- Xerox Holdings Corp. experienced weaker-than-expected performance in the third quarter and revised its 2024 guidance downwards for a second time due to several factors including a slower improvement in sales productivity. We now expect negative core free operating cash flow (FOCF) of about $100 million this year, excluding inflows from a strategic run-off of its finance receivables portfolio.
- We also now expect a steeper 10% decline in reported revenues and lower EBITDA margins of 8% in 2024 resulting in S&P Global Ratings-adjusted leverage of about 6x pro forma the acquisition of ITsavvy and no longer netting available cash. With continued secular print market challenges and a series of issues executing its Reinvention transformation plan, we take a less favorable view on the business's credit profile.
- We therefore lowered our issuer credit rating on Xerox to 'B+' from 'BB-'. We also lowered our issue-level ratings on its senior secured term loan to 'BB' from 'BB+' and on its senior unsecured notes to 'B+' from 'BB-'.
- The negative outlook reflects the continued significant execution risks involved with Xerox's ongoing transformation program, especially when it comes to returning to sustained long-term organic revenue growth and significant core FOCF. Further business underperformance could lead to another downgrade within the next 12 months.
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