2017 Annual Report
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
TIMOTHY J. BERNLOHR
Managing Member
TJB Management Consulting, LLC
Executive Committee, Compensation Committee,
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
J. POWELL BROWN
President and Chief Executive Officer
Brown & Brown, Inc.
Audit Committee, Finance Committee
MICHAEL E. CAMPBELL
Former Chairman, President
and Chief Executive Officer
Arch Chemicals, Inc.
Compensation Committee,
Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee
TERRELL K. CREWS
Former Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
Monsanto Corporation
Audit Committee, Finance Committee
RUSSELL M. CURREY
President
Boxwood Capital, LLC
Audit Committee, Finance Committee
JOHN A. LUKE JR.
(Non-Executive Chairman)
Former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
MeadWestvaco Corporation
Executive Committee
GRACIA C. MARTORE
Former President and Chief Executive Officer
TEGNA, Inc.
Executive Committee, Audit Committee,
Compensation Committee
JAMES E. NEVELS
(Lead Independent Director)
Chairman of the Swarthmore Group
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee,
Finance Committee
TIMOTHY H. POWERS
Former Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer
Hubbell, Inc.
Audit Committee, Compensation Committee
STEVEN C. VOORHEES
Chief Executive Officer
WestRock Company
Executive Committee
BETTINA M. WHYTE
President and Owner
Bettina Whyte Consultants, LLC
Executive Committee, Compensation Committee,
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
ALAN D. WILSON
Former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
McCormick & Company, Inc.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee,
Finance Committee
LEADERSHIP
STEVEN C. VOORHEES
Chief Executive Officer
ROBERT B. MCINTOSH
Executive Vice President
General Counsel and
Secretary
DONNA OWENS COX
Chief Communications
Officer
JENNIFER GRAHAM-JOHNSON
Chief Human Resources Officer
ROBIN L. STENZEL
Vice President
Talent Management
JEFFREY W. CHALOVICH
President
Corrugated Packaging
ROBERT A. FEESER
President
Consumer Packaging
WARD H. DICKSON
Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
THOMAS M. STIGERS
Executive Vice President
Containerboard Mills
ANTHONY P. MOLLICA
Executive Vice President
Consumer Mills
KELLY C. JANZEN
Senior Vice President and
Chief Accounting Officer
L. NICOLE PARKER
Vice President
Commercial Excellence
JOHN L. O’NEAL
Executive Vice President
Folding Carton
TIMOTHY W. MURPHY
Senior Vice President
Finance
JAMES B. PORTER III
President
Business Development
and Latin America
JAIRO A. LORENZATTO
President
Brazil
M. KEVIN HUDSON
Senior Vice President
Forest Resources
MARC P. SHORE
President
Multi Packaging Solutions
DENNIS M. KALTMAN
Executive Vice President
Multi Packaging Solutions
NINA E. BUTLER
Chief Sustainability Officer
JAY SMALL
Vice President
Safety and Health
JOHN D. STAKEL
Senior Vice President
and Treasurer
JAMES W. BALTZEGAR III
Vice President
Performance Excellence
DAVID H. CHRISMER
Vice President
Finance
Corrugated Packaging
CAROLINE G. LIMEHOUSE
Vice President
Finance
Consumer Packaging
PETER C. DURETTE
President
Enterprise Solutions
and Strategy
FRANK WARREN
Senior Vice President
and General Manager
Merchandising Displays
SHANTELLA E. COOPER
Chief Transformation Officer
AMIR A. KAZMI
Chief Information Officer
DANIEL P. MCNALLY
Chief Procurement Officer
WILLIAM A. MERRIGAN
Senior Vice President
Enterprise Logistics
RICHARD C. VANDEUSEN JR.
Senior Vice President
Recycling
Dear Fellow Stockholders:
I am proud to present WestRock’s annual report for fiscal 2017. We accomplished
a great deal in fiscal 2017, and our future is bright. As I write this, we have just
completed our first Investor Day during which we articulated our differentiated
strategy and our expectations for the next several years.
We find ourselves at an opportune time in our growing industry. Paper and
packaging use renewable and recycled resources to provide sustainable solutions
that protect and promote our customers’ products. We provide extraordinary value
to our customers by providing solutions that help our customers grow their sales
and reduce their costs. Scale and differentiation matter in the paper and packaging
industry; we are building WestRock into a leading paper and packaging company
with the scale, differentiated strategy and capabilities to generate attractive returns
for our stockholders over the long term.
Steve Voorhees
Chief Executive Officer
Fiscal 2017 Highlights
We achieved solid financial results in fiscal 2017. Our net sales were $15 billion and our adjusted segment EBITDA
was $2.3 billion.* We generated $2.0 billion of adjusted operating cash flow and exceeded our target of $1.2 billion of
adjusted free cash flow during the year.* And, we returned nearly $500 million to our stockholders through dividends
and share repurchases.
We made substantial progress toward delivering on our $1 billion synergy and performance improvement goal; at fiscal
year end, we had achieved $840 million on an annual run rate basis and expect to achieve the $1 billion target by the end
of the third quarter of fiscal 2018.
We transformed our portfolio to improve our focus on and to expand our paper and packaging businesses during fiscal
2017. These actions included:
• The divestiture of our Home, Health and Beauty business for approximately $1.025 billion in cash. The divestiture of
this business helped align our portfolio and resources around our core paper and packaging solutions businesses.
• The acquisition of Multi Packaging Solutions International Ltd., a recognized leading global provider of print-based
specialty packaging solutions, for a total enterprise value of $2.28 billion. This transaction extended our geographic
reach.
• Four acquisitions of packaging businesses totaling $372 million that improved our North American corrugated
packaging footprint while increasing our integration from 69% to 75%, and provided increased capabilities and
geographic reach for our folding carton business.
We want to be the premier partner and unrivaled provider of winning solutions to our customers. We accomplished a
great deal during fiscal 2017 in this regard by earning four supplier of the year awards from our customers, 13 awards
from the Paperboard Packaging Council and 18 Design of the Times Awards for our merchandising displays business.
Fiscal 2018 Outlook
We have compelling momentum as we enter fiscal 2018. We expect our net sales to increase by 10% to $16.3 billion,
our adjusted operating cash flow to increase by 15% to $2.3 billion and our adjusted segment EBITDA to increase by
20% to $2.8 billion.*
We have initiated several strategic investments that will further build WestRock into a leading paper and packaging
company, including a $410 million investment in a new paper machine at our Florence, South Carolina containerboard
mill, a net $125 million investment in a new, state of the art box plant in Brazil and a $57 million investment in a new
curtain coater at our Mahrt mill in Cottonton, Alabama.
In November, we increased our annual dividend to $1.72; we have increased our annual dividend by 15 percent over
the past two years. These increases demonstrate the board of directors’ continued confidence in our ability to generate
increasing earnings and cash flow over the long term.
Our Future is Bright
I am proud of the progress we have made over the past two and a half years in building WestRock into a leading paper
and packaging company. We are committed to delivering best-in-class, differentiated solutions that help our customers
win in the marketplace. WestRock has the strategy, capabilities and team in place to generate attractive returns over the
long term and create outstanding value for our customers, stockholders and employees.
We expect to build upon our success by generating more than $5 billion of capital through 2022 to invest back into our
business to improve our margins, build scale and grow our portfolio of differentiated paper and packaging solutions.
WestRock has the opportunity to increase adjusted segment EBITDA to more than $4 billion in fiscal 2022.*
With our 45,000 employees’ commitment to delivering outstanding products and excellent service to our customers,
I am confident of our ability to create long-term value for our customers, stockholders and employees. On behalf of the
board of directors and all of us working together at WestRock, thank you for your investment in us.
Sincerely,
Steve Voorhees
Chief Executive Officer
WestRock Company
*See Appendix A for a discussion of our use in this annual report of forward looking statements and non-GAAP financial measures, including
reconciliations of those measures to GAAP financial measures.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
_______________________________________________
FORM 10-K
_______________________________________________
(Mark One)
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017
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 001-37484
____________________________________________________________
WESTROCK COMPANY
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
____________________________________________________________
Delaware
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
1000 Abernathy Road, Suite L-2, Atlanta, Georgia
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
47-3335141
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
30328
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (804) 444-1000
_______________________________________________
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
Name of Exchange on Which Registered
New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
_______________________________________________
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
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 the 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, a smaller reporting company or an
emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in
Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
Emerging growth company
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company
Accelerated filer
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new
or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes
No
The aggregate market value of the common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of March 31, 2017 (based on the closing price per share as
reported on the New York Stock Exchange on such date), was approximately $13,240 million.
As of November 3, 2017, the registrant had 254,614,437 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding.
_______________________________________________
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on February 2, 2018 are incorporated by reference in Part III.
WESTROCK COMPANY
INDEX TO FORM 10-K
Page
Reference
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 1B.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
Item 5.
Item 6.
Item 7.
Item 7A.
Item 8.
Item 9.
Item 9A.
Item 9B.
Item 10.
Item 11.
Item 12.
Item 13.
Item 14.
Item 15.
Item 16.
PART I
Business. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Risk Factors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unresolved Staff Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Legal Proceedings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mine Safety Disclosures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PART II
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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PART III
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 Accounting Fees and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PART IV
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Form 10-K Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7
16
25
26
27
27
27
28
30
51
54
135
135
135
136
137
137
137
137
138
138
2
Glossary of Terms
The following terms or acronyms used in this Form 10-K are defined below:
Term or Acronym
Definition
2016 Incentive Stock Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WestRock Company 2016 Incentive Stock Plan
2004 Incentive Stock Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amended and Restated 2004 Incentive Stock Plan
ACM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asbestos containing material
Adjusted Earnings from Continuing Operations
Per Diluted Share. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . As defined on p. 33
Adjusted Income from Continuing Operations . . . As defined on p. 33
A/R Sales Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The second amended and restated agreement for the purchasing and
servicing of receivables, dated September 18, 2015, among certain
sellers named therein, WestRock Converting Company, WestRock and
Cooperatieve Rabobank, U.A., New York branch, as subsequently
amended on June 27, 2016, March 27, 2017 and September 29, 2017
AFMC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alternative fuel mixture credits
Antitrust Litigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of
Illinois alleging that certain named defendants violated the Sherman
Act by conspiring to limit the supply and fix the prices of
containerboard and products containing containerboard from February
15, 2004 through November 8, 2010, and for which WestRock CP, LLC
as the successor to Smurfit-Stone is a named defendant with respect to
the period after Smurfit-Stone’s discharge from bankruptcy on June 30,
2010 through November 8, 2010
APBO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation
ASC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ASU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accounting Standards Update
BSF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Billion square feet
Boiler MACT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . As defined on p. 11
Business Combination Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . .
FASB’s Accounting Standards Codification
The Second Amended and Restated Business Combination Agreement,
dated as of April 17, 2015 and amended as of May 5, 2015 by and
among WestRock, RockTenn, MWV, Rome Merger Sub, Inc., and
Milan Merger Sub, LLC
CBA or CBAs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Collective bargaining agreements
CBPC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cellulosic biofuel producers credits
CEO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chief Executive Officer
CERCLA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
Clean Power Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . As defined on p.12
CFO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chief Financial Officer
Liability Act of 1980
Code. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the rules and
Combination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
regulations thereunder
Pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement, (i) Rome Merger Sub,
Inc. merged with and into RockTenn, with RockTenn surviving the
merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of WestRock, and (ii) Milan
Merger Sub, LLC merged with and into MWV, with MWV surviving
the merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of WestRock, which occurred
on July 1, 2015
Common Stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Our common stock, par value $0.01 per share
Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . As defined on p. 7
containerboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Linerboard and corrugating medium
3
Term or Acronym
Definition
Credit Agreement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The credit agreement, dated July 1, 2015, among WestRock, WestRock
Credit Facility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Company of Canada Holdings Corp./Compagnie de Holdings
WestRock du Canada Corp., the other borrowers, guarantors and
lenders, in each case from time to time party thereto and Wells Fargo
Bank, National Association, as administrative agent and multicurrency
agent, providing for a five-year senior unsecured term loan in an
aggregate principal amount of $2.3 billion and a five-year senior
unsecured revolving credit facility in an aggregate committed principal
amount of $2.0 billion
The five-year senior unsecured term loan with an initial aggregate
principal amount of $2.3 billion and a five-year senior unsecured
revolving credit facility in an aggregate committed principal amount of
$2.0 billion provided for under the Credit Agreement
EBITDA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
EPA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
ERISA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the
rules and regulations thereunder
ESPP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WestRock Company Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Exchange Act. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
FASB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Financial Accounting Standards Board
FCPA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977
Farm Credit Facility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Farm Loan Credit Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The seven-year unsecured term loan in an aggregate principal amount of
$600 million provided for under the Farm Credit Agreement.
The credit agreement, dated July 1, 2015, among RockTenn CP, LLC,
RockTenn Converting Company, MeadWestvaco Virginia Corporation
and CoBank ACB, as administrative agent, providing for a seven-year
unsecured term loan in an aggregate principal amount of $600 million
FIFO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First-in first-out inventory valuation method
Funding improvement plan
FIP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GAAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S.
GHG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Greenhouse gases
GPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Green Power Solutions of Georgia, LLC
Grupo Gondi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gondi, S.A. de C.V.
Hanna Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hanna Group Pty Ltd
Hannapak Acquisition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
HH&B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Home, Health and Beauty, a former division of our Consumer Packaging
The August 1, 2017 acquisition of Hanna Group Pty Ltd
segment
HH&B Sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The April 6, 2017 sale of HH&B
IDBs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ingevity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Industrial Development Bonds
Ingevity Corporation, formerly the Specialty Chemicals business of
WestRock
Island Container Acquisition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The July 17, 2017 acquisition of certain assets and liabilities of Island
Container Corp. and Combined Container Industries LLC, which together
are independent producers of corrugated boxes, sheets and point-of-
purchase displays
Installment Note . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . An installment note receivable in the amount of $860.0 million received by
MWV TN II on December 6, 2013 pursuant to the sale of MWV’s
remaining U.S. forestlands and assumed by WestRock in connection with
the Combination
IRS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Internal Revenue Service
LIBOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The London Interbank Offered Rate
LIFO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Last-in first-out inventory valuation method
MACT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maximum Achievable Control Technology
Measurement period adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . As defined on p. 84
4
Term or Acronym
Definition
MEPP or MEPPs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Multiemployer pension plan(s)
MMBtu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . One million British Thermal Units
MMSF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Millions of square feet
MPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Multi Packaging Solutions International Limited, a Bermuda exempted
company
MPS Acquisition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The June 6, 2017 acquisition of MPS pursuant to a merger agreement among
WestRock, MPS and WRK Merger Sub Limited
MWV. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WestRock MWV, LLC, formerly known as MeadWestvaco Corporation,
and a wholly-owned subsidiary of WestRock
MWV TN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MWV Timber Notes Holding, LLC, a special purpose entity
MWV TN II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MWV Timber Notes Holding Company II, LLC, a special purpose entity
MWV Merger Sub . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Milan Merger Sub, LLC
NAV. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net asset value
NYSE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . New York Stock Exchange
OSHA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970
The January 19, 2016 acquisition of certain legal entities formerly owned
Packaging Acquisition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
by Cenveo Inc., in a stock purchase
Paris Agreement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . An agreement signed in April 2016 among the U.S. and over 170 other
countries, which arose out of negotiations at the United Nation’s
Conference of Parties (COP21) climate summit in December 2015
PIUMPF. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pace Industry Union-Management Pension Fund
Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WestRock Company Consolidated Pension Plan
Pension Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pension Protection Act of 2006
PRP or PRPs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Potentially responsible parties
Prudential. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Prudential Insurance Company of America, a subsidiary of Prudential
Financial, Inc.
Receivables Facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The sixth amended and restated receivables sale agreement, dated July
22, 2016, among certain originators named therein and WestRock
Financial, Inc.
RockTenn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WestRock RKT Company, formerly known as Rock-Tenn Company, and
a wholly-owned subsidiary of WestRock
RockTenn Common Stock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RockTenn Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share
RP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rehabilitation plan
SAR or SARs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stock appreciation rights
SEC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Separation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Securities and Exchange Commission
The May 15, 2016 distribution of the outstanding common stock, par
value $0.01 per share, of Ingevity to WestRock’s stockholders
Seven Hills. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seven Hills Paperboard LLC
SG&A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Silgan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Silgan Holdings Inc.
Smurfit-Stone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation
Smurfit-Stone Acquisition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The May 27, 2011 acquisition of Smurfit-Stone, in a stock purchase
SP Fiber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SP Fiber Holdings, Inc.
SP Fiber Acquisition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Star Pizza Acquisition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The October 1, 2015 acquisition of SP Fiber
The March 13, 2017 acquisition of certain assets and liabilities of Star
Pizza Box of Arizona, LLC, Star Pizza Box of Florida, Inc., Star Pizza
Box of Ohio, LLC, Star Pizza Box of Texas, LLC and Box Logistics
LLC
Supplemental Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Supplemental retirement savings plans
5
Term or Acronym
Definition
Timber Note. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . An installment note receivable in the amount of $398.0 million received
by MWV TN pursuant to the sale of certain large-tract forestlands in
2007 and assumed by WestRock in connection with the Combination
USW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . United Steelworkers Union
U.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . United States
U.S. Corrugated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Corrugated Holdings, Inc.
U.S. Corrugated Acquisition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
WestRock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WestRock Company
WestRock MWV, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Formerly named MWV
The June 9, 2017 acquisition of U.S. Corrugated
WestRock RKT Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Formerly named RockTenn, and a wholly-owned subsidiary of WestRock
6
Item 1.
BUSINESS
PART I
Unless the context otherwise requires, “we”, “us”, “our”, “WestRock” and “the Company” refer to the business of WestRock
Company, its wholly-owned subsidiaries and its partially-owned consolidated subsidiaries.
General
WestRock is a multinational provider of paper and packaging solutions for consumer and corrugated packaging markets. We
partner with our customers to provide differentiated paper and packaging solutions that help them win in the marketplace. Our
team members support customers around the world from our operating and business locations in North America, South America,
Europe, Asia and Australia. We also sell real estate primarily in the Charleston, SC region.
WestRock was formed on March 6, 2015 for the purpose of effecting the Combination and, prior to the Combination, did not
conduct any activities other than those incidental to its formation and the matters contemplated by the Business Combination
Agreement. On July 1, 2015, pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement, RockTenn and MWV completed a strategic
combination of their respective businesses and RockTenn and MWV each became wholly-owned subsidiaries of WestRock.
RockTenn was the accounting acquirer in the Combination. We believe the Combination combined two industry leaders to create
a leading global provider of consumer and corrugated packaging solutions. See “Note 6. Merger, Acquisitions and Investment”
of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
On May 15, 2016, WestRock completed the Separation, pursuant to which we disposed of our former Specialty Chemicals
segment in its entirety and ceased to consolidate its assets, liabilities and results of operations in our consolidated financial
statements. Accordingly, we have presented the financial position and results of operations of our former Specialty Chemicals
segment as discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for all periods presented. See “Note
7. Discontinued Operations” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
On April 6, 2017, we completed the HH&B Sale. We used the proceeds from the HH&B Sale in connection with the MPS
Acquisition. We recorded a pre-tax gain on sale of HH&B of $192.8 million in fiscal 2017. See “Note 8. Assets Held For Sale”
of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
On June 6, 2017, we completed the MPS Acquisition. MPS is a global provider of print-based specialty packaging solutions
and its differentiated product offering includes premium folding cartons, inserts, labels and rigid packaging. MPS is reported in
our Consumer Packaging segment. See “Note 6. Merger, Acquisitions and Investment” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements for additional information.
We report our financial results of operations in three reportable segments: Corrugated Packaging, which consists of our
containerboard mill and corrugated packaging operations, as well as our recycling operations; Consumer Packaging, which consists
of consumer mills, folding carton, beverage, merchandising displays, home, health and beauty dispensing (prior to the HH&B
Sale), and partition operations; and Land and Development, which sells real estate primarily in the Charleston, SC region. In fiscal
2016, we reclassified prior period segment results to align to these segments for all periods presented. Following the Combination
and until the completion of the Separation, our financial results of operations had a fourth reportable segment, Specialty Chemicals.
Products
Corrugated Packaging Segment
We are one of the largest integrated producers of containerboard measured by tons produced, and one of the largest producers
of high-graphics preprinted linerboard measured by net sales in North America. We have integrated corrugated operations in North
America, Brazil and India. We believe we are one of the largest paper recyclers in North America and our recycling operations
provide substantially all of the recycled fiber to our mills, as well as to third parties. Our Brazil operations own and operate
forestlands that provide virgin fiber to our Brazilian mill.
We operate an integrated corrugated packaging system that manufactures primarily containerboard, corrugated sheets,
corrugated packaging and preprinted linerboard for sale to consumer and industrial products manufacturers and corrugated box
manufacturers. We produce a full range of high-quality corrugated containers designed to protect, ship, store and display products
made to our customers' merchandising and distribution specifications. We convert corrugated sheets into corrugated products
ranging from one-color protective cartons to graphically brilliant point-of-purchase packaging. Our corrugated container plants
7
serve local customers and regional and large national accounts. Corrugated packaging is used to provide protective packaging for
shipment and distribution of food, paper, health and beauty and other household, consumer, commercial and industrial products.
Corrugated packaging may also be graphically enhanced for retail sale, particularly in club store locations. We provide customers
with innovative packaging solutions to promote and sell their products. We provide structural and graphic design, engineering
services and custom, proprietary and standard automated packaging machines, offering customers turn-key installation, automation,
line integration and packaging solutions. To make corrugated sheet stock, we feed linerboard and corrugating medium into a
corrugator that flutes the medium to specified sizes, glues the linerboard and fluted medium together, and slits and cuts the resulting
corrugated paperboard into sheets to customer specifications. Our containerboard mills and corrugated container operations are
integrated with the majority of our containerboard production used internally by our corrugated container operations. The balance
is either used in trade swaps with other manufacturers or sold domestically and internationally.
Our recycling operations procure recovered paper (also known as recycled fiber) from our converting facilities and from third
parties, such as factories, warehouses, commercial printers, office complexes, grocery and retail stores, document storage facilities,
paper converters and other wastepaper collectors. We handle a wide variety of grades of recovered paper, including old corrugated
containers, office paper, box clippings, newspaper and print shop scraps. We operate recycling facilities that collect, sort, grade,
and bale recovered paper and, after sorting and baling, we transfer it to our mills for processing, or sell it principally to U.S.
manufacturers of paperboard or containerboard, as well as manufacturers of tissue, newsprint, roofing products and insulation,
and to export markets. We also collect small amounts of other products for resale to manufacturers of those products. Our waste
services business arranges recycling and waste disposal services for its customers. We operate a nationwide fiber marketing and
brokerage system that serves large regional and national accounts, as well as our recycled paperboard and containerboard mills,
and sells scrap materials from our converting businesses and mills. Brokerage contracts provide bulk purchasing, often resulting
in lower prices and cleaner recovered paper. Many of our recycling facilities are located close to our recycled paperboard and
containerboard mills, ensuring availability of supply with reduced shipping costs.
Sales of corrugated packaging products to external customers accounted for 55.5%, 54.6% and 66.4% of our net sales in fiscal
2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. See “Note 21. Segment Information” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, as
well as Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, for additional
information.
Consumer Packaging Segment
We operate integrated virgin and recycled fiber paperboard mills and consumer packaging converting operations, which
convert items such as folding and beverage cartons, displays and interior partitions. Our integrated system of virgin and recycled
mills produces paperboard for our converting operations and third parties. We internally consume or sell to manufacturers of
folding cartons and other paperboard products our coated natural kraft, bleached paperboard and coated recycled paperboard, and
internally consume or sell to manufacturers of solid fiber interior packaging, tubes and cores, book covers and other paperboard
products our specialty recycled paperboard. The mill owned by our Seven Hills joint venture in Lynchburg, VA manufactures
gypsum paperboard liner for sale to our joint venture partner.
We are one of the largest manufacturers of folding and beverage cartons in North America. We believe we are one of the
largest manufacturers of temporary promotional point-of-purchase displays in North America measured by net sales and the largest
manufacturer of solid fiber partitions in North America measured by net sales. Our folding and beverage cartons are used to
package items such as food, paper, beverages, dairy products, tobacco, confectionery, health and beauty and other household
consumer, commercial and industrial products primarily for retail sale. Our folding and beverage cartons are also used by our
customers to attract consumer attention at the point-of-sale. We also manufacture express mail packages for the overnight courier
industry, provide inserts and labels as well as rigid packaging and other printed packaging products, such as transaction cards (e.g.,
credit, debit, etc.), brochures, product literature, marketing materials (such as booklets, folders, inserts, cover sheets and slipcases)
and grower tags and plant stakes for the horticultural market. For the global healthcare market, we manufacture secondary packages
designed to enhance patient adherence for prescription drugs, as well as paperboard packaging for over-the-counter and prescription
drugs. Our customers generally use our inserts and labels to provide customer product information either inside a secondary
package (e.g., a folding carton) or affixed to the outside of a primary package (e.g., a bottle). Folding cartons typically protect
customers’ products during shipment and distribution, and employ graphics to promote them at retail. We manufacture folding
and beverage cartons from recycled and virgin paperboard, laminated paperboard and various substrates with specialty
characteristics, such as grease masking and microwaveability. We print, coat, die-cut and glue the cartons to customer specifications
and ship finished cartons to customers for assembling, filling and sealing. We employ a broad range of offset, flexographic, gravure,
backside printing, coating and finishing technologies, as well as iridescent, holographic, textured and dimensional effects to provide
differentiated packaging products, and support our customers with new package development, innovation and design services and
package testing services. We manufacture and sell our solid fiber and corrugated partitions and die-cut paperboard components
8
principally to glass container manufacturers and producers of beer, food, wine, spirits, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, and to the
automotive industry.
We design, manufacture and, in many cases, pack temporary displays for sale to consumer products companies and retailers.
These displays are used as marketing tools to support new product introductions and specific product promotions in mass
merchandising stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, home improvement stores and other retail locations. We also design,
manufacture and, in some cases, pre-assemble permanent displays for the same categories of customers. We make temporary
displays primarily from corrugated paperboard. Unlike temporary displays, permanent displays are restocked; therefore, they are
constructed primarily from metal, plastic, wood and other durable materials. We provide contract packing services, such as multi-
product promotional packing and product manipulation, such as multipacks and onpacks. We manufacture and distribute point of
sale material utilizing litho, screen, and digital printing technologies. We manufacture lithographic laminated packaging for sale
to our customers that require packaging with high quality graphics and strength characteristics.
Sales of consumer packaging products to external customers accounted for 42.8%, 44.6% and 33.2% of our net sales in fiscal
2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. See “Note 21. Segment Information” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, as
well as Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, for additional
information.
Land and Development Segment
We are responsible for maximizing the value of the various real estate holdings we own that are concentrated in the Charleston,
SC region, some of which are held through partnerships. We are in the process of accelerating the monetization of these holdings.
Sales in our Land and Development segment to external customers accounted for 1.7%, 0.8% and 0.4% of our net sales in fiscal
2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. See “Note 21. Segment Information” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, as
well as Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, for additional
information.
Raw Materials
The primary raw materials used by our mill operations are recycled fiber at our recycled paperboard and containerboard mills
and virgin fibers from hardwoods and softwoods at our virgin containerboard and paperboard mills. Certain of our virgin
containerboard is manufactured with some recycled fiber content. Recycled fiber prices and virgin fiber prices can fluctuate
significantly. While virgin fiber prices have generally been more stable than recycled fiber prices, they also fluctuate, particularly
during significant changes in weather, such as during prolonged periods of heavy rain or drought, or during housing construction
slowdowns or accelerations.
Recycled and virgin paperboard and containerboard are the primary raw materials used by our converting operations. Our
converting operations use many different grades of paperboard and containerboard. We supply substantially all of our converting
operations' needs for recycled and virgin paperboard and containerboard from our own mills and through the use of trade swaps
with other manufacturers. These arrangements allow us to optimize our mill system and reduce freight costs. Because there are
other suppliers that produce the necessary grades of recycled and bleached paperboard and containerboard used in our converting
operations, we believe we would be able to source significant replacement quantities from other suppliers in the event we incur
production disruptions for recycled or virgin paperboard or containerboard. See Item 1A. “Risk Factors — We May Face Increased
Costs or Inadequate Availability of Raw Materials, Energy and Transportation”.
Energy
Energy is one of the most significant costs of our mill operations. The cost of natural gas, coal, oil, electricity and wood by-
products (biomass) can fluctuate significantly. In our recycled paperboard mills, we use primarily natural gas and electricity,
supplemented with coal and fuel oil to generate steam used in the paper making process and, at a few mills, to generate electricity
used on site. In our virgin fiber mills, we use biomass, natural gas and coal to generate steam used in the pulping and paper making
processes and to generate some or all of the electricity used on site. We primarily use electricity and natural gas to operate our
converting facilities. We generally purchase these products from suppliers at market or tariff rates. See also Item 1. “Business —
Governmental Regulation — Environmental and Other Matters” for additional information. See also Item 1A. “Risk Factors
— We May Face Increased Costs or Inadequate Availability of Raw Materials, Energy and Transportation”.
9
Transportation
Inbound and outbound freight is a significant expenditure for us. Factors that influence our freight expense are distance
between our shipping and delivery locations, distance from customers and suppliers, mode of transportation (rail, truck, intermodal
and ocean) and freight rates, which are influenced by supply and demand and fuel costs. The principal markets for our products
are in North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. See Item 1A. “Risk Factors — We May Face Increased Costs
or Inadequate Availability of Raw Materials, Energy and Transportation”.
Sales and Marketing
Our top 10 external customers represented approximately 11% of our consolidated net sales in fiscal 2017. None of these
customers individually accounted for more than 10% of our consolidated net sales. We generally manufacture our products pursuant
to customers’ orders. We believe that we have good relationships with our customers. In fiscal 2017, products sold to our top 10
customers by segment represented 16% and 18% of our external sales in our Corrugated Packaging segment and Consumer
Packaging segment, respectively. See Item 1A. “Risk Factors — We Depend on Certain Large Customers”.
As a result of our vertical integration, our mills’ sales volumes may be directly impacted by changes in demand for our
packaging products. During fiscal 2017, we sold approximately two-thirds of our coated natural kraft production and approximately
one-fifth of our bleached paperboard production to our converting operations, primarily to manufacture folding and beverage
cartons, and we sold approximately three-fourths of our containerboard production, including trade swaps and buy/sell transactions,
to our converting operations to manufacture corrugated products. Under the terms of our Seven Hills joint venture arrangement,
our joint venture partner is required to purchase all of the qualifying gypsum paperboard liner produced by Seven Hills. Excluding
the Seven Hills production and our Aurora, IL production converted into book covers and other products, we supplied approximately
two-fifths of our specialty recycled paperboard production in fiscal 2017 to our converting operations, primarily to manufacture
interior partitions. We have the ability to move our internal sourcing among certain of our mills to optimize the efficiency of our
operations.
We market our products primarily through our own sales force. We also market a number of our products through independent
sales representatives, independent distributors or both. We generally pay our sales personnel a combination of base salary,
commissions and annual bonus. We pay our independent sales representatives on a commission basis. We discuss foreign net sales
to unaffiliated customers and other non-U.S. operations financial and other segment information in “Note 21. Segment
Information” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Competition
We operate in a competitive global marketplace and compete with many large, well established and highly competitive
manufacturers and service providers. Our business is affected by a range of macroeconomic conditions, including industry capacity
changes, global competition, economic conditions in the U.S. and abroad, as well as fluctuations in currency exchange rates.
The industries we operate in are highly competitive, and no single company dominates any of those industries. Our paperboard
and containerboard operations compete with integrated and non-integrated national and regional companies operating primarily
in North America, and to a limited extent, manufacturers outside of North America. Our competitors include large and small,
vertically integrated companies and numerous smaller non-integrated companies. In the corrugated packaging and folding and
beverage carton markets, we compete with a significant number of national, regional and local packaging suppliers in North
America and abroad. In the solid fiber interior packaging, promotional point-of-purchase display and converted paperboard products
markets, we primarily compete with a smaller number of national, regional and local companies offering highly specialized
products. Our recycled fiber brokerage and collection operations compete with various other companies for the procurement and
supply of recovered paper, including brokers and companies that export recovered paper to international markets. The Land and
Development segment competes in the real estate sales and development market, primarily in the Charleston, SC region.
Because all of our businesses operate in highly competitive industry segments, we regularly bid for sales opportunities to
customers for new business or for renewal of existing business. Our packaging products compete with packaging made from other
materials. The primary competitive factors we face include price, design, product innovation, quality and service, with varying
emphasis on these factors depending on the product line and customer preferences. We believe that we compete effectively with
respect to each of these factors and we evaluate our performance with annual customer surveys, among other means.
The businesses we operate in have undergone consolidation. Within the packaging products industry, larger customers, with
an expanded geographic presence, have tended to seek suppliers who can, because of their broad geographic presence, efficiently
10
and economically supply all or a range of their packaging needs. In addition, our customers continue to demand higher quality
products meeting stricter quality control requirements.
See Item 1A. “Risk Factors — We Face Intense Competition” and “Risk Factors — We May Be Adversely Affected by U.S.
and Worldwide Economic and Financial Market Conditions, and Social and Political Change”.
Governmental Regulation
Health and Safety Regulations
Our operations are subject to federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations relating to workplace safety and worker
health, including OSHA and related regulations. OSHA, among other things, establishes asbestos and noise standards and regulates
the use of hazardous chemicals in the workplace. Although we do not use asbestos in manufacturing our products, ACM is present
in some of our facilities. For those facilities where ACM is present, we have established procedures for properly managing the
material, including, but not limited to, employee training and work practices to maintain the ACM in good condition and minimize
exposure. We do not believe that future compliance with health and safety laws and regulations will have a material adverse effect
on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
Environmental and Other Matters
Environmental compliance requirements are a significant factor affecting our business. We employ manufacturing processes
that result in various discharges, emissions and wastes. These processes are subject to numerous federal, state, local and international
environmental laws and regulations, as well as the requirements of environmental permits and similar authorizations issued by
various governmental authorities.
On January 31, 2013, the EPA published a set of four interrelated final rules establishing national air emissions standards for
hazardous air pollutants from industrial, commercial and institutional boilers and process heaters, commonly known as “Boiler
MACT.” Boiler MACT required compliance by January 31, 2016 or by January 31, 2017 for those mills for which we obtained
a prior compliance extension. All work required for our boilers to comply with the rule has been completed. On July 29, 2016,
the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit issued a ruling on the consolidated cases challenging Boiler MACT.
The court vacated key portions of the rule, including emission limits for certain subcategories of solid fuel boilers, and remanded
other issues to the EPA for further rulemaking. At this time, we cannot predict with certainty how this decision will impact our
existing Boiler MACT strategies or whether we will incur additional costs to comply with any revised Boiler MACT standards.
In addition to Boiler MACT, we are subject to a number of other federal, state, local and international environmental rules
that may impact our business, including the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, fine
particulate matter and ozone for facilities in the U.S.
We are involved in various administrative proceedings relating to environmental matters that arise in the normal course of
business, and may be involved in future matters. Although the ultimate outcome of such matters cannot be predicted with certainty
and we cannot at this time estimate any reasonably possible losses based on available information, we do not believe that the
currently expected outcome of any environmental proceedings and claims that are pending or threatened against us will have a
material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
See Item 1A. “Risk Factors — We are Subject to Extensive and Costly Safety and Environmental Laws and
Regulation”.
CERCLA and Other Remediation Costs
We face potential liability under federal, state, local and international laws as a result of releases, or threatened releases, of
hazardous substances into the environment from various sites owned and operated by third parties at which Company-generated
wastes have allegedly been deposited. Generators of hazardous substances sent to off-site disposal locations at which environmental
problems exist, as well as the owners of those sites and certain other classes of persons, are liable for response costs for the
investigation and remediation of such sites under CERCLA and analogous laws. While joint and several liability is authorized
under CERCLA, liability is typically shared with other PRPs and costs are commonly allocated according to relative amounts of
waste deposited and other factors.
In addition, certain of our current or former locations are being investigated or remediated under various environmental laws,
including CERCLA, and regulations. Based on information known to us and assumptions, we do not believe that the costs of these
11
projects will have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. However, the discovery
of contamination or the imposition of additional obligations at these or other sites in the future could result in additional costs.
On January 26, 2009, Smurfit-Stone and certain of its subsidiaries filed a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 11 of the
U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Smurfit-Stone’s Canadian subsidiaries also filed to reorganize in Canada. We believe that matters relating
to previously identified third party PRP sites and certain facilities formerly owned or operated by Smurfit-Stone have been or will
be satisfied claims in the Smurfit-Stone bankruptcy proceedings. However, we may face additional liability for cleanup activity
at sites that are not subject to the bankruptcy discharge, but are not currently identified. Some of these liabilities may be satisfied
from existing bankruptcy reserves.
We believe that we can assert claims for indemnification pursuant to existing rights we have under purchase and other
agreements in connection with certain of our existing remediation sites. In addition, we believe that we have insurance coverage,
subject to applicable deductibles/retentions, policy limits and other conditions, for certain environmental matters. However, there
can be no assurance that we will be successful with respect to any claim regarding these insurance or indemnification rights or
that, if we are successful, any amounts paid pursuant to the insurance or indemnification rights will be sufficient to cover all our
costs and expenses. We also cannot predict with certainty whether we will be required to perform remediation projects at other
locations, and it is possible that our remediation requirements and costs could increase materially in the future and exceed current
reserves. In addition, we cannot currently assess with certainty the impact that future changes in cleanup standards or federal, state
or other environmental laws, regulations or enforcement practices will have on our results of operations, financial condition or
cash flows.
We estimate that we will invest approximately $40 million for capital expenditures during fiscal 2018 in connection with
matters relating to environmental compliance. It is possible that our capital expenditure assumptions may change, project
completion dates may change, and our projections are subject to change due to items such as the finalization of ongoing engineering
and implementation work, the EPA determinations on Boiler MACT implementation issues and the outcomes of pending legal
challenges to the rules.
Climate Change
Certain jurisdictions in which we have manufacturing facilities or other investments have taken actions to address climate
change. The EPA has issued the Clean Air Act permitting regulations applicable to certain facilities that emit GHG. The EPA also
has promulgated a rule requiring certain industrial facilities that emit 25,000 metric tons or more of carbon dioxide equivalent per
year to file an annual report of their emissions. While we have facilities subject to existing GHG permitting and reporting
requirements, the impact of these requirements has not been material to date.
Additionally, the EPA has been working on a set of interrelated rulemakings aimed at cutting carbon emissions from power
plants. On August 3, 2015, the EPA issued a final rule establishing GHG emission guidelines for existing electric utility generating
units (known as the “Clean Power Plan”). On the same day, the EPA issued a second rule setting standards of performance for
new, modified and reconstructed electric utility generating units. While these rules do not apply directly to the power generation
facilities at our mills, they have the potential to increase the cost of purchased electricity for our manufacturing operations and
change the treatment of certain types of biomass that are currently considered carbon neutral. On February 9, 2016, the U.S.
Supreme Court issued a stay halting implementation of the Clean Power Plan until the pending legal challenges to the rule are
resolved. As directed by Executive Order, on April 4, 2017, the EPA issued a proposed rule announcing its intention to review the
Clean Power Plan, and, if appropriate, initiate proceedings to suspend, revise or rescind it. A number of states subject to the Clean
Power Plan have stopped working on their implementation strategies in response to the litigation and Executive Order; however,
certain states where we operate manufacturing facilities have indicated their intention to continue their carbon reduction efforts.
On October 16, 2017, the EPA issued a proposed rule that would repeal the Clean Power Plan. Due to ongoing litigation and other
uncertainties regarding the Clean Power Plan, its impact on us cannot be quantified with certainty at this time.
In addition to national efforts to regulate climate change, some U.S. states in which we have manufacturing operations are
also taking measures to reduce GHG emissions, such as requiring GHG emissions reporting or developing regional cap-and trade
programs. California has enacted a cap-and-trade program that took effect in 2012, and includes enforceable compliance obligations
that began on January 1, 2013. In July 2017, California extended the cap-and-trade program to 2030. We do not have any
manufacturing facilities that are subject to the cap-and-trade requirements in California; however, we are continuing to monitor
the implementation of this program as well as proposed mandatory GHG reduction efforts in other states. Also, the Washington
Department of Ecology has issued a final rule, known as the Clean Air Rule, which limits GHGs from facilities that have average
annual carbon dioxide equivalent emissions equal to or exceeding 100,000 metric tons/year and proposes to begin GHG emissions
reduction requirements for some regulated entities in 2017. Energy intensive and trade exposed facilities and transportation fuel
importers, including our Tacoma, WA mill, are subject to regulation under this program. In September 2016, various groups filed
12
lawsuits against the Washington Department of Ecology challenging the Clean Air Rule. We are carefully monitoring this litigation
to assess its potential impact on our Tacoma operations. On May 16, 2017, the Governor of Virginia issued Executive Directive
11, directing the Secretary of Natural Resources to convene a work group to study and recommend methods to reduce carbon
dioxide emissions from electric power facilities and grow the clean energy economy within existing state authority. We have been
selected by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality to participate in this work group.
The Paris Agreement established a framework for reducing global GHG emissions. By signing the Paris Agreement, the U.S.
made a non-binding commitment to reduce economy-wide GHG emissions by 26% to 28% below 2005 levels by 2025. Other
countries in which we conduct business, including China, European Union member states and India, have set similar GHG reduction
targets. The Paris Agreement became effective on November 4, 2016. Although a party to the agreement may not provide the
required one-year notice of withdrawal until three years after the effective date, in June 2017, President Trump announced that
the U.S. intended to withdraw from the Paris Agreement. The governors of New York, California and Washington subsequently
announced their intent to form a “climate alliance” to coordinate a state response to climate change. At this time, it is not possible
to determine how the Paris Agreement, or any potential U.S. commitments in lieu of those under the agreement, may impact U.S.
industrial facilities, including our domestic operations.
Several of our international facilities are located in countries that have already adopted GHG emissions trading schemes. For
example, Quebec has become a member of the Western Climate Initiative, which is a collaboration among California and certain
Canadian provinces that have joined together to create a cap-and-trade program to reduce GHG emissions. In 2009, Quebec adopted
a target of reducing GHG emissions by 20% below 1990 levels by 2020 and 37.5% from 1990 levels by 2030. In 2011, Quebec
issued a final regulation establishing a regional cap-and-trade program that required reductions in GHG emissions from covered
emitters as of January 1, 2013. Our mill in Quebec is subject to these cap-and-trade requirements, although the direct impact of
this regulation has not been material to date. Compliance with this program and other similar programs may require future
expenditures to meet required GHG emission reduction requirements in future years.
The regulation of climate change continues to develop in the areas of the world where we conduct business. We have systems
in place for tracking the GHG emissions from our energy-intensive facilities, and we carefully monitor developments in climate
change laws, regulations and policies to assess the potential impact of such developments on our results of operations, financial
condition, cash flows and disclosure obligations.
Patents and Other Intellectual Property
We hold a substantial number of foreign and domestic trademarks, trademark applications, trade names, patents, patent
applications and licenses relating to our business, our products and our production processes. Our patent portfolio consists primarily
of utility and design patents relating to our products and manufacturing operations. It also includes exclusive rights to substantial
proprietary packaging system technology in the U.S. or other licenses obtained from a third party. Our brand name and logo, and
certain of our products and services, are protected by domestic and foreign trademark rights. Our patents, trademarks and other
intellectual property rights, particularly those relating to our converting operations, are important to our operations as a whole.
Our intellectual property has various expiration dates. See Item 1A. “Risk Factors — We Depend On Our Ability to Develop and
Successfully Introduce New Products and/or to Acquire and Retain Intellectual Property Rights”.
Employees
At September 30, 2017, we had approximately 44,800 employees, of which approximately 34,100 were located in the U.S.
and Canada and 10,700 were located in Europe, South America, Mexico and Asia/Pacific. Of the approximately 44,800 employees,
approximately 31,800 were hourly and approximately 13,000 were salaried. Approximately 13,900 of our hourly employees in
the U.S. and Canada are covered by CBAs, which typically have four to six year terms. Approximately 2,500 of our employees
in the U.S. and Canada are working under expired contracts and approximately 1,100 of our U.S. and Canada employees are
covered under CBAs that expire within one year. Approximately 5,200 of our employees outside the U.S. and Canada are covered
by agreements similar to CBAs, which most frequently have four to six year terms. Approximately 2,100 of our employees not
based in the U.S. and Canada are working under expired agreements and approximately 1,100 of them are covered under agreements
that expire within one year.
While we have experienced isolated work stoppages in the past, we have been able to resolve them and we believe that working
relationships with our employees are generally good. While the terms of our CBAs vary, we believe the material terms of the
agreements are customary for the industry, the type of facility, the classification of the employees and the geographic location
covered.
13
In October 2014, we entered into a master agreement with the USW that applied to substantially all of our legacy RockTenn
facilities represented by the USW at that time. The agreement has a six year term and covers a number of specific items, including
wages, medical coverage and certain other benefit programs, substance abuse testing and successorship. Individual facilities will
continue to have local agreements for subjects not covered by the master agreement and those agreements will continue to have
staggered terms. Wage increases specified in the master agreement will not begin until the local facility agreements have been
negotiated and ratified. The master agreement permits us to apply its terms to USW employees who work at facilities we acquire
during the term of the agreement. The master agreement covers 59 of our U.S. facilities and approximately 6,800 of our employees.
See Item 1A. “Risk Factors — We May Be Adversely Impacted By Work Stoppages and Other Labor Relations Matters”.
International Operations
Our operations outside the U.S. are conducted through subsidiaries located in Canada, Mexico, South America, Europe, Asia
and Australia. Sales attributable to non-U.S. operations were 17.6%, 17.1% and 13.5% of our net sales in fiscal 2017, 2016 and
2015, respectively, some of which were transacted in U.S. dollars. See “Note 21. Segment Information” of the Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. See Item 1A. “Risk Factors — We are Exposed to Risks Related
to International Sales and Operations”.
Available Information
Our Internet address is www.westrock.com. Our Internet address is included herein as an inactive textual reference only. The
information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference herein and should not be considered part of this report. We
file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC and we make available free of
charge most of our SEC filings through our Internet website as soon as reasonably practicable after filing with the SEC. You may
access these SEC filings via the hyperlink that we provide on our website to a third-party SEC filings website. We also make
available on our website our board committee charters, as well as the corporate governance guidelines adopted by our board of
directors, our Code of Conduct for employees, our Code of Conduct and Ethics for the Board of Directors and our Code of Ethical
Conduct for CEO and Senior Financial Officers. Any amendments to, or waiver from, any provision of these codes that are required
to be disclosed will be posted on our website. We will also provide copies of these documents, without charge, at the written
request of any stockholder of record. Requests for copies should be mailed to: WestRock Company, 504 Thrasher Street, Norcross,
Georgia 30071, Attention: Corporate Secretary through December 31, 2017 and WestRock Company, 1000 Abernathy Road, Suite
L-2, Atlanta, Georgia 30328, Attention: Corporate Secretary thereafter.
Forward-Looking Information
This report contains statements that relate to future, rather than past, events. These are forward-looking statements within the
meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements often address our expected
future business and financial performance and financial conditions, and often contain words such as “may”, “will”, “could”,
“would”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “estimate”, “project”, “plan”, “believe”, “expect”, “target” and “potential”, or refer to future time
periods. Forward-looking statements are based on currently available information and our current expectations, beliefs, plans or
forecasts, and include statements made in this report regarding, among other things: our belief that we are one of the largest paper
recyclers in North America; our belief that we are one of the largest manufacturer of temporary promotional point-of-purchase
displays in North America measured by net sales and the largest manufacturer of solid fiber partitions in North America measured
by net sales; our belief that we would be able to source significant replacement quantities from other suppliers in the event we
incur production disruptions for recycled or virgin paperboard or containerboard; our belief that we have good relationships with
our customers; our belief that we compete effectively on price, design, product innovation, quality and service; our belief that
future compliance with health and safety laws and regulations will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations,
financial condition or cash flows; our belief that the currently expected outcome of environmental proceedings and claims that
are pending or threatened against us will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or
cash flows; our belief that the costs associated with investigations or remediations under environmental laws, including CERCLA,
and regulations will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows; our belief
that matters relating to previously identified third party PRP sites and certain facilities formerly owned or operated by Smurfit-
Stone have been or will be satisfied claims in the Smurfit-Stone bankruptcy proceedings; that we may face additional liability for
cleanup activity at sites that are not subject to the Smurfit-Stone bankruptcy discharge, but are not currently identified; our belief
that we can assert claims for indemnification pursuant to existing rights we have under purchase and other agreements in connection
with certain of our existing remediation sites and have insurance coverage, subject to applicable deductibles/retentions, policy
limits and other conditions, for certain environmental matters; our belief that working relationships with our employees are generally
good; our belief that the material terms of our CBAs are customary for the industry, the type of facility, the classification of the
employees and the geographic location covered; our expectation that we will benefit from operational synergies resulting from
14
the consolidation of capabilities and the elimination of redundancies related to the Combination, as well as greater efficiencies
from increased scale and market integration, and realize revenue synergies through an expanded and complementary product
offering and increased geographic reach; our belief that certain MEPPs in which we participate, including PIUMPF, have material
unfunded vested benefits; that we are considering withdrawing from one or more MEPPs, and it is reasonably possible that we
may incur significant withdrawal liability with respect to certain MEPPs in connection with such withdrawal(s) and that we may
be obligated to pay a share of a particular MEPP’s accumulated funding deficiency as determined under the Pension Act; that we
believe our withdrawal liability would be approximately $140 million to $200 million if we were to withdraw from all of the
MEPPs in which we participate prior to the end of calendar 2017; our expectation that we will complete the monetization of our
Land and Development asset portfolio in fiscal 2018; our expectation that we will complete the relocation of our principal offices
in the first half of fiscal 2018; our belief that our existing production capacity is adequate to serve existing demand for our products
and that our plants and equipment are in good condition; our expectation that should the volume of asbestos-related personal injury
litigation grow substantially, it is possible that we could incur significant costs resolving these cases; our expectation that the
resolution of pending asbestos-related personal injury litigation and proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on our
consolidated financial condition or liquidity; our expectation that in any given period or periods, it is possible that asbestos-related
proceedings or matters could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations; our belief that the resolution of other
lawsuits, claims and other proceedings arising out of the conduct of our business will not have a material adverse effect on our
consolidated financial condition, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows; our belief that our exposure related to
guarantees will not have a material impact on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows; our belief that our strong
balance sheet and cash flow provide us the flexibility to continue to invest to sustain and improve our operating performance; the
potential for us to engage in restructuring opportunities in the future; our expectation that the Island Container Acquisition will
enable us to integrate more than 80,000 tons of containerboard annually into our Corrugated Packaging segment; our expectation
that the Hannapak Acquisition will build on our established and growing packaging business in Australia; our belief that the U.S.
Corrugated Acquisition will enable us to increase the vertical integration of our Corrugated Packaging segment by approximately
105,000 tons of containerboard annually through the acquired facilities and another 50,000 tons under a long-term supply contract
with another company owned by the seller; our belief that the MPS Acquisition increases annual paperboard consumption by
approximately 225,000 tons, of which we expect 35% to 45% to be supplied by us; our belief that the Star Pizza Acquisition
provides us with a leadership position in the fast growing small-run pizza box market and increases our vertical integration; our
belief that the joint venture with Grupo Gondi will help us grow our presence in the attractive Mexican market; that we may be
required to incur additional indebtedness to satisfy our payment obligations in respect of our put and call options related to the
Grupo Gondi joint venture; that we may form additional joint ventures; our belief that the Packaging Acquisition has provided us
with attractive and complementary customers, markets and facilities; our belief that we have an opportunity to improve our
performance through capital investment; our belief that capital expenditures in fiscal 2018 will be approximately $1.0 billion, of
which approximately $0.2 billion will be deployed in fiscal 2018 in connection with a planned investments in (A) a new corrugated
box plant in the Brazilian state of Sao Paulo, and our belief that this box plant will allow us to meet a growing demand from our
regional customers in South America, (B) a project to install a 330” state-of-the-art kraft linerboard machine in our Florence, South
Carolina mill with production expected to commence in the first half of calendar 2020 and (C) a coater at our Mahrt mill in Alabama
that will be completed in fiscal 2019; our estimation that we will invest approximately $40 million for capital expenditures during
fiscal 2018 in connection with matters relating to environmental compliance; our expectation that in fiscal 2018 we will invest in
projects (i) to maintain and operate our mills and plants safely, reliably and in compliance with regulations, (ii) that support our
strategy to improve the competitiveness of our mill and converting assets, (iii) to support our $1.0 billion run rate synergy and
performance improvement target, before inflation, to be realized by June 30, 2018, (iv) to build the box plant in Brazil noted above
to meet growing demand from our regional customers in South America, (v) to install the machine in our Florence, South Carolina
mill noted above, (vi) to invest in the coater at our Mahrt mill noted above and (vii) to generate attractive returns; our estimation
that our baseline maintenance and return generating capital expenditures will be approximately $800 to $850 million per year;
our expectation that we will utilize the remaining U.S. federal net operating losses, alternative minimum tax and other U.S. federal
credits primarily over the next three years; our expectation that we will receive tax benefits in fiscal 2018 and future years from
the U.S. manufacturer’s deduction; that foreign and state net operating losses and credits will be used over a longer period of time;
our expectation that our cash tax rate will move closer to our income tax rate in fiscal 2018, 2019 and 2020; our expectation that
we will contribute approximately $39 million to our U.S. and non-U.S. pension plans in fiscal 2018, primarily related to our
Canadian plans; our expectation that we will continue to make contributions in the coming years to our pension plans in order to
ensure that our funding levels remain adequate in light of projected liabilities and to meet the requirements of the Pension Act and
other regulations; our estimation that minimum pension contributions to our U.S. and non-U.S. pension plans will be in the range
of approximately $27 million to $42 million annually in fiscal 2019 through 2022; that we do not expect the settlement of certain
U.S. qualified defined benefit pension plan obligations through lump sum payments to require us to make additional pension plan
contributions; that we anticipate that we will be able to fund our capital expenditures, interest payments, dividends and stock
repurchases, pension payments, working capital needs, note repurchases, restructuring and integration activities, repayments of
current portion of long-term debt and other corporate actions for the foreseeable future from cash generated from operations,
borrowings under our credit facilities, proceeds from our A/R Sales Agreement, proceeds from the issuance of debt or equity
securities or other additional long-term debt financing, including new or amended facilities; our belief that there is not a reasonable
15
likelihood that there will be a material change in the future estimates or assumptions we use to estimate allowances for doubtful
accounts, credits, returns and allowances, and cash discounts; our belief that there is not a reasonable likelihood that there will be
a material change in future assumptions or estimates we use to calculate impairment losses; that we may be exposed to impairment
losses that could be material; our belief that our restructuring estimates are reasonable; that we may enter into various hedging
transactions; that we may from time to time use interest rate swap agreements to manage the interest rate characteristics of a portion
of our outstanding debt; that we may from time to time use foreign-exchange hedge contracts with terms of generally less than
one year to hedge exposures; our belief that our pension assumptions are within accepted industry ranges; our belief that our health
insurance, workers’ compensation and pension and other postretirement benefits assumptions are appropriate; our belief that our
restructuring actions have allowed us to more effectively manage our business; our belief that our tax positions are appropriate;
our belief that the Quebec cap-and-trade program and other similar programs may require future expenditures to meet required
GHG emission reduction requirements in future years; the impact of a hypothetical 10% increase on the prices of various
commodities, products, raw materials, freight and energy; our expectation that integration activities will continue during fiscal
2018 and that we may face significant challenges integrating the acquired company’s technologies, organizations, procedures,
policies and operations, addressing differences in their business cultures and retaining key personnel; our expectation that the
integration of closed facilities’ assets and production with other facilities will enable the receiving facilities to better leverage their
fixed costs while eliminating fixed costs from closed facilities; the expected impact of market risks, such as interest rate risk,
pension plan risk, foreign currency risk, commodity price risks, energy price risk, rates of return, the risk of investments in derivative
instruments, and the risk of counterparty nonperformance, and expected factors affecting those risks including our increased
exposure to foreign currency as a result of the Combination and the MPS Acquisition; our assumptions and expectations regarding
critical accounting policies and estimates; our recording of net deferred tax assets to the extent we believe such assets are more
likely than not to be realized; our expectation of the impact of implementation of various accounting standards, including that
certain of these standards will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
Forward-looking statements are based on currently available information and our current assumptions, expectations and
projections about future events. You should not rely on our forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of
future performance and are subject to future events, risks and uncertainties — many of which are beyond our control, dependent
on actions of third parties or currently unknown to us — as well as potentially inaccurate assumptions that could cause actual
results to differ materially from our expectations and projections. Particular uncertainties that could cause our actual results to be
materially different than those expressed in our forward-looking statements include: the level of demand for our products; our
ability to successfully identify and make performance improvements; anticipated returns on our capital investments; our ability
to achieve benefits from acquisitions and the timing thereof; uncertainties related to planned and unplanned mill outages or
production disruptions; investment performance, discount rates, return on pension plan assets and expected compensation levels;
increases in energy, raw materials, shipping and capital equipment costs; fluctuations in selling prices and volumes; intense
competition; the impact of operational restructuring activities; potential liability for outstanding guarantees and indemnities and
the potential impact of such liabilities; changes in law, economic and financial conditions, including interest and exchange rate
volatility, commodity and equity prices; our ability to maintain our current credit rating and the impact on our funding costs and
competitive position if we do not do so; the amount and timing of our cash flows and earnings and other conditions, which may
affect our ability to pay our quarterly dividend at the planned level or to repurchase shares at planned levels; our capital allocation
plans, as such plans may change including with respect to the timing and size of share repurchases, acquisitions, joint ventures,
dispositions and other strategic actions; the impact of announced price increases or decreases and the impact of the gain and loss
of customers; compliance with governmental laws and regulations, including those related to the environment; the scope, and
timing and outcome of any litigation, claims, or other proceedings or dispute resolutions, including the Antitrust Litigation and
the impact of any such litigation, claims or other proceedings or dispute resolutions on our results of operations, financial condition
or cash flows; income tax rates, future deferred tax expense and future cash tax payments; future debt repayment; the occurrence
of severe weather or a natural disaster, such as a hurricane, tropical storm, earthquake, tornado, flood, fire, or other unanticipated
problems such as labor difficulties, equipment failure or unscheduled maintenance and repair, which could result in operational
disruptions of varied duration; and other factors that are discussed in Item 1A. “Risk Factors”.
Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we do not undertake to update these statements other
than as required by law. You are advised, however, to review any further disclosures we make on related subjects in our periodic
filings with the SEC.
Item 1A.
RISK FACTORS
We are subject to certain risks and events that, if one or more occur, could adversely affect our results of operations, cash
flows and financial condition, and the trading price of our Common Stock. In evaluating us, our business and a potential investment
in our securities, you should consider the following risk factors and the other information presented in this report, as well as the
other reports and registration statements we file from time to time with the SEC. The risks addressed below are not the only ones
16
we face. Additional risks not currently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial could also adversely impact our business
in the future.
We May Fail to Realize the Anticipated Benefits of the Combination
The success of the Combination will depend on, among other things, our ability to combine the RockTenn and MWV businesses
in a manner that facilitates growth opportunities, realizes anticipated synergies and achieves the identified projected cost savings
and revenue growth trends. In connection with the Combination, we set a $1.0 billion run rate synergy and performance improvement
target, before inflation, to be realized by June 30, 2018. At September 30, 2017, we had achieved a run rate of $840 million. We
expected, and continue to expect, to (a) benefit from operational synergies resulting from the consolidation of capabilities and the
elimination of redundancies, as well as greater efficiencies from increased scale and market integration and (b) realize revenue
synergies through an expanded and complementary product offering and increased geographic reach. However, we must
successfully combine the RockTenn and MWV businesses in a manner that permits these cost savings and synergies to be realized.
In addition, we must achieve the anticipated cost savings and synergies without adversely affecting current revenues and investments
in future growth.
Achieving the anticipated benefits of the Combination is subject to a number of uncertainties, including market conditions,
risks related to our businesses and whether we consolidate certain businesses and functions of RockTenn and MWV in an efficient,
effective and timely manner. In particular, we may face significant challenges integrating the companies’ technologies,
organizations, procedures, policies and operations, addressing differences in their business cultures and retaining key personnel.
The integration may also be more difficult, complex, costly and time consuming than we expect, and the integration process and
other disruptions resulting from the Combination may disrupt ongoing businesses or cause inconsistencies in standards, controls,
procedures and policies that adversely affect our relationships with employees, suppliers, customers and others with whom
RockTenn and MWV had business or other dealings, or otherwise limit our ability to achieve the anticipated benefits of the
Combination.
If we are not able to successfully combine the RockTenn and MWV businesses within the anticipated time frame, or at all,
the expected cost savings and synergies and other benefits of the Combination may not be realized fully, or at all, or may take
longer to realize than expected, the combined businesses may not perform as expected, management’s time and energy may be
diverted, and our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition, and the trading price of our Common Stock, could be
adversely affected.
We May Experience Pricing Variability
Our businesses have experienced, and are likely to continue experiencing, cycles relating to industry capacity and general
economic conditions. The length and magnitude of these cycles have varied over time and by product. Prices for our products are
driven by many factors, including general economic conditions, demand for our products and competitive conditions in the industries
within which we compete, and we have little influence over the timing and extent of price changes, which may be unpredictable
and volatile. If supply exceeds demand, prices for our products could decline, and our results of operations, cash flows and financial
condition, and the trading price of our Common Stock could be adversely affected. Further, certain published indices contribute
to the setting of selling prices for some of our products. Future changes in how these indices are established or maintained could
adversely impact the selling prices for these products.
Our Earnings Are Highly Dependent on Volumes
Because our operations generally have high fixed operating cost components, our earnings are highly dependent on volumes,
which tend to fluctuate. These fluctuations make it difficult to predict our financial results with any degree of certainty. Any failure
to maintain volumes may adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition, and the trading price of
our Common Stock.
We May Face Increased Costs or Inadequate Availability of Raw Materials, Energy and Transportation
We rely heavily on the use of certain raw materials, energy sources and third-party companies to transport our goods.
The costs of recovered paper and virgin fiber, the principal externally sourced raw materials for our mills, are subject to pricing
variability due to market and industry conditions. Increasing demand for products packaged in 100% recycled paper, greater
demand for U.S.-sourced recovered paper by Asian-based paper manufacturers and the shift by manufacturers of virgin paperboard,
tissue, newsprint and corrugated packaging to the production of products with some recycled paper content have and may continue
to increase demand for recovered paper, which may result in cost increases. Certain published indices contribute to price setting
17
for some of our raw materials. Future changes in how these indices are established or maintained could adversely impact the
pricing of these raw materials.
The cost of natural gas, which we use in many of our manufacturing operations, including many of our mills, and other energy
costs (including energy generated by burning natural gas, fuel oil, biomass and coal) has at times fluctuated significantly. High
energy costs could increase our operating costs and make our products less competitive compared to similar or alternative products
offered by competitors.
We distribute our products primarily by truck and rail, although we also distribute some of our products by cargo ship. The
reduced availability of trucks, rail cars or cargo ships could negatively impact our ability to distribute our products in a timely
manner, and high transportation costs could make our products less competitive compared to similar or alternative products offered
by competitors.
Because all of our businesses operate in highly competitive industry segments, we may not be able to recoup past or future
increases in the cost of raw materials, energy or transportation through price increases for our products. The failure to obtain raw
materials, energy or transportation services at reasonable market prices (or the failure to pass on price increases to our customers)
or a reduction in the availability of raw materials, energy or transportation services due to increased demand, significant changes
in climate or weather conditions, or other factors could adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition,
and the trading price of our Common Stock.
We Face Intense Competition
We compete in industries that are highly competitive, and no single company dominates an industry. Our competitors include
large and small, vertically integrated companies and numerous smaller non-integrated companies. We generally compete with
companies operating in North America, although we have operations spanning North America, South America, Europe, Asia and
Australia. Competition from domestic or non-U.S. lower cost or more innovative manufacturers could adversely impact our sales
volumes and pricing, as could other actions taken by our competitors, including reducing the prices of their products, improving
the quality of their products or enhancing their marketing or sales activities. In addition, changes within these industries, including
the consolidation of our competitors and our customers, have occurred and may continue to occur, which may adversely affect
our competitiveness. To the extent our competitors are more successful than we are with respect to any key competitive factor,
our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition, and the trading price of our Common Stock, could be adversely
affected.
Our products also compete, to some extent, with various other packaging materials, including products made of paper, plastics,
wood and various types of metal. Customer shifts away from paperboard and containerboard packaging to packaging made from
other materials could adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition, and the trading price of our
Common Stock.
We May Be Unsuccessful in Making and Integrating Mergers, Acquisitions and Investments and Completing Divestitures
We have completed a number of mergers, acquisitions, investments and divestitures in recent years, including the Combination,
our investment in Grupo Gondi, the Separation, the HH&B Sale and the MPS Acquisition, and we may acquire, invest in or sell,
or enter into joint ventures with additional companies. We may not be able to identify suitable targets or purchasers or successfully
complete suitable transactions in the future and completed transactions may not be successful. These transactions create risks,
including, but not limited to, risks associated with:
• disrupting our ongoing business, including distracting management from our existing businesses;
• integrating acquired businesses and personnel into our business;
• working with partners or other ownership structures with shared decision-making authority;
• obtaining and verifying relevant information regarding a business prior to the consummation of the transaction, including
the identification and assessment of liabilities, claims or other circumstances that could result in litigation or regulatory risk
exposure;
• obtaining required regulatory approvals and/or financing on favorable terms;
• retaining key employees, contractual relationships or customers;
• the potential impairment of tangible and intangible assets and goodwill;
• the additional operating losses and expenses of businesses we acquire or in which we invest;
• implementing controls, procedures and policies appropriate for a larger public company at companies we acquire;
• the dilution of interests of holders of our Common Stock through the issuance of equity securities; and
18
• integrating operations across different cultures and languages, and the economic, political and regulatory risks associated
with specific countries.
Further, the benefits we expect to achieve as a result of these transactions depend, in part, on our ability to realize anticipated
growth opportunities, cost savings and synergies. Our success in realizing these opportunities and synergies and the timing of
realizing them depend on the successful integration of the acquired businesses and operations with our business and operations.
Even if we are able to integrate these businesses and operations successfully, we may not realize the full benefits of the growth
opportunities and synergies we expected within the anticipated timeframe, or at all. Accordingly, the benefits from these acquisitions
may be offset by unanticipated costs or delays in integrating the acquired companies.
Mergers, acquisitions and investments may not be successful and may adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows
and financial condition, and the trading price of our Common Stock.
We May Be Adversely Affected by U.S. and Worldwide Economic and Financial Market Conditions, and Social and Political
Change
Our businesses may be affected by a number of factors that are beyond our control, such as general economic and business
conditions; changes in tax laws or tax rates and conditions in the financial services markets, including counterparty risk, insurance
carrier risk, rising interest rates, inflation, deflation, fluctuations in the value of local currency versus the U.S. dollar and the impact
of a stronger U.S. dollar; financial uncertainties in our major international markets, including uncertainties surrounding the United
Kingdom’s impending withdrawal from the European Union, commonly referred to as “Brexit”; social and political change
impacting matters such as environmental regulations and trade policies; sluggish or uneven recovery, government deficit reduction
and other austerity measures in specific countries or regions, or in the various industries in which we operate; or other factors,
each of which may adversely impact our ability to compete. Macro-economic challenges, including conditions in financial and
capital markets and levels of unemployment, and the ability of the U.S. and other countries to address their rising debt levels may
continue to put pressure on the economy or lead to changes in tax laws or tax rates that may have a material impact on our future
cash taxes, effective tax rate or deferred tax assets and liabilities. Adverse developments in the U.S. and global economy, including
locations such as Europe, Brazil, Mexico, India and China, could adversely affect the demand for our products, our revenues and
our manufacturing costs. We are not able to predict with certainty economic and financial market conditions, and social and political
change, and our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition, and the trading price of our Common Stock, could be
adversely affected by adverse market conditions and social and political change.
Our Joint Ventures May Limit Our Flexibility with Respect to These Jointly Owned Investments
We have invested in joint ventures when circumstances warranted the use of these structures, and we may form additional
joint ventures in the future. Our participation in joint ventures is subject to risks, including, but not limited to, risks associated
with:
• shared decision-making, which could require us to expend additional resources to resolve impasses or potential disputes;
• maintaining good relationships with our partners, which could limit our future growth potential;
• conflict of interest issues if our partners have competing interests;
• investment or operational goals that conflict with our partners’ goals, including the timing, terms and strategies for
investments or future growth opportunities;
• our partners’ ability to fund their share of required capital contributions or to otherwise fulfill their obligations as partners,
which may require us to infuse our own capital into these ventures on behalf of the related partner despite other competing
uses for capital; and
• obtaining consents from our partners for any sale or other disposition of our interest in a joint venture or underlying assets
of the joint venture.
Our Investment in Grupo Gondi May Require Us to Utilize Our Cash Flow or Incur Additional Indebtedness to Satisfy
Certain Payment Obligations
In connection with our investment in the joint venture with Grupo Gondi, we entered into an option agreement pursuant to
which we and certain shareholders of Grupo Gondi agreed to future put and call options with respect to the equity interests in the
joint venture held by each party. These put and call arrangements may require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow
to satisfy our payment obligations in respect of these arrangements, which may reduce the amount of funds available for our
operations, capital expenditures and corporate development activities. Similarly, we may be required to incur additional
indebtedness to satisfy our payment obligations in respect of these arrangements.
19
We are Exposed to Risks Related to International Sales and Operations
We predominately operate in U.S. markets, but derived 17.6% of our net sales in fiscal 2017 from outside the U.S. through
international operations or exports to foreign customers, some of which were transacted in U.S. dollars. We are exposed to risks
of operating in many countries, including, but not limited to, risks associated with:
• the difficulties with and costs of complying with a wide variety of complex laws, treaties and regulations;
• unexpected changes in political or regulatory environments; earnings and cash flows that may be subject to tax withholding
requirements or the imposition of tariffs, exchange controls or other restrictions;
• repatriating cash from foreign countries to the U.S.;
• political and economic instability;
• import and export restrictions and other trade barriers;
• maintaining overseas subsidiaries and managing international operations;
• obtaining approval for significant transactions;
• government limitations on foreign ownership;
• government takeovers or nationalizations of business;
• government mandated price controls;
• fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; and
• transfer pricing.
Any one or more of these risks could adversely affect our international operations and our results of operations, cash flows
and financial condition, and the trading price of our Common Stock.
The Future Success of our International Operations Could be Adversely Affected by Violations or Alleged Violations of the
Anti-Bribery Laws
The FCPA and local anti-bribery laws, including those in Brazil, Mexico and India (where we maintain operations directly or
through a joint venture), prohibit companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments to government officials for
the purpose of influencing official decisions. Our policies mandate compliance with anti-bribery laws, including the FCPA. Our
internal control policies and procedures, or those of our vendors, may not adequately protect us from reckless or criminal acts
committed or alleged to have been committed by our employees, agents or vendors. Any such allegations could lead to civil or
criminal monetary and non-monetary penalties and/or could damage our reputation. Violations of these laws, or allegations of
such violations, could adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition, and the trading price of our
Common Stock.
We Depend on Certain Large Customers
Our corrugated packaging segment and consumer packaging segment each have large customers, the loss of which could
adversely affect the segment’s sales and, depending on the significance of the loss, our results of operations, cash flows and financial
condition, and the trading price of our Common Stock. In particular, because our businesses operate in highly competitive industry
segments, we regularly bid for new business or for the renewal of existing business. The loss of business from our larger customers,
or the renewal of business on less favorable terms, may adversely impact our financial results.
We May Fail to Anticipate Trends That Would Enable Us to Offer Products That Respond to Changing Customer Preferences
Our success depends, in part, on our ability to offer differentiated solutions, and we must continually develop and introduce
new products and services in a timely manner to keep pace with technological and regulatory developments and achieve customer
acceptance. The services and products we offer customers may not meet their needs as their business models evolve, or our
customers may decide to decrease or use alternative materials for their product packaging or forego the packaging of certain
products entirely. Regulatory developments can also significantly alter the market for our solutions. For example, a move to
electronic distribution of disclaimers and other paperless regimes could negatively impact our healthcare inserts and labels
businesses. Our success depends, in part, on our ability to identify and respond promptly to changes in customer preferences,
expectations and needs. Our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition, and the trading price of our Common Stock,
could be adversely affected if we fail to anticipate trends that would enable us to offer products that respond to changing customer
preferences.
20
We May Produce Faulty or Contaminated Products Due to Failures in Quality Control Measures and Systems
We maintain quality control measures and systems to ensure the safety and quality of our products. The consequences of a
product not meeting these standards could be severe. These consequences may include adverse effects on consumer health, litigation
exposure, loss of market share and adverse financial impacts. If our products fail to meet our standards, we may be required to
incur substantial costs in taking appropriate corrective action (up to and including recalling products from end consumers) and to
reimburse customers and/or end consumers for losses that they suffer as a result of this failure. Customers and end consumers may
seek to recover these losses through litigation and, under applicable legal rules, may succeed in any such claim despite there being
no negligence or other fault on our part. Placing an unsafe product on the market, failing to notify the regulatory authorities of a
safety issue, failing to take appropriate corrective action and failing to meet other regulatory requirements relating to product
safety could lead to regulatory investigation, enforcement action and/or prosecution. Any product quality or safety issue may also
result in adverse publicity, which may damage our reputation. Any of these results could adversely affect our results of operations,
cash flows and financial condition, and the trading price of our Common Stock.
In certain contracts, we provide guarantees that our products are produced in accordance with customer specifications regarding
the proper functioning of our products and the conformity of a product to the specific use defined by the customer. In addition, if
the product contained in packaging manufactured by us is faulty or contaminated, the manufacturer of the product may allege that
the packaging we provided caused the fault or contamination, even if the packaging complies with contractual specifications. If
certain of our packaging fails to open properly or to preserve the integrity of its contents, we could face liability to our customers
and to third parties for bodily injury or other tangible or intangible damages suffered as a result. Such liability, if it were to be
established in relation to a sufficient volume of claims or to claims for sufficiently large amounts, could adversely affect our results
of operations, cash flows and financial condition, and the trading price of our Common Stock.
We May Incur Business Disruptions
The operations at our manufacturing facilities may be interrupted or impaired by various operating risks, including, but not
limited to, risks associated with:
• catastrophic events, such as fires, floods, explosions, natural disasters, severe weather, including hurricanes, or other similar
occurrences;
• interruptions in the delivery of raw materials or other manufacturing inputs;
• adverse government regulations;
• equipment breakdowns or failures;
• unscheduled maintenance;
• information system failures;
• violations of our permit requirements or revocation of permits;
• releases of pollutants and hazardous substances to air, soil, surface water or ground water;
• shortages of equipment or spare parts; and
• labor disputes.
For example, in fiscal 2017, operations at a number of our facilities were interrupted by several hurricanes. We lost mill
production at certain of these facilities and incurred damages, supply chain disruptions and increased input costs associated with
these hurricanes.
The occurrence of any of the events noted above may impair our production capabilities and adversely affect our results of
operations, cash flows and financial condition, and the trading price of our Common Stock.
Interest Rate Increases Could Impact Our Financial Condition
We maintain levels of fixed and floating rate debt that we consider prudent based on our cash flows (and other financial
metrics) and our business outlook, and these levels may vary over time. Our floating rate debt exposes us to changes in interest
rates. We utilize fixed rate debt and, from time to time, derivative financial instruments to manage our exposure to interest rate
risks. However, our financial risk management may not be successful in reducing the risks inherent in exposures to interest rate
fluctuations, which could adversely affect our financial condition and the trading price of our Common Stock.
Downgrades in our Credit Ratings Could Increase our Borrowing Costs
Some of our outstanding indebtedness has received credit ratings from rating agencies. These ratings are limited in scope and
do not purport to address all risks relating to an investment in those debt securities. Our credit ratings could change based on,
21
among other things, our results of operations and financial condition. These ratings are subject to ongoing evaluation by credit
rating agencies, and they may be lowered, suspended or withdrawn entirely by a rating agency or placed on a so-called “watch
list” for a possible downgrade or assigned a negative ratings outlook if, in any rating agency’s judgment, circumstances so warrant.
Actual or anticipated changes or downgrades in our credit ratings, including any announcement that our ratings are under review
for a downgrade or have been assigned a negative outlook, would likely increase our borrowing costs, which could in turn adversely
affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition, and the trading price of our Common Stock. If a downgrade
or negative outlook were to occur, it could impact our ability to access the capital markets to raise debt and/or increase the cost
thereof. In addition, while our credit ratings are important to us, we may take actions and otherwise operate our business in a
manner that adversely affects our credit ratings.
We are Subject to Extensive and Costly Safety and Environmental Laws and Regulations
We are subject to various federal, state, local and foreign safety and environmental laws and regulations, including those
regulating the discharge, storage, handling and disposal of a variety of substances, the chemicals used in our operations, air
emissions and water discharges from our facilities, the cleanup of contaminated soil and groundwater, the environmental impacts
of our finished products and the health and safety of our employees.
We regularly make capital expenditures to maintain compliance with applicable safety and environmental laws and regulations;
however, these laws and regulations are becoming increasingly stringent. Consequently, our compliance costs could increase
materially, which could materially adversely affect our competitive position. In addition, we cannot currently assess the impact
of future changes in governmental regulations or governments’ enforcement practices will have on our operations or capital
expenditure requirements. For example, our manufacturing operations consume significant amounts of energy, and we may in the
future incur additional or increased capital and operating costs from changes due to increased climate-related and other
environmental regulations.
In addition to environmental regulations, we are responsible for conducting environmental investigation and cleanup activities
at current and formerly owned sites. We also have been identified as a PRP at various third-party disposal sites. Any liability or
damages we may incur in connection with these or other sites at which we may be identified in the future as a PRP or in connection
with safety or environmental requirements, including capital investments or business disruptions associated with regulatory
compliance, may adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition, and the trading price of our Common
Stock.
Our Capital Expenditures May Not Achieve the Desired Outcomes or May Be Achieved at a Higher Cost than Anticipated
We regularly make capital expenditures. Many of our projects are complex, costly and/or implemented over an extended
period of time. Consequently, our capital expenditures could be higher than we anticipated, we may experience unanticipated
business disruptions and/or we may not achieve the desired benefits from these projects, any of which could adversely affect our
results of operations, cash flows and financial condition, and the trading price of our Common Stock. In addition, disputes between
us and contractors who are involved with implementing projects could lead to time-consuming and costly litigation.
We May Incur Additional Restructuring Costs and May Not Realize Expected Benefits from Restructuring
We have previously restructured portions of our operations, and we may engage in future restructuring initiatives. Because
we are not able to predict with certainty market conditions, including changes in the supply and demand for our products, the loss
of large customers, the selling prices for our products, or the cost of manufacturing our products, we also may not be able to predict
with certainty the appropriate time to undertake restructurings. The cash and non-cash costs associated with these activities will
vary depending upon the type of facility impacted, with the non-cash cost of a mill closure generally being more significant than
that of a converting facility due to the higher level of investment. These activities may divert the attention of management, disrupt
our operations and fail to achieve the intended cost and operations benefits.
22
We May Be Adversely Impacted By Work Stoppages and Other Labor Relations Matters
A significant number of our union employees are governed by CBAs. Expired contracts are in the process of renegotiation,
and others expire within one year. We may not be able to successfully negotiate new union contracts without work stoppages or
labor difficulties or renegotiate them on favorable terms. We have experienced work stoppages in the past and we may experience
work stoppages in the future. If we are unable to successfully renegotiate the terms of any of these agreements or an industry
association is unable to successfully negotiate a national agreement when it expires, or if we experience any extended interruption
of operations at any of our facilities as a result of strikes or other work stoppages, our results of operations, cash flows and financial
condition, and the trading price of our Common Stock, could be adversely affected.
In addition, our businesses rely on certain vendors, suppliers and other third parties that have union employees. Strikes or
work stoppages at these vendors, suppliers and other third parties could adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and
financial condition, and the trading price of our Common Stock.
We May Incur Increased Employee Benefit Costs and Certain of Our Pension Plans Will Likely Require Additional Cash
Contributions
Employee healthcare costs continue to rise. Our pension plan contribution and health care benefits costs depend on multiple
factors resulting from actual plan experience and assumptions of future experience. While the Plan is over funded, we expect to
make future contributions primarily to our non-U.S. pension plans in the coming years in order to ensure that our funding levels
remain adequate and meet regulatory requirements. The actual required amounts and timing of future cash contributions will be
highly sensitive to changes in the applicable discount rates and returns on plan assets, and could also be impacted by future changes
in the laws and regulations applicable to plan funding. Our pension plan assets are primarily made up of fixed income, equity and
alternative investments. Fluctuations in the market performance of these assets and changes in interest rates may result in increased
or decreased pension plan costs in future periods. Changes in assumptions regarding expected long-term rate of return on plan
assets, our discount rate, expected compensation levels or mortality could also increase or decrease pension costs. These changes,
along with turmoil in financial and capital markets, may adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial
condition, and the trading price of our Common Stock.
We May Incur Withdrawal Liability and/or Increased Funding Requirements in Connection with the MEPPs in Which We
Participate
We participate in several MEPPs that provide retirement benefits to certain union employees in accordance with various CBAs.
Our contributions to a particular MEPP are established by the applicable CBAs; however, our required contributions may increase
based on the declining funded status of an MEPP and legal requirements, such as those of the Pension Act, which require substantially
underfunded MEPPs to implement a FIP or a RP to improve their funded status. Factors that could impact the funded status of a
MEPP include, without limitation, a shrinking contribution base as a result of the insolvency or withdrawal of other companies
that currently contribute to these plans, the inability or failure of companies withdrawing from the plan to pay their withdrawal
liability, low interest rates, changes in actuarial assumptions and/or lower than expected returns on pension fund assets.
We believe that certain of the MEPPs in which we participate, including PIUMPF, have material unfunded vested benefits.
In the normal course of business, we evaluate our potential exposure to MEPPs, including with respect to potential withdrawal
liabilities. We are considering withdrawing from one or more MEPPs. It is reasonably possible that we may incur significant
withdrawal liabilities with respect to certain MEPPs in connection with such withdrawal(s). Our withdrawal liability for any
particular MEPP would depend on the nature and timing of any triggering event and the extent of that MEPP’s funding of vested
benefits. In addition, we may be obligated to pay a share of a particular MEPP’s accumulated funding deficiency as determined
under the Pension Act. Due to the absence of specific information regarding the applicable funded status and other relevant
information for each MEPP, we are unable to determine with certainty the exact amount of any withdrawal liability. However,
based on available information, including the MEPP’s latest available actuarial valuation reports and annual funding notices, we
believe our withdrawal liability would be approximately $140 million to $200 million if we were to withdraw from all of the
MEPPs in which we participate prior to the end of calendar 2017. The foregoing estimate assumes payment of the liabilities over
20 years discounted at 5% and excludes the potential impact of future mass withdrawals.
The impact of increased contributions, future funding obligations or future withdrawal liabilities may adversely affect our
results of operations, cash flows and financial condition, and the trading price of our Common Stock. See “Note 15. Retirement
Plans — Multiemployer Plans” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
23
We are Subject to Cyber-Security Risks, Including Related to Customer, Employee, Vendor or Other Company Data and
Including in Connection with Integration of Acquired Businesses and Operations
We use information technologies to securely manage operations and various business functions. We rely on various
technologies, some of which are managed by third parties, to process, transmit and store electronic information, and to manage
or support a variety of business processes and activities, including reporting on our business and interacting with customers,
vendors and employees. In addition, we collect and store certain data, including proprietary business information, and may have
access to confidential or personal information in certain of our segments that is subject to privacy and security laws, regulations
and customer-imposed controls. Our systems are subject to repeated attempts by third parties to access information or to disrupt
our systems. Despite our security design and controls, and those of our third-party providers, we may become subject to system
damage, disruptions or shutdowns due to any number of causes, including cyber-attacks, breaches, employee error or malfeasance,
power outages, computer viruses, telecommunication or utility failures, systems failures, service providers, natural disasters or
other catastrophic events. It is possible for such vulnerabilities to remain undetected for an extended period, up to and including
several years. We may face other challenges and risks as we upgrade and standardize our information technology systems as part
of our integration of acquired businesses and operations. We have contingency plans in place to prevent or mitigate the impact of
these events, however, these events could result in operational disruptions or the misappropriation of sensitive data, and depending
on their nature and scope, could lead to the compromise of confidential information, improper use of our systems and networks,
manipulation and destruction of data, defective products, production downtimes and operational disruptions and exposure to
liability. Such disruptions or misappropriations and the resulting repercussions, including reputational damage and legal claims
or proceedings, may adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition, and the trading price of our
Common Stock.
We Depend On Our Ability to Develop and Successfully Introduce New Products and/or to Acquire and Retain Intellectual
Property Rights
Our ability to develop and successfully market new products and to develop, acquire and/or retain necessary intellectual
property rights is important to our continued success and competitive position. If we are unable to develop and successfully
introduce new products, protect our existing intellectual property rights, or develop new rights or if others develop similar or
improved technologies, our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition, and the trading price of our Common Stock,
could be adversely affected.
We are Subject to Risks Associated with Monetizing our Land and Development Asset Portfolio
Our land and development segment has historically engaged in value-added real estate development activities in the Charleston,
SC region, including obtaining entitlements and establishing joint ventures and other development-related arrangements. In fiscal
2016, we commenced an accelerated monetization strategy of our land and development asset portfolio that we expect to complete
in fiscal 2018. Our ability to execute our plans may be affected by general economic conditions, including credit markets and
interest rates, local real estate market conditions, including competition from sellers of land and real estate developers, and the
impact of federal, state and local laws and regulations affecting land use, land use entitlements, land protection and zoning, among
other factors. Any failure to execute our plans could adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition,
and the trading price of our Common Stock.
We are Subject to Risks Associated with the Relocation of Our Principal Offices
We are in the process of relocating our principal offices from Norcross, GA to Sandy Springs, GA and we expect to complete
the relocation in the first half of fiscal 2018. We may not complete the relocation during the expected timeframe and we may not
effectively transition our workforce to the new location, in which case we could experience business disruption due to a loss of
historical knowledge and a lack of business continuity. In addition, we may not realize the expected benefits of the relocation as
a result of business disruption or other factors.
We May Fail to Attract, Motivate, Train and Retain Qualified Personnel, Including Key Personnel
Our ability to maintain or expand our business depends on our ability to attract, motivate, train and retain employees with the
skills necessary to understand and adapt to the continuously developing needs of our customers. The increasing demand for qualified
personnel makes it more difficult for us to attract and retain employees with requisite skill sets, particularly employees with
specialized technical and trade experience. Changing demographics and labor work force trends also may result in a loss of
knowledge and skills as experienced workers retire. If we fail to attract, motivate, train and retain qualified personnel, or if we
experience excessive turnover, we may experience declining sales, manufacturing delays or other inefficiencies, increased
24
recruiting, training and relocation costs and other difficulties, and our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition,
and the trading price of our Common Stock may be adversely impacted.
In addition, we rely on key executive and management personnel to manage our business efficiently and effectively. As our
business has grown in size and geographic scope, we have relied on these individuals to manage increasingly complex projects,
teams and operations, and to allocate resources to match the size and geographic scope of our business. The loss of any of our key
personnel could adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition, and the trading price of our Common
Stock may be adversely impacted.
The Separation Could Result in Substantial Tax Liability to Us and to Those of Our Stockholders Who Received Ingevity
Stock at the Time of the Separation
We have received an opinion from outside tax counsel to the effect that the Separation qualifies as a transaction that is described
in Sections 355 and 368(a)(1)(D) of the Internal Revenue Code. The opinion relies on certain facts, assumptions, representations
and undertakings from Ingevity and us regarding the past and future conduct of each of the two companies’ respective businesses
and other matters. If any of these facts, assumptions, representations or undertakings prove to be incorrect or not satisfied, or if
the IRS otherwise determines on audit that the Separation is taxable, our stockholders who received Ingevity stock at the time of
the Separation and/or we may not be able to rely on the opinion of tax counsel and could be subject to significant tax liabilities.
If the Separation is determined to be taxable, those of our stockholders who received Ingevity stock at the time of the Separation
and/or we could be subject to a substantial tax liability. If the Separation is determined to be taxable to those of our stockholders
who received Ingevity stock at the time of the Separation, each of those stockholders would generally be treated as having received
a taxable distribution of property in an amount equal to the fair market value of the Ingevity shares received.
Even if the Separation otherwise qualifies as a tax-free transaction to those of our stockholders who received Ingevity stock
at the time of the Separation, the distribution could be taxable to us in certain circumstances if future significant acquisitions of
our stock or the stock of Ingevity are determined to be part of a plan or series of related transactions that included the Separation.
In this event, the resulting tax liability would be substantial. In connection with the Separation, we entered into a tax matters
agreement with Ingevity, pursuant to which Ingevity agreed (a) to not engage in certain transactions that could cause the Separation
to be taxable to us and (b) to indemnify us for any tax liabilities resulting from such transactions. The indemnity from Ingevity
may not be sufficient to protect us against the full amount of such liabilities. Any tax liabilities resulting from the Separation or
related transactions could adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition, and the trading price of
our Common Stock.
We May Be Exposed to Claims and Liabilities as a Result of the Separation
We entered into a separation and distribution agreement and various other agreements with Ingevity to govern the Separation
and the relationship of the two companies going forward. These agreements provide for specific indemnity and liability obligations
and could lead to disputes between us and Ingevity. The indemnity rights we have against Ingevity under the agreements may not
be sufficient to protect us. In addition, our indemnity obligations to Ingevity may be significant and these risks could adversely
affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition, and the trading price of our Common Stock.
Item 1B.
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
There are no unresolved SEC staff comments.
25
Item 2.
PROPERTIES
We operate locations in North America, including the majority of U.S. states, South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. We
lease our principal offices in Norcross, GA. We have announced our intention to relocate our principal offices to leased space
located in Sandy Springs, GA and expect to complete the relocation in the first half of fiscal 2018. See Item 1A. “Risk Factors
— We are Subject to Risks Associated with the Relocation of Our Principal Offices”.
We believe that our existing production capacity is adequate to serve existing demand for our products and consider our plants
and equipment to be in good condition.
Our corporate and operating facilities as of September 30, 2017 are summarized below:
Segment
Corrugated Packaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consumer Packaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Land and Development . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Corporate and significant regional
offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Number of Facilities
Owned
Leased
Total
97
86
2
—
185
48
58
1
10
117
145
144
3
10
302
The tables that follow show our annual production capacity by mill at September 30, 2017 in thousands of tons. Although
our mill system operating rates may vary from year to year due to changes in market and other factors, our simple average mill
system operating rates for the last three years averaged 95%. We own all of our mills. Our fiber sourcing for our mills is approximately
65% virgin and 35% recycled.
Corrugated Packaging Mills
Location of Mill
Fernandina Beach, FL . . . . . .
West Point, VA. . . . . . . . . . . .
Stevenson, AL . . . . . . . . . . . .
Solvay, NY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hodge, LA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Florence, SC . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Panama City, FL . . . . . . . . . .
Seminole, FL . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dublin, GA . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hopewell, VA. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tres Barras, Brazil. . . . . . . . .
Tacoma, WA. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
La Tuque, QC . . . . . . . . . . . .
St. Paul, MN . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Morai, India . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Corrugated
Packaging Mill Capacity .
Linerboard Medium
White Top
Linerboard
Kraft
Paper/
Bag
Market
Pulp
Bleached
Paperboard
930
548
800
683
353
402
130
527
345
90
155
185
885
272
198
130
175
200
25
735
292
325
275
345
60
60
131
Total
Capacity
930
920
885
820
800
683
645
600
585
527
520
485
476
200
180
4,963
2,070
1,355
385
352
131
9,256
26
Consumer Packaging Mills
Location of Mill
Mahrt, AL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Covington, VA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Evadale, TX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Demopolis, AL . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
St. Paul, MN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battle Creek, MI . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chattanooga, TN . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dallas, TX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sheldon Springs, VT
(Missisquoi Mill) . . . . . . . . . . .
Lynchburg, VA . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stroudsburg, PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Eaton, IN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aurora, IL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Consumer Packaging
Mill Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bleached
Paperboard
Coated
Natural
Kraft
1,066
Coated
Recycled
Paperboard
Specialty
Recycled
Paperboard
Market
Pulp
950
630
360
70
110
170
160
127
111
80
1,940
1,066
648
140
103
64
32
339
Total
Capacity
1,066
950
700
470
170
160
140
127
111
103
80
64
32
180
4,173
The production at our Lynchburg, VA mill is gypsum paperboard liner and the paper machine is owned by our Seven Hills
joint venture.
At September 30, 2017, we owned approximately 27,000 acres of development landholdings primarily in the Charleston, SC
region and approximately 135,000 acres of forestlands in Brazil.
Item 3.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are a defendant in a number of lawsuits and claims arising out of the conduct of our business. While the ultimate results
of such suits or other proceedings against us cannot be predicted with certainty, we believe the resolution of these matters will not
have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
See “Note 19. Commitments and Contingencies” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Item 4.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
PART II: FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 5.
MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Common Stock
Our Common Stock trades on the NYSE under the symbol “WRK”. As of October 27, 2017, there were approximately
6,705 stockholders of record of our Common Stock. The number of stockholders of record includes one single stockholder, Cede &
Co., for all of the shares of our Common Stock held by our stockholders in individual brokerage accounts maintained at banks,
brokers and institutions.
27
Price Range of Common Stock and Dividends
Fiscal 2017
Market Price
High
Low
First Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Second Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . $
Third Quarter. . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Fourth Quarter. . . . . . . . . . . . $
53.56
56.12
58.62
60.36
$
$
$
$
43.79
50.53
49.23
54.05
Fiscal 2016
Market Price
High
Low
57.85
45.71
44.49
49.18
$
$
$
$
42.75
29.73
35.52
36.33
Dividend
0.375
$
$
$
$
0.375
0.375
0.375
Dividend
0.40
$
$
$
$
0.40
0.40
0.40
$
$
$
$
The range of prices in the table above is impacted by the Separation subsequent to May 15, 2016. On that date, Ingevity
became an independent public company trading under the symbol “NGVT” on the NYSE. Under the terms of the Separation,
WestRock stockholders received one share of Ingevity common stock for every six shares of Common Stock held as of the close
of business on May 4, 2016.
In October 2017, our board of directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.43 per share, representing a 7.5% increase from
the prior $0.40 per share quarterly dividend and an annual dividend of $1.72 per share. During fiscal 2017, we paid quarterly
dividends of $0.40 per share for an annual dividend of $1.60 per share, representing a 6.7% increase from the prior year. During
fiscal 2016, we paid quarterly dividends of $0.375 per share for an annual dividend of $1.50 per share. See Item 6. “Selected
Financial Data” for additional information.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
See Part III, Item 12 of this Form 10-K and “Note 16. Stockholders’ Equity” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
for additional information.
Stock Repurchase Plan
See “Note 16. Stockholders’ Equity” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Item 6.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following selected consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements
and notes thereto and Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”.
RockTenn was the accounting acquirer in the Combination; therefore, the historical consolidated financial statements of RockTenn
for periods prior to the Combination are considered to be the historical financial statements of WestRock and thus WestRock’s
consolidated financial statements for fiscal 2015 reflect RockTenn’s consolidated financial statements for periods from October
1, 2014 through June 30, 2015, and WestRock’s thereafter. We derived the consolidated statements of operations and consolidated
statements of cash flows data for the years ended September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015 and the consolidated balance sheet data as
of September 30, 2017 and 2016 from the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein. We derived the consolidated
statements of operations and consolidated statements of cash flows data for the year ended September 30, 2014 and the consolidated
balance sheet data as of September 30, 2015 from audited WestRock Company consolidated financial statements not included in
this report. We derived the consolidated statements of operations and consolidated statements of cash flows data for the year ended
September 30, 2013 and the consolidated balance sheet data as of September 30, 2014 and 2013, from audited Rock-Tenn Company
consolidated financial statements not included in this report. The table that follows is consistent with those presentations with the
exception of diluted earnings per share attributable to common stockholders, diluted weighted average shares outstanding, dividends
per common share and book value per common share that have been adjusted retroactively due to RockTenn’s August 2014 two-
for-one stock split.
The Combination was the primary reason for the changes in the selected financial data in fiscal 2016 and 2015 as compared
to prior years due to the size and timing of the transaction. The selected financial data has been updated to reflect the Separation.
Our results of operations shown below may not be indicative of future results.
28
Net sales. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 14,859.7
Pension risk transfer expense (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Pension lump sum settlement and retiree medical
— $
curtailment, net (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Land and Development impairment (3) . . . . . . . . . . . $
Restructuring and other costs, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Gain on sale of HH&B (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Income from continuing operations (5). . . . . . . . . . . . $
(Loss) income from discontinued operations (net of
tax) (6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2017
2016
Year Ended September 30,
2015
(In millions, except per share amounts)
$ 11,124.8
2014
$ 14,171.8
$
9,895.1
2013
$
9,545.4
370.7
$
— $
— $
— $
— $
11.5
$
— $
366.4
$
140.8
$
— $
— $
47.9
$
— $
55.6
$
— $
—
—
—
78.0
—
154.8
$
501.2
32.6
46.7
196.7
192.8
698.6
$
$
$
$
$
— $
(544.7) $
10.6
Net income (loss) attributable to common
stockholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
708.2
Diluted earnings per share from continuing
operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2.77
$
$
(396.3) $
507.1
0.59
$
2.87
Diluted (loss) earnings per share from discontinued
operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
— $
(2.13) $
0.06
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to
common stockholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2.77
1.60
255.7
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding . . . . . .
Dividends paid per common share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Book value per common share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
40.64
Total assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 25,089.0
Current portion of debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
608.7
Long-term debt due after one year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Total debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
6,554.8
Total stockholders’ equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 10,342.5
Net cash provided by operating activities . . . . . . . . . $
1,900.5
Capital expenditures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Cash paid (received) for purchase of businesses, net
5,946.1
778.6
$
$
$
$
$
$
of cash acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Cash received in merger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Purchases of common stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Purchases of commons stock - merger related . . . . . $
Cash dividends paid to stockholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
1,588.5
93.0
$
— $
$
— $
$
403.2
$
$
$
(1.54) $
257.9
1.50
38.75
$
$
2.93
173.3
1.20
45.34
$ 23,038.2
$ 25,372.4
$ 11,039.7
$ 10,733.4
$
$
$
$
$
$
292.9
5,496.3
5,789.2
$
$
$
63.7
5,558.2
5,621.9
9,728.8
$ 11,651.8
1,688.4
796.7
376.4
$
$
$
— $
335.3
$
— $
$
380.7
1,203.6
585.5
(3.7) $
$
265.7
336.7
667.8
214.5
$
$
$
132.6
2,852.1
2,984.7
4,306.8
1,151.8
534.2
474.4
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
— $
236.3
$
— $
$
101.1
2.9
2,841.9
2,844.8
4,312.3
1,032.5
440.4
6.3
—
—
—
75.3
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
483.8
$
732.5
— $
—
479.7
3.29
$
$
727.3
4.98
— $
—
3.29
146.0
0.70
30.76
$
$
$
4.98
146.1
0.525
29.94
(1)
(2)
In fiscal 2016, we used plan assets to settle $2.5 billion of pension obligations of the Plan by purchasing group annuity contracts
from Prudential. This transaction transferred payment responsibility to Prudential for retirement benefits owed to
approximately 35,000 U.S. retirees and their beneficiaries. As a result, we recorded a non-cash charge of $370.7 million pre-
tax. See “Note 15. Retirement Plans” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
In fiscal 2017, lump sum payments to certain beneficiaries of the Plan, together with several one-time severance benefit
payments out of the Plan, triggered pension settlement accounting and a remeasurement of the Plan. As a result of settlement
accounting, we recognized as a current period expense a pro-rata portion of the unamortized net actuarial loss, after
remeasurement, and recorded a $32.6 million non-cash charge to our earnings. In fiscal 2015, payments were made to former
employees to partially settle obligations of one of our qualified defined benefit pension plans and we recorded a non-cash
pre-tax charge of $20.0 million. In addition, changes in retiree medical coverage for certain employees covered by the USW
master agreement resulted in the recognition of an $8.5 million pre-tax curtailment gain. These two items netted to an $11.5
million pre-tax charge. In fiscal 2014, we completed the first phase of our previously announced lump sum pension settlement
to certain eligible former employees and recorded a pre-tax charge of $47.9 million. See “Note 15. Retirement Plans” of the
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
29
(3) Due to the accelerated monetization strategy in our Land and Development segment, we recorded a pre-tax non-cash real
estate impairment of $46.7 million, or $39.7 million net of $7.0 million of noncontrolling interest, in fiscal 2017. The
impairment was recorded to write-down the carrying value on projects where the projected sales proceeds were less than the
carrying value.
(4) On April 6, 2017, we completed the HH&B Sale. In fiscal 2017, we recorded a pre-tax gain on sale of HH&B of $192.8
million. See “Note 8. Assets Held For Sale” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
(5)
Income from continuing operations was impacted by the HH&B Sale, restructuring and other costs, net, the Land and
Development impairment, the pension lump sum settlements and pension risk transfer as identified in the table above for the
respective years. In addition, income from continuing operations in fiscal 2017 was reduced by $26.5 million pre-tax for the
expensing of inventory stepped-up in purchase accounting, primarily related to the MPS Acquisition, and fiscal 2015 was
reduced by $64.7 million pre-tax for the expensing of inventory stepped-up in purchase accounting, primarily related to the
Combination. Income from continuing operations in fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013 was increased as a result of a reduction of
cost of goods sold of $6.7 million, $32.3 million and $12.2 million pre-tax, respectively, due to the recording of additional
value of spare parts at our containerboard mills acquired in the Smurfit-Stone Acquisition. Income from continuing operations
in fiscal 2013 was increased by the reversal of $254.1 million of tax reserves related to AFMC acquired in the Smurfit-Stone
Acquisition that were partially offset by a resulting increase in a state tax valuation allowance of $1.2 million.
(6) Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax in fiscal 2016 included a $478.3 million pre-tax goodwill impairment charge
and $101.1 million pre-tax customer list impairment charge associated with our former Specialty Chemicals operations. See
“Note 7. Discontinued Operations” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. Income
from discontinued operations, net of tax in fiscal 2015 was reduced by $8.2 million pre-tax for the expensing of inventory
stepped-up in purchase accounting, net of related LIFO impact.
Item 7.
Overview
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
We are a multinational provider of paper and packaging solutions for consumer and corrugated packaging markets. We partner
with our customers to provide differentiated paper and packaging solutions that help them win in the marketplace. Our team
members support customers around the world from our operating and business locations in North America, South America, Europe,
Asia and Australia. We also sell real estate primarily in the Charleston, SC region.
Organization
WestRock was formed on March 6, 2015 for the purpose of effecting the Combination and, prior to the Combination, did not
conduct any activities other than those incidental to its formation and the matters contemplated by the Business Combination
Agreement. On July 1, 2015, pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement, RockTenn and MWV completed a strategic
combination of their respective businesses and RockTenn and MWV each became wholly-owned subsidiaries of WestRock.
RockTenn was the accounting acquirer in the Combination; therefore, the historical consolidated financial statements of RockTenn
for periods prior to the Combination are considered to be the historical financial statements of WestRock and thus WestRock’s
consolidated financial statements for fiscal 2015 reflect RockTenn’s consolidated financial statements for periods from October
1, 2014 through June 30, 2015, and WestRock’s thereafter. We believe the Combination combined two industry leaders to create
a leading global provider of consumer and corrugated packaging solutions. See “Note 6. Merger, Acquisitions and Investment”
of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
On May 15, 2016, WestRock completed the Separation, pursuant to which we disposed of our former Specialty Chemicals
segment in its entirety and ceased to consolidate its assets, liabilities and results of operations in our consolidated financial
statements. Accordingly, we have presented the financial position and results of operations of our former Specialty Chemicals
segment as discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for all periods presented. See “Note
7. Discontinued Operations” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
On April 6, 2017, we completed the HH&B Sale. We recorded a pre-tax gain on sale of HH&B of $192.8 million in fiscal
2017. We used the proceeds from the HH&B Sale in connection with the of MPS Acquisition. See “Note 8. Assets Held For Sale”
of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
30
On June 6, 2017, we completed the MPS Acquisition. MPS is reported in our Consumer Packaging segment. See “Note 6.
Merger, Acquisitions and Investment” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Presentation
We report our financial results of operations in three reportable segments: Corrugated Packaging, which consists of our
containerboard mill and corrugated packaging operations, as well as our recycling operations; Consumer Packaging, which consists
of consumer mills, folding carton, beverage, merchandising displays, home, health and beauty dispensing (prior to the HH&B
Sale), and partition operations; and Land and Development, which sells real estate, primarily in the Charleston, SC region. In
fiscal 2016, we reclassified prior period segment results to align to these segments for all periods presented. Following the
Combination and until the completion of the Separation, our financial results of operations had a fourth reportable segment,
Specialty Chemicals.
Business
We completed a number of acquisitions in fiscal 2017 that expanded our product and geographic scope (notably the MPS
Acquisition) or allowed us to increase our integration levels (primarily in the case of the MPS Acquisition, the U.S. Corrugated
Acquisition, the Island Container Acquisition and the Star Pizza Acquisition), and we expect to continue to evaluate similar potential
acquisitions in fiscal 2018.
Year Ended September 30,
2017
2016
2015
(In millions)
Net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Segment income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
14,859.7
1,193.5
$
$
14,171.8
1,226.2
$
$
11,124.8
1,070.3
In fiscal 2017, we continued to pursue our strategy of offering differentiated paper and packaging solutions that help our
customers win. We successfully executed this strategy in fiscal 2017 in a rapidly changing cost and price environment. Net sales
of $14,859.7 million in fiscal 2017 increased $687.9 million, or 4.9%, compared to fiscal 2016. The increase was primarily a result
of an increase in Corrugated Packaging segment net sales, including the partial period impact of the U.S. Corrugated Acquisition
and the Island Container Acquisition, an increase in Land and Development segment net sales due to the accelerated monetization
strategy and a net increase in the Consumer Packaging segment net sales associated with the MPS Acquisition and the Hannapak
Acquisition, partially offset by factors that included the absence of full year net sales from HH&B due to the sale of HH&B.
Segment income decreased $32.7 million in fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016, primarily due to the decrease in segment income
in the Consumer Packaging segment, including the $10.2 million negative impact of the HH&B Sale and the expensing of $25.1
million acquisition inventory stepped-up in purchase accounting, net of related LIFO primarily related to the MPS Acquisition,
partially offset by increased segment income in the Corrugated Packaging and Land and Development segments.
Our Corrugated Packaging segment increased its net sales by $539.8 million in fiscal 2017 from $7,868.5 million in fiscal
2016 to $8,408.3 million in fiscal 2017 primarily due to higher corrugated selling price/mix, higher net sales of our recycling
operations, primarily due to higher recycled fiber prices, higher corrugated volumes, and favorable foreign currency impacts. The
segment benefited from strong supply and demand fundamentals in fiscal 2017. North American box shipments increased 4.1%
on a per day basis in fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016. Segment income attributable to the Corrugated Packaging segment in
fiscal 2017 increased $14.0 million to $753.9 million compared to segment income of $739.9 million in fiscal 2016. The increase
was primarily due to favorable selling price/mix, synergy and productivity improvements, and volumes exceeding the impact of
higher inflation and the impact of several hurricanes and legal charges.
Our Consumer Packaging segment increased its net sales by $64.4 million in fiscal 2017 from $6,388.1 million in fiscal 2016
to $6,452.5 million in fiscal 2017, primarily as a result of net sales from the MPS Acquisition, the full year impact of the Packaging
Acquisition and the Hannapak Acquisition, which were largely offset by lower volumes excluding acquisitions, a decrease in net
sales related to the HH&B Sale and unfavorable selling price/mix. Segment income attributable to the Consumer Packaging
segment in fiscal 2017 decreased $55.9 million compared to fiscal 2016, primarily as synergy and productivity improvements
were more than offset by cost inflation, the impact of lower volumes, the impact from the HH&B Sale as compared to the full
year in fiscal 2016, the impact of the expensing inventory stepped-up in purchase accounting primarily related to the MPS
Acquisition, and the impact of several hurricanes.
31
Our Land and Development segment increased its net sales by $124.0 million in fiscal 2017 from $119.8 million in fiscal
2016 to $243.8 million in fiscal 2017, primarily due to the execution of the accelerated monetization strategy. We expect to complete
the monetization of our portfolio by the end of fiscal 2018. Segment income attributable to the Land and Development segment
was $13.8 million in fiscal 2017 compared to $4.6 million in fiscal 2016.
We generated $1,900.5 million of net cash provided by operating activities in fiscal 2017, compared to $1,688.4 million in
fiscal 2016, and remained committed to our disciplined capital allocation strategy during fiscal 2017 by investing $778.6 million
in capital expenditures while returning $93.0 million to our stockholders in share repurchases and $403.2 million in dividends.
We believe our strong balance sheet and cash flow provide us the flexibility to continue to invest to sustain and improve our
operating performance. In fiscal 2018, we expect capital expenditures to be approximately $1.0 billion, of which approximately
$0.2 billion will be deployed in connection with planned investments in a new corrugated box plant in the Brazilian state of Sao
Paulo, in a project to install a 330” state-of-the-art kraft linerboard machine in our Florence, South Carolina mill and in a coater
at our Mahrt mill in Alabama. Excluding these three projects, we expect that approximately 50% of our capital expenditures in
fiscal 2018 will be for maintenance and replacement projects and approximately 50% will be for return-generating projects. See
“Liquidity and Capital Resources” for more information.
A detailed review of our fiscal 2017 performance appears below under “Results of Operations (Consolidated)”.
Results of Operations (Consolidated)
The following table summarizes our consolidated results for the three years ended September 30, 2017:
Net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Cost of goods sold. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross profit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selling, general and administrative, excluding intangible amortization . .
Selling, general and administrative intangible amortization. . . . . . . . . . .
Pension risk transfer expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pension lump sum settlement and retiree medical curtailment, net . . . . .
Land and Development impairment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Restructuring and other costs, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating profit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest income and other income (expense), net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity in income of unconsolidated entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gain on sale of HH&B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income from continuing operations before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(Loss) income from discontinued operations (net of income tax benefit
(expense) of $0, $32.3 and $(17.5)) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated net income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less: Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests. . . . . . . .
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Year Ended September 30,
2017
2016
2015
(In millions, except per share data)
14,859.7
$
14,171.8
$
11,124.8
12,119.5
2,740.2
1,399.6
229.6
—
32.6
46.7
196.7
835.0
(277.7)
1.8
66.7
39.0
192.8
857.6
(159.0)
698.6
11,413.2
2,758.6
1,379.4
211.8
370.7
—
—
366.4
430.3
(256.7)
2.7
58.6
9.7
—
244.6
(89.8)
154.8
—
698.6
9.6
708.2
$
(544.7)
(389.9)
(6.4)
(396.3) $
8,986.5
2,138.3
1,014.6
118.9
—
11.5
—
140.8
852.5
(132.5)
(2.6)
9.7
7.1
—
734.2
(233.0)
501.2
10.6
511.8
(4.7)
507.1
32
Non-GAAP Measures
We report our financial results in accordance with GAAP. However, we have included financial measures that were not
prepared in accordance with GAAP. Non-GAAP financial measures should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternative for,
our GAAP results. The non-GAAP financial measures we present may differ from similarly captioned measures of other companies.
We use the non-GAAP financial measures “Adjusted Income from Continuing Operations” and “Adjusted Earnings from
Continuing Operations Per Diluted Share”. Management believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide our board of
directors, investors, potential investors, securities analysts and others with useful information to evaluate our performance because
the measures exclude restructuring and other costs, net, and other specific items that management believes are not indicative of
ongoing operating results. We and our board of directors use this information to evaluate our performance relative to other periods.
We believe that the most directly comparable GAAP measures to Adjusted Income from Continuing Operations and Adjusted
Earnings from Continuing Operations Per Diluted Share are Income from continuing operations and Earnings from continuing
operations per diluted share, respectively. The GAAP results in the tables below for Pre-Tax, Tax and Net of Tax are equivalent
to the line items “Income from continuing operations before income taxes”, “Income tax expense” and “Income from continuing
operations”, respectively, as reported on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were $2.77 in fiscal 2017 compared to $0.59 in fiscal 2016 and $2.87
in fiscal 2015. Adjusted Earnings from Continuing Operations Per Diluted Share were $2.62, $2.52 and $3.76 in fiscal 2017, 2016
and 2015, respectively.
Set forth below is a reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measure Adjusted Earnings from Continuing Operations Per
Diluted Share to Earnings from continuing operations per diluted share, the most directly comparable GAAP measure (in dollars
per share) for the periods indicated.
Years Ended September 30,
2016
2015
2017
Earnings from continuing operations per diluted share . . . . . . . . . . . $
Gain on sale of HH&B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
HH&B - impact of held for sale accounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Restructuring and other items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pension lump sum settlement and retiree medical curtailment, net . . . . .
Inventory stepped-up in purchase accounting, net of LIFO . . . . . . . . . . .
Land and Development operating results including impairment . . . . . . .
Losses at closed plants and transition costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gain on sale or deconsolidation of subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Federal, state and foreign tax items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Non-cash pension risk transfer expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gain on investment in Grupo Gondi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
2.77
(0.76)
(0.03)
0.52
0.08
0.08
0.06
0.05
(0.01)
(0.16)
—
0.02
—
—
$
0.59
—
—
0.97
—
0.02
(0.01)
0.07
—
—
(0.01)
0.01
0.89
(0.01)
Adjusted Earnings from Continuing Operations Per Diluted Share . $
2.62
$
2.52
$
2.87
—
—
0.57
0.04
0.25
0.01
0.01
—
—
0.01
—
—
—
3.76
The GAAP results in the tables below for Pre-Tax, Tax and Net of Tax are equivalent to the line items “Income from continuing
operations before income taxes”, “Income tax expense” and “Income from continuing operations”, respectively, as reported on
the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Set forth below are reconciliations of Adjusted Income from Continuing Operations
to the most directly comparable GAAP measure, Income from continuing operations, for the periods indicated (in millions):
33
Year Ended September 30, 2017
Tax
Pre-Tax
Net of Tax
GAAP Results, from continuing operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Gain on sale of HH&B (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
HH&B - impact of held for sale accounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Restructuring and other items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pension lump sum settlement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inventory stepped-up in purchase accounting, net of LIFO. . . . . . . . . . .
Land and Development operating results including impairment . . . . . . .
Losses at closed plants and transition costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gain on sale or deconsolidation of subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Federal, state and foreign tax items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gain on extinguishment of debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjusted Income from Continuing Operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Noncontrolling interest from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjusted net income attributable to common stockholders . . . . . . . . . . .
$
857.6
(192.8)
(10.1)
196.7
32.6
26.5
26.7
18.2
(5.0)
—
(1.8)
8.1
(159.0) $
—
2.3
(62.8)
(12.6)
(7.0)
(10.6)
(5.8)
2.4
(40.5)
0.6
(2.7)
956.7
$
(295.7) $
$
698.6
(192.8)
(7.8)
133.9
20.0
19.5
16.1
12.4
(2.6)
(40.5)
(1.2)
5.4
661.0
9.6
670.6
(1) Due to the high tax basis and fees associated with the transaction there was essentially no tax
Year Ended September 30, 2016
Tax
Pre-Tax
Net of Tax
GAAP Results, from continuing operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Restructuring and other items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inventory stepped-up in purchase accounting, net of LIFO. . . . . . . . . . .
Land and Development operating results including impairment . . . . . . .
Losses at closed plants and transition costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gain on extinguishment of debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Non-cash pension risk transfer expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gain on investment in Grupo Gondi (1). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjusted Income from Continuing Operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Noncontrolling interest from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjusted net income attributable to common stockholders . . . . . . . . . . .
$
244.6
366.4
8.1
(5.6)
23.3
(2.7)
1.8
370.7
(12.1)
994.5
$
(89.8) $
(116.0)
(2.5)
2.2
(6.6)
0.8
(0.6)
(140.9)
10.6
(342.8) $
$
154.8
250.4
5.6
(3.4)
16.7
(1.9)
1.2
229.8
(1.5)
651.7
(2.1)
649.6
(1) Impacted by non-deductible goodwill
34
Year Ended September 30, 2015
Tax
Pre-Tax
Net of Tax
GAAP Results, from continuing operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Restructuring and other items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pension lump sum settlement and retiree medical curtailment, net . . . . .
Inventory stepped-up in purchase accounting, net of LIFO. . . . . . . . . . .
Land and Development operating results including impairment . . . . . . .
Losses at closed plants and transition costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss on extinguishment of debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjusted Income from Continuing Operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Noncontrolling interest from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjusted net income attributable to common stockholders . . . . . . . . . . .
$
734.2
140.8
11.5
64.7
2.7
2.4
2.6
958.9
$
(233.0) $
(41.6)
(3.9)
(22.0)
(1.1)
(0.8)
(0.9)
(303.3) $
$
501.2
99.2
7.6
42.7
1.6
1.6
1.7
655.6
(3.4)
652.2
In fiscal 2017, we excluded the benefit of ceasing recording depreciation and amortization expense while HH&B was held
for sale. Due to the accelerated monetization strategy, we excluded results from the Land and Development segment in all periods
presented, including the $46.7 million pre-tax non-cash impairment in fiscal 2017. The impairment was recorded to write-down
the carrying value on projects where the projected sales proceeds were less than the carrying value. The adjustment to remove the
favorable impact of certain federal, state and foreign tax items in fiscal 2017 was primarily due to the favorable resolution of items
that management believed were not indicative of ongoing operating results, including the reduction of a state deferred tax liability
as a result of an internal U.S. legal entity restructuring. See “Note 8. Assets Held For Sale”, “Note 9. Restructuring and Other
Costs, Net” and “Note 15. Retirement Plans” for more information.
Net Sales (Unaffiliated Customers)
Net sales for fiscal 2017 increased $687.9 million to $14,859.7 million compared to $14,171.8 million in fiscal 2016. The
increase was primarily a result of an increase in Corrugated Packaging segment net sales, including the partial period impact of
the U.S. Corrugated Acquisition and the Island Container Acquisition, an increase in Land and Development segment net sales
due to the accelerated monetization strategy and a net increase in the Consumer Packaging segment net sales associated with the
MPS Acquisition and the Hannapak Acquisition, partially offset by factors that included the absence of full year net sales from
HH&B due to the sale of HH&B.
Net sales for fiscal 2016 increased $3,047.0 million to $14,171.8 million compared to $11,124.8 million in fiscal 2015 primarily
as a result of the full year impact of the Combination in fiscal 2016 results, compared to three months in fiscal 2015, and the impact
of the SP Fiber Acquisition and the Packaging Acquisition completed in fiscal 2016. The increase in net sales attributable to the
facilities received in the Combination and the noted acquisitions compared to fiscal 2015 were $3,365.7 million. Excluding these
transactions, net sales decreased due to an estimated $169.6 million of lower selling price/mix and lower volume of $149.1 million.
The change in net sales by segment is outlined in the “Results of Operations — Segment Data” section below.
Cost of Goods Sold
Cost of goods sold increased to $12,119.5 million in fiscal 2017 compared to $11,413.2 million in fiscal 2016. Cost of goods
sold as a percentage of net sales was 81.6% in fiscal 2017 compared to 80.5% in fiscal 2016 primarily due to cost inflation,
primarily recycled fiber, as well as increased land sales due to the accelerated monetization strategy and the net impact of acquisitions
offset by the HH&B Sale and other items. In addition, fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016 was negatively impacted by the several
hurricanes. These factors were partially offset by synergy and productivity improvements. Fiscal 2017 and 2016 included $26.5
million and $8.1 million for the expensing of inventory stepped-up in purchase accounting, net of related LIFO impact, respectively.
Cost of goods sold increased to $11,413.2 million in fiscal 2016 compared to $8,986.5 million in fiscal 2015. Cost of goods
sold as a percentage of net sales was 80.5% in fiscal 2016 compared to 80.8% in fiscal 2015 due to increased synergies and
performance improvements, and lower energy costs, which were largely offset by the impact of lower selling prices in fiscal 2016.
On a volume adjusted basis, excluding the impact of the Combination, the SP Fiber Acquisition and the Packaging Acquisition,
energy costs decreased $85.6 million, commodity costs decreased $41.3 million, shipping and warehousing costs decreased $41.3
million and aggregate depreciation and amortization increased $5.2 million. Fiscal 2016 and 2015 included $8.1 million and $64.7
million of expense for inventory stepped-up in purchase accounting, net of related LIFO impact, respectively. Fiscal 2016 included
35
an $8.7 million gain on the sale of a portion of the land at our Panama City, Florida mill to the port authority which was more than
offset by the $10.0 million estimated impact of major maintenance outage at our Stevenson, Alabama mill. Fiscal 2015 included
a reduction of cost of goods sold of $6.7 million pre-tax related to the recording of additional value of spare parts at our
containerboard mills acquired in the Smurfit-Stone Acquisition.
We discuss these items in greater detail below in “Results of Operations (Segment Data)”.
Selling, General and Administrative Excluding Intangible Amortization
SG&A excluding intangible amortization increased $20.2 million to $1,399.6 million in fiscal 2017 compared to $1,379.4
million in fiscal 2016, due primarily to acquisitions. SG&A excluding intangible amortization as a percentage of sales decreased
slightly to 9.4% in fiscal 2017 compared to 9.7% in fiscal 2016.
SG&A excluding intangible amortization increased $364.8 million to $1,379.4 million in fiscal 2016 compared to $1,014.6
million in fiscal 2015, primarily due to the full year impact of the Combination in fiscal 2016 results compared to three months
in fiscal 2015, and the impact of the SP Fiber Acquisition and the Packaging Acquisition completed in fiscal 2016. SG&A, excluding
intangible amortization as a percentage of sales increased slightly to 9.7% in fiscal 2016 compared to 9.1% in fiscal 2015.
Selling, General and Administrative Intangible Amortization
SG&A intangible amortization was $229.6 million, $211.8 million and $118.9 million in fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015,
respectively. The increase in fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016 was due to the fiscal 2017 acquisitions, as well as the full year
impact of the Packaging Acquisition compared to nine months in fiscal 2016, which were partially offset by the impact of the
HH&B Sale. The increase in fiscal 2016 was primarily due to the full year inclusion of intangible amortization related to the
Combination in fiscal 2016 results, compared to three months in fiscal 2015, as well as the full year impact of the SP Fiber
Acquisition and partial year impact of the Packaging Acquisition completed in fiscal 2016.
Pension Risk Transfer Expense
In fiscal 2016, we used plan assets to settle $2.5 billion of pension obligations of the Plan by purchasing group annuity contracts
from Prudential. This transaction transferred payment responsibility to Prudential for retirement benefits owed to approximately
35,000 U.S. retirees and their beneficiaries. As a result, we recorded a non-cash charge of $370.7 million pre-tax. The settlement
reduced WestRock’s overall U.S. pension obligations and assets by approximately 40%. The monthly retirement benefit payment
amounts currently received by retirees and their beneficiaries did not change as a result of this transaction. Those plan participants
not included in the transaction remain in the Plan, and responsibility for payment of their retirement benefits remains with WestRock.
See “Note 15. Retirement Plans” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Pension Lump Sum Settlement Expense and Retiree Medical Curtailment, Net
In fiscal 2017, lump sum payments to certain beneficiaries of the Plan, together with several one-time severance benefit
payments out of the Plan, triggered pension settlement accounting and resulted in a $32.6 million non-cash charge to our earnings.
The lump sum payments were to certain eligible former employees who were not currently receiving a monthly benefit. Eligible
former employees whose present value of future pension benefits exceeded a certain minimum threshold had the option to either
voluntarily accept lump sum payments or to not accept the offer and continue to be entitled to their monthly benefit upon retirement.
In fiscal 2015, we partially settled obligations of one of our qualified defined benefit pension plans through lump sum payments
to certain eligible former employees and as a result recorded a pre-tax charge of $20.0 million. In addition, changes in retiree
medical coverage for certain employees covered by the USW master agreement resulted in the recognition of an $8.5 million pre-
tax curtailment gain. These two items netted to an $11.5 million pre-tax charge.
See “Note 15. Retirement Plans” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Land and Development Impairment
Due to the accelerated monetization strategy in our Land and Development segment, we recorded a pre-tax non-cash real
estate impairment of $46.7 million, or $39.7 million net of $7.0 million of noncontrolling interest, in fiscal 2017. The impairment
was recorded to write-down the carrying value on projects where the projected sales proceeds were less than the carrying value.
The charge is not reflected in segment income.
36
Restructuring and Other Costs, Net
We recorded aggregate pre-tax restructuring and other costs of $196.7 million, $366.4 million and $140.8 million for fiscal
2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. We generally expect the integration of the closed facility’s assets and production with other
facilities to enable the receiving facilities to better leverage their fixed costs while eliminating fixed costs from the closed facility.
Costs recorded in each period are not comparable since the timing and scope of the individual actions vary. The restructuring and
other costs, net, exclude the Specialty Chemicals costs which are included in discontinued operations. See “Note 9. Restructuring
and Other Costs, Net” and “Note 7. Discontinued Operations” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional
information. We have restructured portions of our operations from time to time and it is possible that we may engage in additional
restructuring opportunities in the future.
Mergers, Acquisitions and Investment
On August 1, 2017, we completed the Hannapak Acquisition in a stock purchase. Hanna Group is one of Australia’s leading
providers of folding cartons to a variety of markets, including beverage, food, confectionery and healthcare. We expect this
acquisition will build on our established and growing packaging business in the region. We have included the financial results of
Hanna Group since the date of the acquisition in our Consumer Packaging segment.
On July 17, 2017, we completed the Island Container Acquisition in an asset purchase. The assets acquired include a corrugator
and corrugated converting operations located in Wheatley Heights, New York, and certain related fulfillment assets located
in Saddle Brook, New Jersey. We expect this acquisition will enable us to integrate more than 80,000 tons of containerboard
annually into our Corrugated Packaging segment. We have included the financial results of Island Container since the date of the
acquisition in our Corrugated Packaging segment.
On June 9, 2017, we completed the U.S. Corrugated Acquisition in a stock purchase. We acquired five corrugated converting
facilities in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Louisiana, which provide a comprehensive suite of products and services to customers in a
variety of end markets, including food & beverage, pharmaceuticals and consumer electronics. We believe this acquisition will
enable us to increase the vertical integration of our Corrugated Packaging segment by approximately 105,000 tons of containerboard
annually through the acquired facilities and another 50,000 tons under a long-term supply contract with another company owned
by the seller. We have included the financial results of U.S. Corrugated since the date of the acquisition in our Corrugated Packaging
segment.
On June 6, 2017, we completed the MPS Acquisition in a stock purchase. MPS is a global provider of print-based specialty
packaging solutions and its differentiated product offering includes premium folding cartons, inserts, labels and rigid packaging.
We acquired the outstanding shares of MPS for $18.00 per share in cash and the assumption of debt. We believe this acquisition
increases annual paperboard consumption by approximately 225,000 tons, of which we expect 35% to 45% to be supplied by us.
We have included the financial results of MPS since the date of the acquisition in our Consumer Packaging segment.
On March 13, 2017, we completed the Star Pizza Acquisition. We believe this acquisition provides us with a leadership position
in the fast growing small-run pizza box market and increases our vertical integration. We have included the financial results of
the acquired assets since the date of the acquisition in our Corrugated Packaging segment.
On April 1, 2016, we completed the formation of a joint venture with Grupo Gondi to combine our respective operations in
Mexico. We contributed cash and the stock of an entity that owns three corrugated packaging facilities in Mexico in return for a
25.0% equity participation in the joint venture together with future put and call rights. The joint venture operates paper machines,
corrugated packaging and high graphic folding carton facilities across various production sites. The majority equity holders of
Grupo Gondi manage the joint venture and we provide technical and commercial resources. We believe the joint venture will help
grow our presence in the attractive Mexican market. We have included the financial results of the joint venture since the date of
formation in our Corrugated Packaging segment, and are accounting for the investment on the equity method. In fiscal 2017, the
joint venture entity had a stock redemption from a minority partner. As a result, our equity participation in the joint venture increased
to approximately 27.0%. The transaction continues to include future put and call rights with respect to the respective parties’
ownership interest in the joint venture. See “Note 23. Subsequent Events (Unaudited) — Grupo Gondi Investment” of the Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements for recent developments.
37
On January 19, 2016, we completed the Packaging Acquisition. The entities acquired provide value-added folding carton and
litho-laminated display packaging solutions. We believe the transaction has provided us with attractive and complementary
customers, markets and facilities. We have included the financial results of the acquired entities since the date of the acquisition
in our Consumer Packaging segment.
On October 1, 2015, we completed the SP Fiber Acquisition. The transaction included the acquisition of mills located in Dublin,
GA and Newberg, OR, which produce lightweight recycled containerboard and kraft and bag paper. The Newberg mill also produced
newsprint. As part of the transaction, we also acquired SP Fiber's 48% interest in GPS, which we consolidate. GPS is a renewable
energy joint venture providing steam to the Dublin mill and electricity to Georgia Power. The Dublin mill has helped balance the
fiber mix of our mill system and the addition of kraft and bag paper has diversified our product offering including our ability to
serve the increasing demand for lighter weight containerboard. Subsequent to the transaction, we announced the permanent closure
of the Newberg mill due to the decline in market conditions of the newsprint business and our need to balance supply and demand
in our containerboard system. We have included the financial results of SP Fiber and GPS since the date of the acquisition in our
Corrugated Packaging segment.
On July 1, 2015, pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement, RockTenn and MWV completed a strategic combination
of their respective businesses. Pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement, RockTenn and MWV each became wholly-
owned subsidiaries of WestRock. RockTenn was the accounting acquirer in the Combination. We believe the Combination combined
two industry leaders that created a leading global provider of consumer and corrugated packaging solutions.
See “Note 6. Merger, Acquisitions and Investment” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional
information. See also Item 1A. “Risk Factors — We May Be Unsuccessful in Making and Integrating Mergers, Acquisitions
and Investments and Completing Divestitures”.
Interest Expense
Interest expense was $277.7 million, $256.7 million and $132.5 million for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The
increase in fiscal 2017 as compared to fiscal 2016 was primarily due to debt incurred as a result of acquisitions, and the increase
in fiscal 2016 as compared to fiscal 2015 was primarily due to the full year impact of debt assumed in the Combination in fiscal
2016 results. Interest expense in fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015 was reduced by $34.5 million, $44.5 million and $10.3 million,
respectively related to the amortization of the fair value of debt stepped-up in purchase accounting. During fiscal 2017, 2016 and
2015 amortization of debt issuance costs charged to interest expense were $4.5 million, $4.6 million and $9.3 million, respectively.
See Item 1A. “Risk Factors — Interest Rate Increases Could Impact Our Financial Condition”.
Provision for Income Taxes
We recorded income tax expense from continuing operations of $159.0 million, at an effective tax rate of 18.5% in fiscal
2017, as compared to income tax expense from continuing operations of $89.8 million, at an effective tax rate of 36.7% in fiscal
2016, and compared to an income tax expense from continuing operations of $233.0 million, at an effective tax rate expense of
31.7% in fiscal 2015.
The effective tax rate from continuing operations for fiscal 2017 was different than the statutory rate primarily due to (a) low
rates of tax applicable to the HH&B Sale, (b) a $28.7 million tax benefit related to the reduction of a state deferred tax liability
as a result of an internal U.S. legal entity restructuring that simplified future operating activities within the U.S., (c) favorable tax
items, such as the domestic manufacturer’s deduction, (d) lower tax rates applied to foreign earnings, primarily in Canada, and
(e) a change in valuation allowance due to realization of capital loss carryforward, partially offset by (f) the exclusion of tax
benefits related to losses recorded by certain foreign operations and (g) the inclusion of state taxes.
The effective tax rate from continuing operations for fiscal 2016 was different than the statutory rate primarily due to (a) the
impact of state taxes, (b) the ability to claim the domestic manufacturer’s deduction against U.S. taxable earnings, (c) the
deconsolidation of a subsidiary related to the Grupo Gondi joint venture, including non-deductible goodwill disposed of in
connection with the transaction, and (d) an increase in valuation allowances and a tax rate differential with respect to foreign
earnings primarily in Canada.
See “Note 14. Income Taxes” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
38
Interest Income and Other Income (Expense), net
Interest income and other income (expense), net increased to income of $66.7 million in fiscal 2017 from income of $58.6
million in fiscal 2016 and $9.7 million in fiscal 2015. The increase in fiscal 2017 was primarily due to an increase in interest rates.
The increase in fiscal 2016 primarily included a $12.1 million gain on investment in Grupo Gondi related to the three corrugated
box plants WestRock contributed to the joint venture and an increase in interest income of $30.3 million. The increase in interest
income in fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015 was primarily the result of the full year impact of a long-term note receivable
acquired in the Combination. See “Note 20. Special Purpose Entities” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for
additional information.
Gain on Sale of HH&B
On April 6, 2017, we completed the HH&B Sale. In fiscal 2017, we recorded a pre-tax gain on sale of $192.8 million. We
used the proceeds from the HH&B Sale in connection with the MPS Acquisition. See “Note 8. Assets Held For Sale” of the Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
(Loss) Income from Discontinued Operations
On May 15, 2016, we completed the Separation. Subsequent to the Separation, the operating results of our former Specialty
Chemicals segment are reported as discontinued operations. Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax, was $544.7 million
for fiscal 2016 and income from discontinued operations was $10.6 million in fiscal 2015. The loss in fiscal 2016 was the result
of goodwill and intangible impairments, and restructuring and other costs being partially offset by income from operations.
In the first quarter of fiscal 2016, in light of changing market conditions, expected revenue and earnings of the reporting unit,
lower comparative market valuations for companies in Specialty Chemicals’ peer group and the results of our preliminary “Step
2” test, we concluded that an impairment of the Specialty Chemicals reporting unit was probable and could be reasonably estimated.
As a result, we recorded a pre-tax and after-tax non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $478.3 million. In the third quarter of
fiscal 2016, in conjunction with the Separation, we performed an impairment assessment under the held for sale model and recorded
a pre-tax non-cash impairment charge of $101.1 million for a customer relationships intangible. See “Note 7. Discontinued
Operations” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Results of Operations — Segment Data
RockTenn was the accounting acquirer in the Combination; therefore, the historical consolidated financial statements of
RockTenn for periods prior to the Combination are considered to be the historical financial statements of WestRock and thus
WestRock’s consolidated financial statements for fiscal 2015 reflect RockTenn’s consolidated financial statements for periods
from October 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015, and WestRock’s thereafter. Our financial results of operations are aligned in three
reportable segments: Corrugated Packaging, Consumer Packaging and Land and Development.
Corrugated Packaging Segment
North American Corrugated Packaging Shipments
Corrugated Packaging Shipments are expressed as a tons equivalent, which includes external and intersegment tons shipped
from our Corrugated Packaging mills plus Corrugated Packaging container shipments converted from BSF to tons. We have
presented the Corrugated Packaging Shipments in two groups following the Combination: North America and Brazil / India. We
have separated Brazil/India because we believe investors, potential investors, securities analysts and others find this presentation
useful when evaluation our operating performance. We have included the impact of the Combination beginning in the fourth
quarter of fiscal 2015. We have recast the North American Corrugated Container Shipments in the table below prior to April 1,
2016 to remove the historical impact of the three box plants contributed to the Grupo Gondi joint venture to provide comparability
to the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2016 and future results.
39
Fiscal 2015
North American Corrugated Packaging Shipments -
thousands of tons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
North American Corrugated Containers Shipments -
BSF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
North American Corrugated Containers Per Shipping
Day - MMSF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fiscal 2016
North American Corrugated Packaging Shipments -
thousands of tons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
North American Corrugated Containers Shipments -
BSF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
North American Corrugated Containers Per Shipping
Day - MMSF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fiscal 2017
North American Corrugated Packaging Shipments -
thousands of tons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
North American Corrugated Containers Shipments -
BSF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
North American Corrugated Containers Per
Shipping Day - MMSF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brazil / India Corrugated Packaging Shipments
Fiscal 2015
Brazil / India Corrugated Packaging Shipments -
thousands of tons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brazil / India Corrugated Containers Shipments - BSF . .
Brazil / India Corrugated Containers Per Shipping Day -
MMSF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fiscal 2016
Brazil / India Corrugated Packaging Shipments -
thousands of tons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brazil / India Corrugated Containers Shipments - BSF . .
Brazil / India Corrugated Containers Per Shipping Day -
MMSF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fiscal 2017
Brazil / India Corrugated Packaging Shipments -
thousands of tons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brazil / India Corrugated Containers Shipments -
BSF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brazil / India Corrugated Containers Per Shipping
Day - MMSF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First
Quarter
Second
Quarter
Third
Quarter
Fourth
Quarter
Fiscal
Year
1,995.8
1,936.7
2,032.6
2,018.0
7,983.1
18.2
18.1
18.8
18.7
73.8
297.7
292.6
298.7
292.6
295.4
2,046.7
2,040.3
2,114.1
2,153.2
8,354.3
18.7
18.2
18.6
18.9
74.4
306.3
288.6
291.4
294.5
295.1
2,031.9
2,116.1
2,112.7
2,079.7
8,340.4
18.8
18.7
19.4
19.6
76.5
312.9
291.9
308.0
316.6
307.2
First
Quarter
Second
Quarter
Third
Quarter
Fourth
Quarter
Fiscal
Year
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
171.4
1.4
18.1
171.4
1.4
18.1
180.2
1.5
173.5
1.3
166.8
1.4
164.8
1.6
685.3
5.8
19.2
18.1
18.7
19.8
19.0
151.0
171.0
178.8
178.0
678.8
1.5
20.4
1.6
20.2
1.6
21.3
1.6
20.8
6.3
20.7
40
Corrugated Packaging Segment (Aggregate Before Intersegment Eliminations)
Net Sales (1)
Segment
Income
Return
on Sales
(In millions, except percentages)
1,842.8
$
1,799.5
1,887.3
1,987.3
7,516.9
1,964.3
1,932.8
1,967.7
2,003.7
7,868.5
1,943.6
2,065.0
2,161.2
2,238.5
$
$
$
$
8,408.3
$
184.9
169.4
217.0
235.4
806.7
180.1
175.0
192.4
192.4
739.9
141.5
159.5
223.9
229.0
753.9
10.0 %
9.4
11.5
11.8
10.7 %
9.2 %
9.1
9.8
9.6
9.4 %
7.3%
7.7
10.4
10.2
9.0%
Fiscal 2015
First Quarter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Second Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Third Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fourth Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Fiscal 2016
First Quarter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Second Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Third Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fourth Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Fiscal 2017
First Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Second Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Third Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fourth Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
(1) Net Sales before intersegment eliminations
Net Sales (Aggregate) — Corrugated Packaging Segment
Net sales before intersegment eliminations for the Corrugated Packaging segment increased $539.8 million in fiscal 2017
compared to fiscal 2016 primarily due to $321.8 million of higher corrugated selling price/mix, $143.9 million of higher net sales
of our recycling operations, primarily due to higher recycled fiber prices, $98.2 million of higher corrugated volumes, including
acquisitions, and $55.9 million of favorable foreign currency impacts. These increases were partially offset by an estimated $45.0
million decrease due to the impact of several hurricanes in fiscal 2017 and a net $42.2 million of lower corrugated net sales due
to a shift in sales from converted boxes in the prior year period to sales of containerboard in fiscal 2017 as a result of having
contributed three box plants to the Grupo Gondi joint venture in April 2016.
Net sales before intersegment eliminations for the Corrugated Packaging segment increased $351.6 million in fiscal 2016
compared to fiscal 2015 primarily due to $565.4 million of incremental net sales from the full year impact of facilities acquired
in the Combination in fiscal 2016 results, compared to three months in fiscal 2015, the impact of the SP Fiber Acquisition in fiscal
2016 and $57.8 million of lower recycled fiber sales due to lower selling price/mix. These increases were partially offset by the
impact of an estimated $178.2 million of lower corrugated selling price/mix and $93.4 million of lower volumes excluding these
transactions. The lower corrugated selling price/mix was primarily the result of previously published index reductions. Corrugated
Packaging shipments in North America increased 4.6% in fiscal 2016 compared to the prior year, inclusive of the SP Fiber
Acquisition.
41
Segment Income — Corrugated Packaging Segment
Segment income attributable to the Corrugated Packaging segment in fiscal 2017 increased $14.0 million to $753.9 million
compared to segment income of $739.9 million in fiscal 2016. The increase was primarily due to an estimated $285.4 million of
favorable selling price/mix, $154.4 million of synergy and productivity improvements and $21.0 million of favorable corrugated
volumes, including acquisitions. These factors were largely offset by an estimated $380.0 million of cost inflation, the impact of
several hurricanes and legal charges that reduced segment income by an estimated $40.4 million and higher depreciation and
amortization of $18.3 million. The primary inflation resulted from materials, energy, freight, and wage and other costs. These
items consisted primarily of $220.9 million of recycled fiber costs, $61.7 million of energy costs, $25.4 million of chemical costs,
$21.8 million of freight costs and $62.2 million of wage and other costs, which were partially offset by $30.8 million of lower
virgin fiber costs.
Segment income attributable to the Corrugated Packaging segment in fiscal 2016 decreased $66.8 million to $739.9 million
compared to segment income of $806.7 million in fiscal 2015. The decrease in segment income was primarily a result of lower
selling price/mix and volume that were partially offset by synergies and productivity improvements, lower energy and commodity
costs, and lower aggregate freight, shipping and warehousing costs. The estimated impact of lower selling price/mix was $178.2
million and the estimated impact of lower volume was $37.1 million compared to the prior year. Excluding the Combination and
the SP Fiber Acquisition, on a volume adjusted basis compared to the prior year, energy costs decreased $73.2 million, commodity
costs decreased $35.0 million, aggregate freight, shipping and warehousing costs decreased $46.7 million, and depreciation and
amortization expense increased $7.3 million. Segment income was also reduced by $3.4 million and $2.2 million of expense for
inventory stepped-up in purchase accounting, net of related LIFO impact in fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively. Segment income
in fiscal 2016 included an $8.7 million gain on the sale of a portion of the land at our Panama City, Florida mill to the port authority,
which was more than offset by the $10.0 million estimated impact of a major maintenance outage at our Stevenson, Alabama mill.
Segment income in fiscal 2015 included a reduction of cost of goods sold of $6.7 million related to the recording of additional
value of spare parts at our containerboard mills acquired in the Smurfit-Stone Acquisition.
Consumer Packaging Segment
Consumer Packaging Shipments
Consumer Packaging Shipments are expressed as a tons equivalent, which includes external and intersegment tons shipped
from our Consumer Packaging mills plus Consumer Packaging converting shipments converted from BSF to tons. The shipment
data table excludes merchandising displays and dispensing sales (prior to the closing of the HH&B Sale on April 6, 2017) since
there is not a common unit of measure, as well as gypsum paperboard liner tons produced by Seven Hills since it is not consolidated.
We have included the impact of the Combination beginning in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015.
Fiscal 2015
Consumer Packaging Shipments - thousands of tons . . . .
Consumer Packaging Converting Shipments - BSF. . . . .
Consumer Packaging Converting Per Shipping Day -
MMSF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fiscal 2016
Consumer Packaging Shipments - thousands of tons . . . .
Consumer Packaging Converting Shipments - BSF. . . . .
Consumer Packaging Converting Per Shipping Day -
MMSF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fiscal 2017
Consumer Packaging Shipments - thousands of tons .
Consumer Packaging Converting Shipments - BSF . .
Consumer Packaging Converting Per Shipping Day -
MMSF. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First
Quarter
Second
Quarter
Third
Quarter
Fourth
Quarter
Fiscal
Year
371.2
5.2
378.5
5.3
388.6
5.5
1,043.9
2,182.2
9.2
25.2
84.8
86.7
86.3
144.5
100.9
949.3
8.8
974.4
9.0
986.3
9.5
998.7
9.4
3,908.7
36.7
144.2
143.7
148.5
146.3
145.7
916.5
9.0
947.0
8.9
957.2
9.9
1,023.2
11.1
3,843.9
38.9
149.7
138.7
157.2
179.6
156.2
42
Consumer Packaging Segment (Aggregate Before Intersegment Eliminations)
Net Sales (1)
Segment
Income
Return
on Sales
(In millions, except percentages)
713.0
$
694.9
690.2
1,642.0
59.0
52.4
77.9
77.7
8.3 %
7.5
11.3
4.7
3,740.1
$
267.0
7.1 %
1,542.2
$
1,588.4
1,635.8
1,621.7
6,388.1
$
1,510.9
$
1,554.6
1,520.7
1,866.3
6,452.5
$
91.2
99.7
151.7
139.1
481.7
87.6
118.8
94.8
124.6
425.8
5.9 %
6.3
9.3
8.6
7.5 %
5.8%
7.6
6.2
6.7
6.6%
Fiscal 2015
First Quarter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Second Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Third Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fourth Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Fiscal 2016
First Quarter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Second Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Third Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fourth Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Fiscal 2017
First Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Second Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Third Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fourth Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
(1) Net Sales before intersegment eliminations
Net Sales (Aggregate) — Consumer Packaging Segment
Net sales before intersegment eliminations for the Consumer Packaging segment increased $64.4 million in fiscal 2017
compared to fiscal 2016 primarily as a result $575.1 million of net sales from the MPS Acquisition, the Packaging Acquisition
and the Hannapak Acquisition, which were largely offset by $188.5 million of lower volumes, a $276.8 million decrease in net
sales related to an absence of net sales from HH&B since April 2017 due to the HH&B Sale, $26.1 million of unfavorable selling
price/mix and an estimated $20.0 million decrease due to the impact of several hurricanes in fiscal 2017.
Net sales before intersegment eliminations for the Consumer Packaging segment increased $2,648.0 million in fiscal 2016
compared to fiscal 2015 primarily due to $2,748.7 million of incremental net sales from the full year impact of facilities acquired
in the Combination in fiscal 2016 results, compared to three months in fiscal 2015, and the partial year impact of the Packaging
Acquisition. Those increased net sales were partially offset by $81.0 million of lower display sales due to softness in customer
promotional spending, an estimated $8.6 million of higher consumer packaging, excluding display, selling price/mix and $28.3
million of lower volumes excluding the Combination and the Packaging Acquisition.
43
Segment Income — Consumer Packaging Segment
Segment income attributable to the Consumer Packaging segment in fiscal 2017 decreased $55.9 million compared to fiscal
2016, primarily due to an estimated $169.2 million of cost inflation, $50.2 million for the impact of lower volumes, $25.7 million
impact of lower income from HH&B in fiscal 2017 due to the HH&B Sale as compared to the full year in fiscal 2016, a $20.4
million increase in fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016 for the expensing of inventory stepped-up in purchase accounting, primarily
related to the MPS Acquisition in the current year period and the Packaging Acquisition in the prior year period, an estimated
$12.2 million related to the impact of several hurricanes in fiscal 2017 and $8.8 million of lower selling price/mix. These factors
were partially offset by synergy and productivity improvements of an estimated $203.8 million, a $29.4 million contribution from
the operations acquired in the MPS Acquisition prior to expensing the before mentioned inventory step-up and $15.3 million of
lower depreciation and amortization expense. The lower depreciation and amortization expense was primarily due to a $10.1
million pre-tax benefit of ceasing recording depreciation and amortization expense in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 in HH&B
since it was designated as held for sale. The primary inflation resulted from materials, energy, freight, and wage and other costs.
These items consisted primarily of $42.2 million of recycled fiber costs, $38.6 million of chemical costs, $37.2 million of energy
costs, $9.2 million of freight costs and $58.5 million of wage and other costs, which were partially offset by $21.5 million of lower
virgin fiber costs.
Segment income attributable to the Consumer Packaging segment in fiscal 2016 increased $214.7 million compared to fiscal
2015, primarily reflecting $235.0 million from facilities acquired in the Combination and the Packaging Acquisition, the impact
of synergy and productivity improvements, and lower energy related costs compared to the prior year partially offset by the impact
of lower volume and lower selling price/mix. Segment income was reduced by $4.7 million and $62.5 million of expense for
inventory stepped-up in purchase accounting, net of related LIFO impact in fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively. The estimated
impact of lower volume was $30.9 million and higher selling price/mix was $8.6 million. Excluding the Combination and the
Packaging Acquisition, on a volume adjusted basis compared to the prior year, commodity costs decreased $6.3 million and energy
costs decreased $12.3 million.
Land and Development Segment (Aggregate Before Intersegment Eliminations)
Fiscal 2015
Fourth Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Fiscal 2016
First Quarter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Second Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Third Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fourth Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Fiscal 2017
First Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Second Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Third Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fourth Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
(1) Before intersegment eliminations
Net Sales (Aggregate) — Land and Development Segment
Net Sales (1)
Segment
Income (Loss)
Return
on Sales
(In millions, except percentages)
45.0
45.0
15.4
18.7
42.0
43.7
119.8
54.0
100.0
71.1
18.7
243.8
$
$
$
$
$
$
(3.4)
(3.4)
0.7
(4.0)
9.5
(1.6)
4.6
1.7
17.5
0.2
(5.6)
13.8
(7.6)%
(7.6)%
4.5 %
(21.4)
22.6
(3.7)
3.8 %
3.1 %
17.5
0.3
(29.9)
5.7 %
Net sales for the Land and Development segment in fiscal 2017 were $243.8 million compared to $119.8 million in fiscal
2016. The increase was a result of the accelerated monetization strategy. We continue to include the remainder of the real estate
44
holdings in assets held for sale because we have met the held for sale criteria. We expect to complete our monetization program
in fiscal 2018. Net sales in fiscal 2015 were $45.0 million.
Segment Income (Loss) — Land and Development Segment
Segment income attributable to the Land and Development segment was $13.8 million in fiscal 2017 compared to $4.6 million
in fiscal 2016 and a loss of $3.4 million in fiscal 2015. The segment’s assets were stepped-up to fair value in fiscal 2015 as a result
of purchase accounting which resulted in substantially lower margins on the properties sold compared to pre-Combination levels.
The step-up of our land portfolio in this segment is expected to reduce future profitability on existing projects but should not
impact future cash flows. The increase in segment income in fiscal 2017 was primarily due to the accelerated monetization strategy.
The $46.7 million real estate impairment is not included in segment income.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We fund our working capital requirements, capital expenditures, mergers, acquisitions and investments, restructuring and
integration activities, dividends and stock repurchases from net cash provided by operating activities, borrowings under our credit
facilities, proceeds from our A/R Sales Agreement, proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment removed from service
and proceeds received in connection with the issuance of debt and equity securities. Funding for our domestic operations in the
foreseeable future is expected to come from sources of liquidity within our domestic operations, including cash and cash equivalents,
and available borrowings under our credit facilities. As such, our foreign cash and cash equivalents are not expected to be a key
source of liquidity to our domestic operations. Maximum borrowing availability under the credit facilities are governed by certain
restrictive covenants. We test and report our compliance with these covenants as required and we were in compliance with all of
our covenants at September 30, 2017. At September 30, 2017, we had $114.6 million of outstanding letters of credit not drawn
upon. See “Note 11. Debt” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Primary Sources of Liquidity
At September 30, 2017, we had approximately $2.9 billion of availability under our committed credit facilities. This liquidity
may be used to provide for ongoing working capital needs and for other general corporate purposes, including acquisitions,
dividends and stock repurchases.
• We have a Credit Facility which we entered into as a 5-year senior unsecured revolving credit facility on July 1, 2015
for an aggregate committed principal amount of $2.0 billion, of which approximately $1.9 billion has been extended to
July 1, 2022, with the remainder due on July 1, 2020. At September 30, 2017, we had no amounts outstanding under this
facility.
• We have a $700.0 million Receivables Facility. On July 22, 2016, we extended the maturity of this facility to July 22,
2019. Borrowing availability under this facility is based on the eligible underlying accounts receivable and compliance
with certain covenants. At September 30, 2017, we had $110.0 million outstanding under this facility.
• On May 15, 2017, we entered into a $600.0 million European revolving credit facility with Coöperatieve Rabobank U.A.,
New York Branch as the administrative agent for the syndicate of banks. This facility provides for a 364-day unsecured
Euro and Sterling denominated borrowing of not more than $200.0 million and $400.0 million U.S. dollar equivalent,
respectively. The facility matures on May 14, 2018. At September 30, 2017, we had $211.6 million outstanding under
this facility.
• On December 1, 2015, we entered into a $200.0 million uncommitted and revolving line of credit with Sumitomo Mitsui
Banking Corporation that matured on December 1, 2016. We renewed the facility on February 10, 2017, and the facility
now matures on February 12, 2018. At September 30, 2017, we had $106.7 million outstanding under this facility.
• On March 4, 2016, we entered into a $100.0 million uncommitted and revolving line of credit with Coöperatieve Rabobank
U.A., New York Branch. The facility matured on March 2, 2017 and was renewed as a Euro dollar facility on the same
day. The facility is an uncommitted revolving line of credit in the amount of €100.0 million. The facility is available in
Euros only, and continues until terminated in writing by WestRock or the lender. At September 30, 2017, we had $118.1
million amounts outstanding under this facility.
See “Note 23. Subsequent Events (Unaudited)” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for recent developments
regarding liquidity.
45
Cash and cash equivalents were $298.1 million at September 30, 2017 and $340.9 million at September 30, 2016.
Approximately 93% of the cash and cash equivalents at September 30, 2017 were held outside of the U.S. At September 30, 2017,
total debt was $6,554.8 million, $608.7 million of which was current. At September 30, 2016, total debt was $5,789.2 million,
$292.9 million of which was current. The increase in debt of $765.6 million was primarily related to fiscal 2017 acquisitions net
of other operational activities and corporate actions.
Cash Flow Activity
Net cash provided by operating activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Net cash used for investing activities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Net cash used for financing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2017
Year Ended September 30,
2016
(In millions)
1,900.5
1,688.4
$
$
(1,285.8) $
(1,351.4) $
(655.4) $
(231.0) $
2015
1,203.6
(282.7)
(718.0)
Net cash provided by operating activities during fiscal 2017 increased $212.1 million from fiscal 2016 primarily due to a
$111.6 million net increase in cash flow from working capital changes plus higher after-tax cash proceeds from our Land and
Development segment’s accelerated monetization strategy. Net cash provided by operating activities during fiscal 2016 increased
$484.8 million from fiscal 2015 primarily due to the impact of the Combination and a smaller use for working capital in fiscal
2016 of $34.8 million as compared to $142.9 million in fiscal 2015. The change in working capital in fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015
included a source of cash resulting from the sale of $64.7 million, $99.4 million and $96.2 million, respectively, of accounts
receivables in connection with the A/R Sales Agreement.
Net cash used for investing activities in fiscal 2017 consisted primarily of $778.6 million of capital expenditures, $1,588.5
million for the MPS Acquisition, U.S. Corrugated Acquisition, Island Container Acquisition, Hannapak Acquisition and Star Pizza
Acquisition, partially offset by a $3.5 million receipt of an escrow payment from the Packaging Acquisition and proceeds of
$1,005.9 million from the HH&B Sale and $52.6 million of proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment. Net cash
used for investing activities in fiscal 2016 consisted primarily of $796.7 million of capital expenditures, $376.4 million for the
SP Fiber Acquisition and Packaging Acquisition, $175.0 million for the investment in Grupo Gondi and $36.5 million for the
purchase of debt owed by GPS in connection with the SP Fiber Acquisition partially offset by $31.2 million of proceeds from the
sale of property, plant and equipment. Net cash used for investing activities in fiscal 2015 consisted primarily of $585.5 million
of capital expenditures partially offset by $265.7 million for cash received in the Combination and $28.8 million of proceeds from
the sale of property, plant and equipment.
In fiscal 2017, net cash used for financing activities consisted primarily of cash dividends paid to stockholders of $403.2
million, net repayments of debt of $145.2 million and purchases of Common Stock of $93.0 million. In fiscal 2016, net cash used
for financing activities consisted primarily of cash dividends paid to stockholders of $380.7 million, purchases of Common Stock
of $335.3 million and $105.0 million of cash and trust funding as a result of the Separation, which was partially offset by net
additions to debt of $617.3 million. See “Note 7. Discontinued Operations” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
for additional information. In fiscal 2015, net cash used for financing activities consisted primarily of $336.7 million used for
stock repurchases, excluding the $667.8 million repurchased in connection with the Combination, and $214.5 million of cash
dividends paid to stockholders, partially offset by net additions to debt aggregating $540.1 million.
Our capital expenditures aggregated $778.6 million in fiscal 2017. With the portfolio changes we have made, we estimate
our baseline maintenance and return generating capital expenditures will be approximately $800 to $850 million per year. We
believe we have an opportunity to improve our performance through capital investment. We expect fiscal 2018 capital expenditures
to be approximately $1.0 billion. In fiscal 2018, we expect to invest in projects (i) to maintain and operate our mills and plants
safely, reliably and in compliance with regulations, (ii) that support our strategy to improve the competitiveness of our mill and
converting assets, (iii) to support our $1.0 billion run rate synergy and performance improvement target, before inflation, to be
realized by June 30, 2018, (iv) to build a new corrugated box plant in the Brazilian state of Sao Paulo to meet growing demand
from our regional customers in South America to be completed in fiscal 2019, (v) to install a 330” state-of-the-art kraft linerboard
machine in our Florence, South Carolina mill with production expected to commence in the first half of calendar 2020, (vi) to
install a coater at our Mahrt coated natural kraft mill to be completed in fiscal 2019, and (vii) to generate attractive returns.
However, it is possible that our capital expenditure assumptions may change, project completion dates may change, or we may
decide to invest a different amount depending upon opportunities we identify, changes in market conditions or to comply with
environmental or other regulation changes. We estimate that we will invest approximately $40 million for capital expenditures
during fiscal 2018 in connection with matters relating to environmental compliance. We were obligated to purchase approximately
46
$155 million of fixed assets at September 30, 2017 for various capital projects. See “Note 23. Subsequent Events (Unaudited)
— Capital Investment in Florence, South Carolina Mill” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. See Item 1A. “Risk
Factors — Our Capital Expenditures May Not Achieve the Desired Outcomes or May Be Achieved at a Higher Cost than
Anticipated”.
At September 30, 2017, the U.S. federal, state and foreign net operating losses, alternative minimum tax credits and other
U.S. federal and state tax credits available to us aggregated approximately $246 million in future potential reductions of U.S.
federal, state and foreign cash taxes. Based on our current projections, we expect to utilize the remaining U.S. federal net operating
losses, alternative minimum tax and other U.S. federal credits primarily over the next three years. Foreign and state net operating
losses and credits will be used over a longer period of time. It is possible that our utilization of these net operating losses and
credits may change due to changes in taxable income, tax laws or tax rates, capital expenditures or other factors. Subject to changes
in tax laws, we expect to receive tax benefits in fiscal 2018 and future years from the U.S. manufacturer’s deduction. Including
the estimated impact of book and tax differences, subject to changes in tax laws, we expect our cash tax rate to move closer to
our income tax rate in fiscal 2018, 2019 and 2020.
During fiscal 2017 and 2016, we made contributions of $34.5 million and $47.5 million, respectively, to our U.S. and non-
U.S. pension plans. Based on current facts and assumptions, we expect to contribute approximately $39 million to our U.S. and
non-U.S. pension plans in fiscal 2018, primarily related to our Canadian plans. We have made contributions and expect to continue
to make contributions in the coming years to our pension plans in order to ensure that our funding levels remain adequate in light
of projected liabilities and to meet the requirements of the Pension Act and other regulations. The net over funded status of our
U.S. and non-U.S. pension plans at September 30, 2017 was approximately $78.5 million. Based on current assumptions, including
future interest rates, we estimate that minimum pension contributions to our U.S. and non-U.S. pension plans will be in the range
of approximately $27 million to $42 million annually in fiscal 2019 through 2022. See “Note 15. Retirement Plans” of the Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements. See also Item 1A. “Risk Factors — We May Incur Increased Employee Benefit Costs
and Certain of Our Pension Plans Will Likely Require Additional Cash Contributions”.
In the normal course of business, we evaluate our potential exposure to MEPPs, including with respect to potential withdrawal
liabilities. We are considering withdrawing from one or more MEPPs. It is reasonably possible that we may incur significant
withdrawal liabilities with respect to certain MEPPs in connection with such withdrawal(s). In addition, we may be obligated to
pay a share of a particular MEPPs accumulated funding deficiency. See “Note 15. Retirement Plans — Multiemployer Plans”
of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. See also Item 1A. “Risk Factors - We May Incur Withdrawal Liability and/
or Increased Funding Requirements in Connection with the MEPPs in Which We Participate”.
In October 2017, our board of directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.43 per share, representing a 7.5% increase from
the prior $0.40 per share quarterly dividend and an annual dividend of $1.72 per share. During fiscal 2017, we paid an annual
dividend of $1.60 per share. During fiscal 2016 and 2015, we paid an annual dividend of $1.50 and $1.20 per share, respectively.
In July 2015, our board of directors authorized a repurchase program of up to 40.0 million shares of our Common Stock,
representing approximately 15% of our outstanding Common Stock as of July 1, 2015. Shares of our Common Stock may be
purchased from time to time in open market or privately negotiated transactions. The timing, manner, price and amount of
repurchases will be determined by management at its discretion based on factors, including the market price of our Common
Stock, general economic and market conditions and applicable legal requirements. The repurchase program may be commenced,
suspended or discontinued at any time. In fiscal 2017, we repurchased approximately 1.8 million shares of our Common Stock
for an aggregate cost of $93.0 million. In fiscal 2016, we repurchased approximately 8.1 million shares of our Common Stock for
an aggregate cost of $335.3 million. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, subsequent to the authorization, we repurchased
approximately 5.4 million shares of our Common Stock for an aggregate cost of $328.0 million. As of September 30, 2017, we
had remaining authorization under the repurchase program authorized in July 2015 to purchase approximately 24.7 million shares
of our Common Stock.
Separately, as part of the Combination, RockTenn repurchased 10.5 million shares of RockTenn common stock for an aggregate
cost of $667.8 million. Prior to the closing of the Combination and pursuant to the then existing repurchase plan, in the first quarter
of fiscal 2015, RockTenn repurchased 0.2 million shares of RockTenn common stock for an aggregate cost of $8.7 million.
We anticipate that we will be able to fund our capital expenditures, interest payments, dividends and stock repurchases,
pension payments, working capital needs, note repurchases, restructuring and integration activities, repayments of current portion
of long-term debt and other corporate actions for the foreseeable future from cash generated from operations, borrowings under
our credit facilities, proceeds from our A/R Sales Agreement, proceeds from the issuance of debt or equity securities or other
additional long-term debt financing, including new or amended facilities. In addition, we continually review our capital structure
and conditions in the private and public debt markets in order to optimize our mix of indebtedness. In connection therewith, we
47
may seek to refinance existing indebtedness to extend maturities, reduce borrowing costs or otherwise improve the terms and
composition of our indebtedness.
Contractual Obligations
We summarize our enforceable and legally binding contractual obligations at September 30, 2017, and the effect these
obligations are expected to have on our liquidity and cash flow in future periods in the following table. Certain amounts in this
table are based on management’s estimates and assumptions about these obligations, including their duration, the possibility of
renewal, anticipated actions by third parties and other factors, including estimated minimum pension plan contributions and
estimated benefit payments related to postretirement obligations, supplemental retirement plans and deferred compensation plans.
Because these estimates and assumptions are subjective, the enforceable and legally binding obligations we actually pay in future
periods may vary from those we have summarized in the table.
Payments Due by Period
Total
Fiscal 2018
Fiscal 2019
and 2020
(In millions)
Fiscal 2021
and 2022
Thereafter
Long-Term Debt, including current portion,
excluding capital lease obligations (1) . . . . . . $
Operating lease obligations (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capital lease obligations (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Purchase obligations and other (4) (5) (6) . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
6,137.1
$
603.6
$
2,224.3
$
1,000.0
$
2,309.2
625.0
156.4
2,545.8
123.3
5.6
1,860.7
189.8
7.9
349.0
123.3
4.2
125.9
188.6
138.7
210.2
9,464.3
$
2,593.2
$
2,771.0
$
1,253.4
$
2,846.7
(1)
Includes only principal payments owed on our debt assuming that all of our long-term debt will be held to maturity, excluding
scheduled payments. We have excluded $240.7 million of fair value of debt step-up, deferred financing costs and unamortized
bond discounts from the table to arrive at actual debt obligations. See “Note 11. Debt” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements for information on the interest rates applicable to our various debt instruments.
(2) See “Note 13. Operating Leases” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
(3) The fair value step-up of $20.6 million is excluded. See “Note 11. Debt” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
for additional information.
(4) Purchase obligations include agreements to purchase goods or services that are enforceable and legally binding and that
specify all significant terms, including: fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price
provision; and the approximate timing of the transaction. Purchase obligations exclude agreements that are cancelable without
penalty.
(5) We have included in the table future estimated minimum pension plan contributions and estimated benefit payments related
to postretirement obligations, supplemental retirement plans and deferred compensation plans. Our estimates are based on
current factors, such as discount rates and expected returns on plan assets. Future contributions are subject to changes in our
underfunded status based on factors such as investment performance, discount rates, returns on plan assets and changes in
legislation. It is possible that our assumptions may change, actual market performance may vary or we may decide to
contribute different amounts.
(6) We have not included in the table the following items:
• An item labeled “other long-term liabilities” reflected on our consolidated balance sheet because these other long-
term liabilities do not have a definite pay-out scheme.
• We have excluded from the line item “Purchase obligations and other” $195.3 million for certain provisions of ASC
740 “Income Taxes” associated with liabilities for uncertain tax positions due to the uncertainty as to the amount
and timing of payment, if any.
48
In addition to the enforceable and legally binding obligations quantified in the table above, we have other obligations for
goods and services and raw materials entered into in the normal course of business. These contracts, however, are subject to change
based on our business decisions.
Expenditures for Environmental Compliance
See Item 1. “Business — Governmental Regulation — Environmental and Other Matters” for a discussion of our
expenditures for environmental compliance.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
We have prepared our accompanying consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP, which requires management
to make estimates that affect the amounts of revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities reported. Certain critical accounting matters
are described in “Note 1. Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements for additional information. See also Item 7A. “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market
Risk”. These critical accounting matters are both important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results and require some
of management’s most subjective and complex judgments. The accounting for these matters involves the making of estimates
based on current facts, circumstances and assumptions that, in management’s judgment, could change in a manner that would
materially affect management’s future estimates with respect to such matters and, accordingly, could cause our future reported
financial condition and results to differ materially from those that we are currently reporting based on management’s current
estimates.
Critical accounting matters discussed in “Note 1. Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies”
of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements include (i) accounts receivable and allowances; (ii) goodwill and long-lived
assets; (iii) restructuring; (iv) business combinations; (v) fair value of financial instruments and nonfinancial assets and liabilities;
(vi) accounting for income taxes; and (vii) pension and postretirement benefits.
Accounts Receivable and Allowances
We have an allowance for doubtful accounts, credits, returns and allowances, and cash discounts that serve to reduce the value
of our gross accounts receivable to the amount we estimate we will ultimately collect. The allowances contain uncertainties because
the calculation requires management to make assumptions and apply judgment regarding our customers’ credit worthiness and
the credits, returns and allowances and cash discounts that may be taken by our customers. We perform ongoing evaluations of
our customers’ financial condition and generally do not require collateral. We adjust credit limits based upon payment history and
the particular customer’s current credit worthiness, as determined by our review of their current financial information. We
continuously monitor collections from our customers and maintain a provision for estimated credit losses based upon our customers’
financial condition, our collection experience and any other relevant customer specific information. Our assessment of this and
other information forms the basis of our allowances. We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material
change in the future estimates or assumptions we use to estimate the allowances. However, while these credit losses have historically
been within our expectations and the provisions we established, it is possible that our credit loss rates could be higher or lower in
the future depending on changes in business conditions and changes in our customers’ credit worthiness. At September 30, 2017,
our accounts receivable, net of allowances of $45.8 million, was $1,886.8 million; a 1% additional loss on accounts receivable
would change our allowance by $18.9 million and a 5% change in our allowance assumptions would change our allowance by
$2.3 million.
Goodwill
We review the carrying value of our goodwill annually at the beginning of the fourth quarter of each fiscal year, or more often
if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may exceed fair value. We determine recoverability by
comparing the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to which the goodwill applies to the carrying value, including goodwill,
of that reporting unit using a discounted cash flow model. We also consider the market approach using implied public and private
multiples. Our discounted cash flow analysis is based on the sum of two components, the present value of our projected cash flows
and the present value of a terminal value. The cash flow estimates are derived from our current forecast and our long-term forecasts
prepared for each reporting unit considering historical results and anticipated future performance and capital expenditures, and
require considerable judgment. The discount rates used to determine the present value of future cash flows were derived from a
weighted average cost of capital analysis utilizing a beta that is derived from peer companies. In addition, we gave consideration
in the calculation of the weighted average cost of capital for equity risks including size risk, industry risk and country specific
risk, as appropriate, for each of our reporting units. As a result of the weighted average cost of capital calculations, our discount
49
rate used for each reporting unit ranged from 8% to 14%. We use perpetual growth rates in the reporting units ranging from 1.5%
to 4%. Estimating the fair value of the reporting unit involves uncertainties because it requires management to develop numerous
assumptions, including assumptions about the future growth and potential volatility in revenues and costs, capital expenditures,
industry economic factors and future business strategy. The variability of the factors that management uses to perform the goodwill
impairment test depends on a number of conditions, including uncertainty about future events and cash flows, including anticipated
changes in revenues and costs and synergies and productivity improvements resulting from the acquisitions, capital expenditures
and continuous improvement projects. All such factors are interdependent and, therefore, do not change in isolation. Accordingly,
our accounting estimates may materially change from period to period due to changing market factors. If we had used other
assumptions and estimates or if different conditions occur in future periods, future operating results could be materially impacted.
Any significant adverse changes in key assumptions about these businesses and their prospects, such as changes in our strategy
or products, the loss of key customers, regulatory changes or adverse changes in economic and market conditions may cause a
change in the estimated fair values of our reporting units and could result in an impairment charge that could be material to our
financial statements.
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, of those reporting units that have goodwill, our Consumer Packaging and Brazil
Corrugated reporting units had a fair value which exceeded their carrying value by a little more than 10%, due primarily to the
Combination and the MPS Acquisition and the corresponding fair value accounting. If we had concluded that it was appropriate
to increase the discount rate we used by 100 basis point to estimate the fair value of each reporting unit that has goodwill, the fair
value for each of our reporting units would have continued to exceed its carrying value, except for the Consumer Packaging and
Brazil Corrugated reporting units. The Consumer Packaging and Brazil Corrugated reporting units had $3,586.8 million and $177.3
million of goodwill at September 30, 2017, respectively. No events have occurred since the latest annual goodwill impairment
assessment that would necessitate an interim goodwill impairment assessment. We have not made any material changes to our
impairment loss assessment methodology during the past three fiscal years. We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that
there will be a material change in future assumptions or estimates we use to calculate impairment losses. However, if actual results
are not consistent with our assumptions and estimates, we may be exposed to impairment losses that could be material.
Accounting for Income Taxes
Our income tax expense, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits, reflect management’s
best assessment of estimated current and future taxes to be paid. In evaluating our ability to recover our deferred tax assets within
the jurisdiction from which they arise we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of
deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent operations. Significant judgments and
estimates are required in determining the consolidated income tax expense. We recognize interest and penalties related to
unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense in the consolidated statements of operations. A 1% change in our effective tax
rate would increase or decrease tax expense by approximately $8.6 million for fiscal 2017. A 1% change in our effective tax rate
used to compute deferred tax liabilities and assets, as recorded on the September 30, 2017 consolidated balance sheet, would
increase or decrease tax expense by approximately $97.5 million for fiscal 2017.
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
The funded status of our qualified and non-qualified U.S. and non-U.S. pension plans increased $159.8 million in fiscal 2017.
Our U.S. qualified and non-qualified pension plans are over funded $166.0 million and our non-U.S. pension plans are underfunded
$87.5 million. Our U.S. pension plan obligations were positively impacted in fiscal 2017 by market returns, our pension de-risking
program and changes in participant demographics. The non-U.S. pension plan obligations were positively impacted in fiscal 2017
by an 18 basis point increase in the discount rate compared to the prior measurement date. A 25 basis point change in the discount
rate, compensation level, expected long-term rate of return on plan assets or medical cost trend, factoring in our corridor as
appropriate, would have had the following effect on fiscal 2017 pension and other postretirement expense (amounts in the table
in parentheses reflect additional income, in millions):
Discount rate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Compensation level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets . . .
Medical cost trend. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pension Plans
Postretirement Plans
25 Basis Point
Increase
25 Basis Point
Decrease
25 Basis Point
Increase
25 Basis Point
Decrease
$
11.1
(0.4)
12.0
N/A
(0.3) $
N/A
N/A
0.1
0.1
N/A
N/A
(0.1)
(8.2) $
0.4
(12.0)
N/A
50
New Accounting Standards
See “Note 1. Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements for a full description of recent accounting pronouncements, including the respective expected dates of adoption
and expected effects on our results of operations and financial condition.
Item 7A.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We are exposed to market risk from changes in, among other things, interest rates, foreign currencies and commodity prices.
We aim to identify and understand these risks and then implement strategies to manage them. When evaluating these strategies,
we evaluate the fundamentals of each market, our sensitivity to movements in pricing, and underlying accounting and business
implications. To implement these strategies, we may enter into various hedging transactions. The sensitivity analyses we present
below do not consider the effect of possible adverse changes in the general economy, nor do they consider additional actions we
may take to mitigate our exposure to such changes. We may not be successful in managing these risks.
Containerboard and Paperboard Shipments
We are exposed to market risk related to our sales of containerboard and paperboard. We sell a significant portion of our mill
production and converted products pursuant to contracts that provide that prices are either fixed for specified terms or provide for
price adjustments based on negotiated terms, including changes in specified index prices. We have the capacity to annually ship
approximately 9.3 million tons in our Corrugated Packaging segment and approximately 4.2 million tons in our Consumer
Packaging segment. Although our mill system operating rates may vary from year to year due to changes in market and other
factors, our simple average mill system operating rates for the last three years averaged 95%. A hypothetical $10 per ton decrease
in the price of paperboard throughout the year based on our capacity would decrease our sales by approximately $93 million and
$42 million in our Corrugated Packaging and Consumer Packaging segments, respectively. See Item 1A. “Risk Factors — Our
Earnings Are Highly Dependent on Volumes”.
Energy
Energy is one of the most significant costs of our mill operations. The cost of natural gas, coal, oil, electricity and wood by-
products (biomass) at times have fluctuated significantly. In our recycled paperboard mills, we use primarily natural gas and
electricity, supplemented with coal and fuel oil to generate steam used in the paper making process and, at a few mills, to generate
electricity used on site. In our virgin fiber mills, we use biomass, natural gas and coal to generate steam used in the pulping and
paper making processes and to generate some or all of the electricity used on site. We primarily use electricity and natural gas to
operate our converting facilities. We generally purchase these products from suppliers at market or tariff rates.
We spent approximately $732 million on all energy sources in fiscal 2017 to operate our facilities. Natural gas accounted for
approximately two-fifths (approximately 68 million MMBtu) of our total energy purchases in fiscal 2017. A hypothetical 10%
increase in the price of energy throughout the year would increase our cost of energy by approximately $73 million based on fiscal
2017 pricing and consumption.
Recycled Fiber
Recycled fiber is the principal raw material we use in the production of recycled paperboard and a portion of our containerboard.
We consume approximately 4.9 million tons of recycled fiber per year. Our purchases of old corrugated containers and double-
lined kraft clippings accounted for our largest recycled fiber costs and approximately 85% to 90% of our recycled fiber purchases.
The remaining 10% to 15% of our recycled fiber purchases consisted of a number of other grades of recycled paper. The mix of
recycled fiber may vary due to factors such as market demand, availability and pricing. A hypothetical 10% increase in recycled
fiber prices in our mills for a fiscal year would increase our costs by approximately $96 million.
Virgin Fiber
Virgin fiber is the principal raw material we use in the production of a portion of our containerboard, bleached paperboard
and market pulp. A hypothetical 10% increase in virgin fiber prices in our mills for a fiscal year would increase our costs by
approximately $115 million.
51
Freight
Inbound and outbound freight is a significant expenditure for us. Factors that influence our freight expense are items such as
distance between our shipping and delivery locations, distance from customers and suppliers, mode of transportation (rail, truck,
intermodal and ocean) and freight rates, which are influenced by supply and demand and fuel costs, primarily diesel. A hypothetical
10% increase for a fiscal year would increase our costs by approximately $128 million, of which approximately one-fifth would
be the portion related to higher diesel costs based on our estimated 88 million gallons consumed annually. See Item 1A. “Risk
Factors — We May Face Increased Costs or Inadequate Availability of Raw Materials, Energy and Transportation”.
Interest Rates
We are exposed to changes in interest rates, primarily as a result of our short-term and long-term debt. We may from time to
time use interest rate swap agreements to manage the interest rate characteristics of a portion of our outstanding debt. Based on
the amounts and mix of our fixed and floating rate debt at September 30, 2017, if market interest rates increase an average of 100
basis points, our annual interest expense would increase by approximately $22 million. We determined these amounts by considering
the impact of the hypothetical interest rates on our borrowing costs. This analysis does not consider the effects of changes in the
level of overall economic activity that could exist in such an environment. See Item 1A. “Risk Factors — Interest Rate Increases
Could Impact Our Financial Condition”.
Pension Plans
Our pension plans are influenced by trends in the financial markets and the regulatory environment, among other factors.
Adverse general stock market trends and falling interest rates increase plan costs and liabilities. During fiscal 2017, the effect of
a 0.25% decrease in the discount rate would have reduced pre-tax income by approximately $11.1 million and a 0.25% increase
in the discount rate would have increased pre-tax income by $8.2 million. During fiscal 2016, the effect of a 0.25% decrease in
the discount rate would have reduced pre-tax income by approximately $13.3 million and a 0.25% increase in the discount rate
would have reduced pre-tax income by $0.9 million. Similarly, MEPPs in which we participate could experience similar
circumstances which could impact our funding requirements and therefore expenses. See “Note 15. Retirement Plans —
Multiemployer Plans” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. See also Item 1A. “Risk Factors — We May Incur
Increased Employee Benefit Costs and Certain of Our Pension Plans Will Likely Require Additional Cash Contributions” and
“Risk Factors - We May Incur Withdrawal Liability and/or Increased Funding Requirements in Connection with the MEPPs
in Which We Participate.”
Foreign Currency
We predominately operate in U.S. markets, but derived 17.6% of our net sales in fiscal 2017 from outside the U.S. through
international operations or exports to foreign customers, some of which were transacted in U.S. dollars. In addition, certain of our
domestic operations have sales to foreign customers. In conducting our foreign operations, we also make inter-company sales and
receive royalties and dividends denominated in many different currencies. All of this exposes us to the effect of changes in foreign
currency exchange rates. Flows of foreign currencies into and out of our operations are generally stable and regularly occurring
and are recorded at fair market value in our financial statements. Our foreign currency management policy permits us to enter into
foreign currency hedges when these flows exceed a threshold, which is a function of these cash flows and forecasted annual
operations.
We issue inter-company loans to and receive foreign cash deposits from our foreign subsidiaries in their local currencies,
exposing us to the effect of changes in spot exchange rates between loan issue and loan repayment dates and changes in spot
exchange rates from deposits. From time to time, we may use foreign-exchange hedge contracts with terms of generally less than
one year to hedge these exposures. Although our derivative and other foreign currency sensitive instruments expose us to market
risk, fluctuations in the value of these instruments are mitigated by expected offsetting fluctuations in the matched exposures.
During fiscal 2017 and 2016, the effect of a hypothetical 10% change in foreign segment income driven by exchange rates
would have impacted our segment results by approximately $26 million and $23 million, respectively. See “Note 21. Segment
Information” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
During fiscal 2017 and 2016, the effect of a 1% change in exchange rates would have impacted accumulated other
comprehensive income by approximately $34 million and $28 million, respectively. This impact does not consider the effects of
a stronger or weaker dollar on our ability to compete for export business or the overall economic activity that could exist in such
an environment. Changes in foreign exchange rates could impact the price and therefore also the demand for our products. See
52
Item 1A. “Risk Factors — We May Be Adversely Affected by U.S. and Worldwide Economic and Financial Market Conditions,
and Social and Political Change”.
53
Item 8.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Index to Financial Statements
Description
Consolidated Statements of Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated Balance Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated Statements of Equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting . . .
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Page
Reference
55
56
57
58
60
63
131
132
133
For supplemental quarterly financial information, please see “Note 22. Financial Results by Quarter (Unaudited)” of the
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
54
WESTROCK COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Net sales. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Cost of goods sold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross profit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selling, general and administrative, excluding intangible amortization . . .
Selling, general and administrative intangible amortization . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pension risk transfer expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pension lump sum settlement and retiree medical curtailment, net . . . . . .
Land and Development impairment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Restructuring and other costs, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating profit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest income and other income (expense), net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity in income of unconsolidated entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gain on sale of HH&B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income from continuing operations before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income from continuing operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(Loss) income from discontinued operations (net of income tax benefit
(expense) of $0, $32.3 and $(17.5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated net income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less: Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests . . . . . . . . .
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Basic (loss) earnings per share from discontinued operations . . . . . . . . . .
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders. . . . . $
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Diluted (loss) earnings per share from discontinued operations . . . . . . . . .
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders . . . $
Cash dividends paid per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Year Ended September 30,
2017
2016
2015
(In millions, except per share data)
14,859.7
$
14,171.8
$
11,124.8
12,119.5
2,740.2
1,399.6
229.6
—
32.6
46.7
196.7
835.0
(277.7)
1.8
66.7
39.0
192.8
857.6
(159.0)
698.6
—
698.6
9.6
708.2
2.81
—
2.81
2.77
—
2.77
1.60
$
$
$
$
$
$
11,413.2
2,758.6
1,379.4
211.8
370.7
—
—
366.4
430.3
(256.7)
2.7
58.6
9.7
—
244.6
(89.8)
154.8
(544.7)
(389.9)
(6.4)
(396.3)
0.60
(2.16)
(1.56)
0.59
(2.13)
(1.54)
1.50
$
$
$
$
$
$
8,986.5
2,138.3
1,014.6
118.9
—
11.5
—
140.8
852.5
(132.5)
(2.6)
9.7
7.1
—
734.2
(233.0)
501.2
10.6
511.8
(4.7)
507.1
2.92
0.05
2.97
2.87
0.06
2.93
1.20
See Accompanying Notes
55
WESTROCK COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Consolidated net income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency:
Foreign currency translation gain (loss). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reclassification adjustment of net loss on foreign currency translation
included in earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sale of HH&B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Derivatives:
Deferred loss on cash flow hedges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reclassification adjustment of net (gain) loss on cash flow hedges included
in earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unrealized gain on available for sale security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans:
Net actuarial gain (loss) arising during period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization and settlement recognition of net actuarial loss, included in
pension and postretirement cost (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prior service credit (cost) arising during period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization and curtailment recognition of prior service (credit) cost,
included in pension and postretirement cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sale of HH&B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other comprehensive income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Comprehensive income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less: Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests . . . .
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to common stockholders . . . . . . . . . . . $
(1) Fiscal 2016 includes pension risk transfer expense, net of tax.
Year Ended September 30,
2017
2016
2015
(In millions)
(389.9)
$
698.6
$
511.8
80.7
—
26.8
—
(0.5)
0.7
22.2
36.0
0.7
(0.2)
2.9
169.3
867.9
9.4
877.3
$
109.8
(242.0)
20.2
—
—
—
(0.4)
(1.6)
1.2
—
(224.6)
236.5
1.4
1.1
—
145.2
(244.7)
(5.7)
(250.4)
$
0.4
—
(52.6)
30.3
(15.4)
(4.6)
—
(285.5)
226.3
(3.9)
222.4
See Accompanying Notes
56
WESTROCK COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
September 30,
2017
2016
(In millions, except per share data)
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Restricted cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accounts receivable (net of allowances of $45.8 and $36.5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inventories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Assets held for sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Property, plant and equipment, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Goodwill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intangibles, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Restricted assets held by special purpose entities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prepaid pension asset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Assets
$
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current portion of debt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Accounts payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accrued compensation and benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Long-term debt due after one year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pension liabilities, net of current portion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Postretirement benefit liabilities, net of current portion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Non-recourse liabilities held by special purpose entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other long-term liabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 13 and 19)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 30.0 million shares authorized; no shares outstanding .
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 600.0 million shares authorized; 254.5 million and
251.0 million shares outstanding at September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016,
respectively. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capital in excess of par value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Retained earnings (deficit). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accumulated other comprehensive loss. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total stockholders’ equity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Noncontrolling interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Liabilities and Equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
298.1
5.9
1,886.8
1,797.3
329.2
173.6
4,490.9
9,118.3
5,528.3
3,329.3
1,287.4
368.0
966.8
25,089.0
608.7
1,492.1
416.7
492.3
3,009.8
5,946.1
279.4
153.4
1,161.9
3,410.2
737.4
4.7
—
2.5
10,624.9
172.4
(457.3)
10,342.5
43.6
10,386.1
25,089.0
$
$
$
$
340.9
25.5
1,592.2
1,638.2
263.5
52.3
3,912.6
9,294.3
4,778.1
2,599.3
1,293.8
257.8
902.3
23,038.2
292.9
1,054.4
405.9
429.8
2,183.0
5,496.3
328.1
140.0
1,170.2
3,130.7
746.2
13.7
—
2.5
10,458.6
(105.9)
(626.4)
9,728.8
101.2
9,830.0
23,038.2
See Accompanying Notes
57
WESTROCK COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
Year Ended September 30,
2017
2016
2015
(In millions, except per share data)
Number of Shares of Common Stock Outstanding:
Balance at beginning of fiscal year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shares issued under restricted stock plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Issuance of common stock, net of stock received for minimum tax withholdings (1) (2) . . . .
Purchases of common stock (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance at end of fiscal year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Common Stock:
Balance at beginning of fiscal year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Issuance of common stock, net of stock received for minimum tax withholdings (1). . . . . .
Purchases of common stock (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance at end of fiscal year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capital in Excess of Par Value:
251.0
1.1
4.2
(1.8)
254.5
$
2.5
—
—
2.5
Balance at beginning of fiscal year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10,458.6
Income tax benefit (expense) from share-based plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compensation expense under share-based plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Issuance of common stock, net of stock received for minimum tax withholdings (1). . . . . .
Fair value of share-based awards issued in business combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Purchases of common stock (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Separation of Specialty Chemicals business. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.3
60.6
181.6
1.9
(76.3)
(5.8)
$
257.0
1.6
0.5
(8.1)
251.0
2.6
—
(0.1)
2.5
10,767.8
(15.5)
76.0
13.9
—
(319.2)
(64.4)
140.0
1.7
131.4
(16.1)
257.0
1.4
1.3
(0.1)
2.6
2,839.8
22.5
50.2
8,084.1
210.9
(439.7)
—
Balance at end of fiscal year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10,624.9
10,458.6
10,767.8
Retained Earnings (Deficit):
Balance at beginning of fiscal year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dividends declared (per share - $1.60, $1.50 and $1.20) (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Issuance of common stock, net of stock received for minimum tax withholdings . . . . . . . .
Purchases of common stock (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Separation of Specialty Chemicals business. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance at end of fiscal year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss:
Balance at beginning of fiscal year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Separation of Specialty Chemicals business. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance at end of fiscal year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Stockholders’ equity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Noncontrolling Interests:(5)
Balance at beginning of fiscal year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Noncontrolling interests assumed in business combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net (loss) income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Distributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sale of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Separation of Specialty Chemicals business. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance at end of fiscal year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(105.9)
708.2
(407.3)
(5.9)
(16.7)
—
172.4
(626.4)
169.1
—
(457.3)
10,342.5
101.2
—
(12.9)
—
(44.7)
—
—
—
43.6
1,661.6
1,960.9
(396.3)
(384.2)
(0.8)
(16.0)
(970.2)
(105.9)
(780.2)
145.9
7.9
(626.4)
9,728.8
132.1
10.9
3.2
—
(18.7)
(0.2)
—
(26.1)
101.2
507.1
(215.3)
(26.4)
(564.7)
—
1,661.6
(495.3)
(284.9)
—
(780.2)
11,651.8
0.6
159.3
0.7
3.5
(31.9)
—
(0.1)
—
132.1
Total equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
10,386.1
$
9,830.0
$
11,783.9
(1)
Included in the Issuance of common stock in fiscal 2017 is the issuance of approximately 2.4 million shares of Common Stock
valued at $136.1 million in connection with the U.S. Corrugated Acquisition. Included in the Issuance of common stock in
58
(3)
(2)
fiscal 2015 is the issuance of approximately 131.2 million shares of Common Stock valued at $8,075.8 million in connection
with the Combination.
In connection with the Smurfit-Stone Acquisition, there were approximately 1.4 million shares reserved but unissued at the
time of the acquisition for the resolution of Smurfit-Stone bankruptcy claims. At September 30, 2017, 0.2 million shares
remain reserved and unissued.
In fiscal 2017, we repurchased approximately 1.8 million shares of our Common Stock for an aggregate cost of $93.0 million.
In fiscal 2016, we repurchased approximately 8.1 million shares of our Common Stock for an aggregate cost of $335.3 million.
Pursuant to the then existing repurchase plan, in the first quarter of fiscal 2015, RockTenn repurchased 0.2 million shares for
an aggregate cost of $8.7 million. Subsequent to the Combination, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, we repurchased
approximately 5.4 million shares of our Common Stock for an aggregate cost of $328.0 million under the new authorization.
Separately as part of the Combination, we repurchased 10.5 million shares of our Common Stock for an aggregate cost of
$667.8 million.
Includes cash dividends paid, dividend equivalent units on certain restricted stock awards and dividends declared but unpaid
related to the shares reserved but unissued at the time of the acquisition for the resolution of Smurfit-Stone bankruptcy claims.
(5) Excludes amounts related to contingently redeemable noncontrolling interests, which are separately classified outside of
(4)
permanent equity in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
See Accompanying Notes
59
WESTROCK COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Operating activities:
Consolidated net income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Adjustments to reconcile consolidated net income to net cash provided by
698.6
$
(389.9)
$
511.8
2017
Year Ended September 30,
2016
(In millions)
2015
operating activities:
Depreciation, depletion and amortization. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cost of real estate sold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Share-based compensation expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(Gain) loss on disposal of plant, equipment and other, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity in income of unconsolidated entities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pension and other postretirement funding (more) than expense (income). . . .
Gain on sale or deconsolidation of subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gain on Grupo Gondi investment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gain on sale of HH&B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash surrender value increase in excess of premiums paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impairment adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Distributed earnings from equity investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other non-cash items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Land and Development impairment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impairment of Specialty Chemicals goodwill and intangibles. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and
divestitures:
Accounts receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inventories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accounts payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accrued liabilities and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net cash provided by operating activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investing activities:
Capital expenditures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash (paid) received for purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired. . . . . . . .
Debt purchased in connection with an acquisition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash received in merger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Corporate-owned life insurance premium paid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investment in unconsolidated entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash related to deconsolidation of subsidiary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Return of capital from unconsolidated entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash received from affiliated entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary and affiliates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from sale of HH&B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net cash used for investing activities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additions (repayments) to revolving credit facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additions to debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Repayments of debt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other financing additions (repayments) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Debt issuance costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Specialty Chemicals spin-off of net cash and trust funding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Issuances of common stock, net of related minimum tax withholdings . . . . . . .
Purchases of common stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Purchases of common stock - merger related . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Payment of contingent consideration from a business combination . . . . . . . . . .
Advances from (repayments to) unconsolidated entity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
60
1,116.6
207.9
(20.4)
58.0
(1.8)
(4.9)
(39.0)
(51.0)
(5.0)
—
(192.8)
(34.0)
56.8
26.9
(38.9)
46.7
—
(97.9)
(48.2)
(33.7)
302.2
(67.1)
21.5
1,900.5
(778.6)
(1,588.5)
—
—
(4.4)
(2.5)
(3.6)
18.5
—
14.8
1,005.9
52.6
(1,285.8)
998.4
421.8
742.6
(2,331.9)
23.9
(9.8)
—
35.8
(93.0)
—
6.7
(1.1)
1.4
1,146.5
87.7
(160.9)
75.7
(2.7)
(6.5)
(9.7)
275.6
—
(12.1)
—
(27.6)
200.8
9.0
(42.1)
—
579.4
36.6
50.6
(92.7)
(197.1)
73.2
94.6
1,688.4
(796.7)
(376.4)
(36.5)
—
(9.0)
(179.9)
—
5.7
—
10.2
—
31.2
(1,351.4)
—
125.5
1,511.8
(1,073.3)
53.3
(3.6)
(105.0)
11.8
(335.3)
—
0.3
—
(2.3)
740.8
32.1
161.4
49.2
2.6
1.0
(7.1)
(137.7)
—
—
—
—
6.9
—
(14.5)
—
—
106.1
(27.2)
(10.0)
(38.4)
(23.6)
(149.8)
1,203.6
(585.5)
3.7
—
265.7
—
—
—
1.1
3.5
—
—
28.8
(282.7)
—
(48.1)
2,176.3
(1,587.5)
(0.6)
(7.8)
—
(19.3)
(336.7)
(667.8)
23.0
—
(0.3)
Cash dividends paid to stockholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash distributions paid to noncontrolling interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net cash used for financing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(Decrease) Increase in cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash and cash equivalents from continuing operations, at beginning of period . . .
Cash and cash equivalents from discontinued operations, at beginning of period. .
Balance of cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash and cash equivalents from continuing operations, at end of period . . . . . . . .
Cash and cash equivalents from discontinued operations, at end of period . . . . . . .
Balance of cash and cash equivalents at end of period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
2017
Year Ended September 30,
2016
(In millions)
2015
(403.2)
(47.0)
(655.4)
(2.1)
(42.8)
340.9
—
340.9
298.1
—
298.1
$
(380.7)
(33.5)
(231.0)
6.6
112.6
207.8
20.5
228.3
340.9
—
340.9
$
(214.5)
(34.7)
(718.0)
(7.2)
195.7
32.6
—
32.6
207.8
20.5
228.3
Year Ended September 30,
2017
2016
2015
(In millions)
Cash paid during the period for:
Income taxes, net of refunds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Interest, net of amounts capitalized . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
227.6
239.0
$
$
157.4
229.9
$
$
89.3
140.1
Supplemental schedule of non-cash operating and investing activities:
If fiscal 2017, we contributed a subsidiary to an unconsolidated joint venture and deconsolidated another subsidiary which
resulted in the derecognition and recognition of certain non-cash items. In connection with the formation of the Grupo Gondi joint
venture in fiscal 2016, we contributed $175.0 million in cash and the stock of an entity that owns three corrugated packaging
facilities in Mexico in return for a 25.0% equity participation in the joint venture and options valued at approximately $0.3 billion.
The entity was deconsolidated as of April 1, 2016, which resulted in the derecognition and recognition of the following non-cash
items for the year ended September 30:
Derecognized:
Accounts receivable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Inventories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Accounts payable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Accrued liabilities and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2017
2016
(In millions)
14.6
7.6
12.3
(7.9)
(1.4)
(12.0)
$
$
$
$
$
$
34.7
25.8
86.3
(15.4)
(1.0)
(18.8)
Recognized:
Investment in unconsolidated entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
(16.7)
$
(123.7)
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:
Liabilities assumed in fiscal 2017 relate to the MPS Acquisition, the U.S. Corrugated Acquisition, the Island Container
Acquisition, the Hannapak Acquisition and the Star Pizza Acquisition. Liabilities assumed in fiscal 2016 relate to the SP Fiber
Acquisition and the Packaging Acquisition. Liabilities assumed in fiscal 2015 relate to the Combination. See “Note 6. Merger,
Acquisitions and Investment” for additional information.
61
Year Ended September 30,
2017
2016
2015
Fair value of assets acquired, including goodwill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Cash consideration for the purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired (1). . .
Unreceived working capital or escrow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Debt purchased in connection with an acquisition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stock issued in business combinations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fair value of share-based awards issued in business combinations . . . . . . . . .
Liabilities and noncontrolling interest assumed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
3,342.4
(1,592.0)
4.6
—
(136.1)
(1.9)
1,617.0
(In millions)
580.7
$
(376.4)
3.5
(36.5)
—
—
171.3
$
$
16,001.1
—
—
—
(8,075.8)
(210.9)
7,714.4
$
Included in liabilities assumed is the following item:
Debt assumed in acquisition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
929.1
$
15.0
$
2,152.9
(1) The fiscal 2017 amount is different from the consolidated statements of cash flows line item “cash (paid) received for the
purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired” as the statement of cash flow amount is net of the receipt of a $3.5 million
escrow payment related to the Packaging Acquisition.
See Accompanying Notes
62
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1. Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Description of Business
Unless the context otherwise requires, “we”, “us”, “our”, “WestRock” and “the Company” refer to the business of WestRock
Company, its wholly-owned subsidiaries and its partially-owned consolidated subsidiaries.
WestRock is a multinational provider of paper and packaging solutions for consumer and corrugated packaging markets. We
partner with our customers to provide differentiated paper and packaging solutions that help them win in the marketplace. Our
team members support customers around the world from our operating and business locations in North America, South America,
Europe, Asia and Australia. We also sell real estate primarily in the Charleston, SC region.
WestRock was formed on March 6, 2015 for the purpose of effecting the Combination and, prior to the Combination, did not
conduct any activities other than those incidental to its formation and the matters contemplated by the Business Combination
Agreement. On July 1, 2015, pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement, RockTenn and MWV completed a strategic
combination of their respective businesses and RockTenn and MWV each became wholly-owned subsidiaries of WestRock.
RockTenn was the accounting acquirer in the Combination. We believe the Combination combined two industry leaders to create
a leading global provider of consumer and corrugated packaging solutions. See “Note 6. Merger, Acquisitions and Investment”
for additional information.
On May 15, 2016, WestRock completed the Separation, pursuant to which we disposed of our former Specialty Chemicals
segment in its entirety and ceased to consolidate its assets, liabilities and results of operations in our consolidated financial
statements. Accordingly, we have presented the financial position and results of operations of our former Specialty Chemicals
segment as discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for all periods presented. See “Note
7. Discontinued Operations” for additional information.
On April 6, 2017, we completed the HH&B Sale. We used the proceeds from the HH&B Sale in connection with the MPS
Acquisition. We recorded a pre-tax gain on sale of HH&B of $192.8 million in fiscal 2017. See “Note 8. Assets Held For Sale”
for additional information.
On June 6, 2017, we completed the MPS Acquisition. MPS is a global provider of print-based specialty packaging solutions
and its differentiated product offering includes premium folding cartons, inserts, labels and rigid packaging. MPS is reported in
our Consumer Packaging segment. See “Note 6. Merger, Acquisitions and Investment” for additional information.
Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of our partially-owned consolidated subsidiaries.
Equity investments in which we exercise significant influence but do not control and are not the primary beneficiary are accounted
for using the equity method. Investments in which we are not able to exercise significant influence over the investee are accounted
for under the cost method. Our equity and cost method investments are not significant either individually or in the aggregate. We
have eliminated all significant intercompany accounts and transactions. See “Note 21. Segment Information” for our equity
method investments.
Reclassifications
In fiscal 2017, we reported assets held for sale separately on our consolidated balance sheet, as well as distributed earnings
from equity investments on our consolidated statements of cash flows. The presentation of other current assets on our consolidated
balance sheets and other assets on our consolidated statements of cash flows at and for the year ended September 30, 2016 has
been changed to conform to the current year presentation. In addition, due to the retrospective adoption of certain provisions of
ASU 2015-07 “Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share” that eliminated the
requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value
(or its equivalent) practical expedient, we have conformed the September 30, 2016 table that summarizes our pension plan assets
measured at fair value to the current year presentation and correspondingly removed the table that reflected changes in our level
3 pension plan assets since we had no level 3 assets remaining after the adoption.
63
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Use of Estimates
Preparing consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated
financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ
from those estimates, and the differences could be material.
The most significant accounting estimates inherent in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements include estimates
to evaluate the recoverability of goodwill, intangibles and property, plant and equipment, to determine the useful lives of assets
that are amortized or depreciated, and to measure income taxes, self-insured obligations, restructuring activities and allocate the
purchase price of an acquired business to the fair value of acquired assets and liabilities. In addition, significant estimates form
the basis for our reserves with respect to collectibility of accounts receivable, inventory valuations, pension benefits, deferred tax
asset valuation allowances and certain benefits provided to current and retired employees. Various assumptions and other factors
underlie the determination of these significant estimates. The process of determining significant estimates is fact specific and takes
into account factors such as historical experience, current and expected economic conditions, product mix, and in some cases,
actuarial techniques. We regularly evaluate these significant factors and make adjustments where facts and circumstances dictate.
Revenue Recognition
We recognize revenue when there is persuasive evidence that an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have
been rendered, our price to the buyer is fixed or determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured. Delivery is not considered
to have occurred until the customer takes title and assumes the risks and rewards of ownership. The timing of revenue recognition
is dependent on the location of title transfer which is normally either on the exit from our plants (i.e., shipping point) or on arrival
at customers’ plants (i.e., destination point). We do not recognize revenue from transactions where we bill customers, but retain
custody and title to these products until the date custody and title transfer. We do not have any significant multiple deliverable
revenue arrangements.
We net, against our gross sales, provisions for discounts, returns, allowances, customer rebates and other adjustments. We
account for such provisions during the same period in which we record the related revenues. We include in net sales any amounts
related to shipping and handling that are billed to a customer.
Shipping and Handling Costs
We classify shipping and handling costs as a component of cost of goods sold.
Cash Equivalents
We consider all highly liquid investments that mature three months or less from the date of purchase to be cash equivalents.
The carrying amounts we report in the consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents approximate fair market values.
We place our cash and cash equivalents with large credit worthy banks, which limits the amount of our credit exposure.
Accounts Receivable and Allowances
We perform periodic evaluations of our customers’ financial condition and generally do not require collateral. The weighted
average of our receivables collection is within 30 to 60 days. We sell certain receivables under our A/R Sales Agreement. We serve
a diverse customer base primarily in North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Australia, and, therefore, have limited
exposure from credit loss to any particular customer or industry segment.
We state accounts receivable at the amount owed by the customer, net of an allowance for estimated uncollectible accounts,
returns and allowances, cash discounts and other adjustments. We do not discount accounts receivable because we generally collect
accounts receivable over a relatively short time. We account for sales and other taxes that are imposed on and concurrent with
individual revenue-producing transactions between a customer and us on a net basis which excludes the taxes from our net sales.
We estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts based on our historical experience, current economic conditions and the credit
worthiness of our customers. We charge off receivables when they are determined to be no longer collectible. In fiscal 2017, 2016
and 2015 our bad debt expense was not significant.
64
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The following table represents a summary of the changes in the reserve for allowance for doubtful accounts, returns and
allowances and cash discounts for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015 (in millions):
Balance at beginning of fiscal year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Reduction in sales and charges to costs and expenses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deductions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance at end of fiscal year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
36.5
$
29.5
$
215.6
(206.3)
45.8
$
200.8
(193.8)
36.5
$
25.1
166.6
(162.2)
29.5
2017
2016
2015
Inventories
We value substantially all U.S. inventories at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined on the LIFO basis. We value
all other inventories at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined using methods that approximate cost computed on a FIFO
basis. These other inventories represent primarily foreign inventories, spare parts inventories and certain inventoried supplies and
aggregate to approximately 32% and 35% of FIFO cost of all inventory at September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Prior to the application of the LIFO method, our U.S. operating divisions use a variety of methods to estimate the FIFO cost
of their finished goods inventories. Such methods include standard costs, or average costs computed by dividing the actual cost
of goods manufactured by the tons produced and multiplying this amount by the tons of inventory on hand. Lastly, certain operations
calculate a ratio, on a plant by plant basis, the numerator of which is the cost of goods sold and the denominator is net sales. This
ratio is applied to the estimated sales value of the finished goods inventory. Variances and other unusual items are analyzed to
determine whether it is appropriate to include those items in the value of inventory. Examples of variances and unusual items that
are considered to be current period charges include, but are not limited to, abnormal production levels, freight, handling costs,
and wasted materials (spoilage). Cost includes raw materials and supplies, direct labor, indirect labor related to the manufacturing
process and depreciation and other factory overheads. Our inventoried spare parts are measured at average cost.
Property, Plant and Equipment
We state property, plant and equipment at cost. Cost includes major expenditures for improvements and replacements that
extend useful lives, increase capacity, increase revenues or reduce costs. During fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, we capitalized interest
of approximately $7.0 million, $7.6 million and $4.0 million, respectively. For financial reporting purposes, we provide depreciation
and amortization primarily on a straight-line method generally over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:
Buildings and building improvements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-40 years
Machinery and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-25 years
Transportation equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8 years
Generally, our machinery and equipment have estimated useful lives between 3 and 25 years; however, select portions of
machinery and equipment primarily at our mills have estimated useful lives up to 44 years. Greater than 90% of the cost of our
mill assets have lives of 25 years or less. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the asset life or the lease
term, generally between 3 and 10 years.
Goodwill and Long-Lived Assets
We review the carrying value of our goodwill annually at the beginning of the fourth quarter of each fiscal year, or more often
if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may exceed fair value as set forth in ASC 350, “Intangibles
— Goodwill and Other.” See “Note 7. Discontinued Operations” for information on the first quarter of fiscal 2016 goodwill
impairment test and resulting charge. We test goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is an operating segment
or one level below an operating segment, referred to as a component. A component of an operating segment is a reporting unit if
the component constitutes a business for which discrete financial information is available and segment management regularly
reviews the operating results of that component. However, two or more components of an operating segment are aggregated and
deemed a single reporting unit if the components have similar economic characteristics. The amount of goodwill acquired in a
business combination that is assigned to one or more reporting units as of the acquisition date is the excess of the purchase price
of the acquired businesses (or portion thereof) included in the reporting unit, over the fair value assigned to the individual assets
65
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
acquired or liabilities assumed. Goodwill is assigned to the reporting unit(s) expected to benefit from the synergies of the
combination even though other assets or liabilities of the acquired entity may not be assigned to that reporting unit. We determine
recoverability by comparing the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to which the goodwill applies to the carrying value,
including goodwill, of that reporting unit using a discounted cash flow model.
Prior to the adoption of ASU 2017-04, “Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment”, the goodwill impairment model is a
two-step process. We have not yet adopted the ASU. An amendment to ASC 350 became effective December 2011 that allows a
qualitative assessment, prior to step one, to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit
exceeds its carrying amount. We did not attempt a qualitative assessment and moved directly to step one. In step one, we utilize
the present value of expected net cash flows to determine the estimated fair value of our reporting units. This present value model
requires management to estimate future net cash flows, the timing of these cash flows, and a discount rate (based on a weighted
average cost of capital), which represents the time value of money and the inherent risk and uncertainty of the future cash flows.
Factors that management must estimate when performing this step in the process include, among other items, sales volume, prices,
inflation, discount rates, exchange rates, tax rates, anticipated synergies and productivity improvements resulting from acquisitions,
capital expenditures and continuous improvement projects. The assumptions we use to estimate future cash flows are consistent
with the assumptions that the reporting units use for internal planning purposes, updated to reflect current expectations. If we
determine that the estimated fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is not
impaired. If we determine that the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, we would complete step
two of the impairment analysis. Step two involves determining the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill and comparing
it to the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the implied fair value
of that goodwill, we recognize an impairment loss in an amount equal to that excess.
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, of those reporting units that have goodwill, our Consumer Packaging and Brazil
Corrugated reporting units had a fair value which exceeded their carrying value by a little more than 10%, due primarily to the
Combination and the MPS Acquisition and the corresponding fair value accounting. If we had concluded that it was appropriate
to increase the discount rate we used by 100 basis point to estimate the fair value of each reporting unit that has goodwill, the fair
value for each of our reporting units would have continued to exceed its carrying value except for the Consumer Packaging and
Brazil Corrugated reporting units. No events have occurred since the latest annual goodwill impairment assessment that would
necessitate an interim goodwill impairment assessment.
We follow the provisions included in ASC 360, “Property, Plant and Equipment” in determining whether the carrying value
of any of our long-lived assets, including amortizing intangibles other than goodwill, is impaired. The ASC 360 test is a three-
step test for assets that are “held and used” as that term is defined by ASC 360. We determine whether indicators of impairment
are present. We review long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount
of the long-lived asset might not be recoverable. If we determine that indicators of impairment are present, we determine whether
the estimated undiscounted cash flows for the potentially impaired assets are less than the carrying value. This requires management
to estimate future net cash flows through operations over the remaining useful life of the asset and its ultimate disposition. The
assumptions we use to estimate future cash flows are consistent with the assumptions we use for internal planning purposes,
updated to reflect current expectations. If our estimated undiscounted cash flows do not exceed the carrying value, we estimate
the fair value of the asset and record an impairment charge if the carrying value is greater than the fair value of the asset. We
estimate fair value using discounted cash flows, observable prices for similar assets, or other valuation techniques. We record
assets classified as “held for sale” at the lower of their carrying value or estimated fair value less anticipated costs to sell.
Included in our long-lived assets are certain identifiable intangible assets. These intangible assets are amortized based on the
approximate pattern in which the economic benefits are consumed or straight-line if the pattern was not reliably determinable.
Estimated useful lives range from 1 to 40 years and have a weighted average life of approximately 16.6 years.
Our judgments regarding the existence of impairment indicators are based on legal factors, market conditions and operational
performance. Future events could cause us to conclude that impairment indicators exist and that assets associated with a particular
operation are impaired. Evaluating impairment also requires us to estimate future operating results and cash flows, which also
require judgment by management. Any resulting impairment loss could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition
and results of operations.
66
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Restructuring
Our restructuring and other costs, net include primarily items such as restructuring portions of our operations, acquisition
costs, divestiture costs and integration costs. We have restructured portions of our operations from time to time, have current
restructuring initiatives taking place, and it is possible that we may engage in future restructuring activities. Identifying and
calculating the cost to exit these operations requires certain assumptions to be made, the most significant of which are anticipated
future liabilities, including severance costs, leases and other contractual obligations, and the adjustment of property, plant and
equipment to net realizable value. We believe our estimates are reasonable, considering our knowledge of the industries we operate
in, previous experience in exiting activities and valuations we may obtain from independent third parties. Although our estimates
have been reasonably accurate in the past, significant judgment is required, and these estimates and assumptions may change as
additional information becomes available and facts or circumstances change.
Business Combinations
From time to time, we may enter into business combinations. In accordance with ASC 805, “Business Combinations”, we
generally recognize the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interests in an acquiree at their
fair values as of the date of acquisition. We measure goodwill as the excess of consideration transferred, which we also measure
at fair value, over the net of the acquisition date fair values of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The acquisition
method of accounting requires us to make significant estimates and assumptions regarding the fair values of the elements of a
business combination as of the date of acquisition, including the fair values of identifiable intangible assets, deferred tax asset
valuation allowances, liabilities including those related to debt, pensions and other postretirement plans, uncertain tax positions,
contingent consideration and contingencies. This method also requires us to refine these estimates over a measurement period not
to exceed one year to reflect new information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date that,
if known, would have affected the measurement of the amounts recognized as of that date. If we are required to adjust provisional
amounts that we have recorded for the fair values of assets and liabilities in connection with acquisitions, these adjustments could
have a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
Significant estimates and assumptions in estimating the fair value of acquired technology, customer relationships, and other
identifiable intangible assets include future cash flows that we expect to generate from the acquired assets. If the subsequent actual
results and updated projections of the underlying business activity change compared with the assumptions and projections used
to develop these values, we could record impairment charges. In addition, we have estimated the economic lives of certain acquired
assets and these lives are used to calculate depreciation and amortization expense. If our estimates of the economic lives change,
depreciation or amortization expenses could be increased or decreased, or the acquired asset could be impaired.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Nonfinancial Assets and Liabilities
We estimate fair values in accordance with ASC 820 “Fair Value Measurement.” We define fair value as the price that would
be received from the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or
liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.
Financial instruments not recognized at fair value on a recurring or nonrecurring basis include cash and cash equivalents,
accounts receivables, certain other current assets, short-term debt, accounts payable, certain other current liabilities and long-term
debt. With the exception of long-term debt, the carrying amounts of these financial instruments approximate their fair values due
to their short maturities. The fair values of our long-term debt are estimated using quoted market prices or are based on the
discounted value of future cash flows. We disclose the fair value of long-term debt in “Note 11. Debt” and our pension and
postretirement assets and liabilities in “Note 15. Retirement Plans”. We have, or from time to time may have, financial instruments
recognized at fair value including Supplemental Plans that are nonqualified deferred compensation plans pursuant to which assets
are invested primarily in mutual funds, interest rate derivatives, commodity derivatives or other similar class of assets or liabilities,
the fair value of which are not significant. We measure the fair value of our mutual fund investments based on quoted prices in
active markets, and our derivative contracts, if any, based on discounted cash flows.
We measure certain nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. These assets and
liabilities include cost and equity method investments when they are deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, assets acquired
and liabilities assumed in a merger or an acquisition or in a nonmonetary exchange, and property, plant and equipment and goodwill
and other intangible assets that are written down to fair value when they are held for sale or determined to be impaired. Given the
nature of nonfinancial assets and liabilities, evaluating their fair value from the perspective of a market participant is inherently
67
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
complex. Assumptions and estimates about future values can be affected by a variety of internal and external factors. Changes in
these factors may require us to revise our estimates and could result in future impairment charges for goodwill and acquired
intangible assets, or retroactively adjust provisional amounts that we have recorded for the fair values of assets and liabilities in
connection with business combinations. These adjustments could have a material impact on our financial condition and results of
operations. We discuss fair values in more detail in “Note 12. Fair Value”.
Derivatives
We are exposed to interest rate risk, commodity price risk and foreign currency exchange risk. To manage these risks, from
time to time and to varying degrees, we may enter into a variety of financial derivative transactions and certain physical commodity
transactions that are determined to be derivatives. Interest rate swaps may be entered into to manage the interest rate risk associated
with a portion of our outstanding debt. Interest rate swaps are either designated for accounting purposes as cash flow hedges of
forecasted floating interest payments on variable rate debt or fair value hedges of fixed rate debt, or we may elect not to treat them
as accounting hedges. Swaps or forward contracts on certain commodities may be entered into to manage the price risk associated
with forecasted purchases or sales of those commodities. In addition, certain commodity financial derivative contracts and physical
commodity contracts that are determined to be derivatives may not be designated as accounting hedges because either they do not
meet the criteria for treatment as accounting hedges under ASC 815, “Derivatives and Hedging”, or we elect not to treat them as
accounting hedges under ASC 815. We may also enter into forward contracts to manage our exposure to fluctuations in foreign
currency rates with respect to transactions denominated in currencies such as Canadian dollars, the Euro or Brazilian Real. These
also can either be designated for accounting purposes as cash flow hedges or not so designated.
Outstanding financial derivative instruments expose us to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties to
the derivative agreements. Our credit exposure related to these financial instruments is represented by the fair value of contracts
reported as assets. We manage our exposure to counterparty credit risk through minimum credit standards, diversification of
counterparties and procedures to monitor concentrations of credit risk. We may enter into financial derivative contracts that may
contain credit-risk-related contingent features which could result in a counterparty requesting immediate payment or demanding
immediate and ongoing full overnight collateralization on derivative instruments in net liability positions.
For financial derivative instruments that are designated as a cash flow hedge for accounting purposes, the effective portion
of the gain or loss on the financial derivative instrument is reported as a component of other comprehensive income and reclassified
into earnings in the same line item associated with the forecasted transaction, and in the same period or periods during which the
forecasted transaction affects earnings. Gains and losses on the financial derivative representing either hedge ineffectiveness or
hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness are recognized in current earnings.
We have at times entered into interest rate swap agreements that effectively modified our exposure to interest rate risk by
converting a portion of our interest payments on floating rate debt to a fixed rate basis, thus reducing the impact of interest rate
changes on future interest expense. These agreements typically involved the receipt of floating rate amounts in exchange for fixed
interest rate payments over the life of the agreements without an exchange of the underlying principal amount.
At September 30, 2017, there were no interest rate or commodity derivatives outstanding, and the notional amount of foreign
currency derivatives were $47.8 million. At September 30, 2016, there were no foreign currency, interest rate or commodity
derivatives outstanding.
Health Insurance
We are self-insured for the majority of our group health insurance costs. However, we seek to limit our health insurance costs
by entering into certain stop loss insurance coverage. Due to mergers, acquisitions and other factors, we may have plans that do
not include stop loss insurance. We calculate our group health insurance reserve on an undiscounted basis based on estimated
reserve rates. We utilize claims lag data provided by our claims administrators to compute the required estimated reserve rate. We
calculate our average monthly claims paid using the actual monthly payments during the trailing 12-month period. At that time,
we also calculate our required reserve using the reserve rates discussed above. While we believe that our assumptions are appropriate,
significant differences in our actual experience or significant changes in our assumptions may materially affect our group health
insurance costs.
68
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Workers’ Compensation
We purchase large risk deductible workers’ compensation policies for the majority of our workers’ compensation liabilities
that are subject to various deductibles to limit our exposure. We calculate our workers’ compensation reserves on an undiscounted
basis based on estimated actuarially calculated development factors. While we believe that our assumptions are appropriate,
significant differences in our actual experience or significant changes in our assumptions may materially affect our workers'
compensation costs.
Income Taxes
We account 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 events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method,
deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statement carrying amount and
the 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
enactment date. All deferred tax assets and liabilities are classified as noncurrent in our consolidated balance sheet in accordance
with ASU 2015-17. We adopted these provisions prospectively on December 31, 2015, and prior periods were not retrospectively
adjusted.
We record net deferred tax assets to the extent we believe these assets will more likely than not be realized. In making such
determination, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary
differences, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies, recent financial operations and their associated valuation
allowances, if any. In the event we were to determine that we would be able to realize or not realize our deferred income tax assets
in the future in their net recorded amount, we would make an adjustment to the valuation allowance, which would reduce or
increase the provision for income taxes, respectively.
Certain provisions of ASC 740, “Income Taxes” provide that a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position may be recognized
when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals
or litigation processes, based on the technical merits. Income tax positions must meet a more likely than not recognition threshold
at the effective date to be recognized. See “Note 14. Income Taxes.”
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
We account for pension and other postretirement benefits in accordance with ASC 715, “Compensation — Retirement Benefits”.
Accordingly, we recognize the funded status of our pension plans as assets or liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. The
funded status is the difference between our projected benefit obligations and fair value of plan assets. The determination of our
obligation and expense for pension and other postretirement benefits is dependent on our selection of certain assumptions used
by actuaries in calculating such amounts. We describe these assumptions in “Note 15. Retirement Plans,” which include, among
others, the discount rate, expected long-term rates of return on plan assets and rates of increase in compensation levels. As provided
under ASC 715, we defer actual results that differ from our assumptions, i.e. actuarial gains and losses, and amortize the difference
over future periods. Therefore, these differences generally affect our recognized expense and funding requirements in future
periods. Actuarial gains and losses occur when actual experience differs from the estimates used to determine the components of
net periodic pension cost and when certain assumptions used to determine the fair value of the plan assets or projected benefit
obligation are updated, such as but not limited to, changes in the discount rate, plan amendments, differences between actual and
expected returns on plan assets, mortality assumptions and plan remeasurement.
The amount of unrecognized actuarial gains and losses recognized in the current year’s operations is based on amortizing the
unrecognized gains or losses for each plan that exceed the larger of 10% of the projected benefit obligation or the fair value of
plan assets, also known as “the corridor”. The amount of unrecognized gain or loss that exceeds the corridor is amortized over the
average future service of the plan participants or the average life expectancy of inactive plan participants for plans where all or
almost all of the plan participants are inactive. While we believe that our assumptions are appropriate, significant differences in
our actual experience or significant changes in our assumptions may materially affect our pension and other postretirement benefit
obligations and our future expense.
69
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Share-Based Compensation
We recognize expense for share-based compensation plans based on the estimated fair value of the related awards in accordance
with ASC 718, “Compensation — Stock Compensation”. Pursuant to our incentive stock plans, we can grant options and restricted
stock, SARs and restricted stock units to employees and our non-employee directors. The grants generally vest over a period of
up to three years depending on the nature of the award, except for non-employee director grants, which typically vest over a period
of up to one year. Our restricted stock grants to employees generally contain performance or market conditions that must be met
in conjunction with a service requirement for the shares to vest. We charge compensation under the plan to earnings over each
increment’s individual restriction period. See “Note 17. Share-Based Compensation” for additional information.
Asset Retirement Obligations
The Company accounts for asset retirement obligations in accordance with ASC 410, “Asset Retirement and Environmental
Obligations”. A liability and an asset are recorded equal to the present value of the estimated costs associated with the retirement
of long-lived assets where a legal or contractual obligation exists and the liability can be reasonably estimated. The liability is
accreted over time and the asset is depreciated over the remaining life of the related asset. Upon settlement of the liability, we will
recognize a gain or loss for any difference between the settlement amount and the liability recorded. Asset retirement obligations
with indeterminate settlement dates are not recorded until such time that a reasonable estimate may be made. Our asset retirement
obligations consist primarily of landfill closure and post-closure costs at certain of our mills. At September 30, 2017 and
September 30, 2016, we had recorded liabilities of $70.5 million and $78.9 million, respectively.
Repair and Maintenance Costs
We expense routine repair and maintenance costs as we incur them. We defer certain expenses we incur during planned major
maintenance activities and recognize the expenses ratably over the shorter of the estimated interval until the next major maintenance
activity or the life of the deferred item. This maintenance is generally performed every twelve to twenty-four months and has a
significant impact on our results of operations in the period performed primarily due to lost production during the maintenance
period.
Foreign Currency
We translate the assets and liabilities of our foreign operations from their functional currency into U.S. dollars at the rate of
exchange in effect as of the balance sheet date. We reflect the resulting translation adjustments in equity. We translate the revenues
and expenses of our foreign operations at a daily average rate prevailing for each month during the fiscal year. We include gains
or losses from foreign currency transactions, such as those resulting from the settlement of foreign receivables or payables, in the
consolidated statements of operations. We recorded a gain on foreign currency transactions of $4.3 million and $2.9 million in
fiscal 2017 and 2015, respectively. We recorded a loss on foreign currency transactions of $6.5 million in fiscal 2016.
Environmental Remediation Costs
We accrue for losses associated with our environmental remediation obligations when it is probable that we have incurred a
liability and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. We generally recognize accruals for estimated losses from our
environmental remediation obligations no later than completion of the remedial feasibility study and adjust such accruals as further
information develops or circumstances change. We recognize recoveries of our environmental remediation costs from other parties
as assets when we deem their receipt probable. See “Note 19. Commitments and Contingencies.”
New Accounting Standards - Recently Adopted
In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-17, “Interests Held through Related Parties That Are under Common Control”,
which amends certain provisions of ASC 810, “Consolidation”. The ASU amends the consolidation requirements that apply to a
single decision maker’s evaluation of interests held through related parties that are under common control when it is determining
whether it is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity. Under the ASU, a reporting entity considers its indirect economic
interests in a variable interest entity held through related parties that are under common control on a proportionate basis, in a
manner consistent with its consideration of its indirect economic interests held through related parties that are not under common
control. These provisions are effective for annual periods, and for interim periods within those annual periods, beginning on or
70
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
after December 15, 2016 (October 1, 2017 for us). We adopted these provisions on October 1, 2017, and the adoption of these
provisions did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09 “Compensation - Stock Compensation: Improvements To Employee Share
Based Payment Accounting”, which amends certain provisions of ASC 718. The ASU will require all income tax effects of awards
to be recognized in the income statement when the awards vest or are settled. It also will allow an employer to repurchase more
of an employee’s shares than it can today for tax withholding purposes without triggering liability accounting and to make a policy
election to account for forfeitures as they occur. The provisions are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016
(October 1, 2017 for us), including interim periods within those fiscal years. We adopted these provisions on October 1, 2017,
and the adoption of these provisions did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-07 “Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures: Simplifying the Transition
to the Equity Method of Accounting”, which amends certain provisions of ASC 323 “Investments-Equity Method and Joint
Ventures”. The ASU eliminates the requirement that an investor retrospectively apply equity method accounting when an investment
that it had accounted for by another method initially qualifies for the equity method. The guidance will be applied prospectively
and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 (October 1, 2017 for us), including interim periods within
those fiscal years. We adopted these provisions on October 1, 2017, and the adoption of these provisions did not have a material
effect on our consolidated financial statements.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-05 “Derivatives and Hedging - Effect of Derivative Contract Novations on Existing
Hedge Accounting Relationships”, which amends certain provisions of ASC 815 “Derivatives and Hedging”. The ASU clarifies
that a change in the counterparty to a derivative instrument that has been designated as a hedging instrument under ASC 815 does
not, in and of itself, require de-designation of the instrument if all other hedge criteria continue to be met. These provisions are
effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 (October 1, 2017 for us), including interim periods within those fiscal
years, and can be adopted using a prospective or modified retrospective approach. Early adoption is permitted. We adopted these
provisions on October 1, 2017, and the adoption of these provisions did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial
statements.
In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11 “Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory”, which amends certain provisions
of ASC 330 “Inventory”. The ASU requires inventory to be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value. These provisions
do not apply to inventory that is measured using LIFO or the retail inventory method. These provisions apply to all other inventory,
which includes inventory that is measured using FIFO or average cost. These provisions are effective for fiscal years beginning
after December 15, 2016 (October 1, 2017 for us), including interim periods within those fiscal years, applied prospectively. Early
adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. We adopted these provisions on October 1,
2017, and the adoption of these provisions did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements given that the
majority of our inventory is measured at LIFO.
New Accounting Standards - Recently Issued
In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, “Derivatives and Hedging: Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging
Activities”. The amendments in this ASU better align an entity’s risk management activities and financial reporting for hedging
relationships through changes to both the designation and measurement guidance for qualifying hedging relationships and the
presentation of hedge results. To meet that objective, the amendments expand and refine hedge accounting for both nonfinancial
and financial risk components and align the recognition and presentation of the effects of the hedging instrument and the hedged
item in the financial statements. The amendments in this ASU also make certain targeted improvements to simplify the application
of hedge accounting guidance and ease the administrative burden of hedge documentation requirements and assessing hedge
effectiveness. These provisions are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 (October 1, 2020 for us), including
interim periods within those fiscal years, and should be applied prospectively. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently
evaluating the impact of this ASU.
In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, “Compensation - Stock Compensation: Scope of Modification Accounting”.
The amendments in the ASU include guidance on determining which changes to the terms and conditions of share-based payment
awards require an entity to apply modification accounting under ASC 718, “Compensation - Stock Compensation” and require
entities to account for the effects of a modification unless all of the following conditions are met: (a) the fair value (or calculated
value or intrinsic value, if such an alternative measurement method is used) of the modified award is the same as the fair value
(or value using an alternative measurement method) of the original award immediately before the original award is modified; (b)
71
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
the vesting conditions of the modified award are the same as the vesting conditions of the original award immediately before the
original award is modified; and (c) the classification of the modified award as an equity instrument or a liability instrument is the
same as the classification of the original award immediately before the original award is modified. These provisions are effective
for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 (October 1, 2018 for us), including interim periods within those fiscal years,
and should be applied prospectively. Early adoption is permitted. We currently do not expect that the adoption of these provisions
will have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, “Compensation: Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost
and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost”. The guidance in this update requires that an employer disaggregate the service
cost component from the other components of net benefit cost. Non-service cost components of net periodic pension cost are
required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside the subtotal of operating
income. The amendments in the update also allow only the service cost component to be eligible for capitalization for internally
developed capital projects. The amendments in this update are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017
(October 1, 2018 for us), including interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted. The guidance on the
presentation of the components of net periodic benefit cost in the income statement will be applied retrospectively. The guidance
limiting the capitalization of net periodic benefit cost in assets to the service cost component will be applied prospectively. The
guidance includes a practical expedient that permits us to estimate amounts for comparative periods using the information previously
disclosed in our pension and other postretirement plan footnote. We are currently evaluating the impact of this ASU.
In February 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-05, “Other Income: Clarifying the Scope of Asset Derecognition Guidance
and Accounting for Partial Sales of Nonfinancial Assets”. The ASU provides guidance for recognizing gains and losses from the
transfer of nonfinancial assets in contracts with noncustomers. Specifically, the ASU clarifies the scope of an “in substance
nonfinancial asset”, clarifies the treatment of partial sales of nonfinancial assets and clarifies guidance on accounting for
contributions of nonfinancial assets to joint ventures and equity method investees. The amendments in this update are effective
for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 (October 1, 2018 for us) including interim reporting periods within those
annual reporting periods. Early adoption is permitted. The ASU may be applied by either a full or modified retrospective approach.
We are currently evaluating the impact of this ASU.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, “Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment”, which amends the guidance
in ASC 350, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other”. The ASU eliminates the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill
to measure a goodwill impairment charge. Instead, entities will record an impairment charge based on the excess of a reporting
unit’s carrying amount over its fair value. The ASU is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed in periods
beginning after December 15, 2019 (October 1, 2020 for us). Early adoption is permitted for annual and interim goodwill impairment
testing dates after January 1, 2017. The ASU will be applied prospectively. We currently do not expect that the adoption of these
provisions will have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, “Clarifying the Definition of a Business”, which amends the guidance in
ASC 805, “Business Combinations”. The ASU changes the definition of a business to assist entities with evaluating when a set of
transferred assets and activities is a business. Under the new guidance, an entity first determines whether substantially all of the
fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets. If this
threshold is met, the set is not a business. If it is not met, the entity then evaluates whether the set meets the requirements that a
business include, at a minimum, an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create
outputs. The ASU defines an output as “the result of inputs and processes applied to those inputs that provide goods or services
to customers, investment income (such as dividends or interest), or other revenues.” The ASU is effective for annual reporting
periods beginning after December 15, 2017 (October 1, 2018 for us), including interim periods within those annual periods, and
early adoption is permitted. The ASU will be applied prospectively to any transactions occurring within the period of adoption.
We are currently evaluating the impact of these provisions.
In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, “Restricted Cash”, which amends the guidance in ASC 230, “Statement
of Cash Flows”. The new ASU clarifies how entities should present restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in the statement
of cash flows. The new guidance will require entities to show the changes in the total of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash
and restricted cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows. As a result, entities will no longer present transfers between cash
and cash equivalents and restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows. When cash, cash equivalents,
restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents are presented in more than one line item on the balance sheet, the new guidance
requires a reconciliation of the totals in the statement of cash flows to the related captions in the balance sheet. This reconciliation
can be prepared either on the face of the statement of cash flows or in the notes to the financial statements. These provisions are
72
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
effective for annual periods, and for interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017 (October 1,
2018 for us), applied retrospectively for each period presented. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact
of these provisions.
In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, “Income Taxes: Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory”,
which requires companies to recognize the income tax effects of intercompany sales and transfers of assets other than inventory
(e.g., intangible assets) in the period in which the transfer occurs. Current guidance requires companies to defer the income tax
effects of intercompany transfers of assets until the asset has been sold to an outside party or otherwise recognized through use.
The new guidance will require companies to defer the income tax effects only of intercompany transfers of inventory. The ASU
is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 (October 1, 2018 for us), including interim periods
within those annual periods. The guidance requires companies to apply a modified retrospective approach with a cumulative catch-
up adjustment to opening retained earnings in the period of adoption. Early adoption is permitted. We currently do not expect that
the adoption of these provisions will have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15 “Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments”, which amends
the guidance in ASC 230, “Statement of Cash Flows”. The ASU clarifies how entities should classify certain cash receipts and
cash payments on the statement of cash flows for the following transactions: debt prepayment or extinguishment costs, settlement
of zero-coupon debt instruments or other debt instruments with coupon rates that are insignificant in relation to the effective interest
rate of the borrowing, contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, proceeds from the settlement of
insurance claims, proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance, distributions received from equity method
investees and beneficial interest in securitization transactions. The ASU also clarifies how the predominance principle should be
applied when cash receipts and cash payments have aspects of more than one class of cash flows. The guidance requires retrospective
adoption and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 (October 1, 2018 for us), including interim periods
within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted and an entity that elects early adoption must adopt all of the amendments in
the period of adoption. We are currently evaluating the impact of these provisions.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13 “Financial Instruments - Credit losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on
Financial Instruments”, which amends certain provisions of ASC 326, “Financial Instruments-Credit Loss”. The ASU changes
the impairment model for most financial assets and certain other instruments. For trade and other receivables, held to maturity
debt securities, loans and other instruments, entities will be required to use a new forward-looking “expected loss” model that
generally will result in the earlier recognition of allowances for losses. For available for sale debt securities with unrealized losses,
entities will be required to measure credit losses in a manner similar to what they do today, except that losses will be recognized
as allowances rather than reductions in the amortized cost of the securities. Additionally, entities will have to disclose significantly
more information, including information used to track credit quality by year or origination for most financing receivables. The
ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019 (October 1, 2020 for us), including interim
periods within those annual periods, and will be applied as a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning
of the first reporting period for which the guidance is effective. We currently do not expect that the adoption of these provisions
will have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 “Leases”, which is codified in ASC 842 “Leases” and supersedes current
lease guidance in ASC 840. These provisions require lessees to put a right-of-use asset and lease liability on their balance sheet
for operating and financing leases that have a term of more than one year. Expense will be recognized in the income statement
similar to current accounting guidance. For lessors, the ASU modifies the classification criteria and the accounting for sales-type
and direct financing leases. Entities will need to disclose qualitative and quantitative information about their leases, including
characteristics and amounts recognized in the financial statements. These provisions are effective for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 2018 (October 1, 2019 for us), including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted.
Entities are required to use a modified retrospective approach upon adoption to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of
the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. We have not completed our assessment. We currently expect
that the adoption of ASC 842 as of October 1, 2019 will result in recording additional assets and liabilities not previously reflected
on our consolidated balance sheets, but we do not expect the adoption to have a significant impact on the recognition, measurement,
or presentation of lease expenses within the consolidated statements of operations or the consolidated statements of cash flows.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09 which is codified in ASC 606 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” and
supersedes both the revenue recognition requirement in ASC 605 “Revenue Recognition” and most industry-specific guidance.
The core principle of ASC 606 is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to
customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or
73
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
services. To achieve that core principle, an entity should apply the five steps set forth in ASC 606. An entity must also disclose
sufficient information to enable users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue
and cash flows arising from contracts with customers, including qualitative and quantitative information about contracts with
customers, significant judgments and changes in judgments, and assets recognized from the costs to obtain or fulfill a contract.
In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Deferral of the Effective Date,” which
deferred the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year. Therefore, these provisions are effective for annual reporting periods
beginning after December 15, 2017 (October 1, 2018 for us), including interim periods within that annual period, and can be
applied using a full retrospective or modified retrospective approach. The FASB has clarified this guidance in various updates
(ASU 2016-08, ASU 2016-10, ASU 2016-12, ASU 2016-20 and ASU 2017-05) since May 2014, all of which have the same
effective date as the original guidance. We are evaluating the impact of these provisions. We will adopt the revenue standard as
of October 1, 2018 and currently expect to use the modified retrospective approach. We manufacture certain products that have
no alternative use to us (since such products are made to specific customer orders), and we believe for certain customers we have
a legally enforceable right to payment for performance completed to date on these manufactured products including a reasonable
profit. For those manufactured products that meet these two criteria, we will recognize revenue “over time” upon the adoption of
ASC 606. This could result in (a) revenue recognition prior to the date of shipment or title transfer for these products and (b) an
increase in unbilled receivables balances and a reduction in finished goods inventory balances on our balance sheet from historic
and current levels. We are continuing to evaluate the impact of the provisions of the new revenue standard on the Company's
financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
74
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Note 2. Earnings per Share
Restricted stock awards we grant to non-employee directors are considered participating securities as they receive non-
forfeitable rights to dividends at the same rate as our Common Stock. As participating securities, we include these instruments in
the earnings allocation in computing earnings per share under the two-class method described in ASC 260 “Earnings per Share.”
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share under the two-class method (in millions,
except per share data):
September 30,
2017
2016
2015
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
Numerator:
Income from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Less: Net loss (income) from continuing operations attributable to
noncontrolling interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income available to common stockholders, before discontinued operations. .
Less: Distributed and undistributed income available to participating
securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Distributed and undistributed income attributable to common stockholders,
before discontinued operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(Loss) income from discontinued operations (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
698.6
$
154.8
$
501.2
9.6
708.2
(0.1)
708.1
—
(2.1)
152.7
—
152.7
(549.0)
(3.3)
497.9
—
497.9
9.2
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
708.1
$
(396.3) $
507.1
Denominator:
Basic weighted average shares outstanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
252.2
254.0
170.6
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Basic (loss) earnings per share from discontinued operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders . . . . . . . . . . $
2.81
—
2.81
$
$
$
0.60
(2.16)
(1.56) $
2.92
0.05
2.97
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
Numerator:
Income from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Less: Net loss (income) from continuing operations attributable to
noncontrolling interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income available to common stockholders, before discontinued operations. .
Less: Distributed and undistributed income available to participating
securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Distributed and undistributed income attributable to common stockholders,
before discontinued operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(Loss) Income from discontinued operations (1). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Denominator:
Basic weighted average shares outstanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Effect of dilutive stock options and non-participating securities . . . . . . . . . . .
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Diluted (loss) earnings per share from discontinued operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders . . . . . . . . $
75
698.6
$
154.8
$
501.2
9.6
708.2
(0.1)
708.1
—
708.1
$
252.2
3.5
255.7
2.77
—
2.77
(2.1)
152.7
—
152.7
(549.0)
(396.3) $
254.0
3.9
257.9
$
$
$
0.59
(2.13)
(1.54) $
(3.3)
497.9
—
497.9
9.2
507.1
170.6
2.7
173.3
2.87
0.06
2.93
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(1) Net of income attributable to noncontrolling interests of discontinued operations of $4.3 million and $1.4 million for the fiscal
years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015.
Weighted average shares include 0.2 million and 0.3 million of reserved, but unissued shares at September 30, 2017 and 2016.
These reserved shares will be distributed as claims are liquidated or resolved in accordance with the resolution of Smurfit-Stone
bankruptcy claims.
Options and restricted stock in the amount of 0.7 million, 1.6 million and 0.4 million common shares in fiscal 2017, 2016
and 2015, respectively, were not included in computing diluted earnings per share because the effect would have been antidilutive.
The dilutive impact of the remaining awards outstanding in each year were included in the effect of dilutive securities.
Note 3. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The following table summarizes the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the fiscal years
ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (in millions):
Deferred
Loss on
Cash Flow
Hedges
Defined
Benefit
Pension and
Postretirement
Plans
Foreign
Currency
Items
Available
for Sale
Security
Total (1)
Balance at September 30, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Other comprehensive (loss) income before
reclassifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
comprehensive loss (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net current period other comprehensive income . . .
Separation of Specialty Chemicals business. . . . . . .
Balance at September 30, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Other comprehensive income before
reclassifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
comprehensive (income) loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sale of HH&B. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)
income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance at September 30, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
(1.4) $
(540.7) $
(238.1) $
— $
(780.2)
(0.4)
(222.2)
109.9
1.2
0.8
0.4
237.2
15.0
1.9
20.2
130.1
5.6
—
—
—
—
(112.7)
258.6
145.9
7.9
(0.2) $
(523.8) $
(102.4) $
— $
(626.4)
—
(0.5)
—
22.8
35.6
2.9
80.8
—
26.8
(0.5)
(0.7) $
61.3
(462.5) $
107.6
5.2
$
0.7
—
—
0.7
0.7
104.3
35.1
29.7
169.1
(457.3)
$
(1) All amounts are net of tax and noncontrolling interest.
(2) Amounts reclasssified from accumulated other comprehensive loss for defined benefit pension and postretirement
plans in fiscal 2016 includes the pension risk transfer expense, net of tax.
76
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The following table summarizes the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the
fiscal years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (in millions):
Years Ended September 30,
2017
2016
Pretax
Tax
Net of
Tax
Pretax
Tax
Net of
Tax
Amortization of defined benefit pension and
postretirement items: (1)
Actuarial losses (2)(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ (56.3) $
Prior service credits (costs) (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sale of HH&B (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Subtotal defined benefit plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
0.5
(4.2)
(60.0)
Foreign currency translation adjustments: (1)
Sale of HH&B (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sale of foreign subsidiary (5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Subtotal foreign currency translation adjustment . . . . .
(26.8)
—
(26.8)
Derivative Instruments: (1)
Commodity currency cash flow hedges (6). . . . . . . . .
Foreign currency cash flow hedges (7) . . . . . . . . . . . .
Subtotal derivative instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
0.8
0.8
20.4
(0.2)
1.3
21.5
—
—
—
—
(0.3)
(0.3)
$ (35.9) $ (379.4) $ 143.2
0.7
0.3
(2.9)
(38.5)
(1.7)
—
(381.1)
(26.8)
—
(26.8)
—
(20.2)
(20.2)
—
0.5
0.5
(1.5)
(0.4)
(1.9)
$ (236.2)
(1.0)
—
(237.2)
—
(20.2)
(20.2)
(1.0)
(0.2)
(1.2)
—
143.9
—
—
—
0.5
0.2
0.7
Total reclassifications for the period . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ (86.0) $
21.2
$ (64.8) $ (403.2) $ 144.6
$ (258.6)
(1) Amounts in parentheses indicate charges to earnings. Amounts pertaining to noncontrolling interests are excluded.
(2) These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension
cost. See “Note 15. Retirement Plans” for additional details.
(3) Fiscal 2016 includes pension risk transfer expense.
(4)
(5) These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in interest income and other income
Included in gain on sale of HH&B.
(expense), net.
(6) These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in cost of goods sold.
(7) These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in net sales.
77
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
A summary of the components of other comprehensive income (loss), including noncontrolling interest, for the years ended
September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015, is as follows (in millions):
Pre-Tax
Amount
Tax
Net of Tax
Amount
$
80.7
26.8
— $
—
Fiscal 2017
Foreign currency translation gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Sale of HH&B, foreign currency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reclassification adjustment of net gain on cash flow hedges included in
earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net actuarial gain arising during period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization and settlement recognition of net actuarial loss . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prior service credit arising during the period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization of prior service credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unrealized gain on available for sale security. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sale of HH&B, defined benefit pension plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated other comprehensive income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less: Other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests . .
Other comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders . . . . . . . . $
Fiscal 2016
Foreign currency translation gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Deferred loss on cash flow hedges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reclassification adjustment of net loss on cash flow hedges included in
earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net actuarial loss arising during period. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization and settlement recognition of net actuarial loss (1) . . . . . . . . . . .
Prior service credit arising during the period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization of prior service cost. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sale of foreign subsidiary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated other comprehensive income. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less: Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests . . . . .
Other comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders . . . . . . . . $
(0.8)
34.1
56.4
1.0
(0.4)
0.7
4.2
202.7
(0.2)
202.5
Pre-Tax
Amount
109.8
(0.7)
1.9
(354.0)
379.7
2.3
1.8
20.2
161.0
0.7
$
$
161.7
$
80.7
26.8
(0.5)
22.2
36.0
0.7
(0.2)
0.7
2.9
169.3
(0.2)
169.1
0.3
(11.9)
(20.4)
(0.3)
0.2
—
(1.3)
(33.4)
—
(33.4) $
Tax
Net of Tax
Amount
— $
0.3
(0.7)
129.4
(143.2)
(0.9)
(0.7)
—
(15.8)
—
(15.8) $
109.8
(0.4)
1.2
(224.6)
236.5
1.4
1.1
20.2
145.2
0.7
145.9
Fiscal 2015
Foreign currency translation loss. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Deferred loss on cash flow hedges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reclassification adjustment of net loss on cash flow hedges included in
earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net actuarial loss arising during period. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization and settlement recognition of net actuarial loss . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prior service cost arising during period. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization of prior service credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated other comprehensive loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less: Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests . . . . .
Other comprehensive loss attributable to common stockholders . . . . . . . . . . . $
Pre-Tax
Amount
Tax
Net of Tax
Amount
(242.0) $
(2.6)
0.7
(81.5)
48.1
(25.0)
(7.5)
(309.8)
0.6
(309.2) $
— $
1.0
(0.3)
28.9
(17.8)
9.6
2.9
24.3
—
24.3
$
(242.0)
(1.6)
0.4
(52.6)
30.3
(15.4)
(4.6)
(285.5)
0.6
(284.9)
(1)
Includes pension risk transfer expense.
78
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Note 4.
Inventories
Inventories are as follows (in millions):
September 30,
2017
2016
Finished goods and work in process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Raw materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Supplies and spare parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inventories at FIFO cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
LIFO reserve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net inventories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
905.0
614.2
360.7
1,879.9
(82.6)
1,797.3
$
$
800.6
535.7
335.7
1,672.0
(33.8)
1,638.2
It is impracticable to segregate the LIFO reserve between raw materials, finished goods and work in process. In fiscal 2017,
we had no LIFO layer liquidations. In fiscal 2016 and 2015, we reduced inventory quantities in some of our LIFO pools. These
reductions result in liquidations of LIFO inventory quantities generally carried at lower costs prevailing in prior years as compared
with the cost of the purchases in the respective fiscal years, the effect of which typically decreases cost of goods sold. The impact
of the liquidations in fiscal 2016 and 2015 was not significant.
Note 5.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment consists of the following (in millions):
September 30,
2017
2016
Property, plant and equipment at cost:
Land and buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Machinery and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2,034.3
$
11,349.7
2,307.9
10,672.9
Forestlands and mineral rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transportation equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leasehold improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Property, plant and equipment, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
208.3
30.7
59.5
13,682.5
(4,564.2)
9,118.3
$
201.1
27.6
62.4
13,271.9
(3,977.6)
9,294.3
Depreciation expense, excluding discontinued operations, for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $855.9 million, $848.9 million
and $578.4 million, respectively. See “Note 7. Discontinued Operations” for additional information.
Note 6. Merger, Acquisitions and Investment
Hannapak Acquisition
On August 1, 2017, we completed the Hannapak Acquisition in a stock purchase. Hanna Group is one of Australia’s leading
providers of folding cartons to a variety of markets, including beverage, food, confectionery, and healthcare. We expect this
acquisition will build on our established and growing packaging business in the region. The purchase consideration for the Hannapak
Acquisition was $59.4 million, net of cash received of $0.6 million and an unreceived working capital settlement of $2.4 million.
We have included the financial results of the acquired assets since the date of the acquisition in our Consumer Packaging segment.
The preliminary allocation of consideration primarily included $14.5 million of customer relationship intangible assets, $20.1
million of goodwill, $13.9 million of property, plant and equipment and $7.1 million of liabilities. We are amortizing the customer
relationship intangibles over 13 years based on a straight-line basis because the amortization pattern was not reliably determinable.
79
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The fair value assigned to goodwill is primarily attributable to buyer-specific synergies expected to arise after the acquisition (e.g.,
enhanced reach of the combined organization and other synergies), and the assembled work force. The goodwill and intangibles
are not amortizable for income tax purposes. We are in the process of reviewing the estimated fair values of all assets acquired
and liabilities assumed, including, among other things, obtaining final valuations of certain tangible and intangible assets as well
as the fair value of certain contracts and the determination of certain tax balances; thus, the allocation of the purchase price is
preliminary and subject to revision.
Island Container Acquisition
On July 17, 2017, we completed the Island Container Acquisition in an asset purchase. The assets acquired include a corrugator
and corrugated converting operations located in Wheatley Heights, New York, and certain related fulfillment assets located
in Saddle Brook, New Jersey. We expect this acquisition will enable us to integrate more than 80,000 tons of containerboard
annually into our Corrugated Packaging segment. The purchase consideration for the Island Container Acquisition was $84.7
million, including an estimated unpaid working capital settlement of $1.2 million. We have included the financial results of the
acquired assets since the date of the acquisition in our Corrugated Packaging segment.
The preliminary allocation of consideration primarily included $43.0 million of customer relationship intangible assets, $27.2
million of goodwill, $5.4 million of property, plant and equipment and $1.2 million of liabilities. We are amortizing the customer
relationship intangibles over 8.5 years based on a straight-line basis because the amortization pattern was not reliably determinable.
The fair value assigned to goodwill is primarily attributable to buyer-specific synergies expected to arise after the acquisition (e.g.,
enhanced reach of the combined organization and other synergies), and the assembled work force. The goodwill and intangibles
are amortizable for income tax purposes. We are in the process of reviewing the estimated fair values of all assets acquired and
liabilities assumed, including, among other things, obtaining final third-party valuations of certain tangible and intangible assets
as well as the fair value of certain contracts and the determination of certain tax balances; thus, the allocation of the purchase price
is preliminary and subject to revision.
MPS Acquisition
On June 6, 2017, we completed the MPS Acquisition in a stock purchase. MPS is a global provider of print-based specialty
packaging solutions and its differentiated product offering includes premium folding cartons, inserts, labels and rigid packaging.
We acquired the outstanding shares of MPS for $18.00 per share in cash and the assumption of debt. We believe this acquisition
increases annual paperboard consumption by approximately 225,000 tons, of which we expect 35% to 45% to be supplied by us.
In connection with the MPS Acquisition, we paid cash of $1,351.1 million, net of cash received of $47.5 million. The purchase
consideration included the assumption of $929.1 million of debt and $1.9 million related to MPS equity awards that were replaced
with WestRock equity awards with identical terms for the pre-acquisition service. The amount related to post-acquisition service
is being expensed over the remaining service period of the awards. See “Note 17. Share-Based Compensation” for additional
information on the converted awards. We have included the financial results of MPS since the date of the acquisition in our
Consumer Packaging segment.
The preliminary allocation of consideration primarily included $1,017.6 million of intangible assets, $887.7 million of
goodwill, $486.3 million of property, plant and equipment and $1,554.7 million of liabilities and noncontrolling interests, including
debt and deferred income taxes. The fair value assigned to goodwill is primarily attributable to buyer-specific synergies expected
to arise after the acquisition (e.g., enhanced reach of the combined organization and other synergies), the assembled work force,
as well as due to establishing deferred taxes for the difference between book and tax basis of the assets and liabilities acquired.
The goodwill and intangibles are not amortizable for income tax purposes. We are in the process of reviewing the estimated fair
values of all assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including, among other things, obtaining final third-party valuations of certain
tangible and intangible assets as well as the fair value of certain contracts and the determination of certain tax balances; thus, the
allocation of the purchase price is preliminary and subject to revision.
80
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The following table summarizes the weighted average life and the preliminary allocation to intangible assets recognized in the
MPS Acquisition, excluding goodwill (in millions):
Weighted
Avg. Life
Amounts
Recognized as of the
Acquisition Date
Customer relationships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trademarks and tradenames . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Photo library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14.6
3.0
10.0
14.4
$
$
999.9
15.2
2.5
1,017.6
None of the intangibles has significant residual value. We are amortizing the customer relationship intangibles over estimated
useful lives ranging from 13 to 16 years based on a straight-line basis because the amortization pattern was not reliably determinable.
U.S. Corrugated Acquisition
On June 9, 2017, we completed the U.S. Corrugated Acquisition in a stock purchase. We acquired five corrugated converting
facilities in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Louisiana that provide a comprehensive suite of products and services to customers in a variety
of end markets, including food & beverage, pharmaceuticals and consumer electronics. We believe the acquisition will enable us
to increase the vertical integration of our Corrugated Packaging segment by approximately 105,000 tons of containerboard annually
through the acquired facilities and another 50,000 tons under a long-term supply contract with another company owned by the
seller.
The purchase consideration was $193.7 million, net of cash received of $1.4 million and an unreceived working capital
settlement of $3.4 million. The consideration included the issuance of 2.4 million shares of Common Stock valued at $136.1
million. We have included the financial results of the acquired assets since the date of the acquisition in our Corrugated Packaging
segment.
The preliminary allocation of consideration primarily included $77.8 million of customer relationship intangible assets, $108.2
million of goodwill, $30.0 million of property, plant and equipment and $53.2 million of liabilities, including deferred income
taxes. We are amortizing the customer relationship intangibles over 7.5 years based on a straight-line basis because the amortization
pattern was not reliably determinable. The fair value assigned to goodwill is primarily attributable to buyer-specific synergies
expected to arise after the acquisition (e.g., enhanced reach of the combined organization and other synergies), and the assembled
work force, as well as due to establishing deferred taxes for the difference between book and tax basis of the assets and liabilities
acquired. The goodwill and intangibles are not amortizable for income tax purposes. We are in the process of reviewing the estimated
fair values of all assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including, among other things, obtaining final third-party valuations of
certain tangible and intangible assets as well as the fair value of certain contracts and the determination of certain tax balances;
thus, the allocation of the purchase price is preliminary and subject to revision.
Star Pizza Acquisition
On March 13, 2017, we completed the Star Pizza Acquisition. The transaction provides us with a leadership position in the
fast growing small-run pizza box market and increases our vertical integration. The purchase price was $34.6 million, net of a $0.7
million working capital settlement. We have included the financial results of the acquired assets since the date of the acquisition
in our Corrugated Packaging segment.
The preliminary purchase price allocation for the acquisition primarily included $24.8 million of customer relationship
intangible assets and $2.2 million of goodwill. We are amortizing the customer relationship intangibles over 10 years based on a
straight-line basis because the amortization pattern was not reliably determinable. The fair value assigned to goodwill is primarily
attributable to buyer-specific synergies expected to arise after the acquisition (e.g., enhanced reach of the combined organization
and other synergies), and the assembled work force. We expect the goodwill and intangibles to be amortizable for income tax
purposes. We are in the process of reviewing the estimated fair values of all assets acquired and liabilities assumed; thus, the
allocation of the purchase price is preliminary and subject to revision.
81
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Grupo Gondi Investment
On April 1, 2016, we completed the formation of a joint venture with Grupo Gondi in Mexico. We contributed $175.0 million
in cash and the stock of an entity that owns three corrugated packaging facilities in Mexico in return for a 25.0% equity participation
in the joint venture together with future put and call rights. The investment was valued at approximately $0.3 billion. The joint
venture operates paper machines, corrugated packaging and high graphic folding carton facilities across various production sites.
The majority equity holders manage the joint venture and we provide technical and commercial resources and supply certain
paperboard to the joint venture. We believe the joint venture will help grow our presence in the attractive Mexican market. As a
result of the transaction, we recorded a pre-tax non-cash gain of $12.1 million included in “Interest income and other income
(expense), net” on our Consolidated Statements of Operations in fiscal 2016. The transaction includes future put and call rights
with respect to the respective parties’ ownership interest in the joint venture. We have included the financial results of the joint
venture since the date of the formation in our Corrugated Packaging segment, and are accounting for the investment under the
equity method. In the third quarter of fiscal 2017, the joint venture entity had a stock redemption from a minority partner. As a
result, our equity participation in the joint venture increased to approximately 27.0%. The transaction continues to include future
put and call rights with respect to the respective parties’ ownership interest in the joint venture. See “Note 23. Subsequent Events
(Unaudited) — Grupo Gondi Investment” for recent developments.
Packaging Acquisition
On January 19, 2016, we completed the Packaging Acquisition. The entities acquired provide value-added folding carton and
litho-laminated display packaging solutions. The purchase price was $94.1 million, net of cash received of $1.7 million, a working
capital settlement and a $3.5 million escrow receipt in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. The transaction is subject to an election
under Section 338(h)(10) of the Code that increases the U.S. tax basis in the acquired U.S. entities. We believe the transaction has
provided us with attractive and complementary customers, markets and facilities. We have included the financial results of the
acquired entities since the date of the acquisition in our Consumer Packaging segment.
The purchase price allocation for the acquisition primarily included $55.0 million of property, plant and equipment, $10.5
million of customer relationship intangible assets, $9.3 million of goodwill and $25.8 million of liabilities, including $1.3 million
of debt. We are amortizing the customer relationship intangibles over estimated useful lives ranging from 9 to 15 years based on
a straight-line basis because the amortization pattern was not reliably determinable. The fair value assigned to goodwill is primarily
attributable to buyer-specific synergies expected to arise after the acquisition (e.g., enhanced reach of the combined organization
and other synergies), and the assembled work force. The goodwill and intangibles of the U.S. entities are amortizable for income
tax purposes.
SP Fiber
On October 1, 2015, completed the SP Fiber Acquisition in a stock purchase. The transaction included the acquisition of mills
located in Dublin, GA and Newberg, OR, which produce lightweight recycled containerboard and kraft and bag paper. The Newberg
mill also produced newsprint. As part of the transaction, we also acquired SP Fiber's 48% interest in GPS. GPS is a joint venture
providing steam to the Dublin mill and electricity to Georgia Power. The purchase price was $278.8 million, net of cash received
of $9.2 million and a working capital settlement. In addition, we paid $36.5 million for debt owed by GPS and thereby own the
majority of the debt issued by GPS.
The Dublin mill has helped balance the fiber mix of our mill system, including our ability to serve the increasing demand for
lighter weight containerboard, and the addition of kraft and bag paper has diversified our product offering. Subsequent to the
transaction, we announced the permanent closure of the Newberg mill due to the decline in market conditions of the newsprint
business and our need to balance supply and demand in our containerboard system. We determined GPS should be consolidated
as a variable interest entity under ASC 810 “Consolidation”. Our evaluation concluded that WestRock is the primary beneficiary
of GPS as WestRock has both the power and benefits as defined by ASC 810. We have included the financial results of SP Fiber
and GPS since the date of the acquisition in our Corrugated Packaging segment.
The purchase price allocation for the acquisition primarily included $324.8 million of property, plant and equipment, $13.5
million of customer relationship intangible assets, $57.3 million of goodwill, and $150.3 million of liabilities and noncontrolling
interests, including $13.7 million of debt primarily owed by GPS to third parties. We are amortizing the customer relationship
intangibles over 20 years based on a straight-line basis because the amortization pattern was not reliably determinable. The fair
82
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
value assigned to goodwill is primarily attributable to buyer-specific synergies expected to arise after the acquisition (e.g., enhanced
reach of the combined organization and other synergies), the assembled work force of SP Fiber as well as due to establishing
deferred taxes for the difference between the book to tax basis of the assets and liabilities acquired. The goodwill and intangibles
are not amortizable for income tax purposes.
The Combination
On July 1, 2015, pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement, RockTenn and MWV completed a strategic combination
of their respective businesses. Pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement, RockTenn and MWV each became wholly-owned
subsidiaries of WestRock. RockTenn was the accounting acquirer. We believe the Combination combined two industry leaders to
create a leading global provider of consumer and corrugated packaging solutions.
The consideration for the Combination was $8,286.7 million. In connection with the Combination, RockTenn shareholders
received in the aggregate approximately 130.4 million shares of Common Stock and approximately $667.8 million in cash. At the
effective time of the Combination, each share of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of MWV issued and outstanding
immediately prior to the effective time of the Combination was converted into the right to receive 0.78 shares of Common Stock.
In the aggregate, MWV stockholders received approximately 131.2 million shares of our Common Stock (which includes shares
issued under certain MWV equity awards that vested as a result of the Combination). Included in the consideration was
approximately $210.9 million related to outstanding MWV equity awards that were replaced with WestRock equity awards with
identical terms for pre-Combination service. The amount related to post-Combination service is being expensed over the remaining
service period of the awards.
83
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed by major class of assets and
liabilities as of the acquisition date, as well as adjustments made during fiscal 2016 (referred to as “measurement period
adjustments”) (in millions):
Amounts
Recognized as of
the Acquisition
Date
Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Current assets, excluding cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Property, plant and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prepaid pension asset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Goodwill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intangible assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Restricted assets held by special purpose entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other long-term assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total assets acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Current portion of debt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Long-term debt due after one year. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Non-recourse liabilities held by special purpose entities. . . . . . . . . .
Accrued pension and other long-term benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred income tax liabilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other long-term liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Noncontrolling interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total liabilities and noncontrolling interest assumed. . . . . . . . . . . . .
265.7
1,858.8
3,991.5
1,407.8
3,817.3
2,994.2
1,302.0
363.8
16,001.1
62.3
1,099.4
2,090.6
1,181.0
235.1
2,366.7
520.0
159.3
7,714.4
Amounts
Recognized as
of Acquisition
Date (as
Adjusted) (2)
Measurement
Period
Adjustments (1)
$
— $
(0.5)
19.3
(9.9)
44.7
—
—
18.0
71.6
74.8
(45.6)
18.3
—
—
(11.0)
35.1
—
71.6
265.7
1,858.3
4,010.8
1,397.9
3,862.0
2,994.2
1,302.0
381.8
16,072.7
137.1
1,053.8
2,108.9
1,181.0
235.1
2,355.7
555.1
159.3
7,786.0
8,286.7
Net assets acquired (3). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
8,286.7
$
— $
(1) The measurement period adjustments recorded in fiscal 2016 did not have a significant impact on our consolidated
statements of operations for fiscal 2016 or 2015. In addition, these adjustments did not have a significant impact on
our consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2015. Therefore, we have recorded the cumulative impact in fiscal
2016 and have not retrospectively adjusted the comparative 2015 financial information presented herein.
(2) The measurement period adjustments were due primarily to refinements to third party appraisals and carrying amounts
of certain assets and liabilities as well as adjustments to certain tax accounts based on, among other things, adjustments
to deferred tax liabilities, including any appraisal adjustments, analysis of the tax basis of acquired assets and liabilities,
other tax adjustments and the classification of supplier financing arrangements. The net impact of the measurement
period adjustments resulted in a net increase to goodwill.
(3) The net assets acquired include the Specialty Chemicals business, which was separated from WestRock on May 15,
2016. See “Note 7. Discontinued Operations” for additional information.
The fair value assigned to goodwill is primarily attributable to buyer-specific synergies expected to arise after the acquisition
(e.g., enhanced geographic reach of the combined organization, increased vertical integration and other synergistic opportunities),
the assembled work force of MWV as well as due to establishing deferred tax liabilities for the assets and liabilities acquired. The
goodwill and intangibles resulting from the acquisition will not be amortizable for tax purposes. See “Note 21. Segment
Information” for the allocation of goodwill.
84
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The following table summarizes the weighted average life and gross carrying amount relating to intangible assets recognized
in the Combination, excluding goodwill (in millions):
Customer relationships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Patents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trademarks and tradenames . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Favorable contracts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weighted
Avg. Life
Gross
Carrying
Amount
19.2
$
2,881.7
9.8
4.5
8.2
57.2
52.9
2.4
18.8
$
2,994.2
None of the intangibles has significant residual value. The intangibles are expected to be amortized over estimated useful
lives ranging from 1 to 20 years based on the approximate pattern in which the economic benefits are consumed or straight-line
if the pattern was not reliably determinable.
The allocation of the consideration for the Combination also includes, among other things, $38.5 million of liabilities for
unfavorable contracts which will be amortized over 1 to 9 years. In connection with purchase accounting, we increased the carrying
value of the debt assumed by $364.5 million, including $18.3 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 to increase the carrying
value of the debt assumed to fair value. The fair value adjustment will be amortized over the life of the instruments, ranging from
1 to 32 years.
The following unaudited pro forma information reflects our consolidated results of operations as if the Combination had taken
place on October 1, 2013. The unaudited pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that we
would have reported had the transaction actually occurred at the beginning of these periods nor is it necessarily indicative of future
results. The unaudited pro forma financial information does not reflect the impact of future events that may occur after the
Combination, including, but not limited to, anticipated costs savings from synergies or other operational improvements. The net
sales have been adjusted to reflect the discontinued operations of the Specialty Chemicals business.
Year Ended
September 30, 2015
(Unaudited, in
millions)
Net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Net income attributable to common stockholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
14,347.0
666.3
Fiscal 2015 revenues associated with the MWV operations received in the Combination since the closing date were $1,067.1
million. Disclosure of earnings associated with these operations since the closing date for fiscal 2015 is not practicable as it is not
being operated as a standalone business.
The unaudited pro forma financial information presented in the table above has been adjusted to give effect to adjustments
that are (1) directly related to the business combination; (2) factually supportable; and (3) expected to have a continuing impact.
These adjustments include, but are not limited to, the application of our accounting policies; elimination of related party transactions;
depreciation and amortization related to fair value adjustments to property, plant and equipment and intangible assets including
contracts assumed; and interest expense on acquisition related debt.
Unaudited pro forma earnings for fiscal 2015 were adjusted to exclude $126.7 million of acquisition related costs which
primarily consist of advisory, legal, accounting, valuation, other professional or consulting fees and change in control related
acceleration of share-based compensation, $71.6 million for the expensing of inventory stepped-up in purchase accounting, net of
related LIFO impact and $2.6 million of loss on extinguishment of debt. Included in earnings for fiscal 2015 are $75.5 million of
integration related costs related to the Combination which primarily consist of severance and other employee costs and professional
services. In fiscal 2017, we recategorized our integration costs to exclude severance and other employee costs. These costs have
now been presented as restructuring costs. We recategorized $48.2 million related to fiscal 2015. See “Note 9. Restructuring and
Other Costs, Net”.
85
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Note 7. Discontinued Operations
On May 15, 2016, WestRock completed the Separation. We distributed 100% of the outstanding common stock, par value
$0.01 per share, of Ingevity, then a wholly-owned subsidiary of WestRock, to WestRock’s stockholders of record as of the close
of business on May 4, 2016, with such stockholders receiving one share of Ingevity common stock for every six shares of Common
Stock held as of such record date. Since the Separation, we have not beneficially owned any shares of Ingevity common stock and
Ingevity has been an independent public company trading under the symbol “NGVT” on the NYSE. We disposed of the former
Specialty Chemicals segment in its entirety and ceased to consolidate its assets, liabilities and results of operations. Accordingly,
we have presented the financial position and results of operations of our former Specialty Chemicals segment as discontinued
operations in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for all periods presented.
In connection with the Separation, we and Ingevity entered into a separation and distribution agreement as well as various
other agreements that provide a framework for the relationships between the parties going forward, including among others a tax
matters agreement, a lease and ground service agreement with respect to our Covington, Virginia facility, an intellectual property
agreement, a crude tall oil and black liquor soap skimming supply agreement, a trust agreement, an employee matters agreement
and a transition service agreement. These agreements provided for the allocation between us and Ingevity of assets, employees,
liabilities and obligations attributable to periods prior to, at and after the Separation and govern certain relationships between us
and Ingevity after the Separation.
Prior to the Separation, Ingevity, then a wholly-owned subsidiary of WestRock, borrowed $500.0 million in contemplation of
the Separation and distributed the majority of these funds to WestRock, which used the funds to pay down debt. In addition, Ingevity
assumed an $80.0 million, 7.67% capital lease obligation due January 15, 2027 owed to the City of Wickliffe, KY. In contemplation
of the Separation, Ingevity also funded a trust in the amount of $68.9 million to secure the balloon principal payment of the capital
lease upon the lease’s maturity. We remain a co-obligor on the capital lease obligation; therefore, the capital lease assumed by
Ingevity remains recorded in our consolidated financial statements in long-term debt. At the time of the Separation, we recorded
a $108.2 million long-term asset for the estimated fair value of the future principal and interest payments on the capital lease
obligation assumed by Ingevity. The value of the long-term asset and the long-term debt under the lease will reduce over the life
of the lease using the effective interest method. The $500.0 million of debt and the $68.9 million in the trust were assumed by
Ingevity, and removed from our consolidated financial statements as part of our discontinued operations reporting.
The following table presents the financial results of Specialty Chemicals’ discontinued operations (in millions):
Fiscal Year Ended September 30,
2016
2015
Net sales. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Cost of goods sold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross profit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selling, general and administrative, excluding intangible
amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selling, general and administrative intangible amortization . . . . . . . . .
Restructuring and other costs, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impairment of Specialty Chemicals goodwill and intangibles . . . . . . .
Operating (loss) profit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest income (expense) and other income (expense), net . . . . . . . . .
(Loss) income from discontinued operations before income taxes . . . .
Income tax benefit (expense). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(Loss) income from discontinued operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
533.7
387.5
146.2
65.6
28.8
49.5
579.4
(577.1)
0.1
(577.0)
32.3
(544.7)
$
$
256.5
184.0
72.5
27.4
11.5
6.6
—
27.0
1.1
28.1
(17.5)
10.6
Fiscal 2016 restructuring and other costs, net are primarily associated with costs incurred to support the Separation and consist
primarily of advisory, legal, accounting and other professional fees. Additionally, restructuring and other costs, net include $10.0
million of costs associated with the closure of Ingevity’s Duque de Caxias facility in Brazil and other severance and share-based
86
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
compensation expenses. Fiscal 2015 restructuring and other costs, net are primarily associated with costs incurred to support the
Separation and consist primarily of advisory, legal, accounting and other professional fees.
In the first quarter of fiscal 2016, as part of our evaluation of whether events or changes in circumstances had occurred that
would indicate whether it was more likely than not that the goodwill of our then-owned Specialty Chemicals reporting unit was
impaired, we considered factors such as, but not limited to, macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, and
financial performance, including the planned revenue and earnings of the reporting unit. We concluded that an impairment indicator
had occurred related to the goodwill of the Specialty Chemicals reporting unit and that the indicator was driven by market factors
subsequent to the Combination.
Accordingly, we performed a “Step 1” goodwill impairment test where we updated the discounted cash flow analysis used to
determine the reporting unit’s initial fair value on July 1, 2015. We also compared those results to the valuations performed by our
investment bankers in connection with the planned separation of our Specialty Chemicals business. Based on the results of the
impairment test and analysis, we concluded that the fair value of the Specialty Chemicals reporting unit was less than its carrying
amount and began a “Step 2” goodwill impairment test to determine the amount of impairment loss, if any. As part of the analysis,
we determined that the carrying value of the property, plant and equipment and intangibles, all of which have finite lives, on a
“held and used” basis did not exceed the estimated undiscounted future cash flows.
In light of changing market conditions, expected revenue and earnings of the reporting unit, lower comparative market
valuations for companies in Specialty Chemicals’ peer group and our preliminary “Step 2” test, we concluded that an impairment
of the Specialty Chemicals reporting unit was probable and could be reasonably estimated. As a result, we recorded a pre-tax and
after-tax non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $478.3 million. This amount is included in the line item “Loss from discontinued
operations” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. No tax benefit was recorded for the goodwill impairment.
Until the completion of the Separation, GAAP required us to assess impairment of the Specialty Chemicals’ long-lived assets
using the “held and used” model which was based on undiscounted future cash flows. Under this model, if the expected cash flows
over the life of the primary asset of the reporting unit were in excess of the carrying amount, then there would be no impairment.
At the date of the Separation, we assessed Specialty Chemical’s assets for potential impairment using the “held for sale” model.
This model compares the fair value of the disposal unit to its carrying value and if the fair value less cost to sell is lower, then an
impairment loss would be recorded. At the date of the Separation, we evaluated the Specialty Chemical’s intangibles, which
consisted predominantly of customer list intangibles, for impairment. Our analysis at May 15, 2016, using the income approach
(multi-period excess earnings method), indicated that there was a $101.1 million pre-tax non-cash impairment of our Specialty
Chemicals customer relationships intangible. The impairment loss was recorded on the Separation and is included as a component
of discontinued operations.
The following table presents the significant non-cash items and capital expenditures for Specialty Chemicals’ that are included
in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (in millions):
Fiscal Year Ended September 30,
2016
2015
Depreciation, depletion and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Impairment of Specialty Chemicals goodwill and intangibles . . . . . . . $
Capital expenditures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
57.2
579.4
(45.2)
$
$
$
22.0
—
(28.6)
Depreciation expense in fiscal 2016 and 2015 was $30.4 million and $11.4 million, respectively, and amortization expense in
fiscal 2016 and 2015 was $26.8 million and $10.6 million, respectively.
Note 8. Assets Held For Sale
During the second quarter of fiscal 2017, we committed to a plan to sell HH&B. On January 23, 2017, we announced we had
entered into an agreement with certain subsidiaries of Silgan under which Silgan would purchase HH&B for approximately $1.025
billion in cash plus the assumption of approximately $25 million in foreign pension liabilities. Accordingly, in the second quarter
of fiscal 2017, all of the assets and liabilities of HH&B were reported as assets and liabilities held for sale. We discontinued
recording depreciation and amortization while the assets were held for sale. On April 6, 2017, we announced that we had completed
87
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
the HH&B Sale. We used the proceeds from the HH&B Sale in connection with the MPS Acquisition. We recorded a pre-tax gain
on sale of HH&B of $192.8 million in fiscal 2017.
Due to the accelerated monetization strategy, our Land and Development portfolio has met the held for sale criteria and is
reflected as assets held for sale. Assets held for sale at September 30, 2017 of $173.6 million include $150.4 million of Land and
Development portfolio assets, with the remainder primarily related to closed facilities. As of September 30, 2016, the $52.3 million
of assets held for sale were primarily related to assets under contract in our Land and Development segment.
Note 9. Restructuring and Other Costs, Net
Summary of Restructuring and Other Initiatives
We recorded pre-tax restructuring and other costs, net, of $196.7 million, $366.4 million and $140.8 million for fiscal 2017,
2016 and 2015, respectively. Of these costs, $86.6 million, $200.2 million and $13.4 million were non-cash for fiscal 2017, 2016
and 2015, respectively. These amounts, which are outlined below, are not comparable since the timing and scope of the individual
actions associated with each restructuring, acquisition, divestiture or integration can vary. The restructuring and other costs, net,
exclude the Specialty Chemicals costs which are included in discontinued operations. We present our restructuring and other costs,
net in more detail below and those charged to discontinued operations in “Note 7. Discontinued Operations”.
The following table summarizes our Restructuring and other costs, net for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015 (in millions):
Restructuring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Restructuring and Other Costs, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
113.4
83.3
196.7
$
$
294.9
71.5
366.4
$
$
60.3
80.5
140.8
Fiscal 2017
Fiscal 2016
Fiscal 2015
Restructuring
Our restructuring charges are primarily associated with plant closures and employee costs due to merger and acquisition-
related workforce reductions. When we close a facility, if necessary, we recognize an impairment charge primarily to reduce the
carrying value of equipment or other property to their estimated fair value less cost to sell, and record charges for severance and
other employee-related costs. Any subsequent change in fair value less cost to sell prior to disposition is recognized as identified;
however, no gain is recognized in excess of the cumulative loss previously recorded. At the time of each announced closure, we
generally expect to record future period costs for equipment relocation, facility carrying costs, costs to terminate a lease or contract
before the end of its term and employee-related costs.
Although specific circumstances vary, our strategy has generally been to consolidate our sales and operations into large well-
equipped plants that operate at high utilization rates and take advantage of available capacity created by operational excellence
initiatives and/or further optimize our system following mergers and acquisitions or a changing business environment. Therefore,
we have transferred a substantial portion of each closed plant’s assets and production to our other plants. We believe these actions
have allowed us to more effectively manage our business. In our Land and Development segment, the restructuring charges primarily
relate to severance and other employee costs associated with the accelerated monetization strategy and wind down of operations.
While restructuring costs are not charged to our segments and, therefore, do not reduce segment income, we highlight the
segment to which the charges relate. The following table presents a summary of restructuring charges related to active restructuring
initiatives that we incurred during the last three fiscal years, the cumulative recorded amount since we started the initiative, and
our estimate of the total we expect to incur (in millions):
88
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Fiscal 2017
Fiscal 2016
Fiscal 2015 Cumulative
Total
Expected
Corrugated Packaging
Net property, plant and equipment costs . . . . . . . $
Severance and other employee costs . . . . . . . . . .
Equipment and inventory relocation costs . . . . .
Facility carrying costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.4
3.3
1.9
5.4
(1.2)
$
184.5
$
17.4
0.3
18.9
9.1
Restructuring total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
10.8
$
230.2
$
$
221.0
$
221.0
43.2
6.5
36.4
20.5
45.1
9.0
39.7
20.5
327.6
$
335.3
Consumer Packaging
Net property, plant and equipment costs . . . . . . . $
Severance and other employee costs . . . . . . . . . .
Equipment and inventory relocation costs . . . . .
Facility carrying costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other costs (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Restructuring total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Land and Development
Net property, plant and equipment costs . . . . . . . $
Severance and other employee costs . . . . . . . . . .
Restructuring total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Corporate
Net property, plant and equipment costs . . . . . . . $
Severance and other employee costs . . . . . . . . . .
Other costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
3.8
4.6
1.1
0.5
—
10.0
$
28.3
26.4
2.8
0.7
20.2
78.4
1.8
2.8
4.6
$
$
$
$
— $
10.6
10.6
$
— $
—
— $
37.5
34.4
4.9
2.4
20.7
99.9
1.8
13.4
15.2
$
$
$
$
0.1
$
1.2
$
— $
1.4
$
14.8
4.7
36.9
6.0
37.5
34.4
7.4
3.8
20.7
103.8
1.8
14.5
16.3
1.4
99.9
10.4
1.3
0.4
1.1
3.0
2.2
8.0
0.9
1.8
0.5
0.9
0.3
4.4
$
$
$
Restructuring total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
19.6
$
44.1
$
Total
Net property, plant and equipment costs . . . . . . . $
Severance and other employee costs . . . . . . . . . .
Equipment and inventory relocation costs . . . . .
Facility carrying costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Restructuring total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
31.6
47.3
4.7
6.1
23.7
113.4
$
$
189.5
69.5
1.4
19.4
15.1
294.9
$
$
48.2
(0.3)
47.9
2.2
50.4
1.6
3.9
2.2
60.3
$
$
$
99.9
10.4
111.7
$
111.7
261.7
190.9
11.4
38.8
51.6
554.4
$
$
261.7
193.9
16.4
43.5
51.6
567.1
(1)
Includes a $17.6 million impairment of a customer relationship intangible in fiscal 2017 related to an exited product line.
We have defined “Net property, plant and equipment” as used in this Note 9 as property, plant and equipment impairment losses,
subsequent adjustments to fair value for assets classified as held for sale, subsequent (gains) or losses on sales of property, plant
and equipment and related parts and supplies, and accelerated depreciation on such assets, if any.
89
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Other Costs
Our other costs consist of acquisition, divestiture and integration costs. We incur costs when we acquire or divest businesses.
Acquisition costs include costs associated with transactions, whether consummated or not, such as advisory, legal, accounting,
valuation and other professional or consulting fees, as well as potential litigation costs associated with those activities. Divestiture
costs consist primarily of similar professional fees. The divestiture costs in fiscal 2017 are primarily associated with costs incurred
during the HH&B Sale process. Post-acquisition, we incur integration costs that reflect work being performed to facilitate merger
and acquisition integration, such as work associated with information systems and other projects, and primarily consist of
professional services. We consider acquisition, divestiture and integration costs to be Corporate costs regardless of the segment
or segments involved in the transaction.
The following table presents our acquisition, divestiture and integration costs that we incurred during the last three fiscal years
(in millions):
Acquisition costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Divestiture costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Integration costs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Fiscal 2017
27.1
9.8
46.4
83.3
Fiscal 2016
Fiscal 2015
$
$
8.9
0.5
62.1
71.5
$
$
44.4
—
36.1
80.5
In fiscal 2017, we recategorized our integration costs to exclude severance and other employee costs and lease costs associated
with mergers and acquisitions, notably for related workforce reductions. These costs have been presented in severance and other
employee costs and other costs, respectively, in the restructuring table above. We recategorized $42.6 million and $48.2 million
in fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively, primarily for severance and other employee costs. We had $17.4 million of similar costs in
fiscal 2017.
90
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The following table represents a summary of and the changes in the restructuring accrual, which is primarily composed of
lease commitments, accrued severance and other employee costs, and a reconciliation of the restructuring accrual charges to the
line item “Restructuring and other costs, net” on our Consolidated Statements of Operations for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015 (in
millions):
2017
2016
2015
Accrual at beginning of fiscal year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Accruals acquired in purchase accounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additional accruals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjustment to accruals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accrual at end of fiscal year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
44.8
3.5
63.2
(53.3)
(10.8)
47.4
Reconciliation of accruals and charges to restructuring and other costs, net (in
millions):
Additional accruals and adjustments to accruals (see table above). . . . . . . $
Acquisition costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Divestiture costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Integration costs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net property, plant and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Severance and other employee costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equipment and inventory relocation costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Facility carrying costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total restructuring and other costs, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Note 10. Other Intangible Assets
2017
52.4
27.1
9.8
41.2
31.6
3.8
4.7
6.1
20.0
$
$
$
21.4
$
—
75.3
(51.9)
—
44.8
$
10.9
2.9
37.6
(31.4)
1.4
21.4
2016
2015
75.3
$
8.9
0.5
59.8
189.5
11.5
1.4
19.5
—
39.0
44.4
—
36.8
2.2
12.7
1.6
3.9
0.2
196.7
$
366.4
$
140.8
The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization relating to intangible assets, excluding goodwill, is as follows (in
millions, except weighted avg. life):
Customer relationships. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Favorable contracts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technology and patents . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trademarks and tradenames. . . . . . . . .
Non-compete agreements . . . . . . . . . . .
License costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
September 30,
2017
2016
Weighted
Avg. Life
(in years)
Gross Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Gross Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
$
16.7
9.6
10.7
16.3
2.0
8.8
$
4,046.2
48.2
31.8
74.7
2.5
23.6
(806.0) $
(30.7)
(14.4)
(31.4)
(0.6)
(14.6)
$
3,094.4
48.9
55.4
65.0
0.2
23.5
16.6
$
4,227.0
$
(897.7) $
3,287.4
$
(610.5)
(27.0)
(14.9)
(24.1)
(0.1)
(11.5)
(688.1)
Intangible amortization expense, excluding discontinued operations, was $256.2 million, $235.8 million and $131.1
million during fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The intangible amortization expense is primarily recorded as SG&A
intangible amortization. See “Note 7. Discontinued Operations” for additional information.
91
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Estimated intangible asset amortization expense for the succeeding five fiscal years is as follows (in millions):
Fiscal 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Fiscal 2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Fiscal 2020 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Fiscal 2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Fiscal 2022 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
294.1
292.1
281.3
234.6
225.3
Note 11.
Debt
In connection with the Combination, the public bonds issued by WestRock RKT Company and WestRock MWV, LLC are
guaranteed by WestRock and have cross-guarantees between the two companies. The IDBs associated with the capital lease
obligations of WestRock MWV, LLC are guaranteed by WestRock. The public bonds are unsecured, unsubordinated obligations
that rank equally in right of payment with all of our existing and future unsecured, unsubordinated obligations. The bonds are
effectively subordinated to any of our existing and future secured debt to the extent of the value of the assets securing such debt.
At September 30, 2017, our Credit Facility, Farm Credit Facility and public bonds were unsecured.
The following were individual components of debt (in millions):
September 30, 2017
September 30, 2016
Carrying Value
1,484.5
Weighted Avg
Interest Rate
Carrying Value
1,651.0
Public bonds due fiscal 2017 to 2022 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Public bonds due fiscal 2023 to 2027 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Public bonds due fiscal 2030 to 2033 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Public bonds due fiscal 2037 to 2047 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Term loan facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Revolving credit facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Receivables-backed financing facility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capital lease obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Supplier financing and commercial card programs. . . . . . .
International and other debt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less current portion of debt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Long-term debt due after one year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
1,368.8
975.5
178.8
1,622.7
436.4
110.0
177.0
130.3
70.8
6,554.8
608.7
5,946.1
Weighted Avg
Interest Rate
3.9%
4.3%
4.7%
6.0%
1.8%
N/A
N/A
4.2%
N/A
7.3%
3.3%
411.8
987.5
179.2
2,195.7
—
—
184.4
106.0
73.6
5,789.2
292.9
5,496.3
4.2% $
3.6%
5.2%
6.3%
2.5%
1.1%
2.1%
4.3%
N/A
6.8%
3.6%
$
A portion of the debt classified as long-term, principally our Credit Facility and Receivables Facility, may be paid down earlier
than scheduled at our discretion without penalty. Certain restrictive covenants govern our maximum availability under our credit
facilities. We test and report our compliance with these covenants as required and were in compliance with all of our covenants
at September 30, 2017. The carrying value of our debt includes the fair value step-up of debt acquired in mergers and acquisitions.
At September 30, 2017, the unamortized fair market value step-up was $281.8 million, which will be amortized over a weighted
average remaining life of 12.7 years. The weighted average interest rate also includes the fair value step up. Excluding the step-
up, the weighted average interest rate on total debt was 4.1%. At September 30, 2017, we had $114.6 million of outstanding letters
of credit not drawn upon. At September 30, 2017, we had approximately $2.9 billion of availability under our committed credit
facilities and approximately $0.1 billion available under our uncommitted credit facilities. This liquidity, may be used to provide
for ongoing working capital needs and for other general corporate purposes including acquisitions, dividends and stock repurchases.
The estimated fair value of our debt was approximately $6.8 billion and $6.0 billion as of September 30, 2017 and September 30,
2016, respectively. The fair value of our long-term debt is primarily either based on quoted prices for those or similar instruments
or approximate the carrying amount as the variable interest rates reprice frequently at observable current market rates and are
categorized as level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. During fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015 amortization of debt issuance costs
charged to interest expense were $4.5 million, $4.6 million and $9.3 million, respectively.
92
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Public Bonds
On August 24, 2017, we issued $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.0% Senior Notes due September 15, 2024
and $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.375% Senior Notes due September 15, 2027 in an unregistered offering
pursuant to Rule 144A and Regulation S under the Securities Act at a discount of approximately $1.4 million and $0.2 million,
respectively, and recorded debt issuance costs of $4.2 million and $4.3 million, respectively, which are being amortized over the
respective terms of the notes. Giving effect to the amortization of the original issue discount and the debt issuance costs, the
effective interest rates of the notes are 3.18% and 3.48%, respectively. The proceeds from the issuance of the notes was used to
pre-pay $575.0 million of amortization payments through the maturity of our term loan and $415.0 million then outstanding on
the Receivables Facility. At September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016, the face value of our public bond obligations outstanding
were $3.8 billion and $2.9 billion, respectively.
Term Loan Facilities and Revolving Credit Facility
In connection with the Combination, on July 1, 2015, we entered into the Credit Agreement, which provided for a 5-year
senior unsecured term loan in an aggregate principal amount of $2.3 billion and a 5-year senior unsecured revolving credit facility
in an aggregate committed principal amount of $2.0 billion (together the “Credit Facility”). On July 1, 2015, we drew $1.2 billion
of the $2.3 billion unsecured term loan and $1.1 billion was available to be drawn on a delayed draw basis not later than April 1,
2016 in up to two separate draws. Certain proceeds of the Credit Facility were used to repay certain indebtedness of our subsidiaries
at the time of the Combination, including the then existing RockTenn credit facility, and to pay fees and expenses incurred in
connection with the Combination. The Credit Facility is unsecured and is guaranteed by WestRock’s wholly-owned subsidiaries
WestRock RKT Company and WestRock MWV, LLC. On March 24, 2016, we drew $600.0 million of the then available $1.1
billion delayed draw term loan facility for general corporate purposes and the balance of the delayed draw term loan facility was
terminated. On June 22, 2016, we pre-paid $200.0 million of the term loan amortization payments due through the second quarter
of fiscal 2018. On August 24, 2017, in connection with the issuance of public bonds, we pre-paid $575.0 million of the term loan
amortization payments due through the maturity of the term loan. The carrying value of this term loan facility at September 30,
2017 and September 30, 2016 was $1,023.5 million and $1,596.7 million, respectively.
On July 1, 2016, we executed an option to extend the term of the 5-year senior unsecured revolving credit facility for one
year beyond the original term. On June 30, 2017, we executed an option to extend the term of the facility for a second additional
year. Approximately $1.9 billion of the original $2.0 billion aggregate committed principal amount has been extended to July 1,
2022, and the remainder will continue to mature on July 1, 2020. Up to $150 million under the revolving credit facility may be
used for the issuance of letters of credit. In addition, up to $400 million of the revolving credit facility may be used to fund
borrowings in non-U.S. dollar currencies including Canadian dollars, Euro and Pound Sterling. Additionally, we may request up
to $200 million of the revolving credit facility to be allocated to a Mexican peso revolving credit facility. At September 30, 2017
and September 30, 2016, we had no amounts outstanding under the revolving credit facility.
At our option, loans issued under the Credit Facility will bear interest at either LIBOR or an alternate base rate, in each case
plus an applicable interest rate margin. Loans will initially bear interest at LIBOR plus 1.125% per annum, in the case of LIBOR
borrowings, or at the alternate base rate plus 0.125% per annum, in the alternative, and thereafter the interest rate will fluctuate
between LIBOR plus 1.00% per annum and LIBOR plus 1.50% per annum (or between the alternate base rate plus 0.00% per
annum and the alternate base rate plus 0.50% per annum), based upon our corporate credit ratings or the leverage ratio (as defined
in the Credit Agreement) (whichever yields a lower applicable interest rate margin) at such time. In addition, we will be required
to pay fees that will fluctuate between 0.125% per annum to 0.25% per annum on the unused amount of the revolving credit facility,
based upon our corporate credit ratings or the leverage ratio (whichever yields a lower fee) at such time. Loans under the Credit
Facility may be prepaid at any time without premium.
The Credit Agreement contains usual and customary representations and warranties, and usual and customary affirmative and
negative covenants, including: financial covenants (including maintenance of a maximum consolidated debt to capitalization ratio
and a minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio, as defined in the Credit Agreement) and limitations on liens, additional
indebtedness and asset sales and mergers. The Credit Agreement also contains usual and customary events of default, including:
non-payment of principal, interest, fees and other amounts; material breach of a representation or warranty; default on other material
debt; bankruptcy or insolvency; incurrence of certain material ERISA liabilities; material judgments; impairment of loan
documentation; change of control; and material breach of obligations under securitization programs.
93
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
On July 1, 2015, we entered into the Farm Loan Credit Agreement that provides for a 7-year senior unsecured term loan in
an aggregate principal amount of $600.0 million. The Farm Credit Facility is guaranteed by WestRock, RockTenn and MWV. The
carrying value of this facility at September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016 was $599.2 million and $599.0 million, respectively.
On December 1, 2015, we entered into a $200.0 million uncommitted and revolving line of credit with Sumitomo Mitsui
Banking Corporation that matured on December 1, 2016. We renewed the facility on February 10, 2017, and it now matures on
February 12, 2018. The carrying value of this facility at September 30, 2017 was $106.7 million. At September 30, 2016, we had
no amounts outstanding.
On February 11, 2016, we entered into a $100.0 million uncommitted and revolving line of credit with the Bank of Tokyo-
Mitsubishi UFJ, LTD. The facility matured on February 9, 2017, and was not renewed. At September 30, 2016, we had no amounts
outstanding under this facility.
On March 4, 2016, we entered into a $100.0 million uncommitted and revolving line of credit with Cooperatieve Rabobank
U.A., New York Branch. The facility matured on March 2, 2017 and was renewed as a Euro dollar facility on the same day. The
facility is an uncommitted revolving line of credit in the amount of €100.0 million. The facility will be available in Euros only,
and continues until terminated in writing by WestRock or the lender. The carrying value of this facility at September 30, 2017 was
$118.1 million. At September 30, 2016, we had no amounts outstanding.
On May 15, 2017, we entered into a $600.0 million European revolving credit facility with Coöperatieve Rabobank U.A.,
New York Branch as the administrative agent for the syndicate of banks. This facility provides for a 364-day unsecured Euro and
Sterling denominated borrowing of not more than $200.0 million and $400.0 million U.S. dollar equivalent, respectively. The
facility matures on May 14, 2018. The carrying value of this facility at September 30, 2017 was $211.6 million.
Receivables-Backed Financing Facility
We have a $700.0 million Receivables Facility. On July 22, 2016, we extended the maturity date to July 22, 2019. The credit
spread for the used portion of the facility is 0.85%. The Receivables Facility includes certain restrictions on what constitutes
eligible receivables under the facility and allows for the exclusion of eligible receivables of specific obligors each calendar year
subject to the following restrictions: (i) the aggregate of excluded receivables may not exceed 7.5% of eligible receivables under
the Receivables Facility, and (ii) the excluded receivables of each obligor may not exceed 2.5% of the aggregate outstanding
balance. The borrowing rate, which consists of a blend of the market rate for asset-backed commercial paper and the one month
LIBOR rate plus a utilization fee, was 2.2% and 1.4% as of September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016, respectively. The
commitment fee was 0.25% and 0.25% as of September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016, respectively.
Borrowing availability under this facility is based on the eligible underlying accounts receivable and compliance with certain
covenants. The agreement governing the Receivables Facility contains restrictions, including, among others, on the creation of
certain liens on the underlying collateral. We test and report our compliance with these covenants monthly; we were in compliance
with all of these covenants at September 30, 2017. At September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016, maximum available borrowings,
excluding amounts outstanding under the Receivables Facility, were $577.6 million and $584.3 million, respectively. The carrying
amount of accounts receivable collateralizing the maximum available borrowings at September 30, 2017 was approximately $848.3
million. We have continuing involvement with the underlying receivables as we provide credit and collections services pursuant
to the Receivables Facility agreement. The carrying value of this facility at September 30, 2017 was $110.0 million. At
September 30, 2016, we had no amounts outstanding.
Capital Lease and Other Indebtedness
The range of due dates on our capital lease obligations are primarily in fiscal 2027 to 2035. Our international debt is primarily
in Europe, Brazil and India.
See “Note 23. Subsequent Events (Unaudited)”.
94
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
As of September 30, 2017, the aggregate maturities of debt, excluding capital lease obligations, for the succeeding five fiscal
years and thereafter are as follows (in millions):
Fiscal 2018. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Fiscal 2019. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fiscal 2020. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fiscal 2021. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fiscal 2022. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Thereafter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fair value of debt step-up, deferred financing costs and unamortized bond discounts. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
603.6
724.5
1,499.8
—
1,000.0
2,309.2
240.7
6,377.8
As of September 30, 2017, the aggregate maturities of capital lease obligations for the succeeding five fiscal years and thereafter
are as follows (in millions):
Fiscal 2018. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Fiscal 2019. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fiscal 2020. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fiscal 2021. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fiscal 2022. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Thereafter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fair value step-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
5.6
4.5
3.4
2.1
2.1
138.7
20.6
177.0
Note 12.
Fair Value
Assets and Liabilities Measured or Disclosed at Fair Value
We estimate fair values in accordance with ASC 820 “Fair Value Measurement”. ASC 820 provides a framework for measuring
fair value and expands disclosures required about fair value measurements. Specifically, ASC 820 sets forth a definition of fair
value and a hierarchy prioritizing the inputs to valuation techniques. ASC 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received
from the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an
orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Additionally, ASC 820 defines levels within the hierarchy
based on the availability of quoted prices for identical items in active markets, similar items in active or inactive markets and
valuation techniques using observable and unobservable inputs. We incorporate credit valuation adjustments to reflect both our
own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in our fair value measurements.
We disclose the fair value of our long-term debt in “Note 11. Debt” and the fair value of our pension and postretirement assets
and liabilities in “Note 15. Retirement Plans”. We have, or from time to time may have, various assets or liabilities whose fair
values are not significant, such as supplemental retirement savings plans that are nonqualified deferred compensation plans pursuant
to which assets are invested primarily in mutual funds, interest rate derivatives, commodity derivatives or other similar classes of
assets or liabilities.
Accounts Receivable Sales Agreement
In fiscal 2014, we entered into an agreement, which has been amended periodically, to sell to a third party financial institution
all of the short-term receivables generated from certain customer trade accounts, on a revolving basis, until the agreement is
terminated by either party. On June 27, 2016, the A/R Sales Agreement was amended to increase the maximum outstanding balance
of receivables available to be sold to $400.0 million. On September 29, 2017, the A/R Sales Agreement was amended to increase
the maximum outstanding balance of receivables available to be sold to $490.0 million, and we added new customer trade accounts
as well as increased the limits for other customers. Transfers under this agreement meet the requirements to be accounted for as
95
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
sales in accordance with guidance in ASC 860, “Transfers and Servicing”. These customers are not included in the Receivables
Facility.
The following table represents a summary of the activity under the A/R Sales Agreement for fiscal 2017 and 2016 (in millions):
Receivable from financial institution at beginning of fiscal year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Receivables sold to the financial institution and derecognized . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Receivables collected by financial institution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash proceeds from financial institution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Receivable from financial institution at September 30,. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2017
2016
13.8
$
1,542.5
(1,466.7)
(64.7)
24.9
$
5.8
1,474.6
(1,367.2)
(99.4)
13.8
Cash proceeds related to the receivables sold are included in cash from operating activities in the consolidated statement of
cash flows in the accounts receivable line item. The loss on sale is not material as it is currently less than 1% per annum of the
receivables sold, currently approximately $8 million per fiscal year, and is recorded in interest income and other income (expense),
net. Although the sales are made without recourse, we maintain continuing involvement with the sold receivables as we provide
collections services related to the transferred assets. The associated servicing liability is not material given the high quality of the
customers underlying the receivables and the anticipated short collection period.
Financial Instruments not Recognized at Fair Value
Financial instruments not recognized at fair value on a recurring or nonrecurring basis include cash and cash equivalents,
accounts receivable, certain other current assets, short-term debt, accounts payable, certain other current liabilities, and long-term
debt. With the exception of long-term debt, the carrying amounts of these financial instruments approximate their fair values due
to their short maturities. See “Note 11. Debt” for the fair value of our long-term debt.
Fair Value of Nonfinancial Assets and Nonfinancial Liabilities
We measure certain nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. These assets and
liabilities include cost and equity method investments when they are deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, assets acquired
and liabilities assumed in an acquisition or in a nonmonetary exchange, and property, plant and equipment and intangible assets
that are written down to fair value when they are held for sale or determined to be impaired. During fiscal 2017 and 2016, we did
not have any significant nonfinancial assets or nonfinancial liabilities that were measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis in
periods subsequent to initial recognition other than the $46.7 million real estate impairment recorded in fiscal 2017 in connection
with the accelerated monetization strategy in our Land and Development segment, a $17.6 million impairment of a customer
relationship intangible in fiscal 2017 related to an exited product line, the goodwill impairment of our former Specialty Chemicals
reporting unit in the first quarter of fiscal 2016 and the intangible impairment in the former Specialty Chemicals segment in the
third quarter of fiscal 2016 following the Separation. We discuss the former Specialty Chemicals impairments in “Note 7.
Discontinued Operations”.
96
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Note 13. Operating Leases
We lease certain manufacturing and warehousing facilities and equipment, primarily transportation equipment, and office
space under various operating leases. Some leases contain escalation clauses and provisions for lease renewal. As of September 30,
2017, future minimum lease payments under all noncancelable operating leases for the succeeding five fiscal years and thereafter
are as follows (in millions):
Fiscal 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Fiscal 2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fiscal 2020 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fiscal 2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fiscal 2022 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Thereafter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total future minimum lease payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
123.3
103.5
86.3
68.8
54.5
188.6
625.0
Rental expense for the years ended September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was approximately $210.5 million, $199.3 million
and $144.8 million, respectively, including lease payments under cancelable leases and maintenance charges on transportation
equipment.
Note 14.
Income Taxes
The components of income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes are as follows (in millions):
United States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Foreign. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income from continuing operations before income taxes . . . . . . . . $
481.9
375.7
857.6
$
$
(25.1) $
269.7
244.6
$
571.3
162.9
734.2
Year Ended September 30,
2016
2015
2017
The loss from continuing operations in the U.S. in fiscal 2016 was primarily the result of the pension risk transfer expense
and restructuring charges. See “Note 15. Retirement Plans” and “Note 9. Restructuring and Other Costs, Net”.
Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations consists of the following components (in millions):
Current income taxes:
Federal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total current expense. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred income taxes:
Federal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total deferred (benefit) expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total income tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Year Ended September 30,
2016
2015
2017
80.8
3.3
95.3
179.4
15.2
(22.8)
(12.8)
(20.4)
159.0
$
$
98.3
12.8
87.0
198.1
(131.5)
6.9
16.3
(108.3)
89.8
$
$
31.6
7.3
38.6
77.5
157.8
(10.8)
8.5
155.5
233.0
97
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The differences between the statutory federal income tax rate and our effective income tax rate from continuing operations
are as follows:
Year Ended September 30,
2016
2015
2017
Statutory federal tax rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign rate differential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjustment and resolution of federal, state and foreign tax
uncertainties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
State taxes, net of federal benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Research and development and other tax credits, net of valuation
allowances and reserves. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income attributable to noncontrolling interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Domestic manufacturer’s deduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sale of HH&B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
U.S. legal entity restructuring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change in valuation allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Nondeductible transaction costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contribution of assets to Grupo Gondi joint venture . . . . . . . . . . .
Nontaxable increased cash surrender value. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Withholding taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brazilian net worth deduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Effective tax rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
35.0%
(4.9)
(0.3)
3.3
(0.8)
0.4
(2.0)
(5.0)
(3.3)
(3.3)
1.0
—
(1.5)
0.4
(0.8)
0.3
18.5%
35.0%
(5.5)
0.2
4.9
(6.1)
0.8
(4.4)
—
—
6.3
0.4
3.4
(4.6)
2.0
(2.0)
6.3
36.7%
35.0%
(1.6)
0.3
1.2
(0.1)
(0.4)
(2.6)
—
—
(0.8)
1.0
—
(0.1)
—
(0.1)
(0.1)
31.7%
98
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to deferred income tax assets and liabilities consist of the following (in
millions):
September 30,
2017
2016
Deferred income tax assets:
Accruals and allowances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Employee related accruals and allowances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pension obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
State net operating loss carryforwards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
State credit carryforwards, net of federal benefit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
U.S. and foreign tax credit carryforwards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Federal and foreign net operating loss carryforwards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Restricted stock and options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deductible intangibles and goodwill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inventory reserves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pension obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Basis difference in joint ventures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
40.6
$
265.1
—
70.6
54.4
135.9
204.1
81.0
32.8
884.5
2,154.1
1,091.4
236.1
405.2
90.8
57.1
8.3
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Valuation allowances. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net deferred income tax liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
4,043.0
219.1
3,377.6
$
12.2
217.6
15.5
82.3
56.1
185.1
119.3
94.9
44.4
827.4
2,124.0
891.3
205.6
432.1
—
96.0
1.0
3,750.0
177.2
3,099.8
Deferred taxes are recorded as follows in the consolidated balance sheet (in millions):
Long-term deferred tax asset (1). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Long-term deferred tax liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net deferred income tax liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
32.6
3,410.2
3,377.6
$
$
30.9
3,130.7
3,099.8
(1) The long-term deferred tax asset is presented in Other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
September 30,
2017
2016
At September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016, we had gross federal net operating losses of approximately $61.2 million
and $85.3 million, respectively. These loss carryforwards generally expire between fiscal 2030 and 2037.
At September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016, we had alternative minimum tax credits of $132.2 million and $185.1 million,
respectively. Under current tax law, the alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards do not expire. We had research and
development tax credits and general business credits of $3.2 million and $0.5 million, respectively, at September 30, 2017.
At September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016, we had gross state and local net operating losses, of approximately $1,885
million and $1,899 million, respectively. These loss carryforwards generally expire between fiscal 2018 and 2037. The tax effected
values of these net operating losses are $70.6 million and $82.3 million at September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, exclusive
of valuation allowances of $15.9 million and $14.2 million at September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
99
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
At September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016, gross net operating losses for foreign reporting purposes of approximately
$673.7 million and $448.7 million, respectively, were available for carryforward. A majority of these loss carryforwards generally
expire between fiscal 2018 and 2037, while a portion have an indefinite carryforward. The tax effected values of these net operating
losses are $182.6 million and $119.3 million at September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, exclusive of valuation allowances of
$149.6 million and $92.5 million at September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
At September 30, 2017 and 2016, we had state tax credit carryforwards of $54.4 million and $56.1 million, respectively. These
state tax credit carryforwards generally expire within 5 to 10 years; however, certain state credits can be carried forward indefinitely.
Valuation allowances of $47.3 million and $51.2 million at September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, have been provided on
these assets. These valuation allowances have been recorded due to uncertainty regarding our ability to generate sufficient taxable
income in the appropriate taxing jurisdiction.
The following table represents a summary of the valuation allowances against deferred tax assets for fiscal 2017, 2016 and
2015 (in millions):
Balance at beginning of fiscal year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Increases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Allowances related to purchase accounting (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reductions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance at end of fiscal year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2017
2016
2015
177.2
$
100.2
$
54.3
12.4
(24.8)
219.1
$
24.8
63.0
(10.8)
177.2
$
65.1
2.7
40.0
(7.6)
100.2
(1) Adjustments in fiscal 2017 relate to the MPS Acquisition. Adjustments in fiscal 2016 relate to the Combination and the
SP Fiber Acquisition. Adjustments in fiscal 2015 relate to the Combination.
Consistent with prior years, we consider a portion of our earnings from certain foreign subsidiaries as subject to repatriation
and we provide for taxes accordingly. However, we consider the unremitted earnings and all other outside differences from all
other foreign subsidiaries to be indefinitely reinvested. Accordingly, we have not provided for any taxes that would be due.
As of September 30, 2017, we estimate our outside basis difference in foreign subsidiaries that are considered indefinitely
reinvested to be approximately $2.3 billion. The components of the outside basis difference are comprised of purchase accounting
adjustments, undistributed earnings, and equity components. We have not provided for any taxes that would be due upon the
reversal of the outside basis differences. However, in the event of a distribution in the form of dividends or dispositions of the
subsidiaries, we may be subject to incremental U.S. income taxes, subject to an adjustment for foreign tax credits, and withholding
taxes or income taxes payable to the foreign jurisdictions. As of September 30, 2017, the determination of the deferred tax liability
is not practicable.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in millions):
2017
2016
2015
Balance at beginning of fiscal year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Additions related to purchase accounting (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additions for tax positions taken in current year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additions for tax positions taken in prior fiscal years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reductions for tax positions taken in prior fiscal years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reductions due to settlement (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additions (reductions) for currency translation adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reductions as a result of a lapse of the applicable statute of limitations . . . .
Balance at end of fiscal year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
166.8
$
106.6
$
7.7
5.0
15.2
(25.6)
(14.1)
2.0
(8.1)
148.9
$
16.5
30.3
20.6
(9.7)
(1.3)
7.0
(3.2)
166.8
36.5
82.9
2.4
—
(3.7)
—
(11.5)
—
$
106.6
(1) Adjustments in fiscal 2017 relate to the MPS Acquisition. Adjustments in fiscal 2016 relate to the Combination and the
100
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
SP Fiber Acquisition. Adjustments in fiscal 2015 relate to the Combination.
(2) Reductions due to settlement in fiscal 2017 relate to the settlement of federal and state audit examinations with taxing
authorities.
As of September 30, 2017 and 2016, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits was approximately $148.9 million and
$166.8 million, respectively, exclusive of interest and penalties. Of these balances, as of September 30, 2017 and 2016, if we were
to prevail on all unrecognized tax benefits recorded, approximately $138.0 million and $138.6 million, respectively, would benefit
the effective tax rate. We regularly evaluate, assess and adjust the related liabilities in light of changing facts and circumstances,
which could cause the effective tax rate to fluctuate from period to period.
We recognize estimated interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense in the consolidated
statements of operations. As of September 30, 2017, we had liabilities of $81.7 million related to estimated interest and penalties
for unrecognized tax benefits. As of September 30, 2016, we had liabilities of $60.2 million, net of indirect benefits, related to
estimated interest and penalties for unrecognized tax benefits. Our results of operations for the fiscal year ended September 30,
2017 include expense of $5.4 million related to estimated interest and penalties with respect to the liability for unrecognized tax
benefits. Our results of operations for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 include expense of $7.4 million and
$2.9 million, respectively, net of indirect benefits, related to estimated interest and penalties with respect to the liability for
unrecognized tax benefits. As of September 30, 2017, it is reasonably possible that our unrecognized tax benefits will decrease
by up to $29.6 million in the next twelve months due to expiration of various statues of limitations and settlement of issues.
We file federal, state and local income tax returns in the U.S. and various foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions, we are
no longer subject to U.S. federal and state and local income tax examinations by tax authorities for years prior to fiscal 2014 and
fiscal 2007, respectively. We are no longer subject to non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years prior to fiscal
2010, except for Brazil for which we are not subject to tax examinations for years prior to 2004. While we believe our tax positions
are appropriate, they are subject to audit or other modifications and there can be no assurance that any modifications will not
materially and adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
Note 15.
Retirement Plans
We have defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans for certain U.S. and non-U.S. employees. Certain
plans were frozen for salaried and non-union hourly employees at various times in the past, although some employees meeting
certain criteria are still accruing benefits. In addition, under several labor contracts, we make payments, based on hours worked,
into MEPP trusts established for the benefit of certain collective bargaining employees in facilities both inside and outside the
U.S. We also have supplemental executive retirement plans and other non-qualified defined benefit pension plans that provide
unfunded supplemental retirement benefits to certain of our current and former executives. The supplemental executive retirement
plans provide for incremental pension benefits in excess of those offered in the Plan. The other postretirement benefit plans provide
certain health care and life insurance benefits for certain salaried and hourly employees who meet specified age and service
requirements as defined by the plans.
In connection with the Combination, the Rock-Tenn Company Consolidated Pension Plan and MWV U.S. qualified defined
benefit pension plans assigned the role of plan sponsor to WestRock. On July 2, 2015, WestRock merged the MWV U.S. qualified
defined benefit pension plans into the Rock-Tenn Company Consolidated Pension Plan, and renamed the merged plan the WestRock
Company Consolidated Pension Plan. Upon the merger, the terms and provisions of the legacy MWV plans were incorporated
into the merged plan.
Additionally, on July 30, 2015, WestRock approved changes to freeze the Plan for the remaining U.S. salaried and non-union
hourly employees, subject to certain grandfathering. Affected employees accrued a benefit through December 31, 2015, except
for employees who receive a benefit under the legacy MWV U.S. qualified defined benefit pension portions of the Plan and who
met the criteria for grandfathering. Those employees who met a minimum age of 50 and an aggregate age and service of 75 years
or more as of December 31, 2015, are grandfathered and continue to accrue a benefit until December 31, 2020 or their termination
date, if earlier. The WestRock retirement program for U.S. salaried and non-union hourly employees in place of the Plan is a
defined contribution benefit plan.
The benefits under our defined benefit pension plans are based on either compensation or a combination of years of service
and negotiated benefit levels, depending upon the plan. We allocate our pension assets to several investment management firms
across a variety of investment styles. Our defined benefit Investment Committee meets at least four times a year with our investment
101
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
advisors to review each management firm’s performance and monitors its compliance with its stated goals, our investment policy
and applicable regulatory requirements in the U.S., Canada, and other jurisdictions.
Investment returns vary. We believe that, by investing in a variety of asset classes and utilizing multiple investment management
firms, we can create a portfolio that yields adequate returns with reduced volatility. Our qualified U.S. plans employ a liability
matching strategy augmented with Treasury futures to generally fully hedge against interest rate risk. After we consulted with our
actuary and investment advisors, we adopted the target allocations in the table that follows for our pension plans to produce the
desired performance. These target allocations are guidelines, not limitations, and occasionally plan fiduciaries will approve
allocations above or below target ranges or modify the allocations.
Target Allocations
U.S. Plans
Non-U.S. Plans
2017
2016
2017
2016
Equity investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fixed income investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Short-term investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15%
70%
1%
14%
100%
14%
71%
1%
14%
100%
24%
65%
1%
10%
100%
28%
59%
1%
12%
100%
Our asset allocations by asset category at September 30 were as follows:
Equity investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fixed income investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Short-term investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
U.S. Plans
Non-U.S. Plans
2017
2016
2017
2016
13%
73%
3%
11%
100%
15%
66%
7%
12%
100%
26%
64%
3%
7%
100%
29%
59%
2%
10%
100%
We manage our retirement plans in accordance with the provisions of ERISA as well as applicable legislation in Canada and
other foreign countries. Our investment policy objectives include maximizing long-term returns at acceptable risk levels,
diversifying among asset classes, as applicable, and among investment managers, as well as establishing certain risk parameters
within asset classes. We have allocated our investments within the equity and fixed income asset classes to sub-asset classes
designed to meet these objectives. In addition, our other investments support multi-strategy objectives.
In developing our weighted average expected rate of return on plan assets, we consulted with our investment advisors and
evaluated criteria based on historical returns by asset class and long-term return expectations by asset class. We use a September
30 measurement date. We expect to contribute approximately $39 million to our U.S. and non-U.S. pension plans in fiscal 2018,
primarily related to our Canadian plans. However, it is possible that our assumptions or legislation may change, actual market
performance may vary or we may decide to contribute a different amount. Therefore, the amount we contribute may vary materially.
The expense for MEPPs for collective bargaining employees generally equals the contributions for these plans.
The weighted average assumptions used to measure the benefit plan obligations at September 30, were:
Pension Plans
2017
2016
U.S. Plans
4.09%
3.00%
Non-U.S.
Plans
3.26%
3.17%
U.S. Plans
4.04%
3.00%
Non-U.S.
Plans
3.08%
3.09%
Discount rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rate of compensation increase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
102
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
We determine the discount rate with the assistance of actuaries. At September 30, 2017, the discount rate for the U.S. pension
plans was determined based on the yield on a theoretical portfolio of high-grade corporate bonds, and the discount rate for the
non-U.S. plans was determined based on a yield curve developed by our actuary. The theoretical portfolio of high-grade corporate
bonds used to select the September 30, 2017 discount rate for the U.S. pension plans includes bonds generally rated Aa- or better
with at least $100 million outstanding par value and bonds that are non-callable (unless the bonds possess a “make whole” feature).
The theoretical portfolio of bonds has cash flows that generally match our expected benefit payments in future years.
Our assumption regarding the future rate of compensation increases is reviewed periodically and is based on both our internal
planning projections and recent history of actual compensation increases.
We typically review our expected long-term rate of return on plan assets periodically through an asset allocation study with
either our actuary or investment advisor. In fiscal 2018, our expected rate of return used to determine net periodic benefit cost is
6.50% for our U.S. plans and 4.98% for our non-U.S. plans. Our expected rates of return in fiscal 2018 are based on an analysis
of our long-term expected rate of return and our current asset allocation.
During the second quarter of fiscal 2017, our year-to-date lump sum payments to certain beneficiaries of the Plan, together
with several one-time severance benefit payments out of the Plan, triggered pension settlement accounting and a remeasurement
of the Plan as of February 28, 2017. As a result of settlement accounting, we recognized as a current period expense a pro-rata
portion of the unamortized net actuarial loss, after remeasurement, and recorded a $28.7 million non-cash charge to our earnings
in the second quarter of 2017. The lump sum payments were to certain eligible former employees who were not currently receiving
a monthly benefit. Eligible former employees whose present value of future pension benefits exceeded a certain minimum threshold
had the option to either voluntarily accept lump sum payments or to not accept the offer and continue to be entitled to their monthly
benefit upon retirement. Lump sum and one-time severance benefits payments of $203.7 million were made out of existing assets
of the Plan in the first half of fiscal 2017. The discount rate used in the plan remeasurement was 4.49%, an increase from 4.04%
for the Plan at September 30, 2016. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets was unchanged. As a result of the February
28, 2017 remeasurement, the funded status of the Plan increased by $73.2 million as compared to September 30, 2016. The increase
in the funded status was primarily due to a reduction in the plan obligations due to the increase in the discount rate. In the second
half of fiscal 2017, we made $27.1 million in lump sum payments to certain beneficiaries of the Plan, resulting in total fiscal 2017
lump sum payments of $230.8 million and a total fiscal 2017 non-cash charge to our earnings of $32.6 million.
On September 21, 2016, we used plan assets to settle $2.5 billion in pension obligations of the Plan by purchasing group
annuity contracts from Prudential. This transaction transferred payment responsibility to Prudential for retirement benefits owed
to approximately 35,000 U.S. retirees and their beneficiaries. As a result of the transaction, we recorded a non-cash charge of
$370.7 million pre-tax. The settlement reduced our overall U.S. pension obligations and assets by approximately 40%. The monthly
retirement benefit payment amounts currently received by retirees and their beneficiaries did not change as a result of this transaction.
Those Plan participants not included in the transaction remain in the Plan, and responsibility for payment of the retirement benefits
remains with us.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2015, we partially settled obligations of one of our qualified defined benefit pension plans
through lump sum payments to certain eligible former employees who were not currently receiving a monthly benefit. Eligible
former employees whose present value of future pension benefits exceeded a certain minimum threshold had the option to either
voluntarily accept lump sum payments or to not accept the offer and continue to be entitled to their monthly benefit upon retirement.
Former employees with an aggregate pension benefit obligation of $163.7 million accepted the offer. Lump sum payments of
$135.1 million were made out of existing plan assets. The settlement resulted in a gain of $28.6 million that was more than offset
by the loss on remeasurement of the pension benefit obligation of approximately $32.5 million due primarily to the impact of a
lower discount rate and mortality table changes. As a result, we recorded a net $3.9 million loss to other comprehensive income.
The settlement also resulted in a $20.0 million pre-tax non-cash charge to earnings, which is included in the line item “Pension
lump sum settlement and retiree medical curtailment, net” on our Consolidated Statements of Operations. The impact of the
settlement is included in the net periodic pension cost table below. As a result of the remeasurement, the pension benefit obligation
increased $22.1 million due to changes in coverage for certain employees covered by the USW master agreement as discussed
below, with an offset recorded to the unrecognized prior service cost component of other comprehensive income.
In the first quarter of fiscal 2015, we entered into a master agreement with the USW that applied to substantially all of our
legacy RockTenn facilities where employees that they represent are employed. The agreement has a six year term and covers a
number of specific items such as wages, medical coverage and certain other benefit programs. Individual facilities will continue
103
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
to have local agreements for subjects not covered by the USW master agreement and those agreements will continue to have
staggered terms.
The following table shows the changes in benefit obligation and plan assets, and the plan’s funded status for the years ended
September 30 (in millions):
Change in projected benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of fiscal year . . . . . . . $
Service cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amendments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Actuarial (gain) loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Plan participant contributions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Special termination benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Benefits paid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Business combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Curtailments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Settlements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign currency rate changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other adjustments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Business divestitures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Benefit obligation at end of fiscal year . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of fiscal year . . $
Actual gain on plan assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Employer contributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Plan participant contributions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Benefits paid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Business combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Settlements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Business divestitures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign currency rate changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other adjustments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fair value of plan assets at end of fiscal year. . . . . . . . $
Funded status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheet:
Non-current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Other current liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accrued pension and other long-term benefits . . . . . .
Over (under) funded status at end of fiscal year . . . . . $
Pension Plans
2017
2016
U.S. Plans
Non-U.S.
Plans
U.S. Plans
Non-U.S.
Plans
4,231.7
$
925.2
$
6,122.3
$
865.1
38.0
165.2
3.5
(149.1)
—
12.5
(141.4)
—
—
(229.3)
—
10.8
—
3,941.9
4,301.5
$
$
104.2
15.3
—
(141.4)
—
(229.3)
—
—
57.6
4,107.9
166.0
340.4
(9.3)
(165.1)
166.0
$
$
$
$
7.1
32.6
—
(57.6)
1.7
—
(65.1)
621.0
—
(0.4)
65.1
—
(27.4)
1,502.2
774.1
2.4
19.2
$
$
1.7
(65.1)
622.1
(0.4)
(0.7)
61.4
—
1,414.7
$
(87.5) $
45.7
277.8
1.4
664.2
—
18.4
(399.2)
9.9
(2.7)
(2,484.6)
—
—
(21.5)
4,231.7
6,481.6
707.3
16.1
—
(399.2)
—
(2,484.6)
(19.7)
—
—
4,301.5
69.8
$
27.6
(0.8)
(114.3)
(87.5) $
247.3
(9.9)
(167.6)
69.8
$
$
$
$
$
$
5.7
32.5
—
70.8
1.5
—
(57.5)
(0.6)
(0.5)
(0.1)
8.3
—
—
925.2
711.8
82.9
31.4
1.5
(57.5)
—
(0.1)
—
4.1
—
774.1
(151.1)
10.5
(1.1)
(160.5)
(151.1)
104
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Although the U.S. pension plans were in a net over funded position at September 30, 2017, certain U.S. plans have benefit
obligations in excess of plan assets. These plans have aggregate projected benefit obligations of $204.6 million, aggregate
accumulated benefit obligations of $201.9 million, and aggregate fair value of plan assets of $30.2 million at September 30, 2017.
The accumulated benefit obligation of U.S. and non-U.S. pension plans was $5,390.7 million and $5,112.0 million at
September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
The pre-tax amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss at September 30 not yet recognized as components of net
periodic pension cost, including noncontrolling interest, consist of (in millions):
Pension Plans
2017
2016
U.S. Plans
Non-U.S.
Plans
U.S. Plans
Non-U.S.
Plans
Net actuarial loss. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Prior service cost. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss . . . . . . . . . . $
547.3
27.6
574.9
$
$
173.9
0.4
174.3
$
$
633.4
28.2
661.6
$
$
195.8
0.4
196.2
The pre-tax amounts recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss, including noncontrolling interest, are as follows at
September 30 (in millions):
Net actuarial (gain) loss arising during period . . . . . . . . . $
Amortization and settlement recognition of net actuarial
loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prior service cost arising during period . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization of prior service cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net other comprehensive (income) loss recognized. . . . . $
2017
Pension Plans
2016
2015
(48.8) $
355.4
$
(57.7)
3.4
(4.1)
(107.2) $
(381.6)
1.5
(3.9)
(28.6) $
85.9
(49.2)
26.4
(3.0)
60.1
The net periodic pension cost recognized in the consolidated statements of operations is comprised of the following for fiscal
years ended (in millions):
Service cost. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Interest cost. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expected return on plan assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization of net actuarial loss. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization of prior service cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Curtailment gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Settlement loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Special termination benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Company defined benefit plan expense . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Multiemployer and other plans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net pension cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Pension Plans
2017
2016
2015
$
45.1
197.8
(313.1)
25.4
4.1
—
32.7
12.5
4.5
4.7
$
51.4
310.3
(412.3)
11.0
3.9
(1.6)
370.7
18.4
351.8
5.8
9.2
$
357.6
$
44.7
218.1
(292.9)
29.0
3.0
—
20.2
9.1
31.2
5.6
36.8
The fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015 special termination benefits were recorded to restructuring in connection with the Combination,
and should be excluded from the calculation of pension funding more than expense.
105
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Weighted-average assumptions used in the calculation of benefit plan expense for fiscal years ended:
2017
Pension Plans
2016
2015
U.S. Plans
4.30%
3.00%
Non-U.S.
Plans
3.08%
3.09%
U.S. Plans
4.70%
2.50%
Non-U.S.
Plans
3.89%
3.10%
U.S. Plans
4.52%
2.54%
Non-U.S.
Plans
4.00%
3.00%
6.50%
6.03%
5.88%
6.34%
7.11%
6.88%
Discount rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rate of compensation increase . . .
Expected long-term rate of return
on plan assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, for our U.S. pension and postretirement plans, we considered the mortality tables from the
Society of Actuaries and evaluated our mortality experience to establish mortality assumptions. Based on our experience and in
consultation with our actuaries, we utilized the base RP-2014 mortality tables with a gender and job classification specific increase,
and applied an improvement scale with generational improvements that is generally based on Social Security Administration
analysis and assumptions. The increases for fiscal 2017 are 9% for white collar males, 12% for blue collar males, 11% for white
collar females, and 9% for blue collar females. The increases for fiscal 2016 were 6% for white collar males, 10% for blue collar
males, 12% for white collar females, and 19% for blue collar females. The increases for fiscal 2015 were 6% for all males, 13%
for white collar females, and 19% for blue collar females. In fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015 our Canadian pension and postretirement
plans utilized the 2014 Private Sector Canadian Pensioners Mortality Table adjusted to reflect industry and our mortality experience
and applied Canadian Pensioner’s Mortality Improvement Scale B with generational improvements.
The estimated losses that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost in fiscal
2018 are as follows (in millions):
Pension Plans
Actuarial loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Prior service cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
U.S. Plans
12.2
4.3
16.5
Non-U.S.
Plans
$
$
6.2
0.1
6.3
Our projected estimated benefit payments (unaudited), which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are as follows
(in millions):
Pension Plans
Fiscal 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Fiscal 2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Fiscal 2020 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Fiscal 2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Fiscal 2022 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
213.1
Fiscal Years 2023 – 2027 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1,146.5
222.6
217.9
206.8
U.S. Plans
200.5
Non-U.S.
Plans
$
$
$
$
$
$
82.2
82.6
81.7
81.9
81.9
408.4
106
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The following table summarizes our pension plan assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis (at least annually) as of
September 30, 2017 (in millions):
Equity securities:
U.S. equities (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Non-U.S. equities (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fixed income securities:
U.S. government securities (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Non-U.S. government securities (3) . . . . . . . . . . .
U.S. corporate bonds (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Non-U.S. corporate bonds (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mortgage-backed securities (3). . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other fixed income (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Short-term investments (5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Benefit plan assets measured in the fair value
hierarchy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets (Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
Total
136.7
$
136.6
$
40.0
452.0
130.0
1,515.4
373.7
0.1
311.4
184.6
40.0
—
—
92.3
51.1
—
—
184.6
0.1
—
452.0
130.0
1,423.1
322.6
0.1
311.4
—
3,143.9
$
504.6
$
2,639.3
Assets measured at NAV (6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total benefit plan assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2,378.7
5,522.6
The following table summarizes our pension plan assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis (at least annually) as of
September 30, 2016 (in millions):
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets (Level 1)
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
Total
Equity securities:
U.S. equities (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Non-U.S. equities (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
192.7
$
192.7
$
74.1
73.5
Fixed income securities:
U.S. government securities (2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Non-U.S. government securities (3) . . . . . . . . . . .
U.S. corporate bonds (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Non-U.S. corporate bonds (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mortgage-backed securities (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other fixed income (4). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Short-term investments (5). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Benefit plan assets measured in the fair value
hierarchy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Assets measured at NAV (6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total benefit plan assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
1,271.1
93.4
616.9
255.2
2.4
317.5
302.1
3,125.4
1,950.2
5,075.6
—
0.6
1,271.1
88.1
607.9
248.8
2.4
317.5
—
—
5.3
9.0
6.4
—
—
302.1
$
589.0
$
2,536.4
(1) Equity securities are comprised of the following investment types: (i) common stock, (ii) preferred stock and (iii) equity
exchange traded funds. Level 1 investments in common and preferred stocks and exchange traded funds are valued using
quoted market prices multiplied by the number of shares owned.
107
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(2) U.S. government securities include treasury and agency debt. These investments are valued using broker quotes in an active
market.
(3) The level 1 non-U.S. government securities investment is an exchange traded fund valued using quoted market prices. The
level 1 U.S. corporate bonds category is primarily comprised of U.S. dollar denominated investment grade securities and
valued using quoted market prices. Level 2 investments are valued utilizing a market approach that includes various valuation
techniques and sources such as value generation models, broker quotes in active and non-active markets, benchmark yields
and securities, reported trades, issuer spreads, and/or other applicable reference data.
(4) Other fixed income is comprised of municipal and asset-backed securities. Investments are valued utilizing a market approach
that includes various valuation techniques and sources, such as broker quotes in active and non-active markets, benchmark
yields and securities, reported trades, issuer spreads and/or other applicable reference data.
(5) Short-term investments are valued at $1.00/unit, which approximates fair value. Amounts are generally invested in interest-
bearing accounts.
(6)
Investments that are measured at NAV (or its equivalent) as a practical expediency have not been classified in the fair value
hierarchy.
The following table summarizes assets measured at fair value based on NAV per share as a practical expedient as of
September 30, 2017 and 2016 (in millions):
Fair value
Redemption
Frequency
Redemption
Notice Period
Unfunded
Commitments
September 30, 2017
Hedge funds (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Commingled funds, private equity and private real estate
investments, and equity related investments (2). . . . . . . .
Fixed income and fixed income related instruments (3) . . .
64.2
Quarterly
Up to 91 days
$
1,207.6
1,106.9
Monthly
Monthly
Up to 60 days
Up to 10 days
$
2,378.7
$
—
98.8
—
98.8
September 30, 2016
Hedge funds (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Commingled funds, private equity, private real estate
investments, and equity related investments (2). . . . . . . .
Fixed income and fixed income related instruments (3) . . .
Other (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
265.7
Quarterly
Up to 91 days
$
—
881.3
744.1
59.1
1,950.2
Monthly
Monthly
Daily
Up to 60 days
Up to 10 days
Up to 5 days
123.6
—
—
123.6
$
(1) Hedge fund investments are primarily made through shares of limited partnerships or similar structures. Hedge funds are
typically valued monthly by third-party administrators that have been appointed by the funds’ general partners. Hedge funds
have been valued using NAV as a practical expedient.
(2) Commingled fund investments are valued at the net asset value per share multiplied by the number of shares held. The
determination of net asset value for the commingled funds includes market pricing of the underlying assets as well as broker
quotes and other valuation techniques. Commingled funds have been valued using NAV as a practical expedient.
We maintain holdings in certain private equity partnerships and private real estate investments for which a liquid secondary
market does not exist. The private equity partnerships are commingled investments. Valuation techniques, such as discounted
cash flow and market based comparable analyses, are used to determine fair value of the private equity investments.
Unobservable inputs used for the discounted cash flow technique include projected future cash flows and the discount rate
applied to present value those cash flows. Unobservable inputs used for the market based comparisons technique include
EBITDA multiples in other comparable third-party transactions, price to earnings ratios, liquidity, current operating results,
108
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
as well as input from general partners and other pertinent information. Private equity investments have been valued using
NAV as a practical expedient.
Private real estate investments are commingled investments. Valuation techniques, such as discounted cash flow and market
based comparable analyses, are used to determine fair value of the private equity investments. Unobservable inputs used for
the discounted cash flow technique include projected future cash flows and the discount rate applied to present value those
cash flows. Unobservable inputs used for the market based comparison technique include a combination of third party
appraisals, replacement cost, and comparable market prices. Private real estate investments have been valued using NAV as
a practical expedient.
Equity related investments are hedged equity investments in a commingled fund that consist primarily of equity indexed
investments which are hedged by options and also hold collateral in the form of short term treasury securities. Equity related
investments have been valued using NAV as a practical expedient.
(3) Fixed income and fixed income related instruments consist of commingled debt funds, which are valued at their net asset
value per share multiplied by the number of shares held. The determination of net asset value for the commingled funds
includes market pricing of the underlying assets as well as broker quotes and other valuation techniques. Commingled debt
funds have been valued using NAV as a practical expedient.
(4) Consists of a global multi-asset investment commingled fund with underlying investments that are diversified across multiple
asset classes and include global equity, fixed income securities, commodities and derivative contracts. The commingled fund
is valued at its net asset value per share multiplied by the number of shares held. The determination of net asset value for the
commingled fund includes market pricing of the underlying assets as well as broker quotes and other valuation techniques.
The global multi-asset investment commingled fund has been valued using NAV as a practical expedient.
Postretirement Plans
The postretirement benefit plans provide certain health care and life insurance benefits for certain salaried and hourly employees
who meet specified age and service requirements as defined by the plans. During the first quarter of fiscal 2015, changes in retiree
medical coverage for certain employees covered by the USW master agreement resulted in the recognition of an estimated $8.1
million pre-tax non-cash curtailment gain included in the line item “Pension lump sum settlement and retiree medical curtailment,
net” on our Consolidated Statements of Operations, which was subsequently adjusted in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 to $8.5
million. The aggregate postretirement benefit obligation decreased $0.6 million as a result of the curtailment.
The weighted average assumptions used to measure the benefit plan obligations at September 30 were:
Discount rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rate of compensation increase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Postretirement plans
2017
2016
U.S. Plans
4.09%
N/A
Non-U.S.
Plans
6.51%
7.37%
U.S. Plans
4.04%
N/A
Non-U.S.
Plans
6.64%
3.14%
109
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The following table shows the changes in benefit obligation and plan assets, and the plan’s funded status for the years ended
September 30 (in millions):
Change in projected benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of fiscal year . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Service cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amendments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Actuarial loss (gain) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Benefits paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Business combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Business divestitures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Curtailments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign currency rate changes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Benefit obligation at end of fiscal year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of fiscal year . . . . . . . $
Employer contributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Plan participant contributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Benefits paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fair value of plan assets at end of fiscal year . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Funded Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet:
Other current liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Accrued postretirement and other long-term benefits . . . . . .
Under funded status at end of fiscal year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Postretirement Plans
2017
2016
U.S. Plans
90.7
$
Non-U.S.
Plans
62.6
U.S. Plans
109.5
$
$
Non-U.S.
Plans
51.6
0.1
3.3
(3.4)
14.1
(8.0)
1.3
—
—
—
0.8
4.1
(1.0)
0.4
(2.7)
2.0
(0.4)
(0.3)
2.6
1.7
4.5
(4.0)
(6.3)
(14.1)
—
(0.6)
—
—
0.6
3.6
—
5.0
(2.5)
—
—
—
4.3
98.1
$
68.1
$
90.7
$
62.6
— $
8.0
—
(8.0)
— $
98.1
$
— $
2.7
—
(2.7)
— $
68.1
$
— $
14.1
—
(14.1)
— $
90.7
$
—
2.5
—
(2.5)
—
62.6
(9.8) $
(88.3)
(98.1) $
(3.0) $
(65.1)
(68.1) $
(10.4) $
(80.3)
(90.7) $
(2.9)
(59.7)
(62.6)
The pre-tax amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss at September 30 not yet recognized as components of net
periodic postretirement cost, including noncontrolling interest, consist of (in millions):
Postretirement Plans
2017
2016
U.S. Plans
Non-U.S.
Plans
U.S. Plans
Non-U.S.
Plans
Net actuarial (gain) loss. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prior service credit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss. . . . . $
$
(9.1) $
(13.9)
(23.0) $
4.2
(1.4)
2.8
$
$
(24.9) $
(14.9)
(39.8) $
4.1
(0.4)
3.7
110
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The pre-tax amounts recognized in other comprehensive loss (income), including noncontrolling interest, are as follows at
September 30 (in millions):
Postretirement Plans
2016
2015
2017
Net actuarial loss (gain) arising during period . . . . . . . . .
$
14.7
$
(1.4) $
Amortization and settlement recognition of net actuarial
gain. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prior service credit arising during period . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization or curtailment recognition of prior service
credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net other comprehensive loss (income) recognized . . . . . $
1.3
(4.4)
4.5
16.1
$
1.9
(3.8)
2.1
(1.2) $
(4.4)
1.1
(1.4)
10.5
5.8
The net periodic postretirement cost recognized in the consolidated statements of operations is comprised of the following
for fiscal years ended (in millions):
Service cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Interest cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization of net actuarial gain. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization of prior service credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Curtailment gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net postretirement cost (credit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Postretirement Plans
2017
2016
2015
0.9
$
2.3
$
7.4
(1.3)
(4.5)
(0.3)
2.2
$
8.1
(2.0)
(2.1)
—
6.3
$
1.0
5.4
(1.1)
(2.0)
(8.5)
(5.2)
The assumed health care cost trend rates used in measuring the APBO are as follows at September 30:
U.S. Plans
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate) . . . . . . .
Year the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Non-U.S. Plans
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate) . . . . . . .
Year the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2017
6.29%
4.43%
2037
7.27%
6.16%
2029
As of September 30, 2017, the effect of a 1% change in the assumed health care cost trend rate would increase the APBO by
approximately $10 million and decrease the APBO by approximately $8 million, and would increase and decrease the annual net
periodic postretirement benefit cost for fiscal 2017 by approximately $1 million.
Weighted-average assumptions used in the calculation of benefit plan expense for fiscal years ended:
2017
Postretirement Plans
2016
2015
U.S. Plans
4.04%
Non-U.S.
Plans
U.S. Plans
Non-U.S.
Plans
6.64% 4.70%
6.84%
U.S. Plans
4.52%
Non-U.S.
Plans
4.00%
Discount rate . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rate of compensation
increase . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
N/A
3.14% N/A
3.10%
N/A
3.00%
111
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The estimated (gains) losses that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost
in fiscal 2018 are as follows (in millions):
Actuarial (gain) loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Prior service credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
(0.9) $
(4.0)
(4.9) $
0.7
(0.2)
0.5
Postretirement Plans
U.S. Plans
Non-U.S.
Plans
Our projected estimated benefit payments (unaudited), which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are as follows
(in millions):
Postretirement Plans
U.S. Plans
Non-U.S.
Plans
Fiscal 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Fiscal 2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Fiscal 2020 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Fiscal 2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Fiscal 2022 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Fiscal Years 2023 – 2027 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
9.8
8.6
8.0
7.6
7.3
32.1
$
$
$
$
$
$
3.0
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.3
18.3
Multiemployer Plans
We participate in several MEPPs that provide retirement benefits to certain union employees in accordance with various CBAs.
The risks of participating in MEPPs are different from the risks of participating in single-employer pension plans. These risks
include:
•
•
•
assets contributed to a MEPP by one employer are used to provide benefits to employees of all participating employers,
if a participating employer withdraws from a MEPP, the unfunded obligations of the MEPP allocable to such withdrawing
employer may be borne by the remaining participating employers and
if we withdraw from a MEPP, we may be required to pay that plan an amount based on our allocable share of the unfunded
vested benefits of the plan, referred to as a withdrawal liability, as well as a share of the MEPP’s accumulated funding
deficiency.
Our contributions to a particular MEPP are established by the applicable CBAs; however, our required contributions may
increase based on the funded status of a MEPP and legal requirements, such as those set forth in the Pension Act, which requires
substantially underfunded MEPPs to implement a FIP or a RP to improve their funded status. Factors that could impact the funded
status of a MEPP include, without limitation, investment performance, changes in participant demographics, decline in the number
of contributing employers, changes in actuarial assumptions and the utilization of extended amortization provisions. We believe
that certain of the MEPPs in which we participate, including the PIUMPF, have material unfunded vested benefits. The Pension
Act established three categories, or “zones”, for the funded status of plans. Among other factors, plans in the green zone are at
least 80% funded and are designated as healthy, plans in the yellow zone are greater than 65% but less than 80% funded and are
designated as endangered and plans in the red zone are generally less than 65% funded and are designated as critical or critical
and declining. Each plan’s actuary must certify the plan status annually. Several of the MEPPs in which we participate, including
PIUMPF, have been certified in the red zone for critical and declining. Our share of the contributions in PIUMPF have exceeded
5% of total plan contributions in recent plan years.
A FIP or RP requires a particular MEPP to adopt measures to correct its underfunded status. These measures may include,
but are not limited to, an increase in our contribution rate from that provided in the applicable CBA, a reallocation of the contributions
already being made by participating employers for various benefits to individuals participating in the MEPP, and/or a reduction
112
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
in the benefits to be paid to future and/or current retirees. In addition, the Pension Act requires that a 5% surcharge be levied on
employer contributions for the first year commencing shortly after the date the employer receives notice that the MEPP is certified
in the red zone and a 10% surcharge on each succeeding year until a CBA is in place with terms and conditions consistent with
the RP. On January 1, 2016, the surcharge we pay for PIUMPF increased from 10% to 15%.
In the normal course of business, we evaluate our potential exposure to MEPPs, including with respect to potential withdrawal
liabilities. We are considering withdrawing from one or more MEPPs. It is reasonably possible that we may incur significant
withdrawal liabilities with respect to certain MEPPs in connection with such withdrawal(s). Our withdrawal liability for any
particular MEPP would depend on the nature and timing of any triggering event and the extent of that MEPP’s funding of vested
benefits. In addition, we may be obligated to pay a share of a particular MEPPs accumulated funding deficiency as determined
under the Pension Act. Due to uncertainty regarding future factors that could trigger a withdrawal liability, as well as the absence
of specific information regarding matters such as a MEPP's current financial situation, we are unable to determine with certainty
the amount and timing of any future withdrawal liability and/or liability associated with any accumulated funding deficiency,
changes in future funding obligations or the impact of increased contributions, including those that could be triggered by a mass
withdrawal of other employers from a MEPP. However, based on available information, including the MEPPs’ latest available
actuarial valuation reports and annual funding notices, we believe our withdrawal liability would be approximately $140 million
to $200 million if we were to withdraw from all of the MEPPs in which we participate prior to the end of calendar 2017. The
foregoing estimate assumes payment of the liabilities over 20 years discounted at 5% and excludes the potential impact of future
mass withdrawals.
The impact of future withdrawal liabilities, future funding obligations or increased contributions may be material to our results
of operations, cash flows and financial condition and the trading price of our Common Stock. At September 30, 2017 and
September 30, 2016, we had withdrawal liabilities recorded of $60.1 million and $49.0 million, respectively. The increase in fiscal
2017 was primarily due to the MPS Acquisition. In addition to the contributions presented in the table below, for fiscal years 2017,
2016 and 2015 we accrued $1.9 million, $2.1 million and $0.7 million, respectively, related to withdrawal liabilities.
Approximately 43% of our employees are covered by CBAs or similar agreements, of which approximately 24% of those
covered by CBAs or similar agreements are covered by CBAs that have expired and another 11% of those covered by CBAs are
covered by CBAs or similar agreements that expire within one year. Approximately 14% of our CBAs in the U.S. and Canada
participate in the PIUMPF.
The following table lists our participation in our multiemployer and other plans that are individually significant for the years
ended September 30 (in millions):
EIN /
Pension
Plan
Number
FIP / RP
Status
Pending /
Implemented
Pension Act
Zone Status
2017
2016
11-6166763
/ 001
Red
Red
Implemented
Pension Fund
U.S. Multiemployer plans:
Pace Industry Union-Management
Pension Fund (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other Funds (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Contributions: . . . . . .
Contributions (1)
Surcharge
imposed?
Expiration
CBA
2017
2016
2015
$
$
3.5
1.6
5.1
$
$
3.3
1.2
4.5
$
$
3.3
1.7
5.0
Yes
6/1/17 to
6/25/23
(1) Contributions represent the amounts contributed to the plan during the fiscal year.
(2) Our contributions for fiscal 2016 and 2015 exceeded 5% of total plan contributions. Although the plan data for fiscal 2017 is
not yet available, we would expect to continue to exceed 5% of total plan contributions.
(3) Two additional MEPPs in which we participate have been certified in the red zone for critical and declining.
Defined Contribution Plans
We have 401(k) and other defined contribution plans that cover certain of our U.S., Canadian and other non-U.S. salaried
union and nonunion hourly employees, generally subject to an initial waiting period. The 401(k) and other defined contribution
plans permit participants to make contributions by salary reduction pursuant to Section 401(k) of the Code or the taxing authority
in the jurisdiction in which they operate. Due primarily to acquisitions, CBAs and other non-U.S. defined contribution programs,
we have plans with varied terms. At September 30, 2017, our contributions may be up to 7.5% for U.S. salaried and non-union
113
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
hourly employees, consisting of a match of up to 5% and an automatic employer contribution of 2.5%. Certain other employees
who receive accruals under a defined benefit pension plan, certain employees covered by CBAs and non-U.S. defined contribution
programs receive generally up to a 3.0% to 4.0% contribution to their 401(k) plan or defined contribution plan. During fiscal 2017,
2016 and 2015, we recorded expense of $104.1 million, $86.5 million and $36.6 million, respectively, related to the 401(k) plans
and other defined contribution plans, including the automatic employer contribution. The increased expense in fiscal 2016 related
to plan changes following the Combination.
Supplemental Retirement Plans
We have Supplemental Plans that are nonqualified deferred compensation plans. We intend to provide participants with an
opportunity to supplement their retirement income through deferral of current compensation. Amounts deferred and payable under
the Supplemental Plans are our unsecured obligations and rank equally with our other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness
outstanding. Participants’ accounts are credited with investment gains and losses under the Supplemental Plans in accordance with
the participant’s investment election or elections (or default election or elections) as in effect from time to time. At September 30,
2017, the Supplemental Plans had assets totaling $168.9 million that are recorded at market value, and liabilities of $176.2 million.
The investment alternatives available under the Supplemental Plans are generally similar to investment alternatives available under
401(k) plans. The amount of expense we recorded for the current fiscal year and the preceding two fiscal years was not significant.
Note 16. Stockholders’ Equity
Capitalization
Our capital stock consists solely of Common Stock. Holders of our Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share. Our
amended and restated certificate of incorporation also authorizes preferred stock, of which no shares have been issued. The terms
and provisions of such shares will be determined by our board of directors upon any issuance of such shares in accordance with
our certificate of incorporation.
Stock Repurchase Plan
In July 2015, our board of directors authorized a repurchase program of up to 40.0 million shares of our Common Stock,
representing approximately 15% of our outstanding Common Stock as of July 1, 2015. The shares of our Common Stock may be
repurchased over an indefinite period of time at the discretion of management. In fiscal 2017, we repurchased approximately 1.8
million shares of our Common Stock for an aggregate cost of $93.0 million. In fiscal 2016, we repurchased approximately 8.1
million shares of our Common Stock for an aggregate cost of $335.3 million. Subsequent to the authorization, in the fourth quarter
of fiscal 2015, we repurchased approximately 5.4 million shares of our Common Stock for an aggregate cost of $328.0 million.
Separately, as part of the Combination, RockTenn repurchased 10.5 million shares of RockTenn Common Stock for an aggregate
cost of $667.8 million. Prior to the closing of the Combination and pursuant to the then existing RockTenn repurchase plan, in the
first quarter of fiscal 2015, RockTenn repurchased 0.2 million shares of RockTenn Common Stock for an aggregate cost of $8.7
million. As of September 30, 2017, we had remaining authorization under the repurchase program authorized in July 2015 to
purchase approximately 24.7 million shares of our Common Stock.
Note 17. Share-Based Compensation
Share-based Compensation Plans
At our Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on February 2, 2016, our stockholders approved the 2016 Incentive Stock Plan
and the ESPP Plan. The 2016 Incentive Stock Plan allows for the granting of options, restricted stock, SARs and restricted stock
units to certain key employees and directors for the issuance of up to 9.6 million shares of Common Stock. Adjusted for the
Separation as discussed below, at September 30, 2017, approximately 6.9 million shares remained available for future grants. If
all currently outstanding restricted stock awards granted with a performance condition recorded at target achieve the maximum
award, shares available for future grant would be reduced by approximately 2.0 million additional shares. The ESPP provides for
the purchase of shares by all of our eligible employees at a 15% discount and allowed for the purchase of a total of up to 2.5 million
shares of Common Stock. As of September 30, 2017, adjusted for the Separation, approximately 2.6 million shares of Common
Stock remained available for purchase under the ESPP.
114
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
In connection with the Combination, WestRock assumed all RockTenn and MWV equity incentive plans. We issue nonqualified
stock options and restricted stock to certain key employees and our directors pursuant to our RockTenn 2004 Incentive Stock Plan,
as amended, and our MWV 2005 Performance Incentive Plan, as amended.
The RockTenn 2004 Incentive Stock Plan allows for the granting of options, restricted stock, SARs and restricted stock units
to certain key employees and directors for the issuance of approximately 15.8 million shares of Common Stock. At the time of
the Combination, all outstanding RockTenn awards were converted to WestRock awards with no conversion factor. Adjusted for
the Separation as discussed below, at September 30, 2017, approximately 3.1 million shares remained available for the future grant
of awards. If all currently outstanding restricted stock awards subject to performance criteria recorded at target achieve the maximum
award, shares available for future grant would be reduced by approximately 0.4 million additional shares. However, we have
determined that we will not make any new grants of awards pursuant to the RockTenn 2004 Incentive Stock Plan.
In connection with the Combination, we assumed the MWV 2005 Performance Incentive Plan. The MWV shares available
for issuance, stock options, SARs and unvested restricted stock units outstanding at the time of the Combination under the MWV
2005 Performance Incentive Plan were converted into WestRock options, SARs and restricted stock units, as applicable, with
respect to shares of our Common Stock using the conversion factor as described in the Business Combination Agreement. The
number of shares available under this plan upon conversion was approximately 12.8 million shares. Adjusted for the Separation
as discussed below, at September 30, 2017, approximately 8.9 million shares remained available for future grants. If all currently
outstanding restricted stock awards granted with a performance condition recorded at target achieve the maximum award, shares
available for future grant would be reduced by approximately 0.1 million additional shares. However, we have determined that
we will not make any new grants of awards pursuant to the MWV 2005 Performance Incentive Plan.
In connection with the Smurfit-Stone Acquisition, we assumed the Smurfit-Stone equity incentive plan, which was renamed
the Rock-Tenn Company (SSCC) Equity Incentive Plan. The shares available for issuance, stock options and unvested restricted
stock units outstanding at the time of the Smurfit-Stone Acquisition, under the Smurfit-Stone plan were converted into shares of
RockTenn Common Stock, options and restricted stock units, as applicable, using the conversion factor as described in the merger
agreement. The number of shares available under this plan upon conversion was approximately 7.9 million shares. Adjusted for
the Separation as discussed below, at September 30, 2017, approximately 5.9 million shares remained available for future grants
exclusively to legacy Smurfit-Stone employees who have continued employment with WestRock; however, we have determined
that we will not make any new grants of awards pursuant to the Rock-Tenn Company (SSCC) Equity Incentive Plan.
As part of the Separation, equity-based incentive awards were generally adjusted to maintain the intrinsic value of awards
immediately prior to the Separation. The number of unvested restricted stock awards and unexercised stock options and SARs at
the time of the Separation were increased by an exchange factor of approximately 1.12. In addition, the exercise price of unexercised
stock options and SARs at the time of the Separation was converted to decrease the exercise price by an exchange factor of
approximately 1.12.
Our results of operations for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015 include share-based compensation
expense of $60.9 million, $75.7 million and $49.2 million, respectively, including $2.9 million included in the gain on sale of
HH&B. Share-based compensation expense in fiscal 2017 was reduced by $5.4 million for the rescission of shares granted to our
CEO that were inadvertently granted in excess of plan limits in fiscal 2014 and 2015. The total income tax benefit in the results
of operations in connection with share-based compensation was $22.5 million, $29.2 million and $19.0 million, for the fiscal years
ended September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
ASC 718 requires that the benefits of tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation cost are reported as a financing
cash flow. Excess tax benefits of approximately $6.7 million, $0.3 million and $23.0 million were included in cash used for
financing activities in fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Cash received from share-based payment arrangements for the
fiscal years ended September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $59.2 million, $33.9 million and $27.2 million, respectively.
Equity Awards Issued in Connection with the MPS Acquisition
In connection with the MPS Acquisition, we replaced certain outstanding awards of restricted stock units granted under the
MPS long-term incentive plan with WestRock restricted stock units. No additional shares will be granted under the MPS plan.
The MPS equity awards were replaced with identical terms utilizing an approximately 0.33 conversion factor as described in the
merger agreement. As part of the MPS Acquisition, we granted 119,373 awards of restricted stock units, which contain service
conditions and were valued at $54.24 per share. The acquisition consideration included approximately $1.9 million related to
115
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
outstanding MPS equity awards related to service prior to the effective date of the merger – the balance related to service after the
effective date will be expensed over the remaining service period of the awards.
Equity Awards Issued in Connection with the Combination
Included in the fiscal 2015 merger consideration was approximately $210.9 million related to outstanding MWV equity awards
that were replaced with WestRock equity awards with identical terms for pre-Combination service utilizing a 0.78 conversion
factor. The amount related to post-Combination service will be expensed over the remaining service period of the awards. The
primary components of the employee awards are discussed below.
Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights
Stock options granted under our plans generally have an exercise price equal to the closing market price on the date of the
grant, generally vest in three years, in either one tranche or in approximately one-third increments, and have 10-year contractual
terms. However, a portion of our grants are subject to earlier expense recognition due to retirement eligibility rules. Presently,
other than circumstances such as death, disability and retirement, grants will include a provision requiring both a change of control
and termination of employment to accelerate vesting.
At the date of grant, we estimate the fair value of stock options granted using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. We use
historical data to estimate option exercises and employee terminations in determining the expected term in years for stock options.
Expected volatility is calculated based on the historical volatility of our stock, or a combination of the historical volatility of both
RockTenn and MWV grants. The risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasury securities in effect at the date of the grant of the
stock options. The dividend yield is estimated based on our historic annual dividend payments and current expectations for the
future.
We applied the following weighted average assumptions to estimate the fair value of stock option grants made in the following
periods, including the grants issued in connection with the Combination in fiscal 2015:
Expected term in years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expected volatility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Risk-free interest rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dividend yield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2016
2015
7.0
38.3%
1.6%
4.5%
3.9
21.9%
2.4%
1.3%
We did not grant any stock options in fiscal 2017. The expected term and the expected volatility in fiscal 2015 are lower than
fiscal 2016 primarily as a result of the characteristics of the shares issued in connection with the Combination and our expectations
for expected term and expected volatility following the Combination.
The table below summarizes the changes in all stock options during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017:
Outstanding at September 30, 2016. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Forfeited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outstanding at September 30, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exercisable at September 30, 2017. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2017 . . . .
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
(in years)
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
(in millions)
29.73
27.38
32.61
31.50
30.51
29.94
30.50
4.6
4.0
4.6
$
$
$
154.6
131.5
154.2
Stock
Options
8,065,816
(2,074,828)
(57,225)
(67,636)
5,866,127
4,883,459
5,853,074
$
$
$
$
116
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The weighted average grant date fair value for options granted during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2016 and 2015
was $8.06 and $28.78 per share, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended
September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $54.3 million, $14.5 million and $25.1 million, respectively.
As of September 30, 2017, there was $2.4 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options;
that cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average remaining vesting period of 1.1 years. We amortize these costs on
a straight-line basis over the explicit service period.
As part of the Combination, we issued SARs to replace outstanding MWV SARs. The SARs were valued using the Black-
Scholes option pricing model. We measure compensation expense related to the SAR awards at the end of each period. We do not
expect to issue additional SARs.
The table below summarizes the changes in all SARs during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017:
Outstanding at September 30, 2016. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outstanding at September 30, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exercisable at September 30, 2017. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SARs
65,971
(13,868)
(1,087)
51,016
51,016
$
$
$
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
(in years)
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
(in millions)
26.07
28.43
31.87
25.30
25.30
2.8
2.8
$
$
1.6
1.6
The aggregate intrinsic value of SARs exercised during the year ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $0.4 million and
$0.2 million, respectively.
Restricted Stock
Restricted stock is typically granted annually to non-employee directors and certain of our employees. Our non-employee
director awards generally vest over a period of up to one year and are treated as issued and carry dividend and voting rights until
they vest. The vesting provisions for our employee awards may vary from grant to grant; however, vesting generally is contingent
upon meeting various service and/or performance or market goals including, but not limited to, achievement of various financial
targets including Cash Flow Per Share, Cash Flow to Equity Ratio and relative Total Shareholder Return (each as defined in the
award documents). Subject to the level of performance attained, the target award for some of the grants may increase up to 200%
of target or decrease to zero depending upon the terms of the individual grant. The employee grants generally vest in three years.
Presently, other than circumstances such as death, disability and retirement, the grants generally include a provision requiring both
a change of control and termination of employment to accelerate vesting. For certain employee grants, the grantee is entitled to
receive dividend equivalent units, but will generally forfeit the restricted award and the dividend equivalents if the employee
separates from us during the vesting period or if the predetermined goals are not accomplished.
The table below summarizes the changes in unvested restricted stock during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017:
Unvested at September 30, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Forfeited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unvested at September 30, 2017 (1). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2,704,904
$
1,605,113
(1,112,909)
(237,659)
2,959,449
$
40.89
53.79
48.07
39.69
45.28
Shares/Units
Weighted
Average
Grant Date Fair
Value
117
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(1) Target awards granted with a performance condition, net of subsequent forfeitures, may be increased up to 200% of the target
or decreased to zero, subject to the level of performance attained. The awards are reflected in the table at the target award
amount of 100%. Based on current facts and assumptions we are forecasting the performance of the grants to be attained at
levels that would result in the issuance of approximately 1.4 million additional shares. However, it is possible that the
performance attained may vary.
There was approximately $83.5 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to all unvested restricted shares as of
September 30, 2017 that will be recognized over a weighted average remaining vesting period of 1.6 years.
The following table represents a summary of restricted stock shares granted in fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015 with terms defined
in the applicable grant letters. The shares are not deemed to be issued and carry voting rights until the relevant conditions defined
in the award documents have been met, unless otherwise noted.
Shares of restricted stock granted to non-employee directors (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shares of restricted stock granted to employees:
Shares granted for attainment of a performance condition at an amount in
excess of target (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shares granted with a service condition and a Cash Flow Per Share
performance condition at target (3) (4). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shares granted with a service condition and a relative Total Shareholder
Return market condition at target (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shares granted with a service condition (5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shares granted with a service condition and a performance condition
prorated upon the Combination (6). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Share of restricted stock assumed in purchase accounting:
Shares granted with a service condition and a performance condition (7) (8). .
Shares granted with a service condition (8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total restricted stock granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2017
2016
2015
26,521
64,155
15,255
340,319
447,261
801,810
507,070
1,211,760
379,519
301,980
309,850
—
27,370
—
—
119,373
—
—
—
—
86,265
64,323
650,685
327,005
1,605,113
1,750,546
2,324,862
(1) Non-employee director grants generally vest over a period of up to one year and are deemed issued on the grant date and have
voting and dividend rights.
(2) Shares granted in the table above include shares subsequently issued for the level of performance attained in excess of target.
Shares issued in fiscal 2017 for the fiscal 2014 Cash Flow to Equity Ratio were at 176.6% of target. Shares issued in fiscal
2016 for the fiscal 2013 Cash Flow to Equity Ratio were at 200% of target. Shares issued in fiscal 2015 for the fiscal 2012
Cash Flow to Equity Ratio were at 200% of target. Shares issued in fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015 also include shares accelerated
for terminated employees primarily as a result of the Combination, which were achieved at between 146.5% and 200% of
target.
(3) These employee grants vest over approximately three years and have adjustable ranges from 0-200% of target subject to the
level of performance attained in the respective award agreement. The employee grants with a relative Total Shareholder Return
condition were valued using a Monte Carlo simulation, the terms of which are outlined below.
(4) Shares granted in fiscal 2015 were reduced by 50,326 shares at target related to the rescission of shares granted to our CEO
that were inadvertently granted in excess of plan limits.
(5) These shares vest over approximately three to four years.
(6) As a result of the Combination, certain target awards granted to employees in fiscal 2015 were prorated with the employee
receiving approximately 16.6% of the target award in accordance with the terms in the award document prior to the application
of the performance adjustment. The performance period applicable to each award ended upon consummation of the
Combination, and the performance goals were determined in accordance with the applicable grant letter to be attained at
146.5% of target.
118
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
(7) The performance period applicable to each award ended upon consummation of the Combination, and the performance goals
were determined in accordance with the applicable grant letter to be attained at between 100% and 168% of target.
(8) These shares vest over approximately one to three years.
The employee grants with a relative Total Shareholder Return market condition were valued using a Monte Carlo simulation
at $64.41 per share. The significant assumptions used in valuing these grants included: an expected term of 2.9 years, an expected
volatility of 30.6% and a risk-free interest rate of 1.4%. We amortize these costs on a straight-line basis over the explicit service
period.
Expense is recognized on restricted stock grants on a straight-line basis over the explicit service period or for performance
based grants over the explicit service period when we estimate that it is probable the performance conditions will be satisfied.
Expense recognized on grants with a performance condition that affects how many shares are ultimately awarded is based on the
number of shares expected to be awarded.
The following table represents a summary of restricted stock vested in fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015 (in millions, except shares):
Shares of restricted stock vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aggregate fair value of restricted stock vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2017
1,112,909
2016
1,589,761
2015
1,725,435
59.5
$
57.5
$
110.4
The shares vested in 2017 reflect the vesting of the fiscal 2014 grant, with a cash flow to equity ratio performance condition
that vested at 176.6% of target, certain shares assumed upon the Combination with a performance and/or service condition, as
well as other awards accelerated in connection with the Combination for certain former employees. The shares vested in 2016
reflect the vesting of the fiscal 2013 grant, with a cash flow to equity ratio performance condition that vested at maximum, certain
shares assumed upon the Combination with a performance and/or service condition, as well as other awards accelerated in
connection with the Combination for certain former employees. The shares vested in fiscal 2015 primarily reflect the vesting of
the fiscal 2012 grant, with a cash flow to equity ratio performance condition that vested at maximum, as well as other awards
accelerated in connection with the Combination for certain former employees.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Under the ESPP, shares of Common Stock are reserved for purchase by our qualifying employees. The ESPP allowed for the
purchase of a total of approximately 2.5 million shares of Common Stock. During fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, including shares
purchased under the then existing RockTenn Employee Stock Purchase Plan, employees purchased approximately 0.2 million,
0.1 million and 0.1 million shares, respectively, under the ESPP. We recognized $1.3 million, $0.4 million and $0.5 million of
expense for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, related to the 15% discount on the purchase price allowed to employees. As
of September 30, 2017, adjusted for the Separation, approximately 2.6 million shares of Common Stock remained available for
purchase under the ESPP.
Note 18. Related Party Transactions
We sell products to affiliated companies. Net sales to the affiliated companies for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2017,
2016 and 2015 were approximately $423.6 million, $346.6 million and $342.8 million, respectively. Accounts receivable due from
the affiliated companies at September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $65.1 million and $59.4 million, respectively, and was included in
accounts receivable on our consolidated balance sheets.
Note 19. Commitments and Contingencies
Capital Additions
Estimated costs for future purchases of fixed assets that we are obligated to purchase as of September 30, 2017, total
approximately $155 million.
119
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Environmental and Other Matters
Environmental compliance requirements are a significant factor affecting our business. We employ manufacturing processes
that result in various discharges, emissions and wastes. These processes are subject to numerous federal, state, local and international
environmental laws and regulations, as well as the requirements of environmental permits and similar authorizations issued by
various governmental authorities.
On January 31, 2013, the EPA published Boiler MACT. Boiler MACT required compliance by January 31, 2016 or by January
31, 2017 for those mills for which we obtained a prior compliance extension. All work required for our boilers to comply with the
rule has been completed. On July 29, 2016, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit issued a ruling on the
consolidated cases challenging Boiler MACT. The court vacated key portions of the rule, including emission limits for certain
subcategories of solid fuel boilers, and remanded other issues to the EPA for further rulemaking. At this time, we cannot predict
with certainty how this decision will impact our existing Boiler MACT strategies or whether we will incur additional costs to
comply with any revised Boiler MACT standards.
In addition to Boiler MACT, we are subject to a number of other federal, state, local and international environmental rules
that may impact our business, including the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, fine
particulate matter and ozone for facilities in the U.S.
We are involved in various administrative proceedings relating to environmental matters that arise in the normal course of
business, and may be involved in future matters. Although the ultimate outcome of such matters cannot be predicted with certainty
and we cannot at this time estimate any reasonably possible losses based on available information, we do not believe that the
currently expected outcome of any environmental proceedings and claims that are pending or threatened against us will have a
material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
CERCLA and Other Remediation Costs
We face potential liability under federal, state, local and international laws as a result of releases, or threatened releases, of
hazardous substances into the environment from various sites owned and operated by third parties at which Company-generated
wastes have allegedly been deposited. Generators of hazardous substances sent to off-site disposal locations at which environmental
problems exist, as well as the owners of those sites and certain other classes of persons, are liable for response costs for the
investigation and remediation of such sites under CERCLA and analogous laws. While joint and several liability is authorized
under CERCLA, liability is typically shared with other PRPs, and costs are commonly allocated according to relative amounts of
waste deposited and other factors.
In addition, certain of our current or former locations are being investigated or remediated under various environmental laws,
including CERCLA, and regulations. Based on information known to us and assumptions, we do not believe that the costs of these
projects will have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. However, the discovery
of contamination or the imposition of additional obligations at these or other sites in the future could result in additional costs.
On January 26, 2009, Smurfit-Stone and certain of its subsidiaries filed a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 11 of the
U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Smurfit-Stone’s Canadian subsidiaries also filed to reorganize in Canada. We believe that matters relating
to previously identified third party PRP sites and certain facilities formerly owned or operated by Smurfit-Stone have been or will
be satisfied claims in the Smurfit-Stone bankruptcy proceedings. However, we may face additional liability for cleanup activity
at sites that are not subject to the bankruptcy discharge, but are not currently identified. Some of these liabilities may be satisfied
from existing bankruptcy reserves.
We believe that we can assert claims for indemnification pursuant to existing rights we have under purchase and other
agreements in connection with certain of our existing remediation sites. In addition, we believe that we have insurance coverage,
subject to applicable deductibles/retentions, policy limits and other conditions, for certain environmental matters. However, there
can be no assurance that we will be successful with respect to any claim regarding these insurance or indemnification rights, or
that, if we are successful, any amounts paid pursuant to the insurance or indemnification rights will be sufficient to cover all our
costs and expenses. We also cannot predict with certainty whether we will be required to perform remediation projects at other
locations, and it is possible that our remediation requirements and costs could increase materially in the future and exceed current
reserves. In addition, we cannot currently assess with certainty the impact that future changes in cleanup standards or federal, state
120
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
or other environmental laws, regulations or enforcement practices will have on our results of operations, financial condition or
cash flows.
As of September 30, 2017, we had $15.0 million reserved for environmental liabilities on an undiscounted basis, of which
$9.6 million is included in other long-term liabilities and $5.4 million in other current liabilities, including amounts accrued in
connection with environmental obligations relating to the manufacturing facilities that we have closed. We believe the liability
for these matters was adequately reserved at September 30, 2017.
Climate Change
Certain jurisdictions in which we have manufacturing facilities or other investments have taken actions to address climate
change. The EPA has issued the Clean Air Act permitting regulations applicable to certain facilities that emit GHG. The EPA also
has promulgated a rule requiring certain industrial facilities that emit 25,000 metric tons or more of carbon dioxide equivalent per
year to file an annual report of their emissions. While we have facilities subject to existing GHG permitting and reporting
requirements, the impact of these requirements has not been material to date.
Additionally, the EPA has been working on a set of interrelated rulemakings aimed at cutting carbon emissions from power
plants. On August 3, 2015, the EPA issued the Clean Power Plan. On the same day, the EPA issued a second rule setting standards
of performance for new, modified and reconstructed electric utility generating units. While these rules do not apply directly to the
power generation facilities at our mills, they have the potential to increase the cost of purchased electricity for our manufacturing
operations and change the treatment of certain types of biomass that are currently considered carbon neutral. On February 9, 2016,
the U.S. Supreme Court issued a stay halting implementation of the Clean Power Plan until the pending legal challenges to the
rule are resolved. As directed by Executive Order, on April 4, 2017, the EPA issued a proposed rule announcing its intention to
review the Clean Power Plan, and, if appropriate, initiate proceedings to suspend, revise or rescind it. A number of states subject
to the Clean Power Plan have stopped working on their implementation strategies in response to the litigation and Executive Order;
however, certain states where we operate manufacturing facilities have indicated their intention to continue their carbon reduction
efforts. On October 16, 2017, the EPA issued a proposal rule that would repeal the Clean Power Plan. Due to ongoing litigation
and other uncertainties regarding the Clean Power Plan, its impact on us cannot be quantified with certainty at this time.
In addition to national efforts to regulate climate change, some U.S. states in which we have manufacturing operations are
also taking measures to reduce GHG emissions, such as requiring GHG emissions reporting or developing regional cap-and trade
programs. California has enacted a cap-and-trade program that took effect in 2012, and includes enforceable compliance obligations
that began on January 1, 2013. In July 2017, California extended the cap-and-trade program to 2030. We do not have any
manufacturing facilities that are subject to the cap-and-trade requirements in California; however, we are continuing to monitor
the implementation of this program as well as proposed mandatory GHG reduction efforts in other states. Also, the Washington
Department of Ecology has issued a final rule, known as the Clean Air Rule, which limits GHGs from facilities that have average
annual carbon dioxide equivalent emissions equal to or exceeding 100,000 metric tons/year and proposes to begin GHG emissions
reduction requirements for some regulated entities in 2017. Energy intensive and trade exposed facilities and transportation fuel
importers, including our Tacoma, WA mill, are subject to regulation under this program. In September 2016, various groups filed
lawsuits against the Washington Department of Ecology challenging the Clean Air Rule. We are carefully monitoring this litigation
to assess its potential impact on our Tacoma operations. On May 16, 2017, the Governor of Virginia issued Executive Directive
11, directing the Secretary of Natural Resources to convene a work group to study and recommend methods to reduce carbon
dioxide emissions from electric power facilities and grow the clean energy economy within existing state authority. We have been
selected by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality to participate in this work group.
The Paris Agreement established a framework for reducing global GHG emissions. By signing the Paris Agreement, the U.S.
made a non-binding commitment to reduce economy-wide GHG emissions by 26% to 28% below 2005 levels by 2025. Other
countries in which we conduct business, including China, European Union member states and India, have set similar GHG reduction
targets. The Paris Agreement became effective on November 4, 2016. Although a party to the agreement may not provide the
required one-year notice of withdrawal until three years after the effective date, in June 2017, President Trump announced that
the U.S. intended to withdraw from the Paris Agreement. The governors of New York, California and Washington subsequently
announced their intent to form a “climate alliance” to coordinate a state response to climate change. At this time, it is not possible
to determine how the Paris Agreement, or any potential U.S. commitments in lieu of those under the agreement, may impact U.S.
industrial facilities, including our domestic operations.
121
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Several of our international facilities are located in countries that have already adopted GHG emissions trading schemes. For
example, Quebec has become a member of the Western Climate Initiative, which is a collaboration among California and certain
Canadian provinces that have joined together to create a cap-and-trade program to reduce GHG emissions. In 2009, Quebec adopted
a target of reducing GHG emissions by 20% below 1990 levels by 2020 and 37.5% from 1990 levels by 2030. In 2011, Quebec
issued a final regulation establishing a regional cap-and-trade program that required reductions in GHG emissions from covered
emitters as of January 1, 2013. Our mill in Quebec is subject to these cap-and-trade requirements, although the direct impact of
this regulation has not been material to date. Compliance with this program and other similar programs may require future
expenditures to meet required GHG emission reduction requirements in future years.
The regulation of climate change continues to develop in the areas of the world where we conduct business. We have systems
in place for tracking the GHG emissions from our energy-intensive facilities, and we carefully monitor developments in climate
change laws, regulations and policies to assess the potential impact of such developments on our results of operations, financial
condition, cash flows and disclosure obligations.
Litigation
The complaint in the Antitrust Litigation seeks treble damages and costs, including attorney’s fees. In March 2015, the court
granted the plaintiffs’ motion for class certification. On January 9, 2017, the defendants filed individual and joint Motions for
Summary Judgment in the District Court. On August 3, 2017, the District Court granted our Motion for Summary Judgment with
respect to all claims against us. The plaintiffs have filed a notice of appeal.
As with numerous other large industrial companies, we have been named a defendant in asbestos-related personal injury
litigation. Typically, these suits also name many other corporate defendants. To date, the costs resulting from the litigation, including
settlement costs, have not been significant. As of September 30, 2017, there were approximately 725 lawsuits. We believe that we
have substantial insurance coverage, subject to applicable deductibles and policy limits, with respect to asbestos claims. We have
valid defenses to these asbestos-related personal injury claims and intend to continue to defend them vigorously. Should the volume
of litigation grow substantially, it is possible that we could incur significant costs resolving these cases. We do not expect the
resolution of pending litigation and proceedings to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition or
liquidity. In any given period or periods, however, it is possible such proceedings or matters could have a material adverse effect
on our results of operations.
We are a defendant in a number of other lawsuits and claims arising out of the conduct of our business. While the ultimate
results of such suits or other proceedings against us cannot be predicted with certainty, we believe the resolution of these other
matters will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, consolidated financial condition or cash flows.
Guarantees
We make certain guarantees in the course of conducting our operations, for compliance with certain laws and regulations, or
in connection with certain business dispositions. The guarantees include items such as funding of net losses in proportion to our
ownership share of certain joint ventures, debt guarantees related to certain unconsolidated entities acquired in acquisitions,
indemnifications of lessors in certain facilities and equipment operating leases for items such as additional taxes being assessed
due to a change in tax law, and, certain other agreements. We estimate the exposure for these matters could be approximately $50
million. As of September 30, 2017, we have recorded $11.9 million for the estimated fair value of these guarantees. We are unable
to estimate our maximum exposure under operating leases because it is dependent on potential changes in the tax law, however,
we believe our exposure related to guarantees would not have a material impact on our results of operations, financial condition
or cash flows.
Note 20.
Special Purpose Entities
Pursuant to a sale of certain large-tract forestlands in 2007, a special purpose entity MWV Timber Notes Holding, LLC
received, and WestRock assumed upon the Combination, an installment note receivable in the amount of $398.0 million. The
Timber Note does not require any principal payments until its maturity in October 2027 and bears interest at a rate approximating
LIBOR. In addition, the Timber Note is supported by a bank-issued irrevocable letter of credit obtained by the buyer of the
forestlands. The Timber Note is not subject to prepayment in whole or in part prior to maturity. The bank’s credit rating as of
November 2017 was investment grade.
122
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Using the Timber Note as collateral, MWV TN received $338.3 million in proceeds under a secured financing agreement with
a bank. Under the terms of the agreement, the liability from this transaction is non-recourse to the Company and is payable from
the Timber Note proceeds upon its maturity in October 2027. As a result, the Timber Note is not available to satisfy any obligations
of WestRock. MWV TN can elect to prepay at any time the liability in whole or in part, however, given that the Timber Note is
not prepayable, MWV TN expects to only repay the liability at maturity from the Timber Note proceeds.
The Timber Note and the secured financing liability were fair valued on the opening balance sheet in connection with the
Combination. As of September 30, 2017, the Timber Note was $363.0 million and is included within restricted assets held by
special purpose entities on the consolidated balance sheet and the secured financing liability was $321.7 million and is included
within non-recourse liabilities held by special purpose entities on the consolidated balance sheet.
Pursuant to the sale of MWV’s remaining U.S. forestlands, which occurred on December 6, 2013, another special purpose
entity MWV Timber Notes Holding Company II, LLC received, and WestRock assumed upon the Combination, an installment
note receivable in the amount of $860.0 million. The Installment Note does not require any principal payments until its maturity
in December 2023 and bears interest at a fixed rate of 5.207%. However, at any time during a 180-day period following receipt
by the borrower of notice from us that we intend to withhold our consent to any amendment or waiver of this Installment Note
that was requested by the borrower and approved by any eligible assignees, the borrower may prepay the Installment Note in whole
but not in part for cash at 100% of the principal, plus accrued but unpaid interest, breakage, or other similar amount if any. As of
September 30, 2017, no event had occurred that would allow for the prepayment of the Installment Note. We monitor the credit
quality of the borrower and receive quarterly compliance certificates. The borrower’s credit rating as of November 2017 was
investment grade.
Using the Installment Note as collateral, MWV TN II received $774.0 million in proceeds under a secured financing agreement
with a bank. Under the terms of the agreement, the liability from this transaction is non-recourse to WestRock and is payable from
the Installment Note proceeds upon its maturity in December 2023. As a result, the Installment Note is not available to satisfy any
obligations of WestRock. MWV TN II can elect to prepay, at any time, the liability in whole or in part, with sufficient notice, but
would avail itself of this provision only in the event the Installment Note was prepaid in whole or in part. The secured financing
agreement however requires a mandatory repayment, up to the amount of cash received, if the Installment Note is prepaid in whole
or in part.
The Installment Note and the secured financing liability were fair valued on the opening balance sheet in connection with the
Combination. As of September 30, 2017, the Installment Note was $924.4 million and is included within restricted assets held by
special purpose entities on the consolidated balance sheet and the secured financing liability was $840.2 million and is included
within non-recourse liabilities held by special purpose entities on the consolidated balance sheet.
Note 21.
Segment Information
Subsequent to the Separation, we report our financial results of operations in the following three reportable segments:
Corrugated Packaging, which consists of our containerboard mill and corrugated packaging operations, as well as our recycling
operations; Consumer Packaging, which consists of consumer mills, folding carton, beverage, merchandising displays, home,
health and beauty dispensing (prior to the HH&B Sale), and partition operations; and Land and Development, which sells real
estate primarily in the Charleston, SC region. Certain income and expenses are not allocated to our segments and, thus, the
information that management uses to make operating decisions and assess performance does not reflect such amounts. Items not
allocated are reported as non-allocated expenses or in other line items in the table below after segment income.
123
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Some of our operations included in the segments are located in locations such as Canada, Mexico, South America, Europe,
Asia and Australia. The table below reflects financial data of our foreign operations for each of the past three fiscal years (in
millions, except percentages):
Foreign net sales to unaffiliated customers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Foreign segment income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Foreign long-lived assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Years Ended September 30,
2016
2,426.6
226.1
$
$
$
$
2017
2,621.2
260.1
2015
1,506.5
171.6
1,558.3
$
1,341.5
$
1,228.0
Foreign operations as a percent of consolidated operations:
Foreign net sales to unaffiliated customers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign segment income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign long-lived assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17.6%
21.8%
17.1%
17.1%
18.4%
14.4%
13.5%
16.0%
13.4%
We evaluate performance and allocate resources based, in part, on profit from operations before income taxes, interest and
other items. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in “Note 1. Description of Business
and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies”. We account for intersegment sales at prices that approximate market prices.
For segment reporting purposes, we include our equity in income of unconsolidated entities in segment income, as well as our
investments in unconsolidated entities in segment identifiable assets. Equity in income of unconsolidated entities is not material
and we disclose our investments in unconsolidated entities below. Certain income and expenses are not allocated to our segments
and, thus, the information that management uses to make operating decisions and assess performance does not reflect such amounts.
Items not allocated are reported as non-allocated expenses or in other line items in the table below after segment income.
124
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The following table shows selected operating data for our segments (in millions):
Net sales (aggregate):
Corrugated Packaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Consumer Packaging. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Land and Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Less net sales (intersegment):
Corrugated Packaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Consumer Packaging. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Net sales (unaffiliated customers):
Corrugated Packaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Consumer Packaging. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Land and Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Segment income:
Corrugated Packaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Consumer Packaging. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Land and Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Segment income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pension risk transfer expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pension lump sum settlement and retiree medical curtailment, net . . . . . .
Land and Development impairment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Restructuring and other costs, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Non-allocated expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest income and other income (expense), net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gain on sale of HH&B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income from continuing operations before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Years Ended September 30,
2017
2016
2015
8,408.3
$
7,868.5
$
6,452.5
243.8
15,104.6
155.8
89.1
244.9
8,252.5
6,363.4
243.8
14,859.7
753.9
425.8
13.8
1,193.5
—
(32.6)
(46.7)
(196.7)
(43.5)
(277.7)
1.8
66.7
192.8
857.6
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
6,388.1
119.8
14,376.4
136.2
68.4
204.6
7,732.3
6,319.7
119.8
14,171.8
739.9
481.7
4.6
1,226.2
(370.7)
—
—
(366.4)
(49.1)
(256.7)
2.7
58.6
—
244.6
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
7,516.9
3,740.1
45.0
11,302.0
130.6
46.6
177.2
7,386.3
3,693.5
45.0
11,124.8
806.7
267.0
(3.4)
1,070.3
—
(11.5)
—
(140.8)
(58.4)
(132.5)
(2.6)
9.7
—
734.2
Segment income in fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015 was reduced by $26.5 million, $8.1 million and $64.7 million, respectively,
of expense for inventory stepped-up in purchase accounting, net of related LIFO impact. Corrugated Packaging segment income
and Consumer Packaging segment income in fiscal 2017 were reduced by $1.4 million and $25.1 million, respectively. The
Corrugated Packaging segment income and Consumer Packaging segment income in fiscal 2016 were reduced by $3.4 million
and $4.7 million, respectively. Corrugated Packaging segment income and Consumer Packaging segment income in fiscal 2015
were reduced by $2.2 million and $62.5 million, respectively.
125
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The following table shows selected operating data for our segments (in millions):
Years Ended September 30,
2017
2016
2015
Identifiable assets:
Corrugated Packaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Consumer Packaging. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10,537.7
$
10,046.0
$
11,877.8
10,122.5
Land and Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Assets of discontinued operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Assets held for sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Corporate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
89.8
—
173.6
2,410.1
460.6
—
52.3
2,356.8
9,467.3
10,175.7
545.5
2,618.5
10.2
2,555.2
25,089.0
$
23,038.2
$
25,372.4
Goodwill:
Corrugated Packaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Consumer Packaging. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
1,865.7
3,662.6
5,528.3
Depreciation and amortization:
Corrugated Packaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Consumer Packaging. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Land and Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Discontinued operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Corporate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Capital expenditures:
Corrugated Packaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Consumer Packaging. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Discontinued operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Corporate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Investment in unconsolidated entities:
Corrugated Packaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Consumer Packaging. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Land and Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Corporate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
$
$
$
$
$
$
1,722.5
3,055.6
4,778.1
576.2
498.9
1.4
57.2
12.8
1,667.5
2,979.6
4,647.1
496.6
201.8
0.2
22.0
20.2
597.9
508.2
0.7
—
9.8
1,116.6
$
1,146.5
$
740.8
492.1
265.8
—
20.7
778.6
321.1
24.7
14.4
0.4
360.6
$
$
$
$
490.1
244.9
45.2
16.5
796.7
281.2
22.2
28.6
(3.1)
328.9
$
$
$
$
378.4
166.1
28.6
12.4
585.5
7.9
21.3
31.0
—
60.2
The increase in the Corrugated Packaging segment’s investment in unconsolidated entities in fiscal 2016 was primarily related
to the Grupo Gondi investment. The Corporate investment in unconsolidated entities in fiscal 2016 primarily represented an entity
that had losses that were guaranteed equally by the partners; this subsidiary has since been sold. The investment in Grupo Gondi
that is included in the Corrugated Packaging segment’s investment in unconsolidated entities in fiscal 2017 and 2016 exceeds our
proportionate share of the underlying equity in net assets by approximately $76.2 million and $65.3 million, respectively.
Approximately $59.2 million and $56.2 million remains amortizable to expense in equity in income of unconsolidated entities
over the estimated life of the underlying assets ranging from 10 to 15 years beginning with our investment in fiscal 2016. In fiscal
126
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
2017, our equity participation in the Grupo Gondi joint venture increased due to the joint venture entity’s stock redemption from
a minority partner. As a result, our equity participation in the joint venture increased to approximately 27.0%. See “Note 23.
Subsequent Events (Unaudited) — Grupo Gondi Investment” for recent developments.
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015 are as follows
(in millions):
Corrugated
Packaging
Consumer
Packaging
Total
Balance as of October 1, 2014
Goodwill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Accumulated impairment losses . . . . . . . . . . .
Goodwill acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Purchase price allocation adjustments. . . . . . . . .
Translation adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance as of September 30, 2015
Goodwill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accumulated impairment losses . . . . . . . . . . .
Goodwill acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Goodwill disposed of. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Purchase price allocation adjustments. . . . . . . . .
Translation adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance as of September 30, 2016
Goodwill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accumulated impairment losses . . . . . . . . . . .
Goodwill acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Goodwill disposed of. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Purchase price allocation adjustments. . . . . . . . .
Translation adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance as of September 30, 2017
Goodwill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accumulated impairment losses . . . . . . . . .
1,525.4
$
—
1,525.4
183.3
2.4
(43.6)
1,667.5
—
1,667.5
52.4
(24.0)
(4.9)
31.5
1,722.5
—
1,722.5
137.6
—
(1.2)
6.8
$
443.8
(42.8)
401.0
2,586.5
(1.1)
(6.8)
3,022.4
(42.8)
2,979.6
8.0
—
67.6
0.4
3,098.4
(42.8)
3,055.6
907.8
(329.6)
9.3
19.5
1,865.7
—
1,865.7
$
3,705.4
(42.8)
3,662.6
$
$
1,969.2
(42.8)
1,926.4
2,769.8
1.3
(50.4)
4,689.9
(42.8)
4,647.1
60.4
(24.0)
62.7
31.9
4,820.9
(42.8)
4,778.1
1,045.4
(329.6)
8.1
26.3
5,571.1
(42.8)
5,528.3
The goodwill acquired in fiscal 2017 related to the MPS Acquisition and the Hannapak Acquisition in the Consumer Packaging
segment and the U.S. Corrugated Acquisition, the Island Container Acquisition and the Star Pizza Acquisition in the Corrugated
Packaging segment. The goodwill disposed of in the Consumer Packaging segment in fiscal 2017 was primarily related to the
HH&B Sale. The goodwill acquired in fiscal 2016 related to the SP Fiber Acquisition and the Packaging Acquisition in the
Corrugated Packaging and Consumer Packaging segments, respectively. The goodwill disposed of in the Corrugated Packaging
segment in fiscal 2016 relates to the disposal of a portion of the reporting unit in connection with the investment in the Grupo
Gondi unconsolidated joint venture. The goodwill acquired in fiscal 2015 primarily relates to the Combination. See “Note 6.
Merger, Acquisitions and Investment”.
127
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Note 22. Financial Results by Quarter (Unaudited)
Fiscal 2017
First
Quarter
Second
Quarter
Third
Quarter
Fourth
Quarter
(In millions, except per share data)
3,695.6
$
695.5
$
3,656.3
675.4
$
$
3,447.2
591.3
$
$
4,060.6
778.0
Net sales. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Gross profit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Pension lump sum settlement and retiree medical
curtailment, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Land and Development impairment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Restructuring and other costs, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
(Loss) gain on extinguishment of debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Gain on sale of HH&B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Consolidated net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Net income attributable to common stockholders . . . . . . . . $
Basic earnings per share attributable to common
stockholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Diluted earnings per share attributable to common
stockholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
— $
— $
$
— $
81.0
— $
$
$
78.5
80.9
0.32
0.32
$
$
28.7
$
42.7
$
$
18.3
(0.1) $
— $
$
$
98.2
103.1
0.40
0.40
$
$
Fiscal 2016
First
Quarter
Second
Quarter
Third
Quarter
Net sales. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Gross profit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Pension risk transfer expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Restructuring and other costs, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Gain on extinguishment of debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Income (loss) from continuing operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax . . . $
Consolidated net (loss) income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Net (loss) income attributable to common stockholders . . . $
Basic earnings (loss) per share from continuing
operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing
operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Basic (loss) earnings per share attributable to common
stockholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Diluted (loss) earnings per share attributable to common
stockholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
(In millions, except per share data)
3,596.5
$
3,492.7
$
3,470.9
654.7
$
657.3
$
727.3
— $
— $
162.8
$
111.1
$
— $
30.4
$
(482.1) $
(451.7) $
(453.5) $
0.12
0.12
$
$
(1.76) $
(1.73) $
— $
58.4
1.4
59.8
56.9
0.22
0.22
0.22
0.22
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
— $
43.1
$
— $
152.4
$
(58.7) $
$
93.7
92.3
0.60
0.59
0.37
0.36
$
$
$
$
$
We computed the interim earnings per common and common equivalent share amounts as if each quarter was a discrete period.
As a result, the sum of the basic and diluted earnings per share by quarter will not necessarily total the annual basic and diluted
earnings per share.
Consolidated net income in the first quarter of fiscal 2017 financial results by quarter (unaudited) table was increased due to
a $23.8 million tax benefit related to the reduction of a state deferred tax liability as a result of an internal U.S. legal entity
restructuring that will simplify future operating activities within the U.S. Basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to
common stockholders were each increased by approximately $0.09 per share.
128
— $
— $
$
$
59.4
2.0
190.6
326.6
328.1
1.29
1.29
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
3.9
4.0
38.0
(0.1)
2.2
195.3
196.1
0.77
0.76
Fourth
Quarter
3,611.7
719.3
370.7
49.4
2.7
(86.4)
(5.3)
(91.7)
(92.0)
(0.34)
(0.34)
(0.37)
(0.37)
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Consolidated net income in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 financial results by quarter (unaudited) table was decreased due
to a non-cash charge of $28.7 million recorded on the line item “Pension lump sum settlement” on our Consolidated Statements
of Operations related to our year to date lump sum payments to certain beneficiaries of the Plan, together with several one-time
severance benefit payments out of the Plan, triggered pension settlement accounting. For additional information see “Note 15.
Retirement Plans”. Additionally, consolidated net income in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 financial results by quarter
(unaudited) table was decreased due to a non-cash charge of $42.7 million, or $36.3 million net of $6.4 million of noncontrolling
interest, recorded on the line item “Land and development impairment” on our Consolidated Statements of Operations due to the
accelerated monetization strategy in our Land and Development segment. The impairment was recorded to write-down the carrying
value on projects where the projected sales proceeds were less than the carrying value. Basic and diluted earnings per share
attributable to common stockholders were each decreased by approximately $0.16 per share for these items.
Consolidated net income in the third quarter of fiscal 2017 financial results by quarter (unaudited) table was increased due
to a pre-tax gain on sale of HH&B of $190.6 million. Basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations and basic
and diluted earnings per share attributable to common stockholders were each increased by approximately $0.76 and $0.75 per
share, respectively. See “Note 8. Assets Held For Sale” for additional information.
(Loss) income from discontinued operations in the first quarter of fiscal 2016 financial results by quarter (unaudited) table
includes a pre-tax non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $478.3 million as a result of our evaluation of whether events or
changes in circumstances had occurred that would indicate whether it was more likely than not that the goodwill of our then-
owned Specialty Chemicals reporting unit was impaired. No tax benefit was recorded for the goodwill impairment. See “Note 7.
Discontinued Operations” for additional information. Basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to common stockholders
were decreased by approximately $1.86 and $1.83 per share, respectively.
(Loss) income from discontinued operations in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 financial results by quarter (unaudited) table
includes a $101.1 million pre-tax non-cash impairment of our Specialty Chemicals customer relationships intangible that was
evaluated at the time of the Separation. Basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to common stockholders were each
decreased by approximately $0.27 per share. See “Note 7. Discontinued Operations” for additional information.
Income from continuing operations in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016 financial results by quarter (unaudited) table was
decreased due to a non-cash charge of $370.7 million recorded on the line item “Pension risk transfer expense” on our Consolidated
Statements of Operations as we settled $2.5 billion in pension obligations of the Plan. Basic and diluted earnings per share from
continuing operations and basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to common stockholders were each decreased by
approximately $0.91 per share. See “Note 15. Retirement Plans” for additional information.
Note 23. Subsequent Events (Unaudited)
Grupo Gondi Investment
On October 20, 2017, we increased our ownership interest in the Grupo Gondi joint venture to approximately 32.3% through
a $108 million capital contribution, which followed a redemption of a minority partner in April 2017. The capital contribution will
be used to support the joint venture’s capital expansion plans, including related to a greenfield containerboard mill and several
converting plants. Each partner continues to hold future put and call rights with respect to its respective ownership interest in the
joint venture.
Commercial Paper Program
On October 31, 2017, we established an unsecured commercial paper program, pursuant to which we may issue short-term,
unsecured commercial paper notes in an aggregate principal amount at any time not to exceed $1.0 billion. Amounts available
under the program may be borrowed, repaid and re-borrowed from time to time. The net proceeds of issuances of the notes under
the program are expected to be used for general corporate purposes.
Capital Investment in Florence, South Carolina Mill
On November 16, 2017, we announced our intention to invest approximately $410 million over two years in connection with
installing a 330” kraft linerboard machine and related infrastructure that will replace three older, narrow-width paper machines at
129
WESTROCK COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
our kraft linerboard mill located in Florence, South Carolina. In addition, we expect to invest approximately $60 million over the
next five years to support the new machine and other projects. We expect the new machine to become operational in the first half
of calendar 2020 and to produce 710,000 tons of kraft linerboard annually.
New Revolving Credit Facility
On October 31, 2017, we entered into a credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative
agent, providing for a 364-day senior unsecured revolving credit facility in an aggregate committed principal amount of $450.0
million. The proceeds of the credit facility may be used for working capital and for other general corporate purposes. The credit
facility is unsecured and is guaranteed by WestRock RKT Company and WestRock MWV, LLC. At our option, loans issued under
the credit facility will bear interest at either LIBOR or an alternate base rate, in each case plus an applicable interest rate margin.
Other Activity
On October 31, 2017, we borrowed $485.0 million under our Receivables Facility and prepaid $485.0 million outstanding
under our term loan. There are no further amortization payments due under the term loan facility until its maturity. See “Note 11.
Debt” for additional information about these facilities.
130
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders of
WestRock Company
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of WestRock Company as of September 30, 2017 and 2016, and
the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), equity and cash flows for each of the three years
in the period ended September 30, 2017. 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, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position
of WestRock Company at September 30, 2017 and 2016, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each
of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2017, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States), WestRock Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2017, based on criteria established in
Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013
framework) and our report dated November 17, 2017, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Atlanta, Georgia
November 17, 2017
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
131
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders of
WestRock Company
We have audited WestRock Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2017, based on criteria
established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). WestRock 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 Annual 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 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 its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also,
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because
of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
As indicated in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, management’s
assessment of and conclusion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting did not include the internal controls
of the Company’s operations related to the MPS Acquisition, the U.S. Corrugated Acquisition, the Island Container Acquisition,
the Hannapak Acquisition and the Star Pizza Acquisition, which are included in the fiscal year 2017 consolidated financial
statements of WestRock Company and constituted $3.6 billion of total assets as of September 30, 2017 and $0.6 billion of revenues
for the year then ended. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting of WestRock also did not include an evaluation of
the internal control over financial reporting of the Company’s operations related to the MPS Acquisition, the U.S. Corrugated
Acquisition, the Island Container Acquisition, the Hannapak Acquisition and the Star Pizza Acquisition.
In our opinion, WestRock Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of
September 30, 2017, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the
consolidated balance sheets of WestRock Company as of September 30, 2017 and 2016, and the related consolidated statements
of operations, comprehensive income (loss), equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30,
2017 of WestRock Company, and our report dated November 17, 2017, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Atlanta, Georgia
November 17, 2017
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
132
WESTROCK COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S ANNUAL REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Management’s Responsibility for the Financial Statements
The management of WestRock Company is responsible for the preparation and integrity of the consolidated financial statements
appearing in our Annual Report on Form 10-K. The financial statements were prepared in conformity with GAAP appropriate in
the circumstances and, accordingly, include certain amounts based on our best judgments and estimates. Financial information in
this Annual Report on Form 10-K is consistent with that in the financial statements.
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management of our company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting
as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to
provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the consolidated financial
statements. Our internal control over financial reporting is supported by a program of internal audits and appropriate reviews by
management, written policies and guidelines, careful selection and training of qualified personnel and a written code of conduct
adopted by our board of directors that is applicable to all officers and employees of our Company and subsidiaries, as well as a
code of conduct that is applicable to all of our directors.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements and even
when determined to be effective, can only provide reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and
presentation. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become
inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2017. In making
this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission
(COSO) in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013 framework). The scope of our efforts to comply with Section 404 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act with respect to fiscal 2017 included all of our operations other than those we acquired in fiscal 2017
related to the MPS Acquisition, the U.S. Corrugated Acquisition, the Island Container Acquisition, the Hannapak Acquisition and
the Star Pizza Acquisition. In accordance with the SEC’s published guidance, because we acquired these operations during the
fiscal year, we excluded these operations from our efforts to comply with Section 404 Rules with respect to fiscal 2017. Total
assets as of September 30, 2017 and total revenues for the year ending September 30, 2017 for the MPS Acquisition, the U.S.
Corrugated Acquisition, the Island Container Acquisition, the Hannapak Acquisition and the Star Pizza Acquisition were $3.6
billion and $0.6 billion, respectively. SEC rules require that we complete our assessment of the internal control over financial
reporting of the acquisitions within one year after the date of the acquisitions. Based on our assessment, management believes
that we maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2017.
Our independent auditors, Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, are appointed by the Audit
Committee of our board of directors. Ernst & Young LLP has audited and reported on the consolidated financial statements of
WestRock Company, and has issued an attestation report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. The
report of the independent registered public accounting firm is contained in this Annual Report.
Audit Committee Responsibility
The Audit Committee of our board of directors, composed solely of directors who are independent in accordance with the
requirements of the NYSE listing standards, the Exchange Act and our Corporate Governance Guidelines, meets with the
independent auditors, management and internal auditors periodically to discuss internal control over financial reporting and auditing
and financial reporting matters. The Audit Committee reviews with the independent auditors the scope and results of the audit
effort. The Audit Committee also meets periodically with the independent auditors and the chief internal auditor without
management present to ensure that the independent auditors and the chief internal auditor have free access to the Audit Committee.
Our Audit Committee’s Report will be contained in our definitive proxy statement issued in connection with our 2018 annual
meeting of stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.
133
November 17, 2017
STEVEN C. VOORHEES,
Chief Executive Officer and President
WARD H. DICKSON,
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
134
Item 9.
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL
DISCLOSURE
There were no changes in or disagreements with accountants on accounting and financial disclosure.
Item 9A.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and other procedures that are designed with the objective of ensuring the following:
•
•
that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act are recorded,
processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms; and
that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file under the Exchange Act is accumulated and
communicated to our management, including our CEO and our CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding
required disclosure.
We have performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures
as of September 30, 2017, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our CEO and CFO.
Based on that evaluation, our CEO and CFO have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of
September 30, 2017, to provide reasonable assurance that we record, process, summarize and report the information we must
disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms.
In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures,
no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, as
ours are designed to do. Management also noted that the design of any system of controls is also based in part upon certain
assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and that there can be no assurance that any such design will succeed in achieving
its stated goals under all potential future conditions, regardless of how remote. Management necessarily was required to apply its
judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The report called for by Item 308(a) of Regulation S-K is incorporated herein by reference to Management’s Annual Report
on Internal Control over Financial Reporting of WestRock Company, included in Part II, Item 8 of this report.
The attestation report called for by Item 308(b) of Regulation S-K is incorporated herein by reference to the Report of
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, included in Part II, Item 8 of this
report.
Management has evaluated, with the participation of our CEO and CFO, changes in our internal controls over financial
reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act) during the quarter ended September 30, 2017. In connection with
that evaluation, we have determined that there was no change in internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter
that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
CEO and CFO Certifications
Our CEO and CFO have filed with the SEC the certifications required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act as Exhibits
31.1 and 31.2, respectively, to this Annual Report on Form 10-K. In addition, on February 17, 2017, our CEO certified to the
NYSE that he was not aware of any violation by the Company of the NYSE corporate governance listing standards as in effect
on February 17, 2017. The foregoing certification was unqualified.
Item 9B.
OTHER INFORMATION
Not applicable.
135
PART III
Item 10.
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Identification of Executive Officers
The executive officers of the Company are as follows as of November 17, 2017:
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Name
Age
Position Held
Steven C. Voorhees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Robert A. Feeser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jeffrey W. Chalovich . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
James B. Porter III. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Marc P. Shore. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ward H. Dickson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Robert B. McIntosh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jennifer Graham-Johnson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A. Stephen Meadows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
63
56
54
66
63
55
60
49
67
Chief Executive Officer and President
President, Consumer Packaging
President, Corrugated Packaging
President, Business Development and Latin America
President, Multi-Packaging Solutions
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Chief Human Resources Officer
Chief Accounting Officer
Steven C. Voorhees has served as WestRock’s chief executive officer and president since July 1, 2015. He served as RockTenn’s
chief executive officer from November 2013 through June 30, 2015, as RockTenn’s president and chief operating officer from
January 2013 through October 2013 and served as RockTenn’s executive vice president and chief financial officer, from
September 2000 to January 2013. Mr. Voorhees also served as RockTenn’s chief administrative officer from July 2008 to January
2013.
Robert A. Feeser has served as WestRock’s president, consumer packaging since September 2016. He had previously served
as WestRock’s executive vice president of consumer paper and global solutions since July 1, 2015. Prior to the Combination, Mr.
Feeser served as MWV’s executive vice president of global operations. He joined MWV in 1987, and held a number of leadership
roles in operations, sales, marketing and general management company, including as MWV’s senior vice president of packaging
from 2010 through 2014 and as MWV’s president, packaging resources group from 2004 through 2010.
Jeffrey W. Chalovich has served as WestRock’s president, corrugated packaging since September 2016. He previously served
as WestRock’s executive vice president of corrugated containers and commercial excellence. He served as Rock-Tenn’s senior
vice president and general manager of corrugated containers through June 30, 2015. Mr. Chalovich joined RockTenn in connection
with its acquisition of Southern Container Corp in March 2008, where he served in a variety of sales and general management
roles.
James B. Porter III has served as WestRock’s president, business development and Latin America since September 2016. He
previously served as WestRock’s president, paper solutions since July 1, 2015. He served as RockTenn’s president, paper solutions
from April 2014 through June 30, 2015, as RockTenn’s president - corrugated packaging from July 2012 to April 2014, as
RockTenn’s president - corrugated packaging and recycling from May 2011 to July 2012 and as executive vice president of
RockTenn’s corrugated packaging business from July 2008 until May 2011. Mr. Porter joined RockTenn in connection with its
acquisition of Southern Container Corp. in March 2008. Prior to his appointment as executive vice president of RockTenn, Mr. Porter
served as the president and chief operating officer of Southern Container from 2004 and served as the president of Solvay
Paperboard, a subsidiary of Southern Container, from 1997 through 2004.
Marc P. Shore has served as WestRock’s president, multi packaging solutions since June 2017. He had previously served as
chief executive officer of Multi Packaging Solutions International Limited and Shorewood Packaging. Mr. Shore has 39 years of
experience in the print-based specialty packaging industry. He founded MPS in 2005 with private equity sponsorship and took the
company public in 2015. During his time at Shorewood Packaging, he led the company through a successful initial public offering
136
and for 14 years as a public company before its sale to International Paper in 2000. Mr. Shore continued as president of the business
and as a corporate officer of International Paper until 2004.
Ward H. Dickson has served as WestRock’s executive vice president and chief financial officer since July 1, 2015. He served
as RockTenn’s executive vice president and chief financial officer from September 2013 through June 30, 2015. From November
2011 until September 2013, he served as the senior vice president of finance for the global sales and service organization of Cisco
Systems, Inc., and, from July 2009 to November 2011, he served as the vice president of finance for the global sales and service
organization of Cisco. Mr. Dickson served as the vice president of finance at Scientific Atlanta, a division of Cisco, from February
2006 until July 2009. Prior to Cisco’s acquisition of Scientific Atlanta, Inc. in February 2006, Mr. Dickson had served as that
company’s vice president of worldwide financial operations since 2003.
Robert B. McIntosh has served as WestRock’s executive vice president, general counsel and secretary since July 1, 2015. He
served as RockTenn’s executive vice president, general counsel and secretary from January 2009 through June 30, 2015 and as
RockTenn’s senior vice president, general counsel and secretary from August 2000 until January 2009. Mr. McIntosh joined
RockTenn in 1995 as vice president and general counsel.
Jennifer Graham-Johnson has served as WestRock’s chief human resources officer since July 1, 2015. She served as RockTenn’s
executive vice president, human resources from April 2012 through June 30, 2015, as RockTenn’s senior vice president, employee
services from February 2012 until April 2012, as RockTenn’s vice president of employee services from August 2008 until February
2012 and as RockTenn’s vice president of benefits from November 2003 until August 2008. Ms. Graham-Johnson joined RockTenn
in 1993.
A. Stephen Meadows has served as WestRock’s chief accounting officer since July 1, 2015. Mr. Meadows served as RockTenn’s
chief accounting officer from July 2006 through June 30, 2015.
All of our executive officers are elected annually by, and serve at the discretion of, the board of directors. Our bylaws provide
that until July 1, 2018, the affirmative vote of at least three-fourths of the whole board of directors will be required for the removal
or termination of, or any determination not to, or failure to, appoint Mr. Voorhees as our chief executive officer and president.
The remainder of the information required by this item will be contained in our definitive proxy statement issued in connection
with our 2018 annual meeting of stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 11.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by this item will be contained in our definitive proxy statement issued in connection with our 2018
annual meeting of stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 12.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED
STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The information required by this item will be contained in our definitive proxy statement issued in connection with our 2018
annual meeting of stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 13.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information required by this item will be contained in our definitive proxy statement issued in connection with our
2018 annual meeting of stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 14.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
The information required by this item will be contained in our definitive proxy statement issued in connection with our 2018
annual meeting of stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.
137
Item 15.
EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a) 1. Financial Statements.
PART IV
The following consolidated financial statements of our company and our consolidated subsidiaries and the Report of the
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm are included in Part II, Item 8 of this report:
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended September 2017, 2016 and 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended September 2017, 2016 and
2015
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2017 and 2016. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated Statements of Equity for the years ended September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015. . . . . . . . . .
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting . . .
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Page
Reference
55
56
57
58
60
63
131
132
133
2. Financial Statement Schedule of WestRock Company.
All schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or not required because this information is provided in the financial
statements.
3. Exhibits.
See separate Exhibit Index attached hereto and incorporated herein.
(b) See Item 15(a)(3) and separate Exhibit Index attached hereto and incorporated herein.
(c) Not applicable.
Item 16.
FORM 10-K SUMMARY
None.
138
Exhibit
Number
2.1
2.2(a)
2.2(b)
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
3.1
3.2
4.1(a)
4.1(b)
4.1(c)
4.1(d)
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Description of Exhibits
— Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of January 23, 2011, by and among, Rock-Tenn Company, Sam
Acquisition, LLC and Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of
RockTenn’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on January 24, 2011).
— Second Amended and Restated Business Combination Agreement, dated as of April 17, 2015, by and
among WestRock Company, MeadWestvaco Corporation, Rock-Tenn Company, Milan Merger Sub, LLC
and Rome Merger Sub, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Annex A of WestRock’s Registration Statement
on Form S-4 initially filed with the SEC on March 10, 2015 and as amended on April 20, 2015, May 6,
2015 and May 18, 2015, File No. 333-202643).†
— First Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Business Combination Agreement, dated as of
May 5, 2015, by and among WestRock Company, MeadWestvaco Corporation, Rock-Tenn Company,
Milan Merger Sub, LLC and Rome Merger Sub, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 of
WestRock’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2015).†
— Separation and Distribution Agreement, dated May 14, 2016, between WestRock Company and Ingevity
Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of WestRock’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed
on May 19, 2016).
— Purchase Agreement, dated January 23, 2017, by and among Silgan Holdings LLC, Silgan White Cap
Holdings Spain, S.L., Silgan Holdings B.V., Silgan Holdings Inc., WestRock MWV, LLC and WestRock
Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.4 of WestRock’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
January 24, 2017).†
— Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated January 23, 2017, among WestRock Company, WRK Merger Sub
Limited and Multi Packaging Solutions International Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.5
of WestRock’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 24, 2017).
— Voting Agreement, dated January 23, 2017, between WestRock Company and Mustang Investment
Holdings L.P (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.6 of WestRock’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed
on January 24, 2017).
— Voting Agreement, dated January 23, 2017, between WestRock Company and CEP III Chase S.à r.l.
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.7 of WestRock’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January
24, 2017).
— Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of WestRock Company (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 3.1 of WestRock’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 2, 2015).
— Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of WestRock Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
99.2 of WestRock’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 13, 2016).
— Form of Indenture, dated as of July 15, 1982, between The Mead Corporation and Deutsche Bank Trust
Company Americas (formerly Bankers Trust Company), as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
4.viv of MWV’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Transition Period ended December 31, 2001).
— First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 1, 1987, to the Indenture dated as of July 15, 1982,
between The Mead Corporation and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (formerly Bankers Trust
Company), as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.viv of MWV’s Annual Report on Form
10-K for the Transition Period ended December 31, 2001).
— Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 15, 1989, to the Indenture dated as of July 15, 1982,
between The Mead Corporation and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (formerly Bankers Trust
Company), as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.viv of MWV’s Annual Report on Form
10-K for the Transition Period ended December 31, 2001).
— Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 15, 1991, to the Indenture dated as of July 15,
1982, between The Mead Corporation and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (formerly Bankers
Trust Company), as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.viv of MWV’s Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the Transition Period ended December 31, 2001).
Exhibit
Number
4.1(e)
4.1(f)
4.1(g)
4.1(h)
Description of Exhibits
— Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 31, 2002, to the Indenture dated as of July 15, 1982,
between The Mead Corporation, WestRock MWV, LLC (formerly MeadWestvaco Corporation),
Westvaco Corporation and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (formerly Bankers Trust Company),
as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of MWV’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
February 1, 2002).
— Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 31, 2002, to the Indenture dated as of July 15, 1982,
between MW Custom Papers, Inc. and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of MWV’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 7, 2003).
— Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 31, 2002, to the Indenture dated as of July 15, 1982,
between WestRock MWV, LLC (formerly MeadWestvaco Corporation) and Deutsche Bank Trust
Company Americas, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of MWV’s Current Report on
Form 8-K filed on January 7, 2003).
— Seventh Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 1, 2015, to the Indenture dated as of July 15, 1982,
between WestRock MWV, LLC (formerly MeadWestvaco Corporation) and Deutsche Bank Trust
Company Americas, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of WestRock’s Current Report
on Form 8-K filed on July 2, 2015).
P 4.2(a) — Form of Indenture, dated as of March 1, 1983, between Westvaco Corporation and The Bank of New
York (formerly Irving Trust Company), as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 of Westvaco
Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed on January 24, 1984).
4.2(b)
4.2(c)
4.2(d)
4.3(a)
4.3(b)
4.3(c)
4.3(d)
4.3(e)
4.4(a)
— First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 31, 2002, to the Indenture dated as of March 1, 1983,
by and among Westvaco Corporation, WestRock MWV, LLC (formerly MeadWestvaco Corporation),
The Mead Corporation and The Bank of New York, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1
of MWV’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 1, 2002).
— Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 31, 2002, to the Indenture dated as of March 1,
1983, between WestRock MWV, LLC (formerly MeadWestvaco Corporation) and The Bank of New
York, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of MWV’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed
on January 7, 2003).
— Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 1, 2015, to the Indenture dated as of March 1, 1983,
between WestRock MWV, LLC (formerly MeadWestvaco Corporation) and The Bank of New York
Mellon, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of WestRock’s Current Report on Form 8-
K filed on July 2, 2015).
— Indenture, dated as of February 1, 1993, between The Mead Corporation and The First National Bank
of Chicago, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.vv of MWV’s Annual Report on Form
10-K for the Transition Period ended December 31, 2001).
— First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 31, 2002, to the Indenture dated as of February 1, 1993,
between The Mead Corporation, WestRock MWV, LLC (formerly MeadWestvaco Corporation),
Westvaco Corporation and Bank One Trust Company, NA, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.3 of MWV’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 1, 2002).
— Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 31, 2002, to the Indenture dated as of February
1, 1993, between MW Custom Papers, Inc. and Bank One Trust Company, NA, as Trustee (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of MWV’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 7, 2003).
— Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 31, 2002, to the Indenture dated as of February 1,
1993, between WestRock MWV, LLC (formerly MeadWestvaco Corporation) and Bank One Trust
Company, NA, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 of MWV’s Current Report on Form
8-K filed on January 7, 2003).
— Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 1, 2015, to the Indenture dated as of February 1, 1993,
between WestRock MWV, LLC (formerly MeadWestvaco Corporation) and The Bank of New York
Mellon, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 of WestRock’s Current Report on Form 8-
K filed on July 2, 2015).
— Indenture, dated as of April 2, 2002, by and among WestRock MWV, LLC (formerly MeadWestvaco
Corporation), Westvaco Corporation, The Mead Corporation and The Bank of New York, as Trustee,
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(a) of MWV’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 2, 2002).
Exhibit
Number
4.4(b)
Description of Exhibits
— First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 1, 2015, to the Indenture dated as of April 2, 2002, between
WestRock MWV, LLC (formerly MeadWestvaco Corporation) and The Bank of New York Mellon, as
Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 of WestRock’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
July 2, 2015).
4.5(a)
—
Indenture, dated as of February 22, 2012, by and among Rock-Tenn Company, the Guarantors (as defined
therein) and HSBC Bank USA, National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
4.18 of RockTenn’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on February 8, 2013, File No. 333-186552).
4.5(b)
4.5(c)
4.5(d)
4.5(e)
4.6(a)
4.6(b)
4.6(c)
4.6(d)
4.6(e)
4.7(a)
4.7(b)
— Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of February 22, 2012, by and among Rock-Tenn Company, the
Guarantors (as defined therein), and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, as representatives of the several Initial Purchasers
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.20 of RockTenn’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on
February 8, 2013, File No. 333-186552).
— First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 7, 2013, to the Indenture dated as of February 22,
2012, by and among Rock-Tenn Company, the Guarantors (as defined therein) and HSBC Bank USA,
National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6(c) of WestRock’s Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2015).
— Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 21, 2014, to the Indenture dated as of February
22, 2012, by and among Rock-Tenn Company, the Guarantors (as defined therein) and HSBC Bank USA,
National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6(d) of WestRock’s Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2015).
— Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 1, 2015, to the Indenture dated as of February 22, 2012,
by and among Rock-Tenn Company, the Guarantors (as defined therein) and HSBC Bank USA, National
Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of WestRock’s Current Report on Form
8-K filed on July 2, 2015).
— Indenture, dated as of September 11, 2012, by and among Rock-Tenn Company, the Guarantors (as
defined therein) and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.1 of RockTenn’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 2, 2012).
— Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of September 11, 2012, by and among Rock-Tenn Company,
the Guarantors (as defined therein), and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner &
Smith Incorporated, SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc. and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, as
representatives of the several Initial Purchasers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of RockTenn’s
Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 2, 2012).
— First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 7, 2013, to the Indenture dated as of September 11,
2012, by and among Rock-Tenn Company, the Guarantors (as defined therein) and The Bank of New
York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7(c) of WestRock’s
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2015).
— Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 21, 2014, to the Indenture dated as of September
11, 2012, by and among Rock-Tenn Company, the Guarantors (as defined therein) and The Bank of New
York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7(d) of WestRock’s
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2015).
— Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 1, 2015, to the Indenture dated as of September 11, 2012,
by and among Rock-Tenn Company, the Guarantors (as defined therein) and The Bank of New York
Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of WestRock’s Current
Report on Form 8-K filed on July 2, 2015).
— Indenture, dated August 24, 2017, by and among WestRock Company, WestRock MWV LLC, WestRock
RKT Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.1 of WestRock’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 24, 2017).
— First Supplemental Indenture, dated August 24, 2017, by and among WestRock Company, WestRock
MWV LLC, WestRock RKT Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as
trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of WestRock’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
August 24, 2017).
Exhibit
Number
4.9(c)
Description of Exhibits
— Registration Rights Agreement, dated August 24, 2017, by and among WestRock Company, WestRock
MWV LLC, WestRock RKT Company, and Merrill Lynch, Piece, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, J.P.
Morgan Securities LLC, SMBC Nikko Securities America, Inc., TD Securities (USA) LLC, HSBC
Securities (USA) Inc., MUFG Securities Americas Inc. and Rabo Securities USA, Inc., as representatives
of the initial purchasers named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of WestRock’s Current
Report on Form 8-K filed on August 24, 2017).
*10.1(a) — The Mead Corporation 1996 Stock Option Plan, as amended through June 24, 1999 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.3 of The Mead Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended July 4, 1999).
*10.1(b) — The Mead Corporation 1996 Stock Option Plan, as amended February 22, 2001 (incorporated by reference
to Appendix 2 of The Mead Corporation’s Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2001 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders filed with the SEC on March 9, 2001).
*10.1(c) — Amendment to The Mead Corporation 1996 Stock Option Plan, effective April 23, 2002 (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of MWV’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30,
2002).
*10.1(d) — Amendment to The Mead Corporation 1996 Stock Option Plan, effective January 23, 2007 (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of MWV’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2007).
*10.2(a) — Rock-Tenn Company Annual Executive Bonus Program (incorporated by reference to Appendix A of
RockTenn’s Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2002 Annual Meeting of Shareholders filed with the SEC
on December 19, 2001).
*10.2(b) — Amendment Number 1 to Rock-Tenn Company Annual Executive Bonus Program (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 of RockTenn’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December
31, 2008).
*10.3
— Rock-Tenn Company Supplemental Retirement Savings Plan, effective as of May 15, 2003 (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of RockTenn’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on April 30, 2003,
File No. 333-104870).
*10.4(a) — Rock-Tenn Company 2004 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of RockTenn’s
Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 3, 2005).
*10.4(b) — Amendment Number 1 to Rock-Tenn Company 2004 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.1 of RockTenn’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2007).
*10.4(c) — Amendment Number 2 to Rock-Tenn Company 2004 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.5 of RockTenn’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2008).
*10.4(d) — Amendment Number 3 to Rock-Tenn Company 2004 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.2 of RockTenn’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2009).
*10.4(e) — Amendment Number 4 to Rock-Tenn Company 2004 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.1 of RockTenn’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011).
*10.4(f) — Amendment Number 5 to Rock-Tenn Company 2004 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.2 of RockTenn’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011).
*10.5
— MeadWestvaco Corporation 2005 Performance Incentive Plan effective April 22, 2005 and as amended
February 26, 2007, January 1, 2009, February 28, 2011 and February 25, 2013 (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.1 of MWV’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 25, 2013).
*10.6(a) — Amended and Restated Rock-Tenn Company Supplemental Retirement Savings Plan, effective as of
January 1, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of RockTenn’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-
Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2005).
*10.6(b) — Second Amendment to the Rock-Tenn Company Supplemental Retirement Savings Plan, effective as of
November 16, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of RockTenn’s Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2007).
*10.6(c) — First Amendment to the Rock-Tenn Company Supplemental Retirement Savings Plan, effective as of
October 1, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of RockTenn’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-
Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012).
Exhibit
Number
Description of Exhibits
*10.7(a) — MeadWestvaco Corporation Deferred Income Plan Restatement, effective January 1, 2007 (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.25 of MWV’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2008).
*10.7(b) — First Amendment to the MeadWestvaco Corporation Deferred Income Plan (2007 Restatement) effective
September 1, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7(b) of WestRock’s Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended September 30, 2015).
*10.7(c) — Second Amendment to the MeadWestvaco Corporation Deferred Income Plan (2007 Restatement)
effective January 1, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7(c) of WestRock’s Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2015).
*10.7(d) — Third Amendment to the MeadWestvaco Corporation Deferred Income Plan (2007 Restatement) effective
July 1, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7(d) of WestRock’s Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended September 30, 2015).
*10.8
*10.9
— MeadWestvaco Corporation Executive Retirement Plan, as amended and restated effective January 1,
2009 except as otherwise provided (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 of MWV’s Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008).
— MeadWestvaco Corporation Retirement Restoration Plan, effective January 1, 2009, except as otherwise
provided (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 of MWV’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2008).
*10.10
— Stock Option Awards in 2009 - Terms and Conditions (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of
MWV’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2009).
*10.11
*10.12
*10.13
— Service Based Restricted Stock Unit Awards in 2009 - Terms and Conditions (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.4 of MWV’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2009).
— Rock-Tenn Company Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan Amended and Restated effective as of
October 27, 2011(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of RockTenn’s Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012).
— Amended and Restated Rock-Tenn Company 2004 Incentive Stock Plan effective as of January 27, 2012
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the RockTenn’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended June 30, 2012).
*10.14
— Stock Option Awards (for 2012) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.43 of MWV’s Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2012).
*10.15
— Summary of MeadWestvaco Corporation 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.46 of MWV’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2013).
10.16
— Master Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated October 28, 2013, by and among MeadWestvaco
Corporation, MWV Community Development and Land Management, LLC and MWV Community
Development, Inc., as sellers, and Plum Creek Timberlands, L.P., Plum Creek Marketing, Inc., Plum
Creek Land Company and Highland Mineral Resources, LLC, as purchasers, and Plum Creek Timber
Company, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of MWV’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed
on October 29, 2013).
*10.17
— Summary of MeadWestvaco Corporation 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.51 of MWV’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014).
*10.18
10.19
— Amendments to Grants under the MeadWestvaco Corporation 2005 Performance Incentive Plan Amended
and Restated Effective February 25, 2013 (2005 Performance Incentive Plan), effective January 27, 2014
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.47 of MWV’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2013).
— Sixth Amended and Restated Receivables Sale Agreement, dated July 22, 2016, among WestRock
Company of Texas, WestRock Converting Company, WestRock Mill Company, LLC, WestRock -
Southern Container, LLC, WestRock California, Inc., WestRock Minnesota Corporation, WestRock CP,
LLC, WestRock - Solvay, LLC, WestRock - REX, LLC, WestRock - Graphics, Inc., WestRock
Commercial, LLC, WestRock Packaging, Inc., WestRock Slatersville LLC, WestRock Consumer
Packaging Group, LLC, WestRock Dispensing Systems, Inc., and WestRock Packaging Systems, LLC
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 of WestRock’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended September 30, 2016).
Exhibit
Number
*10.20
Description of Exhibits
— Employment Agreement by and among RockTenn-Southern Container, LLC (successor-in-interest to
Southern Container Corp.), Rock-Tenn Services Inc., and James B. Porter III, dated as of December 22,
2014, and effective as of January 1, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of RockTenn’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending December 31, 2014).
*10.21
— Summary of MeadWestvaco Corporation 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.51 of MWV’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2015).
*10.22
— Summary of MeadWestvaco Corporation 2015 Annual Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.50 to MWV’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2015).
10.23(a) — Seventh Amended and Restated Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of June 29, 2015 among Rock-
Tenn Financial, Inc., as Borrower, Rock-Tenn Converting Company, as Servicer, the Lenders and Co-
Agents from time to time party thereto, and Coöperatieve Centrale Raiffeisen-Boerenleenbank B.A.,
“Rabobank Nederland”, New York Branch, as Administrative Agent and as Funding Agent (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of WestRock’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June
30, 2015).
10.23(b) — Eighth Amended and Restated Credit and Security Agreement, dated July 22, 2016, among WestRock
Financial Inc., WestRock Converting Company, the lenders and co-agents from time to time party thereto
and Cooperatieve Rabobank, U.A. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24(b) of WestRock’s Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2016).
*10.24
— Letter Agreement between MeadWestvaco Corporation, Rock-Tenn Company and John A. Luke, Jr.,
dated June 30, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 of WestRock’s Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended September 30, 2015).
10.25(a) — Credit Agreement, dated as of July 1, 2015, among the Company, Rock-Tenn Company of Canada
Holdings Corp./Compagnie de Holdings RockTenn du Canada Corp., certain subsidiaries of the Company
from time to time party thereto as subsidiary borrowers, certain subsidiaries of the Company from time
to time party thereto as guarantors, the lenders party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association,
as administrative agent and multicurrency agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of WestRock’s
Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 2, 2015).
10.25(b) — Amendment No. 1, dated July 1, 2016, among WestRock Company, WestRock Company of Canada
Holdings Corp./Compagnie de Holdings WestRock du Canada Corp., the other Credit Parties, the Lenders
thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent and multicurrency agent
for the Lenders to the Credit Agreement, dated July 1, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27.1
of WestRock’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 7, 2016).
10.25(c) — Amendment No. 2, dated June 30, 2017, among WestRock Company, WestRock Company of Canada
Holdings Corp./Compagnie de Holdings WestRock du Canada Corp., the other Credit Parties, the Lenders
thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent and multicurrency agent
for the Lenders to the Credit Agreement, dated July 1, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2
of WestRock’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2017).
10.26
10.27
*10.28
10.29
— Credit Agreement, dated as of July 1, 2015, among RockTenn CP, LLC, Rock-Tenn Converting Company
and MeadWestvaco Virginia Corporation, as borrowers, as the guarantors from time to time party thereto,
the lenders from time to time party thereto and CoBank, ACB, as administrative agent (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.2 of WestRock’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 2, 2015).
— Fifth Amended and Restated Performance Undertaking, dated as of September 1, 2015, executed by
Westrock RKT Company, as successor-in-interest
to Rock-Tenn Company, and Westrock
Company(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.29 of WestRock’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended September 30, 2015).
— WestRock Company 2016 Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.30 of WestRock’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June
30, 2016).
— Uncommitted and Revolving Credit Line Agreement, dated November 2, 2015, between Sumitomo
Mitsui Banking Corporation and WestRock Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of
WestRock’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2015).
*10.30
— Employee Stock Purchase Plan, dated February 2, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of
WestRock’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2016).
Exhibit
Number
*10.31
10.32
10.33
10.34
10.35
10.36
10.37
10.38
10.39
10.40
10.41
Description of Exhibits
— WestRock Company 2016 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of WestRock’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2016).
— Uncommitted and Revolving Credit Line Agreement, dated February 11, 2016, between The Bank of
Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. and WestRock Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of
WestRock’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2016).
— Uncommitted Line of Credit, dated March 4, 2016, between Cooperatieve Rabobank U.A., New York
Branch and WestRock Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of WestRock’s Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2016).
— Trust Agreement, dated May 6, 2016, among Ingevity Corporation, The Bank of New York Mellon Trust
Company, N.A. and WestRock Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of WestRock’s
Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 11, 2016).
— Covington Plant Services Agreement, dated May 11, 2016, between Ingevity Virginia Corporation and
WestRock Virginia, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of WestRock’s Current Report on
Form 8-K filed on May 11, 2016).
— Covington Plant Ground Lease Agreement, dated May 11, 2016, between Ingevity Virginia Corporation
and WestRock Virginia, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of WestRock’s Current Report
on Form 8-K filed on May 11, 2016).
— Tax Matters Agreement, dated May 14, 2016, between WestRock Company and Ingevity Corporation
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of WestRock’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 19,
2016).
— Transition Services Agreement, dated May 14, 2016, between WestRock Company and Ingevity
Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of WestRock’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed
on May 19, 2016).
— Employee Matters Agreement, dated May 14, 2016, between WestRock Company and Ingevity
Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of WestRock’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed
on May 19, 2016).
— Crude Tall Oil and Black Liquor Soap Skimmings Agreement, dated January 2, 2016, between WestRock
Shared Services, LLC and WestRock MWV, LLC, on the one hand, and Ingevity Corporation, on the
other hand (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of WestRock’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed
on May 19, 2016).
— Intellectual Property Agreement, dated May 14, 2016, between WestRock Company and Ingevity
Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of WestRock’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed
on May 19, 2016).
@10.42 — Commitment Agreement, dated September 8, 2016, among WestRock Company, Prudential Insurance
Company of America and State Street Bank and Trust Company.
*10.43(a)
— Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated January 1, 2008, between MeadWestvaco
Corporation and Robert A. Feeser (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of WestRock’s Current
Report on Form 8-K filed on December 16, 2016).
*10.43(b) — Letter Agreement, dated December 12, 2016, between WestRock Company and Robert A. Feeser
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 of WestRock’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December
16, 2016).
*10.44
10.45
— Employment Agreement, dated July 31, 2007, between Southern Container Corp. and Jeffrey W.
Chalovich (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 of WestRock’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed
on December 16, 2016).
— Credit Agreement, dated as of May 15, 2017, by and among WestRock Company, as Parent, MWV
Luxembourg S.À R.L. and WestRock Packaging Systems UK LTD., as Borrowers, the lenders party
thereto, Coöperatieve Rabobank U.A., New York Branch, as Administrative Agent, Coöperatieve
Rabobank U.A., New York Branch, as Joint Lead Arranger and Sole Bookrunner, and Sumitomo Mitsui
Banking Corporation, TD Bank, N.A., and HSBC Bank USA, National Association as Joint Lead
Arrangers and Co-Syndication Agents (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of WestRock’s Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2017).
Exhibit
Number
10.46
10.47
21
23
Description of Exhibits
— Form of Dealer Agreement between WestRock Company, WestRock RKT Company, WestRock MWV,
LLC and the Dealer thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of WestRock’s Current Report on
Form 8-K filed on November 2, 2017).
— Credit Agreement, dated October 31, 2017, among WestRock Company, the subsidiaries of the Company
from time to time party thereto, as borrowers, the subsidiaries of the Company from time to time party
thereto, as guarantors, the lenders from time to time party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National
Association, as administrative agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of WestRock’s Current
Report on Form 8-K filed on November 2, 2017).
— Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
— Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
31.1
— Certification Accompanying Periodic Report Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002,
executed by Steven C. Voorhees, Chief Executive Officer and President of WestRock Company.
31.2
— Certification Accompanying Periodic Report Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002,
executed by Ward H. Dickson, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of WestRock
Company.
101.INS — XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCH — XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.
101.CAL — XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.
101.DEF — XBRL Taxonomy Definition Label Linkbase.
101.LAB — XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.
101.PRE — XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase.
Additional Exhibits.
In accordance with SEC Release No. 33-8238, Exhibit 32.1 is to be treated as “accompanying” this report rather than “filed”
as part of the report.
32.1
— Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-
Oxley Act of 2002, executed by Steven C. Voorhees, Chief Executive Officer and President of WestRock
Company, and by Ward H. Dickson, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of WestRock
Company.
* Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
† Schedules have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. WestRock hereby undertakes to furnish
supplementally copies of any of the omitted schedules upon request by the SEC.
@ Confidential treatment has been requested for certain portions omitted from this exhibit pursuant to Rule 24b-2 under the
Exchange Act. Confidential portions of this exhibit have been separately filed with the SEC.
P Paper filing.
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
SIGNATURES
Dated: November 17, 2017
By:
/s/ STEVEN C. VOORHEES
Steven C. Voorhees
Chief Executive Officer and President
WESTROCK COMPANY
147
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/ STEVEN C. VOORHEES
Steven C. Voorhees
/s/ WARD H. DICKSON
Ward H. Dickson
/s/ A. STEPHEN MEADOWS
A. Stephen Meadows
/s/ JOHN A. LUKE, JR.
John A. Luke, Jr.
Chief Executive Officer and President (Principal Executive
Officer), Director
November 17, 2017
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
November 17, 2017
Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer)
November 17, 2017
Director, Non-Executive Chairman of the Board
November 17, 2017
November 17, 2017
November 17, 2017
November 17, 2017
November 17, 2017
November 17, 2017
November 17, 2017
November 17, 2017
November 17, 2017
November 17, 2017
November 17, 2017
/s/ TIMOTHY J. BERNLOHR
Timothy J. Bernlohr
Director
/s/ J. POWELL BROWN
Director
J. Powell Brown
/s/ MICHAEL E. CAMPBELL
Director
Michael E. Campbell
/s/ TERRELL K. CREWS
Director
Terrell K. Crews
/s/ RUSSELL M. CURREY
Director
Russell M. Currey
/s/ GRACIA C. MARTORE
Director
Gracia C. Martore
/s/ JAMES E. NEVELS
Director
James E. Nevels
/s/ TIMOTHY H. POWERS
Director
Timothy H. Powers
/s/ BETTINA M. WHYTE
Director
Bettina M. Whyte
/s/ ALAN D. WILSON
Director
Alan D. Wilson
148
Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATION ACCOMPANYING PERIODIC REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 302
OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Steven C. Voorhees, Chief Executive Officer and President, certify that:
1.
2.
3.
4.
I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of WestRock Company;
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material
fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not
misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly
present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and
for, the periods presented in this report;
The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and
procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting
(as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be
designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period
in which this report is being prepared;
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial
reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report
our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period
covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred
during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual
report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control
over financial reporting; and
5.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control
over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or
persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a)
(b)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over
financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process,
summarize and report financial information; and
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role
in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
Date: November 17, 2017
/s/ Steven C. Voorhees
Steven C. Voorhees
Chief Executive Officer and President
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 302, or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or
otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by
Section 302, has been provided to WestRock Company and will be retained by WestRock Company and furnished to the
Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.
Exhibit 31.2
CERTIFICATION ACCOMPANYING PERIODIC REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 302
OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Ward H. Dickson, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, certify that:
1.
2.
3.
4.
I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of WestRock Company;
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material
fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not
misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly
present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and
for, the periods presented in this report;
The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and
procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting
(as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be
designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period
in which this report is being prepared;
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial
reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report
our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period
covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred
during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual
report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control
over financial reporting; and
5.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control
over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or
persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a)
(b)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over
financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process,
summarize and report financial information; and
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role
in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
Date: November 17, 2017
/s/ Ward H. Dickson
Ward H. Dickson
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 302, or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or
otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by
Section 302, has been provided to WestRock Company and will be retained by WestRock Company and furnished to the
Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.
Appendix A
Non-GAAP Measures and Reconciliations
We have included in the 2017 Annual Report financial measures that were not prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). Non-GAAP financial measures should be viewed in addition to, and not as
an alternative for, our GAAP results. The non-GAAP financial measures we present may differ from similarly captioned measures
presented by other companies.
Below, we define the non-GAAP financial measures we use, discuss the reasons that we believe this information is useful to
management and may be useful to investors and provide reconciliations of the non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly
comparable financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP.
Adjusted Segment EBITDA
WestRock uses “Adjusted Segment EBITDA”, along with other factors, to evaluate our segment performance against our
peers. Management believes this measure is also useful to investors to evaluate WestRock’s performance relative to its peers. Set
forth below is a reconciliation of Adjusted Segment EBITDA to the most directly comparable GAAP measure, Segment income
(in millions):
Year Ended
September 30,
2017
Segment income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Non-allocated expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less: Deferred financing costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Segment EBITDA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Plus: Inventory Step-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjusted Segment EBITDA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
1,193.5
(43.5)
1,116.6
(4.5)
2,262.1
26.5
2,288.6
Adjusted Free Cash Flow
WestRock uses the non-GAAP financial measure “Adjusted Free Cash Flow”. Management believes this non-GAAP financial
measure provides WestRock’s board of directors, investors, potential investors, securities analysts and others with useful
information to evaluate its performance relative to other periods because it excludes certain cash restructuring and other costs,
net of tax that management believes are not indicative of the ongoing operating results of the business. WestRock believes that
the most directly comparable GAAP measure is “Net cash provided by operating activities”. Set forth below is a reconciliation
of “Adjusted Free Cash Flow” to Net cash provided by operating activities (in millions):
Net cash provided by operating activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Less: Capital expenditures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Free Cash Flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Plus: Cash Restructuring and other costs, net of income tax benefit of $36.4 . . . . . . .
Adjusted Free Cash Flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
1,900.5
(778.6)
1,121.9
99.5
1,221.4
Year Ended
September 30,
2017
Adjusted Operating Cash Flow
WestRock uses the non-GAAP financial measure “Adjusted Operating Cash Flow”. Management believes this non-GAAP
financial measure provides WestRock’s board of directors, investors, potential investors, securities analysts and others with
useful information to evaluate its performance relative to other periods because it excludes certain cash restructuring and other
A- 1
costs, net of tax that management believes are not indicative of the ongoing operating results of the business. While somewhat
similar to Adjusted Free Cash Flow, WestRock believes Adjusted Operating Cash Flow provides greater comparability across
years when capital expenditures are changing as it excludes an adjustment for capital expenditures. WestRock believes that the
most directly comparable GAAP measure is “Net cash provided by operating activities”. Set forth below is a reconciliation of
“Adjusted Operating Cash Flow” to Net cash provided by operating activities (in millions):
Net cash provided by operating activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Plus: Cash Restructuring and other costs, net of income tax benefit of $36.4 . . . . . . .
Adjusted Operating Cash Flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
1,900.5
99.5
2,000.0
Year Ended
September 30,
2017
Forward-looking Guidance
See “Forward-Looking Information” in our annual report on Form 10-K for a discussion of our use of forward-looking
statements.
In addition to forward looking statements related to fiscal 2018 that were included in our annual report on Form 10-K (e.g.,
that we expect net sales to increase by 10% to $16.3 billion, our adjusted operating cash flow to increase by 15% to $2.3 billion
and our adjusted segment EBITDA to increase by 20% to $2.8 billion), this 2017 Annual Report includes additional forward-
looking statements that were not included in our annual report on Form 10-K (e.g., that we expect to generate more than $5 billion
of capital through 2022 to invest back into our business to improve our margins, build scale and grow our portfolio of differentiated
paper and packaging solutions and that we have the opportunity to increase adjusted segment EBITDA to more than $4 billion in
fiscal 2022). In addition to the risks that are outlined in our annual report on Form 10-K that could impact our future performance
and cause our actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward looking statements, key assumptions related to
forward looking statements presented in this 2017 Annual Report include, but are not limited to, stable pricing, normal inflation
offset by ongoing productivity and incremental returns from high-return projects and acquisitions.
This 2017 Annual Report includes forward looking guidance related to non-GAAP financial measures, such as adjusted
operating cash flow and adjusted segment EBITDA. We are not providing forward-looking guidance related to U.S. GAAP financial
measures or reconciliations of forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure
because of the inherent difficulty in predicting the occurrence, the financial impact and the periods in which potential non-GAAP
adjustments may be recognized (e.g., acquisition and integration-related expenses, restructuring expenses, asset impairments,
litigation settlements, changes to contingent consideration and certain other gains or losses). For the same reason, we are unable
to address the probable significance of the unavailable information. These items are uncertain, depend on various factors, and
could have a material impact on U.S. GAAP reported results for the guidance period.
A- 2
STOCKHOLDER INFORMATION
COMPANY ADDRESS
1000 Abernathy Road N.E.
Suite 125
Atlanta, GA 30328
770-448-2193
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
First Class/Registered/Certified Mail:
Computershare Investor Services
PO BOX 505000
Louisville, KY 40233-5000
Courier Services:
Computershare Investor Services
462 South 4th Street Suite 1600
Louisville, KY 40202
INVESTOR RELATIONS
Investor Relations Department
WestRock Company
1000 Abernathy Road N.E.
Suite 125
Atlanta, GA 30328
678-291-7900
Fax: 678-291-7903
AUDITORS
Ernst & Young LLP
55 Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard
Suite 1000
Atlanta, GA 30308
DIRECT DEPOSIT OF DIVIDENDS
WestRock stockholders may have their
quarterly cash dividends automatically
deposited to checking, savings or
money market accounts through the
automatic clearing house system. If
you wish to participate in the program,
please contact:
Computershare Trust Company, N.A.
800-568-3476
www.computershare.com
ANNUAL MEETING
Westin Buckhead Atlanta
3391 Peachtree Road N.E.
Atlanta, GA 30326
Friday, February 2, 2018, at 9:00 a.m.
COMMON STOCK
Our Common Stock trades on the New
York Stock Exchange under the symbol
“WRK”.
As of December 14, 2017, there were
approximately 6,673 stockholders of
record of our Common Stock. The
number of stockholders of record
includes one single stockholder,
Cede & Co., for all of the shares of our
Common Stock held by our stockholders
in individual brokerage accounts
maintained at banks, brokers and
institutions.
STOCK PERFORMANCE
The graph below reflects the cumulative stockholder return on the
investment of $100 on September 30, 2012, in Rock-Tenn Company’s
Class A Common Stock (assuming the reinvestment of dividends)
through September 30, 2017, for WestRock Company’s Common
Stock compared to the return on the same investment in the S&P 500
Index and our Industry Peer Group and the reinvestment of dividends.
This graph assumes that the Rock-Tenn Common Stock originally
purchased was converted into WestRock Company Common Stock as
of July 1, 2015 in connection with the business combination between
MeadWestvaco Corporation and Rock-Tenn Company. Our Industry
Peer Group consists of public companies that either compete directly
in one or more of our product lines or are diversified, international
manufacturing companies1. ©2017 Standard & Poor’s, a division of
The McGraw-Hill Companies Inc. All rights reserved.
Fiscal 2017
Fiscal 2016
High
Low
High
Low
First Quarter
$53.56
$43.79
$57.85
$42.75
Second Quarter
$56.12
$50.53
$45.71
$29.73
Third Quarter
$58.62
$49.23
$44.49
$35.52
Fourth Quarter
$60.36
$54.05
$49.18
$36.33
1 Old Peer Group includes: 3M Company, Alcoa Inc., Ball Corporation, Crown Holdings, Inc.,
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, Graphic Packaging Holding Company,
International Paper Company, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Nucor Corporation,
Owens-Illinois Inc., Packaging Corporation of America, Sealed Air Corporation,
United States Steel Corporation and Weyerhaeuser Company. New Peer Group
reflects removal of Graphic Packaging to more closely align with peer group
median for revenue.
Comparison of 5-Year Cumulative Total Return2
$300
$250
$200
$150
$100
$50
WestRock Co.
S&P 500
New Peer Group
Old Peer Group
09/12/
$100
$100
$100
$100
09/13/
$141.96
$119.34
$125.50
$125.78
09/14/
$135.30
$142.89
$152.93
$153.67
09/15/
$149.15
$142.04
$145.20
$146.13
09/16/
$161.35
$163.93
$179.65
$180.46
09/17/
$194.53
$194.44
$211.88
$212.40
2 $100 invested on Sept. 30, 2012, in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividends. Fiscal year ending September 30.
Cover printed on WestRock Tango® 12pt C2S
www.westrock.com
© 2017 WestRock Company