Eastman Kodak
NYSE: KODK
$8.23 ▲ +0.18  (+2.24%)
At close: Jul 24, 2026 · 4:03 PM UTC
Financial Ratios
Market Cap797.55 Mn
P/E29.54
P/S0.73
Div. Yield0.01
ROIC (Qtr)0.00
Total Debt (Qtr)160.00 Mn
Revenue Growth (1y) (Qtr)7.29
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About

Eastman Kodak Co is a global manufacturer focused on commercial print and advanced materials and chemicals. The company leverages its long history of research and development to deliver innovative products that enhance what the world sees and creates. Kodak serves commercial printers worldwide with award-winning solutions and maintains a commitment to environmental stewardship through sustainable print technologies. Kodak generates revenue through the sale of products and…

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Sector: Industrials Industry: Specialty Business Services CIK: 0000031235

Investment Thesis

▲ Bull case
  • The company has renewed its focus on traditional film products. These products are seeing a resurgence driven by niche demand from filmmakers and artists who value the unique aesthetic of chemical based imaging. This renewed interest is reflected in the launch of new still film offerings and the continued use of Kodak stock in major motion picture productions such as the Oscar winning titles mentioned by management and the upcoming Christopher Nolan project. The consistent demand for film provides a stable revenue base that is less sensitive to digital substitution than many assume. The film segment also benefits from the company’s ability to leverage its legacy brand and distribution network to capture premium pricing and maintain margins.
  • Advanced Materials and Chemicals reported a modest revenue increase in the first quarter driven by higher film and chemicals sales. This indicates that the segment is beginning to benefit from renewed investment in specialty chemicals and silver based products. The build up of inventory ahead of a planned plant shutdown suggests management expects stronger demand in the coming quarters and is positioning to meet that demand without supply constraints. The segment’s growth is supported by the company’s expertise in silver chemistry which is a barrier to entry for competitors and provides a moat around its core product lines. As silver prices remain elevated the company can pass through cost increases while maintaining volume thereby protecting profitability.
  • Despite headwinds in raw material costs such as aluminum the print business delivered a nine% revenue increase year over year. This shows that the company’s customer relationships and value proposition remain strong. The launch of the Sonora Ultra XR Plate in Europe expands the existing Sonora Ultra portfolio and addresses the market’s need for environmentally friendly imaging solutions. This product innovation not only differentiates Kodak from competitors but also opens up opportunities in regions where regulatory pressure favors low chemistry plates. The ability to maintain revenue while facing higher input costs demonstrates operational flexibility and pricing power that can be leveraged as cost pressures ease.
  • The commencement of operations at the new CGMP pharmaceutical manufacturing facility marks a significant step toward diversifying revenue into high margin healthcare products. The partnership with SUNY Geneseo to create an Advanced Electrophysiology Lab enhances research capabilities and could lead to proprietary formulations that command premium pricing. Management’s goal to obtain Class II certification will allow the company to manufacture more complex drugs which typically carry higher gross margins than the current product suite. Successfully navigating the regulatory pathway could unlock a new growth engine that is less cyclical than the traditional imaging businesses.
  • The company reported a net debt positive position of $139 million at the end of the first quarter reflecting continued deleveraging and disciplined cash management. This improvement was driven by a $50 million principal payment on higher rate term loans and a reduction in interest expense which together lower the financial leverage and free cash flow for reinvestment. A stronger balance sheet reduces the risk of financial distress and provides the flexibility to pursue strategic investments without relying on external financing. The net debt positive status also signals to investors that management is committed to restoring financial health which can support a higher valuation multiple over time.
▼ Bear case
  • The company remains exposed to fluctuations in the prices of key commodities such as silver and aluminum which directly affect cost of goods sold in both the Advanced Materials and Chemicals and Print segments. Recent increases in silver prices more than doubled year over year leading to higher inventory carrying costs and pressure on margins. Although management has been able to pass some of these costs onto customers the ability to do so may be limited in a competitive environment where price sensitivity persists. Continued volatility could erode the gross profit improvements seen in recent quarters and force the company to absorb higher input costs.
  • While the revival of film has generated positive headlines the overall market for chemical based imaging remains a niche segment that is subject to changing consumer preferences and the long term decline of analog photography. Reliance on a small base of enthusiasts and professional filmmakers limits the scalability of film revenue and makes growth dependent on the success of occasional blockbuster productions that choose to shoot on film. A downturn in the entertainment industry or a shift toward digital capture could quickly reduce demand leaving the company with excess capacity and underutilized assets. The film business may therefore provide only a modest contribution to total revenue rather than a transformative growth driver.
  • Entering the pharmaceutical manufacturing space introduces regulatory complexity that the company has limited experience navigating. Obtaining Class II certification requires rigorous compliance with FDA standards and any delays or setbacks could postpone the launch of higher margin products. The CGMP facility involves significant fixed costs and the company must achieve sufficient utilization rates to justify the investment. If the anticipated demand for custom electrophysiology or other niche drugs does not materialize the facility could become a source of underused capacity and ongoing operating losses. Additionally the pharmaceutical market is intensely competitive with established players that possess deeper relationships and broader product portfolios.
  • The commercial print industry faces ongoing structural challenges including digital substitution overcapacity and consolidation among large print service providers. Even though Kodak reported a nine% revenue increase in the first quarter the improvement may be partly driven by temporary factors such as short term pricing actions or inventory rebuilding that are not sustainable over the long term. Competitors are investing in digital workflow solutions and automation which could erode Kodak’s market share if the company fails to keep pace with technological advances. Furthermore the reliance on aluminum plates exposes the business to supply chain disruptions and price spikes that could undermine profitability.
  • The termination of the CREP pension plan has resulted in a reduction of pension income that will recur each quarter of 2026 thereby lowering the non cash benefit that previously helped offset GAAP losses. This change means that future GAAP earnings will be less bolstered by pension related income and the company will need to rely more heavily on operational performance to achieve profitability. While the move improves the balance sheet by eliminating long term pension obligations it also removes a source of earnings stability that had been supporting the bottom line. Investors should consider the loss of this income stream when assessing the sustainability of reported earnings.

Consolidation Items Breakdown of Revenue (2025)

Product and Service Breakdown of Revenue (2025)

Peer Comparison

Companies in the Specialty Business Services
S.No. Ticker Company Market CapP/EP/STotal Debt (Qtr)
1 CTAS Cintas Corp 82.43 Bn0.00 Mn0.00 Mn2.66 Bn
2 RTO Rentokil Initial Plc /Fi 71.81 Bn0.00 Mn0.00 Mn5.57 Bn
3 RELX Relx Plc 63.28 Bn11.42 Mn6.29 Mn-
4 TRI Thomson Reuters Corp /Can/ 40.35 Bn0.00 Mn0.00 Mn1.56 Bn
5 CPRT Copart Inc 26.32 Bn0.00 Mn0.00 Mn-
6 GPN Global Payments Inc 22.09 Bn0.00 Mn0.00 Mn22.57 Bn
7 RBA Rb Global Inc. 20.79 Bn0.00 Mn0.00 Mn2.32 Bn
8 ULS UL Solutions Inc. 17.26 Bn0.00 Mn0.00 Mn0.36 Bn