10-Q 1 acco-2013q2x10q.htm 10-Q ACCO-2013.Q2-10Q
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549 
Form 10-Q
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2013
 
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                     to                    .
Commission File Number 001-08454 
ACCO Brands Corporation
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Delaware
36-2704017
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
Four Corporate Drive
Lake Zurich, Illinois 60047
(Address of Registrant’s Principal Executive Office, Including Zip Code)
(847) 541-9500
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code) 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer
x
Accelerated filer
o
Non-accelerated filer
o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company
o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  o    No  x
As of July 24, 2013, the registrant had outstanding 113,621,633 shares of Common Stock.



Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements. Certain statements made in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and are including this statement for purposes of invoking these safe harbor provisions. These forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe future plans, strategies and expectations of the Company, are generally identifiable by use of the words “will,” “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “project,” “plan,” or similar expressions. Our ability to predict results or the actual effect of future plans or strategies is inherently uncertain. Because actual results may differ from those predicted by such forward-looking statements, you should not place undue reliance on them when deciding whether to buy, sell or hold the Company's securities. Our forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and we undertake no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the future.
The factors that could affect our results or cause plans, actions and results to differ materially from current expectations are detailed in "Part I, Item 1. Business" and "Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, as updated under Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the financial statement line item discussions set forth in “Part I, Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and from time to time in our other SEC filings.
The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein in Part I, Item 1. Financial Information, should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Website Access to Securities and Exchange Commission Reports
The Company’s Internet website can be found at www.accobrands.com. The Company makes available free of charge on or through its website its Annual Reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as soon as practicable after the Company files them with, or furnishes them to, the Securities and Exchange Commission.




2


TABLE OF CONTENTS
 



3


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ACCO Brands Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

 
June 30, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
(in millions of dollars)
(unaudited)
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
95.3

 
$
50.0

Accounts receivable, net
386.7

 
498.7

Inventories
323.3

 
265.5

Deferred income taxes
25.0

 
31.1

Other current assets
45.5

 
29.0

Total current assets
875.8

 
874.3

Total property, plant and equipment
564.2

 
591.4

Less accumulated depreciation
(296.1
)
 
(317.8
)
Property, plant and equipment, net
268.1

 
273.6

Deferred income taxes
41.7

 
36.4

Goodwill
577.8

 
589.4

Identifiable intangibles, net
624.9

 
646.6

Other assets
73.7

 
87.4

Total assets
$
2,462.0

 
$
2,507.7

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
Notes payable to banks
$
58.6

 
$
1.2

Current portion of long-term debt
29.9

 
0.1

Accounts payable
196.4

 
152.4

Accrued compensation
31.8

 
38.0

Accrued customer program liabilities
91.5

 
119.0

Accrued interest
7.0

 
6.3

Other current liabilities
84.7

 
112.4

Total current liabilities
499.9

 
429.4

Long-term debt
1,001.4

 
1,070.8

Deferred income taxes
156.0

 
165.0

Pension and post-retirement benefit obligations
106.8

 
119.8

Other non-current liabilities
86.9

 
83.5

Total liabilities
1,851.0

 
1,868.5

Stockholders' equity:
 
 
 
Common stock
1.1

 
1.1

Treasury stock
(3.4
)
 
(2.5
)
Paid-in capital
2,025.9

 
2,018.5

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(191.3
)
 
(156.1
)
Accumulated deficit
(1,221.3
)
 
(1,221.8
)
Total stockholders' equity
611.0

 
639.2

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
2,462.0

 
$
2,507.7


See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

4


ACCO Brands Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Unaudited)
  
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
(in millions of dollars, except per share data)
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Net sales
$
440.2

 
$
438.7

 
$
792.2

 
$
727.6

Cost of products sold
303.1

 
314.4

 
558.4

 
523.5

Gross profit
137.1

 
124.3

 
233.8

 
204.1

Operating costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Advertising, selling, general and administrative expenses
87.1

 
92.9

 
176.7

 
161.1

Amortization of intangibles
6.2

 
5.1

 
12.8

 
6.6

Restructuring charges
5.9

 
14.7

 
15.6

 
20.8

Total operating costs and expenses
99.2

 
112.7

 
205.1

 
188.5

Operating income
37.9

 
11.6

 
28.7

 
15.6

Non-operating expense (income):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense, net
13.5

 
32.8

 
29.2

 
51.9

Equity in earnings of joint ventures
(1.3
)
 
(1.2
)
 
(2.6
)
 
(2.7
)
Other expense, net
9.6

 
61.3

 
9.5

 
61.1

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax
16.1

 
(81.3
)
 
(7.4
)
 
(94.7
)
Income tax expense (benefit)
6.6

 
(175.5
)
 
(8.0
)
 
(171.6
)
Income from continuing operations
9.5

 
94.2

 
0.6

 
76.9

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

 

 
(0.1
)
 
(0.1
)
Net income
$
9.5

 
$
94.2

 
$
0.5

 
$
76.8

Per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic income per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations
$
0.08

 
$
1.00

 
$
0.01

 
$
1.03

Loss from discontinued operations
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Basic income per share
$
0.08

 
$
1.00

 
$

 
$
1.03

Diluted income per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations
$
0.08

 
$
0.98

 
$
0.01

 
$
1.00

Loss from discontinued operations
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Diluted income per share
$
0.08

 
$
0.98

 
$

 
$
1.00

Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
113.6

 
94.2

 
113.4

 
74.8

Diluted
115.5

 
96.2

 
115.5

 
77.0

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


5


ACCO Brands Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(Unaudited)

 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
(in millions of dollars)
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Net income
$
9.5

 
$
94.2

 
$
0.5

 
$
76.8

Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized gain on derivative financial instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gain arising during period
2.8

 
2.0

 
4.7

 
1.1

Reclassification of gain included in net income
(1.2
)
 
(0.7
)
 
(1.7
)
 
(1.4
)
Foreign currency translation:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
(39.2
)
 
(46.2
)
 
(44.6
)
 
(35.0
)
Pension and other post-retirement plans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of actuarial loss and prior service cost included in net income
2.9

 
2.0

 
5.7

 
4.0

Other
(0.5
)
 
3.1

 
4.7

 
0.5

Other comprehensive loss, before tax
(35.2
)
 
(39.8
)
 
(31.2
)
 
(30.8
)
Income tax expense related to items of other comprehensive loss
(1.5
)
 
(1.8
)
 
(4.0
)
 
(1.1
)
Comprehensive income (loss)
$
(27.2
)
 
$
52.6

 
$
(34.7
)
 
$
44.9


See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


6


ACCO Brands Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
(in millions of dollars)
2013
 
2012
Operating activities
 
 
 
Net income
$
0.5

 
$
76.8

Amortization of inventory step-up

 
10.8

(Gain) loss on disposal of assets
(2.3
)
 
0.3

Release of tax valuation allowance
(7.0
)
 
(130.4
)
Depreciation
20.6

 
14.7

Amortization of debt issuance costs and bond discount
3.1

 
3.2

Amortization of intangibles
12.8

 
6.6

Stock-based compensation
7.4

 
4.1

Loss on debt extinguishment
9.4

 
15.5

Changes in balance sheet items:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
94.4

 
(78.7
)
Inventories
(64.8
)
 
(28.5
)
Other assets
(11.1
)
 
(8.7
)
Accounts payable
47.7

 
4.4

Accrued expenses and other liabilities
(34.4
)
 
(4.2
)
Accrued income taxes
(21.3
)
 
(60.7
)
Equity in earnings of joint ventures, net of dividends received
2.2

 
8.5

Net cash provided (used) by operating activities
57.2

 
(166.3
)
Investing activities
 
 
 
Additions to property, plant and equipment
(26.6
)
 
(10.3
)
(Payments) proceeds related to the sale of discontinued operations
(1.4
)
 
2.2

Proceeds from the disposition of assets
3.9

 
2.2

Cost of acquisition, net of cash acquired

 
(401.4
)
Net cash used by investing activities
(24.1
)
 
(407.3
)
Financing activities
 
 
 
Proceeds from long-term borrowings
530.0

 
1,270.0

Repayments of long-term debt
(569.1
)
 
(681.8
)
Borrowings of short-term debt, net
58.1

 
0.6

Payments for debt issuance costs
(3.9
)
 
(37.7
)
Other
(0.9
)
 
(0.3
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
14.2

 
550.8

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash
(2.0
)
 
(3.9
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
45.3

 
(26.7
)
Cash and cash equivalents
 
 
 
Beginning of period
50.0

 
121.2

End of period
$
95.3

 
$
94.5

 
Six Months Ended June 30,
(in millions of dollars)
2013
 
2012
Significant non-cash transactions:
 
 
 
Common stock issued in conjunction with the acquisition of Mead C&OP
$

 
$
602.3

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

7


ACCO Brands Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

1. Basis of Presentation

As used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013, the terms "ACCO Brands," "ACCO," the "Company," "we," "us," and "our" refer to ACCO Brands Corporation and its consolidated domestic and international subsidiaries.

The management of ACCO Brands is responsible for the accuracy and internal consistency of the condensed consolidated financial statements and notes contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Although the Company believes the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading, certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2013, the related condensed consolidated statements of operations and the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 and cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 are unaudited. The December 31, 2012 condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all annual disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. The above referenced financial statements included herein were prepared by management on the same basis as the Company's audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2012 and reflect all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring items unless otherwise noted) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for the fair presentation of results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, and the financial position of the Company as of June 30, 2013. Interim results may not be indicative of results for a full year.

On May 1, 2012, the Company completed the merger of the Consumer and Office Products Business of MeadWestvaco Corporation ("MWV") (“Mead C&OP”) with a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (the "Merger"). Accordingly, the results of Mead C&OP are included in the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements from the date of the Merger.

As part of the inclusion of Mead C&OP financial results with those of the Company, in the second quarter of 2012, certain information technology costs associated with the manufacturing, procurement and distribution operations have been reclassified from advertising, selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) to cost of products sold. This reclassification was done to enable the financial results of the two businesses to be consistent and to better reflect those costs associated with the cost of products sold. All prior periods have been reclassified to make the results comparable. For the six months ended June 30, 2012 reclassified costs totaled $4.0 million. These historical reclassifications were not material and have had no effect on net income.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

2. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

There were no new accounting pronouncements issued in the second quarter of 2013 that impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

3. Acquisitions

On May 1, 2012, the Company completed the Merger of Mead C&OP with a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. Mead C&OP was a leading manufacturer and marketer of school supplies, office products, and planning and organizing tools - including the Mead®, Five Star®, Trapper Keeper®, AT-A-GLANCE®, Cambridge®, Day Runner®, Hilroy, Tilibra and Grafons brands in the U.S., Canada and Brazil.

In the Merger, MWV shareholders received 57.1 million shares of the Company's common stock, or 50.5% of the combined company, valued at $602.3 million on the date of the Merger. After the transaction was completed the Company had 113.1 million common shares outstanding.

8


 
The purchase price, net of working capital adjustments and cash acquired, was $999.8 million. The consideration given included 57.1 million shares of ACCO Brands common stock, which were issued to MWV shareholders with a fair value of $602.3 million and a $460.0 million dividend paid to MWV. The calculation of consideration given for Mead C&OP was finalized during the fourth quarter of 2012 and is described in the following table:

(in millions, except per share price)
At May 1, 2012
Calculated consideration for Mead C&OP:
 
Outstanding shares of ACCO Brands common stock (1)
56.0

Multiplier needed to calculate shares to be issued (2)
1.0202020202

Number of shares issued to MWV shareholders
57.1

Closing price per share of ACCO Brands common stock (3)
$
10.55

Value of common shares issued
$
602.3

Plus:
 
Dividend paid to MWV
460.0

Less:
 
Working capital adjustment (4)
(30.5
)
Consideration for Mead C&OP
$
1,031.8


(1) Represents the number of shares of the Company's common stock as of May 1, 2012.
(2) Represents MWV shareholders' negotiated ownership percentage in ACCO Brands of 50.5% divided by the 49.5% that was owned by ACCO Brands shareholders upon completion of the Merger.
(3) Represents the closing price per share of the Company's stock as of April 30, 2012.
(4) Represents the difference between the target net working capital and the closing net working capital as of April 30, 2012.

The following table presents the allocation of the purchase price to the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition:

(in millions of dollars)
At May 1, 2012
Calculation of Goodwill:
 
Consideration given for Mead C&OP
$
1,031.8

Cash acquired
(32.0
)
 Net purchase price
$
999.8

Plus fair value of liabilities assumed:
 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
103.9

Current and non-current deferred tax liabilities
209.6

Other non-current liabilities
72.9

  Fair value of liabilities assumed
$
386.4

 
 
Less fair value of assets acquired:
 
Accounts receivable
73.3

Inventory
143.5

Property, plant and equipment
136.6

Identifiable intangibles
543.2

Other assets
24.3

  Fair value of assets acquired
$
920.9

 
 
Goodwill
$
465.3



9


In the first quarter of 2013 we finalized our fair value estimate of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date. The final excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired has been allocated to goodwill in the amount of $465.3 million. As the allowable one-year evaluation period since the date of acquisition has expired, no additional adjustments to the goodwill related to the acquisition of Mead C&OP will be recognized.

Cumulative acquisition-related costs of $20.1 million were incurred during the years 2011 and 2012 and were classified as Selling, General and Administrative expenses. Acquisition-related costs of $11.5 million and $13.1 million were incurred during the three and six months ended June 30, 2012.

4. Long-term Debt and Short-term Borrowings

Notes payable and long-term debt, listed in order of their security interests, consisted of the following at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:
 
(in millions of dollars)
June 30,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
U.S. Dollar Senior Secured Term Loan A, due May 2018 (floating interest rate of 2.54% at June 30, 2013)
$
530.0

 
$

U.S. Dollar Senior Secured Term Loan B, due May 2019 (floating interest rate of 4.25% at December 31, 2012)

 
326.8

U.S. Dollar Senior Secured Term Loan A, due May 2017 (floating interest rate of 3.32% at December 31, 2012)

 
220.8

Canadian Dollar Senior Secured Term Loan A, due May 2017 (floating interest rate of 4.26% at December 31, 2012)

 
21.8

Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility, due May 2018 (floating interest rate of 3.08% at June 30, 2013)
57.3

 

Senior Unsecured Notes, due May 2020 (fixed interest rate of 6.75%)
500.0

 
500.0

Other borrowings
2.6

 
2.7

Total debt
1,089.9

 
1,072.1

Less: current portion
(88.5
)
 
(1.3
)
Total long-term debt
$
1,001.4

 
$
1,070.8

 


Effective May 13, 2013 (the “Effective Date”), the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Restated Credit Agreement”) among the Company, certain subsidiaries of the Company, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and the other agents and lenders party thereto. The Restated Credit Agreement amends and restates the Company's existing credit agreement, dated as of March 26, 2012, as amended (the “2012 Credit Agreement”), that had been entered into in connection with the Company's acquisition of Mead C&OP. In addition, immediately prior to the effectiveness of the Restated Credit Agreement, the Company entered into a Second Amendment, dated as of May 13, 2013 (the “Second Amendment ”), to the 2012 Credit Agreement in order to facilitate the entry into and obtain certain lender consents for the Restated Credit Agreement.
 
The Restated Credit Agreement provides for a $780 million, five-year senior secured credit facility, which consists of a $250.0 million multi-currency revolving credit facility, due May 2018 (the “Revolving Facility”) and a $530.0 million U.S. dollar denominated Senior Secured Term Loan A, due May 2018 (the “Restated Term Loan A"). Specifically, in connection with the Restated Credit Agreement, the Company:

replaced the Company's then-existing U.S.-dollar denominated Senior Secured Term Loan A, due May 2017, under the 2012 Credit Agreement, which had an aggregate principal amount of $220.8 million outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Date, with the Restated Term Loan A, due May 2018, in an aggregate original principal amount of $530.0 million;

prepaid in full the Company's then-existing U.S.-dollar denominated Senior Secured Term Loan B, due May 2019, under the 2012 Credit Agreement, which had an aggregate principal amount of $310.2 million outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Date, using a portion of the proceeds from the Restated Term A Loan; and

replaced the $250.0 million revolving credit facility under the 2012 Credit Agreement with the Revolving Facility, under which $47.3 million was outstanding immediately following the Effective Date.

10


 
As of June 30, 2013, there were borrowings of $57.3 million under our $250.0 million Revolving Facility. The amount available for borrowings was $181.8 million (allowing for $10.9 million of letters of credit outstanding on that date).

Prior to the Effective Date, the Company's Canadian-dollar denominated Senior Secured Term Loan A, due May 2017, that had been drawn under the 2012 Credit Agreement had been fully repaid.
 
Included in Other expense, net is a $9.4 million charge for the write-off of debt origination costs associated with the refinancing. Additionally, the Company incurred approximately $4.4 million in bank, legal and other fees associated with the Restated Credit Agreement. Of these fees, $4.2 million were capitalized and will be amortized over the life of the Restated Term Loan A and the Revolving Facility.
 
Borrowings representing the increase in the principal amount of the Restated Term Loan A were used to prepay the Term Loan B under the 2012 Credit Agreement, while the Revolving Facility is expected to be available for working capital and general corporate purposes. Undrawn amounts under the Revolving Facility are subject to a commitment fee rate of 0.25% to 0.50% per annum, depending on the Company's consolidated leverage ratio. As of June 30, 2013, the commitment fee rate was 0.375%. Prior to the refinancing the commitment fee rate was 0.50%.
 
Maturity and amortization

 Borrowings under the Revolving Facility and the Restated Term Loan A will mature on May 13, 2018. Amounts under the Revolving Facility are non-amortizing. Beginning September 30, 2013, the outstanding principal amount under the Restated Term Loan A will be payable in quarterly installments in an amount representing, on an annual basis, 5.0% of the initial aggregate principal amount of such loan and increasing to 12.5% of the initial aggregate principal amount of such loan by June 30, 2016.
 
Interest rates

  Amounts outstanding under the Restated Credit Agreement will bear interest (i) in the case of Eurodollar loans, at a rate per annum equal to the Eurodollar rate (which is based on an average British Bankers Association Interest Settlement Rate) plus the applicable rate; (ii) in the case of loans made at the Base Rate (which means the highest of (a) the Bank of America, N.A. prime rate then in effect, (b) the Federal Funds Effective Rate (as defined in the Restated Credit Agreement) then in effect plus ½ of 1.00% and (c) the Eurodollar rate that would be payable on such day for a Eurodollar loan with a one-month interest period plus 1.00%), at a rate per annum equal to the Base Rate plus the applicable rate; and (iii) in the case of swing line loans, at a rate per annum equal to the Base Rate plus the applicable rate for the Revolving Credit Facility.  Separate base interest rate and applicable rate provisions will apply for any Canadian or Australian currency denominated loans outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility.
 
As of June 30, 2013, the Eurodollar applicable rate for the Restated Term Loan A and amounts drawn under the Revolving Credit Facility was 2.25%, which represents a reduction from the LIBOR applicable rate of 3.00% for the Senior Secured Loan A and 3.25% for the Senior Secured Loan B in effect immediately prior to the Effective Date under the 2012 Credit Agreement.

The applicable rate applied to outstanding Eurodollar loans and Base Rate loans is based on the Company's consolidated leverage ratio (as defined in the Restated Credit Agreement) as follows: 
Consolidated
Leverage Ratio
 
Applicable Rate on
Eurodollar Loans
 
Applicable Rate on
Base Rate Loans
> 4.00 to 1.00
 
2.50%
 
1.50%
≤ 4.00 to 1.00 and > 3.50 to 1.00
 
2.25%
 
1.25%
≤ 3.50 to 1.00 and > 2.50 to 1.00
 
2.00%
 
1.00%
≤ 2.50 to 1.00
 
1.75%
 
0.75%

Prepayments

  Subject to certain conditions and exceptions, the Restated Credit Agreement requires the Company to prepay outstanding

11


loans in certain circumstances, including (a) in an amount equal to 100% of the net cash proceeds from sales or dispositions of property or assets in excess of $10.0 million per fiscal year, (b) in an amount equal to 100% of the net cash proceeds from property insurance or condemnation awards in excess of $10.0 million per fiscal year and (c) in an amount equal to 100% of the net cash proceeds from additional debt other than debt permitted under the Restated Credit Agreement. The Company also is required to prepay outstanding loans with specified percentages of excess cash flow based on its leverage. The Restated Credit Agreement contains other customary prepayment obligations and provides for voluntary commitment reductions and prepayment of loans, subject to certain conditions and exceptions.
 
 Loan Covenants

 The Restated Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants as well as events of default, including payment defaults, breach of representations and warranties, covenant defaults, cross-defaults, certain bankruptcy or insolvency events, certain ERISA-related events, changes in control or ownership and invalidity of any loan document. 
 
Under the Restated Credit Agreement, the Company is required to meet certain financial tests, including a maximum consolidated leverage ratio (as defined in the Restated Credit Agreement) as determined by reference to the following ratios: 
Period
 
Maximum
Consolidated
Leverage Ratio(1)
Effective Date through June 30, 2014
 
4.50:1.00
July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015
 
4.00:1.00
July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2017
 
3.75:1.00
July 1, 2017 and thereafter
 
3.50:1.00

(1)The leverage ratio is computed by dividing the Company's net funded indebtedness by the cumulative four-quarter-trailing EBITDA, which excludes transaction costs, restructuring and other charges up to certain limits as well as other adjustments defined in the Restated Credit Agreement.

Beginning with the fiscal quarter ending June 30, 2013, the Restated Credit Agreement also requires the Company to maintain a consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio (as defined in the Restated Credit Agreement) as of the end of any fiscal quarter at or above 1.25 to 1.00. Under the Restated Credit Agreement, the Company no longer must meet certain minimum interest coverage ratios that were present in the 2012 Credit Agreement.
As of and for the period ended June 30, 2013, the Company was in compliance with all applicable loan covenants.
 
Guarantees and Security

  Generally, obligations under the Restated Credit Agreement are guaranteed by certain of the Company's existing and future domestic subsidiaries, and are secured by substantially all of the Company's and certain guarantor subsidiaries' assets, subject to certain exclusions and limitations.


12


5. Pension and Other Retiree Benefits

The components of net periodic benefit cost for pension and post-retirement plans for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 are as follows: 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Pension Benefits
 
Post-retirement
 
U.S.
 
International
 
 
 
 
(in millions of dollars)
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Service cost
$
0.5

 
$
0.3

 
$
0.4

 
$
0.6

 
$
0.1

 
$
0.1

Interest cost
2.0

 
2.1

 
3.6

 
3.5

 
0.2

 
0.2

Expected return on plan assets
(2.7
)
 
(2.6
)
 
(5.0
)
 
(4.1
)
 

 

Amortization of prior service cost

 

 

 
0.1

 

 

Amortization of net loss (gain)
2.4

 
1.5

 
0.6

 
0.6

 
(0.2
)
 
(0.2
)
Settlement loss

 
0.7

 

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost
$
2.2

 
$
2.0

 
$
(0.4
)
 
$
0.7

 
$
0.1

 
$
0.1


 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
Pension Benefits
 
Post-retirement
 
U.S.
 
International
 
 
 
 
(in millions of dollars)
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Service cost
$
1.0

 
$
0.3

 
$
0.8

 
$
1.1

 
$
0.2

 
$
0.1

Interest cost
4.0

 
4.2

 
7.3

 
6.9

 
0.3

 
0.3

Expected return on plan assets
(5.4
)
 
(5.2
)
 
(10.1
)
 
(7.8
)
 

 

Amortization of prior service cost

 

 

 
0.1

 

 

Amortization of net loss (gain)
4.8

 
3.1

 
1.2

 
1.1

 
(0.4
)
 
(0.3
)
Settlement loss

 
0.7

 

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost
$
4.4

 
$
3.1

 
$
(0.8
)
 
$
1.4

 
$
0.1

 
$
0.1


We expect to contribute approximately $16.5 million to our defined benefit plans in 2013. For the six months ended June 30, 2013, we have contributed $8.6 million to those plans.

6. Stock-Based Compensation

The following table summarizes the Company’s stock-based compensation expense (including stock options, restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and performance stock units (“PSUs”)) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012:
 

Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
(in millions of dollars)
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Stock option compensation expense
$
0.8

 
$
0.5

 
$
1.4

 
$
0.8

RSU compensation expense
2.1

 
1.7

 
3.1

 
2.5

PSU compensation expense
2.2

 
0.2

 
2.9

 
0.8

Total stock-based compensation
$
5.1

 
$
2.4

 
$
7.4

 
$
4.1


During the second quarter of 2013, the Company's Board of Directors approved a stock compensation grant to eligible non-employee directors, which consisted of 129,680 shares.
The Company generally recognizes compensation expense for its stock-based awards ratably over the vesting period. Stock-based compensation expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 includes $0.9 million of expense related to stock awards granted to non-employee directors, which became fully vested on the grant date.


13


The following table summarizes the Company's unrecognized compensation expense and the weighted-average period over which the expense will be recognized as of June 30, 2013:

June 30, 2013

Unrecognized
 
Weighted Average

Compensation
 
Years Expense To Be
(in millions of dollars, except weighted average years)
Expense
 
Recognized Over
Stock options
$6.2
 
2.3
RSUs
$8.9
 
2.1
PSUs
$12.3
 
1.9

7. Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value. The components of inventories are as follows:
 
(in millions of dollars)
June 30, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
Raw materials
$
41.2

 
$
40.1

Work in process
3.3

 
5.4

Finished goods
278.8

 
220.0

Total inventories
$
323.3

 
$
265.5


8. Goodwill and Identifiable Intangibles
Goodwill
As more fully described in the Company’s 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K, we test goodwill for impairment at least annually and on an interim basis if an event or circumstance indicates that it is more likely than not that an impairment loss has been incurred. The Company performed this annual assessment in the second quarter of 2013 and concluded that no impairment exists.

Goodwill has been recorded on the Company's balance sheet related to the Merger and represents the excess of the cost of the acquisition when compared to the fair value estimate of the net assets acquired on May 1, 2012 (the date of the Merger). See Note 3, Acquisitions, to these condensed consolidated financial statements for details on the calculation of the goodwill acquired in the Merger.
Changes in the net carrying amount of goodwill by segment are as follows: 
(in millions of dollars)
ACCO
Brands
North America
 
ACCO
Brands
International
 
Computer
Products
Group
 
Total
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2012
$
396.3


$
186.3


$
6.8

 
$
589.4

Mead C&OP acquisition
1.4

 
0.5

 

 
1.9

Translation
(3.6
)
 
(9.9
)
 

 
(13.5
)
Balance at June 30, 2013
$
394.1

 
$
176.9

 
$
6.8

 
$
577.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Goodwill
$
525.0

 
$
261.1

 
$
6.8

 
$
792.9

Accumulated impairment losses
(130.9
)
 
(84.2
)
 

 
(215.1
)
Balance at June 30, 2013
$
394.1

 
$
176.9

 
$
6.8

 
$
577.8


14


Identifiable Intangible Assets
The gross carrying value and accumulated amortization by class of identifiable intangible assets as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are as follows:
 
June 30, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
(in millions of dollars)
Gross
Carrying
Amounts
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
Book
Value
 
Gross
Carrying
Amounts
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
Book
Value
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:

 

 
 
 

 

 
 
Trade names
$
517.6

 
$
(44.5
)
(1) 
$
473.1

 
$
524.9

 
$
(44.5
)
(1) 
$
480.4

Amortizable intangible assets:

 

 
 
 

 

 
 
Trade names
128.8

 
(40.9
)
 
87.9

 
130.9

 
(36.7
)
 
94.2

Customer and contractual relationships
102.5

 
(39.5
)
 
63.0

 
103.7

 
(32.7
)
 
71.0

Patents/proprietary technology
10.2

 
(9.3
)
 
0.9

 
10.4

 
(9.4
)
 
1.0

Subtotal
241.5

 
(89.7
)
 
151.8

 
245.0

 
(78.8
)
 
166.2

Total identifiable intangibles
$
759.1

 
$
(134.2
)
 
$
624.9

 
$
769.9

 
$
(123.3
)
 
$
646.6

 
(1)
Accumulated amortization prior to the adoption of authoritative guidance on goodwill and other intangible assets, at which time further amortization ceased.
The Company’s intangible amortization expense was $6.2 million and $5.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $12.8 million and $6.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The increase in intangible amortization expense was driven by incremental amortization related to the Merger.
As of June 30, 2013, estimated amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets as of June 30, 2013 for the current year and the next five years are as follows: 
(in millions of dollars)
2013
 
2014
 
2015
 
2016
 
2017
 
2018
Estimated amortization expense
$
24.8

 
$
22.3

 
$
19.9

 
$
17.6

 
$
14.3

 
$
12.1


Actual amounts of amortization expense may differ from estimated amounts due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, additional intangible asset acquisitions, impairment of intangible assets, accelerated amortization of intangible assets and other events.
The identifiable intangible assets of $543.2 million acquired in the Merger include trade names and customer relationships and were recorded at their fair values. The values assigned were based on the estimated future discounted cash flows attributable to the respective assets. These future cash flows were estimated based on the historical cash flows and then adjusted for anticipated future changes, primarily expected changes in sales volume or price. We have assigned an indefinite life to certain trade names, which include the Five Star®, Mead®, Tilibra and Hilroy brands, based on the Company's intention to use these trade names for an indefinite period of time and the expected sustainability of brands and the product categories and cash flows with which they are associated. Each of the named brands has a long history of high brand recognition in the markets that it serves, has significant market share in the product categories in which it competes and has demonstrated strong historical financial performance.

We test indefinite-lived intangibles for impairment at least annually and on an interim basis if an event or circumstance indicates that it is more likely than not that an impairment loss has been incurred. The Company performed this annual assessment in the second quarter of 2013 and concluded that no impairment exists. However, due to the recent acquisition of Mead C&OP, the fair values of certain indefinite-lived trade names are not substantially above their carrying values.


15


The customer relationships and certain trade names will be amortized on an accelerated basis. Finite-lived trade names and customer relationships are expected to be amortized over lives ranging from 10 to 15 years from the Merger date of May 1, 2012. The allocations of the acquired identifiable intangibles acquired in the Merger are as follows:
(in millions of dollars)
Fair Value
 
Estimated Average Remaining Useful Life
Trade names - indefinite lived
$
415.3

 
Indefinite
Trade names - finite lived
50.3

 
10-15 years
Customer relationships
77.6

 
10-15 years
 
$
543.2

 
 

9. Restructuring

During the six months ended June 30, 2013, the Company committed to new cost savings plans intended to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our businesses. These plans relate to cost-reduction initiatives within the Company's North American and International segments, and are primarily associated with post-merger integration activities of the North American operations following the acquisition of Mead C&OP and changes in the European business model and manufacturing footprint. The most significant of these plans was finalized during the second quarter of 2013, and relates to the closure of our Brampton, Canada distribution and manufacturing facility and relocation of its activities to other facilities within the Company. The Company recorded $5.9 million and $14.7 million of restructuring charges for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively and $15.6 million and $20.8 million of restructuring charges for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Company expects approximately $9 million of additional restructuring charges to be incurred in 2013 associated primarily with other initiatives which are currently under development.

In fiscal year 2012, we initiated cost savings plans related to the consolidation and integration of our recently acquired Mead C&OP business. The most significant of these plans related to our dated goods business and included closure of a manufacturing and distribution facility in East Texas, Pennsylvania and relocation of its activities to other facilities within the Company, which was completed during the second quarter of 2013. We also committed to certain cost savings plans that are expected to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our U.S. and European businesses, which were independent of any plans related to our acquisition of Mead C&OP.
A summary of the activity in the restructuring accounts for the six months ended June 30, 2013 is as follows:
(in millions of dollars)
Balance at December 31, 2012
 
Provision
 
Cash
Expenditures
 
Non-cash
Items/
Currency Change
 
Balance at June 30, 2013
Employee termination costs
$
15.2

 
$
15.1

 
$
(9.2
)
 
$
(0.1
)
 
$
21.0

Termination of lease agreements
0.2

 
0.2

 
(0.4
)
 

 

Other

 
0.3

 
(0.3
)
 

 

Total restructuring liability
$
15.4

 
$
15.6

 
$
(9.9
)
 
$
(0.1
)
 
$
21.0


Management expects the $21.0 million of employee termination costs to be substantially paid within the next 12 months.

Gain on Sale

Not included in the restructuring table above is a net gain of $2.6 million from the sale of the Company's Ireland distribution facility. The sale, which occurred during the second quarter of 2013, generated net cash proceeds of $3.8 million. The gain on sale has been recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Operations in selling, general and administrative expenses.

10. Income Taxes

For the three months ended June 30, 2013, the Company recorded an income tax expense from continuing operations of $6.6 million on income before taxes of $16.1 million. For the prior-year period, we reported an income tax benefit from continuing operations of $175.5 million on a loss before taxes of $81.3 million. The tax benefit for 2012 was primarily due to the release of certain valuation allowances totaling $130.4 million, as further discussed below, and reflects certain non-deductible items that impact the effective rate compared to the statutory rate.


16


We continually review the need for establishing or releasing valuation allowances on our deferred tax attributes. Following the acquisition of Mead C&OP, in the second quarter of 2012, the Company analyzed its need for maintaining valuation reserves against the expected U.S. future tax benefits. Based on that analysis, the Company determined that as of June 30, 2012, there existed sufficient evidence in the form of future taxable income from the combined operations to release $112.7 million of the valuation allowance that had been previously recorded against the U.S. deferred income tax assets. Also in the second quarter of 2012, valuation allowances were released in certain foreign jurisdictions in the amount of $17.7 million, due to the sustained profitability of these businesses. The resulting deferred tax assets are comprised principally of net operating loss carryforwards that are expected to be fully realized within the expiration period and other temporary differences.

For the six months ended June 30, 2013, the Company recorded an income tax benefit from continuing operations of $8.0 million on a loss before taxes of $7.4 million. The current year period benefited from the release of valuation allowances in certain foreign jurisdictions in the amount of $7.0 million. For the prior-year period, we reported an income tax benefit from continuing operations of $171.6 million on a loss before taxes of $94.7 million, primarily due to the release of certain valuation allowances.

The reconciliation of income taxes for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, computed at the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate, compared to our effective income tax rate for continuing operations, is as follows: 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
(in millions of dollars)
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Income tax benefit computed at U.S. statutory income tax rate (35%)
$
5.6

 
$
(28.4
)
 
$
(2.6
)
 
$
(33.1
)
Decrease of valuation allowances, net

 
(141.0
)
 
(7.0
)
 
(131.3
)
Foreign income taxed at a lower effective rate
(0.9
)
 
(2.7
)
 
(1.0
)
 
(4.0
)
Miscellaneous
1.9

 
(3.4
)
 
2.6

 
(3.2
)
Income taxes as reported
$
6.6

 
$
(175.5
)
 
$
(8.0
)
 
$
(171.6
)
Effective tax rate
41.0
%
 
NM

 
NM

 
NM


The U.S. federal statute of limitations remains open for the year 2009 and forward. Foreign and U.S. state jurisdictions have statutes of limitations generally ranging from 3 to 5 years. Years still open to examination by foreign tax authorities in major jurisdictions include Australia (2008 forward), Brazil (2007 forward), Canada (2006 forward) and the U.K. (2010 forward). We are currently under examination in various foreign jurisdictions.

In connection with our May 1, 2012 acquisition of Mead C&OP we assumed all of the tax liabilities for the acquired foreign operations. In December of 2012, the Federal Revenue Department of the Ministry of Finance of Brazil ("FRD") issued a tax assessment against our newly acquired indirect subsidiary, Tilibra Produtos de Papelaria Ltda. ("Tilibra"), which challenged the deductibility of goodwill recorded in connection with the 2004 acquisition of Tilibra. The Company recorded in the fourth quarter of 2012, a reserve in the amount of $44.5 million (based on December 2012 exchange rates) in consideration of this matter. In addition, the Company will continue to accrue interest related to this matter until such time as the outcome is known or until evidence is presented that we are more likely than not to prevail. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, we accrued additional interest of $0.4 million and $0.7 million, respectively, that was recorded in income tax expense.


17


11. Earnings per Share

Total outstanding shares as of June 30, 2013 and 2012 were 113.6 million and 113.1 million, respectively. On May 1, 2012 the Company issued 57.1 million shares of stock related to the Merger. The calculation of basic earnings per common share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding in the year, or period, over which they were outstanding. Our calculation of diluted earnings per common share assumes that any common shares outstanding were increased by shares that would be issued upon exercise of those stock units for which the average market price for the period exceeds the exercise price less the shares that could have been purchased by the Company with the related proceeds, including compensation expense measured but not yet recognized, net of tax. 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
(in millions)
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding — basic
113.6

 
94.2

 
113.4

 
74.8

Stock options

 
0.1

 
0.1

 
0.1

Stock-settled stock appreciation rights
0.8

 
0.9

 
0.8

 
1.0

Restricted stock units
1.1

 
1.0

 
1.2

 
1.1

Adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed conversions — diluted
115.5

 
96.2

 
115.5

 
77.0

 
 Awards of potentially dilutive shares of common stock options which have exercise prices that were higher than the average market price during the period are not included in the computation of dilutive earnings per share as their effect would have been anti-dilutive. These shares totaled approximately 6.3 million and 6.5 million as of June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

12. Derivative Financial Instruments

We are exposed to various market risks, including changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rate changes. We enter into financial instruments to manage and reduce the impact of these risks, not for trading or speculative purposes. The counterparties to these financial instruments are major financial institutions. We continually monitor our foreign currency exposures in order to maximize the overall effectiveness of our foreign currency hedge positions. Principal currencies hedged include the U.S. dollar, Euro, Australian dollar, Canadian dollar, Pound sterling and Japanese yen. We are subject to credit risk, which relates to the ability of counterparties to meet their contractual payment obligations or the potential non-performance by counterparties to financial instrument contracts. Management continues to monitor the status of our counterparties and will take action, as appropriate, to further manage our counterparty credit risk. There are no credit contingency features in our derivative financial instruments.

On the date in which we enter into a derivative, the derivative is designated as a hedge of the identified exposure. We measure the effectiveness of our hedging relationships both at hedge inception and on an ongoing basis.

Forward Currency Contracts

We enter into forward foreign currency contracts to reduce the effect of fluctuating foreign currencies, primarily on foreign denominated inventory purchases and intercompany loans. The majority of the Company’s exposure to local currency movements is in Europe, Australia, Canada, Brazil, Mexico and Japan.

Forward currency contracts are used to hedge foreign denominated inventory purchases for Europe, Australia, Canada and Japan and are designated as cash flow hedges. Unrealized gains and losses on these contracts for inventory purchases are deferred in other comprehensive income (loss) until the contracts are settled and the underlying hedged transactions are recognized, at which time the deferred gains or losses will be reported in the “Cost of products sold” line in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we had cash flow designated foreign exchange contracts outstanding with a U.S. dollar equivalent notional value of $85.7 million and $85.0 million, respectively.
Forward currency contracts used to hedge foreign denominated intercompany loans are not designated as hedging instruments. Gains and losses on these derivative instruments are recognized within "Other expense, net" in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and are largely offset by the changes in the fair value of the hedged item. The periods of the forward foreign exchange contracts correspond to the periods of the hedged transactions, and do not extend beyond June 2014. As of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we had undesignated foreign exchange contracts outstanding with a U.S. dollar equivalent notional value of $51.8 million and $90.4 million, respectively.

18


The following table summarizes the fair value of our derivative financial instruments as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively: 
 
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
 
Derivative Assets
 
Derivative Liabilities
(in millions of dollars)
Balance  Sheet
Location
 
Jun 30,
2013
 
Dec 31, 2012
 
Balance Sheet
Location
 
Jun 30,
2013
 
Dec 31, 2012
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange contracts
Other current assets
 
$
3.3

 
$
0.7

 
Other current liabilities
 
$
0.1

 
$
0.6

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange contracts
Other current assets
 
0.3

 
0.5

 
Other current liabilities
 
0.1

 
0.2

Total derivatives
 
 
$
3.6

 
$
1.2

 
 
 
$
0.2

 
$
0.8

The following tables summarize the pre-tax effect of our derivative financial instruments on the condensed consolidated financial statements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively:
 
 
The Effect of Derivative Instruments in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships on the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI (Effective Portion)
 
Location of (Gain) Loss Reclassified from OCI to Income
 
Amount of (Gain) Loss
Reclassified from AOCI to Income (Effective Portion)
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
(in millions of dollars)
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
 
2013
 
2012
Cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange contracts
 
$
2.8

 
$
2.0

 
Cost of products sold
 
$
(1.2
)
 
$
(0.7
)
 
 
The Effect of Derivative Instruments in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships on the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(in millions of dollars)
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI (Effective Portion)
 
Location of (Gain) Loss Reclassified from OCI to Income
 
Amount of (Gain) Loss
Reclassified from AOCI to Income (Effective Portion)
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
 
2013
 
2012
Cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange contracts
 
$
4.7

 
$
1.1

 
Cost of products sold
 
$
(1.7
)
 
$
(1.4
)
 
 
The Effect of Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
 
 
 
 
 
Location of (Gain) Loss Recognized in
Income on Derivatives
 
Amount of (Gain) Loss
Recognized in Income
 
Amount of (Gain) Loss
Recognized in Income
 
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
(in millions of dollars)
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Foreign exchange contracts
Other expense, net
 
$
(1.3
)
 
$
2.3

 
$
(0.9
)
 
$
2.6



19


13. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

In establishing a fair value, there is a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The basis of the fair value measurement is categorized in three levels, in order of priority, as described below:
Level 1
Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
Level 2
Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, or
 
Unadjusted quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or
 
Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability
Level 3
Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability

We utilize the best available information in measuring fair value. Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
We have determined that our financial assets and liabilities are Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The following table sets forth our financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively:
 
(in millions of dollars)
June 30,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
Assets:
 
 
 
Forward currency contracts
$
3.6

 
$
1.2

Liabilities:
 
 
 
Forward currency contracts
$
0.2

 
$
0.8


Our forward currency contracts are included in "Other current assets" or "Other current liabilities" and mature within 12 months. The forward foreign currency exchange contracts are primarily valued based on the foreign currency spot and forward rates quoted by the banks or foreign currency dealers. As such, these derivative instruments are classified within Level 2.

The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, notes payable to banks, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate carrying amounts due principally to their short maturities. The carrying amount of total debt was $1,089.9 million and $1,072.1 million and the estimated fair value of total debt was $1,091.2 million and $1,097.5 million at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. The fair values are determined from quoted market prices, where available, and from investment bankers using current interest rates considering credit ratings and the remaining terms of maturity.

14. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income is defined as net income (loss) and other changes in stockholders’ equity from transactions and other events from sources other than stockholders. The components of, and changes in, accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax were as follows: 
(in millions of dollars)
Derivative
Financial
Instruments
 
 
Foreign
Currency
Adjustments
 
Unrecognized
Pension and Other
Post-retirement
Benefit Costs
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Balance at December 31, 2012
$
0.1

 
$
(28.0
)
 
$
(128.2
)
 
$
(156.1
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
3.5

 
(44.6
)
 
3.5

 
(37.6
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
(1.3
)
 

 
3.7

 
2.4

Balance at June 30, 2013
$
2.3

 
$
(72.6
)
 
$
(121.0
)
 
$
(191.3
)

20



The reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 were as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2013
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
(in millions of dollars)
 
Amount of (Gain) Loss Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
Affected Line Item in the Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
Amount of (Gain) Loss Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
Affected Line Item in the Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components
Gain (loss) on cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange contracts
 
$
(1.2
)
 
Cost of products sold
 
$
(1.7
)
 
Cost of products sold
 
 
(1.2
)
 
Total before tax
 
(1.7
)
 
Total before tax
 
 
0.3

 
Tax benefit
 
0.4

 
Tax benefit
 
 
$
(0.9
)
 
Net of tax
 
$
(1.3
)
 
Net of tax
Defined benefit plan items:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss
 
$
2.9

 
(a)
 
$
5.7

 
(a)
 
 
2.9

 
Total before tax
 
5.7

 
Total before tax
 
 
(1.1
)
 
Tax expense
 
(2.0
)
 
Tax expense
 
 
$
1.8

 
Net of tax
 
$
3.7

 
Net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total reclassifications for the period
 
$
0.9

 
Net of tax
 
$
2.4

 
Net of tax

(a)
These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost for pension and post-retirement plans (See Note 5, Pension and Other Retiree Benefits, to our condensed consolidated financial statements contained in Item 1 of this report for additional details).

15. Information on Business Segments

In conjunction with the Merger during the second quarter of 2012, we realigned our Americas and International segments. The pre-acquisition Latin America business has been moved into the International segment along with Mead C&OP's Brazilian operations. Our Computer Products Group was unaffected by the realignment or the Merger.
The Company’s three business segments are described below.

ACCO Brands North America and ACCO Brands International

Our office, school and calendar product lines use name brands such as: AT-A-GLANCE®, Day-Timer®, Five Star®, GBC®, Hilroy®, Marbig, Mead®, NOBO, Quartet®, Rexel, Swingline®, Tilibra, Wilson Jones® and many others. Products and brands are not confined to one channel or product category and are sold based on end-user preference in each geographic location. We manufacture approximately 50% of our products, and specify and source approximately 50% of our products, mainly from Asia. The majority of our office products, such as stapling, binding and laminating equipment and related consumable supplies, shredders and whiteboards, are used by businesses. Most of these end-users purchase their products from our customers, which include commercial contract stationers, mass merchandisers, retail superstores, wholesalers, resellers, mail order and internet catalogs, club stores and dealers. We also supply some of our products directly to large commercial and industrial end-users. For all of our products, historically, we have targeted the premium end of the product categories in which we compete. However, we also supply private label products for our customers and provide machine maintenance and certain repair services. Our school products include notebooks, folders, decorative calendars, and stationery products. We distribute our school products primarily through traditional and online retail mass market, grocery, drug and office superstore channels. Our calendar products are sold throughout all channels where we sell office or school products, and we also sell calendar products direct to consumers.
The customer base to which we sell our products is mainly made up of large global and regional resellers of our products. Mass and retail channels mainly sell to individual consumers but also to small businesses. Office superstores mainly sell to

21


commercial customers but also to individual consumers at their retail stores. As a result, there is no clear correlation between product, consumer or distribution channel. We also sell to commercial contract stationers, wholesalers, distributors, mail order and internet catalogs, and independent dealers. Over half of our product sales by our customers are to business end-users, who generally seek premium products that have added value or ease-of-use features and a reputation for reliability, performance and professional appearance. Some of our document finishing products are sold directly to high-volume end-users and commercial reprographic centers.
Computer Products Group
The Computer Products Group designs, distributes, markets and sells accessories for laptop and desktop computers and tablets and smart phones. These accessories primarily include security products, iPad® covers and keypads, smart phone accessories, power adapters, input devices such as mice, laptop computer carrying cases, hubs, docking stations and ergonomic devices. The Computer Products Group sells mostly under the Kensington®, Microsaver® and ClickSafe® brand names, with the majority of its revenue coming from the U.S. and Western Europe.
All of our computer products are manufactured by third-party suppliers, principally in Asia, and are stored and distributed from our regional facilities. Our computer products are sold primarily to consumer electronics retailers, information technology value-added resellers, original equipment manufacturers and office products retailers.
Financial information by reportable segment is set forth below.
Net sales by business segment are as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
(in millions of dollars)
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
ACCO Brands North America
$
286.9

 
$
279.8

 
$
475.9

 
$
416.5

ACCO Brands International
116.1

 
113.9

 
242.3

 
224.5

Computer Products Group
37.2

 
45.0

 
74.0

 
86.6

Net sales
$
440.2

 
$
438.7

 
$
792.2

 
$
727.6


Operating income (loss) by business segment is as follows (a):
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
(in millions of dollars)
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
ACCO Brands North America
$
33.7

 
$
13.6

 
$
25.5

 
$
10.1

ACCO Brands International
10.5

 
9.0

 
14.5

 
17.2

Computer Products Group
2.9

 
10.0

 
5.7

 
17.5

Segment operating income
47.1

 
32.6

 
45.7

 
44.8

Corporate
(9.2
)
 
(21.0
)
 
(17.0
)
 
(29.2
)
Operating income
37.9

 
11.6

 
28.7

 
15.6

Interest expense, net
13.5

 
32.8

 
29.2

 
51.9

Equity in earnings of joint ventures
(1.3
)
 
(1.2
)
 
(2.6
)
 
(2.7
)
Other expense, net
9.6

 
61.3

 
9.5

 
61.1

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax
$
16.1

 
$
(81.3
)
 
$
(7.4
)
 
$
(94.7
)
 
(a)
Operating income as presented in the segment table above is defined as i) net sales; ii) less cost of products sold; iii) less advertising, selling, general and administrative expenses; iv) less amortization of intangibles; and v) less restructuring charges.


22


16. Joint Venture Investments

Summarized below is aggregated financial information for the Company’s joint ventures, Pelikan-Artline Pty Ltd and Neschen GBC Graphic Films LLC ("Neschen"), which are accounted for under the equity method. Accordingly, we record our proportionate share of earnings or losses on the line entitled, “Equity in earnings of joint ventures” in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Our share of the net assets of the joint ventures is included within “Other assets” in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
(in millions of dollars)
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Net sales
$
36.5

 
$
34.9

 
$
72.7

 
$
75.3

Gross profit
21.3

 
19.7

 
42.7

 
42.4

Operating income
3.9

 
3.5

 
7.7

 
8.0

Net income
2.6

 
2.4

 
5.1

 
5.3

 
(in millions of dollars)
June 30,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
Current assets
$
63.7

 
$
80.7

Non-current assets
34.8

 
36.9

Current liabilities
29.4

 
34.2

Non-current liabilities
10.1

 
12.8


During the fourth quarter of 2012 we recorded an impairment charge of $1.9 million related to our investment in Neschen. We have committed to pursue an exit strategy in regards to Neschen, due to significant excess capacity and other opportunities to reduce the cost of products that we have historically sourced from Neschen. Neschen reported net sales of $8.3 million and net income of $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2012.

17. Commitments and Contingencies

Pending Litigation - Brazil Tax Assessment

In connection with our May 1, 2012 acquisition of Mead C&OP, we assumed all of the tax liabilities for the acquired foreign operations. In December of 2012, the Federal Revenue Department of the Ministry of Finance of Brazil ("FRD") issued a tax assessment against our newly acquired indirect subsidiary, Tilibra Produtos de Papelaria Ltda. ("Tilibra"), which challenged the deductibility of goodwill recorded in connection with the 2004 acquisition of Tilibra. The Company recorded in the fourth quarter of 2012, a reserve in the amount of $44.5 million (based on December 2012 exchange rates) in consideration of this matter. In addition, the Company will continue to accrue interest related to this matter until such time as the outcome is known or until evidence is presented that we are more likely than not to prevail. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 we accrued additional interest of $0.4 million and $0.7 million, respectively.

Other Pending Litigation

There are various other claims, lawsuits and pending actions against us incidental to our operations. It is the opinion of management that the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. However, we can make no assurances that we will ultimately be successful in our defense of any of these matters.

Environmental

We are subject to laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment. While it is not possible to quantify with certainty the potential impact of actions regarding environmental matters, particularly remediation and other compliance efforts that our subsidiaries may undertake in the future, in the opinion of management, compliance with the present environmental protection laws, before taking into account any estimated recoveries from third parties, will not have a material adverse effect upon the results of operations, cash flows or financial condition of the Company.


23


18. Discontinued Operations

Included in discontinued operations are residual costs of our commercial print finishing business, which was sold during the year 2009. In association with ongoing legal disputes related to this business, the Company recorded expenses of $0.2 million and $0.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

The operating results and financial position of discontinued operations are as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
(in millions, except per share data)
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Operating Results:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss from operations before income taxes
(0.1
)
 
(0.1
)
 
(0.2
)
 
(0.2
)
Income tax benefit
(0.1
)
 
(0.1
)
 
(0.1
)
 
(0.1
)
Loss from discontinued operations
$

 
$

 
$
(0.1
)
 
$
(0.1
)
Per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic loss from discontinued operations
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Diluted loss from discontinued operations
$

 
$

 
$

 
$


Litigation-related accruals of $1.2 million and $2.4 million for discontinued operations are included in the line "Other current liabilities" as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
  


24



19. Condensed Consolidating Financial Information

Certain of the Company’s 100% owned domestic subsidiaries are required to jointly and severally, fully and unconditionally guarantee the 6.75% Senior Unsecured Notes that are due in the year 2020. Rather than filing separate financial statements for each guarantor subsidiary with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Company has elected to present the following condensed consolidating financial statements, which detail the results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2013, and 2012, and financial position as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 of the Company and its guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries (in each case carrying investments under the equity method), and the eliminations necessary to arrive at the reported amounts included in the condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company.





25


Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
 
June 30, 2013
(in millions of dollars)
Parent
 
Guarantors
 
Non-Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
3.3

 
$
(2.3
)
 
$
94.3

 
$

 
$
95.3

Accounts receivable, net

 
202.1

 
184.6

 

 
386.7

Inventories

 
178.1

 
145.2

 

 
323.3

Receivables from affiliates
40.3

 
6.1

 
65.0

 
(111.4
)
 

Deferred income taxes
18.8

 

 
6.2

 

 
25.0

Other current assets
0.7

 
18.4

 
26.4

 

 
45.5

Total current assets
63.1

 
402.4

 
521.7

 
(111.4
)
 
875.8

Property, plant and equipment, net
4.3

 
138.3

 
125.5

 

 
268.1

Deferred income taxes
1.8

 

 
39.9

 

 
41.7

Goodwill

 
398.4

 
179.4

 

 
577.8

Identifiable intangibles, net
57.7

 
424.1

 
143.1

 

 
624.9

Other assets
22.8

 
5.5

 
45.4

 

 
73.7

Investment in, long term receivable from affiliates
1,846.3

 
848.8

 
508.8

 
(3,203.9
)
 

Total assets
$
1,996.0

 
$
2,217.5

 
$
1,563.8

 
$
(3,315.3
)
 
$
2,462.0

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes payable to banks
$
57.3

 
$

 
$
1.3

 
$

 
$
58.6

Current portion of long-term debt
29.8

 
0.1

 

 

 
29.9

Accounts payable

 
118.3

 
78.1

 

 
196.4

Accrued compensation
4.4

 
13.0

 
14.4

 

 
31.8

Accrued customer programs liabilities

 
47.5

 
44.0

 

 
91.5

Accrued interest
7.0

 

 

 

 
7.0

Other current liabilities
2.9

 
40.3

 
41.5

 

 
84.7

Payables to affiliates
11.1

 
205.9

 
265.0

 
(482.0
)
 

Total current liabilities
112.5

 
425.1

 
444.3

 
(482.0
)
 
499.9

Long-term debt
1,001.3

 
0.1

 

 

 
1,001.4

Long-term notes payable to affiliates
178.2

 
151.9

 
38.0

 
(368.1
)
 

Deferred income taxes
90.3

 

 
65.7

 

 
156.0

Pension and post-retirement benefit obligations
1.8

 
54.8

 
50.2

 

 
106.8

Other non-current liabilities
0.9

 
22.1

 
63.9

 

 
86.9

Total liabilities
1,385.0

 
654.0

 
662.1

 
(850.1
)
 
1,851.0

Stockholders’ equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock
1.1

 
448.0

 
284.1

 
(732.1
)
 
1.1

Treasury stock
(3.4
)
 

 

 

 
(3.4
)
Paid-in capital
2,025.9

 
1,551.4

 
743.0

 
(2,294.4
)
 
2,025.9

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(191.3
)
 
(66.1
)
 
(87.6
)
 
153.7

 
(191.3
)
Accumulated deficit
(1,221.3
)
 
(369.8
)
 
(37.8
)
 
407.6

 
(1,221.3
)
Total stockholders’ equity
611.0

 
1,563.5

 
901.7

 
(2,465.2
)
 
611.0

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
1,996.0

 
$
2,217.5

 
$
1,563.8

 
$
(3,315.3
)
 
$
2,462.0


26


 Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets 
 
December 31, 2012
(in millions of dollars)
Parent
 
Guarantors
 
Non-Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
12.1

 
$
(3.0
)
 
$
40.9

 
$

 
$
50.0

Accounts receivable, net

 
193.9

 
304.8

 

 
498.7

Inventories

 
133.7

 
131.8

 

 
265.5

Receivables from affiliates
7.9

 
148.5

 
88.4

 
(244.8
)
 

Deferred income taxes
18.1

 

 
13.0

 

 
31.1

Other current assets
1.0

 
13.0

 
15.0

 

 
29.0

Total current assets
39.1

 
486.1

 
593.9

 
(244.8
)
 
874.3

Property, plant and equipment, net
0.3

 
140.7

 
132.6

 

 
273.6

Deferred income taxes

 

 
36.4

 

 
36.4

Goodwill

 
400.6

 
188.8

 

 
589.4

Identifiable intangibles, net
57.7

 
434.3

 
154.6

 

 
646.6

Other assets
16.3

 
16.6

 
54.5

 

 
87.4

Investment in, long term receivable from affiliates
1,248.0

 
869.0

 
441.0

 
(2,558.0
)
 

Total assets
$
1,361.4

 
$
2,347.3

 
$
1,601.8

 
$
(2,802.8
)
 
$
2,507.7

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes payable to banks
$

 
$

 
$
1.2

 
$

 
$
1.2

Current portion of long-term debt

 
0.1

 

 

 
0.1

Accounts payable

 
76.5

 
75.9

 

 
152.4

Accrued compensation
4.7

 
16.8

 
16.5

 

 
38.0

Accrued customer programs liabilities

 
63.8

 
55.2

 

 
119.0

Accrued interest
0.2

 
6.1

 

 

 
6.3

Other current liabilities
12.3

 
44.9

 
55.2

 

 
112.4

Payables to affiliates
28.5

 
191.8

 
245.0

 
(465.3
)
 

Total current liabilities
45.7

 
400.0

 
449.0

 
(465.3
)
 
429.4

Long-term debt
401.6

 
647.4

 
21.8

 

 
1,070.8

Long-term notes payable to affiliates
178.2

 
26.7

 
373.0

 
(577.9
)
 

Deferred income taxes
93.8

 

 
71.2

 

 
165.0

Pension and post-retirement benefit obligations
1.8

 
60.9

 
57.1

 

 
119.8

Other non-current liabilities
1.1

 
13.9

 
68.5

 

 
83.5

Total liabilities
722.2

 
1,148.9

 
1,040.6

 
(1,043.2
)
 
1,868.5

Stockholders’ equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock
1.1

 
448.0

 
315.5

 
(763.5
)
 
1.1

Treasury stock
(2.5
)
 

 

 

 
(2.5
)
Paid-in capital
2,018.5

 
1,192.0

 
347.6

 
(1,539.6
)
 
2,018.5

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(156.1
)
 
(68.9
)
 
(52.2
)
 
121.1

 
(156.1
)
Accumulated deficit
(1,221.8
)
 
(372.7
)
 
(49.7
)
 
422.4

 
(1,221.8
)
Total stockholders’ equity
639.2

 
1,198.4

 
561.2

 
(1,759.6
)
 
639.2

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
1,361.4

 
$
2,347.3

 
$
1,601.8

 
$
(2,802.8
)
 
$
2,507.7



27


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
(in millions of dollars)
Parent
 
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Unaffiliated sales
$

 
$
429.4

 
$
362.8

 
$

 
$
792.2

Affiliated sales

 
8.3

 
2.2

 
(10.5
)
 

Net sales

 
437.7

 
365.0

 
(10.5
)
 
792.2

Cost of products sold

 
309.8

 
259.1

 
(10.5
)
 
558.4

Gross profit

 
127.9

 
105.9

 

 
233.8

Advertising, selling, general and administrative expenses
20.3

 
94.7

 
61.7

 

 
176.7

Amortization of intangibles

 
10.3

 
2.5

 

 
12.8

Restructuring charges

 
5.3

 
10.3

 

 
15.6

Operating income (loss)
(20.3
)
 
17.6

 
31.4

 

 
28.7

Expense (income) from affiliates
(0.6
)
 
(12.4
)
 
13.0

 

 

Interest expense (income), net
30.9

 

 
(1.7
)
 

 
29.2

Equity in earnings of joint ventures

 

 
(2.6
)
 

 
(2.6
)
Other expense, net
7.4

 
1.8

 
0.3

 

 
9.5

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and earnings of wholly owned subsidiaries
(58.0
)
 
28.2

 
22.4

 

 
(7.4
)
Income tax expense (benefit)
(9.4
)
 

 
1.4

 

 
(8.0
)
Income (loss) from continuing operations
(48.6
)
 
28.2

 
21.0

 

 
0.6

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

 
(0.1
)
 

 

 
(0.1
)
Income (loss) before earnings of wholly owned subsidiaries
(48.6
)
 
28.1

 
21.0

 

 
0.5

Earnings of wholly owned subsidiaries
49.1

 
20.8

 

 
(69.9
)
 

Net income
$
0.5

 
$
48.9

 
$
21.0

 
$
(69.9
)
 
$
0.5

Comprehensive income (loss)
$
(34.7
)
 
$
51.7

 
$
(14.4
)
 
$
(37.3
)
 
$
(34.7
)

28


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)

 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2012
(in millions of dollars)
Parent
 
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Unaffiliated sales
$

 
$
391.1

 
$
336.5

 
$

 
$
727.6

Affiliated sales

 
9.4

 
2.4

 
(11.8
)
 

Net sales

 
400.5

 
338.9

 
(11.8
)
 
727.6

Cost of products sold

 
297.0

 
238.3

 
(11.8
)
 
523.5

Gross profit

 
103.5

 
100.6

 

 
204.1

Advertising, selling, general and administrative expenses
28.4

 
72.4

 
60.3

 

 
161.1

Amortization of intangibles

 
4.8

 
1.8

 

 
6.6

Restructuring charges

 
17.2

 
3.6

 

 
20.8

Operating income (loss)
(28.4
)
 
9.1

 
34.9

 

 
15.6

Expense (income) from affiliates
(0.3
)
 
(11.8
)
 
12.1

 

 

Interest expense (income), net
41.9

 
10.3

 
(0.3
)
 

 
51.9

Equity in earnings of joint ventures

 

 
(2.7
)
 

 
(2.7
)
Other expense (income), net
60.4

 
2.5

 
(1.8
)
 

 
61.1

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and earnings of wholly owned subsidiaries
(130.4
)
 
8.1

 
27.6

 

 
(94.7
)
Income tax expense (benefit)
(159.9
)
 
0.3

 
(12.0
)
 

 
(171.6
)
Income from continuing operations
29.5

 
7.8

 
39.6

 

 
76.9

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
0.1

 
(0.2
)
 

 

 
(0.1
)
Income before earnings of wholly owned subsidiaries
29.6

 
7.6

 
39.6

 

 
76.8

Earnings of wholly owned subsidiaries
47.2

 
34.8

 

 
(82.0
)
 

Net income
$
76.8

 
$
42.4

 
$
39.6

 
$
(82.0
)
 
$
76.8

Comprehensive income (loss)
$
44.9

 
$
44.4

 
$
4.8

 
$
(49.2
)
 
$
44.9



29


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2013
(in millions of dollars)
Parent
 
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Unaffiliated sales
$

 
$
255.5

 
$
184.7

 
$

 
$
440.2

Affiliated sales

 
3.8

 
1.3

 
(5.1
)
 

Net sales

 
259.3

 
186.0

 
(5.1
)
 
440.2

Cost of products sold

 
175.9

 
132.3

 
(5.1
)
 
303.1

Gross profit

 
83.4

 
53.7

 

 
137.1

Advertising, selling, general and administrative expenses
11.4

 
47.4

 
28.3

 

 
87.1

Amortization of intangibles

 
5.0

 
1.2

 

 
6.2

Restructuring charges

 
1.4

 
4.5

 

 
5.9

Operating income (loss)
(11.4
)
 
29.6

 
19.7

 

 
37.9

Expense (income) from affiliates
(0.3
)
 
(4.3
)
 
4.6

 

 

Interest expense (income), net
14.9

 

 
(1.4
)
 

 
13.5

Equity in earnings of joint ventures

 

 
(1.3
)
 

 
(1.3
)
Other expense, net
8.8

 
0.4

 
0.4

 

 
9.6

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and earnings of wholly owned subsidiaries
(34.8
)
 
33.5

 
17.4

 

 
16.1

Income tax expense
0.5

 

 
6.1

 

 
6.6

Income (loss) from continuing operations
(35.3
)
 
33.5

 
11.3

 

 
9.5

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before earnings of wholly owned subsidiaries
(35.3
)
 
33.5

 
11.3

 

 
9.5

Earnings of wholly owned subsidiaries
44.8

 
9.7

 

 
(54.5
)
 

Net income
$
9.5

 
$
43.2

 
$
11.3

 
$
(54.5
)
 
$
9.5

Comprehensive income (loss)
$
(27.2
)
 
$
44.6

 
$
(23.8
)
 
$
(20.8
)
 
$
(27.2
)

30


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)

 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2012
(in millions of dollars)
Parent
 
Guarantors
 
Non-
Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Unaffiliated sales
$

 
$
255.2

 
$
183.5

 
$

 
$
438.7

Affiliated sales

 
5.1

 
1.2

 
(6.3
)
 

Net sales

 
260.3

 
184.7

 
(6.3
)
 
438.7

Cost of products sold

 
189.4

 
131.3

 
(6.3
)
 
314.4

Gross profit

 
70.9

 
53.4

 

 
124.3

Advertising, selling, general and administrative expenses
19.5

 
41.2

 
32.2

 

 
92.9

Amortization of intangibles

 
4.0

 
1.1

 

 
5.1

Restructuring charges

 
13.6

 
1.1

 

 
14.7

Operating income (loss)
(19.5
)
 
12.1

 
19.0

 

 
11.6

Expense (income) from affiliates
(0.1
)
 
(6.6
)
 
6.7

 

 

Interest expense (income), net
25.1

 
8.0

 
(0.3
)
 

 
32.8

Equity in earnings of joint ventures

 

 
(1.2
)
 

 
(1.2
)
Other expense (income), net
60.4

 
1.0

 
(0.1
)
 

 
61.3

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and earnings of wholly owned subsidiaries
(104.9
)
 
9.7

 
13.9

 

 
(81.3
)
Income tax (benefit) expense
(160.4
)
 
0.3

 
(15.4
)
 

 
(175.5
)
Income from continuing operations
55.5

 
9.4

 
29.3

 

 
94.2

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
0.1

 
(0.1
)
 

 

 

Income before earnings of wholly owned subsidiaries
55.6

 
9.3

 
29.3

 

 
94.2

Earnings of wholly owned subsidiaries
38.6

 
26.5

 

 
(65.1
)
 

Net income
$
94.2

 
$
35.8

 
$
29.3

 
$
(65.1
)
 
$
94.2

Comprehensive income (loss)
$
52.6

 
$
36.2

 
$
(13.5
)
 
$
(22.7
)
 
$
52.6




31


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited) 

 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
(in millions of dollars)
Parent
 
Guarantors
 
Non-Guarantors
 
Consolidated
Net cash used by operating activities
$
(46.7
)
 
$
18.4

 
$
85.5

 
$
57.2

Investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Additions to property, plant and equipment

 
(18.0
)
 
(8.6
)
 
(26.6
)
Payments for (proceeds from) interest in affiliates

 
38.5

 
(38.5
)
 

Payments related to the sale of discontinued operations

 
(1.4
)
 

 
(1.4
)
Proceeds from the disposition of assets

 
0.1

 
3.8

 
3.9

Net cash provided (used) by investing activities.

 
19.2

 
(43.3
)
 
(24.1
)
Financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Intercompany financing
(42.6
)
 
(1.2
)
 
43.8

 

Net dividends
44.9

 
(35.7
)
 
(9.2
)
 

Proceeds from long-term borrowings
530.0

 

 

 
530.0

Repayments of long-term debt
(547.7
)
 

 
(21.4
)
 
(569.1
)
Borrowings of short-term debt, net
58.1

 

 

 
58.1

Payments for debt issuance costs
(3.9
)
 

 

 
(3.9
)
Other
(0.9
)
 

 

 
(0.9
)
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities.
37.9

 
(36.9
)
 
13.2

 
14.2

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash

 

 
(2.0
)
 
(2.0
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
(8.8
)
 
0.7

 
53.4

 
45.3

Cash and cash equivalents:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning of the period
12.1

 
(3.0
)
 
40.9

 
50.0

End of the period
$
3.3

 
$
(2.3
)
 
$
94.3

 
$
95.3


 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2012
(in millions of dollars)
Parent
 
Guarantors
 
Non-Guarantors
 
Consolidated
Net cash used by operating activities
$
(130.1
)
 
$
(32.0
)
 
$
(4.2
)
 
$
(166.3
)
Investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Additions to property, plant and equipment

 
(7.6
)
 
(2.7
)
 
(10.3
)
Proceeds from the sale of discontinued operations

 
2.2

 

 
2.2

Proceeds from the disposition of assets

 

 
2.2

 
2.2

Cost of acquisition, net of cash acquired
(433.4
)
 

 
32.0

 
(401.4
)
Net cash used by investing activities.
(433.4
)
 
(5.4
)
 
31.5

 
(407.3
)
Financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Intercompany financing
644.6

 
(656.1
)
 
11.5

 

Net dividends
49.3

 
20.4

 
(69.7
)
 

Proceeds from long-term borrowings
545.0

 
690.0

 
35.0

 
1,270.0

Repayments of long-term debt
(676.2
)
 
(4.7
)
 
(0.9
)
 
(681.8
)
Borrowings of short-term debt, net

 

 
0.6

 
0.6

Payments for debt issuance costs
(20.8
)
 
(16.0
)
 
(0.9
)
 
(37.7
)
Other
(0.3
)
 

 

 
(0.3
)
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities.
541.6

 
33.6

 
(24.4
)
 
550.8

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash

 

 
(3.9
)
 
(3.9
)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(21.9
)
 
(3.8
)
 
(1.0
)
 
(26.7
)
Cash and cash equivalents:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning of the period
62.0

 
(1.2
)
 
60.4

 
121.2

End of the period
$
40.1

 
$
(5.0
)
 
$
59.4

 
$
94.5




32


ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview of Company Performance

ACCO Brands’ operating results are dependent upon a number of factors affecting sales, including pricing and competition. Key drivers of demand in the office and school products industries include trends in white collar employment levels, education enrollment levels, gross domestic product (GDP) and growth in the number of small businesses and home offices, as well as declining consumer usage trends for certain of our product categories. Pricing and demand levels for office products have also resulted in substantial consolidation within the global resellers of office products. This consolidation has led to multiple years of industry pricing pressure and a more efficient level of asset utilization by customers, resulting in lower sales pricing and volume for suppliers of office products. As an example, in February 2013, two of our largest customers, Office Depot and OfficeMax, announced that they have entered into a merger agreement which was approved by their respective shareholders in July 2013. Management currently expects that the effects on our business of the proposed merger, if consummated, would be realized primarily in our U.S. retail sales channel. In the short term, customer buying patterns are influenced by a number of factors, including: customer sales to end users, volume discounts, anticipation of price increases and by changes in our customers' holding levels of our inventory.

With 45% of revenues for the year ended December 31, 2012 arising from foreign operations, exchange rate fluctuations can play a major role in our reported results. Foreign currency fluctuations impact our business in two ways: 1) the translation of our foreign operations results into U.S. dollars: a weak U.S. dollar benefits us and a strong U.S. dollar reduces the dollar-denominated contribution from foreign operations; and 2) the impact of foreign currency fluctuations on the purchase price of goods we sell. Approximately half of the products we sell worldwide are sourced from Asia, and are paid for in U.S. dollars. However, our international operations sell in their local currency and are therefore exposed to their domestic currency movements against the U.S. dollar. A strong U.S. dollar, therefore, increases our cost of goods sold and a weak U.S. dollar decreases our cost of goods sold for our international operations.

The cost of certain commodities used to make products on occasion may increase significantly, negatively impacting cost of goods. As commodity costs rise, we implement price increases in an effort to offset increases in commodity costs. We continue to monitor commodity costs and work with suppliers and customers to negotiate balanced and fair pricing that best reflects the current economic environment. Results for our second quarter include a small favorable price benefit that recovers previously experienced adverse commodity cost changes.

During the first half of 2013, we committed to new cost savings plans intended to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our businesses. These plans relate to cost-reduction initiatives within the Company's North American and International segments, and are primarily associated with post-merger integration activities of the North American operations following the acquisition of Mead C&OP and changes in the European business model and manufacturing footprint. The most significant of these plans was finalized during the second quarter of 2013, and relates to the closure of our Brampton, Canada distribution and manufacturing facility and relocation of its activities to other facilities within the Company. The Company has recorded $15.6 million of restructuring charges for the six months ended June 30, 2013. The Company expects approximately $25 million of restructuring charges and $4 million of IT-related integration charges for the full year in 2013. The cash outflow from restructuring is expected to approximate $30 million in 2013.

We fund our liquidity needs for capital investment, working capital and other financial commitments through cash flow from continuing operations and our $250.0 million Revolving Facility. Based on our borrowing base, as of June 30, 2013, $181.8 million remained available for borrowing under this facility.

On May 1, 2012, we completed the Merger of Mead C&OP with a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. Accordingly, the results of Mead C&OP are included in our condensed consolidated financial statements and in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations from the date of the Merger. For further information on the Merger with Mead C&OP see Note 3, Acquisitions to the condensed consolidated financial statements contained in Item 1 of this report.

Company Refinancing

Effective May 13, 2013 (the “Effective Date”), the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, (the “Restated Credit Agreement”), among the Company, certain subsidiaries of the Company, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and the other agents and lenders party thereto. The Restated Credit Agreement amends and restates the Company's existing credit agreement, dated as of March 26, 2012, as amended (the “2012 Credit Agreement”), that had been entered into in connection with the Company's acquisition of Mead C&OP. In addition, immediately prior to the effectiveness of the Restated Credit

33


Agreement, the Company entered into a Second Amendment, dated as of May 13, 2013 (the “Second Amendment ”), to the 2012 Credit Agreement in order to facilitate the entry into and obtain certain lender consents for the Restated Credit Agreement.
 
The Restated Credit Agreement provides for a $780 million, five-year senior secured credit facility, which consists of a $250.0 million multi-currency revolving credit facility, due May 2018 (the “Revolving Facility”) and a $530.0 million new U.S.-dollar denominated Senior Secured Term Loan A, due May 2018 (the “Restated Term Loan A"). Specifically, in connection with the Restated Credit Agreement, the Company:

replaced the Company's then-existing U.S.-dollar denominated Senior Secured Term Loan A, due May 2017, under the 2012 Credit Agreement, which had an aggregate principal amount of $220.8 million outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Date, with the Restated Term Loan A, due May 2018, in an aggregate original principal amount of $530.0 million;

prepaid in full the Company's then-existing U.S.-dollar denominated Senior Secured Term Loan B, due May 2019, under the 2012 Credit Agreement, which had an aggregate principal amount of $310.2 million outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Date, using a portion of the proceeds from the Restated Term A Loan; and

replaced the $250.0 million revolving credit facility under the 2012 Credit Agreement with the Revolving Facility, under which $47.3 million was outstanding immediately following the Effective Date.
 
Prior to the Effective Date, the Company's Canadian-dollar denominated Senior Secured Term Loan A, due May 2017, that had been drawn under the 2012 Credit Agreement had been fully repaid.
 
Included in Other expense, net is a $9.4 million charge for the write-off of debt origination costs associated with the refinancing. Additionally, the Company incurred approximately $4.4 million in bank, legal and other fees associated with the Restated Credit Agreement. Of these fees, $4.2 million were capitalized and will be amortized over the life of the Restated Term Loan A and the Revolving Facility.

For further information on the Company's refinancing see Note 4, Long-term Debt and Short-term Borrowings, to our condensed consolidated financial statements contained in Item 1 of this report.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of ACCO Brands Corporation and the accompanying notes contained herein. Unless otherwise noted, the following discussion pertains only to our continuing operations.


34


Three months ended June 30, 2013 versus three months ended June 30, 2012

The following table presents the Company’s results for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Amount of Change
 
(in millions of dollars)
2013
 
2012
 
$
 
%
 
Net sales
$
440.2

 
$
438.7

 
$
1.5

 
0.3
 %
 
Cost of products sold
303.1

 
314.4

 
(11.3
)
 
(4
)%
 
Gross profit
137.1

 
124.3

 
12.8

 
10
 %
 
Gross profit margin
31.1
%
 
28.3
%
 
 
 
2.8

pts 
Advertising, selling, general and administrative expenses
87.1

 
92.9

 
(5.8
)
 
(6
)%
 
Amortization of intangibles
6.2

 
5.1

 
1.1

 
22
 %
 
Restructuring charges
5.9

 
14.7

 
(8.8
)
 
(60
)%
  
Operating income
37.9

 
11.6

 
26.3

 
227
 %
 
Operating income margin
8.6
%
 
2.6
%
 
 
 
6.0

pts 
Interest expense, net
13.5

 
32.8

 
(19.3
)
 
(59
)%
 
Equity in earnings of joint ventures
(1.3
)
 
(1.2
)
 
(0.1
)
 
8
 %
 
Other expense, net
9.6

 
61.3

 
(51.7
)
 
84
 %
  
Income tax expense (benefit)
6.6

 
(175.5
)
 
182.1

 
104
 %
 
Effective tax rate
41.0
%
 
NM

 
 
 
NM

 
Net income
9.5

 
94.2

 
(84.7
)
 
(90
)%
  

Net Sales

Net sales increased by $1.5 million, or 0.3%, to $440.2 million compared to $438.7 million in the prior-year period. The acquisition of Mead C&OP on May 1, 2012 contributed sales of $26.1 million due to the inclusion of Mead C&OP's results for all months in the current year versus only two months in the prior year. The underlying decline of $24.6 million includes unfavorable currency translation of $1.5 million, or 0.3%. The sales decline is principally in the North America segment due to the exit of unprofitable business, as well as, lower volume primarily due to soft consumer demand. The Computer Products segment also declined due to the absence of new mobile device launches from manufacturers which drive demand for mobile accessories, increased competition in the tablet and smart phone accessory space, and continued declines in PC shipments.

Cost of Products Sold

Cost of products sold includes all manufacturing, product sourcing and distribution costs, including depreciation related to assets used in the manufacturing, procurement and distribution process; allocation of certain information technology costs supporting those processes; inbound and outbound freight, shipping and handling costs; purchasing costs associated with materials and packaging used in the production processes. Cost of products sold decreased $11.3 million, or 4%, to $303.1 million compared to $314.4 million in the prior-year period. The decrease primarily resulted from the absence of $10.8 million in amortization of the step-up in inventory value related to the Merger and a $1.1 million impact of favorable currency translation. The inclusion of Mead C&OP's results for an additional month in the current year period was largely offset by lower sales.

Gross Profit

Management believes that gross profit and gross profit margin provide enhanced shareholder understanding of underlying operating profit drivers. Gross profit increased $12.8 million, or 10%, to $137.1 million compared to $124.3 million in the prior-year period. The increase was due to the absence of $10.8 million in amortization of the step-up in inventory value related to the Merger, the acquisition of Mead C&OP and synergies and productivity savings. These benefits were partially offset by lower sales.

Gross profit margin increased to 31.1% from 28.3%. The inclusion of an additional month of Mead C&OP results, which historically has had higher relative margins together with synergies and productivity savings in North America contributed to the improvements in margin. These factors were partially offset by reduced gross margin in Computer Products due to lower sales of high-margin products and a reduction in royalty income.

35



Advertising, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Advertising, selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) include advertising, marketing, selling (including commissions), research and development, customer service, depreciation related to assets outside the manufacturing and distribution processes and all other general and administrative expenses outside the manufacturing and distribution functions (e.g., finance, human resources, information technology, etc.). SG&A decreased $5.8 million, or 6%, to $87.1 million, compared to $92.9 million in the prior-year period. The decrease was driven by an $11.9 million reduction in transaction and integration charges associated with the acquisition of Mead C&OP, which were $1.9 million in the current year and $13.8 million in the prior-year period. Also contributing to the decrease were synergies and productivity savings, a $2.6 million gain on the sale of a facility, as well as favorable currency translation of $0.7 million. These improvements were partially offset by the inclusion of an additional month of Mead C&OP expenses in the current quarter and $2.7 million in higher stock compensation.

As a percentage of sales, SG&A decreased to 19.8% compared to 21.2% in the prior-year period, primarily due to the lack of transaction-related costs in the current year.

Restructuring Charges

Restructuring charges declined to $5.9 million in the current-year period, from $14.7 million in the prior-year period. Employee termination and severance charges included in restructuring charges in the current year primarily relate to the Company's North American operations and are primarily associated with post-merger integration activities of the North American operations following the acquisition of Mead C&OP. The charges in the prior-year period also primarily related to the consolidation and integration of Mead C&OP business, the most significant of these plans related to our dated goods business.

Operating Income

Operating income was $37.9 million in the current-year period compared to $11.6 million in the prior-year period. The underlying increase was primarily due to the lack of transaction-related costs in the current year and reduced restructuring expense.

Interest Expense and Other Expense, Net

Interest expense decreased to $13.5 million compared to $32.8 million in the prior-year period primarily due to the absence of $15.8 million of costs for committed financing in the prior year period related to the Mead C&OP acquisition. Also contributing to the decrease were substantially lower effective interest rates due to the debt refinancing in the current-year period.

Other expense, net, was $9.6 million compared to $61.3 million in the prior-year period. The improvement was due to the second quarter of 2012 including significant one-time merger-related refinancing costs of $61.4 million related to the repurchase or discharge all of our outstanding Senior Secured Notes. The current year quarter includes $9.4 million for the write-off of debt origination costs related to the second quarter 2013 refinancing. For a further discussion of the Company’s refinancing completed in the second quarter of 2013 see Note 4, Long-term Debt and Short-term Borrowings, to our consolidated financial statements contained in Item 1 of this report.

Income Taxes

For the three months ended June 30, 2013, we recorded an income tax expense from continuing operations of $6.6 million on income of $16.1 million. For the prior-year period, we reported an income tax benefit from continuing operations of $175.5 million on a loss before taxes of $81.3 million. The tax benefit for 2012 was primarily due to the release of certain valuation allowances totaling $130.4 million and reflects certain non-deductible items that impact the effective rate compared to the statutory rate.

Net Income

Net income was $9.5 million, or $0.08 per diluted share, compared to income of $94.2 million, or $0.98 per diluted share, in the prior-year quarter.


36


Segment Discussion

 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2013
 
Amount of Change
 
Net Sales
 
Segment Operating Income (A)
 
Operating Income Margin
 
Net Sales
 
Net Sales
 
Segment Operating Income
 
Segment Operating Income
 
Margin Points
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in millions of dollars)
 
 
 
$
 
%
 
$
 
%
 
ACCO Brands North America
$
286.9

 
$
33.7

 
11.7
%
 
$
7.1

 
3%
 
$
20.1

 
148
 %
 
680

ACCO Brands International
116.1

 
10.5

 
9.0
%
 
2.2

 
2%
 
1.5

 
17
 %
 
110

Computer Products Group
37.2

 
2.9

 
7.8
%
 
(7.8
)
 
(17)%
 
(7.1
)
 
(71
)%
 
(1,440
)
Total segment sales
$
440.2

 
$
47.1

 
 
 
$
1.5

 
 
 
$
14.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Sales
 
Segment Operating Income (A)
 
Operating Income Margin
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in millions of dollars)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ACCO Brands North America
$
279.8

 
$
13.6

 
4.9
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ACCO Brands International
113.9

 
9.0

 
7.9
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Computer Products Group
45.0

 
10.0

 
22.2
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total segment operating income
$
438.7

 
$
32.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(A)     Segment operating income excludes corporate costs; Interest expense, net; Equity in earnings of joint ventures and Other expense, net. See Note 15, Information on Business Segments, to our condensed consolidated financial statements contained in Item 1 of this report for a reconciliation of total Segment operating income to Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax.

ACCO Brands North America

ACCO Brands North America net sales increased $7.1 million, or 3%, to $286.9 million compared to $279.8 million in the prior-year period. The acquisition of Mead C&OP contributed sales of $21.0 million. The underlying decline of $13.9 million includes unfavorable currency translation of $0.3 million. Of this decline $7.1 million was related to the exit of unprofitable business. The remainder of the decline was in the U.S and was primarily due to soft consumer demand, as well as, market share loss.

ACCO Brands North America operating income increased $20.1 million, or 148%, to $33.7 million compared to $13.6 million in the prior-year period, and operating income margin increased to 11.7% from 4.9% in the prior-year period. The increase was due to the absence of $9.7 million of amortization of step-up in value of finished goods inventory included in the prior year, lower restructuring charges and synergies and productivity savings in the current year.

ACCO Brands International

ACCO Brands International net sales increased $2.2 million, or 2%, to $116.1 million compared to $113.9 million in the prior-year period. The acquisition of Mead C&OP contributed sales of $5.1 million. The underlying decline of $2.9 million includes unfavorable currency translation of $1.2 million. Sales declined primarily in the Australian and Asia-Pacific regions due to adverse market conditions driving weak consumer demand partially offset by higher pricing across the segment. In our European region, the second quarter results show a marked change in sales, which were flat compared to the double-digit declines experienced during the preceding quarters.

ACCO Brands International operating income increased $1.5 million, or 17%, to $10.5 million compared to $9.0 million in the prior-year period, and operating income margin increased to 9.0% from 7.9% in the prior-year period. The increase is primarily driven by Europe due to a $2.6 million gain on sale of a facility, productivity savings and lower pension costs, and the absence of $1.1 million in amortization of the step-up in inventory value included in the prior year, partially offset by lower sales in the Australia and Asia-Pacific regions, the inclusion of Mead C&OP losses for April in the current quarter and $0.9 million of inefficiencies incurred due to the impending shut-down of a manufacturing facility.


37


Computer Products Group

Computer Products net sales decreased $7.8 million, or 17%, to $37.2 million compared to $45.0 million in the prior-year period. Volume decreased 14% driven by the absence of new mobile device launches from manufacturers which drive demand for mobile accessories, increased competition in the tablet and smart phone accessory space, and continued declines in PC shipments which impacted sales demand for security products and PC accessories. Pricing, including the loss of $1.2 million in royalty income, unfavorably impacted sales by 3%.

Operating income decreased $7.1 million, or 71%, to $2.9 million in the prior-year period, and operating income margin decreased to 7.8% from 22.2% in the prior-year period. The decline in operating income and margin was primarily due to lower sales (including royalties), $0.9 million higher inventory obsolescence expenses as well as restructuring charges of $0.7 million.

Six months ended June 30, 2013 versus six months ended June 30, 2012

The following table presents the Company’s results for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
Amount of Change
 
(in millions of dollars)
2013
 
2012
 
$
 
%
 
Net sales
$
792.2

 
$
727.6

 
$
64.6

 
9
 %
 
Cost of products sold
558.4

 
523.5

 
34.9

 
7
 %
 
Gross profit
233.8

 
204.1

 
29.7

 
15
 %
 
Gross profit margin
29.5
%
 
28.1
%
 
 
 
1.4

pts 
Advertising, selling, general and administrative expenses
176.7

 
161.1

 
15.6

 
10
 %
 
Amortization of intangibles
12.8

 
6.6

 
6.2

 
94
 %
 
Restructuring charges
15.6

 
20.8

 
(5.2
)
 
(25
)%
  
Operating income
28.7

 
15.6

 
13.1

 
84
 %
 
Operating income margin
3.6
%
 
2.1
%
 
 
 
1.5

pts 
Interest expense, net
29.2

 
51.9

 
(22.7
)
 
(44
)%
 
Equity in earnings of joint ventures
(2.6
)
 
(2.7
)
 
0.1

 
(4
)%
 
Other expense, net
9.5

 
61.1

 
(51.6
)
 

  
Income tax benefit
(8.0
)
 
(171.6
)
 
163.6

 
95
 %
 
Effective tax rate
NM

 
NM

 
 
 
NM

 
Income from continuing operations
0.6

 
76.9

 
(76.3
)
 
(99
)%
 
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
(0.1
)
 
(0.1
)
 

 
-

  
Net income
0.5

 
76.8

 
(76.3
)
 
(99
)%
  

Net Sales

Net sales increased by $64.6 million, or 9%, to $792.2 million compared to $727.6 million in the prior-year period. The acquisition of Mead C&OP contributed sales of $126.2 million with six months included in the current year and only two in the prior year. The underlying decline of $61.6 million, includes an unfavorable currency translation of $3.2 million, or 0.4%. The sales decline in the North America and International segments resulted from soft demand and from the exit of unprofitable business. The Computer Products segment decline was due to the absence of new mobile device launches from manufacturers which drive demand for mobile accessories, increased competition in the tablet and smart phone accessory space.

Cost of Products Sold

Cost of products sold includes all manufacturing, product sourcing and distribution costs, including depreciation related to assets used in the manufacturing, procurement and distribution process, allocation of certain information technology costs supporting those processes, inbound and outbound freight, shipping and handling costs, purchasing costs associated with materials and packaging used in the production processes. Cost of products sold increased $34.9 million, or 7%, to $558.4 million compared to $523.5 million in the prior-year period. The increase was primarily due to the acquisition of Mead C&OP and was partially offset by lower sales volume, the absence of $10.8 million in amortization of the step-up in inventory value related to the Merger, synergies and productivity savings and a $2.1 million impact of favorable currency translation.


38


Gross Profit

Management believes that gross profit and gross profit margin provide enhanced shareholder understanding of underlying profit drivers. Gross profit increased $29.7 million, or 15%, to $233.8 million compared to $204.1 million in the prior-year period. The increase was due to the acquisition of Mead C&OP and the absence of $10.8 million in amortization of the step-up in inventory value related to the Merger, synergies and productivity savings. These factors were partially offset by lower sales volume, $1.6 million of integration related inefficiencies from the closure of our Day-Timers manufacturing and distribution facility and a $1.1 million impact from unfavorable currency translation.

Gross profit margin increased to 29.5% from 28.1%. The inclusion of Mead C&OP, which has historically higher relative margins, was partially offset by adverse sales mix in Computer Products due to lower sales of high-margin security products and lower royalty income.

Advertising, selling, general and administrative expenses

Advertising, selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) include advertising, marketing, selling (including commissions), research and development, customer service, depreciation related to assets outside the manufacturing and distribution processes and all other general and administrative expenses outside the manufacturing and distribution functions (e.g., finance, human resources, information technology, etc.). SG&A increased $15.6 million, or 10%, to $176.7 million compared to $161.1 million in the prior-year period. The increase was primarily due to the acquisition of Mead C&OP, $3.3 million in higher stock compensation and $1.8 million related to the relocation of our corporate headquarters. The increase was partially offset by a $12.5 million reduction in transaction and integration charges associated with the acquisition of Mead C&OP, which were $3.1 million in the current year and $15.6 million in the prior-year period, synergies and productivity savings, a $2.6 million gain on the sale of a facility and favorable currency translation of $1.1 million.

As a percentage of sales, SG&A was flat compared to the prior-year period, 22.3% versus 22.1%.

Amortization of Intangibles

Amortization of intangibles amounted to $12.8 million, compared to $6.6 million in the prior-year period. The increase in was driven by incremental amortization related to the Merger.

Restructuring Charges

Restructuring charges amounted to $15.6 million, compared to $20.8 million in the prior-year period. Employee termination and severance charges included in restructuring charges in the current and prior year relate to the Company's North American and International operations and are primarily associated with post-merger integration activities of Mead C&OP and changes in the European business model and manufacturing footprint.

Operating Income

Operating income increased $13.1 million, or 84%, to $28.7 million compared to $15.6 million in the prior-year period. The increase was primarily due to the acquisition of Mead C&OP.

Interest Expense and Other Expense, Net

Interest expense decreased to $29.2 million compared to $51.9 million in the prior-year period primarily due to the absence of $17.0 million of costs for the committed financing in the prior-year period related to the Mead C&OP acquisition. Also contributing to the decrease was substantially lower effective interest rates due to the debt refinancing in the current-year quarter.

Other expense, net was $9.5 million compared to $61.1 million in the prior-year period. The improvement was due to the second quarter of 2012 including significant one-time merger-related refinancing costs of $61.4 million related to the repurchase or discharge all of our outstanding Senior Secured Notes in the prior year. The current year quarter includes $9.4 million for the write-off of debt origination costs related to the second quarter 2013 refinancing. For a further discussion of the Company’s refinancing completed in the second quarter of 2013 see Note 4, Long-term Debt and Short-term Borrowings, to our consolidated financial statements contained in Item 1 of this report.


39


Income Taxes

For the six months ended June 30, 2013, the Company recorded an income tax benefit from continuing operations of $8.0 million on a loss before taxes of $7.4 million. For the prior year period, we reported an income tax benefit from continuing operations of $171.6 million on a loss before taxes of $94.7 million, primarily due to the release of certain valuation allowances totaling $130.4 million.

Income from Continuing Operations

Income from continuing operations was $0.6 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, compared to income of $76.9 million, or $1.00 per diluted share in the prior-year period.

Net Income

Net income was $0.5 million, or $0.00 per diluted share, compared to net income of $76.8 million, or $1.00 per diluted share, in the prior-year period.

Segment Discussion

 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
 
Amount of Change
 
Net Sales
 
Segment Operating Income (A)
 
Operating Income Margin
 
Net Sales
 
Net Sales
 
Segment Operating Income
 
Segment Operating Income
 
Margin Points
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in millions of dollars)
 
 
 
$
 
%
 
$
 
%
 
ACCO Brands North America
$
475.9

 
$
25.5

 
5.4
%
 
$
59.4

 
14%
 
$
15.4

 
152
 %
 
300

ACCO Brands International
242.3

 
14.5

 
6.0
%
 
17.8

 
8%
 
(2.7
)
 
(16
)%
 
(170
)
Computer Products
74.0

 
5.7

 
7.7
%
 
(12.6
)
 
(15)%
 
(11.8
)
 
(67
)%
 
(1,250
)
Total segment sales
$
792.2

 
$
45.7

 
 
 
$
64.6

 
 
 
$
0.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Sales
 
Segment Operating Income (A)
 
Operating Income Margin
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in millions of dollars)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ACCO Brands North America
$
416.5

 
$
10.1

 
2.4
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ACCO Brands International
224.5

 
17.2

 
7.7
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Computer Products
86.6

 
17.5

 
20.2
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total segment operating income
$
727.6

 
$
44.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(A)     Segment operating income excludes corporate costs; Interest expense, net; Equity in earnings of joint ventures and Other expense, net. See Note 15, Information on Business Segments, to our condensed consolidated financial statements contained in Item 1 of this report for a reconciliation of total Segment operating income to Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax.

ACCO Brands North America

ACCO Brands North America net sales increased $59.4 million, or 14%, to $475.9 million, compared to $416.5 million in the prior-year period. The acquisition of Mead C&OP contributed sales of $88.9 million. The underlying decline of $29.5 million includes an unfavorable currency translation of $0.5 million. Of this decline $12.9 million was related to the exit of unprofitable business. Also contributing to the decline was the soft consumer demand primarily in the U.S, as well as, market share loss and reduced customer inventory levels.

ACCO Brands North Americas operating income increased $15.4 million, or 152%, to $25.5 million compared to $10.1 million in the prior-year period, and operating income margin increased to 5.4% from 2.4% in the prior-year period. The improvement was due to $5.3 million of lower restructuring and integration charges in the current year and the absence $9.7 million of amortization of step-up in value of finished goods inventory. The current period also benefited from synergies and productivity savings, partially offset by $1.8 million of costs related to the relocation of our corporate headquarters and $1.6 million of integration related inefficiencies from the closure of our Day-Timers manufacturing and distribution facility.


40


ACCO Brands International

ACCO Brands International net sales increased $17.8 million, or 8%, to $242.3 million compared to $224.5 million in the prior-year period. The acquisition of Mead C&OP contributed sales of $37.3 million. The underlying decline of $19.5 million includes unfavorable currency translation of $2.7 million, or 1.2%. More than half of the underlying decline was in Europe, primarily in the first quarter due to adverse market conditions driving weak consumer demand and $3.6 million of unprofitable business that was exited in 2012. Additionally lower demand in all other markets, except Brazil, contributed to the decrease.

ACCO Brands International operating income decreased $2.7 million, or 16%, to $14.5 million, compared to $17.2 million in the prior-year period, and operating income margin decreased to 6.0% from 7.7% in the prior-year period. The decrease in operating income was the result of lower sales, a $1.3 million increase in restructuring charges and $0.9 million of inefficiencies incurred due to the impending shut-down of a manufacturing facility. The decline was partially offset by a $2.6 million gain on sale of a facility, productivity savings, including reduced pension expenses, and the absence of $1.1 million in amortization of the step-up in inventory value included in the prior year.

Computer Products Group

Computer Products net sales decreased $12.6 million, or 15% to $74.0 million compared to $86.6 million in the prior-year period. Volume decreased 11% driven by the absence of new mobile device launches from manufacturers which drive demand for mobile accessories, increased competition in the tablet and smart phone accessory space, and continued declines in PC shipments which impacted demand for security products and PC accessories. Lower net pricing due to promotions and the loss of $2.1 million in royalty income, unfavorably impacted sales by 3%.

Operating income decreased $11.8 million, or 67% to $5.7 million, compared to $17.5 million in the prior-year period, and operating margin decreased to 7.7% from 20.2% in the prior-year period. The decline in operating income and margin was primarily due to lower sales (including royalties), restructuring charges of $1.3 million and higher inventory obsolescence expenses.


Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of June 30, 2013, our primary liquidity needs are to service indebtedness, reduce our borrowing, fund capital expenditures and support working capital requirements. Our principal sources of liquidity are cash flows from operating activities, cash and cash equivalents held and seasonal borrowings under our Revolving Facility. We maintain adequate financing arrangements at market rates. Because of the seasonality of our business we typically carry greater cash balances in the first, second and third quarters of our fiscal year. Lower cash balances are typically carried during the fourth quarter due to the absorption of our cash in Brazil into working capital. Our Brazilian business is highly seasonal due to the combined impact of the back-to-school season coinciding with the calendar year-end in the fourth quarter. Due to various tax laws, it is costly to transfer short-term working capital in and out of Brazil. Our normal practice is therefore to hold seasonal cash requirements within Brazil, invested in Brazilian government securities. Our priority for all other cash flow use over the near term, after funding internal growth, is debt reduction, and investment in new products through both organic development and acquisitions.

As of June 30, 2013, $181.8 million remained available for borrowing under the Company's $250 million Revolving Facility.

Effective May 13, 2013 (the “Effective Date”), the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Restated Credit Agreement”) among the Company, certain subsidiaries of the Company, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and the other agents and lenders party thereto. The Restated Credit Agreement amends and restates the Company's existing credit agreement, dated as of March 26, 2012, as amended (the “2012 Credit Agreement”), that had been entered into in connection with the Company's acquisition of Mead C&OP. In addition, immediately prior to the effectiveness of the Restated Credit Agreement, the Company entered into a Second Amendment, dated as of May 13, 2013 (the “Second Amendment ”), to the 2012 Credit Agreement in order to facilitate the entry into and obtain certain lender consents for the Restated Credit Agreement.
 
The Restated Credit Agreement provides for a $780 million, five-year senior secured credit facility, which consists of a $250.0 million multi-currency revolving credit facility, due May 2018 (the “Revolving Facility”) and a $530.0 million new U.S.-dollar denominated Senior Secured Term Loan A, due May 2018 (the “Restated Term Loan A"). Specifically, in connection with the Restated Credit Agreement, the Company:

replaced the Company's existing U.S.-dollar denominated Senior Secured Term Loan A, due May 2017, under the 2012 Credit Agreement, which had an aggregate principal amount of $220.8 million outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Date, with the Restated Term Loan A, due May 2018, in an aggregate original principal amount of $530.0

41


million;

prepaid in full the Company's existing U.S.-dollar denominated Senior Secured Term Loan B, due May 2019, under the 2012 Credit Agreement, which had an aggregate principal amount of $310.2 million outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Date, using a portion of the proceeds from the Restated Term A Loan; and

replaced the $250.0 million revolving credit facility under the 2012 Credit Agreement with the Revolving Facility, under which $47.3 million was outstanding immediately following the Effective Date.
 
Prior to the Effective Date, the Company's Canadian-dollar denominated Senior Secured Term Loan A, due May 2017, that had been drawn under the 2012 Credit Agreement had been fully repaid.
 
Included in Other expense, net is a $9.4 million charge for the write-off of debt origination costs associated with the refinancing. Additionally, the Company incurred approximately $4.4 million in bank, legal and other fees associated with the Restated Credit Agreement. Of these fees, $4.2 million were capitalized and will be amortized over the life of the Restated Term Loan A and the Revolving Facility.

For further information on the Company's debt and Revolving Facility see Note 4, Long-term Debt and Short-term Borrowings, to our condensed consolidated financial statements contained in Item 1 of this report.
 
The current senior secured credit facilities have a weighted average interest rate of 2.59% as of June 30, 2013 and our senior unsecured notes have an interest rate of 6.75%.

Cash Flow for the six months ended June 30, 2013 versus six months ended June 30, 2012

Cash Flow from Operating Activities

For the six months ended June 30, 2013 cash provided by operating activities was $57.2 million compared to a use of $166.3 million in the prior-year period. Net income in 2013 was $0.5 million, compared to $76.8 million in 2012. The 2012 net income includes non-cash income from the release of income tax valuation allowances of $130.4 million. Other non-cash adjustments to net income on a pre-tax basis in 2013 were a net expense of $51.0 million, compared to a net expense of $55.2 million in 2012.

Cash provided by operating activities during the six months ended June 30, 2013 was $57.2 million. The net cash inflow is primarily from cash generated by net working capital (accounts receivable, inventories and accounts payable) of $77.3 million, of which $94.4 million is related to collections of customer accounts receivable. The significant cash collected is driven by the seasonality of our acquired Mead C&OP business which makes significant sales of school products during the second half of the year. The use of cash for inventory of $64.8 million is the result of inventory purchases in preparation for the back-to-school selling season, largely in our Mead C&OP business. In addition, cash interest payments in 2013 were $27.6 million, compared to $45.0 million in the prior-year period (prior to our refinancing and change in payment schedule). Other significant cash payments in 2013 include income tax payments of $21.6 million, which was higher than the $16.3 million paid in 2012 due to US tax payments on the combined U.S. taxable income.

During the prior year six months ended June 30, 2012 the use of cash by operating activities was $166.3 million. This result included net income and cash flows associated with the Mead C&OP Business since the May 1, 2012 Merger date, as well as cash payments of $13.8 million related to the transaction and $62.9 million related to debt extinguishment and refinancing. The net cash outflow also included a use from net working capital (accounts receivable, inventories and accounts payable) of $102.8 million, of this $78.7 million was related to increased accounts receivable driven by strong sales of back-to-school products during the later part of the quarter, the seasonality of which was largely driven by the acquired Mead C&OP business. The use of cash for inventory of $28.5 million reflected the usual seasonal build for the back-to-school season.


42


The table below shows our cash flow from accounts receivable, inventories and accounts payable for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively: 
 
Six Months Ended
(in millions of dollars)
June 30,
2013
 
June 30,
2012
Accounts receivable
$
94.4

 
$
(78.7
)
Inventories
(64.8
)
 
(28.5
)
Accounts payable
47.7

 
4.4

Cash flow provided by net working capital
$
77.3

 
$
(102.8
)

Cash Flow from Investing Activities

Cash used by investing activities was $24.1 million and $407.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The 2012 cash outflow reflects $401.4 million of net cash paid for Mead C&OP. Gross capital expenditures were $26.6 million and $10.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The increase in expenditures in 2013 reflects the acquisition of Mead C&OP, including capital investments associated with the Company's new headquarters, integration-related spending in association with the relocation of our Day-Timer's operations to Sidney, NY and increased information technology related investments.

Cash Flow from Financing Activities

Cash provided by financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2013 was $14.2 million, and represents proceeds from new long-term debt facilities of $530.0 million, and borrowings on our Revolving Facility of $58.1 million, net of debt repayments of the Company's previously existing debt facilities of $569.1 million and $3.9 million of debt issuance payments. Cash provided by financing activities in 2012 was $550.8 million, and included proceeds from new debt facilities of $1.27 billion, offset by repayments of the Company's previously existing debt facilities of $681.8 million and debt issuance payments of $37.7 million.

Capitalization

We had approximately 113.6 million common shares outstanding as of June 30, 2013.
Loan Covenants

 The Restated Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants as well as events of default, including payment defaults, breach of representations and warranties, covenant defaults, cross-defaults, certain bankruptcy or insolvency events, certain ERISA-related events, changes in control or ownership and invalidity of any loan document. 
 
Under the Restated Credit Agreement, the Company is required to meet certain financial tests, including a maximum consolidated leverage ratio (as defined in the Restated Credit Agreement) as determined by reference to the following ratios: 
Period
 
Maximum
Consolidated
Leverage Ratio(1)
Effective Date through June 30, 2014
 
4.50:1.00
July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015
 
4.00:1.00
July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2017
 
3.75:1.00
July 1, 2017 and thereafter
 
3.50:1.00

(1)The leverage ratio is computed by dividing the Company's net funded indebtedness by the cumulative four-quarter-trailing EBITDA, which excludes transaction costs, restructuring and other charges up to certain limits as well as other adjustments defined in the Restated Credit Agreement.

Beginning with the fiscal quarter ending June 30, 2013, the Restated Credit Agreement also requires the Company to maintain a consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio (as defined in the Restated Credit Agreement) as of the end of any fiscal quarter at or

43


above 1.25 to 1.00. Under the Restated Credit Agreement, the Company no longer must meet certain minimum interest coverage ratios that were present in the 2012 Credit Agreement.

As of and for the period ended June 30, 2013, the Company was in compliance with all applicable loan covenants.

Guarantees and Security

 Generally, obligations under the Restated Credit Agreement are guaranteed by certain of the Company's existing and future domestic subsidiaries, and are secured by substantially all of the Company's and certain guarantor subsidiaries' assets, subject to certain exclusions and limitations.

Adequacy of Liquidity Sources

The Company believes that cash flow from operations, its current cash balance and other sources of liquidity, including borrowings available under our Revolving Facility will be adequate to support requirements for working capital, capital expenditures and to service indebtedness for the foreseeable future.


ITEM 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Foreign Exchange Risk Management

See Item 7A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. There have been no material changes to Foreign Exchange Risk Management or Interest Rate Risk Management through the period ended June 30, 2013 or through the date of this report.

Interest Rate Risk Management
As discussed in Note 4, Long-term Debt and Short-term Borrowings, to our consolidated financial statements contained in Item 1 of this report, our previous senior secured credit facilities were refinanced in May 2013.

  Amounts outstanding under the Restated Credit Agreement bear interest (i) in the case of Eurodollar loans, at a rate per annum equal to the Eurodollar rate (which is based on an average British Bankers Association Interest Settlement Rate) plus the applicable rate; (ii) in the case of loans made at the Base Rate (which means the highest of (a) the Bank of America, N.A. prime rate then in effect, (b) the Federal Funds Effective Rate (as defined in the Restated Credit Agreement) then in effect plus ½ of 1.00% and (c) the Eurodollar rate that would be payable on such day for a Eurodollar loan with a one-month interest period plus 1.00%), at a rate per annum equal to the Base Rate plus the applicable rate; and (iii) in the case of swing line loans, at a rate per annum equal to the Base Rate plus the applicable rate for the Revolving Credit Facility.  Separate base interest rate and applicable rate provisions will apply for any Canadian or Australian currency denominated loans.
 
The applicable rate applied to outstanding Eurodollar loans and Base Rate loans is based on the Company's consolidated leverage ratio (as defined in the Restated Credit Agreement) as follows: 
Consolidated
Leverage Ratio
 
Applicable Rate on
Eurodollar Loans
 
Applicable Rate on
Base Rate Loans
> 4.00 to 1.00
 
2.50%
 
1.50%
≤ 4.00 to 1.00 and > 3.50 to 1.00
 
2.25%
 
1.25%
≤ 3.50 to 1.00 and > 2.50 to 1.00
 
2.00%
 
1.00%
≤ 2.50 to 1.00
 
1.75%
 
0.75%


44


The following table summarizes information about the Company's major debt components as of June 30, 2013, including the principal cash payments and interest rates.
 
Stated Maturity Date
 
 
 
 
(in millions of dollars)
2013
 
2014
 
2015
 
2016
 
2017
 
Thereafter
 
Total
 
Fair Value
Long term debt:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed rate Unsecured Notes
$

  
$

  
$

  
$

 
$

 
$
500.0

  
$
500.0

 
$
501.3

Average fixed interest rate
6.75
%
 
6.75
%
 
6.75
%
 
6.75
%
 
6.75
%
 
6.75
%
  
 
 
 
Variable rate Senior Secured Term Loan A
$
13.3

 
$
36.4

 
$
49.7

 
$
62.9

 
$
66.3

 
$
301.4

  
$
530.0

 
$
530.0

Variable rate Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
57.3

  
$
57.3

 
$
57.3

Average variable interest rate
2.59
%
 
2.60
%
 
2.60
%
 
2.61
%
 
2.63
%
 
2.63
%
  
 
 
 
 
ITEM 4.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

As of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of, our Disclosure Committee, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

(b) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended June 30, 2013, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.



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PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

In connection with our May 1, 2012 acquisition of Mead C&OP we assumed all of the tax liabilities for the acquired foreign operations. In December of 2012, the Federal Revenue Department of the Ministry of Finance of Brazil ("FRD") issued a tax assessment against our newly acquired indirect subsidiary, Tilibra Produtos de Papelaria Ltda. ("Tilibra"), which challenged the goodwill recorded in connection with the 2004 acquisition of Tilibra. This assessment denied the deductibility of that goodwill from Tilibra's taxable income for the year 2007. The assessment seeks a payment of approximately R$26.9 million ($13.2 million based on December 2012 exchange rates) of tax, penalties and interest.

In January of 2013, Tilibra filed a protest disputing the tax assessment at the first administrative level of appeal within the FRD. We believe that we have meritorious defenses and intend to vigorously contest this matter; however, there can be no assurances that we will ultimately prevail. We are in the early stages of the process to challenge the FRD's tax assessment, and the ultimate outcome will not be determined until the Brazilian tax appeal process is complete, which is expected to take many years. In addition, Tilibra's 2008-2012 tax years remain open and subject to audit, and there can be no assurances that we will not receive additional tax assessments regarding the goodwill deducted for the Tilibra acquisition for one or more of those years. If the FRD's initial position is ultimately sustained, the amount assessed would adversely affect our reported cash flow in the year of settlement.

Because there is no settled legal precedent on which to base a definitive opinion as to whether we will ultimately prevail, the Company considers the outcome of this dispute to be uncertain. Since it is not more likely than not that we will prevail, in the fourth quarter of 2012, we recorded a reserve in the amount of $44.5 million (which included the 2008-2012 tax years that could also be assessed and interest and penalties accumulated through December 2012) in consideration of this matter. In addition, the Company will continue to accrue interest related to this matter until such time as the outcome is known or until evidence is presented that we are more likely than not to prevail. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 we accrued additional interest of $0.4 million and $0.7 million, respectively.

There are various other claims, lawsuits and pending actions against us incidental to our operations. It is the opinion of management that the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. However, we can make no assurances that we will ultimately be successful in our defense of any of these matters.

ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS


In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 (the “2012 Annual Report”), as updated and supplemented below. The risk factors described in the 2012 Annual Report, as updated and supplemented below, could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or future results. These risks, however, are not the only risks facing our company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently consider immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.
The following risk factor updates and supersedes, in its entirety, the similarly captioned risk factor contained in the 2012 Annual Report under “Risks Related to Our Business”:
Challenges related to the highly competitive business segments in which we operate could have a negative effect on our ongoing operations, revenues, results, cash flows or financial position.

We operate in highly competitive business segments that face a number of challenges, including competitors with strong brands or brand recognition, significant private label producers, imports from a range of countries, low entry barriers, sophisticated and large buyers of office products, and potential substitution from a range of products and services including electronic, digital or web-based products that can replicate or render obsolete or less desirable some of the products we sell. In particular, our business is likely to be affected by: (1) the decisions and actions of our major customers, including their decisions on whether to increase their purchases of private label products; (2) decisions of current and potential suppliers of competing products on whether to take advantage of low entry barriers to expand their production; and (3) the decisions of end-users of our products to expand their use of substitute products and, in particular, to shift their use of time management and planning products toward electronic and other substitutes. In addition, our competitive position depends on continued investment in innovation and product development, manufacturing and sourcing, quality standards, marketing and customer service and support. Our success will depend in part on

46


our ability to anticipate and offer products that appeal to the changing needs and preferences of our customers in a market where many of our product categories are affected by continuing improvements in technology and shortened product lifecycles. We may not have sufficient resources to make the investments that may be necessary to anticipate or react to those changing needs, and we may not identify, develop and market products successfully or otherwise be successful in maintaining our competitive position.

Our Computer Products business faces additional competitive challenges due to the nature of its business which is characterized by rapid change, including changes in technology, short product life cycles and a dependency on the introduction by third party manufacturers of new equipment to which accessories sold by the Company attach. In order to compete successfully, the Company needs to anticipate and bring to market innovative new accessories in a timely and impactful way which requires significant skills and investment. We may not have sufficient market intelligence, talent or resources to make the investments necessary to successfully meet these challenges. Additionally, the short product life cycle increases the risk of product obsolescence. Rapid changes in technology, the market or demand for PCs and mobile devices as well as a delay in the introduction of new technology and our ability to anticipate and respond to these changes and delays could materially and adversely affect the demand for our accessories and have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition and results of operations of our Computer Products segment.

ITEM 2.
UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
None.

ITEM 3.
DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.

ITEM 4.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.

ITEM 5.
OTHER INFORMATION
None.


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ITEM 6.
 
 
Exhibit
Number        Description of Exhibit

10.1
Second Amendment, dated as of May 13, 2013, to the Credit Agreement, dated as of March 26, 2012, among the Company, certain subsidiaries of the Company, Barclays Bank PLC and Bank of Montreal, as administrative agents, and the other agents and lenders party thereto. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on May 13, 2013 (File No. 001-08454))

10.2
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of May 13, 2013, among the Company, certain subsidiaries of the Company, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and the other agents and lenders party thereto. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on May 13, 2013 (File No. 001-08454))

31.1        Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 *

31.2        Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 *

32.1        Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 **

32.2        Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 **

101
The following financial statements from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss), (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (v) related notes to those financial statements+
*
Filed herewith.
**
Furnished herewith.
+
In accordance with Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the XBRL related information in Exhibit 101 shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Sections 11 and 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or otherwise subject to liability under those sections, and shall not be part of any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

48


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
REGISTRANT:
 
 
ACCO BRANDS CORPORATION
 
 
By:
/s/ Boris Elisman
Boris Elisman
President and
Chief Executive Officer
(principal executive officer)
 
 
By:
/s/ Neal V. Fenwick
Neal V. Fenwick
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(principal financial officer)
 
 
By:
/s/ Thomas P. O’Neill, Jr.
Thomas P. O’Neill, Jr.
Senior Vice President, Finance and Accounting
(principal accounting officer)
Date: August 5, 2013


49



EXHIBIT INDEX
 Exhibit
Number        Description of Exhibit

10.1
Second Amendment, dated as of May 13, 2013, to the Credit Agreement, dated as of March 26, 2012, among the Company, certain subsidiaries of the Company, Barclays Bank PLC and Bank of Montreal, as administrative agents, and the other agents and lenders party thereto. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on May 13, 2013 (File No. 001-08454))

10.2
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of May 13, 2013, among the Company, certain subsidiaries of the Company, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and the other agents and lenders party thereto. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on May 13, 2013 (File No. 001-08454))

31.1        Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 *

31.2        Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 *

32.1        Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 **

32.2        Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 **

101
The following financial statements from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss), (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (v) related notes to those financial statements+
*
Filed herewith.
**
Furnished herewith.
+
In accordance with Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the XBRL related information in Exhibit 101 shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Sections 11 and 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or otherwise subject to liability under those sections, and shall not be part of any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

50