ACCO Brands
Annual Report 2015

Plain-text annual report

UNITED STATESSECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSIONWashington, D.C. 20549 ___________________________________________________________Form 10-KþANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF1934For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2015¨TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF1934For the transition period from to Commission File Number 001-08454ACCO Brands Corporation(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)Delaware 36-2704017(State or Other Jurisdictionof Incorporation or Organization) (I.R.S. EmployerIdentification Number)Four Corporate DriveLake Zurich, Illinois 60047(Address of Registrant’s Principal Executive Office, Including Zip Code)(847) 541-9500(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:Title of Each Class Name of Each Exchange on Which RegisteredCommon Stock, par value $.01 per share New York Stock ExchangeSecurities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:NoneIndicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.Yes ¨ No þIndicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ¨ No þIndicate 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 1934during 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 filingrequirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No ¨Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data Filerequired to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant wasrequired to submit and post such files). Yes þ No ¨Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to thebest of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to thisForm 10-K. þIndicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company (asdefined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).Large accelerated filer þ Accelerated filer ¨ Non-accelerated filer ¨ 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 þAs of June 30, 2015, the aggregate market value of the shares of Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $715.9million. As of February 10, 2016, the registrant had outstanding 105,658,596 shares of Common Stock.DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCEPortions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement to be issued in connection with registrant’s annual stockholder’s meeting expected to be held onMay 10, 2016 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsCertain statements made in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the SecuritiesExchange Act of 1934, as amended. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statementscontained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and are including this statement for purposes of invoking these safe harbor provisions.These forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe future plans, strategies and expectations of ACCO BrandsCorporation (the "Company"), are generally identifiable by use of the words "will," "believe," "expect," "intend," "anticipate," "estimate," "forecast,""project," "plan," or similar expressions. In particular, our business outlook is based on certain assumptions, which we believe to be reasonable under thecircumstances. These include, without limitation, assumptions regarding changes in the macro environment, fluctuations in foreign currency rates, changesin the competitive landscape and consumer behavior and the effect of consolidation in the office products industry, as well as other factors describedbelow.Our ability to predict results or the actual effect of future plans or strategies is inherently uncertain. Because actual results may differ from thosepredicted by such forward-looking statements, you should not place undue reliance on them when deciding whether to buy, sell or hold the Company’ssecurities. Our forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and we undertake no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in thefuture.Some of the factors that could affect our results or cause plans, actions and results to differ materially from current expectations are detailed in "PartI, Item 1. Business" and "Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors" and the financial statement line item discussions set forth in "Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussionand Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and from time to time in our other Securities andExchange Commission (the "SEC") filings.Website Access to Securities and Exchange Commission ReportsThe Company’s Internet website can be found at www.accobrands.com. The Company makes available free of charge on or through its website itsAnnual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant toSection 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as soon as practicable after the Company files them with, or furnishes them to, the SEC. We alsomake available the following documents on our Internet website: the Audit Committee Charter; the Compensation Committee Charter; the CorporateGovernance and Nominating Committee Charter; the Finance and Planning Committee Charter; the Executive Committee Charter; our CorporateGovernance Principles; and our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. The Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics applies to all of our directors,officers (including the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) and employees. You may obtain a copy of any ofthe foregoing documents, free of charge, if you submit a written request to ACCO Brands Corporation, Four Corporate Drive, Lake Zurich, IL. 60047, Attn:Investor Relations.TABLE OF CONTENTSPART I ITEM 1.Business1ITEM 1A.Risk Factors6ITEM 1B.Unresolved Staff Comments15ITEM 2.Properties16ITEM 3.Legal Proceedings16ITEM 4.Mine Safety Disclosures17PART II ITEM 5.Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities18ITEM 6.Selected Financial Data20ITEM 7.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations23ITEM 7A.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk40ITEM 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data42ITEM 9.Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure93ITEM 9A.Controls and Procedures93ITEM 9B.Other Information93PART III ITEM 10.Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance94ITEM 11.Executive Compensation94ITEM 12.Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters94ITEM 13.Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence94ITEM 14.Principal Accountant Fees and Services95PART IV ITEM 15.Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules96 Signatures102PART IITEM 1. BUSINESSAs used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, the terms "ACCO Brands," "ACCO," the "Company," "we,""us," and "our" refer to ACCO Brands Corporation, a Delaware corporation incorporated in 2005, and its consolidated domestic and international subsidiaries.Overview of the CompanyACCO Brands is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of office, school and calendar products and select computer and electronic accessories.More than 80% of our net sales come from brands that occupy the number one or number two positions in the select markets in which we compete. We seek todevelop new products that meet the needs of our consumers and commercial end-users. We compete through a balance of product innovation, categorymanagement, a low-cost operating model and an efficient supply chain. We sell our products to consumers and commercial end-users primarily throughresellers, including traditional office supply resellers, wholesalers and retailers, including on-line retailers. Our products are sold primarily to markets locatedin the U.S., Northern Europe, Brazil, Canada, Australia and Mexico. For the year ended December 31, 2015, approximately 40% of our sales were outside theU.S.The majority of our revenue is concentrated in geographies where demand for our product categories is in mature stages, but we see opportunities togrow sales through share gains, channel expansion and new products. Over the long-term we expect to derive growth in faster growing emerging geographieswhere demand in the product categories in which we compete is strong, such as in Latin America and parts of Asia, the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Weplan to grow organically supplemented by strategic acquisitions in both existing and adjacent categories. Historically, key drivers of demand for office andschool products have included trends in white-collar employment levels, education enrollment levels, gross domestic product (GDP), growth in the number ofsmall businesses and home offices, as well as consumer usage trends for our product categories.We believe our leading product positions provide the scale to enable us to invest in product innovation and drive growth across our product categories.We currently manufacture approximately half of our products locally where we operate, and source approximately half of our products, primarily from China.On May 1, 2012, we completed the merger (the "Merger") of the Mead Consumer and Office Products Business ("Mead C&OP") with a wholly-ownedsubsidiary of the Company.Reportable SegmentsThe Company's three business segments are described below.ACCO Brands North America and ACCO Brands InternationalACCO Brands North America and ACCO Brands International manufacture, source and sell traditional office products, school supplies and calendarproducts. ACCO Brands North America comprises the U.S. and Canada, and ACCO Brands International comprises the rest of the world, primarily NorthernEurope, Brazil, Australia and Mexico.Our office, school and calendar product lines use name brands such as AT-A-GLANCE®, Day-Timer®, Five Star®, GBC®, Hilroy, Marbig, Mead®, NOBO,Quartet®, Rexel, Swingline®, Tilibra, Wilson Jones® and many others. Products and brands are not confined to one channel or product category and are soldbased on end-user preference in each geographic location.The majority of our office products, such as stapling, binding and laminating equipment and related consumable supplies, shredders and whiteboards,are used by businesses. Most of these end-users purchase their products from our customers, which include traditional office supply resellers, wholesalers andother retailers, including on-line retailers. We also supply some of our products directly to large commercial and industrial end-users, and provide businessmachine maintenance and certain repair services. Additionally, we also supply private label products within the office products sector.Our school products include notebooks, folders, decorative calendars and stationery products. We distribute our school products primarily through massmerchandisers, and other retailers, such as grocery, drug and office superstores as well as on-line retailers. We also supply private label products within theschool products sector.1Our calendar products are sold through all the same channels where we sell office or school products, as well as directly to consumers both on-line andthrough direct mail.Our customers are primarily large global and regional resellers of our products including traditional office supply resellers, wholesalers and otherretailers, including on-line retailers. Mass merchandisers and retail channels primarily sell to individual consumers but also to small businesses. We also sellto commercial contract dealers, wholesalers, distributors and independent dealers who primarily serve business end-users. Over half of our product sales byour customers are to business end-users, who generally seek premium products that have added value or ease-of-use features and a reputation for reliability,performance and professional appearance. Some of our binding and laminating equipment products are sold directly to high-volume end-users andcommercial reprographic centers. We also sell calendar and computer products directly to consumers.Computer Products GroupOur Computer Products Group designs, sources, distributes, markets and sells accessories for laptop and desktop computers and tablets. Theseaccessories primarily include security products, input devices such as presenters, mice and trackballs, ergonomic aids such as foot and wrist rests, dockingstations, and other PC and tablet accessories. We sell these products mostly under the Kensington®, Microsaver® and ClickSafe® brand names, with themajority of revenue coming from the U.S. and Northern Europe. Our computer products are manufactured by third-party suppliers, principally in Asia, and aredistributed from our regional facilities. Our computer products are sold primarily to consumer electronics retailers, information technology value-addedresellers, original equipment manufacturers, and office products retailers, as well as directly to consumers on-line.For further information on our business segments see "Note 15. Information on Business Segments" to the consolidated financial statements containedin Part II, Item 8. of this report.Customers/CompetitionOur sales are generated principally in the U.S., Northern Europe, Brazil, Canada, Australia and Mexico. For the year ended December 31, 2015,approximately 40% of our net sales were outside the U.S. Our top ten customers accounted for 55% of net sales for the year ended December 31, 2015. Salesto Staples, our largest customer, amounted to approximately 14%, 13% and 13% of net sales for each of the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013respectively. Sales to Office Depot, our second largest customer, amounted to approximately 10% and 11% of net sales for each of the years endedDecember 31, 2015 and 2014 respectively. See also "Item 1A. Risk Factors - Our business serves a limited number of large and sophisticated customers, anda substantial reduction in sales to one or more of these customers could adversely impact our operating results," and "Item 7. Management's Discussion andAnalysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."Our customer base is primarily made up of large global and regional resellers of our products including traditional office supply resellers, wholesalersand other retailers, including on-line retailers. Mass merchandisers and retail channels primarily sell to individual consumers but also to small businesses. Wealso sell to commercial contract dealers, wholesalers, distributors and independent dealers who primarily serve business end-users. Over half of our productsales by our customers are to business end-users, who generally seek premium products that have added value or ease-of-use features and a reputation forreliability, performance and professional appearance. Some of our binding and laminating equipment products are sold directly to high-volume end-users andcommercial reprographic centers. We also sell calendar and computer products directly to consumers.Our customers have steadily consolidated over the last two decades. In late 2013, two of our large customers, Office Depot and OfficeMax, completedtheir merger. Since their merger, the combined company has taken actions to harmonize pricing from its suppliers, close retail outlets and rationalize itssupply chain, which have negatively impacted, and will continue to negatively impact, our sales and margins. In early 2015, Staples, our largest customer,announced an agreement to acquire Office Depot; in the fourth quarter of 2015, the United States Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") sued to block theproposed merger. Staples and Office Depot have stated they intend to contest the FTC's challenge. A hearing on the preliminary injunction sought by theFTC is scheduled to begin in March 2016. Together these two customers accounted for approximately 24% of our 2015 net sales.Historically, office product superstores have maintained a significant market share in office, school and dated goods. More recently, new outlets,including mass merchandisers, drug store chains and on-line retailers, have surfaced as meaningful competitors to the office products superstores and aresuccessfully taking market share from office product superstores in many of our product categories, especially with consumers and small businesses.Other current trends among our customers include fostering high levels of competition among suppliers, demanding innovative new products andrequiring suppliers to maintain or reduce product prices and deliver products with shorter lead times and in smaller quantities. Another trend is for retailers toimport products directly from foreign sources and sell those products,2which compete with our products, under the retailer's own private-label brands. Our increased focus on the mass channel and sales growth with on-lineretailers has helped to partially offset declines in the office superstore channel due to consolidation and channel shifts. The combination of these marketinfluences, along with a continuing trend of consolidation among resellers, has created an intensely competitive environment in which our principalcustomers continuously evaluate which product suppliers they use. This results in pricing pressures and the need for stronger end-user brands, broaderproduct penetration within categories, ongoing introduction of innovative new products and continuing improvements in customer service. See also "Item1A. Risk Factors - Our customers may further consolidate, which could adversely impact our sales and margins," "- Shifts in the channels of distribution forour products could adversely impact our business," "- Challenges related to the highly competitive business segments in which we operate could have anadverse effect on our ongoing business, results of operation and financial condition," "- Our success partially depends on our ability to continue to developand market innovative products that meet end-user demands, including price expectations," and "- The market for products sold by our Computer ProductsGroup is rapidly changing and highly competitive."Competitors of our ACCO Brands North America and ACCO Brands International segments include 3M, Blue Sky, Carolina Pad, CCL Industries,Dominion Blueline, Esselte, Fellowes, Franklin Covey, Hamelin, House of Doolittle, Newell Rubbermaid, RR Donnelley, Smead, Spiral Binding andnumerous private label suppliers and importers. Competitors of the Computer Products Group include Belkin, Fellowes, Logitech, Targus and Zagg.Certain financial information for each of our business segments and geographic regions is incorporated by reference to "Note 15. Information onBusiness Segments" to the consolidated financial statements contained in Part II, Item 8. of this report.Product Development and Product Line RationalizationOur strong commitment to understanding our consumers and defining products that fulfill their needs drives our product development strategy, whichwe believe is and will continue to be a key contributor to our success. Our new products are developed from our own consumer understanding, our ownresearch and development or through partnership initiatives with inventors and vendors. Costs related to consumer research and product research when paiddirectly by ACCO Brands are included in marketing costs and research and development expenses, respectively. Research and development expensesamounted to $20.0 million, $20.2 million and $22.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. As a percentage of sales,research and development expenses were 1.3%, 1.2% and 1.3% for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. See also "Item 1A. RiskFactors - Our success partially depends on our ability to continue to develop and market innovative products that meet end-user demands, including priceexpectations."We consistently review our businesses and product offerings, assess their strategic fit and seek opportunities to divest nonstrategic businesses andrationalize our product offerings. The criteria we use in assessing the strategic fit include: the ability to increase sales for the business; the ability to createstrong, differentiated brands; the importance of the business to key customers; the business's relationship with existing product lines; the impact of thebusiness to the market; and the business's actual and potential impact on our operating performance. As a result of this review process, during 2014, we madea strategic decision that resulted in the loss of low-margin retail bindery business related to a large customer in the North America segment and repositionedthe Computer Products Group by shifting our focus away from certain commoditized tablet accessories. These decisions continued to impact us in 2015. Seealso "Part II. Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."Raw MaterialsThe primary materials used in the manufacturing of many of our products are paper, plastics, resin, polyester and polypropylene substrates, steel, wood,aluminum, melamine, zinc and cork. These materials are available from a number of suppliers, and we are not dependent upon any single supplier for any ofthese materials. Based on our experience, we believe that adequate quantities of these materials will be available in the foreseeable future. See also "Item 1A.Risk Factors - Risks associated with currency volatility could adversely affect our sales, profitability, cash flow and results of operations," and "-Fluctuation in the costs of raw materials, labor and transportation and changes in international shipping capacity as well as issues affecting portavailability and efficiency, such as labor strikes, could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition."SupplyOur products are either manufactured or sourced to ensure that we supply our customers with appropriate customer service, quality products, innovativesolutions and attractive pricing. We have built a customer-focused business model with a flexible supply chain to ensure that these factors are appropriatelybalanced. Using a combination of manufacturing and third-party sourcing also enables us to reduce our costs and effectively manage our production assets bylowering capital investment and working3capital requirements. Our strategy is to manufacture locally those products that would incur a relatively high freight and/or duty expense or have high serviceneeds and source those products that have a high proportion of direct labor cost. We currently manufacture approximately half of our products locally wherewe operate, and source the remaining half. Low-cost sourcing primarily comes from China, but we also source from other Far Eastern countries and EasternEurope.SeasonalityHistorically, our business has experienced higher sales and earnings in the third and fourth quarters of the calendar year. Two principal factorscontribute to this seasonality: (1) the office products industry, its customers and ACCO Brands specifically are major suppliers of products related to the"back-to-school" season, which occurs principally from June through September for our North American business and from November through February forour Australian and Brazilian businesses; and (2) several products we sell lend themselves to calendar year-end purchase timing, including AT-A-GLANCE®and Day-Timer® planners, paper organization and storage products (including bindery) and Kensington computer accessories, which have higher sales in thefourth quarter driven by traditionally strong fourth-quarter sales of personal computers and tablets. As a result, we have generated, and expect to continue togenerate, most of our earnings in the second half of the year and much of our cash flow in the first, third and fourth quarters as receivables are collected.Sales Percentages by Fiscal Quarter 2015 20141st Quarter 19% 20%2nd Quarter 26% 25%3rd Quarter 28% 28%4th Quarter 27% 27% 100% 100%See also "Item 1A. Risk Factors - Our business is subject to risks associated with seasonality, which could adversely affect our cash flow, results ofoperations and financial condition."Intellectual PropertyWe have many patents, trademarks, brand names and trade names that are, in the aggregate, important to our business. The loss of any individual patentor license, however, would not be material to us taken as a whole. Many of ACCO Brands' trademarks are only important in particular geographic markets orregions. Our principal registered trademarks are: ACCO®, AT-A-GLANCE®, ClickSafe®, Day-Timer®, Five Star®, GBC®, Hilroy, Kensington®, Marbig,Mead®, MicroSaver® NOBO, Quartet®, Rexel, Swingline®, Tilibra, and Wilson Jones®. See also "Item 1A. Risk Factors - Our inability to secure, protect andmaintain rights to intellectual property could have an adverse impact on our business."Environmental MattersWe are subject to national, state, provincial and/or local environmental laws and regulations concerning the discharge of materials into the environmentand the handling, disposal and clean-up of waste materials and otherwise relating to the protection of the environment. It is not possible to quantify withcertainty the potential impact of actions regarding environmental matters, particularly remediation and other compliance efforts that we may undertake in thefuture. In the opinion of our management, compliance with the present environmental protection laws, before taking into account estimated recoveries fromthird parties, will not have a material adverse effect upon our capital expenditures, financial condition and results of operations or competitive position. Seealso "Item 1A. Risk Factors - We are subject to global environmental regulation and environmental risks, product content and product safety laws andregulations as well as laws, regulations and self-regulatory requirements relating to privacy and data security."EmployeesAs of December 31, 2015, we had approximately 5,020 full-time and part-time employees. There have been no strikes or material labor disputes at anyof our facilities during the past five years. We consider our employee relations to be good.For a description of certain factors that may have had, or may in the future have, a significant impact on our business, financial condition or results ofoperations, see "Item 1A. Risk Factors."4Executive Officers of the CompanyThe following sets forth certain information with regard to our executive officers as of February 24, 2016 (ages are as of December 31, 2015).Mark C. Anderson, age 53•2007 - present, Senior Vice President, Corporate Development•Joined the Company in 2007Boris Elisman, age 53•2013 - present, President and Chief Executive Officer•2010 - 2013, President and Chief Operating Officer•2008 - 2010, President, ACCO Brands Americas•2008, President, Global Office Products Group•2004 - 2008, President, Computer Products Group•Joined the Company in 2004Neal V. Fenwick, age 54•2005 - present, Executive Vice President and Chief FinancialOfficer•1999 - 2005, Vice President Finance and Administration, ACCOWorld•1994 - 1999 Vice President Finance, ACCO Europe•Joined the Company in 1984Christopher M. Franey, age 59•2010 - present, Executive Vice President; President, ComputerProducts Group•2010 - 2013, Executive Vice President; President, ACCO BrandsInternational and President, Computer Products Group•2008 - 2010, President, Computer Products Group•Joined the Company in 2008Ralph P. Hargrow, age 63•2013 - present, Senior Vice President and Global Chief PeopleOfficer•2005 - 2013, Global Chief People Officer, Molson Coors BrewingCompany•Joined the Company in 2013 Gregory J. McCormack, age 52•2013 - present, Senior Vice President, Global Products•2012 - 2013, Senior Vice President, Operations, ACCO BrandsEmerging Markets•2010 - 2012, Senior Vice President, Operations - ACCO BrandsInternational•2008 - 2010, Senior Vice President, Operations, Americas•Joined the Company in 1996Kathleen D. Schnaedter, age 46•2015 - present, Senior Vice President, Corporate Controller andChief Accounting Officer•2008 - 2015, Vice President and Corporate Controller•Joined the Company in 1994Pamela R. Schneider, age 56•2012 - present, Senior Vice President, General Counsel andSecretary•2010 - 2012, General Counsel, Accertify, Inc.•2008 - 2010, Executive Vice President, General Counsel andSecretary, Movie Gallery, Inc. (filed for Chapter 11 in February2010)•2005 - 2008, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary,APAC Customer Services, Inc.•Joined the Company in 2012Thomas W. Tedford, age 45•2015 - present, Executive Vice President; President, ACCO BrandsNorth America Office and Consumer Products•2010 - 2015, Executive Vice President; President, ACCO BrandsU.S. Office and Consumer Products•2010, Chief Marketing and Product Development Officer•2007 - 2010, Group Vice President, APAC Customer Services, Inc.•Joined the Company in 20105ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORSThe factors that are discussed below, as well as the matters that are generally set forth in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and the documentsincorporated by reference herein, could materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.Our business serves a limited number of large and sophisticated customers, and a substantial reduction in sales to one or more of these customerscould adversely impact our operating results.A relatively limited number of customers account for a large percentage of our total net sales. Our top ten customers accounted for 55% of our net salesfor the year ended December 31, 2015. Sales to Staples, our largest customer, amounted to approximately 14% of our 2015 net sales. Sales to Office Depot,our second largest customer, amounted to approximately 10% of our 2015 net sales.Our large customers may seek to leverage their size to obtain favorable pricing and other terms. In addition, they have the ability to directly source theirown private label products and to create and support new and competing suppliers. The loss of, or a significant reduction in sales to, one or more of our topcustomers, or significant changes to the terms on which we sell our products to our top customers, could have a material adverse effect on our business, resultsof operations and financial condition.Our customers may further consolidate, which could adversely impact our sales and margins.Our customers have steadily consolidated over the last two decades. In late 2013, two of our large customers, Office Depot and OfficeMax, completedtheir merger. Since their merger, the combined company has taken actions to harmonize pricing from its suppliers, close retail outlets and rationalize itssupply chain, which have negatively impacted, and will continue to negatively impact, our sales and margins. We believe these activities will continue in2016 and that the adverse effects and future actions will take several years to be fully realized.Additionally, our largest customer, Staples, announced in early 2015 an agreement to acquire Office Depot, our second largest customer. Together theyaccounted for approximately 24% of our 2015 net sales. In the fourth quarter of 2015 the FTC sued to block the proposed merger of Staples with OfficeDepot. Staples and Office Depot have stated they intend to contest the FTC’s challenge. A hearing on the preliminary injunction sought by the FTC isscheduled to begin in March 2016. If the acquisition is completed we expect Staples to take similar actions to harmonize pricing from its suppliers, closeretail outlets and rationalize their supply chain, which will adversely impact our sales and margins.Following consolidation these and other large customers may not continue to buy from us across our different product segments or geographic regionsor at the same levels as prior to consolidation, which could adversely impact our financial results. Further, continued industry consolidation appears likely,which may result in further reductions in our sales and margins and have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.See also "Part II. Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."Risks associated with currency volatility could adversely affect our sales, profitability, cash flow and results of operations.With approximately 40% of our sales for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 arising from foreign operations, fluctuations in currency exchangerates can have a material impact on our results of operations. Our current risk exposure is primarily related to the Brazilian real, the Canadian dollar, the Euro,the Australian dollar, the British pound, the Mexican peso and the Japanese yen. Currency fluctuations impact the financial results of our non-U.S. operationsthat are reported in U.S. dollars. As a result, a strong U.S. dollar reduces the dollar-denominated financial contributions from foreign operations and a weakU.S. dollar benefits us in the form of higher reported financial results.Additionally, approximately half of the products we sell are sourced from China and other Far Eastern countries. The prices for these sourced productsare denominated in U.S. dollars. Accordingly, movements in the value of local currencies relative to the U.S. dollar affect the cost of goods sold by our non-U.S. business when they source products from Asia. A weaker dollar decreases costs of goods sold and a stronger dollar increases costs of goods sold relativeto the local selling price. In response to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar, we typically seek to raise prices in our foreign markets in an effort to recover lostgross margin. Due to competitive pressures and the timing of these price increases relative to the changes in currency exchange rates, it is often difficult toincrease prices fast enough to fully offset the cumulative impact of the foreign-exchange-related inflation on our cost of goods sold in these markets. Further,our international operations sell in their local currencies and are exposed to their domestic currency movements against the U.S. dollar. Additionally, wherepossible, we seek to hedge our exposure to provide more time6to raise prices, but this is not always possible where our competitors are not similarly affected.We cannot predict the rate at which the U.S. dollar will trade against other currencies in the future. When the U.S. dollar strengthens, it makes the dollarmore valuable relative to other currencies in the global market, and negatively impacts the U.S. dollar value of our international sales, profits and cash flowand adversely impacts our ability to compete or competitively price our products in those markets. Conversely, if the U.S. dollar weakens, it has the oppositeeffect.Throughout 2015, the U.S. dollar strengthened significantly relative to other currencies, which negatively affected our financial results. We expect thistrend to continue. See also "Part II, Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."Additionally, as we increase the size of our business in international markets or if we increase the amount of products we source from China and otherFar Eastern countries, our exposure to the risks associated with currency volatility increases. See also "- Growth in emerging market geographies may bedifficult to achieve and exposes us to risks not present or not as prevalent in more established markets, such as greater economic volatility, unstablepolitical conditions and civil unrest."Shifts in the channels of distribution for our products could adversely impact our business.Our customers operate in a very competitive environment. Historically, office product superstores have maintained a significant market share in office,school and dated goods. More recently, new outlets, including mass merchandisers, drug store chains and on-line retailers, have surfaced as meaningfulparticipants to the office products superstores. The loss of market share by one or more of our top customers or the continued shift of market share away fromthe traditional office product superstores and wholesalers towards mass merchandisers, online merchants and other competitors (with whom we currently do asmaller volume of business) could reduce our sales and adversely affect our margins. Additionally, if we are unable to grow sales and gain market share withcustomers operating in these newer channels of distribution or if the margins we realize in these channels are lower, our business, results of operations andfinancial condition could be adversely affected.Challenges related to the highly competitive business segments in which we operate could have an adverse effect on our ongoing business, results ofoperations and financial condition.We operate in highly competitive business environment, which presents a number of challenges, including:•low barriers to entry;•sophisticated and large customers who have the ability to source their own private label products;•limited retail space which constrains our ability to offer certain products;•competitors with strong brands;•imports from a range of countries, including countries with lower production costs;•competitors' ability to source lower cost products in local currencies; and•competition from a range of products and services, including electronic, digital or web-based products that can replace or render obsolete or lessdesirable some of the products we sell.As a result, our business is likely to be affected by: (1) decisions and actions of our top customers to increase their purchases of private label products orotherwise change product assortments; (2) decisions of current and potential suppliers of competing products to take advantage of low entry barriers toexpand their production or lower prices; and (3) decisions of end-users of our products to expand their use of lower priced, substitute or alternative products.Any such decisions could result in lower sales and margins and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.Historically, during periods of economic weakness and uncertainty, we have seen the above trends accelerate resulting in increased competition fromprivate label and other branded and/or generic products that compete on price and quality and changes in end user spending. Similarly, when the U.S. dollaris strong, we face more competition from locally produced products, which are paid for in local currency. We have recently experienced these competitivepressures due to economic weakness in certain international markets in which we operate, especially Brazil. See also "- Sales of our products may beadversely affected by issues that affect business, commercial and consumer spending decisions during periods of economic uncertainty or weakness," and "-Risks associated with currency volatility could adversely affect our sales, profitability, cash flow and results of operations."7Our success partially depends on our ability to continue to develop and market innovative products that meet end-user demands, including priceexpectations.Our competitive position depends on continued investment in innovation and product development, manufacturing and sourcing, quality standards,marketing and customer service and support. Our success will depend, in part, on our ability to anticipate and offer products that appeal to the changingneeds and preferences of our customers and end-users in a market where many of our product categories are affected by continuing improvements intechnology and shortened product lifecycles and others are experiencing secular declines. We may not have sufficient resources to make the investments thatmay be necessary to anticipate or react to the changing needs, and we may not identify, develop and market products successfully or otherwise be able tomaintain our competitive position.Sales of our products may be adversely affected by issues that affect business, commercial and consumer spending decisions during periods ofeconomic uncertainty or weakness.Demand for our products, especially business machines and other durable goods, can be very sensitive to uncertain or weak economic conditions. Inaddition, during periods of economic uncertainty or weakness, we tend to see the demand for our products decrease, increased competition from private labeland other branded and/or generic products that compete on price and quality, and our reseller customers reduce inventories. In addition, end-users tend topurchase more lower-cost, private label or other economy brands, more readily switch to electronic, digital or web-based products serving similar functions,or forgo certain purchases altogether. As a result, adverse changes in economic conditions or sustained periods of economic uncertainty or weakness couldnegatively affect our earnings and have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flow and financial condition.The economic climate in a number of our international markets, especially Brazil, has deteriorated, negatively impacting our sales, profitability andcash flow in these markets. We expect this trend to continue.We rely extensively on information technology systems to operate, transact and otherwise manage our business. Any material failure, inadequacy,interruption or security breach of that technology or its supporting infrastructure could adversely affect our business, results of operations or financialcondition.We rely extensively on our information technology systems, most of which are outsourced to third-party service providers. We depend on these systemsand our third-party service providers to effectively manage our business and execute the production, distribution and sale of our products as well as tomanage and report our financial results and run other support functions. Although we have implemented service level agreements and have establishedmonitoring controls, if our outsourcing vendors fail to perform their obligations in a timely manner or at satisfactory levels, our business could suffer. Thefailure of these systems to operate effectively, problems with transitioning to upgraded or replacement systems, or a breach in the security of these systemscould disrupt service to our customers, negatively impact our ability to report our financial results in a timely and accurate manner, damage our reputationand adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.Our information technology general controls are an important aspect of our internal control over financial reporting and our disclosure controls andprocedures. Failure to successfully execute our information technology general controls could adversely impact the effectiveness of our internal control overfinancial reporting and our disclosure controls and procedures and impair our ability to accurately report our financial results in a timely manner.If services to our customers are negatively impacted by the failure or breach of our information systems, or if we are unable to accurately report ourfinancial results in a timely manner or to conclude that our internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures are effective,investor, supplier and customer confidence in our reported financial information as well as market perception of our Company and/or the trading price of ourcommon stock could be adversely affected. The occurrence of any of these events could have an adverse impact on our business, results of operations andfinancial condition.Growth in emerging market geographies may be difficult to achieve and exposes us to risks not present or not as prevalent in more establishedmarkets, such as greater economic volatility, unstable political conditions and civil unrest.A portion of our sales are derived from emerging markets such as Latin America and parts of Asia, the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Moreover, theprofitable growth of our business in emerging markets, through both organic investments and through acquisitions, is a key element to our long-term growthstrategy.Emerging markets generally involve more financial and operational risks than more mature markets. In some cases, emerging markets have greaterpolitical and economic volatility, greater vulnerability to infrastructure and labor disruptions, are more8susceptible to corruption, and are in locations where it may be more difficult to impose corporate standards and procedures and the extraterritorial laws of theUnited States. Negative or uncertain political climates and military disruptions in developing and emerging markets could also adversely affect us. Further,weak legal systems may affect our ability to enforce our intellectual property, contractual and other rights.As we seek to grow our business in these emerging markets, we increase our exposure to these financial and operational risks as well as legal and otherrisks, including currency transfer restrictions, the impact of currency fluctuations, hyperinflation or devaluation, the lack of well-established or reliable legalsystems, corruption, adverse economic conditions, political actions or instability, import and export restrictions, terrorism and civil unrest. Likewise, our costof doing business increases due to costs of compliance with complex and numerous foreign and U.S. laws and regulations, including the U.S. Foreign CorruptPractices Act and the U.K. Bribery Act, and regulations on the transfer of funds to and from foreign countries, which, from time to time, result in significantcash balances in foreign countries due to limitations on the repatriation of funds. See also "- Sales of our products may be adversely affected by issues thataffect business, commercial and consumer spending decisions during periods of economic uncertainty or weakness," "- Risks associated with currencyvolatility could adversely affect our sales, profitability, cash flow and results of operations," and "- Material disruptions resulting from telecommunicationfailures, labor strikes, power and/or water shortages, acts of God, war, terrorism, other geopolitical incidents or other circumstances outside our controlcould adversely impact our business, results of operations and financial condition."If we are unable to successfully expand our businesses in emerging markets, achieve the return on capital we expect as a result of our investments, oreffectively manage the risks inherent in our growth strategy in these markets, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be adverselyaffected.Our strategy is partially based on growth through acquisitions either to expand our business into adjacent product categories, which areexperiencing higher growth rates, or into existing categories to strengthen our market position and realize cost synergies. Failure to properly identify,value, manage and integrate any of the acquisitions or to expand into adjacent categories may impact our business, results of operations and financialcondition.A key element of our long-term growth strategy involves acquisitions. We are focused on acquiring companies that are either in our existing categoriesor markets to strengthen our market position and realize cost synergies, or that have the potential to accelerate our growth or our entry into adjacent productcategories.We may not be successful in identifying suitable acquisition opportunities, prevailing against competing potential acquirers, negotiating appropriateacquisition terms, obtaining financing, completing proposed acquisitions, integrating acquired businesses or expanding in new markets or productcategories. In addition, an acquisition may not perform as planned, be accretive to earnings or prove to be beneficial to our operations and cash flow. If wefail to effectively identify, value, consummate, manage and integrate any acquired company we may not realize the potential growth opportunities or achievethe synergies or financial results anticipated at the time of its acquisition, which could adversely affect our growth prospects, business and results ofoperations. An acquisition could also adversely impact our operating performance as a result of the issuance of acquisition-related debt, pre-acquisitionpotential liabilities, acquisition expense and the amortization of acquisition assets or possible future impairments of goodwill or intangible assets associatedwith the acquisition.To the extent acquisitions increase our exposure to emerging markets, the risks associated with doing business in these markets will increase. See also "-Growth in emerging market geographies may be difficult to achieve and exposes us to risks not present or not as prevalent in more established markets, suchas greater economic volatility, unstable political conditions and civil unrest."Additionally, part of our strategy is to expand our product assortment into new and adjacent product categories with a higher growth profile. There canbe no assurance that we will successfully execute these strategies. If we are unable to take market share or to successfully expand our product assortment, ourbusiness, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.The market for products sold by our Computer Products Group is rapidly changing and highly competitive.Our Computer Products Group operates in a market that is characterized by rapid technological changes, short product life cycles and a dependency onthe introduction by third party manufacturers of new products and devices, which drives demand for accessories sold by the Company. To competesuccessfully, we need to anticipate and bring to market innovative new accessories in a timely and effective way, which requires significant skills andinvestment. We may not have sufficient market intelligence, talent or resources to successfully meet these challenges. Additionally, the short product lifecycles increase the risk that our products will become commoditized or obsolete and that we could be left with an excess of old and slow-moving inventory.Rapid changes in technology, shifting demand for personal computers, laptops, tablets and mobile devices, as well as delays in the9introduction of new technology and our ability to anticipate and respond to these changes and delays, could adversely affect the demand for our productsand have an adverse effect on the business, results of operations and financial condition of our Computer Products Group. Recently, rapid changes intechnology led to the commoditization of many of our tablet accessories resulting in increased competition and a degradation in sales and margins. See also"Part II, Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."Litigation or legal proceedings could expose us to significant liabilities and damage our reputation.In connection with our May 1, 2012 acquisition of Mead C&OP, we assumed all of the tax liabilities for the acquired foreign operations includingTilibra Produtos de Papelaria Ltda. ("Tilibra"). In December of 2012, the Federal Revenue Department of the Ministry of Finance of Brazil ("FRD") issued atax assessment (the "Brazilian Tax Assessment") against Tilibra, which challenged the tax deduction of goodwill from Tilibra's taxable income for the year2007. A second assessment challenging the deduction of goodwill from Tilibra's taxable income for the years 2008, 2009 and 2010 was issued by FRD inOctober 2013.Tilibra is disputing both of the tax assessments through established administrative procedures. We believe we have meritorious defenses and intend tovigorously contest these matters; however, there can be no assurances that we will ultimately prevail. We are still in the administrative stages of the process tochallenge the FRD's tax assessments, and the ultimate outcome will not be determined until the Brazilian tax appeal process is complete, which is expected totake a number of years. In addition, Tilibra's 2011-2012 tax years remain open and subject to audit, and there can be no assurances that we will not receiveadditional tax assessments regarding the goodwill for one or both of those years. The time limit for issuing an assessment for 2011 expires in December 2016.If the FRD's initial position is ultimately sustained, the amount assessed would materially and adversely affect our cash flow in the year of settlement.Because there is no settled legal precedent on which to base a definitive opinion as to whether we will ultimately prevail, we consider the outcome ofthis dispute to be uncertain. Since it is not more likely than not that we will prevail, in 2012, we recorded a reserve in the amount of $44.5 million (atDecember 31, 2012 exchange rates) in consideration of this contingency, of which $43.3 million was recorded as an adjustment to the purchase price andwhich included the 2007-2012 tax years plus penalties and interest through December 2012. Included in this reserve is an assumption of penalties at 75%,which is the standard penalty. While there is a possibility that a penalty of 150% could be imposed, based on the facts in our case and existing precedent, webelieve the likelihood of a 150% penalty being imposed is not more likely than not at December 31, 2015. In the meantime, we will continue to activelymonitor administrative and judicial court decisions and evaluate their impact, if any, on our legal assessment of the ultimate outcome of our case. In addition,we will continue to accrue interest related to this contingency until such time as the outcome is known or until evidence is presented that we are more likelythan not to prevail. During 2015, 2014 and 2013, we accrued additional interest as a charge to current tax expense of $2.7 million, $3.2 million and $1.8million, respectively. At current exchange rates, our accrual through December 31, 2015, including tax, penalties and interest is $28.2 million.There are various other claims, lawsuits and pending actions against us incidental to our operations. It is the opinion of management that (other than theBrazilian Tax Assessment) the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations orcash flow. However, there is no assurance that we will ultimately be successful in our defense of any of these matters or that an adverse outcome in any matterwill not affect our results of operations, financial condition or cash flow.Outsourcing the production of certain of our products, our information technology systems and other administrative functions could adversely affectour business, results of operations and financial condition.We outsource certain manufacturing functions to suppliers in China, other Far Eastern countries and Eastern Europe. Outsourcing of product design andproduction creates a number of risks, including decreased control over the engineering and manufacturing processes resulting in unforeseen productiondelays or interruptions, inferior product quality, loss or misappropriation of trade secrets and other performance issues, which could result in cost overruns,delayed deliveries or shortages. Additionally, our suppliers must comply with our design and product content specifications, and all applicable laws,including product safety, security, labor and environmental laws. In addition, we expect our suppliers to conform to our and our customers' expectations withrespect to product safety, product quality and social responsibility, be responsive to our audits and otherwise be certified as meeting our and our customers'supplier codes of conduct. Failure to meet any of these requirements may result in our having to cease doing business with a supplier or cease production at aparticular facility. Substitute suppliers might not be available or, if available, might be unwilling or unable to offer products on acceptable terms or in atimely manner. Any of these circumstances could result in unforeseen production delays and increased costs and negatively affect our ability to deliverproducts and services to our customers, all of which could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.Moreover, if one or more of our suppliers is unable or unwilling to continue to provide products of acceptable quality, at10acceptable cost or in a timely manner due to financial difficulties, insolvency or otherwise, or if customer demand for our products increases, we may beunable to secure sufficient additional capacity from our current suppliers, or others, in a timely manner or on acceptable terms. Any of these events couldresult in unforeseen production delays and increased costs and negatively affect our ability to deliver our products and services to our customers, all of whichcould adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.We also outsource important portions of our information technology infrastructure and systems support to third party service providers. Outsourcing ofinformation technology services creates risks to our business, which are similar to those created by our product production outsourcing. If one or more of ourinformation technology suppliers is unable or unwilling to continue to provide services at acceptable cost due to financial difficulties, insolvency orotherwise, or if our third party service providers experience a security breach or disruptions in service, our business could be adversely affected. See also "-We rely extensively on information technology systems to operate, transact and otherwise manage our business. Any material failure, inadequacy,interruption or security breach of that technology or its supporting infrastructure could adversely affect our business, results of operations or financialcondition."In addition, we outsource certain administrative functions, such as payroll processing, benefit plan administration and accounts payable to third partyservice providers and may outsource other functions in the future to achieve cost savings and efficiencies. If the service providers to which we outsourcethese functions do not perform effectively, we may not be able to achieve the expected cost savings and may have to incur additional costs to correct errorsthey make. Depending on the function involved, such errors may lead to business disruption, processing inefficiencies or loss of, or damage to intellectualproperty, or harm to employee morale.Continued declines in the use of certain of our products, especially paper-based dated, time management and productivity tools, could adverselyaffect our business.A number of our products and brands consist of paper-based dated, time management and productivity tools that historically have tended to be higher-margin products. However, consumer preference for technology-based solutions for time management and planning continues to grow worldwide. Manyconsumers use or have access to electronic tools that may serve as substitutes for traditional paper-based time management and productivity tools.Accordingly, the continued introduction of new digital software applications and web-based services by companies offering time management andproductivity solutions could continue to adversely impact the revenue and profitability of our largely paper-based portfolio of dated, time management andproductivity products.Additionally, the markets for other product categories, such as decorative calendars, ring binders and mechanical binding equipment, are also declining.A continued decline in the overall size of the market for any of the products we sell could adversely impact our business, results of operations and financialcondition.Our business is subject to risks associated with seasonality, which could adversely affect our cash flow, results of operations and financial condition.Historically, our business has experienced higher sales and earnings in the third and fourth quarters of the calendar year. Two principal factorscontribute to this seasonality: (1) the office products industry, its customers and ACCO Brands specifically are major suppliers of products related to the"back-to-school" season, which occurs principally from June through September for our North American business and from November through February forour Australian and Brazilian businesses; and (2) several products we sell lend themselves to calendar year-end purchase timing, including AT-A-GLANCE®and Day-Timer® planners, paper organization and storage products (including bindery) and Kensington computer accessories, which have higher sales in thefourth quarter driven by traditionally strong fourth-quarter sales of personal computers and tablets. As a result, we have generated, and expect to continue togenerate, most of our earnings in the second half of the year and much of our cash flow in the first, third and fourth quarters as receivables are collected. Ifthese typical seasonal increases in sales of certain products do not materialize or if sales of these product lines were to represent a larger overall percentage ofour sales or profitability it may have an outsized impact on our business, which could adversely affect our cash flow, results of operations and financialcondition.Fluctuation in the costs of raw materials, labor and transportation and changes in international shipping capacity as well as issues affecting portavailability and efficiency, such as labor strikes, could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.The primary materials used in the manufacturing of many of our products are paper, plastics, resin, polyester and polypropylene substrates, steel, wood,aluminum, melamine, zinc and cork. In general, our gross profit may be affected from time to time by fluctuations in the prices of these materials. We attemptto reduce our exposure to increases in these costs through a variety of measures, including obtaining price increases from our customers when appropriate aswell as executing periodic purchases, future11delivery contracts, longer-term price contracts and holding our own inventory. Likewise, we attempt to take advantage of price decreases by negotiating costreductions with our suppliers to ensure that our customer pricing remains competitive. There can be no assurances that we will successfully negotiate priceincreases or decreases or that the other measures we take to manage the risk of fluctuation in raw material costs will be effective in avoiding a negative impactin our sales and profitability. See also "Note 12. Derivative Financial Instruments" to the consolidated financial statements contained in Part II, Item 8. of thisreport.Inflationary and other substantial increases and decreases in costs of materials, labor and transportation have occurred in the past and may recur, and rawmaterials may not continue to be available in adequate supply in the future. Shortages in the supply of any of the raw materials we use in our products andservices, the availability of international shipping capacity or labor strife at ports we use, could result in price increases or decreases or negatively impact ourability to deliver our products to our customers, which could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.Some of our suppliers are dependent upon other industries for raw materials as well as the other products and services necessary to produce the productsthey supply to us. Any adverse impacts to those industries could have a ripple effect on our suppliers, which could adversely impact their ability to supply usat levels or costs we consider necessary or appropriate for our business, or at all. Any such disruptions could negatively impact our ability to deliver productsand services to our customers, which in turn could have an adverse impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition.We are subject to global environmental regulation and environmental risks, product content and product safety laws and regulations as well as laws,regulations and self-regulatory requirements relating to privacy and data security.Our business is subject to national, state, provincial and/or local environmental laws and regulations in both the U.S. and abroad, which govern thedischarge and emission of certain materials and waste, and establish standards for their use, disposal and management. We are also subject to laws regulatingthe content of toxic chemicals and materials in the products we sell as well as laws, directives and self-regulatory requirements related to the safety of ourproducts, as well as privacy and data security. There has also been a sharp increase in laws and regulations in Europe, the U.S. and elsewhere, imposingrequirements on our handling of personal data, including data of employees, consumers and business contacts.All of these laws, regulations and self-regulatory frameworks are complex and may change frequently. Capital and operating expenses required tocomply with environmental, product content and product safety laws and regulations and information security and privacy obligations can be significant,and violations may result in substantial fines, penalties and civil damages as well as damage to our reputation. Any significant increase in our costs tocomply with applicable environmental and product content and safety laws and obligations relating to privacy and data security as well as claims or liabilityarising from noncompliance with such laws, regulations and self-regulatory frameworks, could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operationsand financial condition as well as damage to our reputation.In addition, as we expand our business into emerging and new markets, we increase the number of laws and regulations with which we are required tocomply, which increases the complexity and costs of compliance as well as the risks of noncompliance. See also "- Growth in emerging market geographiesmay be difficult to achieve and exposes us to risks not present or not as prevalent in more established markets, such as greater economic volatility, unstablepolitical conditions and civil unrest."Our pension costs and cash contributions could substantially increase as a result of volatility in the equity markets, changes in interest rates or otherfactors.Our defined benefit pension plans are not fully funded and the funding status of our plans is a significant factor in determining the net periodic benefitcosts of our pension plans and the ongoing funding requirements of those plans. Changes in interest rates and the market value of plan assets impact thefunded status of these plans and cause volatility in the net periodic benefit cost and future plan funding requirements. Our cash contributions to pension anddefined benefit plans totaled $7.1 million in 2015; however the exact amount of cash contributions made to pension plans in any year is dependent upon anumber of factors, including the investment returns on pension plan assets and laws relating to pension funding requirements. A significant increase in ourpension funding requirements could have an adverse impact on our cash flow, results of operations and financial condition.We also participate in a multi-employer pension plan for our union employees at our Ogdensburg, NY facility. The plan has reported significantunderfunded liabilities and declared itself in critical status. As a result, the trustees of the plan adopted a rehabilitation plan in an effort to forestallinsolvency. Our required contributions to this plan could increase due to the shrinking contribution base resulting from the insolvency of, or withdrawal ofother participating employers, from the inability or the failure of withdrawing participating employers to pay their withdrawal liability, from lower thanexpected returns on pension fund assets, and from other funding deficiencies. In the event that we withdraw from participation in the plan, we will be requiredto make withdrawal liability payments for a period of 20 years or longer in certain circumstances. The present value of our withdrawal12liability payments would be recorded as an expense in our Consolidated Statements of Income and as a liability on our Consolidated Balance Sheets in thefirst year of our withdrawal.See also "Part II, Item 7. Critical Accounting Policies - Employee Benefit Plans" and "Note 4. Pension and Other Retiree Benefits" to the consolidatedfinancial statements contained in Part II, Item 8. of this report.Impairment of intangible assets could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.We have recorded significant amounts of goodwill and other intangible assets, which increased substantially due to our acquisition of Mead C&OP. Asa result, the fair values of certain indefinite-lived trade names are not significantly above their carrying values. Recent events have significantly reduced thefair value of certain indefinite-lived trade names and future events may further occur that could adversely affect the reported value of our assets and requireimpairment charges, which could negatively affect our financial results. Such events may include, but are not limited to, a sustained decline in our stock priceor sales of one or more of our branded product lines, or strategic decisions we make regarding how we use our brands in various global markets. As ofDecember 31, 2015 the aggregate carrying value of indefinite-lived trade names not substantially above their fair values was $176.6 million, which consist ofthe following trade names, Mead®, Tilibra and Hilroy. See also "Part II, Item 7. Critical Accounting Policies - Intangible Assets", " - Goodwill" and "Note 8.Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets" to the consolidated financial statements contained in Part II, Item 8, of this report.Our significant indebtedness requires us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow to debt payments and limits our ability to engage incertain activities. If we are unable to meet our obligations under our debt agreements or are contractually restricted from pursuing activities ortransactions that we believe are in our long-term best interests, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.As of December 31, 2015, we had $729.0 million of outstanding debt. Our debt service obligations require us to dedicate a substantial portion of ourcash flow from operating activities to payments on our indebtedness, which reduces the availability of our cash flow to fund working capital, capitalexpenditures, research and product development efforts, potential acquisitions and for other general corporate purposes. Our significant indebtedness alsomay increase our vulnerability to economic downturns and changing market conditions and place us at a competitive disadvantage relative to competitorsthat have less debt. In addition, $229.0 million of our outstanding debt is subject to floating interest rates, which increases our exposure to fluctuations ininterest rates.The terms of our debt agreements also limit our ability to engage in certain activities and transactions that may be in our long-term interest. Amongother things, the covenants and financial ratios and tests contained in our debt agreements restrict or limit our ability to incur additional indebtedness, incurcertain liens on our assets, issue preferred stock or certain disqualified stock, make restricted payments, including investments, sell our assets or merge withother companies, and enter into certain transactions with affiliates. We are also required to maintain specified financial ratios under certain circumstances andsatisfy financial condition tests. Our ability to comply with these covenants and financial ratios and tests may be affected by events beyond our control, andwe may not be able to continue to meet those covenants, ratios and tests.Our ability to meet our debt obligations, including our financial covenants, and to refinance our existing indebtedness upon maturity, will depend uponour future operating performance, which will be affected by general economic, financial, competitive, regulatory, business and other factors. Breach of any ofthe covenants, ratios and tests contained in the agreements governing our indebtedness, or our inability to pay interest on, or principal of, our outstandingdebt as it becomes due, could result in an event of default, in which case our lenders could declare all amounts outstanding to be immediately due andpayable. If our lenders accelerate our indebtedness or we are not able to refinance our debts at maturity, our assets may not be sufficient to repay in full suchindebtedness and any other indebtedness that would become due as a result of such acceleration. If we then are unable to obtain replacement financing or anysuch replacement financing is on terms that are less favorable than the indebtedness being replaced, our liquidity, results of operations and financialcondition would be adversely affected.Should any of the risks associated with our substantial indebtedness be realized, our business, results of operations and financial condition could beadversely affected. See also "Part II, Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity andCapital Resources."13Our failure to comply with customer contracts may lead to fines or loss of business, which could adversely impact our revenue and results ofoperations.Our contracts with our customers include specific performance requirements. In addition, some of our contracts with governmental customers are subjectto various procurement regulations, contract provisions and other requirements. If we fail to comply with the specific provisions of our customer contracts orviolate government contracting regulations, we could be subject to fines, suffer a loss of business or incur other penalties, which in the case of governmentcontracts, could include suspension from further government contract opportunities. If our customer contracts are terminated, if we fail to meet ourcontractual obligations, are suspended or disbarred from government work, or if our ability to compete for new contracts is adversely affected, we could suffera reduction in expected revenue and margins.Should one of our customers or suppliers experience financial difficulties or file for bankruptcy, our cash flow, results of operations and financialcondition could be adversely affected.Our concentrated customer base increases our customer credit risk. Were any of our customers to face liquidity issues, become insolvent or file forbankruptcy, we could be adversely impacted due to not only a reduction in future sales but also delays in payment and/or losses associated with the inabilityto collect any outstanding accounts receivable from that customer. Such a result could adversely impact our cash flow, results of operations and financialcondition.In addition, should one of our suppliers or third party service providers experience financial difficulties our business, results of operations and financialcondition could be adversely affected. See also "- Outsourcing the production of certain of our products, our information technology systems and otheradministrative functions could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition."Our inability to secure, protect and maintain rights to intellectual property could have an adverse impact on our business.We own and license many patents, trademarks, brand names, trade names, and proprietary content that are, in the aggregate, important to our business.In particular, key products such as our computer security products and our office machines contain patented technology, our school and dated goodsbusinesses operate under strong consumer brands and our school and calendar businesses license content from third parties. If third parties challenge thevalidity or enforceability of our intellectual property rights and we cannot successfully defend these challenges, or our intellectual property is invalidated orour patents expire, or if our licenses are terminated due to breach by us, or if licenses expire or are not renewed, our business, results of operations andfinancial condition could be adversely impacted. The loss, expiration or non-renewal of any individual trademark, patent or license may not be material to us,but the loss of a number of patents or trademarks, or the expiration or non-renewal of a significant number of licenses that relate to principal portions of ourbusiness, could negatively impact our competitive position in the market and have an adverse effect on our business.We could also incur substantial costs to pursue legal actions relating to the unauthorized use by third parties of our intellectual property. If our brandsbecome diluted, if our patents are infringed, or if our competitors introduce brands and products that cause confusion with our brands in the marketplace, thevalue of our brands may be diminished, which could adversely impact our sales and profitability.We may also become involved in defending intellectual property infringement claims being asserted against us that could cause us to incur substantialcosts, divert the efforts of our management and require us to pay substantial damages or require us to obtain a license, which might not be available onreasonable terms, if at all.Product liability claims or regulatory actions could adversely affect our financial results or harm our reputation or the value of our end-user brands.Claims for losses or injuries purportedly caused by some of our products arise in the ordinary course of our business. In addition to the risk ofsubstantial monetary judgments and penalties, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition, product liabilityclaims or regulatory actions, could result in negative publicity that could harm our reputation in the marketplace or the value of our end-user brands. We alsocould be required to recall and possibly discontinue the sale of possible defective or unsafe products, which could result in adverse publicity, significantexpenses and loss of revenue.Our success depends on our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel.Our success depends on our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel, including executive officers and other key personnel. We rely to asignificant degree on compensating our executive officers and key employees with performance-based14incentive awards that pay out only if specified performance goals have been met. To the extent these performance goals are not met and the incentive awardsdo not pay out, or pay out less than the targeted amount, as has occurred in prior years, it may motivate certain executive officers and key employees to seekother opportunities. The loss of key management personnel or other key employees or our potential inability to attract such personnel may adversely affectour ability to manage our overall operations and successfully implement our business strategy.Our stock price has been volatile historically and may continue to be volatile in the future.The market price for our common stock has been volatile historically. Our results are significantly affected by factors including those describedelsewhere in this "Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors" as well as the following:•quarterly fluctuations in our operating results compared to market expectations;•fluctuations in the stock market prices and volumes;•changes in financial estimates by us or securities analysts and recommendations by securities analysts;•actual or anticipated negative earnings or other announcements by us or our top customers;•investors' perceptions of the office products industry; and•the composition of our shareholders, particularly the presence of "short sellers" trading in our stock.Volatility in our stock price could adversely affect our business and financing opportunities and force us to increase our cash compensation to ouremployees or grant larger stock awards, which could hurt our operating results and reduce the percentage ownership of our existing stockholders.Material disruptions resulting from telecommunication failures, labor strikes, power and/or water shortages, acts of God, war, terrorism, othergeopolitical incidents or other circumstances outside our control could adversely impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.A disruption at one of our or at one of our suppliers' or third-party service providers' facilities (especially facilities in China and other Asia-Pacificcountries as well as Latin America) or a disruption of international transportation or at ports could adversely impact production, and customer deliveries orotherwise negatively impact the operation of our business and result in increased costs. Such a disruption could occur as a result of any number of eventsincluding but not limited to a major equipment failure, labor stoppages, transportation failures affecting the supply and shipment of materials and finishedgoods, the unavailability of raw materials, severe weather conditions, natural disasters, civil unrest, war or terrorism and disruptions in utility and otherservices. Any such disruptions could adversely impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTSNone.15ITEM 2. PROPERTIESWe have manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe, Brazil, Mexico and Australia, and maintain distribution centers in the regional markets weservice. We lease our corporate and U.S. headquarters in Lake Zurich, Illinois. The following table lists our principal facilities by segment as of December 31,2015:LocationFunctional Use Owned/LeasedNorth America: Ontario, CaliforniaDistribution/Manufacturing LeasedBooneville, MississippiDistribution/Manufacturing OwnedOgdensburg, New YorkDistribution/Manufacturing Owned/LeasedSidney, New YorkDistribution/Manufacturing OwnedAlexandria, PennsylvaniaDistribution/Manufacturing OwnedPleasant Prairie, WisconsinDistribution/Manufacturing LeasedMississauga, CanadaDistribution/Manufacturing/Office LeasedInternational: Sydney, AustraliaDistribution/Manufacturing OwnedBauru, BrazilDistribution/Manufacturing/Office OwnedAylesbury, EnglandOffice LeasedHalesowen, EnglandDistribution OwnedLillyhall, EnglandManufacturing LeasedTornaco, ItalyDistribution OwnedLerma, MexicoManufacturing/Office OwnedBorn, NetherlandsDistribution LeasedWellington, New ZealandDistribution/Office OwnedArcos de Valdevez, PortugalManufacturing OwnedComputer Products Group: San Mateo, CaliforniaOffice LeasedThe Computer Products Group also utilizes many of the above distribution centers. We believe that the properties are suitable to the respectivebusinesses and have production capacities adequate to meet the needs of our businesses.ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGSIn connection with our May 1, 2012 acquisition of Mead C&OP, we assumed all of the tax liabilities for the acquired foreign operations includingTilibra Produtos de Papelaria Ltda. ("Tilibra"). In December of 2012, the Federal Revenue Department of the Ministry of Finance of Brazil ("FRD") issued atax assessment (the "Brazilian Tax Assessment") against Tilibra, which challenged the tax deduction of goodwill from Tilibra's taxable income for the year2007. A second assessment challenging the deduction of goodwill from Tilibra's taxable income for the years 2008, 2009 and 2010 was issued by FRD inOctober 2013.Tilibra is disputing both of the tax assessments through established administrative procedures. We believe we have meritorious defenses and intend tovigorously contest these matters; however, there can be no assurances that we will ultimately prevail. We are still in the administrative stages of the process tochallenge the FRD's tax assessments, and the ultimate outcome will not be determined until the Brazilian tax appeal process is complete, which is expected totake a number of years. In addition, Tilibra's 2011-2012 tax years remain open and subject to audit, and there can be no assurances that we will not receiveadditional tax assessments regarding the goodwill for one or both of those years. The time limit for issuing an assessment for 2011 expires in December 2016.If the FRD's initial position is ultimately sustained, the amount assessed would materially and adversely affect our cash flow in the year of settlement.Because there is no settled legal precedent on which to base a definitive opinion as to whether we will ultimately prevail, we consider the outcome ofthis dispute to be uncertain. Since it is not more likely than not that we will prevail, in 2012, we recorded a reserve in the amount of $44.5 million (atDecember 31, 2012 exchange rates) in consideration of this contingency, of16which $43.3 million was recorded as an adjustment to the purchase price and which included the 2007-2012 tax years plus penalties and interest throughDecember 2012. Included in this reserve is an assumption of penalties at 75%, which is the standard penalty. While there is a possibility that a penalty of150% could be imposed, based on the facts in our case and existing precedent, we believe the likelihood of a150% penalty being imposed is not more likelythan not at December 31, 2015. In the meantime, we will continue to actively monitor administrative and judicial court decisions and evaluate their impact, ifany, on our legal assessment of the ultimate outcome of our case. In addition, we will continue to accrue interest related to this contingency until such time asthe outcome is known or until evidence is presented that we are more likely than not to prevail. During 2015, 2014 and 2013, we accrued additional interestas a charge to current tax expense of $2.7 million, $3.2 million and $1.8 million, respectively. At current exchange rates, our accrual through December 31,2015, including tax, penalties and interest is $28.2 million.There are various other claims, lawsuits and pending actions against us incidental to our operations. It is the opinion of management that (other than theBrazilian Tax Assessment) the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations orcash flow. However, there is no assurance that we will ultimately be successful in our defense of any of these matters or that an adverse outcome in any matterwill not affect our results of operations, financial condition or cash flow.ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURESNot applicable.17PART IIITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUERPURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIESCommon Stock InformationOur common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") under the symbol "ACCO." The following table sets forth, for the periodsindicated, the high and low sales prices for our common stock as reported on the NYSE for 2014 and 2015: High Low2014 First Quarter$7.25 $5.47Second Quarter$6.56 $5.77Third Quarter$7.97 $5.99Fourth Quarter$9.45 $6.482015 First Quarter$9.20 $7.05Second Quarter$8.75 $7.15Third Quarter$8.40 $6.80Fourth Quarter$8.48 $6.91As of February 10, 2016, we had 16,188 registered holders of our common stock.Stock Performance GraphThe following graph compares the cumulative total stockholder return on our common stock to that of the S&P Office Services and Supplies(SuperCap1500) Index and the Russell 2000 Index assuming an investment of $100 in each from December 31, 2010 through December 31, 2015. Cumulative Total Return 12/31/10 12/31/11 12/31/12 12/31/13 12/31/14 12/31/15ACCO Brands Corporation.$100.00 $113.26 $86.15 $78.87 $105.75 $83.69Russell 2000100.00 95.82 111.49 154.78 162.35 155.18S&P Office Services and Supplies(SuperCap1500)100.00 86.43 83.78 133.75 140.10 122.3818Common Stock PurchasesThe following table provides information about our purchases of equity securities during the quarter ended December 31, 2015:Period Total Number ofShares Purchased Average Price Paidper Share Total Number of SharesPurchased as Part ofPublicly Announced Planor Program(1) Approximate Dollar Valueof Shares that May Yet BePurchased Under theProgram(1)October 1, 2015 to October 31, 2015 1,130,459 $7.92 1,130,459 $124,081,777November 1, 2015 to November 30, 2015 439,523 8.06 439,523 120,571,849December 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015 — — — 120,571,849Total 1,569,982 $7.99 1,569,982 $120,571,849(1) On August 21, 2014, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had approved the repurchase of up to $100 million in shares of its commonstock. On October 28, 2015, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had approved an authorization to repurchase up to an additional $100million in shares of its common stock.For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 we repurchased $60.0 million and $19.4 million, respectively, of our common stock.The number of shares to be purchased and the timing of purchases will be based on the Company's stock price, leverage ratios, cash balances, generalbusiness and market conditions, and other factors, including alternative investment opportunities and working capital needs. The Company may repurchaseits shares, from time to time, through a variety of methods, including open-market purchases, privately negotiated transactions and block trades or pursuant torepurchase plans designed to comply with the Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Stock repurchases will be subject to market conditions,SEC regulations and other considerations and may be commenced or suspended at any time or from time to time, without prior notice. Accordingly, there isno guarantee as to the number of shares that will be repurchased or the timing of such repurchases.Dividend PolicyWe have not paid any dividends on our common stock since becoming a public company. We intend to retain any 2016 earnings to reduce ourindebtedness and repurchase our shares, absent value-creating acquisitions. Any determination as to the declaration of dividends is at our Board of Directors’sole discretion based on factors it deems relevant at that time.19ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATASELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATAThe following table sets forth our selected consolidated financial data. The selected consolidated financial data as of and for the five fiscal years endedDecember 31 are derived from our consolidated financial statements. The data should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements andrelated notes contained in Part II, Item 8. of this report. Year Ended December 31,(in millions of dollars, except per share data)2015 2014 2013 2012(1) 2011Income Statement Data: Net sales$1,510.4 $1,689.2 $1,765.1 $1,758.5 $1,318.4Operating income(2)163.5 173.6 145.8 139.3 115.2Interest expense44.5 49.5 59.0 91.3 78.1Interest income(6.6) (5.6) (4.3) (2.0) (0.9)Other expense, net(3)2.1 0.8 7.6 61.3 3.6Income from continuing operations(4)85.9 91.6 77.3 117.0 18.6Per common share: Income from continuing operations(4) Basic$0.79 $0.81 $0.68 $1.24 $0.34Diluted$0.78 $0.79 $0.67 $1.22 $0.32Balance Sheet Data (at year end): Total assets(5)$1,953.4 $2,215.1 $2,368.3 $2,482.3 $1,106.9External debt720.5 789.3 906.3 1,046.7 659.2Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)581.2 681.0 702.3 639.2 (61.9)Other Data: Cash provided (used) by operating activities$171.2 $171.7 $194.5 $(7.5) $61.8Cash (used) provided by investing activities(24.6) (25.8) (33.3) (432.2) 40.0Cash (used) provided by financing activities(137.8) (142.0) (155.5) 360.1 (63.1)(1)On May 1, 2012, we completed the Merger of Mead C&OP. Accordingly, the results of Mead C&OP are included in the Company's consolidatedfinancial statements from the date of the Merger.(2)Operating income for the years 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was impacted by restructuring (credits) charges of $(0.4) million, $5.5 million, $30.1million, $24.3 million and $(0.7) million, respectively. Such charges were largely severance related, and were principally associated with post-mergerintegration activities.(3)Other expense, net for the years 2015, 2013 and 2012 was impacted by $1.9 million, $9.4 million and $61.4 million in charges, respectively, related tothe refinancings completed in 2015, 2013 and 2012. For further information on our 2015 refinancing, see "Note 3. Long-term Debt and Short-termBorrowings" to the consolidated financial statements contained in Part II, Item 8. of this report.(4)Due to the Merger, we analyzed our need to maintain valuation allowances against our U.S. deferred taxes, which were established in 2009. Based onour analysis we determined in 2012 that there existed sufficient evidence in the form of future taxable income from the combined operations to release$126.1 million of the valuation allowance that had been previously recorded against the U.S. deferred income tax assets. In 2013 and 2012, we alsoreleased $11.6 million and $19.0 million, respectively, of valuation allowances in certain foreign jurisdictions.(5)The company has adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs in the fourth quarter of2015 and has retrospectively adjusted its prior period balance sheets. Total assets have been reduced for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013,2012 and 2011 by $11.3 million, $14.6 million, $25.4 million and $9.8 million, respectively. See also "Note 2. Recent Accounting Pronouncements"and "Note 3. Long-term Debt and Short-term Borrowings" to the consolidated financial statements contained in Part II, Item 8. of this report.20SUPPLEMENTAL NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURESTo supplement our consolidated financial statements presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. ("GAAP"), weprovide investors with certain non-GAAP financial measures. See below for an explanation of how we calculate and use these non-GAAP financial measuresand for a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable GAAP financial measures.We believe these non-GAAP financial measures are appropriate to enhance an overall understanding of our past financial performance and also ourprospects for the future, as well as to facilitate comparisons with our historical operating results. Adjustments to our GAAP results are made with the intent ofproviding both management and investors a more complete understanding of our underlying operational results and trends. For example, the non-GAAPresults are an indication of our baseline performance before gains, losses or other charges that are considered by management to be outside our core operatingresults. In addition, these non-GAAP financial measures are among the primary indicators management uses as a basis for our planning and forecasting offuture periods and senior management’s incentive compensation is derived, in part, using certain of these non-GAAP financial measures.There are limitations in using non-GAAP financial measures because the non-GAAP financial measures are not prepared in accordance with generallyaccepted accounting principles and may be different from non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies. The non-GAAP financial measures arelimited in value because they exclude certain items that may have a material impact upon our reported financial results; such as unusual tax items,restructuring and integration charges, goodwill or other intangible asset impairment charges, foreign currency fluctuation, and other one-time or non-recurring items. The presentation of this additional information is not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the directly comparablefinancial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. Investors should review the reconciliations of the non-GAAP financial measures to their most directlycomparable GAAP financial measures as provided in the tables below as well as our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere inthis report.Net Sales at Constant CurrencyWe provide net sales at constant currency in order to facilitate comparisons of our historical sales results as well as highlight the underlying sales trendsin our business. We calculate net sales at constant currency by translating the current period foreign operation net sales at prior year periodic currency rates.The following table provides a reconciliation of GAAP net sales as reported to non-GAAP net sales at constant currency: Year Ended December 31, 2015 Year Ended December31, 2014 (in millions of dollars)GAAP ReportedNet Sales CurrencyTranslation Non-GAAP Net Salesat Constant Currency GAAP Reported NetSales % Change at ConstantCurrencyACCO Brands North America$963.3 $18.3 $981.6 $1,006.0 (2)%ACCO Brands International426.9 94.3 521.2 546.9 (5)%Computer Products Group120.2 11.3 131.5 136.3 (4)%Total$1,510.4 $123.9 $1,634.3 $1,689.2 (3)%21Adjusted Operating IncomeWe provide adjusted operating income in order to facilitate comparisons of our historical operating results by excluding one-time gains, losses andother charges, such as restructuring (credits) charges.The following table provides a reconciliation of GAAP operating income as reported to non-GAAP adjusted operating income: Year Ended December 31, 2015(in millions of dollars)GAAP ReportedOperating Income Adjustments(1) Non-GAAP AdjustedOperating IncomeACCO Brands North America$147.6 $(0.6) $147.0ACCO Brands International40.8 (0.1) 40.7Computer Products Group10.3 0.3 10.6Corporate(35.2) — (35.2)Total$163.5 $(0.4) $163.1(1) Represents restructuring (credits) charges.Free Cash FlowWe provide free cash flow in order to show the cash available to pay down debt, buy back common shares and fund acquisitions. Free cash flowrepresents cash flow from operating activities less investing activities.The following table sets forth a reconciliation of GAAP net cash provided by operating activities as reported to non-GAAP free cash flow:(in millions of dollars)Year Ended December 31,2015Net cash provided by operating activities$171.2Net cash (used) provided by: Additions to property, plant and equipment(27.6)Proceeds from the disposition of assets2.8Other$0.2Free cash flow (non-GAAP)$146.622ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OFOPERATIONSINTRODUCTIONManagement’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with the consolidatedfinancial statements of ACCO Brands Corporation and the accompanying notes contained in Part II, Item 8. of this report. Unless otherwise noted, thefollowing discussion pertains only to our continuing operations.Overview of the CompanyACCO Brands is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of office, school and calendar products and select computer and electronic accessories.More than 80% of our net sales come from brands that occupy the number one or number two positions in the select markets in which we compete. We seek todevelop new products that meet the needs of our consumers and commercial end-users. We compete through a balance of product innovation, categorymanagement, a low-cost operating model and an efficient supply chain. We sell our products to consumers and commercial end-users primarily throughresellers, including traditional office supply resellers, wholesalers and retailers, including on-line retailers. Our products are sold primarily to markets locatedin the U.S., Northern Europe, Brazil, Canada, Australia and Mexico. For the year ended December 31, 2015, approximately 40% of our sales were outside theU.S. down from 45% in 2014.The majority of our revenue is concentrated in geographies where demand for our product categories is in mature stages, but we see opportunities togrow sales through share gains, channel expansion and new products. Over the long-term we expect to derive growth in faster growing emerging geographieswhere demand in the product categories in which we compete is strong, such as in Latin America and parts of Asia, the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Weplan to grow organically supplemented by strategic acquisitions in both existing and adjacent categories. Historically, key drivers of demand for office andschool products have included trends in white-collar employment levels, education enrollment levels, gross domestic product (GDP), growth in the number ofsmall businesses and home offices, as well as consumer usage trends for our product categories.We believe our leading product positions provide the scale to enable us to invest in product innovation and drive growth across our product categories.We currently manufacture approximately half of our products locally where we operate, and source approximately half of our products, primarily from China.Reportable SegmentsACCO Brands North America and ACCO Brands InternationalACCO Brands North America and ACCO Brands International manufacture, source and sell traditional office products, school supplies and calendarproducts. ACCO Brands North America comprises the U.S. and Canada, and ACCO Brands International comprises the rest of the world, primarily NorthernEurope, Brazil, Australia and Mexico.Our office, school and calendar product lines use name brands such as AT-A-GLANCE®, Day-Timer®, Five Star®, GBC®, Hilroy, Marbig, Mead®, NOBO,Quartet®, Rexel, Swingline®, Tilibra, Wilson Jones® and many others. Products and brands are not confined to one channel or product category and are soldbased on end-user preference in each geographic location.The majority of our office products, such as stapling, binding and laminating equipment and related consumable supplies, shredders and whiteboards,are used by businesses. Most of these end-users purchase their products from our customers, which include traditional office supply resellers, wholesalers andother retailers, including on-line retailers. We also supply some of our products directly to large commercial and industrial end-users, and provide businessmachine maintenance and certain repair services. Additionally, we also supply private label products within the office products sector.Our school products include notebooks, folders, decorative calendars and stationery products. We distribute our school products primarily through massmerchandisers, and other retailers, such as grocery, drug and office superstores as well as on-line retailers. We also supply private label products within theschool products sector.Our calendar products are sold through all the same channels where we sell office or school products, as well as directly to consumers both on-line andthrough direct mail.Our customers are primarily large global and regional resellers of our products including traditional office supply resellers, wholesalers and otherretailers, including on-line retailers. Mass merchandisers and retail channels primarily sell to individual23consumers but also to small businesses. We also sell to commercial contract dealers, wholesalers, distributors and independent dealers who primarily servebusiness end-users. Over half of our product sales by our customers are to business end-users, who generally seek premium products that have added value orease-of-use features and a reputation for reliability, performance and professional appearance. Some of our binding and laminating equipment products aresold directly to high-volume end-users and commercial reprographic centers. We also sell calendar and computer products directly to consumers.Computer Products GroupOur Computer Products Group designs, sources, distributes, markets and sells accessories for laptop and desktop computers and tablets. Theseaccessories primarily include security products, input devices such as presenters, mice and trackballs, ergonomic aids such as foot and wrist rests, dockingstations, and other PC and tablet accessories. We sell these products mostly under the Kensington®, Microsaver® and ClickSafe® brand names, with themajority of revenue coming from the U.S. and Northern Europe. Our computer products are manufactured by third-party suppliers, principally in Asia, and aredistributed from our regional facilities. Our computer products are sold primarily to consumer electronics retailers, information technology value-addedresellers, original equipment manufacturers, and office products retailers, as well as directly to consumers on-line.In 2014 we repositioned the Computer Products Group by shifting our focus away from certain commoditized low margin tablet accessories. Thisdecision has continued to impact 2015 resulting in lower sales.Overview of 2015 Company PerformanceTo appreciate the overall Company performance for 2015 it is important to focus upon four factors:•the impact of foreign exchange, as approximately 40% of our net sales for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 are from foreign operations.Our major foreign currencies have declined between 7% and 28% relative to the U.S. dollar in 2015;•the decline in sales in the International segment due to foreign currency translation and lower sales in Brazil where the economy is in a deeprecession;•the decline in sales in the North America segment related to the consolidation of Office Depot and Office Max; and•the significant cash flow generated in 2015. As a result, we reduced our debt by $70.1 million and used $65.9 million to repurchase ourcommon stock and for payments related to tax withholding for share-based compensation.Foreign CurrencyForeign exchange rate averages for 2015 deteriorated against the U.S. dollar in comparison to 2014 average rates. This materially impacted our reportedsales, earnings, cash flow and comparative balance sheet. The weakening of currencies relative to the U.S. dollar has negatively impacted our 2015 resultsfrom both a translation and transaction perspective reducing the foreign currency denominated portion of our sales to approximately 40% in comparison to2014 when approximately 45% of our consolidated sales were denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar.Additionally, approximately half of the products we sell are sourced from China and other Far Eastern countries. The prices for these sourced productsare denominated in U.S. dollars. Accordingly, movements in the value of local currencies relative to the U.S. dollar affect the cost of goods sold by our non-U.S. business when they source products from Asia. A weaker dollar decreases costs of goods sold and a stronger dollar increases costs of goods sold relativeto the local selling price. In response to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar, we typically seek to raise prices in our foreign markets in an effort to recover lostgross margin. Due to competitive pressures and the timing of these price increases relative to the changes in currency exchange rates, it is often difficult toincrease prices fast enough to fully offset the cumulative impact of the foreign-exchange-related inflation on our cost of goods sold in these markets. Further,our international operations sell in their local currencies and are exposed to their domestic currency movements against the U.S. dollar. Additionally, wherepossible, we seek to hedge our exposure to provide more time to raise prices, but this is not always possible where our competitors are not similarly affected.In response to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar we raised prices during 2015 in our foreign markets in an effort to recover our lost gross margin, butwere unable to fully offset the cumulative impact of the foreign-exchange-related increases in our cost of products sold. We have made additional priceincreases in January 2016 in certain markets.24When 2015 annual average foreign exchange rates are compared to 2014, they have declined for all of our major currencies relative to the U.S. dollar asfollows:Currency 2015 Average DeclineBrazilian real (28)%Euro (17)%Canadian dollar (14)%Australian dollar (17)%Mexican peso (16)%British pound (7)%Japanese yen (13)%The strong U.S. dollar decreased our 2015 reported sales by $123.9 million, or 7%, and adversely impacted our profitability. Operating incomedecreased by $10.1 million to $163.5 million. Foreign currency translation reduced operating income by $17.2 million, or 10%. The underlying increase wasdue to lower restructuring charges. Net income decreased $5.7 million, or 6%, to $85.9 million, from $91.6 million in the prior-year period. Foreign currencytranslation reduced net income by $16.4 million, or 18%.Fluctuations in the currency exchange rates can also have a material impact on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. The strengthening of the U.S. dollarhas reduced the value of our reported assets and liabilities by $136.7 million versus December 31, 2014. Therefore, our reported shareholders' equity hasdecreased by this amount.We expect the adverse effects from the strong U.S. dollar to continue to impact us in 2016. See also "Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors - Risks associated withcurrency volatility could adversely affect our sales, profitability, cash flow and results of operations," "Item 6. Selected Financial Data - Supplemental Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and "Note 12. Derivative Financial Instruments" to the consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8. of this report.Customer ConsolidationOur results are dependent upon a number of factors, including pricing and competition. Current pricing and demand levels for office products reflectthe substantial consolidation among the global resellers of office products. This consolidation has led to multiple years of industry pricing pressure and moreefficient asset utilization by customers, resulting in lower sales and volume for suppliers of office products. In the fourth quarter of 2013, two of our largecustomers, Office Depot and OfficeMax, completed their merger. Since the merger the combined company has taken actions to harmonize product selectionand pricing from their suppliers, close retail outlets and rationalize their supply chain, which have negatively impacted and will continue to negativelyimpact, our sales and margins. In 2015, sales to Office Depot globally declined by $38 million. We believe these activities will continue in 2016 and that theadverse effects and future actions will take several years to be fully realized. Additionally, Staples announced an agreement to acquire Office Depot in thefirst quarter of 2015; the FTC has opposed the merger. See also "Part I, Item1A. Risk Factors - Our customers may further consolidate, which could adverselyimpact our sales and margins."Debt RefinancingEffective April 28, 2015 (the "Effective Date"), the Company entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of April 28,2015 (the "Restated Credit Agreement"), among the Company, certain subsidiaries of the Company, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and theother agents and lenders party thereto, which replaced the Company’s existing credit agreement, dated as of May 13, 2013, as amended (the "2013 CreditAgreement").The Restated Credit Agreement provides for a $600.0 million, five-year senior secured credit facility, which consists of a $300.0 million revolvingcredit facility (the "Restated Revolving Facility") and a $300.0 million term loan. Specifically, in connection with the Restated Credit Agreement, theCompany:•replaced the Company’s then existing U.S.-dollar denominated Senior Secured Term A Loan, due May 2018, under the 2013 Credit Agreement,which had an aggregate principal amount of $299.0 million outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Date, with a new U.S.-dollardenominated Senior Secured Term A Loan, in an aggregate original principal amount of $300.0 million; and25•replaced the $250.0 million revolving credit facility under the 2013 Credit Agreement with the Restated Revolving Facility.As of December 31, 2015, there were no borrowings under the Restated Revolving Facility. The amount available for borrowings was $291.1 million(allowing for $8.9 million of letters of credit outstanding on that date). For further information on our refinancing and amendments see also "Note 3. Long-term Debt and Short-term Borrowings" to the consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8. of this report.Fiscal 2015 versus Fiscal 2014The following table presents the Company’s results for the years ended December 31, 2015, and 2014. Year Ended December 31, Amount of Change (in millions of dollars)2015 2014 $ % Net sales$1,510.4 $1,689.2 $(178.8) (11)% Cost of products sold1,032.0 1,159.3 (127.3) (11)% Gross profit478.4 529.9 (51.5) (10)% Gross profit margin31.7% 31.4% 0.3pts Advertising, selling, general and administrative expenses295.7 328.6 (32.9) (10)% Amortization of intangibles19.6 22.2 (2.6) (12)% Restructuring (credits) charges(0.4) 5.5 (5.9) NM Operating income163.5 173.6 (10.1) (6)% Operating income margin10.8% 10.3% 0.5pts Interest expense44.5 49.5 (5.0) (10)% Interest income(6.6) (5.6) (1.0) 18 % Equity in earnings of joint ventures(7.9) (8.1) 0.2 (2)% Other expense, net2.1 0.8 1.3 163 % Income tax expense45.5 45.4 0.1 — % Effective tax rate34.6% 33.1% 1.5pts Net income85.9 91.6 (5.7) (6)% Net SalesNet sales decreased $178.8 million, or 11%, to $1,510.4 million from $1,689.2 million in the prior-year period. Foreign currency translation reducedsales by $123.9 million, or 7%. The underlying sales declined in all segments, but primarily in the International and North America segments. Within theInternational segment, sales volume declined in most of our markets, partially offset by price increases. Brazil accounted for $61.7 million of our total salesdecline. Underlying sales decreased by $21.6 million due to the on-going deterioration of economic conditions, and currency translation reduced sales by$40.1 million. North America declined primarily due to lower sales to office superstores driven by the loss of product placement and continuing impact ofdistribution center and store closures.Cost of Products SoldCost of products sold includes all manufacturing, product sourcing and distribution costs, including depreciation related to assets used in themanufacturing, procurement and distribution process, allocation of certain information technology costs supporting those processes, inbound and outboundfreight, shipping and handling costs, purchasing costs associated with materials and packaging used in the production processes and inventory valuationadjustments. Cost of products sold decreased $127.3 million, or 11%, to $1,032.0 million, from $1,159.3 million in the prior-year period. Foreign currencytranslation reduced cost of products sold by $88.2 million, or 8%. The underlying decline was driven by lower sales volume, cost savings and productivityimprovements (primarily in the North America segment), partially offset by foreign-exchange-related increases in cost of products sold at our foreign businessunits that source their inventory in U.S. dollars.26Gross ProfitManagement believes that gross profit and gross profit margin provide enhanced shareholder appreciation of underlying profit drivers. Gross profitdecreased $51.5 million, or 10%, to $478.4 million, from $529.9 million in the prior-year period. Foreign currency translation reduced gross profit by $35.7million, or 7%. The underlying decrease was primarily due to lower sales.Gross profit margin increased to 31.7% from 31.4%. The increase was primarily due to cost savings and productivity improvements, which more thanoffset the adverse impact of unfavorable sales mix and deleveraging from lower volumes. Higher pricing primarily offset the increased cost of goods sourcedas a result of the strong U.S. dollar.Advertising, selling, general and administrative expensesAdvertising, selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A") include advertising, marketing, selling (including commissions), research anddevelopment, customer service, depreciation related to assets outside the manufacturing and distribution processes and all other general and administrativeexpenses outside the manufacturing and distribution functions (e.g., finance, human resources, information technology and corporate expenses). SG&Adecreased $32.9 million, or 10%, to $295.7 million from $328.6 million in the prior-year period. Foreign currency translation reduced SG&A by $18.0million, or 5%. The underlying decrease was driven by cost savings (primarily in marketing), lower professional fees and a one-time $2.3 million recovery ofan indirect tax in Brazil.As a percentage of sales, SG&A increased to 19.6% from 19.5% in the prior-year period primarily due to lower sales volume, partially offset by costreductions.Restructuring (Credits) ChargesThere were no new restructuring initiatives commenced in 2015; restructuring credits in the current year reflect adjustments to the initiativescommenced in 2014. Restructuring charges decreased $5.9 million from the prior-year period.Operating IncomeOperating income decreased $10.1 million, or 6%, to $163.5 million, from $173.6 million in the prior-year period. Foreign currency translation reducedoperating income by $17.2 million, or 10%. The underlying increase was primarily due to lower restructuring charges.Interest Expense and Other Expense, NetInterest expense decreased $5.0 million, or 10%, to $44.5 million from $49.5 million in the prior-year period. The decrease was primarily due to lowerdebt outstanding compared to the prior year.Other expense, net increased by $1.3 million to $2.1 million from $0.8 million in the prior-year period. The increase was due a $1.9 million write-off ofdebt issuance costs related to the second quarter of 2015 refinancing.Income TaxesIncome tax expense was $45.5 million on income before taxes of $131.4 million, with an effective tax rate of 34.6%. For the prior-year period, incometax expense was $45.4 million on income before taxes of $137.0 million, with an effective tax rate of 33.1%. The effective tax rate for 2015 was higher than2014 due to a greater percentage of U.S. income, which is taxed at a higher rate than income from most foreign jurisdictions.Net IncomeNet income decreased $5.7 million, or 6%, to $85.9 million, from $91.6 million in the prior-year period. Foreign currency translation reduced netincome by $16.4 million, or 18%. The underlying increase was primarily due to lower restructuring charges and lower interest expense.27Segment Discussion Year Ended December 31, 2015 Amount of Change Net Sales SegmentOperatingIncome (A) OperatingIncomeMargin Net Sales Net Sales SegmentOperatingIncome SegmentOperatingIncome MarginPoints (in millions of dollars) $ % $ % ACCO Brands North America$963.3 $147.6 15.3% $(42.7) (4)% $6.9 5 % 130ACCO Brands International426.9 40.8 9.6% (120.0) (22)% (22.1) (35)% (190)Computer Products Group120.2 10.3 8.6% (16.1) (12)% 2.1 26 % 260Total$1,510.4 $198.7 $(178.8) $(13.1) Year Ended December 31, 2014 Net Sales SegmentOperatingIncome (A) OperatingIncomeMargin (in millions of dollars) ACCO Brands North America$1,006.0 $140.7 14.0% ACCO Brands International546.9 62.9 11.5% Computer Products Group136.3 8.2 6.0% Total$1,689.2 $211.8 (A) Segment operating income excludes corporate costs; Interest expense; Interest income; Equity in earnings of joint ventures and Other expense, net. See"Note 15. Information on Business Segments" to the consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8. of this report for a reconciliation of total "Segmentoperating income" to "Income from continuing operations before income tax."ACCO Brands North AmericaACCO Brands North America net sales decreased $42.7 million, or 4%, to $963.3 million from $1,006.0 million in the prior-year period. Foreigncurrency translation reduced sales by $18.3 million, or 2%. The underlying sales decline was primarily due to lower sales to Office Depot, where 2015 globalsales declined $38 million, the vast majority of which impacted North America. The decline with Office Depot was largely related to its merger withOfficeMax, which has adversely impacted our sales primarily through lost placement and inventory reductions (including the effects of distribution centerand store closures). We expect inventory reductions due to the merger to continue to adversely impact our sales in 2016, although to a lesser degree than in2015. Partially offsetting the decline in the office superstore channel were increased sales in the e-commerce and mass-retailer channels.ACCO Brands North America operating income increased $6.9 million, or 5%, to $147.6 million from $140.7 million in the prior-year period, andoperating income margin increased to 15.3% from 14.0%. Foreign currency translation reduced operating income by $1.9 million, or 1%. The underlyingimprovement was due to a reduction in restructuring charges of $3.3 million as well as cost savings from prior-year restructuring initiatives, productivityimprovements and lower pension expenses. The improvements were partially offset by lower sales volume.ACCO Brands InternationalACCO Brands International net sales decreased $120.0 million, or 22%, to $426.9 million from $546.9 million in the prior-year period. Foreigncurrency translation reduced sales by $94.3 million, or 17%, with all regions experiencing currency depreciation, but most notably Brazil, which accountedfor $40.1 million of the reduction. The underlying sales decline was primarily driven $21.6 million of lower sales volume in Brazil, which declined due to theadverse economic conditions. Sales in Europe also declined, primarily due to lost placement. These declines were partially offset by increased pricing of 7%as we sought to recover foreign-exchange-related increases in our cost of products sold.ACCO Brands International operating income decreased $22.1 million, or 35%, to $40.8 million from $62.9 million in the prior-year period, andoperating income margin decreased to 9.6% from 11.5%. Foreign currency translation reduced operating income by $12.4 million, or 20%. The underlyingdecline in operating income and margin was primarily due to Brazil where we28have experienced both lower sales volume and an unfavorable product mix as customers traded down to lower-price-point items. The decline was partiallyoffset by price increases and a one-time $2.3 million recovery of an indirect tax in Brazil.Computer Products GroupComputer Products Group net sales decreased $16.1 million, or 12%, to $120.2 million from $136.3 million in the prior-year period. Foreign currencytranslation reduced sales by $11.3 million, or 8%. The underlying sales decline was due to a $10 million reduction in our sales of tablet accessories, primarilyresulting from our strategic decision to shift focus away from certain commoditized low margin products in this category. Sales of our security and laptop anddesktop accessory products that collectively account for approximately 90% of our sales were up 5% compared to the prior year.Computer Products Group operating income increased $2.1 million, or 26%, to $10.3 million from $8.2 million in the prior-year period, and operatingmargin increased to 8.6% from 6.0%. Foreign currency translation reduced operating income by $2.9 million, or 35%. The underlying operating income andmargin increased as the cost associated with moving our business away from commoditized low margin tablet accessories was significantly lower andimproved operational execution on our security and laptop accessory products resulted in a favorable product mix.Fiscal 2014 versus Fiscal 2013The following table presents the Company’s results for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. Year Ended December 31, Amount of Change (in millions of dollars)2014 2013 $ % Net sales$1,689.2 $1,765.1 $(75.9) (4)% Cost of products sold1,159.3 1,217.2 (57.9) (5)% Gross profit529.9 547.9 (18.0) (3)% Gross profit margin31.4% 31.0% 0.4pts Advertising, selling, general and administrative expenses328.6 347.3 (18.7) (5)% Amortization of intangibles22.2 24.7 (2.5) (10)% Restructuring charges5.5 30.1 (24.6) (82)% Operating income173.6 145.8 27.8 19 % Operating income margin10.3% 8.3% 2.0pts Interest expense49.5 59.0 (9.5) (16)% Interest income(5.6) (4.3) (1.3) 30 % Equity in earnings of joint ventures(8.1) (8.2) 0.1 (1)% Other expense, net0.8 7.6 (6.8) (89)% Income tax expense45.4 14.4 31.0 215 % Effective tax rate33.1% 15.7% 17.4pts Income from continuing operations91.6 77.3 14.3 18 % Loss discontinued operations, net of income taxes— (0.2) 0.2 100 % Net income91.6 77.1 14.5 19 % Net SalesNet sales decreased $75.9 million, or 4%, to $1,689.2 million from $1,765.1 million in the prior-year period. Foreign currency translation reduced salesby $35.2 million, or 2%. The underlying sales decline was principally in the North America segment, which experienced a significant reduction in sales toOffice Depot following the merger with OfficeMax, and in the Computer Products Group segment as result of our strategic decision to shift focus away fromcommoditized tablet accessories.Cost of Products SoldCost of products sold decreased $57.9 million, or 5%, to $1,159.3 million, from $1,217.2 million in the prior-year period. Foreign currency translationreduced cost of products sold by $25.6 million. Costs of products sold also decreased due to cost savings and productivity improvements, mostly in the NorthAmerica segment, and lower sales volume.29Gross ProfitGross profit decreased $18.0 million, or 3%, to $529.9 million, from $547.9 million in the prior-year period. Foreign currency translation reduced grossprofit by $9.6 million. The underlying decrease was due to lower sales and higher costs, which was partially offset by cost savings, productivityimprovements and higher pricing.Gross profit margin increased to 31.4% from 31.0%. The improvement was primarily due to cost savings and productivity improvements, which morethan offset the adverse impact of sales deleveraging, adverse sales mix, increased management incentives and increased inventory write-offs.Advertising, selling, general and administrative expensesSG&A decreased $18.7 million, or 5%, to $328.6 million from $347.3 million in the prior-year period. Foreign currency translation reduced SG&A by$4.5 million. The underlying decrease was driven primarily by savings related to cost reduction activities in addition to $7 million in lower pension expense.Also contributing to the improvement was the absence of $4.4 million of Mead C&OP information technology integration charges, which were included inthe prior year. Partially offsetting the reduction in SG&A were higher management incentives and various strategic initiatives expenses. The prior year alsoincluded a $2.5 million gain on the sale of a facility.As a percentage of sales, SG&A decreased to 19.5% from 19.7% in the prior-year period primarily due to the cost reductions mentioned above. Lowersales volume somewhat offset the favorable impact.Restructuring ChargesRestructuring charges were $5.5 million compared to $30.1 million in the prior-year period, as there were fewer restructuring initiatives in 2014.Operating IncomeOperating income increased $27.8 million, or 19%, to $173.6 million, from $145.8 million in the prior-year period. Foreign currency translationreduced operating income by $4.9 million. The underlying improvement was primarily due to lower restructuring charges and SG&A expenses offset bylower gross profit.Interest Expense and Other Expense, NetInterest expense decreased by $9.5 million, or 16%, to $49.5 million from $59.0 million in the prior-year period. The decrease was primarily due tolower interest rates resulting from the refinancing of our debt in the second quarter of 2013 and lower debt outstanding compared to the prior year.Other expense, net of other income decreased by $6.8 million to $0.8 million from $7.6 million in the prior-year period. The reduction was due to theabsence of a $9.4 million write-off of debt origination costs related to the 2013 debt refinancing and a $2.0 million gain related to a bargain purchase on anacquisition completed in 2013.Income TaxesIncome tax expense from continuing operations was $45.4 million on income from continuing operations before taxes of $137.0 million, with aneffective tax rate of 33.1%. For the prior-year period, we reported income tax expense from continuing operations of $14.4 million on income fromcontinuing operations before taxes of $91.7 million, with an effective tax rate of 15.7%. The low effective tax rate in the prior year was primarily due to therelease of valuation allowances for certain foreign jurisdictions in the amount of $11.6 million.30Segment Discussion Year Ended December 31, 2014 Amount of Change Net Sales SegmentOperatingIncome (A) OperatingIncomeMargin Net Sales Net Sales SegmentOperatingIncome SegmentOperatingIncome MarginPoints (in millions of dollars) $ % $ % ACCO Brands North America$1,006.0 $140.7 14.0% $(35.4) (3)% $42.5 43 % 460ACCO Brands International546.9 62.9 11.5% (19.7) (3)% (3.6) (5)% (20)Computer Products Group136.3 8.2 6.0% (20.8) (13)% (5.5) (40)% (270)Total$1,689.2 $211.8 $(75.9) $33.4 Year Ended December 31, 2013 Net Sales SegmentOperatingIncome (A) OperatingIncomeMargin (in millions of dollars) ACCO Brands North America1,041.4 98.2 9.4% ACCO Brands International566.6 66.5 11.7% Computer Products Group157.1 13.7 8.7% Total$1,765.1 $178.4 (A) Segment operating income excludes corporate costs; Interest expense; Interest income; Equity in earnings of joint ventures and Other expense, net. See"Note 15. Information on Business Segments" to the consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8. of this report for a reconciliation of total "Segmentoperating income" to "Income from continuing operations before income tax."ACCO Brands North AmericaACCO Brands North America net sales decreased $35.4 million, or 3%, to $1,006.0 million from $1,041.4 million in the prior-year period. Foreigncurrency translation reduced sales by $9.8 million, or 1%. The underlying sales decline was primarily with Office Depot, where 2014 sales declined $40million globally, the vast majority of which impacted North America. The decline with Office Depot was largely related to their merger with OfficeMax,which has adversely impacted our sales through inventory reductions (including, the effects of supply chain rationalization and store closures), losses ofproduct placement and a change to a consignment sales model for certain calendar products. North America sales also declined with wholesaler customerswho reduced inventory, partially offset by a strong back-to-school season in the mass merchandiser channel.ACCO Brands North America operating income increased $42.5 million, or 43%, to $140.7 million from $98.2 million in the prior-year period, andoperating income margin increased to 14.0% from 9.4%. The improvement was primarily due to a reduction in restructuring charges of $17.6 million as wellas cost savings from restructuring initiatives, other productivity improvements and lower pension expenses. Also contributing to the improvement was theabsence of $4.2 million of Mead C&OP information technology integration charges and $1.8 million of costs associated with our U.S. and corporateheadquarters relocation, which were included in the prior year. The improvements were partially offset by lower sales volume and higher managementincentives expenses.ACCO Brands InternationalACCO Brands International net sales decreased $19.7 million, or 3%, to $546.9 million from $566.6 million in the prior-year period. Foreign currencytranslation reduced sales by $24.1 million, or 4%. The underlying sales improvement was primarily driven by price increases taken to offset the negativeeffect of inflation and the adverse impact of foreign exchange on our cost of goods. Sales gains in Latin America and Asia-Pacific were offset by lower salesprimarily in Europe and Australia. Brazil started the year strongly, with underlying sales 13% higher in the first six months; however, sales growth moderatedsignificantly in the second half as the Brazilian economy weakened. Brazilian sales for the year increased 7%, principally due to price increases on flatvolume.ACCO Brands International operating income decreased $3.6 million, or 5%, to $62.9 million from $66.5 million in the31prior-year period, and operating income margin decreased to 11.5% from 11.7%. Foreign currency translation reduced operating income by $3.8 million, or6%. The benefit of $5.4 million in lower restructuring charges and lower pension expenses was offset by investment in sales and marketing and the absence ofa $2.5 million gain on the sale of a building in 2013.Computer Products GroupComputer Products Group net sales decreased $20.8 million, or 13%, to $136.3 million from $157.1 million in the prior-year period. The decline wasdue to reduced volume and pricing of tablet accessories resulting from our strategic decision to shift focus away from commoditized tablet accessories. Salesof our security and laptop accessory products (over 80% of sales) were up slightly from the prior year as a result of stabilization in demand for personalcomputers and laptops.Computer Products Group operating income decreased $5.5 million, or 40%, to $8.2 million from $13.7 million in the prior-year period, and operatingmargin decreased to 6.0% from 8.7%. The declines in operating income and margin were primarily due to substantially lower sales and margins in the tabletaccessory business, including price discounting to sell remaining inventory, partially offset by lower SG&A expenses.Liquidity and Capital ResourcesOur primary liquidity needs are to reduce our borrowings, service indebtedness, fund capital expenditures, support working capital requirements andrepurchase shares. Our principal sources of liquidity are cash flows from operating activities, cash and cash equivalents held and seasonal borrowings underour Restated Revolving Facility. As of December 31, 2015, there were no borrowings under our $300.0 million Restated Revolving Facility and the amountavailable for borrowings was $291.1 million (allowing for $8.9 million of letters of credit outstanding on that date).We maintain adequate financing arrangements at market rates. Because of the seasonality of our business, we typically generate much of our cash flowin the first, third and fourth quarters, as accounts receivables are collected, and use cash in the second quarter, to fund working capital in order to support theNorth America back-to-school season. Our Brazilian business is highly seasonal due to the timing of the back-to-school season, which coincides with thecalendar year-end in the fourth quarter. Due to various tax laws, it is costly to transfer short-term working capital in and out of Brazil; therefore, our normalpractice is to hold seasonal cash requirements in Brazil, and invest in short-term Brazilian government securities. Consolidated cash and cash equivalents was$55.4 million as of December 31, 2015, of which approximately $26 million was held in Brazil. Our priorities for all other cash flow use over the near term,after funding internal growth, are debt reduction, stock repurchases and funding acquisitions.The current senior secured credit facilities have a weighted average interest rate of 1.88% as of December 31, 2015 and our Senior Unsecured Notes, dueApril 30, 2020 (the "Senior Unsecured Notes") have a fixed interest rate of 6.75%.Debt RefinancingEffective April 28, 2015 (the "Effective Date"), the Company entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of April 28,2015 (the "Restated Credit Agreement"), among the Company, certain subsidiaries of the Company, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and theother agents and lenders party thereto, which replaced the Company’s existing credit agreement, dated as of May 13, 2013, as amended (the "2013 CreditAgreement").The Restated Credit Agreement provides for a $600.0 million, five-year senior secured credit facility, which consists of a $300.0 million revolvingcredit facility (the "Restated Revolving Facility") and a $300.0 million term loan. Specifically, in connection with the Restated Credit Agreement, theCompany:•replaced the Company’s then existing U.S.-dollar denominated Senior Secured Term A Loan, due May 2018, under the 2013 Credit Agreement,which had an aggregate principal amount of $299.0 million outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Date, with a new U.S.-dollardenominated Senior Secured Term A Loan, in an aggregate original principal amount of $300.0 million (the "Restated Term A Loan"); and•replaced the $250.0 million revolving credit facility under the 2013 Credit Agreement with the Restated Revolving Facility.For further information on our refinancing and amendments see also "Note 3. Long-term Debt and Short-term Borrowings" to the consolidated financialstatements contained in Item 8. of this report.32Loan CovenantsThe Restated Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants as well as events of default, including payment defaults, breachof representations and warranties, covenant defaults, cross-defaults, certain bankruptcy or insolvency events, certain ERISA-related events, changes in controlor ownership and invalidity of any loan document. The indenture governing the senior unsecured notes also contains certain covenants.Under the Restated Credit Agreement, the Company is required to meet certain financial tests, including a maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio (asdefined in the Restated Credit Agreement) as determined by reference to the following ratio:Period Maximum ConsolidatedLeverage Ratio(1)July 1, 2015 and thereafter 3.75:1.00(1)The Consolidated Leverage Ratio is computed by dividing the Company's net funded indebtedness by the cumulative four-quarter-trailing EBITDA,which excludes transaction costs, restructuring and other charges up to certain limits as well as other adjustments defined in the Restated CreditAgreement.Following the consummation of a Material Acquisition (as defined in the Restated Credit Agreement), and as of the end of the fiscal quarter in whichsuch Material Acquisition occurs and as of the end of the three fiscal quarters thereafter, the levels above will increase by 0.50:1.00, provided that no morethan one such increase can be in effect at any time.The Restated Credit Agreement also requires the Company to maintain a Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined in the Restated CreditAgreement) as of the end of any fiscal quarter at or above 1.25 to 1.00.Compliance with Loan CovenantsAs of December 31, 2015, our Consolidated Leverage Ratio was approximately 2.8 to 1 and our Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio was approximately 3.8 to1.As of and for the period ended December 31, 2015, we were in compliance with all applicable loan covenants.Guarantees and SecurityGenerally, obligations under the Restated Credit Agreement are guaranteed by certain of the Company’s existing and future subsidiaries, and aresecured by substantially all of the Company’s and certain guarantor subsidiaries’ assets, subject to certain exclusions and limitations.The Senior Unsecured Notes are irrevocably and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a senior unsecured basis by each of our existingand future domestic subsidiaries other than certain excluded subsidiaries. The Senior Unsecured Notes and the related guarantees will rank equally in right ofpayment with all of the existing and future senior debt of the Company and the guarantors, senior in right of payment to all of the existing and futuresubordinated debt of the Company, and the guarantors, and effectively subordinated to all of the existing and future secured indebtedness of the Companyand the guarantors to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness. The Senior Unsecured Notes and the guarantees are and will bestructurally subordinated to all existing and future liabilities, including trade payables, of each of the Company's subsidiaries that do not guarantee the notes.Incremental facilitiesThe Restated Credit Agreement permits the Company to seek increases in the size of the Restated Revolving Facility and the Restated Term A Loanprior to maturity by up to $500.0 million, in the aggregate, subject to certain conditions and lender commitment.33Cash FlowFiscal 2015 versus Fiscal 2014Cash Flow from Operating ActivitiesFor the year ended December 31, 2015, cash provided by operating activities was $171.2 million, compared to the cash provided by the prior-yearperiod of $171.7 million. Net income for 2015 was $85.9 million, compared to $91.6 million in 2014.The net cash inflow for the 2015 year of $171.2 million was primarily generated by operating profits, and was only slightly less than the prior year 2014despite lower earnings in our International business. While severe economic conditions in Brazil put pressure on working capital efficiency, improvedworking capital management in the U.S. and Europe overcame this effect. The net cash inflow from working capital (accounts receivable, inventories andaccounts payable) was $3.3 million. Of this, cash sourced from inventory of $9.8 million reflects improved supply chain management in the U.S. and Europeand reduced fourth quarter inventory purchases. Cash used by accounts payable of $2.6 million reflects the lower inventory purchases, partially offset byextended payment terms. Accounts receivable used $3.9 million, down $24.3 million from the prior year, due to timing of year-end collections and theadverse effect of foreign exchange. Cash settlements of customer rebate program liabilities, although significant, were lower than the prior year due to lowersales and the effects of foreign exchange. Other significant cash outflow reductions in 2015 helped offset the effects of lower earnings and reducedcontribution from working capital, including: cash restructuring payments in 2015 which were $6.7 million and lower than the $16.9 million in the prior-yearperiod (as we complete payments associated with restructuring actions taken in prior years), income tax payments of $16.9 million which were lower than the$28.9 million paid in 2014 due to certain one-off payments in the U.S., cash contributions to the Company's post-retirement plans that were $7.1 million in2015, compared to $12.4 million in 2014 due to reduced U.S. funding requirements and interest payments that were reduced $4.1 million to $41.0 million in2015 from $45.1 million in the prior year due to lower debt and the benefit of refinancing.The table below shows our cash flow from accounts receivable, inventories and accounts payable for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014,respectively:(in millions of dollars) 2015 2014Accounts receivable $(3.9) $20.4Inventories 9.8 11.6Accounts payable (2.6) (10.1)Cash flow provided by net working capital $3.3 $21.9Cash Flow from Investing ActivitiesCash used by investing activities was $24.6 million and $25.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Gross capitalexpenditures were $27.6 million and $29.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and continue to be informationtechnology focused. Proceeds from the sale of properties and other assets were $2.8 million in 2015 primarily due to the sale of properties in the CzechRepublic and Brazil, and $3.8 million in 2014 largely due to the sale of our East Texas, Pennsylvania facility.Cash Flow from Financing ActivitiesCash used by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $137.8 million and $142.0 million, respectively. Cash used in2015 reflects net repayments of long-term debt of $70.1 million and $65.9 million to repurchase the Company's common stock and for payments related totax withholding for share-based compensation. In 2014, net repayments of long-term debt were $121.1 million and $21.9 million was used to repurchase ourCompany's common stock and for payments related to tax withholding for share-based compensation.Fiscal 2014 versus Fiscal 2013Cash Flow from Operating ActivitiesFor the year ended December 31, 2014, cash provided by operating activities was $171.7 million, compared to the cash provided by the prior-yearperiod of $194.5 million. Net income for 2014 was $91.6 million, compared to $77.1 million in 2013.34During 2014, the net cash inflow of $171.7 million was generated from operating profit and by net working capital (accounts receivable, inventoriesand accounts payable) which was $21.9 million. Of this, $20.4 million was related to collections of customer accounts receivable, as lower fourth quartersales and improved year-end collections activity contributed additional cash. Cash generated by inventory of $11.6 million was due to continuous inventorysupply chain improvements and the timing of inventory purchases. Cash used by accounts payable of $10.1 million reflects the timing of raw materialspurchased and settled earlier than in the prior year, partially offset by the benefit of extended settlement terms. Partially offsetting the cash flow generated bynet working capital during 2014 were significant cash outflows related to the settlement of customer rebate program liabilities. Other significant cashpayments in 2014 included cash interest payments of $45.1 million, compared to $52.0 million in the prior-year period (which were reduced following ourmid-year 2013 refinancing). In addition, 2014 income tax payments of $28.9 million were lower than the $31.1 million paid in 2013, and cash contributionsto the Company's pension plans, which were $12.4 million in 2014, compared to the $14.7 million in 2013. Restructuring payments in 2014 of $16.9 million,principally associated with employee termination benefits, were lower than the $23.3 million paid during the 2013 year.The table below shows our cash flow from accounts receivable, inventories and accounts payable for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013,respectively:(in millions of dollars) 2014 2013Accounts receivable $20.4 $0.5Inventories 11.6 6.5Accounts payable (10.1) 26.8Cash flow provided by net working capital $21.9 $33.8Cash Flow from Investing ActivitiesCash used by investing activities was $25.8 million and $33.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Gross capitalexpenditures were $29.6 million and $36.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The decrease in capital expenditures wasdue to significant investments associated with the Company's headquarters relocation in 2013. Proceeds from the sale of properties and other assets were $3.8million and $6.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.Cash Flow from Financing ActivitiesCash used by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $142.0 million. Cash used in 2014 includes repayments of long-term debttotaling $121.1 million and payments of $21.9 million to repurchase the Company's common stock. Cash used by financing activities in 2013 was $155.5million, and reflects repayments of the Company's debt facilities of $679.5 million and debt issuance payments of $4.3 million, which were partly offset byproceeds from the refinancing of long-term debt facilities of $530.0 million.CapitalizationWe had 105.6 million common shares outstanding as of December 31, 2015.Adequacy of Liquidity SourcesBased on our 2016 business plan and latest forecasts, we believe that cash flow from operations, our current cash balance and other sources of liquidity,including borrowings available under our Restated Revolving Facility, will be adequate to support our requirements for working capital, capital expendituresand to service indebtedness for the foreseeable future. Our future operating performance is dependent on many factors, some of which are beyond our control,including prevailing economic, financial and industry conditions. For more information on these risks see "Part I, Item1A. Risk Factors - Our significantindebtedness requires us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow to debt payments and limits our ability to engage in certain activities."Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Financial ObligationsWe do not have any material off-balance-sheet arrangements that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future effect on our financialcondition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.35Our contractual obligations and related payments by period at December 31, 2015 were as follows:(in millions of dollars)2016 2017 - 2018 2019 -2020 Thereafter TotalDebt(1)$— 34.9 694.1 $— $729.0Interest on debt(2)40.2 77.3 53.7 — 171.2Operating lease obligations20.5 32.9 27.8 22.8 104.0Purchase obligations(3)96.4 7.5 — — 103.9Other long-term liabilities(4)6.5 2.0 2.0 4.8 15.3Total$163.6 $154.6 $777.6 $27.6 $1,123.4(1)The required 2016 principal cash payments on the Restated Term Loan A were made in 2015.(2)Interest calculated at December 31, 2015 rates for variable rate debt.(3)Purchase obligations primarily consist of contracts and non-cancelable purchase orders for raw materials and finished goods.(4)Other long-term liabilities consist of estimated expected employer contributions for 2016, along with estimated future payments for pension and post-retirement plans that are not paid from assets held in a plan trust.Due to the uncertainty with respect to the timing of future cash flows associated with our unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2015, we areunable to make reasonably reliable estimates of the period of cash settlement with the respective taxing authorities. Therefore, $34.8 million of unrecognizedtax benefits have been excluded from the contractual obligations table above. See "Note 10. Income Taxes" to the consolidated financial statementscontained in Item 8. of this report for a discussion on income taxes.Critical Accounting PoliciesOur financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. ("GAAP"). Preparation of our financialstatements requires us to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts of actual assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses presented foreach reporting period. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. We regularly review our assumptions and estimates, which are based onhistorical experience and, where appropriate, current business trends. We believe that the following discussion addresses our critical accounting policies,which require more significant, subjective and complex judgments to be made by our management.Revenue RecognitionWe recognize revenue from product sales when earned, net of applicable provisions for discounts, returns and allowances. We consider revenue to berealized or realizable and earned when all of the following criteria are met: title and risk of loss have passed to the customer, persuasive evidence of anarrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. We also provide for our estimate ofpotential bad debt at the time of revenue recognition.Customer Program CostsCustomer programs and incentives are a common practice in our industry. We incur customer program costs to obtain favorable product placement, topromote sell-through of products and to maintain competitive pricing. Customer program costs and incentives, including rebates, promotional funds andvolume allowances, are accounted for as a reduction to gross sales. These costs are recorded at the time of sale based on management’s best estimates.Estimates are based on individual customer contracts and projected sales to the customer in comparison to any thresholds indicated by contract. In theabsence of a signed contract, estimates are based on historical or projected experience for each program type or customer. Management periodically reviewsaccruals for these rebates and allowances, and adjusts accruals when circumstances indicate (typically as a result of a change in sales volume expectations orcustomer contracts).Allowances for Doubtful Accounts and Sales ReturnsTrade receivables are recorded at the stated amount, less allowances for discounts, doubtful accounts and returns. The allowance for doubtful accountsrepresents estimated uncollectible receivables associated with potential customer defaults on contractual obligations, usually due to customers’ potentialinsolvency. The allowance includes amounts for certain customers where a risk of default has been specifically identified. In addition, the allowance includesa provision for customer defaults on a general formula basis when it is determined the risk of some default is probable and estimable, but cannot yet beassociated with36specific customers. The assessment of the likelihood of customer defaults is based on various factors, including the length of time the receivables are pastdue, historical experience and existing economic conditions.The allowance for sales returns represents estimated uncollectible receivables associated with the potential return of products previously sold tocustomers, and is recorded at the time that the sales are recognized. The allowance includes a general provision for product returns based on historical trends.In addition, the allowance includes a reserve for currently authorized customer returns that are considered to be abnormal in comparison to the historicalbasis.InventoriesInventories are priced at the lower of cost (principally first-in, first-out with minor amounts at average) or market. A reserve is established to adjust thecost of inventory to its net realizable value. Inventory reserves are recorded for obsolete or slow-moving inventory based on assumptions about futuredemand and marketability of products, the impact of new product introductions and specific identification of items, such as product discontinuance orengineering/material changes. These estimates could vary significantly, either favorably or unfavorably, from actual requirements if future economicconditions, customer inventory levels or competitive conditions differ from expectations.Long-Lived AssetsWe test long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the assets’ carrying amount may not be recoverablefrom its undiscounted cash flow. When such events occur, we compare the sum of the undiscounted cash flow expected to result from the use and eventualdisposition of the asset or asset group to the carrying amount of a long-lived asset or asset group. The cash flows are based on our best estimate at the time offuture cash flow, derived from the most recent business projections. If this comparison indicates that there is an impairment, the amount of the impairment istypically calculated using discounted expected future cash flow. The discount rate applied to these cash flows is based on our weighted average cost ofcapital, computed by selecting market rates at the valuation dates for debt and equity that are reflective of the risks associated with an investment in ourindustry as estimated by using comparable publicly traded companies.Intangible AssetsIntangible assets are comprised primarily of indefinite-lived and amortizable intangible assets acquired and arising from the application of purchaseaccounting. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but are evaluated at least annually to determine whether the indefinite useful life isappropriate. In addition, amortizable intangible assets other than goodwill are amortized over their useful lives. Certain of our trade names have beenassigned an indefinite life as we currently anticipate that these trade names will contribute cash flows to ACCO Brands indefinitely.We review indefinite-lived intangibles for impairment at least annually, normally in the second quarter, and whenever market or business eventsindicate there may be a potential adverse impact on a particular intangible. The review may be on a qualitative or quantitative basis as allowed by GAAP. Weconsider the implications of both external factors (e.g., market growth, pricing, competition, and technology) and internal factors (e.g., product costs, margins,support expenses, and capital investment) and their potential impact on cash flows for each business in both the near and long term, as well as their impact onany identifiable intangible asset associated with the business. Based on recent business results, consideration of significant external and internal factors, andthe resulting business projections, indefinite-lived intangible assets are reviewed to determine whether they are likely to remain indefinite-lived, or whether afinite life is more appropriate. In addition, based on events in the period and future expectations, management considers whether the potential for impairmentexists. Finite lived intangibles are amortized over 10, 15, 23 or 30 years.We performed our annual assessment in the second quarter of 2015 on a qualitative basis and concluded that no impairment existed. In the fourthquarter of 2015 we performed a quantitative test (Step 1), as we identified a triggering event related to a trade name primarily used in Brazil. While weconcluded that no impairment existed, the trade name's fair value has been significantly reduced. Key financial assumptions utilized to determine the fairvalue of our trade name primarily used in Brazil included a long-term growth rate of 6.5% and a 14.5% discount rate. The fair values of certain otherindefinite-lived trade names are also not substantially above their carrying values. As of December 31, 2015 the aggregate carrying value of indefinite-livedtrade names not substantially above their fair values was $176.6 million.GoodwillGoodwill has been recorded on our balance sheet and represents the excess of the cost of the acquisitions when compared to the fair value of the netassets acquired. The authoritative guidance on goodwill and other intangible assets requires that goodwill37be tested for impairment at a reporting unit level. We have determined that our reporting units are the ACCO Brands North America, ACCO BrandsInternational and Computer Products Group segments.We test goodwill for impairment at least annually and whenever events or circumstances make it more likely than not that an impairment may haveoccurred. As permitted by GAAP we may perform a qualitative assessment to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is lessthan its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test included in GAAP. Entities arenot required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless they determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value is less than the carryingamount. We performed our annual assessment in the second quarter of 2015, on a qualitative basis, and concluded that it was not more likely than not that thefair value is less than the carrying amount.If the qualitative assessment determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, or if it isdetermined that a qualitative assessment is not appropriate, we move onto the two-step goodwill impairment test where we calculate the fair value of thereporting units. When applying a fair-value-based test the fair value of a reporting unit is compared to its carrying value. If the fair value of a reporting unitexceeds the carrying value of the net assets assigned to a reporting unit, goodwill is considered not impaired and no further testing is required. If the carryingvalue of the net assets assigned to a reporting unit exceeds the fair value of a reporting unit, the second step of the impairment test is performed in order todetermine the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill. Determining the implied fair value of goodwill requires valuation of a reporting unit’stangible and intangible assets and liabilities in a manner similar to the allocation of purchase price in a business combination. If the carrying value of areporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, goodwill is deemed impaired and is written down to the extent of the difference.Given the current economic environment and the uncertainties regarding their impact on our business, there can be no assurance that our estimates andassumptions made for purposes of our qualitative impairment testing during 2015 will prove to be accurate predictions of the future. If our assumptionsregarding forecasted revenue or margin growth rates of certain reporting units are not achieved, we may be required to record impairment charges in futureperiods, whether in connection with our next annual impairment testing in the second quarter of fiscal year 2016 or prior to that, if a triggering event isidentified outside of the quarter from when the annual impairment test is performed. It is not possible at this time to determine if any such future impairmentcharge would result or, if it does, whether such charge would be material.Employee Benefit PlansWe provide a range of benefits to our employees and retired employees, including pension, post-retirement, post-employment and health care benefits.We record annual amounts relating to these plans based on calculations specified by GAAP, which include various actuarial assumptions, including discountrates, assumed rates of return, compensation increases, turnover rates and health care cost trend rates. Actuarial assumptions are reviewed on an annual basisand modifications to these assumptions are made based on current rates and trends when it is deemed appropriate. As required by GAAP, the effect of ourmodifications are generally recorded and amortized over future periods. We believe that the assumptions utilized in recording our obligations under the plansare reasonable based on our experience. The actuarial assumptions used to record our plan obligations could differ materially from actual results due tochanging economic and market conditions, higher or lower withdrawal rates or other factors which may impact the amount of retirement-related benefitexpense recorded by us in future periods.The discount rate assumptions used to determine the pension and post-retirement obligations of the benefit plans are based on a spot-rate yield curvethat matches projected future benefit payments with the appropriate interest rate applicable to the timing of the projected future benefit payments. Theassumed discount rates reflect market rates for high-quality corporate bonds currently available. Our discount rates were determined by considering theaverage of pension yield curves constructed of a large population of high quality corporate bonds. The resulting discount rates reflect the matching of planliability cash flows to the yield curves.The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets reflects management’s expectations of long-term average rates of return on funds invested based onour investment profile to provide for benefits included in the projected benefit obligations. The expected return is based on the outlook for inflation, fixedincome returns and equity returns, while also considering historical returns over the last 10 years, and asset allocation and investment strategy.At the end of each calendar year an actuarial evaluation is performed to determine the funded status of our pension and post-retirement obligations andany actuarial gain or loss is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) and then amortized into the income statement in future periods.Pension (income) expense was $(5.1) million, $(0.2) million and $6.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The$4.9 million increase in pension income in 2015 compared to 2014 was primarily due to the change38in the amortization of our net actuarial loss included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the U.S. Salaried Plan from the average remainingservice period of active employees expected to receive benefits under the plan to the average remaining life expectancy of all participants (this change wasthe result of the Company's decision to permanently freeze the benefits under the plan) and lower interest cost due to lower average interest rates and theweakening of currencies relative to the U.S. dollar. The $6.5 million decrease in pension expense in 2014 compared to 2013 was due to lower amortization ofactuarial losses due to lower discount rates at the end of 2013 and higher expected returns on the plans' assets because of a higher level of assets due tomarket performance. Post-retirement (income) expense was $(0.7) million, $(0.5) million and $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and2013, respectively. The $0.7 million decrease in post-retirement expense in 2014 compared to 2013 was due to increased amortization of actuarial gains.The weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 were as follows: Pension Post-retirement U.S. International 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013Discount rate4.6% 4.2% 5.0% 3.7% 3.4% 4.3% 3.9% 3.7% 4.4%Rate of compensationincreaseN/A N/A N/A 3.0% 3.3% 4.0% N/A N/A N/AThe weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were as follows: Pension Post-retirement U.S. International 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013Discount rate4.2% 5.0% 4.2% 3.4% 4.3% 4.3% 3.7% 4.4% 4.0%Expected long-term rate ofreturn8.0% 8.2% 8.2% 6.5% 6.8% 6.8% N/A N/A N/ARate of compensationincreaseN/A N/A N/A 3.0% 3.3% 4.0% N/A N/A N/AIn 2016, we expect pension income of approximately $5.6 million and post-retirement expense of approximately $0.1 million. The estimated $0.5million increase in pension income for 2016 compared to 2015 is primarily due to reduced service and interest costs. In the fourth quarter of 2015, wechanged the method we use to estimate the service and interest components of net periodic benefit cost (income) for pension and post-retirement benefits (asof December 31, 2015). This change does not affect the measurement of our total benefit obligations. This change, compared to the previous method, willresult in a decrease of approximately $3.0 million in the service and interest components for pension cost in 2016. Prior to 2016, we estimated these serviceand interest cost components utilizing a single weighted-average discount rate derived from the yield curve used to measure the benefit obligation at thebeginning of the period. We have elected to utilize a full yield curve approach in the estimation of these components by applying the specific spot ratesalong the yield curve used in the determination of the benefit obligation to the relevant projected cash flows. We have made this change to provide a moreprecise measurement of service and interest costs by improving the correlation between projected benefit cash flows to the corresponding spot yield curverates. We will be accounting for this change, in 2016, as a change in accounting estimate that is inseparable from a change in accounting principle andaccordingly have accounted for it prospectively. The decrease in the service and interest costs has been offset by a reduction in the expected return on planassets, primarily due to a 50 basis point reduction on our expectations for our U.K. pension plan.A 25-basis point change (0.25%) in our discount rate assumption would lead to an increase or decrease in our pension and post-retirement expense ofapproximately $0.2 million for 2016. A 25-basis point change (0.25%) in our long-term rate of return assumption would lead to an increase or decrease inpension and post-retirement expense of approximately $1.2 million for 2016.Pension and post-retirement liabilities of $89.1 million as of December 31, 2015, decreased from $100.5 million at December 31, 2014, primarily due tocash contributions.Income TaxesDeferred tax liabilities or assets are established for temporary differences between financial and tax reporting bases and are subsequently adjusted toreflect changes in tax rates expected to be in effect when the temporary differences reverse. A valuation39allowance is recorded to reduce deferred tax assets to an amount that is more likely than not to be realized. Facts and circumstances may change and cause usto revise the conclusions on our ability to realize certain net operating losses and other deferred tax attributes.The amount of income taxes that we pay is subject to ongoing audits by federal, state and foreign tax authorities. Our estimate of the potential outcomeof any uncertain tax position is subject to management’s assessment of relevant risks, facts and circumstances existing at that time. We believe that we haveadequately provided for reasonably foreseeable outcomes related to these matters. However, our future results may include favorable or unfavorableadjustments to our estimated tax liabilities in the period the assessments are revised or resolved.Deferred income taxes are not provided on certain undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries that are expected to be permanently reinvested in thosecompanies, aggregating approximately $540 million and $565 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. If these amounts were distributed tothe U.S., in the form of a dividend or otherwise, we would be subject to additional U.S. income taxes. Determination of the amount of unrecognized deferredincome tax liabilities on these earnings is not practicable.Recent Accounting Standards Updates and Recently Adopted Accounting StandardsFor information on recent accounting pronouncements see "Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies" to the consolidated financial statements containedin Item 8. of this report.ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKOur industry is concentrated in a small number of major customers, principally office products superstores, large retailers, wholesalers and contractstationers. Customer consolidation and share growth of private-label products continue to increase pricing pressures, which may adversely affect margins forour competitors and us. We are addressing these challenges through design innovations, value-added features and services, as well as continued cost andasset reductions. See also "Item 1A. Risk Factors."We are exposed to various market risks, including changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rate changes. We enter into financialinstruments to manage and reduce the impact of these risks, not for trading or speculative purposes. The counterparties to these financial instruments aremajor financial institutions.Foreign Exchange Risk ManagementWe enter into forward foreign currency contracts to reduce the effect of fluctuating foreign currencies, primarily on foreign denominated inventorypurchases and intercompany loans. The majority of the Company's exposure to local currency movements is in Europe (both the Euro and the British pound),Brazil, Canada, Australia, Mexico and Japan. Principal currencies hedged include the U.S. dollar, Euro, Australian dollar, Canadian dollar, British pound andJapanese yen. All of the existing foreign exchange contracts as of December 31, 2015 have maturity dates in 2016. Increases and decreases in the fair marketvalues of the forward agreements are expected to be offset by gains/losses in recognized net underlying foreign currency transactions or loans. Notionalamounts of outstanding foreign currency forward exchange contracts were $101.5 million and $124.2 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.The net fair value of these foreign currency contracts was $2.2 million and $4.2 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. At December 31, 2015,a 10% unfavorable exchange rate movement in our portfolio of foreign currency forward contracts would have reduced our unrealized gains by $7.2 million.Consistent with the use of these contracts to neutralize the effect of exchange rate fluctuations, such unrealized losses or gains would be offset bycorresponding gains or losses, respectively, in the remeasurement of the underlying transactions being hedged. When taken together, we believe theseforward contracts and the offsetting underlying commitments do not create material market risk.For more information related to outstanding foreign currency forward exchange contracts see "Note 12. Derivative Financial Instruments" and "Note 13.Fair Value of Financial Instruments" to the consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8. of this report.40Interest Rate Risk ManagementAmounts outstanding under the Restated Credit Agreement will bear interest (i) in the case of Eurodollar loans, at a rate per annum equal to theEurodollar rate (which is based on an average British Bankers Association Interest Settlement Rate) plus the applicable rate; (ii) in the case of loans made atthe Base Rate (which means the highest of (a) the Bank of America, N.A. prime rate then in effect, (b) the Federal Funds effective rate then in effect plus ½ of1.00% and (c) the Eurodollar rate that would be payable on such day for a Eurodollar loan with a one-month interest period plus 1.00%), at a rate per annumequal to the Base Rate plus the applicable rate; and (iii) in the case of swing line loans, at a rate per annum equal to the Base Rate plus the applicable rate.Separate base interest rate and applicable rate provisions will apply for any Canadian or Australian currency denominated loans.The applicable rate applied to outstanding Eurodollar loans and Base Rate loans is based on the Company’s Consolidated Leverage Ratio (as definedin the Restated Credit Agreement) as follows:ConsolidatedLeverage Ratio Eurodollar CreditSpread Base Rate Credit Spread> 4.00 to 1.00 2.50% 1.50%≤ 4.00 to 1.00 and > 3.50 to 1.00 2.25% 1.25%≤ 3.50 to 1.00 and > 3.00 to 1.00 2.00% 1.00%≤ 3.00 to 1.00 and > 2.00 to 1.00 1.50% 0.50%≤ 2.00 to 1.00 1.25% 0.25%The Senior Unsecured Notes have fixed interest rates and, accordingly, are not exposed to market risk resulting from changes in interest rates. However,the fair market value of our long-term fixed interest rate debt is subject to interest rate risk. Generally, the fair market value of fixed interest rate debt willincrease as interest rates fall and decrease as interest rates rise. In addition, fair market values will also reflect the credit markets' view of credit risk spreads andour risk profile. These interest rate changes may affect the fair market value of the fixed interest rate debt and any repurchases of these notes, but do notimpact our earnings or cash flows.The following table summarizes information about our major debt components as of December 31, 2015, including the principal cash payments andinterest rates.Debt Obligations Stated Maturity Date (in millions of dollars)2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Thereafter Total Fair ValueLong term debt: Fixed rate Senior Unsecured Notes, dueApril 2020$— $— $— $— $500.0 $— $500.0 $511.3Average fixed interest rate6.75% 6.75% 6.75% 6.75% 6.75% Variable rate U.S. Dollar Senior SecuredTerm Loan A, due April 2020(1)$— $15.3 $19.6 $21.8 $172.3 $— $229.0 $229.0Average variable interest rate(2)1.88% 1.88% 1.88% 1.88% 1.88% (1)The required 2016 principal cash payments were made in 2015.(2)Rates presented are as of December 31, 2015.41ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATAINDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PageReport of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm43Consolidated Balance Sheets44Consolidated Statements of Income45Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)46Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows47Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity48Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements4942Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting FirmThe Board of Directors and Stockholders of ACCO Brands Corporation:We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of ACCO Brands Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidatedstatements of income, comprehensive income (loss), cash flows, and stockholders’ equity for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015. In connectionwith our audits of the consolidated financial statements, we also audited the related consolidated financial statement schedule, Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts andReserves. We also have audited ACCO Brands Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control -Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). ACCO Brands Corporation’s management isresponsible for these consolidated financial statements and the related consolidated financial statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting,and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over FinancialReporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and the related financial statement schedule and an opinion on the Company’sinternal control over financial reporting based on our audits.We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and performthe audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting wasmaintained in all material respects. Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in thefinancial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our auditof internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, andtesting and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as weconsidered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation offinancial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policiesand procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company;(2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accountingprinciples, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) providereasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on thefinancial statements.Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to futureperiods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures maydeteriorate.In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of ACCO Brands Corporation and subsidiaries asof December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015, in conformity withU.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statementstaken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein. Also in our opinion, ACCO Brands Corporation maintained, in all material respects,effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by theCommittee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has changed its method of accounting for deferred taxes in the consolidated balance sheet as ofDecember 31, 2015 due to the adoption of Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes, and changed its method of accounting fordebt issuance costs in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 due to the adoption of Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-03, Simplifying thePresentation of Debt Issuance Costs./s/ KPMG LLPChicago, IllinoisFebruary 24, 201643ACCO Brands Corporation and SubsidiariesConsolidated Balance Sheets(in millions of dollars, except share data)December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents$55.4 $53.2Accounts receivable less allowances for discounts, doubtful accounts and returns of $18.7 and $19.5,respectively369.3 420.5Inventories203.6 229.9Deferred income taxes— 39.4Other current assets25.3 35.8Total current assets653.6 778.8Total property, plant and equipment526.1 547.7Less accumulated depreciation(317.0) (312.2)Property, plant and equipment, net209.1 235.5Deferred income taxes25.1 31.7Goodwill496.9 544.9Identifiable intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $169.3 and $166.3, respectively520.9 571.4Other non-current assets47.8 52.8Total assets$1,953.4 $2,215.1Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Current liabilities: Notes payable$— $0.8Current portion of long-term debt— 0.8Accounts payable147.6 159.1Accrued compensation34.0 36.6Accrued customer program liabilities108.7 111.8Accrued interest6.3 6.5Other current liabilities58.7 79.8Total current liabilities355.3 395.4Long-term debt, net of debt issuance costs of $8.5 and $11.3, respectively720.5 787.7Deferred income taxes142.3 172.2Pension and post-retirement benefit obligations89.1 100.5Other non-current liabilities65.0 78.3Total liabilities1,372.2 1,534.1Stockholders' equity: Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 25,000,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding— —Common stock, $0.01 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized; 107,129,051 and 112,670,514 shares issued and105,640,003 and 111,911,290 outstanding, respectively1.1 1.1Treasury stock, 1,489,048 and 759,224 shares, respectively(11.8) (5.9)Paid-in capital1,988.3 2,031.5Accumulated other comprehensive loss(429.2) (292.6)Accumulated deficit(967.2) (1,053.1)Total stockholders' equity581.2 681.0Total liabilities and stockholders' equity$1,953.4 $2,215.1See notes to consolidated financial statements.44ACCO Brands Corporation and SubsidiariesConsolidated Statements of Income Year Ended December 31,(in millions of dollars, except per share data)2015 2014 2013Net sales$1,510.4 $1,689.2 $1,765.1Cost of products sold1,032.0 1,159.3 1,217.2Gross profit478.4 529.9 547.9Operating costs and expenses: Advertising, selling, general and administrative expenses295.7 328.6 347.3Amortization of intangibles19.6 22.2 24.7Restructuring (credits) charges(0.4) 5.5 30.1Total operating costs and expenses314.9 356.3 402.1Operating income163.5 173.6 145.8Non-operating expense (income): Interest expense44.5 49.5 59.0Interest income(6.6) (5.6) (4.3)Equity in earnings of joint ventures(7.9) (8.1) (8.2)Other expense, net2.1 0.8 7.6Income from continuing operations before income tax131.4 137.0 91.7Income tax expense45.5 45.4 14.4Income from continuing operations85.9 91.6 77.3Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes— — (0.2)Net income$85.9 $91.6 $77.1Per share: Basic income per share: Income from continuing operations$0.79 $0.81 $0.68Loss from discontinued operations$— $— $—Basic income per share$0.79 $0.81 $0.68Diluted income per share: Income from continuing operations$0.78 $0.79 $0.67Loss from discontinued operations$— $— $—Diluted income per share$0.78 $0.79 $0.67Weighted average number of shares outstanding: Basic108.8 113.7 113.5Diluted110.6 116.3 115.7See notes to consolidated financial statements.45ACCO Brands Corporation and SubsidiariesConsolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) Year Ended December 31,(in millions of dollars)2015 2014 2013Net income$85.9 $91.6 $77.1Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax: Unrealized gain on derivative financial instruments: Gain arising during the period8.2 6.9 3.7Reclassification of gain included in net income(10.9) (3.5) (3.4)Foreign currency translation: Foreign currency translation adjustments(136.7) (76.4) (61.6)Pension and other post-retirement plans: Actuarial (loss) gain arising during the period(7.1) (60.2) 39.3Amortization of actuarial loss included in net income3.6 5.9 11.4Amortization of prior service cost included in net income0.1 0.3 0.1Other5.3 5.1 (2.1)Other comprehensive loss, before tax(137.5) (121.9) (12.6)Income tax benefit (expense) related to items of other comprehensive loss0.9 14.9 (16.9)Comprehensive (loss) income$(50.7) $(15.4) $47.6See notes to consolidated financial statements.46ACCO Brands Corporation and SubsidiariesConsolidated Statements of Cash Flows Year Ended December 31,(in millions of dollars)2015 2014 2013Operating activities Net income$85.9 $91.6 $77.1Loss (gain) on disposal of assets0.1 0.8 (4.1)Deferred income tax expense (benefit)27.4 20.6 (0.7)Release of tax valuation allowance— — (11.6)Depreciation32.4 35.3 39.9Amortization of debt issuance costs3.5 4.6 6.2Amortization of intangibles19.6 22.2 24.7Stock-based compensation16.0 15.7 16.4Loss on debt extinguishment1.9 — 9.4Other non-cash charges— 0.7 1.2Equity in earnings of joint ventures, net of dividends received(3.8) (2.4) (2.7)Changes in balance sheet items: Accounts receivable(3.9) 20.4 0.5Inventories9.8 11.6 6.5Other assets1.2 (6.1) 0.1Accounts payable(2.6) (10.1) 26.8Accrued expenses and other liabilities(19.2) (28.9) 9.0Accrued income taxes2.9 (4.3) (4.2)Net cash provided by operating activities171.2 171.7 194.5Investing activities Additions to property, plant and equipment(27.6) (29.6) (36.6)Payments related to the sale of discontinued operations— — (1.5)Proceeds from the disposition of assets2.8 3.8 6.1Cost of acquisitions, net of cash acquired— — (1.3)Other0.2 — —Net cash used by investing activities(24.6) (25.8) (33.3)Financing activities Proceeds from long-term borrowings300.0 — 530.0Repayments of long-term debt(370.1) (121.1) (679.5)(Repayments) borrowings of notes payable, net(0.8) 1.0 (0.7)Payments for debt issuance costs(1.7) (0.3) (4.3)Repurchases of common stock(60.0) (19.4) —Payments related to tax withholding for share-based compensation(5.9) (2.5) (1.0)Proceeds from the exercise of stock options0.7 0.3 —Net cash used by financing activities(137.8) (142.0) (155.5)Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents(6.6) (4.2) (2.2)Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents2.2 (0.3) 3.5Cash and cash equivalents Beginning of the period53.2 53.5 50.0End of the period$55.4 $53.2 $53.5Cash paid during the year for: Interest$41.0 $45.1 $52.0Income taxes$16.9 $28.9 $31.1See notes to consolidated financial statements.47ACCO Brands Corporation and SubsidiariesConsolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity(in millions of dollars)CommonStock Paid-inCapital AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncome (Loss) TreasuryStock AccumulatedDeficit TotalBalance at December 31, 2012$1.1 $2,018.5 $(156.1) $(2.5) $(1,221.8) $639.2Net income— — — — 77.1 77.1Income on derivative financialinstruments, net of tax— — 0.2 — — 0.2Translation impact— — (61.6) — — (61.6)Pension and post-retirement adjustment,net of tax— — 31.9 — — 31.9Stock-based compensation— 16.4 — — — 16.4Common stock issued, net of shareswithheld for employee taxes— — — (1.0) — (1.0)Other— 0.1 — — — 0.1Balance at December 31, 20131.1 2,035.0 (185.6) (3.5) (1,144.7) 702.3Net income— — — — 91.6 91.6Income on derivative financialinstruments, net of tax— — 2.4 — — 2.4Translation impact— — (76.4) — — (76.4)Pension and post-retirement adjustment,net of tax— — (33.0) — — (33.0)Common stock repurchases— (19.4) — — — (19.4)Stock-based compensation— 15.7 — — — 15.7Common stock issued, net of shareswithheld for employee taxes— 0.3 — (2.5) — (2.2)Other— (0.1) — 0.1 — —Balance at December 31, 20141.1 2,031.5 (292.6) (5.9) (1,053.1) 681.0Net income— — — — 85.9 85.9Loss on derivative financial instruments,net of tax— — (1.9) — — (1.9)Translation impact— — (136.7) — — (136.7)Pension and post-retirement adjustment,net of tax— — 2.0 — — 2.0Common stock repurchases(0.1) (59.9) — — — (60.0)Stock-based compensation— 16.0 — — — 16.0Common stock issued, net of shareswithheld for employee taxes— 0.7 — (5.9) — (5.2)Other0.1 — — — — 0.1Balance at December 31, 2015$1.1 $1,988.3 $(429.2) $(11.8) $(967.2) $581.2Shares of Capital Stock CommonStock TreasuryStock NetSharesShares at December 31, 2012113,403,824 260,480 113,143,344Common stock issued, net of shares withheld for employee taxes652,592 132,080 520,512Shares at December 31, 2013114,056,416 392,560 113,663,856Common stock issued, net of shares withheld for employee taxes1,369,740 366,664 1,003,076Common stock repurchases(2,755,642) — (2,755,642)Shares at December 31, 2014112,670,514 759,224 111,911,290Common stock issued, net of shares withheld for employee taxes2,149,165 729,824 1,419,341Common stock repurchases(7,690,628) — (7,690,628)Shares at December 31, 2015107,129,051 1,489,048 105,640,003See notes to consolidated financial statements.48ACCO Brands Corporation and SubsidiariesNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements1. Basis of PresentationAs used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, the terms "ACCO Brands," "ACCO," the "Company," "we,""us," and "our" refer to ACCO Brands Corporation, a Delaware corporation incorporated in 2005, and its consolidated domestic and international subsidiaries.The management of ACCO Brands Corporation is responsible for the accuracy and internal consistency of the preparation of the consolidated financialstatements and notes contained in this annual report.The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of ACCO Brands Corporation and its domestic and international subsidiaries. Intercompanyaccounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Our investments in companies that are between 20% and 50% owned are accounted forusing the equity method of accounting. ACCO Brands has an equity investment in the following joint venture: Pelikan-Artline Pty Ltd ("Pelikan-Artline") - 50% ownership. Our share of earnings from equity investments is included on the line entitled "Equity in earnings of joint ventures" in theConsolidated Statements of Income.On May 1, 2012, we completed the merger (the "Merger") of the Mead Consumer and Office Products Business ("Mead C&OP") with a wholly-ownedsubsidiary of the Company.2. Significant Accounting PoliciesNature of BusinessACCO Brands is primarily involved in the manufacturing, marketing and distribution of office product, school products and accessories for laptop anddesktop computers and tablets. We sell primarily to large resellers, and our subsidiaries operate principally in the United States, Northern Europe, Brazil,Canada, Australia and Mexico.The majority of our office products, such as stapling, binding and laminating equipment and related consumable supplies, shredders and whiteboards,are used by businesses. Most of these end-users purchase their products from our customers, which include traditional office supply resellers, wholesalers andother retailers, including on-line retailers. We also supply some of our products directly to large commercial and industrial end-users, and provide businessmachine maintenance and certain repair services. Additionally, we also supply private label products within the office products sector.Our school products include notebooks, folders, decorative calendars and stationery products. We distribute our school products primarily throughmass merchandisers, and other retailers, such as grocery, drug and office superstores as well as on-line retailers. We also supply private label products withinthe school products sector.Our calendar products are sold through all the same channels where we sell office or school products, as well as directly to consumers both on-line andthrough direct mail.Our Computer Products Group designs, sources, distributes, markets and sells accessories for laptop and desktop computers and tablets. Theseaccessories primarily include security products, input devices such as presenters, mice and trackballs, ergonomic aids such as foot and wrist rests, dockingstations, and other PC and tablet accessories.Use of EstimatesThe preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. ("GAAP") requires management tomake estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date ofthe financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.Cash and Cash EquivalentsHighly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less are included in cash and cash equivalents.49ACCO Brands Corporation and SubsidiariesNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)Allowances for Doubtful Accounts, Discounts and ReturnsTrade receivables are recorded at the stated amount, less allowances for discounts, doubtful accounts and returns. The allowance for doubtful accountsrepresents estimated uncollectible receivables associated with potential customer defaults on contractual obligations, usually due to customers’ potentialinsolvency. The allowance includes amounts for certain customers where a risk of default has been specifically identified. In addition, the allowance includesa provision for customer defaults on a general formula basis when it is determined the risk of some default is probable and estimable, but cannot yet beassociated with specific customers. The assessment of the likelihood of customer defaults is based on various factors, including the length of time thereceivables are past due, historical experience and existing economic conditions.The allowance for sales returns represents estimated uncollectible receivables associated with the potential return of products previously sold tocustomers, and is recorded at the time that the sales are recognized. The allowance includes a general provision for product returns based on historical trends.In addition, the allowance includes a reserve for currently authorized customer returns that are considered to be abnormal in comparison to the historicalbasis.InventoriesInventories are priced at the lower of cost (principally first-in, first-out with minor amounts at average) or market. A reserve is established to adjust thecost of inventory to its net realizable value. Inventory reserves are recorded for obsolete or slow-moving inventory based on assumptions about futuredemand and marketability of products, the impact of new product introductions and specific identification of items, such as product discontinuance orengineering/material changes. These estimates could vary significantly, either favorably or unfavorably, from actual requirements if future economicconditions, customer inventory levels or competitive conditions differ from expectations.Property, Plant and EquipmentProperty, plant and equipment are carried at cost. Depreciation is provided, principally on a straight-line basis, over the estimated useful lives of theassets. Gains or losses resulting from dispositions are included in operating income. Betterments and renewals, which improve and extend the life of an assetare capitalized; maintenance and repair costs are expensed. Purchased computer software is capitalized and amortized over the software’s useful life. Thefollowing table shows estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment:Property, plant and equipment Useful LifeBuildings 40 to 50 yearsLeasehold improvements Lesser of lease term or the life of the assetMachinery, equipment and furniture 3 to 10 yearsComputer software 5 to 10 yearsWe capitalize interest for major capital projects. Capitalized interest is added to the cost of the underlying assets and is depreciated over the useful livesof those assets. We capitalized interest of $1.3 million, $0.9 million and $0.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.Long-Lived AssetsWe test long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the assets’ carrying amount may not be recoverablefrom its undiscounted cash flow. When such events occur, we compare the sum of the undiscounted cash flow expected to result from the use and eventualdisposition of the asset or asset group to the carrying amount of a long-lived asset or asset group. The cash flows are based on our best estimate at the time offuture cash flow, derived from the most recent business projections. If this comparison indicates that there is an impairment, the amount of the impairment istypically calculated using discounted expected future cash flow. The discount rate applied to these cash flows is based on our weighted average cost ofcapital, computed by selecting market rates at the valuation dates for debt and equity that are reflective of the risks associated with an investment in ourindustry as estimated by using comparable publicly traded companies.50ACCO Brands Corporation and SubsidiariesNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)Intangible AssetsIntangible assets are comprised primarily of indefinite-lived and amortizable intangible assets acquired and arising from the application of purchaseaccounting. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but are evaluated at least annually to determine whether the indefinite useful life isappropriate. In addition, amortizable intangible assets other than goodwill are amortized over their useful lives. Certain of our trade names have beenassigned an indefinite life as we currently anticipate that these trade names will contribute cash flows to ACCO Brands indefinitely.We review indefinite-lived intangibles for impairment at least annually, normally in the second quarter, and whenever market or business eventsindicate there may be a potential adverse impact on a particular intangible. The review may be on a qualitative or quantitative basis as allowed by GAAP. Weconsider the implications of both external factors (e.g., market growth, pricing, competition, and technology) and internal factors (e.g., product costs, margins,support expenses, and capital investment) and their potential impact on cash flows for each business in both the near and long term, as well as their impact onany identifiable intangible asset associated with the business. Based on recent business results, consideration of significant external and internal factors, andthe resulting business projections, indefinite-lived intangible assets are reviewed to determine whether they are likely to remain indefinite-lived, or whether afinite life is more appropriate. In addition, based on events in the period and future expectations, management considers whether the potential for impairmentexists. Finite lived intangibles are amortized over 10, 15, 23 or 30 years.We performed our annual assessment in the second quarter of 2015, on a qualitative basis and concluded that no impairment existed. In the fourthquarter of 2015 we performed a quantitative test (Step 1), as we identified a trigger event related to our trade name primarily used in Brazil. While weconcluded that no impairment existed, the trade name's fair value has been significantly reduced. Key financial assumptions utilized to determine the fairvalue of our trade name primarily used in Brazil included a long-term growth rate of 6.5% and a 14.5% discount rate. The fair values of certain otherindefinite-lived trade names are also not substantially above their carrying values. As of December 31, 2015 the aggregate carrying value of indefinite-livedtrade names not substantially above their fair values was $176.6 million.GoodwillGoodwill has been recorded on our balance sheet and represents the excess of the cost of the acquisitions when compared to the fair value of the netassets acquired. The authoritative guidance on goodwill and other intangible assets requires that goodwill be tested for impairment at a reporting unit level.We have determined that our reporting units are the ACCO Brands North America, ACCO Brands International and Computer Products Group segments.We test goodwill for impairment at least annually and whenever events or circumstances make it more likely than not that an impairment may haveoccurred. As permitted by GAAP we may perform a qualitative assessment to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is lessthan its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test included in GAAP. Entities arenot required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless they determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value is less than the carryingamount. We performed our annual assessment in the second quarter of 2015, on a qualitative basis, and concluded that it was not more likely than not that thefair value is less than the carrying amount.If the qualitative assessment determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, or if it isdetermined that a qualitative assessment is not appropriate, we move onto the two-step goodwill impairment test where we calculate the fair value of thereporting units. When applying a fair-value-based test the fair value of a reporting unit is compared to its carrying value. If the fair value of a reporting unitexceeds the carrying value of the net assets assigned to a reporting unit, goodwill is considered not impaired and no further testing is required. If the carryingvalue of the net assets assigned to a reporting unit exceeds the fair value of a reporting unit, the second step of the impairment test is performed in order todetermine the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill. Determining the implied fair value of goodwill requires valuation of a reporting unit’stangible and intangible assets and liabilities in a manner similar to the allocation of purchase price in a business combination. If the carrying value of areporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, goodwill is deemed impaired and is written down to the extent of the difference.Given the current economic environment and the uncertainties regarding their impact on our business, there can be no assurance that our estimates andassumptions made for purposes of our qualitative impairment testing during 2015 will prove to be accurate predictions of the future. If our assumptionsregarding forecasted revenue or margin growth rates of certain reporting51ACCO Brands Corporation and SubsidiariesNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)units are not achieved, we may be required to record impairment charges in future periods, whether in connection with our next annual impairment testing inthe second quarter of fiscal year 2016 or prior to that, if a triggering event is identified outside of the quarter from when the annual impairment test isperformed. It is not possible at this time to determine if any such future impairment charge would result or, if it does, whether such charge would be material.Employee Benefit PlansWe provide a range of benefits to our employees and retired employees, including pension, post-retirement, post-employment and health care benefits.We record annual amounts relating to these plans based on calculations specified by GAAP, which include various actuarial assumptions, including discountrates, assumed rates of return, compensation increases, turnover rates and health care cost trend rates. Actuarial assumptions are reviewed on an annual basisand modifications to these assumptions are made based on current rates and trends when it is deemed appropriate. As required by GAAP, the effect of ourmodifications are generally recorded and amortized over future periods.Income TaxesDeferred tax liabilities or assets are established for temporary differences between financial and tax reporting bases and are subsequently adjusted toreflect changes in tax rates expected to be in effect when the temporary differences reverse. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce deferred tax assets toan amount that is more likely than not to be realized. Facts and circumstances may change and cause us to revise the conclusions on our ability to realizecertain net operating losses and other deferred tax attributes.The amount of income taxes that we pay is subject to ongoing audits by federal, state and foreign tax authorities. Our estimate of the potential outcomeof any uncertain tax position is subject to management’s assessment of relevant risks, facts and circumstances existing at that time. We believe that we haveadequately provided for reasonably foreseeable outcomes related to these matters. However, our future results may include favorable or unfavorableadjustments to our estimated tax liabilities in the period the assessments are revised or resolved.Revenue RecognitionWe recognize revenue from product sales when earned, net of applicable provisions for discounts, returns and allowances. We consider revenue to berealized or realizable and earned when all of the following criteria are met: title and risk of loss have passed to the customer, persuasive evidence of anarrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. We also provide for our estimate ofpotential bad debt at the time of revenue recognition.Cost of Products SoldCost of products sold includes all manufacturing, product sourcing and distribution costs, including depreciation related to assets used in themanufacturing, procurement and distribution process, allocation of certain information technology costs supporting those processes, inbound and outboundfreight, shipping and handling costs, purchasing costs associated with materials and packaging used in the production processes.Advertising, Selling, General and Administrative ExpensesAdvertising, selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A") include advertising, marketing, selling (including commissions), research anddevelopment, customer service, depreciation related to assets outside the manufacturing and distribution processes and all other general and administrativeexpenses outside the manufacturing and distribution functions (e.g., finance, human resources, information technology, corporate expenses, etc.).Advertising CostsAdvertising costs amounted to $120.9 million, $130.8 million and $131.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013,respectively. These costs primarily include, but are not limited to, cooperative advertising and promotional allowances as described in "Customer ProgramCosts" below, and are principally expensed as incurred.52ACCO Brands Corporation and SubsidiariesNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)Customer Program CostsCustomer program costs include, but are not limited to, sales rebates, which are generally tied to achievement of certain sales volume levels, in-storepromotional allowances, shared media and customer catalog allowances and other cooperative advertising arrangements, and freight allowance programs. Wegenerally recognize customer program costs as a deduction to gross sales at the time that the associated revenue is recognized. Certain customer incentivesthat do not directly relate to future revenues are expensed when initiated.In addition, accrued customer program liabilities principally include, but are not limited to, sales volume rebates, promotional allowances, sharedmedia and customer catalog allowances and other cooperative advertising arrangements and freight allowances as discussed above.Shipping and HandlingWe reflect all amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling in net sales and the costs incurred from shipping and handling product (includingcosts to ship and move product from the seller’s place of business to the buyer’s place of business, as well as costs to store, move and prepare products forshipment) in cost of products sold.Warranty ReservesWe offer our customers various warranty terms based on the type of product that is sold. Estimated future obligations related to products sold underthese warranty terms are provided by charges to cost of products sold in the period in which the related revenue is recognized.Research and DevelopmentResearch and development expenses, which amounted to $20.0 million, $20.2 million and $22.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014and 2013, respectively, are classified as SG&A expenses and are charged to expense as incurred.Stock-Based CompensationOur primary types of share-based compensation consist of stock options, restricted stock unit awards and performance stock unit awards. Stock-basedcompensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized as expense over the requisite service period. Whereawards are made with non-substantive vesting periods (for example, where a portion of the award vests upon retirement eligibility), we estimate and recognizeexpense based on the period from the grant date to the date on which the employee is retirement eligible.Foreign Currency TranslationForeign currency balance sheet accounts are translated into U.S. dollars at the rates of exchange at the balance sheet date. Income and expenses aretranslated at the average rates of exchange in effect during the period. The related translation adjustments are made directly to a separate component ofaccumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders’ equity. Some transactions are made in currencies different from an entity’s functionalcurrency. Gains and losses on these foreign currency transactions are included in income as they occur.Derivative Financial InstrumentsWe recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet and measure those instruments at fair value. If the derivative isdesignated as a fair value hedge and is effective, the changes in the fair value of the derivative and of the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk arerecognized in earnings in the same period. If the derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portions of changes in the fair value of thederivative are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) and are recognized in the income statement when the hedged item affects earnings. Ineffectiveportions of changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges are recognized in earnings.53ACCO Brands Corporation and SubsidiariesNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)Certain forecasted transactions, assets and liabilities are exposed to foreign currency risk. We continually monitor our foreign currency exposures inorder to maximize the overall effectiveness of our foreign currency hedge positions. Principal currencies hedged include the U.S. dollar, Euro, Australiandollar, Canadian dollar, British pound and Japanese yen.Recent Accounting Standards UpdatesIn May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASU 2014-09"). ASU 2014-09provides companies with a single model for use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes current revenue recognitionguidance, including industry-specific revenue guidance. The core principle of the model is to recognize revenue when control of the goods or servicestransfers to the customer, as opposed to recognizing revenue when the risks and rewards transfer to the customer under the existing revenue guidance. Theguidance permits companies to either apply the requirements retrospectively to all prior periods presented, or apply the requirements in the year of adoption,through a cumulative adjustment. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASU 2015-14") deferring byone year the effective date of ASU 2014-09 until reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted for annual reportingperiods beginning on or after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating theimpact of adoption of ASU 2014-09 on its consolidated financial statements and has not yet selected a transition method.In July 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory ("ASU 2015-11"). ASU 2015-11 applies to inventory that is measured using first-in, first-out (FIFO) or average cost. An entity should measure inventory within the scopeof ASU 2015-11 at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, lessreasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. The amendments in ASU 2015-11 more closely align the measurement of inventoryin U.S. GAAP with the measurement of inventory in International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). ASU 2015-11 is effective for fiscal years beginningafter December 15, 2016. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of ASU 2015-11 on its consolidated financial statements.Recently Adopted Accounting StandardsIn April 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs ("ASU 2015-03"). Theamendments in ASU 2015-03 require that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deductionfrom the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. ASU 2015-03 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning afterDecember 15, 2015; early adoption is permitted. In August 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-15, Presentation and SubsequentMeasurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements ("ASU 2015-15"). ASU 2015-15 provides guidance for debt issuance costsrelated to line-of-credit arrangements; the SEC staff stated that they would not object to an entity deferring and presenting debt issuance costs as an asset andsubsequently amortizing the deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are anyoutstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit arrangement.The company has adopted ASU 2015-03 and ASU 2015-15 in the fourth quarter of 2015 and has retrospectively adjusted its prior period balance sheet.For the year ended December 31, 2014 we have reclassified $11.3 million from "Other non-current assets" to "Long-term debt, net" related the debt issuancecosts for our U.S. Dollar Senior Secured Term Loan A, due April 2020 and our Senior Unsecured Notes, due April 2020. See "Note 3. Long-term Debt andShort-term Borrowings."In November 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes ("ASU 2015-17"). Theamendments in ASU 2015-17 require all deferred tax assets and liabilities, and any related valuation allowance, to be classified as non-current on the balancesheet. The classification change for all deferred taxes as non-current simplifies entities’ processes as it eliminates the need to separately identify the netcurrent and net non-current deferred tax asset or liability in each jurisdiction and allocate valuation allowances. The Company has elected to prospectivelyadopt the accounting standard in the beginning of our fourth quarter of 2015. Prior periods in our Consolidated Financial Statements were not retrospectivelyadjusted.Other than the items mentioned above, there are no other recently issued accounting standards that are expected to have a material effect on theCompany’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flow.54ACCO Brands Corporation and SubsidiariesNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)3. Long-term Debt and Short-term BorrowingsNotes payable and long-term debt, listed in order of their security interests, consisted of the following as of December 31, 2015 and 2014:(in millions of dollars)2015 2014U.S. Dollar Senior Secured Term Loan A, due April 2020 (floating interest rate of 1.88% at December 31,2015)$229.0 $—U.S. Dollar Senior Secured Term Loan A, due May 2018 (floating interest rate of 2.24% at December 31,2014)— 299.0Senior Unsecured Notes, due April 2020 (fixed interest rate of 6.75%)500.0 500.0Other borrowings— 1.6Total debt729.0 800.6Less: Current portion— 1.6 Debt issuance costs, unamortized(1)8.5 11.3Long-term debt, net$720.5 $787.7(1) The company has adopted ASU 2015-03 in the fourth quarter of 2015, see "Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies" for details.Effective April 28, 2015 (the "Effective Date"), the Company entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of April 28,2015 (the "Restated Credit Agreement"), among the Company, certain subsidiaries of the Company, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and theother agents and lenders party thereto. The Restated Credit Agreement amends and restates the Company’s existing credit agreement, dated as of May 13,2013, as amended (the "2013 Credit Agreement"). In addition, immediately prior to the effectiveness of the Restated Credit Agreement, the Company enteredinto a Third Amendment, dated as of April 28, 2015 (the "Third Amendment"), to the 2013 Credit Agreement in order to facilitate the entry into and obtaincertain lender consents for the Restated Credit Agreement. The Company subsequently entered into a First Amendment to the Restated Credit Agreementdated as of July 7, 2015 (the “First Amendment”), which First Amendment eliminated the requirement to use commercially reasonable efforts to maintainpublic ratings of the Company’s senior secured debt and revised the definition of “Change of Control” in Section 1.01 of the Restated Credit Agreement toremove language that could be viewed as effectively limiting the ability of stockholders to nominate and elect new directors, commonly referred to as a“dead hand proxy put.” The revision to the definition of “Change of Control” in the First Amendment is responsive to recent developments under Delawarelaw.The Restated Credit Agreement provides for a $600.0 million five-year senior secured credit facility, which consists of a $300.0 million revolving creditfacility (the "Restated Revolving Facility") and a $300.0 million term loan. Specifically, in connection with the Restated Credit Agreement, the Company:•replaced the Company’s then existing U.S.-dollar denominated Senior Secured Term A Loan, due May 2018, under the 2013 Credit Agreement(the "Existing Term A Loan"), which had an aggregate principal amount of $299.0 million outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Date,with a new U.S.-dollar denominated Senior Secured Term A Loan, with a maturity date as specified below, in an aggregate original principalamount of $300.0 million (the "Restated Term A Loan"); and•replaced the $250.0 million revolving credit facility under the 2013 Credit Agreement with the Restated Revolving Facility.Borrowings under the Restated Term A Loan were used to continue the entire outstanding principal amount of the Existing Term A Loan and pay feesassociated with the Restated Credit Agreement. The Restated Revolving Facility is expected to be available for working capital and general corporatepurposes. Undrawn amounts under the Restated Revolving Facility will be subject to a commitment fee rate of 0.25% to 0.40% per annum, depending on theCompany’s Consolidated Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Restated Credit Agreement). As of December 31, 2015, the commitment fee rate was 0.30%.55ACCO Brands Corporation and SubsidiariesNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)As of December 31, 2015, there were no borrowings under the Restated Revolving Facility. The amount available for borrowings was $291.1 million(allowing for $8.9 million of letters of credit outstanding on that date).Maturity and amortizationBorrowings under the Restated Revolving Facility and the Restated Term Loan A will mature on the earlier of (i) April 28, 2020 and (ii) the date that is180 days prior to the maturity of the Company's Senior Unsecured Notes, due April 30, 2020 (the "Senior Unsecured Notes"), unless such notes are earlierrefinanced. Amounts under the Restated Revolving Facility will be non-amortizing. Beginning September 30, 2015, the outstanding principal amount underthe Restated Term Loan A was payable in quarterly installments in an amount representing, on an annual basis, 5.0% of the initial aggregate principalamount of such loan and increasing to 12.5% by September 30, 2018.Interest ratesAmounts outstanding under the Restated Credit Agreement will bear interest (i) in the case of Eurodollar loans, at a rate per annum equal to theEurodollar rate (which is based on an average British Bankers Association Interest Settlement Rate) plus the applicable rate; (ii) in the case of loans made atthe Base Rate (which means the highest of (a) the Bank of America, N.A. prime rate then in effect, (b) the Federal Funds effective rate then in effect plus ½ of1.00% and (c) the Eurodollar rate that would be payable on such day for a Eurodollar loan with a one-month interest period plus 1.00%), at a rate per annumequal to the Base Rate plus the applicable rate; and (iii) in the case of swing line loans, at a rate per annum equal to the Base Rate plus the applicable rate.Separate base interest rate and applicable rate provisions will apply for any Canadian or Australian currency denominated loans.The applicable rate applied to outstanding Eurodollar loans and Base Rate loans is based on the Company's Consolidated Leverage Ratio (as defined inthe Restated Credit Agreement) as follows:ConsolidatedLeverage Ratio Eurodollar CreditSpread Base Rate Credit Spread> 4.00 to 1.00 2.50% 1.50%≤ 4.00 to 1.00 and > 3.50 to 1.00 2.25% 1.25%≤ 3.50 to 1.00 and > 3.00 to 1.00 2.00% 1.00%≤ 3.00 to 1.00 and > 2.00 to 1.00 1.50% 0.50%≤ 2.00 to 1.00 1.25% 0.25%As of December 31, 2015, all of the amounts outstanding under the Restated Term Loan A bore interest at a Eurodollar rate plus the applicable rate of1.50% and the amounts drawn under the Restated Revolving Facility bore interest at either a Eurodollar rate plus 1.50% or a Base Rate plus the applicablerate of 0.50%.PrepaymentsSubject to certain conditions and exceptions, the Restated Credit Agreement requires the Company to prepay outstanding loans in certaincircumstances, including (a) in an amount equal to 100% of the net cash proceeds from sales or dispositions of property or assets in excess of $10.0 millionper fiscal year, (b) in an amount equal to 100% of the net cash proceeds from property insurance or condemnation awards in excess of $10.0 million per fiscalyear and (c) in an amount equal to 100% of the net cash proceeds from additional debt other than debt permitted under the Restated Credit Agreement. TheCompany also is required to prepay outstanding loans with specified percentages of excess cash flow based on its leverage. The Restated Credit Agreementcontains other customary prepayment obligations and provides for voluntary commitment reductions and prepayment of loans, subject to certain conditionsand exceptions.Permitted acquisitionsThe Restated Credit Agreement increases the aggregate amount of Investments (as defined in the Restated Credit Agreement) allowed to be made by theCompany and other Loan Parties (as defined in the Restated Credit Agreement) in subsidiaries used to consummate permitted acquisitions by suchsubsidiaries to the greater of $500.0 million or 15.0% of Consolidated Total Assets (as defined in the Restated Credit Agreement).56ACCO Brands Corporation and SubsidiariesNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)Dividends and share repurchases.Under the Restated Credit Agreement, the Company may pay dividends and/or repurchase shares in an aggregate amount equal to the sum of:(i)the greater of (a) $25.0 million and (b) 1.0% of the Company’s Consolidated Total Assets, plus(ii)an aggregate amount not to exceed $60.0 million in any fiscal year; provided the Company’s Consolidated Leverage Ratio after giving proforma effect to the restricted payment is greater than 2.50:1.00 and less than or equal to 3.75:1.00, plus(iii)an additional amount so long as the Consolidated Leverage Ratio after giving pro forma effect to the restricted payment is less than or equalto2.50:1.00, plus(iv)any Net Equity Proceeds (as defined in the Restated Credit Agreement).CovenantsThe Restated Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants as well as events of default, including payment defaults, breachof representations and warranties, covenant defaults, cross-defaults, certain bankruptcy or insolvency events, certain ERISA-related events, changes in controlor ownership and invalidity of any loan document. The indenture governing the senior unsecured notes also contains certain covenants.Under the Restated Credit Agreement, the Company is required to meet certain financial tests, including a maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio asdetermined by reference to the following ratio:Period Maximum Consolidated LeverageRatio(1)July 1, 2015 and thereafter 3.75:1.00(1)The Consolidated Leverage Ratio is computed by dividing the Company's net funded indebtedness by the cumulative four-quarter-trailing EBITDA,which excludes transaction costs, restructuring and other charges up to certain limits as well as other adjustments defined in the Restated CreditAgreement.Following the consummation of a Material Acquisition (as defined in the Restated Credit Agreement), and as of the end of the fiscal quarter in whichsuch Material Acquisition occurs and as of the end of the three fiscal quarters thereafter, the level above will increase by 0.50:1.00, provided that no morethan one such increase can be in effect at any time.The Restated Credit Agreement also requires the Company to maintain a Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio as of the end of any fiscal quarterat or above 1.25 to 1.00.Compliance with Loan CovenantsAs of and for the year ended December 31, 2015, we were in compliance with all applicable loan covenants.Guarantees and SecurityGenerally, obligations under the Restated Credit Agreement are guaranteed, by certain of the Company's existing and future subsidiaries, and aresecured by substantially all of the Company's and certain guarantor subsidiaries' assets, subject to certain exclusions and limitations.The Senior Unsecured Notes are irrevocably and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a senior unsecured basis by each of our existingand future domestic subsidiaries other than certain excluded subsidiaries. The Senior Unsecured Notes and the related guarantees will rank equally in right ofpayment with all of the existing and future senior debt of the Company and the guarantors, senior in right of payment to all of the existing and futuresubordinated debt of the Company, and the guarantors, and effectively subordinated to all of the existing and future secured indebtedness of the Companyand the guarantors to the extent57ACCO Brands Corporation and SubsidiariesNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness. The Senior Unsecured Notes and the guarantees are and will be structurally subordinated to all existingand future liabilities, including trade payables, of each of the Company's subsidiaries that do not guarantee the notes.Incremental facilitiesThe Restated Credit Agreement permits the Company to seek increases in the size of the Restated Revolving Facility and the Restated Term A Loanprior to maturity by up to $500.0 million, in the aggregate, subject to certain conditions and lender commitment.4. Pension and Other Retiree BenefitsWe have a number of pension plans, principally in the U.K. and the U.S. The plans provide for payment of retirement benefits, primarily commencingbetween the ages of 60 and 65, and also for payment of certain disability and severance benefits. After meeting certain qualifications, an employee acquires avested right to future benefits. The benefits payable under the plans are generally determined based on an employee’s length of service and earnings. Severalof these plans have been frozen and are no longer accruing additional service benefits. Cash contributions to the plans are made as necessary to ensure legalfunding requirements are satisfied.On January 20, 2009, the Company’s Board of Directors approved plan amendments to temporarily freeze our ACCO Brands Corporation Pension Planfor Salaried and Certain Hourly Paid Employees in the U.S. (the "U.S. Salaried Plan") effective March 7, 2009. During the fourth quarter of 2014, the U.S.Salaried Plan became permanently frozen and, as of December 31, 2014, we have permanently frozen a portion of our U.S. pension plan for certain bargainedhourly employees.On September 30, 2012, our U.K. pension plan was frozen and as of December 31, 2013, we have permanently frozen two of our Canadian pensionplans.We also provide post-retirement health care and life insurance benefits to certain employee and retirees in the U.S., U.K. and Canada. All but one ofthese benefit plans have been frozen to new participants. Many employees and retirees outside of the U.S. are covered by government health care programs.58ACCO Brands Corporation and SubsidiariesNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)The following table sets forth our defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans funded status and the amounts recognized in our ConsolidatedBalance Sheets: Pension Post-retirement U.S. International (in millions of dollars)2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014Change in projected benefit obligation(PBO) Projected benefit obligation at beginning ofyear$212.9 $177.4 $391.8 $371.4 $12.2 $13.3Service cost1.6 2.1 0.9 0.8 0.1 0.2Interest cost8.7 8.6 12.9 15.7 0.4 0.5Actuarial (gain) loss(14.4) 34.2 (19.0) 48.3 (3.4) (0.3)Participants’ contributions— — 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1Benefits paid(10.1) (9.4) (15.9) (16.6) (0.5) (0.8)Plan amendments— — — (0.2) (0.2) (0.4)Foreign exchange rate changes— — (23.8) (27.8) (0.6) (0.4)Projected benefit obligation at end of year198.7 212.9 347.1 391.8 8.1 12.2Change in plan assets Fair value of plan assets at beginning ofyear163.9 156.3 351.2 342.8 — —Actual return on plan assets(9.3) 10.8 (0.8) 43.8 — —Employer contributions1.3 6.2 5.4 5.5 0.4 0.7Participants’ contributions— — 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1Benefits paid(10.1) (9.4) (15.9) (16.6) (0.5) (0.8)Foreign exchange rate changes— — (21.2) (24.5) — —Fair value of plan assets at end of year145.8 163.9 318.9 351.2 — —Funded status (Fair value of plan assets lessPBO)$(52.9) $(49.0) $(28.2) $(40.6) $(8.1) $(12.2)Amounts recognized in the ConsolidatedBalance Sheets consist of: Other non-current assets$— $— $0.9 $— $— $—Other current liabilities— — 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.8Pension and post-retirement benefitobligations(1)52.9 49.0 28.7 40.1 7.5 11.4Components of accumulated othercomprehensive income, net of tax: Unrecognized actuarial loss (gain)55.1 51.9 75.0 78.1 (4.2) (1.1)Unrecognized prior service (credit) cost2.0 2.4 (0.3) (0.4) (0.2) (1.5)(1)Pension and post-retirement obligations of $89.1 million as of December 31, 2015, decreased from $100.5 million as of December 31, 2014, primarily dueto cash contributions.59ACCO Brands Corporation and SubsidiariesNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)Of the amounts included within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), we expect to recognize the following pre-tax amounts as componentsof net periodic benefit cost (income) for the year ended December 31, 2016: Pension Post-retirement(in millions of dollars)U.S. International Actuarial loss (gain)$1.8 $2.4 $(0.4)Prior service cost0.4 — — $2.2 $2.4 $(0.4)All of our plans have projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets, except for our Irish plan.The accumulated benefit obligation for all pension plans was $533.6 million and $590.0 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.The following table sets out information for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets: U.S. International(in millions of dollars)2015 2014 2015 2014Projected benefit obligation$198.7 $212.9 $334.1 $371.0Accumulated benefit obligation196.1 209.1 324.7 360.9Fair value of plan assets145.8 163.9 305.0 331.1The components of net periodic benefit (income) cost for pension and post-retirement plans for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013,respectively, were as follows: Pension Post-retirement U.S. International (in millions of dollars)2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013Service cost$1.6 $2.1 $2.0 $0.9 $0.8 $1.6 $0.1 $0.2 $0.2Interest cost8.7 8.6 7.9 12.9 15.7 14.7 0.4 0.5 0.6Expected return on plan assets(12.2) (12.0) (10.4) (21.9) (22.8) (20.6) — — —Amortization of net loss (gain)2.1 5.1 9.6 2.4 1.9 2.4 (0.4) (1.1) (0.6)Amortization of prior servicecost (credit)0.4 0.4 0.1 — — — (0.3) — —Curtailment gain— — — — — (1.0) — — —Settlement gain— — — — — — (0.5) (0.1) —Net periodic benefit (income)cost$0.6 $4.2 $9.2 $(5.7) $(4.4) $(2.9) $(0.7) $(0.5) $0.2Effective from January 1, 2015 we changed the amortization of our net actuarial loss included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for theU.S. Salaried Plan from the average remaining service period of active employees expected to receive benefits under the plan to the average remaining lifeexpectancy of all participants. This change was the result of the Company's decision to permanently freeze the benefits under the plan. In 2013, werecognized a curtailment gain of $1.0 million related to permanently freezing two of our Canadian pension plans.60ACCO Brands Corporation and SubsidiariesNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations that were recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) during the years ended December 31,2015, 2014, and 2013 were as follows: Pension Post-retirement U.S. International (in millions of dollars)2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013Current year actuarial loss(gain)$7.1 $35.4 $(30.2) $3.8 $27.3 $(10.0) $(3.4) $(0.3) $(2.8)Amortization of actuarial(loss) gain(2.1) (5.1) (9.6) (2.4) (1.9) (2.4) 0.9 1.1 0.6Current year prior service(credit) cost— — 3.7 — (0.2) — (0.2) (0.3) —Amortization of prior service(cost) credit(0.4) (0.4) (0.1) — — — 0.3 — —Foreign exchange ratechanges— — — (5.6) (6.8) 2.1 0.1 0.1 —Total recognized in othercomprehensive income (loss)$4.6 $29.9 $(36.2) $(4.2) $18.4 $(10.3) $(2.3) $0.6 $(2.2)Total recognized in netperiodic benefit cost (credit)and other comprehensiveincome (loss)$5.2 $34.1 $(27.0) $(9.9) $14.0 $(13.2) $(3.0) $0.1 $(2.0)AssumptionsThe weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 were as follows: Pension Post-retirement U.S. International 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013Discount rate4.6% 4.2% 5.0% 3.7% 3.4% 4.3% 3.9% 3.7% 4.4%Rate of compensationincreaseN/A N/A N/A 3.0% 3.3% 4.0% N/A N/A N/AThe weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost (income) for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 wereas follows: Pension Post-retirement U.S. International 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013Discount rate4.2% 5.0% 4.2% 3.4% 4.3% 4.3% 3.7% 4.4% 4.0%Expected long-term rate ofreturn8.0% 8.2% 8.2% 6.5% 6.8% 6.8% N/A N/A N/ARate of compensationincreaseN/A N/A N/A 3.0% 3.3% 4.0% N/A N/A N/AThe weighted average health care cost trend rates used to determine post-retirement benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost (income) as ofDecember 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 were as follows: Post-retirement 2015 2014 2013Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year7% 8% 8%Rate that the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)5% 5% 5%Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate2024 2023 202061ACCO Brands Corporation and SubsidiariesNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)Assumed health care cost trend rates may have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. A one-percentage-point change inassumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects: 1-Percentage- 1-Percentage-(in millions of dollars)Point Increase Point DecreaseIncrease (decrease) on total of service and interest cost$0.1 $(0.1)Increase (decrease) on post-retirement benefit obligation0.7 (0.6)Plan AssetsThe investment strategy for the Company is to optimize investment returns through a diversified portfolio of investments, taking into considerationunderlying plan liabilities and asset volatility. Each plan has a different target asset allocation, which is reviewed periodically and is based on the underlyingliability structure. The target asset allocation for our U.S. plan is 65% in equity securities, 20% in fixed income securities and 15% in alternative assets. Thetarget asset allocation for non-U.S. plans is set by the local plan trustees.Our pension plan weighted average asset allocations as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows: 2015 2014 U.S. International U.S. InternationalAsset category Equity securities61% 45% 62% 45%Fixed income31 39 31 38Real estate— 4 — 3Other(1) 8 12 7 14Total100% 100% 100% 100%(1)Insurance contracts, multi-strategy hedge funds and cash and cash equivalents for certain of our plans.U.S. Pension Plan AssetsThe fair value measurements of our U.S. pension plan assets by asset category as of December 31, 2015 were as follows:(in millions of dollars)Quoted Pricesin ActiveMarkets forIdenticalAssets(Level 1) SignificantOtherObservableInputs(Level 2) SignificantUnobservableInputs(Level 3) Fair Valueas ofDecember 31,2015Common stocks$6.9 $— $— $6.9Mutual funds82.6 — — 82.6Common collective trust funds— 2.1 — 2.1Government debt securities— 3.1 — 3.1Corporate debt securities— 19.0 — 19.0Asset-backed securities— 8.8 — 8.8Multi-strategy hedge funds— 9.2 — 9.2Government mortgage-backed securities— 7.3 — 7.3Collateralized mortgage obligations, mortgage backed securities,and other— 6.8 — 6.8Total$89.5 $56.3 $— $145.862ACCO Brands Corporation and SubsidiariesNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)The fair value measurements of our U.S. pension plan assets by asset category as of December 31, 2014 were as follows:(in millions of dollars)Quoted Pricesin ActiveMarkets forIdenticalAssets(Level 1) SignificantOtherObservableInputs(Level 2) SignificantUnobservableInputs(Level 3) Fair Valueas ofDecember 31,2014Common stocks$8.3 $— $— $8.3Mutual funds93.2 — — 93.2Common collective trust funds— 8.9 — 8.9Government debt securities— 2.2 — 2.2Corporate debt securities— 16.7 — 16.7Asset-backed securities— 9.8 — 9.8Multi-strategy hedge funds— 9.5 — 9.5Government mortgage-backed securities— 8.0 — 8.0Collateralized mortgage obligations, mortgage backed securities,and other— 7.3 — 7.3Total$101.5 $62.4 $— $163.9Mutual funds and common stocks: The fair values of mutual fund and common stock fund investments are determined by obtaining quoted prices onnationally recognized securities exchanges (level 1 inputs).Common collective trusts: The fair values of participation units held in common collective trusts are based on their net asset values, as reported by themanagers of the common collective trusts and as supported by the unit prices of actual purchase and sale transactions occurring as of or close to the financialstatement date (level 2 inputs).Debt securities: Fixed income securities, such as corporate and government bonds, collateralized mortgage obligations, asset-backed securities,government mortgage-backed securities and other debt securities are valued using quotes from independent pricing vendors based on recent trading activityand other relevant information, including market interest rate curves, referenced credit spreads, and estimated prepayment rates, where applicable (level 2inputs).Multi-strategy hedge funds: The fair values of participation units held in multi-strategy hedge funds are based on their net asset values, as reported bythe managers of the funds and are based on the daily closing prices of the underlying investments (level 2 inputs).International Pension Plans AssetsThe fair value measurements of our international pension plans assets by asset category as of December 31, 2015 were as follows:(in millions of dollars)Quoted Pricesin ActiveMarkets forIdenticalAssets(Level 1) SignificantOtherObservableInputs(Level 2) SignificantUnobservableInputs(Level 3) Fair Valueas ofDecember 31,2015Cash and cash equivalents$1.2 $— $— $1.2Equity securities142.6 — — 142.6Corporate debt securities— 121.6 — 121.6Multi-strategy hedge funds— 23.7 — 23.7Insurance contracts— 15.3 — 15.3Real estate— 10.6 0.7 11.3Government debt securities— 3.2 — 3.2Total$143.8 $174.4 $0.7 $318.963ACCO Brands Corporation and SubsidiariesNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)The fair value measurements of our international pension plans assets by asset category as of December 31, 2014 were as follows:(in millions of dollars)Quoted Pricesin ActiveMarkets forIdenticalAssets(Level 1) SignificantOtherObservableInputs(Level 2) SignificantUnobservableInputs(Level 3) Fair Valueas ofDecember 31,2014Cash and cash equivalents$6.1 $— $— $6.1Equity securities156.7 — — 156.7Corporate debt securities— 118.6 — 118.6Multi-strategy hedge funds— 25.1 — 25.1Insurance contracts— 18.4 — 18.4Other debt securities— 12.1 — 12.1Real estate— 9.7 0.9 10.6Government debt securities— 3.6 — 3.6Total$162.8 $187.5 $0.9 $351.2Equity securities: The fair values of equity securities are determined by obtaining quoted prices on nationally recognized securities exchanges (level 1inputs).Debt securities: Fixed income securities, such as corporate and government bonds and other debt securities, consist of index-linked securities. Thesedebt securities are valued using quotes from independent pricing vendors based on recent trading activity and other relevant information, including marketinterest rate curves, referenced credit spreads, and estimated prepayment rates, where applicable (level 2 inputs).Real estate: Real estate, exclusive of the Canadian plan, consists of managed real estate investment trust securities (level 2 inputs). Real estate in theCanadian plans is appraised by a third party on an annual basis (level 3 inputs). There have been no substantial purchases or gains/losses in 2015 or 2014.Insurance contracts: Valued at contributions made, plus earnings, less participant withdrawals and administrative expenses, which approximate fairvalue (level 2 inputs).Multi-strategy hedge funds: The fair values of participation units held in multi-strategy hedge funds are based on their net asset values, as reported bythe managers of the funds and are based on the daily closing prices of the underlying investments (level 2 inputs).Cash ContributionsWe contributed $7.1 million to our pension and post-retirement plans in 2015 and expect to contribute $6.5 million in 2016.The following table presents estimated future benefit payments to participants for the next ten fiscal years: Pension Post-retirement(in millions of dollars)Benefits Benefits2016$24.5 $0.62017$25.1 $0.62018$26.0 $0.62019$26.4 $0.62020$27.2 $0.6Years 2021 — 2025$146.3 $2.664ACCO Brands Corporation and SubsidiariesNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)We also sponsor a number of defined contribution plans. Contributions are determined under various formulas. Costs related to such plans amounted to$9.8 million, $8.6 million and $8.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. The $1.2 million increase in definedcontribution plan costs in 2015 compared to 2014 was due to an additional contribution for certain hourly employees who agreed to have their pensionbenefits frozen.Multi-Employer Pension PlanWe are a participant in a multi-employer pension plan. The plan has reported significant underfunded liabilities and declared itself in critical status(red). As a result, the trustees of the plan adopted a rehabilitation plan (RP) in an effort to forestall insolvency. Our required contributions to this plan couldincrease due to the shrinking contribution base resulting from the insolvency of or withdrawal of other participating employers, from the inability or thefailure of withdrawing participating employers to pay their withdrawal liability, from lower than expected returns on pension fund assets, and from otherfunding deficiencies. In the event that we withdraw from participation in the plan, we will be required to make withdrawal liability payments for a period of20 years or longer in certain circumstances. The present value of our withdrawal liability payments would be recorded as an expense in our ConsolidatedStatements of Income and as a liability on our Consolidated Balance Sheets in the first year of our withdrawal. The most recent Pension Protection Act (PPA)zone status available in 2015 and 2014 is for the plan’s years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The zone status is based on information thatwe received from the plan and is certified by the plan’s actuary. Plans in the red zone are generally less than 65 percent funded, plans in the yellow zone areless than 80 percent funded, and plans in the green zone are at least 80 percent funded. Details regarding the plan are outlined in the table below. Pension ProtectionAct Zone Status FIP/RP StatusPending/Implemented Contributions Expiration Date ofCollective-BargainingAgreement Year Ended December 31, Pension Fund EIN/Pension PlanNumber 2015 2014 2015 2014 2013 SurchargeImposed PACE IndustryUnion-ManagementPension Fund 11-6166763 / 001 Red Red Implemented $0.3 $0.4 $0.2 Yes 6/30/20175. Stock-Based CompensationThe ACCO Brands Corporation Incentive Plan provides for stock based awards in the form of stock options, stock-settled appreciation rights ("SSARs"),restricted stock units ("RSUs") and performance stock units ("PSUs"), any of which may be granted alone or with other types of awards and dividendequivalents. We have one share-based compensation plan under which a total of 13,118,430 shares may be issued under awards to key employees and non-employee directors.The following table summarizes the impact of all stock-based compensation expense on our Consolidated Statements of Income for the years endedDecember 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.(in millions of dollars)2015 2014 2013Advertising, selling, general and administrative expense$16.0 $15.7 $16.4Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax(16.0) (15.7) (16.4)Income tax expense (benefit)(5.7) (5.7) (5.9)Net income (loss)$(10.3) $(10.0) $(10.5)There was no capitalization of stock based compensation expense.65ACCO Brands Corporation and SubsidiariesNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)Stock-based compensation expense by award type for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:(in millions of dollars)2015 2014 2013Stock option compensation expense$3.9 $3.7 $3.0RSU compensation expense4.7 6.6 5.5PSU compensation expense7.4 5.4 7.9Total stock-based compensation expense$16.0 $15.7 $16.4Stock Option and SSAR AwardsThe exercise price of each stock option equals or exceeds the fair market price of our stock on the date of grant. Options can generally be exercised overa maximum term of up to seven years. Stock options outstanding as of December 31, 2015 generally vest ratably over three years. During 2015, 2014 and2013, we granted only option awards. The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing modelusing the weighted average assumptions as outlined in the following table: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013Weighted average expected lives4.5years 4.5years 4.5yearsWeighted average risk-free interest rate1.47% 1.33% 0.75%Weighted average expected volatility46.5% 52.2% 55.3%Expected dividend yield0.0% 0.0% 0.0%Weighted average grant date fair value$3.00 $2.69 $3.43 Prior to 2012 we utilized historical volatility for a pool of peer companies for a period of time that is comparable to the expected life of the option todetermine volatility assumptions for stock-based compensation. Beginning in 2012 volatility was calculated using a combination of peer companies andACCO Brands' historic volatility. In 2013, volatility was calculated using a combination of peer companies (25%) and ACCO Brands' historic volatility(75%). From 2014 forward, volatility was calculated using ACCO Brands' historic volatility (100%). The weighted average expected option term reflects theapplication of the simplified method, which defines the life as the average of the contractual term of the option and the weighted average vesting period forall option tranches. The risk-free interest rate for the expected term of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant in order to calculate the amount of share-based payment awards ultimately expected to vest. The forfeiture rate isbased on historical experience.A summary of the changes in stock options/SSARs outstanding under our stock compensation plan during the year ended December 31, 2015 arepresented below: NumberOutstanding WeightedAverageExercisePrice Weighted AverageRemainingContractual Term AggregateIntrinsicValueOutstanding at December 31, 20144,973,386 $7.02 Granted1,419,510 $7.52 Exercised(456,341) $2.01 Lapsed(353,024) $12.60 Outstanding at December 31, 20155,583,531 $7.20 4.4 years $4.3 millionOptions/SSARs vested or expected to vest5,464,418 $7.20 4.3 years $4.3 millionExercisable shares at December 31, 20152,794,497 $7.37 3.2 years $3.3 millionWe received cash of $0.7 million and $0.3 million from the exercise of stock options for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during the year ended December 31, 2015 totaled $0.7 million. For the year ended December 31, 2014 theaggregate intrinsic value of options exercised was not significant. No options were exercised in the year ended December 31, 2013.66ACCO Brands Corporation and SubsidiariesNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)The aggregate intrinsic value of SSARs exercised during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 totaled $2.0 million, $3.6 million and$0.7 million, respectively.The fair value of options vested during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $3.8 million, $3.2 million and $1.9 million,respectively. As of December 31, 2015, we had unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options of $4.6 million, which will be recognized over aweighted-average period of 1.5 years.Stock Unit AwardsRSUs vest over a pre-determined period of time, generally three to four years from the date of grant. Stock-based compensation expense for the yearsended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 includes $0.8 million, $0.8 million and $0.9 million, respectively, of expense related to RSUs granted to non-employee directors, which became fully vested on the grant date. PSUs also vest over a pre-determined period of time, minimally three years, but are furthersubject to the achievement of certain business performance criteria in future periods. Based upon the level of achieved performance, the number of sharesactually awarded can vary from 0% to 150% of the original grant.There were 2,007,117 RSUs outstanding at December 31, 2015. All outstanding RSUs as of December 31, 2015 vest within three years of their date ofgrant. We generally recognize compensation expense for our RSU awards ratably over the service period. Also outstanding at December 31, 2015 were3,197,735 PSUs. All outstanding PSUs as of December 31, 2015 vest at the end of their respective performance periods subject to percentage achieved of theperformance targets associated with such awards. Upon vesting, all of the remaining PSU awards will be converted into the right to receive one share ofcommon stock of the Company for each unit that vests. The cost of these awards is determined using the fair value of the shares on the date of grant, andcompensation expense is generally recognized over the period during which the employee provides the requisite service to the Company. We generallyrecognize compensation expense for our PSU awards ratably over the performance period based on management’s judgment of the likelihood thatperformance measures will be attained.A summary of the changes in the RSUs outstanding under our equity compensation plan during 2015 are presented below: StockUnits WeightedAverageGrantDate FairValueOutstanding at December 31, 20142,430,683 $8.02Granted668,619 $7.58Vested and distributed(1,004,964) $9.62Vested and distribution deferred(26,585) $8.14Forfeited(60,636) $6.79Outstanding at December 31, 20152,007,117 $7.11Vested and deferred at December 31, 2015(1)228,883 $7.93(1)Included in outstanding at December 31, 2015. Vested and distribution deferred RSUs are primarily related to deferred compensation for non-employee directors.For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 we granted 881,554 and 791,349 shares of RSUs, respectively. The weighted-average grant date fairvalue of our RSUs was $7.58, $6.12, and $7.14 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The fair value of RSUs that vestedduring the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $10.3 million, $3.2 million and $1.0 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2015, we haveunrecognized compensation expense related to RSUs of $4.3 million. The unrecognized compensation expense related to RSUs will be recognized over aweighted-average period of 1.7 years.67ACCO Brands Corporation and SubsidiariesNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)A summary of the changes in the PSUs outstanding under our equity compensation plan during 2015 are presented below: StockUnits WeightedAverageGrantDate FairValueOutstanding at December 31, 20142,837,162 $7.05Granted1,017,702 $7.52Vested(697,172) $7.75Forfeited and cancelled(45,143) $6.63Other - increase due to performance of PSU's85,186 $7.81Outstanding at December 31, 20153,197,735 $7.07For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 we granted 1,316,867 and 1,174,465 shares of PSUs, respectively. For the years ended December 31,2015, 2014 and 2013 we paid out 697,172, 496,926 and 419,205 shares of PSUs, respectively. The weighted-average grant date fair value of our PSUs was$7.52, $6.14, and $7.59 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The fair value of PSUs that vested during the years endedDecember 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $5.4 million, $4.4 million and $3.0 million respectively. As of December 31, 2015, we have unrecognizedcompensation expense related to PSUs of $7.0 million. The unrecognized compensation expense related to PSUs will be recognized over a weighted-averageperiod of 1.7 years.We will satisfy the requirement for delivering the common shares for our stock-based plan by issuing new shares.6. InventoriesInventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value. The components of inventories were as follows: December 31,(in millions of dollars)2015 2014Raw materials$33.3 $36.7Work in process2.6 2.0Finished goods167.7 191.2Total inventories$203.6 $229.9 7. Property, Plant and Equipment, NetThe components of net property, plant and equipment were as follows: December 31,(in millions of dollars)2015 2014Land and improvements$17.6 $21.5Buildings and improvements to leaseholds120.0 129.0Machinery and equipment358.5 374.2Construction in progress30.0 23.0 526.1 547.7Less: accumulated depreciation(317.0) (312.2)Property, plant and equipment, net(1)$209.1 $235.5(1)Net property, plant and equipment as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 contained $40.7 million and $37.0 million of computer software assets, whichare classified within machinery and equipment and construction in progress. Amortization of software costs was $6.1 million, $7.4 million and $6.7million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.68ACCO Brands Corporation and SubsidiariesNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)8. Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible AssetsGoodwillChanges in the net carrying amount of goodwill by segment were as follows: (in millions of dollars)ACCOBrandsNorth America ACCOBrandsInternational ComputerProductsGroup Total Balance at December 31, 2013$393.1 $168.4 $6.8 $568.3 Translation(5.5) (17.9) — (23.4) Balance at December 31, 2014387.6 150.5 6.8 544.9 Translation(10.1) (37.9) — (48.0) Balance at December 31, 2015$377.5 $112.6 $6.8 $496.9 Goodwill$508.4 $196.8 $6.8 $712.0 Accumulated impairment losses(130.9) (84.2) — (215.1) Balance at December 31, 2015$377.5 $112.6 $6.8 $496.9The authoritative guidance on goodwill and other intangible assets requires that goodwill be tested for impairment at a reporting unit level. We havedetermined that our reporting units are the ACCO Brands North America, ACCO Brands International and Computer Products Group segments. We testgoodwill for impairment at least annually and on an interim basis if an event or circumstance indicates that it is more likely than not that an impairment losshas been incurred. The Company performed this annual assessment, on a qualitative basis, as allowed by GAAP, in the second quarter of 2015 and concludedthat no impairment existed.A considerable amount of management judgment and assumptions are required in performing the impairment tests, principally in determining the fairvalue of each reporting unit and the indefinite lived intangible assets. While we believe our judgments and assumptions are reasonable, different assumptionscould change the estimated fair values and, therefore, impairment charges could be required. Significant negative industry or economic trends, disruptions toour business, loss of significant customers, inability to effectively integrate acquired businesses, unexpected significant changes or planned changes in theuse of the assets or in entity structure and divestitures may adversely impact the assumptions used in the valuations and ultimately result in future impairmentcharges.Identifiable IntangiblesWe test indefinite-lived intangibles for impairment at least annually and on an interim basis if an event or circumstance indicates that it is more likelythan not that an impairment loss has been incurred. We performed this annual assessment in the second quarter of 2015 and concluded that no impairmentexists. In the fourth quarter of 2015 we performed a quantitative test (Step 1), as we identified a trigger event related to our trade name primarily used inBrazil. While we concluded that no impairment existed, the trade name's fair value has been significantly reduced. Key financial assumptions utilized todetermine the fair value of our trade name primarily used in Brazil included a long-term growth rate of 6.5% and a 14.5% discount rate. The fair values ofcertain other indefinite-lived trade names are also not substantially above their carrying values. As of December 31, 2015 the aggregate carrying value ofindefinite-lived trade names not substantially above their fair values was $176.6 million.69ACCO Brands Corporation and SubsidiariesNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)The gross carrying value and accumulated amortization by class of identifiable intangible assets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows: December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014(in millions of dollars)GrossCarryingAmounts AccumulatedAmortization NetBookValue GrossCarryingAmounts AccumulatedAmortization NetBookValueIndefinite-lived intangible assets: Trade names$471.8 $(44.5)(1) $427.3 $499.4 $(44.5)(1) $454.9Amortizable intangible assets: Trade names122.6 (61.7) 60.9 127.7 (55.5) 72.2Customer and contractualrelationships94.9 (63.1) 31.8 100.4 (57.2) 43.2Patents/proprietary technology0.9 — 0.9 10.2 (9.1) 1.1Subtotal218.4 (124.8) 93.6 238.3 (121.8) 116.5Total identifiable intangibles$690.2 $(169.3) $520.9 $737.7 $(166.3) $571.4(1)Accumulated amortization prior to the adoption of authoritative guidance on goodwill and other intangible assets, at which time further amortizationceased.The Company’s intangible amortization was $19.6 million, $22.2 million and $24.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013,respectively.Estimated amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets for the next five years is as follows:(in millions of dollars)2016 2017 2018 2019 2020Estimated amortization expense$17.5 $14.3 $12.1 $9.9 $7.8Actual amounts of amortization expense may differ from estimated amounts due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, additional intangibleasset acquisitions, impairment of intangible assets, accelerated amortization of intangible assets and other events.9. RestructuringDuring 2014 and in years prior, we initiated restructuring actions which further enhanced our ongoing efforts to centralize, control and streamline ourglobal and regional operational, supply chain and administrative functions, primarily associated with our North American school, office and ComputerProducts Group workforce.For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, we recorded restructuring charges (credits) of $(0.4) million, $5.5 million and $30.1 million,respectively. The most significant charges were recorded in 2013 in association with post-merger integration activities of our North American operationsfollowing our acquisition of Mead C&OP in 2012, changes to our European business model and manufacturing footprint and the closure of our Brampton,Canada distribution and manufacturing facility.A summary of the activity in the restructuring accounts and a reconciliation of the liability for the year ended December 31, 2015 was as follows:(in millions of dollars)Balance at December31, 2014 (Income)/ Provision CashExpenditures Non-cashItems/Currency Change Balance at December31, 2015Employee termination costs$7.8 $(0.6) $(6.1) $(0.3) $0.8Termination of lease agreements0.6 0.2 (0.6) — 0.2Total restructuring liability$8.4 $(0.4) $(6.7) $(0.3) $1.070ACCO Brands Corporation and SubsidiariesNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)Management expects the $0.8 million employee termination costs balance to be substantially paid within the next three months. Cash paymentsassociated with lease termination costs of $0.2 million are also expected to be paid within the next three months.The Company's manufacturing facility located in the Czech Republic was sold during the second quarter of 2015 and generated net cash proceeds of$1.0 million. An immaterial gain was recognized on the sale and the cash proceeds are excluded from the table above.A summary of the activity in the restructuring accounts and a reconciliation of the liability for the year ended December 31, 2014 was as follows:(in millions of dollars)Balance at December31, 2013 Provision CashExpenditures Non-cashItems/Currency Change Balance at December31, 2014Employee termination costs$19.1 4.3 (15.3) (0.3) $7.8Termination of lease agreements1.4 0.5 (1.5) 0.2 0.6Asset impairments/net loss ondisposal of assets resulting fromrestructuring activities— 0.6 — (0.6) —Other— 0.1 (0.1) — —Total restructuring liability$20.5 $5.5 $(16.9) $(0.7) $8.4The Company's East Texas, Pennsylvania manufacturing and distribution facility was sold during 2014 and generated net cash proceeds of $3.2million. An immaterial loss was recognized on the sale and the cash proceeds are excluded from the table above.A summary of the activity in the restructuring accounts and a reconciliation of the liability for the year ended December 31, 2013 was as follows:(in millions of dollars)Balance at December31, 2012 Provision CashExpenditures Non-cashItems/Currency Change Balance at December31, 2013Employee termination costs15.2 26.4 (22.5) — $19.1Termination of lease agreements0.2 1.9 (0.7) — 1.4Asset impairments/net loss ondisposal of assets resulting fromrestructuring activities— 1.2 0.5 (1.7) —Other— 0.6 (0.6) — —Total restructuring liability$15.4 $30.1 $(23.3) $(1.7) $20.5Not included in the restructuring table above is a $2.5 million net gain on the sale of the Company's Ireland distribution facility. The sale generated netcash proceeds of $3.8 million. The gain on sale was recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income in SG&A.71ACCO Brands Corporation and SubsidiariesNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)10. Income TaxesThe components of income from continuing operations before income tax were as follows:(in millions of dollars)2015 2014 2013Domestic operations$60.9 $43.5 $1.8Foreign operations70.5 93.5 89.9Total$131.4 $137.0 $91.7The reconciliation of income taxes computed at the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 35% to our effective income tax rate for continuingoperations was as follows:(in millions of dollars)2015 2014 2013Income tax at U.S. statutory rate of 35%$46.0 $47.9 $32.1State, local and other tax, net of federal benefit2.1 2.1 (1.4)U.S. effect of foreign dividends and earnings3.9 7.4 7.5Unrealized foreign currency benefit on intercompany debt(0.7) (3.0) (3.5)Foreign income taxed at a lower effective rate(5.6) (8.6) (6.4)Interest on Brazilian Tax Assessment2.7 3.2 1.8Expiration of tax credits1.0 11.7 —Decrease in valuation allowance(1.3) (11.5) (11.6)Correction of deferred tax error— — (3.1)Other(2.6) (3.8) (1.0)Income taxes as reported$45.5 $45.4 $14.4Effective tax rate34.6% 33.1% 15.7%For 2015, we recorded an income tax expense from continuing operations of $45.5 million on income before taxes of $131.4 million. The effective ratefor 2015 of 34.6% approximated the U.S. statutory tax rate of 35%.For 2014, we recorded an income tax expense from continuing operations of $45.4 million on income before taxes of $137.0 million. The low effectiverate for 2014 of 33.1% was less than the U.S. statutory income tax rate primarily due to earnings from foreign jurisdictions, which are taxed at a lower rate. In2014, the Foreign Tax Credit Carryover from 2005 in the amount of $11.7 million expired; the valuation allowance on the carryover was also removed. Theseitems netted together and did not affect income tax expense.For 2013, we recorded an income tax expense from continuing operations of $14.4 million on income before taxes of $91.7 million. Included in theresults for 2013 is an out-of-period adjustment of $3.1 million made to correct an error related to the estimate of the tax benefit for certain equitycompensation grants exercised during 2012. The Company determined that the impact of the error was not significant to the current or prior period, andaccordingly, a restatement of the prior period tax expense was not deemed to be necessary. The low effective rate for 2013 of 15.7% was primarily due to thenet tax benefit from the release of foreign valuation allowances of $11.6 million and earnings from foreign jurisdictions, which are taxed at a lower rate.We continually review the need for establishing or releasing valuation allowances on our deferred tax attributes. In 2015 the company had a net taxbenefit from the release and generation of valuation allowances in U.S. state and certain foreign jurisdictions in the amount of $0.3 million. In 2014, thecompany had a net tax expense from the release and generation of valuation allowances in U.S. state and certain foreign jurisdictions in the amount of $0.2million. In 2013, the company had a net tax benefit from the release and generation of valuation allowances in certain foreign jurisdictions in the amount of$11.6 million.The U.S. federal statute of limitations remains open for the year 2012 and forward. Foreign and U.S. state jurisdictions have statutes of limitationsgenerally ranging from 2 to 5 years. Years still open to examination by foreign tax authorities in major jurisdictions include Australia (2011 forward), Brazil(2010 forward), Canada (2007 forward) and the U.K. (2014 forward). We are currently under examination in various foreign jurisdictions.72ACCO Brands Corporation and SubsidiariesNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)The components of the income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations were as follows:(in millions of dollars)2015 2014 2013Current expense Federal and other$2.1 $1.6 $0.8Foreign16.0 23.2 25.3Total current income tax expense18.1 24.8 26.1Deferred expense (benefit) Federal and other22.8 15.4 (2.8)Foreign4.6 5.2 (8.9)Total deferred income tax expense (benefit)27.4 20.6 (11.7)Total income tax expense$45.5 $45.4 $14.4The components of deferred tax assets (liabilities) were as follows:(in millions of dollars)2015 2014Deferred tax assets Compensation and benefits$17.3 $20.4 Pension27.9 32.0 Inventory11.4 7.1 Other reserves17.1 19.8 Accounts receivable7.7 7.6 Foreign tax credit carryforwards10.9 11.9 Net operating loss carryforwards56.9 87.5 Unrealized foreign currency benefit on intercompany debt3.0 3.2 Other9.4 8.8Gross deferred income tax assets161.6 198.3 Valuation allowance(22.1) (23.9)Net deferred tax assets139.5 174.4Deferred tax liabilities Depreciation(16.0) (19.1) Identifiable intangibles(240.7) (256.6)Gross deferred tax liabilities(256.7) (275.7)Net deferred tax liabilities$(117.2) $(101.3)Deferred income taxes are not provided on certain undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries that are expected to be permanently reinvested in thosecompanies, which aggregate to approximately $540 million and $565 million as of December 31, 2015 and at 2014, respectively. If these amounts weredistributed to the U.S., in the form of a dividend or otherwise, we would be subject to additional U.S. income taxes. Determination of the amount ofunrecognized deferred income tax liabilities on these earnings is not practicable.As of December 31, 2015, $172.1 million of net operating loss carryforwards are available to reduce future taxable income of domestic andinternational companies. These loss carryforwards expire in the years 2016 through 2031 or have an unlimited carryover period.Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are recognized within "Income tax expense" in the Consolidated Statements of Income. As ofDecember 31, 2015, we have accrued a cumulative amount of $10.0 million for interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits.73ACCO Brands Corporation and SubsidiariesNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits were as follows:(in millions of dollars)2015 2014 2013Balance at beginning of year$45.9 $52.1 $56.3Additions for tax positions of prior years3.0 3.5 2.4Reductions for tax positions of prior years— (4.2) —Settlements— — (0.1)Foreign exchange changes(14.1) (5.5) (6.5)Balance at end of year$34.8 $45.9 $52.1As of December 31, 2015 the amount of unrecognized tax benefits decreased to $34.8 million, of which $33.1 million would affect our effective taxrate, if recognized. We expect the amount of unrecognized tax benefits to change within the next twelve months, but these changes are not expected to have asignificant impact on our results of operations or financial position. None of the positions included in the unrecognized tax benefit relate to tax positions forwhich the ultimate deductibility is highly certain, but for which there is uncertainty about such deductibility.Income Tax AssessmentIn connection with our May 1, 2012 acquisition of Mead C&OP, we assumed all of the tax liabilities for the acquired foreign operations includingTilibra Produtos de Papelaria Ltda. ("Tilibra"). In December of 2012, the Federal Revenue Department of the Ministry of Finance of Brazil ("FRD") issued atax assessment (the "Brazilian Tax Assessment") against Tilibra, which challenged the tax deduction of goodwill from Tilibra's taxable income for the year2007. A second assessment challenging the deduction of goodwill from Tilibra's taxable income for the years 2008, 2009 and 2010 was issued by FRD inOctober 2013.Tilibra is disputing both of the tax assessments through established administrative procedures. We believe we have meritorious defenses and intend tovigorously contest these matters; however, there can be no assurances that we will ultimately prevail. We are still in the administrative stages of the process tochallenge the FRD's tax assessments, and the ultimate outcome will not be determined until the Brazilian tax appeal process is complete, which is expected totake a number of years. In addition, Tilibra's 2011-2012 tax years remain open and subject to audit, and there can be no assurances that we will not receiveadditional tax assessments regarding the goodwill for one or both of those years. The time limit for issuing an assessment for 2011 expires in December 2016.If the FRD's initial position is ultimately sustained, the amount assessed would materially and adversely affect our cash flow in the year of settlement.Because there is no settled legal precedent on which to base a definitive opinion as to whether we will ultimately prevail, we consider the outcome ofthis dispute to be uncertain. Since it is not more likely than not that we will prevail, in 2012, we recorded a reserve in the amount of $44.5 million (atDecember 31, 2012 exchange rates) in consideration of this contingency, of which $43.3 million was recorded as an adjustment to the purchase price andwhich included the 2007-2012 tax years plus penalties and interest through December 2012. Included in this reserve is an assumption of penalties at 75%,which is the standard penalty. While there is a possibility that a penalty of 150% could be imposed, based on the facts in our case and existing precedent, webelieve the likelihood of a 150% penalty being imposed is not more likely than not at December 31, 2015. In the meantime, we will continue to activelymonitor administrative and judicial court decisions and evaluate their impact, if any, on our legal assessment of the ultimate outcome of our case. In addition,we will continue to accrue interest related to this contingency until such time as the outcome is known or until evidence is presented that we are more likelythan not to prevail. During 2015, 2014 and 2013, we accrued additional interest as a charge to current tax expense of $2.7 million, $3.2 million and $1.8million, respectively. At current exchange rates, our accrual through December 31, 2015, including tax, penalties and interest is $28.2 million.74ACCO Brands Corporation and SubsidiariesNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)11. Earnings per ShareTotal outstanding shares as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 were 105.6 million and 111.9 million, respectively. Under our stock repurchase programfor the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, we repurchased and retired 7.7 million and 2.8 million shares, respectively, of common stock. In addition,for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 we acquired 0.7 million and 0.4 million, respectively, of treasury shares, primarily related to taxwithholding for share-based compensation. The calculation of basic earnings per common share is based on the weighted average number of common sharesoutstanding in the year, or period, over which they were outstanding. Our calculation of diluted earnings per common share assumes that any common sharesoutstanding were increased by shares that would be issued upon exercise of those stock units for which the average market price for the period exceeds theexercise price less the shares that could have been purchased by the Company with the related proceeds, including compensation expense measured but notyet recognized, net of tax.(in millions)2015 2014 2013Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding — basic108.8 113.7 113.5Stock options0.2 0.1 —Stock-settled stock appreciation rights0.3 0.6 0.9Restricted stock units1.3 1.9 1.3Adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed conversions — diluted110.6 116.3 115.7Awards of potentially dilutive shares of common stock, which have exercise prices that were higher than the average market price during the period, arenot included in the computation of dilutive earnings per share as their effect would have been anti-dilutive. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014and 2013, these shares were approximately 5.5 million, 4.3 million and 4.9 million, respectively.12. Derivative Financial InstrumentsWe are exposed to various market risks, including changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rate changes. We enter into financialinstruments to manage and reduce the impact of these risks, not for trading or speculative purposes. The counterparties to these financial instruments aremajor financial institutions. We continually monitor our foreign currency exposures in order to maximize the overall effectiveness of our foreign currencyhedge positions. The majority of the Company’s exposure to local currency movements is in Europe (both the Euro and the British pound), Brazil, Canada,Australia, Mexico and Japan. Principal currencies hedged include the U.S. dollar, Euro, Australian dollar, Canadian dollar, British pound and Japanese yen.We are subject to credit risk, which relates to the ability of counterparties to meet their contractual payment obligations or the potential non-performance bycounterparties to financial instrument contracts. Management continues to monitor the status of our counterparties and will take action, as appropriate, tofurther manage our counterparty credit risk. There are no credit contingency features in our derivative financial instruments.When hedge accounting is applicable, on the date we enter into a derivative, the derivative is designated as a hedge of the identified exposure. Wemeasure the effectiveness of our hedging relationships both at hedge inception and on an ongoing basis.Forward Currency ContractsWe enter into forward foreign currency contracts to reduce the effect of fluctuating foreign currencies, primarily on foreign denominated inventorypurchases and intercompany loans.Forward currency contracts are used to hedge foreign denominated inventory purchases for Europe, Canada, Australia and Japan and are designated ascash flow hedges. Unrealized gains and losses on these contracts for inventory purchases are deferred in other comprehensive income (loss) until the contractsare settled and the underlying hedged transactions are recognized, at which time the deferred gains or losses will be reported in the "Cost of products sold"line in the Consolidated Statements of Income. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company had cash flow designated foreign exchange contractsoutstanding with a U.S. dollar equivalent notional value of $68.2 million and $68.4 million, respectively.Forward currency contracts used to hedge foreign denominated intercompany loans are not designated as hedging instruments. Gains and losses onthese derivative instruments are recognized within "Other expense, net" in the Consolidated Statements of75ACCO Brands Corporation and SubsidiariesNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)Income and are largely offset by the change in the current translated value of the hedged item. The periods of the forward foreign exchange contractscorrespond to the periods of the hedged transactions, and do not extend beyond 2016. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, we have undesignated foreignexchange contracts outstanding with a U.S. dollar equivalent notional value of $33.3 million and $55.8 million, respectively.The following table summarizes the fair value of our derivative financial instruments as of December 31, 2015 and 2014: Fair Value of Derivative Instruments Derivative Assets Derivative Liabilities(in millions of dollars)Balance SheetLocation December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Balance SheetLocation December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014Derivatives designated ashedging instruments: Foreign exchange contractsOther currentassets $1.9 $4.6 Other currentliabilities $0.3 $0.1Derivatives not designated ashedging instruments: Foreign exchange contractsOther currentassets 0.7 0.1 Other currentliabilities 0.1 0.4Total derivatives $2.6 $4.7 $0.4 $0.5The following tables summarizes the pre-tax effect of the Company’s derivative financial instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Income for theyears ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013: The Effect of Derivative Instruments in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships on the Consolidated Financial Statements Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized inOCI (Effective Portion) Location of (Gain) LossReclassified from OCI to Income Amount of (Gain) LossReclassified from AOCI to Income(Effective Portion)(in millions of dollars)2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013Cash flow hedges: Foreign exchange contracts$8.2 $6.9 $3.7 Cost of products sold $(10.9) $(3.5) $(3.4) The Effect of Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instrumentson the Consolidated Statements of Income Location of (Gain) Loss RecognizedinIncome on Derivatives Amount of (Gain) LossRecognized in Income year ended December 31,(in millions of dollars) 2015 2014 2013Foreign exchange contractsOther expense, net $(0.5) $1.3 $(0.6)13. Fair Value of Financial InstrumentsIn establishing a fair value, there is a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The basis of thefair value measurement is categorized in three levels, in order of priority, as described below:Level 1Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilitiesLevel 2Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, or Unadjusted quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liabilityLevel 3Unobservable inputs for the asset or liabilityWe utilize the best available information in measuring fair value. Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest levelof input that is significant to the fair value measurement.76ACCO Brands Corporation and SubsidiariesNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)We have determined that our financial assets and liabilities described in "Note 12. Derivative Financial Instruments" are Level 2 in the fair valuehierarchy. The following table sets forth our financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2015and 2014:(in millions of dollars)December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014Assets: Forward currency contracts$2.6 $4.7Liabilities: Forward currency contracts$0.4 $0.5Our forward currency contracts are included in "Other current assets" or "Other current liabilities" and mature within 12 months. The forward foreigncurrency exchange contracts are primarily valued based on the foreign currency spot and forward rates quoted by the banks or foreign currency dealers. Assuch, these derivative instruments are classified within Level 2.The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, notes payable to banks, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate carrying amounts dueprincipally to their short maturities. The carrying amount of total debt was $729.0 million and $800.6 million and the estimated fair value of total debt was$740.3 million and $831.9 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The fair values are determined from quoted market prices, whereavailable, and from investment bankers using current interest rates considering credit ratings and the remaining terms of maturity.14. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)Comprehensive income is defined as net income (loss) and other changes in stockholders’ equity from transactions and other events from sources otherthan stockholders. The components of, and changes in, accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows:(in millions of dollars)DerivativeFinancialInstruments ForeignCurrencyAdjustments UnrecognizedPension and OtherPost-retirementBenefit Costs AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncome (Loss)Balance at December 31, 2013$0.3 $(89.6) $(96.3) $(185.6)Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net oftax4.9 (76.4) (37.1) (108.6)Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensiveincome (loss), net of tax(2.5) — 4.1 1.6Balance at December 31, 20142.7 (166.0) (129.3) (292.6)Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net oftax5.8 (136.7) (0.5) (131.4)Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensiveincome (loss), net of tax(7.7) — 2.5 (5.2)Balance at December 31, 2015$0.8 $(302.7) $(127.3) $(429.2)77ACCO Brands Corporation and SubsidiariesNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)The reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were as follows: Year Ended December 31, (in millions of dollars) 2015 2014 2013 Details about Accumulated Other ComprehensiveIncome ComponentsAmount Reclassified from Accumulated OtherComprehensive IncomeLocation on Income StatementGain on cash flow hedges: Foreign exchange contracts $10.9 $3.5 $3.4 Cost of products soldTax expense (3.2) (1.0) (1.0) Income tax expenseNet of tax $7.7 $2.5 $2.4 Defined benefit plan items: Amortization of actuarial loss $(3.6) $(5.9) $(11.4) (1)Amortization of prior service cost (0.1) (0.3) (0.1) (1)Total before tax (3.7) (6.2) (11.5) Tax benefit 1.2 $2.1 $4.0 Income tax expenseNet of tax $(2.5) $(4.1) $(7.5) Total reclassifications for the period, net oftax $5.2 $(1.6) $(5.1) (1)This accumulated other comprehensive income component is included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (income) for pension and post-retirement plans (See "Note 4. Pension and Other Retiree Benefits" for additional details).15. Information on Business SegmentsThe Company's three business segments are described below.ACCO Brands North America and ACCO Brands InternationalACCO Brands North America and ACCO Brands International manufacture, source and sell traditional office products, school supplies and calendarproducts. ACCO Brands North America comprises the U.S. and Canada, and ACCO Brands International comprises the rest of the world, primarily NorthernEurope, Brazil, Australia and Mexico.Our office, school and calendar product lines use name brands such as AT-A-GLANCE®, Day-Timer®, Five Star®, GBC®, Hilroy, Marbig, Mead®, NOBO,Quartet®, Rexel, Swingline®, Tilibra, Wilson Jones® and many others. Products and brands are not confined to one channel or product category and are soldbased on end-user preference in each geographic location.The majority of our office products, such as stapling, binding and laminating equipment and related consumable supplies, shredders and whiteboards,are used by businesses. Most of these end-users purchase their products from our customers, which include traditional office supply resellers, wholesalers andother retailers, including on-line retailers. We also supply some of our products directly to large commercial and industrial end-users, and provide businessmachine maintenance and certain repair services. Additionally, we also supply private label products within the office products sector.Our school products include notebooks, folders, decorative calendars and stationery products. We distribute our school products primarily through massmerchandisers, and other retailers, such as grocery, drug and office superstores as well as on-line retailers. We also supply private label products within theschool products sector.Our calendar products are sold through all the same channels where we sell office or school products, as well as directly to consumers both on-line andthrough direct mail.Our customers are primarily large global and regional resellers of our products including traditional office supply resellers, wholesalers and otherretailers, including on-line retailers. Mass merchandisers and retail channels primarily sell to individual consumers but also to small businesses. We also sellto commercial contract dealers, wholesalers, distributors and independent78ACCO Brands Corporation and SubsidiariesNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)dealers who primarily serve business end-users. Over half of our product sales by our customers are to business end-users, who generally seek premiumproducts that have added value or ease-of-use features and a reputation for reliability, performance and professional appearance. Some of our binding andlaminating equipment products are sold directly to high-volume end-users and commercial reprographic centers. We also sell calendar and computer productsdirectly to consumers.Computer Products GroupOur Computer Products Group designs, sources, distributes, markets and sells accessories for laptop and desktop computers and tablets. Theseaccessories primarily include security products, input devices such as presenters, mice and trackballs, ergonomic aids such as foot and wrist rests, dockingstations, and other PC and tablet accessories. We sell these products mostly under the Kensington®, Microsaver® and ClickSafe® brand names, with themajority of revenue coming from the U.S. and Northern Europe. Our computer products are manufactured by third-party suppliers, principally in Asia, and aredistributed from our regional facilities. Our computer products are sold primarily to consumer electronics retailers, information technology value-addedresellers, original equipment manufacturers, and office products retailers, as well as directly to consumers on-line.Net sales by business segment for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:(in millions of dollars)2015 2014 2013ACCO Brands North America$963.3 $1,006.0 $1,041.4ACCO Brands International426.9 546.9 566.6Computer Products Group120.2 136.3 157.1Net sales$1,510.4 $1,689.2 $1,765.1Operating income by business segment for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:(in millions of dollars)2015 2014 2013ACCO Brands North America$147.6 $140.7 $98.2ACCO Brands International40.8 62.9 66.5Computer Products Group10.3 8.2 13.7Segment operating income198.7 211.8 178.4Corporate(35.2) (38.2) (32.6)Operating income(a)163.5 173.6 145.8Interest expense44.5 49.5 59.0Interest income(6.6) (5.6) (4.3)Equity in earnings of joint ventures(7.9) (8.1) (8.2)Other expense, net2.1 0.8 7.6Income from continuing operations before income tax$131.4 $137.0 $91.7(a)Operating income as presented in the segment table above is defined as i) net sales; ii) less cost of products sold; iii) less advertising, selling, generaland administrative expenses; iv) less amortization of intangibles; and v) less restructuring charges.79ACCO Brands Corporation and SubsidiariesNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)The following table presents the measure of segment assets used by the Company’s chief operating decision maker. December 31,(in millions of dollars)2015 2014ACCO Brands North America(b)$413.8 $433.7ACCO Brands International(b)335.0 429.7Computer Products Group(b)61.5 62.4 Total segment assets810.3 925.8Unallocated assets1,142.0 1,287.9Corporate(b)1.1 1.4 Total assets$1,953.4 $2,215.1(b)Represents total assets, excluding: goodwill and identifiable intangibles resulting from business acquisitions, intercompany balances, cash, deferredtaxes, prepaid pension assets, prepaid debt issuance costs and joint ventures accounted for on an equity basis.As a supplement to the presentation of segment assets presented above, the table below presents segment assets, including the allocation of identifiableintangible assets and goodwill resulting from business combinations. December 31,(in millions of dollars)2015 2014ACCO Brands North America(c)$1,220.7 $1,272.4ACCO Brands International(c)531.5 692.7Computer Products Group(c)75.9 77.0 Total segment assets1,828.1 2,042.1Unallocated assets124.2 171.6Corporate(c)1.1 1.4 Total assets$1,953.4 $2,215.1(c)Represents total assets, excluding: intercompany balances, cash, deferred taxes, prepaid pension assets, prepaid debt issuance costs and joint venturesaccounted for on an equity basis.Property, plant and equipment, net by geographic region were as follows: December 31,(in millions of dollars)2015 2014U.S.$111.5 $122.0U.K.38.9 34.1Brazil31.9 49.3Australia10.6 12.0Other countries16.2 18.1 Property, plant and equipment, net$209.1 $235.580ACCO Brands Corporation and SubsidiariesNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)Net sales by geographic region(d) for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:(in millions of dollars)2015 2014 2013U.S.$904.3 $921.0 $955.5Canada121.4 150.6 159.7Netherlands108.7 130.2 130.2Brazil92.0 154.0 157.2Australia91.8 108.5 119.8U.K.76.4 89.1 101.3Mexico49.6 58.8 58.9Other countries66.2 77.0 82.5 Net sales$1,510.4 $1,689.2 $1,765.1(d)Net sales are attributed to geographic areas based on the location of the selling subsidiaries.Top CustomersNet sales to our five largest customers totaled $637.7 million, $706.0 million and $680.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and2013, respectively. Net sales to Staples, our largest customer, were $204.1 million (14%), $224.1 million (13%) and $229.5 million (13%) for the years endedDecember 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Net sales to Office Depot, our second largest customer, were $152.5 million (10%) and $190.9 million(11%) for the years ended December 31, 2015, and 2014, respectively. Net sales to no other customers exceeded 10% of net sales for any of the last threeyears.A significant percentage of our sales are to customers engaged in the office products resale industry. Concentration of credit risk with respect to tradeaccounts receivable is partially mitigated because a large number of geographically diverse customers make up each operating company's domestic andinternational customer base, thus spreading the credit risk. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, our top five trade account receivables totaled $152.3 millionand $144.2 million, respectively.16. Joint Venture InvestmentSummarized below is financial information for the Company’s joint venture, which is accounted for under the equity method. Accordingly, we recordour proportionate share of earnings or losses on the line entitled "Equity in earnings of joint ventures" in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Our share ofthe net assets of the joint venture is included within "Other non-current assets" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Year Ended December 31,(in millions of dollars)2015 2014 2013Net sales$111.2 $121.4 $105.4Gross profit45.5 48.2 44.8Net income15.8 16.4 16.4 December 31,(in millions of dollars)2015 2014Current assets$76.6 $83.4Non-current assets43.6 47.3Current liabilities37.5 40.7Non-current liabilities13.1 22.081ACCO Brands Corporation and SubsidiariesNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)17. Commitments and ContingenciesPending LitigationIn connection with our May 1, 2012 acquisition of Mead C&OP, we assumed all of the tax liabilities for the acquired foreign operations, includingTilibra Produtos de Papelaria Ltda. ("Tilibra"). See "Note 10. Income Taxes - Income Tax Assessment" for details on tax assessments issued by the FRD againstTilibra, which challenged the tax deduction of goodwill from Tilibra's taxable income for the years 2007 through 2010.There are various other claims, lawsuits and pending actions against us incidental to our operations. It is the opinion of management that (other than theBrazilian Tax Assessment) the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations orcash flow. However, there is no assurance that we will ultimately be successful in our defense of any of these matters or that an adverse outcome in any matterwill not affect our results of operations, financial condition or cash flow.Lease CommitmentsFuture minimum rental payments for all non-cancelable operating leases (reduced by minor amounts from subleases) as of December 31, 2015 were asfollows:(in millions of dollars) 2016$20.5201717.7201815.2201914.5202013.3Thereafter22.8Total minimum rental payments$104.0Less minimum rentals to be received under non-cancelable subleases3.8Future minimum payments for operating leases, net of sublease rental income$100.2Total rental expense reported in our Consolidated Statements of Income for all non-cancelable operating leases (reduced by minor amounts forsubleases) amounted to $21.2 million, $23.1 million and $25.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.Unconditional Purchase CommitmentsFuture minimum payments under unconditional purchase commitments, primarily for inventory purchase commitments as of December 31, 2015 wereas follows:(in millions of dollars) 2016$96.420177.52018—2019—2020—Thereafter—Total unconditional purchase commitments$103.9EnvironmentalWe are subject to national, state, provincial and/or local environmental laws and regulations concerning the discharge of materials into theenvironment and the handling, disposal and clean-up of waste materials and otherwise relating to the protection of the environment. It is not possible toquantify with certainty the potential impact of actions regarding environmental matters,82ACCO Brands Corporation and SubsidiariesNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)particularly remediation and other compliance efforts that we may undertake in the future. In the opinion of our management, compliance with the presentenvironmental protection laws, before taking into account estimated recoveries from third parties, will not have a material adverse effect upon our capitalexpenditures, financial condition and results of operations or competitive position.18. Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)The following is an analysis of certain line items in the Consolidated Statements of Income by quarter for 2015 and 2014:(in millions of dollars, except per share data)1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter2015 Net sales(1)$290.0 $394.7 $413.6 $412.1Gross profit80.2 126.7 133.7 137.8Operating income2.6 49.2 54.8 56.9Net income (loss)$(5.8) $27.7 $32.6 $31.4Basic income (loss) per share: Net income (loss)(2)$(0.05) $0.25 $0.30 $0.30Diluted income (loss) per share: Net income (loss)(2)$(0.05) $0.25 $0.30 $0.292014 Net sales(1)$329.4 $427.7 $472.2 $459.9Gross profit88.5 131.2 153.3 156.9Operating income (loss)(0.6) 43.9 61.8 68.5Net income (loss)$(7.8) $21.3 $34.2 $43.9Basic income (loss) per share: Net income (loss)(2)$(0.07) $0.19 $0.30 $0.39Diluted income (loss) per share: Net income (loss)(2)$(0.07) $0.18 $0.29 $0.38(1)Historically, our business has experienced higher sales and earnings in the third and fourth quarters of the calendar year. Two principal factorscontribute to this seasonality: (1) the office products industry, its customers and ACCO Brands specifically are major suppliers of products related to the"back-to-school" season, which occurs principally from June through September for our North American business and from November through Februaryfor our Australian and Brazilian businesses; and (2) several products we sell lend themselves to calendar year-end purchase timing, including AT-A-GLANCE® and Day-Timer® planners, paper organization and storage products (including bindery) and Kensington computer accessories, which havehigher sales in the fourth quarter driven by traditionally strong fourth-quarter sales of personal computers and tablets.(2)The sum of the quarterly earnings per share amounts may not equal the total for the year due to the effects of rounding, dilution as a result of issuingcommon shares and repurchasing of common shares during the year.83ACCO Brands Corporation and SubsidiariesNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)19. Condensed Consolidating Financial InformationCertain of the Company’s 100% owned domestic subsidiaries are required to jointly and severally, fully and unconditionally guarantee the 6.75%Senior Unsecured Notes that are due in the year 2020. Rather than filing separate financial statements for each guarantor subsidiary with the SEC, theCompany has elected to present the following condensed consolidating financial statements, which includes the condensed consolidating statements ofcomprehensive income and results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2015,2014 and 2013 and financial position as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 of the Company and its guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries (in each casecarrying investments under the equity method), and the eliminations necessary to arrive at the reported amounts included in the condensed consolidatedfinancial statements of the Company.84ACCO Brands Corporation and SubsidiariesNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets December 31, 2015(in millions of dollars)Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations ConsolidatedAssets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents$0.8 $0.3 $54.3 $— $55.4Accounts receivable, net— 163.8 205.5 — 369.3Inventories— 125.8 77.8 — 203.6Receivables from affiliates4.4 474.6 64.5 (543.5) —Other current assets1.1 10.8 13.4 — 25.3Total current assets6.3 775.3 415.5 (543.5) 653.6Property, plant and equipment, net3.7 107.8 97.6 — 209.1Deferred income taxes— — 25.1 — 25.1Goodwill— 330.8 166.1 — 496.9Identifiable intangibles, net57.4 382.0 81.5 — 520.9Other non-current assets3.1 0.8 43.9 — 47.8Investment in, long term receivable from affiliates1,545.7 903.8 441.0 (2,890.5) —Total assets$1,616.2 $2,500.5 $1,270.7 $(3,434.0) $1,953.4Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity Current liabilities: Accounts payable$— $86.6 $61.0 $— $147.6Accrued compensation3.8 17.9 12.3 — 34.0Accrued customer programs liabilities— 63.9 44.8 — 108.7Accrued interest6.3 — — — 6.3Other current liabilities2.3 22.9 33.5 — 58.7Payables to affiliates5.6 210.0 239.5 (455.1) —Total current liabilities18.0 401.3 391.1 (455.1) 355.3Long-term debt, net720.5 — — — 720.5Long-term notes payable to affiliates178.2 26.7 21.0 (225.9) —Deferred income taxes113.5 — 28.8 — 142.3Pension and post-retirement benefit obligations1.5 55.2 32.4 — 89.1Other non-current liabilities3.3 20.8 40.9 — 65.0Total liabilities1,035.0 504.0 514.2 (681.0) 1,372.2Stockholders’ equity: Common stock1.1 448.0 227.5 (675.5) 1.1Treasury stock(11.8) — — — (11.8)Paid-in capital1,988.3 1,551.1 743.2 (2,294.3) 1,988.3Accumulated other comprehensive loss(429.2) (68.8) (305.8) 374.6 (429.2)(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings(967.2) 66.2 91.6 (157.8) (967.2)Total stockholders’ equity581.2 1,996.5 756.5 (2,753.0) 581.2Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$1,616.2 $2,500.5 $1,270.7 $(3,434.0) $1,953.485ACCO Brands Corporation and SubsidiariesNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets December 31, 2014(in millions of dollars)Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations ConsolidatedAssets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents$9.7 $0.1 $43.4 $— $53.2Accounts receivable, net— 156.1 264.4 — 420.5Inventories— 129.9 100.0 — 229.9Receivables from affiliates4.8 302.7 68.0 (375.5) —Deferred income taxes27.2 — 12.2 — 39.4Other current assets1.4 15.1 19.3 — 35.8Total current assets43.1 603.9 507.3 (375.5) 778.8Property, plant and equipment, net4.2 117.8 113.5 — 235.5Deferred income taxes0.9 — 30.8 — 31.7Goodwill— 330.9 214.0 — 544.9Identifiable intangibles, net57.5 397.9 116.0 — 571.4Other non-current assets3.9 1.0 47.9 — 52.8Investment in, long term receivable from affiliates1,680.0 890.8 441.0 (3,011.8) —Total assets$1,789.6 $2,342.3 $1,470.5 $(3,387.3) $2,215.1Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity Current liabilities: Notes payable$— $— $0.8 $— $0.8Current portion of long-term debt0.7 0.1 — — 0.8Accounts payable— 84.8 74.3 — 159.1Accrued compensation3.3 20.1 13.2 — 36.6Accrued customer programs liabilities— 60.1 51.7 — 111.8Accrued interest6.5 — — — 6.5Other current liabilities1.9 31.0 46.9 — 79.8Payables to affiliates5.6 214.1 240.5 (460.2) —Total current liabilities18.0 410.2 427.4 (460.2) 395.4Long-term debt, net787.7 — — — 787.7Long-term notes payable to affiliates178.2 26.7 31.2 (236.1) —Deferred income taxes120.0 — 52.2 — 172.2Pension and post-retirement benefit obligations1.5 52.3 46.7 — 100.5Other non-current liabilities3.2 19.9 55.2 — 78.3Total liabilities1,108.6 509.1 612.7 (696.3) 1,534.1Stockholders’ equity: Common stock1.1 448.0 247.0 (695.0) 1.1Treasury stock(5.9) — — — (5.9)Paid-in capital2,031.5 1,551.1 743.0 (2,294.1) 2,031.5Accumulated other comprehensive loss(292.6) (65.2) (183.0) 248.2 (292.6)(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings(1,053.1) (100.7) 50.8 49.9 (1,053.1)Total stockholders’ equity681.0 1,833.2 857.8 (2,691.0) 681.0Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$1,789.6 $2,342.3 $1,470.5 $(3,387.3) $2,215.186ACCO Brands Corporation and SubsidiariesNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income Year Ended December 31, 2015(in millions of dollars)Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations ConsolidatedNet sales$— $948.5 $610.3 $(48.4) $1,510.4Cost of products sold— 645.0 435.4 (48.4) 1,032.0Gross profit— 303.5 174.9 — 478.4Advertising, selling, general and administrative expenses42.8 154.2 98.7 — 295.7Amortization of intangibles0.1 16.0 3.5 — 19.6Restructuring credits— (0.3) (0.1) — (0.4)Operating income (loss)(42.9) 133.6 72.8 — 163.5Expense (income) from affiliates(1.2) (17.1) 18.3 — —Interest expense45.4 — (0.9) — 44.5Interest income— — (6.6) — (6.6)Equity in earnings of joint ventures— — (7.9) — (7.9)Other expense (income), net0.7 2.0 (0.6) — 2.1Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes andearnings of wholly owned subsidiaries(87.8) 148.7 70.5 — 131.4Income tax expense25.2 — 20.3 — 45.5Income (loss) from continuing operations(113.0) 148.7 50.2 — 85.9Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes— — — — —Income (loss) before earnings of wholly owned subsidiaries(113.0) 148.7 50.2 — 85.9Earnings of wholly owned subsidiaries198.9 47.3 — (246.2) —Net income$85.9 $196.0 $50.2 $(246.2) $85.9Comprehensive (loss) income$(50.7) $192.4 $(72.6) $(119.8) $(50.7)87ACCO Brands Corporation and SubsidiariesNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income Year Ended December 31, 2014(in millions of dollars)Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations ConsolidatedNet sales$— $969.2 $772.0 $(52.0) $1,689.2Cost of products sold— 673.4 537.9 (52.0) 1,159.3Gross profit— 295.8 234.1 — 529.9Advertising, selling, general and administrative expenses45.4 157.1 126.1 — 328.6Amortization of intangibles0.1 17.7 4.4 — 22.2Restructuring charges— 4.6 0.9 — 5.5Operating income (loss)(45.5) 116.4 102.7 — 173.6Expense (income) from affiliates(1.5) (20.7) 22.2 — —Interest expense49.9 — (0.4) — 49.5Interest income— (0.1) (5.5) — (5.6)Equity in earnings of joint ventures— — (8.1) — (8.1)Other expense (income), net0.4 (0.7) 1.1 — 0.8Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes andearnings of wholly owned subsidiaries(94.3) 137.9 93.4 — 137.0Income tax expense18.2 — 27.2 — 45.4Income (loss) from continuing operations(112.5) 137.9 66.2 — 91.6Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes— — — — —Income (loss) before earnings of wholly owned subsidiaries(112.5) 137.9 66.2 — 91.6Earnings of wholly owned subsidiaries204.1 62.7 — (266.8) —Net income$91.6 $200.6 $66.2 $(266.8) $91.6Comprehensive (loss) income$(15.4) $181.0 $(17.1) $(163.9) $(15.4)88ACCO Brands Corporation and SubsidiariesNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income Year Ended December 31, 2013(in millions of dollars)Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations ConsolidatedNet sales$— $971.2 $814.0 $(20.1) $1,765.1Cost of products sold— 669.8 567.5 (20.1) 1,217.2Gross profit— 301.4 246.5 — 547.9Advertising, selling, general and administrative expenses40.6 183.5 123.2 — 347.3Amortization of intangibles0.1 19.7 4.9 — 24.7Restructuring charges0.5 14.3 15.3 — 30.1Operating income (loss)(41.2) 83.9 103.1 — 145.8Expense (income) from affiliates(1.5) (21.7) 23.2 — —Interest expense58.6 — 0.4 — 59.0Interest income— (0.1) (4.2) — (4.3)Equity in earnings of joint ventures— — (8.2) — (8.2)Other expense, net4.8 0.8 2.0 — 7.6Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes andearnings of wholly owned subsidiaries(103.1) 104.9 89.9 — 91.7Income tax expense (benefit)(1.5) — 15.9 — 14.4Income (loss) from continuing operations(101.6) 104.9 74.0 — 77.3Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes— (0.2) — — (0.2)Income (loss) before earnings of wholly owned subsidiaries(101.6) 104.7 74.0 — 77.1Earnings of wholly owned subsidiaries178.7 72.6 — (251.3) —Net income$77.1 $177.3 $74.0 $(251.3) $77.1Comprehensive income$47.6 $200.6 $26.5 $(227.1) $47.689ACCO Brands Corporation and SubsidiariesNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Year Ended December 31, 2015(in millions of dollars)Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors ConsolidatedNet cash provided (used) by operating activities$(68.2) $182.5 $56.9 $171.2Investing activities: Additions to property, plant and equipment— (12.0) (15.6) (27.6)Payments for (proceeds from) interest in affiliates— 19.5 (19.5) —Proceeds from the disposition of assets— — 2.8 2.8Other— — 0.2 0.2Net cash (used) provided by investing activities— 7.5 (32.1) (24.6)Financing activities: Intercompany financing172.4 (175.3) 2.9 —Net dividends23.8 (14.4) (9.4) —Proceeds from long-term borrowings300.0 — — 300.0Repayments of long-term debt(370.0) (0.1) — (370.1)Repayments of notes payable, net— — (0.8) (0.8)Payments for debt issuance costs(1.7) — — (1.7)Repurchases of common stock(60.0) — — (60.0)Payments related to tax withholding for share-based compensation(5.9) — — (5.9)Proceeds from the exercise of stock options0.7 — — 0.7Net cash (used) provided by financing activities59.3 (189.8) (7.3) (137.8)Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cashequivalents— — (6.6) (6.6)Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents(8.9) 0.2 10.9 2.2Cash and cash equivalents: Beginning of the period9.7 0.1 43.4 53.2End of the period$0.8 $0.3 $54.3 $55.490ACCO Brands Corporation and SubsidiariesNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Year Ended December 31, 2014(in millions of dollars)Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors ConsolidatedNet cash provided (used) by operating activities$(77.9) $182.3 $67.3 $171.7Investing activities: Additions to property, plant and equipment(0.2) (10.6) (18.8) (29.6)Payments for (proceeds from) interest in affiliates— 20.5 (20.5) —Proceeds from the disposition of assets— 3.6 0.2 3.8Net cash (used) provided by investing activities(0.2) 13.5 (39.1) (25.8)Financing activities: Intercompany financing188.3 (181.3) (7.0) —Net dividends35.4 (15.3) (20.1) —Repayments of long-term debt(121.0) (0.1) — (121.1)Borrowings of notes payable, net— — 1.0 1.0Payments for debt issuance costs(0.3) — — (0.3)Repurchase of common stock(19.4) — — (19.4)Payments related to tax withholding for share-basedcompensation(2.5) — — (2.5)Proceeds from the exercise of stock options0.3 — — 0.3Net cash (used) provided by financing activities80.8 (196.7) (26.1) (142.0)Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash andcash equivalents— — (4.2) (4.2)Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents2.7 (0.9) (2.1) (0.3)Cash and cash equivalents: Beginning of the period7.0 1.0 45.5 53.5End of the period$9.7 $0.1 $43.4 $53.291ACCO Brands Corporation and SubsidiariesNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Year Ended December 31,2013(in millions of dollars)Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors ConsolidatedNet cash provided (used) by operating activities:$(81.7) $186.5 $89.7 $194.5Investing activities: Additions to property, plant and equipment— (21.2) (15.4) (36.6)Payments for (proceeds from) interest in affiliates— 55.6 (55.6) —Payments related to the sale of discontinued operations— (1.5) — (1.5)Proceeds from the disposition of assets— — 6.1 6.1Cost of acquisitions, net of cash acquired— (1.3) — (1.3)Net cash (used) provided by investing activities— 31.6 (64.9) (33.3)Financing activities: Intercompany financing143.8 (168.2) 24.4 —Net dividends65.7 (45.9) (19.8) —Proceeds from long-term borrowings530.0 — — 530.0Repayments of long-term debt(658.1) — (21.4) (679.5)(Repayments) borrowings of short-term debt, net0.5 — (1.2) (0.7)Payments for debt issuance costs(4.3) — — (4.3)Payments related to tax withholding for share-basedcompensation(1.0) — — (1.0)Net cash (used) provided by financing activities76.6 (214.1) (18.0) (155.5)Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash— — (2.2) (2.2)Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents(5.1) 4.0 4.6 3.5Cash and cash equivalents: Beginning of the period12.1 (3.0) 40.9 50.0End of the period$7.0 $1.0 $45.5 $53.592ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIALDISCLOSURENot applicable.ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES(a) Management's Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and ProceduresWe seek to maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed orsubmitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the timeperiods specified in the applicable Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated tomanagement, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.As of the end of the period covered by this report, our management, under the supervision and with the participation of our Disclosure Committee andour Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based uponthat evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.(b) Changes in Internal Control over Financial ReportingThere were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2015 that have materially affected or arereasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.(c) Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial ReportingOur management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Our internal control over financial reporting is designed by and under the supervision of our ChiefExecutive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and effected by management and our board of directors to provide reasonable assurance regarding thereliability of the Company’s financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally acceptedaccounting principles in the U.S.In designing and evaluating our internal control over financial reporting, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how welldesigned and operated, can provide only reasonable, and not absolute, assurance of achieving the desired control objective. Also, projections of anyevaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequatebecause of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.As required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financialreporting as of December 31, 2015. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of theTreadway Commission in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013). Our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting waseffective as of December 31, 2015.The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015 has been audited by KPMG LLP, an independentregistered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is included in Part II, Item 8. of this report.ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATIONNot applicable.93PART IIIITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCEInformation required under this Item is contained in the Company’s 2016 Definitive Proxy Statement, which is to be filed with the Securities andExchange Commission prior to April 30, 2016 and is incorporated herein by reference.Code of Business ConductThe Company has adopted a code of business conduct as required by the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange and rules of the Securitiesand Exchange Commission. This code applies to all of the Company’s directors, officers and employees. The code of business conduct is published andavailable at the Investor Relations Section of the Company’s internet website at www.accobrands.com. The Company will post on its website anyamendments to, or waivers from, our code of business conduct applicable to any of its directors or executive officers. The foregoing information will beavailable in print to any shareholder who requests such information from ACCO Brands Corporation, Four Corporate Drive, Lake Zurich, IL 60047-2997,Attn: Office of the General Counsel.As required by Section 303A.12(a) of the New York Stock Exchange Listed Company Manual, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer certified to theNYSE within 30 days after the Company’s 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders that he was not aware of any violation by the Company of the NYSECorporate Governance Listing Standards.ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATIONInformation required under this Item is contained in the Company’s 2016 Definitive Proxy Statement, which is to be filed with the Securities andExchange Commission prior to April 30, 2016 and is incorporated herein by reference.ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATEDSTOCKHOLDER MATTERSEquity Compensation Plan InformationThe following table gives information, as of December 31, 2015, about our common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of options, stock-settled appreciation rights and other equity awards under all compensation plans under which equity securities are reserved for issuance.Plan categoryNumber ofsecurities to beissued uponexercise ofoutstandingoptions, warrantsand rights(a) Weighted-averageexercise price ofoutstandingoptions, warrantsand rights(b) Number of securitiesremaining available forfuture issuance underequity compensationplans (excludingsecurities reflected incolumn (a))(c) Equity compensation plans approved by security holders5,583,531 $7.20 13,065,702(1) Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders— — — Total5,583,531 $7.20 13,065,702(1) (1)These are shares available for grant as of December 31, 2015 under the ACCO Brands Corporation Incentive Plan (the "Plan") pursuant to which theCompensation Committee of the Board of Directors or the Board of Directors may make various stock-based awards including grants of stock options,stock-settled appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance share units. In addition to these shares, shares covered byoutstanding awards under the Plan that were forfeited or otherwise terminated may become available for grant under the Plan and, to the extent suchshares have become available as of December 31, 2015, they are included in the table as available for grant.Other information required under this Item is contained in the Company’s 2016 Definitive Proxy Statement, which is to be filed with the Securities andExchange Commission prior to April 30, 2016, and is incorporated herein by reference.94ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCEInformation required under this Item is contained in the Company’s 2016 Definitive Proxy Statement, which is to be filed with the Securities andExchange Commission prior to April 30, 2016 and is incorporated herein by reference.ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICESInformation required under this Item is contained in the Company’s 2016 Definitive Proxy Statement, which is to be filed with the Securities andExchange Commission prior to April 30, 2016 and is incorporated herein by reference.95PART IVITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULESThe following Exhibits are filed herewith or are incorporated by reference to exhibits previously filed with the Commission, as indicated in thedescription of each. We agree to furnish to the Commission upon request a copy of any instrument with respect to long-term debt not filed herewith as towhich the total amount of securities authorized thereunder does not exceed 10 percent of our total assets on a consolidated basis.(a)Financial Statements, Financial Statement Schedules and Exhibits1.All Financial StatementsThe following consolidated financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries are filed as part of this report under Part II, Item 8. - FinancialStatements and Supplementary Data: PageReports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm43Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2015 and 201444Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 201345Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 201346Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 201347Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 201348Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements492.Financial Statement Schedule:Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves, for each of the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.3.Exhibits:A list of exhibits filed or furnished with this Report on Form 10-K (or incorporated by reference to exhibits previously filed or furnished by theCompany) is provided in the accompanying Exhibit Index.96EXHIBIT INDEXNumber Description of ExhibitPlans of acquisition, reorganization, arrangement, liquidation or succession2.1Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated November 17, 2011, by and among MeadWestvaco Corporation, Monaco SpinCo Inc., ACCO BrandsCorporation and Augusta Sub, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Form 8-K filed by the Registrant on November 22, 2011 (FileNo. 001-08454))2.2Amendment No. 1, dated as of March 19, 2012, to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of November 17, 2011, by and among MeadWestvacoCorporation, Monaco SpinCo Inc., ACCO Brands Corporation and Augusta Acquisition Sub, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Form8-K filed by the Registrant on March 22, 2012 (File No. 001-08454))Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws3.1Restated Certificate of Incorporation of ACCO Brands Corporation, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K filed by theRegistrant on May 19, 2008 (File No. 001-08454))3.2Certificate of Designation of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant’s CurrentReport on Form 8-K filed August 17, 2005 (File No. 001-08454))3.3Certificate of Elimination of the Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock of the Company, as filed with the Secretary of State of the State ofDelaware on September 11, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to ACCO Brands Corporation's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with theSEC on September 11, 2015 (File No. 001-08454))3.4By-laws of ACCO Brands Corporation, as amended through December 9, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s CurrentReport on Form 8-K filed December 14, 2015 (File No. 001-08454))Instruments defining the rights of security holders, including indentures4.1Indenture, dated as of April 30, 2012, among Monaco SpinCo Inc., as issuer, the guarantors named therein, and Wells Fargo Bank, NationalAssociation, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on May 7, 2012 (File No. 001-08454))4.2First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 1, 2012, among the Company, Monaco SpinCo Inc., the guarantors named therein and Wells FargoBank, National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on May 7, 2012 (File No. 001-08454))4.3Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 1, 2012, among the Company, Mead Products LLC, the guarantors named therein and Wells FargoBank, National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on May 7, 2012 (File No. 001-08454))4.4Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of May 1, 2012, among Monaco SpinCo Inc., the Company, the guarantors named therein, andrepresentatives of the initial purchasers named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on May 7, 2012(File No. 001-08454))Material Contracts10.1Tax Allocation Agreement, dated as of August 16, 2005, between ACCO World Corporation and Fortune Brands, Inc. (incorporated by reference toExhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 12, 2005 and filed August 17, 2005 (File No. 001-08454))10.2Separation Agreement, dated November 17, 2011, by and between MeadWestvaco and Monaco SpinCo Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit10.1 of Registrant's Form 8-K filed on November 22, 2011 (File No. 001-08454))10.3Employee Benefits Agreement, dated as of November 17, 2011, by and among MeadWestvaco Corporation, Monaco Spinco Inc. and ACCO BrandsCorporation. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of Registrant's Form S-4/A filed on February 13, 2012 (File No. 333-178869))97EXHIBIT INDEXNumber Description of Exhibit10.4Amendment No. 1, dated as of March 19, 2012, to the Separation Agreement, dated as of November 17, 2011, by and among MeadWestvacoCorporation and Monaco SpinCo Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed by the Registrant on March 22, 2012 (FileNo. 001-08454))10.5Tax Matters Agreement, effective as of May 1, 2012, among the Company, MeadWestvaco Corporation and Monaco SpinCo Inc. (incorporated byreference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on May 7, 2012 (File No. 001-08454))10.6Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of May 13, 2013, among the Company, certain subsidiaries of the Company, Bank of America,N.A., as administrative agent, and the other agents and lenders party thereto. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Registrant's Form 8-Kfiled on May 13, 2013 (File No. 001-08454))10.7First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of July 19, 2013, among the Company, certain subsidiaries of theCompany, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and the other agents and lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10of the Registrant's Form 10-K filed on February 25, 2015 (File No. 001-08454))10.8Second Amendment to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of June 26, 2014, among the Company, certain subsidiaries of theCompany, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and the other agents and lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1of the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on June 27, 2014 (File No. 001-08454))10.9Third Amendment, dated as of April 28, 2015, to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of May 13, 2013, among the Company,Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and the lenders and guarantors party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Qfiled by the Registrant on July 29, 2015 (File No. 001-08454))10.10Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of April 28, 2015, among the Company, certain subsidiaries of the Company, Bank ofAmerica, N.A., as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Form 10-Q filed by the Registranton July 29, 2015 (File No. 001-08454))10.11First Amendment, dated as of July 7, 2015, to the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of April 28, 2015, among the Company,certain subsidiaries of the Company, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference toExhibit 10.3 to Form 10-Q filed by the Registrant on July 29, 2015 (File No. 001-08454))Executive Compensation Plans and Management Contracts10.12Amended and Restated ACCO Brands Corporation 2005 Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Annex A of the Registrant’s definitive proxystatement filed April 4, 2006 (File No. 001-08454))10.13Amendment to the Amended and Restated ACCO Brands Corporation 2005 Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-Kfiled by the Registrant on May 19, 2008 (File No. 001-08454))10.14ACCO Brands Corporation Executive Severance Plan (effective December 1, 2007) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed bythe Registrant on November 29, 2007 (File No. 001-08454))10.152008 Amended and Restated ACCO Brands Corporation Supplemental Retirement Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to Form 10-Kfiled by the Registrant on February 29, 2008 (File No. 001-08454))10.16Amendment to the 2008 Amended and Restated ACCO Brands Corporation Supplemental Retirement Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit10.1 to Form 8-K filed by the Registrant on January 22, 2009 (File No. 001-08454))10.17Form of Indemnification Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed by the Registrant on December 24, 2008 (File No.001-08454))98EXHIBIT INDEXNumber Description of Exhibit10.18Form of Stock-settled Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement under the ACCO Brands Corporation Amended and Restated 2005 Long-TermIncentive Plan, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.46 to Form 10-K filed by the Registrant on March 2, 2009 (File No. 001-08454))10.19Amended and Restated ACCO Brands Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors, effective December 14, 2009 (incorporated byreference to Exhibit 10.41 to Form 10-K filed by the Registrant on February 26, 2010 (File No. 001-089454))10.20Amendment to Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors, effective January 1, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 toForm 10-K filed by the Registrant on February 25, 2014 (File No. 001-089454))10.21Form of 2011 Amended and Restated Incentive Plan Directors Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16to Form 10-K filed by the Registrant on February 25, 2014 (File No. 001-089454))10.22Letter agreement, dated November 4, 2008, from ACCO Brands Corporation to Christopher M. Franey (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.42 toForm 10-K filed by the Registrant on February 26, 2010 (File No. 001-08454))10.232011 Amended and Restated ACCO Brands Corporation Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to ACCO Brands Corporation'sCurrent Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 20, 2011 (File No. 001-08454))10.24Form of Directors Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the 2011 Amended and Restated ACCO Brands Corporation Incentive Plan(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to ACCO Brands Corporation's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 20, 2011 (File No.001-08454))10.25Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement under the 2011 Amended and Restated ACCO Brands Corporation Incentive Plan (incorporated byreference to Exhibit 10.3 to ACCO Brands Corporation's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 20, 2011 (File No. 001-08454))10.26Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the 2011 Amended and Restated ACCO Brands Corporation Incentive Plan (incorporated byreference to Exhibit 10.4 to ACCO Brands Corporation's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 20, 2011 (File No. 001-08454))10.27Form of Performance Stock Unit Award Agreement under the 2011 Amended and Restated ACCO Brands Corporation Incentive Plan (incorporatedby reference to Exhibit 10.5 to ACCO Brands Corporation's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 20, 2011 (File No. 001-08454))10.28Form of Stock-Settled Stock Appreciation Rights Award Agreement under the 2011 Amended and Restated ACCO Brands Corporation IncentivePlan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to ACCO Brands Corporation's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 20, 2011(File No. 001-08454))10.29Amendment of 2011 Amended and Restated ACCO Brands Corporation Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant'sForm 8-K filed on April 24, 2012 (File No. 001-08454))10.30Amendment to the 2008 Amended and Restated ACCO Brands Corporation Supplemental Retirement Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit10.8 of the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on May 7, 2012 (File No. 001-08454))10.31Amendment of the ACCO Brands Corporation Executive Severance Plan, adopted as of October 23, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1to Form 10-Q filed by the Registrant on October 31, 2012 (File No. 001-08454))10.32Form of Non-qualified Stock Option Agreement (Robert J. Keller) under the 2011 Amended and Restated Incentive Plan (incorporated by referenceto Exhibit 10.2 of the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on February 26, 2013 (File No. 001-08454))10.33Form of Performance Stock Unit Award Agreement under the 2011 Amended and Restated Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3of the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on February 26, 2013 (File No. 001-08454))99EXHIBIT INDEXNumber Description of Exhibit10.34Form of Performance Stock Unit Award Agreement (Robert J. Keller) under the 2011 Amended and Restated Incentive Plan (incorporated byreference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on February 26, 2013 (File No. 001-08454))10.35ACCO Brands 2013 Annual Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to 10.5 of the Registrant’s Form 10-Q filed May 8, 2013 (File No. 001-08454))10.36Form of Performance Stock Unit Award Agreement under the 2011 Amended and Restated Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1of the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on March 10, 2014 (File No. 001-08454))10.37Form of Non-qualified Stock Option Agreement under the 2011 Amended and Restated Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 ofthe Registrant's Form 8-K filed on March 10, 2014 (File No. 001-08454))10.38Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the 2011 Amended and Restated Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 ofthe Registrant's Form 8-K filed on March 10, 2014 (File No. 001-08454))10.39Second Amendment of 2011 Amended and Restated ACCO Brands Corporation Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Form10-Q filed by the Registrant on April 30, 2014 (File No. 001-08454))10.40Form of Directors Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the ACCO Brands Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 toACCO Brands Corporation's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 18, 2015 (File No. 001-08454))10.41Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the ACCO Brands Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to ACCO BrandsCorporation's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 18, 2015 (File No. 001-08454))10.42Form of Performance Stock Unit Award Agreement under the ACCO Brands Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to ACCOBrands Corporation's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 18, 2015 (File No. 001-08454))10.43Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement under the ACCO Brands Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to ACCOBrands Corporation's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 18, 2015 (File No. 001-08454))Other Exhibits21.1Subsidiaries of the Registrant*23.1Consent of KPMG LLP*24.1Power of attorney*31.1Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*31.2Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*32.1Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*32.2Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*101The following financial statements from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 formatted in XBRL(eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, (ii) the Consolidated Statementsof Income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the yearsended December 31, 2015,100EXHIBIT INDEXNumber Description of Exhibit2014 and 2013, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, (v) ConsolidatedStatements of Stockholders Equity for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, and (vi) related notes to those financial statements**Filed herewith.101SIGNATURESPursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed onits behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. REGISTRANT: ACCO BRANDS CORPORATION By:/s/ Boris Elisman Boris Elisman President and Chief ExecutiveOfficer (principal executive officer) By:/s/ Neal V. Fenwick Neal V. Fenwick Executive Vice President and Chief FinancialOfficer (principal financial officer) By:/s/ Kathleen D. Schnaedter Kathleen D. Schnaedter Senior Vice President, Corporate Controller and Chief AccountingOfficer (principal accounting officer)February 24, 2016Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed on its behalf by the following persons on behalf of theRegistrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.Signature Title Date /s/ Boris Elisman President and Chief Executive Officer(principal executive officer)February 24, 2016Boris Elisman /s/ Neal V. Fenwick Executive Vice President andChief Financial Officer(principal financial officer) February 24, 2016Neal V. Fenwick /s/ Kathleen D. Schnaedter Senior Vice President, CorporateController and Chief AccountingOfficer(principal accounting officer) February 24, 2016Kathleen D. Schnaedter /s/ Robert J. Keller* Chairman of the Board of Directors February 24, 2016Robert J. Keller /s/ George V. Bayly* Director February 24, 2016George V. Bayly /s/ James A. Buzzard* Director February 24, 2016James A. Buzzard 102Signature Title Date /s/ Kathleen S. Dvorak* Director February 24, 2016Kathleen S. Dvorak /s/ Robert H. Jenkins* Director February 24, 2016Robert H. Jenkins /s/ Pradeep Jotwani* Director February 24, 2016Pradeep Jotwani /s/ Thomas Kroeger* Director February 24, 2016Thomas Kroeger /s/ Michael Norkus* Director February 24, 2016Michael Norkus /s/ E. Mark Rajkowski* Director February 24, 2016E. Mark Rajkowski /s/ Neal V. Fenwick * Neal V. Fenwick asAttorney-in-Fact 103ACCO Brands CorporationVALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVESSCHEDULE IIAllowances for Doubtful AccountsChanges in the allowances for doubtful accounts were as follows: Year Ended December 31,(in millions of dollars)2015 2014 2013Balance at beginning of year$5.5 $6.1 $6.5Additions charged to expense3.2 1.0 1.5Deductions - write offs(3.5) (1.3) (1.6)Foreign exchange changes(0.4) (0.3) (0.3)Balance at end of year$4.8 $5.5 $6.1Allowances for Sales Returns and DiscountsChanges in the allowances for sales returns and discounts were as follows: Year Ended December 31,(in millions of dollars)2015 2014 2013Balance at beginning of year$12.0 $12.9 $10.6Additions charged to expense30.3 37.4 41.3Deductions - returns(30.4) (38.4) (39.1)Foreign exchange changes(0.2) 0.1 0.1Balance at end of year$11.7 $12.0 $12.9Allowances for Cash DiscountsChanges in the allowances for cash discounts were as follows: Year Ended December 31,(in millions of dollars)2015 2014 2013Balance at beginning of year$2.0 $2.2 $2.2Additions charged to expense14.2 15.5 16.0Deductions - discounts taken(13.9) (15.6) (16.2)Foreign exchange changes(0.1) (0.1) 0.2Balance at end of year$2.2 $2.0 $2.2104ACCO Brands CorporationVALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVESSCHEDULE II (Continued)Warranty ReservesChanges in the reserve for warranty claims were as follows: Year Ended December 31,(in millions of dollars)2015 2014 2013Balance at beginning of year$1.8 $2.2 $2.8Provision for warranties issued1.8 2.0 2.0Deductions - settlements made (in cash or in kind)(1.8) (2.4) (2.6)Foreign exchange changes(0.1) — —Balance at end of year$1.7 $1.8 $2.2Income Tax Valuation AllowanceChanges in the deferred tax valuation allowances were as follows: Year Ended December 31,(in millions of dollars)2015 2014 2013Balance at beginning of year$23.9 $33.0 $55.4(Credits) charges to expense(0.3) 0.2 (11.6)Credited to other accounts(1.1) (8.7) (10.5)Foreign exchange changes(0.4) (0.6) (0.3)Balance at end of year$22.1 $23.9 $33.0See accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm.105Exhibit 21.1SUBSIDIARIESACCO Brands Corporation, a Delaware corporation, had the domestic and international subsidiaries shown below as of December 31, 2015. Certain domesticand international subsidiaries are not named because they were not significant in the aggregate. ACCO Brands Corporation has no parent. Name of SubsidiaryJurisdiction of Organization U.S. Subsidiaries: ACCO Brands International, Inc.DelawareACCO Brands USA LLCDelawareACCO Europe Finance Holdings, LLCDelawareACCO Europe International Holdings, LLCDelawareACCO International Holdings, Inc.DelawareGeneral Binding LLCDelawareGBC International, Inc.Nevada International Subsidiaries: ACCO Australia Pty. LimitedAustraliaACCO Brands Australia Holding Pty. Ltd.AustraliaACCO Brands Australia Pty. Ltd.AustraliaTilibra Produtos de Papelaria Ltda.BrazilACCO Brands C&OP Inc.CanadaACCO Brands Canada Inc.CanadaACCO Brands Canada LPCanadaACCO Brands CDA Ltd.CanadaACCO Brands Europe Holding LPEnglandACCO Brands Europe Ltd.EnglandACCO Europe Finance LPEnglandACCO Europe Ltd.EnglandACCO-Rexel Group Services LimitedEnglandACCO UK LimitedEnglandACCO Deutschland BeteiligungsgesellschaftGermanyACCO-Rexel LimitedIrelandACCO Brands Italia S.r.L.ItalyACCO Brands Japan KKJapanACCO Mexicana S.A. de C.V.MexicoACCO Brands Benelux BVNetherlandsACCO Nederland Holding BVNetherlandsGBC Europe ABSwedenEXHIBIT 23.1CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRMThe Board of DirectorsACCO Brands Corporation:We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements (No. 333-127626, 333-127631, 333-127750, 333-136662, 333‑153157, 333-157726, 333-176247, 333-181430 and 333-204092) on Form S-8 of ACCO Brands Corporation of our report dated February 24, 2016, with respect to theconsolidated balance sheets of ACCO Brands Corporation as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of income,comprehensive income (loss), cash flows, and stockholders’ equity for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015, and the relatedfinancial statement schedule, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, which report appears in theDecember 31, 2015 annual report on Form 10‑K of ACCO Brands Corporation.Our report dated February 24, 2016 contains an explanatory paragraph that states the Company has changed its method of accounting for deferred taxes inthe consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2015 due to the adoption of Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification ofDeferred Taxes, and changed its method of accounting for debt issuance costs in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 due tothe adoption of Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs./s/ KPMG LLPChicago, IllinoisFebruary 24, 2016Exhibit 24.1LIMITED POWER OF ATTORNEYKNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Boris Elisman, Neal V. Fenwick, andKathleen D. Schnaedter and each of them, as his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with power to act with or without the others and with full power of substitutionand re-substitution, to do any and all acts and things and to execute any and all instruments which said attorneys and agents and each of them may deem necessary or desirable toenable the registrant to comply with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and any rules, regulations and requirements of the U.S. Securities and ExchangeCommission thereunder in connection with the registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 (the “Annual Report”), including specifically,but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, power and authority to sign the name of the registrant and the name of the undersigned, individually and in his or her capacity asa director or officer of the registrant, to the Annual Report as filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, to any and all amendments thereto, and to any andall instruments or documents filed as part thereof or in connection therewith; and each of the undersigned hereby ratifies and confirms all that said attorneys and agents and each ofthem shall so or cause to be done by virtue hereof.Signature Title Date /s/ Boris Elisman President and ChiefExecutive Officer (principalexecutive officer) February 19, 2016Boris Elisman /s/ Neal V. Fenwick Executive Vice President andChief Financial Officer(principal financial officer) February 22, 2016Neal V. Fenwick /s/Kathleen D. Schnaedter Senior Vice President,Corporate Controller andChief Accounting Officer(principal accounting officer) February 22, 2016/s/ Kathleen D. Schnaedter /s/ Robert J. Keller Chairman of the Board February 19, 2016Robert J. Keller /s/ George V. Bayly Director February 19, 2016George V. Bayly /s/ James A. Buzzard Director February 20, 2016James A. Buzzard /s/ Kathleen S. Dvorak Director February 19, 2016Kathleen S. Dvorak /s/ Robert H. Jenkins Director February 19, 2016Robert H. Jenkins /s/ Pradeep Jotwani Director February 21, 2016Pradeep Jotwani /s/ Thomas Kroeger Director February 19, 2016Thomas Kroeger /s/ Michael Norkus Director February 19, 2016Michael Norkus /s/ E. Mark Rajkowski Director February 19, 2016E. Mark Rajkowski Exhibit 31.1CERTIFICATIONSI, Boris Elisman, certify that:1.I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of ACCO Brands Corporation;2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make thestatements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by thisreport;3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects thefinancial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;4.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined inExchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and we have:a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision,to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others withinthose entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under oursupervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements forexternal purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about theeffectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; andd)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s mostrecent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likelyto materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and5.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to theregistrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which arereasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; andb)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internalcontrol over financial reporting. By:/s/ Boris Elisman Boris Elisman President andChief Executive OfficerDate: February 24, 2016Exhibit 31.2CERTIFICATIONSI, Neal V. Fenwick, certify that:1.I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of ACCO Brands Corporation;2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make thestatements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by thisreport;3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects thefinancial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;4.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined inExchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and we have:a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision,to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others withinthose entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under oursupervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements forexternal purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about theeffectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; andd)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s mostrecent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likelyto materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and5.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to theregistrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which arereasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; andb)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internalcontrol over financial reporting. By:/s/ Neal V. Fenwick Neal V. Fenwick Executive Vice President and Chief Financial OfficerDate: February 24, 2016Exhibit 32.1CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,As adopted pursuant toSECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002In connection with the Annual Report of ACCO Brands Corporation on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2015 as filed with the Securitiesand Exchange Commission on the date hereof, (the “Report”), I, Boris Elisman, Chief Executive Officer of ACCO Brands Corporation, hereby certify,pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:(1)The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and(2)The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of ACCO BrandsCorporation.By:/s/ Boris Elisman Boris Elisman President andChief Executive OfficerDate: February 24, 2016Exhibit 32.2CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,As adopted pursuant toSECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002In connection with the Annual Report of ACCO Brands Corporation on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2015 as filed with the Securitiesand Exchange Commission on the date hereof, (the “Report”), I, Neal V. Fenwick, Chief Financial Officer of ACCO Brands Corporation, hereby certify,pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:(1)The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and(2)The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of ACCO BrandsCorporation.By:/s/ Neal V. Fenwick Neal V. Fenwick Executive Vice President andChief Financial OfficerDate: February 24, 2016

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