VRTV 10-Q Quarterly Report Sept. 30, 2015 | Alphaminr
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VRTV 10-Q Quarter ended Sept. 30, 2015

Balance Sheet
Cash Flow
Income Statement
Debt
VERITIV CORP
10-Q 1 vrtv-20150930x10q.htm 10-Q 10-Q
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 September 30, 2015

OR

q 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 001-36479

VERITIV CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
46-3234977
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
1000 Abernathy Road NE
Building 400, Suite 1700
Atlanta, Georgia
30328
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip code)
(770) 391-8200
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

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 ¨

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 ¨

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.
Large accelerated filer
¨
Accelerated filer
¨
Non-accelerated filer
x (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company
¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ¨ No x

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's common stock as of November 9, 2015 was 16,000,100 .


TABLE OF CONTENTS



Page






EXPLANATORY NOTE

On July 1, 2014, International Paper Company completed the spin-off of its xpedx distribution solutions business ("xpedx") to the International Paper Company shareholders. Immediately following the spin-off, UWW Holdings, Inc., the parent company of Unisource Worldwide, Inc. ("Unisource") was merged with and into xpedx to form a new publicly traded company known as Veritiv Corporation ("Veritiv").
Because the spin-off and merger transactions were consummated on July 1, 2014:
•
The Veritiv Condensed Consolidated and Combined Statement of Operations, Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss), Statement of Cash Flows and Notes thereto presented in this report for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 include the legacy xpedx business for the full nine months presented and the legacy Unisource business from July 1, 2014.
•
The Veritiv Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations, Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss), Statement of Cash Flows and Notes thereto presented in this report for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 include the combined legacy xpedx and Unisource businesses.

Additionally, the financial information presented in Part I, Item 2—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—of this report is consistent with the above Condensed Consolidated and Combined financial statement presentation.


1

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

VERITIV CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in millions, except per share data, unaudited)

Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2015
2014
2015
2014
Net sales (including sales to related parties of $8.0, $9.2, $25.0 and $33.5, respectively)
$
2,219.8

$
2,390.3

$
6,517.0

$
5,026.7

Cost of products sold (including purchases from related parties of $67.0, $62.7, $205.0 and $339.2, respectively) (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)
1,825.8

1,987.1

5,356.0

4,192.2

Distribution expenses
129.8

138.2

390.0

289.5

Selling and administrative expenses
207.1

212.9

635.7

469.2

Depreciation and amortization
13.7

14.2

42.5

23.1

Merger and integration expenses
8.3

54.8

28.6

56.9

Restructuring charges (income)
3.0

0.1

8.6

(1.0
)
Operating income (loss)
32.1

(17.0
)
55.6

(3.2
)
Interest expense, net
7.0

6.8

19.8

6.8

Other expense, net
1.7

0.6

3.7

0.1

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
23.4

(24.4
)
32.1

(10.1
)
Income tax expense (benefit)
8.9

(10.4
)
15.5

(4.6
)
Income (loss) from continuing operations
14.5

(14.0
)
16.6

(5.5
)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
—

—

—

(0.1
)
Net income (loss)
$
14.5

$
(14.0
)
$
16.6

$
(5.6
)
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic and diluted
Continuing operations
$
0.91

$
(0.88
)
$
1.04

$
(0.51
)
Discontinued operations
—

—

—

(0.01
)
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share
$
0.91

$
(0.88
)
$
1.04

$
(0.52
)
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic and diluted
16.00

16.00

16.00

10.77


See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements.

2

VERITIV CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(in millions, unaudited)

Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2015
2014
2015
2014
Net income (loss)
$
14.5

$
(14.0
)
$
16.6

$
(5.6
)
Other comprehensive loss:
Foreign currency translation adjustments
(3.7
)
(4.5
)
(10.2
)
(3.9
)
Change in fair value of cash flow hedge, net of tax
(0.4
)
—

(0.4
)
—

Other comprehensive loss
(4.1
)
(4.5
)
(10.6
)
(3.9
)
Total comprehensive income (loss)
$
10.4

$
(18.5
)
$
6.0

$
(9.5
)

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements.




3

VERITIV CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(dollars in millions, except par value, unaudited)
September 30, 2015
December 31, 2014
Assets
Current assets:
Cash
$
53.5

$
57.6

Accounts receivable, less allowances of $37.0 and $39.0, respectively
1,074.0

1,115.1

Related party receivable
4.0

3.9

Inventories
705.4

673.2

Other current assets
120.1

109.3

Total current assets
1,957.0

1,959.1

Property and equipment, net
368.5

377.4

Goodwill
52.1

52.4

Other intangibles, net
31.2

36.1

Deferred income tax assets
94.9

105.6

Other non-current assets
39.2

43.9

Total assets
$
2,542.9

$
2,574.5

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
$
645.3

$
589.8

Related party payable
12.7

11.0

Accrued payroll and benefits
110.3

111.1

Deferred income tax liabilities
20.8

21.1

Other accrued liabilities
94.9

100.5

Current maturities of long-term debt
3.3

3.8

Financing obligations to related party, current portion
14.5

13.8

Total current liabilities
901.8

851.1

Long-term debt, net of current maturities
777.5

855.0

Financing obligations to related party, less current portion
201.5

212.4

Defined benefit pension obligations
30.2

36.3

Other non-current liabilities
110.4

107.2

Total liabilities
2,021.4

2,062.0

Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)




Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 10.0 million shares authorized, none issued
—

—

Common stock, $0.01 par value, 100.0 million shares authorized, 16.0 million shares issued and outstanding
0.2

0.2

Additional paid-in capital
565.4

562.4

Accumulated deficit
(11.4
)
(28.0
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(32.7
)
(22.1
)
Total shareholders' equity
521.5

512.5

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$
2,542.9

$
2,574.5


See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements.

4

VERITIV CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions, unaudited)
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Operating Activities
2015
2014
Net income (loss)
$
16.6

$
(5.6
)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
—

(0.1
)
Income (loss) from continuing operations
16.6

(5.5
)
Depreciation and amortization
42.5

23.1

Amortization of deferred financing fees
3.3

1.1

Net losses (gains) on sales of property and equipment
0.5

(1.8
)
Long-lived asset impairment charges
2.6

—

Provision for allowance for doubtful accounts
6.8

6.2

Deferred income tax provision (benefit)
13.7

(9.3
)
Stock-based compensation
3.0

4.3

Other non-cash items, net
—

1.0

Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Accounts receivable and related party receivable
20.0

(53.2
)
Inventories
(43.6
)
6.0

Accounts payable and related party payable
81.5

55.4

Accrued payroll and benefits
0.1

16.9

Other
(16.5
)
(14.6
)
Net cash provided by operating activities – continuing operations
130.5

29.6

Net cash used for operating activities – discontinued operations
—

(1.1
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
130.5

28.5

Investing Activities
Net cash acquired in Merger
—

37.0

Property and equipment additions
(34.2
)
(5.7
)
Proceeds from asset sales
0.2

4.8

Other
—

0.3

Net cash (used for) provided by investing activities
(34.0
)
36.4

Financing Activities
Net cash transfers to Parent
—

(61.5
)
Change in book overdrafts
(15.1
)
9.1

Transfer to Parent in connection with Spin-off
—

(404.2
)
Borrowings of long-term debt
3,458.9

1,774.1

Repayments of long-term debt
(3,529.9
)
(1,302.4
)
Payments under equipment capital lease obligations
(2.8
)
—

Payments under financing obligations to related party
(10.3
)
(3.9
)
Deferred financing fees
—

(22.5
)
Other
—

(0.6
)
Net cash used for financing activities – continuing operations
(99.2
)
(11.9
)
Net cash provided by financing activities – discontinued operations
—

1.1

Net cash used for financing activities
(99.2
)
(10.8
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
(1.4
)
1.2

Net change in cash
(4.1
)
55.3

Cash at beginning of period
57.6

5.7

Cash at end of period
$
53.5

$
61.0

Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds
$
1.4

$
1.4

Cash paid for interest
16.0

5.2

Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities
Common stock issued in connection with Spin-off
$
—

$
302.3

Common stock issued in connection with Merger
—

284.7

Contingent liability associated with the Tax Receivable Agreement
—

60.9

Non-cash transfers to Parent
—

(21.1
)
Non-cash additions to property and equipment
3.1

—


See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements.

5

VERITIV CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



1. BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Description of Business

Veritiv Corporation ("Veritiv" or the "Company") is a North American business-to-business distributor of print, publishing, packaging, facility and logistics solutions. Established in 2014 following the merger of International Paper Company’s ("International Paper" or "Parent") xpedx division ("xpedx") and UWW Holdings, Inc. ("UWWH"), the parent company of Unisource Worldwide, Inc. ("Unisource"), the Company operates from more than 180 distribution centers primarily throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

On July 1, 2014 (the "Distribution Date"), International Paper completed the previously announced spin-off of xpedx to its shareholders (the "Spin-off"), forming a new public company called Veritiv. Immediately following the Spin-off, UWWH merged with and into Veritiv (the "Merger"). Veritiv’s common stock began regular-way trading on the New York Stock Exchange on July 2, 2014 under the ticker symbol VRTV.
Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for interim financial information and with the instructions to Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for a complete set of annual audited financial statements.

The accompanying unaudited financial information should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements and Notes contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") for the year ended December 31, 2014. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals and other adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The operating results for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year.

Prior to the Distribution Date, Veritiv’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows consisted of only the xpedx business of International Paper and were derived from International Paper’s historical accounting records. The financial results of xpedx have been presented on a carve-out basis through the Distribution Date, while the financial results for Veritiv, post Spin-off, are prepared on a stand-alone basis. As such, the Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 consist of the consolidated results of Veritiv on a stand-alone basis for the three months ended September 30, 2014, and the combined results of operations of xpedx for the six months ended June 30, 2014 on a carve-out basis.

All significant intercompany transactions between Veritiv's businesses have been eliminated. All significant intercompany transactions between xpedx and International Paper have been included for the periods prior to the Spin-off and were considered to be effectively settled for cash at the time the transaction was recorded. The total net effect of the settlement of these intercompany transactions is reflected in the Condensed Consolidated and Combined Statement of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as a financing activity. For periods prior to the Spin-off, the combined financial statements include expense allocations for certain functions previously provided by International Paper, including, but not limited to, general corporate expenses related to finance, legal, information technology, human resources, communications, insurance and stock-based compensation. See Note 7, Related Party Transactions, for further information.

Following the Spin-off, certain corporate and other related functions described above continue to be provided by International Paper under a transition services agreement. During the three months ended September 30, 2014 , the Company recognized $8.0 million in selling and administrative expenses related to this agreement. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , the Company recognized $0.8 million and $9.6 million , respectively, in selling and administrative expenses related to this agreement. As of September 30, 2015, a majority of the functions originally provided by International Paper under this agreement have been fully transitioned to the Company.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 , certain amounts in the operating activities section of the Condensed Consolidated and Combined Statement of Cash Flows have been reclassified for comparative purposes to conform to the

6

current year presentation. This reclassification did not have any impact on net cash flows from operations or the Condensed Consolidated and Combined Statement of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 .

Use of Estimates

The preparation of unaudited financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenue and expenses, and certain financial statement disclosures. Estimates and assumptions are used for, but not limited to, revenue recognition, accounts receivable valuation, inventory valuation, employee benefit plans, income tax contingency accruals and valuation allowances and goodwill and other intangible asset valuations. Although these estimates are based on management's knowledge of current events and actions it may undertake in the future, actual results may ultimately differ from these estimates and assumptions. Estimates are revised as additional information becomes available.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , which requires companies to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to be entitled to exchange for those goods or services. Entities may use a full retrospective approach or report the cumulative effect as of the date of adoption. In July 2015, the FASB approved a one year deferral of this standard, and this pronouncement is now effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted, but not before the original effective date of December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the alternative methods of adoption and the effect on its Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs , which requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15, Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements, which stated that the SEC staff would not object to an entity deferring and presenting debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortizing the deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs is not affected by the amendments in these updates. These ASUs are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and are to be applied retrospectively, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted ASU 2015-03 during the second quarter of 2015 and ASU 2015-15 in the third quarter of 2015; neither had any impact to the Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures. Deferred financing fees related to the Company's asset-based lending facility (the "ABL Facility") remain classified within other non-current assets.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory , which requires companies to measure inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value, thereby simplifying the current guidance under which an entity must measure inventory at the lower of cost or market. This ASU will not apply to inventories that are measured by using either the last-in, first-out method or retail inventory method. This ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and is to be applied prospectively, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the ASU will have on its first-in, first-out based inventory, which is approximately 12% of the Company's inventory balance as of September 30, 2015 .

2. MERGER WITH UNISOURCE

On July 1, 2014, UWWH merged with and into Veritiv. The Merger was accounted for in the Company’s financial statements using the acquisition method of accounting, with Veritiv as the accounting acquirer of Unisource. The purchase price of $383.2 million was determined in accordance with the Agreement and Plan of Merger and is allocated to tangible and identifiable intangible assets and liabilities based upon their respective fair values.

The following table summarizes the components of the purchase price for Unisource. The fair value of Veritiv shares issued represents the aggregate value of 7.84 million shares issued at the closing "when-issued" market price of the Company’s stock on June 30, 2014, the day prior to the Merger, less a discount for lack of marketability. See Note 9, Fair Value Measurements, regarding the valuation of the contingent liability.


7

Purchase price:
(in millions)
Fair value of Veritiv shares issued in the Merger
$
284.7

Cash payments associated with customary working capital and net indebtedness adjustments
39.1

Fair value of contingent liability associated with the Tax Receivable Agreement
59.4

Total purchase price
$
383.2

During the first quarter of 2015, the Company recorded a $0.6 million increase to deferred income tax assets and a corresponding decrease to goodwill. This adjustment impacted the fair value of the contingent liability, resulting in a $0.6 million increase to the purchase price and corresponding adjustment to goodwill. The net impact of these adjustments to goodwill was zero . During the second quarter of 2015, the Company finalized the purchase price allocation, which resulted in a $0.3 million increase in deferred tax assets and a corresponding decrease in goodwill. These adjustments did not have a material impact on the Company's previously reported Consolidated Financial Statements and, therefore, the Company has not retrospectively adjusted those financial statements.

The following table summarizes the final allocation of the purchase price to assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of the Merger:
Final Allocation:
(in millions)
Cash
$
70.9

Accounts receivable
448.4

Inventories
353.8

Deferred income tax assets
72.0

Property and equipment
299.0

Goodwill
25.7

Other intangible assets
31.5

Other current and non-current assets (including below market leasehold agreements)
61.8

Accounts payable
(284.2
)
Long-term debt (including equipment capital leases)
(313.2
)
Financing obligations to related party
(233.1
)
Defined benefit pension obligations
(30.3
)
Other current and non-current liabilities (including above market leasehold agreements)
(119.1
)
Total purchase price
$
383.2


The purchase price allocated to the identifiable intangible assets acquired is as follows:
Value
(in millions)
Estimated Weighted Average Useful Life ( in years)
Customer relationships
$
24.3

14.8
Trademarks/Trade names
4.1

3.6
Non-compete agreements
3.1

1.0
Total identifiable intangible assets acquired
$
31.5

Goodwill of $25.7 million arising from the Merger consists largely of the synergies and other benefits expected from combining the operations. The goodwill is not expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.


8

3. MERGER, INTEGRATION AND RESTRUCTURING CHARGES

Merger and Integration Charges

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 , Veritiv incurred merger and integration expenses related primarily to third-party fees and costs associated with change-in-control agreements. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , Veritiv incurred costs to integrate the combined businesses of xpedx and Unisource. Integration expenses include professional services and project management fees, retention compensation, information technology conversion costs, rebranding costs and other costs to integrate the combined businesses of xpedx and Unisource. The following table summarizes the components of merger and integration expenses:
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(in millions)
2015
2014
2015
2014
Legal, consulting and other professional fees
$
1.4

$
24.1

$
6.8

$
26.2

Retention compensation
2.3

27.9

8.9

27.9

Information technology conversion costs
2.1

1.0

6.4

1.0

Rebranding
1.7

0.1

4.2

0.1

Other
0.8

1.7

2.3

1.7

Total merger and integration expenses
$
8.3

$
54.8

$
28.6

$
56.9


Veritiv Restructuring Plan
As part of the Spin-off and Merger, the Company is executing on a multi-year restructuring program of its North American operations intended to integrate the legacy xpedx and Unisource operations, generate cost savings and capture synergies across the combined company. The restructuring plan includes initiatives to: (i) consolidate warehouse facilities in overlapping markets, (ii) improve the efficiency of the delivery network, (iii) consolidate customer service centers, (iv) reorganize the field sales and operations functions and (v) restructure the corporate general and administrative functions. During the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company initiated the process of consolidating warehouse and customer service locations of the legacy organizations as well as realigning its field and sales management function. As part of its restructuring efforts, the Company is also evaluating its operations outside of North America to identify additional cost saving opportunities. The Company may elect to restructure its operations in specific countries, which may include staff reductions, lease terminations, and facility closures, or a complete exit of a market.

The Company recorded restructuring charges of $3.0 million and $8.6 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , respectively, related to these company-wide initiatives. For the three months ended September 30, 2014, no major initiatives had commenced as part of this effort. See Note 14, Segment Information, for the impact these charges had on the Company's reportable segments. Other direct costs reported in the table below include facility closing costs and other incidental costs associated with the development, communication, administration and implementation of these initiatives. The following is a summary of the Company's restructuring activity for the periods presented:
(in millions)
Severance and Related Costs
Other Direct Costs
Asset Impairment
Total
Balance at December 31, 2014
$
3.7

$
0.2

$
—

$
3.9

Costs incurred
1.9

1.5

—

3.4

Payments
(2.7
)
(0.4
)
—

(3.1
)
Balance at March 31, 2015
2.9

1.3

—

4.2

Costs incurred
1.0

1.2

—

2.2

Payments
(1.1
)
(0.7
)
—

(1.8
)
Balance at June 30, 2015
2.8

1.8

—

4.6

Costs incurred
0.8

0.2

2.0

3.0

Payments
(1.3
)
(1.1
)
—

(2.4
)
Non-cash charges
—

—

(2.0
)
(2.0
)
Balance at September 30, 2015
$
2.3

$
0.9

$
—

$
3.2


9

4. DEBT

The Company's long-term debt obligations were as follows:
(in millions)
September 30, 2015
December 31, 2014
ABL Facility
$
772.6

$
847.8

Equipment capital lease obligations
8.2

11.0

Total debt
780.8

858.8

Less: current portion of long-term debt
(3.3
)
(3.8
)
Long-term debt, net of current maturities
$
777.5

$
855.0

ABL Facility

The ABL Facility will mature and the commitments thereunder will terminate on July 1, 2019; however, the ABL Facility provides for the right of the individual lenders to extend the maturity date of their respective commitments and loans upon the request of Veritiv and without the consent of any other lenders. The ABL Facility may be prepaid at Veritiv's option at any time without premium or penalty and is subject to mandatory prepayment if the amount outstanding under the ABL Facility exceeds either the aggregate commitments with respect thereto or the current borrowing base, in both cases in an amount equal to such excess.

The ABL Facility has a springing minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.00 to 1.00 on a trailing four-quarter basis, which will be tested only when specified availability is less than the limits outlined under the ABL Facility. At September 30, 2015 , the above test was not applicable.

Availability under the ABL Facility is determined based upon a monthly borrowing base calculation which includes eligible customer receivables and inventory, less outstanding borrowings, letters of credit and certain designated reserves. As of September 30, 2015 , the available additional borrowing capacity under the ABL Facility was approximately $448.3 million .

5. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENT, HEDGING ACTIVITIES AND RISK MANAGEMENT

Financial Risk Management Policy

The Company’s indebtedness under its financing arrangement creates interest rate risk. The Company’s objective is to reduce, where it is deemed appropriate to do so, fluctuations in earnings and cash flows associated with changes in the interest rate. The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

This interest rate exposure is actively monitored by management and in July 2015 the Company entered into an interest rate cap agreement. The interest rate cap effectively limits the floating LIBOR-based portion of the interest rate. The effective date of the interest rate cap agreement was July 31, 2015 with an expiration date of July 1, 2019. The initial notional amount of this agreement covered $392.9 million of the Company’s floating-rate debt at 3.0% plus the applicable credit spread. The Company paid $2.0 million for the interest rate cap agreement. Approximately $0.6 million of the amount paid was expensed immediately to earnings. As of September 30, 2015 , the interest rate cap agreement had a fair value of $0.8 million , classified within other non-current assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. The fair value is estimated using observable market-based inputs including interest rate curves and implied volatilities (Level 2).

The Company designated the interest rate cap as a cash flow hedge of exposure to changes in cash flows due to changes in the LIBOR-based portion of the interest rate above 3.0% on an equivalent amount of debt. The notional amount of the cap is reduced throughout the term of the agreement to align with the expected repayment of the Company’s outstanding floating-rate debt.

The Company is exposed to counterparty credit risk for nonperformance and, in the event of nonperformance, to market risk for changes in the interest rate. The Company attempts to manage exposure to counterparty credit risk primarily by selecting counterparties only if they meet certain credit and other financial standards. The Company believes there has

10

been no material change in the creditworthiness of its counterparty and believes the risk of nonperformance by such party is minimal.

Accounting for Derivative Instruments

The interest rate cap agreement is subject to Accounting Standards Codification 815, Accounting for Derivative and Hedging Transactions . For those instruments that are designated and qualify as hedging instruments, a company must designate the instrument, based upon the exposure being hedged, as a cash flow hedge, a fair value hedge or a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation.

A cash flow hedge refers to hedging the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows attributable to a particular risk. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income until reclassified into earnings in the same period the hedged transaction affects earnings. The gain or loss on the ineffective portion, if any, is immediately recognized in earnings. The ineffective portion was not significant for the three months ended September 30, 2015 .

For the three months ended September 30, 2015 , the Company recognized a pre-tax loss of $0.6 million in other comprehensive income associated with the interest rate cap. There were no reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss ("AOCL") into earnings for the three months ended September 30, 2015 . The amount the Company expects to reclassify from AOCL into earnings within the following twelve months is not significant.

6. INCOME TAXES

The Company’s provision for income taxes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 is based on the estimated annual effective tax rate, plus any discrete items.

The following table presents the provision for income taxes and the effective tax rates for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 :
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)
2015
2014
2015
2014
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
$
23.4

$
(24.4
)
$
32.1

$
(10.1
)
Income tax expense (benefit)
8.9

(10.4
)
15.5

(4.6
)
Effective tax rate
38.0
%
42.6
%
48.3
%
45.5
%

The difference between the Company’s effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 and the U.S. statutory tax rate of 35.0% primarily relates to the non-recognition of tax benefits on certain losses, non-deductible expenses, state income taxes (net of federal income tax benefit), and adjustments to uncertain tax positions. Additionally, the effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 includes the recognition of U.S. tax benefit with respect to foreign exchange loss on the capitalization of an intercompany loan with the Company's Canadian subsidiary. The effective tax rate may vary significantly due to potential changes in the amount and mix of pre-tax book income and changes in amounts of non-deductible expenses and other items.

As of September 30, 2015 , the gross amount of uncertain tax positions was $0.5 million . All of the gross uncertain tax positions, if recognized, would impact Veritiv’s effective tax rate in the period of recognition. The Company accrues interest on unrecognized tax benefits as a component of interest expense, net. Penalties, if incurred, are recognized as a component of income tax expense. The corresponding liabilities are reflected in other non-current liabilities within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. As a result of the expiration of statutes of limitation, the Company currently estimates that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits could be reduced by up to $0.1 million during the next twelve months.

Undistributed earnings of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are considered permanently reinvested and, accordingly, no provision for U.S. income taxes has been provided thereon.


11

7. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Transactions with Georgia-Pacific

Veritiv purchases certain inventory items from, and sells certain inventory items to, Georgia-Pacific in the normal course of business. As a result of the Merger and private placement, Georgia-Pacific, as joint owner of the sole stockholder of UWWH, is a related party. The following tables summarize the financial impact of those related party transactions with Georgia-Pacific:
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)
2015
2014
2015
2014
Sales to Georgia-Pacific, reflected in net sales
$
8.0

$
9.2

$
25.0

$
9.2

Purchases of inventory from Georgia-Pacific, recognized in cost of products sold
67.0

62.7

205.0

62.7


(in millions)
September 30, 2015
December 31, 2014
Inventories purchased from Georgia-Pacific that remained on Veritiv's balance sheet
$
24.3

$
26.6

Related party payable to Georgia-Pacific
12.7

11.0

Related party receivable from Georgia-Pacific
4.0

3.9


Relationship between Veritiv and International Paper

Transactions with International Paper

Prior to the Spin-off, xpedx purchased certain inventory items from, and sold certain inventory items to, International Paper in the normal course of business. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 , the Company sold products to International Paper in the amount of $24.3 million , reflected in net sales. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 , the Company purchased, and recognized in cost of products sold, inventory from International Paper of $276.5 million . After the Spin-off and the Merger, Veritiv continues to purchase from and sell certain inventory items to International Paper that are considered transactions in the normal course of the Company’s operations. Although the Company and International Paper have entered into a transition services agreement, International Paper is not considered a related party subsequent to the Spin-off.

Parent Company Investment

The components of net transfers to Parent for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 were as follows:
Three Months Ended September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)
2014
2014
Intercompany sales and purchases, net
$
—

$
255.4

Cash pooling and general financing activities
—

(322.5
)
Corporate allocations including income taxes
—

34.7

Net adjustments in conjunction with the Spin-off
(50.2
)
(50.2
)
Total net transfers to International Paper
$
(50.2
)
$
(82.6
)

In conjunction with the Spin-off, certain xpedx assets and liabilities were retained by International Paper. Additionally, all intercompany balances outstanding between International Paper and xpedx as of the Distribution Date were settled within 30 days of the Distribution Date. The net effect of assets and liabilities retained and adjustments to intercompany balances as of the Distribution Date are reflected in the table above in the net adjustments in conjunction with

12

the Spin-off. These primarily include $24.3 million of net assets transferred to International Paper and settlement of intercompany balances of $24.6 million as of the Distribution Date.

Allocation of General Corporate Expenses

Prior to the Spin-off, the xpedx financial statements included expense allocations for certain functions previously provided by International Paper, including, but not limited to, general corporate expenses related to finance, legal, information technology, human resources, communications, insurance and stock-based compensation. These expenses were allocated on the basis of direct usage when identifiable, with the remainder principally allocated on the basis of percent of capital employed, headcount, sales or other measures. In 2014, prior to the Spin-off, $25.5 million of expenses were allocated to xpedx and were included within selling and administrative expenses.

Separation Agreements with Former Unisource CEO

Effective as of the Distribution Date, Allan R. Dragone, Jr. ceased to be the Chief Executive Officer of Unisource and became a member of Veritiv’s Board of Directors. As part of his employment agreement, Mr. Dragone exercised his right to sell his personal residence to the Company. The Company completed the purchase of the residence for $4.6 million during the first quarter of 2015. During the second quarter of 2015, the Company sold the residence for $4.6 million .

8. DEFINED BENEFIT PLANS

In conjunction with the Merger, Veritiv assumed responsibility for Unisource’s defined benefit pension plans and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans in the U.S. and Canada. Net periodic benefit cost (credit) associated with these plans is summarized below:
Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
(in millions)
U.S.
Canada
U.S.
Canada
U.S.
Canada
Components of net periodic benefit cost (credit):
Service cost
$
0.4

$
0.1

$
1.3

$
0.2

$
0.3

$
0.1

Interest cost
0.8

0.7

2.5

2.4

0.9

0.9

Expected return on plan assets
(1.4
)
(0.8
)
(4.1
)
(2.6
)
(1.6
)
(0.9
)
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)
$
(0.2
)
$
0.0

$
(0.3
)
$
0.0

$
(0.4
)
$
0.1

Certain of xpedx’s employees participated in defined benefit pension and other post-retirement benefit plans sponsored and accounted for by International Paper. In conjunction with the Spin-off, these plans were frozen for the xpedx employees, and International Paper retained the associated liabilities. Certain xpedx union employees were added as participants to the Unisource defined benefit pension plan. The amount of net pension and other post-employment benefit expense attributable to xpedx related to the International Paper sponsored plans was $8.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 .

9. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the carrying amounts of cash, receivables, payables and other components of other current assets and other current liabilities approximate their fair value due to the short maturity of these items. Borrowings under the ABL Facility are at variable market interest rates, and accordingly, the carrying amount approximates fair value. See Note 5, Derivative Instrument, Hedging Activities and Risk Management, for fair value information on the interest rate cap agreement.

At the time of the Merger, the Company recorded a $59.4 million contingent liability associated with the Tax Receivable Agreement at fair value using a discounted cash flow model that reflected management's expectations about probability of payment. Key assumptions utilized in the discounted cash flow model included a discount rate of 4.8% , projected revenues and projected taxable income. The Company’s discounted cash flow model used significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs that were tied to the utilization of Unisource’s net operating losses, attributable to taxable periods prior to the Merger, by the Company. The contingent liability is remeasured at fair value at each reporting period with the change in fair

13

value recognized in other expense (income), net in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated and Combined Statements of Operations. At September 30, 2015 , the Company remeasured the contingent liability using a discount rate of 5.4% .

The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of the contingent liability for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 :
(in millions)
Contingent Liability
Balance at December 31, 2014
$
60.5

Purchase accounting adjustment
0.6

Change in fair value adjustment recorded in other expense (income), net
1.3

Balance at March 31, 2015
62.4

Change in fair value adjustment recorded in other expense (income), net
(1.7
)
Balance at June 30, 2015
60.7

Change in fair value adjustment recorded in other expense (income), net
0.3

Balance at September 30, 2015
$
61.0


There have been no transfers between the fair value measurement levels for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 . The Company recognizes transfers between the fair value measurement levels at the end of the reporting period.

10. EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share ("EPS") for Veritiv common stock is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is similarly calculated, except that the denominator is increased to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if the dilutive potential common shares had been issued, except where the inclusion of such common shares would have an antidilutive impact.

On the Distribution Date, Veritiv had 16.0 million shares of common stock issued and outstanding, including 7.84 million shares issued in a private placement to the sole stockholder of UWWH in connection with the Merger. The calculation of both basic and diluted EPS for the three months ended September 30, 2014 utilized 16.0 million shares as the private placement of 7.84 million shares to UWW Holdings, LLC, the sole stockholder of UWWH, occurred on the Distribution Date. The calculation of both basic and diluted EPS for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 utilized 10.77 million shares based on the weighted average shares outstanding during this period, reflecting the impact of the private placement of shares to the sole stockholder of UWWH on the Distribution Date. The calculation of both basic and diluted EPS for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 utilized 16.0 million shares issued and outstanding based on the weighted average shares outstanding during this period. During 2015, the Company granted equity-based awards to certain of its employees. See Note 12, Equity-Based Incentive Plans, for additional information. These awards were excluded from the computation of diluted EPS because their inclusion would have been antidilutive, or they were subject to performance conditions that had not been met.


14

A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators used in the basic and diluted EPS calculation is as follows:
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(in millions)
2015
2014
2015
2014
Numerator:
Income (loss) from continuing operations
$
14.5

$
(14.0
)
$
16.6

$
(5.5
)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
—

—

—

(0.1
)
Net income (loss)
$
14.5

$
(14.0
)
$
16.6

$
(5.6
)
Denominator:
Weighted average number of shares outstanding – basic and diluted
16.00

16.00

16.00

10.77

Antidilutive stock-based awards excluded from computation of diluted EPS
0.06

—

0.06

—

Performance stock-based awards excluded from computation of diluted EPS because performance conditions had not been met
0.24

—

0.24

—


11. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

The following table provides the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss:
(in millions)
September 30, 2015
December 31, 2014
Foreign currency translation adjustments
$
(24.9
)
$
(14.7
)
Change in fair value of cash flow hedge, net of tax
(0.4
)
—

Adjustments to pension and other benefit liabilities, net of tax
(7.4
)
(7.4
)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss
$
(32.7
)
$
(22.1
)

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , there were no reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings.

12. EQUITY-BASED INCENTIVE PLANS

Veritiv Omnibus Incentive Plan

Veritiv's 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the "2014 Plan") provides for the grant of options, stock appreciation rights, stock purchase rights, restricted shares, restricted stock units, dividend equivalents, deferred share units, performance shares, performance units and other equity-based awards. Awards may be granted under the 2014 Plan to any employee, director, consultant or other service provider of Veritiv or a subsidiary of Veritiv. Grants are made at the discretion of the Compensation and Leadership Development Committee of the Company's Board of Directors.
On June 30, 2015, the Company granted 27,424 deferred share units ("DSUs") to its non-employee directors. Each DSU is the economical equivalent of one share of Veritiv's common stock. The DSUs are fully vested and non-forfeitable as of the grant date and are payable in cash following the individual's termination of service as a Veritiv director. At June 30, 2015, the Company recognized $1.0 million in expense related to these units based on a grant date fair value of $36.46 , the closing market price of the Company's common stock on June 30, 2015. The DSUs were classified as a non-current liability and will be remeasured at each reporting date, with a corresponding adjustment to compensation expense. The adjustment for the three months ended September 30, 2015 was not significant.

During 2015, the Company granted approximately 64,000 restricted stock units ("RSUs"), 161,000 performance condition stock units (“PCSUs”), and 97,000 market condition performance stock units (“MCPSUs”) to certain of its employees. These units will cliff vest at the end of three years and be settled in shares of common stock, subject to continued service and, in the case of the PCSUs and MCPSUs, the attainment of performance conditions. Dividends are not paid or

15

accrued on unvested stock units. The grant date fair values are not reduced for dividends as none are expected to be paid during the vesting period.
The weighted average grant date fair value of the RSUs granted in 2015 is $51.64 and is based on either the closing price of Veritiv common stock on the trading day immediately prior to the date of grant or the closing price on the date of grant. The RSUs are only subject to a service requirement, thus compensation expense for the RSUs is recognized ratably from the grant date to the vesting date.

The PCSU award represents the contingent right to receive a number of shares equal to a portion, all or a multiple (not to exceed 200% ) of the target number of PCSUs. The PCSUs are divided into three tranches, and each tranche is earned based on the achievement of an annual Adjusted EBITDA target which is set at the beginning of each of the three years in the vesting period. The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, restructuring charges (income), non-restructuring stock-based compensation expense, LIFO expense (income), non-restructuring severance charges, merger and integration expenses, loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes, fair value adjustments on the contingent liability associated with the Tax Receivable Agreement ("TRA") and certain other adjustments. The PCSUs that can be earned in 2015 had a weighted average grant date fair value of $51.64 with compensation expense recognized ratably over the three year vesting period. The fair value of the 2016 and 2017 tranches will be based on the market value of Veritiv common stock on the date the Adjusted EBITDA targets are set for each year. Compensation expense for each tranche is recognized ratably from the date the fair value is determined to the vesting date for the number of awards expected to vest.

The MCPSU award represents the contingent right to receive a number of shares equal to a portion, all or a multiple (not to exceed 200% ) of the target number of MCPSUs. The MCPSUs are divided into three tranches and each tranche is earned based on the achievement of an annual total shareholder return target relative to the total shareholder return of an applicable peer group over the one-, two- and three-year cumulative periods in the vesting period. The weighted average grant date fair value of the MCPSUs is $63.03 , determined using a Monte Carlo simulation model. Assumptions used in the model included a 25.0% expected volatility rate and a 1.1% risk-free interest rate. The expected volatility rate is based on the historical volatility of a group of peer companies over the most recent period equal to the vesting period, as Veritiv has limited trading history to use the volatility of its own common stock. The risk-free interest rate is based on the yield on U.S. Treasury securities matching the vesting period. Compensation expense is recognized ratably from the grant date to the vesting date.

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , the Company recognized $1.0 million and $3.0 million respectively, in expense related to these awards. As of September 30, 2015 , total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense was $12.6 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.5 years. Unrecognized compensation expense for the 2016 and 2017 tranches of the PCSU awards is estimated based on the Company's closing stock price at September 30, 2015 .
International Paper Incentive Plans

At the time of the Spin-off, all equity awards held by employees of xpedx were granted under International Paper’s 2009 Incentive Compensation Plan or predecessor plans. In conjunction with the Spin-off and Merger, International Paper retained all rights and obligations of these incentive plans. xpedx's stock-based compensation expense and related income tax benefits associated with these International Paper plans were as follows:
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(in millions)
2014
Total stock-based compensation expense
$
4.3

Income tax benefit related to stock-based compensation
$
1.3



16

13. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Legal Proceedings

From time to time, the Company is involved in various lawsuits, claims, and regulatory and administrative proceedings arising out of its business relating to general commercial and contractual matters, governmental regulations, intellectual property rights, labor and employment matters, tax and other actions.

Although the ultimate outcome of any legal proceeding or investigation cannot be predicted with certainty, based on present information, including the Company's assessment of the merits of the particular claim, the Company does not expect that any asserted or unasserted legal claims or proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on its cash flow, results of operations or financial condition.

Escheat Audit

During 2013, Unisource was notified by the State of Delaware that it intended to examine the books and records of Unisource to determine compliance with Delaware escheat laws. Since that date, seven other states have joined with Delaware in the audit process which is conducted by an outside firm on behalf of the states and covers the period from 1986 to present. The Company has been informed that similar audits have generally taken two to four years to complete. The Company has determined that the ultimate outcome of this audit cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. Any claims or liabilities resulting from these audits could have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

14. SEGMENT INFORMATION

The following tables present net sales, Adjusted EBITDA (as defined in Note 12, Equity-Based Incentive Plans ) and certain other measures for each of the reportable segments and total continuing operations for the periods presented:
(in millions)
Print
Publishing
Packaging
Facility Solutions
Corporate & Other
Total
Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
Net sales
$
832.4

$
303.0

$
722.3

$
331.4

$
30.7

$
2,219.8

Adjusted EBITDA
23.2

9.3

59.0

12.7

(43.6
)
60.6

Depreciation and amortization
3.4

0.8

3.3

1.6

4.6

13.7

Restructuring charges
0.3

—

2.6

0.1

—

3.0

Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
Net sales
947.2

338.2

725.0

357.0

22.9

2,390.3

Adjusted EBITDA
20.5

9.2

53.0

15.5

(46.7
)
51.5

Depreciation and amortization
3.7

0.5

4.2

1.8

4.0

14.2

Restructuring charges
—

—

—

—

0.1

0.1

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
Net sales
2,465.6

906.9

2,097.1

965.0

82.4

6,517.0

Adjusted EBITDA
57.1

23.1

156.5

30.2

(137.2
)
129.7

Depreciation and amortization
10.2

2.3

11.1

5.5

13.4

42.5

Restructuring charges
1.9

—

4.0

1.4

1.3

8.6

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
Net sales
2,038.3

715.4

1,529.5

720.6

22.9

5,026.7

Adjusted EBITDA
38.1

16.6

104.4

18.4

(95.7
)
81.8

Depreciation and amortization
6.1

0.6

5.9

2.6

7.9

23.1

Restructuring charges (income)
(0.4
)
—

(0.2
)
(0.5
)
0.1

(1.0
)

17

The table below presents a reconciliation of income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes reflected in the Condensed Consolidated and Combined Statements of Operations to Total Adjusted EBITDA:
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(in millions)
2015
2014
2015
2014
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
$
23.4

$
(24.4
)
$
32.1

$
(10.1
)
Interest expense, net
7.0

6.8

19.8

6.8

Depreciation and amortization
13.7

14.2

42.5

23.1

Restructuring charges (income)
3.0

0.1

8.6

(1.0
)
Non-restructuring stock-based compensation
1.0

—

3.0

4.0

LIFO expense (income)
2.2

(0.5
)
(7.8
)
(0.8
)
Non-restructuring severance charges
0.5

—

1.9

2.4

Merger and integration expenses
8.3

54.8

28.6

56.9

Fair value adjustments on TRA contingent liability
0.3

—

(0.1
)
—

Other
1.2

0.5

1.1

0.5

Total Adjusted EBITDA
$
60.6

$
51.5

$
129.7

$
81.8



18

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Certain statements contained in this report regarding the Company’s future operating results, performance, business plans, prospects, guidance and any other statements not constituting historical fact are "forward-looking statements" subject to the safe harbor created by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Where possible, the words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "should," "will," "would," "planned," "estimated," "potential," "goal," "outlook," "may," "predicts," "could," or the negative of such terms, or other comparable expressions, as they relate to the Company or its management, have been used to identify such forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements reflect only the Company’s current beliefs and assumptions with respect to future operating results, performance, business plans, prospects, guidance and other matters, and are based on information currently available to the Company. Accordingly, the statements are subject to significant risks, uncertainties and contingencies, which could cause the Company’s actual operating results, performance, business plans, prospects or guidance to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these statements.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include risks and other factors described under "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and elsewhere in the Company’s publicly available reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), which contain a discussion of various factors that may affect the Company’s business or financial results. Such risks and other factors, which in some instances are beyond the Company’s control, include: the industry-wide decline in demand for paper and related products; increased competition from existing and non-traditional sources; adverse developments in general business and economic conditions as well as conditions in the global capital and credit markets; foreign currency fluctuations; our ability to collect trade receivables from customers to whom we extend credit; our ability to attract, train and retain highly qualified employees; the effects of work stoppages, union negotiations and union disputes; loss of significant customers; changes in business conditions in our international operations; procurement and other risks in obtaining packaging, paper and facility products from our suppliers for resale to our customers; changes in prices for raw materials; fuel cost increases; inclement weather, anti-terrorism measures and other disruptions to the transportation network; our dependence on a variety of IT and telecommunications systems and the Internet; our reliance on third-party vendors for various services; cyber-security risks; costs to comply with laws, rules and regulations, including environmental, health and safety laws, and to satisfy any liability or obligation imposed under such laws; regulatory changes and judicial rulings impacting our business; adverse results from litigation, governmental investigations or audits, or tax-related proceedings or audits; our inability to renew existing leases on acceptable terms, negotiate rent decreases or concessions and identify affordable real estate; our ability to adequately protect our material intellectual property and other proprietary rights, or to defend successfully against intellectual property infringement claims by third parties; our pension and health care costs and participation in multi-employer plans; increasing interest rates; our ability to generate sufficient cash to service our debt; our ability to comply with the covenants contained in our debt agreements; our ability to refinance or restructure our debt on reasonable terms and conditions as might be necessary from time to time; changes in accounting standards and methodologies; our ability to realize the anticipated synergies, cost savings and growth opportunities from the Merger, our ability to integrate the xpedx business with the Unisource business, the possibility of incurring expenditures in excess of those currently budgeted in connection with the integration, and our limited experience complying with the reporting and other requirements of a publicly traded company, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; and other events of which we are presently unaware or that we currently deem immaterial that may result in unexpected adverse operating results.

For a more detailed discussion of these factors, see the information under the heading "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and in other filings we make with the SEC. Forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. In addition, historical information should not be considered as an indicator of future performance.
The following discussion of the Company’s results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 should be read in conjunction with the Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements and Notes thereto, included elsewhere in this report.

References in the Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements to "International Paper" or "Parent" refer to International Paper Company.


19

Executive Overview

Business Overview

Veritiv Corporation ("Veritiv" or the "Company") is a leading North American business-to-business distributor of print, publishing, packaging, facility and logistics solutions. Established in 2014 following the merger of International Paper's xpedx division ("xpedx") and UWW Holdings, Inc. ("UWWH"), the parent company of Unisource Worldwide, Inc. ("Unisource"), the Company operates from more than 180 distribution centers primarily throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

Veritiv's business is organized under four reportable segments: Print, Publishing, Packaging and Facility Solutions. During 2014, the Company realigned and expanded its reportable segments to include a new Publishing segment. This realignment followed the Company’s merger with UWWH in the third quarter of 2014. This segment structure is consistent with the way the Chief Operating Decision Maker, who is Veritiv's Chief Executive Officer, now makes operating decisions and manages the growth and profitability of the Company’s business. The following summary describes the products and services offered in each of the segments:
•
Print – The Print segment sells and distributes commercial printing, writing, copying, digital, wide format and specialty paper products, graphics consumables and graphics equipment primarily in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. This segment also includes customized paper conversion services of commercial printing paper for distribution to document centers and form printers. Our broad geographic platform of operations coupled with the breadth of paper and graphics products, including our exclusive private brand offerings, provides a foundation to service national, regional and local customers across North America.

•
Publishing – The Publishing segment sells and distributes coated and uncoated commercial printing papers to publishers, retailers, converters, printers and specialty businesses for use in magazines, catalogs, books, directories, gaming, couponing, retail inserts and direct mail. This segment also provides print management, procurement and supply chain management solutions to simplify paper and print procurement processes for our customers.

•
Packaging – The Packaging segment provides standard as well as custom and comprehensive packaging solutions for customers based in North America and in key global markets. The business is strategically focused on higher growth industries including light industrial/general manufacturing, food manufacturing, fulfillment and internet retail, as well as niche verticals based on geographical and functional expertise. Veritiv’s packaging professionals create customer value through supply chain solutions, structural and graphic packaging design and engineering, automation, workflow and equipment services, contract packaging, and kitting and fulfillment.

•
Facility Solutions – The Facility Solutions segment sources and sells cleaning, break-room and other supplies such as towels, tissues, wipers and dispensers, can liners, commercial cleaning chemicals, soaps and sanitizers, sanitary maintenance supplies and equipment, safety and hazard supplies, and shampoos and amenities primarily in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Veritiv is a leading distributor in the Facility Solutions sector of the U.S. economy. Through this segment, we manage a world class network of leading suppliers in most facilities solutions categories. Additionally, we offer total cost of ownership solutions with re-merchandising, budgeting and compliance reporting, inventory management, and a sales-force trained to bring leading vertical expertise to the major North American geographies.

The Company also has a Corporate & Other category which includes certain assets and costs not primarily attributable to any of the reportable segments, as well as the Veritiv logistics solutions business which provides transportation and warehousing solutions.

The Spin-off and Merger

On July 1, 2014 (the "Distribution Date"), International Paper completed the previously announced spin-off of xpedx to the International Paper shareholders (the "Spin-off"), forming a new public company called Veritiv. Immediately following the Spin-off, UWWH merged with and into Veritiv (the "Merger"). Prior to the Distribution Date, Veritiv’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows consisted of only the xpedx business of International Paper and were derived from International Paper’s historical accounting records. The financial results of xpedx have been presented on a carve-out basis through the Distribution Date, while the financial results for Veritiv, post Spin-off, are prepared on a stand-alone basis. As such, the Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 consist of the consolidated results of Veritiv on a stand-alone basis for the three months ended September 30, 2014, and the combined results of operations of xpedx for the six months ended June 30, 2014 on a carve-out basis.

20


For periods prior to the Spin-off, the condensed and combined financial statements include expense allocations for certain functions previously provided by International Paper. See Note 1, Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to the Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements for further information.

Seasonality

The Company’s operating results are subject to seasonal influences.  Historically, our highest consolidated net sales and corresponding Adjusted EBITDA (as defined below) occur during the third quarter while our lowest consolidated net sales and corresponding Adjusted EBITDA occur during the first quarter. Within the Print and Publishing segments, seasonality is driven by increased magazine advertising page counts, retail inserts, catalogs and direct mail primarily due to back-to-school, political election and holiday-related advertising and promotions in the second half of the year.  The Packaging segment net sales tend to increase each quarter throughout the year, and net sales for the first quarter are typically less than net sales for the fourth quarter of the preceding year.  Production schedules for non-durable goods that build up to the holidays and peak in the fourth quarter drive this seasonal net sales pattern.  Net sales for the Facility Solutions segment tend to be highest during the second quarter due to increased summer demand in the away-from-home resort, cruise and hospitality markets and second highest during the third quarter due to back-to-school demand from our customers.

Results of Operations, Including Business Segments

The following discussion compares the consolidated and combined operating results of Veritiv for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 :
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Increase (Decrease)
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Increase (Decrease)
(in millions)
2015
2014
$
%
2015
2014
$
%
Net sales
$
2,219.8

$
2,390.3

$
(170.5
)
(7
)%
$
6,517.0

$
5,026.7

$
1,490.3

30
%
Cost of products sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)
1,825.8

1,987.1

(161.3
)
(8
)%
5,356.0

4,192.2

1,163.8

28
%
Distribution expenses
129.8

138.2

(8.4
)
(6
)%
390.0

289.5

100.5

35
%
Selling and administrative expenses
207.1

212.9

(5.8
)
(3
)%
635.7

469.2

166.5

35
%
Depreciation and amortization
13.7

14.2

(0.5
)
(4
)%
42.5

23.1

19.4

84
%
Merger and integration expenses
8.3

54.8

(46.5
)
(85
)%
28.6

56.9

(28.3
)
(50
)%
Restructuring charges (income)
3.0

0.1

2.9

*

8.6

(1.0
)
9.6

*

Operating income (loss)
32.1

(17.0
)
49.1

*

55.6

(3.2
)
58.8

*

Interest expense, net
7.0

6.8

0.2

3
%
19.8

6.8

13.0

191
%
Other expense, net
1.7

0.6

1.1

183
%
3.7

0.1

3.6

*

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
23.4

(24.4
)
47.8

*

32.1

(10.1
)
42.2

*

Income tax expense (benefit)
8.9

(10.4
)
19.3

*

15.5

(4.6
)
20.1

*

Income (loss) from continuing operations
14.5

(14.0
)
28.5

*

16.6

(5.5
)
22.1

*

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
—

—

—

—

—

(0.1
)
0.1

*

Net income (loss)
$
14.5

$
(14.0
)
$
28.5

*

$
16.6

$
(5.6
)
$
22.2

*

* - not meaningful

21

Net Sales
•
For the three months ended September 30, 2015 , net sales declined by $170.5 million, or 7.1%, due primarily to declines in each of our reportable segments, with the largest decline in the Print segment. See the “Segment Results” section for additional discussion.

•
For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , net sales increased due primarily to the net sales contribution of $1,798.8 million, or 35.8%, from the Merger. Excluding the impact of the Merger, net sales declined by $308.5 million, or 6.1%, due primarily to declines in each of our reportable segments, with the largest decline in the Print segment. See the “Segment Results” section for additional discussion.
Cost of Products Sold
•
For the three months ended September 30, 2015 , cost of products sold decreased by $161.3 million, or 8.1%. The decrease in cost of products sold was primarily driven by a decline in sales as previously discussed.

•
For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , cost of products sold increased due primarily to incremental costs of $1,456.3 million, or 34.7%, attributable to the Merger. This increase was partially offset by a $292.5 million, or 7.0%, decrease in cost of products sold primarily driven by a decline in sales as previously discussed.
Distribution Expenses
•
For the three months ended September 30, 2015 , distribution expenses decreased by $8.4 million, or 6.1%. The decline was driven by (i) a $6.1 million decrease in vehicle operation expenses due to reductions in fuel and third-party freight expenses, (ii) a $1.2 million decrease in wages and benefits, (iii) a $0.8 million decrease in facilities expenses primarily driven by lower lease expenses and (iv) a $0.3 million decrease in various other expenses.
•
For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , distribution expenses increased due primarily to incremental expenses of $121.8 million, or 42.1%, attributable to the Merger. Excluding the impact of the Merger, distribution expenses decreased by $21.3 million, or 7.4%. The decline was driven by (i) a $13.0 million decrease in vehicle operation expenses due primarily to reductions in fuel and third-party freight expenses, (ii) a $3.7 million decrease in wages and benefits, (iii) a $3.1 million decrease in facilities expenses primarily driven by a reduction in lease and utility expenses and (iv) a $1.5 million decrease in various other expenses.
Selling and Administrative Expenses
•
For the three months ended September 30, 2015 , selling and administrative expenses decreased by $5.8 million, or 2.7%. The decrease was primarily attributed to (i) a $6.5 million decrease in personnel costs due to a restructuring of the corporate general and administrative functions, (ii) a $1.4 million decline in bad debt expense, (iii) a $0.9 million decline in facilities expenses, (iv) a $0.7 million decline in travel and entertainment expenses and (v) a $0.5 million decline in various other expenses. These decreases were partially offset by a $4.2 million increase in professional services expense driven by an increase in IT, internal audit, and tax consulting fees.

•
For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , selling and administrative expenses increased due primarily to incremental expenses of $194.7 million, or 41.5%, from the Merger. Excluding the impact of the Merger, selling and administrative expenses decreased by $28.2 million, or 6.0%. The decrease was primarily attributed to (i) a $20.2 million decrease in personnel costs driven primarily by a restructuring of the corporate general and administrative functions, (ii) a $4.6 million benefit related to the removal of International Paper overhead allocations, (iii) a $2.0 million decline in bad debt expense and (iv) a $1.4 million decrease in various other expenses.
Depreciation and Amortization Expenses
•
For the three months ended September 30, 2015 , depreciation and amortization expenses declined $0.5 million, or 3.5%.
•
For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , depreciation and amortization expenses increased primarily due to the Merger.

22

Merger and Integration Expenses
•
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , integration expenses included integration-related professional services and project management costs, retention compensation, information technology conversion costs, rebranding costs and other costs to integrate the combined businesses of xpedx and Unisource. See Note 3, Merger, Integration and Restructuring Charges, to the Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements for a breakdown of the major components of these costs.

•
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 , merger and integration expenses related primarily to third-party fees and costs associated with change-in-control agreements to complete the Merger.
Restructuring Charges
•
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , Veritiv incurred charges related to its North American restructuring program intended to integrate the legacy xpedx and Unisource operations, generate cost savings and capture synergies across the combined company. During the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company initiated the process of consolidating warehouse and customer service locations of the legacy organizations as well as realigning its field and sales management function. Additionally, Veritiv is evaluating its operations outside of North America for cost saving opportunities through restructuring initiatives, which may include the complete exit of a market. As a result, the Company incurred restructuring charges for employee termination benefits, asset impairments and other direct costs. See Note 3, Merger, Integration and Restructuring Charges, to the Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements for additional details. The Company may continue to record restructuring charges in the future as restructuring activities progress.

•
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 , restructuring charges related to xpedx's multi-year restructuring plan.

Interest Expense, Net
•
For the three months ended September 30, 2015 , interest expense, net consisted of (i) $4.8 million of interest expense on the ABL Facility, (ii) $1.1 million for amortization of deferred financing costs related to the ABL Facility and (iii) $1.1 million in miscellaneous interest expense. For the three months ended September 30, 2014, interest expense, net consisted of (i) $4.9 million of interest expense on the ABL Facility, (ii) $1.1 million for amortization of deferred financing costs related to the ABL Facility and (iii) $0.8 million in miscellaneous interest expense.
•
For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , interest expense, net consisted of (i) $13.7 million of interest expense on the ABL Facility, (ii) $3.3 million for amortization of deferred financing costs related to the ABL Facility and (iii) $2.8 million in miscellaneous interest expense. Prior to the Merger, xpedx did not incur any interest expense. The interest expense incurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was incurred after the Distribution Date.

Effective Tax Rate
•
Veritiv's effective tax rate was 38.0% and 42.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and 48.3% and 45.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The difference between the Company’s effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 and the U.S. statutory tax rate of 35.0% primarily relates to the non-recognition of tax benefits on certain losses, non-deductible expenses, state income taxes (net of federal income tax benefit), and adjustments to uncertain tax positions. Additionally, the effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 includes the recognition of U.S. tax benefit with respect to foreign exchange loss on the capitalization of an intercompany loan with the Company's Canadian subsidiary. Over time, the Company estimates its effective tax rate will be approximately 38-40%. However, it may vary significantly due to potential changes in the amount and mix of pre-tax book income and changes in amounts of non-deductible expenses and other items impacting the effective tax rate.


23

Segment Results
Adjusted EBITDA is the primary financial performance measure Veritiv uses to manage its segments, to monitor its results of operations, to measure its compliance with the covenants under the ABL Facility and to incentivize its management. This common metric is intended to align shareholders, debt holders and management. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure and is not an alternative to net income, operating income or any other measure prescribed by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP").
Veritiv uses Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, restructuring charges (income), non-restructuring stock-based compensation expense, LIFO expense (income), non-restructuring severance charges, merger and integration expenses, loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes, fair value adjustments on the contingent liability associated with the Tax Receivable Agreement ("TRA") and certain other adjustments) because Veritiv believes investors commonly use Adjusted EBITDA as a key financial metric for valuing companies such as Veritiv. In addition, the credit agreement governing the ABL Facility permits the Company to exclude these and other charges in calculating Consolidated EBITDA, as defined in the ABL Facility.

Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of Veritiv’s results as reported under GAAP. For example, Adjusted EBITDA:

•
Does not reflect the Company’s income tax expenses or the cash requirements to pay its taxes; and
•
Although depreciation and amortization charges are non-cash charges, it does not reflect that the assets being depreciated and amortized will often have to be replaced in the future, and the foregoing metrics do not reflect any cash requirements for such replacements.

Other companies in the industry may calculate Adjusted EBITDA differently than Veritiv does, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure. Because of these limitations, Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as a measure of discretionary cash available to Veritiv to invest in the growth of its business. Veritiv compensates for these limitations by relying both on the Company's GAAP results and by using Adjusted EBITDA for supplemental purposes. Additionally, Adjusted EBITDA is not an alternative measure of financial performance under GAAP and therefore should be considered in conjunction with net income and other performance measures such as operating income or net cash provided by operating activities and not as an alternative to such GAAP measures.

Due to the shared nature of the distribution network, distribution charges are not a direct charge to each segment but are allocated to each segment based primarily on operational metrics that correlate with changes in volume. Accordingly, distribution expenses allocated to each segment are highly interdependent on the results of other segments. Lower volume in any segment that is not offset by a reduction in distribution expenses can result in the other segments absorbing a larger share of distribution expenses. Conversely, higher volume in any segment can result in the other segments absorbing a smaller share of distribution expenses. The impact of this at the segment level is that the changes in distribution expense trends may not correspond with volume trends within a particular segment.

The Company believes that the decline in demand for paper and related products is due to the widespread use of electronic media and permanent product substitution, more e-commerce, less print advertising, fewer catalogs and a reduced volume of direct mail, and other factors. This trend is expected to continue and will place continued pressure on the Company’s revenues and profit margins and make it more difficult to maintain or grow Adjusted EBITDA within the Print and Publishing segments.

24

Included in the following table are net sales and Adjusted EBITDA for each of the reportable segments reconciled to the combined totals:
(in millions)
Print
Publishing
Packaging
Facility Solutions
Corporate & Other
Total
Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
Net sales
$
832.4

$
303.0

$
722.3

$
331.4

$
30.7

$
2,219.8

Adjusted EBITDA
$
23.2

$
9.3

$
59.0

$
12.7

$
(43.6
)
$
60.6

Adjusted EBITDA as a % of net sales
2.8
%
3.1
%
8.2
%
3.8
%
*

2.7
%
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
Net sales
$
947.2

$
338.2

$
725.0

$
357.0

$
22.9

$
2,390.3

Adjusted EBITDA
$
20.5

$
9.2

$
53.0

$
15.5

$
(46.7
)
$
51.5

Adjusted EBITDA as a % of net sales
2.2
%
2.7
%
7.3
%
4.3
%
*

2.2
%
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
Net sales
$
2,465.6

$
906.9

$
2,097.1

$
965.0

$
82.4

$
6,517.0

Adjusted EBITDA
$
57.1

$
23.1

$
156.5

$
30.2

$
(137.2
)
$
129.7

Adjusted EBITDA as a % of net sales
2.3
%
2.5
%
7.5
%
3.1
%
*

2.0
%
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
Net sales
$
2,038.3

$
715.4

$
1,529.5

$
720.6

$
22.9

$
5,026.7

Adjusted EBITDA
$
38.1

$
16.6

$
104.4

$
18.4

$
(95.7
)
$
81.8

Adjusted EBITDA as a % of net sales
1.9
%
2.3
%
6.8
%
2.6
%
*

1.6
%
* - not meaningful
The table below provides a reconciliation of Veritiv’s net income determined in accordance with GAAP to Adjusted EBITDA for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 .
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
(in millions)
2015
2014
2015
2014
Net income (loss)
$
14.5

$
(14.0
)
$
16.6

$
(5.6
)
Interest expense, net
7.0

6.8

19.8

6.8

Income tax expense (benefit)
8.9

(10.4
)
15.5

(4.6
)
Depreciation and amortization
13.7

14.2

42.5

23.1

EBITDA
44.1

(3.4
)
94.4

19.7

Restructuring charges (income)
3.0

0.1

8.6

(1.0
)
Non-restructuring stock-based compensation
1.0

—

3.0

4.0

LIFO expense (income)
2.2

(0.5
)
(7.8
)
(0.8
)
Non-restructuring severance charges
0.5

—

1.9

2.4

Merger and integration expenses
8.3

54.8

28.6

56.9

Fair value adjustments on TRA contingent liability
0.3

—

(0.1
)
—

Other
1.2

0.5

1.1

0.5

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
—

—

—

0.1

Adjusted EBITDA
$
60.6

$
51.5

$
129.7

$
81.8

Net sales
$
2,219.8

$
2,390.3

$
6,517.0

$
5,026.7

Adjusted EBITDA as a % of net sales
2.7
%
2.2
%
2.0
%
1.6
%


25

Print

The table below presents selected data with respect to the Print segment:
Three Months Ended September 30,
2015 vs. 2014
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2015 vs. 2014
(in millions)
2015
2014
Increase (Decrease) %
2015
2014
Increase (Decrease) %
Net sales
$
832.4

$
947.2

(12.1
)%
$
2,465.6

$
2,038.3

21.0
%
Adjusted EBITDA
$
23.2

$
20.5

13.2
%
$
57.1

$
38.1

49.9
%
Adjusted EBITDA as a % of net sales
2.8
%
2.2
%
2.3
%
1.9
%

The table below presents the components of the net sales change compared to the prior year:
Increase (Decrease) %
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2015 vs. 2014
2015 vs. 2014
Volume
(11.6
)%
(11.3
)%
Foreign currency
(1.1
)%
(0.6
)%
Price/Mix
0.6
%
0.7
%
Merger
—
%
32.2
%
(12.1
)%
21.0
%

Comparison of the Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014

The net sales decrease is primarily attributable to the continued erosion in sales volume from the secular decline in the paper industry as well as strategic customer choices made earlier in the year.

Adjusted EBITDA increased by $2.7 million. The improvement was driven primarily by (i) a $4.9 million increase from improved product mix, (ii) a $4.9 million decline in distribution expenses due to lower sales volume, (iii) a $4.3 million decline in personnel costs, (iv) a $1.6 million decline in bad debt expense and (v) a $2.1 million decrease in various other expenses. These improvements were partially offset by a $15.1 million reduction from the decline in sales volume.

Comparison of the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014
The net sales increase is due primarily to the net sales contribution of $656.9 million from the Merger. This increase was partially offset by an 11.2% decrease in the underlying net sales which was primarily attributable to the continued erosion in sales volume due to the secular decline in the paper industry and strategic decisions previously discussed.

The Merger contributed $2.5 million to Adjusted EBITDA. Excluding the Merger, Adjusted EBITDA increased by $16.5 million. The improvement was driven primarily by (i) a $15.5 million decrease in personnel costs, (ii) a $14.3 million decrease in distribution expenses due to lower sales volume, (iii) a $12.6 million increase from improved product mix, (iv) a $3.0 million decrease in sales training programs and related project spend and (v) a $3.6 million decrease in various other expenses. These improvements were partially offset by a $32.5 million reduction from the decline in sales volume.


26

Publishing

The table below presents selected data with respect to the Publishing segment:
Three Months Ended September 30,
2015 vs. 2014
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2015 vs. 2014
(in millions)
2015
2014
Increase (Decrease) %
2015
2014
Increase (Decrease) %
Net sales
$
303.0

$
338.2

(10.4
)%
$
906.9

$
715.4

26.8
%
Adjusted EBITDA
$
9.3

$
9.2

1.1
%
$
23.1

$
16.6

39.2
%
Adjusted EBITDA as a % of net sales
3.1
%
2.7
%
2.5
%
2.3
%

The table below presents the components of the net sales change compared to the prior year:
Increase (Decrease) %
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2015 vs. 2014
2015 vs. 2014
Volume
(9.1
)%
(5.4
)%
Foreign currency
(0.3
)%
(0.1
)%
Price/Mix
(1.0
)%
(0.3
)%
Merger
—
%
32.6
%
(10.4
)%
26.8
%

Comparison of the Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014
The net sales decrease is primarily attributable to the continued erosion in sales volume due to the secular decline in the paper industry and reduced sales to several key accounts in the retail, magazine and catalog sectors.

Adjusted EBITDA increased by $0.1 million. Improvements were driven by (i) a $1.8 million increase from improved product mix and (ii) a $0.9 million decrease in personnel expenses. These improvements were partially offset by (i) a $2.4 million reduction from the decline in sales volume and (ii) a $0.2 million increase in various other expenses.

Comparison of the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014
The net sales increase is due primarily to the net sales contribution of $232.7 million from the Merger. Excluding the Merger, net sales decreased 5.8% due to continued erosion in sales volume due to the secular decline in the paper industry.

The Merger contributed $6.4 million to Adjusted EBITDA. Excluding the Merger, Adjusted EBITDA increased by $0.1 million. Improvements were driven by (i) a $2.3 million decrease in personnel costs, (ii) a $0.6 million increase from improved product mix and (iii) a $0.2 million decrease in distribution expenses. These improvements were partially offset by (i) a $2.4 million reduction from the decline in sales volume and (ii) a $0.6 million increase in various other expenses.

27

Packaging

The table below presents selected data with respect to the Packaging segment:
Three Months Ended September 30,
2015 vs. 2014
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2015 vs. 2014
(in millions)
2015
2014
Increase (Decrease) %
2015
2014
Increase (Decrease) %
Net sales
$
722.3

$
725.0

(0.4
)%
$
2,097.1

$
1,529.5

37.1
%
Adjusted EBITDA
$
59.0

$
53.0

11.3
%
$
156.5

$
104.4

49.9
%
Adjusted EBITDA as a % of net sales
8.2
%
7.3
%
7.5
%
6.8
%

The table below presents the components of the net sales change compared to the prior year:
Increase (Decrease) %
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2015 vs. 2014
2015 vs. 2014
Volume
0.1
%
(0.1
)%
Foreign currency
(2.0
)%
(1.3
)%
Price/Mix
1.5
%
1.2
%
Merger
—
%
37.3
%
(0.4
)%
37.1
%
Comparison of the Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014
Excluding the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, net sales would have increased 1.6% due to increases in corrugated and cushioning product sales.

Adjusted EBITDA increased by $6.0 million due to (i) a $7.5 million improvement in product mix, (ii) a $1.8 million decline in distribution expenses due to lower fuel prices and (iii) a $0.2 improvement from increased sales volume. These improvements were partially offset by a $3.2 million increase in selling and administrative personnel costs and a $0.3 million increase in various other expenses.

Comparison of the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014
The net sales increase is due primarily to the net sales contribution of $570.7 million from the Merger. Excluding the Merger, net sales decreased by 0.2%. Excluding the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates and the Merger, net sales would have increased 1.1% due to increases in corrugated and cushioning product sales.

Adjusted EBITDA increased by $43.1 million as a result of the Merger. Excluding the Merger, Adjusted EBITDA increased by $9.0 million due to (i) a $15.1 million improvement in product mix that was partially driven by procurement synergies, (ii) a $0.6 million decrease in distribution expenses primarily attributable to a decrease in third-party freight expense from reductions in fuel prices and (iii) a $0.7 million decrease in various other expenses. These improvements were partially offset by (i) a $7.0 million increase in selling and administrative personnel costs and (ii) a $0.4 million decrease from the decline in sales volume.


28

Facility Solutions
The table below presents selected data with respect to the Facility Solutions segment.
Three Months Ended September 30,
2015 vs. 2014
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2015 vs. 2014
(in millions)
2015
2014
Increase (Decrease) %
2015
2014
Increase (Decrease) %
Net sales
$
331.4

$
357.0

(7.2
)%
$
965.0

$
720.6

33.9
%
Adjusted EBITDA
$
12.7

$
15.5

(18.1
)%
$
30.2

$
18.4

64.1
%
Adjusted EBITDA as a % of net sales
3.8
%
4.3
%
3.1
%
2.6
%

The table below presents the components of the net sales change compared to the prior year:
Increase (Decrease) %
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2015 vs. 2014
2015 vs. 2014
Volume
(4.0
)%
(4.6
)%
Foreign currency
(3.5
)%
(1.8
)%
Price/Mix
0.3
%
0.4
%
Merger
—
%
39.9
%
(7.2
)%
33.9
%
Comparison of the Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014
Excluding the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, net sales would have been down 3.7% primarily due to the loss of two large customers.
Adjusted EBITDA decreased by $2.8 million. The decline was driven by (i) a $3.2 million decrease from the decline in sales volume, (ii) a $1.3 million product mix decline and (iii) a $0.9 million increase in various other expenses. These decreases were partially offset by a $2.6 million decline in distribution expenses that was mainly attributable to the decline in sales volume.

Comparison of the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014
The net sales increase is due primarily to the net sales contribution of $288.0 million from the Merger. Excluding the Merger, net sales decreased by 6.0%. Excluding the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates and the Merger, net sales would have decreased 4.2%, primarily due to the loss of four large customers.
Adjusted EBITDA increased by $12.3 million as a result of the Merger. Excluding the Merger, Adjusted EBITDA decreased by $0.5 million. Approximately $7.5 million of the decrease was due to the reduction in sales volume, which was partially offset by a $7.0 million decrease in distribution expenses attributable to the decline in sales volume.

Corporate & Other

Comparison of the Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014
Net sales increased $7.8 million, or 34.1%, due to continued growth in logistics services. The growth in logistics services revenue was driven by an increase in freight brokerage sales.
Adjusted EBITDA increased by $3.1 million, primarily driven by (i) a $7.1 million decrease in personnel expenses from restructuring initiatives and (ii) a $1.8 million increase due to higher logistics services sales. These improvements were partially offset by (i) a $4.0 million increase in professional services expense in IT, internal audit and tax consulting fees, (ii) a $0.9 million increase in distribution expenses due to higher logistics services volume and (iii) a $0.9 million increase in various other expenses.


29

Comparison of the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 and September 30, 2014
Net sales increased $59.5 million, or 259.8%, due to nine months of sales activity in 2015 compared to three months in 2014, along with continued growth in logistics services as previously mentioned. Net sales recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 were recognized after the Distribution Date.
Adjusted EBITDA decreased by $49.8 million as a result of the Merger. Excluding the Merger, Adjusted EBITDA improved by $8.3 million. This improvement was attributable to (i) a $9.6 million decrease in personnel expenses from restructuring initiatives, (ii) a $4.6 million reduction in allocated expenses from International Paper and (iii) a $1.8 million increase due to higher logistics services sales. These improvements were partially offset by (i) a $2.6 million increase in software maintenance expenses, (ii) a $2.4 million increase in outsourced services driven by the outsourcing of payroll services and (iii) a $2.7 million increase in various other expenses.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The cash requirements of the Company are provided by cash flows from operations and borrowings under the ABL Facility. The following table sets forth a summary of cash flows:
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)
2015
2014
Net cash provided by (used for):
Operating activities
$
130.5

$
28.5

Investing activities
(34.0
)
36.4

Financing activities
(99.2
)
(10.8
)
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities increased by $102.0 million compared to the prior year. The improvement resulted from a $69.9 million increase in net earnings after adjusting for non-cash items such as depreciation and amortization and a $31.0 million improvement in changes in operating assets and liabilities. The primary changes in operating assets and liabilities are due to the following: (i) the change in accounts receivable resulting primarily from a decline in sales volume; (ii) the change in inventory primarily because of an inventory build-up during the transition period as the Company consolidates vendors; and (iii) the change in accounts payable primarily due to a favorable increase in accounts payable days that more than offset any reductions from the decline in volume.

Investing Activities
For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , net cash used for investing activities primarily relates to $23.2 million of integration-related capital expenditures and $11.0 million of ordinary capital expenditures. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 , net cash provided by investing activities primarily relates to $37.0 million of net cash acquired from the Merger and $4.8 million of proceeds from asset sales, partially offset by $5.7 million of capital expenditures. Ordinary capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $20.0 million in 2015, with another $30.0 million to $40.0 million of integration-related capital expenditures during 2015.

Financing Activities
Net cash used for financing activities increased $88.4 million compared to the prior year. The current year activity includes $71.0 million of net repayments of long-term debt while the prior year period included $465.7 million of net cash transfers to Parent, partially offset by $471.7 million of net proceeds from the ABL Facility. The net repayments of long-term debt were funded by cash flows from operations.

Funding and Liquidity Strategy

Availability under the ABL Facility is determined based upon a monthly borrowing base calculation which includes eligible customer receivables and inventory, less outstanding borrowings, letters of credit and certain designated reserves. As of September 30, 2015 , the available additional borrowing capacity under the ABL Facility was approximately $448.3 million .

Veritiv's ability to fund its capital needs will depend on its ongoing ability to generate cash from operations and borrowings under the ABL Facility. If Veritiv's cash flows from operating activities are lower than expected, the Company will need to borrow under the ABL Facility and may need to incur additional debt or issue additional equity. Although management

30

believes that the arrangements currently in place will permit Veritiv to finance its operations on acceptable terms and conditions, the Company’s access to, and the availability of, financing on acceptable terms and conditions in the future will be impacted by many factors, including (i) the liquidity of the overall capital markets and (ii) the current state of the economy.

Veritiv's management expects that the Company's primary future cash needs will be for working capital, capital expenditures, contractual commitments and strategic investments. Additionally, management expects that cash provided by operating activities and available capacity under the ABL Facility will provide sufficient funds to operate the business and meet other liquidity needs.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Veritiv does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as of September 30, 2015 , other than operating lease obligations and the letters of credit under the ABL Facility. The Company does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a material current or future effect on its financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

Contractual Obligations

There have been no material changes to our contractual obligations from those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 .

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
There have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies and estimates from those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 .
Recently Issued Accounting Standards

See Note 1, Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to the Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements for information regarding recently issued accounting standards.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

There have been no material changes in market risk from the information provided in Item 7A "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 .

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance, not absolute assurance, of achieving the desired control objectives. Based on such evaluation, such officers have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective at the reasonable assurance level.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The SEC, as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, adopted rules that generally require every company that files reports with the SEC to evaluate its effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Due to a transition period established by SEC rules applicable to newly public companies, our management is not required to evaluate the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting until the filing of our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K. As a result, this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q does not address whether there have been any changes in our internal control over financial reporting.


31

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Refer to Note 13, Commitments and Contingencies, to the Condensed Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 .

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

See Exhibit Index.

32

SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements 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.
VERITIV CORPORATION
(Registrant)
Date:
November 12, 2015
By: /s/ Stephen J. Smith
Name: Stephen J. Smith
Title: Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
Date:
November 12, 2015
By: /s/ W. Forrest Bell
Name: W. Forrest Bell
Title: Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)




33

EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No.
Description
31.1*
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of the Chief Executive Officer.
31.2*
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of the Chief Financial Officer.
32.1*
Section 1350 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer.
32.2*
Section 1350 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer.
101.INS*
XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCH*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
101.LAB*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
* Filed herewith


34
TABLE OF CONTENTS