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Quad/Graphics, Inc.

quad · NYSE Industrials
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Ticker quad
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Industry Specialty Business Services
Employees 11000
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FY2015 Annual Report · Quad/Graphics, Inc.
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OUR STRATEGIC GOALS

WALK IN THE SHOES OF OUR CLIENTS

STRENGTHEN THE CORE 

GROW THE BUSINESS PROFITABLY

ENGAGE EMPLOYEES 

ENHANCE FINANCIAL STRENGTH  

AND CREATE SHAREHOLDER VALUE

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N61 W23044 Harry’s Way

Sussex, WI 53089-3995

1.888.782.3226

QG.com

© 2016 Quad/Graphics, Inc. All rights reserved.  |  03.16  |  16-0025

OUR PATH 
FORWARD

Building on our 45-year heritage of reinventing ourselves

2015 Annual Report

 
 
William J. Abraham Jr.       Douglas P. Buth        Mark A. Angelson       Kathryn Quadracci Flores, M.D.       J. Joel Quadracci          John S. Shiely       Christopher B. Harned       Thomas O. Ryder

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

William J. Abraham Jr.
Retired Partner
Foley & Lardner LLP

Mark A. Angelson
Former CEO, R. R. Donnelley & Sons Company 
Former Chairman & CEO, World Color Press Inc.
Former Chairman, NewPage Corporation

Douglas P. Buth
Retired Chairman & CEO 
Appleton Papers, Inc.

Christopher B. Harned
Managing Director and Head of Consumer  

Products–Americas 

Nomura Securities International, Inc.

J. Joel Quadracci
Chairman, President & CEO
Quad/Graphics, Inc.

Kathryn Quadracci Flores, M.D.
CEO
Blooming Minds Ventures, LLC

Thomas O. Ryder
Retired Chairman & CEO 
Reader’s Digest Association, Inc.

John S. Shiely
Retired Chairman & CEO
Briggs & Stratton Corporation

CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS 

INVESTOR RELATIONS

STOCK TRANSFER AGENT

Quad/Graphics, Inc. 
N61 W23044 Harry’s Way 
Sussex, WI 53089-3995 
info@qg.com
1.888.782.3226 
414.566.6000 (Wisconsin)

Kyle Egan 
Manager of Investor Relations 
Kyle.Egan@qg.com or  
ir@qg.com
http://investors.qg.com

American Stock Transfer  
& Trust Company, LLC 
6201 15th Avenue 
Brooklyn, NY  11219 
info@amstock.com 
1.800.937.5449
amstock.com

Quad/Graphics’ 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K accompanies this document. If you are a shareholder and would like to receive 

another copy of the 2015 Form 10-K, without exhibits and without charge, please write to Jennifer Kent, Executive Vice President of 

Administration & General Counsel, Quad/Graphics, Inc., N61 W23044 Harry’s Way, Sussex, WI 53089-3995. You can also access the 

2015 Form 10-K on the Investor Relations section of our website at QG.com.

MESSAGE TO SHAREHOLDERS

Dear Fellow Shareholder,

Quad/Graphics was founded on a simple, yet powerful tenet to find a better way. As we approach our 45th anniversary, our 
commitment to this tenet remains as strong as ever. Our rich history and heritage of reinventing ourselves provides the 
foundation on which we are building our path forward. Our goal is to be the industry’s high-quality, low-cost producer and 
take advantage of transformational opportunities created by today’s ever-expanding media landscape. In this way, we will 
continue to create value for all stakeholders despite ongoing industry challenges and global economic uncertainties.

It’s clear that the world of marketing continues to be upended by technology. Consumers are in control of when and 
how they engage with content across a growing number of media channels. This situation has created a crisis of 
measurement for many of our clients on how to optimize their marketing spend to break through the clutter, engage 
with the end user, and increase response and loyalty. By the same token, this situation has created an opportunity for 
both Quad and our clients to innovate marketing approaches in bold, new ways that create value, such as connecting 
print with mobile technologies to extend content, promote social sharing, link readers directly to advertised products 
and services, and more. 

At Quad, we are focused on furthering our role as a marketing services provider, helping clients market their products 
and content more effectively across multiple media channels to increase response and revenue. Simultaneously, we 
are focused on improving the efficiencies related to our clients’ marketing spend to reduce their overall production and 
distribution costs, and enhance speed to market. The money our clients save on efficiencies—such as streamlining internal 
workflows and reducing mailing and distribution costs—provide funding for incremental top-line activities. Of particular 
interest are data-driven marketing solutions that target recipients with more relevant, actionable content. We have intimate 
knowledge of data-driven marketing gained through decades of helping clients create targeted messaging on a mass 
scale in print. Now, we are expanding this expertise into other media channels through our newly repositioned BlueSoho 
business that helps clients orchestrate complex cross-media programs that turn shoppers into buyers and buyers into 
loyal brand advocates through marketing services that include campaign development, shopper activation, and mobile and 
digital programming.

Our ability to innovate new complementary products and marketing services that help our clients drive improved 
performance starts with leveraging the strong relationships we have with more than 9,000 clients. Through strategic 
conversations with our clients, we have come to understand the unique role we can play as a printer and marketing 
services provider. We have expanded our team to include seasoned marketing professionals and former clients who can 
more easily identify our clients’ needs, and develop tailored solutions focused on growing their revenue. Increasingly, 
our conversations are evolving from what we can do as a tech-savvy print provider to how we can be a strategic 
marketing partner.

We continue to take pride in our printing heritage and will continue to invest in ways to make print smarter, more 
personalized and more strategic in driving action. 

As we move forward, our five strategic goals remain consistent. They are:

1.  Walk in the Shoes of Our Clients using a collaborative approach to understand and anticipate their needs, and then 

deliver solutions that help them achieve their business objectives.

2. Strengthen the Core print categories of retail inserts, publications, catalogs, books and directories, which generate a 
significant amount of Free Cash Flow(1) to support transformative opportunities while returning capital to shareholders 
through a sustainable quarterly dividend. 

3.	Grow	the	Business	Profitably, including expanding print product lines that have a higher growth potential, such 
as packaging and in-store marketing, which we strengthened through acquisitions in 2015; further developing our 
marketing services through BlueSoho; and growing our QuadMed business, which provides healthcare services to 
other companies.

4.	Engage	Employees in our company’s unique culture and brand promise to deliver performance through innovation as 

we work together to find a better way.

5. Enhance Financial Strength and Create Shareholder Value by continuing to focus on maximizing earnings and Free 
Cash Flow(1),  maintaining consistent financial policies to ensure a strong balance sheet and liquidity levels, and retaining 
the financial flexibility we need to strategically allocate and deploy capital.

CONTINUED

CONTINUED

On our path forward, we will continue focusing on ways to:

• Generate	sustainable	strong	Free	Cash	Flow(1).  In 2015, Quad generated $215 million in Free Cash Flow(1),  a $61 
million, or 40 percent, increase from the prior year, and we expect a similar level of Free Cash Flow(1)  in 2016 at the 
midpoint of our guidance.

• Improve	productivity	and	drive	sustainable	cost	reduction	initiatives.	 Thanks to our employees’ focused 

efforts, we reduced our cost structure by $100 million on a run-rate basis for 2016, and will continue to build on that 
momentum in the coming year. Additionally, we will focus on stabilizing Adjusted EBITDA margin(1) and expect it to 
remain essentially flat with our 2015 margin. 

• Delever	the	balance	sheet	through	debt	and	pension	liability	reductions	with	an	ongoing	focus	on	improving	

our	Debt	Leverage	Ratio(1).  

• Demonstrate	our	ongoing	commitment	to	providing	long-term	shareholder	returns	by	paying	an	annual	

dividend of $1.20 per share.  

• Enhance	and	expand	our	product	and	service	offering,	and	pursue	compelling	investment	opportunities.

We remain resolute in our commitment to finding a better way, providing our clients with powerful solutions that help them 
succeed in today’s rapidly changing competitive environment. I thank our employees for the important role they play in the 
evolution of our company. 

Together, we will continue to do more than as individuals apart. 

Together, we will innovate and perform. 

Together, we will transform our company. Just as we have for the past 45 years.

Sincerely,

J. Joel Quadracci
Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (in millions, except per share and ratio data) 

2015 

2014 

2013

Net sales 

Dividends declared per share 

Adjusted EBITDA(1) 

Adjusted EBITDA Margin(1) 

Free Cash Flow(1) 

Debt Leverage Ratio(1) 

$ 4,677.7 

$ 4,862.4 

$ 4,795.9

$ 

1.20 

$ 

1.20 

$ 

1.20

$  462.2  

$  542.6  

$  577.1

9.9% 

11.2% 

12.0%

$  215.1  

$  154.0  

$  291.6

2.92x 

2.57x 

2.41x

(1)  Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin, Free Cash Flow and Debt Leverage Ratio are financial measures not prepared in accordance with generally 

accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the United States of America. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net earnings (loss) attributable to Quad/Graphics 
common shareholders plus interest expense, income tax expense (if applicable), depreciation and amortization, restructuring, impairment and transaction-
related charges, non-cash goodwill impairment charges, and loss on debt extinguishment, and less income tax benefit (if applicable). Adjusted EBITDA Margin 
is defined as Adjusted EBITDA divided by net sales. Free Cash Flow and Debt Leverage Ratio are defined on page 44 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K. A 
reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP financial measures can be found in our press release dated February 22, 2016, showing our 
financial results for 2015, and which is also an exhibit to our Form 8-K furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 23, 2016. This Form 
8-K is incorporated by reference into this letter.

  Please note: Forward-looking statements in this letter and Annual Report on Form 10-K are subject to safe-harbor provisions as explained on page 1 of the 

Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 
 
 
 
 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 

or

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from

to

Commission File Number 001-34806

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Wisconsin
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

39-1152983
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

N61 W23044 Harry's Way, Sussex, Wisconsin 53089-3995
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(414) 566-6000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of Class
Class A Common Stock, par value $0.025 per share

Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
The New York Stock Exchange, LLC

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes 

  No 

Indicate 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 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  None

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 

during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing 
requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes 

  No 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File 

required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant 
was required to submit and post such files).  Yes 

  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 

the best 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 
this Form 10-K.  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. 

See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. 

Large accelerated filer 

Accelerated filer 

Non-accelerated filer 
(Do not check if a smaller reporting
company)

Smaller reporting company 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  Yes 

  No 

The aggregate market value of the class A common stock (based on the closing price of $18.51 per share on the New York Stock Exchange, LLC) on 

June 30, 2015, the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter, held by non-affiliates was $533,245,927.  The 
registrant's class B common stock is not listed on a national securities exchange or traded in an organized over-the-counter market, but each share of the 
registrant's class B common stock is convertible into one share of the registrant's class A common stock.

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock as of the latest practicable date.

Class

Class A Common Stock
Class B Common Stock
Class C Common Stock

Outstanding as of February 18, 2016

35,727,018
14,198,464
—

Portions of the Proxy Statement for the registrant's 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

[This page has been left blank intentionally.]

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
FORM 10-K INDEX
For the Year Ended December 31, 2015

Page No.

Forward-Looking Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Part I

Item 1.

Item 1A.

Item 1B.

Item 2.

Item 3.

Item 4.

Part II

Item 5.

Item 6.

Item 7.

Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Risk Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Unresolved Staff Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Legal Proceedings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Mine Safety Disclosures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Market for the Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of 
Equity Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Selected Financial Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. . . . . . . . .

Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure . . . . . . . .

Controls and Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Executive Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder 
Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Principal Accountant Fees and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Item 8.

Item 9.

Item 9A.

Item 9B.

Part III

Item 10.

Item 11.

Item 12.

Item 13.

Item 14.

Part IV

Item 15. . . . . Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Signatures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Exhibit Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 1

3

25

36

37

37

37

38

40

41

85

87

160

160

161

162

162

162

163

163

164

167

169

i

[This page has been left blank intentionally.]

Forward-Looking Statements

To the extent any statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K contain information that is not historical, 

these statements are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934, as amended.  These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, the objectives, goals, strategies, 
beliefs, intentions, plans, estimates, prospects, projections and outlook of Quad/Graphics, Inc. (the "Company" or "Quad/
Graphics"), and can generally be identified by the use of words such as "may," "will," "expect," "intend," "estimate," 
"anticipate," "plan," "foresee," "believe" or "continue" or the negatives of these terms, variations on them and other 
similar expressions.  In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future 
events or circumstances are forward-looking statements.

These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, 
uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond the control of the Company.  These risks, uncertainties and 
other factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by those forward-looking 
statements.  Among risks, uncertainties and other factors that may impact Quad/Graphics are those described in Part I, 
Item 1A, "Risk Factors," of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, as such may be amended or supplemented in Part II, 
Item 1A, "Risk Factors," of the Company's subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and the following:

•  The impact of decreasing demand for printed materials and significant overcapacity in the highly 

competitive commercial printing industry creates downward pricing pressures;

•  The inability of the Company to reduce costs and improve operating efficiency rapidly enough to meet 

market conditions;

•  The impact of electronic media and similar technological changes including digital substitution by 

consumers;

•  The impact of changing future economic conditions;

•  The impact of the various covenants in the Company's debt facilities that impose restrictions may affect the 

Company's ability to operate its business;

•  The failure of clients to perform under contracts or to renew contracts with clients on favorable terms or at 

all;

•  The impact of fluctuations in costs (including labor and labor-related costs, energy costs, freight rates and 

raw materials) and the impact of fluctuations in the availability of raw materials;

•  The impact of changes in postal rates, service levels or regulations;

•  The failure to successfully identify, manage, complete and integrate acquisitions and investments;

•  The impact of increased business complexity as a result of the Company's entry into additional markets;

•  The impact of regulatory matters and legislative developments or changes in laws, including changes in 

cyber-security, privacy and environmental laws;

•  The impact of an other than temporary decline in operating results and enterprise value that could lead to 
non-cash impairment charges due to the impairment of property, plant and equipment and other intangible 
assets;

•  The impact on the holders of Quad/Graphics' class A common stock of a limited active market for such 

shares and the inability to independently elect directors or control decisions due to the voting power of the 
class B common stock;

1

• 

Significant capital expenditures may be needed to maintain the Company's platform and processes and to 
remain technologically and economically competitive; and

•  The impact of risks associated with the operations outside of the United States, including costs incurred or 

reputational damage suffered due to improper conduct of its employees, contractors or agents.

Quad/Graphics cautions that the foregoing list of risks, uncertainties and other factors is not exhaustive and you 

should carefully consider the other factors detailed from time to time in Quad/Graphics' filings with the United States 
Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and other uncertainties and potential events when reviewing the 
Company's forward-looking statements.

Because forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions and uncertainties, actual results may differ 

materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  You are cautioned not to place undue 
reliance on such statements, which speak only as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  Except to the extent 
required by the federal securities laws, Quad/Graphics undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-
looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

2

Item 1. 

Business

Overview

PART I

At the forefront of innovation for 45 years, Quad/Graphics is a leading print and marketing services provider 

focused on helping brand owners market their products, services and content more efficiently and effectively across 
media channels.  The Company was founded in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, as a Wisconsin corporation, in 1971 by the late 
Harry V. Quadracci.  As of December 31, 2015, the Company had approximately 22,500 full-time equivalent employees 
in North America, South America and Europe, and served a diverse base of approximately 9,400 clients from 
161 facilities located in 17 countries, as well as strategic investments in printing operations in Brazil and India.

With a consultative approach, worldwide capabilities, leading-edge technology and single-source simplicity, the 

Company believes it has the resources and knowledge to help a wide variety of clients in vertical industries including, 
but not limited to, retail, publishing, healthcare, insurance and financial.  Quad/Graphics creates value for its clients by 
helping them perform better in today's rapidly changing world through the integration of print products with 
complementary services to improve efficiencies, reduce costs, create engagement, lift response and increase revenue.

To better serve the evolving needs of marketers and publishers in today's multimedia world, Quad/Graphics 

streamlined its United States organizational structure in 2015 by consolidating several print product lines into two main 
sales groups—Marketing Solutions and Publishing Solutions.  The Company believes that this streamlined approach will 
better align its offerings with its clients' expanding integrated marketing and publishing needs and help drive future 
innovation.  The Company uses a consultative approach to tailor the Company's wide range of print products and 
complementary services to the unique characteristics of each vertical industry it serves.  These products and services 
include:

•  Print.  Including retail inserts, publications, catalogs, special interest publications, journals, direct mail, 

books, directories, in-store marketing and promotion, packaging, newspapers, custom print products, other 
commercial and specialty printed products and global paper procurement.

• 

Logistics.  Including mailing solutions, postal consultation, delivery optimization and hygiene services, 
delivery monitoring and tracking, and distribution, logistics and transportation services.

•  Digital.  Including email, social, mobile (activated print, apps, websites), digital publishing and beacon 

technology.

• 

Strategy.  Including brand, campaign, and media planning and placement.

•  Data.  Including data insights, segmentation and response analysis.

•  Creative.  Including concept and design, page layout and production, copywriting, photography, retouching, 

mobile, video production and optimization.

•  Workflow.  Including content management, process management, production and facilities management 

services, color management, and digital file processing and proofing.

3

Quad/Graphics proudly partners with leading marketers, brand owners and publishers:

•  Leading marketers and brand owners include American Eagle Outfitters, American Girl, Best Buy Co., Inc., 

Bluestem Brands, Charter Communications, Colony Brands, ConAgra Foods, Inc., CVS Health 
Corporation, Eddie Bauer LLC, Hanesbrands, Inc., Menards, Inc., Mylan N.V., Publishers Clearing House, 
Inc., Publix Super Markets, Inc., Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc., Tractor Supply Company, Walgreen Co., 
and Weight Watchers International, Inc.

•  Leading publishers include Condé Nast, Harlequin Enterprises Limited, Hearst Magazines, hibu plc, 

McGraw-Hill Education, Meredith Corporation, National Geographic Partners LLC, Rodale Inc., Simon & 
Schuster, Inc., TEN: The Enthusiast Network LLC, Time Inc., Wenner Media LLC, Yellow Pages Digital 
and Media Solutions Limited.

The Company benefits from consistent executive leadership who is committed to transforming the Company to 
remain relevant and competitive, and create value for shareholders.  The Company refers to its transformative journey in 
chapters.  The Company's first chapter covers a period of tremendous organic growth that began with its founding in 
1971 and concluded in 2010.  The Company views this chapter as a 40-year period of building a strong and lasting 
foundation in which Quad/Graphics established the Company's culture based on strong values that are still in place 
today.  During this period, the Company grew rapidly through greenfield growth; built a premier manufacturing and 
distribution platform equipped with the latest technology; and established its reputation as one of the industry's foremost 
innovators.  When chapter one culminated in 2010, Quad/Graphics had grown from a tiny upstart into a $1.8 billion 
global provider of print and media solutions with approximately 11,600 employees in the United States, South America 
and Europe operating 11 domestic plants, plus international locations in Poland, Argentina and Brazil.

Quad/Graphics' second chapter began in 2010 and continues today.  The Company's second chapter relates to its 

role as a disciplined industry consolidator.  Quad/Graphics saw an opportunity to start participating in industry 
consolidation in response to economic and industry pressures following the great recession of 2008 and 2009, which 
severely impacted volumes.  At the same time, digital and mobile content delivery methods came of age as consumers 
rushed to adopt new technologies, creating confusion for marketers on how to use print in combination with other 
channels as part of a multimedia campaign.  This created an opportunity for Quad/Graphics—with manufacturing and 
distribution economies of scale, a strong balance sheet and access to capital markets—to take advantage of consolidating 
acquisition opportunities in order to reduce costs and address overcapacity in the industry.

The Company completed a number of value-driven industry consolidation opportunities in recent years, 
including the July 2010 acquisition of World Color Press Inc. ("World Color Press"), which was a transformative event in 
the Company's history, as it significantly enhanced Quad/Graphics' size, range of product and service offerings, and 
overall industry presence.  At this time, Quad/Graphics class A common stock began to trade on The New York Stock 
Exchange, LLC ("NYSE") under the symbol "QUAD."  Other consolidating acquisitions have included Vertis Holdings 
Inc. ("Vertis") in January 2013 and Brown Printing Company ("Brown Printing") in May 2014 as well as the asset swap 
with Transcontinental Inc. ("Transcontinental") in 2011.  Through each of these acquisitions, the Company was able to 
enhance or expand its product offerings, while removing inefficient and underutilized capacity, pulling out costs, and 
transitioning work to the most efficient facilities.  This includes maximizing capacity utilization at the Company's most 
efficient, flexible and modern mega plant facilities (facilities greater than 1.0 million square feet) that Quad/Graphics 
built and maintained during chapter one of the Company's transformative journey, as well as plants that were acquired in 
which Quad/Graphics continues to make strategic investments.

As the Company transitions from chapter two to chapter three, Quad/Graphics continues to strengthen its core 

product lines and make the necessary adjustments to quickly respond to ongoing industry pressures, with the goal in 
chapter three to be the industry's high-quality, low-cost producer to position the Company to take advantage of 
transformational opportunities.  In chapter three, Quad/Graphics will continue to invest in ways to automate and 
streamline process and workflows to better serve its clients, improve efficiencies and reduce costs.  Additionally, with a 
strategic account focus in key vertical industries, the Company intends to leverage its extensive relationships with more 
than 9,400 companies to further develop and grow innovative and complementary products and marketing services.  The 
Company believes these products and services will help its clients drive improved performance and Return On 

4

Investment ("ROI") on their total marketing spend in two distinct ways: first, through helping them market their products 
and content more effectively across multiple media channels to increase revenue, and second, through improving 
efficiencies and speed to market through reducing the overall production and distribution costs.

In support of Quad/Graphics' chapter three transformational growth strategy, the Company built upon its 

strength in printing, supply chain management and logistics, and in 2015 expanded its packaging, in-store promotions 
and marketing services offering.  This expansion also supports the Company's strategic selling approach to the retail 
industry—a key vertical market for the Company that includes brick and mortar, electronic retail and brand owners—
while also allowing the Company to develop its offerings in growth markets.  For example, with the acquisition of 
Wisconsin-based Proteus Packaging ("Proteus") in 2013, the Company entered the high-end paperboard packaging 
market, including automotive, biotechnology, food, beverage, personal care, pharmaceuticals, software and electronics.  
In addition, on April 14, 2015, Quad/Graphics completed the acquisition of Copac Global Packaging, Inc. ("Copac,") a 
leading international provider of innovative packaging and supply chain solutions, including turnkey packaging design, 
production and fulfillment services across a range of end markets.  Copac has production facilities in Spartanburg, South 
Carolina, and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and strategically sources packaging product manufacturing over 
multiple end markets in Central America and Asia, giving it a global footprint.  Copac manufactures products such as 
folding cartons, labels, inserts, tags and specialty envelopes in vertical industries including apparel, consumer products, 
tobacco, healthcare, food and beverage.  The Company continued to expand in the packaging market with the acquisition 
of Specialty Finishing, Inc. ("Specialty") on August 25, 2015.  Specialty is a full-service paperboard folding carton 
manufacturer and logistics provider located in Omaha, Nebraska, which serves a variety of vertical industries including 
food, pharmaceutical and industrial supplies.  Upon the completion of the Specialty acquisition, the Company rebranded 
its newly formed division as QuadPackaging to take advantage of this growing market segment.  Given its increased 
scale, vertical expertise and geographic footprint, QuadPackaging is now positioned to compete for large-volume or 
multi-location clients in a diverse range of vertical industries across the United States, Europe, Asia, and Central and 
South America.

In 2015, Quad/Graphics announced the expansion of its existing BlueSoho business, expanding its marketing 

agency solutions offering into campaign development, shopper activation and mobile/digital programming.  The 
Company believes that BlueSoho will play an important role in defining its path forward in chapter three as it is now 
uniquely capable of orchestrating cross-media programs that turn shoppers into buyers and buyers into loyal brand 
advocates.  The expanding service set is now comprised of local promotional strategy, conceptual design, media planning 
and buying, creative development, production services, marketplace deployment and program measurement.  This 
strategic repositioning of BlueSoho as an independent brand enables Quad/Graphics to capture new business, especially 
among brand owners who understand the benefits of fully orchestrated media execution and actionable brand 
experiences—from campaign development through all forms of media activation.

As part of the Company's focus on in-store promotion growth opportunities, Quad/Graphics announced the 

acquisition of Marin's International, S.A. ("Marin's") on February 3, 2015.  Marin's is a worldwide leader in the point-of-
sale display industry.  Marin's specializes in the research and design of display solutions, and uses its own European-
based sales force as well as a network of global licensees, including Quad/Graphics, to sell its patented product portfolio.  
Marin's enhances Quad/Graphics' existing in-store and large-format marketing promotions and, combined with the power 
of BlueSoho, Marin's will help the Company expand its ability to help retailers and brand marketers promote their brands 
as part of a global campaign.

5

As Quad/Graphics continues on its path forward, the Company remains focused on its five primary strategic 

goals that support its objective to be the industry's high-quality, low-cost producer to position the Company to take 
advantage of transformational opportunities and drive improved performance through innovation for its clients.  The 
Company believes these goals will allow it to be successful despite ongoing industry challenges.  These strategic goals 
are described in the "Strategy" section of this document and include the following:

1.  Strengthen the core;

2.  Grow the business profitably;

3.  Walk in the shoes of our clients;

4.  Engage employees; and

5.  Enhance financial strength and create shareholder value.

More information regarding Quad/Graphics is available on the Company's website at www.QG.com.  Quad/

Graphics is not including the information contained on or available through its website as part of, or incorporating such 
information by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, 
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to those reports are made available 
to the public at no charge through a link appearing on the Company's website.  Quad/Graphics provides access to such 
materials through its website as soon as reasonably practicable after electronically filing such material with, or furnishing 
it to, the SEC.

Industry

The global commercial printing industry is made up of companies whose capabilities include commercial 

lithographic printing, gravure printing, flexographic printing, screen printing, quick printing, digital printing, business 
form printing, prepress services that include adjusting images and text and creating high-quality print files, and postpress 
services, including trade binding.  According to the April 2015 Global Commercial Printing IBISWorld industry report, 
the global commercial printing industry generates an estimated $708 billion in annual revenue and has a low level of 
market share concentration with the four largest players (which includes Quad/Graphics) in the industry accounting for 
approximately 5% of annual industry revenue.

Quad/Graphics operates primarily in the commercial print portion of the printing industry.  According to the 

October 2015 Printing in the U.S. IBISWorld industry report, the United States commercial printing industry generates 
an estimated $82 billion in annual revenue, employs more than 435,000 employees and is comprised of approximately 
45,000 companies.  The commercial printing industry is also highly fragmented, with the four largest printing companies 
(which includes Quad/Graphics) accounting for less than 20% of total commercial print industry annual revenue in the 
United States.  Although there has been significant industry consolidation, particularly in the past decade, the largest 
400 printers in the printing industry still only represent approximately just over half of the total industry revenue in the 
United States, according to the December 2015 Printing Impressions PI400.

According to the October 2015 Printing in the U.S. IBISWorld industry report, the commercial print industry in 
the United States services markets including advertising, publishing, retailers, consumer goods manufacturers, stationery 
and textile manufacturers, financial and legal firms, and wholesalers with capabilities that include the following:

•  Commercial Lithographic Printing.  Commercial lithographic printing accounts for approximately 55% of 

industry revenue with primary end uses including advertising, publications, periodicals, catalogs, 
directories, financial and legal printing, and labels and wrappers.

•  Commercial Screen Printing.  Commercial screen printing accounts for approximately 9% of industry 
revenue and derives its revenue from printing on apparel in addition to revenue from advertisers, label 
printing, and printing decals.

6

•  Commercial Flexographic Printing.  Commercial flexographic printing accounts for approximately 8% of 

industry revenue and is mainly used for packaging, labels and wrappers.

•  Digital Printing.  Digital printing accounts for approximately 7% of industry revenue and, since it does not 
require printing plates and requires less initial setup than many of the other forms of commercial printing, it 
is very cost effective for small print runs.

•  Book Printing.  Book printing accounts for approximately 5% of industry revenue and involves printing 

and binding books and pamphlets.

•  Commercial Gravure Printing.  Commercial gravure printing accounts for approximately 4% of industry 
revenue with primary end uses including advertising, catalogs, directories, publications, periodicals, 
stationery, and labels.

•  Quick Printing.  Quick printing accounts for approximately 3% of industry revenue and is primarily a 
business-to-business service that is characterized by its short-run printing and fast copying speeds.

•  Other Printing.  Other printing accounts for approximately 9% of industry revenue and includes printing 

blank books, loose leaf binders and business forms.

Demand for printed products and related services is affected by real gross domestic product growth, as 
economic activity and advertising spending are key drivers of consumer demand.  In times of global economic 
uncertainty, advertisers may reduce spending.  Magazine publishers, facing diminished advertising pages, reduce total 
page counts; catalog marketers reduce page counts, circulation and the frequency of print campaigns; retailers curb 
investments in store inventory and cut back on retail insert circulation and advertising; and other advertisers reduce their 
direct mail volume, particularly in the banking, insurance, credit card, real estate and nonprofit industries.  In addition, 
the Company believes the commercial print industry has moved toward a demand for shorter print runs, faster product 
turnaround and increased production efficiency of products with lower page counts and increasing complexity.  This, 
combined with increases in postage expenses (which significantly outpaced inflation over the last ten years) and the 
increased use of alternative digital marketing technologies have led to excess manufacturing capacity in the industry and 
this excess capacity has allowed for larger printers with economies of scale, strong balance sheets and access to capital 
markets the ability to install more efficient equipment, take advantage of consolidating acquisition opportunities to 
remove excess, inefficient and/or underutilized capacity and reduce overall costs.

Quad/Graphics believes that traditional business users of print and print-related services are focused on 
generating and tracking the highest returns on their marketing spend.  The Company believes that its clients receive the 
greatest return on their marketing and advertising dollars when they effectively use data to target the appropriate 
customers and combine digital alternatives with customized print products in a targeted, cross-channel marketing 
campaign driven by an overall marketing strategy.  Quad/Graphics believes it is well positioned to help its clients 
navigate through this changing media landscape and create innovative ways to connect print with digital channels.

Finally, the Company believes that successful commercial printing companies will invest in mailing and 

logistics capabilities because, for many clients, mailing and distribution represent their largest cost—typically two to 
three times the cost of their print expense.  Therefore, Quad/Graphics believes a printer's ability to impact mailing and 
distribution expenses through data hygiene solutions and sophisticated, automated printing, finishing and distribution 
equipment creates value for clients by minimizing their total manufacturing and distribution cost.

7

Seasonality

The Company is subject to seasonality in its quarterly results as net sales and operating income are higher in the 

third and fourth quarters of the calendar year as compared to the first and second quarters.  The fourth quarter is the 
highest seasonal quarter for cash flows from operating activities and Free Cash Flow due to the reduction of working 
capital requirements that reach peak levels during the third quarter.  Seasonality is driven by increased magazine 
advertising page counts, retail inserts, catalogs and books primarily due to back-to-school and holiday-related advertising 
and promotions.  The Company expects this seasonality impact to continue in future years.

Strategy

As Quad/Graphics continues on its path forward, the Company remains focused on its five primary strategic 
goals that support its objective to be the industry's high-quality, low-cost producer to fuel transformative growth and 
drive improved performance through innovation for its clients.  The Company believes the following goals will allow it 
to be successful despite ongoing industry challenges:

1.  Strengthen the Core

Quad/Graphics uses a disciplined return on capital framework and historically has made significant investments 

in its print manufacturing platform and data management capabilities that have resulted in what it believes is one of the 
most integrated, automated, efficient and modern manufacturing platforms in the industry.  Core or foundational print 
product lines at Quad/Graphics include retail inserts, publications, catalogs, books and directories, as they represent a 
large percentage of the Company's revenue.  The Company's disciplined focus on maintaining the strength of its core 
product lines, through investments to streamline, automate and improve efficiencies and throughput while reducing 
labor, promotes sustainable cash flow and continued value creation.  A commitment to Lean Enterprise and a disciplined 
culture of continuous process improvement is a high priority throughout the Company and supports its goal of 
strengthening the core product lines to be the industry's high-quality, low-cost producer.

Quad/Graphics believes that its national distribution network is also a key attribute in its ability to strengthen 

the core foundation of the Company.  Quad/Graphics has made strategic capital expenditures and information 
technology ("IT") investments to build what it believes is one of the most efficient and innovative distribution networks 
in the commercial printing industry.  The Company's goal, and an integral component of how Quad/Graphics creates 
client value, is to maintain and utilize a fully integrated, national distribution network to help mitigate rising postage 
costs for its clients by minimizing their total cost of production and distribution.

Quad/Graphics also strengthens the core of the Company through a dedicated focus on having the right people 

in the right roles at the right time.  The Company benefits from leadership consistency and longevity with senior 
executives having decades of print industry experience, which gives them valuable knowledge and perspective.  The 
Company also continues to enhance its leadership team, bringing aboard complementary, experienced talent who can 
immediately contribute to advancing the Company's goals.

2.  Grow the Business Profitably

The Company believes it is well positioned to grow the business profitably.  Key components of this strategy 

are centered on the Company's ability to grow through ongoing innovation, organic growth and disciplined acquisitions.  
Innovation takes many different forms at Quad/Graphics.  From a client perspective, Quad/Graphics believes that 
marketing today has been upended due to the proliferation of digital media which has increased complexity and created a 
crisis in measurement given that many client organizational structures are siloed by media channel expertise.  This 
marketing shift has created an opportunity for both Quad/Graphics and its clients to innovate and create enhanced value.  
The Company believes that no channel is an island; each influences and impacts the other.  Quad/Graphics also believes 
that print delivers high levels of marketing ROI, especially when used in combination with other media channels.  As 
supported by the November 2015 InfoTrends study Micro to Mega: Trends in Business Communications, using multiple 
media channels yields a better response rate for integrated marketing campaigns.  Specifically, marketers reported an 

8

average improvement of 28% in response rate when adding email, social media, and mobile application channels to their 
print campaigns.

The Company leverages knowledge from existing client relationships in key vertical industries to drive 
innovation and the development of complementary products and services that help brand owners market their products, 
services and content more efficiently and effectively across media channels.  The Company is focused on ensuring it has 
the right talent in the best positions to have strategic marketing conversations with its clients to define their needs, 
develop tailored solutions and grow market share.  Clients benefit from improved performance and ROI on their 
marketing spend through better reach and end-user engagement, improved response and increased revenue derived from 
these cross-channel marketing programs.

From a manufacturing platform perspective, innovation drives the Company's ability to help its clients precisely 

segment and target their audience to deliver relevant content, ads and offers.  Through advanced variable printing 
capabilities and data management solutions, the Company can provide relevant content to encourage one-to-one end 
consumer connection and reader engagement.  Innovation through automation in the manufacturing platform also allows 
Quad/Graphics to improve productivity and reduce costs in support of the Company's long standing commitment to be 
the industry's high-quality, low-cost producer.

Another key attribute of this strategy is the Company's ability to grow the business through compelling, ongoing 
platform investments that drive profitable organic growth and productivity in the Company's current business, as well as 
using a disciplined approach to execute on acquisitions that help the Company transition into chapter three of its journey.  
This includes pursuing growth opportunities that will help transform an existing product line, or expand Quad/Graphics' 
business into higher growth product and service categories that are a logical extension of its core print product lines.  The 
Company also believes that additional value-driven industry consolidation opportunities will create measurable value 
through the addition of complementary capabilities, allowing the Company to provide an enhanced range of products and 
services, and create significant efficiencies in the overall print production and distribution processes.

3.  Walk in the Shoes of our Clients

Quad/Graphics believes that every client, regardless of size, is the most important client.  A key component of 

Quad/Graphics' client-facing strategy is to strengthen relationships at different levels inside a client's organization so the 
Company can better understand, anticipate and exceed the client's needs—sometimes before the client even knows it has 
a need.  The Company's goal is to become an invaluable strategic partner to its clients—a partner who is focused on 
helping each client successfully navigate today's changing media landscape.  While Quad/Graphics has dedicated sales, 
sales service and customer service representatives, the Company reinforces that all employees, regardless of job title, are 
part of the Quad/Graphics' client experience team.  As such, all employees are responsible for meeting the needs of its 
clients every day, making it easy to do work with Quad/Graphics, and making the client experience enjoyable at every 
touchpoint.  Quad/Graphics believes its strategy to walk in the shoes of our clients helps all employees focus on the 
client experience at all touchpoints throughout its end-to-end process to improve client satisfaction and create loyalty to 
the Quad/Graphics brand.  The Company also believes its proactive thought leadership in the key issues facing clients—
such as cross-channel marketing and postal reform—will create value and deepen client relationships.

4.  Engage Employees

Quad/Graphics' strategy to engage employees builds on key aspects of its distinct corporate culture, including 
an organization-wide entrepreneurial spirit and opportunity-seeking mentality where employees are encouraged to take 
pride and ownership in their work; take advantage of continuous learning, apprentice and job-advancement 
opportunities; share knowledge by mentoring others; and innovate solutions.  With the encouragement to do things 
differently—and find a better way—the Company believes its employees are more fully engaged in producing better 
results for clients and the local communities surrounding its facilities, and advancing the Company's strategic goals.

9

The Company believes one of the most important ways it can drive employee engagement is by acting on a 

continuous employee feedback loop.  Quad/Graphics believes in transparent and regular two-way communication with 
employees.  The Company provides the opportunity for all employees to have a voice or share an opinion through a 
number of different channels including surveys and open forums at Company town hall and department meetings.  The 
Company then demonstrates its commitment to their engagement by maintaining a safe work environment while 
implementing programs and policies that address their needs and/or suggestions.  At the same time, the Company 
consistently reinforces the Company's long-standing eight core values that drive how the Company operates: Believe in 
People, Do the Right Thing, Trust in Trust, Innovate, Grow, Make Money, Have Fun, and Do Things for the Rose (i.e., 
do things for the sake of excellence).

5.  Enhance Financial Strength and Create Shareholder Value

Quad/Graphics follows a disciplined approach to maintaining and enhancing financial strength to create 

shareholder value, which is essential given ongoing industry challenges.  This key strategic goal is centered on the 
Company's ability to maximize Free Cash Flow, net earnings and EBITDA; maintain consistent financial policies to 
ensure a strong balance sheet and liquidity level; and retain the financial flexibility needed to strategically allocate and 
deploy capital as circumstances change.

The priorities for capital allocation and deployment are adjusted based on prevailing circumstances and what 

the Company thinks is best for shareholder value creation at any particular point in time.  Those priorities currently 
include the following: (1) deleveraging the Company's balance sheet through debt and pension liability reductions; 
(2) making compelling investments that drive profitable organic growth and productivity in the Company's current 
business, as well as executing on acquisitions through a disciplined approach that includes expansion into higher-growth 
products and services that are complementary to its core product and service lines, and pursuing value-driven industry 
consolidation; and (3) returning capital to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.

Competitive Advantages

Quad/Graphics believes its success has been fueled by a number of key competitive advantages that drive its 

five primary strategic goals.  These competitive advantages are an efficient, flexible and modern manufacturing platform; 
vertically integrated non-print capabilities; a client-centric approach; leading mailing and distribution capabilities; a 
commitment to ongoing innovation and rapid adoption of technology with a focus on execution and influencing media 
spend for its clients; a disciplined and consistent financial approach; a well-defined integration process; and a distinct 
corporate culture that empowers and engages employees to think and act like owners to drive business results.

Efficient, Flexible and Modern Manufacturing Platform

The Company has continuously invested in its manufacturing platform through modern equipment and 

automation that allow for more pages to be printed for each revolution of the press, reducing the amount of time that 
each individual printing job takes to complete.  In addition, the Company's long-standing commitment to invest in its 
manufacturing platform to create productivity improvements has led to more automation designed to reduce labor costs, 
maximize labor productivity and increase throughput.  The Company's investment in its manufacturing platform has 
consistently been based on evaluating the useful economic life of the underlying equipment rather than focusing on the 
potential mechanical life of the equipment.  This discipline is critical in an industry in which technological change can 
create obsolescence well before the end of the mechanical life of equipment.

Another key aspect of the Company's modern manufacturing platform is the combination of its footprint of 

mega plants (facilities greater than 1.0 million square feet) that produce a number of different products under one roof; 
mega zones where multiple facilities in close geographic proximity are managed as one large facility; and smaller 
strategically located facilities.  The Company has continued to evolve its platform, equipping facilities to be product line 
agnostic, which enables the Company to maximize equipment utilization.  Quad/Graphics believes that the large plant 
size of certain of its key printing facilities allows the Company to drive savings in certain product lines (such as 
magazines and catalogs) due to efficiencies of scale and from investments in automation and technology.  
Complementing its mega plant and mega zone footprints are smaller facilities, strategically located closer to final 

10

distribution points for expedited delivery.  This allows clients greater deadline flexibility for adjusting content or 
marketing strategy, especially for commercial products, direct mail and retail inserts.  The Company's platform provides 
it with the flexibility to meet complex customer service requirements, such as quick turns for time-sensitive material, or 
when weather patterns threaten production or delivery in a specific area of the country.

To achieve its goal to be the industry's high-quality, low-cost producer, Quad/Graphics makes a concerted effort 
to treat all costs as variable and maintains a stringent focus on achieving productivity improvements and sustainable cost 
reductions through a variety of continuous improvement programs in both manufacturing and administrative areas.  The 
Company believes it is making progress toward this goal by remaining focused on the following:

• 

• 

• 

the implementation of sustainable reductions in non-labor and indirect labor spending areas; 

a disciplined approach to improving capacity utilization and productivity across the entire platform; and

a focused effort to take out direct costs through a variety of means, including the maximization of labor mix 
and the expansion of continuous improvement programs to reduce waste, eliminate redundancies and 
shorten cycle times.

Vertically Integrated Non-Print Capabilities

Quad/Graphics has a long history of finding a better way to do business.  This approach to business gives the 
Company a competitive advantage in reducing costs and creating efficiencies for its clients and employees.  Vertically-
integrated non-print capabilities—such as data management, imaging, logistics and distribution, ink manufacturing, 
paper procurement, equipment research and design, and health and wellness—assist the Company in delivering lower 
costs for its clients, enhancing customer service levels, allowing substantial control over critical links in the overall print 
supply chain (such as the Company's ink manufacturing capabilities which help it control the quality, cost and 
availability of a key input in the printing process), increasing flexibility and providing more aggregated services to each 
client.

Chemical Research\Technology ("CR\T") is the ink manufacturing subsidiary of Quad/Graphics.  With CR\T, 

Quad/Graphics is one of the largest ink manufacturers in the United States, and the only United States commercial 
printer that produces its own inks.  Quad/Graphics founded CR\T in 1982 to formulate and manufacture its own special 
blend of inks based on extensive experience working directly with the Company's press operators.  The benefits of 
manufacturing its own inks include better management of the quality and consistency of the product, a better yield per 
pound of ink, and increased raw materials purchasing power.

Quad/Graphics has been dedicated to research and development to improve its print manufacturing platform for 

more than 35 years.  The Company's research and development designers and systems engineers work closely with the 
Company's press and finishing operators and IT professionals, and over the years have developed a range of 
advancements that the Company's management believes puts its print platform at the forefront of print innovation.  The 
value of these innovations to the industry is supported by the fact that these technology solutions are sold by the 
Company's QuadTech subsidiary to equipment manufacturers and other printers in the commercial, newspaper and 
packaging printing industries.

Outside of print, Quad/Graphics successfully integrates health and wellness for all employees through the 
Company's QuadMed subsidiary, which specializes in employer-sponsored health care solutions.  QuadMed was founded 
in 1990 to address the Company's own employees' needs for quality, cost-effective primary care.  In 2013, QuadMed 
acquired Novia CareClinics, LLC ("Novia"), and today provides workplace solutions on a national level to employers of 
all sizes, including private and public sector companies.  These services include 82 on-site and near-site primary care 
clinics, telemedicine, and comprehensive health and wellness programs.

11

Client-Centric Approach

Throughout its 45-year history, Quad/Graphics has put its partnership with clients at the center of its operations, 

creating solutions clients need to meet their business objectives.  Quad/Graphics has made a concerted effort to hire 
talent with client-side experience who can provide unique insights into how the client operates and where they may be 
experiencing a marketing challenge the Company can help solve.  To better serve the evolving needs of marketers and 
publishers in today's multimedia world, Quad/Graphics streamlined its United States organization in 2015 by 
consolidating several print product lines into two main sales groups—Marketing Solutions and Publishing Solutions.  
The Company believes that this streamlined approach will better align its offerings with its clients' expanding integrated 
marketing and publishing needs and help drive future innovation.  The Company uses a consultative approach to tailor its 
wide range of print products and complementary services to the unique characteristics of each vertical industry it serves.  
This consultative approach includes the following:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

leveraging its integrated data analytics, finishing technology and logistics operations, which allow clients to 
create and track customized and relevant communications across channels on a cost-effective basis, with 
the objective of delivering higher response rates at a lower cost;

consulting with clients on marketing strategies to integrate personalized, targeted print communications 
(including in-store signage and point-of-purchase displays), with other media channels including mobile, 
email, the Web, tablets and e-readers, video and social media to drive higher response rates;

improving the cost-effectiveness of local advertising investments through an improved understanding of 
customers' shopping behavior, messaging preferences and media consumption habits;

developing workflow solutions to help clients streamline content management across multiple channels;

deploying its interactive media capabilities, including planning, executing and monitoring interactive print 
campaigns, email, personalized URLs, mobile solutions and digital editions, and creating and maintaining 
microsites in support of effective, cross-channel marketing campaigns to connect print with mobile 
technologies—such as smartphones and tablets—to create compelling calls to action that drive business 
results; and

continuing to invest in leading-edge technologies and capabilities to ensure it can provide the most 
desirable and effective cross-channel solutions to marketers and publishers as technologies and user 
preferences change.

Quad/Graphics' "high tech/high touch" approach has led to what the Company believes is an excellent client 

service reputation.  The Company uses the latest technology and tools to better connect clients with employees and 
employees with each other.  Its own brand of Smartools® not only link the Company's people and equipment across its 
entire network of plants, but extend to the Company's clients as well, creating true, real-time communications 
integration.  For example, the Company's Smartools® provide clients with access to the very same up-to-the-minute 
information used by the Company's production, customer service and sales representatives, allowing them to better 
manage current projects and plan future work.

Quad/Graphics pays particularly close attention to listening to what its clients say about the Company, 

proactively seeking their input through the annual Quad/Graphics Performance Client Survey.  The survey provides 
sound insights on clients' experience with the Company as well as ways to enhance products, services and overall value.  
Key concerns are addressed by a Senior Executive Team led by the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, 
demonstrating the Company's top-down commitment to client satisfaction.  Based on survey results, the Company has 
worked on a series of initiatives to streamline and simplify internal processes to address known pain points; share more 
information about its expanded product and service offering via a newly launched website (QG.com), including a focus 
on its expertise in meeting the needs of specific vertical industries; and provide clients with peer networking and thought 
leadership opportunities in the key issues facing clients such as cross-channel marketing challenges and postal reform 
issues.  In 2015, the Company held a two-day marketing thought leadership conference where it brought together leading 

12

marketers and publishers from a diverse group of industries for learning and networking opportunities.  The Company's 
event featured keynote presentations, small group discussions, working breakout sessions and real stories from the front 
lines of cross-channel marketing. Quad/Graphics' 2015 Postal Conference connected United States Postal Service 
("USPS") officials, key Congressional staff and client leadership responsible for circulation, production and marketing 
with a unique opportunity to share information, and discuss today's most pressing postal issues.  Participants took away 
knowledge to help their business and advance postal regulation and legislation for a sustainable USPS.

Leading Mailing and Distribution Capabilities

Quad/Graphics creates targeted and personalized printed materials for its clients, which helps its clients increase 

consumer response rates, maximize their return on print spending and reduce overall costs.  Quad/Graphics uses its in-
data capabilities to analyze mail list data, demographic data, consumer transaction data and other consumer-specific data 
to help its clients target consumers through personalized printed materials.  Personalization and targeting create the 
opportunity to reach the right recipients with the right (or relevant) message at the right time.  The Company believes 
that integrating its analysis of mail list data with its logistics services allows it to reduce client freight costs for shipments 
to newsstands and postal centers, while providing a high level of dependability and rapid response times that are crucial 
to the delivery of time-sensitive materials.  Further, the Company uses a national consolidation network to combine like-
destination freight to maximize cost-effectiveness.

Postal rates are a significant component of many clients' cost structures, and Quad/Graphics believes that postal 

costs influence the number of pieces that its clients print and mail.  The Company has invested significantly in its mail 
preparation and distribution capabilities to offset increasing postage costs, and to help clients successfully navigate the 
ever-changing postal environment.  Through its data analytics, unique software to merge mailstreams on a large scale, 
advanced finishing capabilities and technology, and in-house transportation and logistics operations, the Company 
manages the mail preparation and distribution of most of its clients' products to maximize efficiency and reduce these 
costs.  The Company helps its United States clients reduce their overall postage costs through what it believes, based on 
information published by or otherwise made available from its competitors, is the industry's largest co-mail program.  
The Company's co-mail program involves the sorting and bundling of printed products to be mailed to consumers, in 
order to facilitate better integration with USPS.  The USPS offers significant work-sharing discounts for this sorting, 
bundling and drop-shipping to more than 300 USPS postal processing centers as it reduces handling by the USPS.  By 
combining the products of multiple clients in the mailstream, the Company leverages the volume from participating 
clients, regardless of the production facility, to achieve USPS discounts for their benefit.  Quad/Graphics co-mailed 
approximately 5.4 billion magazines, catalogs and direct marketing pieces in 2015.  Quad/Graphics estimates that the 
Company's clients saved an estimated $260 million in 2015 through the Company's co-mailing programs.

Quad/Graphics is also able to leverage the volume of products running through its plants for further client 

distribution savings by coordinating and consolidating shipments from single mega plants or multiple plants that create a 
mega zone, and then routing those shipments directly to thousands of local newspapers, USPS processing facilities or 
other distribution facilities.  In addition, each major United States metropolitan area is within one day's drive of at least 
one of the Company's strategically located facilities, providing its clients the flexibility to print closest to their end 
consumers.

Commitment to Ongoing Innovation and Rapid Adoption of Technology with a Focus on Execution and 

Influencing Media Spend for Its Clients

Over the last five years, Quad/Graphics has invested an average of 3% of its annual net sales for capital 

expenditures.  This investment has resulted in what the Company believes is one of the most advanced and efficient 
platforms in the industry and has allowed the Company to reduce the amount invested in recent years without impacting 
its leading technological excellence.  The Company has had a continued commitment to research and development, 
platform maintenance, manufacturing process improvements and the rapid adoption of technological innovations.  For 
example, in early 2015 the Company announced a three-year plan to transform some of its platform from conventional 
web offset presses to modern digital presses that will give marketers and publishers a full range of options to produce 
and deliver relevant direct mail, book and other commercial products faster and more cost-effectively.  Another example 
of Quad/Graphics' innovative approach is the integration of its imaging, manufacturing and distribution networks into a 

13

single platform using a networked IT infrastructure.  This platform—connected via Quad/Graphics' own Smartools®—
provides seamless, real-time information flow across sales and estimating, production planning, scheduling, 
manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, invoicing, reporting and customer service.

From a client-facing technology perspective, Quad/Graphics believes it is at the forefront of the printing 

industry with creating and/or rapidly adopting services that help marketers and publishers drive improved performance 
and ROI on their marketing spend.  In 2015, Quad/Graphics announced the expansion of its existing BlueSoho business, 
expanding its marketing agency solutions offering into campaign development, shopper activation and mobile/digital 
programming.  The Company believes that BlueSoho will play an important role in defining its path forward as it is now 
uniquely capable of orchestrating cross-media programs that turn shoppers into buyers and buyers into loyal brand 
advocates.  The expanding service set is now comprised of local promotional strategy, conceptual design, media planning 
and buying, creative development, production services, marketplace deployment and program measurement.  This 
strategic repositioning of BlueSoho as an independent brand enables Quad/Graphics to capture new business, especially 
among brand owners who understand the benefits of fully orchestrated media execution and actionable brand 
experiences—from campaign development through all forms of media activation.

Data supports the Company's belief that marketers will continue to use a multichannel approach.  The 

November 2015 InfoTrends study Micro to Mega: Trends in Business Communications found that utilizing multiple 
media channels yielded a better response rate for marketing campaigns.  Specifically, marketers reported an average 
improvement of 28% in response rate when adding email, social media, and mobile application channels to their print 
campaigns.

The Company has long believed that print possesses the unique ability to create an emotional connection with 
consumers and readers that promotes engagement and response.  Data supports the Company’s belief that print works.  
According to the December 2015 InfoTrends study Direct Marketing Production Printing & Value-Added Services: A 
Strategy for Growth, 62% of consumers receiving printed catalogs that made a purchase within the last three months 
were influenced by the catalog.  Furthermore, the study found that two-thirds of direct mail is opened and more than 40% 
of consumers have made a purchase in the last three months because of a piece of direct mail they received.

Quad/Graphics also conducts an annual quantitative research study, Customer Focus®™, which provides 
consumer views on singular and integrated media usage via an extensive survey.  For example, the 2015 Customer 
Focus® study found that 60% of United States adults use retail inserts to find sales, coupons or promotions, and 65% of 
United States adults want to receive direct mail that is personalized with customized offers based on needs, interests and 
purchase history.  The survey reveals the unique characteristics of special demographic, generational, gender and socio-
economic groups and how they consume advertising and marketing messaging, and their attitudes and engagement 
preferences in a number of industry segments.  The Company's clients use these insights to validate current marketing 
strategies and form strategies for new programs.  Further, when coupled with third-party persona data sources, Customer 
Focus® provides the Company's clients with a basis for segmentation, creative and messaging relevancy, regardless of 
delivery channel.

This active response to print has influenced magazines publishers to increase usage of custom product covers to 

enhance reader engagement and retailers who primarily use digital channels, such as online-only retailers, or electronic-
retailers, to incorporate print into their marketing strategy.  In the past 24 months, the Company has assisted more than 
40 electronic retail clients to mail printed catalogs or direct mail for the first time.  Of these clients, 95% continue to 
market with print and more than 50% have increased page count, circulation or delivery frequency.

14

Disciplined and Consistent Financial Approach

As a controlled public company, Quad/Graphics enjoys the competitive advantage of remaining under the 

leadership and control of the founder's family.  The Quadracci family has had consistent control over the Company's 
operations and decision-making process since its founding in 1971, which allows for a longer-term strategic view with 
stability of leadership and strategic vision and deployment.  As of February 18, 2016, the Quadracci family retains 
approximately 80% voting control of the Company through the ownership of high-vote stock.  This leadership and voting 
control structure enables the Company to manage the Company's strategy and financial policy by having the foresight to 
make decisions today that could impact the Company years from now and avoiding the pitfalls of short-term decision-
making that could potentially jeopardize the stability and longevity of the Company.

Quad/Graphics believes that its disciplined financial approach of focusing on maximizing earnings and Free 
Cash Flow, and maintaining a strong balance sheet provides a competitive advantage.  Continuous Improvement and 
Lean Manufacturing methodologies are among the tools that Quad/Graphics uses to improve manufacturing productivity 
and to ultimately maximize operating margins.  The Company applies these same methodologies to its selling, general 
and administrative functions to create a truly Lean Enterprise.  Additionally, Quad/Graphics has a culture of continuous 
cost reduction that includes minimizing waste, increasing efficiencies and throughput, and simplifying and streamlining 
processes.  The Company has been working diligently to lower its cost structure by consolidating its manufacturing 
platform into its most efficient facilities, as well as realizing purchasing, mailing and logistics efficiencies by centralizing 
and consolidating print manufacturing volumes and eliminating redundancies in its administrative and corporate 
operations.  Quad/Graphics believes that its focused efforts to be the high-quality, low-cost producer generates increased 
Free Cash Flow and allows the Company to maintain a strong balance sheet through debt and pension liability 
reductions.  The Company's disciplined financial approach also allows it to maintain sufficient liquidity as well as to 
reduce refinancing risk, with the nearest significant maturity not occurring until April 2019.

The Company takes a very disciplined approach to its capital allocation decisions.  A key part of this discipline 
is a goal of having ROI exceed the cost of capital, whether the investments are related to purchasing the right equipment 
or investing in the right strategic growth initiatives.  The Company balances the use of cash between deleveraging the 
balance sheet through debt and pension liability reductions; making compelling investment opportunities; or returning 
cash back to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.

When reviewing an investment opportunity, such as a consolidating acquisition, Quad/Graphics uses a 

disciplined, value-driven approach to ensure the following criteria are met before any opportunity is selected:

• 

Strategic Fit.  The Company conducts a thorough review process to ensure a potential acquisition will be a 
good strategic fit.

•  Economics Make Sense.  The Company ensures that the economics make sense and will create value 
through an enhanced range of products and services, revenue-generating solutions and increased 
efficiencies.  Key economics include the negotiated purchase price, targeted efficiencies from integrating 
the companies together and the necessary cost to achieve those synergies.

•  Executable Integration Plan.  The Company makes certain that the integration plan is executable in a 

timely manner and without risk of significant client disruption.  The Company has a holistic approach to 
integration and measures success with four key elements: financial metrics, client retention and satisfaction, 
employee integration, and IT and platform integration.

•  Balance Sheet Integrity.  The Company ensures that post-acquisition, it retains the financial strength and 

flexibility it had prior to the acquisition.

15

Well-Defined Integration Process

As Quad/Graphics has grown through acquisitions, it has refined its integration process, creating what it 

believes to be a very well-defined and disciplined approach.  The Company's integration process puts a strong focus on 
serving clients well—minimizing disruption and maximizing retention—while improving the efficiency and productivity 
of its platform to drive cost savings.  The Company does not simply "bolt on" its acquisitions, leaving them to operate 
independently and overlooking the opportunities to eliminate redundancies and improve efficiencies.  Rather, it seeks to 
fully integrate the business.  Following an integration, Quad/Graphics takes a holistic approach to measuring success, 
considering client retention and satisfaction, employee integration, IT and platform integration and financial metrics.  
The Company uses the knowledge gained to improve future integration processes and has applied the same discipline to 
manage cost reduction initiatives through the Company's Project Management Office.

Given that integrating corporate cultures is one of the most complex and important efforts following an 
acquisition, the Company puts a strong focus on it.  Looking specifically at employee integration efforts, Quad/Graphics 
spends time helping new employees understand Company culture, including how it runs the business and the values 
system that drives decision-making and conduct.  As necessary, new employees in management and supervisory roles 
participate in a training program that helps them develop a deeper understanding of the organization and resources.

Distinct Corporate Culture

Quad/Graphics believes that its distinct corporate culture, which evolved from a core set of values conceived by 

the late founder Harry V. Quadracci, drives thoughtful decision-making, especially with regard to how it manages 
operations and creates solutions that redefine print in a multichannel media landscape, and better positions the Company 
to prevail in the dynamic and competitive printing industry.  The Company fosters an entrepreneurial environment by 
inspiring and empowering employees to own projects and enact solutions that advance the Company's goals.  Employees 
in the United States also may have a beneficial ownership interest in the Company through company stock held in an 
employee stock ownership plan, enhancing their sense of ownership.  The Company believes that the empowerment, 
engagement and development of its employee owners foster a strong partnership approach within the business that 
delivers results.

To maintain a culture of employee empowerment, the Company helps employees keep current on skills through 
education and training programs offered on the job and in the classroom.  Continuous Improvement classes include Lean 
Enterprise and Six Sigma training, designed to empower both production and administrative employees to find better 
ways to do their jobs and improve department and Company performance.  Safety initiatives include regular safety 
huddles and quizzes to discuss safe work conduct and promote a safety mindset, as well as on-site safety classes, 
including first-responder training.  The Company also maintains what it believes to be the industry's premier 
management training program, also known as the Corporate Training Program, which attracts capable, inspired next-
generation talent as well as experienced, ready-to-contribute second-career talent.

Quad/Graphics further invests in its employees by providing personal improvement classes, financial and 

retirement planning and comprehensive health and wellness benefits.  Through its own network of QuadMed primary 
care clinics located at larger worksite locations, and combined with advanced telemedicine systems, the Company 
provides high-quality primary medical care and specialty services to employees and their families at a low cost.  The 
Company demonstrates its commitment to wellness through onsite fitness centers at a number of printing plant locations, 
as well as by offering smoking cessation, weight-management and nutrition classes among other wellness-related 
programs; providing employee assistance program counseling services; and developing its own programs with financial 
incentives for managing chronic conditions such as diabetes and asthma (known as Well You) and promoting healthy 
lifestyles.  QuadMed also sells this business model of healthcare services to third-party businesses.

16

The Company has a number of programs designed to attract next-generation talent while retaining and engaging 

existing, valued employees.  These programs include "Think Smalls," a small-group gathering outside of work hours to 
strengthen co-worker relationships and provide a forum for meaningful business discussion; an industry years of service 
recognition program; and financial and volunteer support in the communities where employees live and work.  These 
programs are part of the Company's "Quad Proud" campaign that recognizes individual employee contributions to the 
Company's collective success while never forgetting the importance of being a Quad/Graphics team member, which 
includes the obligation to mentor the next generation of employees.

Quad/Graphics is led by an experienced management team with a proven track record in the printing industry 

that is committed to preserving the Company's values-based culture.  The senior management team includes individuals 
with long tenure with the Company augmented with seasoned industry talent realized through strategic hiring or recent 
acquisitions, further supported by managers and employees committed to advancing print solutions in coordination with 
the ever-evolving multichannel media landscape.  The Company believes the experience and stability of senior 
management, paired with next-generation entrepreneurially minded employees, will contribute to its long-term success 
as it continues on its path forward.

Segment Description

Quad/Graphics operates primarily in the commercial print portion of the printing industry, with related product 
and service offerings designed to offer clients complete solutions for communicating their message to target audiences.  
The Company's operating and reportable segments are aligned with how the chief operating decision maker of the 
Company currently manages the business.  The Company's reportable and operating segments and their product and 
service offerings are summarized below:

United States Print and Related Services

The United States Print and Related Services segment is predominantly comprised of the Company's United 

States printing operations and is managed as one integrated platform.  This includes retail inserts, publications, catalogs, 
special interest publications, journals, direct mail, books, directories, in-store marketing and promotion, packaging, 
newspapers, custom print products, other commercial and specialty printed products and global paper procurement, 
together with complementary service offerings, including marketing strategy, media planning and placement, data 
insights, segmentation and response analytics services, creative services, videography, photography, workflow solutions, 
digital imaging, facilities management services, digital publishing, interactive print solutions including image 
recognition and near field communication technology, mailing, distribution, logistics, and data optimization and hygiene 
services.  This segment also includes the manufacture of ink.  The United States Print and Related Services segment 
accounted for approximately 92%, 91% and 90% of Quad/Graphics' consolidated net sales in 2015, 2014 and 2013, 
respectively.

International

The International segment consists of the Company's printing operations in Europe and Latin America, 
including operations in England, France, Germany, Poland, Argentina, Colombia, Mexico and Peru, as well as strategic 
investments in printing operations in Brazil and India.  This segment provides printed products and complementary 
service offerings consistent with the United States Print and Related Services segment.  The International segment 
accounted for approximately 8%, 9% and 10% of the Company's consolidated net sales in 2015, 2014 and 2013, 
respectively.

17

Corporate

Corporate consists of unallocated general and administrative activities and associated expenses including, in 
part, executive, legal and finance.  In addition, in 2014 and 2015 certain expenses and income from frozen employee 
retirement plans, such as pension and postretirement benefit plans, are included in Corporate and not allocated to the 
operating segment.

For additional financial information by segment and geographic area, see Note 22, "Segment Information," and 

Note 23, "Geographic Area and Product Information," to the consolidated financial statements, respectively, in Part II, 
Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  For a discussion of the 
risks attendant to the Company's foreign operations, see the risk factor titled "There are risks associated with the 
Company's operations outside of the United States" in Item 1A, "Risk Factors," of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Competition

The printing industry, with approximately 45,000 companies in the United States, is highly fragmented and 

competitive.  The four largest printing companies account for less than 20% of total commercial print industry annual 
revenue in the United States, with Quad/Graphics being the second largest.  Although there has been significant industry 
consolidation, particularly in the past decade, the largest 400 printers in the printing industry still only represent just over 
half of the total industry revenue in the United States, according to the December 2015 Printing Impressions PI400.  
According to the October 2015 Printing in the U.S. IBISWorld industry report, the majority of commercial printers in the 
United States are privately owned and generate, on average, less than $35 million in annual revenue and approximately 
70% of firms operating in the industry have fewer than 10 employees.

In addition to being in a highly fragmented industry, the Company also faces competition due to the increased 

accessibility and quality of digital alternatives to traditional delivery of printed documents through the online distribution 
and hosting of media content, and the digital distribution of documents and data.  In addition, the Company faces 
competition from print management firms, which look to streamline processes and reduce the overall print spend of the 
Company's clients, as well as from strategic marketing firms focused on helping businesses integrate multiple channels 
into their marketing campaigns.

Across Quad/Graphics' range of products and services, competition is based on a number of factors, including 

the following: 

• 

• 

• 

total price of printing, materials and distribution;

quality;

range of services offered, including the ability to provide multichannel marketing campaigns;

•  marketing expertise;

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

distribution capabilities;

customer service;

access to a highly skilled workforce;

availability to schedule work on appropriate equipment;

on-time production and delivery; and

state-of-the-art technology to meet a client's business objectives, including the ability to adopt new 
technology quickly.

18

Clients

Quad/Graphics enjoys long-standing relationships with a diverse base of clients, which includes both national 
and regional corporations in North America, South America, Europe and Asia.  The Company's clients include industry-
leading blue chip companies that operate in a wide range of industries and serve both businesses and consumers, 
including retailers, publishers and direct marketers.  The Company's relationships with its largest clients average more 
than 19 years in duration.

In 2015, Quad/Graphics served approximately 9,400 clients, and its 10 largest clients accounted for 
approximately 15% of consolidated sales, with none representing more than 5% individually.  The Company believes 
that its large and diverse client base, broad geographic coverage and extensive range of printing and print-related 
capabilities are competitive strengths.

Patents, Trademarks and Trade Names

Quad/Graphics operates research and development facilities that support the development of new equipment, 

process improvements, raw materials and content management, and distribution technologies to better meet client needs 
and improve operating efficiencies.  The Company continues to innovate within the printing and print-related industry 
and, as a result, has developed what it believes to be one of the most powerful patent portfolios in the print industry.

Quad/Graphics currently holds or has rights to commercialize a wide variety of worldwide patents and 
applications relating to its business.  The Company intends to continue to file patent applications that it believes will help 
ensure the continued strength of the Company and its portfolio.  Additionally, the Company markets products, services 
and capabilities under a number of trademarks and trade names.  Quad/Graphics aggressively defends its intellectual 
property rights and intends to continue to do so in the future.

Raw Materials

The primary raw materials that Quad/Graphics uses in its print business are paper, ink and energy.  At this time, 

the Company's supply of raw materials is readily available from numerous vendors; however, based on market 
conditions, that could change in the future.  The Company generally buys these raw materials based upon market prices 
that are established with the vendor as part of the procurement process.

The majority of paper used by the Company is supplied directly by its clients.  For those clients that do not 

directly supply their own paper, the Company makes use of its purchasing efficiencies to supply paper by negotiating 
with leading paper vendors, uses a wide variety of paper grades, weights and sizes, and does not rely on any one vendor.  
In addition, the Company generally includes price adjustment clauses in sales contracts for paper and other critical raw 
materials in the printing process.  Although these clauses generally mitigate paper price risk, higher paper prices and 
tight paper supplies may have an impact on client demand for printed products.  The Company's working capital 
requirements, including the impact of seasonality, are partially mitigated through the direct purchasing of paper by its 
clients.

The Company produces the majority of ink used in its print production, allowing it to control the quality, cost 
and supply of key inputs.  Raw materials for the ink manufacturing process are purchased externally from a variety of 
vendors.

The Company generally cannot pass on to clients the impact of higher electric and natural gas energy prices on 
its manufacturing costs, and increases in energy prices result in higher manufacturing costs for certain of its operations.  
The Company mitigates its risk through natural gas hedges when appropriate.  In its logistic operations, however, the 
Company is able to pass a substantial portion of any increase in fuel prices directly to its clients.

19

Environmental Stewardship

As the owner, lessee or operator of various real properties and facilities, Quad/Graphics is subject to various 

federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations, including those relating to air emissions; waste generation, 
handling, management and disposal; sanitary and storm water discharge; and remediation of contaminated sites.  
Historically, compliance with these laws and regulations has not had a material adverse effect on the Company's results 
of operations, financial position or cash flows.  Compliance with existing or new environmental laws and regulations 
may require the Company to make future expenditures.

Quad/Graphics strives to be the leader in the printing industry in adopting new technologies and processes to 

minimize the Company's impact on the environment.  The Company believes it has long been known for its 
environmental stewardship.  Quad/Graphics' proactive approach to incorporate holistic practices has also positively 
impacted operating costs through the reduction of waste, energy use, emissions, as well as through the implementation of 
water conservation solutions.  The Company has also undertaken steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its 
manufacturing processes and to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions in its fleet of Company-owned tractor 
trailers.

Employees

As of December 31, 2015, Quad/Graphics had approximately 22,500 full-time equivalent employees in North 

America, South America, Europe and Asia.  Within the United States, there were approximately 19,600 full-time 
equivalent employees of which approximately 800 were covered by a collective bargaining agreement.  Outside of the 
United States, there were approximately 2,900 full-time equivalent employees, of which approximately 1,300 were either 
governed by agreements that apply industry-wide, by a collective bargaining agreement or through works councils or 
similar arrangements.  Quad/Graphics believes that its employee relations are good and that the Company maintains an 
employee-centric culture.

Business Acquisitions

The following is a listing of the Company's 2015 acquisition activity.  For additional information related to the 

Company's acquisition activity, see Note 2, "Acquisitions and Strategic Investments," to the consolidated financial 
statements in Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

•  The Company completed the acquisition of Specialty, a full-service paperboard folding carton manufacturer 

and logistics provider located in Omaha, Nebraska, on August 25, 2015.

•  The Company completed the acquisition of Copac, a leading international provider of innovative packaging 
and supply chain solutions, including turnkey packaging design, production and fulfillment services across 
a range of end markets headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina, on April 14, 2015.

•  The Company completed the acquisition of Marin's, a worldwide leader in the point-of-sale display 

industry headquartered in Paris, France, on February 3, 2015.

20

Executive Officers of Quad/Graphics

The following table sets forth the names, ages (as of February 18, 2016) and positions of Quad/Graphics' 

executive officers.

Name

Age

Position

J. Joel Quadracci . . . . . . . .

John C. Fowler . . . . . . . . .

Thomas J. Frankowski. . . .

Renee B. Badura . . . . . . . .

David A. Blais . . . . . . . . . .

David J. Honan . . . . . . . . .

Jennifer J. Kent . . . . . . . . .

Kelly A. Vanderboom . . . .

Steven D. Jaeger . . . . . . . .

Nancy J. Ott . . . . . . . . . . . .

Maura D. Packham . . . . . .

Anthony C. Staniak . . . . . .

47

65

55

52

53

47

44

41

51

50

47

43

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

Vice Chairman and Executive Vice President of Global Strategy and Corporate Development

Chief Operating Officer

Executive Vice President of Sales

Executive Vice President of Global Procurement and Platform Strategy

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Executive Vice President of Administration and General Counsel

President of Logistics, Vice President and Treasurer

Vice President and Chief Information Officer

Vice President of Human Resources

Vice President of Marketing and Communications

Vice President, Corporate Controller and Chief Accounting Officer

Mr. Quadracci has served as the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Quad/Graphics since 

January 2010.  He previously served as President and Chief Executive Officer from July 2006 to January 2010, President 
from January 2005 to July 2006 and has served as a director of Quad/Graphics since 2003.  Mr. Quadracci joined Quad/
Graphics in 1991 and, prior to becoming President and Chief Executive Officer, served in various capacities, including 
Sales Manager, Regional Sales Strategy Director, Vice President of Print Sales, Senior Vice President of Sales & 
Administration, and President and Chief Operating Officer.  Mr. Quadracci is the brother of Kathryn Quadracci Flores, a 
director of the Company, and the brother-in-law of Christopher B. Harned, a director of the Company.  Quad/Graphics 
believes that Mr. Quadracci's experience in the printing industry and in leadership positions with the Company qualifies 
him for service as a director of the Company.

Mr. Fowler has served as Vice Chairman and Executive Vice President of Global Strategy and Corporate 

Development since March 2014.  He previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from 
July 2010 to March 2014, as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from May 2005 to July 2010 and as Vice 
President and Controller from when he joined Quad/Graphics in 1980 (which at the time was the Company's top 
financial position) until May 2005.  Prior to joining Quad/Graphics, Mr. Fowler worked for Arthur Andersen LLP for six 
years.

Mr. Frankowski has served as Chief Operating Officer since March 2014.  He previously served as Executive 
Vice President of Manufacturing & Operations and President of Europe from July 2010 to March 2014.  Prior thereto, 
Mr. Frankowski was Senior Vice President of Manufacturing from 2004 to July 2010, President of Quad/Graphics 
Europe, Quad/Graphics' Polish subsidiary, from 2008 to July 2010, and he served in various other capacities since he 
joined Quad/Graphics in 1979.

Ms. Badura has served as Executive Vice President of Sales since June 2015.  She previously served as Vice 

President of Omnichannel Sales Strategy from February 2014 to June 2015, as Regional Vice President of Sales-Midwest 
for Marketing Solutions from January 2012 to February 2014, as Vice President of Sales - East Coast for Magazines and 
Catalogs from April 2007 to December 2011, as Vice President of Sales - West Coast from January 2004 to March 2007 
and in various other capacities since she joined Quad/Graphics in 1986.

21

Mr. Blais has served as Executive Vice President of Global Procurement and Platform Strategy since March 

2014.  He previously served as Executive Vice President of Sales and Client Services from January 2012 to March 2014 
and as Executive Vice President and President of Magazines and Catalogs from July 2010 to January 2012.  Mr. Blais 
was Senior Vice President of Sales & Administration from May 2005 to July 2010, Quad/Graphics' Vice President of 
Operations from 1999 to May 2005 and in various other capacities since he joined Quad/Graphics in 1984.

Mr. Honan has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since January 2015.  He 

previously served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from March 2014 to January 2015, Vice President and 
Chief Accounting Officer from July 2010 to March 2014, Vice President and Corporate Controller from December 2009 
to July 2010 and as the Company's Corporate Controller from when he joined Quad/Graphics in May 2009 until 
December 2009.  Prior to joining Quad/Graphics, Mr. Honan served as Vice President, General Manager and Chief 
Financial Officer of Journal Community Publishing Group, a subsidiary of media conglomerate Journal Communications 
Inc., for five years.  Before joining Journal Community Publishing Group, Mr. Honan worked in executive-level roles in 
investor relations and corporate development at Newell Rubbermaid, a global marketer of consumer and commercial 
products.  Prior thereto, Mr. Honan worked at the accounting firm Arthur Andersen LLP for 11 years.

Ms. Kent has served as Executive Vice President of Administration and General Counsel since June 2015.  She 

previously served as Vice President and General Counsel from December 2013 to June 2015 and as the Company's 
Assistant General Counsel from when she joined Quad/Graphics in August 2010 until December 2013.  Prior to joining 
Quad/Graphics, Ms. Kent held various positions in the legal department at Harley-Davidson Motor Company from 
March 2003 to July 2010.  Prior thereto, Ms. Kent served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District 
of Wisconsin and practiced law at Foley & Lardner LLP, a Milwaukee-based law firm.

Mr. Vanderboom has served as President of Logistics, Vice President and Treasurer since March 2014.  He 
previously served as Quad/Graphics' Vice President & Treasurer from 2008 to March 2014 and as its Treasurer from 
2007 to 2008.  Prior to becoming Quad/Graphics' Treasurer, Mr. Vanderboom served as Director of Treasury, Risk & 
Planning from 2006 until 2007, as Controller of Quad/Graphics' Distribution and Facilities departments from 2004 until 
2006, and in various other capacities since he joined Quad/Graphics in 1993.

Mr. Jaeger has served as Vice President and Chief Information Officer since November 2015.  He previously 

served as Executive Vice President, President of Direct Marketing and Chief Information Officer from November 2014 
to November 2015, as Executive Vice President, President of Direct Marketing and Media Solutions and Chief 
Information Officer from March 2014 to November 2014, as Corporate Vice President of Information and Technology 
for Quad/Graphics since 2013, Vice President of Information Systems and Infrastructure from 2007 to 2012 and as 
President of Quad/Direct since August 2007.  Prior thereto, Mr. Jaeger had been Quad/Graphics' Vice President of 
Information Systems from 1998 to 2006 and had worked in various other capacities since he joined the Company in 
1994.  Prior to joining Quad/Graphics, Mr. Jaeger worked for Andersen Consulting for eight years.

Ms. Ott has served as Vice President of Human Resources since December 2013.  She previously served as the 
Company's Executive Director of Human Resources from 2009 to 2013, as Manager of Human Resources from 1994 to 
2009 and as Employee Services Generalist from 1986 to 1994.  Prior to joining Quad/Graphics, Ms. Ott worked for 
Principal Financial Group.

Ms. Packham has served as Vice President of Marketing and Communications from when she joined Quad/
Graphics in July 2010.  Prior to joining Quad/Graphics, Ms. Packham served as World Color Press' Vice President of 
Marketing for North America during 2010 and as World Color Press' Vice President of Marketing for the Marketing 
Solutions Group from 2003 to 2009.  She joined World Color Press in 1995 as a senior financial analyst.

22

Mr. Staniak has served as Vice President, Corporate Controller and Chief Accounting Officer since January 

2015.  He previously served as Executive Director, Financial Controller and Chief Accounting Officer from March 2014 
to January 2015, as Executive Director and Financial Controller from March 2013 to March 2014, as Director of Internal 
Audit from November 2011 to March 2013 and as Director of External Reporting from when he joined Quad/Graphics in 
October 2009 until November 2011.  Prior to joining Quad/Graphics, Mr. Staniak served as Chief Financial Officer for 
the data consulting firm Sagence, Inc. since 2002.  Prior thereto, Mr. Staniak worked in the audit division of the 
accounting firm Arthur Andersen LLP since 1995.

Executive officers of the Company are elected by and serve at the discretion of the Company's board of 

directors.  Other than described above, there are no family relationships between any directors or executive officers of 
Quad/Graphics.

23

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24

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

You should carefully consider each of the risks described below, together with all of the other information 

contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, before making an investment decision with respect to Quad/Graphics' 
securities.  If any of the following risks develop into actual events, the Company's business, financial condition or results 
of operations could be materially and adversely affected, and you may lose all or part of your investment.

Quad/Graphics operates in a highly competitive industry.

Quad/Graphics operates primarily in the commercial print portion of the printing industry.  The printing 

industry, with approximately 45,000 companies in the United States, is highly fragmented and competitive.  The four 
largest printing companies account for less than 20% of total commercial print industry annual revenue in the United 
States.  Although there has been significant industry consolidation, particularly in the past decade, the largest 
400 printers in the printing industry still only represent just over half of the total industry revenue in the United States, 
according to the December 2015 Printing Impressions PI400.  According to the October 2015 Printing in the U.S. 
IBISWorld Industry Report, the majority of commercial printers in the United States are privately owned and generate, 
on average, less than $35 million in annual revenue and approximately 70% of firms operating in the industry have fewer 
than 10 employees.  As such, the Company competes for business not only with large and mid-sized printers, but also 
with smaller regional printers.  In certain circumstances, due primarily to factors such as freight rates and client 
preference for local services, printers with better access to certain regions of a given country may be preferred by clients 
in such regions.

In recent years, the printing industry has experienced a reduction in demand for printed materials and 
overcapacity due to various factors including the great recession of 2008 and 2009, which severely impacted volumes 
and competition from alternative sources of communication, including email, the Web, electronic readers, interactive 
television and electronic retailing.  The impacts of overcapacity and intense competition have led to continued downward 
pricing pressures.  Printing industry revenues may continue to decrease in the future.  Some of the industries that the 
Company services have been subject to consolidation efforts, leading to a smaller number of potential clients.  
Furthermore, if the smaller clients of Quad/Graphics are consolidated with larger companies using other printing 
companies, the Company could lose its clients to competing printing companies.

The printing industry is highly competitive and expected to remain so.  Any failure on the part of the Company 
to compete effectively in the markets it serves could have a material adverse effect on its results of operations, financial 
condition or cash flows and could require changes to the way it conducts its business or require it to reassess strategic 
alternatives involving its operations.

Significant downward pricing pressure and decreasing demand for printing services caused by factors outside of the 
Company's control may adversely affect the Company.

The Company has experienced significant downward pricing pressures for printing services in the past, and 

pricing for printing services has declined significantly in recent years.  Such pricing may continue to decline from 
current levels.  In addition, demand for printing services has decreased in recent years and may continue to decrease.  
Any increases in the supply of printing services or decreases in demand could cause prices to continue to decline, and 
prolonged periods of low prices, weak demand and/or excess supply could have a material adverse effect on the 
Company's business growth, results of operations and liquidity.

25

Quad/Graphics may not be able to reduce costs and improve its operating efficiency rapidly enough to meet market 
conditions.

Because the markets in which the Company competes are highly competitive, Quad/Graphics will need to 

continue to improve its operating efficiency in order to maintain or improve its profitability.  There can be no assurance 
that the Company's continuing cost reduction efforts will continue to be beneficial to the extent anticipated, or that the 
estimated productivity, cost savings or cash flow improvements will be realized as anticipated or at all.  If the Company's 
efforts are not successful, it could have an adverse effect on the Company's operations and competitive position.  In 
addition, the need to reduce ongoing operating costs have and, in the future, may continue to result in significant up-front 
costs to reduce workforce, close or consolidate facilities, or upgrade equipment and technology.

The impact of electronic media and similar technological changes, including the substitution of printed products for 
digital content, may continue to adversely affect the results of the Company's operations.

The media landscape is experiencing rapid change due to the impact of electronic media and digital content on 

printed products.  Improvements in the accessibility and quality of digital media through the online distribution and 
hosting of media content, mobile technologies, e-reader technologies, electronic retailing and the digital distribution of 
documents and data has resulted and may continue to result in increased consumer substitution.  Continued consumer 
acceptance of such digital media, as an alternative to print materials, is uncertain and difficult to predict and may 
decrease the demand for the Company's printed products, result in reduced pricing for its printing services and additional 
excess capacity in the printing industry and adversely affect the results of the Company's operations.

Future declines in economic conditions may adversely affect the Company's results of operations.

In general, demand for the Company's products and services is highly related to general economic conditions in 

the markets Quad/Graphics clients serve.  Declines in economic conditions in the United States or in other countries in 
which the Company operates may adversely impact the Company's financial results, and these impacts may be material.  
Because such declines in demand are difficult to predict, the Company or the industry may have increased excess 
capacity as a result.  An increase in excess capacity has resulted and may continue to result in declines in prices for the 
Company's products and services.  In addition, a prolonged decline in the global economy and an uncertain economic 
outlook has and could further reduce the demand in the printing industry.  Economic weakness and constrained 
advertising spending have resulted, and may in the future result, in decreased revenue, operating margin, earnings and 
growth rates and difficulty in managing inventory levels and collecting accounts receivable.  The Company has 
experienced, and expects to experience in the future, excess capacity and lower demand due to economic factors 
affecting consumers' and businesses' spending behavior.  Uncertainty about future economic conditions makes it difficult 
for the Company to predict results of operations, financial position and cash flows and to make strategic decisions 
regarding the allocation and deployment of capital.

Quad/Graphics' debt facilities include various covenants imposing restrictions that may affect the Company's ability 
to operate its business.

On September 1, 1995, and as last amended on November 24, 2014, Quad/Graphics entered into a senior 

secured note agreement (the "Master Note and Security Agreement") pursuant to which the Company has issued over 
time senior notes in an aggregate principal amount of $1.1 billion in various tranches.  As of December 31, 2015, the 
borrowings outstanding under the Master Note and Security Agreement were $260.4 million.  On April 28, 2014, and as 
last amended on December 18, 2014, the Company entered into a $1.6 billion senior secured credit facility (the "Senior 
Secured Credit Facility,") which includes three different loan facilities, a Term Loan A, a Term Loan B, and a revolving 
credit facility.  The $850.0 million revolving credit facility and the $450.0 million Term Loan A mature on April 27, 
2019.  The $300.0 million Term Loan B matures on April 27, 2021.  As of December 31, 2015, the borrowings 
outstanding under the Senior Secured Credit Facility was $774.6 million.  On April 28, 2014, the Company also issued 
$300.0 million aggregate principal amount of its unsecured 7.0% senior notes due May 1, 2022 ("Senior Unsecured 
Notes,") all of which remains outstanding as of December 31, 2015.

26

The Company's various lending arrangements include certain financial covenants.  In addition to the financial 

covenants, the debt facilities also include certain limitations on acquisitions, indebtedness, liens, dividends and 
repurchases of capital stock.  As of December 31, 2015, the Company was in compliance with all financial covenants in 
its debt agreements.  While the Company currently expects to be in compliance in future periods with all of the financial 
covenants, there can be no assurance that these covenants will continue to be met.  The Company's failure to maintain 
compliance with the covenants could prevent the Company from borrowing additional amounts and could result in a 
default under any of the debt agreements.  Such default could cause the outstanding indebtedness to become immediately 
due and payable, by virtue of cross-acceleration or cross-default provisions.

Quad/Graphics' business depends substantially on customer contract renewals and/or customer retention.  Any 
contract non-renewals, renewals on different terms and conditions or decline in the Company's customer retention or 
expansion could materially adversely affect Quad/Graphics' results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

The Company has historically derived a significant portion of its revenue from long-term contracts with 

significant clients.  If the Company loses significant clients, is unable to renew such contracts on similar terms and 
conditions, or at all, or is not awarded new long-term contracts with important clients in the future, its results of 
operations, financial condition and cash flows may be adversely affected.

The Company is exposed to risks of loss in the event of nonperformance by its clients.  Some of the Company's 

clients are highly leveraged or otherwise subject to their own operating and regulatory risks.  Even if the Company's 
credit review and analysis mechanisms work properly, the Company may experience financial losses and loss of future 
business if its clients become bankrupt, insolvent or otherwise are unable to pay the Company for its work performed.  
Any increase in the nonpayment or nonperformance by clients could adversely affect the Company's results of operations 
and financial condition.

Certain of the industries in which the Company's clients operate are experiencing consolidation.  When client 

consolidation occurs, it is possible that the volume of work performed by the Company for a client after the 
consolidation will be less than it was before the consolidation or that the client's work will be completely moved to 
competitors.  Any such reduction or loss of work could adversely affect the Company's results of operations and financial 
condition.

Quad/Graphics may be adversely affected by increases in its operating costs, including the cost and availability of raw 
materials, labor-related costs, fuel and other energy costs and freight rates.

The primary raw materials that Quad/Graphics uses in its print business are paper, ink and energy.  The price of 

such raw materials has fluctuated over time and has caused fluctuations in the Company's net sales and cost of sales.  
This volatility may continue and Quad/Graphics may experience increases in the costs of its raw materials in the future 
as prices in the overall paper, ink and energy markets are expected to remain beyond its control.

The majority of paper used by the Company is supplied by its clients.  For those clients that do not directly 

supply their own paper, the Company generally includes price adjustment clauses in sales contracts for paper and other 
critical raw materials in the printing process.  Although these clauses generally mitigate paper price risk, higher paper 
prices and tight paper supplies may have an impact on client demand for printed products.  If Quad/Graphics passes 
along increases in the cost of paper and the price of the Company's products and services increases as a result, client 
demand could be adversely affected, and thereby, negatively impact Quad/Graphics' financial performance.  If the 
Company is unable to continue to pass along increases in the cost of paper to its clients, future increases in paper costs 
would adversely affect its margins and profits.

Quad/Graphics is dependent upon the vendors within the Company's supply chain to maintain a steady supply 

of inventory, parts and materials.  Many of the Company's products are dependent upon a limited number of vendors, and 
significant disruptions could adversely affect operations.  Under recent market conditions, including the tightening credit 
market, it is possible that one or more of the Company's vendors will be unable to fulfill their operating obligations due 
to financial hardships, liquidity issues or other reasons related to the prolonged market recovery.

27

Due to the significance of paper in the Company's business, it is dependent on the availability of paper.  In 

periods of high demand, certain paper grades have been in short supply, including grades used in the Company's 
business.  In addition, during periods of tight supply, many paper producers allocate shipments of paper based upon 
historical purchase levels of customers.  Although Quad/Graphics generally has not experienced significant difficulty in 
obtaining adequate quantities of paper, unforeseen developments in the overall paper markets could result in a decrease 
in the supply of paper and could adversely affect the Company's revenues or profits.

In addition, the Company may not be able to resell waste paper and other by-products or the prices received for 

their sale may decline substantially.

The Company has less frequently been able to pass along increases in the cost of ink and energy to its clients.  If 

the Company is unable to pass along increases in the cost of ink and energy, future increases in these items would 
adversely affect its margins and profits.  If Quad/Graphics is able to pass along increases in the costs of ink and energy 
and the price of the Company's products and services increases as a result, client demand could be adversely affected, 
and thereby, negatively impact Quad/Graphics' financial performance.

Labor represents a significant component of the cost structure of Quad/Graphics.  Increases in wages, salaries 
and benefits, such as medical, dental, pension and other post-retirement benefits, may impact the Company's financial 
performance.  Changes in interest rates, investment returns or the regulatory environment may impact the amounts the 
Company will be required to contribute to the pension plans that it sponsors and may affect the solvency of these pension 
plans.  Quad/Graphics may be unable to achieve labor productivity targets, to retain employees or labor may not be 
adequately available in locations in which the Company operates, which could negatively impact the Company's 
financial performance.

Freight rates and fuel costs also represent a significant component of the Company's cost structure.  In general, 
the Company has been able to pass along increases in the cost of freight and fuel to many of its clients.  If the Company 
is not able to pass along a substantial portion of increases in freight rates or in the price of fuel, future increases in these 
items would adversely impact the Company's margin and profits.  If Quad/Graphics passes along increases in the cost of 
freight and fuel and the price of the Company's products and services increases as a result, client demand could be 
adversely affected, and thereby, negatively impact Quad/Graphics' financial performance.

Changes in postal rates, postal regulations and postal services may adversely impact customers' demand for print 
products and services.

Postal costs are a significant component of the cost structures of many of the Company's clients and potential 
clients.  Postal rate changes and USPS regulations that result in higher overall costs can influence the volume that these 
clients will be willing to print and ultimately send through the USPS.

Integrated distribution with the postal service is an important component of the Company's business.  Any 

material change in the current service levels provided by the postal service could impact the demand that clients have for 
print services.  The USPS has reported cumulative net losses totaling more than $56 billion since 2007.  Without 
increased revenues or action by Congress to reform the USPS' cost structure, these losses will continue into the future.  
As a result of these financial difficulties, the USPS has come under increased pressure to adjust its postal rates and 
service levels.  In January 2014, the USPS implemented a temporary exigent postage rate increase of 6.0% (includes the 
normal and expected annual Consumer Price Index ("CPI") increase of 1.7% and an additional 4.3% temporary exigent 
increase).  In January 2015, the USPS filed a proposal with the Postal Regulatory Commission ("PRC") for a CPI 
increase of 2.0% on April 26, 2015.  After being rejected twice by the PRC, the third proposal was approved, and prices 
were implemented on May 31, 2015.  Additionally, the 4.3% temporary exigent increase was extended and is scheduled 
to end in April 2016.  However, the USPS has filed an appeal in federal court requesting that the "surcharge" be 
continued and made part of the permanent base postage rate.  Additionally, there is legislation pending before Congress 
that would also make this surcharge a permanent part of the base postage rate.  Many of the Company's customers have 
already budgeted for their postal spend assuming that the current law would be maintained and the surcharge would end 
as scheduled.  A court ruling or passage of legislation that maintains the postage surcharge may result in customers 
reducing mail volumes and exploring the use of alternative methods for delivering their products, such as continued 

28

diversion to the Internet and other alternative media channels in order to ensure that they stay within their expected 
postage budgets.

The USPS does offer "work-share" discounts that provide incentives to co-mail and place product as far down 
the mail-stream as possible.  Discounts are earned as a result of less handling of the mail, and therefore, lower costs for 
the USPS.  As a result, Quad/Graphics has made substantial investments in co-mailing technology and equipment to 
ensure customers benefit from these discounts. As the USPS reacts to its financial difficulties, it often revises design 
standards for mail entering its system.  These design standards often increase costs for customers and, in turn, minimize 
the value of the cost reductions that the Company's co-mailing services provide.  If the incentives to co-mail are 
minimized by USPS regulations, the overall cost to mail printed products will increase and may result in print volumes 
declining.

Current federal law limits postal rate increase (outside of an "exigent circumstance") to the increase in the CPI.  
This cap works to ensure funding stability and predictability for mailers.  However, that same federal statute requires the 
PRC to conduct a review of the overall rate-making structure for the USPS.  This review will begin in late 2016 with 
new rates going into effect by January 1, 2018.  This rate review may result in a substantially altered rate structure for 
mailers.  There is a great deal of uncertainty as to the outcome of this review as it may retain the current CPI cap or, 
more likely, it will result in a revised structure.  The newly revised rates may include a higher rate cap or potentially the 
elimination of a rate cap altogether which will result in no restrictions on the USPS' ability to increase rates from year to 
year.  That kind of rate-making flexibility may lead to price spikes for mailers and may also reduce the incentive for the 
USPS to continue to take out costs and instead continue to rely on postage to cover the costs of an outdated postal 
service that does not reflect the industry's ability or willingness to pay.  The end result may be reduced demand for 
printed products as customers may move more aggressively into other delivery methods such as the many digital and 
mobile options now available to consumers.

If Quad/Graphics fails to identify, manage, complete and integrate acquisitions, investment opportunities or other 
significant transactions, it may adversely affect the Company's future results.

As part of Quad/Graphics' growth strategy, the Company may pursue acquisitions of, investment opportunities 

in or other significant transactions with companies that are complementary to the Company's business.  In order to 
pursue this strategy successfully, the Company must identify attractive acquisition or investment opportunities, 
successfully complete the transaction, some of which may be large and complex, and manage post-closing issues such as 
integration of the acquired company or employees.  Quad/Graphics may not be able to identify or complete appealing 
acquisition or investment opportunities given the intense competition for these transactions.  Even if the Company 
identifies and completes suitable corporate transactions, the Company may not be able to successfully address inherent 
risks in a timely manner, or at all.  These inherent risks include, among other things: (1) failure to successfully integrate 
the purchased operations, technologies, products or services and maintain uniform standard controls, policies and 
procedures; (2) substantial unanticipated integration costs; (3) loss of key employees including those of the acquired 
business; (4) diversion of management's attention from other operations; (5) failure to retain the clients of the acquired 
business; (6) failure to achieve any projected synergies and performance targets; (7) additional debt and/or assumption of 
known or unknown liabilities; (8) potential dilutive issuances of equity securities; and (9) a write-off of goodwill, client 
lists, other intangibles and amortization of expenses.  If the Company fails to successfully integrate an acquisition, the 
Company may not realize all or any of the anticipated benefits of the acquisition, and Quad/Graphics' future results of 
operations could be adversely affected.  In addition, the diversion of management's attention from the Company's other 
operations due to these acquisitions and integration effort could adversely affect its business and have a negative 
financial impact.

29

Quad/Graphics' entry into additional markets increases the complexity of the Company's business, and if the 
Company is unable to successfully adapt its business processes as required by these new markets, the Company will be 
at a competitive disadvantage and its ability to grow will be adversely affected.

As the Company expands its product line to provide additional marketing and publishing channels, the overall 

complexity of the Company's business increases at an accelerated rate and the Company becomes subject to different 
market dynamics.  The new markets into which Quad/Graphics is expanding, or may expand, may have different 
characteristics from the markets in which the Company currently competes.  These different characteristics may include, 
among other things, demand volume requirements, demand seasonality, product generation development rates, client 
concentrations and performance and compatibility requirements.  The Company's failure to make the necessary 
adaptations to its business model to address these different characteristics, complexities and new market dynamics could 
adversely affect the Company's operating results.

Quad/Graphics and its facilities are subject to various consumer protection and privacy laws and regulations, and will 
become subject to additional laws and regulations in the future. If Quad/Graphics' efforts to comply with such laws or 
protect the security of information are unsuccessful, any failure may subject the Company to material liability, 
require it to incur material costs or otherwise adversely affect its results of operations as a result of compliance with 
such laws, costly enforcement actions and private litigation.

The nature of the Company's business includes the receipt and storage of information about the Company's 

clients, vendors and the end-users of Quad/Graphics' products and services.  Quad/Graphics and its clients are subject to 
various United States and foreign consumer protection, information security, data privacy and "do not mail" requirements 
at the federal, states, provincial and local levels.  Quad/Graphics is subject to many legislative and regulatory laws and 
regulations around the world concerning data protection and privacy.  In addition, the interpretation and application of 
consumer and data protection laws in the United States and elsewhere are often fluid and uncertain.  To the extent that 
the Company or its clients become subject to additional or more stringent requirements or that the Company is not 
successful in its efforts to comply with existing requirements or protect the security of information, demand for the 
Company's services may decrease and the Company's reputation may suffer, which could adversely affect the Company's 
results of operations.  In addition, such laws may be interpreted and applied in a manner inconsistent with Quad/
Graphics' internal policies.  If so, the Company could suffer costly enforcement actions (including an order requiring 
changes to Quad/Graphics' data practices) and private litigation, which could have an adverse effect on the Company's 
business and results of operations.  Complying with these various laws could cause Quad/Graphics to incur substantial 
costs or require changes to the Company's business practices in a manner adverse to Quad/Graphics' business.

Quad/Graphics may suffer a data-breach of sensitive information.  If Quad/Graphics' efforts to protect the security of 
such information are unsuccessful, any such failure may result in costly government enforcement actions and private 
litigation, and our sales and reputation could suffer.

Quad/Graphics and its clients are subject to various United States and foreign cyber-security laws, which 

require the Company to maintain adequate protections for electronically held information.  The Company may not be 
able to anticipate techniques used to gain access to Quad/Graphics' systems or facilities, the Company's clients' systems, 
vendor systems or implement adequate prevention measures.  Moreover, unauthorized parties may attempt to access 
Quad/Graphics' systems or facilities, the Company's clients' systems or vendor systems through fraud or deception. In the 
event and to the extent that a data breach occurs, such breach could have an adverse effect on the Company's business 
and results of operations.  Complying with these various laws could cause Quad/Graphics to incur substantial costs or 
require changes to the Company's business practices in a manner adverse to Quad/Graphics' business.

30

An other than temporary decline in operating results and enterprise value could lead to non-cash impairment charges 
due to the impairment of property, plant and equipment and other intangible assets.

The Company has a material amount of property, plant, equipment and other intangible assets on its balance 
sheet, due in part to acquisitions.  As of December 31, 2015, the Company had the following long-lived assets on its 
consolidated balance sheet included in Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," of this Annual 
Report on Form 10-K:

• 

Property, plant and equipment of $1,675.8 million; and

•  Other intangible assets, primarily representing the value of customer relationships acquired, of 

$110.5 million.

As of December 31, 2015, these assets represented approximately 63% of the Company's total assets.  The 
Company assesses impairment of property, plant and equipment and other intangible assets based upon the expected 
future cash flows of the respective assets.  These valuations include management's estimates of sales, profitability, cash 
flow generation, capital structure, cost of debt, interest rates, capital expenditures and other assumptions.  A decline in 
expected profitability, significant negative industry or economic trends, inability to effectively integrate acquired 
businesses, unexpected significant changes or planned changes in use of the assets or in entity structure, and divestitures 
may adversely impact the assumptions used in the valuations.  As a result, the recoverability of these assets could be 
called into question, and the Company could be required to write down or write off these assets.  Such an occurrence 
could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations and financial position.

If Quad/Graphics is not able to take advantage of technological developments in the printing industry on a timely 
basis, the Company may experience a decline in the demand for its services, be unable to implement its business 
strategy and experience reduced profits.

The printing industry is experiencing rapid change as new technologies are developed that offer clients an array 

of choices for their marketing and publication needs.  In order to grow and remain competitive, the Company will need 
to adapt to future changes in technology, enhance the Company's existing offerings and introduce new offerings to 
address the changing demands of clients.  If Quad/Graphics is unable to meet future challenges from competing 
technologies on a timely basis or at an acceptable cost, the Company could lose clients to competitors.  In general, the 
development of new communication channels inside and outside the printing and media solutions industry requires the 
Company to anticipate and respond to the varied and continually changing demands of clients.  The Company may not 
be able to accurately predict technological trends or the success of new services in the market.

Currently, there is a limited active market for Quad/Graphics' class A common stock and, as a result, shareholders 
may be unable to sell their class A common stock without losing a significant portion of their investment.

The Company's class A common stock has been traded on the NYSE under the symbol "QUAD" since July 6, 
2010.  However, there is currently a limited active market for the class A common shares.  The Company cannot predict 
the extent to which investor interest in the Company will lead to the development of an active trading market for its class 
A common stock on the NYSE or how liquid that market will become.  If a more active trading market does not develop, 
shareholders may have difficulty selling any class A common stock without negatively affecting the stock price, and 
thereby, losing a significant portion of their investment.

31

Changes in the legal and regulatory environment could limit the Company's business activities, increase its operating 
costs, reduce demand for its products or result in litigation.

The conduct of the Company's businesses is subject to various laws and regulations administered by federal, 

state and local government agencies in the United States, as well as to foreign laws and regulations administered by 
government entities and agencies in markets in which the Company operates.  These laws and regulations and 
interpretations thereof may change, sometimes dramatically, as a result of political, economic or social events.  Such 
regulatory environment changes may include changes in environmental laws, requirements of United States and foreign 
occupational health and safety laws, accounting standards and taxation requirements.  Changes in laws, regulations or 
governmental policy and the related interpretations may alter the environment in which Quad/Graphics does business, 
and therefore, may impact its results or increase its costs or liabilities.

In addition, the Company and its subsidiaries are party to a variety of legal and environmental remediation 

obligations arising in the normal course of business, as well as environmental remediation and related indemnification 
proceedings in connection with certain historical activities, former facilities and contractual obligations of acquired 
businesses.  Permits are required for the operation of certain parts of the Company's business, and these permits are 
subject to renewal, modification and, in some circumstances, revocation.  Due to regulatory complexities, uncertainties 
inherent in litigation and the risk of unidentified contaminants on current and former properties, the potential exists for 
remediation, liability and indemnification costs to differ materially from the costs the Company has estimated.  Quad/
Graphics cannot assure you that the Company's costs in relation to these matters will not exceed its established liabilities 
or otherwise have an adverse effect on its results of operations.

Various laws and regulations addressing climate change are being considered at the federal and state levels.  

Proposals under consideration include limitations on the amount of greenhouse gas that can be emitted (so-called "caps") 
together with systems of trading allowed emissions capacities.  The impacts of such proposals could have a material 
adverse impact on the Company's financial condition and results of operations.

Quad/Graphics may be required to make capital expenditures to maintain its platform and processes and to remain 
technologically and economically competitive, which may increase its costs or disrupt its operations.

The Company may need to make significant capital expenditures as it develops and continues to maintain its 

platform and processes.  The Company also may be required to make capital expenditures to develop and integrate new 
technologies to remain technologically and economically competitive.  In order to accomplish this effectively, the 
Company will need to deploy its resources efficiently, maintain effective cost controls and bear potentially significant 
market and raw material risks.  If the Company's revenues decline, it may impact the Company's ability to expend the 
capital necessary to develop and implement new technology and be economically competitive.  Debt or equity financing, 
or cash generated from operations, may not be available or sufficient for these requirements or for other corporate 
purposes or, if debt or equity financing is available, it may not be on terms favorable to the Company.  In addition, even 
if capital is available to the Company, there is risk that the Company's vendors will have discontinued the production of 
parts needed for repairs, replacements or improvements to the Company's existing manufacturing platform, leading the 
Company to expend more capital than expected to perform such repairs, replacements or improvements.

Quad/Graphics' revenue is subject to cyclical and seasonal variations.

The Company's business is seasonal, with Quad/Graphics recognizing the majority of its operating income in 

the third and fourth quarters of the financial year, primarily as a result of the increased magazine advertising page counts 
and retail inserts, catalogs and books from back-to-school and holiday-related advertising and promotions.  The fourth 
quarter is the highest seasonal quarter for cash flows from operating activities and Free Cash Flow due to the reduction 
of working capital requirements that reach peak levels during the third quarter.  Within any year, this seasonality could 
adversely affect the Company's cash flows and results of operations.

32

The Company has significant liabilities with respect to defined benefit pension plans that could grow in the future 
and cause the Company to incur additional costs.

As a result of the 2010 acquisition of World Color Press, the Company assumed frozen single employer defined 
benefit pension plans for certain of its employees in the United States.  The majority of the plans' assets are held in North 
American and global equity securities and debt securities.  The asset allocation as of December 31, 2015, was 
approximately 54% equity securities and 46% debt securities.

As of December 31, 2015, the Company had underfunded pension liabilities of approximately $138 million for 

single employer defined benefit plans in the United States.  Under current United States pension law, pension funding 
deficits are generally required to be funded over a seven-year period.  These pension deficits may increase or decrease 
depending on changes in the levels of interest rates, pension plan investment performance, pension legislation and other 
factors.  Declines in global debt and equity markets would increase the Company's potential pension funding obligations.  
Any significant increase in the Company's required contributions could have a material adverse impact on its business, 
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

In addition to the single employer defined benefit plans described above, the Company has previously 

participated in multiemployer pension plans ("MEPPs") in the United States, including the Graphic Communications 
International Union - Employer Retirement Fund ("GCIU") and the Graphic Communications Conference of the 
International Brotherhood of Teamsters National Pension Fund ("GCC").  Prior to the acquisition of World Color Press 
by Quad/Graphics, World Color Press received notice that certain plans in which it participated were in critical status, as 
defined in Section 432 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Internal Revenue Code").  As a result, 
the Company could have been subject to increased contribution rates associated with these plans or other MEPPs 
suffering from declines in their funding levels.  Due to the significantly underfunded status of the United States 
multiemployer plans and the potential increased contribution rates, the Company withdrew from participation in these 
multiemployer plans and has replaced these pension benefits with a Company-sponsored "pay as you go" defined 
contribution plan, which is historically the form of retirement benefit provided to the Company's employees.

As of December 31, 2015, the Company estimates and has recorded in its financial statements a pre-tax 
withdrawal liability for all United States multiemployer plans of approximately $48 million in the aggregate.  There are 
arbitration proceedings in process with the GCIU, and also both the Company and GCIU have filed lawsuits in Federal 
court.  Arbitration proceedings with the GCC have been completed, both sides have appealed the arbitrator's ruling, and 
litigation has commenced.  Until litigation with the multiemployer plans' trustees is concluded, the exact amount of the 
withdrawal liability will not be known, and, as such, a difference from the recorded estimate could have an adverse effect 
on the Company's results of operations, financial position and cash flows.

There are risks associated with the Company's operations outside of the United States.

Although the substantial majority of the Company's business activity takes place in the United States, a portion 
of Quad/Graphics net sales are derived from operations in foreign countries.  The Company's products and services are 
sold primarily throughout North America, South America and Europe.  In addition, the Company strategically sources 
packaging product manufacturing over multiple end markets in Central America and Asia.  The Company's printing 
operations located in Europe and Latin America include operations in England, France, Germany, Poland, Argentina, 
Colombia, Mexico and Peru, as well as strategic investments in printing operations in Brazil and India.  Net sales from 
the Company's wholly-owned subsidiaries outside of the United States accounted for approximately 8%, 9% and 10% of 
its consolidated net sales for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

As a result, the Company is subject to the risks inherent in conducting business outside of the United States, 
including, but not limited to: the impact of economic and political instability; fluctuations in currency values, foreign-
currency exchange rates, devaluation and conversion restrictions; exchange control regulations and other limits on the 
Company's ability to import raw materials or finished product; tariffs and other trade barriers; political and economic 
instability; trade restrictions and economic embargoes by the United States or other countries; social unrest, acts of 
terrorism, force majeure, war or other armed conflicts; inflation and fluctuations in interest rates; language barriers; 

33

difficulties in staffing, training, employee retention and managing international operations; logistical and 
communications challenges; differing local business practices and cultural consideration; restrictions on the ability to 
repatriate funds; foreign ownership restrictions and the potential for nationalization or expropriation of property or other 
resources; longer accounts receivable payment cycles; potential adverse tax consequences and being subject to different 
legal and regulatory regimes that may preclude or make more costly certain initiatives or the implementation of certain 
elements of its business strategy.  Any international expansion or acquisition that the Company undertakes could amplify 
these risks related to operating outside of the United States.

Quad/Graphics is exposed to the economic and political conditions in Argentina.  The Argentine economy has 

experienced significant volatility in recent decades, characterized by periods of low or negative growth, high and 
variable levels of inflation and currency devaluation.  As a consequence, the Company's business and operations have 
been, and could be in the future, affected from time to time to varying degrees by economic and political developments 
and other material events affecting the Argentine economy.  The majority of the Company's employees in Argentina are 
covered by a collective bargaining agreement.  A strike, work stoppage or other form of labor protest in Argentina in the 
future could disrupt the Company's operations and result in a material adverse impact to the Company's Argentina 
operations' financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, which could force the Company to reassess its 
strategic alternatives involving operations in Argentina.  In addition, on March 25, 2015, due to deteriorating economic 
conditions, including inflation and currency devaluation, combined with uncertain political conditions, declining print 
volumes and labor challenges, the Company's Argentina subsidiaries commenced bankruptcy restructuring proceedings 
with a goal of consolidating operations.  The Company may be unable to successfully complete such consolidation and 
such proceedings may not be (in whole or in part) decided in the Company's favor.  Any such outcome may result in an 
adverse effect on the Company's results of operations, financial position and cash flows.  As of December 31, 2015, the 
Company had $22.1 million of total assets in Argentina, representing 0.8% of Quad/Graphics consolidated total assets.  
For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company recognized $67.4 million of net sales in Argentina, representing 
1.4% of Quad/Graphics consolidated net sales.

Quad/Graphics may incur costs or suffer reputational damage due to improper conduct of its employees, contractors 
or agents.

The Company could be adversely affected by engaging in business practices that are in violation of United 

States and foreign anti-corruption laws, including the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.  The Company 
operates in parts of the world with developing economies that have experienced governmental corruption to some 
degree, and in certain circumstances, strict compliance with anti-corruption laws may conflict with local customs and 
practices.  In certain countries, the Company does substantial business with government entities or instrumentalities, 
which creates enhanced Foreign Corrupt Practices Act risk.  There can be no assurance that all of the Company's 
employees, contractors or agents, including those representing the Company in countries where practices which violate 
anti-corruption laws may be customary, will not take actions in violation of Quad/Graphics' policies and procedures.  The 
failure to comply with the laws governing international business practices may result in substantial penalties and fines.

Holders of class A common stock are not able to independently elect directors of Quad/Graphics or control any of the 
Company's management policies or business decisions or its decisions to issue additional shares, declare and pay 
dividends or enter into corporate transactions because the holders of class A common stock have substantially less 
voting power than the holders of the Company's class B common stock, all of which is owned by certain members of 
the Quadracci family, trusts for their benefit or other affiliates of Quad/Graphics, whose interests may be different 
from the holders of class A common stock.

The Company's outstanding stock is divided into two classes of common stock: class A common stock ("class A 

stock") and class B common stock ("class B stock").  The class B stock has ten votes per share on all matters and the 
class A stock is entitled to one vote per share.  As of February 18, 2016, the class B stock constitutes approximately 80% 
of Quad/Graphics' total voting power.  As a result, holders of class B stock are able to exercise a controlling influence 
over the Company's business, have the power to elect its directors and indirectly control decisions such as whether to 
issue additional shares, declare and pay dividends or enter into corporate transactions.  All of the class B stock is owned 
by certain members of the Quadracci family or trusts for their benefit, whose interests may differ from the interests of the 
holders of class A stock.

34

Approximately 91% of the outstanding class B stock is held of record by the Quad/Graphics Voting Trust, and 

that constitutes approximately 72% of the Company's total voting power.  The trustees of the Quad/Graphics Voting Trust 
have the authority to vote the stock held by the Quad/Graphics Voting Trust.  Accordingly, the trustees of the Quad/
Graphics Voting Trust are able to exercise a controlling influence over the Company's business, have the power to elect 
its directors and indirectly control decisions such as whether to issue additional shares, declare and pay dividends or 
enter into corporate transactions.

Quad/Graphics is a controlled company within the meaning of the rules of the NYSE and, as a result, it relies on 
exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements that provide protection to shareholders of other 
companies.

Since the Quad/Graphics Voting Trust owns more than 50% of the total voting power of the Company's stock, 
the Company is considered a controlled company under the corporate governance listing standards of the NYSE.  As a 
controlled company, an exception under the NYSE listing standards exempts the Company from the obligation to comply 
with certain of the NYSE's corporate governance requirements, including the requirements:

• 

• 

• 

that a majority of the Company's board of directors consist of independent directors, as defined under the 
rules of the NYSE;

that the Company have a corporate governance and nominating committee that is composed entirely of 
independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee's purpose and responsibilities; and

that the Company have a compensation committee that is composed entirely of independent directors with a 
written charter addressing the committee's purpose and responsibilities.

Accordingly, for so long as Quad/Graphics is a controlled company, holders of class A stock will not have the 
same protections afforded to shareholders of companies that are subject to all of the corporate governance requirements 
of the NYSE.

The Company is heavily dependent on its Chief Executive Officer, its management team and skilled personnel and, if 
we are unable to retain or motivate such personnel or hire qualified personnel, the Company may not be able to 
compete effectively.

The Company's future success depends on its continuing ability to identify, hire, develop, motivate and retain its 

Chief Executive Officer, the management team and skilled personnel for all areas of the organization.  The Company's 
continued ability to compete effectively depends on its ability to attract new employees and retain and motivate its 
existing employees.

The Company may not be able to utilize deferred tax assets to offset future taxable income.

As of December 31, 2015, the Company had deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances, of $274.7 million.  

The Company expects to utilize the deferred tax assets to reduce consolidated income tax liabilities in future taxable 
years.  However, the Company may not be able to fully utilize the deferred tax assets if its future taxable income and 
related income tax liability is insufficient to permit their use.  In addition, in the future, the Company may be required to 
record a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets if the Company believes it is unable to utilize them, which 
would have an adverse effect on the Company's results of operations and financial position.

35

Quad/Graphics may be adversely affected by interest rates and foreign exchange rates.

As of December 31, 2015, 57% of the Company's borrowings were subject to variable interest rates.  As a 

result, the Company is exposed to market risks associated with fluctuations in interest rates, and increases in interest 
rates could adversely affect the Company.

Because a portion of the Company's operations are outside of the United States, significant revenues and 

expenses are denominated in local currencies.  Although operating in local currencies may limit the impact of currency 
rate fluctuations on the results of operations of the Company's non-United States subsidiaries and business units, 
fluctuations in such rates may affect the translation of these results into the Company's consolidated financial statements.  
To the extent revenues and expenses are not in the applicable local currency, the Company may enter into foreign 
exchange forward contracts to hedge the currency risk.  There can be no assurance, however, that the Company's efforts 
at hedging will be successful.  There is always a possibility that attempts to hedge currency risks will lead to greater 
losses than predicted.

Quad/Graphics may be adversely affected by strikes and other labor protests.

As of December 31, 2015, Quad/Graphics had a total of approximately 22,500 full-time equivalent employees, 

of which approximately 2,100 were covered by a collective bargaining agreement.  As of December 31, 2015, the 
Company had seven collective bargaining agreements in the United States and eight agreements outside of the United 
States that are either industry-wide individual collective bargaining agreements or works councils or similar 
arrangements.

While the Company believes its employee relations are good and that the Company maintains an employee-

centric culture, and there has not been any material disruption in operations resulting from labor disputes, the Company 
cannot be certain that it will be able to maintain a productive and efficient labor environment.  The Company cannot 
predict the outcome of any future negotiations relating to the renewal of the collective bargaining agreements, nor can 
there be any assurance that work stoppages, strikes or other forms of labor protests pending the outcome of any future 
negotiations will not occur.  A strike or other forms of labor protest affecting a series of major plants in the future could 
materially disrupt the Company's operations and result in a material adverse impact on its financial condition, results of 
operations and cash flows, which could force the Company to reassess its strategic alternatives involving certain of its 
operations.

Item 1B. 

Unresolved Staff Comments

The Company has no unresolved staff comments to report pursuant to this item.

36

Item 2. 

Properties

Quad/Graphics' corporate office is located in Sussex, Wisconsin.  The Company owned or leased 161 facilities 

located in 17 countries including manufacturing operations, warehouses and office space totaling approximately 
33,910,000 square feet, of which approximately 24,700,000 is owned space and approximately 9,210,000 is leased space 
as of December 31, 2015.  In addition to these owned and leased facilities, the Company has strategic investments in 
printing operations located in Brazil and India.

Within the United States Print and Related Services segment, the Company operated 65 owned or leased 

manufacturing facilities encompassing approximately 23,705,000 square feet as of December 31, 2015.  Within the 
International segment, the Company operated 7 owned or leased manufacturing facilities encompassing approximately 
1,810,000 square feet as of December 31, 2015.  The following table lists the Company's operating locations with 
manufacturing facilities totaling over 500,000 square feet as of December 31, 2015:

Locations

Square Feet Property Type

Lomira, Wisconsin, United States . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Martinsburg, West Virginia, United States. . . . . . .
Sussex, Wisconsin, United States. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hartford, Wisconsin, United States . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States . . . . . . .
Versailles, Kentucky, United States . . . . . . . . . . . .
Saratoga Springs, New York, United States. . . . . .
West Allis, Wisconsin, United States. . . . . . . . . . .
Waseca, Minnesota, United States . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Rock, Georgia, United States . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wyszkow, Poland. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Franklin, Kentucky, United States . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Effingham, Illinois, United States . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Merced, California, United States . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Owned
Owned
Owned
Owned
Owned
Owned
Owned
Owned
Owned
Owned
Owned

2,174,000
2,123,000
1,970,000
1,564,000
1,128,000
1,065,000
1,034,000
913,000
786,000
797,000
709,000
617,000 Owned/Leased
564,000
539,000

Owned
Owned

Segment
United States Print and Related Services
United States Print and Related Services
United States Print and Related Services
United States Print and Related Services
United States Print and Related Services
United States Print and Related Services
United States Print and Related Services
United States Print and Related Services
United States Print and Related Services
United States Print and Related Services
International
United States Print and Related Services
United States Print and Related Services
United States Print and Related Services

Taunton, Massachusetts, United States . . . . . . . . .

513,000 Owned/Leased

United States Print and Related Services

Pewaukee, Wisconsin, United States . . . . . . . . . . .

504,000

Owned

United States Print and Related Services

Item 3. 

Legal Proceedings

Quad/Graphics is subject to various legal actions, administrative proceedings and claims arising out of the 

ordinary course of business.  Quad/Graphics believes that such unresolved legal actions, proceedings and claims will not 
materially adversely affect its results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.

Item 4. 

Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

37

Item 5.  Market for the Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of 

PART II

Equity Securities

Capital Stock and Dividends

Quad/Graphics' authorized capital stock consists of 80.0 million shares of class A stock, 80.0 million shares of 

class B stock, 20.0 million shares of class C common stock and 0.5 million shares of preferred stock.  The Company's 
outstanding capital stock as of December 31, 2015, consisted of 35.4 million shares of class A stock, 14.2 million shares 
of class B stock and no shares of class C common stock or preferred stock.  As of February 18, 2016, there were 
2,370 record holders of the class A stock and 26 record holders of the class B stock.

The Company's class A stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol "QUAD".  The class A stock is entitled to 

one vote per share.  The Company's class B stock is held by certain members of the Quadracci family or trusts for their 
benefit (and can only be voluntarily transferred to the Company or to a member of the Quadracci "family group" as 
defined in the Company's amended and restated articles of incorporation; and any transfer in violation of the Company's 
amended and restated articles of incorporation results in the automatic conversion of such class B stock into class A 
stock).  The class B stock is entitled to ten votes per share.  Each share of class B stock may, at the option of the holder, 
be converted at any time into one share of class A stock.  There is no public trading market for the class B stock.

Pursuant to the Company's amended and restated articles of incorporation, each outstanding class of common 

stock has equal rights with respect to cash dividends.  Pursuant to the Company's debt facilities, the Company is subject 
to limitations on dividends and repurchases of capital stock.  If the Company's total leverage ratio is greater than 3.00 to 
1.00 (as defined in the Company's Senior Secured Credit Facility), the Company is prohibited from making greater than 
$120.0 million of annual dividend payments, capital stock repurchases and certain other payments.  If the total leverage 
ratio is less than 3.00 to 1.00, there are no such restrictions.  For the twelve months ended December 31, 2015, the 
Company's total leverage ratio was 2.89 to 1.00.

The high and low closing sales prices of the Company's class A stock during each quarter and the quarterly 

dividends paid per share of each class of common stock then outstanding during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 
2014, are contained in the chart below:

Dividends Paid

2015

2014

2015

2014

High

Low

High

Low

Class A Closing Stock Prices

First Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Second Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Third Quarter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fourth Quarter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

0.30
0.30
0.30
0.30

$

0.30
0.30
0.30
0.30

$

23.90
23.22
18.05
13.32

$

20.04
18.40
12.10
8.73

$

26.39
23.64
22.71
23.30

21.89
19.30
19.25
18.26

Securities Authorized For Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

See Part III, Item 12, "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related 

Shareholder Matters," of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for certain information regarding the Company's equity 
compensation plans.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

On September 6, 2011, the Company's board of directors authorized a share repurchase program of up to 

$100.0 million of the Company's outstanding class A stock.  Under the authorization, share repurchases may be made at 
the Company's discretion, from time to time, in the open market and/or in privately negotiated transactions as permitted 
by federal securities laws and other legal requirements.  The timing, manner, price and amount of any repurchase will 
depend on economic and market conditions, share price, trading volume, applicable legal requirements and other factors.  

38

The program may be suspended or discontinued at any time.  There were no share repurchases made during the year 
ended December 31, 2015.  As of December 31, 2015, there were $91.8 million of authorized repurchases remaining 
under the program.  Subsequent to December 31, 2015, and through February 18, 2016, the Company repurchased 
984,190 shares of its class A stock at a weighted average price of $8.96 per share for a total purchase price of 
$8.8 million.

Stock Performance Information

The following graph compares cumulative shareholder return on Quad/Graphics' class A stock since 
December 31, 2010, as compared to the Standard & Poor's ("S&P") MidCap 400 Index and the S&P 1500 Commercial 
Printing Index over the same period.  The graph assumes a $100.00 investment and that all dividends are reinvested.  The 
comparison in the graph below is based upon historical stock performance and should not be considered indicative of 
future stockholder returns.

Indexed Returns

Quad/Graphics, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
S&P MidCap 400 Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Base
Period
12/31/2010
100.00
100.00

12/31/2011
35.70
$
98.27

12/31/2012
59.49
$
115.83

12/31/2013
83.15
$
154.64

12/31/2014
74.03
$
169.74

12/31/2015
32.66
$
166.05

S&P 1500 Commercial Printing Index . . . . .

100.00

92.60

83.71

170.19

174.23

157.59

39

Item 6. 

Selected Financial Data

The selected consolidated statements of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, 

and the selected consolidated balance sheets data at December 31, 2015 and 2014, are derived from the audited 
consolidated financial statements of the Company included in Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," 
of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  The selected financial data includes the results of operations prospectively from 
their respective acquisition dates.  For additional information related to the Company's acquisition activity, see Note 2, 
"Acquisitions and Strategic Investments," to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8, "Financial Statements and 
Supplementary Data," of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  The selected consolidated statements of operations data for 
the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the consolidated balance sheets data at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 
2011, are derived from audited consolidated financial statements not included herein.

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

(In millions, except per share data)

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

Consolidated Statements of Operations Data:
Net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Operating income (loss) from continuing operations(1). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4,677.7
(830.0)

$

4,862.4
141.3

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Quad/Graphics common shareholders:

From continuing operations(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
From discontinued operations(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net earnings (loss)(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

(641.9)
—
(641.9) $

Earnings (loss) per diluted share attributable to Quad/Graphics common
shareholders:

From continuing operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
From discontinued operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Earnings (loss) per diluted share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

(13.40) $
—
(13.40) $

18.6
—
18.6

0.38
—
0.38

Consolidated Balance Sheets Data:
Total assets(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations (excluding current portion)(3)

$

2,847.5
1,249.6

4,008.8
1,309.4

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

4,795.9
142.2

32.5
—
32.5

0.65
—
0.65

4,103.6
1,258.2

$

$

$

$

$

4,094.0
106.5

56.6
30.8
87.4

1.13
0.65
1.78

4,025.3
1,209.1

4,324.6
156.9

(8.3)
(38.6)
(46.9)

(0.18)
(0.82)
(1.00)

4,628.3
1,347.5

Other Financial Data:
Dividends per share of common stock(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
______________________________

1.20

$

1.20

$

1.20

$

3.00

$

0.60

(1) 

Includes restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges of $164.9 million, $67.3 million, $95.3 million, $118.3 million 
and $114.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Includes goodwill 
impairment charges of $808.3 million ($542.4 million, net of tax) for the year ended December 31, 2015.

(2)  The results of operations of the Company's Canadian operations have been reported as discontinued operations for all periods 

presented.  Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax, decreased $35.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2012, to a 
$3.2 million loss, which primarily reflects the sale of the Company's Canadian operations on March 1, 2012, and the effect of 
reporting two months of activity as opposed to twelve months for the year ended December 31, 2011.  This $3.2 million loss was 
offset by a gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax, of $34.0 million, resulting in $30.8 million of earnings from 
discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2012.

(3)  Long-term debt and capital lease obligations (excluding current portion) and total assets presented includes the retrospective 

adoption of new accounting guidance on the balance sheet presentation of debt issuance costs and deferred taxes issued by the 
Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") in April 2015 and November 2015, respectively, and accordingly, the amounts 
have been restated for all periods presented.  See Note 25, "New Accounting Pronouncements," to the consolidated financial 
statements in Item 8 "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" for further information.

(4)  Dividends per share of common stock in 2012 includes a special dividend of $2.00 per share, which was declared and paid in 

December 2012.  Excludes aggregate tax distributions declared to S corporation shareholders of $2.7 million for the year ended 
December 31, 2011.  There were no tax distributions declared to S corporation shareholders for the years ended December 31, 
2015, 2014, 2013 and 2012.

40

Item 7. 

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion of the financial condition and results of operations of Quad/Graphics should be read 

together with the Quad/Graphics' audited consolidated financial statements for each of the three years in the period ended 
December 31, 2015, including the notes thereto, included in Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," of 
this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  This discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect the Company's 
plans, estimates and beliefs.  The Company's actual results could differ materially from those discussed in these forward-
looking statements.  Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include, but are not limited to, those 
discussed in "Forward-Looking Statements" and Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors," included earlier within this Annual 
Report on Form 10-K.

Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is provided as a 

supplement to the Company's consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes to help provide an 
understanding of the Company's financial condition, the changes in the Company's financial condition and the 
Company's results of operations.  This discussion and analysis is organized as follows:

•  Overview.  This section includes a general description of the Company's business and segments, an 
overview of key performance metrics the Company's management measures and utilizes to evaluate 
business performance, and an overview of trends affecting the Company, including management's actions 
related to the trends.

•  Results of Operations.  This section contains an analysis of the Company's results of operations by 

comparing the results for (1) the year ended December 31, 2015, to the year ended December 31, 2014; and 
(2) the year ended December 31, 2014, to the year ended December 31, 2013.  The comparability of the 
Company's results of operations between periods was impacted by acquisitions, including the 2013 
acquisitions of Vertis, Novia, Proteus and Transpak Corporation ("Transpak"); 2014 acquisitions of Brown 
Printing and UniGraphic, Inc. ("UniGraphic"); and the 2015 acquisitions of Marin's, Copac and Specialty.  
The results of operations of all acquisitions are included in the Company's consolidated results 
prospectively from their respective acquisition dates.  Forward-looking statements providing a general 
description of recent and projected industry and Company developments that are important to 
understanding the Company's results of operations are included in this section.  This section also provides a 
discussion of EBITDA and EBITDA margin, financial measures that the Company uses to assess the 
performance of its business that are not prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally 
accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP").

• 

Liquidity and Capital Resources.  This section provides an analysis of the Company's capitalization, cash 
flows, a statement about off-balance sheet arrangements, and a discussion and table of outstanding debt and 
commitments.  Forward-looking statements important to understanding the Company's financial condition 
are also included in this section.  This section also provides a discussion of Free Cash Flow and Debt 
Leverage Ratio, non-GAAP financial measures that the Company uses to assess liquidity and capital 
allocation and deployment.

•  Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates.  This section contains a discussion of the accounting policies 

that the Company's management believes are important to the Company's financial condition and results of 
operations, as well as allowances and reserves that require significant judgment and estimates on the part of 
the Company's management.  In addition, all of the Company's significant accounting policies, including 
critical accounting policies, are summarized in Note 1, "Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant 
Accounting Policies," to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8, "Financial Statements and 
Supplementary Data," of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

•  New Accounting Pronouncements.  This section provides a discussion of new accounting pronouncements 

and the anticipated impact of those accounting pronouncements to the Company's consolidated financial 
statements.

41

Overview

Business Overview

Quad/Graphics is a leading print and marketing services provider.  With a consultative approach, worldwide 

capabilities, leading-edge technology and single-source simplicity, the Company believes it has the resources and 
knowledge to help a wide variety of clients in vertical industries including, but not limited to, retail, publishing, 
healthcare, insurance and financial.  The Company uses a consultative approach to tailor the Company's wide range of 
print products and complementary services to the unique characteristics of each vertical industry it serves.  These 
products and services include:

•  Print.  Including retail inserts, publications, catalogs, special interest publications, journals, direct mail, 

books, directories, in-store marketing and promotion, packaging, newspapers, custom print products, other 
commercial and specialty printed products and global paper procurement.

• 

Logistics.  Including mailing solutions, postal consultation, delivery optimization and hygiene services, 
delivery monitoring and tracking, and distribution, logistics and transportation services.

•  Digital.  Including email, social, mobile (activated print, apps, websites), digital publishing and beacon 

technology.

• 

Strategy.  Including brand, campaign, and media planning and placement.

•  Data.  Including data insights, segmentation and response analysis.

•  Creative.  Including concept and design, page layout and production, copywriting, photography, retouching, 

mobile, video production and optimization.

•  Workflow.  Including content management, process management, production and facilities management 

services, color management, and digital file processing and proofing.

Quad/Graphics remains focused on its five primary strategic goals that support its objective to be the industry's 

high-quality, low-cost producer to fuel transformative growth opportunities and drive improved performance through 
innovation for its clients.  The Company believes these goals, which are summarized below, will allow it to be successful 
despite ongoing industry challenges:

• 

Strengthen the Core.  Quad/Graphics core print categories—retail inserts, publications, catalogs, books and 
directories—have been under pressure in recent years, but remain foundational to most marketers' and 
publishers' business strategies and generate a significant amount of cash flow for the Company.  Quad/
Graphics utilizes a disciplined return on capital framework and historically has made significant 
investments in its print manufacturing platform and data management capabilities that have resulted in 
what it believes is one of the most integrated, automated, efficient and modern manufacturing platforms in 
the industry.  The Company's ability to maintain the strength of its core product lines promotes sustainable 
cash flow and continued value creation to support future growth opportunities.

•  Grow the Business Profitably.  The Company believes it is well positioned to grow the business profitably 
through ongoing innovation, organic growth and disciplined acquisitions that expand the business into new 
product categories and geographies, transform an existing product line, or create value-driven industry 
consolidation.  Helping clients use print in combination with other media channels, including digital, 
mobile, social and signage, to increase response rates and deliver high levels of marketing ROI is of 
particular focus.  The Company is adept at leveraging existing client relationships in key vertical industries 
to drive innovation and develop complementary products and services that help brand owners market their 
products, services and content more efficiently and effectively across media channels.  The Company will 
look to grow through compelling, ongoing investments in its platform as well as through acquisitions that 

42

create value either through providing an enhanced range of products and services or through creating 
manufacturing and distribution efficiencies.

•  Walk in the Shoes of our Clients.  The Company is focused on creating a client experience that creates 
loyalty to the Quad/Graphics brand by partnering with our clients to fully understand their internal 
processes, marketing strategies and challenges so the Company can better deliver the solutions that will 
help them achieve their business objectives.  Quad/Graphics examines everything from clients' marketing 
strategy—including how clients manage their customer data—to production and marketing workflow 
processes.  Through a consultative approach, the Company's goal is to become an invaluable strategic 
partner to its clients—a partner who is focused on helping each client successfully navigate today's 
changing media landscape.

•  Engage Employees.  Quad/Graphics looks to engage employees through the Company's distinct corporate 

culture, which encourages employees to take pride and ownership in their work; take advantage of 
continuous learning, apprentice and job-advancement opportunities; share knowledge by mentoring others; 
and innovate solutions.  Quad/Graphics believes one of the most important ways it can drive employee 
engagement is by acting on a continuous employee feedback loop.  Quad/Graphics believes in transparent 
and regular two-way communication with employees and provides the opportunity for all employees to 
have a voice or share an opinion through a number of different channels, including surveys and open 
forums at Company town hall and department meetings.

•  Enhance Financial Strength and Create Shareholder Value.  Quad/Graphics follows a disciplined approach 
to maintaining and enhancing financial strength to create shareholder value, which is essential given 
ongoing industry challenges.  This key strategic goal is centered on the Company's ability to maximize Free 
Cash Flow, net earnings and EBITDA; maintain consistent financial policies to ensure a strong balance 
sheet and liquidity level; and retain the financial flexibility needed to strategically allocate and deploy 
capital as circumstances change.

Quad/Graphics operates primarily in the commercial print portion of the printing industry, with related product 
and service offerings designed to offer clients complete solutions for communicating their message to target audiences.  
The Company's operating and reportable segments are aligned with how the chief operating decision maker of the 
Company currently manages the business.  The Company's reportable and operating segments are summarized below.

The United States Print and Related Services segment is predominantly comprised of the Company's United 

States printing operations and is managed as one integrated platform.  This includes retail inserts, publications, catalogs, 
special interest publications, journals, direct mail, books, directories, in-store marketing and promotion, packaging, 
newspapers, custom print products, other commercial and specialty printed products and global paper procurement, 
together with complementary service offerings, including marketing strategy, media planning and placement, data 
insights, segmentation and response analytics services, creative services, videography, photography, workflow solutions, 
digital imaging, facilities management services, digital publishing, interactive print solutions including image 
recognition and near field communication technology, mailing, distribution, logistics, and data optimization and hygiene 
services.  This segment also includes the manufacture of ink.  The United States Print and Related Services segment 
accounted for approximately 92% of the Company's consolidated net sales during the year ended December 31, 2015.

The International segment consists of the Company's printing operations in Europe and Latin America, 
including operations in England, France, Germany, Poland, Argentina, Colombia, Mexico and Peru, as well as strategic 
investments in printing operations in Brazil and India.  This segment provides printed products and complementary 
service offerings consistent with the United States Print and Related Services segment.  The International segment 
accounted for approximately 8% of the Company's consolidated net sales during the year ended December 31, 2015.

Corporate consists of unallocated general and administrative activities and associated expenses including, in 
part, executive, legal and finance.  In addition, in 2014 and 2015 certain expenses and income from frozen employee 
retirement plans, such as pension and postretirement benefit plans, are included in Corporate and not allocated to the 
operating segment.

43

Key Performance Metrics Overview

The Company's management believes the ability to generate net sales growth, profit increases and positive cash 

flow, while maintaining the appropriate level of debt, are key indicators of the successful execution of the Company's 
business strategy and will increase shareholder value.  The Company uses period over period net sales growth, EBITDA, 
EBITDA margin, net cash provided by operating activities, Free Cash Flow and Debt Leverage Ratio as metrics to 
measure operating performance, financial condition and liquidity.  EBITDA, EBITDA margin, Free Cash Flow and Debt 
Leverage Ratio are non-GAAP financial measures (see the definitions of EBITDA, EBITDA margin and the 
reconciliation of net earnings (loss) attributable to Quad/Graphics common shareholders to EBITDA in the "Results of 
Operations" section below, and see the definitions of Free Cash Flow and Debt Leverage Ratio, the reconciliation of net 
cash provided by operating activities to Free Cash Flow, and the calculation of Debt Leverage Ratio in the "Liquidity and 
Capital Resources" section below).

Net sales growth.  The Company uses period over period net sales growth as a key performance metric.  The 

Company's management assesses net sales growth based on the ability to generate increased net sales through increased 
sales to existing clients, sales to new clients, sales of new or expanded solutions to existing and new clients and 
opportunities to expand sales through strategic investments, including acquisitions.

EBITDA and EBITDA margin.  The Company uses EBITDA and EBITDA margin as metrics to assess operating 

performance.  The Company's management assesses EBITDA and EBITDA margin based on the ability to increase 
revenues while controlling variable expense growth.

Net cash provided by operating activities.  The Company uses net cash provided by operating activities as a 

metric to assess liquidity.  The Company's management assesses net cash provided by operating activities based on the 
ability to meet recurring cash obligations while increasing available cash to fund integration and restructuring 
requirements, including acquired operations and other cost reduction activities, as well as to fund capital expenditures, 
debt service requirements, World Color Press single employer pension plan contributions, World Color Press MEPPs 
withdrawal liabilities, acquisitions and other investments in future growth, shareholder dividends and share repurchases.  
Net cash provided by operating activities can be significantly impacted by the timing of non-recurring or infrequent 
receipts or expenditures.

Free Cash Flow.  The Company uses Free Cash Flow as a metric to assess liquidity and capital deployment.  

The Company's management assesses Free Cash Flow as a measure to quantify cash available for strengthening the 
balance sheet (debt reduction), for strategic capital allocation and deployment through investments in the business 
(acquisitions and strategic investments), and returning capital to the shareholders (dividends and share repurchases).  The 
priorities for capital allocation and deployment will change as circumstances dictate for the business, and Free Cash 
Flow can be significantly impacted by the Company's restructuring activities and other unusual items.

Debt Leverage Ratio.  The Company uses the Debt Leverage Ratio as a metric to assess liquidity and the 

flexibility of its balance sheet.  Consistent with other liquidity metrics, the Company monitors the Debt Leverage Ratio 
as a measure to determine the appropriate level of debt the Company believes is optimal to operate its business, and 
accordingly, to quantify debt capacity available for strategic capital allocation and deployment through investments in 
the business (capital expenditures and acquisitions), for strengthening the balance sheet (debt and pension liability 
reduction), and for returning capital to the shareholders (dividends and share repurchases).  The priorities for capital 
allocation and deployment will change as circumstances dictate for the business, and the Debt Leverage Ratio can be 
significantly impacted by the amount and timing of large expenditures requiring debt financing, as well as changes in 
profitability.

44

Overview of Trends Affecting Quad/Graphics

Competition in the highly fragmented printing industry remains intense, and the Company believes that there 

are indicators of heightened competitive pressures.  The industry has excess manufacturing capacity created by continued 
declines in industry volumes which, in turn, has created accelerated downward pricing pressures.  In addition, digital 
delivery of documents and data, including the online distribution and hosting of media content and mobile technologies, 
offer alternatives to traditional delivery of printed documents.  Increasing consumer acceptance of digital delivery of 
content has resulted in marketers and publishers allocating their marketing and advertising spend across the expanding 
selection of digital delivery options, which further reduces printing demand and contributes to industry overcapacity.  
The Company also faces competition from print management firms, which look to streamline processes and reduce the 
overall print spend of the Company's clients, as well as from strategic marketing firms focused on helping businesses 
integrate multiple channels into their marketing campaigns.

The Company believes that a disciplined approach for capital management and a strong balance sheet are 

critical to be able to invest in profitable growth opportunities and technological advances, thereby providing the highest 
return for shareholders.  Management balances the use of cash between compelling investment opportunities, 
deleveraging the Company's balance sheet (through reduction in debt and pension obligations), and returns to 
shareholders (through share repurchases and a quarterly dividend of $0.30 per share).

The Company continues to remain disciplined with its debt leverage.  The Company's consolidated debt and 

capital leases decreased by $56 million during the year ended December 31, 2015, despite investing $133 million in 
capital expenditures and $143 million in acquisitions (primarily the 2015 Marin's, Copac and Specialty acquisitions).  
Since the Company completed the World Color Press acquisition in July 2010, the Company has reduced debt and capital 
leases by $390 million and has reduced the obligations for pension, postretirement and MEPPs by $361 million.

The Company has been working diligently to integrate acquired companies, thereby lowering its cost structure 
by consolidating its manufacturing platform into its most efficient facilities, as well as realizing purchasing, mailing and 
logistics efficiencies by centralizing and consolidating print manufacturing volumes and eliminating redundancies in its 
administrative and corporate operations.  These efforts include the deployment of the Company's Smartools® platform to 
streamline workflows and improve data visibility across the consolidated platform.  In addition, restructuring actions 
initiated by the Company beginning in 2010 have resulted in the announcement of 31 plant closures and have reduced 
headcount by approximately 10,000 employees through December 31, 2015.

In addition to cost savings through acquisition-related synergies, the Company continues its focus on cost 

reductions through Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives, both on the production floor and with 
administrative support, in order to achieve improved efficiencies, reduce waste, lower overall operating costs, enhance 
quality and timeliness and create a safer work environment for the Company's employees.  In January 2016, the 
Company announced that it had completed its previously announced $100 million sustainable cost reduction program 
ahead of schedule, intended to bring the Company's cost structure in line with revenues in light of heightened 
competitive pressures.  The program included reducing excess manufacturing capacity through plant closures; 
intensifying the Company's focus on productivity; reducing selling, general and administrative costs; and implementing a 
new streamlined organizational structure.  The cost reduction program incrementally reduced the Company's cost 
structure by $100 million starting January 1, 2016, and the Company intends to continue reducing costs during 2016 and 
the years beyond.

Integrated distribution with the postal service is an important component of the Company's business.  Any 

material change in the current service levels provided by the postal service could impact the demand that clients have for 
print services.  The USPS has reported cumulative net losses totaling more than $56 billion since 2007.  Without 
increased revenues or action by Congress to reform the USPS' cost structure, these losses will continue into the future.  
As a result of these financial difficulties, the USPS has come under increased pressure to adjust its postal rates and 
service levels.  In January 2014, the USPS implemented a temporary exigent postage rate increase of 6.0% (includes the 
normal and expected annual CPI increase of 1.7% and an additional 4.3% temporary exigent increase).  In January 2015, 
the USPS filed a proposal with the PRC for a CPI increase of 2.0% on April 26, 2015.  After being rejected twice by the 
PRC, the third proposal was approved, and prices were implemented on May 31, 2015.  Additionally, the 4.3% 

45

temporary exigent increase was extended and is scheduled to end in April 2016.  However, the USPS has filed an appeal 
in federal court requesting that the "surcharge" be continued and made part of the permanent base postage rate.  
Additionally, there is legislation pending before Congress that would also make this surcharge a permanent part of the 
base postage rate.  Because of allowances within the law governing the CPI increase, the impact to clients varied greatly, 
from decreases to double digit increases.  Quad/Graphics has invested significantly in its mail preparation and 
distribution capabilities to mitigate the impact of increases in postage costs, and to help clients successfully navigate the 
ever-changing postal environment.  Through its data analytics, unique software to merge mailstreams on a large scale, 
advanced finishing capabilities and technology, and in-house transportation and logistics operations, the Company 
manages the mail preparation and distribution of most of its clients' products to maximize efficiency and partially reduce 
these costs; however, the net impact of increasing postal costs may create a decrease in client demand for print and mail 
products.

When making capital investment decisions, management undertakes a thorough process aimed at driving the 

strongest contribution to long-term profitability, whether those are property, plant and equipment additions, organic 
growth opportunities, or acquisitions.  Some recent examples of capital investments made by the Company include the 
following:

•  The Company completed the acquisition of Specialty on August 25, 2015, for a net purchase price of 

$62 million, excluding acquired cash.  Specialty is a full-service paperboard folding carton manufacturer 
and logistics provider located in Omaha, Nebraska.

•  The Company completed the acquisition of Copac on April 14, 2015, for a net purchase price of 

$59 million, excluding acquired cash.  Copac is a leading international provider of innovative packaging 
and supply chain solutions, including turnkey packaging design, production and fulfillment services across 
a range of end markets headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina.  Copac manufactures products such 
as folding cartons, labels, inserts, tags and specialty envelopes, and has production facilities in Spartanburg 
and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, as well as strategically sourcing packaging product 
manufacturing over multiple end markets in Central America and Asia, giving it a global footprint.

•  The Company completed the acquisition of Marin's on February 3, 2015, for a net purchase price of 

$21 million, excluding acquired cash.  Marin's is a worldwide leader in the point of sale display industry 
and specializes in the research and design of display solutions headquartered in Paris, France.  Marin's 
products are produced by a global network of licensees, including Quad/Graphics, as well as one wide-
format digital print, kitting and fulfillment facility in Paris.  Marin's uses its own European–based sales 
force and the global licensees to sell its patented product portfolio.

•  The Company announced its plan to invest in multiple high-speed color digital web presses on January 14, 

2015, as part of a three-year strategy to transform the Company's book platform to the widest, most 
productive digital web presses available in the marketplace today.  As of December 31, 2015, seven digital 
web presses have been installed.

•  The Company completed the acquisition of Brown Printing on May 30, 2014, for a net purchase price of 

$98 million, excluding acquired cash.  Brown Printing provides magazine and catalog printing, distribution 
services and integrated media solutions to magazine publishers and catalog marketers in the United States.

•  The Company completed the acquisition of UniGraphic on February 5, 2014, for a net purchase price of 

$11 million, excluding acquired cash.  UniGraphic is a commercial and specialty printing company based 
in the Boston metro area, offers commercial and specialty printing, in-store marketing, digital and 
fulfillment solutions for a wide variety of industries including arts and entertainment, education, financial, 
food, healthcare, mass media, pharmaceutical and retail.  The acquisition expands Quad/Graphics' 
capabilities in the commercial and specialty printing market and strengthens the Company's ability to 
service national retailers' large-format and in-store marketing needs, adding an East Coast presence to 
Quad/Graphics existing Midwest and West Coast locations.

46

•  The Company completed the acquisition of Wisconsin-based Proteus, as well as its sister company 

Transpak, on December 18, 2013, for $49 million.  Proteus is a designer and manufacturer of high-end 
paperboard packaging, offering packaging solutions for a wide variety of industries, including automotive, 
biotechnology, food, beverage, personal care, pharmaceuticals, software and electronics.  Transpak is a full-
service industrial packaging company, offering crating, packaging, warehousing, distribution and logistics 
services to destinations worldwide.  Through the acquisition of the two companies, Quad/Graphics 
expanded its capabilities to serve the packaging market.

•  The Company completed the acquisition of Novia on November 7, 2013, for $13 million.  Novia is a 

healthcare solutions company that develops and manages onsite and shared primary care clinics for small to 
medium sized companies and the public sector, such as school districts and city and county governments, 
and is located in Indianapolis, Indiana.

•  The Company completed its acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Vertis on January 16, 2013, for 
$265 million, including $95 million for current assets that were in excess of normalized working capital 
requirements.  Vertis is a provider of retail advertising inserts, direct marketing and in-store marketing 
solutions.  The Company believes the acquisition of Vertis strengthened its client offering with an enhanced 
range of products and services, and also increased manufacturing flexibility and distribution efficiencies 
from an extended geographic footprint in the United States.

The Company is subject to seasonality in its quarterly results as net sales and operating income are higher in the 

third and fourth quarters of the calendar year as compared to the first and second quarters.  The fourth quarter is the 
highest seasonal quarter for cash flows from operating activities and Free Cash Flow due to the reduction of working 
capital requirements that reach peak levels during the third quarter.  Seasonality is driven by increased magazine 
advertising page counts, retail inserts, catalogs and books primarily due to back-to-school and holiday-related advertising 
and promotions.  The Company expects this seasonality impact to continue in future years.

47

Results of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 2015 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2014

Summary Results

The Company's operating income (loss), operating margin, net earnings (loss) attributable to Quad/Graphics 

common shareholders (computed using a 40% normalized tax rate) and diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to 
Quad/Graphics common shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2015, changed from the year ended 
December 31, 2014, as follows (dollars in millions, except per share data):

Operating Income
(Loss)

Operating Margin

Net Earnings
(Loss)
Attributable to
Quad/Graphics
Common
Shareholders

Earnings (Loss) 
Per Share
Attributable to
Quad/
Graphics Common
Shareholders—
Diluted

For the year ended December 31, 2014 . . . . . $

2015 restructuring, impairment and 
transaction-related charges(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2014 restructuring, impairment and 
transaction-related charges(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Goodwill impairment(3). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Decrease in interest expense(4) . . . . . . . . . . . .
2014 loss on debt extinguishment(5) . . . . . . . .
Impact of income taxes(6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Decrease attributable to investments in 
unconsolidated entities and noncontrolling 
interests, net of tax(7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Decrease in operating income(8) . . . . . . . . . . .
For the year ended December 31, 2015 . . . . . $

______________________________

141.3

(164.9)

67.3

(808.3)

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

(65.4)

(830.0)

2.9 % $

18.6

$

(3.5)%

1.4 %

(17.3)%

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

(1.2)%

(108.0)

40.4

(542.4)

2.7

4.3

(14.4)

(3.9)

(39.2)

(17.7)% $

(641.9) $

0.38

(2.25)

0.83

(11.32)

0.06

0.09

(0.30)

(0.08)

(0.81)

(13.40)

(1)  Restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges of $164.9 million incurred during the year ended December 31, 2015, 

included:

a. 

b. 

$42.1 million of employee termination charges related to workforce reductions through facility consolidations and 
involuntary separation programs;

$95.3 million of impairment charges including: (1) $54.7 million of impairment charges for machinery and equipment 
no longer being utilized in production as a result of facility consolidations including Atlanta, Georgia; Augusta, 
Georgia; Dickson, Tennessee; East Greenville, Pennsylvania; Loveland, Colorado; and Queretaro, Mexico, as well as 
other capacity reduction restructuring initiatives; (2) $18.6 million of investment-related impairment charges, primarily 
related to $16.7 million of impairment charges to reduce the book value of the Company's equity method investment in 
Quad/Graphics Chile S.A. ("Chile") to fair value (see Note 8, "Equity Method Investments in Unconsolidated Entities," 
to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," of this Annual 
Report on Form 10-K, for additional details related to the impairment of the Company's equity method investment in 
Chile); (3) $12.7 million of land and building impairment charges primarily related to the Augusta, Georgia and East 
Greenville, Pennsylvania plant closures; (4) $7.1 million of customer relationship intangible asset impairments; and 
(5) $2.2 million of impairment charges primarily related to the restructuring proceedings in Argentina for the 
Company's Argentina subsidiaries, Anselmo L. Morvillo S.A. ("Morvillo") and World Color Argentina, S.A. (the 
"Argentina Subsidiaries") for land, building, machinery and equipment and other intangible assets;

c. 

$(6.7) million of transaction-related charges (income) including a $10.0 million non-recurring gain as a result of 
Courier Corporation's ("Courier") termination of the agreement pursuant to which Quad/Graphics was to acquire 
Courier, partially offset by $3.3 million of professional service fees including fees for the terminated acquisition of 
Courier and the acquisitions of Marin's, Copac and Specialty;

48

d. 

e. 

$5.1 million of acquisition-related integration costs primarily related to preparing existing facilities to meet new 
production requirements resulting from work transferring from closed plants, as well as other costs related to the 
integration of the acquired companies; and

$29.1 million of various other restructuring charges, including a $6.0 million non-cash and nondeductible expense to 
recognize accumulated foreign exchange losses on the sale of the Chile equity method investment, lease exit charges 
related to closed facilities, as well as other costs to maintain and exit closed facilities.

The Company expects to incur additional restructuring and integration costs in future reporting periods in connection with 
eliminating excess manufacturing capacity and properly aligning its cost structure in conjunction with the Company's acquisitions 
and strategic investments, and other cost reduction programs.

(2)  Restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges of $67.3 million incurred during the year ended December 31, 2014, 

included:

a. 

b. 

c. 

d. 

$30.6 million of employee termination charges related to workforce reductions through facility consolidations and 
involuntary separation programs;

$14.4 million of impairment charges including: (1) $8.0 million of impairment charges for machinery and equipment 
no longer being utilized in production as a result of facility consolidations including Atlanta, Georgia; Dickson, 
Tennessee; Mexico City, Mexico; Pomona, California; and St. Cloud, Minnesota, as well as other capacity reduction 
restructuring initiatives and (2) $6.4 million of land and building impairment charges primarily related to the Bristol, 
Pennsylvania and Dickson, Tennessee plant closures;

$2.6 million of transaction-related charges consisting of professional service fees for business acquisition and 
divestiture activities, which primarily includes professional service fees for the acquisitions of Brown Printing and 
UniGraphic;

$11.2 million of acquisition-related integration costs primarily related to preparing existing facilities to meet new 
production requirements resulting from work transferring from closed plants, as well as other costs related to the 
integration of the acquired companies; and

e. 

$8.5 million of other restructuring charges, including costs to maintain and exit closed facilities, as well as lease exit 
charges, presented net of a $4.9 million gain from the termination of the postretirement medical benefit plan.

(3)  Pre-tax non-cash goodwill impairment charges of $808.3 million ($542.4 million, net of tax) were recorded during the year ended 
December 31, 2015, of which $778.3 million related to the United States Print and Related Services segment and $30.0 million 
related to the International segment.

(4) 

Interest expense decreased $4.5 million ($2.7 million, net of tax) during the year ended December 31, 2015, to $88.4 million.  
This change was due to a lower weighted average interest rate on borrowings and lower average debt levels in 2015 as compared 
to 2014.

(5)  A non-recurring $7.2 million loss on debt extinguishment ($4.3 million, net of tax) was recognized during the year ended 
December 31, 2014, primarily related to the $1.9 billion debt financing arrangements completed on April 28, 2014.  The 
$7.2 million represents certain debt issuance costs that were expensed.

49

 
(6)  The decrease in income tax benefit of $14.4 million as calculated in the following table is primarily due to $10.4 million in 
reduced tax benefits in 2015 from a reversal of the liability for unrecognized tax benefits in 2014 based on the expiration of 
statutes of limitations and $5.6 million related to losses in foreign jurisdictions in 2015 in excess of 2014 where the Company 
does not receive a tax benefit.  See Note 14, "Income Taxes," to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual 
Report on Form 10-K for further information on income taxes.

Year Ended December 31,

2015

2014

$ Change

Earnings (loss) before income taxes and equity in loss of unconsolidated entities $

(918.4)

$

41.2

$

Goodwill impairment charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Nondeductible equity method investment impairment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Nondeductible foreign exchange losses on the sale of investment . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Income (loss) subject to income taxes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

40% normalized tax rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Income tax expense (benefit) at 40% normalized tax rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Plus: tax benefit related to goodwill impairment charges (Note 14). . . . . . . . . . . .

808.3

16.7

6.0

(87.4)

40.0%

(35.0)

(265.9)

(300.9)

Income tax expense (benefit) from the consolidated statements of operations. . . .

(282.8)

—

—

—

41.2

40.0%

16.5

—

16.5

20.2

Impact of income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

(18.1)

$

(3.7)

$

(959.6)

808.3

16.7

6.0

(128.6)

40.0%

(51.5)

(265.9)

(317.4)

303.0

(14.4)

(7)  The decrease attributable to investments in unconsolidated entities and noncontrolling interests, net of tax, of $3.9 million during 
the year ended December 31, 2015, was primarily due to a $2.8 million increase in losses from unconsolidated entities at the 
Company's investment in Plural Industria Gráfica Ltda ("Plural"), the Company's Brazilian joint venture and a $0.9 million 
increase in losses at the Company's investment in Chile that was sold on July 31, 2015.

(8)  Operating income (loss), excluding restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges and goodwill impairment charges, 
decreased $65.4 million ($39.2 million, net of tax) primarily due to: (1) a 3.8% reduction in net sales predominantly from 
ongoing industry volume and pricing pressures; (2) higher labor costs associated with lower productivity; (3) a $10.8 million 
charge to reduce a vendor receivable due to collectability concerns; and (4) $6.1 million in net gains in 2014 related to favorable 
legal and bankruptcy settlements.  These declines were partially offset by: (1) operating results from the additional earnings from 
the sales attributed to recent acquisitions; (2) a $4.5 million increase in net gains on the sale of property, plant and equipment; 
(3) a $4.5 million decrease in foreign currency losses; (4) $4.0 million in lower vacation expense due to a change in the vacation 
policy; (5) a $2.5 million gain on the sale of a cost method investment; and (6) a $1.1 million favorable impact from the 
resolution of certain acquisition related contingencies.  The following discussion provides additional details.

50

Operating Results 

The following table sets forth certain information from the Company's consolidated statements of operations on 

an absolute dollar basis and as a relative percentage of total net sales for each noted period, together with the relative 
percentage change in such information between the periods set forth below:

Year Ended December 31,

2015

2014

(dollars in millions)

Amount

% of
Sales

Amount

% of
Sales

$ Change

%
Change

Net sales:

Products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

4,030.3

86.2 % $

4,197.5

86.3% $

(167.2)

Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cost of sales:

Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total cost of sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Selling, general & administrative expenses .

Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . .

Restructuring, impairment and transaction-
related charges. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Goodwill impairment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

647.4

4,677.7

3,294.1

466.8

3,760.9

448.3

325.3

164.9

808.3

13.8 %

100.0 %

664.9

4,862.4

13.7%

100.0%

70.4 %

10.0 %

80.4 %

9.5 %

7.0 %

3.5 %

17.3 %

3,421.4

470.5

3,891.9

425.5

336.4

67.3

—

70.3%

9.7%

80.0%

8.8%

6.9%

1.4%

—%

97.1%

Total operating expenses. . . . . . . . . . . .

5,507.7

117.7 %

4,721.1

Operating income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

(830.0)

(17.7)% $

141.3

2.9% $

(971.3)

(17.5)

(184.7)

(127.3)

(3.7)

(131.0)

22.8

(11.1)

97.6

808.3

786.6

(4.0)%

(2.6)%

(3.8)%

(3.7)%

(0.8)%

(3.4)%

5.4 %

(3.3)%

145.0 %

nm

16.7 %

nm

Net Sales

Product sales decreased $167.2 million, or 4.0%, for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to the year 
ended December 31, 2014, primarily due to a $260.5 million decrease in product sales in the Company's core print and 
specialty print product lines owned more than a year predominantly due to ongoing volume and pricing pressures and 
$53.3 million in negative foreign exchange impact.  These decreases were partially offset by a $146.6 million increase 
from acquisitions.

Service sales, which primarily consist of imaging, logistics and distribution services, decreased $17.5 million, 

or 2.6%, for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to the year ended December 31, 2014, primarily due to a 
decrease in logistics sales resulting from ongoing volume pressures.  This decrease was partially offset by $12.9 million 
in increased sales of QuadMed medical services and $9.0 million in increased logistics and imaging sales resulting from 
acquisitions.

Cost of Sales

Cost of product sales decreased $127.3 million, or 3.7%, for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared with 

the year ended December 31, 2014, primarily due to lower print and paper volumes in product lines owned more than a 
year and a $4.0 million vacation reserve reduction due to a vacation policy change.  These reductions were partially 
offset by increased cost of product sales resulting from acquisitions, higher labor costs associated with lower 
productivity and a $10.8 million charge to reduce a vendor receivable due to collectability concerns.

51

Cost of product sales as a percentage of net sales increased to 70.4% for the year ended December 31, 2015, 

from 70.3% for the year ended December 31, 2014, primarily due to the reasons provided above.

Cost of service sales decreased $3.7 million, or 0.8%, for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared with the 

year ended December 31, 2014, primarily due to lower logistics volumes, partially offset by additional costs resulting 
from QuadMed medical services and increased sales generated by acquisitions.

Cost of service sales as a percentage of net sales increased to 10.0% for the year ended December 31, 2015, 

from 9.7% for the year ended December 31, 2014, primarily due to increased costs of QuadMed medical services.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $22.8 million, or 5.4%, for the year ended December 31, 

2015, compared with the year ended December 31, 2014, primarily due to: (1) a $16.7 million increase in employee-
related costs due to acquisitions, net of a $9.8 million reduction in compensation expense recognized related to equity 
incentive programs; (2) $6.1 million in net gains in 2014 related to favorable legal and bankruptcy settlements; (3) a 
$3.5 million increase in legal and professional fees; and (4) a $2.5 million increase in general administrative expenses.  
These increases were partially offset by: (1) a $4.5 million increase in net gains on the sale of property, plant and 
equipment; (2) a $4.5 million decrease in foreign currency losses; (3) a $2.5 million gain from the sale of a cost 
investment; and (4) a $1.1 million favorable impact from the resolution of certain acquisition related contingencies.  
Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales increased from 8.8% to 9.5% between years 
primarily due to the same reasons.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization decreased $11.1 million, or 3.3%, for the year ended December 31, 2015, 

compared with the year ended December 31, 2014, primarily due to a $14.8 million decrease in depreciation expense.  
The decreased depreciation expense is a result of property, plant and equipment becoming fully depreciated over the past 
year.  This was partially offset by depreciation of property, plant and equipment purchased in acquisitions. The decrease 
in depreciation expense was partially offset by a $3.7 million increase in amortization expense, primarily due to 
amortization of customer relationship intangible assets and other intangible assets from the companies acquired during 
2015.

Restructuring, Impairment and Transaction-Related Charges

Restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges increased $97.6 million, or 145.0%, for the year 

ended December 31, 2015, compared with the year ended December 31, 2014, primarily due to a $80.9 million increase 
in impairment charges, a $20.6 million increase in other restructuring charges and a $11.5 million increase in employee 
termination charges, partially offset by a $9.3 million decrease in transaction-related charges and a $6.1 million decrease 
in acquisition-related integration costs.

Restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges of $164.9 million incurred in the year ended 

December 31, 2015, included: (1) $42.1 million of employee termination charges related to workforce reductions 
through facility consolidations and involuntary separation programs; (2) $95.3 million of impairment charges, including 
$54.7 million of impairment charges for machinery and equipment no longer being utilized in production as a result of 
facility consolidations including Atlanta, Georgia; Augusta, Georgia; Dickson, Tennessee; East Greenville, Pennsylvania; 
Loveland, Colorado; and Queretaro, Mexico, as well as other capacity reduction restructuring initiatives, $18.6 million of 
investment related impairment charges, primarily related to $16.7 million of impairment charges to reduce the book 
value of the Company's equity method investment in Chile to fair value (see Note 8, "Equity Method Investments in 
Unconsolidated Entities," for additional details related to the impairment of the Company's equity method investment in 
Chile), $12.7 million of land and building impairment charges primarily related to the Augusta, Georgia and East 
Greenville, Pennsylvania plant closures, $7.1 million of customer relationship intangible asset impairments and 
$1.2 million of impairment charges for land and building, $0.9 million of impairment charges for machinery and 
equipment and $0.1 million of impairment charges for other intangible assets as a result of the Company's Argentina 

52

Subsidiaries restructuring proceedings; (3) $(6.7) million of transaction-related charges (income), which includes a 
$10.0 million non-recurring gain as a result of Courier's termination of the agreement pursuant to which Quad/Graphics 
was to acquire Courier, partially offset by $3.3 million of professional service fees for the terminated acquisition of 
Courier and the acquisitions of Marin's, Copac and Specialty; (4) $5.1 million of acquisition-related integration costs 
primarily related to preparing existing facilities to meet new production requirements resulting from work transferring 
from closed plants, as well as other costs related to the integration of the acquired companies; and (5) $29.1 million of 
other restructuring charges, including a $6.0 million non-cash expense to recognize accumulated foreign exchange losses 
on the sale of the Chile equity method investment, as well as lease exit charges and other costs to maintain and exit 
closed facilities.

Restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges of $67.3 million incurred in the year ended 

December 31, 2014, included: (1) $30.6 million of employee termination charges related to workforce reductions 
through facility consolidations and involuntary separation programs; (2) $14.4 million of impairment charges, including 
$8.0 million of impairment charges for machinery and equipment no longer being utilized in production as a result of 
facility consolidations including Atlanta, Georgia; Dickson, Tennessee; Mexico City, Mexico; Pomona, California; and 
St. Cloud, Minnesota, as well as other capacity reduction restructuring initiatives and $6.4 million of land and building 
impairment charges primarily related to the Bristol, Pennsylvania and Dickson, Tennessee plant closures; 
(3) $2.6 million of transaction-related charges consisting of professional service fees for business acquisition and 
divestiture activities, which primarily includes professional service fees for the acquisitions of Brown Printing and 
UniGraphic; (4) $11.2 million of acquisition-related integration costs primarily related to preparing existing facilities to 
meet new production requirements resulting from work transferring from closed plants, as well as other costs related to 
the integration of the acquired companies; and (5) $8.5 million of other restructuring charges, including costs to maintain 
and exit closed facilities, as well as lease exit charges, presented net of a $4.9 million gain from the termination of the 
postretirement medical benefit plan.

Goodwill Impairment

On March 25, 2015, due to deteriorating economic conditions, including inflation and currency devaluation, 
combined with uncertain political conditions, declining print volumes and labor challenges, the Company's Argentina 
Subsidiaries (included within the Latin America reporting unit) commenced bankruptcy restructuring proceedings with a 
goal of consolidating operations.  The Company conducted an interim goodwill impairment assessment of the Latin 
America reporting unit, which included comparing the carrying amount of net assets, including goodwill, to its 
respective fair value as of March 31, 2015, the date of the interim assessment.  As a result of the interim goodwill 
impairment assessment as well as the annual impairment test as of October 31, 2015, the Company's International 
segment recorded non-cash nondeductible goodwill impairment charges of $30.0 million in the year ended December 31, 
2015, primarily including a $23.3 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge for the Latin America reporting unit.

Due to the decline in the Company's stock price in the third quarter of 2015, an interim goodwill impairment 
test of the three reporting units in the United States Print and Related Services segment was performed as of July 31, 
2015.  As a result of the interim goodwill impairment assessment as well as the annual impairment test as of October 31, 
2015, the Company's United States Print and Related Services segment recorded pre-tax non-cash goodwill impairment 
charges of $778.3 million ($512.4 million after tax) in the year ended December 31, 2015, that included impairment 
charges of $640.8 million, $118.9 million and $18.6 million in the Core Print and Related Services reporting unit, the 
Specialty Print and Related Services reporting unit and the Other United States Products and Services reporting unit, 
respectively.

In total, the Company recorded pre-tax non-cash goodwill impairment charges of $808.3 million 

($542.4 million after tax) in the year ended December 31, 2015.

53

EBITDA and EBITDA Margin—Consolidated

EBITDA and EBITDA margin for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to the year ended 

December 31, 2014, were as follows:

Year Ended December 31,

2015

2014

Amount

% of Net Sales

Amount

% of Net Sales

(dollars in millions)

EBITDA and EBITDA margin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

(511.0)

(10.9)% $

468.1

9.6%

EBITDA decreased $979.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to the year ended 

December 31, 2014, primarily due to: (1) a $808.3 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge recorded in 2015; 
(2) $97.6 million of increased restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges; (3) ongoing volume and pricing 
pressures from excess capacity in the printing industry; (4) higher labor costs associated with lower productivity; (5) a 
$10.8 million charge to reduce a vendor receivable due to collectability concerns; and (6) $6.1 million in net gains in 
2014 related to favorable legal and bankruptcy settlements.  These impacts were partially offset by: (1) the additional 
earnings on sales generated from acquisitions; (2) a $4.5 million increase in net gains on the sale of property, plant and 
equipment; (3) a $4.5 million decrease in foreign currency losses; (4) a $4.0 million vacation reserve reduction due to a 
vacation policy change; (5) a $2.5 million gain on the sale of a cost investment; and (6) a $1.1 million favorable impact 
from the resolution of certain acquisition related contingencies.

EBITDA represents net earnings (loss) attributable to Quad/Graphics common shareholders, plus (i) interest 
expense, (ii) income tax expense (if applicable) and (iii) depreciation and amortization, and less income tax benefit (if 
applicable).  EBITDA margin represents EBITDA as a percentage of net sales.  EBITDA and EBITDA margin are 
presented to provide additional information regarding Quad/Graphics' performance and because both are important 
measures by which Quad/Graphics gauges the profitability and assesses the performance of its business.  EBITDA and 
EBITDA margin are not measures of financial performance in accordance with GAAP.  EBITDA and EBITDA margin 
should not be considered alternatives to net earnings (loss) as a measure of operating performance or to cash flows 
provided by operating activities as a measure of liquidity.  Quad/Graphics' calculation of EBITDA and EBITDA margin 
may be different from the calculations used by other companies, and therefore, comparability may be limited.  A 
reconciliation of EBITDA to net earnings (loss) attributable to Quad/Graphics common shareholders follows:

Year Ended December 31,

2015

2014

(dollars in millions)

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Quad/Graphics common shareholders(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax expense (benefit). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depreciation and amortization. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
EBITDA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

(641.9) $
88.4
(282.8)
325.3
(511.0) $

18.6
92.9
20.2
336.4
468.1

______________________________

(1)  Net earnings (loss) attributable to Quad/Graphics common shareholders includes the following effects:

a.  Restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges of $164.9 million and $67.3 million for the years ended 

December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively;

b.  Non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $808.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2015; and

c.  Loss on debt extinguishment of $7.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014.

54

United States Print and Related Services

The following table summarizes net sales, operating income (loss), operating margin and certain items 

impacting comparability within the United States Print and Related Services segment:

Year Ended December 31,

2015

2014

(dollars in millions)

Amount

Amount

$ Change

% Change

Net sales:

Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

3,651.8

$

3,760.6

$

Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

628.5

Operating income (loss) (including restructuring, impairment
and transaction-related charges and goodwill impairment) . . . .

Operating margin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges . . . . $

Goodwill impairment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(706.1)

(16.5)%

101.4

778.3

645.2

197.9

4.5%

$

52.1

$

—

(108.8)

(16.7)

(904.0)

N/A

49.3

778.3

(2.9)%

(2.6)%

nm

N/A

94.6 %

nm

Net Sales

Product sales for the United States Print and Related Services segment decreased $108.8 million, or 2.9%, for 
the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to the year ended December 31, 2014, primarily due to a $242.5 million 
decrease in product sales in the Company's core print and specialty print product lines owned more than a year 
predominantly due to ongoing volume and pricing pressures from excess capacity in the printing industry, partially offset 
by a $133.7 million increase from acquisitions.

Service sales for the United States Print and Related Services segment decreased $16.7 million, or 2.6%, for the 
year ended December 31, 2015, compared to the year ended December 31, 2014, primarily due to a decrease in logistics 
sales resulting from ongoing volume pressures.  This decrease was partially offset by $12.9 million in increased sales of 
QuadMed medical services and $9.0 million in logistics and imaging sales resulting from acquisitions.

Operating Income (Loss)

Operating income (loss) for the United States Print and Related Services segment decreased $904.0 million for 

the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to the year ended December 31, 2014, primarily due to: (1) a 
$778.3 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge; (2) $49.3 million in increased restructuring, impairment and 
transaction-related charges; (3) ongoing volume and pricing pressures from excess capacity in the printing industry; (4) a 
$10.8 million charge to reduce a vendor receivable due to collectability concerns; and (5) $2.5 million in net gains in 
2014 related to favorable legal and bankruptcy settlements.  These decreases in operating income were partially offset 
by: (1) additional earnings from the sales attributed to recent acquisitions; (2) a $4.5 million increase in net gains on the 
sale of property, plant and equipment; (3) a $4.0 million vacation reserve reduction due to a vacation policy change; (4) a 
$2.5 million gain on the sale of a cost investment; and (5) a $1.1 million favorable impact from the resolution of certain 
acquisition related contingencies.

Operating margin for the United States Print and Related Services segment decreased to (16.5)% for the year 

ended December 31, 2015, from 4.5% for the year ended December 31, 2014, primarily due to the reasons provided 
above.

55

Restructuring, Impairment and Transaction-Related Charges

Restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges for the United States Print and Related Services 
segment for the year ended December 31, 2015, were $101.4 million, consisting of: (1) $27.3 million of employee 
termination charges related to workforce reductions through facility consolidations and involuntary separation programs; 
(2) $50.7 million of impairment charges, including $33.5 million of impairment charges for machinery and equipment no 
longer being utilized in production as a result of facility consolidations including Atlanta, Georgia; Augusta, Georgia; 
Dickson, Tennessee; East Greenville, Pennsylvania; and Loveland, Colorado, as well as other capacity reduction 
restructuring initiatives, $11.2 million of land and building impairment charges primarily related to the Augusta, Georgia 
and East Greenville, Pennsylvania plant closures and $6.0 million of customer relationship intangible asset impairments; 
(3) $4.6 million of acquisition-related integration costs primarily related to preparing existing facilities to meet new 
production requirements resulting from work transferring from closed plants, as well as other costs related to the 
integration of the acquired companies; and (4) $18.8 million of other restructuring charges, including costs to maintain 
and exit closed facilities, as well as lease exit charges.

Restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges for the United States Print and Related Services 

segment for the year ended December 31, 2014, were $52.1 million, consisting of: (1) $19.9 million of employee 
termination charges related to workforce reductions through facility consolidations and involuntary separation programs; 
(2) $12.7 million of impairment charges, including $7.0 million of impairment charges for machinery and equipment no 
longer being utilized in production as a result of facility consolidations including Atlanta, Georgia; Dickson, Tennessee; 
Pomona, California; and St. Cloud, Minnesota, as well as other capacity reduction restructuring initiatives and 
$5.7 million of land and building impairment charges primarily related to the Bristol, Pennsylvania and Dickson, 
Tennessee plant closures; (3) $8.8 million of acquisition-related integration costs primarily related to preparing existing 
facilities to meet new production requirements resulting from work transferring from closed plants, as well as other costs 
related to the integration of the acquired companies; and (4) $10.7 million of other restructuring charges, including costs 
to maintain and exit closed facilities, as well as lease exit charges.

Goodwill Impairment

Due to the decline in the Company's stock price in the third quarter of 2015, an interim goodwill impairment 
test of the three reporting units in the United States Print and Related Services segment was performed as of July 31, 
2015.  As a result of the interim goodwill impairment assessment as well as the annual impairment test as of October 31, 
2015, the Company's United States Print and Related Services segment recorded pre-tax non-cash goodwill impairment 
charges of $778.3 million ($512.4 million after tax) in the year ended December 31, 2015, that included impairment 
charges of $640.8 million, $118.9 million and $18.6 million in the Core Print and Related Services reporting unit, the 
Specialty Print and Related Services reporting unit and the Other United States Products and Services reporting unit, 
respectively.

56

International

The following table summarizes net sales, operating loss, operating margin, certain items impacting 

comparability and equity in loss of unconsolidated entities within the International segment:

Year Ended December 31,

2015

2014

(dollars in millions)

Amount

Amount

$ Change

% Change

Net sales:

Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Operating loss (including restructuring, impairment and
transaction-related charges and goodwill impairment) . . . . . . . .

Operating margin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges . . . . $

Goodwill impairment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Equity in loss of unconsolidated entities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

$

378.5

18.9

(63.4)

(16.0)%

38.8

30.0

(6.3)

$

$

436.9

19.7

(11.2)

(2.5)%

9.2

—

(2.7)

(58.4)

(0.8)

(52.2)

N/A

29.6

30.0

(3.6)

(13.4)%

(4.1)%

466.1 %

N/A

321.7 %

nm

nm

Net Sales

Product sales for the International segment decreased $58.4 million, or 13.4%, for the year ended December 31, 

2015, compared to the year ended December 31, 2014, primarily due to $53.3 million in foreign exchange losses 
primarily in Europe, Mexico, Colombia and Argentina and $28.6 million in lower volumes predominantly in Mexico and 
Colombia.  These decreases were partially offset by $12.9 million in sales from the Marin's acquisition and a 
$10.6 million increase in Europe, primarily due to higher volumes.

Service sales for the International segment decreased $0.8 million, or 4.1%, for the year ended December 31, 

2015, compared to the year ended December 31, 2014, primarily due to a decrease in logistics revenue in Europe.

Operating Loss

Operating loss for the International segment increased $52.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, 
compared to the year ended December 31, 2014, primarily due to: (1) $30.0 million non-cash nondeductible goodwill 
impairment charges; (2) $29.6 million of higher restructuring and impairment expenses, including $16.7 million of 
impairment charges to reduce the book value of the Company's equity method investment in Chile and $6.0 million of 
non-deductible foreign exchange losses on the sale of the equity method investment in Chile; (3) $3.6 million in net 
gains in 2014 related to favorable legal settlements; and (4) a $3.6 million increase in equity loss of unconsolidated 
entities, as discussed below.  These increases in operating loss were partially offset by a $4.0 million increase in 
operating income in Europe and increased operating income in Latin America despite lower product sales in Latin 
America.

Restructuring, Impairment and Transaction-Related Charges

Restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges for the International segment for the year ended 
December 31, 2015, were $38.8 million, consisting of: (1) $7.3 million of employee termination charges related to 
workforce reductions through facility consolidations and involuntary separation programs; (2) $22.8 million of 
impairment charges, including $16.7 million of impairment charges to reduce the book value of the Company's equity 
method investment in Chile to fair value (see Note 8, "Equity Method Investments in Unconsolidated Entities," for 
additional details related to the impairment of the Company's equity method investment in Chile), $2.2 million of 
impairment charges primarily related to the restructuring proceedings in Argentina for the Company's Argentina 

57

Subsidiaries for land, building, machinery and equipment and other intangible assets, $1.5 million of land and building 
impairment charges, $1.3 million of impairment charges for machinery and equipment no longer being utilized in 
production, as well as other capacity reduction restructuring initiatives and $1.1 million of customer relationship 
intangible asset impairments; and (3) $8.7 million of other restructuring charges, primarily related to the $6.0 million 
non-cash expense to recognize accumulated foreign exchange losses on the sale of the Chile equity method investment.

Restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges for the International segment for the year ended 

December 31, 2014, were $9.2 million, consisting of: (1) $6.0 million of employee termination charges related to 
workforce reductions through facility consolidations and involuntary separation programs; (2) $1.7 million of 
impairment charges, including $1.0 million of impairment charges for machinery and equipment no longer being utilized 
in production as a result of facility consolidations in Mexico City, Mexico, as well as other capacity reduction 
restructuring initiatives and $0.7 million of land and building impairment charges as a result of facility consolidations in 
Poland; and (3) $1.5 million of other restructuring charges.

Goodwill Impairment

On March 25, 2015, due to deteriorating economic conditions, including inflation and currency devaluation, 
combined with uncertain political conditions, declining print volumes and labor challenges, the Company's Argentina 
Subsidiaries (included within the Latin America reporting unit) commenced bankruptcy restructuring proceedings with a 
goal of consolidating operations.  The Company conducted an interim goodwill impairment assessment of the Latin 
America reporting unit, which included comparing the carrying amount of net assets, including goodwill, to its 
respective fair value as of March 31, 2015, the date of the interim assessment.  As a result of the interim goodwill 
impairment assessment as well as the annual impairment test as of October 31, 2015, the Company's International 
segment recorded non-cash nondeductible goodwill impairment charges of $30.0 million in the year ended December 31, 
2015, primarily including a $23.3 million non-cash goodwill impairment charge for the Latin America reporting unit.

Equity in Loss of Unconsolidated Entities

Investments in entities where Quad/Graphics has the ability to exert significant influence, but not control, are 

accounted for using the equity method of accounting.  The Company holds a 49% ownership interest in Plural, a 
commercial printer based in São Paulo, Brazil.  The Company also held a 50% interest in a joint venture based in Chile 
that was acquired as part of the World Color Press Inc. acquisition until July 31, 2015, when the investment was sold.  
The equity in loss of unconsolidated entities in the International segment increased $3.6 million for the year ended 
December 31, 2015, compared to the year ended December 31, 2014, primarily due to a $2.8 million increase in equity 
losses in Plural and a $0.9 million increase in equity losses in Chile.

Unrestricted Subsidiaries

Unrestricted subsidiaries as defined in the Senior Unsecured Notes indenture represented less than 2.0% of total 

consolidated net sales for the year ended December 31, 2015.

58

Corporate

The following table summarizes unallocated operating expenses presented as Corporate:

Year Ended December 31,

2015

2014

(dollars in millions)

Operating expenses (including restructuring, impairment and
transaction-related charges). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges . . . .

$

60.5

24.7

45.4

$

6.0

15.1

18.7

33.3%

311.7%

Amount

Amount

$ Change

% Change

Operating Expenses

Corporate operating expenses increased $15.1 million, or 33.3%, for the year ended December 31, 2015, 
compared with the year ended December 31, 2014, primarily due to a $18.7 million increase in restructuring, impairment 
and transaction-related charges, partially offset by $7.3 million in lower compensation expense related to equity 
incentive programs.

Restructuring, Impairment and Transaction-Related Charges

Corporate restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges for the year ended December 31, 2015, 
were $24.7 million, consisting of: (1) $7.5 million of employee termination charges related to workforce reductions 
through facility consolidations and involuntary separation programs; (2) $21.8 million of impairment charges, including 
$19.9 million of impairment charges for corporate equipment and $1.9 million of investment related impairment charges; 
(3) $(6.7) million of transaction-related charges (income), which includes the $10.0 million non-recurring gain from 
Courier, partially offset by $3.3 million of professional service fees, including fees for the terminated acquisition of 
Courier and the acquisitions of Marin's, Copac and Specialty; (4) $0.3 million of acquisition-related integration costs 
primarily related to professional fees; and (5) $1.8 million of other restructuring charges.

Corporate restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges for the year ended December 31, 2014, 

were $6.0 million, consisting of: (1) $4.7 million of employee termination charges related to workforce reductions 
through facility consolidations and involuntary separation programs; (2) $2.6 million of transaction-related charges 
consisting of professional service fees for business acquisition and divestiture activities, which primarily includes 
professional service fees for the acquisitions of Brown Printing and UniGraphic; (3) $2.4 million of acquisition-related 
integration costs primarily related to professional fees; and (4) $(3.7) million of other restructuring charges (income), 
which includes a $4.9 million gain from the termination of the postretirement medical benefit plan.

59

Results of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 2014 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2013

Summary Results

The Company's operating income from continuing operations, operating margin, net earnings attributable to 

Quad/Graphics common shareholders (computed using a 40% normalized tax rate) and diluted earnings per share 
attributable to Quad/Graphics common shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2014, changed from the year 
ended December 31, 2013, as follows (dollars in millions, except per share data):

Operating Income
from Continuing
Operations

Operating Margin

Net Earnings
Attributable to
Quad/Graphics
Common
Shareholders

Earnings 
Per Share
Attributable to
Quad/
Graphics Common
Shareholders—
Diluted

For the year ended December 31, 2013 . . . . . $

2014 restructuring, impairment and 
transaction-related charges(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2013 restructuring, impairment and 
transaction-related charges(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Increase in interest expense(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Increase in loss on debt extinguishment(4) . . .
Impact of income taxes(5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Decrease attributable to investments in 
unconsolidated entities and noncontrolling 
interests, net of tax(6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Decrease in operating income(7) . . . . . . . . . . .
For the year ended December 31, 2014 . . . . . $

______________________________

142.2

(67.3)

95.3

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

(28.9)

141.3

3.0 % $

32.5

$

(1.4)%

2.0 %

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

(0.7)%

(40.4)

57.2

(4.4)

(4.3)

(3.1)

(1.5)

(17.4)

2.9 % $

18.6

$

0.65

(0.83)

1.19

(0.09)

(0.09)

(0.06)

(0.03)

(0.36)

0.38

(1)  Restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges of $67.3 million incurred during the year ended December 31, 2014, 

included:

a. 

b. 

c. 

d. 

$30.6 million of employee termination charges related to workforce reductions through facility consolidations and 
involuntary separation programs;

$14.4 million of impairment charges including: (1) $8.0 million of impairment charges for machinery and equipment 
no longer being utilized in production as a result of facility consolidations including Atlanta, Georgia; Dickson, 
Tennessee; Mexico City, Mexico; Pomona, California; and St. Cloud, Minnesota, as well as other capacity reduction 
restructuring initiatives; and (2) $6.4 million of land and building impairment charges primarily related to the Bristol, 
Pennsylvania and Dickson, Tennessee plant closures;

$2.6 million of transaction-related charges consisting of professional service fees for business acquisition and 
divestiture activities, which primarily includes professional service fees for the acquisitions of Brown Printing and 
UniGraphic;

$11.2 million of acquisition-related integration costs primarily related to preparing existing facilities to meet new 
production requirements resulting from work transferring from closed plants, as well as other costs related to the 
integration of the acquired companies; and

e. 

$8.5 million of other restructuring charges, including costs to maintain and exit closed facilities, as well as lease exit 
charges, presented net of a $4.9 million gain from the termination of the postretirement medical benefit plan.

The Company expects to incur additional restructuring and integration costs in future reporting periods in connection with 
eliminating excess manufacturing capacity and properly aligning its cost structure in conjunction with the Company's acquisitions 
and strategic investments, and other cost reduction programs.

60

 
(2)  Restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges of $95.3 million incurred during the year ended December 31, 2013, 

included:

a. 

b. 

c. 

d. 

$15.7 million of employee termination charges related to workforce reductions through facility consolidations and 
involuntary separation programs;

$21.8 million of impairment charges including: (1) $11.7 million of impairment charges for machinery and equipment 
no longer being utilized in production as a result of facility consolidations including Dubuque, Iowa; Jonesboro, 
Arkansas; Pittsburg, California and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, as well as other capacity reduction 
restructuring initiatives; and (2) $10.1 million of land and building impairment charges primarily related to the Corinth, 
Mississippi; Marengo, Iowa and Mexico City, Mexico plant closures; 

$4.0 million of transaction-related charges consisting of professional service fees for business acquisition and 
divestiture activities, which primarily includes professional service fees for the acquisitions of Vertis, Proteus and 
Transpak;

$25.2 million of acquisition-related integration costs primarily related to preparing existing facilities to meet new 
production requirements resulting from work transferring from closed plants, as well as other costs related to the 
integration of the acquired companies; and

e. 

$28.6 million of other restructuring charges, including costs to maintain and exit closed facilities, as well as lease exit 
charges, presented net of a $2.1 million pension plan settlement gain.

(3) 

Interest expense increased $7.4 million ($4.4 million, net of tax) during the year ended December 31, 2014, to $92.9 million.  
This change was due to a higher weighted average interest rate on borrowings due to the debt financing arrangements completed 
on April 28, 2014, and increased debt levels in 2014 as compared to 2013, primarily related to acquisitions.

(4)  A non-recurring $7.2 million loss on debt extinguishment ($4.3 million, net of tax) was recognized during the year ended 
December 31, 2014, primarily related to the $1.9 billion debt financing arrangements completed on April 28, 2014.  The 
$7.2 million represents certain debt issuance costs that were expensed.

(5)  The incremental income tax expense of $3.1 million above the normalized amount as calculated in the following table is 

primarily due to the following: (1) $6.8 million of income tax expense recorded in 2014 to establish a valuation allowance for 
certain operations in Mexico; (2) a $5.2 million decrease in domestic deductions; and (3) $1.6 million of one-time foreign 
benefits in 2013, partially offset by (4) a $10.5 million tax benefit from reversal of reserves for unrecognized tax benefits related 
to audit settlements or the expiration of the applicable statutes of limitations.

Earnings before income taxes and equity in loss of unconsolidated entities . . . . . $

41.2

$

56.7

$

40% normalized tax rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Income tax expense at 40% normalized tax rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

40.0%

16.5

Income tax expense from the consolidated statements of operations . . . . . . . . . . .

20.2

40.0%

22.7

23.3

(15.5)

40.0%

(6.2)

3.1

Year Ended December 31,

2014

2013

$ Change

Incremental income tax expense above normalized amount. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

(3.7)

$

(0.6)

$

(3.1)

(6)  The decrease attributable to investments in unconsolidated entities and noncontrolling interests, net of tax, of $1.5 million during 
the year ended December 31, 2014, was primarily due to a decrease of $1.3 million of excluded noncontrolling interest loss in the 
Company's consolidated statements of operations related to the Company's ownership in Argentina due to the Company 
increasing its ownership share from 85% to 100%.

(7)  Operating income, excluding restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges, decreased $28.9 million ($17.4 million, 
net of tax) primarily due to a decline in earnings from ongoing industry volume and pricing pressures, as well as $9.5 million in 
net gains in 2013 that did not repeat in 2014 related to favorable legal, environmental and bankruptcy related settlements and a 
gain on the sale of Quad/Graphics' Brazilian operations in January 2013 to the Company's existing Brazilian joint venture with 

61

Plural.  These declines were partially offset by the operating results from the acquisition of Brown Printing and lower employee 
related costs, including labor productivity improvements.  The following discussion provides additional details.

Operating Results

The following table sets forth certain information from the Company's consolidated statements of operations on 

an absolute dollar basis and as a relative percentage of total net sales for each noted period, together with the relative 
percentage change in such information between the periods set forth below:

Year Ended December 31,

2014

2013

(dollars in millions)

Amount

% of
Sales

Amount

% of
Sales

$ Change

%
Change

Net sales:

Products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

4,197.5

86.3% $

4,186.6

87.3% $

Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cost of sales:

Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total cost of sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Selling, general & administrative expenses .

Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . .

Restructuring, impairment and transaction-
related charges. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

664.9

4,862.4

3,421.4

470.5

3,891.9

425.5

336.4

67.3

Total operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4,721.1

13.7%

100.0%

609.3

4,795.9

12.7%

100.0%

70.3%

9.7%

80.0%

8.8%

6.9%

1.4%

97.1%

3,360.1

441.8

3,801.9

416.0

340.5

95.3

4,653.7

70.1%

9.2%

79.3%

8.6%

7.1%

2.0%

97.0%

Operating income from continuing operations. . $

141.3

2.9% $

142.2

3.0% $

10.9

55.6

66.5

61.3

28.7

90.0

9.5

0.3 %

9.1 %

1.4 %

1.8 %

6.5 %

2.4 %

2.3 %

(4.1)

(1.2)%

(28.0)

67.4

(0.9)

(29.4)%

1.4 %

(0.6)%

Net Sales

Product sales increased $10.9 million, or 0.3%, for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to the year 
ended December 31, 2013, primarily due to a $253.7 million increase from acquisitions, primarily the Brown Printing 
acquisition completed on May 30, 2014.  This increase was partially offset by a $181.2 million decrease in product sales 
in the Company's United States core print and specialty print product lines due to ongoing volume and pricing pressures, 
$33.9 million in lower paper sales and $22.5 million in foreign exchange losses.

Service sales, which primarily consist of imaging, logistics and distribution services, increased $55.6 million, or 

9.1%, for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to the year ended December 31, 2013, primarily due to 
$33.3 million in increased sales of QuadMed medical services and $22.3 million in increased logistics and imaging sales 
primarily resulting from acquisitions.

Cost of Sales

Cost of product sales increased $61.3 million, or 1.8%, for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared with 
the year ended December 31, 2013, primarily due to a $217.7 million increase from cost of product sales resulting from 
acquisitions, partially offset by lower print and paper volumes and lower employee-related costs in product lines owned 
more than a year.

62

Cost of product sales as a percentage of net sales increased to 70.3% for the year ended December 31, 2014, 

from 70.1% for the year ended December 31, 2013, primarily due to the Brown Printing acquisition, which operates with 
lower gross margins than the Company's historical gross margins.

Cost of service sales increased $28.7 million, or 6.5%, for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared with 

the year ended December 31, 2013, primarily due to $22.6 million in additional cost of service sales resulting from sales 
generated by the QuadMed medical services and a $9.5 million increase in freight costs, partially offset by a $5.1 million 
reduction in costs of service sales related to imaging.

Cost of service sales as a percentage of net sales increased to 9.7% for the year ended December 31, 2014, from 

9.2% for the year ended December 31, 2013, primarily due to increased costs of QuadMed medical services and 
increased freight costs.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $9.5 million, or 2.3%, for the year ended December 31, 
2014, compared with the year ended December 31, 2013, primarily due to an $8.8 million increase in employee-related 
costs attributable to acquisitions (predominantly from the Brown Printing acquisition) and $7.7 million of net gains 
recorded in 2013 that did not repeat in 2014 or at the same level in 2014, including legal, environmental and bankruptcy 
related expenses as well as a $2.8 million gain on the sale of Quad/Graphics' Brazilian operations in January 2013 to the 
Company's existing Brazilian joint venture with Plural.  These increases were partially offset by a $3.4 million decrease 
in general administrative and professional fees and a $3.1 million reduction in sales promotion expense.  Selling, general 
and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales increased from 8.6% to 8.8% between years due to the items 
discussed in the preceding sentence.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization decreased $4.1 million, or 1.2%, for the year ended December 31, 2014, 

compared with the year ended December 31, 2013, primarily due to a $9.7 million decrease in depreciation expense.  
The decreased depreciation expense is a result of property, plant and equipment becoming fully depreciated over the past 
year, partially offset by depreciation of property, plant and equipment purchased in the Brown acquisition.  The decrease 
in depreciation expense was partially offset by a $5.6 million increase in amortization expense, primarily due to 
amortization of customer relationship intangible assets from the companies acquired during 2013 and 2014.

Restructuring, Impairment and Transaction-Related Charges

Restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges decreased $28.0 million, or 29.4%, for the year ended 

December 31, 2014, compared with the year ended December 31, 2013, primarily due to a $20.1 million decrease in 
other restructuring charges, a $14.0 million decrease in acquisition-related integration costs, a $7.4 million decrease in 
impairment charges and a $1.4 million decrease in transaction-related charges, partially offset by a $14.9 million increase 
in employee termination charges.

Restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges of $67.3 million incurred in the year ended 

December 31, 2014, included: (1) $30.6 million of employee termination charges related to workforce reductions 
through facility consolidations and involuntary separation programs; (2) $14.4 million of impairment charges, including 
$8.0 million of impairment charges for machinery and equipment no longer being utilized in production as a result of 
facility consolidations including Atlanta, Georgia; Dickson, Tennessee; Mexico City, Mexico; Pomona, California; and 
St. Cloud, Minnesota, as well as other capacity reduction restructuring initiatives; and $6.4 million of land and building 
impairment charges primarily related to the Bristol, Pennsylvania and Dickson, Tennessee plant closures; 
(3) $2.6 million of transaction-related charges consisting of professional service fees for business acquisition and 
divestiture activities, which primarily includes professional service fees for the acquisitions of Brown Printing and 
UniGraphic; (4) $11.2 million of acquisition-related integration costs primarily related to preparing existing facilities to 
meet new production requirements resulting from work transferring from closed plants, as well as other costs related to 
the integration of the acquired companies; and (5) $8.5 million of other restructuring charges, including costs to maintain 

63

and exit closed facilities, as well as lease exit charges, presented net of a $4.9 million gain from the termination of the 
postretirement medical benefit plan.

Restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges of $95.3 million incurred in the year ended 

December 31, 2013, included: (1) $15.7 million of employee termination charges related to workforce reductions 
through facility consolidations and involuntary separation programs; (2) $21.8 million of impairment charges, including 
$11.7 million of impairment charges for machinery and equipment no longer being utilized in production as a result of 
facility consolidations including Dubuque, Iowa; Jonesboro, Arkansas; Pittsburg, California; and Vancouver, British 
Columbia, Canada, as well as other capacity reduction restructuring initiatives; and $10.1 million of land and building 
impairment charges primarily related to the Corinth, Mississippi; Marengo, Iowa; and Mexico City, Mexico plant 
closures; (3) $4.0 million of transaction-related charges consisting of professional service fees for business acquisition 
and divestiture activities, which primarily includes professional service fees for the acquisitions of Vertis, Proteus and 
Transpak; (4) $25.2 million of acquisition-related integration costs primarily related to preparing existing facilities to 
meet new production requirements resulting from work transferring from closed plants, as well as other costs related to 
the integration of the acquired companies; and (5) $28.6 million of other restructuring charges, including costs to 
maintain and exit closed facilities, as well as lease exit charges, presented net of a $2.1 million pension plan settlement 
gain.

64

EBITDA and EBITDA Margin—Consolidated

EBITDA and EBITDA margin for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to the year ended 

December 31, 2013, were as follows:

Year Ended December 31,

2014

2013

Amount

% of Net Sales

Amount

% of Net Sales

(dollars in millions)

EBITDA and EBITDA margin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

468.1

9.6% $

481.8

10.0%

EBITDA decreased $13.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to the year ended 

December 31, 2013, primarily due to: (1) ongoing volume and pricing pressures from excess capacity in the printing 
industry; (2) $11.3 million in net favorable gains in 2013 that did not repeat at the same level in 2014; (3) $9.5 million of 
increased selling, general and administrative expenses primarily from the Brown Printing acquisition; and (4) the 
$7.2 million loss on debt extinguishment recorded in 2014.  These impacts were partially offset by $28.0 million of 
decreased restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges and the additional earnings on sales generated from 
acquisitions.  The EBITDA margin decreased from 10.0% for the year ended December 31, 2013, to 9.6% for the year 
ended December 31, 2014, primarily due to the margin impact from lower print pricing in product lines owned more than 
a year and the acquired Brown Printing operations, which operate with lower margins than the Company's historical 
margins.

EBITDA represents net earnings attributable to Quad/Graphics common shareholders, plus (i) interest expense, 

(ii) income tax expense (if applicable) and (iii) depreciation and amortization, and less income tax benefit (if applicable).  
EBITDA margin represents EBITDA as a percentage of net sales.  EBITDA and EBITDA margin are presented to 
provide additional information regarding Quad/Graphics' performance and because both are important measures by 
which Quad/Graphics gauges the profitability and assesses the performance of its business.  EBITDA and EBITDA 
margin are not measures of financial performance in accordance with GAAP.  EBITDA and EBITDA margin should not 
be considered alternatives to net earnings as a measure of operating performance or to cash flows provided by operating 
activities as a measure of liquidity.  Quad/Graphics' calculation of EBITDA and EBITDA margin may be different from 
the calculations used by other companies, and therefore, comparability may be limited.  A reconciliation of EBITDA to 
net earnings attributable to Quad/Graphics common shareholders follows:

Year Ended December 31,

2014

2013

(dollars in millions)

Net earnings attributable to Quad/Graphics common shareholders(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Income tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Depreciation and amortization. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

18.6

92.9

20.2

336.4

EBITDA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

468.1

$

32.5

85.5

23.3

340.5

481.8

______________________________

(1)  Net earnings attributable to Quad/Graphics common shareholders includes the following effects:

a.  Restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges of $67.3 million and $95.3 million for the years ended 

December 31, 2014, and 2013, respectively; and

b.  Loss on debt extinguishment of $7.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014.

65

United States Print and Related Services

The following table summarizes net sales, operating income, operating margin and certain items impacting 

comparability within the United States Print and Related Services segment:

Year Ended December 31,

2014

2013

(dollars in millions)

Amount

Amount

$ Change

% Change

Net sales:

Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

3,760.6

$

3,746.2

$

Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Operating income (including restructuring, impairment and
transaction-related charges). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

645.2

197.9

593.5

230.7

Operating margin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4.5%

5.3%

Restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges . . . . $

52.1

$

52.3

$

14.4

51.7

(32.8)

N/A

(0.2)

0.4 %

8.7 %

(14.2)%

N/A

(0.4)%

Net Sales

Product sales for the United States Print and Related Services segment increased $14.4 million, or 0.4%, for the 

year ended December 31, 2014, compared to the year ended December 31, 2013, primarily due to a $253.7 million 
increase from acquisitions.  This increase was partially offset by a $181.2 million decrease in product sales in the 
Company's core print and specialty print product lines owned more than a year due to ongoing volume and pricing 
pressures and a $45.6 million decrease in paper sales.

Service sales for the United States Print and Related Services segment increased $51.7 million, or 8.7%, for the 

year ended December 31, 2014, compared to the year ended December 31, 2013, primarily due to $33.3 million in 
increased sales of QuadMed medical services and $18.4 million in increased logistics and imaging sales primarily 
resulting from acquisitions.

Operating Income

Operating income for the United States Print and Related Services segment decreased $32.8 million, or 14.2%, 

for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to the year ended December 31, 2013, primarily due to the ongoing 
volume and pricing pressures from excess capacity in the printing industry.  This decrease in operating income was 
partially offset by $30.1 million lower employee-related costs, including labor productivity improvements, and increased 
operating profit from acquisitions.

Operating margin for the United States Print and Related Services segment decreased to 4.5% for the year 

ended December 31, 2014, from 5.3% for the year ended December 31, 2013, primarily due to lower print volumes and 
pricing and the Brown Printing acquisition, which operates with lower margins than the Company's historical margins.

Restructuring, Impairment and Transaction-Related Charges

Restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges for the United States Print and Related Services 

segment for the year ended December 31, 2014, were $52.1 million, consisting of: (1) $19.9 million of employee 
termination charges related to workforce reductions through facility consolidations and involuntary separation programs; 
(2) $12.7 million of impairment charges, including $7.0 million of impairment charges for machinery and equipment no 
longer being utilized in production as a result of facility consolidations including Atlanta, Georgia; Dickson, Tennessee; 
Pomona, California; and St. Cloud, Minnesota, as well as other capacity reduction restructuring initiatives and  
$5.7 million of land and building impairment charges primarily related to the Bristol, Pennsylvania and Dickson, 
Tennessee plant closures; (3) $8.8 million of acquisition-related integration costs primarily related to preparing existing 

66

facilities to meet new production requirements resulting from work transferring from closed plants, as well as other costs 
related to the integration of the acquired companies; and (4) $10.7 million of other restructuring charges, including costs 
to maintain and exit closed facilities, as well as lease exit charges.

Restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges for the United States Print and Related Services 

segment for the year ended December 31, 2013, were $52.3 million, consisting of: (1) $10.0 million of employee 
termination charges related to workforce reductions through facility consolidations and involuntary separation programs; 
(2) $15.6 million of impairment charges, including $10.3 million of impairment charges for machinery and equipment no 
longer being utilized in production as a result of facility consolidations including Dubuque, Iowa; Jonesboro, Arkansas; 
Pittsburg, California; and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, as well as other capacity reduction restructuring 
initiatives; and $5.3 million of land and building impairment charges primarily related to the Corinth, Mississippi and 
Marengo, Iowa plant closures; and (3) $26.7 million of other restructuring charges, including costs to maintain and exit 
closed facilities, as well as lease exit charges, presented net of a $2.1 million pension plan settlement gain.

International

The following table summarizes net sales, operating loss, operating margin, certain items impacting 

comparability and equity in loss of unconsolidated entities within the International segment:

Year Ended December 31,

2014

2013

(dollars in millions)

Amount

Amount

$ Change

% Change

Net sales:

Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Operating loss (including restructuring, impairment and
transaction-related charges). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Operating margin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges . . . . $

Equity in loss of unconsolidated entities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

$

436.9

19.7

(11.2)

(2.5)%

9.2

(2.7)

$

$

440.4

15.8

(7.7)

(1.7)%

9.6

(2.5)

(3.5)

3.9

(3.5)

N/A

(0.4)

(0.2)

(0.8)%

24.7 %

(45.5)%

N/A

(4.2)%

8.0 %

Net Sales

Product sales for the International segment decreased $3.5 million, or 0.8%, for the year ended December 31, 

2014, compared to the year ended December 31, 2013, primarily due to $23.7 million of decreased product sales in Latin 
America as a result of $23.7 million of foreign exchange losses in Argentina.  This decrease was partially offset by 
$20.2 million of increased sales in Europe driven by an increase in paper sales, higher volumes and a $1.2 million 
positive impact from foreign currency translation in Europe.

Service sales for the International segment increased $3.9 million, or 24.7%, for the year ended December 31, 

2014, compared to the year ended December 31, 2013, primarily due to an increase in logistics revenue in Europe.

Operating Loss

Operating loss for the International segment increased $3.5 million, or 45.5%, for the year ended December 31, 

2014, compared to the year ended December 31, 2013, primarily due to the margin impact of lower product sales in 
Latin America, a $2.8 million gain on the sale of Quad/Graphics' Brazilian operations in January 2013 to the Company's 
existing Brazilian joint venture with Plural that did not recur in 2014 and a $0.2 million increase in equity loss of 
unconsolidated entities, as discussed below.  These increases in operating loss were partially offset by improvement in 
operating income in Europe.

67

Restructuring, Impairment and Transaction-Related Charges

Restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges for the International segment for the year ended 

December 31, 2014, were $9.2 million, consisting of: (1) $6.0 million of employee termination charges related to 
workforce reductions through facility consolidations and involuntary separation programs; (2) $1.7 million of 
impairment charges, including $1.0 million of impairment charges for machinery and equipment no longer being utilized 
in production as a result of facility consolidations in Mexico City, Mexico, as well as other capacity reduction 
restructuring initiatives; and $0.7 million of land and building impairment charges as a result of facility consolidations in 
Poland; and (3) $1.5 million of other restructuring charges.

Restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges for the International segment for the year ended 

December 31, 2013, were $9.6 million, consisting of: (1) $2.9 million of employee termination charges related to 
workforce reductions through facility consolidations and involuntary separation programs; (2) $6.2 million of 
impairment charges, including $4.8 million of land and building impairment charges primarily related to the Mexico 
City, Mexico plant closure and $1.4 million of impairment charges for machinery and equipment no longer being utilized 
in production as a result of facility consolidations in Pila, Poland, as well as other capacity reduction restructuring 
initiatives; (3) $(0.2) million of an adjustment for updated estimates related to employee related liabilities for the 
integration of Transcontinental's Mexican operations; and (4) $0.7 million of other restructuring charges.

Equity in Loss of Unconsolidated Entities

Investments in entities where Quad/Graphics has the ability to exert significant influence, but not control, are 

accounted for using the equity method of accounting.  The Company holds a 49% ownership interest in Plural, a 
commercial printer based in São Paulo, Brazil.  In January 2013, the Company sold 100% of its ownership interest in 
Quad/Graphics Nordeste Industria Gráfica LTDA. and Quad/Graphics São Paulo Industria Gráfica S.A. to Plural (see 
Note 8, "Equity Method Investments in Unconsolidated Entities," to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8, 
"Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion).  The 
Company also holds a 50% interest in a joint venture based in Santiago, Chile, Quad/Graphics Chile S.A. ("Chile"), that 
was acquired as part of the World Color Press acquisition.  The equity in loss of unconsolidated entities in the 
International segment increased $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to the year ended 
December 31, 2013, primarily due to a decrease in equity earnings at Chile.

Unrestricted Subsidiaries

Unrestricted subsidiaries as defined in the Senior Unsecured Notes indenture represented less than 2.0% of total 

consolidated net sales for the year ended December 31, 2014.

68

Corporate

The following table summarizes unallocated operating expenses presented as Corporate:

Year Ended December 31,

2014

2013

(dollars in millions)

Operating expenses (including restructuring, impairment and
transaction-related charges). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges . . . .

45.4

$

6.0

$

80.8

33.4

(35.4)

(27.4)

(43.8)%

(82.0)%

Amount

Amount

$ Change

% Change

Operating Expenses

Corporate operating expenses decreased $35.4 million, or 43.8%, for the year ended December 31, 2014, 

compared with the year ended December 31, 2013, primarily due to a $27.4 million decrease in restructuring, 
impairment and transaction-related charges and $11.1 million in pension and other postretirement income that is being 
allocated to Corporate in 2014, instead of to the United States Print and Related Services segment (as was done in 2013), 
partially offset by a $3.3 million increase in employee-related costs, including costs resulting from the Brown Printing 
acquisition.

Restructuring, Impairment and Transaction-Related Charges

Corporate restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges for the year ended December 31, 2014, 

were $6.0 million, consisting of: (1) $4.7 million of employee termination charges related to workforce reductions 
through facility consolidations and involuntary separation programs; (2) $2.6 million of transaction-related charges 
consisting of professional service fees for business acquisition and divestiture activities, which primarily includes 
professional service fees for the acquisitions of Brown Printing and UniGraphic; (3) $2.4 million of acquisition-related 
integration costs primarily related to professional fees; and (4) $(3.7) million of other restructuring charges (income), 
which includes a $4.9 million gain from the termination of the postretirement medical benefit plan.

Corporate restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges for the year ended December 31, 2013, 
were $33.4 million, consisting of: (1) $2.8 million of employee termination charges related to workforce reductions 
through facility consolidations and involuntary separation programs; (2) $4.0 million of transaction-related charges 
consisting of professional service fees for business acquisition and divestiture activities, which primarily includes 
professional service fees for the acquisitions of Vertis, Proteus and Transpak; (3) $25.4 million of acquisition-related 
integration costs primarily related to preparing existing facilities to meet new production requirements resulting from 
work transferring from closed plants, as well as other costs related to the integration of the acquired companies; and 
(4) $1.2 million of other restructuring charges.

69

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company utilizes cash flows from operating activities and borrowings under its credit facilities to satisfy its 

liquidity and capital requirements.  The Company believes its expected future cash flows from operating activities and 
$730.9 million of unused capacity under the revolving credit facility, net of $48.3 million of issued letters of credit, as of 
December 31, 2015, provide sufficient resources to fund ongoing operating requirements and the integration and 
restructuring requirements related to acquired operations, as well as future capital expenditures, debt service 
requirements, World Color Press single employer pension plan contributions, World Color Press MEPPs withdrawal 
payments, investments in future growth to create value for its shareholders, shareholder dividends and share repurchases.  
Borrowings under the $850.0 million revolving credit facility were $70.8 million as of December 31, 2015, and peak 
borrowings were $288.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2015.

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

Year Ended December 31, 2015 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2014 

Net cash provided by operating activities was $348.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared 

to $293.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, resulting in a $54.9 million increase in cash provided by 
operating activities.  The increase was primarily due to a $163.4 million increase in cash flows from changes in operating 
assets and liabilities predominantly from improvements in working capital and the $10.0 million non-recurring cash 
receipt from Courier's termination of the agreement pursuant to which Quad/Graphics was to acquire Courier, partially 
offset by a $118.5 million decrease in cash from earnings.

Year Ended December 31, 2014 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2013 

Net cash provided by operating activities was $293.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared 

to $441.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, resulting in a $147.9 million decrease in cash provided by 
operating activities.  The decrease was primarily due to a $161.3 million decrease in cash flows from changes in 
operating assets and liabilities and a $5.0 million decrease in dividends from unconsolidated entities, partially offset by 
$18.4 million of improved operating cash flows from earnings (excluding non-cash items).  The $161.3 million decrease 
in cash flows from changes in operating assets and liabilities was primarily related to an estimated $90 million one-time 
benefit realized during 2013 from the restoration of normalized working capital levels following the acquisition of Vertis, 
which was acquired without normalized levels of accounts payable and certain liabilities.  The remaining change is due 
to an increase of $71 million in cash used for working capital primarily due to an increase in accounts receivable.

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

Year Ended December 31, 2015 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2014

Net cash used in investing activities was $216.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to 

$224.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, resulting in a $7.5 million decrease in cash used in investing 
activities.  The decrease was primarily due to $36.4 million of increased cash proceeds from the sale of property, plant 
and equipment and investments in 2015, partially offset by $30.9 million of increased cash payments related to 
acquisitions.

Year Ended December 31, 2014 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2013

Net cash used in investing activities was $224.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to 
$430.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, resulting in a $206.4 million decrease in cash used in investing 
activities.  The decrease was primarily due to $179.4 million of reduced cash payments related to acquisitions and 
strategic investments, predominantly driven by the $235.4 million net cash paid for the Vertis acquisition on January 16, 
2013, and the $43.1 million net cash paid for the Proteus and Transpak acquisitions on December 18, 2013, less the 
$96.4 million net cash paid for the Brown Printing acquisition on May 30, 2014.  The decrease in cash used in investing 

70

activities is also attributable to the following: (1) a $20.3 million increase in receipts of restricted cash and (2) a 
$10.3 million decrease in purchases of property, plant and equipment in 2014.

Net Cash Used in Financing Activities

Year Ended December 31, 2015 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2014

Net cash used in financing activities was $127.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to 

$71.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, resulting in a $56.2 million increase in cash used in financing 
activities.  The increase was primarily due to net debt repayments of $68.9 million in 2015, compared to net debt 
borrowings of $11.5 million in 2014, representing an $80.4 million increase in net cash used in financing activities.  This 
increase was partially offset by: (1) $16.5 million of debt issuance costs paid in 2014 related to the April 28, 2014 
$1.9 billion debt financing arrangements, the October 10, 2014 redemption of $108.8 million of its senior notes under the 
Master Note and Security Agreement and the November 24, 2014 amendment to the master note and security agreement 
compared to no debt issuance cost payments in 2015 and (2) $7.9 million of reduced World Color Press bankruptcy 
claim payments.

Year Ended December 31, 2014 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2013 

Net cash used in financing activities was $71.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to 

$10.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, resulting in a $61.5 million increase in cash used in financing 
activities.  The increase was primarily due to: (1) a $29.8 million decrease in net debt borrowings in 2014 as compared to 
2013; (2) $16.5 million of debt issuance costs paid in 2014 related to the April 28, 2014 $1.9 billion debt financing 
arrangements, the October 10, 2014 redemption of $108.8 million of its senior notes under the master note and security 
agreement and the November 24, 2014 amendment to the master note and security agreement; (3) $6.9 million reduced 
net cash proceeds from equity incentive instruments; and (4) $4.8 million higher dividend payments in 2014.

Free Cash Flow

Free Cash Flow is defined as net cash provided by operating activities less purchases of property, plant and 

equipment.

The Company's management assesses Free Cash Flow as a measure to quantify cash available for 

(1) strengthening the balance sheet (debt reduction), (2) strategic capital allocation and deployment through investments 
in the business (acquisitions and strategic investments) and (3) returning capital to the shareholders (dividends and share 
repurchases).  The priorities for capital allocation and deployment will change as circumstances dictate for the business, 
and Free Cash Flow can be significantly impacted by the Company's restructuring activities and other unusual items.

Free Cash Flow is a non-GAAP measure.  Free Cash Flow should not be considered an alternative to cash flows 

provided by operating activities as a measure of liquidity.  Quad/Graphics' calculation of Free Cash Flow may be 
different from similar calculations used by other companies, and therefore, comparability may be limited.

71

Free Cash Flow for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, was as follows:

Year Ended December 31,

2015

2014

2013

(dollars in millions)

Net cash provided by operating activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Less: purchases of property, plant and equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Free Cash Flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

348.1

(133.0)

215.1

$

$

293.2

(139.2)

154.0

$

$

441.1

(149.5)
291.6 (1)

______________________________

(1)  Free Cash Flow of $291.6 million in 2013 includes an estimated $90 million one-time benefit realized from the restoration of 
normalized working capital levels following the 2013 acquisition of Vertis.  Excluding this $90 million one-time benefit, Free 
Cash Flow would have been $201.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Free Cash Flow increased $61.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to the year ended 

December 31, 2014, due to the following: (1) a $54.9 million increase in net cash provided by operating activities 
primarily attributable to improvements in working capital and the receipt of the $10.0 million Courier termination fee 
and (2) a $6.2 million decrease in capital expenditures.

Free Cash Flow decreased $137.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to the year ended 
December 31, 2013, due to a $147.9 million decrease in net cash provided by operating activities, partially offset by a 
$10.3 million decrease in capital expenditures.  The $147.9 million decrease in net cash provided by operating activities 
includes an estimated $90 million one-time benefit realized during 2013 from the restoration of normalized working 
capital levels following the acquisition of Vertis and an increase of $71 million in cash used for working capital primarily 
due to an increase in accounts receivable.

See the "Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities" section above for further explanations of the changes in 

operating cash flows and the "Net Cash Used in Investing Activities" section above for further explanations of the 
changes in purchases of property, plant and equipment.

Debt Leverage Ratio

The Debt Leverage Ratio is defined as total debt and capital lease obligations divided by the sum of: (1) the last 

twelve months of EBITDA (see the definition of EBITDA and the reconciliation of net earnings (loss) attributable to 
Quad/Graphics common shareholders to EBITDA in the "Results of Operations" section above); (2) restructuring, 
impairment and transaction-related charges; (3) non-cash goodwill impairment charges; (4) loss on debt extinguishment; 
and (5) pro forma historical results related to the May 30, 2014, acquisition of Brown Printing.

The Company uses the Debt Leverage Ratio as a metric to assess liquidity and the flexibility of its balance 

sheet.  Consistent with other liquidity metrics, the Company monitors the Debt Leverage Ratio as a measure to determine 
the appropriate level of debt the Company believes is optimal to operate its business, and accordingly, to quantify debt 
capacity available for strategic capital allocation and deployment through investments in the business (capital 
expenditures and acquisitions), for strengthening the balance sheet (debt and pension liability reduction), and for 
returning capital to the shareholders (dividends and share repurchases).  The priorities for capital allocation and 
deployment will change as circumstances dictate for the business, and the Debt Leverage Ratio can be significantly 
impacted by the amount and timing of large expenditures requiring debt financing, as well as changes in profitability.

The Debt Leverage Ratio is a non-GAAP measure, and should not be considered an alternative to cash flows 
provided by operating activities as a measure of liquidity.  Quad/Graphics' calculation of the Debt Leverage Ratio may 
be different from similar calculations used by other companies, and therefore, comparability may be limited.

72

The Debt Leverage Ratio calculated below differs from both the total leverage ratio and senior secured leverage 
ratio included in the Company's debt covenant calculations (see Note 12, "Debt," to the consolidated financial statements 
in Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information 
on debt covenants).  The total leverage ratio included in the Company's debt covenants includes letters of credit as debt, 
excludes non-cash stock-based compensation expense from EBITDA and includes certain pro forma historical results of 
acquisitions and divestitures in EBITDA.  Similarly, the senior secured leverage ratio included in the Company's debt 
covenants includes and excludes the same adjustments as the total leverage ratio, in addition to the exclusion of the 
outstanding balance of the Senior Unsecured Notes.

In accordance with the adoption of accounting guidance on the presentation of debt issuance costs as discussed 

in Note 25, "New Accounting Pronouncements," to the financial statements in Item 8, "Financial Statements and 
Supplementary Data," of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Debt Leverage Ratio calculation on December 31, 2015 
and 2014, reflects a reduction in long-term debt of $16.1 million and $20.0 million, respectively, for debt issuance costs.

The Debt Leverage Ratio as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, was as follows:

December 31,
2015

December 31,
2014

(dollars in millions)

Total debt and capital lease obligations on the consolidated balance sheets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

1,349.3

$

1,405.6

Divided by:

Quad/Graphics EBITDA as adjusted for purposes of calculating Debt Leverage Ratio . . . . . . $

462.2

$

January 1, 2014 to May 29, 2014 Brown Printing pro forma EBITDA as adjusted for 
purposes of calculating the Debt Leverage Ratio(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pro forma EBITDA as adjusted for purposes of calculating the Debt Leverage Ratio . . . . . . . $

—

462.2

$

542.6

5.2

547.8

Debt Leverage Ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2.92x

2.57x

______________________________
(1)  As permitted by the Senior Secured Credit Facility, certain pro forma financial information related to the acquisition of Brown 

Printing was included when calculating the Debt Leverage Ratio as of December 31, 2014.  As the acquisition of Brown Printing 
was completed on May 30, 2014, the $5.2 million pro forma EBITDA as adjusted for purposes of calculating the Debt Leverage 
Ratio represents the period from January 1, 2014 to May 29, 2014.  Pro forma EBITDA as adjusted for purposes of calculating 
the Debt Leverage Ratio for Brown Printing was calculated in a consistent manner with the calculation above for Quad/Graphics.  
Brown Printing's financial information subsequent to the May 30, 2014 acquisition has been included within the Quad/Graphics 
EBITDA as adjusted for purposes of calculating the Debt Leverage Ratio as the results of Brown Printing have been consolidated 
with Quad/Graphics' financial results since that date.  If the five months of pro forma EBITDA as adjusted for purposes of 
calculating the Debt Leverage Ratio for Brown Printing was not included in the calculation, the Company's Debt Leverage Ratio 
would have been 2.59x as of December 31, 2014.

73

The calculation of Quad/Graphics EBITDA as adjusted for purposes of calculating the Debt Leverage Ratio for 

the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, was as follows:

Year Ended December 31,

2015

2014

(dollars in millions)

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Quad/Graphics common shareholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

(641.9) $

Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Income tax expense (benefit). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Depreciation and amortization. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

88.4

(282.8)

325.3

EBITDA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

(511.0) $

Restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Goodwill impairment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Loss on debt extinguishment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

164.9

808.3

—

Quad/Graphics EBITDA as adjusted for purposes of calculating Debt Leverage Ratio . . . . . . $

462.2

$

18.6

92.9

20.2

336.4

468.1

67.3

—

7.2

542.6

The Debt Leverage Ratio increased 0.35x at December 31, 2015, compared to December 31, 2014, primarily 

due to a decrease in Quad/Graphics EBITDA as adjusted for purposes of calculating the Debt Leverage Ratio 
predominantly from ongoing industry volume and pricing pressures, partially offset by the impact of a $56.3 million 
reduction in debt and capital lease obligations on the consolidated balance sheets.  The Debt Leverage Ratio at 
December 31, 2015 of 2.92x is above management's desired target Debt Leverage Ratio range of 2.0x to 2.5x; however, 
the Company operates at times above the Debt Leverage Ratio target range depending on the timing of compelling 
strategic investment opportunities like the Specialty, Copac, Marin's and Brown Printing acquisitions and seasonal 
working capital needs.

Description of Significant Outstanding Debt Obligations as of December 31, 2015

As of December 31, 2015, the Company utilized a combination of debt instruments to fund cash requirements, 

including the following:

• 

$1.9 Billion Debt Financing Arrangements which includes the following:

Senior Secured Credit Facility:

$850.0 million revolving credit facility ($70.8 million outstanding as of December 31, 
2015); 

$450.0 million Term Loan A ($410.6 million outstanding as of December 31, 2015); and

$300.0 million Term Loan B ($293.2 million outstanding as of December 31, 2015); 

Senior Unsecured Notes ($300.0 million outstanding as of December 31, 2015);

•  Master Note and Security Agreement ($260.4 million outstanding as of December 31, 2015).

74

$1.9 Billion Debt Financing Arrangements

The Company completed its $1.9 billion debt financing agreement on April 28, 2014, which included 

refinancing, extending and expanding its existing revolving credit facility, Term Loan A and Term Loan B with the 
$1.6 billion Senior Secured Credit Facility and the issuance of $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of its Senior 
Unsecured Notes.  The Senior Secured Credit Facility and the Senior Unsecured Notes were entered into to extend and 
stagger the Company's debt maturity profile, further diversify its capital structure and provide more borrowing capacity 
to better position the Company to execute on its strategic goals.  The proceeds from the Senior Secured Credit Facility 
and Senior Unsecured Notes were used to: (1) repay the Company's previous revolving credit facility, Term Loan A, 
Term Loan B and the international term loan; (2) fund the acquisition of Brown Printing; and (3) for general corporate 
purposes.

• 

Senior Secured Credit Facility.  The Senior Secured Credit Facility consists of three different loan facilities.  
The first facility is a revolving credit facility in the amount of $850.0 million with a term of five years 
maturing on April 27, 2019.  The second facility is a Term Loan A in the aggregate amount of 
$450.0 million with a term of five years maturing on April 27, 2019, subject to certain required 
amortization.  The third facility is a Term Loan B in the amount of $300.0 million with a term of seven 
years maturing on April 27, 2021, subject to certain required amortization.

Borrowings under the revolving credit facility and Term Loan A loans made under the Senior Secured 
Credit Facility will initially bear interest at 2.00% in excess of reserve adjusted London Interbank Offered 
Rate ("LIBOR"), or 1.00% in excess of an alternate base rate.  The weighted-average interest rate for the 
revolving credit facility was 2.37% and the weighted-average interest rate for the Term Loan A loans was 
2.36% at December 31, 2015, and interest is payable monthly.  Term Loan B loans will bear interest at 
3.25% in excess of reserve adjusted LIBOR, with a LIBOR floor of 1.00%, or 2.25% in excess of an 
alternative base rate at the Company's option.  The weighted-average interest rate for the Term Loan B 
loans was 4.25% at December 31, 2015, and interest is payable monthly.

The Senior Secured Credit Facility is secured by substantially all of the unencumbered assets of the 
Company.  The Senior Secured Credit Facility also requires the Company to provide additional collateral to 
the lenders in certain limited circumstances.

The Company entered into an amendment to the Senior Secured Credit Facility on December 18, 2014, 
which eliminated the "net debt" concept from the calculation of the total leverage ratio and the senior 
secured leverage ratio and eliminated the consolidated net worth covenant.

• 

Senior Unsecured Notes.  The Company received $294.8 million in net proceeds from the sale of the 
$300.0 million Senior Unsecured Notes, after deducting the initial purchasers' discounts and commissions.  
The Senior Unsecured Notes bear interest at 7.0% and interest is payable semi-annually.  The Senior 
Unsecured Notes are due May 1, 2022.

Subsequent to December 31, 2015, and through February 18, 2016, the Company repurchased 
$27.4 million of Senior Unsecured Notes for a total purchase price of $18.5 million.  All the repurchased 
notes were canceled.

Each of the Company's existing and future domestic subsidiaries that is a borrower or guarantees 
indebtedness under the Company's Senior Secured Credit Facility or that guarantees certain of the 
Company's other indebtedness or indebtedness of the Company's restricted subsidiaries (other than 
intercompany indebtedness) fully and unconditionally guarantee or, in the case of future subsidiaries, will 
guarantee, on a joint and several basis, the Senior Unsecured Notes (the "Guarantor Subsidiaries").  All of 
the current Guarantor Subsidiaries are 100% owned by the Company.  Guarantor Subsidiaries will be 
automatically released from these guarantees upon the occurrence of certain events, including the 
following: (1) the designation of any of the Guarantor Subsidiaries as an unrestricted subsidiary; (2) the 
release or discharge of any guarantee or indebtedness that resulted in the creation of the guarantee of the 

75

Senior Unsecured Notes by any of the Guarantor Subsidiaries; or (3) the sale or disposition, including the 
sale of substantially all the assets, of any of the Guarantor Subsidiaries.

Master Note and Security Agreement (sometimes referred to as senior notes)

On September 1, 1995, and as last amended on November 24, 2014, the Company entered into the Master Note 
and Security Agreement pursuant to which the Company issued over time senior notes in an aggregate principal amount 
of $1.1 billion in various tranches, of which $260.4 million was outstanding as of December 31, 2015.  The weighted-
average interest rate for the senior notes was 7.53% at December 31, 2015, which is fixed to maturity, and interest is 
payable semiannually.  Principal payments commenced September 1997 and extend through April 2031 in various 
tranches.  The notes are collateralized by certain United States land, buildings and press and finishing equipment under 
the terms of the Master Note and Security Agreement. 

The Company redeemed $108.8 million of its senior notes under the Master Note and Security Agreement for 

$109.6 million on October 10, 2014.  The Company used its revolving credit facility to effect the redemption.  This 
redemption was primarily completed to reduce interest expense based on then current LIBOR rates.

The Master Note and Security Agreement was amended on November 24, 2014.  The amendment, among other 

things, amended the financial covenants by removing the consolidated net worth requirement and the fixed charge 
coverage ratio, as well as adding a minimum interest coverage ratio, a maximum total leverage ratio and a maximum 
senior secured leverage ratio.  These amendments align the financial covenants in the Master Note and Security 
Agreement more closely with the financial covenants in the Senior Secured Credit Facility.

Covenants and Compliance

The Company's various lending arrangements include certain financial covenants (all financial terms, numbers 

and ratios are as defined in the Company's debt agreements).  Among these covenants, the Company was required to 
maintain the following as of December 31, 2015:

• 

• 

Total Leverage Ratio.  On a rolling twelve-month basis, the total leverage ratio, defined as total 
consolidated debt to consolidated EBITDA, shall not exceed 3.75 to 1.00 (for the twelve months ended 
December 31, 2015, the Company's total leverage ratio was 2.89 to 1.00).

Senior Secured Leverage Ratio.  On a rolling twelve-month basis, the senior secured leverage ratio, defined 
as senior secured debt to consolidated EBITDA, shall not exceed 3.50 to 1.00 (for the twelve months ended 
December 31, 2015, the Company's senior secured leverage ratio was 2.26 to 1.00).

•  Minimum Interest Coverage Ratio.  On a rolling twelve-month basis, the minimum interest coverage ratio, 
defined as consolidated EBITDA to consolidated cash interest expense, shall not be less than 3.50 to 1.00 
(for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015, the Company's minimum interest coverage ratio was 
5.66 to 1.00).

The indenture underlying the Senior Unsecured Notes contains various covenants, including, but not limited to, 

covenants that, subject to certain exceptions, limit the Company's and its restricted subsidiaries' ability to: incur and/or 
guarantee additional debt; pay dividends, repurchase stock or make certain other restricted payments; enter into 
agreements limiting dividends and certain other restricted payments; prepay, redeem or repurchase subordinated debt; 
grant liens on assets; enter into sale and leaseback transactions; merge, consolidate, transfer or dispose of substantially 
all of the Company's consolidated assets; sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of property and assets; and engage in 
transactions with affiliates.

76

The Company was in compliance with all financial covenants in its debt agreements as of December 31, 2015.  
While the Company currently expects to be in compliance in future periods with all of the financial covenants, there can 
be no assurance that these covenants will continue to be met.  The Company's failure to maintain compliance with the 
covenants could prevent the Company from borrowing additional amounts and could result in a default under any of the 
debt agreements.  Such default could cause the outstanding indebtedness to become immediately due and payable, by 
virtue of cross-acceleration or cross-default provisions.

In addition to covenants, the Senior Secured Credit Facility also includes certain limitations on acquisitions, 

indebtedness, liens, dividends and repurchases of capital stock, including the following:

• 

• 

If the Company's total leverage ratio is greater than 3.00 to 1.00 (as defined in the Senior Secured Credit 
Facility), the Company is prohibited from making greater than $120.0 million of annual dividend payments, 
capital stock repurchases and certain other payments. If the total leverage ratio is less than 3.00 to 1.00, 
there are no such restrictions.

If the Company's senior secured leverage ratio is greater than 3.00 to 1.00 or the Company's total leverage 
ratio is greater than 3.50 to 1.00 (these ratios as defined in the Senior Secured Credit Facility), the 
Company is prohibited from voluntarily prepaying any of the Senior Unsecured Notes and from voluntarily 
prepaying any other unsecured or subordinated indebtedness, with certain exceptions (including any 
mandatory prepayments on the Senior Unsecured Notes or any other unsecured or subordinated debt).  If 
the senior secured leverage ratio is less than 3.00 to 1.00 and the total leverage ratio is less than 
3.50 to 1.00, there are no such restrictions.

Net Pension Obligations

The net underfunded pension and MEPPs obligations decreased by $36.3 million during the year ended 
December 31, 2015, from $221.7 million at December 31, 2014, to $185.4 million at December 31, 2015.  The decrease 
is due to the following: (1) $24.4 million of combined single-employer and MEPP contributions, (2) $8.0 million of 
liability reduction as the expected return on plan assets exceeded the interest cost of the frozen plans and (3) a 
$3.7 million year-end actuarial valuation adjustment.  The Company continues to focus on reducing its net obligation for 
these underfunded plans through cash contributions to the plans and plan design changes.

Share Repurchase Program

On September 6, 2011, the Company's board of directors authorized a share repurchase program of up to 

$100.0 million of the Company's outstanding class A stock.  Under the authorization, share repurchases may be made at 
the Company's discretion, from time to time, in the open market and/or in privately negotiated transactions as permitted 
by federal securities laws and other legal requirements.  The timing, manner, price and amount of any repurchase will 
depend on economic and market conditions, share price, trading volume, applicable legal requirements and other factors.  
The program may be suspended or discontinued at any time.  There were no stock repurchases made under this share 
repurchase program during the year ended December 31, 2015.  As of December 31, 2015, there were $91.8 million of 
authorized repurchases remaining under the program.  Subsequent to December 31, 2015, and through February 18, 
2016, the Company repurchased 984,190 shares of its class A stock at a weighted average price of $8.96 per share for a 
total purchase price of $8.8 million.

Risk Management

For a discussion of the Company's exposure to market risks and management of those market risks, see 

Item 7A, "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk," of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

77

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Except as set forth below in the Contractual Obligations and Other Commitments table and in Note 13, "Lease 
Obligations," to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," of this 
Annual Report on Form 10-K (including operating leases and future interest on debt and capital leases to be incurred), 
the Company has no off-balance sheet arrangements, financings or special purpose entities that the Company expects to 
have a material current or future effect on financial condition, changes in financial condition, results of operations, 
liquidity, capital expenditures, capital resources or significant components of sales or expenses.

Contractual Obligations and Other Commitments

The Company's contractual cash obligations at December 31, 2015, were as follows (in millions):

Debt obligations(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Operating lease obligations . . . . . . . . .
Pension benefits(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capital lease obligations(3) . . . . . . . . . .
Purchase obligations(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total(5)(6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

______________________________

Payments Due by Period

Total

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Thereafter

1,674.5

$

159.6

$

142.4

$

146.7

$

439.0

$

237.0

63.1

15.3

16.5

53.2

2.3

5.3

16.5

46.7

1.1

4.8

—

39.6

19.7

2.6

—

32.2

18.4

1.2

—

$

76.3

21.3

21.6

0.7

—

710.5

44.0

—

0.7

—

2,006.4

$

236.9

$

195.0

$

208.6

$

490.8

$

119.9

$

755.2

(1)  Debt obligations include $321.7 million for anticipated future interest payments, and exclude $16.1 million and $2.2 million for 
future amortization of debt issuance costs and original issue discount, respectively.  With respect to the variable interest rate 
portions of the debt, the interest amounts were calculated by applying the December 31, 2015, weighted-average interest rate to 
determine the value of future interest payments.  For the Master Note and Security Agreement, the weighted-average interest rate 
of the notes was applied to the average principal balance outstanding for each time period.  Amounts included in "Thereafter" 
include principal payments and estimated interest expense through April 2031.

(2)  For the pension benefits, contributions and benefit payments to be funded from Company assets included in the table have been 
actuarially estimated over a five year period.  While benefit payments under these benefit plans are expected to continue beyond 
2020, the Company believes that an estimate beyond this period is unreasonable.  The contractual obligations table above does 
not include a $47.6 million estimated withdrawal liability for the United States World Color Press MEPPs due to the uncertainty 
with the amount and timing of any potential withdrawal liability payment.  During 2016, the Company is scheduled to make 
minimum payments of $11.1 million, pending no settlement or conclusion to the litigation with the MEPPs' trustees.  See 
Note 17, "Employee Retirement Plans," to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8, "Financial Statements and 
Supplementary Data," of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion of the withdrawal from the MEPPs.

(3)  Capital lease obligations include $0.5 million for anticipated future interest payments.

(4)  Purchase obligations consist primarily of $14.9 million in firm commitments to purchase press and finishing equipment, as well 

as $1.6 million of other purchase obligations.

(5)  The contractual obligations table above does not include reserves for uncertain tax positions recorded in accordance with the 

accounting guidance on uncertainties in income taxes.  The Company has taken tax positions for which the ultimate amount and 
the year(s) any necessary payments will be made that pertain to those tax positions is uncertain.  The reserve for uncertain tax 
positions prior to interest and penalties is $29.8 million as of December 31, 2015.  The Company has also recorded accruals for 
interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions of $4.8 million and $0.4 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2015.

(6)  The contractual obligations table above does not include the share repurchase program as no repurchases are required under the 
program.  See the "Share Repurchase Program" section above for further discussion, including the maximum potential cash 
payments under the program.

78

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The Company's consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP.  The Company's most 

critical accounting policies are those that are most important to the portrayal of its financial condition and results of 
operations, and which require the Company to make its most difficult and subjective estimates.  Management is required 
to make judgments and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent 
assets and liabilities at the date of the statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the 
reporting period.  The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are 
believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.  The Company's management believes that such judgments and 
estimates are made with consistent and appropriate methods based on information available at the time, and that any 
reasonable deviation from those judgments and estimates would not have a material impact on the Company's 
consolidated financial position or results of operations.  Actual results may differ from these estimates under different 
assumptions or conditions.  To the extent that the estimates used differ from actual results, adjustments to the 
consolidated statements of operations and corresponding consolidated balance sheets would be necessary.  These 
adjustments would be made in future statements.

The Company has identified the following as its critical accounting policies and estimates.

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes its printing revenues upon transfer of title and the passage of risk of loss, which is 

generally upon shipment to the customer, and when there is a reasonable assurance as to collectability.  Under 
agreements with certain customers, products may be stored by the Company for future delivery.  In these situations, the 
Company may receive warehouse management fees for the services it provides.  Product returns are not significant 
because the majority of products are customized; however, the Company accrues for the estimated amount of customer 
allowances at the time of sale based on historical experience and known trends.

Revenue from services is recognized as services are performed.  Revenues related to the Company's imaging 

operations, which include digital content management, photography, color services and page production, are recognized 
in accordance with the terms of the contract, typically upon completion of the performed service and acceptance by the 
customer.  With respect to the Company's logistics operations, which include the delivery of printed material, the 
Company recognizes revenue upon completion of services.

Services account for greater than 10% of the Company's consolidated net sales; therefore, net sales and related 

costs of sales of products and services have been included as separate line items in the consolidated statements of 
operations in Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Certain revenues earned by the Company require judgment to determine if revenue should be recorded gross as 

a principal or net of related costs as an agent.  Billings for third-party shipping and handling costs, primarily in the 
Company's logistics operations, and out-of-pocket expenses are recorded gross in net sales and cost of sales in the 
consolidated statements of operations in Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," of this Annual Report 
on Form 10-K.  Many of the Company's operations process materials, primarily paper, that may be supplied directly by 
customers or may be purchased by the Company and sold to customers.  No revenue is recognized for customer-supplied 
paper.  Revenues for Company-supplied paper are recognized on a gross basis.

79

Impairment of Goodwill

The allocation of the purchase price for business combinations requires management estimates and judgment as 
to expectations for future cash flows of the acquired business and the allocation of those cash flows to identifiable assets 
and liabilities assumed, including valuations performed by third-party appraisers when appropriate, in determining the 
estimated fair value for purchase price allocation purposes.  Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over 
the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in a business combination.  Changes in management's estimates or 
judgments, including changes based on actual results differing from the estimates and judgments used in the purchase 
price allocation process, could result in an impairment charge, and such a charge could have a material adverse effect on 
the Company's results of operations.  Goodwill is assigned to specific reporting units, and in accordance with accounting 
guidance is tested annually for impairment as of October 31 or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances 
indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is below its carrying value.

United States Print and Related Services Segment

Due to the decline in the Company's stock price in the third quarter of 2015, an interim goodwill impairment 
test of the three reporting units in the United States Print and Related Services segment was performed as of July 31, 
2015.  These reporting units include the Core Print and Related Services reporting unit, the Specialty Print and Related 
Services reporting unit and the Other United States Products and Services reporting unit with goodwill of $640.8 million, 
$115.6 million and $18.6 million, respectively, as of July 31, 2015.

In determining the fair value of each reporting unit, the Company used an equal weighting of both the income 

and market approaches, except for the Other United States Products and Services reporting unit for which only an 
income approach was used.  Significant assumptions used under the income approach included: estimated future cash 
flows including expected future revenue growth, profit margins, capital expenditures, working capital levels, terminal 
value multiples and a 10.1% after-tax weighted average cost of capital for the Core Print and Related Services and the 
Specialty Print and Related Services reporting units and a 10.9% after-tax weighted average cost of capital for the Other 
United States Products and Services reporting unit.  Estimated future cash flows were based on the Company's internal 
projection models, industry projections and other assumptions deemed reasonable by management.  Significant 
assumptions used under the market approach included: a control premium based on similar transactions, selection of the 
guideline public companies and selected market multiples.  This fair value determination was categorized as Level 3 in 
the fair value hierarchy (see Note 15, "Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements," to the consolidated financial 
statements in Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 
definition of Level 3 inputs).

After completing a step one evaluation, the estimated fair value of each of the three reporting units in the United 

States Print and Related Services segment was determined to be lower than the carrying value of each respective 
reporting unit.  As such, each of the three reporting units failed step one of the goodwill impairment test.

Step two of the goodwill impairment test requires the Company to perform a hypothetical purchase price 

allocation for each reporting unit to determine the implied fair value of goodwill and compare the implied fair value of 
goodwill to the carrying amount of goodwill.  The estimate of fair value is complex and requires significant judgment.  A 
third-party valuation firm was engaged to assist in the step two valuation process.

As a result of the interim goodwill impairment assessment as well as the annual impairment test as of 
October 31, 2015, the Company's United States Print and Related Services segment recorded pre-tax non-cash goodwill 
impairment charges of $778.3 million ($512.4 million after tax) in the year ended December 31, 2015, that included 
impairment charges of $640.8 million, $118.9 million and $18.6 million in the Core Print and Related Services reporting 
unit, the Specialty Print and Related Services reporting unit and the Other United States Products and Services reporting 
unit, respectively.  The goodwill impairment charge resulted from a reduction in estimated fair value of the reporting unit 
based on lower expectations for future revenue, profitability and cash flows primarily due to volume and pricing 
pressures as compared to expectations in the last annual goodwill impairment assessment performed as of October 31, 
2014.

80

As of December 31, 2015, there is no goodwill in the United States Print and Related Services segment on the 

consolidated balance sheets.

International Segment

On March 25, 2015, due to deteriorating economic conditions, including inflation and currency devaluation, 
combined with uncertain political conditions, declining print volumes and labor challenges, the Company's Argentina 
Subsidiaries (included within the Latin America reporting unit) commenced bankruptcy restructuring proceedings with a 
goal of consolidating operations.  As a result, the Company conducted an interim goodwill impairment assessment of the 
Latin America reporting unit, which included comparing the carrying amount of net assets, including goodwill, to its 
respective fair value as of March 31, 2015, the date of the interim assessment.

In the first step, the Company compared the estimated fair value of the Latin America reporting unit to its 

carrying amount, including the goodwill.  Fair value was determined using an equal weighting of both the income and 
market approaches.  Under the income approach, the Company determined fair value based on estimated future cash 
flows discounted by an estimated weighted-average cost of capital, which reflects the overall level of inherent risk and 
the rate of return an outside investor would expect to earn.  Under the market approach, the Company derived the fair 
value of the reporting unit based on market multiples of comparable publicly-traded companies.  This fair value 
determination was categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy (see Note 15, "Financial Instruments and Fair Value 
Measurements," to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," of 
this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the definition of Level 3 inputs).  If the carrying amount of such reporting unit 
exceeds the estimated fair value, step two is completed to determine the amount of the impairment charge.

Step two requires the allocation of the estimated fair value of the Latin America reporting unit to the assets, 

including any unrecognized intangible assets, and liabilities in a hypothetical purchase price allocation.  Any remaining 
unallocated fair value represents the implied fair value of the goodwill, which is then compared to the corresponding 
carrying value of the goodwill to compute the goodwill impairment charge.  The assumptions used in performing the 
March 31, 2015, interim goodwill impairment assessment were evaluated in light of market and business conditions.  
The Company continues to believe that the discounted cash flow model and market multiples model provides a 
reasonable and meaningful fair value estimate based upon the reporting unit's projections of future operating results and 
cash flows and replicates how market participants would value the Company's reporting unit.

Significant assumptions used under the income approach included: estimated future cash flows including 

expected future revenue growth, profit margins, capital expenditures, working capital levels, terminal value multiples 
and a 13.3% after-tax weighted average cost of capital.  Estimated future cash flows were based on the Company's 
internal projection models, industry projections and other assumptions deemed reasonable by management.  Significant 
assumptions used under the market approach included: a control premium based on similar transactions, selection of the 
guideline public companies and selected market multiples.

For the interim goodwill impairment assessment of the Latin America reporting unit as of March 31, 2015, the 

fair value of the reporting unit was below its carrying amount.  The Company performed the step two additional fair 
value measurement calculation as described above to determine whether a Latin America reporting unit impairment 
charge should be recorded.  As part of this calculation, the Company also estimated the fair values of significant tangible 
and intangible long-lived assets of the Latin America reporting unit.

As a result of the interim goodwill impairment assessment as well as the annual impairment test as of October 

31, 2015, the Company's International segment recorded non-cash nondeductible goodwill impairment charges of 
$30.0 million in the year ended December 31, 2015, primarily including a $23.3 million non-cash goodwill impairment 
charge for the Latin America reporting unit.  The goodwill impairment charge resulted from a reduction in estimated fair 
value of the reporting unit based on lower expectations for future revenue, profitability and cash flows primarily due to 
volume and pricing pressures as compared to expectations in the last annual goodwill impairment assessment performed 
as of October 31, 2014.

81

As of December 31, 2015, there is no goodwill in the International segment on the consolidated balance sheets.

Impairment of Property, Plant and Equipment and Finite-lived Intangible Assets

The Company performs impairment evaluations of its long-lived assets whenever business conditions, events or 

circumstances indicate that those assets may be impaired, including whether the estimated useful life of such long-lived 
assets may warrant revision or whether the remaining balance of an asset may not be recoverable.  The Company's most 
significant long-lived assets are property, plant and equipment and customer relationship intangible assets recorded in 
conjunction with an acquisition.  Assessing the impairment of long-lived assets requires the Company to make important 
estimates and assumptions, including, but not limited to, the expected future cash flows that the assets will generate, how 
the assets will be used based on the strategic direction of the Company, their remaining useful life and their residual 
value, if any.  Considerable judgment is also applied in incorporating the potential impact of the current economic 
climate on customer demand and selling prices, the cost of production and the limited activity on secondary markets for 
the assets and on the cost of capital.  When the estimated future undiscounted cash flows to be generated by the assets 
are less than the carrying value of the long-lived assets, the assets are written down to fair value and a charge is recorded 
to current operations.  The Company uses internal undiscounted cash flow estimates, quoted market prices when 
available and independent appraisals, as appropriate, to determine fair value.  This fair value determination was 
categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy (see Note 15, "Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements," to 
the consolidated financial statements in Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," of this Annual Report 
on Form 10-K for the definition of Level 3 inputs).  Based on the assessments completed during the years ended 
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company recognized property, plant and equipment impairment charges of 
$69.5 million, $14.4 million and $21.8 million, respectively, primarily related to facility consolidations, as well as other 
capacity reduction restructuring initiatives.  The Company recorded finite-lived intangible asset impairment charges of 
$7.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2015.  There were no finite-lived intangible assets impairment charges 
recorded during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.

The Company continues to monitor groups of assets to identify any new events or changes in circumstances that 
could indicate that their carrying values are not recoverable, particularly in light of potential declines in profitability that 
may result from the highly competitive industry landscape and continued uncertainty in the global economy.  In the event 
that there are significant and unanticipated changes in circumstances, such as significant adverse changes in business 
climate, adverse actions by regulators, unanticipated competition, loss of key customers and/or changes in technology or 
markets, or that actual results differ from management's estimates, a provision for impairment could be required in a 
future period.

Pension Plans

As a result of the acquisition of World Color Press, the Company acquired multiple underfunded pension plans.  

Pension plan costs are determined using actuarial methods and are funded through contributions determined in 
accordance with the projected benefit method pro-rated on service.  The Company records amounts relating to its 
pension plans based on calculations which include various actuarial assumptions.  The Company believes that the two 
most critical assumptions are the discount rate and assumed rate of return on assets.  Changes in these assumptions are 
primarily influenced by factors outside of the Company's control and can have a significant effect on the amounts 
reported in the financial statements.  The Company reviews its actuarial assumptions on an annual basis and modifies the 
assumptions based on current rates and trends when it is appropriate to do so.  The effects of modifications are 
recognized immediately on the consolidated balance sheets, but are generally amortized into operating income over 
future periods, with the deferred amount recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss on the consolidated balance 
sheets included in Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  The 
Company believes that the assumptions utilized in recording its obligations under its plans are reasonable based on its 
experience, market conditions and input from its actuaries and investment advisors.  When an event gives rise to both a 
curtailment and a settlement, the curtailment is accounted for prior to the settlement.  The Company's measurement date 
to measure the defined benefit plan assets and the projected benefit obligation is December 31.  For the purposes of 
calculating the expected return on plan assets, those assets are valued at fair value.

82

The Company determines its assumption for the discount rate to be used for purposes of computing annual 

service and interest costs for each pension plan based on an index of high-quality corporate bond yields and matched-
funding yield curve analysis as of that date.  The weighted-average discount rate used to determine benefit obligations 
for the pension plans at December 31, 2015, was 4.14%, a 24 basis point increase from the December 31, 2014, discount 
rate of 3.90%.

A one-percentage point change in the discount rate would have the following impact on the December 31, 2015, 

projected benefit obligation:

1% 
Increase

1% 
Decrease

(in millions)

Projected benefit obligation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

(60.8) $

70.8

The Company employs a total return on investment approach for its pension plans whereby a diversified mix of 
equity securities and debt securities are used to maximize the long-term pension plan assets.  The intent of this strategy is 
to outperform the growth in plan liabilities over the long run, such that plan contributions can be decreased, balanced 
with maintaining a lower degree of investment risk.  Risk tolerance is established through careful consideration of plan 
liabilities, plan funded status, and corporate financial condition.  Equity securities are diversified across geography and 
market capitalization through investments in United States large-capitalization stocks, United States small-capitalization 
stocks and international securities.  Investment risk is measured and monitored on an ongoing basis through annual 
liability measurements, periodic asset/liability studies and quarterly investment portfolio reviews.  The expected long-
term rate of return for plan assets is based upon many factors including expected asset allocations, historical asset 
returns, current and expected future market conditions and risk.  The current target asset allocation for plan assets on a 
weighted-average basis are 55% equity securities and 45% debt securities.  The actual asset allocation as of 
December 31, 2015, was approximately 54% equity securities and 46% debt securities.  The expected return on plan 
assets assumption at December 31, 2015 and 2014, was 6.5% for the Company's funded United States pension plans.  
Actual return on plan assets for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, was (0.1)% and 8.2%, respectively.  
Certain pension plans are unfunded (those plans do not hold plan assets).

A 25 basis point change in the expected return on plan assets would have the following impact on 2016 pension 

income:

.25% 
Increase

.25%
Decrease

(in millions)

Pension income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

1.2

$

(1.2)

The Company also participated in MEPPs as a result of the acquisition of World Color Press.  Due to the 

significant underfunded status of the MEPPs, the Company has withdrawn from all significant MEPPs and replaced 
these union sponsored "promise to pay in the future" defined benefit plans with a Company sponsored "pay as you go" 
defined contribution plan, which is historically the form of retirement benefit provided to Quad/Graphics' employees.  As 
a result of the decision to withdraw, the Company recorded an estimated withdrawal liability for the MEPPs as part of 
the World Color Press purchase price allocation process based on information received from the MEPPs' trustees.  The 
estimated withdrawal liability will be updated based on significant events, such as potential new information from the 
ongoing litigation proceedings with both MEPPs, until the final withdrawal liability is determined.  There are arbitration 
proceedings in process with the GCIU, and also both the Company and GCIU have filed lawsuits in Federal court.  
Arbitration proceedings with the GCC have been completed, both sides have appealed the arbitrator's ruling, and 
litigation has commenced.  The exact amount of the withdrawal liability could be higher or lower than the estimate 
depending on, among other things, the nature and timing of any triggering events, the funded status of the plans at that 
time and the final conclusion of the litigation with the MEPPs' trustees.

83

New Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 25, "New Accounting Pronouncements," to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8, "Financial 

Statements and Supplementary Data," of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

84

Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The Company is exposed to a variety of market risks which may adversely impact the Company's results of 
operations and financial condition, including changes in interest and foreign currency exchange rates, changes in the 
economic environment that would impact credit positions and changes in the prices of certain commodities.  The 
Company's management takes an active role in the risk management process and has developed policies and procedures 
that require specific administrative and business functions to assist in the identification, assessment and control of 
various risks.  These risk management strategies may not fully insulate the Company from adverse impacts due to market 
risks.

Interest Rate Risk

The Company is exposed to interest rate risk on variable rate debt obligations and price risk on fixed rate debt 

and capital leases.  As of December 31, 2015, the Company had fixed rate debt and capital leases outstanding of 
$583.7 million at a current weighted average interest rate of 7.1% and variable rate debt outstanding of $765.6 million at 
a current weighted average interest rate of 3.1%.  The variable rate debt outstanding at December 31, 2015, is primarily 
comprised of the $1.6 billion Senior Secured Credit Facility entered into on April 28, 2014, including $410.6 million 
outstanding on the $450.0 million Term Loan A, $293.2 million outstanding on the $300.0 million Term Loan B and 
$70.8 million outstanding on the $850.0 million revolving credit facility.  The Term Loan B bears interest primarily 
based on LIBOR; however, it is subject to a 1.0% LIBOR minimum rate and thus the interest rate on the Term Loan B 
will not begin to fluctuate until LIBOR exceeds that percentage.  At December 31, 2015, LIBOR was significantly lower 
than the 1.0% LIBOR minimum rate, and as a result the interest on the Term Loan B would not fluctuate with a 10% 
increase in the market interest rate.  Excluding the Term Loan B, a hypothetical change in the interest rate of 10% from 
the Company's current weighted average interest rate on variable rate debt obligations of 2.4% would not have a material 
impact on the Company's interest expense.  A hypothetical 10% change in market interest rates would change the fair 
value of fixed rate debt at December 31, 2015, by approximately $23 million.

Foreign Currency Risk and Translation Exposure

The Company is exposed to the impact of foreign currency fluctuations in certain countries in which it operates.  

The exposure to foreign currency movements is limited in most countries because the operating revenues and expenses 
of its various subsidiaries and business units are substantially in the local currency of the country in which they operate.  
To the extent revenues and expenses are not in the applicable local currency, the Company may enter into foreign 
exchange forward contracts to hedge the currency risk.

Although operating in local currencies may limit the impact of currency rate fluctuations on the results of 

operations of the Company's non-United States subsidiaries and business units, rate fluctuations may impact the 
consolidated financial position as the assets and liabilities of its foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars in 
preparing the Company's consolidated balance sheets.  As of December 31, 2015, the Company's foreign subsidiaries had 
net current assets (defined as current assets less current liabilities) subject to foreign currency translation risk of 
$56.5 million.  The potential decrease in net current assets as of December 31, 2015, from a hypothetical 10% adverse 
change in quoted foreign currency exchange rates would be approximately $5.7 million.  This sensitivity analysis 
assumes a parallel shift in all major foreign currency exchange rates verses the U.S. dollar.  Exchange rates rarely move 
in the same direction relative to the U.S. dollar due to positive and negative correlations of the various global currencies.  
This assumption may overstate the impact of changing exchange rates on individual assets and liabilities denominated in 
a foreign currency.

The Company's hedging operations have historically not been material, and gains or losses from these 
operations have not been material to the Company's results of operations, financial position or cash flows.  The Company 
does not use derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

85

These international operations are subject to risks typical of international operations, including, but not limited 
to, differing economic conditions, changes in political climate, potential restrictions on the movement of funds, differing 
tax structures, and other regulations and restrictions.  Accordingly, future results could be adversely impacted by changes 
in these or other factors.

Credit Risk

Credit risk is the possibility of loss from a customer's failure to make payments according to contract terms.  

Prior to granting credit, each customer is evaluated in an underwriting process, taking into consideration the prospective 
customer's financial condition, past payment experience, credit bureau information and other financial and qualitative 
factors that may affect the customer's ability to pay.  Specific credit reviews and standard industry credit scoring models 
are used in performing this evaluation.  Customers' financial condition is continuously monitored as part of the normal 
course of business.  Some of the Company's customers are highly leveraged or otherwise subject to their own operating 
and regulatory risks.  Based on those customer account reviews and due to the continued uncertainty of the global 
economy, the Company has established an allowance for doubtful accounts of $50.1 million as of December 31, 2015.

The Company has a large, diverse customer base and does not have a high degree of concentration with any 

single customer account.  During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company's largest customer accounted for less 
than 5% of the Company's net sales.  Even if the Company's credit review and analysis mechanisms work properly, the 
Company may experience financial losses in its dealings with customers and other parties.  Any increase in nonpayment 
or nonperformance by customers could adversely impact the Company's results of operations and financial condition.  
Economic disruptions could result in significant future charges.

Commodity Risk

The primary raw materials that Quad/Graphics uses in its print business are paper, ink and energy.  At this time, 

the Company's supply of raw materials is readily available from numerous vendors; however, based on market 
conditions, that could change in the future.  The Company generally buys these raw materials based upon market prices 
that are established with the vendor as part of the procurement process.

The majority of paper used in the printing process is supplied directly by its clients.  For those clients that do 

not directly supply their own paper, the Company makes use of its purchasing efficiencies to supply paper by negotiating 
with leading paper vendors, uses a wide variety of paper grades, weights and sizes, and does not rely on any one vendor.  
In addition, the Company generally includes price adjustment clauses in sales contracts for paper and other critical raw 
materials in the printing process.  Although these clauses generally mitigate paper price risk, higher paper prices and 
tight paper supplies may have an impact on client demand for printed products.  The Company's working capital 
requirements, including the impact of seasonality, are partially mitigated through the direct purchasing of paper by its 
clients.

The Company produces the majority of ink used in its print production, allowing it to control the quality, cost 
and supply of key inputs.  Raw materials for the ink manufacturing process are purchased externally from a variety of 
vendors.

The Company generally cannot pass on to clients the impact of higher electric and natural gas energy prices on 
its manufacturing costs, and increases in energy prices result in higher manufacturing costs for certain of its operations.  
The Company mitigates its risk through natural gas hedges when appropriate.  In its logistic operations, however, the 
Company is able to pass a substantial portion of any increase in fuel prices directly to its clients.

As a result, management believes a hypothetical 10% change in the price of paper and other raw materials 

would not have a significant direct impact on the Company's consolidated annual results of operations or cash flows; 
however, significant increases in commodity pricing or tight supply could influence future client demand for printed 
products.  Inflation has not had a significant impact on the Company historically.

86

Item 8. 

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) 

The following table sets forth selected financial information for each of the eight quarters in the two-year period 

ended December 31, 2015.  This unaudited information has been prepared by the Company on the same basis as the 
consolidated financial statements and includes all normal recurring adjustments necessary to present this information 
fairly when read in conjunction with the Company's audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto.

UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION

(In millions, except per share data)

Year Ended December 31,

First
Quarter

Second
Quarter

Third
Quarter

Fourth
Quarter

Full Year

2015
Net sales(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1,108.0
Goodwill impairment(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23.3
Operating loss(1) (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(11.8)

Net loss attributable to Quad/Graphics common shareholders(1) (2). . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss per diluted share attributable to Quad/Graphics common shareholders . . . . .

Closing stock price high . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Closing stock price low . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Closing stock price at quarter-end. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(35.2)

(0.74)

23.90

20.04

22.98

$ 1,079.0

$ 1,156.0

$ 1,334.7

$ 4,677.7

—

(25.8)

(45.1)

(0.94)

23.22

18.40

18.51

775.0

(772.1)

(552.2)

(11.50)

18.05

12.10

12.10

10.0

(20.3)

(9.4)

(0.20)

13.32

8.73

9.30

808.3

(830.0)

(641.9)

(13.40)

23.90

8.73

9.30

2014
Net sales(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1,102.8
Operating income (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11.0

$ 1,099.0

$ 1,236.4

$ 1,424.2

$ 4,862.4

Net earnings (loss)(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Quad/Graphics common shareholders(1) . . . . . .
Earnings (loss) per diluted share attributable to Quad/Graphics common
shareholders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0.5

(22.8)

(22.8)

(9.1)

(8.8)

(0.19)

(0.48)

53.6

24.4

24.4

0.50

22.71

19.25

19.25

76.2

141.3

25.8

25.8

0.53

23.30

18.26

22.96

18.3

18.6

0.38

26.39

18.26

22.96

Closing stock price high . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Closing stock price low . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Closing stock price at quarter-end. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

26.39

21.89

23.45

23.64

19.30

22.37

______________________________
(1)  Reflects results of acquired businesses from the relevant acquisition dates, primarily related to acquisitions of Brown Printing on 

May 30, 2014, Marin's on February 3, 2015, Copac on April 14, 2015, and Specialty on August 25, 2015, (see Note 2, 
"Acquisitions and Strategic Investments," to the consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K 
for further information on the acquisitions).

(2)  Reflects pre-tax non-cash goodwill impairment charges of $808.3 million ($542.4 million, net of tax) recorded during the year 

ended December 31, 2015.

87

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Quad/Graphics, Inc. and subsidiaries
Sussex, WI

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Quad/Graphics, Inc. and subsidiaries (the 
"Company") as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive 
income (loss), shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015.  
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an 
opinion on these financial statements 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 perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about 
whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, 
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes assessing the 
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial 
statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial 

position of Quad/Graphics, Inc. and subsidiaries at December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the results of their operations and 
their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with accounting 
principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board 
(United States), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on the criteria 
established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of 
the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 23, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's 
internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
February 23, 2016

88

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Quad/Graphics, Inc. and subsidiaries
Sussex, WI

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Quad/Graphics, Inc. and subsidiaries (the 

"Company") as of December 31, 2015, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework 
(2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.  The Company's 
management is responsible 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 Financial Reporting.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control 
over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board 

(United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether 
effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an 
understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and 
evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such 
other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis 
for our opinion.

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the 
company's principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by 
the company's board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the 
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with 
generally accepted accounting principles.  A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies 
and 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 accounting 
principles, 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) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely 
detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the 
financial statements.

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of 

collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be 
prevented or detected on a timely basis.  Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control 
over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of 
changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial 

reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) 
issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board 

(United States), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2015 of the Company 
and our report dated February 23, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
February 23, 2016

89

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in millions, except per share data)

Year Ended December 31,

2015

2014

2013

Net sales

Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

4,030.3

$

4,197.5

$

Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total net sales. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cost of sales

Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total cost of sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Operating expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Goodwill impairment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

647.4

4,677.7

3,294.1

466.8

3,760.9

448.3

325.3

164.9

808.3

664.9

4,862.4

3,421.4

470.5

3,891.9

425.5

336.4

67.3

—

4,186.6

609.3

4,795.9

3,360.1

441.8

3,801.9

416.0

340.5

95.3

—

Total operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5,507.7

4,721.1

4,653.7

Operating income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

(830.0) $

141.3

$

142.2

Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Loss on debt extinguishment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Earnings (loss) before income taxes and equity in loss of unconsolidated entities . . . . .

Income tax expense (benefit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Earnings (loss) before equity in loss of unconsolidated entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

88.4

—

(918.4)

(282.8)

(635.6)

Equity in loss of unconsolidated entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(6.3)

Net earnings (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

(641.9) $

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

—

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Quad/Graphics common shareholders. . . . . . . . $

(641.9) $

Earnings (loss) per share attributable to Quad/Graphics common shareholders

Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

(13.40) $

(13.40) $

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding

Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

47.9

47.9

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

92.9

7.2

41.2

20.2

21.0

(2.7)

18.3

$

0.3

18.6

$

0.39

0.38

$

$

47.5

48.5

85.5

—

56.7

23.3

33.4

(2.5)

30.9

1.6

32.5

0.67

0.65

47.0

48.0

90

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(in millions)

Net earnings (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

(641.9) $

18.3

$

30.9

Year Ended December 31,

2015

2014

2013

Other comprehensive income (loss)

Translation adjustments

Foreign currency translation adjustments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Translation of long-term loans to foreign subsidiaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Revaluation gain on sale of businesses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Revaluation loss on sale of equity method investment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Translation adjustments, net. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Pension and other postretirement benefit plans

Net gain (loss) arising during period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Amortization of prior service credit included in net earnings (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss included in net earnings (loss). . . . . . . . . .

Plan curtailments/settlements included in net earnings (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Postretirement benefit plan termination included in net earnings (loss) . . . . . . . . . .

Pension and other postretirement benefit plans, net. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(63.4)

17.5

—

7.7

(38.2)

3.7

—

—

—

—

3.7

(61.9)

16.5

—

—

(45.4)

(95.2)

(5.8)

(0.3)

—

(4.9)

(106.2)

Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(34.5)

(151.6)

Income tax benefit (expense) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss) . .

(1.4)

40.6

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(35.9)

(111.0)

Total comprehensive income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(677.8)

(92.7)

Less: comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

—

0.3

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Quad/Graphics common shareholders . . . $

(677.8) $

(92.4) $

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

(21.0)

0.8

(2.4)

—

(22.6)

133.6

(5.7)

0.3

(2.1)

—

126.1

103.5

(48.7)

54.8

85.7

1.6

87.3

91

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in millions, except per share data)

December 31,
2015

December 31,
2014

ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Receivables, less allowances for doubtful accounts of $50.1 at December 31, 2015 and $57.8 at
December 31, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inventories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prepaid expenses and other current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Restricted cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total current assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Property, plant and equipment—net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Goodwill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other intangible assets—net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity method investments in unconsolidated entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other long-term assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Accounts payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amounts owing in satisfaction of bankruptcy claims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accrued liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Current portion of capital lease obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total current liabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Long-term debt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unsecured notes to be issued . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capital lease obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other long-term liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)

Shareholders' equity (Note 20)

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; Authorized: 0.5 million shares; Issued: None. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Common stock, Class A, $0.025 par value; Authorized: 80.0 million shares; Issued: 40.0 million
shares at December 31, 2015 and 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Common stock, Class B, $0.025 par value; Authorized: 80.0 million shares; Issued: 15.0 million
shares at December 31, 2015 and 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Common stock, Class C, $0.025 par value; Authorized: 20.0 million shares; Issued: 0.5 million shares
at December 31, 2015 and 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additional paid-in capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Treasury stock, at cost, 5.9 million shares at December 31, 2015 and 6.6 million shares at December
31, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accumulated other comprehensive loss. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total shareholders' equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

10.8

$

648.7

280.1
38.2
13.5
991.3

1,675.8
—
110.5
4.4
65.5
2,847.5

358.8
1.4
347.5
94.6
5.1
807.4

1,239.9
7.1
9.7
59.0
300.5
2,423.6

$

$

—

1.0

0.4

—

956.7

(193.6)

(188.1)
(152.5)
423.9
2,847.5

$

$

$

$

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

9.6

766.2

287.8
39.1
31.2
1,133.9

1,855.5
775.5
149.1
42.0
52.8
4,008.8

406.9
1.4
358.1
92.0
4.2
862.6

1,299.7
9.0
9.7
336.0
339.3
2,856.3

—

1.0

0.4

—

971.3

(218.8)

515.2
(116.6)
1,152.5
4,008.8

92

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions)

OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net earnings (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by operating
activities:

Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impairment charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Goodwill impairment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization of debt issuance costs and original issue discount . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss on debt extinguishment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stock-based compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign exchange losses on sale of investment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Termination/curtailment/settlement gain on pension/postretirement benefit plans . .
Loss (gain) on sale or disposal of property, plant and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity in loss of unconsolidated entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dividends from unconsolidated entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Changes in operating assets and liabilities—net of acquisitions:

Receivables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inventories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prepaid expenses and other current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net cash provided by operating activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Purchases of property, plant and equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cost investment in unconsolidated entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from the sale of investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transfers from restricted cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Acquisition of businesses—net of cash acquired (Note 2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net cash used in investing activities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Payments of long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Payments of capital lease obligations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Borrowings on revolving credit facilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Payments on revolving credit facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Payments of debt issuance costs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bankruptcy claim payments on unsecured notes to be issued . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sale of stock for options exercised. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shares withheld from employees for the tax obligation on equity grants . . . . . . . . .
Tax benefit on equity award activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Payment of cash dividends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net cash used in financing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Year Ended December 31,
2014

2013

2015

(641.9) $

18.3

$

30.9

325.3
95.3
808.3
4.4
—
7.2
6.0
—
(4.1)
(292.5)
6.3
—

109.6
24.6
4.0
(60.5)
(43.9)
348.1

(133.0)
(1.2)
29.2
14.0
17.7
(143.4)
(216.7)

336.4
14.4
—
4.2
7.2
17.3
—
(4.9)
0.4
26.8
2.7
—

(20.4)
(3.4)
(5.2)
(22.4)
(78.2)
293.2

(139.2)
(4.1)
6.8
—
24.8
(112.5)
(224.2)

—
(90.9)
(5.0)
1,462.5
(1,435.5)
—
(0.1)
2.2
(1.6)
2.8
(62.3)
(127.9)
(2.3)
1.2
9.6
10.8

$

1,047.0
(859.4)
(8.4)
1,409.9
(1,577.6)
(16.5)
(8.0)
2.7
(1.0)
0.8
(61.2)
(71.7)
(0.8)
(3.5)
13.1
9.6

$

340.5
21.8
—
4.1
—
18.6
—
(2.1)
(0.8)
(11.1)
2.5
5.0

25.7
0.5
15.2
63.0
(72.7)
441.1

(149.5)
(2.5)
8.8
—
4.5
(291.9)
(430.6)

—
(102.7)
(9.8)
1,628.8
(1,475.0)
—
(4.5)
7.2
—
2.2
(56.4)
(10.2)
(4.1)
(3.8)
16.9
13.1

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

93

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(in millions)

Common Stock

Shares

Amount

Additional
Paid-in
Capital

Treasury Stock

Shares

Amount

Retained
Earnings
(Accumulated
Deficit) 

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)

Shareholders'
Equity

Noncontrolling
Interests

Balance at January 1, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

55.5

$

1.4

$

985.6

(8.3)

$ (279.3)

$

588.1

$

(60.4)

$

1,235.4

$

Net earnings (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Foreign currency translation adjustments . . . . .

Cash dividends declared . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Stock-based compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Sale of stock for options exercised . . . . . . . . . .

Issuance of restricted stock and deferred stock
units. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tax benefit on equity award activity. . . . . . . . .

Pension and other postretirement benefit
liability adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

Balance at December 31, 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . .

55.5

$

Net earnings (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Foreign currency translation adjustments . . . . .

Cash dividends declared . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Stock-based compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Sale of stock for options exercised . . . . . . . . . .

Issuance of restricted stock and deferred stock
units. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tax benefit on equity award activity. . . . . . . . .

Equity awards vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Purchase of additional ownership of Morvillo .

Shares withheld from employees for tax
obligation on equity grants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Pension and other postretirement benefit
liability adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

Balance at December 31, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . .

55.5

$

Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Foreign currency translation adjustments . . . . .

Cash dividends declared . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Stock-based compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Sale of stock for options exercised . . . . . . . . . .

Issuance of restricted stock and deferred stock
units. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tax benefit on equity award activity. . . . . . . . .

Equity awards vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Shares withheld from employees for tax
obligation on equity grants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Pension benefit liability adjustment . . . . . . . . .

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

1.4

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

1.4

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

18.6

(8.3)

(15.0)

2.2

—

—

—

—

—

0.4

0.4

—

—

—

—

—

—

15.5

15.0

—

—

32.5

—

(61.8)

—

—

—

—

—

—

(22.6)

—

—

—

—

—

77.4

32.5

(22.6)

(61.8)

18.6

7.2

—

2.2

77.4

$

983.1

(7.5)

$ (248.8)

$

558.8

$

(5.6)

$

1,288.9

$

—

—

—

17.3

(3.6)

(24.6)

0.8

(0.1)

(1.6)

—

—

—

—

—

—

0.2

0.7

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

6.3

24.6

—

0.1

—

(1.0)

—

18.6

—

(62.2)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(45.4)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

18.6

(45.4)

(62.2)

17.3

2.7

—

0.8

—

(1.6)

(1.0)

(65.6)

(65.6)

$

971.3

(6.6)

$ (218.8)

$

515.2

$

(116.6)

$

1,152.5

$

—

—

—

7.2

(3.0)

(21.2)

2.8

(0.4)

—

—

—

—

0.2

0.6

—

—

—

—

(0.1)

—

—

—

—

—

5.2

21.2

—

0.4

(1.6)

—

(641.9)

—

(61.4)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(38.2)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

2.3

(641.9)

(38.2)

(61.4)

7.2

2.2

—

2.8

—

(1.6)

2.3

Balance at December 31, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . .

55.5

$

1.4

$

956.7

(5.9)

$ (193.6)

$

(188.1)

$

(152.5)

$

423.9

$

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

0.3

(1.6)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(1.3)

(0.3)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

1.6

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

94

[This page has been left blank intentionally.]

95

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

Note 1.  Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Operations—Quad/Graphics operates primarily in the commercial print portion of the printing 

industry as a printer of retail inserts, publications, catalogs, special interest publications, journals, direct mail, books, 
directories, in-store marketing and promotion, packaging, newspapers, custom print products, other commercial and 
specialty printed products and global paper procurement.  The Company also provides complementary service offerings 
for its customers.  The Company's products and services for a variety of industries are sold primarily throughout North 
America, South America and Europe.  In addition, the Company strategically sources packaging product manufacturing 
over multiple end markets in Central America and Asia.

Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation—The accompanying consolidated financial statements 

include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries and have been prepared in accordance with 
GAAP.  The results of operations and accounts of businesses acquired are included in the consolidated financial 
statements from the dates of acquisition (see Note 2, "Acquisitions and Strategic Investments").  The consolidated 
financial statements include the retrospective adoption of new accounting guidance on the balance sheet presentation of 
debt issuance costs and deferred taxes issued by the FASB in April 2015 and November 2015, respectively, and 
accordingly, the consolidated balance sheets have been restated for all periods presented (see Note 25, "New Accounting 
Pronouncements," for further information).  The impact of the retrospective adoption of accounting guidance on the 
financial statement line items within the Company's consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2014, was as 
follows:

December 31, 2014, as
Originally Reported

Impact of Debt
Issuance Costs

Impact of
Deferred Taxes

December 31, 2014, 
as Presented

ASSETS

Deferred income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

48.4

$

— $

(48.4) $

Total current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other long-term assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1,182.3

72.8

4,077.2

—

(20.0)

(20.0)

(48.4)

—

(48.4)

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS'
EQUITY

Long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

1,319.7

$

(20.0) $

— $

Deferred income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity . . .

384.4

2,924.7

4,077.2

—

(20.0)

(20.0)

(48.4)

(48.4)

(48.4)

—

1,133.9

52.8

4,008.8

1,299.7

336.0

2,856.3

4,008.8

Investments in entities where the Company has both the ability to exert significant influence but not control and 

an ownership interest of 50% or less but more than 20% are accounted for using the equity method of accounting.  
Investments in entities where the Company does not exert significant influence or control and has an ownership interest 
of less than 20% are accounted for using the cost method of accounting.  Intercompany transactions and balances have 
been eliminated in consolidation.

96

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

Foreign Operations—Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into United States 

dollars at the exchange rate existing at the respective balance sheet dates.  Income and expense items are translated at the 
average rates during the respective periods.  Translation adjustments resulting from fluctuations in exchange rates are 
recorded as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on the consolidated statements of 
shareholders' equity while transaction gains and losses are recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses on 
the consolidated statements of operations.  Foreign exchange transactions resulted in pre-tax realized and unrealized 
losses of $1.4 million, $5.9 million and $5.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, 
respectively.

The Company owns 49% of a company in Brazil and owned 50% of a company in Chile, until the Company 

sold its ownership interest in Chile on July 31, 2015.  The Company accounts for those entities using the equity method 
of accounting (see Note 8, "Equity Method Investments in Unconsolidated Entities," for further discussion).  The 
Company's equity loss of Plural's and Chile's operations was recorded in equity in loss of unconsolidated entities in the 
Company's consolidated statements of operations, and was included within the International segment.  There are no other 
significant unconsolidated entities.

Use of Estimates—The preparation of consolidated financial statements requires the use of management's 

estimates and assumptions that affect the reported assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at 
the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting 
periods.  Actual results could differ from these estimates.  Estimates are used when accounting for items and matters 
including, but not limited to: allowances for doubtful accounts, inventory obsolescence, asset valuations and useful lives, 
goodwill, pension and postretirement benefits, self-insurance reserves, stock-based compensation, taxes, restructuring 
and other provisions and contingencies.

Revenue Recognition—The Company recognizes its printing revenues upon transfer of title and the passage of 

risk of loss, which is generally upon shipment to the customer, and when there is a reasonable assurance as to 
collectability.  Under agreements with certain customers, products may be stored by the Company for future delivery.  In 
these situations, the Company may receive warehouse management fees for the services it provides.  Product returns are 
not significant because the majority of products are customized; however, the Company accrues for the estimated amount 
of customer allowances at the time of sale based on historical experience and known trends.

Revenue from services is recognized as services are performed.  Revenues related to the Company's imaging 

operations, which include digital content management, photography, color services and page production, are recognized 
in accordance with the terms of the contract, typically upon completion of the performed service and acceptance by the 
customer.  Revenues related to the Company's logistics operations, which includes the delivery of printed material, are 
recognized upon completion of services.

Services account for greater than 10% of the Company's consolidated net sales; therefore, net sales and related 

costs of sales of products and services have been included as separate line items in the consolidated statements of 
operations.

Certain revenues earned by the Company require judgment to determine if revenue should be recorded gross as 

a principal or net of related costs as an agent.  Billings for third-party shipping and handling costs, primarily in the 
Company's logistics operations, and out-of-pocket expenses are recorded gross in net sales and cost of sales in the 
consolidated statements of operations.  Many of the Company's operations process materials, primarily paper, that may 
be supplied directly by customers or may be purchased by the Company and sold to customers.  No revenue is 
recognized for customer-supplied paper.  Revenues for Company-supplied paper are recognized on a gross basis.

Byproduct Recoveries—The Company records the sale of byproducts as net product sales in the consolidated 

statements of operations.

97

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

Financial Instruments—The Company uses derivative financial instruments for the purpose of hedging 

commodity and foreign exchange exposures that exist as part of ongoing business operations, including natural gas 
forward purchase contracts and foreign exchange contracts.  As a policy, the Company does not engage in speculative or 
leveraged transactions, nor does the Company hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes.

Derivative instruments are recorded on the consolidated balance sheets as either assets or liabilities measured at 
their fair value.  If the derivative is designated as a fair value hedge, the changes in the fair value of the derivative and of 
the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings.  If the derivative is designated as a cash flow 
hedge, the effective portion of the changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded as a component of accumulated 
other comprehensive income (loss) and recognized in the consolidated statements of operations when the hedged item 
affects earnings.

The ineffective portions of the changes in the fair value of hedges are insignificant and recognized in earnings.  

Cash flows from derivatives that are accounted for as cash flow or fair value hedges are included in the consolidated 
statements of cash flows in the same category as the item being hedged.

Fair Value Measurement—The Company applies fair value accounting for all assets and liabilities that are 

recognized or disclosed at fair value in its consolidated financial statements on a recurring basis.  Fair value represents 
the amount that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between 
market participants at the measurement date.  When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities 
that are required to be recorded at fair value, the Company considers the principal or most advantageous market and the 
market-based risk measurements or assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.  See 
Note 15, "Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements," for further discussion.

Research and Development—Research and development costs related to the development of new products or 

the adaptation of existing products are expensed as incurred, included in cost of sales and totaled $10.3 million, 
$11.3 million and $13.4 million during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Cash and Cash Equivalents—The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of 

three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Receivables—Receivables are stated net of allowances for doubtful accounts.  No single customer comprised 

more than 5% of the Company's consolidated net sales in 2015, 2014 or 2013 or 5% of the Company's consolidated  
receivables as of December 31, 2015 or 2014.  Specific customer provisions are made when a review of significant 
outstanding amounts, utilizing information about customer creditworthiness and current economic trends, indicates that 
collection is doubtful.  In addition, provisions are made at differing rates, based upon the age of the receivable and the 
Company's historical collection experience.  See Note 5, "Receivables," for further discussion on the transactions 
affecting the allowances for doubtful accounts.

Inventories—Inventories include material, labor, and plant overhead and are stated at the lower of cost or net 

realizable value.  At December 31, 2015 and 2014, all inventories were valued using the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") 
method.  See Note 6, "Inventories," for a breakdown of the components of the Company's inventories.

98

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

Property, Plant and Equipment—Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost, and are depreciated over 

the estimated useful lives of the assets using the straight-line method for financial reporting purposes.  See Note 7, 
"Property, Plant and Equipment," for a breakdown of the components of the Company's property, plant and equipment.  
Major improvements that extend the useful lives of existing assets are capitalized and charged to the asset accounts.  
Repairs and maintenance, which do not significantly improve or extend the useful lives of the respective assets, are 
expensed as incurred.  Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful 
life of the respective asset.  When an asset is retired or disposed, the associated costs and accumulated depreciation are 
eliminated, and the resulting profit or loss is recognized in the Company's consolidated statements of operations.

Asset Category

Range of Useful Lives

Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

10 to 40 Years

Machinery and equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5 to 15 Years

3 to 10 Years

Other Intangible Assets—Identifiable intangible assets are recognized apart from goodwill and are amortized 

over their estimated useful lives.

Impairment of Long-Lived and Other Intangible Assets—The Company evaluates long-lived assets and other 
intangible assets (of which the most significant are property, plant and equipment and customer relationship intangible 
assets) whenever events and circumstances have occurred that indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be 
recoverable.  Determining whether impairment has occurred typically requires various estimates and assumptions, 
including determining which cash flows are directly related to the potentially impaired asset, the useful life over which 
cash flows will occur, their amount and the asset's residual value, if any.  In turn, measurement of an impairment loss 
requires a determination of recoverability, which is generally estimated by the ability to recover the balance of the assets 
from expected future operating cash flows on an undiscounted basis.  If impairment is determined to exist, any related 
impairment loss is calculated based on the difference in the fair value and carrying value of the asset.

Goodwill—Goodwill is reviewed annually for impairment as of October 31, or more frequently if events or 

changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is below its carrying 
value.  In performing this analysis, the Company compares each reporting unit's fair value estimated based on 
comparable company market valuations and/or expected future discounted cash flows to be generated by the reporting 
unit to its carrying value.  If the carrying value exceeds the reporting unit's fair value, the Company performs a fair value 
measurement calculation to determine the impairment loss, which would be charged to operations in the period 
identified.  See Note 4, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," for further discussion.

Income Taxes—The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires 

the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of items reported in the 
financial statements.  Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured based on the differences 
between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in 
which the differences are expected to reverse.  The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is 
recognized in income in the period that includes the effective date of enactment.

The Company records net deferred tax assets to the extent the Company believes these assets will more likely 

than not be realized.  This determination is based upon all available positive and negative evidence, including future 
reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies, and recent 
financial operations.  If the Company determines that a deferred income tax asset will not be fully realized in the future, 
then a valuation allowance is established or increased to reflect the amount at which the asset will more likely than not 
be realized, which would increase the Company's provision for income taxes.  In a period after a valuation allowance has 
been established, if the Company determines the related deferred income tax assets will be realized in the future in 
excess of their net recorded amount, then an adjustment to reduce the related valuation allowance will be made, which 

99

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

would reduce the Company's provision for income taxes.  The consolidated financial statements include the retrospective 
adoption of new accounting guidance on the balance sheet presentation of deferred taxes issued by the FASB in 
November 2015, and accordingly, the consolidated balance sheets have been restated for all periods presented.  See 
Note 25, "New Accounting Pronouncements," for further information.

The Company is regularly audited by foreign and domestic tax authorities.  These audits occasionally result in 

proposed assessments where the ultimate resolution might result in the Company owing additional taxes, including in 
some cases, penalties and interest.  The Company recognizes a tax position in its consolidated financial statements when 
it is more likely than not that the position would be sustained upon examination by tax authorities.  This recognized tax 
position is then measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty-percent likely of being recognized 
upon ultimate settlement.  The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income 
tax expense.

The determination of the Company's worldwide tax provision and related tax assets and liabilities requires the 

use of significant judgment in estimating the impact of uncertainties in the application of GAAP and the interpretation of 
complex tax laws.  In the ordinary course of business, there are transactions and calculations where the final tax outcome 
is uncertain.  Where fair market value is required to measure a tax asset or liability for GAAP purposes, the Company 
periodically obtains independent, third party, assistance to validate that such value is determined in conformity with 
Internal Revenue Service fair market value guidelines.  While the Company believes it has the appropriate support for 
the positions taken, certain positions may be successfully challenged by taxing authorities.  Resolution of these 
uncertainties in a manner inconsistent with management's expectations could have a material impact on the Company's 
financial condition and operating results.  The Company applies the provisions of the authoritative guidance on 
accounting for uncertain tax positions to determine the appropriate amount of tax benefits to be recognized with respect 
to uncertain tax positions.  The determination of the Company's worldwide tax provision includes the impact of any 
changes to the amount of tax benefits recognized with respect to uncertain tax positions.  See Note 14, "Income Taxes," 
for further discussion.

Pension Plans—The Company assumed certain frozen underfunded defined benefit pension plans as part of the 
2010 World Color Press acquisition.  Pension plan costs are determined using actuarial methods and are funded through 
contributions.  The Company records amounts relating to its pension plans based on calculations which include various 
actuarial assumptions including discount rates, assumed rates of return, mortality, compensation increases and turnover 
rates.  The Company reviews its actuarial assumptions on an annual basis and modifies the assumptions based on current 
rates and trends when it is appropriate to do so.  The effects of modifications are recognized immediately on the 
consolidated balance sheets, but are generally amortized into operating income over future periods, with the deferred 
amount recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss on the consolidated balance sheets.  The Company believes 
that the assumptions utilized in recording its obligations under its plans are reasonable based on its experience, market 
conditions and input from its actuaries and investment advisors.  For the purposes of calculating the expected return on 
plan assets, those assets are valued at fair value.  When an event gives rise to both a curtailment and a settlement, the 
curtailment is accounted for prior to the settlement.  The Company's measurement date to measure the defined benefit 
plan assets and the projected benefit obligation is December 31.

The Company has previously participated in MEPPs as a result of the acquisition of World Color Press.  Due to 
the significant underfunded status of the MEPPs, the Company has withdrawn from all significant MEPPs and replaced 
these union sponsored "promise to pay in the future" defined benefit plans with a Company sponsored "pay as you go" 
defined contribution plan, which is historically the form of retirement benefit provided to Quad/Graphics' employees.  As 
a result of the decision to withdraw, the Company recorded an estimated withdrawal liability for the MEPPs as part of 
the World Color Press purchase price allocation process based on information received from the MEPPs' trustees.  The 
estimated withdrawal liability will be updated based on significant events, such as potential new information from the 
ongoing litigation proceedings with both MEPPs, until the final withdrawal liability is determined.  The exact amount of 
the withdrawal liability could be higher or lower than the estimate depending on, among other things, the nature and 

100

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

timing of any triggering events, the funded status of the plans at that time and the final conclusion of the litigation with 
the MEPPs' trustees.  See Note 17, "Employee Retirement Plans," for further discussion.

Stock-Based Compensation—The Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense over the vesting 

period for all stock-based awards made to employees and directors based on the fair value of the instrument at the time 
of grant.  See Note 19, "Equity Incentive Programs," for further discussion.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)—Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consists 

primarily of unrecognized actuarial gains and losses and prior service costs for pension and postretirement plans and 
foreign currency translation adjustments and is presented in the consolidated statements of shareholders' equity.  See 
Note 21, "Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss," for further discussion.

Supplemental Cash Flow Information—The following table summarizes certain supplemental cash flow 

information for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013:

2015

2014

2013

Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

76.5

$

80.8

$

Income taxes paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

Capital lease additions (see Note 13). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Leased equipment purchased through term loan (see Note 12). . . . . . . . . .

Acquisitions of businesses (see Note 2):

1.5

5.9

3.7

Fair value of assets acquired, net of cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

137.0

$

Liabilities assumed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Goodwill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Deposit paid in 2012 related to Vertis acquisition (see Note 2) . . . . . . . . .

Deferred payment for Proteus and Transpak acquisition (see Note 2) . . . .

Deferred payment for UniGraphic acquisition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(28.6)

33.8

—

0.6

0.6

3.5

2.9

—

171.1

$

(66.6)

5.1

—

5.0

(2.1)

Acquisition of businesses—net of cash acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

143.4

$

112.5

$

74.2

22.9

—

12.8

389.9

(74.1)

8.0

(25.9)

(6.0)

—

291.9

Note 2.  Acquisitions and Strategic Investments

2015 Specialty Finishing, Inc. Acquisition

The Company completed the acquisition of Specialty on August 25, 2015, for $61.8 million.  Specialty is a full-
service paperboard folding carton manufacturer and logistics provider located in Omaha, Nebraska.  The purchase price 
of $61.8 million includes $0.1 million of acquired cash for a net purchase price of $61.7 million.  Included in the 
preliminary purchase price allocation are $9.6 million of identifiable intangible assets, which are amortized over their 
estimated useful lives ranging from three to six years, and $3.5 million of goodwill.  The preliminary purchase price 
allocation is based on valuations performed to determine the fair value of the net assets as of the acquisition date.  The 
purchase price, as well as the purchase price allocation, is subject to the final determination of acquired working capital 
and completion of the final valuation of the net assets acquired.  The net assets acquired, excluding acquired cash, were 
classified as Level 3 in the valuation hierarchy (see Note 15, "Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements," for 
the definition of Level 3 inputs).  Specialty's operations are included in the United States Print and Related Services 
segment.

101

 
QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

2015 Copac Global Packaging, Inc. Acquisition

The Company completed the acquisition of Copac on April 14, 2015, for $59.4 million.  Copac is a leading 

international provider of innovative packaging and supply chain solutions, including turnkey packaging design, 
production and fulfillment services across a range of end markets.  Copac manufactures products such as folding cartons, 
labels, inserts, tags and specialty envelopes, and has production facilities in Spartanburg, South Carolina and Santo 
Domingo, Dominican Republic, as well as strategically sourcing packaging product manufacturing over multiple end 
markets in Central America and Asia, giving it a global footprint.  The purchase price of $59.4 million includes 
$0.9 million of acquired cash for a net purchase price of $58.5 million.  Included in the purchase price allocation are 
$22.2 million of identifiable intangible assets, which are amortized over their estimated useful lives of six years, and 
$23.5 million of goodwill.  The final allocation of the purchase price was based on valuations performed to determine the 
fair value of the net assets as of the acquisition date.  The net assets acquired, excluding acquired cash, were classified as 
Level 3 in the valuation hierarchy (see Note 15, "Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements," for the definition 
of Level 3 inputs).  Copac's operations are included in the United States Print and Related Services segment.

2015 Marin's International Acquisition

The Company completed the acquisition of Marin's on February 3, 2015, for $31.1 million.  Marin's, 
headquartered in Paris, France, is a worldwide leader in the point-of-sale display industry and specializes in the research 
and design of display solutions.  Marin's products are produced by a global network of licensees, including Quad/
Graphics, as well as one wide-format digital print, kitting and fulfillment facility in Paris.  Marin's uses its own 
European–based sales force and the global licensees to sell its patented product portfolio.  The purchase price of 
$31.1 million includes $10.1 million of acquired cash for a net purchase price of $21.0 million.  Included in the purchase 
price allocation are $17.9 million of identifiable intangible assets, which are amortized over their estimated useful lives 
ranging from three to eight years, and $6.8 million of goodwill.  The final allocation of the purchase price was based on 
valuations performed to determine the fair value of the net assets as of the acquisition date.  The net assets acquired, 
excluding acquired cash, were classified as Level 3 in the valuation hierarchy (see Note 15, "Financial Instruments and 
Fair Value Measurements," for the definition of Level 3 inputs).  Marin's operations are included in the International 
segment.

2014 Brown Printing Company Acquisition

The Company completed the acquisition of Brown Printing on May 30, 2014, for $101.1 million.  Brown 
Printing provides magazine and catalog printing, distribution services and integrated media solutions to magazine 
publishers and catalog marketers in the United States.  The Company used cash on hand and borrowings under its 
revolving credit facility to finance the acquisition.  

Brown Printing's operations are included in the United States Print and Related Services segment.  Disclosure of 

the financial results of Brown Printing since the acquisition date is not practicable, as it is not being operated as a 
standalone business and has been combined with the Company's existing operations.

102

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

The Company recorded the allocation of the purchase price to tangible and identifiable intangible assets 

acquired and liabilities assumed, including certain contingent liabilities, based on their fair values as of the May 30, 
2014, acquisition date.  Included in the purchase price allocation are identifiable customer relationship intangible assets, 
which are amortized over their estimated useful lives of six years.  The final purchase price allocation was as follows:

Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Accounts receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other current assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Property, plant and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Identifiable intangible assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other long-term assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other long-term liabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Purchase price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Purchase 
Price Allocation

3.6

46.1

18.8

72.1

4.7

7.5

(35.1)

(16.6)

101.1

The final allocation of the purchase price and unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information 
was based on valuations performed to determine the fair value of the net assets as of the acquisition date.  The valuation 
of the $97.5 million net assets acquired, excluding acquired cash, was classified as Level 3 in the valuation hierarchy 
(see Note 15, "Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements," for the definition of Level 3 inputs).

2014 Anselmo L. Morvillo S.A. Investment

The Company invested an additional $6.5 million in Morvillo in Argentina, which increased its ownership share 

in Morvillo from 85% to 100% during the year ended December 31, 2014.  The Company historically consolidated the 
results of Morvillo into the Company's consolidated financial statements and presented the 15% portion of Morvillo's 
results not owned by the Company as noncontrolling interest.  The Company no longer presents noncontrolling interest 
going forward as Morvillo's results are fully consolidated into the Company's consolidated financial statements.

2014 UniGraphic, Inc. Acquisition

The Company completed the acquisition of UniGraphic, a commercial and specialty printing company based in 
the Boston metro area, on February 5, 2014 for $11.2 million.  UniGraphic offers commercial and specialty printing, in-
store marketing, digital and fulfillment solutions for a wide variety of industries including arts and entertainment, 
education, financial, food, healthcare, mass media, pharmaceutical and retail.  The purchase price of $11.2 million is net 
of cash acquired.  Identifiable customer relationship intangible assets of $6.9 million have been recorded through the 
final purchase price allocation and are amortized over six years.  The final purchase price allocation was based on 
valuations performed to determine the fair value of the net assets as of the acquisition date.  The net assets acquired, 
excluding acquired cash, were classified as Level 3 in the valuation hierarchy (see Note 15, "Financial Instruments and 
Fair Value Measurements," for the definition of Level 3 inputs).  UniGraphic's operations are included in the United 
States Print and Related Services segment.

103

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

2013 Proteus Packaging and Transpak Corporation Acquisitions

The Company completed the acquisition of Wisconsin-based Proteus, as well as its sister company Transpak, on 

December 18, 2013, for $48.7 million.  Payments of $43.1 million were made on December 18, 2013, upon the 
completion of the acquisition.  The remaining payments of $5.0 million and $0.6 million were paid in 2014 and 2015, 
respectively.  Proteus is a designer and manufacturer of high-end paperboard packaging, offering packaging solutions for 
a wide variety of industries, including automotive, biotechnology, food, beverage, personal care, pharmaceuticals, 
software and electronics.  Transpak is a full-service industrial packaging company, offering crating, packaging, 
warehousing, distribution and logistics services to destinations worldwide.

The Company recorded the allocation of the purchase price to the acquired tangible and identifiable intangible 
assets and liabilities assumed based on their fair values as of the December 18, 2013, acquisition date.  Included in the 
purchase price allocation are identifiable customer relationship intangible assets, which are amortized over their 
estimated useful lives of six years.  Goodwill resulting from this acquisition, which is deductible for tax purposes, has 
been recorded within the United States Print and Related Services segment based on the amount by which the purchase 
price exceeds the fair value of the net assets acquired.  The final purchase price allocation was as follows:

Accounts receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Other current assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Property, plant and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Identifiable intangible assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other long-term liabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Goodwill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Purchase price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Purchase Price
Allocation

4.4

5.6

16.5

14.7

(3.9)

(1.7)

13.1

48.7

The final purchase price allocation was based on valuations performed to determine the fair value of the net 

assets as of the acquisition date.  The valuation of the net assets acquired of $48.7 million was classified as Level 3 in the 
valuation hierarchy (see Note 15, "Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements," for the definition of Level 3 
inputs).  Proteus' and Transpak's operations are included in the United States Print and Related Services segment.

2013 Novia CareClinics, LLC Acquisition

The Company completed the acquisition Novia, an Indianapolis, Indiana healthcare solutions company, on 

November 7, 2013, for $13.3 million.  Novia develops and manages onsite and shared primary care clinics for small to 
medium sized companies and the public sector, such as school districts and city and county governments.  Identifiable 
customer relationships of $13.5 million have been recorded through the final purchase price allocation.  Identifiable 
customer relationship intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives of six years.  The final purchase 
price allocation was based on valuations performed to determine the fair value of the net assets as of the acquisition date.  
The valuations of the net assets acquired of $13.3 million was classified as Level 3 in the valuation hierarchy (see 
Note 15, "Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements," for the definition of Level 3 inputs).  Novia's operations 
are included in the United States Print and Related Services segment.

104

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

2013 Vertis Holdings, Inc. Acquisition

The Company completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Vertis on January 16, 2013, for 

$265.4 million, pursuant to the terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement ("Asset Agreement").  Vertis was a leading 
provider of retail inserts, direct marketing and in-store marketing solutions.  The acquisition of Vertis enhanced the 
Company's position as a leader in the production of retail inserts, direct marketing and in-store marketing solutions that 
the Company can provide to its clients and enhanced its integrated offerings.  The purchase of Vertis was accounted for 
using the acquisition method of accounting under GAAP.  The Company did not acquire certain assets and assume 
certain liabilities of Vertis and its subsidiaries in this asset acquisition, including, among other liabilities, their 
underfunded pension and postretirement obligations.  The Company used cash on hand and borrowings under its 
revolving credit facility to finance the acquisition.

In October 2012, the Company made a $25.9 million deposit to be held in escrow, in accordance with the terms 
of the Asset Agreement.  This deposit was applied to the purchase price upon the January 16, 2013, consummation of the 
acquisition.

Vertis' operations are included in the United States Print and Related Services segment.  Disclosure of the 

financial results of Vertis since the acquisition date is not practicable as it is not being operated as a standalone business, 
and has been combined with the Company's existing operations.

The Company recorded the allocation of the purchase price to tangible and identifiable assets acquired and 

liabilities assumed, including certain contingent liabilities, based on their fair values as of the January 16, 2013, 
acquisition date.  Included in the purchase price allocation are identifiable customer relationship intangible assets, which 
are amortized over their estimated useful lives of six years.  The final purchase price allocation was as follows:

Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Accounts receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other current assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Property, plant and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Identifiable intangible assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other long-term liabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Purchase price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Purchase Price
Allocation

4.1

133.4

40.5

127.8

25.6

(54.0)

(12.0)

265.4

The final purchase price allocation and unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information was 

based on valuations performed to determine the fair value of the net assets as of the acquisition date.  The valuation of 
the net assets acquired of $265.4 million was classified as Level 3 in the valuation hierarchy (see Note 15, "Financial 
Instruments and Fair Value Measurements," for the definition of Level 3 inputs).

105

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information

The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information presents the Company's results 
as if the Company had acquired Brown Printing on January 1, 2013, and Vertis on January 1, 2012.  The unaudited pro 
forma information has been prepared with the following considerations:

•  The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information has been prepared using the 

acquisition method of accounting under existing GAAP.  The Company is the acquirer for accounting 
purposes.

•  The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information does not reflect any operating cost 

synergy savings that the combined companies may achieve as a result of the acquisition, the costs necessary 
to achieve these operating synergy savings or additional charges necessary as a result of the integration.

Year Ended December 31,

2015

(actual)

2014

2013

(pro forma)

(pro forma)

Net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

4,677.7

$

5,007.6

$

5,233.2

Net earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Diluted net earnings (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders . . .

(641.9)

(13.40)

17.8

0.36

40.9

0.83

Note 3.  Restructuring, Impairment and Transaction-Related Charges

The Company recorded restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges for the years ended 

December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, as follows:

Employee termination charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Impairment charges. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Transaction-related charges (income). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Integration costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other restructuring charges. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

42.1

95.3

(6.7)

5.1

29.1

$

30.6

14.4

2.6

11.2

8.5

Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

164.9

$

67.3

$

15.7

21.8

4.0

25.2

28.6

95.3

2015

2014

2013

The costs related to these activities have been recorded on the consolidated statements of operations as 

restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges.  See Note 22, "Segment Information," for restructuring, 
impairment and transaction-related charges by segment.

106

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

Restructuring Charges

The Company began a restructuring program in 2010 related to eliminating excess manufacturing capacity and 
properly aligning its cost structure.  The Company has announced a total of 31 plant closures and has reduced headcount 
by approximately 10,000 employees since 2010.

The Company announced the closures of the Augusta, Georgia; East Greenville, Pennsylvania; Enfield, 

Connecticut; Loveland, Colorado; Pilar, Argentina; and Queretaro, Mexico plants during the year ended December 31, 
2015.  The Company recorded the following charges as a result of plant closures and other restructuring programs for the 
year ended December 31, 2015:

•  Employee termination charges of $42.1 million were recorded by the Company as a result of workforce 

reductions through facility consolidations and involuntary separation programs.

• 

Integration costs of $5.1 million were recorded by the Company primarily related to preparing existing 
facilities to meet new production requirements resulting from work transferring from closed plants, as well 
as other costs related to the integration of acquired companies.

•  Other restructuring charges of $29.1 million were recorded by the Company, which consisted of: 

(1) $11.7 million of vacant facility carrying costs; (2) $2.8 million of equipment and infrastructure removal 
costs from closed plants; and (3) $8.6 million of lease exit charges primarily related to the closure of the 
Atlanta, Georgia and Loveland, Colorado facilities.  The Company also recorded a $6.0 million non-cash 
expense to recognize accumulated foreign exchange losses on the sale of the Chile equity method 
investment (see Note 8, "Equity Method Investments in Unconsolidated Entities," for additional details).

The Company announced the closures of the Atlanta, Georgia; Dickson, Tennessee; Marengo, Iowa; Pomona, 

California; St. Cloud, Minnesota; and Woodstock, Illinois plants during the year ended December 31, 2014.  The 
Company recorded the following charges as a result of plant closures and other restructuring programs for the year ended 
December 31, 2014:

•  Employee termination charges of $30.6 million were recorded by the Company as a result of workforce 

reductions through facility consolidations and involuntary separation programs.

• 

Integration costs of $11.2 million were recorded by the Company primarily related to preparing existing 
facilities to meet new production requirements resulting from work transferring from closed plants, as well 
as other costs related to the integration of acquired companies.

•  Other restructuring charges of $8.5 million were recorded by the Company, which consisted of: 

(1) $7.7 million of vacant facility carrying costs; (2) $2.4 million of legal fees; (3) $1.8 million of 
equipment and infrastructure removal costs from closed plants; and (4) $1.5 million of lease exit charges.  
Other restructuring charges were presented net of a $4.9 million gain from the termination of the 
postretirement medical benefit plan (see Note 17, "Employee Retirement Plans," for further details on the 
postretirement medical benefit plan termination).

107

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

The Company announced the closures of the Bristol, Pennsylvania; Dubuque, Iowa; Pittsburg, California; and 

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada plants during the year ended December 31, 2013.  The Company recorded the 
following charges as a result of plant closures and other restructuring programs for the year ended December 31, 2013:

•  Employee termination charges of $15.7 million were recorded by the Company as a result of workforce 

reductions through facility consolidations and involuntary separation programs.

• 

Integration costs of $25.2 million were recorded by the Company primarily related to preparing existing 
facilities to meet new production requirements resulting from work transferring from closed plants, as well 
as other costs related to the integration of acquired companies.

•  Other restructuring charges of $28.6 million were recorded by the Company, which consisted of: 

(1) $14.4 million of vacant facility carrying costs; (2) $6.2 million of equipment and infrastructure removal 
costs from closed plants; and (3) $10.1 million of lease exit charges.  Other restructuring charges were 
presented net of a $2.1 million pension plan settlement gain (see Note 17, "Employee Retirement Plans," 
for further details on the pension plan settlement gain).

The restructuring charges recorded were based on plans that have been committed to by management and were, 

in part, based upon management's best estimates of future events.  Changes to the estimates may require future 
restructuring charges and adjustments to the restructuring liabilities.  The Company expects to incur additional 
restructuring charges related to these and other initiatives.

Impairment Charges

The Company recognized impairment charges of $95.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2015, 

consisting of: (1) $54.7 million of impairment charges for machinery and equipment no longer being utilized in 
production as a result of facility consolidations including Atlanta, Georgia; Augusta, Georgia; Dickson, Tennessee; East 
Greenville, Pennsylvania; Loveland, Colorado; and Queretaro, Mexico, as well as other capacity reduction restructuring 
initiatives; (2) $18.6 million of investment-related impairment charges, primarily related to $16.7 million of impairment 
charges to reduce the book value of the Company's equity method investment in Chile to fair value (see Note 8, "Equity 
Method Investments in Unconsolidated Entities," for additional details related to the impairment of the Company's equity 
method investment in Chile); (3) $12.7 million of land and building impairment charges primarily related to the Augusta, 
Georgia and East Greenville, Pennsylvania plant closures; (4) $7.1 million of customer relationship intangible asset 
impairments; and (5) $2.2 million of impairment charges primarily related to the restructuring proceedings in Argentina 
for the Company's Argentina Subsidiaries for land, building, machinery and equipment and other intangible assets.

The Company recognized impairment charges of $14.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2014, 

consisting of: (1) $8.0 million of impairment charges for machinery and equipment no longer being utilized in 
production as a result of facility consolidations including Atlanta, Georgia; Dickson, Tennessee; Mexico City, Mexico; 
Pomona, California; and St. Cloud, Minnesota, as well as other capacity reduction restructuring initiatives; and 
(2) $6.4 million of land and building impairment charges primarily related to the Bristol, Pennsylvania and Dickson, 
Tennessee plant closures.

The Company recognized impairment charges of $21.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2013, 

consisting of: (1) $11.7 million of impairment charges for machinery and equipment no longer being utilized in 
production as a result of facility consolidations including Dubuque, Iowa; Jonesboro, Arkansas; Pittsburg, California; 
and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, as well as other capacity reduction restructuring initiatives; and 
(2) $10.1 million of land and building impairment charges primarily related to the Corinth, Mississippi; Marengo, Iowa; 
and Mexico City, Mexico plant closures.

108

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

The fair values of the impaired assets were determined by the Company to be Level 3 under the fair value 

hierarchy (see Note 15, "Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements," for the definition of Level 3 inputs) and 
were estimated based on broker quotes, internal expertise related to current marketplace conditions and estimated future 
undiscounted cash flows.  These assets were adjusted to their estimated fair values at the time of impairment.

The non-cash goodwill impairment charges included in the line item entitled goodwill impairment on the 
Company's consolidated statements of operations are discussed in Note 4, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets."

Transaction-Related Charges (Income)

The Company incurs transaction-related charges (income) primarily consisting of professional service fees 

related to business acquisition and divestiture activities.  The Company recognized transaction-related charges (income) 
of $(6.7) million during the year ended December 31, 2015, which includes a $10.0 million non-recurring gain as a result 
of Courier's termination of the agreement pursuant to which Quad/Graphics was to acquire Courier, partially offset by 
$3.3 million of professional service fees including fees for the terminated acquisition of Courier and the acquisitions of 
Marin's, Copac and Specialty.  The Company recognized transaction-related charges of $2.6 million during the year 
ended December 31, 2014, which primarily includes professional service fees for the acquisitions of Brown Printing and 
UniGraphic.  The Company recognized transaction-related charges of $4.0 million during the year ended December 31, 
2013, which primarily includes professional service fees for the acquisitions of Vertis, Proteus and Transpak.  The 
transaction-related charges were expensed as incurred in accordance with the applicable accounting guidance on business 
combinations.

Reserves for Restructuring, Impairment and Transaction-Related Charges

Activity impacting the Company's reserves for restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges for the 

years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, was as follows:

Employee
Termination
Charges

Impairment
Charges

Transaction-
Related
Charges 
(Income)

Integration
Costs

Other
Restructurin
g
Charges

Balance at January 1, 2014 . . . $

4.8

$

— $

Expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cash payments . . . . . . . . . .

Non-cash adjustments. . . . .

Balance at December 31, 2014 $

Expense (income) . . . . . . . .

Cash receipts (payments) . .

Non-cash adjustments. . . . .

30.6

(25.1)

(0.3)

10.0

42.1

(27.3)

(0.4)

14.4

—

(14.4)

$

— $

95.3

—

(95.3)

Balance at December 31, 2015 $

24.4

$

— $

0.2

2.6

(2.3)

—

0.5

(6.7)

6.3

—

0.1

$

$

$

3.7

$

19.3

$

11.2

(11.6)

(1.5)

1.8

5.1

(5.1)

(0.4)

$

8.5

(19.9)

5.7

13.6

29.1

(23.8)

(5.9)

$

Total

28.0

67.3

(58.9)

(10.5)

25.9

164.9

(49.9)

(102.0)

1.4

$

13.0

$

38.9

The Company's restructuring, impairment and transaction-related reserves at December 31, 2015, included a 

short-term and a long-term component.  The short-term portion included $31.0 million in accrued liabilities (see Note 9, 
"Accrued Liabilities") and $1.3 million in accounts payable in the consolidated balance sheets as the Company expects 
these reserves to be paid within the next twelve months.  The long-term portion of $6.6 million is included in other long-
term liabilities (see Note 16, "Other Long-Term Liabilities") in the consolidated balance sheets.

109

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

Note 4.  Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in a 

business combination.  Goodwill is assigned to specific reporting units and is tested annually for impairment as of 
October 31 or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair 
value of a reporting unit is below its carrying value.

United States Print and Related Services Segment

Due to the decline in the Company's stock price in the third quarter of 2015, an interim goodwill impairment 
test of the three reporting units in the United States Print and Related Services segment was performed as of July 31, 
2015.  These reporting units include the Core Print and Related Services reporting unit, the Specialty Print and Related 
Services reporting unit and the Other United States Products and Services reporting unit with goodwill of $640.8 million, 
$115.6 million and $18.6 million, respectively, as of July 31, 2015.

In determining the fair value of each reporting unit, the Company used an equal weighting of both the income 

and market approaches, except for the Other United States Products and Services reporting unit for which only an 
income approach was used.  After completing a step one evaluation, the estimated fair value of each of the three 
reporting units in the United States Print and Related Services segment was determined to be lower than the carrying 
value of each respective reporting unit.  As such, each of the three reporting units failed step one of the goodwill 
impairment test.

Step two of the goodwill impairment test requires the Company to perform a hypothetical purchase price 

allocation for each reporting unit to determine the implied fair value of goodwill and compare the implied fair value of 
goodwill to the carrying amount of goodwill.  The estimate of fair value is complex and requires significant judgment.  A 
third-party valuation firm was engaged to assist in the step two valuation process.  This fair value determination was 
categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy (see Note 15, "Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements," 
for the definition of Level 3 inputs).

As a result of the interim goodwill impairment assessment as well as the annual impairment test as of 
October 31, 2015, the Company's United States Print and Related Services segment recorded pre-tax non-cash goodwill 
impairment charges of $778.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2015, that included impairment charges of 
$640.8 million, $118.9 million and $18.6 million in the Core Print and Related Services reporting unit, the Specialty 
Print and Related Services reporting unit and the Other United States Products and Services reporting unit, respectively.  
The goodwill impairment charges resulted from a reduction in estimated fair value of each reporting unit based on lower 
expectations for future revenue, profitability and cash flows due to volume and pricing pressures as compared to 
expectations in the last annual goodwill impairment assessment performed as of October 31, 2014.

International Segment

On March 25, 2015, due to deteriorating economic conditions, including inflation and currency devaluation, 
combined with uncertain political conditions, declining print volumes and labor challenges, the Company's Argentina 
Subsidiaries (included within the Latin America reporting unit) commenced bankruptcy restructuring proceedings with a 
goal of consolidating operations.  As a result, the Company conducted an interim goodwill impairment assessment of the 
Latin America reporting unit, which included comparing the carrying amount of net assets, including goodwill, to its 
respective fair value as of March 31, 2015, the date of the interim assessment.

110

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

Fair value was determined using an equal weighting of both the income and market approaches.  Under the 

income approach, the Company determined fair value based on estimated future cash flows discounted by an estimated 
weighted-average cost of capital, which reflects the overall level of inherent risk and the rate of return an outside investor 
would expect to earn.  Under the market approach, the Company derived the fair value of the reporting units based on 
market multiples of comparable publicly-traded companies.  The Company performed an additional fair value 
measurement calculation to determine whether a Latin America reporting unit impairment charge should be recorded 
because the fair value of the reporting unit was below its carrying amount.  As part of this calculation, the Company also 
estimated the fair values of significant tangible and intangible long-lived assets in the Latin America reporting unit.  This 
fair value determination was categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy (see Note 15, "Financial Instruments and 
Fair Value Measurements," for the definition of Level 3 inputs).

As a result of the interim goodwill impairment assessment as well as the annual impairment test as of 
October 31, 2015, the Company's International segment recorded non-cash nondeductible goodwill impairment charges 
of $30.0 million in the year ended December 31, 2015, primarily including a $23.3 million non-cash goodwill 
impairment charge for the Latin America reporting unit.  The goodwill impairment charges resulted from a reduction in 
estimated fair value of the reporting unit based on lower expectations for future revenue, profitability and cash flows due 
to volume and pricing pressures as compared to expectations in the last annual goodwill impairment assessment 
performed as of October 31, 2014.

Goodwill at December 31, 2015, included $808.3 million of accumulated impairment losses, of which 
$778.3 million relates to the United States Print and Related Services segment and $30.0 million relates to the 
International segment.  Goodwill at December 31, 2014, did not include any accumulated impairment losses.  Non-cash 
goodwill impairment charges of $808.3 million were recorded during the year ended December 31, 2015.  No goodwill 
impairment charges were recorded during the years ended December 31, 2014 or 2013.  Activity impacting goodwill for 
the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, was as follows:

United States 
Print and Related
Services

International

Total

Balance at January 1, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Proteus and Transpak acquisitions (see Note 2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Translation adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

746.2

$

26.9

$

5.1

—

—

(2.7)

Balance at December 31, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

751.3

$

24.2

$

Marin's acquisition (see Note 2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Copac acquisition (see Note 2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Specialty acquisition (see Note 2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

—

23.5

3.5

Impairment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(778.3)

Translation adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance at December 31, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

—

— $

6.8

—

—

(30.0)

(1.0)

— $

773.1

5.1

(2.7)

775.5

6.8

23.5

3.5

(808.3)

(1.0)

—

111

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

The components of other intangible assets at December 31, 2015 and 2014, were as follows:

December 31, 2015

December 31, 2014

Weighted
Average
Amortization
Period (Years)

Gross
Carrying
Amount

Accumulated
Amortization

Net Book
Value

Weighted
Average
Amortization
Period (Years)

Gross
Carrying
Amount

Accumulated
Amortization

Net Book
Value

Finite-lived intangible assets:

Trademarks, patents,
licenses and
agreements . . . . . . . . . .
Capitalized software. . .

Acquired technology . .

Customer relationships.

7

5

5

6

$

22.1

$

(5.5) $

6.5

6.2

(6.2)

(5.9)

459.4

(366.1)

Total finite-lived intangible assets . . . .

$

494.2

$

(383.7) $

16.6

0.3

0.3

93.3

110.5

5

5

5

6

$

5.1

6.7

6.7

$

(3.8) $

(6.3)

(5.9)

445.1

(298.5)

$

463.6

$

(314.5) $

1.3

0.4

0.8

146.6

149.1

During the year ended December 31, 2015, the gross carrying amount of other intangible assets increased 
primarily due to $49.7 million of acquired identifiable intangible assets as discussed in Note 2, "Acquisitions and 
Strategic Investments."  The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization within other intangible assets—net in 
the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2015 and 2014, differs from the value originally recorded at acquisition 
due to impairment charges recorded and the effects of currency fluctuations between the purchase date and December 31, 
2015 and 2014.

Other intangible assets are evaluated for potential impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that 
the carrying value may not be recoverable.  The Company recorded finite-lived intangible asset impairment charges of 
$7.2 million, primarily related to customer relationships, during the year ended December 31, 2015, (see Note 3, 
"Restructuring, Impairment and Transaction-Related Charges" for further discussion on impairment charges).  There 
were no impairment charges recorded on finite-lived intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.

Amortization expense for other intangible assets was $79.6 million, $75.9 million and $70.3 million for the 

years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The following table outlines the estimated future 
amortization expense related to other intangible assets as of December 31, 2015:

2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2020 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2021 and thereafter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

49.4

17.8

17.5

13.3

8.2

4.3

110.5

Amortization Expense

112

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

Note 5.  Receivables

Activity impacting the allowances for doubtful accounts for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 

2013, was as follows:

2015

2014

2013

Balance at beginning of year. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

57.8

$

58.9

$

Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Write-offs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Divestitures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Translation and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4.2

(12.0)

—

0.1

5.5

(9.9)

—

3.3

Balance at end of year. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

50.1

$

57.8

$

70.8

10.4

(15.4)

(6.4)

(0.5)

58.9

Note 6.  Inventories

The components of inventories at December 31, 2015 and 2014, were as follows:

Raw materials and manufacturing supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Work in process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Finished goods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

154.8

$

51.0

74.3

Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

280.1

$

185.4

53.9

48.5

287.8

2015

2014

Note 7.  Property, Plant and Equipment

The components of property, plant and equipment at December 31, 2015 and 2014, were as follows:

Land . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Machinery and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Construction in progress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Property, plant and equipment—gross. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Less:  accumulated depreciation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Property, plant and equipment—net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

2015

2014

135.9

$

952.6

3,603.9

194.1

24.2

4,910.7

(3,234.9)

1,675.8

$

$

143.4

959.6

3,600.7

229.4

40.1

4,973.2

(3,117.7)

1,855.5

______________________________
(1)  Other consists of computer equipment, vehicles, furniture and fixtures, leasehold improvements and communication related 

equipment.

The Company recorded impairment charges of $69.5 million, $14.4 million and $21.8 million during the years 

ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, to reduce the carrying amounts of certain property, plant and 

113

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

equipment no longer utilized in production to fair value (see Note 3, "Restructuring, Impairment and Transaction-Related 
Charges" for further discussion on impairment charges).

The Company recognized depreciation expense of $245.7 million, $260.5 million and $270.2 million for the 

years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Assets Held for Sale

The Company considered certain closed facilities as held for sale classification on the consolidated balance 

sheets.  The net book value of assets held for sale were $6.3 million and $1.8 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, 
respectively.  These assets were carried at the lesser of original cost or fair value, less the estimated costs to sell.  The fair 
values were determined by the Company to be Level 3 under the fair value hierarchy (see Note 15, "Financial 
Instruments and Fair Value Measurements," for the definition of Level 3 inputs) and were estimated based on broker 
quotes and internal expertise related to current marketplace conditions.  Assets held for sale were included in prepaid 
expenses and other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets.

Note 8.  Equity Method Investments in Unconsolidated Entities

The Company has a 49% ownership interest in Plural, a commercial printer based in São Paulo, Brazil.  The 

Company had a 50% ownership interest in Chile, a commercial printer based in Santiago, Chile, until the Company sold 
its ownership interest in Chile on July 31, 2015.  The Company's ownership interest in Plural and Chile was accounted 
for using the equity method of accounting for all periods presented.  The Company's equity loss of Plural's and Chile's 
operations was recorded in equity in loss of unconsolidated entities in the Company's consolidated statements of 
operations, and was included within the International segment.

The Company reviews its equity method investments regularly for indicators of other than temporary 
impairment.  During the second quarter of 2015, the Company recorded a $16.7 million impairment charge to reduce the 
book value of the 50% ownership interest in Chile to fair value based on the intent to sell the investment.  The 
impairment is recorded in restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges on the consolidated statement of 
operations, and is included within the International segment.  The fair value measurement of the investment, which was 
classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy (see Note 15, "Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements," for 
the definition of Level 3 inputs), was determined using internal expertise of current marketplace conditions.

On July 31, 2015, the Company sold its 50% ownership interest in Chile for $10.5 million.  The Company 
recorded a $6.0 million non-cash expense to recognize accumulated foreign exchange losses on the sale of the Chile 
equity method investment during the year ended December 31, 2015, which is recorded within restructuring, impairment 
and transaction-related charges on the consolidated statements of operations.

On January 1, 2013, the Company sold 100% of its ownership interest in two wholly-owned Brazilian entities 
(Quad/Graphics Nordeste Industria Gráfica LTDA and Quad/Graphics São Paulo Industria Gráfica S.A.) to Plural for a 
purchase price of $5.5 million.  During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company recorded a $2.8 million gain on 
the sale within selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company's consolidated statements of operations.  As 
a result of the sale to Plural, the Company no longer controls these entities (the Company now owns 49% of these 
entities through its ownership interest in Plural), and thus, the assets and liabilities of the entities sold have been 
deconsolidated in accordance with GAAP.  Since the sale to Plural, the Company's ownership interest in the results of 
operations of these entities are included in equity in loss of unconsolidated entities in the consolidated statements of 
operations.

114

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

The condensed balance sheet for Plural at December 31, 2015, and the combined condensed balance sheets for 

Plural and Chile at December 31, 2014, were as follows:

Current assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Long-term assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Long-term liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

2015

2014

28.9

26.4

55.3

33.9

4.9

38.8

$

$

$

$

77.9

71.1

149.0

64.4

10.9

75.3

The combined condensed statements of operations for Plural and Chile for the years ended December 31, 2015, 

2014 and 2013, are presented below.  Results from the Chile equity method investment are included in the following 
table through the July 31, 2015 sale date:

Net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Operating loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

110.7

$

195.8

$

(10.6)

(12.8)

(3.6)

(5.2)

221.2

(0.7)

(3.9)

2015

2014

2013

Note 9.  Accrued Liabilities

The components of accrued liabilities at December 31, 2015 and 2014, were as follows:

Employee-related liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

177.3

$

191.3

Restructuring liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tax liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Interest and rent liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

31.0

29.1

11.0

99.1

16.9

40.1

13.5

96.3

Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

347.5

$

358.1

2015

2014

Employee-related liabilities consist primarily of payroll, bonus, vacation, health, workers' compensation and 

pension obligations.

115

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

Note 10.  Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments

The Company had firm commitments of $14.9 million to purchase press and finishing equipment.

Litigation

The Company is named as a defendant in various lawsuits in which claims are asserted against the Company in 

the normal course of business.  The liabilities, if any, which ultimately result from such lawsuits are not expected by 
management to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

Environmental Reserves

The Company is subject to various laws, regulations and government policies relating to health and safety, to 

the generation, storage, transportation, and disposal of hazardous substances, and to environment protection in general.  
The Company provides for expenses associated with environmental remediation obligations when such amounts are 
probable and can be reasonably estimated.  Such reserves are adjusted as new information develops or as circumstances 
change.  The environmental reserves are not discounted.  The Company believes it is in compliance with such laws, 
regulations and government policies in all material respects.  Furthermore, the Company does not anticipate that 
maintaining compliance with such environmental statutes will have a material impact upon the Company's competitive 
or consolidated financial position.

Note 11.  World Color Press Insolvency Proceedings

The Company continues to manage the bankruptcy claim settlement process for the Quebecor World Inc. 

("QWI") bankruptcy proceedings in the United States and Canada (QWI changed its name to World Color Press upon 
emerging from bankruptcy on July 21, 2009).  To the extent claims are allowed, the holders of such claims are entitled to 
receive recovery, with the nature of such recovery dependent upon the type and classification of such claims.  In this 
regard, with respect to certain types of claims, the holders thereof are entitled to receive cash and/or unsecured notes, 
while the holders of certain other types of claims are entitled to receive a combination of Quad/Graphics common stock 
and cash, in accordance with the terms of the World Color Press acquisition agreement.

With respect to claims asserted by the holders thereof as being entitled to a priority cash recovery, the Company 
has estimated that approximately $1.4 million of such recorded claims have yet to be paid as of December 31, 2015 and 
2014, and this obligation is classified as amounts owing in satisfaction of bankruptcy claims in the consolidated balance 
sheets.

With respect to unsecured claims held by creditors of the operating subsidiary debtors of Quebecor World 

(USA) Inc. (the "Class 3 Claims"), each allowed Class 3 Claim will be entitled to receive an unsecured note in an 
amount equaling 50% of such creditor's allowed Class 3 Claim, provided, however, that the aggregate principal amount 
of all such unsecured notes cannot exceed $75.0 million.  Each allowed Class 3 Claim will also receive accrued interest 
and a 5% prepayment redemption premium thereon (the total aggregate maximum principal, interest and prepayment 
redemption premium for all Class 3 Claims is $89.2 million).  In connection with the World Color Press acquisition, the 
Company was required to deposit the maximum potential payout to the Class 3 Claim creditors of $89.2 million with a 
trustee, and that amount will remain with the trustee until either (1) it is paid to a creditor for an allowed Class 3 Claim 
or (2) excess amounts not required for Class 3 Claim payments will revert to the Company.

116

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, $0.1 million and $8.0 million, respectively, of the 

restricted cash was paid to Class 3 Claim creditors.  The Company also received refunds of $17.5 million and 
$18.9 million of restricted cash during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  At December 31, 
2015, a $11.5 million maximum potential payout to the Class 3 Claim creditors remains and is classified as restricted 
cash in the consolidated balance sheets.  Based on the Company's analysis of the outstanding claims, the Company has a 
liability of $7.1 million at December 31, 2015, classified as unsecured notes to be issued in the consolidated balance 
sheets.  Activity impacting restricted cash and unsecured notes to be issued for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 
2014, was as follows:

Restricted
Cash

Unsecured
Notes
to be Issued

Balance at January 1, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Class 3 Claim payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Restricted cash refunded to Quad/Graphics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Non-cash adjustments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Balance at December 31, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Class 3 Claim payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Restricted cash refunded to Quad/Graphics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Non-cash adjustments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

56.0

$

(8.0)

(18.9)

—

29.1

$

(0.1)

(17.5)

—

Balance at December 31, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

11.5

$

18.0

(8.0)

—

(1.0)

9.0

(0.1)

—

(1.8)

7.1

The components of restricted cash at December 31, 2015 and 2014, were as follows:

Defeasance of unsecured notes to be issued . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total restricted cash. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

11.5

2.0

13.5

$

$

29.1

2.1

31.2

December 31,
2015

December 31,
2014

While the liabilities recorded for any bankruptcy matters are based on management's current assessment of the 

amount likely to be paid, it is not possible to identify the final amount of priority cash claims or the amount of Class 3 
Claims that will ultimately be allowed by the United States Bankruptcy Court.  Therefore, payments for amounts owing 
in satisfaction of bankruptcy claims could be higher than the amounts accrued on the consolidated balance sheets, which 
would require additional cash payments to be made and expense to be recorded for the amount exceeding the Company's 
estimate.  Amounts payable related to the unsecured notes could exceed current estimates, which would require 
additional expense to be recorded.  The Company has resolved the majority of claims since acquiring World Color Press 
in 2010, but the ultimate timing for completion of the bankruptcy process depends on the resolution of the remaining 
claims.

117

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

Note 12.  Debt

The components of long-term debt at December 31, 2015 and 2014, were as follows:

Weighted
Average
Interest Rate

2015

2014

Master note and security agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7.53% $

260.4

$

Term loan A—$450.0 million due April 2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Term loan B—$300.0 million due April 2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Revolving credit facility—$850.0 million due April 2019. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Senior unsecured notes—$300.0 million due May 2022 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

International term loan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

International revolving credit facility—$12.7 million . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Equipment term loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Debt issuance costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total debt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Less: short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt. . . . . . . . . . . .

Long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2.36%

4.25%

2.37%

7.00%
—%
—%

4.18%

20.37%

410.6

293.2

70.8

300.0
—
—

13.4

2.2

(16.1)

1,334.5

(94.6)

1,239.9

$

$

$

$

316.6

438.8

295.8

43.9

300.0
—
0.2

13.3

3.1

(20.0)

1,391.7

(92.0)

1,299.7

Description of Debt Obligations

Master Note and Security Agreement

On September 1, 1995, and as last amended on November 24, 2014, Quad/Graphics entered into its Master Note 

and Security Agreement.  As of December 31, 2015, the borrowings outstanding under the Master Note and Security 
Agreement were $260.4 million.  The senior notes under the Master Note and Security Agreement have a weighted-
average interest rate of 7.53% at December 31, 2015, which is fixed to maturity, with interest payable semiannually.  
Principal payments commenced September 1997 and extend through April 2031 in various tranches.  The notes are 
collateralized by certain United States land, buildings and press and finishing equipment under the terms of the Master 
Note and Security Agreement.

The Company redeemed $108.8 million of its senior notes under the Master Note and Security Agreement for 

$109.6 million on October 10, 2014, resulting in a $0.8 million loss, plus applicable transaction fees of $0.2 million for a 
total of $1.0 million included in loss on debt extinguishment in the consolidated statements of operations.  The Company 
used its revolving credit facility to effect the redemption.  This redemption was primarily completed to reduce interest 
expense based on the then current LIBOR rates.

The Company and certain of its subsidiaries entered into a fourth amendment to the Master Note and Security 

Agreement on November 24, 2014.  The amendment, among other things, amended the financial covenants by removing 
the consolidated net worth requirement (removed for all periods after December 31, 2014) and the fixed charge coverage 
ratio, as well as adding a minimum interest coverage ratio, a maximum total leverage ratio and a maximum senior 
secured leverage ratio.  These amendments align the financial covenants in the Master Note and Security Agreement 
more closely with the financial covenants in the Senior Secured Credit Facility.

118

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

Senior Secured Credit Facility and Senior Unsecured Notes

The Company completed its $1.9 billion debt financing arrangements on April 28, 2014, which included 
refinancing, extending and expanding its existing revolving credit facility, Term Loan A and Term Loan B with the 
$1.6 billion Senior Secured Credit Facility and the issuance of $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 7.0% 
Senior Unsecured Notes due May 1, 2022.  The Senior Secured Credit Facility and the Senior Unsecured Notes were 
entered into to extend and stagger the Company's debt maturity profile, further diversify its capital structure and provide 
more borrowing capacity to better position the Company to execute on its strategic goals.  The proceeds from the Senior 
Secured Credit Facility and Senior Unsecured Notes were used to: (a) repay the Company's previous revolving credit 
facility, Term Loan A, Term Loan B and the 2008 international term loan; (b) fund the acquisition of Brown Printing; and 
(c) for general corporate purposes.

The Senior Secured Credit Facility consists of three different loan facilities.  The first facility is a revolving 

credit facility in the amount of $850.0 million with a term of five years maturing on April 27, 2019.  The second facility 
is a Term Loan A in the aggregate amount of $450.0 million with a term of five years maturing on April 27, 2019, subject 
to certain required amortization.  The third facility is a Term Loan B in the amount of $300.0 million with a term of 
seven years maturing on April 27, 2021, subject to certain required amortization.  At December 31, 2015, the Company 
had borrowings of $70.8 million on the revolving credit facility, as well as $48.3 million of issued letters of credit, 
leaving $730.9 million available for future borrowings.

Borrowings under the revolving credit facility and Term Loan A loans made under the Senior Secured Credit 

Facility will initially bear interest at 2.00% in excess of reserve adjusted LIBOR, or 1.00% in excess of an alternate base 
rate, and Term Loan B loans will bear interest at 3.25% in excess of reserve adjusted LIBOR, with a LIBOR floor of 
1.00%, or 2.25% in excess of an alternative base rate at the Company's option.  The Senior Secured Credit Facility is 
secured by substantially all of the unencumbered assets of the Company.  The Senior Secured Credit Facility also 
requires the Company to provide additional collateral to the lenders in certain limited circumstances.

The Company entered into an amendment to the Senior Secured Credit Facility on December 18, 2014, which 

eliminated the "net debt" concept from the calculation of the total leverage ratio and the senior secured leverage ratio and 
eliminated the consolidated net worth covenant.

The Company received $294.8 million in net proceeds from the sale of the Senior Unsecured Notes, after 

deducting the initial purchasers' discounts and commissions.  The Senior Unsecured Notes bear interest at 7.0% and 
interest is payable semi-annually.  The Senior Unsecured Notes are due May 1, 2022.  Each of the Company's existing 
and future domestic subsidiaries that is a borrower or guarantees indebtedness under the Company's Senior Secured 
Credit Facility or that guarantees certain of the Company's other indebtedness or indebtedness of the Company's 
restricted subsidiaries (other than intercompany indebtedness) fully and unconditionally guarantee or, in the case of 
future subsidiaries, will guarantee, on a joint and several basis, the Senior Unsecured Notes (the "Guarantor 
Subsidiaries").  All of the current Guarantor Subsidiaries are 100% owned by the Company.  Guarantor Subsidiaries will 
be automatically released from these guarantees upon the occurrence of certain events, including (a) the designation of 
any of the Guarantor Subsidiaries as an unrestricted subsidiary; (b) the release or discharge of any guarantee or 
indebtedness that resulted in the creation of the guarantee of the Senior Unsecured Notes by any of the Guarantor 
Subsidiaries; or (c) the sale or disposition, including the sale of substantially all the assets, of any of the Guarantor 
Subsidiaries.

119

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

International Debt Obligations

The Company entered into a fixed rate Euro denominated international term loan on December 28, 2015, for 

purposes of financing certain capital expenditures and general business needs.  The $19.6 million term loan was not 
funded as of December 31, 2015, but must be funded within one year of the date of the agreement.  As the term loan 
funds over the course of 2016, each tranche will bear interest at a fixed rate of 1.7% plus the bank initiated interest rate 
swap equivalent of Euro Interbank Offered Rate ("EURIBOR") at the time the tranche is funded.  The term loan requires 
monthly payments and has a term of six years maturing on December 28, 2021.

The multicurrency international revolving credit facility is used for financing working capital and general 

business needs and will expire on October 31, 2016.  At December 31, 2015, the Company had no borrowings on the 
international revolving credit facility, leaving $12.7 million available for future borrowing.  The terms of the 
international revolving credit facility includes certain financial covenants, a guarantee of the international revolving 
credit facility by the Company and a security agreement that includes collateralizing substantially all of the Quad/
Graphics Europe Sp. z.o.o. assets.  The facilities bear interest at the aggregate of the Warsaw Interbank Offered Rate 
("WIBOR") or EURIBOR and margin.

Equipment Term Loans

The Company refinanced certain equipment leases during 2015 with a $3.7 million equipment term loan 

secured by the formerly leased equipment.  The equipment term loan bears interest at a fixed rate of 2.53%, requires 
monthly payments and has a term of seven years expiring during 2022. The purchase of this equipment resulted in 
$3.7 million of non-cash investing and financing activities (see Note 1, "Basis of Presentation and Summary of 
Significant Accounting Policies" for the required supplemental cash flow information).

The Company refinanced certain equipment leases during 2013 with $17.1 million in equipment term loans 
secured by the formerly leased equipment.  The equipment term loans bear interest at a fixed rate of 4.75%, require 
quarterly payments and have five year terms expiring during 2018.  The purchase of these assets resulted in 
$12.8 million of non-cash investing and financing activities, which represents the $17.1 million in equipment term loans 
net of $4.3 million of eliminated capital lease obligations (see Note 1, "Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant 
Accounting Policies" for the required supplemental cash flow information).

Fair Value of Debt

Based upon the interest rates available to the Company for borrowings with similar terms and maturities, the 

fair value of the Company's total debt was approximately $1.2 billion and $1.3 billion at December 31, 2015 and 2014, 
respectively.  The fair value determination of the Company's total debt was categorized as Level 2 in the fair value 
hierarchy (see Note 15, "Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements," for the definition of Level 2 inputs).  As 
of December 31, 2015, approximately $2.6 billion of the Company's assets were pledged as security under various loans 
and other agreements.

Debt Issuance Costs and Original Issue Discount

The Company incurred $14.3 million in debt issuance costs in conjunction with the $1.9 billion debt financing 

arrangement completed on April 28, 2014.  In accordance with the accounting guidance for the treatment of debt 
issuance costs in a debt extinguishment, of the $14.3 million in new debt issuance costs, $11.0 million was capitalized 
and classified as a reduction of long-term debt in the consolidated balance sheets as discussed in Note 25, "New 
Accounting Pronouncements," and $3.3 million was expensed and classified as loss on debt extinguishment in the 
consolidated statements of operations.  In addition, original issue discount of $3.0 million related to Term Loan B of the 
Senior Secured Credit Facility was classified as a reduction of long-term debt in the consolidated balance sheets.

120

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

The Company incurred $1.0 million in debt issuance costs in conjunction with the redemption of $108.8 million 
of its senior notes under the master note and security agreement on October 10, 2014.  In accordance with the accounting 
guidance for the treatment of debt issuance costs in a debt extinguishment, the $1.0 million was expensed and classified 
as loss on debt extinguishment in the consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2014.

The Company incurred $1.2 million in debt issuance costs in conjunction with the amendment to the master 
note and security agreement on November 24, 2014.  In accordance with the accounting guidance for the treatment of 
debt issuance costs in a debt extinguishment, of the $1.2 million in new debt issuance costs, $1.0 million was capitalized 
and classified as a reduction of long term debt in the consolidated balance sheets and $0.2 million was expensed and 
classified as loss on debt extinguishment in the consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 
2014.

The loss on debt extinguishment recorded in the consolidated statements of operations for the year ended 

December 31, 2014, was comprised of the following:

Debt issuance costs:

Loss on debt extinguishment from July 26, 2011 $1.5 billion debt financing arrangement fees that
were previously capitalized . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Debt issuance costs from April 28, 2014 $1.9 billion debt financing arrangement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Loss on debt extinguishment from October 10, 2014 partial redemption of senior notes under master
note and security agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Loss on debt extinguishment from November 24, 2014 amendment to master note and security
agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Original issue discount:

Original issue discount from July 26, 2011 $1.5 billion debt financing arrangement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Loss on Debt
Extinguishment

2.1

3.3

1.0

0.2

0.6

7.2

Activity impacting the Company's capitalized debt issuance costs for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 

2014, was as follows:

Balance at January 1, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Capitalized debt issuance costs from April 28, 2014, $1.9 billion debt financing arrangement. . . . . . . .
Loss on debt extinguishment from July 26, 2011, $1.5 billion debt financing arrangement fees that
were previously capitalized . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capitalized debt issuance costs from November 24, 2014, amendment to master note and security
agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Amortization of debt issuance costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Balance at December 31, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Amortization of debt issuance costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Balance at December 31, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Capitalized Debt 
Issuance Costs

13.9

11.0

(2.1)

1.0

(3.8)

20.0

(3.9)

16.1

121

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

Activity impacting the Company's original issue discount for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, was 

as follows:

Balance at January 1, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Original issue discount from April 28, 2014, $1.9 billion debt financing arrangement . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Loss on debt extinguishment from July 26, 2011, $1.5 billion debt financing arrangement . . . . . . . . . .

Amortization of original issue discount . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Balance at December 31, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Amortization of original issue discount . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Balance at December 31, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

0.7

3.0

(0.6)

(0.4)

2.7

(0.5)

2.2

Original Issue Discount

Amortization expense for debt issuance costs was $3.9 million, $3.8 million and $4.0 million for the years 

ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Amortization expense for original issue discount was 
$0.5 million, $0.4 million and $0.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The 
debt issuance costs and original issue discount are being amortized on a straight-line basis over the five, seven and eight 
year lives of the related debt instruments.

Covenants and Compliance

The Company's various lending arrangements include certain financial covenants (all financial terms, numbers 

and ratios are as defined in the Company's debt agreements).  Among these covenants, the Company was required to 
maintain the following as of December 31, 2015:

• 

• 

Total Leverage Ratio.  On a rolling twelve-month basis, the total leverage ratio, defined as total 
consolidated debt to consolidated EBITDA, shall not exceed 3.75 to 1.00 (for the twelve months ended 
December 31, 2015, the Company's total leverage ratio was 2.89 to 1.00).

Senior Secured Leverage Ratio.  On a rolling twelve-month basis, the senior secured leverage ratio, defined 
as senior secured debt to consolidated EBITDA, shall not exceed 3.50 to 1.00 (for the twelve months ended 
December 31, 2015, the Company's senior secured leverage ratio was 2.26 to 1.00).

•  Minimum Interest Coverage Ratio.  On a rolling twelve-month basis, the minimum interest coverage ratio, 
defined as consolidated EBITDA to consolidated cash interest expense, shall not be less than 3.50 to 1.00 
(for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015, the Company's minimum interest coverage ratio was 
5.66 to 1.00).

The indenture underlying the Senior Unsecured Notes contains various covenants, including, but not limited to, 

covenants that, subject to certain exceptions, limit the Company's and its restricted subsidiaries' ability to: incur and/or 
guarantee additional debt; pay dividends, repurchase stock or make certain other restricted payments; enter into 
agreements limiting dividends and certain other restricted payments; prepay, redeem or repurchase subordinated debt; 
grant liens on assets; enter into sale and leaseback transactions; merge, consolidate, transfer or dispose of substantially 
all of the Company's consolidated assets; sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of property and assets; and engage in 
transactions with affiliates.

122

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

In addition to covenants, the Senior Secured Credit Facility also includes certain limitations on acquisitions, 

indebtedness, liens, dividends and repurchases of capital stock, including the following:

• 

• 

If the Company's total leverage ratio is greater than 3.00 to 1.00 (as defined in the Senior Secured Credit 
Facility), the Company is prohibited from making greater than $120.0 million of annual dividend payments, 
capital stock repurchases and certain other payments.  If the total leverage ratio is less than 3.00 to 1.00, 
there are no such restrictions.

If the Company's senior secured leverage ratio is greater than 3.00 to 1.00 or the Company's total leverage 
ratio is greater than 3.50 to 1.00 (these ratios as defined in the Senior Secured Credit Facility), the 
Company is prohibited from voluntarily prepaying any of the Senior Unsecured Notes and from voluntarily 
prepaying any other unsecured or subordinated indebtedness, with certain exceptions (including any 
mandatory prepayments on the Senior Unsecured Notes or any other unsecured or subordinated debt).  If 
the senior secured leverage ratio is less than 3.00 to 1.00 and the total leverage ratio is less than 
3.50 to 1.00, there are no such restrictions.

Estimated Principal Payments

The approximate annual principal amounts due on long-term debt, excluding $16.1 million for future 
amortization of debt issuance costs and $2.2 million for future amortization of original issue discount, at December 31, 
2015, were as follows:

2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2020 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2021 – 2025 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2026 – 2030 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2031 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Principle Payments

95.5

82.5

90.4

392.7

35.9

636.0

18.8

1.0

Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

1,352.8

Note 13.  Lease Obligations 

The Company enters into various master lease agreements for press, finishing and transportation equipment.  
These leases provide the Company with options to purchase the related equipment at the termination value, as defined, 
and at various early buyout dates during the term of the lease.  These leases are accounted for as capital leases on the 
consolidated balance sheets.

The components of capital lease assets at December 31, 2015 and 2014, were as follows:

Leased equipment—gross . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Less: accumulated depreciation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Leased equipment—net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

2015

2014

23.6

(10.9)

12.7

$

$

37.1

(26.2)

10.9

123

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

The future maturities of capitalized leases at December 31, 2015, were as follows:

Future Maturities of
Capitalized Leases

2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2020 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2021 and thereafter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total minimum payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Less: amounts representing interest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Present value of minimum payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Less: current portion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Long-term capital lease obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

5.3

4.8

2.6

1.2

0.7

0.7

15.3

(0.5)

14.8

(5.1)

9.7

The Company has various operating lease agreements.  Future minimum rental commitments under non-

cancelable leases at December 31, 2015, were as follows:

Future Minimum
Rental Commitments

2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2020 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2021 and thereafter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

53.2

46.7

39.6

32.2

21.3

44.0

237.0

Rent expense under these operating lease agreements totaled $44.8 million, $39.6 million and $36.9 million 

during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Note 14.  Income Taxes

Income taxes have been based on the following components of earnings (loss) before income taxes and equity 

in loss of unconsolidated entities for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013:

United States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

(855.1) $

Foreign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(63.3)

Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

(918.4) $

57.4

(16.2)

41.2

$

$

83.0

(26.3)

56.7

2015

2014

2013

124

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

The components of income tax expense (benefit) for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, were 

as follows:

Federal:

2015

2014

2013

Current . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

5.6

$

(11.6) $

Deferred . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(281.4)

State:

Current . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Deferred . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Foreign:

Current . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Deferred . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0.5

(13.9)

3.6

2.8

21.1

(0.9)

1.3

5.9

4.4

Total income tax expense (benefit). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

(282.8) $

20.2

$

24.9

(7.8)

5.6

(1.4)

3.9

(1.9)

23.3

The Company recorded $808.3 million of non-cash goodwill impairment charges during the year ended 
December 31, 2015, of which $743.0 million is nondeductible for income tax purposes.  The total tax benefit of 
$265.9 million was composed of: (1) a $241.4 million deferred tax benefit associated with the reduction of the deferred 
tax liability related to the investments in United States subsidiaries due to the lower estimated fair value of the United 
States Print and Related Services segment and (2) a $24.5 million tax benefit on the $65.3 million of deductible 
goodwill.  The deferred tax liability related to the investments in United States subsidiaries was originally established 
when the former World Color Press entities emerged from bankruptcy in 2009.

The following table outlines the reconciliation of differences between the Federal statutory tax rate and the 

Company's effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013:

2015

2014

2013

Federal statutory rate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Foreign rate differential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

State taxes, net of federal benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Investment in United States subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Nondeductible goodwill impairment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Nondeductible equity method investment impairment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Adjustment to valuation allowances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Impact from foreign branches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Adjustment of deferred tax liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Adjustment of uncertain tax positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Domestic production activity deduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Nondeductible transaction costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Effective income tax rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

35.0%

0.2

—

26.3

(28.3)

(0.6)

(1.0)

(0.3)

(0.1)

(0.1)

—

—

(0.3)

30.8%

35.0%

(4.5)

(0.2)

—

—

—

26.1

0.6

10.1

(22.9)

(1.6)

0.6

5.8

49.0%

35.0%

6.0

4.3

—

—

—

13.7

(5.8)

(1.8)

1.9

(6.0)

0.3

(6.5)

41.1%

125

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

Deferred Income Taxes

The significant deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, were as follows:

2015

2014

Deferred tax assets:

Net operating loss and other tax carryforwards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

157.7

$

Pension, postretirement and workers compensation benefits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Interest limitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Accrued compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Accrued liabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Allowance for doubtful accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total deferred tax assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Valuation allowance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

90.5

81.3

42.4

28.8

16.6

21.8

439.1

(164.4)

151.6

98.2

115.3

43.0

24.4

18.7

24.8

476.0

(156.1)

Net deferred tax assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

274.7

$

319.9

Deferred tax liabilities:

Property, plant and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

(317.1) $

Goodwill and intangible assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Investment in United States subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total deferred tax liabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(3.2)

—

(13.4)

(333.7)

(359.0)

(41.2)

(240.9)

(14.8)

(655.9)

Net deferred tax liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

(59.0) $

(336.0)

At December 31, 2015, the Company had the following gross amounts of tax-related carryforwards:

•  Net operating loss carryforwards of $7.4 million, $142.0 million and $675.3 million for federal, foreign and 
state, respectively.  The federal net operating loss carryforwards expire in 2035.  Of the foreign net operating 
loss carryforwards, $48.7 million are available without expiration, while the remainder expire through 2034.  
The state net operating loss carryforwards expire in varying amounts through 2035.

•  Capital loss carryforwards of $155.6 million and $96.1 million for federal and state, respectively.  Of the 
federal capital loss carryforwards, $149.4 million expires in 2017 and $6.2 million expires in 2019; and of the 
state capital loss carryforwards, $92.5 million expires in 2017 and $3.6 million expires in 2019.

•  Various credit carryforwards of $1.7 million and $46.1 million for federal and state, respectively.  The state 
credit carryforwards include $20.3 million that are available without expiration, while the remainder expire 
through 2035.

At December 31, 2015, the Company has recorded a valuation allowance of $164.4 million on its consolidated 

balance sheet primarily related to the tax-affected amounts of the above carryforwards.  The valuation allowance 
includes $54.5 million, $49.4 million and $60.5 million of federal, foreign and state deferred tax assets, respectively, that 
are not expected to be realized.

126

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

The Company considers its foreign earnings to be indefinitely invested.  Accordingly, the Company does not 

provide for the additional United States and foreign income taxes which would become payable upon remission of 
undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries.  The cumulative undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries at 
December 31, 2015, are not material.

Uncertain Tax Positions

The following table summarizes the activity of the Company's liability for unrecognized tax benefits at 

December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013:

2015

2014

2013

Balance at beginning of period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

31.1

$

44.5

$

Additions for tax positions of the current year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Additions for tax positions of prior years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Reductions for tax positions of prior years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Settlements during the period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Lapses of applicable statutes of limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Foreign exchange and other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0.7

1.4

(0.9)

(0.8)

(1.6)

(0.1)

0.5

2.4

(5.1)

(0.3)

(10.8)

(0.1)

Balance at end of period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

29.8

$

31.1

$

46.5

0.1

0.7

(0.5)

(2.1)

(0.2)

—

44.5

As of December 31, 2015, $29.8 million of unrecognized tax benefits would impact the Company's effective tax 

rate, if recognized.  Of that amount, it is reasonably possible that $1.0 million of the total amount of unrecognized tax 
benefits will decrease within 12 months due to resolution of audits or statute expirations.

The Company classified interest expense and any related penalties related to income tax uncertainties as a 

component of income tax expense.  The following table summarizes the Company's interest expense (income) related to 
tax uncertainties and penalties recognized during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013:

Interest expense (income) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Penalties recognized . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

— $

(0.1)

$

0.8

—

(1.0)

(0.2)

2015

2014

2013

127

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

Accrued interest and penalties related to income tax uncertainties are reported as components of other current 

liabilities and other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.  The following table summarizes the 
Company's liabilities for accrued interest and penalties related to income tax uncertainties at December 31, 2015 and 
2014:

Accrued interest

Other current liabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Other long-term liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total accrued interest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Accrued penalties

Other current liabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Other long-term liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total accrued penalties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

2015

2014

— $

4.8

4.8

$

— $

0.4

0.4

$

0.1

4.8

4.9

—

0.5

0.5

The Company has tax years from 2012 through 2015 that remain open and subject to examination by the 
Internal Revenue Service.  Tax years from 2007 through 2015 remain open and subject to examination in the Company's 
various major state jurisdictions within the United States.

Note 15.  Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements

Certain assets and liabilities are required to be recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, while other assets and 
liabilities are recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, generally as a result of acquisitions or impairment charges.  
Fair value is determined based on the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an 
exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market 
participants.  GAAP also classifies the inputs used to measure fair value into the following hierarchy:

Level 1: 

Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2: 

Quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices for identical or 
similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or inputs other than quoted prices that are 
observable for the asset or liability.

Level 3: 

Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.  There are no Level 3 recurring measurements of 
assets or liabilities as of December 31, 2015.

The Company records the fair value of its forward contracts and pension plan assets on a recurring basis.  The 

fair value of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, inventories, restricted cash, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and 
amounts owing in satisfaction of bankruptcy claims approximate their carrying values as of December 31, 2015 and 
2014.  See Note 12, "Debt," for further discussion on the fair value of the Company's debt and Note 17, "Employee 
Retirement Plans," for the details of Level 1 and Level 2 inputs related to Employee Retirement Plans.

In addition to assets and liabilities that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, the Company is required 

to record certain assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, generally as a result of acquisitions or the 
remeasurement of assets resulting in impairment charges.  See Note 2, "Acquisitions and Strategic Investments," for 
further discussion on acquisitions.  See Note 3, "Restructuring, Impairment and Transaction-Related Charges," Note 4, 
"Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," Note 7, "Property, Plant and Equipment," and Note 8, "Equity Method 

128

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

Investments in Unconsolidated Entities," for further discussion on impairment charges recorded as a result of the 
remeasurement of certain long-lived assets.

The Company has operations in countries that have transactions outside their functional currencies and 

periodically enters into foreign exchange contracts.  These contracts are used to hedge the net exposures of changes in 
foreign currency exchange rates and are designated as either cash flow hedges or fair value hedges.  Gains or losses on 
net foreign currency hedges are intended to offset losses or gains on the underlying net exposures in an effort to reduce 
the earnings volatility resulting from fluctuating foreign currency exchange rates.  There were no open foreign currency 
exchange contracts as of December 31, 2015.

The Company periodically enters into natural gas forward purchase contracts to hedge against increases in 

commodity costs.  The Company's commodity contracts qualified for the exception related to normal purchases and sales 
during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, as the Company takes delivery in the normal course of business.

Note 16.  Other Long-Term Liabilities

The components of other long-term liabilities at December 31, 2015 and 2014, were as follows:

Single employer pension and postretirement obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Multiemployer pension plans – withdrawal liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tax-related liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Employee-related liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Restructuring reserve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2015

2014

136.0

$

161.5

31.0

22.2

64.6

6.6

40.1

39.1

17.4

67.6

6.1

47.6

Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

300.5

$

339.3

Note 17.  Employee Retirement Plans

Defined Contribution Plans

The Quad/Graphics Diversified Plan is comprised of participant directed 401(k) contributions, Company match 
and profit sharing contributions, with total participant assets of $1.9 billion as of December 31, 2015.  Company 401(k) 
matching contributions were $16.6 million, $14.6 million and $13.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 
2014 and 2013, respectively.  The Quad/Graphics Employee Stock Ownership Plan holds profit sharing contributions of 
Company stock, which are made at the discretion of the Company's Board of Directors.  There were no profit sharing 
contributions for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.

Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans

The Company assumed various funded and unfunded frozen pension plans for a portion of its full-time 

employees in the United States as part of the acquisition of World Color Press in 2010.  Benefits are generally based 
upon years of service and compensation.  These plans are funded in conformity with the applicable government 
regulations.  The Company funds at least the minimum amount required for all qualified plans using actuarial cost 
methods and assumptions acceptable under government regulations.  In addition to pension benefits, the Company 
provided certain healthcare and life insurance benefits for some retired employees.  In 2014, the Company eliminated the 
postretirement medical benefit coverage for all retirees.

129

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

The components of the net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income for the years ended 

December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, were as follows:

Pension Benefits

Postretirement Benefits

2015

2014

2013

2015

2014

2013

Interest cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

(26.9) $

(29.3) $

(28.2) $

— $

(0.1) $

(0.1)

Expected return on plan assets . . . . . . . . . . .

34.9

34.4

Amortization of prior service credit . . . . . . .

Amortization of actuarial gain (loss) . . . . . .

Net periodic benefit income . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Curtailment/settlement gain . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Termination gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

—

—

8.0

—

—

—

—

5.1

—

—

Total income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

8.0

$

5.1

$

30.2

—

(0.3)

1.7

2.1

—

3.8

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

5.8

0.3

6.0

—

4.9

$

— $

10.9

$

—

5.7

—

5.6

—

—

5.6

The underfunded pension obligations are calculated using generally accepted actuarial methods and are 
measured annually as of December 31.  The following table provides a reconciliation of the projected benefit obligation, 
fair value of plan assets and the funded status of the pension plans as of December 31, 2015 and 2014:

Pension Benefits

2015

2014

Changes in benefit obligation

Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

(711.3) $

Interest cost. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Actuarial gain (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Benefits paid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(26.9)

39.3

53.0

Projected benefit obligation, end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

(645.9) $

Changes in plan assets

Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

548.6

$

Actual return on plan assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Employer contributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Benefits paid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(0.5)

13.0

(53.0)

Fair value of plan assets, end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

508.1

$

(635.2)

(29.3)

(104.1)

57.3

(711.3)

525.2

44.4

36.3

(57.3)

548.6

Funded status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

(137.8) $

(162.7)

130

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

Amounts recognized on the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, were as follows:

Current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Noncurrent liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total amount recognized . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Pension Benefits

2015

2014

(1.8) $

(136.0)

(137.8) $

(1.2)

(161.5)

(162.7)

The following table provides a reconciliation of the Company's accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 

prior to any deferred tax effects at December 31, 2015 and 2014:

Pension Benefits

Postretirement Benefits

Actuarial Gain /
(Loss), net

Actuarial Gain /
(Loss), net

Prior Service
Credit/(Cost)

Total

Balance at January 1, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Amount arising during the period . . . . . . . . . . . .

Amortization included in net earnings (loss) . . . .

Impact of plan termination included in net
earnings (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Balance at December 31, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Amount arising during the period . . . . . . . . . . . .

Balance at December 31, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

50.6

$

(95.2)

—

—

(44.6) $

3.7

(40.9) $

(11.6) $

22.6

$

—

(0.3)

11.9

— $

—

— $

—

(5.8)

(16.8)

— $

—

— $

11.0

—

(6.1)

(4.9)

—

—

—

In 2014, the Company announced the elimination of postretirement medical benefit coverage for all retirees, 

which resulted in the reduction of plan obligations by $3.7 million and recognition of a termination gain of $4.9 million.  
The termination gain was recorded in restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges in the consolidated 
statement of operations.

In 2013, the Company paid out lump sums to participants that exceeded the threshold for settlement accounting, 
which resulted in an acceleration of the recognition of accumulated other comprehensive income and a settlement gain of 
$2.1 million.  The settlement gain was recorded in restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges in the 
consolidated statement of operations.

Actuarial gains and losses in excess of 10% of the greater of the projected benefit obligation or the market-
related value of plan assets are recognized as a component of net periodic benefit costs over the average remaining 
service period of a plan's active employees.  Unrecognized prior service costs or credits are also recognized as a 
component of net periodic benefit cost over the average remaining service period of a plan's active employees.  No 
amortization of amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is expected to be recognized as components 
of net periodic pension income in 2016.

131

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

The weighted-average assumptions, separately for the pension and postretirement benefit plans, used to 

determine net periodic benefit costs for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, were as follows:

Discount rate (beginning of year rate) . . . . .

Expected long-term return on plan assets . . .

3.90%

6.50%

4.80%

6.50%

3.90%

6.50%

N/A

N/A

3.60%

N/A

2.80%

N/A

Pension Benefits

Postretirement Benefits

2015

2014

2013

2015

2014

2013

The weighted-average assumptions used to determine pension benefit obligations at December 31, 2015 and 

2014, were as follows:

Pension Benefits

2015

2014

Discount rate (end of year rate) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4.14%

3.90%

The Company determines its assumed discount rate based on an index of high-quality corporate bond yields and 

matched-funding yield curve analysis as of the measurement date.  For 2015, the Company measured interest costs 
utilizing a single weighted-average discount rate derived from the yield curve used to measure the plan obligations.  
Beginning in 2016, the Company will change the approach used to measure interest costs for pension benefits.  For 2016, 
the Company elected to measure interest costs by applying the specific spot rates along that yield curve to the plans' 
liability cash flows.  The new method would also impact the calculation of service costs, but this is not applicable to the 
Company's pension plans due to their frozen status.  The Company believes the new approach provides a more precise 
measurement of interest costs by aligning the timing of the plans' liability cash flows to the corresponding spot rates on 
the yield curve.  This change does not affect the measurement of the plan obligations.  The Company is reflecting this as 
a change in accounting estimate, and accordingly, is accounting for it on a prospective basis.

Estimated Company Contributions and Benefit Payments

In 2016, the Company expects to make cash contributions of $0.4 million to its qualified defined benefit 

pension plans and make estimated benefit payments of $1.9 million to its non-qualified defined benefit pension plans.  
The actual pension contributions may differ based on the funding calculations, and the Company may choose to make 
additional discretionary contributions.  The estimated benefit payments may differ based on actual experience.

132

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

Estimated Future Benefit Payments by the Plans to or on behalf of Plan Participants

An estimate of the Plans' future benefit payments to be made from funded qualified plans and unfunded non-

qualified plans to plan participants at December 31, 2015, were as follows:

2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2020 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2021 – 2025 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Thereafter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Pension Benefits

47.7

46.4

45.9

45.1

44.7

210.5

205.6

645.9

Plan Assets and Investment Strategy

The Company follows a disciplined investment strategy, which provides diversification of investments by asset 
class, foreign currency, sector and company.  The Pension Committee has an approved investment policy for the pension 
plan that establishes long-term asset mix targets based on several factors including the following: the funded status, 
historical returns achieved by worldwide investment markets, the time horizon of the pension plan's obligations, and the 
investment risk.  An allocation range by asset class is developed whereby a mix of equity securities and debt securities 
are used to provide an appropriate risk-adjusted long-term return on plan assets.  Third-party investment managers are 
employed to invest assets in both passively-indexed and actively-managed strategies and investment returns and risks are 
monitored on an ongoing basis.  Derivatives are used at certain times to hedge foreign currency exposure.  Gains or 
losses on the derivatives are offset by a corresponding change in the value of the hedged assets.  Derivatives are strictly 
used for hedging purposes and not speculative purposes.

The current target allocations for plan assets on a weighted-average basis are 55% equity securities and 

45% debt securities, including cash and cash equivalents.  The actual asset allocation as of December 31, 2015, was 
approximately 54% equity securities and 46% debt securities.  The actual asset allocation as of December 31, 2014, was 
approximately 66% equity securities and 34% debt securities.  Equity investments are diversified by country, issuer and 
industry sector.  Debt securities primarily consist of government bonds and corporate bonds from diversified industries.

The expected long-term rate of return on assets assumption is selected by first identifying the expected range of 
long-term rates of return for each major asset class.  Expected long-term rates of return are developed based on long-term 
historical averages, current expectations of future returns and anticipated inflation rates.  The expected long-term rate of 
return on plan assets is then calculated by weighting each asset class.

133

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

The fair values of the Company's pension plan assets at December 31, 2015 and 2014, by asset category were as 

follows:

December 31, 2015

December 31, 2014

Asset Category

Total

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . .

$

3.7

$

Debt securities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Equity securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

228.4

276.0

Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

508.1

$

3.7

—

22.9

26.6

$

— $

— $

1.5

$

228.4

253.1

—

—

187.6

359.5

1.5

—

105.4

$

— $

187.6

254.1

$

481.5

$

— $

548.6

$

106.9

$

441.7

$

—

—

—

—

There are no Level 3 assets or liabilities as of December 31, 2015 and 2014.

The Company segregated its plan assets by the following major categories and levels for determining their fair 

value as of December 31, 2015:

Cash and cash equivalents.  Carrying value approximates fair value and these assets are classified as Level 1.

Debt Securities.  This category consists of bonds, short-term fixed income securities and fixed income pooled 
funds fair valued based on a compilation of primarily observable market information or broker quotes in over-
the-counter markets and are classified as Level 2.

Equity Securities.  This category consists of equity investments and equity pooled funds and these assets are 
classified as Level 1 and Level 2, respectively.  The fair value of equity investments is based on quoted prices in 
an active market.  The fair value of the equity pooled funds is based on the funds' Net Asset Value ("NAV") 
established by the funds' administrator.

The valuation methodologies described above may generate a fair value calculation that may not be indicative 

of net realizable value or future fair values.  While the Company believes the valuation methodologies used are 
appropriate, the use of different methodologies or assumptions in calculating fair value could result in different amounts.  
The Company invests in various assets in which valuation is determined by NAV.  The Company believes that NAV is 
representative of fair value at the reporting date, as there are no significant restrictions on redemption on these 
investments or other reasons to indicate that the investment would be redeemed at an amount different than NAV.

Risk Management

For all directly invested funds, the concentration risk is monitored through specific guidelines in the investment 

manager mandates.  The investment manager mandates were developed by the Company's external investment advisor, 
and specify diversification standards such as the maximum exposure per issuer, and concentration limits per type of 
security, industry and country when applicable.

For the investments made through pooled funds, the investment mandates of the funds were again reviewed by 

the Company's external investment advisor, to determine that the investment objectives and guidelines were consistent 
with the Company's overall pension plan risk management objectives.  In managing the plan assets, management reviews 
and manages risk associated with funded status risk, interest rate risk, market risk, counterparty risk, liquidity risk and 
operational risk.  Liability management and asset class diversification are central to the Company's risk management 
approach and are integral to the overall investment strategy.

134

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

Given the process in place to ensure a proper diversification of the portfolio, management believes that the 

Company pension plan assets are not exposed to significant concentration risk.

Multiemployer Pension Plans

The Company has previously participated in a number of MEPPs under terms of collective bargaining 

agreements that cover a number of its employees.  The risks of participating in these MEPPs are different from single 
employer plans in the following aspects:

•  Assets contributed to the MEPPs by one company may be used to provide benefits to employees of other 

participating companies.

• 

• 

If a participating company stops contributing to the plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be borne 
by the remaining participating companies.

If the Company stops participating in some or all of its MEPPs, and continues in business, the Company 
would be required to pay an amount, referred to as a withdrawal liability, based on the unfunded status of 
the plan.

The Company has withdrawn from all significant MEPPs and replaced these union sponsored "promise to pay 

in the future" defined benefit plans with a Company sponsored "pay as you go" defined contribution plan.  The two 
MEPPs, the GCIU and GCC, are significantly underfunded, and will require the Company to pay a withdrawal liability 
to fund its pro rata share of the underfunding as of the plan year the full withdrawal was completed.  As a result of the 
decision to withdraw, the Company accrued a $98.6 million estimated withdrawal liability based on information 
provided by each plan's trustee, as part of the purchase price allocation for World Color Press.  The Company is making 
required interim payments to the MEPPs for the Company's withdrawal liability from the GCIU and the GCC plans.

The GCIU Plan is a defined benefit plan that provides retirement benefits, total and permanent disability 

benefits, and pre-retirement death benefits for the participating union employees of the Company.  The funded status of 
the GCIU Plan is classified as critical based on the GCIU Plan's 2015 certification to the United States Department of 
Labor, as the funded percentage for the plan is less than 65% and is projected to have an accumulated funding deficit 
over the next four plan years.  As a result, the GCIU Plan implemented a rehabilitation plan to improve the plan's funded 
status.

The GCC Plan is a defined benefit plan that provides retirement benefits, disability benefits, and early 

retirement benefits for the participating union employees of the Company.  The funded status of the GCC Plan is 
classified as critical and declining based on the GCC Plan's 2015 certification to the United States Department of Labor, 
as the funded percentage for the plan is less than 65% and is projected to be insolvent within the next fifteen years.  As a 
result, the GCC Plan implemented a rehabilitation plan to improve the plan's funded status.

The Company has received notices of withdrawal and demand for payment letters for both the GCIU and GCC 

plans, which, in total are in excess of the $98.6 million in original reserves established by the Company for the 
withdrawals.  The Company is in the process of determining the final withdrawal payments with both MEPPs' 
administrators, and is currently in litigation with the MEPPs' trustees to determine the amount and duration of payments.  
There are arbitration proceedings in process with the GCIU, and also both the Company and GCIU have filed lawsuits in 
Federal court.  Arbitration proceedings with the GCC have been completed, both sides have appealed the arbitrator's 
ruling, and litigation has commenced.  The withdrawal liability reserved by the Company is within the range of the 
Company's estimated potential outcomes.  The Company made monthly payments totaling $11.4 million, $13.9 million 
and $14.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, as required by the Employee 
Retirement Income Security Act, although such payments do not waive the Company's rights to object to the withdrawal 

135

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

liabilities submitted by the GCIU and GCC plan administrators.  The Company has reserved $47.6 million as its estimate 
of the total MEPPs withdrawal liability as of December 31, 2015, of which $31.0 million is recorded in other long-term 
liabilities, $11.1 million is recorded in accrued liabilities and $5.5 million is recorded in unsecured notes to be issued in 
the consolidated balance sheets.  This estimate may increase or decrease depending on the final conclusion of the 
litigation with the MEPPs' trustees.

Note 18.  Earnings (Loss) Per Share Attributable to Quad/Graphics Common Shareholders

Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to Quad/Graphics common shareholders is computed as net earnings 

(loss) attributable to Quad/Graphics common shareholders less the allocation of participating securities, divided by the 
basic weighted average common shares outstanding of 47.9 million, 47.5 million and 47.0 million shares for the years 
ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The calculation of diluted earnings per share includes the effect 
of any dilutive equity incentive instruments.  The Company uses the treasury stock method to calculate the effect of 
outstanding dilutive equity incentive instruments, which requires the Company to compute total proceeds as the sum of 
(1) the amount the employee must pay upon exercise of the award; (2) the amount of unearned stock-based compensation 
costs attributed to future services; and (3) the amount of tax benefits, if any, that would be credited to additional paid-in 
capital assuming exercise of the award.  Equity incentive instruments for which the total employee proceeds from 
exercise exceed the average fair value of the same equity incentive instrument over the period have an anti-dilutive effect 
on earnings per share during periods with net earnings, and accordingly, the Company excludes them from the 
calculation.  Due to the net loss attributable to Quad/Graphics common shareholders incurred during the year ended 
December 31, 2015, the assumed exercise of all equity incentive instruments was anti-dilutive, and therefore, not 
included in the diluted loss per share attributable to Quad/Graphics common shareholders calculation for that period.  
Anti-dilutive equity incentive instruments of 1.8 million and 1.6 million of class A common shares were excluded from 
the computations of diluted net earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2014, and 2013, respectively. 

Unvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents, 
whether paid or unpaid, are required to be treated as participating securities and included in the computation of earnings 
(loss) per share pursuant to the two-class method.  The Company had no participating securities during 2015, as the stock 
options granted on November 18, 2011, became fully vested on November 18, 2014.  The Company's participating 
securities reduced basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to Quad/Graphics common shareholders by $0.01 and 
$0.02 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

136

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

Reconciliations of the numerator and the denominator of the basic and diluted per share computations for the 

Company's common stock for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, are summarized as follows:

Numerator:
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Quad/Graphics common shareholders . . . . $
Adjustments to net earnings (loss) attributable to Quad/Graphics common
shareholders

2015

2014

2013

(641.9) $

18.6

$

32.5

Allocation to participating securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

—

(0.3)

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Quad/Graphics common shareholders -
adjusted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

(641.9) $

18.3

$

Denominator:
Basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding for all
classes of common shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Plus: effect of dilutive equity incentive instruments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding for all
classes of common shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

47.9
—

47.9

Earnings (loss) per share attributable to Quad/Graphics common
shareholders:

Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Diluted. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

(13.40) $

(13.40) $

Cash dividends paid per common share for all classes of common shares. . . . $

1.20

$

47.5
1.0

48.5

0.39

0.38

1.20

$

$

$

(1.1)

31.4

47.0
1.0

48.0

0.67

0.65

1.20

Note 19.  Equity Incentive Programs

The shareholders of the Company approved the Quad/Graphics, Inc. 2010 Omnibus Incentive Plan ("Omnibus 

Plan") for two complementary purposes: (1) to attract and retain outstanding individuals to serve as directors, officers 
and employees and (2) to increase shareholder value.  The Omnibus plan provides for an aggregate 7,871,652 shares of 
class A common stock reserved for issuance under the Omnibus Plan.  Awards under the Omnibus Plan may consist of 
incentive awards, stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance shares, performance share units, shares of class A 
stock, restricted stock, restricted stock units, deferred stock units or other stock-based awards as determined by the 
Company's Board of Directors.  Each stock option granted has an exercise price of no less than 100% of the fair market 
value of the class A common stock on the date of grant.  As of December 31, 2015, there were 1,565,996 shares available 
for issuance under the Omnibus Plan.

The Company recognizes compensation expense, based on estimated grant date fair values, for all share-based 

awards issued to employees and non-employee directors, including stock options, performance shares, performance share 
units, restricted stock, restricted stock units and deferred stock units.  The Company recognizes these compensation costs 
for only those awards expected to vest, on a straight-line basis over the requisite three to four year service period of the 
awards, except deferred stock units, which are fully vested and expensed on the grant date.  The Company estimated the 
number of awards expected to vest based, in part, on historical forfeiture rates and also based on management's 
expectations of employee turnover within the specific employee groups receiving each type of award.  Forfeitures are 
estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods, if actual forfeitures differ from those 
estimates.

137

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

Equity Incentive Compensation Expense

The total compensation expense recognized related to all equity incentive programs was $7.2 million, 
$17.3 million and $18.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and was recorded 
in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.  Total future compensation 
expense related to all equity incentive programs granted as of December 31, 2015, is estimated to be $15.4 million.  
Estimated future compensation expense is $9.6 million for 2016, $5.1 million for 2017 and $0.7 million for 2018.

Net tax benefit on equity award activity, shown as tax benefit on equity award activity in the financing section 

of the consolidated statements of cash flows, was $2.8 million, $0.8 million and $2.2 million for the years ended 
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Stock Options

Options vest over four years, with no vesting in the first year and one-third vesting upon the second, third and 

fourth anniversary dates.  As defined in the individual grant agreements, acceleration of vesting may occur under a 
change in control, death, disability or normal retirement of the grantee.  Options expire no later than the tenth 
anniversary of the grant date, 24 months after termination for death, 36 months after termination for normal retirement or 
disability and 90 days after termination of employment for any other reason.  Options are not credited with dividend 
declarations, except for the November 18, 2011 grants.  Stock options are only to be granted to employees.

There were no stock options granted during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.  Compensation 

expense recognized related to stock options was $0.2 million, $7.2 million and $10.8 million for the years ended 
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  There is no future compensation expense for stock options granted as 
of December 31, 2015.

The following table is a summary of the stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2015:

Shares Under
Option

Weighted Average
Exercise
Price

Outstanding at December 31, 2014. . . . . . . . .

3,477,980

$

Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Exercised. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Canceled/forfeited/expired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Outstanding at December 31, 2015. . . . . . . . .

—

(155,912)

(31,732)

3,290,336

Exercisable at December 31, 2015 . . . . . . . . .

3,174,420

$

$

21.05

—

14.03

23.14

21.37

21.63

Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual Term
(years)

Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
(millions)

4.7

$

15.6

3.6

3.5

$

$

—

—

The intrinsic value of options exercisable as of December 31, 2015, and the intrinsic value of options 
outstanding at December 31, 2015 and 2014, is based on the fair value of the stock price.  All outstanding options were 
either vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2015.

138

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

The following table is a summary of the stock option exercises and vesting activity for the years ended 

December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013:

Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Cash received from stock option exercises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total grant date fair value of stock options vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

1.3

2.2

1.8

$

1.5

2.7

3.4

6.3

7.2

3.7

2015

2014

2013

Performance Share and Performance Share Units

Performance share ("PS") and performance share unit ("PSU") awards consist of shares or the rights to shares of 
the Company's class A common stock which are awarded to employees of the Company.  These shares are payable upon 
the determination that the Company achieved certain established performance targets and can range from 0% to 200% of 
the targeted payout based on the actual results.  Shares awarded in 2013 have a performance period of three years ending 
December 31, 2015.  As set forth in the individual grant agreements, acceleration of vesting may occur under a change in 
control, death, disability or normal retirement of the grantee.  Grantees receiving PS or PSU grants receive full credit for 
dividends during the vesting period.  All such dividends will be paid to the grantee within 45 days of full vesting.  Upon 
vesting, PSUs will be settled either through cash payment equal to the fair market value of the PSUs on the vesting date 
or through issuance of Company class A common stock.  There are no voting rights with these instruments until vesting 
occurs and a share of stock is issued.

The following table is a summary of PS and PSU award activity for the year ended December 31, 2015:

Performance Shares

Performance Share Units

Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Per Share

Weighted-
Average
Remaining 
Contractual 
Term 
(years)

Units

Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Per Share

Weighted-
Average
Remaining 
Contractual 
Term 
(years)

Shares

Nonvested at December 31, 2014 . .

343,568

$

20.39

1.2

16,208

$

20.50

1.2

Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Vested. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

—

—

Canceled/forfeited . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(343,568)

Nonvested at December 31, 2015 . .

— $

—

—

20.39

—

—

—

(16,208)

0.0

— $

—

—

20.50

—

0.0

There were no PS or PSU awards granted during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.  During the 

year ended December 31, 2013, PS awards of 389,930 shares and PSU awards of 16,208 units were granted at a 
weighted-average grant date fair value of $20.39 and $20.50, respectively.  On the grant dates, the target number of 
shares was granted.  The Company did not achieve the established performance targets for the performance period ended 
December 31, 2015; therefore the PS and PSU awards were canceled.

Compensation expense for awards granted was recognized based on a best estimate of the anticipated payout, 

net of estimated forfeitures.  Compensation expense (income) recognized related to PS and PSUs was income of 
$(4.5) million, expense of $2.2 million and expense of $2.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 
2013, respectively.  There is no expected future compensation expense for PS and PSUs granted as of December 31, 
2015.

139

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units 

Restricted stock ("RS") and restricted stock unit ("RSU") awards consist of shares or the rights to shares of the 
Company's class A common stock which are awarded to employees of the Company.  The awards are restricted such that 
they are subject to substantial risk of forfeiture and to restrictions on their sale or other transfer by the employee.  RSU 
awards are typically granted to eligible employees outside of the United States.  As defined in the individual grant 
agreements, acceleration of vesting may occur under a change in control, death, disability or normal retirement of the 
grantee.  Grantees receiving RS grants are able to exercise full voting rights and receive full credit for dividends during 
the vesting period.  All such dividends will be paid to the RS grantee within 45 days of full vesting.  Grantees receiving 
RSUs granted prior to January 1, 2012 are not entitled to vote and do not earn dividends.  Grantees receiving RSUs on or 
after January 1, 2012 are not entitled to vote but do earn dividends.  Upon vesting, RSUs will be settled either through 
cash payment equal to the fair market value of the RSUs on the vesting date or through issuance of Company class A 
common stock.

The following table is a summary of RS and RSU award activity for the year ended December 31, 2015:

Restricted Stock

Restricted Stock Units

Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Per Share

Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (Years)

Units

Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Per Share

Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (Years)

Shares

Nonvested at December 31, 2014 .

1,311,544

$

Granted. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Vested. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Forfeited. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

603,377

(269,677)

(95,620)

Nonvested at December 31, 2015 .

1,549,624

$

20.80

22.87

14.56

22.93

22.56

1.5

63,046

$

113,792

(12,608)

(66,484)

1.3

97,746

$

20.21

17.78

14.34

22.52

16.58

1.2

1.7

During the year ended December 31, 2015, RS awards of 603,377 shares and RSU awards of 113,792 units 
were granted at a weighted-average grant date fair value of $22.87 and $17.78, respectively.  During the year ended 
December 31, 2014, RS awards of 706,490 shares and RSU awards of 17,767 units were granted at a weighted-average 
grant date fair value of $23.44 and $23.45, respectively.  During the year ended December 31, 2013, RS awards of 
408,146 shares and RSU awards of 32,671 units were granted at a weighted-average grant date fair value of $20.39 and 
$20.72, respectively.  In general, RS and RSU awards will vest on the third anniversary of the grant date, provided the 
holder of the share is continuously employed by the Company until the vesting date.

Compensation expense recognized for RS and RSUs was $10.7 million, $7.3 million, and $4.8 million for the 
years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Total future compensation expense for all RS and RSUs 
granted as of December 31, 2015, is approximately $15.4 million.  Estimated future compensation expense is 
$9.6 million for 2016, $5.1 million for 2017 and $0.7 million for 2018.

140

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

Deferred Stock Units

Deferred stock units ("DSU") are awards of rights to shares of the Company's class A common stock and are 
awarded to non-employee directors of the Company.  The following table is a summary of DSU award activity for the 
year ended December 31, 2015:

Deferred Stock Units

Weighted-
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
Per Share

Units

Outstanding at December 31, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

110,804

$

Granted. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Dividend equivalents granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Settled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Forfeited. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

34,139

11,864

—

—

Outstanding at December 31, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

156,807

$

20.40

23.11

14.06

—

—

20.51

During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, DSU awards of 34,139, 26,316 and 33,115 units 
were granted at a weighted-average grant date fair value of $23.11, $23.45 and $20.39, respectively.  Each DSU award 
entitles the grantee to receive one share of class A common stock upon the earlier of the separation date of the grantee or 
the second anniversary of the grant date, but could be subject to acceleration for a change in control, death or disability 
as defined in the individual DSU grant agreement.  Grantees of DSU awards may not exercise voting rights, but are 
credited with dividend equivalents and those dividend equivalents will be converted into additional DSU awards based 
on the closing price of the class A common stock.  Dividend equivalents were granted during the years ended 
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, of 11,864, 5,392 and 3,529 units, respectively.

Compensation expense recognized for DSUs was $0.8 million, $0.6 million, and $0.7 million for the years 

ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  As DSU awards are fully vested on the grant date, all 
compensation expense was recognized at the date of grant.

Other Information

Authorized unissued shares or treasury shares may be used for issuance under the Company's equity incentive 

programs.  The Company intends to use treasury shares of its class A common stock to meet the stock requirements of its 
awards in the future.

141

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

Note 20.  Shareholders' Equity

The Company has three classes of common stock as follows (share data in millions):

Authorized
Shares

Outstanding

Treasury

Total Issued
Shares

Issued Common Stock

Class A stock ($0.025 par value) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

80.0

December 31, 2015. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

December 31, 2014. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

December 31, 2013. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Class B stock ($0.025 par value) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

80.0

December 31, 2015. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

December 31, 2014. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

December 31, 2013. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Class C stock ($0.025 par value) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

20.0

December 31, 2015. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

December 31, 2014. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

December 31, 2013. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

35.4

34.7

33.8

14.2

14.2

14.2

—

—

—

4.6

5.3

6.2

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.5

0.5

0.5

40.0

40.0

40.0

15.0

15.0

15.0

0.5

0.5

0.5

In accordance with the Articles of Incorporation, each class A common share has one vote per share and each 
class B and class C common share has ten votes per share on all matters voted upon by the Company's shareholders.  
Liquidation rights are the same for all three classes of stock.

The Company also has 0.5 million shares of $0.01 par value preferred stock authorized, of which none were 

issued at December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.  The Company has no present plans to issue any preferred stock.

On September 6, 2011, the Company's board of directors authorized a share repurchase program of up to 

$100.0 million of the Company's outstanding class A stock of which $91.8 million in authorized repurchases remain 
under the program as of December 31, 2015.  The Company repurchased no shares during the years ended December 31, 
2015, 2014 and 2013.

142

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

In accordance with the Articles of Incorporation, dividends are paid equally for all three classes of common 

shares.  The following table details the dividend activity related to the then outstanding shares of common stock for the 
years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013:

Declaration Date

Record Date

Payment Date

Dividend Amount
per Share

2015

Q4 Dividend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

November 3, 2015

December 7, 2015

December 18, 2015

$

Q3 Dividend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

August 4, 2015

September 7, 2015

September 18, 2015

Q2 Dividend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

May 5, 2015

June 8, 2015

June 19, 2015

Q1 Dividend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

February 23, 2015

March 9, 2015

March 20, 2015

2014

Q4 Dividend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

November 5, 2014

December 8, 2014

December 19, 2014

$

Q3 Dividend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

August 5, 2014

September 8, 2014

September 19, 2014

Q2 Dividend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

May 19, 2014

June 9, 2014

June 20, 2014

Q1 Dividend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

February 26, 2014

March 12, 2014

March 21, 2014

2013

Q4 Dividend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

November 5, 2013

December 9, 2013

December 20, 2013

$

Q3 Dividend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

August 6, 2013

September 9, 2013

September 20, 2013

Q2 Dividend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

May 20, 2013

June 10, 2013

June 21, 2013

Q1 Dividend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

March 4, 2013

March 18, 2013

March 29, 2013

0.30

0.30

0.30

0.30

0.30

0.30

0.30

0.30

0.30

0.30

0.30

0.30

Note 21.  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component, net of tax, for the years ended 

December 31, 2015 and 2014, were as follows:

Foreign
Currency
Translation

Pension and
Other
Postretirement
Benefit
Liability

Total

Balance at January 1, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net
earnings (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net other comprehensive loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Balance at December 31, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications . . . . . . . . . . .

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
(loss) to net earnings (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net other comprehensive income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(43.3) $

(45.4)

—

(45.4)

(88.7) $

(45.9)

7.7

(38.2)

37.7

$

(58.7)

(6.9)

(65.6)

(27.9) $

2.3

—

2.3

Balance at December 31, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

(126.9) $

(25.6) $

(5.6)

(104.1)

(6.9)

(111.0)

(116.6)

(43.6)

7.7

(35.9)

(152.5)

143

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

The details about the reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net earnings (loss) for the 

years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, were as follows:

Details about Accumulated Other 
Comprehensive Loss Components

Year Ended December 31,

2015

2014

2013

Revaluation gain on sale of businesses (see Note 8) . .

$

— $

— $

(2.4)

Revaluation loss on sale of equity method investment
(see Note 8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7.7

—

—

Consolidated Statements of
Operations Presentation

Selling, general and
administrative expenses

Restructuring, impairment
and transaction-related
charges

Amortization of prior service credits on
postretirement benefit plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Impact of income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Amortization of prior service credits on
postretirement benefit plans, net of tax. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Amortization of net actuarial loss on pension and
postretirement benefit plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Impact of income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Amortization of net actuarial loss on pension and
postretirement benefit plans, net of tax. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Plan curtailments/settlements on pension and
postretirement benefit plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Impact of income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Plan curtailment/settlements on pension and
postretirement benefit plans, net of tax. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Postretirement benefit plan termination . . . . . . . . . . . .

Impact of income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Postretirement benefit plan termination, net of tax. . . .

Total reclassifications for the period. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Impact of income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax . . . . . .

$

(5.8)

2.2

(3.6)

(0.3)

0.1

(0.2)

—

—

—

(4.9)

1.8

(3.1)

(11.0)

4.1

$

(6.9) $

Selling, general and
administrative expenses

(5.7)

2.2

Income tax expense (benefit)

(3.5) Net of tax

0.3 Cost of sales

(0.1)

Income tax expense (benefit)

0.2 Net of tax

Restructuring, impairment
and transaction-related
charges

(2.1)

0.8

Income tax expense (benefit)

(1.3) Net of tax

Restructuring, impairment
and transaction-related
charges

—

— Income tax expense (benefit)

— Net of tax

(9.9)

2.9

(7.0)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

7.7

—

7.7

144

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

Note 22.  Segment Information

The Company operates primarily in the commercial print portion of the printing industry, with related product 
and service offerings designed to offer clients complete solutions for communicating their message to target audiences.  
The Company's operating and reportable segments are aligned with how the chief operating decision maker of the 
Company currently manages the business.  The Company's reportable and operating segments and their product and 
service offerings are summarized below:

United States Print and Related Services

The United States Print and Related Services segment is predominantly comprised of the Company's United 

States printing operations and is managed as one integrated platform.  This includes retail inserts, publications, catalogs, 
special interest publications, journals, direct mail, books, directories, in-store marketing and promotion, packaging, 
newspapers, custom print products, other commercial and specialty printed products and global paper procurement, 
together with complementary service offerings, including marketing strategy, media planning and placement, data 
insights, segmentation and response analytics services, creative services, videography, photography, workflow solutions, 
digital imaging, facilities management services, digital publishing, interactive print solutions including image 
recognition and near field communication technology, mailing, distribution, logistics, and data optimization and hygiene 
services.  This segment also includes the manufacture of ink.

International

The International segment consists of the Company's printing operations in Europe and Latin America, 
including operations in England, France, Germany, Poland, Argentina, Colombia, Mexico and Peru, as well as strategic 
investments in printing operations in Brazil and India.  This segment provides printed products and complementary 
service offerings consistent with the United States Print and Related Services segment.  Unrestricted subsidiaries as 
defined in the Senior Unsecured Notes indenture represent less than 2.0% of total consolidated assets as of December 31, 
2015, and less than 2.0% of total consolidated net sales for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Corporate

Corporate consists of unallocated general and administrative activities and associated expenses including, in 
part, executive, legal and finance.  In addition, in 2014 and 2015 certain expenses and income from frozen employee 
retirement plans, such as pension and postretirement benefit plans, are included in Corporate and not allocated to the 
operating segment.

145

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

The following is a summary of segment information for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013:

Net Sales

Products

Services

Operating
Income
(Loss)

Depreciation
and
Amortization

Capital
Expenditures

Restructuring,
Impairment and
Transaction-
Related Charges

Goodwill
Impairment

Year ended December 31, 2015

United States Print and Related
Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 3,651.8
International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

378.5

Total operating segments . . . .

4,030.3

Corporate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

—
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 4,030.3

Year ended December 31, 2014

United States Print and Related
Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 3,760.6
International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

436.9

Total operating segments . . . .

4,197.5

Corporate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

—
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 4,197.5

Year ended December 31, 2013

United States Print and Related
Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 3,746.2
International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

440.4

Total operating segments . . . .

4,186.6

Corporate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

—
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 4,186.6

$

628.5

$

(706.1) $

297.5

$

121.5

$

101.4

$

18.9

647.4

—

(63.4)

(769.5)

(60.5)

26.1

323.6

1.7

11.5

133.0

—

38.8

140.2

24.7

$

647.4

$

(830.0) $

325.3

$

133.0

$

164.9

$

$

645.2

$

197.9

$

305.3

$

118.4

$

52.1

$

19.7

664.9

—

(11.2)

186.7

(45.4)

29.2

334.5

1.9

20.8

139.2

—

9.2

61.3

6.0

$

664.9

$

141.3

$

336.4

$

139.2

$

67.3

$

$

593.5

$

230.7

$

310.2

$

136.3

$

52.3

$

15.8

609.3

—

(7.7)

223.0

(80.8)

28.6

338.8

1.7

13.2

149.5

—

$

609.3

$

142.2

$

340.5

$

149.5

$

9.6

61.9

33.4

95.3

$

778.3

30.0

808.3

—

808.3

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

Restructuring, impairment and transaction-related charges for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 

2013, are further described in Note 3, "Restructuring, Impairment and Transaction-Related Charges," and are included in 
the operating income (loss) results by segment above.  Goodwill impairment for the year ended December 31, 2015, is 
further described in Note 4, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," and is included in the operating income (loss) 
results by segment above.

A reconciliation of operating income (loss) to earnings (loss) before income taxes and equity in loss of 
unconsolidated entities as reported in the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2015, 
2014 and 2013, was as follows:

Operating income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

(830.0) $

141.3

$

Less: interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Less: loss on debt extinguishment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

88.4

—

92.9

7.2

Earnings (loss) before income taxes and equity in loss of unconsolidated
entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

(918.4) $

41.2

$

142.2

85.5

—

56.7

2015

2014

2013

146

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

Total assets by segment at December 31, 2015, and 2014, were as follows:

United States Print and Related Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

2,498.1

$

International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total operating segments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Corporate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

327.2

2,825.3

22.2

Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

2,847.5

$

3,492.4

445.2

3,937.6

71.2

4,008.8

December 31,
2015

December 31,
2014

Note 23.  Geographic Area and Product Information

The table below presents the Company's net sales and long-lived assets for the years ended December 31, 2015, 

2014 and 2013, by geographic region.  The amounts in this table differ from the segment data presented in Note 22, 
"Segment Information," because each operating segment includes operations in multiple geographic regions, based on 
the Company's management reporting structure.

United States

Europe

Latin America

Other

Combined

2015

Net sales

Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

3,617.5

$

167.8

$

219.1

$

25.9

$

Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Property, plant and equipment—net . .

Other intangible assets—net . . . . . . . .

Other long-term assets . . . . . . . . . . . . .

628.5

1,512.2

93.0

54.4

18.9

86.1

16.6

0.3

—

73.1

0.9

10.6

2014

Net sales

Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

3,742.0

$

176.6

$

269.1

$

Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Property, plant and equipment—net . .

Other intangible assets—net . . . . . . . .

Other long-term assets . . . . . . . . . . . . .

645.2

1,660.6

141.6

52.2

19.7

95.2

2.2

0.2

—

99.5

5.3

0.4

—

4.4

—

0.2

9.8

—

0.2

—

—

$

2013

Net sales

Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

3,725.3

$

158.4

$

292.8

$

10.1

$

Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Property, plant and equipment—net . .

Other intangible assets—net . . . . . . . .

Other long-term assets . . . . . . . . . . . . .

593.5

1,699.2

209.3

47.6

15.8

113.1

3.3

0.4

—

113.0

9.2

0.5

—

0.2

—

—

4,030.3

647.4

1,675.8

110.5

65.5

4,197.5

664.9

1,855.5

149.1

52.8

4,186.6

609.3

1,925.5

221.8

48.5

147

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

The table below presents the Company's consolidated net sales by products and services for the years ended 

December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.

Catalog, publications, retail inserts, books and directories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

3,320.0

$

3,536.0

$

3,587.1

Products and Services

2015

2014

2013

Direct mail and other printed products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Logistics services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Imaging and other services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

$

650.4

59.9

4,030.3

453.7

193.7

647.4

$

$

598.0

63.5

4,197.5

483.7

181.2

664.9

$

$

531.6

67.9

4,186.6

465.6

143.7

609.3

Total net sales. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

4,677.7

$

4,862.4

$

4,795.9

Note 24.  Separate Financial Information of Subsidiary Guarantors of Indebtedness 

On April 28, 2014, Quad/Graphics completed an offering of the Senior Unsecured Notes (see Note 12, "Debt," 

for further details on the Senior Unsecured Notes).  Each of the Company's Guarantor Subsidiaries fully and 
unconditionally guarantee or, in the case of future subsidiaries, will guarantee, on a joint and several basis, the Senior 
Unsecured Notes.  All of the current Guarantor Subsidiaries are 100% owned by the Company.  Guarantor Subsidiaries 
will be automatically released from these guarantees upon the occurrence of certain events, including the following:

• 

• 

• 

the designation of any of the Guarantor Subsidiaries as an unrestricted subsidiary;

the release or discharge of any guarantee or indebtedness that resulted in the creation of the guarantee of the 
Senior Unsecured Notes by any of the Guarantor Subsidiaries; or

the sale or disposition, including the sale of substantially all the assets, of any of the Guarantor 
Subsidiaries.

The following condensed consolidating financial information reflects the summarized financial information of 

Quad/Graphics, the Company's Guarantor Subsidiaries on a combined basis and the Company's non-guarantor 
subsidiaries on a combined basis.  During the year ended December 31, 2015, a non-guarantor subsidiary of the 
Company became a Guarantor subsidiary.  Accordingly, the supplemental financial information for all periods presented 
below has been recast to reflect subsidiaries per the Senior Unsecured Notes agreement that were Guarantor Subsidiaries 
as of December 31, 2015.

148

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
For the Year Ended December 31, 2015 

Net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

1,918.0

$

2,755.0

$

437.8

$

(433.1) $

4,677.7

Quad/Graphics,
 Inc.

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Total

Cost of sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1,459.5

2,378.6

355.9

(433.1)

3,760.9

Selling, general and administrative
expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . .

Restructuring, impairment and transaction-
related charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Goodwill impairment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

258.7

179.3

56.6

—

148.4

114.8

70.1

754.7

Total operating expenses. . . . . . . . . . . . .

1,954.1

3,466.6

41.2

31.2

38.2

53.6

520.1

—

—

—

—

(433.1)

Operating income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

(36.1) $

(711.6) $

(82.3) $

— $

Interest expense (income) . . . . . . . . . . . .

85.7

(2.3)

5.0

Earnings (loss) before income taxes and
equity in earnings (loss) of consolidated
and unconsolidated entities. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Income tax expense (benefit) . . . . . . . . .

Earnings (loss) before equity in earnings
(loss) of consolidated and unconsolidated
entities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Equity in earnings (loss) of consolidated
entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Equity in earnings (loss) of
unconsolidated entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(121.8)

(39.6)

(709.3)

(249.1)

(87.3)

5.9

(82.2)

(460.2)

(93.2)

(559.7)

(24.7)

—

—

—

(6.3)

—

—

—

—

584.4

—

Net earnings (loss). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

(641.9) $

(484.9) $

(99.5) $

584.4

$

448.3

325.3

164.9

808.3

5,507.7

(830.0)

88.4

(918.4)

(282.8)

(635.6)

—

(6.3)

(641.9)

Net (earnings) loss attributable to
noncontrolling interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Quad/
Graphics common shareholders . . . . . . . . $

—

—

—

—

—

(641.9) $

(484.9) $

(99.5) $

584.4

$

(641.9)

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
For the Year Ended December 31, 2015 

Quad/Graphics,
 Inc.

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Total

Net earnings (loss). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

(641.9) $

(484.9) $

(99.5) $

584.4

$

(641.9)

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of
tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total comprehensive income (loss) . . . . . . .

Less: comprehensive (income) loss
attributable to noncontrolling interest . . .

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable
to Quad/Graphics common shareholders . . . $

(35.9)

(677.8)

(1.8)

(486.7)

(33.6)

(133.1)

—

—

—

35.4

619.8

—

(35.9)

(677.8)

—

(677.8) $

(486.7) $

(133.1) $

619.8

$

(677.8)

149

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations 
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014

Net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

1,952.8

$

2,886.7

$

456.6

$

(433.7) $

4,862.4

Quad/Graphics,
 Inc.

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Total

Cost of sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1,505.3

2,426.2

394.1

(433.7)

3,891.9

Selling, general and administrative
expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . .

Restructuring, impairment and transaction-
related charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total operating expenses. . . . . . . . . . . . .

191.2

129.1

9.5

1,835.1

207.8

178.1

47.6

2,859.7

26.5

29.2

10.2

460.0

—

—

—

(433.7)

Operating income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

117.7

$

27.0

$

(3.4) $

— $

Interest expense (income) . . . . . . . . . . . .

Loss on debt extinguishment. . . . . . . . . .

Earnings (loss) before income taxes and
equity in earnings (loss) of consolidated
and unconsolidated entities. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Income tax expense (benefit) . . . . . . . . .

Earnings (loss) before equity in earnings
(loss) of consolidated and unconsolidated
entities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Equity in earnings (loss) of consolidated
entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Equity in earnings (loss) of
unconsolidated entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

85.8

7.2

24.7

20.6

4.1

14.5

—

(0.8)

—

27.8

(9.8)

37.6

(2.4)

—

7.9

—

(11.3)

9.4

(20.7)

—

(2.7)

—

—

—

—

—

(12.1)

—

Net earnings (loss). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

18.6

$

35.2

$

(23.4) $

(12.1) $

Net (earnings) loss attributable to
noncontrolling interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Quad/
Graphics common shareholders . . . . . . . . $

—

—

0.3

—

18.6

$

35.2

$

(23.1) $

(12.1) $

425.5

336.4

67.3

4,721.1

141.3

92.9

7.2

41.2

20.2

21.0

—

(2.7)

18.3

0.3

18.6

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) 
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014 

Quad/Graphics,
 Inc.

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Total

Net earnings (loss). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

18.6

$

35.2

$

(23.4) $

(12.1) $

18.3

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of
tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total comprehensive income (loss) . . . . . . .

Less: comprehensive (income) loss
attributable to noncontrolling interest . . .

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable
to Quad/Graphics common shareholders . . . $

(111.0)

(92.4)

—

(91.5)

(56.3)

—

(47.5)

(70.9)

0.3

139.0

126.9

—

(111.0)

(92.7)

0.3

(92.4) $

(56.3) $

(70.6) $

126.9

$

(92.4)

150

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations 
For the Year Ended December 31, 2013

Net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

1,923.8

$

2,813.7

$

457.6

$

(399.2) $

4,795.9

Quad/Graphics,
 Inc.

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Total

Cost of sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1,467.8

2,342.3

391.0

(399.2)

3,801.9

Selling, general and administrative
expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . .

Restructuring, impairment and transaction-
related charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total operating expenses. . . . . . . . . . . . .

176.2

136.5

12.0

1,792.5

205.5

175.1

67.4

2,790.3

34.3

28.9

15.9

470.1

Operating income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

131.3

$

Interest expense (income) . . . . . . . . . . . .

Earnings (loss) before income taxes and
equity in earnings (loss) of consolidated
and unconsolidated entities. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Income tax expense (benefit) . . . . . . . . .

Earnings (loss) before equity in earnings
(loss) of consolidated and unconsolidated
entities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Equity in earnings (loss) of consolidated
entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Equity in earnings (loss) of
unconsolidated entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

79.2

52.1

35.8

16.3

16.2

—

23.4

$

(0.4)

(12.5) $

6.7

23.8

(14.0)

37.8

(9.3)

—

(19.2)

1.5

(20.7)

—

(2.5)

—

—

—

(399.2)

— $

—

—

—

—

(6.9)

—

Net earnings (loss). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

32.5

$

28.5

$

(23.2) $

(6.9) $

Net (earnings) loss attributable to
noncontrolling interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Quad/
Graphics common shareholders . . . . . . . . $

—

—

1.6

—

32.5

$

28.5

$

(21.6) $

(6.9) $

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
For the Year Ended December 31, 2013

Quad/Graphics,
 Inc.

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Total

Net earnings (loss). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

32.5

$

28.5

$

(23.2) $

(6.9) $

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of
tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total comprehensive income (loss) . . . . . . .

Less: comprehensive (income) loss
attributable to noncontrolling interest . . .

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable
to Quad/Graphics common shareholders . . . $

54.8

87.3

—

79.3

107.8

—

(21.2)

(44.4)

1.6

(58.1)

(65.0)

—

87.3

$

107.8

$

(42.8) $

(65.0) $

151

416.0

340.5

95.3

4,653.7

142.2

85.5

56.7

23.3

33.4

—

(2.5)

30.9

1.6

32.5

30.9

54.8

85.7

1.6

87.3

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet 
As of December 31, 2015 

ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

2.3

$

2.8

$

5.7

$

— $

10.8

Quad/Graphics,
 Inc.

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Total

Receivables, less allowances for doubtful
accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Intercompany receivables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Inventories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Property, plant and equipment—net. . . . . . .

Investment in consolidated entities. . . . . . . .

Goodwill and intangible assets—net . . . . . .

Intercompany loan receivable. . . . . . . . . . . .

Other long-term assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

507.5

—

95.8

24.7

630.3

849.6

1,676.6

46.9

125.8

27.8

53.3

1,007.7

138.5

20.0

1,222.3

652.8

57.8

27.1

—

8.5

87.9

—

45.8

7.0

—

(1,007.7)

—

—

146.4

(1,007.7)

648.7

—

280.1

51.7

991.3

173.4

—

36.5

—

33.6

—

1,675.8

(1,734.4)

—

(125.8)

—

—

110.5

—

69.9

Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

3,357.0

$

1,968.5

$

389.9

$

(2,867.9) $

2,847.5

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' 
EQUITY

Accounts payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

203.7

$

85.4

$

Intercompany accounts payable . . . . . . . . . .

Current portion of long-term debt and
capital lease obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other current liabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

997.4

95.6

223.4

Total current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1,520.1

Long-term debt and capital lease
obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Intercompany loan payable. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other long-term liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total liabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1,242.5

—

170.5

2,933.1

—

3.5

94.3

183.2

5.3

38.8

175.9

403.2

$

69.7

10.3

— $

(1,007.7)

0.6

31.2

111.8

1.8

87.0

20.2

220.8

—

—

(1,007.7)

—

(125.8)

—

(1,133.5)

358.8

—

99.7

348.9

807.4

1,249.6

—

366.6

2,423.6

Total shareholders' equity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

423.9

1,565.3

169.1

(1,734.4)

423.9

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity. $

3,357.0

$

1,968.5

$

389.9

$

(2,867.9) $

2,847.5

152

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet 
As of December 31, 2014

ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

1.9

$

5.6

$

2.1

$

— $

9.6

Quad/Graphics,
 Inc.

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Total

Receivables, less allowances for doubtful
accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Intercompany receivables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Inventories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Property, plant and equipment—net. . . . . . .

Investment in consolidated entities. . . . . . . .

Goodwill and intangible assets—net . . . . . .

Intercompany loan receivable. . . . . . . . . . . .

Other long-term assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

577.5

—

111.9

26.1

717.4

959.5

1,939.9

0.6

418.5

28.1

65.6

847.9

133.4

35.2

1,087.7

701.9

40.3

892.2

—

6.1

123.1

—

42.5

9.0

176.7

194.1

—

31.8

—

60.6

—

(847.9)

—

—

766.2

—

287.8

70.3

(847.9)

1,133.9

—

1,855.5

(1,980.2)

—

(418.5)

—

—

924.6

—

94.8

Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

4,064.0

$

2,728.2

$

463.2

$

(3,246.6) $

4,008.8

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' 
EQUITY

Accounts payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $

251.1

$

82.8

$

Intercompany accounts payable . . . . . . . . . .

Current portion of long-term debt and
capital lease obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other current liabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

830.2

90.7

205.1

Total current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1,377.1

Long-term debt and capital lease
obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Intercompany loan payable. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other long-term liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total liabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1,298.4

—

236.0

2,911.5

—

3.7

116.5

203.0

9.4

335.9

442.1

990.4

$

73.0

17.7

— $

(847.9)

1.8

37.9

130.4

1.6

82.6

6.2

220.8

—

—

(847.9)

—

(418.5)

—

(1,266.4)

406.9

—

96.2

359.5

862.6

1,309.4

—

684.3

2,856.3

Total shareholders' equity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1,152.5

1,737.8

242.4

(1,980.2)

1,152.5

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity. $

4,064.0

$

2,728.2

$

463.2

$

(3,246.6) $

4,008.8

153

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows 
For the Year Ended December 31, 2015 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Net cash from operating activities . . . . . . . . $

229.9

$

90.7

$

27.5

$

— $

348.1

Quad/Graphics,
 Inc.

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Total

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Purchases of property, plant and
equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Acquisition related investing activities
—net of cash acquired. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Intercompany investing activities . . . . . .

Other investing activities. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net cash from investing activities . . . . . . . .

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Payments of long-term debt and capital
lease obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Borrowings on revolving credit facilities

Payments on revolving credit facilities . .

Payment of dividends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Intercompany financing activities . . . . . .

Other financing activities . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net cash from financing activities . . . . . . . .

(54.7)

(63.9)

(0.6)

(123.1)

13.9

(164.5)

(92.5)

1,413.7

(1,386.8)

(62.3)

59.5

3.4

(65.0)

(63.4)

(159.6)

34.0

(252.9)

(3.4)

—

—

—

162.8

(0.1)

159.3

Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash
equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year . . . $

—

0.4

1.9

2.3

$

0.1

(2.8)

5.6

2.8

$

(14.4)

(79.4)

(0.5)

11.8

(82.5)

—

48.8

(48.7)

—

60.9

—

61.0

(2.4)

3.6

2.1

5.7

—

—

283.2

—

283.2

—

—

—

—

(283.2)

—

(283.2)

—

—

—

$

— $

(133.0)

(143.4)

—

59.7

(216.7)

(95.9)

1,462.5

(1,435.5)

(62.3)

—

3.3

(127.9)

(2.3)

1.2

9.6

10.8

154

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows 
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Net cash from operating activities . . . . . . . . $

100.8

$

194.0

$

(1.6) $

— $

293.2

Quad/Graphics,
 Inc.

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Total

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Purchases of property, plant and
equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Acquisition related investing activities
—net of cash acquired. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Intercompany investing activities . . . . . .

Other investing activities. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net cash from investing activities . . . . . . . .

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Proceeds from issuance of long-term
debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Payments of long-term debt and capital
lease obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Borrowings on revolving credit facilities

Payments on revolving credit facilities . .

Payment of dividends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Intercompany financing activities . . . . . .

Other financing activities . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net cash from financing activities . . . . . . . .

(48.7)

(68.2)

(7.0)

(189.0)

(0.4)

(245.1)

1,047.0

(802.1)

1,285.2

(1,451.1)

(61.2)

137.6

(14.0)

141.4

(105.5)

(157.6)

26.9

(304.4)

—

(7.6)

—

—

—

128.2

(8.0)

112.6

(22.3)

—

(0.1)

1.0

(21.4)

—

(58.1)

124.7

(126.5)

—

80.9

—

21.0

—

—

346.7

—

346.7

—

—

—

—

—

(346.7)

—

(346.7)

Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash
equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year . . . $

—

(2.9)

4.8

1.9

$

(0.1)

2.1

3.5

5.6

$

(0.7)

(2.7)

4.8

2.1

$

—

—

—

— $

(139.2)

(112.5)

—

27.5

(224.2)

1,047.0

(867.8)

1,409.9

(1,577.6)

(61.2)

—

(22.0)

(71.7)

(0.8)

(3.5)

13.1

9.6

155

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows 
For the Year Ended December 31, 2013

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Net cash from operating activities . . . . . . . . $

106.6

$

301.2

$

33.3

$

— $

441.1

Quad/Graphics,
 Inc.

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

Eliminations

Total

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Purchases of property, plant and
equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Acquisition related investing activities
—net of cash acquired. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Intercompany investing activities . . . . . .

Other investing activities. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net cash from investing activities . . . . . . . .

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Payments of long-term debt and capital
lease obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Borrowings on revolving credit facilities

Payments on revolving credit facilities . .

Payment of dividends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Intercompany financing activities . . . . . .

Other financing activities . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net cash from financing activities . . . . . . . .

(55.4)

(81.0)

(13.1)

(41.6)

(287.2)

6.2

(378.0)

(95.3)

1,504.9

(1,345.1)

(56.4)

255.6

9.4

273.1

(250.3)

(212.9)

4.6

(539.6)

(8.9)

—

—

—

252.8

(4.5)

239.4

—

—

—

(13.1)

(8.3)

123.9

(129.9)

—

(8.3)

—

(22.6)

—

—

500.1

—

500.1

—

—

—

—

(500.1)

—

(500.1)

Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash
equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year . . . $

—

1.7

3.1

4.8

$

—

1.0

2.5

3.5

$

(4.1)

(6.5)

11.3

4.8

$

—

—

—

— $

(149.5)

(291.9)

—

10.8

(430.6)

(112.5)

1,628.8

(1,475.0)

(56.4)

—

4.9

(10.2)

(4.1)

(3.8)

16.9

13.1

156

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

Note 25.  New Accounting Pronouncements

In November 2015, the FASB issued new guidance that simplifies the balance sheet presentation of deferred 

taxes.  Under this guidance all deferred tax assets and liabilities, and any related allowances, should be classified as non-
current.  The classification change for all deferred taxes as non-current simplifies an entities’ processes as it eliminates 
the need to separately identify the net current and net non-current deferred tax asset or liability in each tax jurisdiction 
and allocate valuation allowances.  This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after 
December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted.  The Company retrospectively adopted this guidance effective 
December 31, 2015, and accordingly, the consolidated balance sheets conform with the new standard for all periods 
presented.  The impact to the consolidated balance sheets was a reduction of current deferred income tax assets and non-
current deferred income tax liabilities of $48.4 million as of December 31, 2014.

In September 2015, the FASB issued new guidance that eliminates the requirement for an acquirer in a business 

combination to account for measurement-period adjustments retrospectively.  Instead, an acquirer is required to 
recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in 
which amounts are determined.  This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 
2015, with early adoption permitted.  The Company adopted this guidance effective September 30, 2015, and the 
adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In July 2015, the FASB issued new guidance related to simplifying the measurement of inventory.  Under this 

guidance, inventory that is accounted for using first-in, first-out or average cost method shall be measured at the lower of 
cost or net realizable value, as opposed to the lower of cost or market measurement under current guidance.  This 
guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted.  
This new guidance is required to be retrospectively applied to all prior periods.  The Company adopted this guidance 
effective December 31, 2015, and the adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the consolidated 
financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued new guidance related to the accounting for cloud computing arrangements that 

contain a software license.  If the arrangement contains a software license, the customer would account for the fees 
related to the software license element in a manner consistent with current guidance on the accounting for software 
licenses.  However, if the arrangement does not contain a software license, the customer would account for the 
arrangement as a service contract.  This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after 
December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted.  The Company does not believe the adoption of this guidance will 
have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued new guidance that simplifies the financial statement presentation of debt 
issuance costs.  Under this guidance, debt issuance costs shall be recorded in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from 
the face amount of the related debt liability, as opposed to recording debt issuance costs on the balance sheet as an asset 
(i.e., as a deferred charge) under current guidance, and amortization of debt issuance costs shall be recorded as interest 
expense on the statement of operations.  This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after 
December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted.  This new guidance is required to be retrospectively applied to all 
prior periods.  The Company adopted this guidance effective June 30, 2015, and accordingly, the consolidated balance 
sheets conform with the new standard for all periods presented.  The impact to the consolidated balance sheets was a 
reduction of other long-term assets and long-term debt by $20.0 million as of December 31, 2014.  There was no impact 
to the consolidated statement of operations as the Company recorded amortization of debt issuance costs as interest 
expense.

157

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except share and per share data and unless otherwise indicated)

In January 2015, the FASB issued new guidance eliminating the concept of extraordinary items, which is an 
event or transaction that is both unusual in nature and infrequently occurring.  Under this guidance, an entity will no 
longer (1) segregate an extraordinary item from the results of ordinary operations; (2) separately present an extraordinary 
item on its statements of operations, net of tax, after earnings from continuing operations; or (3) disclose income taxes 
and earnings per share data applicable to an extraordinary item.  This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods 
beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted.  The Company does not believe the adoption of this 
guidance will have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued new guidance on recognizing revenue from contracts with customers.  Under 

this guidance, an entity will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to the customer in the 
amount that reflects what it expects in exchange for the goods or services.  This guidance also requires more detailed 
disclosures to enable users of the financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of the 
revenue and cash flow arising from contracts with customers.  This guidance allows the option of either a full 
retrospective adoption, meaning the guidance is applied to all periods presented, or a modified retrospective adoption, 
meaning the guidance is applied only to the most current period.  In July 2015, the FASB decided to defer for one year 
the effective date of the new revenue standard.  The guidance under this deferral action makes the standard effective for 
interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this 
guidance on the consolidated financial statements and determining which transition method to use.

Note 26.  Subsequent Events

Declaration of Quarterly Dividend

On February 19, 2016, the Company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.30 per share, which will be paid on 

March 18, 2016, to shareholders of record as of March 7, 2016.

158

[This page has been left blank intentionally.]

159

Item 9. 

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

Not applicable.

Item 9A.  Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company's management, with the participation of the Company's principal executive officer and principal 

financial officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and 
procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of 
the end of the period covered by this report and has concluded that, as of the end of such period, the Company's 
disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) 

and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that occurred during the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 
2015, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over 
financial reporting.

Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The Company's management, including the Company's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer and 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal 
control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act 
of 1934.  The Company's internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding 
the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of published financial statements in accordance with generally 
accepted accounting principles.

The Company's management, including the Company's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer and 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, has assessed the effectiveness of the Company's internal control 
over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the 
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.  Based on this assessment, the Company's 
management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2015, the Company's internal controls over financial reporting were 
effective based on that framework.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect 
misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that the 
controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or 
procedures may deteriorate.

Deloitte & Touche LLP, the Company's independent registered public accounting firm, issued an attestation 

report on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, which is 
included herein.

Attestation Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The attestation report required under this Item 9A, "Controls and Procedures," is contained in Item 8, "Financial 

Statements and Supplementary Data," of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the heading "Report of 
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm."

160

Item 9B.  Other Information

On November 2, 2015, the Company filed a Voluntary Self-Disclosure with the U.S. Treasury Department's 

Office of Foreign Control ("OFAC") regarding a distribution agreement ("Agreement") between Marin's, a 

French subsidiary, and a third-party distributor located in the United Arab Emirates.  Marin's 

entered into the Agreement prior to its acquisition by the Company in February 2015 and granted the Emirati a 
distribution territory that included Iran.  Marin's actions were legal under French law at the time and the Company had 
no knowledge of this action.  The Company discovered the Agreement during post-merger due diligence, investigated 
Marin's Iran-related activities, and subsequently verified that Marin's did not engage in any Iran-related transactions 
following the February 2015 acquisition.  The Company also amended the Agreement to exclude Iran from the Emirati 
distributor's territory.  OFAC subsequently reviewed the Company's Voluntary Self-Disclosure and closed the matter with 
a cautionary letter and without any civil or criminal liability for the Company.

161

Item 10. 

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

PART III

The information required by this Item with respect to directors and Section 16 compliance is included under the 

captions "Election of Directors" and "Miscellaneous—Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance," 
respectively, in the Company's definitive Proxy Statement for its 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders ("Proxy 
Statement") and is hereby incorporated herein by reference.  Information with respect to the executive officers of the 
Company appears in Part I, Item 1, "Business," of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  The information required by this 
Item with respect to audit committees and audit committee financial experts is included under the caption "Corporate 
Governance—Board Committees—Audit Committee" in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

The Company has adopted a Code of Business Conduct that applies to all of the Company's employees, 

including the Company's Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Controller and other persons performing 
similar functions.  The Company has posted a copy of the Code of Business Conduct on its website at www.QG.com, 
and such Code of Business Conduct is available in print, without charge, to any shareholder who requests it from the 
Company's Secretary.  The Company intends to satisfy the disclosure requirements under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K 
regarding amendments to, or waivers from, the Code of Business Conduct by posting such information on its website at 
www.QG.com.  The Company is not including the information contained on its website as part of, or incorporating it by 
reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 11. 

Executive Compensation

The information required by this Item is included under the captions "Compensation of Executive Officers," 

"Director Compensation," "Compensation Committee Report," "Corporate Governance—Board Committees—
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation" and "Miscellaneous—Assessment of Compensation-
Related Risk" in the Proxy Statement and is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Item 12. 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder 
Matters

The information required by this Item with respect to security ownership of certain beneficial owners and 

management is included under the caption "Stock Ownership of Management and Others" in the Proxy Statement and is 
hereby incorporated by reference.

162

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table sets forth information with respect to compensation plans under which equity securities of 
the Company are authorized for issuance as of December 31, 2015.  The table does not include employee benefit plans 
intended to meet the qualification requirements of Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code.  All equity 
compensation plans are described more fully in Note 19, "Equity Incentive Programs," to the consolidated financial 
statements in Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Plan Category

Equity compensation plans approved by security 
holders(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity compensation plans not approved by security
holders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Number of securities
to be issued upon the
exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights

Weighted-average 
exercise price of 
outstanding options, 
warrants and rights(2)

Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation
plans (excluding
securities reflected in
the first column)

5,094,513

$

—

21.37

—

21.37

1,565,996

—

1,565,996

Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5,094,513

$

______________________________

(1)  Consists of the Company's 2010 Omnibus Incentive Plan.  Awards under the Omnibus Plan may consist of incentive awards, 
stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance shares, performance share units, shares of class A stock, restricted stock, 
restricted stock units, deferred stock units or other stock-based awards as determined by the Company's board of directors.

(2)  The weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights only includes stock options.

Item 13. 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

The information required by this Item is included under the caption "Corporate Governance" in the Proxy 

Statement and is hereby incorporated by reference.

Item 14. 

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

The information required by this Item is included under the caption "Miscellaneous—Independent Registered 

Public Accounting Firm" in the Proxy Statement and is hereby incorporated by reference.

163

Item 15. 

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

PART IV

1.  Consolidated financial statements—The consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying index to 

consolidated financial statements are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

2.  Financial statement schedule—All financial statement schedules are omitted since the required information is not 
present or is not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedules, or because the information 
required is included in the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.

3.  Exhibits—The exhibits listed in the accompanying "Exhibit Index" are filed as part of this Annual Report on 

Form 10-K.

164

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Consolidated Statements of Operations for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015 . . . . . . . .

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for each of the three years in the period ended 
December 31, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015 . . . . . . .

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 
2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Page in this
Form 10-K

88

90

91

92

93

94

96

165

[This page has been left blank intentionally.]

166

SIGNATURES

Pursuant 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 on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on this 23rd day of 
February 2016.

QUAD/GRAPHICS, INC.

By:

/s/ J. Joel Quadracci
J. Joel Quadracci
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the 

following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature

Title

Date

/s/ J. Joel Quadracci
J. Joel Quadracci

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ David J. Honan
David J. Honan

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)

February 23, 2016

February 23, 2016

/s/ Anthony C. Staniak
Anthony C. Staniak

Vice President, Corporate Controller and Chief Accounting Officer February 23, 2016
(Principal Accounting Officer)

/s/ William J. Abraham, Jr. Director

William J. Abraham, Jr.

/s/ Mark A. Angelson
Mark A. Angelson

/s/ Douglas P. Buth
Douglas P. Buth

Director

Director

/s/ Kathryn Quadracci Flores Director

Kathryn Quadracci Flores

/s/ Christopher B. Harned
Christopher B. Harned

Director

/s/ Thomas O. Ryder
Thomas O. Ryder

/s/ John S. Shiely
John S. Shiely

Director

Director

167

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168

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
Number
(3.1)

Exhibit Description
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Quad/Graphics, Inc. (incorporated by reference to

(3.2)

Amended Bylaws of Quad/Graphics, Inc., as amended through March 9, 2015 (incorporated by

on March 9, 2015).

(4.1)

(4.2)

Note Agreement, dated September 1, 1995, among Quad/Graphics, Inc., certain subsidiaries of Quad/
Graphics, Inc. and the purchasers named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the

First Amendment and Consent, dated June 1, 1996, to the Note Agreement, dated September 1, 1995,
among Quad/Graphics, Inc., certain subsidiaries of Quad/Graphics, Inc. and the purchasers named

(Reg. No. 333-165259)).

(4.3)

Second Amendment, dated as of March 24, 1998, to the Note Agreement, dated September 1, 1995,
among Quad/Graphics, Inc., certain subsidiaries of Quad/Graphics, Inc. and the purchasers named

(Reg. No. 333-165259)).

(4.4)

Third Amendment, dated as of January 26, 2006, to the Note Agreement, dated September 1, 1995,
among Quad/Graphics, Inc., certain subsidiaries of Quad/Graphics, Inc. and the purchasers named

(Reg. No. 333-165259)).

(4.5)

Fourth Amendment, dated as of November 24, 2014, to the Note Agreement, dated September 1, 1995,
among Quad/Graphics, Inc., certain subsidiaries of Quad/Graphics, Inc. and the purchasers named

November 24, 2014 and filed on November 26, 2014).

(4.6)

(4.7)

Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of April 28, 2014, by and among Quad/
Graphics, Inc., as the Borrower, the Lenders party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as
Administrative Agent, Bank of America, N.A. and U.S. Bank National Association, as Co-Syndication
Agents, PNC Bank, National Association and SunTrust Bank, as Co-Documentation Agents, and BMO
Harris Bank N.A., Fifth Third Bank, TD Bank, N.A. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as
Co-Managing Agents (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on

Amendment No. 1, dated as of December 18, 2014, to Second Amended and Restated Credit
Agreement, dated as of April 28, 2014, by and among Quad/Graphics, Inc., as the Borrower, the
Lenders party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Bank of America, N.A.
and U.S. Bank National Association, as Co-Syndication Agents, PNC Bank, National Association and
SunTrust Bank, as Co-Documentation Agents, and BMO Harris Bank N.A., Fifth Third Bank, TD
Bank, N.A. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Co-Managing Agents (incorporated by

filed on December 23, 2014).

169

Exhibit
Number
(4.8)

Exhibit Description
Indenture, dated as of April 28, 2014, among Quad/Graphics, Inc., the subsidiary guarantors of Quad/
Graphics, Inc. set forth therein and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (incorporated by

on May 2, 2014).

Certain other instruments, which would otherwise be required to be listed above, have not been so
listed as such instruments do not authorize long-term debt securities in an amount that exceeds 10% of
the total assets of Quad/Graphics, Inc. and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. Quad/Graphics, Inc.
agrees to furnish a copy of any such instrument to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon
request.

(9)

Amended and Restated Voting Trust Agreement, dated as of June 25, 2010, by Betty E. Quadracci, J.
Joel Quadracci, Elizabeth M. Quadracci-Harned and David A. Blais, as trustees as of the date of the
agreement's execution (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 9.1 to the Company's Current Report on

(10.1)++

Quad/Graphics, Inc. 1999 Nonqualified Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to

(10.2)++

Form of Stock Option Agreement under the 1999 Nonqualified Stock Option Plan (incorporated by

333-165259)).

(10.3)++

Form of Director Stock Option Agreement under the 1999 Nonqualified Stock Option Plan

No. 333-165259)).

(10.4)++

Quad/Graphics, Inc. 1990 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the

(10.5)++

Form of 2005 Amendment to Stock Option Agreements (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to

(10.6)++

Form of 2008 Amendment to Stock Option Agreements (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to

(10.7)++

Dividend/Discount Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the

(10.8)++

Employment Agreement, effective as of January 1, 2004, by and between Quad/Graphics, Inc. and
James Joel Quadracci, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Company's

(10.9)++

Employment Agreement, effective as of January 1, 2004, by and between Quad/Graphics, Inc. and John
C. Fowler (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Company's Registration Statement on

(10.10)++

Employment Agreement, effective as of January 1, 2004, by and between Quad/Graphics, Inc. and
David A. Blais (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Company's Registration Statement on

170

Exhibit
Number
(10.11)++

Employment Agreement, effective as of January 1, 2004, by and between Quad/Graphics, Inc. and
Thomas J. Frankowski (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Company's Registration

Exhibit Description

(10.12)++

Form of Executive Salary Continuation Plan for James Joel Quadracci, John C. Fowler, David A. Blais
and Thomas J. Frankowski (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Company's Registration

(10.13)++

Executive Supplemental Retirement Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Company's

(10.14)++

Quad/Graphics, Inc. 2010 Omnibus Incentive Plan, as amended (incorporated by reference to Appendix
A to the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on April 15, 2013).

(10.15)++

Form of Stock Option Award Agreement under the Quad/Graphics, Inc. 2010 Omnibus Incentive Plan

December 16, 2010 and filed on December 17, 2010).

(10.16)++

Form of Stock Option and Dividend Equivalent Award Agreement under the Quad/Graphics, Inc. 2010
Omnibus Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report

(10.17)++

Prior Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the Quad/Graphics, Inc. 2010 Omnibus
Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form

(10.18)++

Prior Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the Quad/Graphics, Inc. 2010 Omnibus
Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form

(10.19)++

Form of Deferred Stock Unit Award Agreement under the Quad/Graphics, Inc. 2010 Omnibus Incentive

December 16, 2010 and filed on December 17, 2010).

(10.20)++

Prior Form of Performance Share Award Agreement under the Quad/Graphics, Inc. 2010 Omnibus
Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form

(10.21)++

Prior Form of Performance Unit Award Agreement under the Quad/Graphics, Inc. 2010 Omnibus
Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form

(10.22)++

Quad/Graphics, Inc. Synergy Rewards Program and Bonus Pool Plan (incorporated by reference to

and filed on November 15, 2010).

171

Exhibit
Number
(10.23)++

Current Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the Quad/Graphics, Inc. 2010 Omnibus
Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form

Exhibit Description

(10.24)++

Current Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the Quad/Graphics, Inc. 2010 Omnibus
Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form

(10.25)++

Current Form of Performance Share Award Agreement under the Quad/Graphics, Inc. 2010 Omnibus
Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form

(10.26)++

Current Form of Performance Unit Award Agreement under the Quad/Graphics, Inc. 2010 Omnibus
Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form

(10.27)++

Current Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, with full retirement vesting, under the Quad/
Graphics, Inc. 2010 Omnibus Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 to the Company's

(21)

(23)

(31.1)

(31.2)

(32)

(99)

(101)

Subsidiaries of Quad/Graphics, Inc.

Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.

Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Written Statement of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C.
Section 1350.

Proxy Statement for the 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.  [To be filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission under Regulation 14A within 120 days after December 31, 2015; except to the
extent specifically incorporated by reference, the Proxy Statement for the 2016 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders shall not be deemed to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as part of

Financial statements from the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Quad/Graphics, Inc. for the year
ended December 31, 2015 formatted in eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL):  (i) the
Consolidated Statements of Operations, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Loss), (iii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (v) the
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity, (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements,
and (vii) document and entity information.

______________________________

++  A management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

172

William J. Abraham Jr.       Douglas P. Buth        Mark A. Angelson       Kathryn Quadracci Flores, M.D.       J. Joel Quadracci          John S. Shiely       Christopher B. Harned       Thomas O. Ryder

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

William J. Abraham Jr.
Retired Partner
Foley & Lardner LLP

Mark A. Angelson
Former CEO, R. R. Donnelley & Sons Company 
Former Chairman & CEO, World Color Press Inc.
Former Chairman, NewPage Corporation

Douglas P. Buth
Retired Chairman & CEO 
Appleton Papers, Inc.

Christopher B. Harned
Managing Director and Head of Consumer  

Products–Americas 

Nomura Securities International, Inc.

J. Joel Quadracci
Chairman, President & CEO
Quad/Graphics, Inc.

Kathryn Quadracci Flores, M.D.
CEO
Blooming Minds Ventures, LLC

Thomas O. Ryder
Retired Chairman & CEO 
Reader’s Digest Association, Inc.

John S. Shiely
Retired Chairman & CEO
Briggs & Stratton Corporation

CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS 

INVESTOR RELATIONS

STOCK TRANSFER AGENT

Quad/Graphics, Inc. 
N61 W23044 Harry’s Way 
Sussex, WI 53089-3995 
info@qg.com
1.888.782.3226 
414.566.6000 (Wisconsin)

Kyle Egan 
Manager of Investor Relations 
Kyle.Egan@qg.com or  
ir@qg.com
http://investors.qg.com

American Stock Transfer  
& Trust Company, LLC 
6201 15th Avenue 
Brooklyn, NY  11219 
info@amstock.com 
1.800.937.5449
amstock.com

Quad/Graphics’ 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K accompanies this document. If you are a shareholder and would like to receive 

another copy of the 2015 Form 10-K, without exhibits and without charge, please write to Jennifer Kent, Executive Vice President of 

Administration & General Counsel, Quad/Graphics, Inc., N61 W23044 Harry’s Way, Sussex, WI 53089-3995. You can also access the 

2015 Form 10-K on the Investor Relations section of our website at QG.com.

OUR STRATEGIC GOALS

WALK IN THE SHOES OF OUR CLIENTS

STRENGTHEN THE CORE 

GROW THE BUSINESS PROFITABLY

ENGAGE EMPLOYEES 

ENHANCE FINANCIAL STRENGTH  

AND CREATE SHAREHOLDER VALUE

2
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N61 W23044 Harry’s Way

Sussex, WI 53089-3995

1.888.782.3226

QG.com

© 2016 Quad/Graphics, Inc. All rights reserved.  |  03.16  |  16-0025

OUR PATH 
FORWARD

Building on our 45-year heritage of reinventing ourselves

2015 Annual Report