Qurate Retail (QRTEA) Company Overview

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.

Love Wellness, No Makeup Makeup, and Gatineau Skincare join the beauty and wellness assortment at QVC WEST CHESTER, Pa. , Jan. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- QVC® , a world leader in live shoppable entertainment, today announced a lineup of new beauty and wellness brands including Love Wellness, No Makeup Makeup® , and Gatineau Skincare premiering on-air and on QVC.com this month.

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.

QVC is becoming the exclusive broadcaster of USA Pickleball as the home shopping network owner looks to experiment with sports and bulk up its streaming platform. QVC will also be the exclusive retail industry partner of USA Pickleball as part of the multiyear partnership.

Qurate Retail, Inc. offers a high-risk, high-reward opportunity, trading at a forward P/E ratio of 0.5x, with signs of revenue stabilization and positive cash flows. Despite past GAAP losses due to non-cash impairments, Qurate's core business remains profitable, generating positive adjusted net income and free cash flow. The company's debt is manageable, with leverage ratios stabilizing, and interest expenses covered by adjusted EBITDA and operating cash flow.

Winnie Harlow to premiere the suncare line that puts skin first live on QVC WEST CHESTER, Pa. , July 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- QVC® , world leader in live shoppable entertainment announced today it has launched Cay Skin.

The traditional business of TV shopping is at an inflection point as it competes with other retailers for consumers' discretionary spending and the entertainment industry for their attention. Cracks in the traditional TV shopping business model are beginning to show.

Qurate Retail's situation has improved thanks to operational improvements, the divestiture of an unprofitable division, and careful cash management. QRTEA's debt obligations look more manageable than they did a year ago. I'm not convinced that the company's turnaround is complete, but I'm optimistic enough to make Qurate a full position in my portfolio.