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Imation announces turnaround plan to move it to data storage and security focus

Firm will exit non-European tape business, end TDK deal.

September 30, 2015 at 7:11PM
Imation Apollo. July 2008 handout.
Imation put forth a new restructuring plan. (Elliott Polk (Clickability Client Services) — Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Imation Corp. announced a series of moves this week designed to stop the hemorrhaging at the struggling data storage company that has endured declining sales, a sagging stock price and public management upheavals.

In a statement issued late Monday, Oakdale-based Imation said it will "wind down" its non-European legacy tape media business and its consumer storage and accessories business. It also is ending its long-term license agreement with Japanese electronics manufacturer TDK Corp., a strategy that was once heralded as a growth engine.

Officials said they will redeploy the cash saved by shutting down the tape and TDK operations into its "tiered storage and security" business.

Imation is trying to transform itself in the wake of changing technology appetites. While Imation built its reputation as a company that makes recordable CDs, DVDs and magnetic data storage tapes, such products are increasingly out of fashion.

Imation is changing its formula to become more of a company that offers corporations data storage and data security solutions.

"After careful consideration, we concluded these wind-downs are critical in our ongoing effort to create a leaner, more focused Imation," said Barry Kasoff, Imation's interim president, in a statement. "Our tiered storage and security segment is the foundation for the company's profitable growth over the long term. The board, together with management, remains intensely focused on building that business and driving efficiencies throughout the organization to enhance performance."

Imation's stock fell 5 cents to close Tuesday at $2.15 a share.

Lake Street Capital Markets equity analyst Eric Martinuzzi said that some of Imation's moves are smart, but perhaps not dramatic enough to bring rapid profit changes.

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"Winding down the legacy businesses makes sense. Getting an amicable divorce from TDK and reducing the share count by 16 percent makes sense," he said. "Focusing on tiered storage and security also makes sense. However, net cash is $70 million, and we estimate the company will spend $30 million to $40 million on restructuring."

Martinuzzi lowered his rating on Imation to "hold" and set a price target of $3 a share.

"Imation has taken some bold steps, but we are stepping to the sidelines given the added execution risk," he said. "Our issue is less with the breadth of the reorganization and more with our skepticism that the retooled Imation can achieve run-rate break-even in 2016."

Dee DePass • 612-673-7725

about the writer

about the writer

Dee DePass

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Dee DePass is an award-winning business reporter covering Minnesota small businesses for the Minnesota Star Tribune. She previously covered commercial real estate, manufacturing, the economy, workplace issues and banking.

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