Service Performance Holds Steady for All Mail Categories As USPS Addresses Multiple Operational Challenges

Sales decreased 4% to $402.6 million, compared to $420.0 million during the same period last year. Sales were unfavorably impacted by $24.5 million due to a recall reserve adjustment. Sales and adjusted sales for the second quarter of 2023 include $12.5 million of sales related to gift card redemptions in connection with recall remedies. Our 2023 results have also been materially adversely impacted by the stop sale of the soft coolers included in the recalls initiated during the first quarter of 2023. Gross profit decreased 2% to $214.8 million, or 53.4% of sales, compared to $219.1 million, or 52.2% of sales, in the second quarter of 2022. Gross profit included a $19.4 million, or 150 basis points, unfavorable impact related to the recall reserve adjustment. Operating income decreased 26% to $50.3 million, or 12.5% of sales, compared to $68.3 million, or 16.3% of sales during the prior year quarter, and includes an $8.7 million unfavorable impact primarily from the recall reserve adjustment. Net income, which includes the unfavorable impact from the recall reserve adjustment, decreased 18% to $38.1 million, or 9.5% of sales, compared to $46.3 million, or 11.0% of sales in the prior year quarter.

MIDLAND has just launched a new and innovative Specialty Media catalog for offset, digital and inkjet sheet fed printers. The all-inclusive catalog merges major sheet fed print technologies into one unique publication. Offset, HP Indigo, Dry Toner and Inkjet substrates are all featured within one book. “The Specialty Media catalog is a one-stop shop product guide that gives our customers the opportunity to find the correct printable substrate without having to thumb through multiple catalogs,” comments David Field, General Manager of Midland’s Specialty Paper & Film Division. The new product guide features synthetic papers, rigid media, window and walls films, pressure sensitive papers, integrated substrates, magnetic media and specialty paper products. “These are all products that are of high value to our customers and their end users and are application driven” added Field. The catalog is segmented into the following categories: • Non-Adhesive Synthetic • Adhesive Synthetic • Adhesive Paper • Specialty Substrates. “Our customers are going to be blown away by this updated version of the Specialty Media Catalog”, said Mike Ratcliff, President of Midland’s Specialty Paper & Film Division. “This is more than just another catalog. It is a tool for our customers to use for their customers for all of their high value print projects – it gives them a window into what’s possible”.

The international media, services, and education company Bertelsmann has completed the acquisition of 25 percent of the capital shares and 46 percent of the voting rights in the Nasdaq-listed education company Afya in Brazil. The Brazilian antitrust authorities had previously given their approval. The transaction, which significantly expands Bertelsmann’s involvement in the Brazilian education market, has a volume of €500 million. Bertelsmann will provide three of the eleven members of the company’s Board of Directors from now on. Afya is the leading provider of medical education and training in Brazil. Bertelsmann acquired the shares in the company from Crescera Educacional II, a fund launched in 2014 by Crescera Capital with Bertelsmann as the main investor. Afya is now to be developed further in cooperation with the Esteves founding family, which holds 24 percent of the shares and 45 percent of the voting rights, and the company’s successful management.