Qurate Retail's preferreds are trading lower and now offer a 21.8% yield on cost on the back of their $8 per share annual coupon. I'm picking these up for 37 cents on the dollar in exchange for moderate credit risk against positive free cash flow and long-term debt that's been declining. The retail group is pivoting to online streaming and social media platforms with a full rebrand to QVC set to take place in the first quarter of 2025.
I'm buying Qurate Retail's 8.0% Series A Cumulative Preferred Stock at a 60% discount to their liquidation value and with a 20% yield on cost. The current discount is expected to close as Qurate's deleveraging, free cash flow, and Fed rate cuts improve market sentiment. Preferreds are down despite favorable Fed rate cuts, with redemption obligations by 2031, suggesting an undervalued opportunity.
Qurate Retail is transitioning from cable TV to e-commerce, with e-commerce now constituting the majority of sales, improving margins and cash flow. Despite sales declines, operational turnaround efforts under Project Athens have stabilized revenue, grown OIBDA, and are expected to generate $400 million in free cash flow for 2024. The company faces significant debt challenges but is making progress with creative refinancing and debt reduction strategies, enhancing financial flexibility.
| Specialty Retail Industry | Consumer Discretionary Sector | David L. Rawlinson II CEO | NASDAQ (CM) Exchange | US74915M1009 ISIN |
| US Country | 20,386 Employees | 12 Nov 2021 Last Dividend | 15 Oct 2014 Last Split | 15 Sep 2020 IPO Date |
Qurate Retail, Inc. operates as a dynamic player in the video and online commerce sectors across North America, Europe, and Asia. This enterprise specializes in the merchandising and sale of a broad spectrum of consumer products, leveraging televised shopping programs, as well as modern Internet and mobile applications, to reach a wide audience. Initially established under the name Liberty Interactive Corporation, the company underwent a rebranding to Qurate Retail, Inc. in April 2018, marking a significant evolution in its corporate identity since its inception in 1991. Based in Englewood, Colorado, Qurate Retail, Inc. aims to redefine the retail experience by integrating digital retail strategies with traditional shopping methodologies, thus catering to the diverse needs of its customer base spread across various regions.
Qurate Retail, Inc. offers an extensive selection of clothing items tailored to the preferences of women, men, and children. Their apparel line encompasses a wide range of styles, ensuring customers have access to the latest fashion trends and classic wardrobe staples alike, all available through the company's versatile shopping platforms.
In addition to clothing, the company provides an array of products designed to enhance the living spaces of its customers. From decor items that add a personal touch to homes, to functional goods that improve day-to-day living, Qurate's home product offerings strive to meet the various needs of modern households.
Understanding the importance of accessories and beauty products in complementing an individual's lifestyle and appearance, Qurate Retail, Inc. curates a selection of these items to cater to the diverse tastes and requirements of its customers. These products range from jewelry and handbags to skincare and makeup essentials, all aimed at providing consumers with a holistic shopping experience.
The company transcends traditional retail boundaries by delivering its product lineup through a combination of digital platforms (including app, mobile, and desktop applications) and physical in-store destinations. This strategic approach enables Qurate Retail, Inc. to engage with customers on multiple fronts, offering convenience and accessibility regardless of the preferred shopping method.
Complementing its digital and in-store presence, Qurate Retail, Inc. utilizes print catalogs and streaming services as supplementary channels to showcase its products. These platforms serve as vital tools for reaching a broader audience, providing an immersive visual experience that captures the essence of the brand's diverse product range.