenges with declining revenues and profitability. The TTM revenue decreased from $185.24M to $181.36M, marking a revenue decline. The gross profit margin for TTM stands at 47%, indicating some ability to cover costs, but the net profit margin is negative at -16.83%, reflecting consistent net losses. The negative EBIT and EBITDA margins further emphasize operational inefficiencies. Overall, the income statement reflects financial struggles with declining revenue and persistent losses.
Balance Sheet
55
Neutral
The balance sheet shows a moderately leveraged position with a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.11, which is reasonable but indicates reliance on debt financing. The equity ratio is 21.31%, suggesting a moderate portion of the company's assets is financed by equity. However, the return on equity is negative, indicating shareholder investments are not yielding profits. The financial position is somewhat stable but reflects risks associated with profitability issues.
Cash Flow
40
Negative
The cash flow statement reveals challenges with generating positive cash flow. The operating cash flow to net income ratio indicates cash outflow from operations, and free cash flow is negative, highlighting the company's struggle to generate cash after capital expenditures. The free cash flow growth rate is also negative, reflecting worsening cash generation. Overall, the cash flow position is weak, raising concerns about liquidity and sustainability.
Breakdown
TTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
181.35M185.24M191.49M206.28M194.60M176.90M
Gross Profit
85.20M91.47M30.56M140.58M144.33M127.61M
EBIT
5.13M2.09M3.36M15.11M13.52M-1.20M
EBITDA
-28.32M12.05M9.89M22.48M15.20M-13.53M
Net Income Common Stockholders
-30.52M-30.30M-1.57M36.78M14.97M-1.69M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
8.98M9.93M18.36M10.36M11.91M29.41M
Total Assets
100.58M101.78M122.76M119.98M107.86M119.50M
Total Debt
23.77M24.60M28.51M22.32M30.77M55.06M
Net Debt
14.79M14.66M10.14M11.96M18.86M25.65M
Total Liabilities
79.16M80.09M102.90M101.18M122.85M162.90M
Stockholders Equity
21.42M21.69M19.86M18.81M-14.99M-43.40M
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
-4.39M-6.73M7.67M22.99M-4.81M-10.54M
Operating Cash Flow
-1.80M-2.99M10.48M28.79M-1.76M-7.84M
Investing Cash Flow
-3.32M-3.74M-2.31M-11.49M-2.90M-775.00K
Financing Cash Flow
4.15M-419.00K-3.22M-15.82M-13.41M7.31M

Harte-Hanks Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price4.72
Price Trends
50DMA
4.68
Positive
100DMA
4.96
Negative
200DMA
5.95
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.02
Negative
RSI
53.02
Neutral
STOCH
45.15
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For HHS, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 4.72 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 4.69, above the 50-day MA of 4.68, and below the 200-day MA of 5.95, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of -0.02 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 53.02 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 45.15 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for HHS.

Harte-Hanks Risk Analysis

Harte-Hanks disclosed 27 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Harte-Hanks reported the most risks in the “Ability to Sell” category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Harte-Hanks Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (64)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
DLDLX
71
Outperform
$713.60M12.809.10%7.91%-2.69%61.73%
64
Neutral
$4.44B11.995.16%249.23%4.01%-11.87%
56
Neutral
$23.07M-12.15%17.04%-2188.42%
55
Neutral
$75.51M-16.55%-2.67%21.65%
HHHHS
46
Neutral
$34.76M-147.49%-4.46%-3053.30%
41
Neutral
$43.83M-123.16%-15.07%33.40%
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
HHS
Harte-Hanks
4.72
-2.65
-35.96%
DLX
Deluxe
14.99
-6.44
-30.05%
MCHX
Marchex
1.72
0.40
30.30%
FLNT
Fluent
2.15
-1.40
-39.44%
BAOS
Baosheng Media Group Holdings
2.47
-1.01
-29.02%
SWAG
Stran & Company
1.25
0.10
8.70%

Harte-Hanks Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:May 14, 2025
(Q3-2024)
|
% Change Since: 2.61%|
Next Earnings Date:Aug 07, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call reflects a mixed outlook for Harte Hanks. While there are positive developments in revenue growth, new client acquisitions, and cost-saving initiatives, these are offset by declines in certain segments, reduced operating income and EBITDA, and challenges with cash flow and pension costs. The company is focusing on long-term strategies and acknowledges short-term fluctuations.
Q3-2024 Updates
Positive Updates
Revenue Growth
Harte Hanks reported a 1.1% year-over-year revenue increase in Q3 2024, marking an improvement from the negative 16.6% revenue decline in Q3 2023.
New Client Acquisitions
The company secured new clients across various segments, including a dynamic design marketplace, a top financial services client, a global luxury automotive industry client, and a global resale marketplace for luxury goods.
Customer Care and Sales Services Growth
Revenues in the Customer Care segment increased to $13.1 million from $11.8 million in the prior year. Sales Services revenue grew from $2.2 million to $4.2 million, driven by increased volume from a large client.
Project Elevate Cost Savings
Project Elevate resulted in $6 million of in-year EBITDA improvement, with cost savings from personnel optimization, streamlining contracts, and improved warehouse operations.
Negative Updates
Decline in Marketing Services and Fulfillment & Logistics
Marketing Services revenues fell to $9.1 million from $10.6 million, and Fulfillment & Logistics revenues decreased to $21.3 million from $22.5 million, due to customer budget reductions and lower logistics volume.
Operating Income and EBITDA Decline
Operating income in Q3 2024 was $1.9 million compared to $2.9 million in Q3 2023. Adjusted EBITDA was $4.1 million, slightly down from $4.2 million in Q3 2023.
Cash Position and Pension Plan Costs
Cash and cash equivalents decreased to $5.9 million from $13.3 million a year ago, impacted by a $6.1 million contribution to terminate Pension Plan 1 and additional costs for final onboarding pension expenses.
Expected Revenue Decline in Q4
The company anticipates a low to mid-single digit revenue decline in Q4 2024 as part of natural fluctuations during the path to sustainable growth.
Company Guidance
During the Harte Hanks Third Quarter 2024 Earnings Call, management provided detailed guidance on the company's performance and strategic direction. Kirk Davis, CEO, reported a modest 1.1% year-over-year revenue increase, contrasting the negative 16.6% decline from Q3 2023 when adjusted for acquired revenue. He acknowledged the expectation of a low to mid-single digit revenue decline in Q4, citing natural fluctuations in their growth trajectory. The focus remains on optimizing free cash flow, with significant investments in the newly established Customer Excellence and Growth division. David Garrison, CFO, highlighted the $47.6 million in revenues for Q3 2024, driven by growth in Customer Care and Sales Services, despite declines in other segments. The company aims for a $6 million EBITDA improvement, facilitated by Project Elevate's cost-saving measures, including personnel optimization and streamlined operations. Financially, the company ended the quarter with $5.9 million in cash and no debt, after a strategic $6.1 million contribution to terminate Pension Plan 1.

Harte-Hanks Corporate Events

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
Harte Hanks Leadership Transition and Strategic Focus Shift
Neutral
Jan 28, 2025

Harte Hanks announced a leadership transition with CEO Kirk Davis stepping down for personal reasons as of February 14, 2025, and David Fisher appointed as the Interim Chief Operating Officer. This shift aligns with Harte Hanks’ strategic focus on advancing data-driven customer experiences, particularly leveraging AI for enhanced customer engagement. The company is actively seeking a new CEO to further drive innovation and shareholder value.

Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.