What: Shares of Cimpress N.V. (CMPR 1.71%) were up nearly 15% as of 3:30 p.m. ET Thursday after the mass customization specialist released better-than-expected fiscal second-quarter 2016 results.
So what: Quarterly revenue increased 12.8% year over year to $496.3 million, including a 3% increase in Vistaprint revenue to $354.8 million, 112% growth from the upload and print segment to $93.3 million, and a 4% decline in "Other" business unit revenue to $48.2 million. Based on generally accepted accounting principles, that translated to an 8.2% decline in net income to $58.4 million, and -- thanks to share repurchases over the past year -- a more modest 4.8% drop in GAAP earnings per share to $1.80. Meanwhile, adjusted net operating profit after tax (NOPAT) climbed more than 10% year over year to $82.5 million.
Analysts, on average, were anticipating lower earnings of $1.67 per share on revenue of $489.2 million. To its credit, two quarters ago Cimpress opted to cease providing specific financial guidance, primarily as it implements its new long-term plan to deploy capital and resources aimed at maximizing shareholder value.
"Our second quarter results reflect successful execution in pursuit of long-term value creation," explained Cimpress CEO Robert Keane. "In line with the objectives that we discussed in detail during our August 2015 investor day, we deployed significant capital and resources across a broad group of long-term investments that we believe are expanding our foundation for future success."
Cimpress CFO Sean Quinn added, "Our financial results this quarter reflected strong holiday sales in the Vistaprint Business Unit, continued success in the Upload and Print segment and a slower-than-anticipated decline of partnership-related revenue."
Now what: For reference, investors can look back to last quarter's report for Cimpress' updates on expected near-term growth for each of its business segments. But also this quarter, Quinn did elaborate that organic investment spending as outlined in its value-creation plan is "largely on track" this year, while insisting the company plans to continue making such strategic investments going forward.
In the end, while it may not appease analysts who rely on more specific guidance as they attempt to more accurately predict any given quarter's results, it's no surprise Cimpress investors are pleased with this solid showing in the crucial holiday quarter.
