Q3 2023 Qurate Retail Group Inc Earnings Call

November 3, 2023

Speaker 1: Welcome to the QA Retail Inc. 2023 Q3 earnings call. During the presentation all participants will be in a list of the questions.

Operator: Welcome to the Qurate Retail, Inc. 2023 Q3 earnings call. During the presentation, all participants will be in a listen-only mode. Afterwards, we will conduct a question-and-answer session. At this time, if you have a question, please press star one on your telephone. As a reminder, this conference will be recorded 3 November. I would now like to turn the call over to Shane Kleinstein, Vice President, Investor Relations. Please go ahead.

Welcome to the Q right retail Inc. 20, <unk> Q3 earnings call. During the presentation, all participants will be in listen only mode.

Speaker 1: Afterwards, we will conduct a question-amassur session. At this time, if you have a question, please press star one on your telephone. As a reminder, this conference will be recorded. Navam.

Afterwards, we will conduct a question and answer session. At this time. If you have a question. Please press star one on your telephone as a reminder, this conference will be recorded November thought I would now like to turn the call over to Shane Thanks team Life's messaging Investor Relations. Please go ahead.

Speaker 1: I would now like to turn the call over to Shane Kleinstein, Vice President, InnoSewer.

Shane Kleinstein: Thank you. Before we begin, we'd like to remind everyone that this call includes certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual events or results could differ materially due to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those mentioned in the most recent Form 10-K and 10-Q, filed by our company and QVC with the SEC. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this call, and Qurate Retail expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein to reflect any change in Qurate Retail's expectations with regard thereto, or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based. Please note that we have published slides to accompany the earnings release.

Speaker 2: Thank you. Before we begin, we'd like to remind everyone that this call includes certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Thank you before we begin we'd like to remind everyone that this call includes certain forward looking statements within the meaning of the private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Speaker 2: Actual events or results could differ materially due to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those mentioned in the most recent form 10K and 10Q, filed by our company in QDC with the SEC.

Actual events or results could differ materially due to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those mentioned in our most recent Form 10-K, and 10-Q filed by our company and QVC with the SEC. These forward looking statements speak only as of the date of this call and current retail expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward.

Speaker 2: These four-looking statements speak only out of the data this call, and Curet Retail expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any four-looking statement contained herein to reflect any change in Curet Retail's expectations with regard there to, or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based. Please note that we have published slides to accompany

Looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in shirt VITAS expectations with regard there to or any change in events conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based please note that we have published slides to accompany the earnings release on today's call. We will discuss certain non-GAAP financial measures, including adjusted OIBDA, adjusted OIBDA margin free cash flow and constant currency.

Shane Kleinstein: On today's call, we will discuss our non-GAAP financial measures, including adjusted OIBDA, adjusted OIBDA margin, free cash flow, and constant currency. Information regarding the comparable GAAP measures, along with required definitions and reconciliations, including preliminary note and schedules 1 through 3, can be found in the earnings press release issued today or our earnings presentation, which are available on our website. Today, speaking on the earnings call, we have Qurate Retail President and CEO, David Rawlinson, Qurate Retail Group CFO, Bill Wafford, and Qurate Retail Executive Chairman, Greg Maffei. Now I'll hand the call over to David.

Speaker 2: On today's call, we will discuss non- GAAP financial measures, including adjusted oivada, adjusted oivada margin, free cash flow and constant currency. Information regarding the comparable GAAP measures , along with required definitions and reconciliation, including preliminary note and scheduled run through three can be found in the earnings press release issue today, or our earnings presentation, which are available on our website.

Information regarding the comparable GAAP measures, along with required definitions and reconciliations, including preliminary note and schedules one through three can be found in the earnings press release issued today or our earnings presentation, which are available on our website today speaking on the earnings call, we have <unk> retail president and CEO, David Rawlinson carry.

Speaker 2: Today speaking on the earnings call we have Curit Retail President and CEO David Rawlinson, Curit Retail Group CFO Bill Wofford, and Curit Retail Executive Chairman Greg Maffei. Now I'll hand the call over to David.

Retail group's CFO Bill Wafford incur at retail executive Chairman, Greg Maffei, now I'll hand, the call over to David.

Speaker 3: Thank you, Shay, and good morning to everyone. Thank you for joining us today and for your interest in Curate Retail.

David Rawlinson II: Thank you, Shane, and good morning to everyone. Thank you for joining us today and for your interest in Qurate Retail. We unveiled Project Athens last year as our strategic multi-year framework to transform Qurate Retail, focused on double-digit growth in OIBDA and cash flow, and stabilized revenue through 2024 off of a 2022 baseline. Our 2023 first half initiatives were designed to increase operating free cash flow through working capital, and our second half initiatives are primarily margin focused. The transformation plan is playing out as we anticipated with tangible progress in Q3, despite a challenging discretionary retail backdrop. Let me walk through a few of the highlights of the quarter. First, we grew consolidated OIBDA, the first quarterly OIBDA growth since Q2 2021. Total Qurate Retail grew OIBDA 54%.

Thank you Shane and good morning to everyone. Thank you for joining us today and for your interest and curate retail.

Speaker 3: We unveiled Project Athens last year as our strategic multi-year framework to transform curate retail. Focus on double digit growth in Oyvada and cash flow and stabilize revenue through 2024 of the 2022 base.

We unveiled project happens last year as our strategic multiyear framework to transform curate retail focused on double digit growth in OIBDA and cash flow and stabilized revenue through 'twenty 'twenty, four although about 2020 to baseline.

Speaker 3: Our 2023 first half initiatives were designed to increase operating free cash flow through working capital. And our second half initiatives are primarily margin focused.

Our 2023 first half initiatives were designed to increase operating free cash flow through working capital and our second half initiatives are primarily margin focused.

Speaker 3: The transformation plan is playing out as we anticipated with tangible progress in Q3, despite the challenging discretionary retail back.

The transformation plan is playing out as we anticipated with tangible progress in Q3, despite a challenging discretionary retail backdrop.

Speaker 3: Let me walk through a few of the highlights of the quarter. First, we grew consolidated Oyveda, the first quarterly Oyveda growth since Q2 2021. Total curate retail grew Oyveda 54%. I will remind you that we sold to Lily earlier in the year in part to benefit total company profitability, excluding Zoolily from prior year results. Oyveda was up 35% in constant current.

Let me walk through what few of the highlights of the quarter first we grew consolidated OIBDA. The first quarterly OIBDA growth since Q2, 2021 total curate retail group OIBDA of 54%.

David Rawlinson II: I will remind you that we sold Zulily earlier in the year, in part to benefit total company profitability. Excluding Zulily from prior year results, OIBDA was up 35% in constant currency. Second, we grew OIBDA at all three of the businesses. This growth was driven by Project Athens and other work streams across the organization, focused on refreshing our merchandise assortment, enhancing our programming, sharpening our pricing, and improving our productivity and lowering our cost to serve. Third, we sustained gross margin improvement at our core video commerce businesses. These gains reflect successful execution on our elevated merchandise and pricing strategies, and meaningful improvement in fulfillment operations to reduce costs, improve efficiencies, and manage inventory. Fourth, we grew free cash flow $464 million year over year in the first nine months of 2023.

I'll remind you that we sold to Lilly earlier in the year in part to benefit total company profitability, excluding Xu Lilly from prior year results or EBITDA was up 35% in constant currency.

Speaker 3: Second, we grew Oryvita at all three of the businesses.

Second.

We grew OIBDA at all three of the businesses. This growth was driven by project Athens, and other work streams across the organization focused on refreshing, our merchandize assortments enhancing our programming sharpening, our pricing and improving our productivity and lowering our cost to serve.

Speaker 3: This growth was driven by project assets and other work streams across the organization, focused on refreshing our merchandise assortment, enhancing our programming, sharpening our pricing, and improving our productivity and lowering our costs to serve.

Third we sustained gross margin improvement at our core video commerce businesses. These gains reflect successful execution on our L elevated merchandising pricing strategies and meaningful improvement in fulfillment operations to reduce costs improve efficiencies and manage inventory.

Speaker 3: gross margin improvement at our core video commerce business.

Speaker 3: These gains reflect successful execution on our elevated merchandise and pricing strategies and meaningful improvement and fulfillment operations to reduce costs, improve efficiencies and manage inventory.

Speaker 3: Fourth, we grew three cash flow, 464 million year over year, in the first nine months of 2023. This growth was due to improved operating cash flow from higher earnings and working capital gains.

Fourth we grew free cash flow.

464 million year over year in the first nine months of 2023.

David Rawlinson II: This growth was due to improved operating cash flow from higher earnings and working capital gains. Fifth, we substantially moderated the rate of decline in revenue. Qurate Retail revenue, excluding Zulily from prior year results, declined 3% in Q3, down from high single digits in the first half of 2023. We are proud of the teams and the hard work underlying our progress over the past 12 to 18 months, especially as we navigated massive impacts from post-pandemic supply chain challenges and the fire at our former Rocky Mount Fulfillment Center. Over this time, we have made meaningful improvements to execution. We reorganized our US video commerce businesses and attracted key talent throughout the organization. In fulfillment, we negotiated better ocean and domestic freight rates, improved efficiency, and managed inventory to alleviate the detention and demurrage charges that followed the fire and post-pandemic supply chain disruption.

This growth was due to improved operating cash flow from higher earnings and working capital gains.

Speaker 3: Fifth, we substantially moderated the rate of decline in revenue. Curate retail revenue, excluding Zulily from prior year results, declined 3% in Q3, down from high single digits in the first half of 2020.

We substantially moderated the rate of decline in revenue.

Retail revenue, excluding Xu Lilly from prior year results declined 3% in Q3 down from high single digits in the first half of 2023.

Speaker 3: We are proud of the teams and the hard work underlying our progress over the past 12 to 18 months, especially as we navigated massive impacts from post-pandemic supply chain challenges and the fire at our former Rocky Mountain Billment Center. Over this time, we have made meaningful improvements to execution.

We are proud of the teams and the hard work underlying our progress over the past 12 to 18 months, especially as we navigated massive impacts from post pandemic supply chain challenges and the fire at our former Rocky Mount fulfillment Center over this time, we have made meaningful improvements to execution.

Speaker 3: We reorganized our US video commerce businesses and attracted key talent throughout the organization. And fulfillment, we negotiated better ocean and domestic break rates, improved deficiencies, and managed inventory to alleviate the detention and demurage charges that followed the fire and post pandemic supply chain disruptions.

We reorganized our U S video commerce businesses and attract key talent throughout the organization.

We negotiated better ocean and domestic break grades improved efficiency and manage the inventory to alleviate the detention and demurrage charges that followed the buyer and post pandemic supply chain disruption.

David Rawlinson II: We expanded product margins by refreshing our merchandise assortment with higher quality products, rotating into higher performing categories and higher price point subcategories, and affecting strategic price increases. We reinvigorated our core daily programming, the Today's Special Value at QVC and Today's Special at HSN, with elevated merchandise assortment, enhanced programming, events, and reengaged hosts. We have also returned these specials to time-limited 24-hour events, reinfusing a sense of urgency. From these efforts, we beat expectations on per minute productivity and overall TSV or TS performance at both QVC and HSN. We affected workforce reductions throughout the company. While these were difficult decisions, they are right for the long-term health of the business. Lastly, we conducted a deep dive customer analysis and have enacted changes that are beginning to stabilize the customer file. We expect these foundational improvements and Project Athens work streams to continue to drive progress.

Speaker 3: We expanded product margins by refreshing our merchandise assortment with higher quality products, rotating into higher performing categories and higher price points up categories, and affecting strategic price increase.

We expanded product margins by refreshing, our merchandize assortment with higher quality products rotating into higher performing categories and higher price points subcategories, and effecting strategic price increases we reinvigorated our core daily programming the today's special value at QVC.

Speaker 3: We reinvigorated our core daily programming, the today's special value at QVC and today's special at HSN. With elevated merchandise assortment, enhanced programming, events, and re-engaged hosts, we have also returned these specials to Tom Limited, 24-hour event, re-infusing a sense of urgency.

And today's special at HSN with elevated merchandise assortment and enhanced programming events and Reengage toes. We have also returned the specials to time limited 24 hour you bet reinforcing a sense of urgency from these efforts we beat expectations on per minute productivity.

Speaker 3: From these efforts, we need expectations on permanent productivity and overall TSV or TS performance at both QVC and HSN. We affect the-

And overall <unk> performance at both QVC and HSN.

We effective workforce reductions throughout the company.

Speaker 3: While these were difficult decisions, they are right for the long-term health of the business.

While these were difficult decisions.

Right for the long term health of the business.

Speaker 3: And lastly, we conducted a deep-dob customer analysis and have enacted changes that are beginning to stabilize the customer file. We expect these foundational improvements and project Athens' work streams to continue to drive progress.

And lastly, we conducted a deep dive customer analysis and have enacted changes that are beginning to stabilize the customer file.

We expect these foundational improvements in project Athens work streams to continue to drive progress.

David Rawlinson II: Now let me discuss each of our three businesses. QxH increased OIBDA 41%, driven by 480 basis points of gross margin improvement. From a top-line perspective, QxH moderated the rate of decline in Q3, with Q3 down 3% compared to mid high single digit declines in the first half of 2023. Our total sales outperformed the discretionary retail market. We achieved a better balance between unit volume and average selling price. Unit volume declined 3%, which was an improvement from the high single digit decline in the first half of 2023, largely a function of higher quality product assortment. We continue to drive higher pricing, primarily through our merchandise mix, with average selling price up 1% in Q3. From an operational perspective, QxH continues to lower costs and improve delivery times.

Now, let me discuss each of our three businesses.

Speaker 3: QXH increased oirvada 41%, driven by 480 basis points of gross margin improvement.

<unk> increased OIBDA, 41%, driven by 480 basis points of gross margin improvement.

Speaker 3: From a top line perspective, QXH moderated the rate of decline in Q3 with Q3 down 3%, compared to mid-high single digit declines in the first half of 2023. Our total sales outperform the discretionary retail bar.

From a topline perspective, <unk> moderated the rate of decline in.

In Q3, with Q3 down 3% compared to mid high single digit declines in the first half of 2023.

Our total sales outperformed the discretionary retail market.

Speaker 3: We achieved the better balance between unit volume and average selling price. Unit volume declined 3%, which was an improvement from the high single digit decline in the first half of 2023, largely a function of higher quality product disortment. We continue to drive higher pricing primarily through our merchandise mix with average selling price up 1% in cuter rates.

We achieved a better balance between unit volume and average selling price unit volume declined 3%, which was an improvement from the high single digit declines in the first half of 2023 is largely a function of higher quality product assortment, we continue to drive higher pricing primarily through our <unk>.

<unk> mix with average selling price up 1% in Q3.

Speaker 3: From an operational perspective, QXH continues to lower cost and improve delivery times. Rates for my new domestic parcel contract took a bet in late July and our operational cost per unit declined 12% in Q3. Our order to delivery time declined 2%.

From an operational perspective, <unk> continues to lower costs and improve delivery times rates for my new domestic parcel contract took effect in late July and our operational cost per unit declined 12% in Q3, our order to delivery time declined two.

David Rawlinson II: Rates for my new domestic parcel contract took effect in late July, and our operational cost per unit declined 12% in Q3. Our order to delivery time declined 2%. Our refreshed merchandise assortment and enhanced programming are contributing to this improving revenue performance. In terms of viewership, minutes viewed on our five linear channels increased 15% year-over-year in Q3. The number of new on-air items grew low double digits in Q3, which were met with strong consumer demand. QVC continues to enhance its programming for its core customer. Earlier this year, I told you about a limited run series, Over Fifty and Fabulous. We broadcast season two of this series for six weeks from mid-August to late September. We enhanced strategies from season one and improved the show's sales per minute productivity.

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Speaker 3: Our Refresh merchandise assortment and enhanced programming are contributing to this improving revenue performance.

Our refreshed merchandize assortment and enhanced programming are contributing to this improving revenue performance.

Speaker 3: In terms of viewership, minutes viewed on our Bob Linear channels increased 15% year over year in Q3.

In terms of viewership minutes viewed on a five linear channels increased 15% year over year in Q3.

Speaker 4: The number of new, own-air items grew low-double digits in cutery, which were met with strong consumer demand.

The number of new one Eric where items grew low double digits in Q3, which were met with strong consumer demand <unk>.

Speaker 4: QVC continues to enhance its programming for its core cuss.

QVC continues to enhance its programming for its core customer.

Speaker 4: Earlier this year, I told you about a limited run series, Over 50 Infeads.

Earlier this year I told you about a limited run series over 50 and Fabulous we broadcast season two of this series for six weeks from mid August to late September we enhanced strategies from season, one and improve the shows sales per minute productivity today, there are more than $26.

Speaker 4: We broadcast season two of this series for six weeks, from mid-August to late September . We enhanced strategies from season one and improved the show's sales per minute productivity.

David Rawlinson II: To date, there are more than 26.5 million views of Over Fifty and Fabulous across social and digital platforms. For the series finale, we hosted customers for an in-studio live show and after-party live stream. Tickets for that event sold out in 5 minutes. Looking at the category performance in Q3, QxH saw a turnaround in the home category, driven by fresher products, exciting events, and inspiring personalities. We experienced year-over-year growth and demand during our Christmas in July event at QVC, as well as at HSN during its July birthday month. Food and kitchen gadgets were particularly strong as we leaned on our celebrity chefs like David Venable and Wolfgang Puck, proprietary brands such as KitchenHQ, and special events and programming such as our Foodie Travel Series and Foodie Fest....

Speaker 3: To date, there are more than 26.5 million views of Over 50 and Fabulous across social and digital platforms. For the series finale, we hosted customers for an in-studio live show and after-party live stream. Tickets for that event sold out in five minutes. Looking at...

5 million views of over 50, and fabulous across social and digital platforms, but the series finale, we hosted customers born in studio Loft show, an after party livestream tickets for that that sold out in five minutes.

Looking at the category performance in the third quarter.

Speaker 4: QXH saw a turnaround in the home category, driven by fresher products, exciting events, and inspiring personalities. We experienced year-over-year growth and demand during our Christmas in July event at QVC, as well as at HSN during its July birthday month.

<unk> saw a turnaround in the home category driven by pressure products exciting events and inspiring personalities, we experienced year over year growth in demand during our Christmas in July event at QVC as well as at HSN during its July birthday month.

Speaker 4: food and kitchen gadgets were particularly strong as we leaned on our celebrity chefs like David Vennable and Wolfgang Puck, proprietary brands such as KitchenHQ and specially events and programming such as our Booty Travel Series and Booty Fest.

Food and kitchen gadgets were particularly strong as we leaned on our celebrity chefs like David Venable, and Wolfgang Puck proprietary brands, such as kitchen, HQ and specially beds and programming such as our food travels theories and beauty bes.

Speaker 4: Home decor demand improved, driven by seasonal products, candles, storage, and a 30th anniversary event with Valerie Parhill.

David Rawlinson II: Home decor demand improved, driven by seasonal products, candles, storage, and a thirtieth anniversary event with Valerie Parr Hill. QVC US continues to have strength in its wellness and supplements product offering. At HSN, the relaunch of Joy Mangano has drawn a number of our reactivated customers back to the platform. In fashion, we experienced growth in accessories, led by higher demand for footwear and loungewear, including loafers, wellness footwear, and brands like Barefoot Dreams and Cuddl Duds. In September, QVC refreshed its Monday night fashion lineup, featuring Logo by Lori Goldstein, the relaunch of TM Style with Amy Stran, and new shows, Accessorize with Sean and Sean on Style. Each show was developed to deliver a strong fashion point of view and includes special sets and fresh production elements.

Home decor demand improved driven by seasonal products candles storage and a 30th anniversary event with Valerie Parr Hill.

Speaker 4: QVC-US continues to have strength in its wellness and supplements product offering. At HSN, the relaunch of Joy Mangano has drawn a number of our reactivated customers back to the platform.

QVC U S continues to have strength and its wellness and supplement product offering at HSN. The relaunch of Joy Mangano has drawn a number of our reactivated customers back to the platform.

Speaker 4: In fashion, we experience growth in accessories, led by higher demand for footwear and loungewear, including loafers, wellness footwear, and brands like Barefoot Dreams and Cuddle Duds. In September , QVC refreshed its Monday night fashion lineup, featuring Logo by Lori Goldstein, the relaunch of TM Style with Amy Strand, and new shows accessorized with Shawn and Shawn on Style.

In fashion, we experienced growth in accessories led by higher demand for footwear, and loungewear, including loafers wellness footwear and brands like Barefoot dreams, and Cuddled Us and September QVC refresh. This Monday night fashion lineup featuring logo by Lori Goldstein.

The relaunch of PM style, with Amy Strand, and new shows accessorize with Sean and Sean on style.

Speaker 3: Each show was developed to deliver a strong fashion point of view and include special sets and fresh production elements. At HSN, we were pleased to launch new brands and offers, including Sea Wonder by Christian Seriano, Birkenstock for the first time as a Today Special, Sharp's Flex Style Hair Tool, and Sofia Vergara's Todi Beauty Line.

Each show was developed to deliver a strong fashion point of view and include special SaaS and fresh production elements at HSN. We were pleased to launch new brands and offers including C. Wonder by Christian Siriano Burke and stopped but the first time as a today's special sharp split style hair.

David Rawlinson II: At HSN, we were pleased to launch new brands and offers, including Seawonder by Christian Siriano, Birkenstock for the first time as a Today's Special, Shark's FlexStyle hair tool, and Sofia Vergara's Toty beauty line. Now let me touch on QxH customers. On a quarterly basis, total count declined 8% in the third quarter, partially offset by a 6% increase in average spend per customer, resulting in an overall 3% decline in revenue. The rate of decline in count moderated in Q3 from the low double-digit declines in the first two quarters of 2023. We're seeing the biggest turn from the low end of our customer file. On Slide 8 of our earnings presentation, you can see we are stabilizing the trailing twelve-month count near 8.2 million, down only modestly from 8.3 million at the end of the second quarter.

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Tony Beauty line.

Now, let me touch on Q excites customers.

Speaker 4: On a quarterly basis, total count declined 8% in the third quarter, partially offset by a 6% increase in average spend per customer, resulting in an overall 3% decline in revenue.

On a quarterly basis total client count declined 8% in the third quarter, partially offset by a 6% increase in average spend per customer, resulting in an overall, 3% decline in revenue.

Speaker 4: The rate of declining count moderated in Q3 from the low double-digit declines in the first two quarters of 2023. We're seeing the biggest turn from the low end of our customer file.

The rate of declining count moderated in Q3 from the low double digit declines in the first two quarters of 2023, we're seeing the biggest turn from the low end of our customer file.

Speaker 4: On slide 8 of our earnings presentation, you can see we're stabilizing the trailing 12 month count near 8.2 million, down only modestly from 8.3 million at the end of the second quarter. Please note that while our press release discloses customer count on the trailing 12 month basis, this is a lagging indicator and does not reflect the progress in Q3.

On slide eight of our earnings presentation, you can see we are stabilizing the trailing 12 months count near $8 2 million down only modestly from $8 3 million at the end of the second quarter. Please note that while our press release discloses customer count on a trailing 12 month basis. This is a.

David Rawlinson II: Please note that while our press release discloses customer count on a trailing twelve-month basis, this is a lagging indicator and does not reflect the progress in Q3. The increase in average spend was driven by our existing and best customers and reflects our higher quality product assortment. The average dollar spend for each of these cohorts was the highest of any quarter in 2023. We are taking a variety of actions to attract new customers, retain customers, and reactivate former customers. We have launched new programs and formats on both linear and digital forums. We have offered gifts and vouchers and have refined and enhanced our marketing spend, both of which have yielded high returns. We have created new on-site experiences, sent letters from the business presidents to recognize and appreciate our best customers, and we are testing a pilot loyalty program.

Lagging indicator and does not reflect the progress in Q3.

Speaker 4: The increase in average spend was driven by our existing and best customers and reflects our higher quality product assortment. The average dollar spend for each of these cohorts was the highest of any quarter in 2023.

The increase in average spend was driven by our existing best customers and reflects our higher quality product assortment that average dollar spend for each of these cohort was the highest of any quarter in 2023.

Speaker 4: We are taking a variety of actions to attract new customers, retain customers, and reactivate former customers.

We're taking a variety of actions to attract new customers retaining customers and reactivate form of customers. We have launched new programs at formats on both linear and digital forums, we have offered yes, and vouchers and have refined and enhanced our marketing spend both of which have yielded high returns we have.

Speaker 4: We have launched new programs and formats on both linear and digital forums. We have offered gifts and vouchers and have refined and enhanced our marketing spin, both of which have yielded high returns. We have created new on-site experiences, sent letters from the business presidents to recognize and appreciate our best customers, and we are testing a pilot loyalty program.

<unk>, new onsite experiences letters when the business presidents to recognize and appreciate our best customers and we are testing a pilot loyalty program.

Speaker 4: As a result of these efforts, we're pleased to report that new customers grew 8% at QXH in Q3, which was the first quarter of growth since Q1 2021.

David Rawlinson II: As a result of these efforts, we're pleased to report that new customers grew 8% at QxH in Q3, which was the first quarter of growth since Q1 2021. This growth was primarily attributed to strategic targeting of promotions based on marketing channel and product categories. We are constantly reviewing our customer acquisition costs and carefully managing overall return on our marketing efforts. We shift marketing spend to capitalize on opportunities in the market where we can efficiently acquire customers in our target demographic and track their lifetime value. We will continue to test, learn, and scale initiatives. We are executing with more success at a faster pace now than a year ago, and I look forward to telling you more on future calls. Before closing on QxH, let me provide a view on the important holiday season.

As a result of these efforts we're pleased to report that new customers grew 8% at USA in Q3, which was the first quarter of growth since Q1 2021.

Speaker 4: This growth was primarily attributed to strategic targeting of promotions based on marketing channel and product categories. We are constantly reviewing our customer acquisition costs and carefully managing overall return on our marketing efforts. We shift marketing spend to capitalize on opportunities in the market where we can efficiently acquire customers in our target demographic and track their lifetime value.

This growth was primarily attributed to strategic targeting our promotions based on marketing channel and product categories. We are constantly reviewing our customer acquisition costs and carefully managing overall return on our marketing efforts, we shift marketing spend to capitalize on opportunities in the market, where we can efficiently.

We acquire customers in our target demographic and track their lifetime value.

Speaker 4: We will continue to test, learn, and scale initiatives. We are executing with more success at a faster pace now than a year ago, and I look forward to telling you more on future calls.

We will continue to test learn and scale initiatives, we are executing with more success at a faster pace now than a year ago and I look forward to telling you more on future calls.

Speaker 4: Before closing on QX8, let me provide a view on the important holidays.

Before closing on <unk>, let me provide a view on the important holiday season.

David Rawlinson II: Our customers are looking forward to activities with friends and family, and more importantly, ready for holiday shopping. Our target customer is mindful of her budget and cognizant of inflation, particularly for groceries and gas. Therefore, it is important for us to incite and inspire her with fresh products and compelling value. From a merchandise point of view, we feel good about our assortment and are in a substantially better inventory position than one year ago. At QVC, we are excited about several brand extensions and limited-time collections from key brands. These include Susan Graver, Kim Gravel, Dennis Basso, and Denim & Co. We have new product launches, including Lauren Zarian, and a new private label cashmere sweater collection from Pure Splendor. We are extending our chef family with new culinary lines from Aarti Sequeira and a cookware line from Carla Hall.

Speaker 4: Our customers are looking forward to activities with friends and family and more importantly, ready for holiday shopping. Our target customer is mindful of her budget and cognizant of inflation, particularly for groceries and gas. Therefore it is important for us to incite and inspire her with fresh products and compelling and money to much of such an supermarket.

Customers are looking forward to activities with friends and family and more importantly, really for holiday shopping our target customer is mindful of our budget and cognizant of inflation, particularly for groceries and gas. Therefore, it is important for us to incite and inspire her with fresh products and compelling value.

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Speaker 4: From a merchandise point of view, we feel good about our sortment and are in a substantially better inventory position than one year ago.

From a merchandise point of view, we feel good about our assortment and are in a substantially better inventory position than one year ago.

Speaker 4: At QVC, we are excited about several brand extensions and limited-time collections from key brands. These include Susan Graver, Kim Gravel, Dennis Basso, and Denim & Company. We have new

At QVC, we are excited about several brand extensions and limited time collections from key brands. These include Susan Graver can rebel Dennis Basso and denim <unk> company, we have new product launches, including Lauren Zarya, and a new private label Cashmere sweater.

Speaker 4: including Lawrence Darien and a new private label Casimir Sweater collection from Pure Splendor.

Collection from pure splendor.

Speaker 4: We are extending our chef family with new culinary lines from RIT, Cicari, and a cookware line from Par la Hall.

Extending our chef family with new culinary lines from RT, Sakari and our cookware line from Carla Hall, and beauty, we have exclusive holiday packages from key brands. These include philosophy Elemis, Peter Thomas Roth and more in addition, QVC as the <unk>.

Speaker 4: In beauty, we have exclusive holiday packages from key brands. These include philosophy, elements, Peter Thomas Ross, and more. In addition, QVC is the exclusive retailer for Beakman's launch in November of its toll house partnership.

David Rawlinson II: In beauty, we have exclusive holiday packages from key brands. These include Philosophy, Elemis, Peter Thomas Roth, and more. In addition, QVC is the exclusive retailer for Beekman's launch in November of its Toll House partnership. HSN will also inspire with new merchandise, including an exclusive with Dolly Parton for the launch of her new rock album, Katherine McPhee's Radiance by Absolute collaboration, Erin Andrews' licensed sports launch with Fanatics, and the launch of Tarte Beauty as a Today's Special. We'll also have all our celebrity chefs cooking their holiday favorites and celebrity designers bringing new and exciting assortments. Looking now at QVC International. Like QxH, we're implementing a transformational program that is focused on margin opportunities, content, and broadcast strategies, and optimizing execution. These efforts are paying dividends. QVC International grew revenue and OIBDA compared to last year and sustained gross margin gains from Q2.

Exclusive retailer for Beekman launch in November of its toll house partnership.

Speaker 4: HSM will also inspire with new merchandise, including an exclusive with Dolly Parton for the launch of her new rock album.

HSM will also inspire with new merchandise, including an exclusive with Dolly Parton for the launch of our new rock album.

Speaker 4: Catherine McThese Radiant by Absolute Collaboration. Aaron Andrews' Licensed Sports Launch with Banatics and the launch of Tarte Beauty as of today's special.

Catherine Mcfee's radians by absolute collaboration Erin Andrews licensed sports launch with fanatics and the launch of Tarte beauty as of today's special will also have all our celebrity chef cooking their holiday favorites, and celebrity designers, bringing new and exciting assortments.

Speaker 4: We'll also have all our celebrity chefs cooking their holiday favorites and celebrity designers bringing new and exciting assortments.

<unk>.

Looking now at QVC International lie.

Speaker 4: Like QXH, we're implementing a transformational program that's focused on margin opportunities, content, and broadcast strategies, and optimizing execution. These efforts are paying dividends.

<unk>, we're implementing a transformational program that's focused on margin opportunities content and broadcast strategies and optimizing execution.

These efforts are paying dividends QVC international grew revenue and OIBDA compared to last year and sustained gross margin gains from Q2.

Speaker 4: QVC International Group Revenue and Norvidot compared to last year and sustained gross margin gains from Q2. Growth was stronger in the UK and Germany as Euro-area inflation leveled off, and the UK was in comparison to the Queen's passing last year.

David Rawlinson II: Growth was stronger in the UK and Germany as euro area inflation leveled off, and the UK was in comparison to the Queen's passing last year. Japan was flat, as consumer sentiment continued to be affected by higher energy costs. QVC International's transformation actions are on track to deliver substantial OIBDA opportunities that will achieve full run rate by 2025. Looking to the holiday season, we remain optimistic about our product assortment and campaigns that we believe resonate with our customers. At both of our video commerce businesses, I'm especially pleased that we grew OIBDA while still investing in growth initiatives. Our domestic streaming operations have grown revenue and customer engagement year to date in 2023. The free ad-supported portion is the fastest growing sector. In March, we launched Soon, our next generation video and live screen shopping platform and app.

Both were stronger in the UK and Germany as Euro area inflation leveled off and the U K was in comparison to the Queen's passing last year.

Speaker 4: Japan was flat, as consumer sentiment continued to be effective by higher energy costs. QVC International's transformation actions are on track to deliver substantial order that opportunities that will achieve full run rate by 2025. Looking to the holiday season, we remain optimistic about our product disortment and campaigns that we believe resonate with our customers. QVC International's transformation actions are on track to deliver substantial order that will continue to be effective.

Japan was flat as consumer sentiment continued to be affected by higher energy costs QVC International transformation actions are on track to deliver substantial OIBDA opportunities that will achieve full run rate by 2025 look into the holiday season, we remain optimistic about our product assortment and.

Campaigns that we believe resonate with our customers.

At both of our video Commerce businesses, let.

Speaker 4: I mean, especially please that we grew or did not, while still investing in growth in this.

I'm, especially pleased that we grew our EBITDA, while still investing in growth initiatives, our domestic streaming operations have grown revenue in customer engagement year to date in 2023.

Speaker 4: Our domestic streaming operations have grown revenue and customer engagement year to date in 2023. The free ad supported portion is the fastest growing sector. And March, we launched soon. Our natural generation video and live stream shop and platform and app. We continue to build momentum in this beta phase. At QBC International, we launched integrated experience in the UK and Germany with a focus on gardening and food and kitchen respectively.

Free AD supported portion is the fastest growing sector in March we launched soon our next generation video and livestream shopping platform and App, we continue to build momentum in its database at QVC International we launched integrated experience in the UK and Germany with a focus on garden.

David Rawlinson II: We continue to build momentum in this beta phase. At QVC International, we launched integrated experience in the UK and Germany with a focus on gardening and food and kitchen, respectively. Both have shown positive customer engagement, and we believe we can scale to other category segments and markets over time. Looking at Cornerstone, the overall home sector remains highly promotional and competitive. Demand for most categories was soft across the four Cornerstone brands. Despite the challenging environment, we focused on factors in our control, managing inventory and lowering supply chain and operating costs. As a result, the business generated OIBDA growth in the quarter. We have seen continued progress in our retail store strategy as customers are gravitating to our new physical stores. Accordingly, we are planning to open five new retail stores by the first half of 2024.

<unk> and food and kitchen, respectively. Both have shown positive customer engagement and we believe we can scale to other categories segment end markets over time.

Speaker 4: both have shown positive customer engagement and we believe we can scale to other category segments and markets over time.

Speaker 4: Looking at cornerstone, the overall home sector remains highly promotional and competitive. The band for most categories was soft across the four cornerstone brands. Despite the challenging environment, we focus on factors in our control, managing inventory and lowering supply chain and operating.

Looking at cornerstone the overall home sector remains highly promotional and competitive in.

The band for most categories were soft across the board cornerstone brands. Despite the challenging environment, we focused on factors in our control managing inventory and lowering supply chain and operating costs. As a result, the business generated OIBDA growth in the quarter. We are seeing continued progress on our retail store strategy.

Speaker 4: As a result, the business generated orbit dock rose in the quarter. We have seen continued progress in our retail store strategy as customers are gravitating to our new physical stores. Accordingly, we are planning to open five new retail stores by the first half of 2024.

<unk> customers are gravitating to our new physical stores. Accordingly, we are planning to open five new retail stores by the first half of 2024.

Yes.

David Rawlinson II: In closing, our Q3 results are in line with our Project Athens plans and amplify our confidence in our 2024 objectives. Going into Q4, we are cognizant of the challenges from inflation, interest rates, and geopolitical events. We remain steadfast in our transformation. We recognize we have much work still ahead of us, but remain confident in our ability to execute and drive results. The foundational changes we have enacted and the dedication from our teams are materializing in better financial results. We expect to sustain progress going forward, and I want to reiterate our expectations for a double-digit CAGR for OIBDA, free cash flow, and stable revenue through 2024. Now, I'll turn the call to Bill to discuss the financial results of each of our businesses in more detail.

In closing.

Speaker 4: our Q3 results are in line with our project Athens plans and amplify our confidence in our 2024 objectives.

Our Q3 results are in line with our project Athans plans and amplify our confidence in our 2024 objectives going into Q4, we are cognizant of the challenges from inflation interest rates and geopolitical events, we remain steadfast in our transformation we are.

Speaker 4: Going into Q4, we are cognizant of the challenges from inflation, interest rates, and geopolitical events. We remain steadfast in our transformation.

Speaker 4: We recognize we have much work still ahead of us, but remain confident in our ability to execute and drive results.

Recognize we have much work still ahead of us, but remain confident in our ability to execute and drive results.

Speaker 4: The foundational changes we have enacted and the dedication from our teams, our materializing is better financial results. We expect a sustained progress going forward and I want to reiterate our expectations for a double-digit keger for Orbit-Dyre free cash flow and stable revenue through 2020-

The foundational changes, we have enacted and the dedication from our teams are materializing and better financial results. We expect a sustained progress going forward and I want to reiterate our expectations for a double digit CAGR or EBITDA and free cash flow and stable revenue through 2024.

Speaker 4: Now I'll turn the call to Bill to discuss the financial results of each of our businesses and more detail.

Now I'll turn the call to bill to discuss the financial results of each of our businesses in more detail.

Bill Wafford: Thank you, David, and good morning, everyone. Unless otherwise noted, my comments compare financial performance for the three months ended September 30, 2023, to the same period in 2022. Starting with QxH. Revenue declined 3%, primarily on lower unit volume. These pressures were partially offset by 1% growth in average selling price and a 6% increase in average spend per customer. From a category perspective, QxH experienced growth in accessories, home, and jewelry, offset by declines in electronics, apparel, and beauty. As David mentioned, we experienced a turnaround in home, where revenue increased 2%. This growth was mainly due to higher demand for cookware, food, and seasonal products. Accessories grew 7%, primarily due to broad-based strength in footwear and higher demand for loungewear. Apparel was down 8%. We experienced softness in classic and contemporary apparel, partially offset by growth in outerwear.

Thank you David and good morning, everyone.

Speaker 4: Unless otherwise noted, my comments compare financial performance for the three months ended September 30th, 2023, to the Zoom period in 2022.

Unless otherwise noted my comments compare financial performance for the three months ended September 32023 for the same period in 2022.

Speaker 4: Starting with QXH, revenue decline 3%, primarily on lower units.

Starting with <unk> revenue declined 3%, primarily on lower unit volume. These pressures were partially offset by 1% growth in average selling price and a 6% increase in average spend per customer.

Speaker 4: These pressures were partially offset by 1% growth in average selling price and a 6% increase in average spend per customer.

Speaker 4: from a category perspective, QXH explains growth in accessories, home and jewelry, offset by declines in electronics apparel and deeds.

From a category perspective <unk>.

<unk> experienced growth in accessories home and jewelry offset by declines in electronics apparel and beauty.

Speaker 4: As David mentioned, we experienced a turnaround in home, where revenue increased 2%.

As David mentioned, we experienced a turnaround in home where revenue increased 2%.

Speaker 4: This growth was mainly due to higher demand for cookware, food, and seasonal products.

This growth was mainly due to higher demand for cookware food and seasonal products.

Speaker 4: Accessories grew 7%. Primarily due to broad-based strength and footwear and higher demand for loungewear.

Accessories grew 7%, primarily due to broad based strength in footwear and higher demand for loungewear.

Apparel was down 8%, we experienced softness in classic and contemporary apparel, partially offset by growth in outerwear.

Speaker 4: We experienced softness in classic and contemporary apparel, partially offset my growth in outerwear.

Bill Wafford: Beauty declined 7%. This performance was mainly due to declines in beauty devices and color, partially offset by higher demand for hair care. The decline in our electronics revenue by 18% was partially driven by the softness of the category in the market. We continue to strategically pull back on electronics airtime as we focus on higher margin home and fashion categories. Adjusted OIBDA margin increased 380 basis points. Looking at the Q3 performance in more detail, gross profit grew 480 basis points, mainly due to favorable fulfillment, product margins, and inventory obsolescence. Fulfillment expenses improved 220 basis points due to Project Athens initiatives, less detention and demurrage costs, and favorable rates from our new parcel carrier contract that went into effect in late July.

Beauty declined 7%.

Speaker 4: This performance was mainly due to declines in beauty devices and color, partially offset by higher demand for hair.

This performance was mainly due to declines in beauty devices and color, partially offset by higher demand for hair care.

Speaker 4: The decline in our electronics revenue by 18% is partially driven by the softness of the category in the market.

The decline in our electronics revenue by 18% was partially driven by the softness of the category in the market.

Speaker 4: We continue to strategically pull back on electronics airtime as we focus on higher margin home and fashion.

We continue to strategically pull back on electronics airtime as we focus on higher margin home and fashion categories.

Speaker 4: Adjusted orbit of margin increased 380 base.

Adjusted OIBDA margin increased 380 basis points.

Speaker 4: Looking at the third quarter performance in more detail, gross profit grew 480 basis points, mainly due to favorable fulfillment, product margins,

Looking at the third quarter performance in more detail gross profit grew 480 basis points, mainly due to favorable fulfillment.

Margins and inventory obsolescence.

Speaker 4: fulfillment expenses improve 220 basis points due to project Athens initiatives, less detention and demurage costs, and favorable rates from our new parcel of carrier contract that went into fact in late July .

Fulfillment expenses improved 220 basis points due to project athans initiatives less detention and demurrage costs and favorable rates from our new parcel carrier contract that went into effect in late July.

Speaker 4: Product margins increased 185 basis points, driven by a mix shift to higher market products. Left clearance due to improved inventory health.

Bill Wafford: Product margins increased 185 basis points, driven by mix shift to higher margin products, less clearance due to improved inventory health, and initiatives to increase initial margin. Inventory obsolescence declined, reflecting a favorable composition of higher quality inventory compared to the prior year. Operating expenses were favorable by approximately 30 basis points due to fewer customer service contacts, partially offset by higher commissions. SG&A was unfavorable by approximately 120 basis points. About half the pressure is from the transformation-related costs associated with Project Athens. Marketing expenses were 20 basis points of pressure due to sales deleverage. These headwinds were partially offset by lower bad debt expense, reflecting provisional adjustments and lower installment counts. Moving to QVC International. My comments will focus on Constant Currency results. Revenue increased 1%, primarily on higher unit volume.

Product margins increased 185 basis points, driven by mix shift to higher margin products less clearance due to improved inventory health.

And initiatives to increase into initial margin.

Speaker 4: Humanatory obsolescence declined, reflecting a favorable composition of higher quality inventory compared to the prior year.

Inventory obsolescence declined reflecting a favorable composition of higher quality inventory compared to the prior year.

Speaker 4: Operating expenses were favorable by approximately 30 basis points. Did a fewer customer service contacts partially offset by higher commission?

Operating expenses were favorable by approximately 30 basis points due to fewer customer service contacts partially offset by higher commissions.

Speaker 4: S-GNA was unfavorable by approximately 120 minutes.

SG&A was unfavorable by approximately 120 basis points about half of the pressure is from the transformation related costs associated with project Athens.

Speaker 4: About half of the pressure is from the transformation related costs associated with project gas.

Speaker 4: Marketing expenses were 20 basis points of pressure due to sales due to

Marketing expenses were 20 basis points of pressure due to sales deleverage.

Speaker 4: These headwinds are partially offset by lower bad dead expense, reflecting provisional adjustments, and lower install.

These headwinds were partially offset by lower bad debt expense, reflecting provisional adjustments and lower installment counts.

Speaker 4: Moving to QVC International. My comments will focus on constant currency results.

Moving to QVC International My comments will focus on constant currency results.

Speaker 4: revenue increased 1%. Primarily on higher unit volume. Our largest markets in Europe , KVC Germany and the UK letter of performance.

Revenue increased 1% primarily on higher unit volume, our largest markets in Europe, QVC, Germany, and the UK letter performance, Japan was flat.

Bill Wafford: Our largest markets in Europe, QVC Germany and the UK, led our performance. Japan was flat and Italy declined moderately. From a category perspective, QVC International experienced growth in beauty, home, and apparel, partially offset by a decline in electronics. Adjusted OIBDA increased 23%, and adjusted OIBDA margin improved 210 basis points. These gains were driven by a 140 basis point increase in gross margin, mainly due to improved product margins and lower inventory obsolescence. Product margin gains were driven by lower supply chain costs and a mix shift to higher-margin products. Fulfillment was unfavorable 15 basis points, primarily due to $4 million of rent from the sale-leaseback transactions in January and increased labor costs. SG&A was modestly unfavorable due to higher fixed costs from outside services and management incentive accruals, partially offset by lower marketing expense.

Speaker 4: Japan was flat and Italy declined more.

In Italy declined moderately.

Speaker 4: from a category perspective, KVC International Experienced Growth in Beauty, Home, and Apparel. Partially offset by a decline in electrons.

From a category perspective, QVC international experienced growth in beauty home and apparel, partially offset by a decline in electronics.

Speaker 4: Adjusted orbit at increased 23% and adjusted orbit of margin improved 210 base

Adjusted OIBDA increased 23% and adjusted OIBDA margin improved 210 basis points.

Speaker 4: Each game for driven by 140 bases point in Creeping Gross margin, mainly to improve product margins and lower inventory outs.

These gains were driven by 140 basis point increase in gross margin, mainly due to improved product margins and lower inventory obsolescence.

Speaker 4: Product margin gains were driven by lower supply chain costs and a makeshift to higher margin products. The film it was

Product margin gains were driven by lower supply chain costs, and a mix shift to higher margin products.

Fulfillment was unfavorable 15 basis points, primarily due to a $4 million of rent from the sale leaseback transactions in January and increased labor costs.

Speaker 4: primarily due to $4 million of rent in family back transactions in January and increased labor.

Speaker 4: SGNA was modestly unfavorable due to higher fixed costs from outside services and management in the end of the course. Partially.

SG&A was modest modestly unfavorable due to higher fixed costs from outside services and management incentive accruals, partially offset by lower marketing expense.

Bill Wafford: As David said, QVC International is executing its transformational plan and is on track to deliver significant run rate OIBDA opportunities by 2025. Moving to Cornerstone. Revenue declined 13% in the quarter. The broader home industry remains highly promotional, requiring Cornerstone to offer promotions to stay competitive. We experienced soft demand in most home categories, as well as in apparel at Garnet Hill. Despite the revenue decline, Cornerstone adjusted OIBDA increased 10%, mainly due to favorable supply chain costs from lower ocean shipping rates and less detention and demurrage costs. These gains were partially offset by increased promotional activity and higher fixed cost overhead, reflecting the opening of three new stores in the past year. Turning to cash flow and balance sheet. Year-to-date capital expenditures were $151 million.

Speaker 4: As David said, QVC International is executing a transformational plan in his on track to deliver significant run rate orbital opportunities by 2025. Moving to cornerstone.

<unk> said QVC International is executing our transformational plan and is on track to deliver significant run rate OIBDA opportunities by 2025.

Moving to cornerstone.

Revenue declined 13% in the quarter.

Speaker 4: The broader home industry remains highly promotional, requiring cornerstone to offer promotions to state competitors.

The broader home industry remains highly promotional requiring cornerstone to offer promotions to stay competitive.

Speaker 4: We experienced soft demand in most home categories, as well as in apparel at Garner Hill.

We experienced soft demand and most home categories as well as in apparel at Garnet Hill.

Speaker 4: Despite the revenue decline, cornerstone adjusted OIVA to increase 10%, mainly due to favorable supply chain costs from lower ocean shipping rates and less detention and demirage costs.

Despite the revenue decline cornerstone adjusted OIBDA increased 10%, mainly due to favorable supply chain costs from lower ocean shipping rates and less detention and demurrage costs.

Speaker 4: These games were partially offset by increased promotional activity and higher fixed cost overhead reflecting the opening of three new stores in the past year.

These gains were partially offset by increased promotional activity and higher fixed cost overhead, reflecting the opening of three new stores in the past year.

Turning to cash flow and.

Speaker 4: Year-to-deak capitalist expenditures were $151 million.

Year to date capital expenditures were $151 million for all of 2023, we expect capital expenditures to be approximately $250 million.

Bill Wafford: For all of 2023, we expect capital expenditures to be approximately $250 million. We spent $111 million on renewals of our TV distribution contracts in the first nine months of 2023. Our TV distribution payments can fluctuate year-over-year, depending on renewal cycles, though we continue to expect the two-year average to be approximately $100 million. We have already covered the majority of our 2023 distribution payments through September. Free cash flow for the first nine months of 2023 was a source of $359 million versus a use of $105 million last year. The year-over-year improvement was attributable to increased cash flow from operations, driven by higher earnings and working capital improvements. This was partially offset by higher TV distribution payments year-over-year.

Speaker 4: For all of 2023, we expect capital expenditures to be approximately 250 million.

Speaker 4: We spent $111 million on renewals of our TV distribution contracts in the first nine months of 2020.

We spent $111 million on renewals of our television distribution contracts in the first nine months of 2023.

Speaker 4: Our TV distribution payments can fluctuate Eurovision depending on renewal cycles. Though we continue to expect a two-year average to be approximately $100 million.

Our TV distribution payments can fluctuate year over year, depending on renewal cycles that we continue to expect a two year average to be approximately $100 million. We've already covered the majority of our 2023 distribution payments through September.

Speaker 4: We have already covered the majority of our 2023 distribution payments through September .

Speaker 4: Precashflow for the first nine months of 2023 with a source of $350, $59 million versus a use of $105 million last.

Free cash flow for the first nine months of 2023 with a source of 350 $59 million versus a use of $105 million last year.

Speaker 4: The year-over-your-improvement was attributable to increased cash flow from operations driven by higher earnings and working capital improvements.

The year over year improvement was attributable to increased cash flow from operations, driven by higher earnings and working capital improvements.

Speaker 4: This is partially offset by higher KV distribution payments.

This was partially offset by higher TV distribution payments year over year.

Bill Wafford: In Q4, we anticipate generating additional year-over-year OIBDA gains, which will continue to benefit cash flow. Looking at our debt profile. On September 30, we had $995 million drawn on our QVC revolver, down $435 million in the third quarter, with $2.1 billion in available capacity. As of September 30, 2023, Qurate Retail had total cash of $1.1 billion, of which $279 million was at QVC Inc., $448 million was at Liberty Interactive LLC, and $329 million was at Qurate Retail, Inc. Our leverage ratio, as defined by the QVC revolving credit facility, was 2.6 times. During 2022 and 2023, we took substantial steps to generate liquidity and position ourselves for the successful execution of our transformation plan.

Speaker 4: In Q4, we anticipate generating additional year-over-year orbitigains, which will continue to benefit cash flow.

In Q4, we anticipate generating additional year over year, OIBDA gains, which will continue to benefit cash flow.

Looking at our debt profile on.

Speaker 4: On September 30th, we had $995 million drawn on the QVC revolver, down $435 million in the third quarter, with $2.1 billion in available capacity.

On September 30th we had $995 million drawn on the <unk> revolver down $435 million in the third quarter with $2 1 billion in available capacity.

Speaker 4: As of September 30th, 2023, Cured retail had total cash of 1.1 billion dollars.

As of September 32023, tiered retail had total cash of $1 1 billion.

Speaker 4: of which 279 million was a QBC ink, 448 million was it Liberty Interactive LLC, and 329 million was it curate retail?

Of which $279 million was at QVC, Inc. $448 million was at Liberty Interactive LLC.

$329 million was accurate <unk> retail Inc.

Speaker 4: Our leverage ratio as defined by the QVC revolving credit facility was 2.6.

Our leverage ratio as defined by the QVC revolving credit facility was two six times.

Speaker 4: During 2022 and 2023, we took substantial steps to generate liquidity and position ourselves for the successful execution of our transformation.

During 2022, and 2023, we took substantial steps to generate liquidity and position ourselves for the successful execution of our transformation plan.

Speaker 4: We believe that our debt level is manageable. In our current cushion is sufficient in relation to the 4.5 times maximum net leverage covenant threshold specified in our credit facility.

Bill Wafford: We believe that our debt level is manageable, and our current cushion is sufficient in relation to the 4.5 times maximum net leverage covenant threshold specified in our credit facility. Note that covenant OIBDA includes adjusted OIBDA of QVC and Cornerstone. The gains on the sale of leaseback transactions for the four quarters following such transactions, and as of the beginning of this year, also include the portion of the next 12 months expected cost savings. Our Q3 performance is a clear indication that we are effectively delivering on Project Athens. We grew OIBDA and generated gains in working capital, which in turn led to a significant enhancement in our year-to-date cash flow from operations. We remain confident in our ability to sustain OIBDA growth in Q4 and deliver on our transformation objectives. With that, I'll turn the call over to Greg.

We believe that our debt levels manageable and our current cushion is sufficient in relation to the four five times maximum net leverage covenant threshold specified in our credit facility.

Speaker 4: Note that Covenant Oibeda includes a Justin Oibeda of QVC and Corners.

Note that covenant OIBDA includes adjusted OIBDA as CVC and cornerstone.

Speaker 4: The games on the sale of these transactions for the four quarters following such transactions and as of the beginning of this year, also includes a portion of the next 12 months expected cost.

The gains on the sale leaseback transactions for the four quarters, following such transactions and as at the beginning of this year also includes a portion of the next 12 months expected cost savings.

Speaker 4: Our Q3 performance is a clear indication that we are effectively delivering on that project Athens. We draw ebata and generate...

Our Q3 performance is a clear indication that we're effectively delivering on that project Athens, we grow EBITDA and generated gains in working capital, which in turn led to a significant enhancement in our year to date cash flow from operations.

Speaker 4: which in turn led to a significant enhancement in our year-to-date cash flow from operation.

Speaker 4: We remain confident in our ability to sustain what I would have grown thank you for and deliver on our transformation objectives. With that.

We remain confident in our ability to sustained OIBDA growth in Q4 and deliver on our transformation objectives.

With that I'll turn the call over to Greg.

Greg Maffei: Thank you. So I'm pleased to say we're on track with Athens, and you can see some of the tangible results in the numbers today. OIBDA grew for the first time since Q2 2021, and we moderated the revenue decline from the first half of 2023. We saw meaningful growth in cash flow year over year, largely due to higher earnings and working capital benefits. Qurate continued to reduce debt and lowered its revolver balance by $435 million, and we retired or exchanged the remaining 1.75 exchangeable debentures during the quarter or right after quarter end. We continue to assess incremental opportunities to improve the balance sheet, and you should expect, in the near term, we will devote free cash flow to debt repayment.

Thank you.

Speaker 5: So I'm pleased to say we're on track with Athens and you can see some of the tangible results in the numbers today. I'll have a group for the first time since the second quarter of 21.

So I am pleased to say we are on track with Athens.

And you can see some of the tangible results in the numbers today OIBDA grew for the first time since the second quarter of 'twenty, one and.

Speaker 5: And we moderated the revenue decline from the first half of 23.

And we moderated the revenue decline from the first half of 'twenty three.

Speaker 5: We saw meaningful growth in Casper year over year largely due to higher earnings and working capital benefits.

We saw meaningful growth in cash flow year over year, largely due to higher earnings and working capital benefits.

Speaker 5: Curric Continued to Reduce Death and Lowered Its Revolver Balance by 435 Million

<unk> continued to reduce debt.

Its revolver balanced by $435 million.

Speaker 5: And we retired our exchange the remaining one and three quarter exchangeable debentures during the

And we retired or exchange the remaining one and three quarter exchangeable debentures.

During the quarter or right after quarter end.

Speaker 5: We continue to assess incremental opportunities to improve the balance sheet and you should expect in the near term we will devote free cash flow to debt reach.

We continue to assess incremental opportunities to improve the balance sheet and you should expect in the near term, we will devote free cash flow to debt repayment.

Speaker 5: We look forward to seeing many of you at our annual investor day on Thursday, November 9th in New York.

Greg Maffei: We look forward to seeing many of you at our annual Investor Day on Thursday, 9 November, in New York. Additional information is available on our website. John Malone and I will be hosting our annual Q&A session alongside management teams. If you would like to submit questions in advance, you can email investorday@libertymedia.com. And with that, operator will open the line for questions.

We look forward to seeing many of you at our annual Investor Day on Thursday November 19 in New York Additional information is available on our website, John Malone and I will be hosting our annual Q&A session alongside managements management teams.

Speaker 5: additional information is available on our website. John Malone and I will be hosting our annual Q&A session alongside management teams.

Speaker 5: If you would like to submit questions in advance, you can email investordayatlibertymedia.com. And with that, Hopper will open the line for questions. Thank you.

If you would like to submit questions in advance you can email investor day at Liberty Media Dot com.

And with that.

Operator, we will open the line for questions.

Operator: ... Thank you. We will now be conducting a question and answer session. If you would like to ask a question, please press star one on your telephone keypad. A confirmation tone will indicate your line is in the question queue. You may press star two if you would like to remove your questions from the queue. For participants using speaker equipment, it may be necessary to pick up your handset before pressing the star keys. One moment please, while we poll for questions. The first question comes from the line of Jason Haas with Bank of America. Please go ahead.

Thank you.

We will now be conducting a question and answer session.

Speaker 1: If you would like to ask a question, please press star one on your telephone keypad. A pen formation tone will indicate...

If you would like to ask a question. Please press star one on the telephone keypad.

Inflammation tone will indicate your line is in the question queue.

Speaker 1: start to if you would like to remove your questions from the queue.

Start to if you would like to remove your questions from the queue for participants using speaker equipment. It may be necessary to pick up your handset before pressing the stock East one moment. Please poll for questions.

Speaker 1: Maybe necessary to pick up your handset before pressing the start keys. One moment please, while we pull for questions.

Speaker 1: The first question comes from the line of Jason Haas with Bank of America.

The first question comes from the line of Jason Haas.

Bank of America. Please go ahead.

Jason Haas: Hey, good morning, and thanks for taking my questions. So it's good to hear that you're starting to see some signs of stability in the customer count. I was curious if you could talk about what you've seen from spending behavior from your newer customers as they've entered into the ecosystem. Are you seeing them behave similarly to prior cohorts, or are you seeing a you know good chunk of those sort of graduate up into your best customers? Thank you.

Speaker 6: Hey, good morning and thanks for taking my questions. So it's good to hear that you're starting to see some signs of stability in the customer account. I was curious if you could talk about what you've seen from spending behavior from your newer customers. As they've entered into the ecosystem, are you seeing them behave similarly to prior cohorts? Are you seeing a good chunk of those sort of graduate up into your best customers? Thank you.

Hey, good morning, and thanks for taking my questions.

Good to hear that you're starting to see some signs of stability.

Customer count I was curious if you could talk about what you've seen from spending behavior from your newer customers.

They've entered.

Into the ecosystem are you seeing them behave similarly to prior cohorts are you seeing a good chunk of those sort of graduate up into your into your best customers. Thank you.

Speaker 3: Yeah, thank you Jason, and I appreciate the question.

David Rawlinson II: Yeah. Thank you, Jason. I appreciate the—I appreciate the question. So, new customers, as I mentioned, it was the first growth of new customers really since the pandemic. We tend to look, we find the, the best correlation for future behavior to be repeat purchase behavior. I would say so far, we've been encouraged by the repeat purchase behavior. All of the data we have suggests that they're going to graduate into being better and better and eventually best customers at about the same rate as some of our historical trends. What we've learned through the pandemic, though, is that not all customers behave the same. So we try to measure different time periods to predict behavior.

Yes. Thank you Jason I appreciate the I appreciate the question.

Speaker 3: So new customers as I mentioned, it was the first group of

So new customers as I mentioned it was the first growth of.

Speaker 4: new customers, really since the pandemic. We tend to look, we find the best correlation for future behavior to be repeat. Purchase behavior. I would say so far we've been encouraged by the repeat purchase behavior. All of the data we have suggests that they're going to graduate into being better and better individually best customers at about the same rate as some of our historical trends.

New customers.

Really since the pandemic.

We tend to look we found the best correlation for future behavior to be repeat purchase behavior I would say so far we've been encouraged by the repeat purchase behavior. All of the data. We have suggests that theyre going to graduate and to being better and better and eventually best customers that.

At the same rate as some of our historical trends what we've learned through the pandemic, though is that not all customers behave the same so we tried to measure different time periods too.

Speaker 3: What we've learned through the pandemic, though, is that not all customers behave the same. So we try to measure different time periods to predict behavior. And like I said, what we've seen so far suggests that this crop of customers is a relatively a relatively stable and high quality crop of customers. So we're both, we're very, we're very encouraged both by the growth of new customers the continued attractiveness of the platform. We think we're finding and continuing to find new tools that will be attractive to new and different types of customer within our core customer, target groups, and we build them there. I would say in addition to new customers, we also feel really good about the performance.

David Rawlinson II: And like I said, what we've seen so far suggests that this crop of customers is a relatively stable and high quality crop of customers. So we're very encouraged both by the growth of new customers, the continued attractiveness of the platform. We think we're continuing to find new tools that will be attractive to new and different types of customer within our core customer target groups, and we feel good there. I would say, in addition to new customers, we also feel really good about the performance of our best customer group. Keep in mind, best customers, which we define as in QVC, as customers that buy over 20 times a year, they make up about 18% of the count and 75% of the sales.

<unk> behaviour and like I said.

What we've seen so far suggests that this crop of customers is a relatively.

A relatively hate the stable and high quality crop of customers. So we're both we're very we're very encouraged both by the growth of new customers. The continued attractiveness of the platform.

We think we're fine and continuing to find new tools that will be attractive to new and different types of customer within our core customer.

D groups and we built that there I would say in addition to new customers.

We also feel really good about the performance of.

Speaker 4: of our best customer group. Keep in mind best customers, which we define as, and QVC as customers that buy over 20 times a year. They make up about 18% of the count, and 75% of the sales. So even though refreshing the product by what new customers is important to the count, the best customers tend to be the most important to the overall performance of the business.

Our best customer group keep in mind, best customers, which we define as in QVC as customers.

By over 20 times, a year they make up about 18% of the count was 75% of the sales. So even though we're refreshing the product filed with new customers is important to the account the best customers tend to be the most important to the overall performance of the business, but when you look at when you look at QVC.

David Rawlinson II: So even though refreshing the product file with new customers is important to the count, the best customers tend to be the most important to the overall performance of the business. And when you look at QVC, on a last 12-month trailing basis, we were up 5%, or we were up 9% year-over-year on a 12-month basis in Q3. We had the highest average spend for any quarter in 2023, in Q3. And so our best customers are just continuing to really show up for us, and the rate of decline for those customers are substantially under the rate of decline for the overall count. And our retention of those best customers are still in the 90s, which I think is fair to say, world-class across retail.

Speaker 3: And when you look at QVC on a last 12 month trailing basis, we were up 5%, or we were up 9%.

Last 12 month trailing.

Basis.

We were up five.

<unk>.

We were up 9% year over year on a 12 month basis in Q3, we had the highest average span for any quarter in 2023.

Speaker 4: year over year on the 12 month basis in Q3. We have the highest average spin for any quarter in 2023, in Q3. Our best customers are just continuing to really show up for us. And the rate of the climb for those customers are substantially under the rate of the climb for the overall count. And our retention of those best customers are still in the 90s, which I think is.

In Q3, and so our best customers are just continuing to really show up for us and the rate of decline for those customers are substantially under the rate of decline for.

For the overall count and our retention of those best customers are still in the nineties, which I think is fair to say world class across.

Speaker 7: fair to say world class across, world class across retail. So both on the new end for bringing new customers into the platform, but also our most loyal and best customers you drive and off a lot of our results. We feel good about the results of the third quarter.

World class across retail so both on the new win for bringing new customers into the platform, but also our most loyal and best customers, who drive an awful lot of our results. We feel good about the results of the third quarter.

David Rawlinson II: So, both on the new win for bringing new customers into the platform, but also our most loyal and best customers who drive an awful lot of our results, we feel good about the results of Q3.

Speaker 6: Great to hear. And then as a follow up, I'm curious if you could talk about what you saw in terms of the cadence through the quarter. We've had a number of companies calling out some macro related headwinds. I'm curious if that's weighed on top line revenue at all, you know, partially offsetting some of the the success you've had with your initiatives.

Jason Haas: It's great to hear. And then, as a follow-up, I'm curious if you could talk about what you saw in terms of the cadence through the quarter. We've had a number of companies calling out some macro-related headwinds. So I'm curious if that's weighed on top-line revenue at all, you know, partially offsetting some of the success you've had with your initiatives?

That's great to hear and then as a follow up I'm curious if you could talk about what you saw.

In terms of the cadence through the quarter, we've had a number of a number of companies calling out some macro related headwinds I'm curious.

That's weighed on topline revenue at all.

Partially offsetting some of that.

Success, you've had with your initiatives.

David Rawlinson II: Yeah, it's a fair question. I would say, you know, we definitely saw fluidity through the quarter. But certainly in terms of bottom line results, we saw pretty good consistency through the quarter. We were a little bit better in July and September than we were in August, but a pretty solid quarter as we went through the quarter. And we saw some different revenue trends across the businesses. I'd say a little bit of deceleration at QxH, but some acceleration in the international businesses as we went through the quarter. But none of that looked very sticky. So I'd call it a pretty even quarter as we went through the quarter.

Yes, it's a fair question I would say.

Speaker 7: You know, we definitely saw fluidity through the quarter, but certainly in terms of bottom line results, we saw pretty good consistency through the quarter. We were a little bit better in July and September than we were in August .

We definitely saw fluidity through the quarter, but certainly in terms of bottom line results, we saw pretty good consistency.

Through the quarter, we were a little bit better.

July and September than we were in.

August, but a pretty a pretty solid quarter as we went through the quarter and we saw some different.

Speaker 7: But a pretty solid quarter as we went through the quarter. And we saw some different revenue trends across the businesses. I'd say a little bit of deceleration at QXH, but some acceleration and the international business is we went through the quarter. But none of that looked.

Saw some different revenue trends across the businesses.

I'd say, a little bit of deceleration in <unk>, but some acceleration and the international and the international businesses as we went through the quarter.

But none of that look.

Speaker 7: None of that looked very sticky. So I'd call it a pretty even corner, as we went through the corner.

None of that look.

Very sticky so I'd call it a pretty even quarters, we went through the quarter.

Jason Haas: Got it. That's helpful. Thank you.

Got it that's helpful. Thank you.

Okay.

Speaker 8: Thank you. Next question comes from the line of William Reuter with Bank of America, please go ahead. Good morning. This is Rob Rick Beyond for Bill. So

Operator: Thank you. Next question comes from the line of William Reuter with Bank of America. Please go ahead.

Thank you next question comes from the line of William Reuter with Bank of America. Please go ahead.

Rob Ricbion: Hey, good morning. This is Rob Ricbion for Bill. Just a question around the category trends. You know, you guys had some pretty strong sales in some of your more discretionary categories, but then you saw softness in beauty sales, which had actually been performing okay on an overall market perspective. Can you just kind of discuss, like, the category trends and what you're seeing? Thank you.

Rob Rigby: Hey, good morning. This is Rob Ricbion for Bill. Just a question around the category trends. You know, you guys had some pretty strong sales in some of your more discretionary categories, but then you saw softness in beauty sales, which had actually been performing okay on an overall market perspective. Can you just kind of discuss, like, the category trends and what you're seeing? Thank you.

Hey, Good morning, this is Rob Raytheon for Bill.

Just a question around the category trends you guys had some pretty strong sales in some of your more discretionary categories. But then you saw softness in beauty sales, which had actually been performing okay. I don't know if raw market perspective. So can you just kind of discuss.

The category trends and what you're seeing thank you.

David Rawlinson II: Yeah. So Bill, Bill went through some of the dynamics... Do you wanna retrace category trends real quick a bit, Bill, and then I'll give some more color over the top?

Speaker 4: Yeah, so Bill went through some of the dynamics. Do you want to retrace category trends real quick, a bit, Bill, and then I'll give some more color over the top? Yeah, I ain't just kind of refresh your memory. And if you look at even on our slide deck, right? So home, we saw a little bit of return around in performance there relative to the prior quarters, right? We were up 2% in home. I'll talk to QXH, right?

Yes, So bill Bill went through.

Some of the dynamics do you want to retrace category trends real quick a bit Bill and then I'll give some.

More color over the top yeah, I mean, just kind of refresh your memory and if you look at even on our slide deck correct. So home.

Bill Wafford: Yeah, and just kinda refresh your memory, and if you look at even on our, you know, slide deck, right? So home, we saw a little bit of return around in performance there relative to the prior quarters, right? We were up 2% in home. I'll talk to QxH, right? Just to, you know, kinda normalize a bit. Electronics, that's continuing to be soft, but if you look, we've seen that trend pretty much all year long, right? We were starting to reduce air time, and we have been reducing air time, you know, kind of throughout. And so that's been, you know, softening, you know, kind of category for us, you know, throughout the year. Apparel was down 8%, beauty was down 7%. We've seen a little bit of volatility in that category.

We saw a little bit of a turnaround in performance there relative to the prior quarter's rate we were up 2% in home.

I'll talk to USA trades.

Speaker 4: You know, kind of normalize a bit. Electronics that continue to be soft, but if you look, we've seen that trend pretty much all year long, right? We were sure to reduce air time and have been reducing air time, you know, kind of throughout. And so that's been softening, you know, kind of category force throughout the year. Apparel was down 8, beauty was down 7, we've seen a little bit of volatility in that category. You know, we were up in Q2, but down in Q3.

Normalized.

Electronics continued to be soft, but if you look we've seen that trend pretty much all year long right. We started to reduce airtime and we have been reducing airtime kind of throughout and so thats been a softening kind of category for us throughout the year apparel was down eight beauty was down seven we've seen a little bit of volatility in that cat.

Bill Wafford: You know, we were up in Q2, but down in Q3, and then saw strength within accessories and jewelry. So, I think, I mean, I'll let David get into some of the kind of key highlights there. You did see some of this, you know, driven really strong TSV and TS performance at both QVC and HSN, I think, and new item introduction in both of those businesses. Are probably the largest driver when you look on a period basis, but relatively consistent across. I mean, I think the only thing you're seeing is the big outlier right now in terms of the business, you know, from just being a kinda on an average of that down 3 is electronics, right? Which continues to be soft for us.

We were up in Q2, but down in Q3, and then saw strength within accessories and jewelry. So so I think I mean, I'll, let David get into some of the kind of the key highlights. There you did see some of this is driven really strong <unk>.

Speaker 4: and in its health strength within its fast-reason jewelry. So I think, I'll let David get into some of the kind of key highlights there. You did see some of this, you know, a driven really strong TSP and TSP performance at both QVC and A5 then, I think, and new item introduction in both of those businesses. Or probably the largest driver when you look on a period basis.

TSB in Ts performance at both QVC and HSN, I think and new item introduction in both in both of those businesses are probably the largest driver when you look on a period over period basis.

Speaker 4: but relatively consistent across me. I think the only thing that you're seeing is the big outlier right now in terms of the business from just being on an average of that down three to electronics, right, which continues to be something.

But relatively consistent across I mean, I think the only thing that youre seeing is the big outlier right now in terms of the business from just being kind of on an average of that down 3% electronics, which continues to be soft for us.

David Rawlinson II: Yeah. I would, I would I agree with everything Bill said. I'd, I'd maybe lift a level above category to make some general observations that we've seen cut across categories. I think the first is, our customer is still willing to spend, even on very expensive items, whether it's a Land Rover, electric bike or scooter, or a leather jacket, or lab-grown diamonds, they're willing to spend on very high price category items. But for things where they don't perceive urgency, they don't perceive an especially strong value, what may have been more throwaway type purchases, she's keeping the credit card in the pocket or in the purse. So we're having to be really sharp.

Speaker 7: I would agree with everything Bill said. I'd maybe lift the level above category to make some general observations that we've seen cut across categories. I think the first is our customer is still willing to spend.

Good.

I agree with everything Bill said I'd, maybe lift the level above.

Category to make some general observations that we've seen cut across categories. I think the first is.

Our customer is still willing to spend even on very expensive items, whether it's.

Speaker 7: Even on very extensive items, whether it's a land rover, electric bike, or scooter, or a leather jacket, or lab growth diamonds, they're willing to spend on very high price categories, items.

Land Rover electric bike or scooter or a leather jacket, our lab grown diamonds, they're willing to spend on very high.

Price category items, but for things, where they don't perceive.

Speaker 7: But for things where they don't perceive urgency, they don't perceive any specially strong value, what may have been more throwaway type purchases, she's keeping the credit card in the pocket or in the purse. So we're having to be really sharp. When we are sharp,

Urgency, they don't perceive and especially strong value what may have been more throwaway type purchases.

Keith keeping the credit card.

Pocket are in the curve.

We're having to be really shocked when we are short and I think we've gotten sharper on things like our today's special value. We continue to see a response, but some of the lesser sharp value propositions.

David Rawlinson II: When we are sharp, and I think we've gotten sharper on things like our Today's Special Value, we continue to see a response. But some of the lesser sharp value propositions are, it's harder to get, it's harder to get a purchase. So that's been. I think that shows what we're seeing in the overall data around consumer sentiment. But that's been one of the trends that I would say we've seen. The other thing we've seen, and I think it's related to that trend, is that the customer has responded to our special events, and that's true across categories. And so we're leaning into that with things like the Foodie Fest. We went pretty big on Christmas in July at QVC. We went pretty big on the HSN birthday anniversary month.

Speaker 7: And I think we've gotten sharper on things like our today's special value. We continue to see our response.

Speaker 7: but some of the lesser sharp value propositions.

Speaker 7: or it's harder to get a purchase. So that's been, I think that shows what we're seeing in the overall data around consumer sentiment.

It's harder to get it's harder to get a purchase so thats been I think that shows what we're seeing in the overall data around consumer sentiment.

Speaker 7: But that's been one of the trends that I would say. We've seen, the other thing we've seen, and I think it's related to that trend, is that the customer has responded to.

But that's been one of the trends that I would say we've seen but the other thing we've seen and I think it's related to that trend is that the customer has responded to our special events and thats true across categories and so we're leaning into that with things like the food DFAST, We went pretty big on Christmas in July of <unk>.

Speaker 7: especially Vince and that's true across categories.

Speaker 7: So we're leaning into that with things like the Foodie Fest. We went pretty big on Christmas in July at QVC. We went pretty big on the HSN birthday anniversary month. Right now we're doing a nice push with the Oli Park. And I talked a little bit about, but those are becoming more important in the business to drive to drive performance across categories. And I would say they've also been really critical to some of our more recent success with new customers.

VC, we went pretty big on the HSN birthday anniversary.

David Rawlinson II: Right now we're doing a nice push with Dolly Parton. I talked a little bit about, but those are becoming more important in the business to drive, to drive performance across categories. And I would say they've also been really critical to some of our more recent success with new customers.

Right now we're doing a nice push with with DALI part and I talked a little bit about but those are becoming more important in the business to drive to.

To drive performance across categories, and I would say they've also been really critical to some of our more recent success with new customers.

Rob Ricbion: Okay, great. Thank you. And then just one follow-up from us. So you talked about focusing on debt repayment moving forward, and I was just wondering if you could give a little bit more around your thoughts on repurchasing the notes due in 2024 and 2025. Thank you.

Rob Rigby: Okay, great. Thank you. And then just one follow-up from us. So you talked about focusing on debt repayment moving forward, and I was just wondering if you could give a little bit more around your thoughts on repurchasing the notes due in 2024 and 2025. Thank you.

Okay, great. Thank you and then just one follow up from us.

Speaker 8: I talked about focusing on that repayment moving forward and I was just wondering if you could give.

So you talked about focusing on debt repayment moving forward and I was just wondering if you could give a little bit more around your thoughts on repurchasing the notes due in 2024 and 2025. Thank you.

Speaker 5: Yeah, I think you've seen us take some of those actions already and you'll see us continue to look at opportunities to take advantage of attractive opportunities in the debt markets, but I'm not going to come out and tell you which ones we're buying this week.

Greg Maffei: Yeah, I think, you've seen us take some of those actions already, and you'll see us continue to look at opportunities to take advantage of, attractive opportunities in the debt markets, but I'm not gonna, come out and tell you which ones we're buying this week. Thanks.

Yes, I think you've seen us take some of those actions already and Youll see us continue to look at opportunities to take advantage of.

Attractive opportunities in the debt markets, but I'm not going to.

Come out and tell you, which ones we're buying this week. Thanks.

Rob Ricbion: Thank you.

Rob Rigby: Thank you.

Thank you.

Operator: Thank you. Next question comes from the line of Carla Casella with J.P. Morgan. Please go ahead.

Speaker 1: Thank you. Next question comes on the line of Skarlakasella with JP Mog.

Thank you next question comes from the line of Scott Hanold with Jpmorgan. Please go ahead.

Speaker 9: Hi, great. Just a couple of clarification and follow up. So on the new customers, you showed in your slides that your new customers are now 4% of the mix of the sales ship. And I know pre, well, in 2021, that was as high as 7, and in 22, 5%. I'm wondering how much of an, how important and how much of those new customers are funneling into that next basket of existing kind of key more longer term customers? And how do you actually think about that?

Bill Wafford: Hi, great. Just a couple, clarification and follow-up. So, on the new customers, you showed there in your slides that, that your new customers are now 4% of the mix of the sales shift. And I know well, in 2021, that was as high as 7, and in 2022, 5%. I'm wondering how much of a new is how important and how much of those new customers are funneling into that next basket of existing kind of key, more longer term customers, and how do you how should we think about that?

Carla Casella: Hi, great. Just a couple, clarification and follow-up. So, on the new customers, you showed there in your slides that, that your new customers are now 4% of the mix of the sales shift. And I know well, in 2021, that was as high as 7, and in 2022, 5%. I'm wondering how much of a new is how important and how much of those new customers are funneling into that next basket of existing kind of key, more longer term customers, and how do you how should we think about that?

Hi, Greg just a couple on clarification and follow up so.

On the new customers you said in your slides that your new customers are now 4% of the mix of the sales shift.

And I know pre and <unk>.

21 that was as high as seven and 22, 5% I'm wondering how much of it is how important and how much of those new customers are funneling into that next basket of existing kind of key more longer term customers and how do you how should we think about that.

David Rawlinson II: Yeah, it's a good question. So, I don't think we've publicly disclosed this, but we basically know from our historical data, how long it takes a new customer to become a best customer, and what percent of new customers eventually become best customers. Because our best customers are such a small percentage of our file, of course, it's a relatively small percentage of new that end up being best customers. But what we know is that percentage holds relatively consistent, and if we don't have enough just raw count of new, that we will not graduate enough best customers down the line, say 12, 18 months from the time they walk into the door.

Speaker 7: Yeah, it's a good question. So I don't think we've publicly disclosed this, but we basically know from our historical data how long it takes a new customer to become a best customer and what percent of new customers eventually become best customers.

Yes.

Good question. So I don't think we publicly disclose that but we basically know from our historical data how long it takes a new customer to become a best customer and what percent of new customers eventually become best customers because our best customers are such a small percentage of our file.

Speaker 7: Because our best customers are such a small percentage of our file, of course, it's a relatively smaller percentage.

All of course, it's a relatively smaller percentage relatively small percentage of new that ended up being best customers, but what we know is that percentage holds relatively consistent and if we don't have enough just raw count of new that we will not graduated enough best customer.

Speaker 7: relatively small percentage of news I ended up being best customers but what we know of that percentage holds

Speaker 7: relatively Confis-thin and if we don't have enough just raw count of new That we will not graduate enough best customers down the line say 1218

<unk> down the line and say 12 to 18 months from the time they walk into the.

Speaker 7: months from the time they walk into the door.

From the time that they walk into the to the door. So it's not new.

David Rawlinson II: So it's not new, very rarely is a driver of in-period results. They're usually a driver of results 12 to 18 months out, once their buying behavior becomes habitual, enough for them to be a substantial customer. The other reason they tend not to be as much a driver of present results is we tend to get new customers coming in into lower margin categories, and then they graduate, up to higher margin categories, so they might come in on electronics and eventually graduate to being a very good fashion customer, where we have, better margins. So that's a little bit about how we think about the progress of new over time.

Speaker 7: So it's not new, very rarely is a driver of the imperial results. They're usually a driver of results.

Rarely is a driver of in period results. They are usually a driver of results 12 to 18 months out once they are buying behavior becomes habitual.

Speaker 7: 12 to 18 months out once they're buying behavior becomes habitual. Enough for them to be a substantial customer. The other reason they tend not to be as much a driver of present results as we tend to get new customers coming in into lower margins.

Enough for them to be a substantial customer the other reason they tend not to be as much a driver of present results as we tend to get new customers coming in and to lower margin categories and then they graduate.

Speaker 7: categories and then they graduate brought to higher margin categories so they might come in on electronics and eventually graduate to being a very good bashing customer where we have better margin. So that's that's a little bit about how we think about the progress of the new overs.

Up to higher margin categories. So they might come in on electronics, and eventually graduate to being a very good fashion customer, where we have better margins. So that's a little bit about how we think about the progress of new overtime and par.

Bill Wafford: You know, part of that, Carla, I think also it speaks to just the strength of the existing customer base. You know, we talked about kind of the average spend per customer there and how that, how important that core customer base is to us, and that's why you're seeing such a large index, you know, when you're looking at this quarter alone.

Speaker 4: You know, part of that, Carly, I think also, it speaks to just the strength of the existing customer base. You know, we talked about kind of the average spend for customer there and how important that core customer base is to us. And that's why you're seeing such a large index, you know, when you're looking at this quarter alone.

Carla I think also speaks to just the strength of the existing customer base. When you talked about kind of the average spend per customer there and how that how important that core customer basis to us and Thats why youre seeing such a large index you know and when you're looking at this quarter alone.

Carla Casella: Okay, great. And then, so are we back to about the same level of, like, your typical new customers as a percentage of the mix from pre-pandemic? I only have the numbers from 2021 on.

Speaker 9: Okay, great. And then, so that, are we back to about the same level of like your typical new customer? This is a percentage of the mix from pre pandemic. I only have the numbers from 21 on.

Okay, Great and then so the are we back to about the same level as like your typical new customers as a percentage of the next from pre pandemic I only have the numbers from 'twenty one on.

David Rawlinson II: I would have to, I would have to take a look at that. I don't have it right in front of me. We can, we can get back to you on that. I think we're, we're probably, we're probably a little bit lighter, as on a percentage basis of new in terms of the total customer file, but getting back to what the mix was, pre-pandemic, but we can get back to you with specific numbers.

Speaker 7: I would have to take a look at that. I don't have it right in front of me. We can get back to you like that. I think we're probably a little bit lighter as on a percentage basis of new in terms of the total customer files, but getting back to what the mix was, pre-pandemic, but we can get back to you with specific.

I would have to I would have to take a look at that I don't have it right in front of me. We can we can get back to you with that I think we're probably.

We're probably a little bit lighter.

On a percentage basis of new in terms of the total customer file, but getting back to what the mix was.

Pre pandemic, but we can get back to you with specific numbers.

Carla Casella: Okay, great. And then just a couple other questions. One, on the product margin favorability, we love seeing that it helped gross margins 180 basis points this quarter. I'm wondering seasonally, should we think about a similar improvement in Q4, or just Q4 being more promotional across the industry, should we see less gains in Q4?

Speaker 9: Okay, great. And then just a couple other questions. One on the product margin favorability, we love seeing that it helped grow margins, 180 p.m. spaces points this quarter. I'm wondering seasonally, should we think about a similar improvement in fourth quarter or just fourth quarter being more promotional across the industry, should we see less gains in fourth quarter?

Okay, Great and then just a couple of other questions one on the <unk>.

Product margin favorability, we love seeing that helped gross margins 180 basis points this quarter.

Wondering seasonally should we think about a similar improvement in fourth quarter or just fourth quarter being more promotional across the industry should we see less gains in fourth quarter.

Speaker 4: I think we feel really good about where we're going to be from product margins and overall gross margins in the fourth quarter.

Bill Wafford: And I think we feel really good about kind of where we're gonna be from product margins and, you know, overall gross margins in the fourth quarter. When you look, I mean, there's a couple of elements to that, right? You know, one, we were highly promotional as we were clearing inventory last year, and so you kind of deflated margins associated with that. We were still working through high detention and demurrage costs, you know, high ocean freight rates. And so as you, as you've seen those things come down from a fulfillment perspective, we still feel really good.

And then I think we feel really good about kind of where we're going to be from product margins and overall gross margins in the fourth quarter.

Speaker 4: When you look, I mean, there's a couple of elements to that, right?

Look I mean, there's a couple of elements to that right.

Speaker 4: You know, one we had, we were highly promotional as we were clearing inventory last year and so you kind of deflated margins associated with that. We were still working through high detention to marriage.

One we have we were highly promotional as we were clearing inventory last year and so you kind of deflated margins associated with that we had we were still working through high detention demurrage costs high Ocean freight rates and so as you've seen those things come down from a fulfillment perspective, we still feel really good even though theres going to be like for like promotional activity in the quarter.

Speaker 4: in high ocean freight rates. And so as you've seen, those things come down from a fulfillment perspective. We still feel really good. Even though there's gonna be like for like promotional activity in the quarter, we still feel really good about kind of the trajectory where gross margins that relative to where we were this year and you should continue to see kind of your beer bill.

Bill Wafford: Even though there's gonna be like-for-like promotional activity, you know, in the quarter, we still feel really good about kind of the trajectory of where gross margin's at relative to where we were this year, and you should, you know, continue to see kind of year-over-year build there.

We still feel really good about kind of the trajectory of where gross margins relative to where we were this year and you should continue to see kind of year over year build there.

Speaker 9: Okay, that's great. So you're over here, but probably not quarter over quarter. Is that from the street, I like to see?

Carla Casella: Okay, that's great. So year-over-year, but probably not quarter-over-quarter. Is that for most retailers? That's what I see.

Okay, that's great so year over year, but probably not quarter over quarter or is that from us retailer what I see.

Bill Wafford: I mean, I think, you know, depending on, you know, 'cause of last year being an anomaly, I think you're looking at pretty close there.

Speaker 4: I think, you know, depending on, you know, it could last your being in an omelie, I think you're looking at pretty close.

I think depending on because last year being an anomaly I think youre looking at pretty close there.

Carla Casella: Okay. And then one last question. The cost reductions, a lot of it seems to be from, you know, taking out the excess freight, but I'm wondering just the sustainability of them, and then can you scale these, even if we don't see tremendous revenue gains, but just the stability? Can you... are there further cost reduction opportunities?

Speaker 9: Okay. And then one last question. The cost reduction, a lot of it seems to be taking out the excess freight. But I'm wondering just sustainability of them. And then can you scale these even if we don't see tremendous revenue gains but just a stability? Is there further cost reduction opportunities?

Okay, and then one last question.

Question the cost reductions.

A lot of it seems a bit so you can take.

The excess free but I'm wondering just sustainability.

Sustainability of them.

And then can you scale the.

Even if we don't see tremendous revenue gain stability can you is there are there further cost reduction opportunities.

Okay.

Speaker 4: So yeah, Bob, let me take that one, right? I think when you look at, I mean, when you look at kind of where we are in class, we feel really good about the progress today, right? It took some time to get kind of some of this through the system, right? When you look at the supply chain costs of, you know, kind of detention to mirror your job, you know, trade all that stuff, right? Kind of coming down to get to what we would call a normalized level. When you look at everything else in terms of a cost to serve.

Bill Wafford: So, you know, Bob's gonna let me take that one, right? I think when you look at... I mean, when you look at kind of where we are in costs, we feel really good about the progress today, right? It took some time to get kind of some of this through the system, right? When you look at the supply chain costs of, you know, kind of detention and demurrage, ocean freight, all that stuff, right? Kind of coming down to get to what we would, we'd call a normalized level. When you look at everything else in terms of a cost to serve, I mean, we're part of Athens is kind of continuous improvement, and we look at lowering, you know, our cost per unit on from a fulfillment perspective. How do we think about customer acquisition costs?

Okay.

Bob Let me take that one right.

Yeah.

No.

I think when you look at I mean, when you look at kind of where we are on costs. We feel really good about the progress today right. It took some time to get kind of some of the student system right. When you look at the supply chain costs.

Tension to mirror Ocean freight all that stuff kind of coming down to get to what we would call a normalized level. When you look at everything else in terms of our cost to serve.

Speaker 4: I mean, we're part of Athens is going to continue some improvement. And we look at lowering our cost per unit from a fulfillment perspective. How do we think about customer acquisition costs?

We're part of Athens is kind of continuous improvement when we look at lowering our cost per unit on from a fulfillment perspective, how do we think about customer acquisition costs. We feel good about the ability to continue to maintain strong OIBDA margin growth. We know that it's a challenge topline environment and that's a key focus for us, but that was a lot of the work.

Speaker 4: We feel good about the ability to continue to maintain kind of strong, or even a margin growth. We know that it's a challenge top line environment and that's a key focus for us, but that was a lot of the work that we've been doing continue to do with Athens. It's a challenge.

Bill Wafford: We feel good about the ability to continue to maintain, you know, kind of strong or even a margin growth. We know that, you know, it's a challenged top-line environment, and that's a key focus for us, but that was a lot of the work that we've been doing and continue to do with Athens.

We've been doing continue to do with Athens.

David Rawlinson II: Yeah, and I would-

Carla Casella: Okay, great.

Yes.

Thank you.

Speaker 7: I'd say a couple of things. One, some of the cost work that we're doing and some of the international markets you haven't had an opportunity to really see those show up yet because they're layered in more as sort of 2024 actions. And I'd say they're discrete places where, because of the delay, some of the work we've done hasn't quite shown up as the numbers. And so that's a bit of a tailwind. The other thing I'd say is a lot of our work is not just cost reduction. I think of it more as efficiency increases.

David Rawlinson II: I'd say a couple of things. One, some of the cost work that we're doing in some of the international markets, you haven't had an opportunity to really see those show up yet because they're layered in more as sort of 2024 actions. And I'd say they're discrete places where, because of the delay, some of the work we've done hasn't quite shown up in the numbers, and so that's a bit of a tailwind. The other thing I'd say is a lot of our work is not just cost reduction. I think of it more as efficiency increases. And so I think there are a number of places in the business where we can continue to get more efficient.

Ed.

I'd say a couple of things one some of the cost work that we're doing in some of the international markets. You haven't had an opportunity to really see those show up yet because they.

They're layered in more as sort of 'twenty 'twenty four actions and I would say they are discrete places where.

Because of the delay some of the work we've done hasnt quite shown up in the numbers and so thats a bit of a that's a bit of a tailwind. The other thing I'd say is a lot of our a lot of our work is not just cost reduction I think of it more as efficiency increases and so I think there are a number of places in the business, where we can continue.

<unk> to get more efficient and in fact, we have a number of places that we are working on now where we can get more efficient and then finally, we do have some pretty exceptional onetime costs that have been headwinds. This year that are not there next year, we have Athens transformation costs that include.

David Rawlinson II: In fact, we have a number of places that we are working on now where we can get more efficient. Then finally, we do have some pretty exceptional one-time costs that have been headwinds this year that are not there next year. We have Athens transformation costs that include some things like third-party and consulting fees that don't repeat. We had the sale and lease back rents that will cycle next year. And so, we do have both some opportunities to continue leaning into efficiency and some cost type actions that haven't shown up in the numbers yet. And we have some tailwinds from costs that will fall out as we go into 2024.

Some things like third party and consulting fees that don't.

We had the sale of leaseback rents that.

We will cycle.

Next year and so we do have both some opportunities to continue leaning into efficiency.

Speaker 10: both some opportunities that continue leaning into efficiency and some cost type actions that have been shown up in the numbers yet. And we have some tailwinds from costs that will fall out as we go into 2024. That's great, thank you so much. Thank you. Next question comes to the line of Skaru Martinson with Jeff Lee's Peace Go ahead. Good morning. Just following up on Carla's margin questions. So if I heard it correctly, parsing kind of through that is we'll see that continued improvement with Fee Product margin. We'll see.

Speaker 7: and some cost type actions.

And some cost type actions that haven't shown up in the numbers, yet and we have some tailwind from a cost that will fall out as we go into 2024.

Speaker 3: that happens shown up in the numbers yet. And we have some

Speaker 9: tailwinds from cost that will fall out as we go into 2024. That's great. Thank you so much.

Carla Casella: That's great. Thank you so much.

That's great. Thank you so much.

Operator: Thank you. Next question comes from the line of Karu Martinson with Jefferies. Please go ahead.

Thank you.

Next question comes from the line of <unk> Martinson with Jefferies. Please go ahead.

Speaker 10: Good morning. Just following up on Carla's margin questions. So if I heard the correctly parsing kind of through that, is we'll see that continued improvement, we'll see product margin, we'll see freight rate or fulfillment costs coming down, but just not at the same pace as that we saw in the third quarter. Is that the correct way to translate that?

Karru Martinson: Good morning. Just following up on Carla's margin question. So if I heard it correctly, parsing kind of through that is, you know, we'll see that continued improvement, we'll see product margin, we'll see freight rate or fulfillment costs coming down, but just not at the same pace as that we saw in Q3. Is, is that the correct way to translate that?

Good morning, just following up on Carlos margin question. So if I heard that correctly parsing kind of through that is we will see that continued improvement we will see product margin will see freight rates, our fulfillment cost coming down.

Not at the same pace says that we saw in the third quarter is that the correct way to translate that.

Speaker 4: I mean, I think over time, I mean, third quarter, obviously on fulfillment piece, you know, there was a lot we worked through there and a lot on a year over year basis. We still feel, you know, kind of that we've still got room to go, especially, you know, on the balance of the year, you know. And then as you get into kind of this time, you know, next year, hopefully we've kind of normalized, you know, at a lower, you know, kind of cost per unit basis. So we feel good about, hey, the, you know, kind of Q3 rolling into Q4. And then obviously, you know, over time, that's going to work its way through.

Bill Wafford: I mean, I think over time, I mean, third quarter, obviously on fulfillment piece, you know, there was a lot we worked through there and a lot on a year-over-year basis. We still feel, you know, kind of that we've still got room to go, especially, you know, on the balance of the year, right? And then as you get into kind of this time, you know, next year, hopefully, we've kind of normalized, you know, at a lower, you know, kind of cost per unit basis. So we, we feel good about, hey, the, you know, kind of Q3 rolling into Q4, and then obviously, you know, over time, that's gonna work its way through.

I think over time, I mean third quarter, obviously on fulfillment piece you know there was a lot we work through there and a lot on a year over year basis, we still feel that we've still got room to go, especially on the balance of the year and then as you get into kind of this time next year, hopefully we've kind of normalized at a lower kind of cost per unit basis. So we feel good about.

The kind of Q3 rolling into Q4, and then obviously over time, that's going to work its way through.

Speaker 10: Okay, and just on the customer count here, when I was taking my notes, you had talked about the rate of decline and moderated and you'd seen the biggest turn from the low end of your customer base. Were you talking about your lower end customers or were you talking to folks who occasionally shop and I guess in that line, what do you see from your lower income customers? Yes, customers.

Karru Martinson: ... Okay. And just on the customer count here, when I was taking my notes, you know, you had talked about that the rate of decline had moderated, and you'd seen the biggest turn from the low end of your customer base. Were you talking about your lower-end customers, or were you talking the folks who, you know, occasionally shop? And I guess in that line, you know, what do you see from your lower income customers these days?

Okay.

Don.

The customer.

Count here I'm wondering when I was taking my notes.

You had talked about the rate of decline has moderated and you've seen the biggest turn from the low end of your customer base, where were you talking about your your lower end customers or are you talking to the folks who.

Occasionally shop, and I guess in that line, what do you see from your lower income customers. These days.

Speaker 7: Yeah, so when we said we're seeing the biggest turn from the lower end of our customer file, we were talking about customer frequency. So it's the customers who purchase the least frequently where we see the highest turn.

David Rawlinson II: Yeah. So when we said we're seeing the biggest churn from the lower end of our customer file, we were talking about customer frequency.

Yes, so when we said we're seeing the biggest churn from the lower end of our customer file we were talking about customer frequency.

Karru Martinson: Okay.

David Rawlinson II: So it's the customers who purchase the least frequently, where we see the highest churn. In terms of customer demographic by income, I'd say generally, keep in mind, we have a higher than average income customer, who is even more different than the average when it comes to wealth, because of where they tend to be at the stage in their life when they come into our platform.

Purchase the customers, who purchased the least frequently where we see the highest churn.

Speaker 7: In terms of customer demographic by income.

Yes.

And in terms of.

Customer demographic by income I'd say generally.

Speaker 3: I'd say generally, one, keep in mind we have a...

One keep in mind, we have a higher than average income customer.

Speaker 7: who is even more different than the average when it comes to wealth because of where they tend to be at the stage in their life when they come into our platform. So, that customer is a bit insulated and they've also been a little bit insulated by some things like student loan repayments where they're affected in a number of ways sometimes because they're helping kids sometimes because they're younger and still have student loans but probably less affected than the average customer. So, we see some of the benefits of the

Who is yvonne.

Even more.

Different than the average when it comes to wealth because of where they tend to be.

At this stage in their life when they come into our into our platform.

David Rawlinson II: So that customer is a bit insulated, and they've also been a little bit insulated by some things like student loan repayment, where they're affected in a number of ways, sometimes because they're helping kids, sometimes because they're younger and still have student loans, but probably less affected than the average customer. So we see some of the benefits of the insulation from our core customer and their performance. In some of the less wealthy customers, we definitely see more impact of the economy.

So that customer is a bit insulated.

And they've also been.

A little bit insulated by some things like.

Student loan repayments were.

They are affected.

And a number of ways, sometimes because they are helping kids, sometimes because they're younger and still have sort of lumped student loans, but probably less affected than the average than the average customer. So we see some of the benefits of the installation from our core customer and their performance in.

Speaker 7: than the average customer. So we see some of the benefits of the installation from our core customer and their performance.

Speaker 7: In some of the less wealthy customers, we definitely see more impact of the outcome.

And some of the less wealthy customers, we definitely see more impact.

<unk>.

Of their economy.

Speaker 10: Okay, and just for a point of clarification, paying down the revolver here, that will free that up. That's fungible. You can use that to redeem the boss, correct?

Karru Martinson: Okay. And just for a point of clarification, paying down the revolver here, that will free that up. That's fungible. You can use that to redeem the bonds, correct?

Okay, and just for a point of clarification paying down the revolver here that that will free that up that's fungible you can use that to redeem the bonds correct.

Speaker 11: Yeah, I think it's fair. It's been orin. I think it's fair to say that the 2024 and 25 notes will be dealt with with cash on hand and revolver over time I'm not going to talk about what the pace is that is, but that's probably the best expectation

Ben Oren: Yeah, I think it's fair-

Yes.

David Rawlinson II: Go ahead.

Ben Oren: I think it's fair, it's Ben Oren. I think it's fair to say that the 2024 and 2025 notes will be dealt with, with cash on hand and revolver over time. I'm not gonna talk about what the pace of that is, but that's probably the best expectation.

But I think it's fair it's February and I think it's fair to say that the 2024 and 25 notes will be dealt with with cash on hand and revolver overtime.

I'm not going to talk about what the pace of that is but that's probably the best expectation.

Karru Martinson: Thank you very much. Appreciate it.

Thank you very much appreciate it.

Yeah.

Operator: Thank you. The last question comes from the line of Hale Holden with Barclays. Please go ahead.

Speaker 1: Thank you. The last question goes to the line of Hail Holden with Padleys.

Thank you.

Last question comes from the line of Hale Holden with Barclays. Please go ahead.

Speaker 12: Thank you, morning. I just had two questions. David, it was great to hear you throw that marker out for flat revenue growth in 2024. When you set that earlier this year, at least my impression is things have slowed down a little bit. So maybe you could talk about puts and takes on how you keep that flat despite maybe a slower macro or environment.

Hale Holden: Hey, good morning. I just had two questions. It was-- David, it was great to hear you throw that marker out for flat revenue growth in 2024. You know, when you set that earlier this year, at least my impression is things have slowed down a little bit. So maybe you could talk about puts and takes on how you keep that flat, despite maybe a slower macro environment.

Hey, good morning.

I just had two questions.

David It was great to hear you throw that marker out for flat revenue growth in 2024.

When you said that earlier this year or at least my impression as things have slowed down a little bit. So maybe you could talk about puts and takes on on how you keep that flat despite maybe a slower macro environment.

Speaker 12: Yeah, thank you for the question. I'd say a couple of things. I don't think I said flat revenue growth for 2024. I think I said stable revenue growth through 2024. The way we think about stable is...

David Rawlinson II: Yeah, thank you for the question. I'd say a couple of things. I don't think I said flat revenue growth for 2024. I think I said stable revenue growth through 2024. The way we think about stable is plus or minus a few points on flat. And so I'd say we, we got some stability in Q3 on the top line. The reason why that's important is we're doing a lot of cost and margin work, and if you see the type of declines in revenue we had in, say, 2022, it's hard to do enough of that work for it to show up on the bottom line.

Yes. Thank you for the question I'd say a couple of things I don't think I said flat revenue growth for 2024, I think I said stable revenue growth through 2020 for the way we think about stable.

Speaker 12: plus or minus a few points on flat. So I would say we got this ability in Q3 on the top line. The reason why that's important is we're doing a lot of cost and margin work and...

Plus or minus a few points on flat and so I'd say, we we got to stability in Q3 on the on the top line. The reason why that's important is we're doing a lot of cost and margin work and if you. If you see the type of declines in revenue we had in say 2022, it's hard to do it.

Speaker 12: If you see the type of declines in revenue we had in say 2022, it's hard to do enough of that work forward to show up on the bottom line I think.

So that work for it to show up on the bottom line I think given our project athans transformation of the way its shape as long as we have relative stability on the top line, we should still be able to achieve our free cash flow and.

David Rawlinson II: I think, given our Project Athens transformation and the way it's shaped, as long as we have relative stability on the top line, we should still be able to achieve our free cash flow and OIBDA growth objectives, which we continue to have real confidence in. I would say we've designed this from the beginning to be able to do well in a wide variety of macro environments. We don't need strong growth in our most relevant categories to be able to deliver. In some ways, the macro environment in Q3 wasn't great. We think on a sales basis, we grew better than the discretionary general merchandise data suggests that the categories we play in grew, so we haven't had the benefit of a great macro environment so far.

Speaker 12: Given our project that, then transformation of the way is shaped, as long as we have relative stability on the top one, we should still be able to achieve our free cash flow. And...

Speaker 12: and all of the growth objectives which we continue to have, continue to have real confidence in.

And our EBITDA growth objectives, which which we continue to have.

You have real confidence.

Speaker 3: I would say we've designed this from the beginning to be able to do well in a wide variety of macro environments. We don't need...

I would say we've designed this from the beginning to be able to.

Do well.

Wide variety of macro environments, we don't need strong growth in our most relevant categories to be able to deliver in some ways. The macro environment. In Q3 wasn't wasn't great. We think on a sales basis, we grew better than discretionary general merchandise data.

Speaker 12: strong growth in our most relevant categories to be able to deliver. In some ways, the macro environment in Q3 wasn't great. We think on the sales basis, we grew better than the...

The categories, we play in.

So we haven't had the benefit of a great macro environment, so far and looking into Q4 and first half of next year, we think we can deliver.

David Rawlinson II: Looking into Q4 and first half of next year, we think we can deliver in anything that's foreseeable. If we end up in a deep recession, obviously, that's a different situation. But I think we can continue to execute and have good free cash flow and OIBDA performance in a variety of macro environments. We are not premising this on a substantial improvement, certainly in the overall macro environment.

Speaker 13: First half of next year, we think we can deliver in anything that's foreseeable if we end up in a deep recession, obviously. That's a different situation, but I think we can continue to execute and have good pretached low and oil but doour performance and a variety of macro environments. We are not crimacing this on a substantial improvement, certainly, in the overall macro environment. Great. And then I think one of the

Thing Thats foreseeable if we ended up in a deep recession obviously.

That's a different situation, but I think.

We can we can continue to execute and have good free cash flow in the OIBDA performance and a variety of macro environments, where we are.

Speaker 13: and a variety of macro environments. We are not cremating this on a substantial improvement, certainly in the overall macro environment.

Not premise thing.

Thats on a substantial improvement certainly in the overall macro environment.

Speaker 14: Great. And then I think one of the, I'd have to check my notes, but one of the other note numbers you gave was a 16 minute improvement in viewership on a daily basis. And I was wondering if you could help give us some context on, you know, where average length of viewership was versus kind of historical norms because that seems like a really strong improvement metric.

Hale Holden: Great. And then, I think one of the... I'd have to check my notes, but one of the other numbers you gave was a 16-minute improvement in viewership on a daily basis. And I was wondering if you could help give us some context on, you know, where average length of viewership was versus kind of historical norms, because that seems like a really strong improvement metric.

Great and then I think one of the I'd have to check my notes, but one of the other numbers you gave it was a 16 minute improvement in viewership on a daily basis.

And I was wondering if you could help give us some context on.

Average length of viewership was versus kind of historical norms.

It seems like a really strong improvement metric.

David Rawlinson II: Yeah, it was. It was 15% improvement in viewership for the quarter. We think that has a lot to do with some of our programming. We think we're bringing people into a lot of the special events. I walked through some of them in the context of our script, and so we think it also just shows stability in the file. We think it shows a lot of stability and our ability to continue to bring people back. Keep in mind that also that's a linear channel measurement. So that's not including some of the growth that we were having in our digital platforms.

Speaker 13: Yeah, it was, it was 15% improvement in and viewership for the quarter. We think that has a lot to do with some of our, we think that has a lot to do with some of our programming. We think we're bringing people, we think we're bringing people into a lot of the special events I walk through some of them.

Yes. It was it was 15% improvement in.

And viewership for for the quarter, we think that has a lot to do with some of our.

That has a lot to do with some of our programming.

We think we're bringing people we think we're bringing people into a lot of the special events I walked through some of them in the context of.

Our script and so we think it also just shows stability.

The file we think it shows a lot of stability and our ability to continue to bring people back and keep in mind also that the linear channel measurement and so that's not including some of the growth that we're having.

Speaker 5: that we were having in our digital platforms. And so we feel very good about being able to continue increasing viewership. Great. Thank you. I'm going to try to find out later. Bye, too. All right. Thank you for your attendance and interest in today's earnings announcement. As we said, this thing is going to be on your next week in New York. And with that operator, I think we'll close the floor.

Our digital and our digital platforms and so we feel we feel very good about about being able to continue increasing viewership.

David Rawlinson II: And so, we feel very good about being able to continue increasing viewership.

Speaker 14: Great, thank you. I'm gonna go try to find that landed over by Christmas. I appreciate it. Ha ha ha ha. Bye, too.

Hale Holden: Great. Thank you. I'm gonna go try to find that Landed river bike for Christmas. I appreciate it.

Great. Thank you and I will try to find Atlanta for a bike for Christmas I appreciate it.

David Rawlinson II: Buy two!

By two.

Yes.

Speaker 5: All right, thank you for your attendance and interest in today's earnings announcement. We look forward to, as we said, to seeing some of you next week in New York. And would that operate or I think we'll close the floor?

Greg Maffei: All right. Thank you, for your attendance and interest in today's earnings announcement. We look forward as, as we said, to seeing some of you next week in New York. With that operator, I think we'll close the floor.

Alright. Thank you for your attendance and interest in today's earnings announcement, we look forward to as we said to seeing some of you next week in New York and with that operator, I think we will close the floor.

Operator 2: Thank you. This concludes today's teleconference. You may disconnect your lines at this time. Thank you for your participation.

Operator: Thank you. This concludes today's teleconference. You may disconnect your lines at this time. Thank you for your participation.

Speaker 1: Thank you. This concludes today's teleconference. You may disconnect your lines at this time. Thank you for your party.

Thank you. This concludes today's teleconference. You may disconnect. Your lines at this time. Thank you for your participation.

David Rawlinson II: Thank you.

Thank you.

Yeah.

Speaker 15: The.

Okay.

[music].

Yes.

[music].

Okay.

Peter.

Yes.

Okay.

Sure.

[music].

Yeah.

[music].

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