Xerox posts steep Q3 loss, lowers 2024 revenue outlook as demand for copiers declines

In a concerning turn, Xerox Holdings has reported a substantial third-quarter loss alongside a lowered revenue forecast for 2024. Amid waning demand for traditional office copiers and heightened competition in the digital space, the document management giant has faced a turbulent year. The company reported a $1.21 billion net loss, driven largely by a steady drop in sales of print equipment and related services, along with broader industry challenges that continue to disrupt its core business model.

Xerox lowers revenue projections amidst copier demand slump

Xerox Holdings initially projected a modest decline of 3-5% for 2024 but has now revised this figure downward to a 5-6% expected decrease. This shift comes as corporations increasingly move away from physical printing, favoring digital document solutions that align better with remote work and flexible office environments. Xerox’s latest figures show an approximate 10% revenue decline year-over-year, leaving its quarterly earnings at $1.53 billion.

CEO Steve Bandrowczak cited the ongoing transition toward digital platforms as a key factor influencing Xerox’s financial strain. He acknowledged the need to “adapt swiftly” to the shifting market landscape, emphasizing that Xerox has begun exploring new technological avenues to counteract declining sales in traditional print sectors. To meet these challenges, Bandrowczak confirmed that Xerox would focus on artificial intelligence and machine learning integration within its devices, which are designed to improve operational efficiency for users by automating common tasks and suggesting optimized workflows.

New AI-driven strategy aims to revive Xerox’s performance

In its bid to pivot from physical print services to digital document management, Xerox has unveiled a series of AI-driven initiatives across its product lines. Bandrowczak shared that Xerox’s latest devices feature adaptive learning modules that can recognize user behavior, suggesting more efficient ways to handle routine tasks. He explained that these AI-enhanced solutions are part of Xerox’s broader strategy to reinvent its offerings, with features like document summarization and automated redaction tailored to modern business needs.

The company is attempting to redefine its identity in an increasingly competitive digital space, but analysts remain cautious about its ability to recover. Experts like George Conboy, Chairman of Brighton Securities, highlighted that Xerox’s efforts to pivot toward digital solutions may face steep challenges due to formidable competition from well-established technology players. Conboy remarked that while Xerox’s integration of AI shows promise, the company’s transition could be complicated by its long-standing association with traditional print solutions, which are in clear decline.

Strategic moves and restructuring to combat revenue loss

To realign with industry trends, Xerox announced earlier this year a “Reinvention and Operating Model” aimed at overhauling its organizational structure to match the evolving demands of its clients. Part of this restructuring included the shutdown of its print engine manufacturing operations in Webster, New York. Despite these cuts, the company has committed to maintaining its presence in Webster through its Global Learning Excellence Center, which focuses on skill development and professional growth initiatives for Xerox employees.

Market reaction and share price impact

Following the announcement, Xerox Holdings Corporation shares on the NASDAQ dropped nearly 19% to trade at $8.37. This stark decline underscores investor concerns about the company’s future, with analysts indicating that Xerox may need more aggressive measures to regain financial stability. While the company’s investments in AI and other digital technologies suggest a strategic pivot, investors remain wary, questioning Xerox’s ability to successfully penetrate a market increasingly dominated by tech giants and niche players alike.