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EASTMAN KODAK CO (KODK)·Q4 2024 Earnings Summary
Executive Summary
- Q4 2024 revenue was $0.266B, down 3% year over year, while gross margin expanded to 19% (+200 bps YoY); GAAP net income rose to $26M and Operational EBITDA improved to $9M from $2M in Q4 2023 .
- Sequentially, revenue ticked up versus Q3 2024 ($0.261B), and gross profit rose to $51M; momentum driven by pricing, efficiency actions, and brand licensing, partially offset by an EPS inventory reserve .
- No formal quantitative guidance was issued; management highlighted termination of the KRIP pension plan (effective Mar 31, 2025) with expected reversion proceeds to reduce long-term debt and annual interest expense .
- Near-term stock reaction catalysts: tariff determination establishing a “level playing field” in U.S. aluminum plates, growing AM&C contributions, and product traction (PROSPER 7000 Turbo), while higher aluminum costs and litigation expenses remain headwinds .
What Went Well and What Went Wrong
What Went Well
- Gross margin expansion to 19% in Q4 (vs. 17% LY) amid “smart revenue” focus; Operational EBITDA improved to $9M, reflecting pricing and efficiency actions .
- Strategic progress: U.S. ITC tariff decision on aluminum plates improved market predictability and fair competition; digital press traction highlighted at Hunkeler Innovationdays (PROSPER 7000 Turbo performance and upgradability) .
- Film momentum and brand strength: Oscars recognition for productions shot on KODAK film reinforces demand tailwinds across still, motion picture, and NDT film products .
Quote: “Kodak can compete with anybody when there’s a level playing field.” — Jim Continenza, CEO .
What Went Wrong
- Revenue declines persisted YoY (Q4 -3%; FY -7%) with print contraction outweighing AM&C growth; FY Operational EBITDA fell to $26M (vs. $45M in 2023) on lower volumes and higher manufacturing costs .
- Specific Q4 headwinds: $4M inventory reserve in electrophotographic printing (EPS), higher aluminum costs, and increased litigation-related expenses .
- Cash decreased to $201M at year-end (down $54M from Dec 31, 2023), driven by capex for AM&C growth initiatives, IT systems investments, and lower operating profitability, partly offset by working-capital improvements and $40M brand licensing proceeds in Q1 2024 .
Financial Results
Core P&L and Profitability (Millions USD; periods ordered oldest → newest)
Notes:
- Diluted EPS values marked with * are retrieved from S&P Global and may not have document citations. Values retrieved from S&P Global.
- Q4 YoY changes per company release: Revenue -$9M (-3%), Gross Profit +$4M (+9%), Gross Margin +200 bps, Net Income +$21M (+420%), Operational EBITDA +$7M (+350%) .
Segment Breakdown (Q4 2024 vs. Q4 2023; Eastman Business Park excluded)
Note: Segment totals exclude Eastman Business Park; consolidated revenue was $266M in Q4 2024 .
KPIs and Cash
Guidance Changes
Earnings Call Themes & Trends
Management Commentary
- “We continued to execute our long-term plan… increasing operational efficiency, shedding unprofitable business and investing in growth.” — Jim Continenza .
- “Our digital print business made a splash… KODAK PROSPER 7000 Turbo Press, the world’s fastest inkjet press.” — Jim Continenza .
- “The Board… approved the termination of the Kodak Retirement Income Plan… The company expects a significant portion of any reverted asset to be used to reduce long-term debt.” — Jim Continenza .
- “Gross profit percentage was 19% in the fourth quarter… result of actions… to make our operations more efficient and to realize the value of our offerings.” — David Bullwinkle .
- “Kodak ended the year with a cash balance of $201 million… reflects ongoing capex investments in AM&C growth initiatives…” — David Bullwinkle .
Q&A Highlights
- No formal Q&A session was held; Investor Relations available for follow-up .
Estimates Context
- S&P Global consensus estimates (EPS and revenue) were not available for KODK for Q2–Q4 2024 and FY 2024 via our data pull; comparison to Street expectations cannot be determined. Values retrieved from S&P Global.
- Actuals: Q4 revenue $0.266B and net income $26M; management emphasized margin improvement and operational EBITDA uplift YoY .
Key Takeaways for Investors
- Margin discipline is working: Q4 gross margin expanded to 19% despite a softer top line; operational EBITDA improved YoY on pricing and efficiency .
- AM&C is becoming a growth engine: revenue and profitability improved YoY; cGMP facility nearing production adds optionality in regulated/unregulated pharma products .
- Print headwinds persist but structural relief from U.S. plates tariffs should support pricing and share stability in the U.S. market .
- Balance sheet catalyst: KRIP termination and expected asset reversion earmarked for debt reduction could lower interest expense and improve flexibility .
- Watch cost headwinds: aluminum and litigation costs weighed on results; inventory reserve adjustments in EPS indicate ongoing portfolio rationalization .
- Cash investment phase: YE cash at $201M with continued capex for AM&C capacity and IT systems; operating cash was $4M in Q4 .
- Near-term narrative drivers: execution milestones at cGMP facility, PROSPER 7000 Turbo commercial ramp, stabilization in print post-tariff, and film demand supported by industry recognition .