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Quad/Graphics, Inc. Class A (QUAD)
NYSE:QUAD

Quad/Graphics (QUAD) AI Stock Analysis

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QUAD

Quad/Graphics

(NYSE:QUAD)

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Neutral 59 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:59Neutral
Price Target:
$7.00
▼(-0.43% Downside)
Action:ReiteratedDate:02/19/26
The score is driven primarily by mixed fundamentals: profitability and cash generation are improving, but persistent revenue contraction and leverage risk cap the upside. Supportive technical momentum and reasonable valuation (low P/E plus a solid dividend) partially offset the financial and top-line pressure, while earnings guidance points to stable EBITDA/FCF but continued near-term sales decline.
Positive Factors
Consistent cash generation
Quad produces durable operating cash flow and positive free cash flow, which funds capex, debt paydown and shareholder returns. Reliable cash generation supports reinvestment in higher‑margin services and provides a buffer against cyclical print demand declines over the next 2–6 months.
Shift to higher‑margin services
Quad is moving revenue mix toward targeted print and integrated marketing agency services, which are higher margin and more resilient than large‑scale commodity print. This strategic shift should support margin sustainability and more stable client engagements as print volumes remain pressured.
Material deleveraging and liquidity
Significant debt paydown and a healthy liquidity cushion materially improve financial flexibility versus prior years. Lower leverage reduces refinancing risk and allows continued investment in targeted growth and dividends while navigating industry headwinds over the medium term.
Negative Factors
Multi‑year revenue contraction
Quad faces a persistent decline in sales driven by lower paper and print volumes and client losses. Continued top‑line erosion limits operating leverage and constrains margin expansion, making recovery dependent on successful service mix transition and reversing secular demand trends.
Thin profitability buffers
Margins are narrow and adjusted EBITDA has contracted, leaving limited room to absorb cost shocks or slower demand. Even with operational improvements, thin net margins heighten sensitivity to input inflation, postal rate moves or client downturns in the coming months.
Structural industry and postal risks
Industry headwinds like higher postal rates, tariffs and secular declines in certain print categories directly threaten core volumes and unit economics. These structural risks could persist and dampen recovery timing, pressuring volumes and margins despite operational gains.

Quad/Graphics (QUAD) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Quad/Graphics Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionQuad/Graphics, Inc. provides marketing solutions worldwide. The company operates through United States Print and Related Services, and International segments. It offers printing services, such as retail inserts, publications, catalogs, special interest publications, journals, direct mail, directories, in-store marketing and promotion, packaging, newspapers, custom print products, and other commercial and specialty printed products; and paper procurement services. The company also provides marketing and other services, including consumer insights, audience targeting, personalization, media planning and placement, process optimization, campaign planning and creation, pre-media production, videography, photography, digital and print execution, and logistics, as well as manufactures ink. It serves blue chip companies that operate in various industries, and serve businesses and consumers comprising retailers, publishers, and direct marketers. The company was founded in 1971 and is headquartered in Sussex, Wisconsin.
How the Company Makes MoneyQuad generates revenue through a multifaceted business model that includes several key revenue streams. The company earns money primarily through its printing services, which encompass commercial printing, packaging, and direct mail services. Additionally, Quad generates income from its marketing solutions, which include digital marketing, data analytics, and creative services that help clients enhance their brand presence and reach target audiences more effectively. Significant partnerships with major companies across various sectors strengthen Quad's market position and contribute to its earnings. The company also benefits from economies of scale in its production processes and investments in technology that improve efficiency and reduce costs, ultimately driving profitability.

Quad/Graphics Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Feb 17, 2026
(Q4-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:May 05, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The call presented a mixed but cautiously constructive picture: Quad reported continued revenue declines and lower adjusted EBITDA versus the prior year, and flagged near-term headwinds from postal uncertainty, tariffs and plant consolidation. Offsetting these negatives, the company delivered strong cash generation and liquidity, meaningful debt reduction (70% since 2020), EPS improvement, shareholder returns (dividend increase and buybacks), operational gains in postal optimization and momentum in targeted print, direct mail and agency wins. Management provided guidance that shows sequential improvement and a path to an inflection in revenue by 2028 while targeting margin and cash-conversion improvements.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Achieved Full-Year Guidance and Strong Cash Generation
Quad achieved its full-year 2025 financial guidance with net sales of $2.4 billion and generated strong cash flow that funded targeted investments, debt reduction and shareholder returns. The company reported $88 million of proceeds from asset sales during 2025 and highlighted over $870 million of free cash flow and proceeds from asset sales from 2020-2025.
Dividend Increase and Share Repurchases
Quad increased its quarterly dividend by 33% to $0.10 per share ($0.40 annualized) and returned $22 million to shareholders in 2025 (including $14 million in dividends and $8 million in share repurchases). Since 2022, the company repurchased 7.4 million shares at an average price of $4.11 (~13% of outstanding shares), including 1.5 million shares in 2025 at an average price of $5.40.
Improved Adjusted Diluted EPS Despite Revenue Pressure
Adjusted diluted EPS for full-year 2025 was $1.01, an increase of $0.16 or 19% versus 2024, driven by higher adjusted net earnings and a lower share count from buybacks. Q4 adjusted diluted EPS was $0.36, consistent with Q4 2024.
Significant Debt Reduction and Strong Liquidity
Net debt was reduced by $42 million in 2025 and by $726 million (70%) from 2020-2025. Net debt leverage was low at 1.57x as of December 31, 2025, with total available liquidity of $299 million and the next large maturity ($205 million) not due until October 2029.
Momentum in Targeted Print and Direct Mail
Revenue mix increased in targeted print offerings — direct mail (DM), packaging and in-store — with DM outperforming expectations in 2025 due to higher volumes and operational efficiencies. Quad formalized a direct marketing agency in 2025 to combine strategy, data-driven audience activation, creative, production and measurement.
Agency Growth, New Client Wins and Geographic Expansion
Betty Creative and Rise Media produced visible campaigns and won integrated assignments (e.g., Gorilla Glue, Valvoline, Scandinavia designs). Quad announced new agency offices in Austin (full-service studio) and Mexico City to support clients and seek larger integrated assignments.
Postal Optimization and Operational Improvements
Completed integration of additional co-mail and high-density capabilities, growing mail pool sizes and improving sortation. Reported a 50% increase in multi-mail volumes, a 3x improvement in carrier route density and postal savings of $0.075+ per piece on enhanced carrier routes. Acquired complementary postal capabilities in April 2025.
Pension Liability Reduction and Improved Funding
Annuitized $96 million of defined benefit pension liability in Q4 2025 (32% of single-employer obligation) with a $94 million distribution, incurring a $13 million noncash settlement charge. Since the World Color Press acquisition, Quad has reduced net pension obligations by $491 million and improved qualified plan funded status to 91%, leaving $42 million of net pension liability as of December 31, 2025.
Forward Guidance and 2028 Strategic Outlook
2026 guidance shows continued improvement in trends: net sales expected to decline 1%-5% (midpoint -3%, an improvement versus 2024 -9.7% and 2025 -4.8% excluding the European divestiture). 2026 adjusted EBITDA guidance is $175M-$215M (midpoint $195M ~ essentially flat vs 2025 $196M) and adjusted EBITDA margin is expected to increase 30 basis points to 8.4%. Quad projects an inflection to net sales growth by 2028 and expects higher-margin services (excluding large-scale print) to grow at ~3% CAGR through 2028, with adjusted EBITDA margin of 9.4% by 2028.
Negative Updates
Year-over-Year Net Sales Decline
Net sales for Q4 2025 were $631 million, down 5.7% versus Q4 2024 (excluding the divestiture of European operations). Full-year 2025 net sales were $2.4 billion, a 4.8% decline versus 2024 (excluding the European divestiture). Declines were driven by lower paper sales, lower print volumes, and reduced logistics and agency sales, including the loss of a large grocery client in 2024 (annualized March 2025).
Adjusted EBITDA Contraction
Adjusted EBITDA declined to $55 million in Q4 2025 from $63 million in Q4 2024 (a decrease of ~12.7%) and was $196 million for full-year 2025 versus $224 million in 2024 (a decrease of ~12.5%). The declines were primarily due to lower net sales, investments in growth initiatives, and the European divestiture, partially offset by cost efficiencies.
Free Cash Flow Slightly Lower
Free cash flow was $51 million in 2025 versus $56 million in 2024, a decline of $5 million (~8.9%). The FCF decline was primarily due to a $17 million decrease in net cash provided by operating activities driven by working capital timing, partially offset by a $12 million decrease in capital expenditures.
Ongoing Market Headwinds and Postal Uncertainty
Quad noted risks from potential postal rate increases (industry expectation of a 6%-8% midyear increase), tariffs, and inflationary pressures that could negatively affect print and marketing spend. Long-term postal pricing trajectory remains uncertain and could continue to depress volume in categories like catalogs and prospecting mail.
Plant Closure and Operational Disruption
Quad announced the closure of its Thomaston, Georgia plant after more than 35 years, with production wrapping up and the plant closing in early March 2026, reflecting network consolidation and potential local job and community impacts.
Sales Guidance Still Indicates Near-Term Decline
2026 guidance expects net sales to decline 1%-5% versus 2025 (excluding $23 million of European divestiture sales), indicating continued near-term revenue pressure. The business is still seasonal with weaker first-half sales and free cash flow expected to be weakest in Q1.
Divestitures and One-Time Charges Impact Comparability
The divestiture of European operations and asset sales impacted year-over-year comparability. The pension annuitization incurred a $13 million noncash settlement charge in Q4 2025 and certain restructuring and divestiture-related items reduced comparability of underlying operating trends.
Company Guidance
Quad's 2026 guidance calls for net sales to decline 1%–5% versus 2025 (excluding $23M of 2025 European divestiture) — a midpoint decline of ~3% — with full‑year adjusted EBITDA of $175M–$215M (midpoint $195M, roughly flat with 2025's $196M) and adjusted EBITDA margin improving 30 basis points to 8.4% (from 8.1% in 2025). Free cash flow is guided to $40M–$60M (midpoint $50M, roughly in line with 2025's $51M), capital expenditures $55M–$65M (about $15M higher than 2025 at the midpoint), and net debt leverage is expected to decline from ~1.7x at year‑end 2025 to ~1.5x by year‑end 2026 (within the long‑term 1.5x–2.0x target). Management reaffirmed balanced capital allocation (a quarterly dividend raised to $0.10/$0.40 annual — ~$5M incremental cash in 2026 — plus opportunistic buybacks) and its 2028 outlook: an inflection to net‑sales growth by 2028, a ~3% CAGR through 2028 ex large‑scale print, an adjusted EBITDA margin target of 9.4% by 2028, and free‑cash‑flow conversion improving from ~26% (2026 guidance) to 35% by 2028 (40% long term).

Quad/Graphics Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Improving profitability (net income turned positive in 2025) and consistently positive free cash flow support the score, but multi-year revenue decline and a highly leveraged balance sheet remain key constraints on financial flexibility.
Income Statement
44
Neutral
Revenue has been shrinking for several years (down from ~$3.22B in 2022 to ~$2.42B in 2025), highlighting ongoing top-line pressure. Profitability is improving off prior losses: net income turned positive in 2025 ($27M) after losses in 2023–2024, and operating profitability strengthened with higher gross and operating margins versus the last two years. However, net margins remain thin (~1.1% in 2025), leaving limited buffer against further demand weakness or cost inflation.
Balance Sheet
28
Negative
Leverage is the key constraint. Total debt remains high (~$444M in 2025) relative to a modest equity base (~$129M), translating into elevated leverage (debt-to-equity ~3.5x in 2025 and substantially higher in 2024). While equity has improved versus 2024 and returns rebounded to positive in 2025, the capital structure still looks stretched, which can reduce financial flexibility if earnings soften or refinancing conditions tighten.
Cash Flow
55
Neutral
Cash generation is a relative strength: operating cash flow stayed positive across the period and free cash flow remained positive in 2025 (~$51M). That said, free cash flow declined in 2025 (down ~17% year over year), and cash conversion is not especially strong versus accounting earnings (free cash flow is roughly half of net income in 2025). Overall, the business produces cash, but the recent downshift in free cash flow bears monitoring given the leveraged balance sheet.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue2.42B2.67B2.96B3.22B2.96B
Gross Profit444.70M480.70M450.80M460.20M416.30M
EBITDA197.40M121.00M150.60M213.00M266.10M
Net Income27.00M-50.90M-55.40M9.30M37.80M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets1.25B1.30B1.51B1.70B1.89B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments63.30M29.20M52.90M25.20M179.90M
Total Debt444.00M464.60M625.30M713.70M931.60M
Total Liabilities1.12B1.25B1.39B1.53B1.75B
Stockholders Equity128.60M49.90M119.50M172.90M136.80M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow50.70M55.70M76.80M94.30M86.50M
Operating Cash Flow95.90M112.90M147.60M154.60M136.50M
Investing Cash Flow-27.70M12.70M-46.40M-60.50M129.40M
Financing Cash Flow-36.10M-149.10M-73.60M-248.70M-140.90M

Quad/Graphics Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price7.03
Price Trends
50DMA
6.29
Positive
100DMA
6.01
Positive
200DMA
5.95
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.16
Negative
RSI
69.23
Neutral
STOCH
90.05
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For QUAD, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 7.03 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 6.32, above the 50-day MA of 6.29, and above the 200-day MA of 5.95, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 0.16 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 69.23 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 90.05 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for QUAD.

Quad/Graphics Risk Analysis

Quad/Graphics disclosed 29 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Quad/Graphics reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Quad/Graphics Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (63)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
76
Outperform
$587.48M17.2011.44%2.98%-4.96%39.42%
73
Outperform
$2.64B17.409.10%2.20%4.62%102.72%
67
Neutral
$698.46M-70.89-2.36%-26.65%-110.98%
64
Neutral
$1.05B2.94-24.71%-68.48%2198.47%
63
Neutral
$10.79B15.437.44%2.01%2.89%-14.66%
59
Neutral
$337.60M12.2530.25%4.69%-9.23%
54
Neutral
$332.33M-13.48-12.34%4.25%-10.51%-247.97%
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
QUAD
Quad/Graphics
7.03
1.07
18.01%
ABM
ABM Industries
45.55
-5.77
-11.24%
CASS
Cass Information Systems
44.71
2.73
6.51%
PRSU
Pursuit Attractions and Hospitality
37.19
-1.14
-2.97%
CVEO
Civeo
28.46
1.78
6.67%
TH
Target Hospitality
6.63
1.58
31.29%

Quad/Graphics Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board Changes
Quad/Graphics Names Dave Honan President and COO
Positive
Feb 17, 2026

On February 12, 2026, Quad/Graphics appointed longtime executive Dave Honan as President while he continues as Chief Operating Officer, formalizing his role overseeing day-to-day operations across the company’s business units. Chairman and CEO Joel Quadracci, who has led Quad as President and CEO since 2006, will remain focused on long-term strategy, innovation and key stakeholder relationships, with Honan reporting directly to him.

Honan, who joined Quad in 2009 and previously served as Chief Accounting Officer and Chief Financial Officer, received a $250,000 restricted stock grant that will vest on the third anniversary of its March 1 grant date, underscoring the board’s confidence in his leadership and aligning his incentives with shareholders. Quad credits him with building its public-company finance and capital structure and driving operational strategies that improved manufacturing efficiency, margins and innovation, reinforcing the company’s ongoing transformation from a traditional printer into a broader marketing experience player.

The most recent analyst rating on (QUAD) stock is a Buy with a $10.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Quad/Graphics stock, see the QUAD Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

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.Date of analysis: Feb 19, 2026