UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 20172022
OR
q TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ________ to _________
Commission file number 001-36479

vrtv-20221231_g1.jpg

VERITIV CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware46-3234977
(State or other jurisdiction
 of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.SI.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
1000 Abernathy Road NE
Building 400, Suite 1700
Atlanta, GeorgiaGeorgia30328
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)
(770) 391-8200
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)code:(770)391-8200

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock, $0.01 par valueVRTVNew 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 x
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 x
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 xNo ¨



Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes xNo ¨
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x
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",filer," "accelerated filer",filer," "smaller reporting company",company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer¨Accelerated filerx
Non-accelerated filer¨(do not check if a small reporting company)Smaller reporting company¨
Emerging growth company¨
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 has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant's executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ¨ No x
As of June 30, 2017,2022, the aggregate market value of the voting common stock of the registrant held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based on the closing sale price of those shares on the New York Stock Exchange reported on June 30, 2017,2022, was $511,432,245.$1,510,842,320. For the purposes of this disclosure only, the registrant has assumed that its directors and executive officers (as defined in Rule 3b-7 under the Exchange Act) and the UWW Holdings, LLC stockholder are the affiliates of the registrant.
The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's common stock as of February 23, 201821, 2023 was 15,733,745.13,545,458.





DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the Company's Proxy Statement for the 20182023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.







TABLE OF CONTENTS





Page
Part IPage
Item 1.
Part I
Item 1.1A.
Item 1A.1B.
Item 1B.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
Part II
Item 5.
Item 6.
Item 7.
Item 7A.
Item 8.
Item 9.
Item 9A.
Item 9B.
Item 9C.
Part III
Part III
Item 10.
Item 11.
Item 12.
Item 13.
Item 14.
Part IV
Item 15.
Item 16.
















CAUTIONARY NOTE ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS


Certain statements contained in this report regarding the Company’sCompany's future operating results, performance, strategy, business plans, prospects and guidance, statements related to customer demand, supply and demand imbalances, the expected competitive landscape, the expected impact of COVID-19 and any other statements not constituting historical fact are "forward-looking statements" subject to the safe harbor created by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Where possible, the words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "continue," "intend," "will," "may," "should," "will,"could," "would," "planned,"plan," "estimated,"estimate," "predict," "potential," "goal," "outlook," "may," "predicts," "could," or the negative of such terms, or other comparable expressions, as they relate to the Company or its business, have been used to identify such forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements reflect only the Company’sCompany's current beliefs and assumptions with respect to future operating results performance, business plans, prospects, guidance and other matters, and are based on information currently available to the Company. Accordingly, the statements are subject to significant risks, uncertainties and contingencies, which could cause the Company’sCompany's actual operating results, performance, strategy, business plans, prospects or prospectsguidance to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these statements.


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


For a more detailed discussion of these factors, see the information under the heading "Risk Factors" in this report and in other filings we make with the SEC. Forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. In addition, historical information should not be considered as an indicator of future performance.


PART I


ITEM 1. BUSINESS


Our Company
Veritiv Corporation ("Veritiv" or the "Company" and sometimes referred to in this Annual Report on Form 10-K as "we", "our" or "us") is a leading North American business-to-business distributorfull-service provider of value-added packaging products and services, as well as facility solutions print and publishingprint-based products and services. Additionally, Veritiv provides logistics and supply chain management solutions to its customers. Veritiv was established in 2014, following the merger (the "Merger") of International Paper Company’s xpedx distribution solutions business ("xpedx") and UWW Holdings, Inc. ("UWWH"), the parent company of Unisource



Worldwide, Inc. ("Unisource"). Independently, the two companies achieved past success by continuously upholding high standards of efficiency and customer focus. Through leveraging this combined history of operational excellence, Veritiv evolved into one team shaping its success through exceptional service, innovative people and consistent values. Today, Veritiv's focus on segment-tailored market leadership in distribution and a commitment to operational excellence allows it to partner with world class suppliers, add value through multiple capabilities and deliver solutions to a wide range of customer segments. See Item 7 of this report for additional information related to the Company's strategic initiatives.
We operate from approximately 170 distribution centersVeritiv operates primarily throughout the United States ("U.S., Canada") and Mexico, serving customers across a broad range of industries.industry sectors. These customerssectors include printers, publishers, data centers, manufacturers,manufacturing, food and beverage, wholesale and retail, healthcare, transportation, property management, higher education, institutions, healthcare facilities, sportingentertainment and performance arenas, retail stores, government agencies, property managershospitality, commercial printing and building service contractors.publishing.
Veritiv's business is organized under fourthree reportable segments: Packaging, Facility Solutions Print, and Publishing and Print Management ("Publishing").Solutions. This segment structure is consistent with the way the Chief Operating Decision Maker, who is Veritiv's Chief Executive Officer, makes operating decisions and manages the growth and profitability of the Company's business. The Company also has a Corporate & Other category which includes certain assets and costs not primarily attributable to any of the reportable segments, as well as our Veritivsegments. Prior to its divestiture in September 2022, the Company's logistics solutions business, which providesprovided transportation and warehousing solutions.solutions, was also included in Corporate & Other. The following summary describes the products and services offered in each of the reportable segments:
Packaging Veritiv is a global provider of packaging products, services and solutions. The Packaging segment provides standard as well as custom and comprehensivestandard packaging solutions for customers based in North America and in key global markets. This segment services its customers with a full spectrum of packaging product materials within flexible, corrugated and fiber, ancillary packaging, rigid and equipment categories. The business is strategically focused on higher growth industriesindustry sectors including light industrial/general manufacturing, food production, fulfillment and internetbeverage, wholesale and retail, healthcare and transportation, as well as niche verticalsspecialty sectors based on geographicalindustry and functionalproduct expertise. Veritiv’sVeritiv's packaging professionals create customer value through supply chain solutions, structural and graphic packaging design and engineering, automation, workflow and equipment services and kittingkitting.

1

Facility Solutions – Veritiv is a global provider of hygiene and fulfillment.

Facility Solutionsfacility solutions products and services. The Facility Solutions segment sources and sells cleaning, break-room and other supplies such asin product categories that include towels and tissues, wipers and dispensers, can liners, commercialfood service, personal protective equipment, cleaning chemicals soaps and sanitizers, sanitary maintenance supplies and equipment, safety and hazard supplies, and shampoos and amenitiesskincare, primarily in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Veritiv is a leading distributor in the Facility Solutions segment.North America. Through this segment we manageVeritiv manages a world class network of leading suppliers in most facilities solutions categories. Additionally, we offerthe Company offers total cost of ownership solutions with re-merchandising, budgeting and compliance reporting and inventory management, and a sales-forcemanagement. Its sales force is trained to bring leading vertical expertise to the major North American geographies.


Print Solutions – The Print Solutions segment helps customers optimize their printed communication by sourcing and distributing sustainable papers through a global network of suppliers. The Print Solutions segment sells and distributes commercial printing, writing and copying digital, wide formatproducts and specialty paper products, graphics consumables and graphics equipmentservices primarily in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. This segment also includes customized paper conversion services of commercial printing paper for distribution to document centers and form printers. OurNorth America. Veritiv's broad geographic platform of operations and services, coupled with the breadth of paper and graphics products, including our exclusive private brand offerings, provides a foundation to service national, regional and local customers across North America.

Publishing – The Publishing segment sells and distributes coated and uncoated commercial printing papers to publishers, retailers, converters, printers and specialty businesses for usecomprehensive suite of solutions in magazines, catalogs, books, directories, gaming, couponing, retail inserts and direct mail. This segment also providespaper procurement, print management, procurement and supply chain management solutions to simplify paper and print procurement processes for our customers.
distribution. This segment's customer base includes commercial printers, marketers, corporate end users, publishers and retailers.


The table below summarizes net sales for each of the above reportable segments, as well as the Corporate & Other category, as a percentage of consolidated net sales:
Year Ended December 31,
202220212020
Packaging55%55%52%
Facility Solutions11%13%15%
Print Solutions33%31%32%
Corporate & Other1%1%1%
Total Company100%100%100%

 Year Ended December 31,
 2017
2016
2015
Packaging38% 34% 32%
Facility Solutions16% 15% 15%
Print33% 37% 38%
Publishing11% 13% 14%
Corporate & Other2% 1% 1%
Total100% 100% 100%

Additional financial information regardingrelated to our reportable business segments and certain geographic information is included in Item 7 of this report and in Note 1716 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this report.


Our HistoryGeneral Development of Business

On July 1, 2014 (the "Distribution Date"), International Paper Company ("International Paper") completed the spin-offInformation related to developments in our business can be found in Item 7 of xpedx to its shareholders (the "Spin-off"), forming a new public company known as Veritiv. Immediately following the Spin-off, UWWH merged with and into Veritiv. The Spin-off and the Merger are collectively referred to as the "Transactions".this report.

Immediately following the completion of the Transactions, International Paper shareholders owned approximately 51%, and UWW Holdings, LLC, the former sole stockholder of UWWH (the "UWWH Stockholder"), which is jointly owned by Bain Capital and Georgia-Pacific, owned approximately 49%, of the shares of Veritiv common stock on a fully-diluted basis. Immediately following the completion of the Spin-off, International Paper did not own any shares of Veritiv common stock. Veritiv’s common stock began regular-way trading on the New York Stock Exchange on July 2, 2014 under the ticker symbol VRTV.

International Paper's distribution business was consolidated into a division operating under the xpedx name in 1998 to serve the U.S. and Mexico markets. International Paper grew its distribution business both organically and through the acquisition of over 30 distribution businesses located across the U.S. and Mexico. Unisource was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alco Standard Corporation until its spin-off of Unisource in December 1996 whereby Unisource became a separate public company. Unisource was acquired by Georgia-Pacific, now owned by Koch Industries, in July 1999. In November 2002, Bain Capital acquired approximately a 60% ownership interest in Unisource, while Georgia-Pacific retained approximately a 40% ownership interest.

On August 31, 2017, Veritiv completed its acquisition of 100% of the equity interest in various All American Containers entities (collectively, "AAC"), a family owned and operated distributor of rigid packaging, including plastic, glass and metal containers, caps, closures and plastic pouches. The acquisition of AAC aligns with the Company's strategy of investing in higher growth and higher margin segments of the business. Through the acquisition, Veritiv gains expertise in rigid plastic, glass and metal packaging that complements its portfolio of packaging products and services. This acquisition also provides Veritiv with additional marketing, selling and distribution channels into the growing U.S. rigid packaging market. The rigid packaging market's primary product categories include paperboard, plastics, metals and glass.
Products and Services

Veritiv distributes well-known national and regional brand products as well as products marketed under its own private label brands. Products under the Company’sCompany's private label brands are manufactured by third-party suppliers in accordance with specifications established by the Company. Our portfolio of private label products includes:


Coated and uncoated papers, coated board and cut size under the Endurance, nordic+, Econosource, Comet, Starbrite Opaque Select and other brands;
Packaging products under the TUFflex brand, which include stretch film, mailers, shrink film, carton sealing tape and other specialty tapes; and

Foodservice disposable products, cleaning chemicals, towels and tissues, can liners, sanitary maintenance supplies and a wide range of facility supplies products under the Reliable, and Spring Grove, brands.Steel and PUR Value brands; and

Coated and uncoated papers, coated board and cut size under the Endurance, Comet, Starbrite Opaque Select and other brands.

2

The table below summarizes sales of products sold under private label brands as a percentage of the respective reportable segment's or total Company or applicable segment'sCompany's net sales for the periods shown:sales:
Year Ended December 31,
202220212020
Packaging6%6%6%
Facility Solutions9%8%8%
Print Solutions21%17%14%
Total Company11%10%9%
 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Packaging6% 6% 6%
Facility Solutions8% 8% 8%
Print20% 22% 19%
Total Company10% 11% 10%


Customers

We serve customers across a broad range of industries,industry sectors, through a variety of means ranging from multi-year supplysales agreements to individual transactional sales. The Company has valuable, multi-year, long-term supply agreements withFor many of its largest customers, the Company enters into multi-year contracts that set forth the terms and conditions of sale including product pricing and warranties. We enter into incentive agreements, with certain of our largest customers, which are generally based on sales to these customers.volume targets. The Company’sCompany's customers are generally not required to purchase any minimum amount of products under these agreements and can place orders on an individual purchase order basis. However, the Company enters into negotiated supply agreements with a minority of its customers.
agreements. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162022, 2021 and 2015,2020, no single customer accounted for more than 5% of the Company’sCompany's consolidated net sales.


Suppliers

We purchase our products from thousands of suppliers, both domestic and international, across different business segments. Although varying by segment, the Company’sCompany's suppliers consist generally of large corporations selling brand name and private label products and, to a more limited extent, independent regional and private label suppliers. Suppliers are selected based on customer demand for the product and a supplier’ssupplier's total service, cost and product quality offering.

Our sourcing organization supports the purchasing of well-known national and regional brand products as well as products marketed under our own private label brands from key national suppliers in the packaging, facility solutions and print industries. The PublishingA portion of the Print Solutions segment primarily operates as a direct ship business aligned with the Company’sCompany's core supplier strategy. In addition, under the guidance and oversight of the sourcing team, our merchandising personnel located within individual distribution centers source products not available within our core offering in order to meet specialized customer needs.

The product sourcing program is designed to ensure that the Company is able to offer consistent product selections and market competitive pricing across the enterprise while maintaining the ability to service localized market requirements. Our procurement program is also focused on replenishment which includes purchase order placement and controlling the total cost of inventory by proactively managing the number of day’sdays inventory on hand, negotiating favorable payment terms and maintaining vendor-owned and vendor-managed programs. As one of the largest purchasers of paper, graphics, packaging, and facility supplies, and paper and graphics products, we can qualify for volume allowances with some suppliers and can realize significant economies of scale.

During the year ended December 31, 2017,2022, approximately 38%29% of our purchases were made from ten suppliers.


Competition

The packaging, facility solutions, paper and publishingbusiness-to-business distribution industry is highly competitive, with numerous regional and local competitors, and is a mature industry characterized by slowing growth or, in the case of paper, declining net sales.demand. The Company’sCompany's principal competitors include national, regional and local distributors, national and regional manufacturers, independentinternational paper manufacturers, other merchants and brokers and both catalog-based and online business-to-business suppliers. Most of these



competitors generally offer a wide range of products at prices comparable to those Veritiv offers, though at varying service levels. Additionally, new competition could arise from non-traditional sources, group purchasing organizations, e-commerce, discount wholesalers or consolidation among competitors. Veritiv believes it offers the full range of services required to effectively compete, but if new competitive sources appear, it may result in margin erosion or make it more difficult to attract and retain customers.


3

The following summary briefly describes the key competitive landscape for each of Veritiv’s businessVeritiv's reportable segments:


Packaging – The packaging market is fragmented and consists of competition from national and regional packaging distributors, national and regional manufacturers of packaging materials, independent brokers and both catalog-based and online business-to-business suppliers. Veritiv believes there are few national packaging distributors with substrate neutral design capabilities similar to the Company’sCompany's capabilities.

Facility Solutions – There are few national, but numerous regional and local distributors of facility supply solutions. Several groups of distributors have created strategic alliances among multiple distributors to provide broader geographic coverage for larger customers. Other key competitors include the business-to-business divisions of big box stores, purchasing group affiliates and both catalog-based and online business-to-business suppliers.

Print Solutions Industry sources estimate that there are hundreds of regional and local companies engaged in the marketing and distribution of paper and graphics products. While the Company believes there are few national distributors of paper and graphics products similar to Veritiv, several regional and local distributors have cooperated together to serve customers nationally. The Company’s customersCompetitors also have the opportunity to purchase products directly from paper and graphics manufacturers. In addition, competitors also include regional and local specialty distributors, office supply and big box stores, online business-to-business suppliers, independent brokers and large commercial printers that broker the sale of paper in connection with the sale of their printing services.
Publishing The publishing market is serviced by printers, paper brokers and distributors. The Company’s customers also have the opportunity to purchase paper directly from paper manufacturers. Thedistributors, and that market consists primarily of magazine and book publishers, cataloguers, direct mailers and retail customers using catalog, insert and direct mail as a method of advertising.

We believe that our competitive advantages include over 1,800the approximately 975 sales and marketing professionals we utilize and the breadth of ourwide selection of quality products, including high-quality private brands.brands that we offer. The breadth of products distributed and services offered, the diversity of the types of customers served, and our broad geographic footprint in the U.S., Canada and Mexico buffer the impact of regional economic declines while also providing a network to readily serveservice national accounts.


Distribution and Logistics

Timely and accurate delivery of a customer’scustomer's order, on a consistent basis, are important criteria in a customer’scustomer's decision to purchase products and services from Veritiv. Delivery of products is provided through two primary channels, either from the Company’s warehousesCompany's distribution centers or directly from the manufacturer. Our distribution centers offer a range of delivery options depending on the customer’scustomer's needs and preferences, and the strategic placement of the distribution centers also allows for delivery of special or "rush" orders to many customers.


Working Capital


Veritiv's working capital needs generally reflect the need to carry significant amounts of inventory in our distribution centers to meet delivery requirements of our customers, as well as significant accounts receivable balances. As is typical in our industry, our customers often do not pay upon receipt, but are offered terms which are heavily dependent on the specific circumstances of the sale.


EmployeesHuman Capital

Veritiv’s key human capital management objectives include attracting, developing, engaging and retaining skilled and diverse talent, and promoting safety to drive the success of our business and to meet and exceed the expectations of our customers. These objectives are aligned with our Veritiv Values: Integrity, One Team, People Commitment, Customer Focus, Operational Excellence and Passion for Results.

Our workforce includes employees in sales, customer service, warehouse operations and corporate functions. By geography, approximately 90%, 8% and 2% of our workforce is located in the U.S., Mexico and the rest of world, respectively, with a presence in almost every state in the U.S. Approximately 67% of our workforce is male, and the other 33% is female.

As of December 31, 2017,2022, Veritiv had approximately 8,9005,000 employees worldwide, of which approximately 10%7% were in collective bargaining units. Approximately 24% of those employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreements.agreement that will expire in 2023. Labor contract negotiations are handled on an individual basis by a cross-functional team of Veritivincluding Human Resources and Legal personnel. Approximately 41% of the Company’s unionized employees have collective bargaining agreements that expire during 2018.Operations, with legal support. We currently expect that we will be able to renegotiate suchthese agreements on satisfactory terms. We consider labor relations to be good.



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We reward and support employees through competitive pay and benefit programs; enhance the Company’s culture through our values and other engagement efforts; develop talent internally through job rotations and learning programs to create a high-performing, diverse workforce; and strive to make safety a key focus across the organization. Some examples of programs and initiatives designed to attract, develop, engage and retain our workforce and to promote safety include:

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion ("DEI")

We recognize that our people are critical to the success of our business and our ability to meet and exceed the expectations of our customers. We strive to build a workforce that reflects the diversity of our stakeholders in communities globally where we live and work, and ensures that all employees have opportunities to grow, thrive and advance. We have developed a multi-year diversity, equity and inclusion strategy with an emphasis on leadership and culture, talent acquisition and enhancing the employee experience. Our strategy has included broadening our applicant pools to attract diverse talent prioritizing employee development and advancement, and implementing micro-learning modules focused on educating our workforce on unconscious bias, cultural competence and inclusive leadership. This strategy has allowed us to refine our recruiting efforts, leadership accountability, performance management processes and other practices to support our diversity, equity and inclusion goals.

In 2022, we communicated our initial Company-wide DEI strategy and goals with all employees to gain alignment and adoption across the Company. The DEI strategy is led by our Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, with oversight from our senior lead team. We continue to develop and refine our strategy, measure our progress through regular evaluation of key metrics and communicate progress with our employees.

Employee Engagement

We have been successful in engaging our employees to participate in our first Employee Engagement Survey. The survey launched to all employees except for our U.S. teams that are under collective bargaining agreements. All managers, along with their teams, established action plans based on opportunities identified in the survey results. We continue to make progress on in-depth action plans to address issues and feedback raised.

We launched our new Social and Points-based Recognition Platform BRAVO!. Our recognition platform is used to recognize and reward behaviors aligned to the Veritiv Values. We were also able to launch a variety of other recognition programs within the platform designated to incentivize specific behaviors and actions supporting our priorities.

We also launched the Veritiv Cultural Alliance ("VCA"). VCA was established to serve as boots on the ground, positioning a culture ally at almost every Veritiv location. Allies are tasked with increasing awareness and participation of our hourly worker population as well as supporting and championing corporate initiatives among all employees in our locations.

In 2022, Veritiv contributed $3.5 million to the Veritiv Charitable Giving Fund, a philanthropic fund that supports non-profit charities that are qualified under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3).

Employee Well-Being and Safety

We provide comprehensive healthcare benefits to virtually all of our employees in the U.S. that are designed to meet the varied and evolving needs of our diverse workforce. In addition, we provide free mental health, behavioral health and other wellness resources, including on-demand access to the Employee Assistance Program for employees and their dependents. We are committed to providing all team members with a safe and healthy workplace and continuing to refine our culture of proactive safety. Managing and reducing risks at our facilities remains a focus, and in 2022, our Total Injury Rate for our operations in the U.S. and Mexico was 0.92. Total Injury Rate ("TIR") is calculated using the OSHA criteria for recordability and OSHA calculation methodologies. TIR is equivalent to Total Recordable Injuries x 200,000/Total Hours Worked. The 200,000 hours in the formula represent the equivalent of 100 employees working 40 hours per week, 50 weeks per year and provides the standard basis for the injury rate.

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Talent Development and Learning

We prioritize and invest in creating opportunities to help employees gain skills and develop in their careers through a multitude of training and development programs. These include online, instructor-led and on-the-job learning formats as well as executive assessment, coaching, talent and succession planning. We have a robust talent review and succession planning process, and our goal is to have at least one "ready now" candidate and one "ready in 1 – 3 years" candidate for each critical position to prepare candidates for critical roles.

We support the long-term career aspirations of our employees through education and personal development. These educational opportunities include (i) tuition assistance for employees in the U.S. and Mexico and (ii) a unique Company-paid program that supports hourly warehouse workers to become certified, licensed truck drivers and provides opportunities to get licensed and gain required driver hours on work time. We sponsor a paid internship program that provides job experience to high school and college students in a variety of job functions and is a source for future full-time talent. To identify our top talent and prepare them for future leadership roles, we launched two cohorts of our LEAD Program in 2022, which we designed in partnership with the University of Georgia Business School.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we have continued our focus on protecting the health and safety of our employees in our distribution centers and our offices while meeting the needs of our customers and mitigating any interruptions to our business. We have continued to modify practices at our distribution centers and offices informed by guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health and governmental authorities. These practices include social distancing, enhanced cleaning protocols and usage of personal protective equipment. Our employees continue to adapt to the changes in work environment and have managed our business successfully during this challenging time.

Government Relations

As a distributor, ourOur transportation operations are subject to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. We are also subject to federal, state and local regulations regarding licensing and inspection of facilities, including compliance with the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Act. These regulations require us to comply with health and safety standards to protect our employees from accidents and establish communication programs to transmit information onregarding the hazards of certain chemicals present in specific products that we distribute.

We are also subject to regulation by numerous U.S., Canadian and Mexican federal, state and local regulatory agencies, including, but not limited to, the U.S. Department of Labor, which sets employment practice standards for workers. Although we are subject to other U.S., Canadian and Mexican federal, state and local provisions relating to the protection of the environment and the discharge or destruction of materials, these provisions do not materially impact the use or operation of the Company’sCompany's facilities. Compliance with these laws has not had, and is not anticipated to have, a material effect on Veritiv’sVeritiv's capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position.


Intellectual Property

We have numerous well-recognized trademarks, represented primarily by our private label brands. See the Products and Services section of this Item 1. Business for additional information related to our private label brand sales. Most of our trademark registrations are effective for an initial period of 10ten years, and we generally renew our trademark registrations before their expiration dates for trademarks that are in use or have reasonable potential for future use. Although our Print, Packaging and Facility Solutions segmentsbusinesses rely on a number of trademarks that, in the aggregate, provide important protections to the Company, no single trademark is material to any one of these segments. See the Products and Services section above for additional information regarding our private label brand sales.
Additionally, Veritiv does not have any material patents or licenses.


Seasonality


The Company’sCompany's operating results are subject to seasonal influences.  Historically, our higher consolidated net sales occurhave occurred during the third and fourth quarters while our lowest consolidated net sales occurhave occurred during the first quarter. The Packaging segment net sales tend to increasehave traditionally increased each quarter throughout the year and net sales for the first quarter arehave typically been less than net sales for the fourth quarter of the preceding year.  Production schedules for non-durable goods that build up to the holidays and peak in the fourth quarter drive this seasonal net sales pattern.  Net sales for the Facility Solutions segment tend to be highest duringhave traditionally peaked in the third and fourth quartersquarter due to increased summer demand in the away-from-home resort, cruise and hospitality markets activities related toand from back-to-school and increased retail activity during the holidays.activities. Within the Print and Publishing segments,Solutions segment, seasonality is
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driven by increased magazine advertising page counts, retail inserts, catalogs and direct mail primarily due to back-to-school, political election and holiday-related advertising and promotions in the second half of the year.
Executive Officers The COVID-19 pandemic has caused minor disruptions to the Company's seasonal patterns in net sales across all segments and on a consolidated basis, primarily due to the impacts that the pandemic has had on many of Veritiv's customers. The duration and extent of the CompanyCOVID-19 pandemic remains uncertain and the magnitude of continuing seasonality disruption is difficult to predict.

The following table sets forth certain information concerning the individuals who serve as executive officers of the Company as of March 1, 2018.
Information About Our Executive Officers
NameAgePosition and Business Experience for the Past Five Years
Salvatore A. Abbate54Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors since September 2020
Chief Operating Officer from January 2020 - September 2020
NameAgePositionSenior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer from April 2018 - December 2019
Mary A. Laschinger57ChairmanSenior Vice President, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer for Andersen Windows & Doors, Inc., a North American window and Chief Executive Officerdoor manufacturer, from July 2013 - March 2018
Stephen J. Smith5459
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since March 2014 (1)
Charles B. HenryDean A. Adelman5357Senior Vice President Corporate Servicesand Chief Human Resources Officer since March 2019
Mark W. Hianik57Chief Human Resources Officer for Caraustar Industries, Inc., a manufacturer of recycled materials, from August 2017 - March 2019
Daniel B. Calderwood42Senior Vice President, Marketing and Business Management since October 2020
Vice President, Marketing and Business Management from January 2020 - October 2020
Vice President, Packaging from May 2019 - January 2020
Vice President, Marketing for Tempur Sealy International, Inc., a global mattress and bedding manufacturer, from January 2015 - April 2019
Eric J. Guerin51Senior Vice President, Finance since January 2023
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for CDK Global, a provider of retail technologies, from January 2021 - July 2022
Various positions for Corning Incorporated, a provider of specialty glass, ceramics and related materials and technologies, including Division Vice President, Finance from August 2020 – January 2021 and Division Vice President and Sector CFO, Corning Glass Technologies from September 2016 – August 2020
Stephanie E. Mayerle45Senior Vice President, Sales since October 2020
Vice President, Sales from June 2020 - October 2020
Various roles for Andersen Windows & Doors, Inc., a North American window and door manufacturer, including Senior Director – Strategic Accounts and Inside Sales from April 2019 - June 2020 and Senior Director – Business Management from January 2018 - April 2019
Karen K. Renner61Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer since November 2020
Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer of CommScope, Inc., a global network infrastructure provider, from August 2018 - November 2020
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NameAgePosition and Business Experience for the Past Five Years
Chief Information Officer for the North American region of Thales Group, a global aerospace defense supplier, from March 2017 - August 2018
Susan B. Salyer52Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary since June 2022
Thomas S. Lazzaro54Senior Vice President Field Sales and Operations
Barry R. Nelson53Senior Vice President Facility Solutions
Elizabeth A. Patrick50Senior Vice President and Chief Human ResourcesCompliance and Sustainability Officer from May 2021 - June 2022
Tracy L. Pearson47Vice President, Assistant General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer from March 2020 - April 2021
Assistant General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer from November 2017 - March 2020
Michael D. Walkenhorst44Senior Vice President, PackagingDeveloping Businesses and Global Operations since July 2021
Senior Vice President, Developing Businesses from October 2020 - July 2021
Vice President, Developing Businesses from February 2019 - October 2020
Managing Director of All American Containers, a Veritiv business, from September 2017 - February 2019
Daniel J. Watkoske4954Senior Vice President, Print Solutions since September 2022
Senior Vice President, Print and Publishing from October 2020 - September 2022
Senior Vice President, Print from July 2014 - October 2020
Senior Vice President of Veritiv Services from October 2016 - January 2019


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The following descriptions of the business experience of our executive officers include the principal positions held by them since(1) As previously announced, effective March 2013.

Mary A. Laschinger has served1, 2023, Mr. Smith will step down as ChairmanChief Financial Officer and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since July 2014. Ms. Laschinger also served as Senior Vice President of International Paper Company, a global packaging and paper manufacturing company, from 2007 to July 2014 and as President of its xpedx distribution business from January 2010 to July 2014. Ms. Laschinger previously served as President of International Paper’s Europe, Middle East, Africa and Russia business, Vice President and General Manager of International Paper’s Wood Products and Pulp businesses and in other senior management roles at International Paper in sales, marketing, manufacturing and supply chain. Ms. Laschinger joined International Paper in 1992. Prior to joining International Paper, Ms. Laschinger held various positions in sales, marketing and supply chain at James River Corporation and Kimberly-Clark Corporation. Ms. Laschinger has significant knowledge and executive management experience running domestic and international manufacturing and distribution businesses as well as a deep understanding of Veritiv and the industry in which it operates. Ms. Laschinger also serves as a director of Kellogg Company and the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta.
Stephen J. Smith has served asMr. Guerin will become Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company since March 2014. Previously,Officer. Mr. Smith servedwill remain at Veritiv as Senior Vice President, and Chief Financial Officer of American Greetings Corporation, a global greeting card company, from November 2006 to March 2014. Previously, Mr. Smith served as Vice President of Investor Relations and Treasurer of American Greetings from April 2003 to November 2006. Prior to American Greetings, Mr. Smith served as Vice President and Treasurer of General Cable Corporation, a global wire and cable manufacturer and distributor, andVice President, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary of Insilco Holding Company, a telecommunications andelectrical component products manufacturer. During Mr. Smith’s tenure as a public company chief financial officer, he helped lead several strategic acquisitions and was responsible for the design and execution of the capital structure for a management buyout.Finance.

Charles B. Henry has served as Senior Vice President Corporate Services since March 2016.  Previously, Mr. Henry served as Senior Vice President Commercial Excellence and Enterprise Initiatives of the Company from January 2016 to March 2016.  Previously, Mr. Henry served as Senior Vice President Integration and Change Management of the Company from July 2014 to December 2015. Prior to that, Mr. Henry served as Vice President, Strategy Management and Integration of xpedx from March 2013 to July 2014 and was a member of the xpedx Senior Lead Team. Prior to that, he served as Director of the xpedx Strategy Management Office from February 2011 to March 2013. Prior to that, he served as a Director in International Paper’s Supply Chain Project Management Office. Mr. Henry joined International Paper in 1986 and served in a variety of supply chain, sales and general management roles within International Paper’s Program Management Office, Printing and Communications Papers business and Global Supply Chain operations. Mr. Henry has significant strategy and project management experience in the manufacturing and distribution industries.

Mark W. Hianik has served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of the Company since January 2014. Previously, Mr. Hianik served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer for Dex One Corporation, an advertising and marketing services company, from March 2012 to May 2013. Prior to that Mr. Hianik served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary for Dex One (and its predecessor, R.H. Donnelley Corporation) from April 2008 to March 2012. R.H. Donnelley filed for voluntary reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in May 2009 emerging with a confirmed plan as Dex One in January 2010 and Dex One filed a pre-packaged bankruptcy petition under Chapter 11 in March 2013 to effect a merger consummated in April 2013. Mr. Hianik previously served as Vice President and Assistant General Counsel for Tribune Company, a diversified media company, and as a corporate and securities partner in private practice. Mr. Hianik has significant experience as a public company general counsel and leader of other corporate functions as well as significant mergers and acquisitions, securities, capital markets and corporate governance experience.

Thomas S. Lazzaro has served as Senior Vice President Field Sales and Operations of the Company since July 2014. In this role, Mr. Lazzaro leads the Supply Chain and the Field Sales organizations. Previously, Mr. Lazzaro served as Executive Vice President, Supply Chain of xpedx from March 2013 to July 2014 and was a member of the xpedx Senior Lead Team. Mr. Lazzaro joined xpedx in January 2011 as Executive Vice President and Chief Procurement Officer, responsible for all aspects of the purchasing organization. Prior to xpedx, Mr. Lazzaro was a senior executive with HD Supply, The Home Depot and General Electric. Mr. Lazzaro has significant experience in general management, supply chain, operations and finance in the manufacturing and distribution industries.


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Barry R. Nelson has served as Senior Vice President Facility Solutions of the Company since December 2015. Previously, Mr. Nelson served as Senior Vice President Publishing and Print Management of the Company from July 2014 to December 2015. Prior to that, Mr. Nelson served as Group Vice President, Sales-Publishing for xpedx from December 2012 to July 2014. From August 2002 to December 2012, Mr. Nelson served as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for NewPage Corporation, a paper manufacturing company. NewPage filed for voluntary reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in September 2011 and emerged with a confirmed plan in December 2012. Previously, Mr. Nelson served as Executive Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Client Delivery at ForestExpress, a technology joint venture of leading forest product companies. Mr. Nelson has significant sales and sales leadership experience in the paper manufacturing and distribution industries.

Elizabeth A. Patrick has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer of the Company since July 2014. Prior to that, Ms. Patrick served as Vice President, Human Resources, of xpedx from March 2013 to July 2014 and was a member of International Paper Company’s Human Resources & Communications Lead Team and the xpedx Senior Lead Team. Prior to that, she served as Director, Human Resources-Field Operations of xpedx from October 2012 to March 2013. Previously, Ms. Patrick served as Vice President of Human Resources of TE Connectivity, a global electronics manufacturing and distribution company, from April 2008 to October 2012. Previously, Ms. Patrick served as Vice President Human Resources of Guilford Mills, Inc., an automotive and specialty markets fabrics manufacturer, and in a variety of roles of increased responsibility with General Motors Company and GM spin-off, Delphi Corporation, a global automotive parts manufacturer. Ms. Patrick has significant human resources management and leadership experience.

Tracy L. Pearson has served as Senior Vice President Packaging of the Company since October 2016. Prior to that, Ms. Pearson served as Vice President and General Manager, South Area, for the Container the Americas business of International Paper Company, a global paper and packaging manufacturing company, from May 2016 to October 2016. Prior to that, Ms. Pearson served as Vice President and General Manager for the Foodservice packaging business of International Paper from August 2011 to May 2016. Ms. Pearson joined International Paper in 1994 and served in a variety of sales, supply chain, marketing, process engineering, product development, and sales and general management roles within International Paper’s packaging and print businesses. Ms. Pearson has significant experience in general management, sales and sales management, and supply chain in the packaging and paper manufacturing and distribution industries.

Daniel J. Watkoske has served asSenior Vice President Print of the Company since July 2014 and, since October 2016, has also served as Senior Vice President of Veritiv Services. Prior to that, Mr. Watkoske served as Executive Vice President Sales for xpedx from January 2011 to July 2014 and was a member of the xpedx Senior Lead Team. Prior to that, Mr. Watkoske served as Group Vice President for the xpedx Metro New York Group from January 2008 to January 2011. Previously, Mr. Watkoske served as Vice President National Accounts for xpedx. Mr. Watkoske joined International Paper in 1989 as a sales trainee for Nationwide Papers, which later became part of xpedx. Mr. Watkoske has significant sales, sales management and operations experience in the paper and packaging distribution industries.


We have been advised that there are no family relationships among any of our executive officers or directors and that there is no arrangement or understanding between any of our executive officers and any other persons pursuant to which they were appointed, respectively, as an executive officer.


Company Information

Veritiv was incorporated in Delaware on July 10, 2013. Our principal executive offices are located at 1000 Abernathy Road NE, Building 400, Suite 1700, Atlanta, Georgia 30328.

Our corporate website is http://www.veritivcorp.com. Information contained on our website is not part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Through the "Investor Relations" portion of this website, we make available, free of charge, our proxy statements, Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and other relevant filings with the SEC and any amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after such material has been filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. These filings are also accessible on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS


The following is a discussion of certain important factors, some of which are beyond our control, that may cause our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows in future periods to differ materially from those currently expected or desired. Factors not currently known to Veritiv or that we currently deem to be immaterial may also materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. You should carefully consider the following risk factors,discussion, together with the other information contained in this report, in evaluating us and an investment in our common stock. The risks described below are the material risks, although not the


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only risks, relating to us and our common stock. If any of the following risks and uncertainties develop into actual events, these events could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Risks Relating to Our Industry and Business


The industry-wide decline in demand for paper and related products could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.


Our Print and Publishing businesses relySolutions business relies heavily on the sale of paper and related products. The industry-wide decrease in demand for paper and related products in key markets we serve places continued pressure on our revenues and profit margins and makes it more difficult to maintain or grow earnings. ThisIn the long term, this trend is expected to continue. The failure to effectively differentiate us from our competitors in the face of increased use of email, increased and permanent product substitution, including less print advertising, more electronic billing, more e-commerce, fewer catalogs and a reduced volume or slowdown of mail, could have a material adverse effect on market share, sales and profitability through increased expenditures or decreased prices. Our failure to grow the Packaging and Facility Solutions businesses at rates adequate to offset the expected decline in the Print and PublishingSolutions business could also have a material adverse effect on our financial results.


Competition in our industry may adversely impact our margins and our ability to retain customers and make it difficult to maintain our market share and profitability.


The business-to-business distribution industry is highly competitive, with numerous regional and local competitors, and is a mature industry characterized by slowing revenue growth.growth or, in the case of paper, declining demand. Our principal competitors include national distributors, national and regional manufacturers and independent brokers in the Packaging segment; national, regional and local distributors in the PrintFacility Solutions segment; and regional and local distributors as well as regional, national and international paper manufacturers and other merchants and brokers in the Publishing segment; national distributors, national and regional manufacturers and independent brokers in the Packaging segment; and national, regional and local distributors in the FacilityPrint Solutions segment. Most of these competitors generally offer a wide range of products at prices comparable to those we offer. Additionally, new competition could arise from non-traditional sources, group purchasing organizations, e-commerce, discount wholesalers or consolidation among competitors. New competitive sources may result in increased focus on pricing and on limiting price increases, or may require increased discounting. Such competition may result in margin erosion or make it difficult to attract and retain customers.


Increased competition within the industry, reduced demand for paper, increased and permanent product substitution through less print advertising, more electronic billing, more e-commerce, fewer catalogs, a reduced volume or slowdown of mail and general economic conditions hashave served to further increase pressure on the industry’sindustry's profit margins, and continued margin pressure within the industry may have a material adverse impact on our operating results and profitability.


We purchase all of the products we sell to our customers from other parties, and conditions beyond our control can interrupt our supplies and increase our product costs.

We obtain our packaging, facility products and paper from third-party suppliers. Our business and financial results are dependent on our ability to purchase products from suppliers not controlled by us that we, in turn, sell to our customers. We may not be able to obtain the products we need on open credit, with market or other favorable terms, or at all. During the year ended December 31, 2022, approximately 29% of our purchases were made from ten suppliers. A sustained disruption in our ability to source products from one or more of the largest of these vendors might have a material impact on our ability to fulfill customer orders resulting in lost sales and, in rare cases, damages for late or non-delivery.

For the most part, we do not have a significant number of long-term contracts with our suppliers committing them to provide products to us. Suppliers may not provide the products and supplies needed in the quantities and at the prices and times requested. We are also subject to delays caused by interruptions in production and increases in product costs based on conditions outside of our control. These conditions include raw material shortages, environmental restrictions on operations, work slowdowns, work interruptions, strikes or other job actions by employees of suppliers, product recalls, transportation interruptions, unavailability of fuel or increases in fuel costs, competitive demands and natural disasters or other catastrophic events. Our inability to obtain adequate supplies of packaging, facility products and paper as a result of any of the foregoing factors or otherwise could mean that we may not fulfill our obligations to customers, and customers may turn to other distributors.

In addition, increases in product costs have reduced our margins in the past and may reduce them in the future if we are unable to pass all or a portion of these costs along to our customers. Any such inability may have a negative impact on our business and our profitability.

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Changes in prices for raw materials, including pulp, paper, containerboard and resin, could negatively impact our results of operations and cash flows.

Changes in prices for raw materials, such as pulp, paper, containerboard and resin, could significantly impact our results of operations. Although we do not produce products and are not directly exposed to risk associated with production, declines in raw material prices, driven by falling secular demand, or periods of industry overcapacity or overproduction, may adversely affect our revenues and net income to the extent such factors lower our resell prices. Declining prices generally produce lower revenues and profits, even when volume and margin percentages remain constant. Additionally, during periods of declining prices, customers may alter purchasing patterns and defer purchases or deplete inventory levels until long-term price stability occurs. Alternatively, if prices for raw materials rise and we are unable to pass these increases on to our customers, our results of operations and profits may also be negatively impacted.

Changes in U.S. and international trade policies and regulations could adversely affect our business and operating results.

Although we primarily serve markets in the U.S. and Mexico, we purchase our products from a wide variety of domestic and international suppliers. Changes to U.S. trade policies, including the adoption or expansion of trade restrictions, sanctions and other related governmental actions or policies, can disrupt geographic and industry demand trends and prompt other countries to change their own trade policies, including through the adoption of retaliatory tariffs or expansion of other trade restrictions. These changes may cause us to make changes in our supply chain strategies or adversely impact our own costs. Increasing the costs of our products as a result of tariffs or other adverse trade restrictions, or minimizing the number of our products subject to tariffs or other adverse trade restrictions, could cause customers to turn to other distributors and we may be unable to locate alternative suppliers at acceptable costs. Such actions may result in margin erosion or make it difficult to attract and retain customers.

Increases in the cost of fuel and third-party freight as well as the availability of third-party freight providers could have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

Volatile fuel prices have a direct impact on our business.  We also depend upon third-party freight providers in order to conduct our business. The cost of fuel and third-party freight affects the price paid by us for products as well as the expense incurred to deliver products to our customers.  Increased fuel costs, increased government regulation and limitations on driver availability impacting the freight transportation industry adversely impact the cost and availability of third-party freight services.  Although we have been able to pass along a portion of increased fueland third-party freight costs to our customers in the past, there is no guarantee that we can continue to do so.  Increases in fuel and third-party freight costs or the unavailability of third-party freight providers may adversely affect our business and results of operations.

The loss of multiple significant customers could adversely affect our financial condition, operating results and cash flows.

Our ten largest customers generated approximately 12% of our consolidated net sales for the year ended December 31, 2022, and our largest customer accounted for approximately 4% of our consolidated net sales in that same period. We may not be able to maintain or improve our relationships with these customers or continue to supply these customers at historic levels.

Generally, our customers are not contractually required to purchase any minimum amount of products. In addition, consolidation among customers could also result in changes to their purchasing habits and volumes. The loss of more than one of these significant customers, decisions by multiple significant customers to purchase our products in substantially lower quantities than they have in the past, or a deterioration in the relationship with multiple significant customers could adversely affect our financial condition, operating results and cash flows.

Adverse developments in general business and economic conditions, including the industry-wide decline in demand for paper and related products, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations impairing our ability to use Net Operating Loss ("NOL") carryforwards and other deferred tax assets.

The realization of our NOLs and other deferred tax assets depends on the timing and amount of taxable income earned by our Company in the future and a lack of future taxable income would adversely affect our ability to realize these tax assets. Tax attributes are generally subject to expiration at various times in the future to the extent that they have not previously been
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applied to offset the taxable income of our Company, and there is a risk that our existing NOL carryforwards could expire unused and be unavailable to offset future income tax liabilities.

The merger of International Paper Company's xpedx distribution solutions business and UWW Holdings, Inc., the parent company of Unisource Worldwide, Inc. ("Unisource"), through which the Company was established, resulted in an ownership change for Unisource under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code"), limiting the use of Unisource's NOLs to offset future taxable income for both U.S. federal and state income tax purposes. Moreover, future trading of our stock may result in additional ownership changes as defined under Section 382 of the Code, further limiting the use of Unisource's NOLs. These limitations may affect the availability and the timing of when these NOLs may be used which could impair our deferred tax assets which, in turn, may adversely impact the timing and amount of cash taxes payable by our Company.

Significant judgment is required in evaluating the need for and magnitude of appropriate valuation allowances against deferred tax assets. The realization of these assets is dependent on generating future taxable income, as well as conditionssuccessful implementation of various tax planning strategies. Although we believe that the judgments and estimates with respect to the valuation allowances are appropriate and reasonable under the circumstances, actual results could differ from projected results, which could give rise to additions or reductions in the global capital and credit marketsvaluation allowances. It is possible that such changes could have a material adverse effect on the demand foramount of income tax expense (benefit) recorded in our productsConsolidated Statements of Operations.

We may not be able to adequately protect our material intellectual property and other proprietary rights, or to defend successfully against intellectual property infringement claims by third-parties.

Our ability to compete effectively depends in part upon our financial conditionintellectual property rights, including but not limited to trademarks, copyrights and resultsproprietary technology. The use of operations.

The persistently slow ratecontractual provisions, confidentiality procedures and agreements, and trademark, copyright, unfair competition, trade secret and other laws to protect intellectual property rights and proprietary technology may not be adequate. Litigation may be necessary to enforce our intellectual property rights and protect proprietary technology, or to defend against claims by third-parties that our conduct or our use of increaseintellectual property infringes upon such third-party's intellectual property rights. Any intellectual property litigation or claims brought against us, whether or not meritorious, could result in the U.S. gross domestic product ("GDP") in recent years has adversely affectedsubstantial costs and diversion of our results of operations. If GDP continues to increase at a slow rate or if economic growth declines, demand for the products we sellresources, and there can be no assurances that favorable final outcomes will be adversely affected.obtained. The terms of any settlement or judgment may require us to pay substantial amounts to the other party or cease exercising our rights in such intellectual property, including ceasing the use of certain trademarks used by us to distinguish our services from those of others or ceasing the exercise of our rights in copyrightable works. In addition, volatilitywe may be required to seek a license to continue practices found to be in the global capital and credit markets,violation of a third-party's rights, which impacts interest rates, currency exchange rates and the availability of credit, could have a material adverse effectmay not be available on thereasonable terms, or at all. Our business, financial condition andor results of operations of our company and our customers. We have exposurecould be adversely affected as a result.

Risks Relating to counterparties with which we routinely execute transactions. Such counterparties include customers and financial institutions. A bankruptcy or liquidity event by one or more of our counterparties could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.Human Capital


In order to compete, we must attract, train and retain highlyappropriately qualified employees, and the failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.


To successfully compete, we must attract, train and retain a large number of highlyappropriately qualified employees while controlling related labor costs. Specifically, we must recruit and retain qualified sales professionals. If we were to lose a significant amount of our sales professionals, we could lose a material amount of sales, which would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Many of our sales professionals are subject to confidentiality and non-competition agreements. If our sales professionals were to violate these agreements, we could seek to legally enforce these agreements, but we may incur substantial costs in connection with such enforcement and may not be successful in such

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enforcement. We compete with other businesses for employees and invest significant resources in training and motivating them. There is no assurance that we willWe may not be able to attract or retain highlysufficient numbers of qualified employees. The inability to retainhire or hireretain qualified personnel at economically reasonable compensation levels would restrict our ability to improve our business and result in lower operating results and profitability.


Our businesspension and health care costs are subject to numerous factors which could cause these costs to change.

Our pension and health care costs are dependent upon numerous factors resulting from actual plan experience and assumptions of future experience, including, for pension costs, actuarial assumptions regarding life expectancies. Approximately half of our pension plan assets are made up of equity and fixed income investments. Fluctuations in actual equity market returns, changes in general interest rates and changes in the number of retirees may result in increased pension costs in future periods. Significant changes in any of these factors may adversely impact our cash flows, financial condition and results of operations.
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Future actions involving our defined benefit and other postretirement plans, such as annuity purchases, lump-sum payouts, and/or plan terminations could cause us to incur significant pension and postretirement settlement and curtailment charges, and require cash contributions. We have purchased annuities and offered lump-sum payouts to defined benefit plan and other postretirement plan participants and retirees in the past. If we were to take similar actions in the future, we could incur significant pension settlement and curtailment charges related to the reduction in pension and postretirement obligations from annuity purchases, lump-sum payouts of benefits to plan participants, and/or plan terminations. Pursuing these types of actions could require us to make additional contributions to the defined benefit plans to maintain a legally required funded status.

We participate in multi-employer pension plans and multi-employer health and welfare plans, which could create additional obligations and payment liabilities.

We contribute to multi-employer defined benefit pension plans as well as multi-employer health and welfare plans under the terms of collective bargaining agreements that cover certain unionized employee groups in the U.S. The risks of participating in multi-employer pension plans differ from single employer-sponsored plans and such plans are subject to regulation under the Pension Protection Act (the "PPA"). Additionally, changes in regulations covering these plans could increase our costs and/or potential withdrawal liability.

Multi-employer pension plans are cost-sharing plans subject to collective-bargaining agreements. Contributions to a multi-employer plan by one employer are not specifically earmarked for its employees and may be adversely affectedused to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers. If a participating employer stops contributing to the plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan are borne by workthe remaining participating employers. In addition, if a multi-employer plan is determined to be underfunded based on the criteria established by the PPA, the plan may be required to implement a financial improvement plan or rehabilitation plan that may require additional contributions or surcharges by participating employers.

In addition to the contributions discussed above, we could again become obligated to pay additional amounts, known as withdrawal liabilities, upon decrease or cessation of participation in a multi-employer pension plan. Although an employer may obtain an estimate of such liability, the final calculation of the withdrawal liability may not be able to be determined for an extended period of time. Generally, the cash obligation of such withdrawal liability is payable over a 20-year period.

Work stoppages, union negotiations and labor disputes.disputes could adversely affect our business operations and the cost of operating our business.


Approximately 10%7% of our employees are currently covered bywere in collective bargaining or other similar labor agreements.units as of December 31, 2022. Historically, the effects of collective bargaining and other similar labor agreements have not been significant. However, if a larger number of our employees were to unionize, including in the wake of any future legislation or administrative regulation that makes it easier for employees to unionize, the effect may be negative.


Approximately 41%24% of the Company’sCompany's unionized employees have collective bargaining agreements that expire during 2018.2023. Any inability to negotiate acceptable new contracts under these collective bargaining arrangements could cause strikes or other work stoppages, and new contracts could result in increased operating costs. If any such strikes or other work stoppages occur, or if additional employees become represented by a union, a disruption of our operations and higher labor costs could result. Labor relations matters affecting our suppliers of products and services could also adversely affect our business from time to time.


The lossRisks Relating to Our Capital Structure

Despite our current level of any of our significant customersindebtedness, we may incur substantially more indebtedness in the future. This could adversely affect our financial condition.condition and impair our ability to operate our business.


Our ten largest customers generated approximately 9%As of our consolidated net sales for the year ended December 31, 2017,2022, we had approximately $278.2 million in total indebtedness, including borrowings of $229.2 million under the Asset-Based Lending Facility (the "ABL Facility"). We may incur substantially more indebtedness in the future, including secured indebtedness. Although the agreements governing the ABL Facility contain restrictions on the incurrence of additional indebtedness, these restrictions are subject to a number of qualifications and exceptions, and the additional indebtedness incurred in compliance with these restrictions could be substantial. If new indebtedness is added to our largest customer accounted for approximately 2%
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current indebtedness levels, the related risks we will maintain or improve our relationships with these customers or that we will continue to supply these customers at historic levels.

Generally, our customers are not contractually required to purchase any minimum amountface could intensify. Increased levels of products. Should such customers purchase products sold by us in significantly lower quantities than they have in the past, such decreased purchasesindebtedness could have a material adverse effect onimportant consequences to our financial condition, operating results and business, including the following:

limiting our ability to obtain additional debt or equity financing for working capital, capital expenditures, debt service requirements, acquisitions and general corporate or other purposes;
increasing our cost of borrowing;
requiring that a significant portion of our cash flows.flows from operations be dedicated to payments on our indebtedness instead of other purposes, including operations, capital expenditures and future business opportunities;
making it more difficult for us to make payments on our indebtedness or satisfy other obligations;
In addition, consolidation among customers could also result in changesexposing us to risk of increased interest rates on our borrowings due to the purchasing habitsvariable rate exposure associated with the ABL Facility;
limiting our ability to adjust to changing market conditions and volumes among some ofplacing us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our present customers. The loss of onecompetitors that have less debt; and
increasing our vulnerability to a downturn in general economic conditions or more of these significant customers, a significant customer’s decision to purchase our products in substantially lower quantities than they have in the past, or a deterioration in the relationship with any of these customers could adversely affect our financial condition, operating results and cash flows.

Changes in business conditions in our international operations could adversely affect our business and results of operations.making us unable to carry out capital spending that is important to our growth.

Our operating results and business prospectsThe agreements governing our indebtedness contain restrictive covenants, which could be substantially affected by risks related to Canada, Mexico and other non-U.S. countries where we sell and distributerestrict our products. Some of our operations are in or near locations that have suffered from political, social and economic issues; civil unrest;operational flexibility, and a high level of criminal activity. In those locations where we have employees or operations, we may incur substantial costs to maintain the safety of our personnel and the security of our operations. Downturns in economic activity, adverse tax consequences or any change in social, political or labor conditions in any of the countries in which we operate could negatively affect our financial results. In addition, our international operations are subject to regulation under U.S. law and other laws related to operations in foreign jurisdictions. For example, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 (the "FCPA") prohibits U.S. companies and their representatives from offering, promising, authorizing or making payments to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business abroad. Failurefailure to comply with domestic or foreign lawsthose covenants could result in various adverse consequences, includinghave serious consequences.

The agreements governing the imposition of civil or criminal sanctionsABL Facility contain restrictions and the prosecution of executives overseeing our international operations.

We purchase all of the products we sell to our customers from other parties, and conditions beyond our control can interrupt our supplies and increase our product costs.

As a distributor, we obtain our packaging, paper and facility products from third-party suppliers. Our business and financial results are dependentlimitations on our ability to purchase products from suppliers not controlled by usengage in activities that we,may be in turn, our long-term best interests, including financial and other restrictive covenants that could limit our ability to:

incur additional indebtedness or guaranties, or issue certain preferred shares;
continue to pay dividends, redeem stock or make other distributions;
repurchase, prepay or redeem subordinated indebtedness;
make investments or acquisitions;
create liens;
make negative pledges;
consolidate or merge with another company;
sell to our customers. We may not be able to obtain the products we need on open credit, with market or other favorable terms,otherwise dispose of all or at all. During the year ended December 31, 2017, approximately 38%substantially all of our purchases were made from ten suppliers. Aassets;

enter into certain transactions with affiliates; and
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sustained disruption in our ability to source products from one or more ofchange the largest of these vendors might have a material impact on our ability to fulfill customer orders resulting in lost sales and, in rare cases, damages for late or non-delivery.

For the most part, we do not have a significant number of long-term contracts with our suppliers committing them to provide products to us. Suppliers may not provide the products and supplies needed in the quantities and at the prices and times requested. We are also subject to delays caused by interruption in production and increases in product costs based on conditions outsidenature of our control. These conditions include raw material shortages, environmentalbusiness.

The agreements governing the ABL Facility also contain other restrictions on operations, work slowdowns, work interruptions, strikes or other job actions by employeescustomary for asset-based facilities of suppliers, product recalls, transportation interruptions, unavailability of fuel or increases in fuel costs, competitive demands and natural disasters or other catastrophic events. Our inability to obtain adequate supplies of paper, packaging and facility products as a result of any of the foregoing factors or otherwise could mean that we could not fulfill our obligations to customers, and customers may turn to other distributors.

In addition, increases in product costs may reduce our margins if we are unable to pass all or a portion of these costs along to our customers, which we have historically had difficulty doing. Any such inability may have a negative impact on our business and our profitability.

Changes in prices for raw materials, including pulp, paper and resin, could negatively impact our results of operations and cash flows.

Changes in prices for raw materials, such as pulp, paper and resin, could significantly impact our results of operations in the print market. Although we do not produce paper products and are not directly exposed to risk associated with production, declines in pulp and paper prices, driven by falling secular demand, periods of industry overcapacity and overproduction by paper suppliers, may adversely affect our revenues and net income to the extent such factors produce lower paper prices. Declining pulp and paper prices generally produce lower revenues and profits, even when volume and trading margin percentages remain constant. During periods of declining pulp and paper prices, customers may alter purchasing patterns and defer paper purchases or deplete inventory levels until long-term price stability occurs. Alternatively, if prices for raw materials rise and we are unable to pass these increases on to our customers, our results of operations and profits may also be negatively impacted.

We may not be able to fully compensate for increases in fuel costs.

Volatile fuel prices have a direct impact on our industry. The cost of fuel affects the price paid by us for products as well as the costs incurred to deliver products to our customers. Although we have been able to pass along a portion of increased fuel costs to our customers in the past, there is no guarantee that we can continue to do so. As such, we may experience difficulties in passing all or a portion of these costs along to our customers, which may have a negative impact on our business and our profitability.

Inclement weather, anti-terrorism measures and other disruptions to the transportation network could impact our distribution system and operations.

this nature. Our ability to provide efficient distributionborrow additional amounts under the ABL Facility will depend upon satisfaction of products tothese covenants. Events beyond our customers is an integral component of our overall business strategy. Disruptions at distribution centers or shipping ports or the closure of roads or imposition of other driving bans due to natural events such as flooding, tornadoes and blizzards maycontrol could affect our ability to both maintain key productsmeet these covenants. Our failure to comply with obligations under the agreements governing the ABL Facility may result in inventory and deliver products to our customers on a timely basis, whichan event of default under those agreements. A default, if not cured or waived, may in turn adversely affect our results of operations.

Furthermore, in the aftermath of terrorist attacks in the United States, federal, state and local authorities have implemented and continue to implement various security measures that affect many parts of the transportation network in the U.S. and abroad. Our customers typically require delivery of products in short time frames and rely on our on-time delivery capabilities. If security measures disrupt or impede the timingpermit acceleration of our deliveries,indebtedness. If our indebtedness is accelerated, we may failcannot be certain that we will have sufficient funds available to meetpay the needs of our customers,accelerated indebtedness or may incur increased expensesthat we will have the ability to do so. Any of these disruptionsrefinance the accelerated indebtedness on terms favorable to our operations may reduce our sales andus or at all. This could have an adverse effect onserious consequences to our business, financial condition and operating results of operations.and could cause us to become bankrupt or insolvent.
  

Our stock price may fluctuate significantly.

The market price of our common stock may continue to fluctuate widely, depending on many factors, some of which may be beyond our control, including:

actual or anticipated fluctuations in the operating results of our Company due to factors related to our business;
success or failure of the strategy of our Company;
the quarterly or annual earnings of our Company, or those of other companies in our industry;
continued industry-wide decrease in demand for paper and related products;
our ability to obtain third-party financing as needed;
announcements by us or our competitors of significant acquisitions or dispositions;
restrictions on our ability to pay dividends under our ABL Facility;
changes in accounting standards, policies, guidance, interpretations or principles;
the operating and stock price performance of other comparable companies;
investor perception of our Company;
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natural or environmental disasters that investors believe may affect our Company;
We are dependentoverall market fluctuations;
a large sale of our stock by a significant shareholder;
results from any material litigation or government investigation;
changes in laws and regulations affecting our Company or any of the principal products sold by our Company; and
general economic and political conditions and other external factors.

Stock markets in general have experienced volatility that has often been unrelated to the operating performance of a particular company. These broad market fluctuations have adversely affected the trading price of our common stock in the past and could adversely affect the trading price of our common stock again in the future.
If securities or industry analysts publish unfavorable research, or do not continue to cover our Company, our stock price and trading volume could decline.

The trading market for our common stock depends in part on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us and our business. As of December 31, 2022, we had very limited research coverage by analysts. If an analyst downgrades our stock or publishes unfavorable research about our business, our stock price would likely decline. If an analyst ceases coverage of our Company or fails to publish reports on us regularly, demand for our stock could decrease, which could cause our stock price or trading volume to decline.

A significant percentage of our outstanding common stock is held by our four largest shareholders, and certain of those shareholders may exercise significant influence over matters requiring shareholder approval. So long as a varietysignificant percentage of IT and telecommunications systems andour common stock continues to be held by a small number of shareholders, the Internet, and any failureliquidity of our common stock may be impacted.

Our four largest shareholders collectively owned approximately 57% of our outstanding common stock as of December 31, 2022. As a result, certain of these systemsshareholders may exercise significant influence over any or all matters requiring shareholder approval, including approval of significant corporate transactions, which may reduce the market price of our common stock. Additionally, the interests of these shareholders may conflict with the interests of our other shareholders. This concentrated ownership could adversely impactalso result in a limited amount of shares being available to be traded in the market, resulting in reduced liquidity.
Anti-takeover provisions in our businessamended and operating results.

We depend on information technology ("IT"restated certificate of incorporation (our "charter") and telecommunications systemsamended and the Internet for our operations. These systems supportrestated by-laws (our "by-laws") could discourage, delay or prevent a varietychange of functions including inventory management, order placement and processing with vendors and from customers, shipping, shipment tracking and billing. Our information systems are vulnerable to natural disasters, wide-area telecommunications or power utility outages, terrorist or cyber-attacks and other major disruptions and our redundant information systems may not operate effectively.

Failures or significant downtimecontrol of our IT or telecommunications systems for any reason, including as a result of disruptions from integratingCompany and may affect the xpedx and Unisource businesses, could prevent us from taking customer orders, printing product pick-lists, shipping products, billing customers and handling call volume. Sales also may be adversely impacted if our reseller and retail customers are unable to access pricing and product availability information. We also rely on the Internet, electronic data interchange and other electronic integrations for a large portiontrading price of our orderscommon stock.

Our charter and information exchanges with our suppliers and customers. The Internet and individual websites have experiencedby-laws include a number of disruptionsprovisions that may discourage, delay or prevent a change in our management or control over us that shareholders may consider favorable. For example, our charter and slowdowns, someby-laws collectively:

authorize the issuance of "blank check" preferred stock that could be issued by our Board of Directors to thwart a takeover attempt;
limit the ability of shareholders to remove directors;
provide that vacancies on our Board of Directors, including vacancies resulting from an enlargement of our Board of Directors, may be filled only by a majority vote of directors then in office;
prohibit shareholders from calling special meetings of shareholders unless called by the holders of not less than 20% of our outstanding shares of common stock;
prohibit shareholder action by written consent, unless initiated by the holders of not less than 20% of the outstanding shares of common stock;
establish advance notice requirements for nominations of candidates for election as directors or to bring other business before an annual meeting of our shareholders; and
require the approval of holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock to amend our by-laws and certain provisions of our charter.

These provisions may prevent our shareholders from receiving the benefit from any premium to the market price of our common stock offered by a bidder in a takeover context. Even in the absence of a takeover attempt, the existence of these provisions may adversely affect the prevailing market price of our common stock if the provisions are viewed as discouraging takeover attempts in the future.
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Our charter and by-laws may also make it difficult for shareholders to replace or remove our management. These provisions may facilitate management entrenchment that may delay, deter, render more difficult or prevent a change in our control, which were causedmay not be in the best interests of our shareholders.

Our charter designates the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware as the exclusive forum for certain litigation that may be initiated by organized attacks.our shareholders, which could limit our shareholders' ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us.

Our charter provides that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware is the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed to us or our shareholders by any of our directors, officers or employees, (iii) any action asserting a claim against us or any director, officer, employee or agent arising under the Delaware General Corporation Law, our charter or by-laws or (iv) any action asserting a claim against us that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine. The choice of forum provision in our charter may limit our shareholders' ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us.

We cannot assure you that we will continue to pay dividends on our common stock and if we do not continue to pay dividends, your ability to achieve a return on your investment will depend on appreciation in the price of our common stock.

In November 2022, the Company's Board of Directors instituted a policy of paying regular quarterly cash dividends to its shareholders. We may not continue to pay a dividend at the current rate or at all. The payment of future dividends remains subject to the discretion of Veritiv's Board of Directors and will depend upon various factors then existing, including earnings, financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, level of indebtedness, contractual restrictions with respect to payment of dividends, restrictions imposed by applicable law, general business conditions and other factors that Veritiv's Board of Directors may deem relevant.  In addition, some websites have experienced security breakdowns. our operations are conducted almost entirely through our subsidiaries. As such, to the extent that we determine in the future to pay dividends on our common stock, none of our subsidiaries will be obligated to make funds available to us for the payment of dividends. Further, the agreements governing our ABL Facility can, and agreements governing future indebtedness may, in certain circumstances, restrict the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends or otherwise transfer assets to us.

If we weredo not pay dividends in the future, your ability to experienceachieve a security breakdown, disruption or breach that compromised sensitive information, it could harm our relationships with our suppliers and customers. Disruptionreturn on your investment will depend on the appreciation of the price of our website or the Internet in general could impair our order processing or more generally prevent our suppliers and resellers from accessing information. Failurescommon stock. Shares of our systems could also lead to delivery delayscommon stock may not appreciate in value and may expose usnot even maintain their current value.

Risks Relating to litigationRegulatory Compliance and penalties under some of our contracts. Any significant increase in our IT and telecommunications costs or temporary or permanent loss of our IT or telecommunications systems, including as a result of disruptions from integrating the xpedx and Unisource businesses, could harm our relationships with our customers and suppliers and result in lost sales, business delays and bad publicity. The occurrence of any of these events, as well as the costs we may incur in preventing or responding to such events, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.Legal Matters

We are subject to cyber-security risks related to breaches of security pertaining to sensitive company, customer, employee and vendor information as well as breaches in the technology that manages operations and other business processes.

Our operations rely upon secure IT systems for data capture, processing, storage and reporting. Our IT systems, and those of our third-party providers, could become subject to cyber-attacks. Network, system, application and data breaches could result in operational disruptions or information misappropriation including, but not limited to, interruption of systems availability, or denial of access to and misuse of applications required by our customers to conduct business with us. Access to internal applications required to plan our operations, source materials, ship finished goods and account for orders could be denied or misused. Theft of intellectual property or trade secrets, and inappropriate disclosure of confidential information, could stem from such incidents. Any operational disruptions or misappropriation of information could harm our relationship with our customers and suppliers, result in lost sales, business delays and negative publicity and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.


Costs to comply with environmental, health and safety laws, and to satisfy any liability or obligation imposed under such laws, could negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.


Our operations are subject to U.S. and international environmental, health and safety laws, including laws regulating the emission or discharge of materials into the environment, the use, storage, treatment, disposal and management of hazardous substances and waste, the investigation and remediation of contamination and the health and safety of our employees and the public. We could incur substantial fines or sanctions, enforcement actions (including orders limiting our operations or requiring corrective measures), investigation, remediation and closure costs and third-party claims for property damage and personal injury as a result of violations of, or liabilities or obligations under, environmental, health and safety laws. We could be held liable for the costs to address contamination at any real property we have ever owned, operated or used as a disposal site.


In addition, changes in, or new interpretations of, existing laws, the discovery of previously unknown contamination, or the imposition of other environmental liabilities or obligations in the future, may lead to additional compliance or other costs that could impact our business and results of operations. Moreover, as environmental issues, such as climate change, have become more prevalent, U.S. and foreign governments have responded, and are expected tomay continue to respond, with



increased legislation and regulation, which could negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.


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Our business and reputation may be adversely impacted by the increasing focus on environmental, social and governance ("ESG") matters.

In recent years, there has been an increasing focus by stakeholders - including employees, customers, suppliers, governmental and non-governmental organizations and investors - on ESG matters. A failure, whether real or perceived, to adequately address ESG matters or to achieve progress on our ESG initiatives on the anticipated timing or at all, could adversely affect our business. Conversely, our taking a position, whether real or perceived, on ESG, public policy, geopolitical and similar matters could also adversely impact our business.

We may not successfully achieve our ESG-related goals, and any future investments that we make in furtherance of achieving such goals may not produce the expected results or meet increasing stakeholder ESG expectations. Moreover, future events could lead the Company to prioritize other nearer-term interests over progressing toward current ESG-related goals based on business strategy, economic, regulatory, social or other factors. If we are unable to meet or properly report on our progress toward achieving our ESG-related goals, we could face adverse publicity and reactions from other investors, activist groups or other stakeholders, which could result in reputational harm or other adverse effects to the Company.

Expenditures related to the cost of compliance with laws, rules and regulations could adversely impact our business and results of operations.


Our operations are subject to U.S. and international laws and regulations, including regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the import and export of goods, customs regulations, the Office of Foreign Asset Control and the FCPA.Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977. Expenditures related to the cost of compliance with laws, rules and regulations, tariffs and duties could adversely impact our business and results of operations. In addition, we could incur substantial fines or sanctions, enforcement actions (including orders limiting our operations or requiring corrective measures), and third-party claims for property damage and personal injury as a result of violations of, or liabilities under, laws, regulations, codes and common law.


TaxChanges in U.S. federal and state or foreign tax law, tax assessments and unclaimed property audits by governmental authorities could adversely impact our operating results.


We remit a variety of taxes and fees to various U.S. federal and state and foreign governmental authorities, including federal and state income taxes, excise taxes, property taxes, sales and use taxes and payroll taxes. From time to time, governments make substantive changes to tax rules and their application, which could result in materially higher corporate taxes than would be incurred under existing tax law. In addition, tax laws and regulations are extremely complex and subject to varying interpretations. The taxes and fees remitted by us are subject to review and audit by the applicable governmental authorities which could result in liability for additional assessments. In addition,Furthermore, we are subject to U.S. state unclaimed property (escheat) laws and audits which require us to turn over to certain government authorities the property of others held by us that has been unclaimed for a specified period of time. We are subject to audit by individual U.S. states with regard to our escheatment practices. The legislation and regulations related to tax and unclaimed property matters tend to be complex and subject to varying interpretations by both government authorities and taxpayers. Although management believes that the positions we have taken are reasonable, variousVarious taxing authorities may challenge certain of the positions we have taken, which may also potentially result in additional liabilities for taxes, unclaimed property, interest and penalties in excess of accrued liabilities. Our positions are reviewed as events occur such as the availability of new information, the lapsing of applicable statutes of limitations, the conclusion ofChanges in tax audits, the measurement of additional estimated liabilities based on current calculations, the identification of new tax contingencieslaws or the rendering of relevant court decisions. Anan unfavorable resolution of assessments by a governmental authority could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition,operating results of operations and cash flows in future periods.


Adverse developments in general business and economic conditions,Results of legal proceedings relating to our products including the industry-wide decline in demand for papersale and related products could have a material adverse effect on our financial conditiondistribution thereof, and results of operations impairing our ability to use Net Operating Loss ("NOL") carryforwards and other deferred tax assets.

The realization of our NOLs and other deferred tax assets depends on the timing and amount of taxable income earnedregulatory inquiries or investigations by our company in the future and a lack of future taxable income would adversely affect our ability to realize these tax assets. Tax attributes are generally subject to expiration at various times in the future to the extent that they have not previously been applied to offset the taxable income of our company, and there is a risk that our existing NOL carryforwards could expire unused and be unavailable to offset future income tax liabilities.

The Merger resulted in an ownership change for Unisource under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code"), limiting the use of Unisource’s NOLs to offset future taxable income for both U.S. federal and state income tax purposes. Moreover, future trading of our stock by our significant shareholders may result in additional ownership changes as defined under Section 382 of the Code, further limiting the use of Unisource's NOLs. These limitations may affect the availability and the timing of when these NOLs may be used which could impair our deferred tax assets which, in turn, may adversely impact the timing and amount of cash taxes payable by our company.

Significant judgment is required in evaluating the need for and magnitude of appropriate valuation allowances against deferred tax assets. The realization of these assets is dependent on generating future taxable income, as well as successful implementation of various tax planning strategies. Although we believe that the judgments and estimates with respect to the valuation allowances are appropriate and reasonable under the circumstances, actual results could differ from projected results, which could give rise to additions to valuation allowances or reductions in valuation allowances. It is possible that such changes could have a material adverse effect on the amount of income tax expense (benefit) recorded in our consolidated statement of operations.




Our inability to renew existing leases on acceptable terms, negotiate rent decreases or concessions and identify affordable real estate could adversely affect our operating results.

We may be unable to successfully negotiate or renew existing leases at attractive rents, negotiate rent decreases or concessions or identify affordable real estate. A key factor in our operating performance is the location and associated real estate costs of our distribution centers. In particular, approximately 24 of our real estate financing agreements expire in June 2018 which accounted for approximately 20% of our total operating leased square footage as of December 31, 2017. Our inability to negotiate or renew these or any other leases on favorable terms, or at all,government authorities, could have a material adverse effect on our business, andreputation, financial condition, results of operations due to, among other things, any resultant increased lease payments.and cash flows.
Results of legal proceedings could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements.


We rely on manufacturers and other suppliers to provide us with the products and equipment we sell, distribute and service. As we do not have direct control over the quality of the products manufactured or supplied by such third-party suppliers, we are exposed to risks relating to the quality of the products and equipment we sell, distribute and service. It is possible that inventory from a manufacturer or supplier could be sold to our customers and later be alleged to have quality problems or to have caused personal injury, subjecting us to potential claims from customers or third parties.third-parties. Our ability to hold such manufacturer or supplier liable will depend on a variety of factors, including its financial viability. Moreover, as we increaseincreasing the number of private label products that we distribute could increase our exposure to potential liability for product liability claims may increase.claims. Finally, even if we are successful in defending any claim relating to the products or equipment we distribute, claims of this nature could negatively impact our reputation and customer confidence in our products, equipment and company. We have been subject to such claims in the past, which have been resolved without material financial impact. We also operate
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a significant number of facilities and a large fleet of trucks and other vehicles and therefore face the risk of premises-related liabilities and vehicle-related liabilities including traffic accidents.


From time to time, we may also be involved in government inquiries and investigations, as well as class action, employment and other litigation. We cannot predict with certainty the outcomes of these legal proceedings and other contingencies, including environmental remediation and other proceedings commenced by government authorities. The costs and other effects of pending litigation against us cannot be determined with certainty. There can be no assurance that the outcome of any lawsuit or claim or its effect on our business or financial condition will be as expected. The defense of these lawsuits and claims may divert our management’smanagement's attention, and significant expenses may be incurred as a result. In addition, we may be required to pay damage awards or settlements, or become subject to injunctions or other equitable remedies, that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.


In addition, many of our sales professionals are subject to confidentiality and non-competition agreements. If our sales professionals were to violate these agreements, we could seek to legally enforce these agreements, but we may incur substantial costs in connection with such enforcement and may not be successful in such enforcement.

Although we currently maintain insurance coverage to address some of these types of liabilities, we cannot make assurances that we willmay not be able to obtain such insurance on acceptable terms in the future, if at all, or thatand any such insurance willmay not provide adequate coverage against potential claims. In addition, we may choose not to seek to obtain such insurance in the future. Moreover, indemnification rights that we have may be insufficient or unavailable to protect us against potential loss exposures.


WeRisks Relating to the COVID-19 Pandemic

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected, and in the future may not be ablematerially and adversely affect, our business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and cash flows.

The continued spread of COVID-19, and the measures taken to adequately protectslow its spread, have adversely affected our business and financial results and will likely continue to do so for an uncertain period of time in the future. The COVID-19 pandemic has had and may continue to have negative impacts on our business, including volatility in demand for our products; delays or inability to source products; disruptions in supply chain and transportation; and volatility in the global capital and credit markets, which impacts interest rates and currency exchange rates. The pandemic could also cause a material intellectual property and other proprietary rights, or to defend successfully against intellectual property infringement claims by third parties.

Our ability to compete effectively dependsreduction in part uponthe value of our intellectual property rights,assets including, but not limited to, trademarks, copyrightsdeferred tax assets and proprietary technology. The use of contractual provisions, confidentiality proceduresaccounts receivable. Our customers, suppliers and agreements, and trademark, copyright, unfair competition, trade secret and other laws to protect intellectual property rights and proprietary technology may not be adequate. Litigation may be necessary to enforce our intellectual property rights and protect proprietary technology, or to defend against claims by third parties that our conduct or our use of intellectual property infringes upon such third-party’s intellectual property rights. Any intellectual property litigation or claims brought against us, whether or not meritorious, could resultvendors have suffered disruptions in substantial costs and diversion of our resources, and there can be no assurances that favorable final outcomes will be obtained. The terms of any settlement or judgment may require us to pay substantial amountstheir business due to the other partyCOVID-19 pandemic, which in some cases may have caused them financial distress and resulted in delaying payments to us, filing for bankruptcy protection or cease exercisinggoing out of business. Despite our rightsefforts to manage these impacts, due to the ongoing situation with COVID-19, the effect on our operational and financial performance will depend on future developments, all of which are uncertain and difficult to predict and in such intellectual property, including ceasing the use of certain trademarks used by us to distinguishfuture may have material adverse effects on our services from those of others or ceasing the exercise of our rights in copyrightable works. In addition, we may be required to seek a license to continue practices found to be in violation of a third-party’s rights, which may not be available on reasonable terms, or at all. Our business, financial condition, or results of operations, couldliquidity and cash flows. Such developments may include, but are not limited to, the duration, spread and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic including new variants, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company's employees, customers, suppliers and vendors, measures adopted or recommended by local and federal governments or health authorities in response to the pandemic, the availability, adoption and effectiveness of vaccines and vaccine boosters and to what extent normal economic and operating conditions can resume and be adversely affectedsustained. Even after the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided, we may experience impacts on our business as a result.



Our pension and health care costs are subject to numerous factors which could cause these costs to change.

Our pension and health care costs are dependent upon numerous factors resulting from actual plan experience and assumptions ofany economic recession, downturn or volatility that has occurred or may occur in the future experience, including, for pension costs, actuarial assumptions regarding life expectancies. Pension plan assets are primarily made up of equity and fixed income investments. Fluctuations in actual equity market returns,or long-term changes in customer behavior. The COVID-19 pandemic may also have the effect of heightening many of the other risks described herein, including those related to dependence on information technology and telecommunications systems, cybersecurity risks, compliance with financial covenants, ability to service indebtedness and stock price fluctuation.

General Risk Factors

Adverse developments in general interest ratesbusiness and changeseconomic conditions as well as conditions in the number of retirees may result in increased pension costs in future periods. Significant changes in any of these factors may adversely impactglobal capital and credit markets could have a material adverse effect on the demand for our cash flows,products, the business, and the financial condition and results of operations.operations of our Company and our customers.


We participate in multi-employer pension plans and multi-employer health and welfare plans, which could create additional obligations and payment liabilities.

We contribute to multi-employer defined benefit pension plans as well as multi-employer health and welfare plans under the termsThe persistently slow rate of collective bargaining agreements that cover certain unionized employee groupsincrease in the United States. The risksU.S. gross domestic product ("GDP") in recent years has adversely affected our results of participating in multi-employer pension plans differ from single employer-sponsored plans and such plans are subjectoperations. If GDP continues to regulation underincrease at a slow rate or if economic growth declines, demand for the Pension Protection Act (the "PPA"). Multi-employer pension plans are cost-sharing plans subject to collective-bargaining agreements. Contributions to a multi-employer plan by one employer are not specifically earmarked for its employees and mayproducts we sell could be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers. If a participating employer stops contributing to the plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan are borne by the remaining participating employers.adversely affected. In addition, ifvolatility in the global capital and credit markets, which impacts interest rates, currency exchange rates and the availability of credit, could have a multi-employer plan is determined to be underfunded basedmaterial adverse effect on the criteria established by the PPA, the plan may be required to implement a financial improvement plan or rehabilitation plan that may require additional contributions or surcharges by participating employers.business,

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In addition to the contributions discussed above, we could be obligated to pay additional amounts, known as withdrawal liabilities, upon decrease or cessationTable of participation in a multi-employer pension plan. Although an employer may obtain an estimate of such liability, the final calculation of the withdrawal liability may not be able to be determined for an extended period of time. Generally, the cash obligation of such withdrawal liability is payable over a 20 year period.Contents


Our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our financial condition and impair our ability to operate our business.

Asresults of December 31, 2017, we had approximately $934.8 million in total indebtedness, reflecting borrowings of $897.7 million under the asset-based lending facility (the "ABL Facility"), $23.6 million of financing obligations (including financing obligations to a related party exclusive of the non-monetary portion) and $13.5 million of equipment capital lease and other obligations. This level of indebtedness could have important consequences to our financial condition, operating results and business, including the following:

limiting our ability to obtain additional debt or equity financing for working capital, capital expenditures, debt service requirements, acquisitions and general corporate or other purposes;
increasing our cost of borrowing;
requiring that a substantial portionoperations of our cash flows from operations be dedicated to payments onCompany and our indebtedness insteadcustomers. Financial difficulties of other purposes, including operations, capital expenditures and future business opportunities;
making it more difficult for us to make payments on our indebtedness or satisfy other obligations;
exposing us to riskcustomers, whether as a result of (i) increased interest rates on our borrowings in excess of our interest rate cap and (ii) increased interest rates of up to 3% on our borrowings covered by our interest rate cap because all of our borrowings under the ABL Facility are at variable rates of interest;
limiting our ability to make the expenditures necessary to complete the integration of xpedx’s business with Unisource’s business;
limiting our ability to adjust to changing market conditions and placing us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt; and
increasing our vulnerability to a downturn in general economic or industry conditions or in our business, and making us unable to carry out capital spending that is important to our growth.



Despite our substantial indebtedness, we may still be able to incur substantially more indebtedness in the future. This could further exacerbate the risks to our financial condition described above.

We may be able to incur significant additional indebtedness in the future, including secured indebtedness. Although the agreements governing the ABL Facility contain restrictions on the incurrence of additional indebtedness, these restrictions are subject to a number of qualifications and exceptions, and the additional indebtedness incurred in compliance with these restrictions could be substantial. If new indebtedness is added to our current indebtedness levels, the related risks we will face could intensify.
The agreements governing our indebtedness contain restrictive covenants, which could restrict our operational flexibility.

The agreements governing the ABL Facility contain restrictions and limitations on our ability to engage in activities that may be in our long-term best interests, including financial and other restrictive covenants that could limit our ability to:

incur additional indebtedness or guaranties, or issue certain preferred shares;
pay dividends, redeem stock or make other distributions;
repurchase, prepay or redeem subordinated indebtedness;
make investments or acquisitions;
create liens;
make negative pledges;
consolidate or merge with another company;
sell or otherwise, dispose of all or substantially all of our assets;
enter into certain transactions with affiliates; and
change the nature of our business.

The agreements governing the ABL Facility also contain other restrictions customary for asset-based facilities of this nature.

Our ability to borrow additional amounts under the ABL Facility will depend upon satisfaction of these covenants. Events beyond our control could affect our ability to meet these covenants. Our failure to comply with obligations under the agreements governing the ABL Facility may result in an eventfailures of default under those agreements. A default, if not curedcustomers to timely pay amounts due or waived, may permit accelerationadversely affect the collectability of our indebtedness. If our indebtedness is accelerated, we cannot be certain that we will have sufficient funds available to pay the accelerated indebtedness or that we will have the ability to refinance the accelerated indebtedness on terms favorable to us or at all. Thisaccounts receivable, which could have serious consequences toa material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results and could cause usof operations. We also have exposure to become bankruptcounterparties with which we routinely execute transactions. A bankruptcy or insolvent.

Risks Relating to the Spin-off and Merger

We may not realize the full benefitsliquidity event by multiple customers of the anticipated synergies, cost savings and growth opportunities from the Merger.

The benefits of the Merger depend, in part, on our ability to realize anticipated growth opportunities, cost savings and other synergies. Even if we are able to integrate the xpedx and Unisource businesses successfully, this integration may not result in the realization of the full benefits of the growth opportunities and cost savings and other synergies that we currently expect from this integration within the anticipated time frameours or at all. We have incurred and will continue to incur substantial expenses in connection with the integration of these businesses. Such expenses may exceed current estimates and accordingly, the full benefits from the Merger may be offset by costsone or delays incurred in integrating the businesses.


The integration of the xpedx business with the Unisource business following the Transactions may present significant challenges.

There is a significant degree of difficulty and management distraction inherent in the process of integrating the xpedx and Unisource businesses which include the challenge and cost of integrating the IT systems of each company and network optimization.




The continuation of the integration process may cause an interruption of, or loss of momentum in, the activitiesmore of our business and may require us to incur substantial out-of-pocket costs. Members of our senior management have devoted and will continue to devote considerable amounts of time and attention to the integration process.

We cannot assure you that we will successfully or cost-effectively finalize the integration of the xpedx and Unisource businesses. The failure to do socounterparties, such as financial institutions, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.


We have incurred and continue to incur significant costs and charges associated with the Transactions that could affectChanges in business conditions in our period-to-period operating results.

Through December 31, 2017, we have incurred approximately $221 million in costs and charges associated with the Transactions, including approximately $82 million for capital expenditures and $25 million related to the complete or partial withdrawal from various multi-employer pension plans. We anticipate that we will incur additional costs and charges associated with the Transactions. We are not able to quantify the total amount of these costs and charges or the period in which they will be incurred as the operating plans affecting these costs are evolving and most charges relating to the withdrawal from multi-employer pension plans are uncertain. Excluding the multi-employer pension plan withdrawal charges, we currently anticipate that total net costs and charges associated with the Transactions will be approximately $225 to $250 million through December 31, 2018. The amount and timing of these costs and chargesinternational operations could adversely affect our period-to-periodbusiness and results of operations.

Our operating results and business prospects could be substantially affected by risks related to Mexico and other non-U.S. countries where we sell and distribute or purchase our products. Some of our operations are in or near locations that have suffered from political, social and economic issues; civil unrest; and a high level of criminal activity. In those locations where we have employees or operations, we may incur substantial costs to maintain the safety of our personnel and the security of our operations. Downturns in economic activity, adverse tax consequences or any change in social, political or labor conditions in any of the countries in which we operate could negatively affect our financial results. In addition, our international operations are subject to regulation under U.S. law (including, among others, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977) and other laws related to operations in foreign jurisdictions. Failure to comply with domestic or foreign laws could result in a reduction invarious adverse consequences, including the market priceimposition of sharescivil or criminal sanctions and the prosecution of executives.

Inclement weather, widespread outbreak of an illness, anti-terrorism measures and other disruptions could negatively affect various aspects of our common stock. Moreover, delaysbusiness including our supply chain, distribution system and operations, and could result in completingreduced demand from our customers.

Our ability to provide efficient distribution of products to our customers is an integral component of our overall business strategy. Disruptions at distribution centers or shipping ports or the integrationclosure of roads or imposition of other driving bans due to natural events such as flooding, tornadoes and blizzards may reduceaffect our ability to both maintain key products in inventory and deliver products to our customers on a timely basis, which may in turn adversely affect our results of operations.

Additionally, widespread outbreaks of an illness such as a pandemic and actions taken to contain or delay the synergiesprevent further spread of such diseases could substantially interfere with general commercial activity related to our supply chain and other benefits expected from the Transactions andcustomer base, such reduction may be material.

If costs to integrate our IT infrastructure and network systems are more than amountsas that experienced with COVID-19, which could have been budgeted,an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. If our operations are curtailed, we may need to seek alternate sources of supply which may be more expensive, unavailable or may result in delays in shipments to us from our supply chain and subsequently to our customers. Further, if our customers’ businesses are similarly affected, they might delay or reduce purchases from us, which could be adversely affected.affect our results of operations.


We expectFurthermore, in the aftermath of terrorist attacks in the U.S., federal, state and local authorities have implemented and continue to implement various security measures that affect many parts of the transportation network in the U.S. and abroad. Our customers typically require delivery of products in short time frames and rely on our on-time delivery capabilities. If security measures disrupt or impede the timing of our deliveries, we may fail to meet the needs of our customers, or may incur additional costs associated with achieving anticipated cost savings and other synergies from the Transactions. Someincreased expenses to do so. Any of these costs will consist of information technology infrastructure, systems integrationdisruptions to our operations may reduce our sales and planning. The primary areas of spending will be integrating our financial, operational and human resources systems. We expect that a portion of these expenditures will be capitalized. Such expenditures and other integration costs could adversely affecthave an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

If the Spin-off does not qualify asWe are dependent on a tax-free spin-off under Section 355variety of the Code, including as a result of subsequent acquisitions of stock of International Paper or our company, then International Paper and/or the International Paper shareholders may be required to pay substantial U.S. federal income taxes.

In connection with the Transactions, International Paper received a private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Serviceinformation technology ("IRS"IT") to the effect that the Spin-off and certain related transactions will qualify as tax-free to International Papertelecommunications systems and the International Paper shareholdersInternet, and any failure of these systems could adversely impact our business and operating results.

We depend on IT and telecommunications systems and the Internet for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Althoughour operations. These systems support a private letter rulingvariety of functions including inventory management, order placement and processing with vendors and from the IRS generally is bindingcustomers, shipping, shipment tracking and billing. Our information systems are vulnerable to natural disasters, wide-area telecommunications or power utility outages, terrorist or cyber-attacks and other major disruptions, and our redundant information systems may not operate effectively.

Failures or significant downtime of our IT or telecommunications systems for any reason could prevent us from taking customer orders, printing product pick-lists, shipping products, billing customers and handling call volume. We also rely on the IRS, the IRS ruling does not rule that the Spin-off satisfies every requirementInternet, electronic data interchange and other electronic integrations for a tax-free spin-off under Section 355 of the Code, and we and International Paper relied solely on the opinion of counsel for comfort that such additional requirements are satisfied. We also received an opinion of counsel to the effect that the Spin-off will qualify as tax-free to International Paper and the International Paper shareholders. This opinion relied on the IRS ruling as to matters covered by the IRS ruling.

The IRS ruling and such opinion were based on, among other things, certain representations and assumptions as to factual matters made by us, International Paper and UWWH, including assumptions concerning Section 355(e) of the Code as discussed below. The failure of any factual representation or assumption to be true, correct and complete in all material respects could adversely affect the validity of the IRS ruling or such opinion. An opinion of counsel represents counsel’s best legal judgment, is not binding on the IRS or the courts, and the IRS or the courts may not agree with the opinion. In addition, the IRS ruling and such opinion were based on then current law, and cannot be relied upon if current law changes with retroactive effect.

If the Spin-off does not qualify as a tax-free spin-off under Section 355 of the Code, then the receiptlarge portion of our common stock would be taxable to the International Paper shareholders, International Paper might recognizeorders and information exchanges with our suppliers and customers. The Internet and individual websites have experienced a substantial gain on the Spin-off, and we may be required to indemnify International Paper for the tax on such gain pursuant to the Tax Matters Agreement we entered into with International Paper in connection with the Spin-off.number of disruptions

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and slowdowns, some of which were caused by organized attacks. In addition, some websites have experienced security breakdowns. If we were to experience a security breakdown, disruption or breach that compromised sensitive information, it could harm our relationships with our suppliers and customers. Disruption of our website or the Internet in general could impair our order processing or more generally prevent our suppliers and resellers from accessing information. Failures of our systems could also lead to delivery delays and may expose us to litigation and penalties under some of our contracts. Any significant increase in our IT and telecommunications costs or temporary or permanent loss of our IT or telecommunications systems could harm our relationships with our customers and suppliers and result in lost sales, business delays and bad publicity. The occurrence of any of these events, as well as the costs we may incur in preventing or responding to such events, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.


In addition, it is periodically necessary to replace, upgrade, or modify our internal information systems. For example, we are currently in the Spin-off will be taxable to International Paper pursuant to Section 355(e)process of the Code if there is a 50% or more change in ownership of either International Paper or our company, directly or indirectly, as part of a plan or series of related transactions that include the Spin-off. Because the International Paper shareholders collectively owned more than 50% ofupgrading our common stock upon the Merger, the Merger alone will not cause the Spin-offoperating system across our businesses. If we are unable to be taxable to International Paper under Section 355(e)do this in a timely and cost-effective manner, especially in light of the Code. However, Section 355(e) of the Code might apply if other acquisitions of stock of International Paper before or after the Merger, or ofdemands on our company after the Merger, are considered to be part of a plan or series of related transactions that include the Spin-off. If Section 355(e) of the Code applied, then International Paper might recognize a substantial amount of taxable gain, and we may be required to indemnify International Paper for the tax on such gain pursuant to the Tax Matters Agreement.
If the Merger does not qualify as a tax-free reorganization under Section 368(a) of the Code, or if the Subsidiary Merger does not qualify as a transfer of property to Unisource under Section 351(a) of the Code, then we may be required to pay substantial U.S. federal income taxes.

In connection with the Transactions, we received an opinion of counsel to the effect that the Merger will qualify as a tax-free reorganization under Section 368(a) of the Code and UWWH received an opinion of counsel to the effect that the merger of xpedx Intermediate with and into Unisource (the "Subsidiary Merger" and, collectively with the Merger the "Mergers") will qualify as a transfer of property to Unisource under Section 351(a) of the Code. In addition, International Paper received private letter rulings from the IRS to the effect that the Merger will qualify as a tax-free reorganization under Section 368(a) of the Code and that the Subsidiary Merger will qualify as a transfer of property to Unisource under Section 351(a) of the Code. Although a private letter ruling from the IRS generally is binding on the IRS, the IRS rulings do not rule that the Merger satisfies every requirement for a tax-free reorganization under Section 368(a) of the Code, or that the Subsidiary Merger satisfies every requirement for a transfer of property to Unisource under Section 351(a) of the Code. The parties involved have each relied on an opinion of counsel for comfort that such additional requirements are satisfied.

The IRS rulings and such opinions were based on, among other things, certain representations and assumptions as to factual matters made by us, International Paper and UWWH. The failure of any factual representation or assumption to be true, correct and complete in all material respects could adversely affect the validity of the respective IRS rulings and such opinions. An opinion of counsel represents counsel’s best legal judgment, is not binding on the IRS or the courts, and the IRS or the courts may not agree with the opinion. In addition, the IRS rulings and such opinions were based on then current law, and cannot be relied upon if current law changes with retroactive effect.

If the Merger does not qualify as a tax-free reorganization under Section 368(a) of the Code, then UWWH would be considered to have made a taxable sale of its assets to us and we would be required to pay the U.S. federal income tax on the gain, if any, arising from such taxable sale as a result of being the surviving corporation in the Merger.

If the Subsidiary Merger does not qualify as a transfer of property to Unisource under Section 351(a) of the Code, then we would be considered to have made a taxable sale of the assets of xpedx Intermediate to Unisource, and we may either be required to pay the U.S. federal income tax on such sale or to indemnify International Paper for the U.S. federal income tax on such sale pursuant to the Tax Matters Agreement.





Risks Relating to Our Common Stock

Our stock price may fluctuate significantly.

The market price of our common stock may fluctuate widely, depending on many factors, some of which may be beyond our control, including:

actual or anticipated fluctuations in the operating results of our company due to factors related to our business;
success or failure of the strategy of our company;
the quarterly or annual earnings of our company, or those of other companies in our industry;
continued industry-wide decrease in demand for paper and related products;
information technology resources, our ability to obtain third-party financing as needed;
announcements by us or our competitors of significant acquisitions or dispositions;
restrictions on our ability to pay dividends under our ABL Facility;
changes in accounting standards, policies, guidance, interpretations or principles;
the operatingcapture and stock price performance of other comparable companies;
investor perception of our company;
natural or environmental disasters that investors believe may affect our company;
overall market fluctuations;
a large sale of our stock by a significant shareholder;
results from any material litigation or government investigation;
changes in laws and regulations affecting our company or any of the principal products sold by our company; and
general economic and political conditions and other external factors.

Stock markets in general have experienced volatility that has often been unrelated to the operating performance of a particular company. These broad market fluctuations could adversely affect the trading price of our common stock.
If securities or industry analysts do not continue to publish research, or publish unfavorable research, about our company, our stock price and trading volume could decline.

The trading market for our common stock depends in part on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us and our business. If the current coverage of our company by securities or industry analysts ceases, the trading price for our stock would be negatively impacted. In addition, if one or more of these analysts downgrades our stock or publishes misleading or unfavorable research about our business, our stock price would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts ceases coverage of our company or fails to publish reports on us regularly, demand for our stock could decrease, which could cause our stock price or trading volume to decline.

A significant percentage of our outstanding common stock is held by our three largest shareholders, and certain of those shareholders exercise significant influence over matters requiring shareholder approval. So long as a significant percentage of our common stock continues to be held by a small number of shareholders, the liquidity of our common stockprocess financial transactions may be impacted,hindered and future sales by those shareholders may result in a reduction in the market price oftherefore our common stock.

Our three largest shareholders collectively owned approximately 60% of our outstanding common stock as of December 31, 2017. As a result, certain of these shareholders may exercise significant influence over all matters requiring shareholder approval, including approval of significant corporate transactions, which may reduce the market price of our common stock. Additionally, the interests of these shareholders may conflict with the interests of our other shareholders.

This concentrated ownership could also result in a limited amount of shares being available to be traded in the market, resulting in reduced liquidity. Further, all of the shares of our common stock owned by the UWWH Stockholder are registered for resale under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”) and, subject to certain limitations, all or a portion of such shares may be offered and sold to the public in the future. When some or all of the shares held by the UWWH Stockholder are sold, or if it is perceived that they will be sold, the market price of our common stock could decline.





Under our amended and restated certificate of incorporation (our "charter"), the UWWH Stockholder, Bain Capital Fund VII, L.P. and their respective affiliates and, in some circumstances, any of our directors and officers who is also a director, officer, employee, member or partner of the UWWH Stockholder, Bain Capital Fund VII, L.P. and their respective affiliates, have no obligation to offer us corporate opportunities.

The policies relating to corporate opportunities and transactions with the UWWH Stockholder, Bain Capital Fund VII, L.P. and their respective affiliates set forth in our charter address potential conflicts of interest between us, on the one hand, and the UWWH Stockholder, Bain Capital Fund VII, L.P., their respective affiliates and their respective officers and directors who are directors or officers of our company, on the other hand. Although these provisions are designed to resolve conflicts between us and the UWWH Stockholder, Bain Capital Fund VII, L.P. and their respective affiliates fairly, conflicts may not be so resolved.

Anti-takeover provisions in our charter and amended and restated by-laws (our "by-laws") could discourage, delay or prevent a change of control of our company and may affect the trading price of our common stock.

Our charter and by-laws include a number of provisions that may discourage, delay or prevent a change in our management or control over us that shareholders may consider favorable. For example, our charter and by-laws collectively:

authorize the issuance of "blank check" preferred stock that could be issued by our board of directors to thwart a takeover attempt;
limit the ability of shareholders to remove directors;
provide that vacancies on our board of directors, including vacancies resulting from an enlargement of our board of directors, may be filled only by a majority vote of directors then in office;
prohibit shareholders from calling special meetings of shareholders unless called by the holders of not less than 20% of our outstanding shares of common stock;
prohibit shareholder action by written consent, unless initiated by the holders of not less than 20% of the outstanding shares of common stock;
establish advance notice requirements for nominations of candidates for election as directors or to bring other business, before an annual meeting of our shareholders; and
require the approval of holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock to amend our by-laws and certain provisions of our charter.

These provisions may prevent our shareholders from receiving the benefit from any premium to the market price of our common stock offered by a bidder in a takeover context. Even in the absence of a takeover attempt, the existence of these provisions may adversely affect the prevailing market price of our common stock if the provisions are viewed as discouraging takeover attempts in the future.

Our charter and by-laws may also make it difficult for shareholders to replace or remove our management. These provisions may facilitate management entrenchment that may delay, deter, render more difficult or prevent a change in our control, which may not be in the best interests of our shareholders.

We have not historically paid dividends on our common stock and, consequently, your ability to achieve a return on your investment will depend on appreciation in the price of our common stock.

We have not historically declared or paid dividends on our common stock. We currently intend to invest our future earnings, if any, to fund our growth, to develop our business, for working capital needs, to reduce debt and for general corporate purposes. Therefore, the success of an investment in shares of our common stock will depend upon any future appreciation in their value. There is no guarantee that shares of our common stock will appreciate in value or even maintain their current value.

Any decision to pay dividends in the future will be at the discretion of Veritiv's Board of Directors and will depend upon various factors then existing, including earnings, financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, leveland cash flows may be materially adversely impacted.

We are subject to cybersecurity risks related to breaches of indebtedness, restrictions imposed by applicable law, general business conditionssecurity pertaining to sensitive company, customer, employee and vendor information as well as breaches in the technology that manages operations and other factors that Veritiv's Boardbusiness processes.

Our operations rely upon secure IT systems for data capture, processing, storage and reporting. Our IT systems, and those of Directors may deem relevant.  In addition,our third-party providers, could become subject to cyber-attacks. The evolving nature of threats to data security, in light of new and sophisticated methods used by criminals and cyberterrorists, state-sponsored organizations and nation-states, including computer viruses, malware, phishing, misrepresentation, social engineering and forgery, make it increasingly challenging to anticipate and adequately mitigate these risks. Network, system, application and data breaches could result in operational disruptions or information misappropriation including, but not limited to, interruption of systems availability, or denial of access to and misuse of applications required by our customers to conduct business with us. Access to internal applications required to plan our operations, are conducted almost entirely throughsource materials, ship finished goods and account for orders could be denied or misused. Theft of intellectual property or trade secrets, and inappropriate disclosure of confidential information, could stem from such incidents. Any operational disruptions or misappropriation of information could harm our subsidiaries. As such, to the extent that we determinerelationship with our customers and suppliers, result in the future to pay dividendslost sales, business delays and negative publicity and could have a material adverse effect on our common stock, nonebusiness, financial condition and results of our subsidiaries will be obligated to make funds available to us for the payment of dividends. Further, the agreements governing our ABL Facility can, andoperations.




agreements governing future indebtedness may, in certain circumstances, restrict the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends or otherwise transfer assets to us.

Our charter designates the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware as the exclusive forum for certain litigation that may be initiated by our shareholders, which could limit our shareholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us.

Our charter provides that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware is the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed to us or our shareholders by any of our directors, officers, employees or agents, (iii) any action asserting a claim against us arising under the Delaware General Corporation Law or (iv) any action asserting a claim against us that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine. The choice of forum provision in our charter may limit our shareholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.





ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

As of December 31, 2017, we2022, Veritiv had a distribution network operating from approximately 17095 distribution centers.
LeasedOwnedTotal
Properties89 95 
Square feet (in millions)13.3 0.8 14.1 
 Leased Owned Total
Properties160
 10
 170
Square feet (in millions)18.1
 1.3
 19.4

These facilities are strategically located throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico in order to efficiently serve ourthe Company's customer base in the surrounding areas while also facilitating expedited delivery services for special orders. WeThe Company continually evaluateevaluates location, size and attributes to maximize efficiency, deliver top quality customer service and achieve economies of scale.

The Company also leases various office spaces for corporate and sales functions.


ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS


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

Although the ultimate outcome of any legal proceeding or investigation cannot be predicted with certainty, based on present information, including the Company's assessmentSee Note 15 of the merits of the particular claim, the Company does not expect that any asserted or unasserted legal claims or proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on its cash flow, results of operations or financial condition.Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

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PART II


ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES


Veritiv's common stock is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") under the ticker symbol VRTV."VRTV". As of February 23, 2018,21, 2023, there were 5,9044,348 shareholders of record. The number of record holders does not include shareholders who are beneficial owners, but whose shares are held in street name by brokers and other nominees.


The following table sets forth, forpresents information with respect to purchases made by the quarterly reporting periods indicated,Company of its common stock during the highthree months ended December 31, 2022 (shares are in whole units):
Period
Total Number of Shares Purchased (1)
Average Price Paid Per Share
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of the Publicly Announced Program (2)
Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Publicly Announced Program
October 1-31190 $97.77— $31,330 
November 1-30— $—— $31,330 
December 1-31— $—— $31,330 
Total190 — $31,330 
(1) The total number of shares purchased includes: (i) shares purchased pursuant to the 2022 Share Repurchase Program (defined below) (if any) and low market prices per share for(ii) shares surrendered to the Company to satisfy tax withholding obligations in connection with the vesting of stock units issued as part of the Company's common stock,equity-based incentive plans.
(2) On March 1, 2022, Veritiv announced that its Board of Directors authorized a $200 million share repurchase program (the "2022 Share Repurchase Program"). This column discloses the number of shares purchased pursuant to the 2022 Share Repurchase Program during the indicated periods. During the third quarter of 2022, the Company completed its repurchases under the 2022 Share Repurchase Program as reported on the NYSE.authorized repurchase limit was reached.


  2017 2016
  High Low High Low
1st Quarter $62.60
 $48.95
 $39.23
 $27.44
2nd Quarter $53.25
 $39.30
 $42.25
 $34.10
3rd Quarter $45.40
 $26.85
 $52.49
 $37.05
4th Quarter $33.70
 $20.35
 $56.70
 $43.00

Veritiv has not historically paidIn November 2022, the Company's Board of Directors instituted a policy of paying regular quarterly cash dividends onto its common stock.shareholders. The Company currently intends to invest its future earnings, if any, to fund its growth, to develop its business, for working capital needs, to reduce debt and for general



corporate purposes. Any payment of future dividends will be atremains subject to the discretion of Veritiv'sthe Company's Board of Directors and will depend upon various factors then existing, including earnings, financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, level of indebtedness, contractual restrictions with respect to payment of dividends, restrictions imposed by applicable law, general business conditions and other factors that Veritiv's Board of Directors may deem relevant.

On November 23, 2016,7, 2022, the UWWH Stockholder, oneCompany’s Board of Veritiv's existing stockholders and the former parent companyDirectors declared a quarterly cash dividend of Unisource Worldwide, Inc., sold 1.76 million shares$0.63 per share of Veritiv common stock, payable on December 19, 2022 to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 18, 2022. The dividend resulted in an underwritten public offering. Concurrently witha payout of approximately $8.5 million. On February 27, 2023, the closingCompany’s Board of the offering, Veritiv repurchased 0.31 millionDirectors declared a quarterly cash dividend of these offered shares from the underwriters at a price of $42.8625$0.63 per share which is the price at which the underwriters purchased such shares from the selling stockholder, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $13.4 million. The Company may repurchase additional shares in the future, however, there is currently no share repurchase authorization plan approved by the Company's Board of Directors.

On March 22, 2017, the UWWH Stockholder sold 1.80 million shares of Veritiv common stock, in a block trade. The Company did not sell or repurchase any shares and did not receive anypayable on March 31, 2023 to shareholders of record at the proceeds.close of business on March 9, 2023.

The UWWH Stockholder beneficially owned 4,283,840 shares of Veritiv's outstanding common stock as of December 31, 2017.


Performance Graph


The following graph provides a comparison of the cumulative total shareholder return ("TSR") on the Company's common stock to the cumulative total returns of the Russell 2000 Index and the average performance of a customized peer group consisting offor the Company's peer companies (the "Peer Group") based on total shareholder returnperiod from June 18, 2014 (the first day Veritiv's common stock began "when-issued" trading on the NYSE)December 31, 2017 through December 31, 2017. Companies included in the Peer Group are as follows:

Anixter International Inc.Genuine Parts CompanyResolute Forest Products Inc.
Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc.Graphic Packaging Holding CompanyScanSource, Inc.
Arrow Electronics, Inc.InnerWorkings Inc.Sealed Air Corporation
Avery Dennison CorporationInternational Paper CompanySonoco Products Company
Avnet, Inc.Kaman CorporationStaples, Inc.
Bemis Company, Inc.KapStone Paper and Packaging CorporationW.W. Grainger, Inc.
Brady CorporationMSC Industrial Direct Co. Inc.WESCO International Inc.
Deluxe CorporationNeenah Paper, Inc.WestRock Company
Domtar CorporationOffice Depot, Inc.
Ennis Inc.Packaging Corporation of America
Essendant Inc.PH Glatfelter Company
Fastenal CompanyR.R. Donnelley & Sons Company

2022. The graph is not, and is not intended to be, indicative of future performance of our common stock. The graph assumes $100 invested on June 18, 2014that the value of the investment in the Company,Company's common stock, the Russell 2000 Index and the Peer Group.peer group was $100 on December 31, 2017. Total return indices reflect reinvestment of dividends and are weighted on the basis of market capitalization at the time of each reported data point. The peer group is reviewed periodically based on industry, size and market dynamics.



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Companies included in the 2022 peer group are as follows:
Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc.Graphic Packaging Holding CompanyPackaging Corporation of America
Avery Dennison CorporationInternational Paper Company
Resolute Forest Products, Inc. (2)
Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc.Kaman CorporationSealed Air Corporation
Brady Corporation
LSC Communications Inc. (1)
Sonoco Products Company
Deluxe CorporationMSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc.Univar Solutions, Inc.
Ennis Inc.
Neenah Inc. (2)
W.W. Grainger, Inc.
Fastenal CompanyOffice Depot, Inc.Watsco, Inc.
Genuine Parts CompanyP.H. Glatfelter Company
(1) LSC Communications Inc. filed for business reorganization under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in April 2020, and is considered to have negative 100% TSR for the performance calculation.
(2) Neenah Inc. and Resolute Forest Products, Inc. entered into separate definitive merger agreements to each be acquired in the final year of performance and TSR for the performance calculation was fixed through the day preceding the acquisition announcements.

vrtv-20221231_g2.jpg


NOTE: Prepared by Zacks Investment Research, Inc. Used with permission. All rights reserved. Copyright 1980-2023.
NOTE: Index Data: Copyright Russell Investments. Used with permission. All rights reserved.


ITEM 6. (Reserved)

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following table presents the selected historical consolidated financial data for Veritiv and should be read in conjunction with Item 7 of this report and the audited Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto contained in Item 8 of this report. The Consolidated Statements of Operations data for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 and the Consolidated Balance Sheets data as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 set forth below are derived from the audited Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this report.

The Consolidated and Combined Statement of Operations data for the year ended December 31, 2014 is derived from Veritiv's audited Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements for 2014 and the Consolidated Balance Sheets data as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 are derived from Veritiv's audited Consolidated Financial Statements for 2015. These financial statements are not included in this report. The Combined Statements of Operations data for the year ended December 31, 2013 and the Combined Balance Sheets data as of December 31, 2013 are derived from xpedx's audited Combined Financial Statements for 2013 which are not included in this report.

The financial information may not be indicative of Veritiv's future performance and the financial information presented for the years prior to 2015 does not necessarily reflect what the financial condition and results of operations would have been had Veritiv operated as a separate, stand-alone entity during those periods.



(in millions, except per share data)As of and for the Year Ended December 31,
Statements of Operations Data2017 2016 2015 
2014(1)
 2013
Net sales$8,364.7
 $8,326.6
 $8,717.7
 $7,406.5
 $5,652.4
Cost of products sold6,846.6
 6,826.4
 7,160.3
 6,180.9
 4,736.8
Distribution expenses516.9
 505.1
 521.8
 426.2
 314.2
Selling and administrative expenses872.6
 826.2
 853.9
 689.1
 548.2
Depreciation and amortization54.2
 54.7
 56.9
 37.6
 17.1
Acquisition, integration and merger expenses36.5
 25.9
 34.9
 75.1
 
Restructuring charges, net16.7
 12.4
 11.3
 4.0
 37.9
Operating income (loss)21.2
 75.9
 78.6
 (6.4) (1.8)
Income tax expense (benefit)11.4
 19.8
 18.2
 (2.1) 0.4
Income (loss) from continuing operations(13.3) 21.0
 26.7
 (19.5) 0.0
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
 
 
 (0.1) 0.2
Net income (loss)(13.3) 21.0
 26.7
 (19.6) 0.2
          
Earnings (loss) per share(2):
         
Basic         
Continuing operations$(0.85) $1.31
 $1.67
 $(1.61) $0.00
Discontinued operations
 
 
 (0.01) 0.02
     Basic earnings (loss) per share$(0.85) $1.31
 $1.67
 $(1.62) $0.02
          
Diluted         
Continuing operations$(0.85) $1.30
 $1.67
 $(1.61) $0.00
Discontinued operations
 
 
 (0.01) 0.02
     Diluted earnings (loss) per share$(0.85) $1.30
 $1.67
 $(1.62) $0.02
          
Balance Sheets Data (at period end)         
Accounts receivable, net$1,174.3
 $1,048.3
 $1,037.5
 $1,115.1
 $669.7
Inventories722.7
 707.9
 720.6
 673.2
 360.9
Total assets2,708.4
 2,483.7
 2,476.9
 2,574.5
 1,256.9
Long-term debt, net of current maturities908.3
 749.2
 800.5
 855.0
 
Financing obligations, less current portion181.6
 176.1
 197.8
 212.4
 
Defined benefit pension obligations24.4
 27.6
 28.7
 36.3
 
Other non-current liabilities137.0
 121.2
 105.6
 107.2
 12.5
(1) Includes the operating results of Unisource for the six months ended December 31, 2014.
(2) See Note 13 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion about the shares of common stock utilized in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.



ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’SMANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


The following discussionThis Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is intended to provide a reader of our financial statements with a narrative from the Company’sperspective of our management regarding our financial condition and results of operations, liquidity and certain material events and uncertainties known to management that are reasonably likely to cause reported financial information not to be necessarily indicative of our future financial condition or results of operations. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statementsconsolidated financial statements and Notes thereto,accompanying notes included elsewhere in Item 8 of this report.


Executive Overview


The COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has had widespread, rapidly evolving and unpredictable impacts on global societies, economies, financial markets and business practices, and created uncertainty regarding potential impacts to Veritiv Corporation ("Veritiv" or the "Company").Although the Company has not experienced any closures of its distribution centers, Veritiv serves customers across a broad range of industry sectors and geographies, each with varying COVID-19 impacts. Veritiv's customers, suppliers and vendors have suffered disruptions in their business due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which in some cases may have caused them financial distress and resulted in delaying payments to us, filing for bankruptcy protection or going out of business. Primarily beginning in April 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic began having a negative impact on the Company's financial results, including decreased sales activity.

Veritiv's first priority remains the health and safety of its employees, customers and their families. The Company has taken steps to limit exposure and enhance the safety of its facilities for employees working to continue to supply vital products to its customers. In response to the pandemic, Veritiv initiated its Corporate Incident Response Team and initiated enhanced health and safety measures across its facilities. The Company modified practices at its distribution centers and offices to adhere to guidance from the United States ("U.S.") Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health and governmental authorities with respect to social distancing, enhanced cleaning protocols and usage of personal protective equipment, where appropriate.

Beginning in April 2020, Veritiv took several actions to help mitigate the effects of the decreased sales activity and improve liquidity. These actions included (i) temporarily reducing salaries for senior leaders ranging from 10% to 50% through June 2020, (ii) temporarily reducing annual cash retainers for independent directors by 50% through June 2020, (iii) placing approximately 15% of its salaried workforce on temporary furloughs through mid-July 2020, (iv) adjusting its supply chain operations staff depending on volume at specific locations, (v) suspending its share repurchase program, which was resumed in March 2021 and (vi) reducing discretionary spending including planned capital expenditures. In July 2020, Veritiv took additional actions to enhance liquidity in response to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including implementing cost-savings and cash preservation initiatives as described under the heading "2020 Restructuring Plan" below.

The Company saw economic improvements during 2022 and 2021 in many of the markets where it operates, as global vaccine efforts continued. The current circumstances are dynamic and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company's business operations, including the duration and impact on overall customer demand, cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the Company's business, results of operations and financial condition will depend on future developments. These developments, which are uncertain and difficult to predict, include, but are not limited to, the duration, spread and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic including new variants, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company's employees, customers, suppliers and vendors, measures adopted or recommended by local and federal governments or health authorities in response to the pandemic, the availability, adoption and effectiveness of vaccines and vaccine boosters and to what extent normal economic and operating conditions can resume and be sustained. Even after the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided, the Company may experience an impact to its business as a result of any economic recession, downturn, or volatility or long-term changes in customer behavior.

See Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors in this report, for additional information regarding the Company's risks related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Other Developments

Divestitures

During 2022, the Company sold its logistics solutions business and its Veritiv Canada, Inc. business.The Company recognized pre-tax gains on these sales of approximately $11.0 million and $18.7 million, respectively. The Company received net cash proceeds of approximately $18.0 million and $162.2 million, respectively. The Company used the proceeds to support the 2022 Share Repurchase Program (discussed below), to pay down outstanding debt and to fund capital priorities and growth initiatives. These sales did not represent strategic shifts that will have a major effect on the Company's operations or financial results and they did not meet the requirements to be classified as discontinued operations. See Note 17 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to the Company's business divestitures.

Change in Reportable Segments

As the print and publishing industries continue to evolve, the Company continues to focus on ways to share costs and leverage combined resources where possible. In order to better align the resources of the Company's print and publishing organizations with the needs of the changing marketplaces, during the first quarter of 2022 the Company reevaluated the way in which it would service its customers, manage its product offerings and allocate resources to support these areas of its business. This resulted in a decision to combine the print and publishing operations, resulting in a new reportable segment known as Print Solutions. Prior period results have been revised to align with the new presentation. See Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to the Company's product offerings and reportable segments.

2022 Share Repurchase Program

On March 1, 2022, Veritiv announced that its Board of Directors authorized a $200 million share repurchase program (the "2022 Share Repurchase Program"). The 2022 Share Repurchase Program authorizes the Company, from time to time, to purchase shares of its common stock through open market transactions, privately negotiated transactions, forward, derivative, or accelerated repurchase transactions, tender offers or otherwise, including Rule 10b5-1 trading plans, in accordance with all applicable securities laws and regulations. The timing and method of any repurchases, which depend on a variety of market factors, including market conditions, are subject to results of operations, financial conditions, cash requirements and other factors. This authorization may be suspended, terminated, increased or decreased by the Board of Directors at any time. During 2022, the Company completed its repurchases under the 2022 Share Repurchase Program bringing the total purchases to $200 million, which was the authorized repurchase limit. The average price paid per share under the 2022 Share Repurchase Program was $127.84.

Dividends

In November 2022, the Company's Board of Directors instituted a policy of paying regular quarterly cash dividends to its shareholders. The payment of future dividends remains subject to the discretion of the Company's Board of Directors and will depend upon various factors then existing, including earnings, financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, level of indebtedness, contractual restrictions with respect to payment of dividends, restrictions imposed by applicable law, general business conditions and other factors that Veritiv's Board of Directors may deem relevant.

On November 7, 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.63 per share of common stock, payable on December 19, 2022 to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 18, 2022. The dividend resulted in a payout of approximately $8.5 million. On February 27, 2023, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.63 per share of common stock, payable on March 31, 2023 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 9, 2023.

2020 Restructuring Plan

During 2020, the Company initiated a restructuring plan (the "2020 Restructuring Plan") to (1) respond to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its business operations, (2) address the ongoing secular changes in its print and publishing operations and (3) further align its cost structure with ongoing business needs as the Company executes on its stated corporate strategy. The 2020 Restructuring Plan included (i) a reduction of the Company's U.S. salaried workforce by approximately 15% across all business segments and corporate functions, (ii) the closure of certain warehouse facilities and retail stores, (iii) adjustments to various compensation plans, (iv) repositioning of inventory to expand the Company's service radius and (v) other
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actions. Through December 31, 2022, the Company incurred approximately $69.6 million in costs and charges, of which $2.0 million was incurred during the year ended December 31, 2022. As of December 31, 2022, the 2020 Restructuring Plan was complete. Initial charges were incurred and recorded in June 2020. See Note 4 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to the Company's restructuring efforts.

Company Strategy

Veritiv continues to execute against its long-term strategy to be the leading provider of business-to-business packaging products and services, as well as paper and facility solutions products and services. The Company continues to invest in organic packaging growth including selling and supply chain capabilities, and to pursue inorganic packaging growth opportunities. The Company also continues to evaluate alternatives for non-core components of its business.

Business Overview


Veritiv is a leading North American business-to-business distributorfull-service provider of value-added packaging products and services, as well as facility solutions print and publishingprint-based products and services. Additionally, Veritiv provideswas established in 2014, following the merger of International Paper Company's xpedx distribution solutions business and UWW Holdings, Inc., the parent company of Unisource Worldwide, Inc. During 2022, the Company sold its logistics solutions business and supply chain management solutionsits Veritiv Canada, Inc. business.In 2021, the Company sold its legacy Print segment's Rollsource business.These sales did not represent strategic shifts that will have a major effect on the Company's operations or financial results and they did not meet the requirements to its customers.be classified as discontinued operations. See Note 17 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to the Company's business divestitures. On August 31, 2017, Veritiv completed its acquisition of 100% of the equity interest in various All American Containers entities (collectively, "AAC"), a family owned and operated distributor of rigid packaging, including plastic, glass and metal containers, caps, closures and plastic pouches. The Companyentities. Veritiv operates from approximately 170 distribution centers primarily throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

Veritiv's business is organized under fourthree reportable segments: Packaging, Facility Solutions Print, and Publishing and Print Management ("Publishing").Solutions. This segment structure is consistent with the way the Chief Operating Decision Maker, who is Veritiv's Chief Executive Officer, makes operating decisions and manages the growth and profitability of the Company’sCompany's business. The following summary describes the products and services offered in each of the segments:
Packaging – The Packaging segment provides standard as well as custom and comprehensive packaging solutions for customers based in North America and in key global markets. The business is strategically focused on higher growth industries including light industrial/general manufacturing, food production, fulfillment and internet retail, as well as niche verticals based on geographical and functional expertise. Veritiv’s packaging professionals create customer value through supply chain solutions, structural and graphic packaging design and engineering, automation, workflow and equipment services and kitting and fulfillment.

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

Print – The Print segment sells and distributes commercial printing, writing, copying, digital, wide format and specialty paper products, graphics consumables and graphics equipment primarily in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. This segment also includes customized paper conversion services of commercial printing paper for distribution to document centers and form printers. The Company's broad geographic platform of operations coupled with the breadth of paper and graphics products, including its exclusive private brand offerings, provides a foundation to service national, regional and local customers across North America.

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

The Company also has a Corporate & Other category which includes certain assets and costs not primarily attributable to any of the reportable segments, as well assegments. Prior to its Veritivdivestiture in September 2022, the Company's logistics solutions business, which providesprovided transportation and warehousing solutions.solutions, was also included in Corporate & Other. The following summary describes the products and services offered in each of the reportable segments:


Packaging – Veritiv is a global provider of packaging products, services and solutions. The Packaging segment provides custom and standard packaging solutions for customers based in North America and in key global markets. This segment services its customers with a full spectrum of packaging product materials within flexible, corrugated and fiber, ancillary packaging, rigid and equipment categories. The business is strategically focused on higher growth industry sectors including manufacturing, food and beverage, wholesale and retail, healthcare and transportation, as well as specialty sectors based on industry and product expertise. Veritiv's packaging professionals create customer value through supply chain solutions, structural and graphic packaging design and engineering, automation, workflow and equipment services and kitting.


Facility Solutions – Veritiv is a global provider of hygiene and facility solutions products and services. The Facility Solutions segment sources and sells cleaning, break-room and other supplies in product categories that include towels and tissues, food service, personal protective equipment, cleaning chemicals and skincare, primarily in North America. Through this segment Veritiv manages a world class network of leading suppliers in most facilities solutions categories. Additionally, the Company offers total cost of ownership solutions with re-merchandising, budgeting and compliance reporting and inventory management. Its sales force is trained to bring leading vertical expertise to the major North American geographies.

Print Solutions – The Print Solutions segment helps customers optimize their printed communication by sourcing and distributing sustainable papers through a global network of suppliers. The Print Solutions segment sells and distributes commercial printing, writing and copying products and services primarily in North America. Veritiv's broad geographic platform of operations and services, coupled with the breadth of paper and graphics products, including exclusive private brand offerings, provides a comprehensive suite of solutions in paper procurement, print management, supply chain and distribution. This segment's customer base includes commercial printers, marketers, corporate end users, publishers and retailers.

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Results of Operations, Including Business Segments


The following discussion compares the consolidated operating results of Veritiv for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162022 and 2015.

Comparison2021. For the discussion of results for 2021 compared to 2020, refer to Part II, Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of Veritiv's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, which was filed with the SEC on March 1, 2022. Prior to 2022, the results for the Company's Print Solutions business were reported separately as Print and Publishing reportable segments. See the Executive Overview above for a description of the Years Ended Decemberchange in those reportable segments.
Year Ended December 31,2022 vs. 2021
Increase (Decrease)
(in millions)20222021$%
Net sales$7,146.3 $6,850.5 $295.8 4.3 %
Cost of products sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)5,526.0 5,417.9 108.1 2.0 %
Distribution expenses398.5 419.3 (20.8)(5.0)%
Selling and administrative expenses762.7 735.8 26.9 3.7 %
Gain on sale of businesses(29.7)(3.1)26.6 *
Depreciation and amortization45.6 55.2 (9.6)(17.4)%
Restructuring charges, net2.0 15.4 (13.4)(87.0)%
Operating income (loss)441.2 210.0 231.2 110.1 %
Interest expense, net17.7 17.2 0.5 2.9 %
Other (income) expense, net(8.4)(4.7)(3.7)(78.7)%
Income (loss) before income taxes431.9 197.5 234.4 118.7 %
Income tax expense (benefit)94.0 52.9 41.1 77.7 %
Net income (loss)$337.9 $144.6 $193.3 133.7 %
* not meaningful


The table below provides a reconciliation of Veritiv's reported net sales, calculated in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP"), to its organic sales, which is a non-GAAP financial measure. Organic sales is defined by the Company as net sales on an average daily sales basis, excluding revenue from sold businesses and revenue from acquired businesses for a period of 12 months after the Company completes the acquisition. The Company believes presenting organic sales will help investors better compare period-over-period results. Other companies in the industry may calculate organic sales differently than Veritiv does, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure.

25

Year Ended December 31,
Total CompanyPackagingFacility SolutionsPrint SolutionsCorporate & Other
(in millions)2022202120222021202220212022202120222021
Reported net sales$7,146.3 $6,850.5 $3,908.5 $3,760.4 $780.6 $894.0 $2,378.8 $2,080.8 $78.4 $115.3 
Impact of change in selling days (1)
— — — — — — — — — — 
Net sales (on an average daily sales basis)7,146.3 6,850.5 3,908.5 3,760.4 780.6 894.0 2,378.8 2,080.8 78.4 115.3 
Business divestitures (2)
(338.2)(850.8)(100.3)(281.9)(86.9)(261.6)(72.6)(192.0)(78.4)(115.3)
Organic sales$6,808.1 $5,999.7 $3,808.2 $3,478.5 $693.7 $632.4 $2,306.2 $1,888.8 $— $— 
(1) Adjustment for differences in the number of selling days, if any.
(2) Represents the net sales of each of the following divested businesses prior to its respective divestiture: Rollsource (March 31, 2017, 20162021), Veritiv Canada, Inc. (May 2, 2022) and 2015
the logistics solutions business (September 1, 2022).
 Year Ended December 31, 2017 vs. 2016 2016 vs. 2015
(in millions)2017 2016 2015 Increase (Decrease) % Increase (Decrease) %
Net sales$8,364.7
 $8,326.6
 $8,717.7
 0.5 % (4.5)%
Cost of products sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)6,846.6
 6,826.4
 7,160.3
 0.3 % (4.7)%
Distribution expenses516.9
 505.1
 521.8
 2.3 % (3.2)%
Selling and administrative expenses872.6
 826.2
 853.9
 5.6 % (3.2)%
Depreciation and amortization54.2
 54.7
 56.9
 (0.9)% (3.9)%
Acquisition and integration expenses36.5
 25.9
 34.9
 40.9 % (25.8)%
Restructuring charges, net16.7
 12.4
 11.3
 34.7 % 9.7 %
Operating income21.2
 75.9
 78.6
 (72.1)% (3.4)%
Interest expense, net31.2
 27.5
 27.0
 13.5 % 1.9 %
Other (income) expense, net(8.1) 7.6
 6.7
 (206.6)% 13.4 %
Income (loss) before income taxes(1.9) 40.8
 44.9
 (104.7)% (9.1)%
Income tax expense11.4
 19.8
 18.2
 (42.4)% 8.8 %
Net income (loss)$(13.3) $21.0
 $26.7
 (163.3)% (21.3)%


Net Sales
2017 compared to 2016:Net sales increased by $38.1$295.8 million, or 0.5%, primarily due to the incremental4.3%. Organic sales increased by $808.4 million, or 13.5%. The increase in net sales of $71.7 millionwas partially offset by lower sales volumes resulting from the AAC acquisition. Increasesdivestitures of the Canadian and logistic solutions businesses for the year ended December 31, 2022 of $462.0 million and $36.9 million, respectively. Inflationary market price increases, primarily in the Company's Packaging and Print Solutions product portfolios, continued throughout the year and contributed to the increased net sales, while net sales in the Packaging and FacilityPrint Solutions segments as well as Veritiv's logistics solutions business were offset by declinessegment in the Printfirst half of 2021 were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. To the extent feasible, the Company has adjusted its prices to reflect the impact of inflation on the cost of purchased materials and Publishing segments.services. Also, despite ongoing constraints in the broader supply chain, the Company was able to mitigate some of the impact to its customers through leveraging its portfolio of suppliers and its North American supply chain network. Management expects marketplace supply chain constraints to improve in 2023 relative to 2022. However, uncertain macroeconomic conditions may lead to a slow-down of broader market demand in 2023. See the “Segment Results”"Segment Results" section for additional discussion.
2016 compared to 2015:Net sales declined by $391.1 million, or 4.5%, primarily due to declines in the Print and Publishing segments. See the “Segment Results” section for additional discussion.

Cost of Products Sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)
2017 compared to 2016: Cost of products sold increased by $20.2$108.1 million, or 0.3%,2.0%. The increase was primarily due to the growth inhigher net sales, as previously discussed. Seepartially offset by declines related to the “Segment Results” section for additional discussion.

2016 compared to 2015: divestiture of the Canadian business. Cost of products sold decreased by $333.9 million, or 4.7%, primarilyincreased at a slower rate than net sales due to improvements in pricing, sale of the declinelower margin Canadian business and changes in net sales as previously discussed. See the “Segment Results” section for additional discussion.segment mix.

Distribution Expenses
2017 compared to 2016: Distribution expenses increaseddecreased by $11.8$20.8 million, or 2.3%5.0%. Distribution expenses increased $12.2The decrease was primarily due to a $39.5 million from andecrease related to the divestiture of the Canadian business, partially offset by (i) a $14.2 million increase in freight and logistics expenses, primarily due to increased third-party freight, transfer expensesexpense and diesel fuel prices and(ii) a $4.9 million related tomulti-employer pension plan withdrawal charge in the AAC acquisition. These increases were partially offset by (i) a $1.7 million decreasefourth quarter of 2022. The increase in facilities rentfreight and other related expenses, (ii) a $1.5 million decrease in insurancelogistics expense and (iii) a $1.6 million decrease in personnel expenses as well as maintenance and material expense. The offsetting decreases werewas primarily driven by warehouse consolidations.
an increase in third-party freight and fuel expenses related to higher diesel fuel and carrier prices.


Selling and Administrative Expenses
2016 compared to 2015: DistributionSelling and administrative expenses decreased increased by $16.7$26.9 million, or 3.2%3.7%. The declineincrease was primarily due to (i) a $6.3 million decrease in facilities expenses due primarily to warehouse consolidations, (ii) a $5.9 million decrease in personnel costs due primarily to reductions in temporary employee expense and (iii) a $5.3 million decrease in vehicle operating expenses primarily driven by reductions in third-party freight expense and fuel.



Selling and Administrative Expenses
2017 compared to 2016: Selling and administrative expenses increased by $46.4 million or 5.6%. The increase was primarily attributed to (i) an $18.8$37.5 million increase in personnel expenses, (ii) a $13.3$16.3 million increase in bad debtprofessional fees expense and (iii) a $9.3$2.6 million increase in marketing and communications expense, partially offset by (i) a $31.3 million decrease related to the AAC acquisition.divestiture of the Canadian business and (ii) a $3.2 million gain from insurance proceeds. The increase in personnel expenses was primarily driven by (i) an increase in headcount to support the Company's growth strategy as well as lower commissions in 2016commission expenses due to the recovery of commission advances, discussed below. Thehigher net sales and (ii) an increase in bad debt expensetravel and entertainment expenses, partially offset by lower incentive compensation expense.
26


Gain on Sale of Businesses
Gain on sale of businesses was primarily due$29.7 million in 2022 as compared to additional reserves related to certain customers with declining financial conditions during 2017 combined with favorable collections experience$3.1 million in 2016. Selling and administrative expenses also included $8.4 million of impairment charges related to2021. In 2022, the impairment of theCompany sold its logistics solutions business goodwill and customer relationship intangible asset.

2016 compared to 2015: Selling and administrative expenses decreased by $27.7 million or 3.2%. The decrease was primarily attributed to (i) an $11.2 million decrease in commission expense due in part to lower net sales volume and (ii) a $13.6 million decrease in incentive compensation.its Veritiv Canada, Inc. business. In 2013, xpedx advanced funds to commissioned sales representatives to compensate them for a change in the timing of commission payments. During 2016,2021, the Company recovered $6.0 million of those advances, which further reduced commission expense. These decreases were partially offset by $5.8 million of impairment charges attributable to the Print and Publishing segments' customer relationship intangible assets.
Depreciation and Amortization
2017 compared to 2016: Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $0.5 million.

2016 compared to 2015: Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $2.2 million primarily due to $2.4 million of amortization for intangible assets acquired in the Merger that were fully amortized as of June 30, 2015.
Acquisition and Integration Expenses
During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, Veritiv incurred costs and charges to integratesold its combined businesses.  Integration expenses include internally dedicated integration management resources, retention compensation, information technology conversion costs, rebranding, professional services and other costs to integrate its businesses. Veritiv incurred acquisition and integration expenses of $8.0 million in 2017 related to the acquisition of AAC.

Rollsource business. See Note 317 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a breakdown of these costs.
Restructuring Charges, Net
Restructuring charges, net relates primarily to Veritiv's restructuring of its North American operations intended to integrate the legacy xpedx and Unisource operations, generate cost savings and capture synergies across the combined company. Restructuring charges, net includes net gains related to the sale or exit of certain facilities totaling $24.4 million and $2.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and a $4.1 million net non-cash loss from asset impairments for the year ended December 31, 2015. See Note 3 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional details. The Company may continue to record restructuring charges in the future as these activities progress, which may include gains or losses from the disposition of assets.
Interest Expense, Net
Interest expense, net in 2017 consisted of (i) $25.5 million of interest expense on the Company’s asset-based lending facility (the “ABL Facility”), (ii) $2.6 million for amortization of deferred financing costs related to the ABL Facility and (iii) $3.1 million in miscellaneous interest expense. Interest expense, net in 2017 increased $ 3.7 million. Interest expense increased due to (i) an increased average balance on the ABL Facility and (ii) increased interest rates. See Note 5 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for information related to the ABL Facility.Company's business divestitures.

Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization expense decreased by $9.6 million, or 17.4%. The increased average balancedecrease was primarily driven by lower depreciation on information technology related assets and interest rates on the ABL Facility were primarily due todivestiture of the acquisitionCanadian business.

Restructuring Charges, Net
Restructuring charges, net decreased by $13.4 million, or 87.0%. As of AAC on AugustDecember 31, 2017.2022, the 2020 Restructuring Plan was complete. See Note 24 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional details.information related to the Company's restructuring efforts.

Interest Expense, Net
Interest expense, net in 2016 consisted of (i) $18.6increased by $0.5 million, ofor 2.9%. The increase was primarily due to higher average interest expenserates, partially offset by a lower average balance on the Company's ABL Facility, (ii) $5.6 millionFacility. See Note 6 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for amortization of deferred financing costsadditional information related to the ABL Facility and (iii) $3.3 million in miscellaneous interest expense.     The increase in 2016 was due primarily to an additional $1.9 million of deferred financing cost amortization resulting from an amendment to the ABL Facility. This increase was offset by lower miscellaneous interest expense.Company's debt obligations.



Interest expense, net in 2015 consisted of (i) $18.7 million of interest expense on the ABL Facility, (ii) $4.4 million for amortization of deferred financing costs related to the ABL Facility and (iii) $3.9 million in miscellaneous interest expense.
Other (Income) Expense, Net
2017 compared to 2016: Other (income) expense, net was income of $8.1 million in 2017 compared to expense of $7.6 million in 2016. The $15.7 million change is primarily the result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Tax Act") which lowered the U.S. corporate federal tax rate, from 35% to 21%. The lower rate reduced the value of the Tax Receivable Agreement liability by $13.5 million which was recorded as other income in the fourth quarter of 2017. See Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional details regarding the Tax Act.

2016 compared to 2015: Other (income) expense, net, increased $0.9in 2022 was income of $8.4 million. This was a net favorable change of $3.7 million, as compared to 2015. This increase2021. The favorable change was primarily drivendue to a $7.0 million gain on the settlement of the Canadian pension plans, which was triggered by higher expenses associated with the Tax Receivable Agreement and a loss on debt extinguishment that weredivestiture of the Canadian business, partially offset by lower expenses associated with foreign currency losses in 2016 compared to 2015.higher pension expenses.

Effective Tax Rate
Veritiv's effective tax rates were (600.0)%, 48.5%21.8% and 40.5%26.8% for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162022 and 20152021, respectively. The Company’s effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2017 is impacted by a near break-even pre-tax book loss in combination with the impact of the following discrete items:
A $30.2 million expense in connection with our provisional estimate of the impact of the Tax Act, including $23.0 million for the remeasurement of our deferred taxes and $7.2 million for the one-time transition tax. See Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional details regarding the Tax Act.
A $13.4 million benefit for the reversal of the valuation allowance on the deferred tax assets of the Company’s Canadian subsidiary. The reversal reflects the Company’s cumulative recent income and improved expectation of future taxable income.
A $3.8 million tax rate benefit for the reduction in the fair value of the Tax Receivable Agreement, including the federal rate reduction.
A $3.1 million benefit in conjunction with the third quarter 2017 filing of Veritiv’s 2016 U.S. federal tax return and amended 2015 and 2014 U.S. federal tax returns for credits related to foreign taxes and research and experimentation activities.
A tax rate effect of $2.1 million for the impact of impairing non-deductible goodwill.
In addition to the above items, the difference between the Company’sCompany's effective tax rates for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 and the U.S. statutory tax rate of 35% includes the impact of non-deductible expenses,21.0% primarily relates to state income taxes (net of federal income tax benefit), the tax impact of stock compensation vesting, non-deductible expenses, tax credits, Foreign-Derived Intangible Income and the Company's pre-tax book income (loss) by jurisdiction,jurisdiction. Additionally, the effective tax effect of Tax Receivable Agreement changes, and changes inrate for the valuation allowance against deferred tax assets. The year ended December 31, 2015 also2022 includes a tax benefit on the tax impact of a foreign exchange loss and an impairment of non-deductible goodwill.

The Tax Act makes broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code that affected our income taxes in 2017 as well as changes that will affect us beginning in 2018. The volatilitydisposition of the Company's effective tax rate has been primarily due to both the level of pre-tax income as well as variationsinvestment in the Company's income (loss) by jurisdiction. Additionally, uncertainty related to the future impact of the Tax Act may increase effective tax rate volatility. Pending further evaluation of the Tax Act, over time and with increasing pre-tax income, the Company estimates its effective tax rate will trend toward approximately 26%. However, the effective tax rate may vary significantly due to potential fluctuations in the amount and source, including botha foreign and domestic, of pre-tax income and changes in amounts of non-deductible expenses and other items that could impact the effective tax rate. See Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional details.subsidiary.

Segment Results
Adjusted EBITDA is the primary financial performance measure Veritiv uses to manage its businesses, to monitor its results of operations, to measure its performance against the ABL Facility and to incentivize its management. This common metric is intended to align shareholders, debt holders and management. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure and is not an alternative to net income, operating income or any other measure prescribed by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP").

Veritiv uses Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, restructuring charges, net, acquisitionintegration and integrationacquisition expenses and other similar charges including any severance costs, costs associated with warehouse and office openings or closings, consolidation, and relocation and other business optimization expenses, stock-based compensation expense, changes in the LIFO reserve, non-restructuring asset impairment charges, non-restructuring severance



charges, non-restructuring pension charges (benefits), fair value adjustments related to contingent liabilities assumed in mergers and acquisitions and certain other adjustments) becauseis the primary financial performance measure Veritiv uses to manage its businesses, to monitor its results of operations, to measure its performance against the ABL Facility and to incentivize its management. Veritiv believes investors commonly use Adjusted EBITDA as a key financial metric for valuing companies. In addition, the credit agreement governing the ABL Facility permits the Company to exclude these and other charges in calculating Consolidated EBITDA, as defined in the ABL Facility. This common metric is intended to align shareholders, debt holders and management. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure and is not an alternative to net income, operating income or any other measure prescribed by U.S. GAAP.


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


Doesdoes not reflect the Company’sCompany's income tax expenses or the cash requirements to pay its taxes; and
Although
27

although depreciation and amortization charges are non-cash charges, it does not reflect that the assets being depreciated and amortized will often have to be replaced in the future, and the foregoing metrics dometric does not reflect any cash requirements for such replacements.


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


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

The Company sells thousands of products. In the Packaging, Facility Solutions and Print segments, Veritiv is unable to compute the impact of changes in net sales volume based on changes in net sales of each individual product. Rather, the Company assumes that the margin stays constant and estimates the volume impact based on changes in cost of products sold as a proxy for the change in net sales volume. After any other significant net sales variances are identified, the remaining net sales variance is attributed to price/mix.


The Company approximates foreign currency effects by applying the foreign currency exchange rate for the prior period to the local currency results for the current period. We believeThe Company believes the elimination of the foreign currency translation impact provides better year-to-year comparability without the distortion of foreign currency fluctuations.


The Company believes that the historical decline in the demand for paper and related products is due to the widespread use of electronic media and permanent product substitution, more e-commerce, less print advertising, fewer catalogs and a reduced volume of direct mail, among other factors. ThisIn the long term, this trend is expected to continue and will place continued pressure on the Company’s revenues and profit margins and make it more difficult to maintain or grow Adjusted EBITDA within the Print Solutions segment. In the short term, shortages in the supply chain and Publishing segments.product cost inflation have resulted in higher paper and related product prices. The Company believes the shortage of supply is due to mill closures and conversions and international supply chain disruptions, which may have been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Higher prices, if continued over the longer term, could further accelerate demand decline.


Included in the following tabletables are net sales and Adjusted EBITDA for each of the reportable segments and Corporate & Other:
(in millions)PackagingFacility SolutionsPrint SolutionsCorporate & Other
Year Ended December 31, 2022
Net sales$3,908.5 $780.6 $2,378.8 $78.4 
Adjusted EBITDA415.9 60.7 239.6 (198.3)
Adjusted EBITDA as a % of net sales10.6 %7.8 %10.1 %*
Year Ended December 31, 2021
Net sales$3,760.4 $894.0 $2,080.8 $115.3 
Adjusted EBITDA393.5 52.7 114.7 (218.3)
Adjusted EBITDA as a % of net sales10.5 %5.9 %5.5 %*
(in millions)Packaging Facility Solutions Print Publishing Corporate & Other
Year Ended December 31, 2017         
Net sales$3,157.8
 $1,309.7
 $2,793.7
 $958.0
 $145.5
Adjusted EBITDA$238.0
 $35.5
 $60.8
 $26.4
 $(184.3)
Adjusted EBITDA as a % of net sales7.5% 2.7% 2.2% 2.8% *
          
Year Ended December 31, 2016         
Net sales$2,854.2
 $1,271.6
 $3,047.4
 $1,033.6
 $119.8
Adjusted EBITDA$221.2
 $47.0
 $76.8
 $23.6
 $(176.4)
Adjusted EBITDA as a % of net sales7.7% 3.7% 2.5% 2.3% *
          
Year Ended December 31, 2015         
Net sales$2,829.9
 $1,289.3
 $3,271.8
 $1,215.5
 $111.2
Adjusted EBITDA$212.6
 $41.7
 $79.0
 $34.7
 $(186.0)
Adjusted EBITDA as a % of net sales7.5% 3.2% 2.4% 2.9% *
* - not meaningful


See Note 17,16 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to Adjusted EBITDA, including a reconciliation of net income (loss) before income taxes as reflected inon the Consolidated Statements of Operations to Adjusted EBITDA for the reportable segments.



28


Packaging


The table below presents selected data with respect to the Packaging segment:
Year Ended December 31,Increase (Decrease)
(in millions)20222021$%
Net sales$3,908.5 $3,760.4 $148.1 3.9 %
Adjusted EBITDA415.9 393.5 22.4 5.7 %
Adjusted EBITDA as a % of net sales10.6 %10.5 %10 bps
 Year Ended December 31, 2017 vs. 2016 2016 vs. 2015
(in millions)2017 2016 2015 Increase (Decrease) % Increase (Decrease) %
Net sales$3,157.8
 $2,854.2
 $2,829.9
 10.6% 0.9%
Adjusted EBITDA$238.0
 $221.2
 $212.6
 7.6% 4.0%
Adjusted EBITDA as a % of net sales7.5% 7.7% 7.5%    


The table below presents the components of the net sales change compared to the prior year:
(in millions)Increase (Decrease)
Volume$(265.8)
Foreign currency(10.5)
Price/Mix424.4 
Total change$148.1 
 Increase (Decrease)
(in millions)2017 vs. 2016 2016 vs. 2015
Volume$315.0
 $50.3
Foreign currency3.3
 (21.8)
Price/Mix(14.7) (4.2)
 $303.6
 $24.3

Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016
Net sales increased $303.6$148.1 million, or 10.6%3.9%, compared to 2016.2021. Organic sales increased $329.7 million, or 9.5%. The net sales increase was primarily attributable to an increasehigher market prices, partially offset by volume declines associated with the divestiture of the Canadian business, lower sales volume and unfavorable foreign currency impacts. Sales to manufacturing, healthcare, and food and beverage customers improved most significantly compared to the prior year period. The decrease in net sales resulting from the divestiture of corrugated products, filmsthe Canadian business for the year ended December 31, 2022 was $181.6 million. Management expects supplier lead times to improve in 2023 relative to 2022, and tertiary packaging items duedepending on overall customer demand, may lead to increases in volume andlower market prices as well as $71.7 million of rigid packaging product net sales in 2017 relating to the AAC acquisition.prices.


Adjusted EBITDA increased $16.8$22.4 million, or 7.6%5.7%, compared to 2016 primarily due to increased net sales volume.2021. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA was primarily attributable to (i) higher net sales was partially offset by (i)and (ii) cost of products sold increasing at a fasterslower rate than net sales, (ii)partially offset by (i) a $25.0 million increase in distribution expenses and (iii) an $18.7$41.9 million increase in selling and administrative expenses. Theexpenses and (ii) a $3.3 million increase in distribution expenses was primarily driven by increased utilization of the distribution network, which is reflected in (i) increased freight and logistics expenses driven primarily by increased third-party freight, transfer expenses and diesel fuel prices, (ii) increased personnel expenses and (iii) increased facilities rent and other related expenses. The increase in selling and administrative expenses was primarily driven by higher(i) a $37.2 million increase in personnel expenses and (ii) a $10.7 million increase in professional fees expense, partially offset by a $6.8 million decrease related to the divestiture of the Canadian business. The increase in personnel expenses was associated with (i) increased headcountcommission expenses driven by higher sales, (ii) higher wages and benefits to support ourthe Company's Packaging growth strategy.strategy and (iii) an increase in travel and entertainment expenses. The AAC acquisition resulted in a $4.9 million increase in distribution expenses and a $9.4was primarily driven by (i) an $8.6 million increase in sellingfreight and administrative expenses.
Comparisonlogistics expense, (ii) a $7.5 million increase in facility rent expense driven by increased utilization of the Years Ended December 31, 2016distribution network and December 31, 2015
The net sales increase was primarily attributable to an(iii) a $1.5 million increase in net sales of corrugated products.

The Adjusted EBITDA increase was primarily due to increased net sales volume, and $3.4 million attributed to cost of products sold increasing at a slower rate than net sales. These improvements werepersonnel expenses, partially offset by a $1.1$14.5 million increase in selling, general, and administrative personnel costs primarily attributabledecrease related to the additiondivestiture of new sales representatives.the Canadian business.





Facility Solutions
Year Ended December 31,Increase (Decrease)
(in millions)20222021$%
Net sales$780.6 $894.0 $(113.4)(12.7)%
Adjusted EBITDA60.7 52.7 8.0 15.2 %
Adjusted EBITDA as a % of net sales7.8 %5.9 %190 bps
The table below presents selected data with respect to the Facility Solutions segment:

 Year Ended December 31, 2017 vs. 2016 2016 vs. 2015
(in millions)2017 2016 2015 Increase (Decrease) % Increase (Decrease) %
Net sales$1,309.7
 $1,271.6
 $1,289.3
 3.0 % (1.4)%
Adjusted EBITDA$35.5
 $47.0
 $41.7
 (24.5)% 12.7 %
Adjusted EBITDA as a % of net sales2.7% 3.7% 3.2%    

The table below presents the components of the net sales change compared to the prior year:
(in millions)Increase (Decrease)
Volume$(154.3)
Foreign currency(3.8)
Price/Mix44.7 
Total change$(113.4)
29

 Increase (Decrease)
(in millions)2017 vs. 2016 2016 vs. 2015
Volume$43.1
 $(5.6)
Foreign currency5.1
 (9.2)
Price/Mix(10.1) (2.9)
 $38.1
 $(17.7)

Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016
Net sales increased $38.1decreased $113.4 million, or 3.0%12.7%, compared to 2016.2021. Organic sales increased $61.3 million, or 9.7%. The net sales increasedecrease was primarily attributable to the divestiture of the Canadian business and unfavorable foreign currency impacts, partially offset by higher market prices and increased net sales of towels and tissues, food service products safety supplies, chemicals, towels and tissues.can liners. The decrease in net sales resulting from the divestiture of the Canadian business for the year ended December 31, 2022 was $174.7 million. As the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions were lifted, demand improved within the entertainment and hospitality end use sectors during 2022 as away-from-home activity resumed across the broader market place. This was partially offset by declining demand for the personal protective equipment product category, which experienced strong demand in 2021 due to COVID-19.


Adjusted EBITDA decreased $11.5increased $8.0 million, or 24.5%15.2%, compared to 2016.2021. The decreaseincrease in Adjusted EBITDA was primarily driven byattributable to (i) a $25.6 million decrease in expenses related to the divestiture of the Canadian business and (ii) cost of products sold increasingdecreasing at a faster rate than net sales, partially offset by (i) lower net sales resulting from the divestiture of the Canadian business, (ii) a $6.9$3.5 million increase in distribution expenses and (iii) a $5.6$1.2 million increase in selling and administrative costs, partially offset by an increase in net sales.expenses. The increase in distribution expenses was primarily driven by increased utilization of the distribution network and is evidenceda $3.9 million increase in (i) increased freight and logistics expenses driven primarily by increased third-party freight, transfer expenses and diesel fuel prices and (ii) increased personnel expenses.expense. The increase in selling and administrative expenses was primarily driven by (i) ana $3.9 million increase in personnel expenses primarily due to increased headcount to support our growth strategy and (ii) an increase in bad debt expense.
Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015
The net sales decrease was primarily attributable to (i) foreign currency effects, (ii) strategic decisions to exit certain unprofitable customer relationships in 2015 and (iii) pricing pressure.
The Adjusted EBITDA improvement was primarily due to (i) cost of products sold decreasing at a faster rate than net salescommission expense and (ii) a $3.5$2.1 million increase in professional fees expense, partially offset by a $4.5 million decrease in selling and administrative costs. The decrease in selling and administrative expenses was primarily driven by (i) a decrease in commissions due to lower net sales volume, (ii) a decrease in bad debt expense due to favorable collections experience and (iii) a reduction in personnel costs.wages.





Print Solutions


The table below presents selected data with respect to the Print segment:
Year Ended December 31,Increase (Decrease)
(in millions)20222021$%
Net sales$2,378.8 $2,080.8 $298.0 14.3 %
Adjusted EBITDA239.6 114.7 124.9 108.9 %
Adjusted EBITDA as a % of net sales10.1 %5.5 %460 bps
 Year Ended December 31, 2017 vs. 2016 2016 vs. 2015
(in millions)2017 2016 2015 Increase (Decrease) % Increase (Decrease) %
Net sales$2,793.7
 $3,047.4
 $3,271.8
 (8.3)% (6.9)%
Adjusted EBITDA$60.8
 $76.8
 $79.0
 (20.8)% (2.8)%
Adjusted EBITDA as a % of net sales2.2% 2.5% 2.4%    


The table below presents the components of the net sales change compared to the prior year:
(in millions)Increase (Decrease)
Volume$(273.3)
Foreign currency(2.6)
Price/Mix573.9 
Total change$298.0 

 Increase (Decrease)
(in millions)2017 vs. 2016 2016 vs. 2015
Volume$(256.8) $(225.2)
Foreign currency3.5
 (9.2)
Price/Mix(0.4) 10.0
 $(253.7) $(224.4)

Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016
Net sales decreased $253.7increased $298.0 million, or 8.3%14.3%, compared to 2016.2021. Organic sales increased $417.4 million, or 22.1%. The net sales decreaseincrease was primarily attributable to higher market prices driven by demand outpacing supply as compared to the continued secular declinefirst half of 2021 when there was a significant negative impact on demand due to COVID-19, partially offset by decreased sales volume as well as volume declines associated with the divestiture of the Canadian business. Domestic market demand for coated and uncoated paper grades outpaced both domestic and international supply during the majority of 2022. The decrease in net sales resulting from the paper industry.divestiture of the Canadian business for the year ended December 31, 2022 was $105.7 million. Management expects supplier lead times to improve in 2023 relative to 2022 and customer inventories to be elevated during the first half of 2023. Management also expects customer inventory levels will stabilize by the end of the second quarter of 2023.


Adjusted EBITDA decreased $16.0increased $124.9 million, or 20.8%108.9%, compared to 2016.2021. The Adjusted EBITDA decreaseincrease was largelyprimarily attributable to the decline in net sales. The decline in(i) cost of products sold increasing at a slower rate than net sales, was partially offset by (i)(ii) higher net sales and (iii) a $16.0$14.5 million decrease in distribution expenses, and (ii)partially offset by a $5.2$13.8 million decreaseincrease in selling and administrative expenses. The decrease in distribution expenses was primarily driven by decreased utilization(i) an $8.1 million decrease in facility rent expense, (ii) a $6.8 million decrease related to the divestiture of the distribution network, which is reflectedCanadian business and (iii) a $1.0 million decrease in personnel expenses, partially offset by a $2.2 million increase in freight and logistics expense. The increase in selling and administrative expenses was primarily driven by (i) a decrease$15.4 million increase in facilities rentpersonnel expenses, due to increased commission expense and other related expenseswages and benefits expense and (ii) a $1.9 million increase in professional fees expense, partially offset by a $3.8 million decrease related to the divestiture of the Canadian business.

30

Corporate & Other
Year Ended December 31,Increase (Decrease)
(in millions)20222021$%
Net sales$78.4 $115.3 $(36.9)(32.0)%
Adjusted EBITDA(198.3)(218.3)20.0 9.2 %

Net sales decreased $36.9 million, or 32.0%, compared to 2021. The net sales decrease was driven by the divestiture of the logistics solutions business.

Adjusted EBITDA increased $20.0 million, or 9.2%, compared to 2021. The Adjusted EBITDA increase was primarily driven by (i) a $10.9 million decrease in personnel expense.selling and administrative expenses, (ii) a $9.5 million increase related to the divestiture of the Canadian business and (iii) a $1.6 million increase related to the divestiture of the logistics solutions business. The decrease in selling and administrative expenses was primarily driven by a decrease in personnel expensesdue to lower wages and professional fees,lower incentive compensation expense, partially offset by an increase in bad debt expense.

Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2016travel and December 31, 2015
The net sales decrease was primarily attributable to the continued erosion in net sales volume from the secular decline in the paper industry as well as strategic decisions to exit certain unprofitable customer relationships.
The decline in Adjusted EBITDA was primarily due to lower net sales volume and was partially offset by a $5.4 million reduction in selling and general administrative expenses resulting from a decrease in personnel costs.




Publishing

The table below presents selected data with respect to the Publishing segment:
 Year Ended December 31, 2017 vs. 2016 2016 vs. 2015
(in millions)2017 2016 2015 Increase (Decrease) % Increase (Decrease) %
Net sales$958.0
 $1,033.6
 $1,215.5
 (7.3)% (15.0)%
Adjusted EBITDA$26.4
 $23.6
 $34.7
 11.9 % (32.0)%
Adjusted EBITDA as a % of net sales2.8% 2.3% 2.9%    

The table below presents the components of the net sales change compared to the prior year:
 Increase (Decrease)
(in millions)2017 vs. 2016 2016 vs. 2015
Volume$(82.5) $(192.5)
Foreign currency0.8
 (0.2)
Price/Mix6.1
 10.8
 $(75.6) $(181.9)

Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016
Net sales decreased $75.6 million, or 7.3%, compared to 2016. The net sales decrease was primarily attributable to a decline in volume, reflecting the continued secular decline in the paper industry.

Adjusted EBITDA increased $2.8 million, or 11.9%, compared to 2016. The Adjusted EBITDA increase was primarily attributable to the cost of products sold decreasing at a faster rate than net sales and a $1.9 million decrease in selling and administrative expenses partially offset by a decrease in net sales. The decrease in selling and administrative expenses was primarily driven by a decrease in personnelentertainment expenses.


Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015
The net sales decrease was primarily attributable to the continued erosion in net sales volume from the continued secular decline in the paper industry.
The decline in Adjusted EBITDA was primarily due to lower net sales volume and a $2.9 million decrease attributed to cost of products sold decreasing at a slower rate than net sales. These declines were partially offset by a $3.6 million decrease in selling and administrative expenses due to lower commission expense.

Corporate & Other
 Year Ended December 31, 2017 vs. 2016 2016 vs. 2015
(in millions)2017 2016 2015 Increase (Decrease) % Increase (Decrease) %
Net sales$145.5
 $119.8
 $111.2
 21.5 % 7.7%
Adjusted EBITDA$(184.3) $(176.4) $(186.0) (4.5)% 5.2%

Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016
Net sales increased $25.7 million, or 21.5%, compared to 2016. The net sales increase was primarily attributable to an increase in freight brokerage services.

Adjusted EBITDA decreased $7.9 million, or 4.5% compared to 2016. The Adjusted EBITDA decrease was primarily
driven by (i) cost of products sold increasing at a faster rate than net sales, (ii) a $9.1 million increase in selling and administrative costs partially offset by an increase in net sales and (iii) a $3.3 million decrease in distribution expenses. The



increase in selling and administrative costs was driven primarily by (i) an increase in personnel expenses primarily driven by increased headcount to support the Company's growth strategy and (ii) lower commission expense in 2016 due to the recovery of commission advances, as discussed above.

Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015
Net sales increased $8.6 million, or 7.7%, due to continued growth in freight brokerage services.
The Adjusted EBITDA improvement was primarily due to (i) the recovery of commission advances and (ii) a decrease in corporate personnel costs mainly attributable to a reduction in incentive compensation.


Liquidity and Capital Resources


The cash requirements of the Company are primarily provided by cash flows from operations and borrowings under the ABL Facility. See Note 6 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to the Company's debt position.

The following table sets forth a summary of cash flows:flows for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021. For information regarding the Company's cash flows for 2020, refer to the "Liquidity and Capital Resources" section of Part II, Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of Veritiv's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, which was filed with the SEC on March 1, 2022.
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)20222021
Net cash provided by (used for):
Operating activities$252.4 $154.7 
Investing activities168.0 (4.3)
Financing activities(428.6)(221.4)
 Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)2017 2016 2015
Net cash provided by (used for):     
Operating activities$36.6
 $140.2
 $113.0
Investing activities(126.2) (34.4) (44.1)
Financing activities99.2
 (89.9) (70.4)


Analysis of Cash Flows


2022 Cash Flows

The Company ended 20172022 with $80.3$40.6 million in cash an increaseand cash equivalents, a decrease of $10.7$8.7 million duringfrom the year. Cash flow from operations was $36.6 million in 2017 compared with $140.2 million in 2016. The factors driving cash flow from operating activities in 2017 were: (i) a $48.3 million increase in accounts payable and related party payable, (ii) a $30.1 million decrease in inventories, (iii) a $13.6 million increase in other accrued liabilities and (iv) a $15.3 million increase from other operating activities. The increase inprior year-end balance.

Net cash from operating activities was higher by $97.7 million as compared to the prior year. The increase was primarily due to the Company's improved operating results, partially offset by: (i)by a net loss, (ii) a $101.9$43.8 million increase for cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds, the payment of $10.1 million of payroll taxes, which were previously deferred under the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act (the "CARES Act"), and increased payments for performance incentives, which were driven by improved operating results. The remaining changes in accounts receivablethe Company's operating assets and related party receivable,liabilities were driven by revenue growth and other normal business activities.

Net cash from investing activities was higher by $172.3 million as compared to the prior year. The increase was primarily due to the net cash proceeds received in the current year period from the sale of (i) the Canadian business totaling approximately $162.2 million, (ii) the logistics solutions business totaling approximately $18.0 million and (iii) an $11.3a facility totaling approximately $5.3 million, decreaseexceeding the proceeds received in accrued payrollthe prior year period from the sale of (i) the Rollsource business totaling approximately $8.2 million and benefits and (iv) an $8.4 million increase(ii) two facilities totaling approximately $6.5 million. Additionally, the Company's higher capital expenditures in otherthe current assets. The Company also generated $167.3year period were partially offset by the current year receipt of $3.2 million in insurance proceeds, which represented coverage for the structural damage sustained to one of its properties in the prior year.
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Net cash flow fromused for financing activities was an increased use of cash of $207.2 million as compared to the prior year. The increased usage was primarily due to increased net repayments under the Company's ABL Facility, increased common stock repurchases, increased tax withholdings on share-based compensation and the payment of a net increasecash dividend in revolving loan borrowings2022. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company completed its repurchases under the 2022 Share Repurchase Program by repurchasing 1,564,420 shares of its common stock at a cost of $200 million, reaching the program's authorized repurchase limit. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company completed its repurchases under the 2021 Share Repurchase Program by repurchasing 1,734,810 shares of its common stock at a cost of $100 million, reaching the program's authorized repurchase limit. On November 7, 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.63 per share of common stock, payable on December 19, 2022 to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 18, 2022. The dividend resulted in a payout of approximately $8.5 million. During the second quarter of 2021, in conjunction with the amendment of the ABL Facility, the Company incurred and $51.1 million related to proceeds from asset sales. The primary uses of cash during 2017 were: (i) $144.8 million for the acquisition of AAC, (ii) a $40.5 million decline in book overdrafts, (iii) $32.5 million for property and equipment additions, of which $16.1 million were integration-related capital expenditures and $16.4 million were ordinary capital expenditures, (iv) $16.4 million for payments under financing obligations including obligations to related party, (v) $8.5 million for the Tax Receivable Agreement payment and (vi) $2.7 million for payments under capital lease obligations.

The primary sources of cash during 2016 were: (i) a $69.9 million increase in accounts payable and related party payable, (ii) a $14.3 million increase in other operating activities and (iii) a $13.1 million reduction in inventories. The Company also generated $18.9paid $3.3 million in positive cash flow from an increase in book overdrafts and $6.6 million related to proceeds from asset sales. The primary uses of cash during 2016 were: (i) a $40.9 million decrease in accrued payroll and benefits, (ii) a $14.7 million increase in accounts receivable and related party receivable, (iii) an $11.4 million increase in other current assets, and (iv) a $3.6 million decrease in other accrued liabilities. Cash was also used by (i) $70.1 million of net repayments of revolving loan borrowings under the ABL Facility, (ii) $41.0 million of property and equipment additions, of which $25.5 million were integration-related capital expenditures and $15.5 million were ordinary capital expenditures, (iii) $19.9 million of payments undernew financing obligations to related party, (iv) $13.6 million used to repurchase 0.31 million shares of Veritiv outstanding common stock, (v) $3.2 million for payments under capital lease obligations and (vi) $2.0 million for financing fees incurred in connection with an amendment to the ABL Facility.fees.
The primary sources of cash during 2015 were: (i) higher net income compared to 2014, (ii) a $53.4 million reduction in accounts receivable and related party receivable, (iii) $10.5 million from an increase in accrued payroll and benefits and (iv) $3.1 million from other operating activities. The primary uses of cash during 2015 were: (i) a $62.0 million increase in inventories, (ii) $47.0 million of net repayments of revolving loan borrowings under the ABL Facility, (iii) $44.4 million of property and equipment additions, of which $29.4 million were integration-related capital expenditures and $15.0 million were ordinary capital expenditures, (iv) $13.8 million of payments under financing obligations to related party, (v) an $8.4 million decrease in accounts



payable and related party payable, (vi) a $7.1 million decrease in other accrued liabilities and (vii) $3.8 million in payments under capital lease obligations. Cash was also used for a $5.8 million decrease in book overdrafts.


Funding and Liquidity Strategy


Veritiv hasABL Facility

On May 20, 2021, the Company amended its ABL Facility to extend the maturity date to May 20, 2026, adjust the pricing grid for applicable interest rates and update certain provisions to facilitate the transition from LIBOR to a $1.4 billion asset-based lending facility (the "ABL Facility").new replacement benchmark rate. All other significant terms remained substantially the same. The ABL Facility is comprisedhas aggregate commitments of U.S. and Canadian sub-facilities of $1,250.0 million and $150.0 million, respectively.$1.1 billion. The ABL Facility is available to be drawn in U.S. dollars, in the case of the U.S. sub-facilities, and in U.S. dollars or Canadian dollars, in the case of the Canadian sub-facilities, or in other currencies that are mutually agreeable. The Company's accounts receivable and inventories in the U.S. and Canada are collateral under the ABL Facility.

On August 11, 2016, the Company amended the ABL Facility to, among other things, extend the maturity date to August 11, 2021. All other significant terms remained consistent. The ABL Facility provides for the right of the individual lenders to extend the maturity date of their respective commitments and loans upon the request of Veritiv and without the consent of any other lenders. The ABL Facility may be prepaid at Veritiv's option at any time without premium or penalty and is subject to mandatory prepayment if the amount outstanding under the ABL Facility exceeds either the aggregate commitments with respect thereto or the current borrowing base, in an amount equal to such excess. The Company incurredCompany's accounts receivable and deferred $2.0 million of new financing fees associated with the amendment, which are reflected in other non-current assetsinventories in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and will be amortized to interest expense on a straight-line basis over the amended term of the ABL Facility.

The ABL Facility has a springing minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.00 to 1.00 on a trailing four-quarter basis, which will be tested only when specified availability is less than limits outlinedU.S. are collateral under the ABL Facility. At December 31, 2017The Company's one interest rate cap agreement, which was related to the above test was not applicable and is not expected to be applicable in the next 12 months.ABL Facility, expired on September 13, 2022.


Availability under the ABL Facility is determined based upon a monthly borrowing base calculation which includes eligible customer receivables and inventory, less outstanding borrowings, letters of credit and certain designated reserves. As of December 31, 2017,2022, the available additional borrowing capacity under the ABL Facility was approximately $316.5$711.3 million. As of December 31, 2022, the Company held $8.6 million in outstanding letters of credit.


UnderThe ABL Facility has a springing minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.00 to 1.00 on a trailing four-quarter basis, which will be tested only when specified availability is less than the termslimits outlined under the ABL Facility. At December 31, 2022, the above test was not applicable and based on information available as of the ABL Facility, interest rates are based upon LIBOR or the prime rate plus a margin rate, ordate of this report it is not expected to be applicable in the case of Canada, a banker’s acceptance rate or base rate plus a margin rate. For the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the weighted-average borrowing interest rate was 3.3% and 2.5%, respectively.next 12 months.


On November 23, 2016, the UWWH Stockholder sold 1.76 million shares of Veritiv common stock in an underwritten public offering. Veritiv did not receive anySee Note 6 of the proceeds. Concurrently withNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to the closing ofCompany's debt obligations.

Short and long-term funding strategy

Veritiv's management expects that the offering, Veritiv repurchased 0.31 million of these offered shares from the underwriters at a price of $42.8625 per share, which is the price at which the underwriters purchased such shares from the selling stockholder,Company's primary future cash needs will be for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $13.4 million. In conjunction with these transactions, Veritiv incurred approximately $0.8 million in transaction-related fees, of which approximately $0.2 million was recorded as part of the cost to acquire the treasury stockworking capital, capital expenditures, contractual commitments, dividends and the remainder was included in selling and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

strategic investments. Veritiv's ability to fund its capital and operating needs will depend on its ongoing ability to generate cash from operations, availability of borrowings under the ABL Facility and funds received fromaccess to the capital markets offerings.markets. If Veritiv's cash flows from operating activities are lower than expected, the Company willwould need to borrow under the ABL Facility and may need to incur additional debt or issue additional equity. Although management believes that the arrangements currently in place will permit Veritiv to finance its operationscapital and operating needs on acceptable terms and conditions, the Company’sCompany's access to, and the availability of, financing on acceptable terms and conditions in the future will be impacted by many factors, including the liquidity of the overall capital markets and the current state of the economy.


Veritiv's management expectsThe Company currently estimates that the Company's primary future cash needsduring 2023 it will be for working capital, capital expenditures, contractual commitments and strategic investments. Additionally, management expects that cash provided by operating activities and available capacity under the ABL Facility will provide sufficient funds to operate the business and meet other liquidity needs.

Through December 31, 2017, the Company incurredspend approximately $221 million in costs and charges associated with achieving anticipated cost savings and other synergies from the Merger, including approximately $82$30 million for capital expenditures covering both maintenance and $25 million relatedstrategic investments. As provided by the CARES Act, in response to the complete or partial withdrawal from various multi-employer pension plans. The Company anticipates that it will incur additional costs and charges associated with the Merger. The Company is not able toCOVID-19 pandemic

32


quantify the total amountCompany deferred $19.1 million of these costs and charges or the period inpayroll taxes, which they will beit had incurred as the operating plans affecting these costs are evolving and charges relating to the withdrawal from multi-employer pension plans which have not yet been finalized, are uncertain. Excluding the multi-employer pension plan withdrawal charges, we currently anticipate that total costs associated with the Merger will be approximately $225 to $250 million through December 31, 2018, including2020. In January 2022 the Company paid $10.1 million of the deferred payroll taxes and paid the remaining amount in January 2023. On February 27, 2023, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.63 per share of common stock, payable on March 31, 2023 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 9, 2023. The Company currently expects to pay-out the cash-based long-term incentive awards granted in 2020, valued at approximately $90$15.2 million, for capital expenditures, primarily consisting of information technology infrastructure, systems integrationin March 2023 and planning. Ordinary capital expenditures for 2018the 2021 awards are expected to be paid-out in March 2024. See Note 3 of the rangeNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements for information related to the Company's lease commitments, including leases that have not yet commenced, if any. See Note 6 of $20 millionthe Notes to $30 million,Consolidated Financial Statements for information related to the Company's use of vendor-based financing arrangements, if any. See Note 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for information related to the Veritiv Deferred Compensation Savings Plans obligation, the Company's funding status of its pension plans and its multi-employer pension plan commitments. Additionally, the Company has recognized liabilities for uncertain tax positions and unscheduled portions of the Veritiv Deferred Compensation Savings Plans, however, the Company cannot predict with another $10 millionreasonable certainty the timing of future cash outflows associated with these liabilities. See Note 17 of the Notes to $20 million of integration-related capital expenditures during 2018.Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding cash proceeds from the Company's divestitures.


All of the cash held by ourVeritiv's non-U.S. subsidiaries is available for general corporate purposes. Veritiv considers the earnings of certain non-U.S. subsidiaries to be permanently invested outside the United StatesU.S. on the basis of estimates that future domestic cash generation will be sufficient to meet future domestic cash needs and management's specific plans for reinvestment of those subsidiary earnings. The table below summarizes the Company's cash and cash equivalent positions as of December 31, 20172022 and 2016:2021:

As of December 31,
(in millions)20222021
Cash and cash equivalents held in the U.S.$20.8 $25.8 
Cash held in foreign subsidiaries19.8 23.5 
Total Cash and cash equivalents$40.6 $49.3 

Inflation and Changing Prices
  As of December 31,
(in millions) 2017 2016
Cash held in the U.S. $64.0
 $57.6
Cash held in foreign subsidiaries 16.3
 12.0
Total Cash $80.3
 $69.6


Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Veritiv does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements asEssentially all of December 31, 2017, other than the Other lease type obligations included in the contractual obligations table below and the letters of credit under the ABL Facility. The Company does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a material current or future effect on its financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

The table below summarizes the Company's contractual and certain other long-term obligations as of December 31, 2017:
 Payment Due by Period
(in millions)2018 2019 – 2020 2021 – 2022 After 2022 Total
Equipment capital lease obligations (1)
$4.0
 $6.3
 $4.3
 $3.7
 $18.3
Financing obligations (including obligations to related party) (1,2)
8.8
 3.3
 3.5
 18.7
 34.3
Other lease type obligations (3)
94.1
 150.5
 103.5
 135.6
 483.7
ABL Facility (4)
29.6
 59.3
 915.8
 
 1,004.7
Deferred compensation (5)
2.6
 4.9
 3.9
 9.2
 20.6
Tax Receivable Agreement contingent liability (6)
9.9
 12.4
 9.9
 25.5
 57.7
AAC contingent liability(7)
17.1
 7.1
 
 
 24.2
Multi-employer pension plan ("MEPP") withdrawal obligations (8)
0.7
 1.3
 1.4
 9.9
 13.3
Federal income tax liability (9)
0.5
 1.0
 1.0
 3.7
 6.2
Total$167.3
 $246.1
 $1,043.3
 $206.3
 $1,663.0
(1) Equipment capital lease obligations and financing obligations include amounts classified as interest.
(2) Financing obligations will not result in cash payments in excess of amounts reported above. At the end of the lease terms, the net remaining financing obligations of $155.2 million and $10.6 million will be settled by the return of the assets to the Purchaser/Landlord for the related party and non-related party obligations, respectively.
(3) Amounts shown are presented net of contractual sublease rental income.
(4) The ABL Facility will mature and the commitments thereunder will terminate after August 11, 2021. Interest payments included here were estimated using a simple interest method based on the year-end December 31, 2017 ABL Facility outstanding balance of $897.7 million and its corresponding year-end weighted-average interest rate of 3.3%. The 2021 payment amount shown above includes an estimated $897.7 million of principal balance.
(5) The deferred compensation obligation relates to Unisource's legacy deferred compensation plans and reflects gross cash payment amounts due.
(6) The Tax Receivable Agreement contingent liability reflects gross contingent obligation amounts excluding interest due to related party.
(7) The AAC contingent liability reflects the fair value of the estimated amount to be paid. The maximum amount payablerevenue is $50.0 million, payable in up to $25.0 million increments at the first and second anniversaries of the acquisition of AAC on August 31, 2017.
(8) The MEPP withdrawal obligations include final gross unpaid charges for one plan where a determination has been issued.
(9) The federal income tax liability reflects amounts payable over eight years resultingderived from the transition tax implementedsale of its products and services in competitive markets. To the Tax Act.




The table above does not include future expected Company contributions to its pension plans nor does it include future expected payments related to the complete or partial withdrawals from various multi-employer pension plans where final determinations have not been made. Information related to the amounts of these future payments is described in Note 10 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The table above also excludes the liability for uncertain tax positions and for the Veritiv Deferred Compensation Savings Plan as the Company cannot predict with reasonable certainty the timing of future cash outflows associated with these liabilities. As a result of the Merger, International Paper has a potential earn-out payment of up to $100.0 million that would become due in 2020. The potential earn-out payment would be reflected by Veritiv as a reduction to equity at the time of payment. Due to the uncertainty of achievement, that potential payment is not included in the table above.
See Note 1, Note 2, Note 5, Note 7, Note 10 and Note 11 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to these obligations.
The Company has recorded undiscounted charges related to the complete or partial withdrawal from various multi-employer pension plans. Charges not related to the Company's restructuring efforts are recorded as distribution expense. Initial amounts are recorded as other non-current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. See the table below for a summary of the net charges and the year-end balance sheet liability positions for the respective years ended December 31:

 Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)Restructuring charges, net Distribution expenses Total Net Charges
2017$17.4
 $2.1
 $19.5
20167.5
 2.3
 9.8
      
 At December 31,  
      
(in millions)Other accrued liabilities Other non-current liabilities  
2017$0.7
 $27.2
  
20160.0
 9.8
  


See Note 3of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding these restructuring efforts. Final charges for these withdrawals will not be known until the plans issue their respective determinations. As a result, these estimates may increase or decrease depending upon the final determinations. Currently, the Company expects payments will occur over an approximately 20 year period. The Company expects to incur similar types of charges in future periods in connection with its ongoing restructuring activities. As of December 31, 2017,extent feasible, the Company has received determination lettersadjusted its prices to reflect the impact of inflation on the cost of purchased materials and services. Impacts on the Company's results from two plans. Of those,price and product mix are discussed in the liability for one was settled with a lump sum payment, while monthly payments for the other plan are expected to occur over an approximately 20 year period."Segment Results" section of this Item 7.


Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the Company to establish accounting policies and utilize estimates that affect both the amounts and timing of the recording of assets, liabilities, net sales and expenses. Some of these estimates require judgment about matters that are inherently uncertain. Different amounts would be reported under different operating conditions or under alternative assumptions.


The Company has evaluated the accounting policies used in the preparation of the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes and believes those policies to be reasonable and appropriate. Management believes that the accounting estimates discussed below are the most critical accounting policies whose application may have a significant effect on the reported results of operations and financial position of the Company and can require judgments by management that affect their application. Although these estimates are based on management's knowledge of current events and actions it may undertake in the future, actual results may ultimately differ from these estimates and assumptions, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on the domestic and global economies. Estimates are revised as additional information becomes available. See the "Use of Estimates" section of Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to the Company's estimates.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue generally consists of a single performance obligation to transfer a promised good or service and is short-term in nature. Revenues are recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to Veritiv's customers and in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods and services.

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Revenue Recognition
Revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the price is fixed or determinable, collectability is reasonably assured and delivery has occurred. Revenue is recognized when the customer takes title and assumes the risks and rewards of ownership. When management cannot conclude collectability is reasonably assured for shipments to a particular customer, revenue associated with that customer is not recognized until cash is collected or management is otherwise able to establish that collectability is reasonably assured.

Sales transactions with customers are designated free on board ("f.o.b.") destination and revenue is recorded when the product is delivered to the customer’s delivery site, when title and risk of loss are transferred. Effective January 1, 2016, the Company harmonized its shipping terms to be f.o.b. destination. Prior to that date, revenue was recorded at the time of shipment for certain xpedx customers whose terms were designated f.o.b. shipping point. Management determined that any shipments in transit at December 31, 2015 would honor the f.o.b. destination terms resulting in a reduction of $27.0 million and $1.8 million to net sales and operating income, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2015.


Certain revenues are derived from shipments arranged by the Companywhich are made directly from a manufacturer to a Veritiv customer. The Company is considered to be a principal to these transactions because, among other factors, it controls pricingmaintains control of the goods after they leave the supplier and before they are received at the customer's location, in most cases it selects the supplier and sets the price to the customer, and it bears the credit risk of the customer defaulting on payment and isor rejecting the primary obligor.goods. Revenues from these sales are reported on a gross basis inon the Consolidated Statements of Operations and amountedhave historically represented approximately 35% of Veritiv's total net sales.

Veritiv enters into incentive programs with certain of its customers, which are generally based on sales to $3.0 billion, $3.0 billionthose same customers. Veritiv follows the expected value method when estimating its retrospective incentives and $3.3 billion forrecords the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016estimated amount as a reduction to gross sales when revenue is recognized. Estimates of the variable consideration are based primarily on contract terms, current customer forecasts as well as historical experience.

Customer product returns are estimated based on historical experience and 2015, respectively.the identification of specific events necessitating an adjustment. The estimated return value is recognized as a reduction of gross sales and related cost of products sold.


The Company adopted Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), and its related interpretationson January 1, 2018 applying the modified retrospective method. The adoption did not materially impact the Company's financial statements and is not expected to have a material impact on future financial results as the adoption did not change the recognition pattern for the Company's existing revenue streams.
Acquisition and Integration Expenses

The Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations include a line item titled, "Acquisition and Integration Expenses".  Acquisition and Integration Expenses is not a defined term in U.S. GAAP, thus management must use judgment in determining whether a particular expense should be classified as an acquisition and integration expense.  Management believes its accounting policy for acquisition and integration expenses is critical because these costs have been significant and will continue to be significant in 2018, will generally involve cash expenditures, are not defined in U.S. GAAP, are excluded in determining compliance with the ABL Facility and are excluded in determining management compensation. 

Acquisition and integration expenses include internally dedicated integration management resources, retention compensation, information technology conversion costs, rebranding, professional services and other costs to integrate its businesses. See Note 32 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a breakdown of these expenses.additional information related to the Company's revenues.
Acquisition and integration expenses are differentiated from restructuring charges as restructuring charges primarily relate to contract termination costs, involuntary termination benefits and other direct costs associated with consolidating facilities and reorganizing functions.


Allowance for Doubtful AccountsCredit Losses


The Company’s allowance for doubtful accountscredit losses reflects the best estimate of expected losses inherent into the Company's accounts receivable portfolio determined on the basis of historical experience, current conditions, reasonable and supportable forecasts and specific allowances for known troubled accountsaccounts. In developing the allowance for credit losses, the Company utilizes internal risk ratings that are determined based on a number of factors including a periodic evaluation of each customer’s financial condition where possible. In addition to leveraging the internally developed risk ratings and other available evidence.historical experience, the expected credit loss estimates are developed using quantitative analyses, where meaningful, and qualitative analyses to forecast the impact that external factors and economic indicators may have on the amount that the Company expects to collect. Accounts receivable are written-off when management determines they are uncollectible. The allowances contain uncertainties because the calculation requires management to make assumptions and apply judgment regarding the customer’scustomer's credit worthiness. Veritiv performs ongoing evaluations of its customers’customers' financial condition and adjusts credit limits based upon payment history and the customer’scustomer's current credit worthiness as determined by its review of their current financial information. The Company continuously monitors collections from its customers and maintains a provision for estimated credit losses based upon the customers’customers' financial condition, collection experience and any other relevant customer specific information. Veritiv's assessment of this and other information forms the basis of its allowances.





If the financial condition of Veritiv's customers deteriorates, resulting in an inability to make required payments to the Company, or if economic conditions deteriorate, additional allowances may be deemed appropriate or required. If the allowance for doubtful accountscredit losses changed by 0.1% of gross billed receivables, reflecting either an increase or decrease in expected future write-offs, the impact to consolidated pretaxpre-tax income for the year ended December 31, 2022 would have been approximately $1.2$0.9 million.


See Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to the Company's credit losses and other allowances.

Income Taxes

The Company’s determination of the provision for income taxes requires significant judgment, the use of estimates and the interpretation and application of complex tax laws. The provision for income taxes primarily reflects a combination of income earned and taxed in the various U.S. federal and state, as well as foreign, jurisdictions. Tax law changes, increases or decreases in book versus tax basis differences, accruals or adjustments of accruals for unrecognized tax benefits or valuation allowances, and the change in the mix of earnings from these taxing jurisdictions all affect the overall effective tax rate. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic may change the mix of earnings by jurisdiction and has increased the risk that operating losses may occur within certain jurisdictions that could lead to the recognition of valuation allowances against certain deferred tax assets in the future, if these losses are prolonged beyond current expectations. This would negatively impact Veritiv’s
34

income tax expense, net earnings and balance sheet. See Note 7 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to the Company's income taxes.

Employee Benefit Plans

Veritiv sponsors defined benefit plans and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans ("SERP")Plans. Except for certain union employees who continue to accrue benefits under the Veritiv Hourly Pension Plan in accordance with their collective bargaining agreements, the U.S. and Canada. Thesedefined benefit pension plans were frozen prior to the Merger. See Note 10 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more information about these plans.are frozen.


Management is required to make certain critical estimates related to actuarial assumptions used to determine the Company's pension expense and related obligation. The Company believes the most critical assumptions are related to (i) the discount rate used to determine the present value of the liabilities and (ii) the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets. All of the actuarial assumptions are reviewed annually.annually, or more frequently when changes in circumstances warrant a reassessment. Changes in these assumptions could have a material impact on the measurement of pension expense and the related obligation.


At each measurement date, management determines the discount rate by reference to rates of high-quality, long-term corporate bonds that mature in a pattern similar to the future payments anticipated to be made under the plans. As of December 31, 2017,2022, the weighted-average discount ratesrate used to compute the benefit obligations were 3.33% and 3.40% for the U.S. and Canadian plans, respectively.obligation was 5.16%.


The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is based upon the long-term outlook of the investment strategy as well as historical returns and volatilities for each asset class. Veritiv also reviews current levels of interest rates and inflation to assess the reasonableness of the long-term rates. The Company's pension plan investment objective is to ensure all of its plans have sufficient funds to meet their benefit obligations when they become due. As a result, the Company periodically revises asset allocations, where appropriate, to improve returns and manage risk. The weighted-average expected long-term rate of return used to calculate the pension expense for the year ended 20172022 was 7.15% and 5.50%3.37% for the U.S. and Canadian plans, respectively.plans.


The following illustrates the effects of a 1% change in the discount rate or return on plan assets on the 20172022 net periodic pension cost and projected benefit obligation of the U.S. plans (in millions):
AssumptionChangeNet Periodic Benefit CostProjected Benefit Obligation
Discount rate1% increase$0.1 $(2.9)
1% decrease(0.2)3.5 
Return on plan assets1% increase(0.6)N/A
1% decrease0.6 N/A

Assumption Change Net Periodic Benefit Cost Projected Benefit Obligation
Discount rate 1% increase $(0.2) $(4.5)
  1% decrease 0.7 6.7
Return on plan assets 1% increase (1.4) N/A
  1% decrease 1.4 N/A
See Note 109 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a comprehensive discussion of Veritiv's pension and post-retirementpostretirement benefit expense,plans, including a discussion of the actuarial assumptions and the policy for recognizing the associated gains and losseslosses.

Leases

The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at lease inception and reviews lease arrangements for finance or operating lease classification at their commencement date. In order to value the right-of-use ("ROU") assets and related liabilities, the Company makes certain estimates and assumptions related to establishing the lease term, discount rates and variable lease payments (e.g., rent escalations tied to changes in the Consumer Price Index). The exercise of any lease renewal or asset purchase option is at the Company's sole discretion. The lease term for all of the Company's leases includes the noncancelable period of the lease and any periods covered by renewal options that the Company is reasonably certain to exercise. Certain leases include rent escalations pre-set in the agreements, which are factored into the lease payment stream. Similar to a variable lease payment, certain delivery equipment leases include a provision for an amount the Company may be required to pay at the end of the lease for any residual value deficiency incurred by the lessor upon resale of the underlying asset. The Company uses the implicit rate of interest when it is available; however, as most of the Company's leases do not provide an implicit rate of interest, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on information available at the lease commencement date in determining the discounted value of the lease payments. Lease expense and depreciation expense are
35

recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, or for a finance lease, over the shorter of the life of the underlying asset or the lease term.

The Company’s decisions to cease operations in certain warehouse facilities leads to different accounting treatment depending upon whether the leased properties are considered abandoned versus properties that the Company has the intent and ability to sublease. Abandoned ROU assets are assessed for impairment based on estimates of undiscounted operating cash flows until the anticipated cease-use date and any remaining lease expense is accelerated through the anticipated cease-use date. Leases for which the Company has the intent and ability to sublease are assessed for impairment and any remaining ROU asset values are amortized over the shorter of the remaining useful lives of the assets or lease term. The intent and practical ability to sublease and estimates of future cash flows attributable to the sublease are assessed considering the terms of the lease agreement, certain market conditions, remaining lease terms and the time required to sublease the facility and other factors.

See Note 3 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to the Company's leases.

Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, including Finite Lived Intangible Assets, and Goodwill

A long-lived asset is potentially impaired when the asset's carrying amount exceeds its expected future undiscounted cash flows. When this situation occurs, the Company must estimate the fair value of the long-lived asset and reduce the carrying amount to the fair value if it is less than the carrying amount. A goodwill impairment exists when the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its fair value. Assessments of possible impairments of long-lived assets and goodwill are made annually in the fourth quarter, and when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable through future operations. The amount and timing of any impairment charges based on these assessments require the estimation of future cash flows and the fair market value of the related assets based on management's best estimates of certain key factors. These key factors include future selling prices and volumes, operating, inventory, energy and freight costs and various other projected operating economic factors.

The calculation of lease impairment charges requires significant judgments and estimates, including estimated sublease rentals, discount rates and future cash flows based on the Company's experience and knowledge of the market in which the property is located, previous efforts to dispose of similar assets and an assessment of current market conditions. The Company periodically updates its impairment analyses to reflect the latest estimates and projections.

Goodwill is reviewed for impairment on a reporting unit basis. The testing of goodwill for possible impairment is performed by completing a Step 0 test or electing to by-pass the Step 0 test and comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying value, including goodwill. The Step 0 test utilizes qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. Qualitative factors include: macroeconomic conditions; industry and market considerations; overall financial performance and cost factors to determine whether a reporting unit is at risk for goodwill impairment. In the event a reporting unit fails the Step 0 goodwill impairment test, it is necessary to move forward with a comparison of the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying value, including goodwill. In calculating the estimated fair value of its reporting units, Veritiv uses an income approach that utilizes discounted cash flows and requires management to make significant assumptions and estimates related to the forecasts of future revenues, profit margins and discount rates. Subsequent changes in economic and operating conditions can affect these assumptions and could result in additional interim testing and goodwill impairment charges in future periods. Upon completion, the resulting estimated fair values are analyzed for reasonableness by comparing them to earnings multiples of publicly-traded comparable companies and historic industry business transactions and by comparing the sum of the reporting unit fair values to the fair value of the Company as a whole based on the market capitalization as of the testing date. As of the date of the Company's annual goodwill impairment test in 2022 and 2021, the Company's analyses reflected an excess fair value over carrying value of approximately 142% and 179%, respectively.

Intangible assets acquired in a business combination are recorded at fair value. The Company's intangible assets may include customer relationships, trademarks and trade names and non-compete agreements. Intangible assets with finite useful lives are subsequently amortized using the straight-line method usedover the estimated useful lives of the assets.

When the Company disposes of a portion of its business that has had goodwill and or other intangible assets allocated to estimate serviceit, the Company performs fair value assessments to determine the amounts of goodwill and interest cost components.or other intangible assets that
36

should be allocated to the disposal asset group.These calculations will usually involve the use of Level 3 data (internal data such as the Company's operating and cash flow projections).

See Note 1, Note 5 and Note 10 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to the Company's long-lived assets, goodwill, other intangible assets and impairment assessments.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards


See Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for information regardingrelated to recently issued accounting standards.





ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK


Veritiv is exposed to the impact of interest rate changes, foreign currency fluctuations primarily related to the Canadian dollar, and fuel price changes. The Company's objective is to identify and understand these risks and implement strategies to manage them. When evaluating potential strategies, Veritiv evaluates the fundamentals of each market and the underlying accounting and business implications. To implement these strategies, the Company may enter into various hedging or similar transactions. The sensitivity analyses presented below do not consider the effect of possible adverse changes in the general economy, nor do they consider additional actions the Company may take from time to time in the future to mitigate the exposure to these or other market risks. There can be no assurance that Veritiv will manage or continue to manage any risks in the future or that any of its efforts will be successful.


Derivative Instrument

Borrowings under the ABL Facility bear interest at a variable rate, based on LIBOR or the prime rate, in either case plus an applicable margin. From time to time, Veritiv may use interest rate swap agreements to manage the variable interest rate characteristics on a portion of the outstanding debt. The Company evaluates its outstanding indebtedness, market conditions, and the covenants contained in the ABL Facility in order to determine its tolerance for potential increases in interest expense that could result from changes in variable interest rates. In July 2015, the Company entered into an interest rate cap agreement. The interest rate cap effectively limits the floating LIBOR-based portion of the interest rate. The interest rate cap expires on July 1, 2019. The initial notional amount of this agreement covered $392.9 million of the Company’s floating-rate debt at 3.0% plus the applicable credit spread. The Company paid $2.0 million for the interest rate cap agreement. Approximately $0.6 million of the amount paid represented transaction costs and was expensed immediately to earnings.

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

At December 31, 2017, the fair value of the interest rate cap was not significant. The amount expected to be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings during the next 12 months is approximately $0.7 million. During 2017 the amount reclassified into earnings as an adjustment to interest expense was not significant.

The Company is exposed to counterparty credit risk for nonperformance and, in the event of nonperformance, to market risk for changes in the interest rate. The Company attempts to manage exposure to counterparty credit risk primarily by selecting only counterparties that meet certain credit and other financial standards. The Company believes there has been no material change in the creditworthiness of its counterparty and believes the risk of nonperformance by such party is minimal. For additional information regarding Veritiv's interest rate swap, see Note 6 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Interest Rate Risk


Veritiv’sVeritiv's exposure to fluctuations in interest rates results primarily from its borrowings under the ABL Facility. Under the terms of the ABL Facility, interest rates are based upon LIBOR or the prime rate plus a margin rate, or in the case of Canada, a banker’s acceptance rate or base rate plus a margin rate. LIBOR based loans can be set for durations of one week, or for periods of one to nine months. The margin rate amount can be adjusted upward or downward based upon usage under the line in two increments of 25 basis points. Veritiv’sVeritiv's interest rate exposure under the ABL Facility results from changes in LIBOR, bankers’ acceptance rates, the prime/base interest rates and actual borrowings. The weighted-average borrowing interest rate at December 31, 20172022 was 3.3%6.1%. Based on the average borrowings under the ABL Facility during the year ended December 31, 2017,2022, a hypothetical 100 basis point increase in the interest rate would result in approximately $8.5$3.7 million of additional interest expense.





Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk


Veritiv conducts business in various foreign currencies and is exposed to earnings and cash flow volatility associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates. This exposure is primarily related to international assets and liabilities, whose value could change materially in reference to the U.S. dollar reporting currency.
Veritiv’s Veritiv's most significant foreign currency exposure primarily relates to fluctuations in the foreign exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Canadian dollar. Net sales from Veritiv’s Canadian operations for the year ended December 31, 2017 represented approximately 8% of Veritiv’s total net sales.Mexican peso. Veritiv has not used foreign exchange currency options or futures agreements to hedge its exposure to changes in foreign exchange rates.


Fuel Price Risk


Due to the nature of Veritiv's distribution business, the Company is exposed to potential volatility in fuel prices. The cost of fuel affects the price paid for products as well as the costs incurred to deliver products to the Company's customers. The price and availability of diesel fuel fluctuates due to changes in production, seasonality and other market factors generally outside of the Company's control. Increased fuel costs may have a negative impact on the Company's results of operations and financial condition. In times of higher fuel prices, Veritiv may have the ability to pass a portion of the increased costs on to customers; however, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to do so. Based on Veritiv's 20172022 fuel consumption, a 10% increase in the average annual price per gallon of diesel fuel would result in a potential increase of approximately $3.0$3.2 million in annual transportation fuel costs (excluding any amounts recovered from customers). Veritiv does not use derivatives to manage its exposure to fuel prices.



37




ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA


TABLE OF CONTENTS







38



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


To the Shareholdersshareholders and Board of Directors of Veritiv Corporation


Opinion on the Financial Statements


We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Veritiv Corporation and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 20172022 and 2016,2021, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), shareholders’shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017,2022, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 20172022 and 2016,2021, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017,2022, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.


We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017,2022, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 1, 2018,February 28, 2023, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.


Basis for Opinion


These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOBPCAOB.


We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.



Critical Audit Matters


Critical audit matters are matters arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. We determined that there are no critical audit matters.


/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP


Atlanta, Georgia
March 1, 2018February 28, 2023


We have served as the Company's auditor since 2013.





39


VERITIV CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in millions, except per share data)

Year Ended December 31,
202220212020
Net sales (including sales to related party of $19.7 in 2020)$7,146.3 $6,850.5 $6,345.6 
Cost of products sold (including purchases from related party of $55.6 in 2020) (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)5,526.0 5,417.9 5,040.2 
Distribution expenses398.5 419.3 429.8 
Selling and administrative expenses762.7 735.8 717.9 
Gain on sale of businesses(29.7)(3.1)— 
Depreciation and amortization45.6 55.2 57.7 
Restructuring charges, net2.0 15.4 52.2 
Operating income (loss)441.2 210.0 47.8 
Interest expense, net17.7 17.2 25.1 
Other (income) expense, net(8.4)(4.7)(20.3)
Income (loss) before income taxes431.9 197.5 43.0 
Income tax expense (benefit)94.0 52.9 8.8 
Net income (loss)$337.9 $144.6 $34.2 
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic$23.85 $9.50 $2.14 
Diluted$23.29 $9.01 $2.08 
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Basic14.17 15.22 15.96 
Diluted14.51 16.05 16.48 

 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Net sales (including sales to related party of $32.2, $35.6 and $33.6, respectively)$8,364.7
 $8,326.6
 $8,717.7
Cost of products sold (including purchases from related party of $181.6, $224.9 and $264.7, respectively) (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)6,846.6
 6,826.4
 7,160.3
Distribution expenses516.9
 505.1
 521.8
Selling and administrative expenses872.6
 826.2
 853.9
Depreciation and amortization54.2
 54.7
 56.9
Acquisition and integration expenses36.5
 25.9
 34.9
Restructuring charges, net16.7
 12.4
 11.3
Operating income21.2
 75.9
 78.6
Interest expense, net31.2
 27.5
 27.0
Other (income) expense, net(8.1) 7.6
 6.7
Income (loss) before income taxes(1.9) 40.8
 44.9
Income tax expense11.4
 19.8
 18.2
Net income (loss)$(13.3) $21.0
 $26.7
      
Earnings (loss) per share:     
     Basic earnings (loss) per share$(0.85) $1.31
 $1.67
     Diluted earnings (loss) per share$(0.85) $1.30
 $1.67
      
Weighted-average shares outstanding:     
Basic15.70
 15.97
 16.00
Diluted15.70
 16.15
 16.00



See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

40


VERITIV CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(in millions)

Year Ended December 31,
202220212020
Net income (loss)$337.9 $144.6 $34.2 
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments(0.9)(1.0)2.4 
Reclassification of foreign currency translation adjustments due to sale of a business, net of tax (1)
9.5 — — 
Change in fair value of cash flow hedge, net of tax (1)
0.1 0.1 0.1 
Pension liability adjustments, net of tax (1)
9.9 10.1 (2.9)
Reclassification adjustment on settlement of a pension plan, net of tax (1)
(7.0)— — 
Other comprehensive income (loss)11.6 9.2 (0.4)
Total comprehensive income (loss)$349.5 $153.8 $33.8 
(1) Amounts shown are net of tax impacts, if any. For the year ended December 31, 2022, tax impacts were: $2.0 million for the reclassification of foreign currency translation adjustments due to sale of a business, $3.4 million for pension liability adjustments and $(4.0) million for the reclassification adjustment on settlement of a pension plan. For the year ended December 31, 2021, the tax impact for the pension liability was $3.5 million. Other tax impacts for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 were not significant.
 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016 2015
Net income (loss)$(13.3) $21.0
 $26.7
Other comprehensive income (loss):     
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of $2.0 tax for 20155.7
 (2.1) (12.4)
Change in fair value of cash flow hedge, net of $0.0, $0.1 and $0.3 tax, respectively0.0
 (0.2) (0.5)
Pension liability adjustments, net of ($0.6), ($0.3) and $0.3 tax, respectively(0.2) (1.7) 0.0
Other comprehensive income (loss)5.5
 (4.0) (12.9)
Total comprehensive income (loss)$(7.8) $17.0
 $13.8


See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.







41


VERITIV CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(dollars in millions, except par value)
December 31, 2022December 31, 2021
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$40.6 $49.3 
Accounts receivable, less allowances of $26.7 and $34.4, respectively889.6 1,011.2 
Inventories423.9 484.5 
Other current assets103.7 132.7 
Total current assets1,457.8 1,677.7 
Property and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $325.5 and $332.4, respectively)127.5 162.9 
Goodwill96.3 99.6 
Other intangibles, net35.6 42.7 
Deferred income tax assets29.0 47.1 
Other non-current assets343.4 408.4 
Total assets$2,089.6 $2,438.4 
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable$452.9 $561.9 
Accrued payroll and benefits106.2 110.0 
Other accrued liabilities154.1 185.7 
Current portion of debt13.4 16.0 
Total current liabilities726.6 873.6 
Long-term debt, net of current portion264.8 499.7 
Defined benefit pension obligations0.4 7.2 
Other non-current liabilities341.7 422.1 
Total liabilities1,333.5 1,802.6 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 15)
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 10.0 million shares authorized, none issued— — 
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 100.0 million shares authorized; shares issued - 17.5 million and 17.0 million, respectively; shares outstanding - 13.5 million and 14.6 million, respectively0.2 0.2 
Additional paid-in capital613.1 633.8 
Accumulated earnings (deficit)472.6 143.2 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(12.7)(24.3)
Treasury stock at cost - 4.0 million and 2.4 million shares, respectively(317.1)(117.1)
Total shareholders' equity756.1 635.8 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity$2,089.6 $2,438.4 
 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
Assets   
Current assets:   
Cash$80.3
 $69.6
Accounts receivable, less allowances of $44.0 and $34.5, respectively1,174.3
 1,048.3
Related party receivable3.3
 3.9
Inventories722.7
 707.9
Other current assets133.5
 118.9
Total current assets2,114.1
 1,948.6
Property and equipment (net of depreciation and amortization of $314.6 and $292.8, respectively)340.2
 371.8
Goodwill99.6
 50.2
Other intangibles, net64.1
 21.0
Deferred income tax assets59.6
 61.8
Other non-current assets30.8
 30.3
Total assets$2,708.4
 $2,483.7
Liabilities and shareholders' equity   
Current liabilities:   
Accounts payable$680.1
 $654.1
Related party payable8.5
 9.0
Accrued payroll and benefits73.5
 84.4
Other accrued liabilities134.6
 102.5
Current maturities of long-term debt2.9
 2.9
Financing obligations, current portion (including obligations to related party of $7.1 and $14.9, respectively)7.8
 14.9
Total current liabilities907.4
 867.8
Long-term debt, net of current maturities908.3
 749.2
Financing obligations, less current portion (including obligations to related party of $155.2 and $176.1, respectively)181.6
 176.1
Defined benefit pension obligations24.4
 27.6
Other non-current liabilities137.0
 121.2
Total liabilities2,158.7
 1,941.9
Commitments and contingencies (Note 16)

 

Shareholders' equity:   
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 10.0 million shares authorized, none issued
 
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 100.0 million shares authorized, 16.0 million shares issued; shares outstanding - 15.7 million at December 31, 2017 and 20160.2
 0.2
Additional paid-in capital590.2
 574.5
Accumulated earnings6.4
 19.7
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(33.5) (39.0)
   Treasury stock at cost - 0.3 million shares at December 31, 2017 and 2016(13.6) (13.6)
Total shareholders' equity549.7
 541.8
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity$2,708.4
 $2,483.7


See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

42

VERITIV CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions)
Year Ended December 31,
202220212020
Operating activities
Net income (loss)$337.9 $144.6 $34.2 
Depreciation and amortization45.6 55.2 57.7 
Amortization and write-off of deferred financing fees1.7 1.5 2.1 
Net (gains) losses on disposition of assets and sale of businesses(41.1)(9.2)(8.2)
Long-lived asset impairment charges— 0.5 0.5 
Provision for expected credit losses4.0 4.7 12.4 
Deferred income tax provision (benefit)17.1 9.2 (1.8)
Stock-based compensation9.5 7.4 17.7 
Other non-cash items, net(6.1)9.8 (12.4)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Accounts receivable and related party receivable6.7 (172.6)56.5 
Inventories(24.2)(22.1)89.7 
Other current assets3.7 (9.3)(3.2)
Accounts payable and related party payable(74.4)110.0 5.5 
Accrued payroll and benefits(10.8)19.9 17.1 
Other accrued liabilities(4.4)(1.3)(1.0)
Other(12.8)6.4 22.4 
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities252.4 154.7 289.2 
Investing activities
Property and equipment additions(21.9)(20.4)(23.6)
Proceeds from asset sales and sale of businesses, net of cash transferred186.7 16.1 18.3 
Proceeds from insurance related to property and equipment3.2 — — 
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities168.0 (4.3)(5.3)
Financing activities
Change in book overdrafts37.0 (16.5)(16.6)
Borrowings of long-term debt6,181.3 5,734.4 5,566.0 
Repayments of long-term debt(6,392.9)(5,814.5)(5,719.2)
Payments under right-of-use finance leases(11.6)(13.8)(13.0)
Payments under vendor-based financing arrangements(3.2)— — 
Deferred financing fees— (3.3)(3.4)
Purchase of treasury stock(200.0)(100.0)(3.5)
Payments under Tax Receivable Agreement— — (12.3)
Impact of tax withholding on share-based compensation(30.2)(8.5)(0.8)
Dividends paid to shareholders(8.5)— — 
Other(0.5)0.8 0.2 
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities(428.6)(221.4)(202.6)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash(0.5)(0.3)1.3 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents(8.7)(71.3)82.6 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period49.3 120.6 38.0 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$40.6 $49.3 $120.6 
43

 Year Ended December 31,
Operating activities2017 2016 2015
Net income (loss)$(13.3) $21.0
 $26.7
Depreciation and amortization54.2
 54.7
 56.9
Amortization and write-off of deferred financing fees2.6
 5.6
 4.4
Net losses (gains) on dispositions of property and equipment(25.7) (0.8) 0.5
Goodwill and long-lived asset impairment charges8.4
 7.7
 5.9
Provision for allowance for doubtful accounts15.9
 2.2
 7.4
Deferred income tax provision1.9
 11.1
 14.9
Stock-based compensation15.7
 8.3
 3.8
Other non-cash items, net(8.8) 3.7
 2.0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities     
Accounts receivable and related party receivable(101.9) (14.7) 53.4
Inventories30.1
 13.1
 (62.0)
Other current assets(8.4) (11.4) 1.0
Accounts payable and related party payable48.3
 69.9
 (8.4)
Accrued payroll and benefits(11.3) (40.9) 10.5
Other accrued liabilities13.6
 (3.6) (7.1)
Other15.3
 14.3
 3.1
Net cash provided by operating activities36.6
 140.2
 113.0
Investing activities     
Property and equipment additions(32.5) (41.0) (44.4)
Proceeds from asset sales51.1
 6.6
 0.3
Cash paid for purchase of business, net of cash acquired(144.8) 
 
Net cash used for investing activities(126.2) (34.4) (44.1)
Financing activities     
Change in book overdrafts(40.5) 18.9
 (5.8)
Borrowings of long-term debt4,898.8
 4,555.8
 4,661.9
Repayments of long-term debt(4,731.5) (4,625.9) (4,708.9)
Payments under equipment capital lease obligations(2.7) (3.2) (3.8)
Payments under financing obligations (including obligations to related party of $15.0, $19.9 and $13.8, respectively)(16.4) (19.9) (13.8)
Deferred financing fees
 (2.0) 
Purchase of treasury stock
 (13.6) 
Payments under Tax Receivable Agreement(8.5) 
 
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities99.2
 (89.9) (70.4)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash1.1
 (0.7) (1.7)
Net change in cash10.7
 15.2
 (3.2)
Cash at beginning of period69.6
 54.4
 57.6
Cash at end of period$80.3
 $69.6
 $54.4
Supplemental cash flow information     
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds$3.7
 $11.6
 $1.9
Cash paid for interest27.6
 20.6
 21.7
Non-cash investing and financing activities     
Non-cash additions to property and equipment17.8
 20.8
 4.0
Contingent consideration for purchase of business: Earn-out22.2
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
202220212020
Supplemental cash flow information
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds$83.9 $40.1 $7.8 
Cash paid for interest15.6 15.0 22.0 
Non-cash investing and financing activities
Non-cash additions to property and equipment for right-of-use finance leases and vendor-based financing arrangements$21.3 $4.1 $14.8 
Non-cash additions to other non-current assets for right-of-use operating leases38.9 111.6 20.1 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

44



VERITIV CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(in millions)

Common Stock IssuedAdditional Paid-in CapitalAccumulated Earnings (Deficit)Accumulated Other Comprehensive LossTreasury StockTotal
SharesAmountSharesAmount
Balance at December 31, 201916.4 $0.2 $618.0 $(35.3)$(33.1)(0.3)$(13.6)$536.2 
Net income (loss)34.2 34.2 
Other comprehensive income (loss)(0.4)(0.4)
Stock-based compensation17.7 17.7 
Issuance of common stock, net of stock received for minimum tax withholdings0.2 0.0 (0.8)(0.8)
Adoption impact - Accounting Standards Update 2016-13(0.3)(0.3)
Treasury stock purchases(0.4)(3.5)(3.5)
Balance at December 31, 202016.6 $0.2 $634.9 $(1.4)$(33.5)(0.7)$(17.1)$583.1 
Net income (loss)144.6 144.6 
Other comprehensive income (loss)9.2 9.2 
Stock-based compensation7.4 7.4 
Issuance of common stock, net of stock received for minimum tax withholdings0.4 0.0 (8.5)(8.5)
Treasury stock purchases(1.7)(100.0)(100.0)
Balance at December 31, 202117.0 $0.2 $633.8 $143.2 $(24.3)(2.4)$(117.1)$635.8 
Net income (loss)337.9 337.9 
Other comprehensive income (loss)11.6 11.6 
Stock-based compensation9.5 9.5 
Issuance of common stock, net of stock received for minimum tax withholdings0.5 0.0 (30.2)(30.2)
Dividends(8.5)(8.5)
Treasury stock purchases(1.6)(200.0)(200.0)
Balance at December 31, 202217.5 $0.2 $613.1 $472.6 $(12.7)(4.0)$(317.1)$756.1 
 Common Stock Issued Additional Paid-in Capital Accumulated Earnings (Deficit) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Treasury Stock Total
 SharesAmount    Shares Amount 
Balance at December 31, 201416.0
$0.2
 $562.4
 $(28.0) $(22.1) 
 $
 $512.5
Net income

 
 26.7
 
 
 
 26.7
Other comprehensive loss

 
 
 (12.9) 
 
 (12.9)
Stock-based compensation

 3.8
 
 
 
 
 3.8
Balance at December 31, 201516.0
$0.2
 $566.2
 $(1.3) $(35.0) 
 $
 $530.1
Net income

 
 21.0
 
 
 
 21.0
Other comprehensive loss

 
 
 (4.0) 
 
 (4.0)
Stock-based compensation

 8.3
 
 
 
 
 8.3
Treasury stock

 
 
 
 (0.3) (13.6) (13.6)
Balance at December 31, 201616.0
$0.2
 $574.5
 $19.7
 $(39.0) (0.3) $(13.6) $541.8
Net loss

 
 (13.3) 
 
 
 (13.3)
Other comprehensive income

 
 
 5.5
 
 
 5.5
Stock-based compensation

 15.7
 
 
 
 
 15.7
Balance at December 31, 201716.0
$0.2
 $590.2
 $6.4
 $(33.5) (0.3) $(13.6) $549.7


See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

45


VERITIV CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


1. BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES


Description of Business


Veritiv Corporation ("Veritiv" or the "Company") is a North American business-to-business distributorfull-service provider of value-added packaging products and services, as well as facility solutions print and publishingprint-based products and services. Additionally, Veritiv provides logistics and supply chain management solutions to its customers. Veritiv was established on July 1,in 2014, (the "Distribution Date"), following the merger (the "Merger") of International Paper Company’s ("International Paper")Company's xpedx distribution solutions business ("xpedx") and UWW Holdings, Inc. ("UWWH"), the parent company of Unisource Worldwide, Inc. ("Unisource"). On July 2, 2014, Veritiv’sVeritiv's common stock began regular-way trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol VRTV.

International Paper has a potential earn-out payment of up to $100.0 million that would become due in 2020 if Veritiv's aggregate EBITDA for fiscal years 2017, 2018 and 2019 exceeds an agreed-upon target of $759.0 million, subject to certain adjustments. The $100.0 million potential earn-out payment would be reflected by"VRTV". Veritiv as a reduction to equity at the time of payment.

Following the Merger, certain corporate and other related functions continued to be provided by International Paper under a transition services agreement. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company recognized $10.0 million in selling and administrative expenses related to this agreement. As of December 31, 2015, all of the functions originally provided by International Paper under this agreement have been fully transitioned to the Company.

Veritiv operates from approximately 170 distribution centers primarily throughout the United States ("U.S., Canada") and Mexico.

During 2022, the Company sold its logistics solutions business and its Veritiv Canada, Inc. business. In 2021, the Company sold its legacy Print segment's Rollsource business. These sales did not represent strategic shifts that will have a major effect on the Company's operations or financial results and they did not meet the requirements to be classified as discontinued operations. See Note 17, Divestitures, for additional information related to the Company's business divestitures.
As the print and publishing industries continue to evolve, the Company continues to focus on ways to share costs and leverage combined resources where possible. In order to better align the resources of the Company's print and publishing organizations with the needs of the changing marketplaces, during the first quarter of 2022 the Company reevaluated the way in which it would service its customers, manage its product offerings and allocate resources to support these areas of its business. This resulted in a decision to combine the print and publishing operations, resulting in a new reportable segment known as Print Solutions. Prior period results have been revised to align with the new presentation. See Note 2, Revenue Recognition and Credit Losses, for additional information related to the Company's product offerings and reportable segments.

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation


The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“("U.S. GAAP”GAAP") and include all of the Company’sCompany's subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions between Veritiv's businesses have been eliminated. During 2022, the Company reclassified its gains from the sale of businesses from the selling and administrative expenses line to the gain on sale of businesses line on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the periods presented.

Use of Estimates


The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenue and expenses and certain financial statement disclosures. Estimates and assumptions are used for, but not limited to, revenue recognition, right-of-use ("ROU") asset and liability valuations, accounts and notes receivable valuation,valuations, inventory valuation, employee benefit plans, long-term incentive plans, income tax contingency accruals and valuation allowances, recognition of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Tax Act"), multi-employer pension plan ("MEPP") withdrawal liabilities, contingency accruals, and goodwill and other intangible asset valuations. Although these estimates are based on management's knowledge of current events and actions it may undertake in the future, actual results may ultimately differ from these estimates and assumptions.

Primarily beginning in April 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected Veritiv's operational and financial performance to varying degrees. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company could continue to experience impacts including, but not limited to, charges from potential adjustments of the carrying amount of accounts and notes receivables and inventory, asset impairment charges and deferred tax valuation allowances. The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the Company's business, results of operations and financial condition will depend on future developments. These developments, which are uncertain and difficult to predict, include, but are not limited to, the duration, spread and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic including new variants, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company's employees, customers, suppliers and vendors, measures adopted or recommended by local and federal governments or health authorities in response to the pandemic, the availability, adoption and effectiveness of vaccines and vaccine boosters and to what extent normal economic and operating conditions can resume and be sustained. Even after the
46

COVID-19 pandemic has subsided, the Company may experience an impact to its business as a result of any economic recession, downturn, or volatility or long-term changes in customer behavior. Estimates are revised as additional information becomes available.


Summary of Significant Accounting Policies


Revenue Recognition


RevenueVeritiv applies the five-step model to assess its contracts with customers. The Company's revenue is recognized when persuasive evidencereported as net sales and is measured as the determinable transaction price, net of anany variable consideration (e.g., sales incentives and rights to return product) and any taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities. When the Company enters into a sales arrangement exists,with a customer, it believes it is probable that it will collect substantially all of the price is fixedconsideration to which it will be entitled in exchange for the goods or determinable, collectability is reasonably assured and delivery has occurred. Revenue is recognized whenservices that will be transferred to the customer takes title and assumes the risks and rewards of ownership.customer. When management cannot conclude collectability is reasonably assuredprobable for shipments to a particular customer, revenue associated with that customer is not recognized until cash is collected or management is otherwise able to establish that collectability is reasonably assured. Multipleprobable. As a normal business practice, Veritiv does not enter into contracts with a single counterparty are accountedthat require more than one year to complete or that contain significant financing components. See Note 2, Revenue Recognition and Credit Losses, for as separate arrangements.




Sales transactions with customers are designated free on board ("f.o.b.") destination and revenue is recorded when the product is deliveredadditional information related to the customer’s delivery site, when title and risk of loss are transferred. Effective January 1, 2016, the Company harmonized its shipping terms to be f.o.b. destination. Prior to that date, revenue was recorded at the time of shipment for certain xpedx customers whose terms were designated f.o.b. shipping point. Management determined that any shipments in transit at December 31, 2015 would honor the f.o.b. destination terms resulting in a reduction of $27.0 million and $1.8 million to net sales and operating income, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2015.Company's revenues.
Certain revenues are derived from shipments arranged by the Company made directly from a manufacturer to a customer. The Company is considered to be a principal to these transactions because, among other factors, it controls pricing to the customer, bears the credit risk of the customer defaulting on payment and is the primary obligor. Revenues from these sales are reported on a gross basis in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and amounted to $3.0 billion, $3.0 billion and $3.3 billion for the years ended December 31,2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Taxes collected from customers relating to product sales and remitted to governmental authorities are accounted for on a net basis. Accordingly, such taxes are excluded from both net sales and expenses.


Purchase Incentives and Customer Rebates


Veritiv enters into agreements with suppliers that entitle Veritiv to receive rebates, allowances and other discounts based on the attainment of specified purchasing levels or sales to certain customers. Purchase incentives are recorded as a reduction to inventory and recognized in cost of products sold when the sale occurs. During the year ended December 31, 2017,2022, approximately 38%29% of the Company's purchases were made from ten suppliers.

Veritiv also enters into incentive agreements with certain of its customers, which are generally based on sales to these customers. Veritiv records estimated rebates to customers as a reduction to gross sales as customer revenue is recognized.


Distribution Expenses


Distribution expenses consist of storage, handling and delivery costs including freight to the Company's customers’customers' destinations. Handling and delivery costs were $380.7$262.9 million, $371.7$271.0 million and $380.5$273.6 million for the years ended December 31, 20172022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid, unrestricted investments with original maturities to the Company of three months or less to be cash equivalents, including investments in money market funds with no restrictions on withdrawals. The Company held no cash equivalents as of December 31, 2022 and 2021.

Trade Accounts Receivable, Notes Receivable and Related Allowances

The Company performs an assessment of its financial assets which consist primarily of accounts receivable and identifies pools (i.e., 2016groups of similar assets within the accounts receivable portfolio) based on the Company’s internal risk ratings, geographical locations and 2015, respectively.

Acquisitionhistorical loss information. The Company’s pools are classified by reportable segment, risk level and Integration Expenses

Acquisitionthe geographical location of the Company’s customers. The risk characteristics of each segment are determined by the impact of economic and integration expensesstructural fluctuations that are expensedspecific to the industry sectors served by the Company, competition from other suppliers and the nature of the products and services provided to the Company’s customers. The risk characteristics of the Packaging segment include changes in customer buying habits and product preferences. The risk characteristics of the Facility Solutions segment include revenue declines and delinquency rates attributable to changes in the travel industry, constraints and restrictions for large venues, return-to-office and in-person school activities. The Company considered the Packaging and Facility Solutions segments to be a single pool as incurred. Acquisitionthey share similar risk characteristics. The Print Solutions segment is faced with industry-wide decreases in demand for products and integration expenses include internally dedicated integration management resources, retention compensation, information technology conversion costs, rebranding, professional services due to the increasing use of e-commerce and other costs to integrate its businesses.on-line product substitutions.


Accounts Receivable and Allowances

Accounts receivable are recognized net of allowances. The Company’s allowance for doubtful accountscredit losses reflects the best estimate of expected losses inherent into the Company’sCompany's accounts receivable portfolio determined on the basis of historical experience, current conditions, reasonable and supportable forecasts and specific allowances for known troubled accountsaccounts. In developing the allowance for credit losses, the Company utilizes internal risk ratings that are determined based on a number of factors including a periodic evaluation of each customer’s
47

financial condition where possible. In addition to leveraging the internally developed risk ratings and other available evidence. The other allowances balance is inclusive of returns, discountshistorical experience, the expected credit loss estimates are developed using quantitative analyses, where meaningful, and any other items affectingqualitative analyses to forecast the realization of these assets.impact that external factors and economic indicators may have on the amount that the Company expects to collect. Accounts receivable are written offwritten-off when management determines they are uncollectible.


The componentsCompany, under certain circumstances, enters into note receivable agreements with customers. Expected credit losses are recognized when collectability is uncertain.

The Company's provision for expected credit losses is included in selling and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statements of the accounts receivable allowances were as follows:
 Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)2017 2016
Allowance for doubtful accounts$32.4
 $23.7
Other allowances11.6
 10.8
Total accounts receivable allowances$44.0
 $34.5



Below is a rollforward of, for additional information related to the Company's accounts receivable allowances for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016credit losses and 2015:            
other allowances.

Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)2017
2016
2015
Beginning balance, January 1$34.5
 $33.3
 $39.0
Add / (Deduct):     
Provision for bad debt expense15.9
 2.2
 7.4
Net write-offs and recoveries(7.7) (6.7) (13.1)
Other adjustments(1)
1.3
 5.7
 
Ending balance, December 31$44.0
 $34.5
 $33.3
(1) Other adjustments represent amounts reserved for returns and discounts, foreign currency translation adjustments and reserves for customer accounts where revenue is not recognized because collectability is not reasonably assured, and may include accounts receivable allowances recorded in connection with acquisitions. 2015 amounts were not material.


Inventories


The Company's inventories are primarily comprised of finished goods and predominantly valued at cost as determined by the last-in first-out ("LIFO") method. Such valuations are not in excess of market. Elements of cost in inventories include the purchase price invoiced by a supplier, plus inbound freight and related costs and reduced by estimated volume-based discounts and early pay discounts available from certain suppliers. Approximately 86%96% and 87%80% of inventories were valued using the LIFO method as of December 31, 20172022 and 2016,2021, respectively. If the first-in, first-out method had been used, total inventory balances would be increased by approximately $78.7$165.6 million and $71.3$134.5 million at December 31, 20172022 and 2016,2021, respectively.


The Company reduces the value of obsolete inventory based on the difference between the LIFO cost of the inventory and the estimated market value using assumptions of future demand and market conditions. To estimate the net realizable value, the Company considers factors such as the age of the inventory, the nature of the products, the quantity of items on-hand relative to sales trends, current market prices and trends in pricing, its ability to use excess supply in another channel, historical write-offs and expected residual values or other recoveries.


Veritiv maintains some of its inventory on a consignment basis in which the inventory is physically located at the customer's premises or a third-party warehouse.distribution center. Veritiv had $50.9$24.2 million and $47.3$24.1 million of consigned inventory as of December 31, 20172022 and 2016,2021, respectively, valued on a LIFO basis, net of reserves.


Property and Equipment Net


Property and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and software amortization. Expenditures for replacements and major improvements are capitalized, whereas repair and maintenance costs that do not improve service potential or extend economic life are expensed as incurred. The Company capitalizes certain computer software and development costs incurred in connection with developing or obtaining software for internal use. Costs relateduse, including cloud computing arrangements that convey a license in addition to the development ofhosting service. Direct costs incurred to develop internal use software other than those incurred during the application development stage are capitalized. Preliminary project stage costs, maintenance and training costs are expensed as incurred.



The components of property and equipment, net were as follows:
(in millions)December 31, December 31,
2017 2016
Land, buildings and improvements$106.6
 $132.0
Machinery and equipment145.3
 131.1
Equipment capital leases and assets related to financing obligations (including financing obligations with related party)233.3
 215.5
Internal use software159.2
 151.0
Construction-in-progress10.4
 35.0
Less: Accumulated depreciation and software amortization(314.6) (292.8)
Property and equipment, net$340.2
 $371.8

Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Land is not depreciated, and construction-in-progress ("CIP") is not depreciated until ready for service. Leased property and leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lease term or useful life of the asset, whichever is less.

Depreciation and amortization for property and equipment, other than land and CIP, is based upon the following estimated useful lives:
Buildings40 years
Leasehold improvements1 to 20 years
Machinery and equipment3 to 15 years
Equipment capital leases and assets related to financing obligations (including financing obligations with related party)3 to 15 years
Internal use software3 to 5 years

Additional property and equipment information is as follows:
 Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)2017 2016 2015
Depreciation expense (1)
$33.5
 $33.8
 $32.6
Amortization expense - internal use software16.5
 17.5
 18.4
Depreciation and amortization expense related to property and equipment$50.0
 $51.3
 $51.0
      
Accumulated depreciation on equipment capital leases and assets related to financing obligations (including financing obligations with related party)$35.6
 $29.7
  
Unamortized internal use software costs, including amounts recorded in CIP$37.6
 $43.9
  
(1) Includes the depreciation expense for equipment capital leases and assets related to financing obligations (including financing obligations with
related party).

Upon retirement or other disposal of property and equipment, the cost and related amount of accumulated depreciation or accumulated amortization are eliminated from the asset and accumulated depreciation or accumulated amortization accounts, respectively. The difference, if any, between the net asset value and the proceeds is included in net income.income (loss) on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

48

The following tables summarize the Company's property and equipment:
(in millions, except for estimated useful life)As of December 31,
Estimated Useful Life20222021
Land, buildings and improvements1to40years$94.9 $94.6 
Machinery and equipment3to15years142.0 156.1 
Finance leases67.5 112.2 
Internal use software3to5years136.1 122.8 
CIP12.5 9.6 
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization(325.5)(332.4)
Property and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation and amortization)$127.5 $162.9 
Unamortized internal use software costs, including amounts recorded in CIP$17.6 $10.5 

Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)202220212020
Depreciation expense (1)
$30.2 $36.6 $36.8 
Amortization expense - internal use software10.9 13.9 16.1 
Depreciation and amortization expense related to property and equipment$41.1 $50.5 $52.9 
(1) Includes depreciation expense for finance leases.
Cloud Computing Arrangements

To support its operations, the Company enters into various cloud computing arrangements that are service contracts. Certain application development stage costs are capitalized based on the nature of the items and are deferred and recognized as other current assets and other non-current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The deferred costs are expensed on a straight-line basis over the terms of the agreements, including reasonably certain renewal periods, which currently range from three to ten years. The expenses are recognized as selling and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations, while cash flow impacts are reported as operating activities.

The following tables summarize the expenses and net capitalized costs for the Company's cloud computing arrangements:
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)202220212020
Capitalized implementation costs expensed$0.4 $0.3 $0.1 

As of December 31,
(in millions)20222021
In service:
Other current assets$0.5 $0.3 
Other non-current assets2.0 0.3 
Total net capitalized implementation costs in service$2.5 $0.6 
Pending placement into service:
Other current assets$— $0.3 
Other non-current assets$15.3 $— 

49

Leases


The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at lease inception and reviews lease arrangements for finance or operating lease classification at their commencement date. Operating leases certainare reported as part of other non-current assets, other accrued liabilities and other non-current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Finance leases are reported as part of property and equipment used for operations. Such lease arrangements are reviewed for capital or operating classification at their inception.




Capital leaseand debt obligations consist of delivery equipment, material handling equipment, computer hardware and office equipment which are leased through third parties under non-cancelableon the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company does not include leases with terms generally ranging from three to eight years. Manya term of the delivery equipment leases include annual rate increases basedtwelve months or less on the Consumer Price Index which are included in the calculation of the initial lease obligation. The carrying value of the related equipment associated with these capital leases is included within property and equipment, net in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and depreciated overdoes not separate lease and non-lease components for its delivery equipment leases. In order to value the ROU assets and related liabilities, the Company makes certain estimates and assumptions related to establishing the lease term, discount rates and variable lease payments (e.g., rent escalations tied to changes in the Consumer Price Index). The exercise of any lease renewal or asset purchase option is at the Company's sole discretion. The lease term for all of the lease.Company's leases includes the noncancelable period of the lease and any periods covered by renewal options that the Company is reasonably certain to exercise. Certain leases include rent escalations pre-set in the agreements, which are factored into the lease payment stream. Similar to a variable lease payment, certain delivery equipment leases include a provision for an amount the Company may be required to pay at the end of the lease for any residual value deficiency incurred by the lessor upon resale of the underlying asset. The Company doesuses the implicit rate of interest when it is available; however, as most of the Company's leases do not record rent expense for capital leases. Rather, rental payments underprovide an implicit rate of interest, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on information available at the lease are recognized as a reductioncommencement date in determining the discounted value of the capital lease obligationpayments. Lease expense and interest expense. Depreciation expense for assets under capital leases is included in the total depreciation expense disclosed in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
All other leases are operating leases. Certain lease agreements include renewal options and rent escalation clauses. Assets subject to an operating lease and the related lease payments are not recorded on the Company’s balance sheet. Rent expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the expectedlease term, or for a finance lease, over the shorter of the life of the underlying asset or the lease term.

The term for all types of leases begins onCompany’s decisions to cease operations in certain warehouse facilities leads to different accounting treatment depending upon whether the dateleased properties are considered abandoned versus properties that the Company becomes legally obligatedhas the intent and ability to sublease. Abandoned ROU assets are assessed for impairment based on estimates of undiscounted operating cash flows until the rent payments or takes possessionanticipated cease-use date and any remaining lease expense is accelerated through the anticipated cease-use date. Leases for which the Company has the intent and ability to sublease are assessed for impairment and any remaining ROU asset values are amortized over the shorter of the asset, whichever is earlier.remaining useful lives of the assets or lease term. The intent and practical ability to sublease and estimates of future cash flows attributable to the sublease are assessed considering the terms of the lease agreement, certain market conditions, remaining lease terms and the time required to sublease the facility and other factors. See Note 7,3, Leases, for additional information related to the Company's leases.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Net


Goodwill relating to a single business reporting unit is included as an asset of the applicable segment. Goodwill arising from major acquisitions that involve multiple reportable segments is allocated to the reporting units based on the relative fair value of the reporting unit.

Goodwill is reviewed by Veritiv for impairment on a reporting unit basis annually on October 1st or more frequently if indicators are present or changes in circumstances suggest that impairment may exist. The testing of goodwill for possible impairment is performed by completing a Step 0 test or electing to by-pass the Step 0 test and comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying value, including goodwill. The Step 0 test utilizes qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. Qualitative factors include: macroeconomic conditions; industry and market considerations; overall financial performance and cost factors to determine whether a reporting unit is at risk for goodwill impairment.

In the event a reporting unit fails the Step 0 goodwill impairment test, it is necessary to move forward with a comparison of the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying value, including goodwill. If the fair value exceeds the carrying value, goodwill is not considered to be impaired. If the fair value of a reporting unit is below the carrying value, a goodwill impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’sunit's fair value; however, any loss recognized will not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. See Note 4, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, for additional information related to the Company's goodwill.


Intangible assets acquired in a business combination are recorded at fair value. The Company's intangible assets may include customer relationships, trademarks and trade names and non-compete agreements. Intangible assets with finite useful lives are subsequently amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. See the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets section below for the accounting policy related to the periodic review of long-lived intangible assets for impairment.

When the Company disposes of a portion of its business that has had goodwill and or other intangible assets allocated to it, the Company performs fair value assessments to determine the amounts of goodwill and or other intangible assets that should be allocated to the disposal asset group.These calculations will usually involve the use of Level 3 data (internal data such as the Company's operating and cash flow projections).

50

See Note 4,5, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets and Note 10, Fair Value Measurements, for additional information related to the Company's goodwill and other intangible assets.


Impairment of Long-Lived Assets


Long-lived assets, including finite lived intangible assets, are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate their carrying value may not be recoverable. The Company assesses the recoverability of long-lived assets based on the undiscounted future cash flow the assets are expected to generate and recognizes an impairment loss when the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset plus net proceeds expected from disposition of the asset, if any, are less than the carrying value of the asset. When an impairment is identified, the Company reduces the carrying amount of the asset to its estimated fair value based on a discounted cash flow approach or, when available and appropriate, to comparable market values.

For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, The calculation of lease impairment charges of $0.7 millionrequires significant judgments and $1.9 million, respectively, were recorded for certain long-lived assets that supported multiple segments. These charges were recorded as



sellingestimates, including estimated sublease rentals, discount rates and administrative expense as they were not related tofuture cash flows based on the Company's restructuring efforts. Forexperience and knowledge of the year ended December 31, 2015, impairment chargesmarket in which the property is located, previous efforts to dispose of $4.0 million were recorded for certain long-livedsimilar assets that supported multiple segments, with $0.7 million recorded as selling and administrative expense and $3.3 million recorded as restructuring expense.an assessment of current market conditions. See Note 3, Acquisition, Integration and Restructuring Charges10, Fair Value Measurements, for additional information related to the Company's restructuring efforts.impairment assessments.


Employee Benefit Plans


The Company sponsors and/or contributes to defined contribution plans, defined benefit pension plans and multi-employerMEPPs in the U.S. Except for certain union employees who continue to accrue benefits under the U.S. defined benefit pension plan in accordance with their collective bargaining agreements, the defined benefit pension plans in the United States.are frozen. In addition, the Company and its subsidiaries have various pension plans and other forms of retirement arrangements outside the United States. See Note 10, Employee Benefit Plans, for additional information related to these plans and arrangements.U.S.

The determination of defined benefit pension and postretirement plan obligations and their associated costs requires the use of actuarial computations to estimate participant plan benefits to which the employees will be entitled. The Company’sCompany's significant assumptions in this regard include discount rates, rate of future compensation increases, expected long-term rates of return on plan assets, mortality rates and other factors. Each assumption is developed using relevant company experience in conjunction with market-related data in the U.S. and Canada.data. All actuarial assumptions are reviewed annually with third-party consultants and adjusted as necessary.


For the recognition of net periodic postretirement cost, the calculation of the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is derived using the fair value of plan assets at the measurement date. Actual results that differ from the Company's assumptions are accumulated and amortized on a straight-line basis only to the extent they exceed 10% of the higher of the fair value of plan assets or the projected benefit obligation, over the estimated remaining service period of active participants. The fair value of plan assets is determined based on market prices or estimated fair value at the measurement date.


The Company also makes contributions to multi-employer pension plansMEPPs for its union employees covered by such plans. For these plans, the Company recognizes a liability only for any required contributions to the plans or surcharges imposed by the plans that are accrued and unpaid at the balance sheet date. The Company does not record an asset or liability to recognize the funded status of the plans. The Company records an estimated undiscounted charge when it becomes probable that it has incurred a withdrawal liability when exiting a MEPP, as the final amount and timing is not assured. When a final determination of the withdrawal liability is received from the plan, the estimated charge is adjusted to the final amount determined by the plan.


Stock-BasedSee Note 9, Employee Benefit Plans, for additional information related to the Company's benefit plans and arrangements.

Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plans


The Company measures and records compensation expense for all stock-basedlong-term incentive compensation awards based on the respective plans' grant date fair values over the vesting periodperiods of the awards. Forfeitures are recognized when they occur. Performance-based plans require the Company to make estimates of its long-term future performance. See Note 15, Equity-Based14, Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plans, for additional information.information related to the Company's long-term incentive compensation plans.


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Income Taxes


Veritiv's income tax expense, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits reflect management’smanagement's best assessment of estimated current and future taxes to be paid.  Veritiv records its global tax provision based on the respective tax rules and regulations for the jurisdictions in which it operates.  Where treatment of a position is uncertain, liabilities are recorded based uponon an evaluation of the more likely than not outcome considering technical merits of the position.  Changes to recorded liabilities are made only when an identifiable event occurs that alters the likely outcome, such as settlement with the relevant tax authority or the expiration of statutes of limitation for the subject tax year.  Significant judgments and estimates are required in determining the consolidated income tax expense.

The Tax Act was signed into law on December 22, 2017 and makes broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code. We recognized provisional estimates of the impact of the Tax Act in the year ended December 31, 2017. These provisional amounts may be adjusted during 2018 in accordance with the measurement period guidance outlined in Securities and Exchange Commission's Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118. See Note 8, Income Taxes of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional details regarding the Tax Act.



Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized.  Significant judgment is required in evaluating the need for and amount of valuation allowances against deferred tax assets.  The realization of these assets is dependent on generating sufficient future taxable income.


While Veritiv believes that these judgments and estimates are appropriate and reasonable underSee Note 7, Income Taxes, for additional information related to the circumstances, actual resolution of these matters may differ from recorded estimated amounts.Company's income taxes.

Fair Value Measurements


Fair value is the price that would be received upon the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The following fair value hierarchy is used in selecting inputs, with the highest priority given to Level 1, as these are the most transparent or reliable.
Level 1 –Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 –Observable market-based inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.
Level 3 –Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability reflecting the reporting entity’sentity's own assumptions or external inputs from inactive markets.

See Note 11,10, Fair Value Measurements, for further detail.additional information related to the Company's fair value measurements.


Foreign Currency


The assets and liabilities of the Company's foreign subsidiaries are translated from their respective local currencies to the U.S. dollarsdollar at the appropriate spot rates as of the balance sheet date. Changes in the carrying values of these assets and liabilities attributable to fluctuations in spot rates are recognized in foreign currency translation adjustment, a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss ("AOCL"). See Note 14,13, Shareholders' Equity, for the impacts of foreign currency translation adjustments on AOCL.

The revenues and expenses of the foreign subsidiaries are translated using the monthly average exchange rates during the year. The gains or losses from foreign currency transactions are included in other (income) expense, net inon the Consolidated Statements of Operations.


Treasury Stock

Common stock purchased for treasury is recorded at cost. Costs incurred by the Company that are associated with the acquisition of treasury stock are treated in a manner similar to stock issue costs and are added to the cost of the treasury stock.




Recently Issued Accounting Standards
Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
StandardDescriptionEffective DateEffect on the Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters
Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842)
The standard requires lessees to put most leases on their balance sheet but recognize expenses in their statement of operations in a manner similar to current accounting guidance. The new standard also eliminates the current guidance related to real estate specific provisions. The guidance requires application on a modified retrospective basis to leases that existed at the beginning of the earliest period presented and those entered into thereafter but prior to the effective date. A proposed ASU has been issued that would add the option for organizations to not provide comparative period financial statements and instead apply the transition requirements as of the effective date. The standard permits entities to elect a package of practical expedients which must be applied consistently to all leases that commenced prior to the effective date. If the package of practical expedients is elected, entities do not need to reassess: (i) whether expired or existing contracts contain leases; (ii) lease classification for any expired or existing leases; and (iii) initial direct costs for any existing leases. The guidance also allows entities to make certain policy elections under the new standard, including: (i) the use of hindsight to determine lease term and when assessing existing right of use assets for impairment; (ii) a policy to not record short-term leases on the balance sheet; and (iii) a policy to not separate lease and non-lease components.January 1, 2019; early adoption is permittedThe Company is currently evaluating this standard and anticipates that its adoption will have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures as it will result in recording substantially all operating leases on the balance sheet as a lease obligation and right of use asset. Lease software has been implemented that will better enable the Company to implement the standard. The Company currently anticipates electing to apply the package of practical expedients to all leases that commenced prior to the date of adoption. Based on the analysis performed to date, the Company anticipates making a policy election to not include short-term leases on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and to separate lease and non-lease components. The Company currently does not anticipate making a policy election to use hindsight to determine lease term. The assessment is ongoing and the preliminary conclusions are subject to change. At this time the Company is unable to quantify the impact that the adoption of this standard will have on the Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures. The Company currently plans to adopt this ASU on January 1, 2019.



Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted (continued)
StandardDescriptionEffective DateEffect on the Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters
ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326)
The standard will replace the currently required incurred loss impairment methodology with guidance that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to be considered in making credit loss estimates. The guidance requires application on a modified retrospective basis. Other application requirements exist for specific assets impacted by a more-than-insignificant credit deterioration since origination.January 1, 2020; early adoption is permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018The Company is currently evaluating the impact this ASU will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures. The Company currently plans to adopt this ASU on January 1, 2020.
ASU 2018-02, Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220)
The standard allows companies to reclassify the effect of the change in tax laws and rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities as part of the Tax Act from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to retained earnings. The guidance is to be applied to each period in which the effect of the Tax Act (or portion thereof) is recorded and companies may apply it either (1) retrospectively as of the date of enactment or (2) as of the beginning of the period of adoption.January 1, 2019; early adoption is permitted.The Company is currently evaluating early adoption and the impact this ASU will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures.


Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
StandardDescriptionEffective DateEffect on the Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters
ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)

The standard replaces previous revenue recognition standards and significantly expands the disclosure requirements for revenue arrangements. It may be adopted either retrospectively or on a modified retrospective basis to new contracts and existing contracts with remaining performance obligations as of the effective date.

January 1, 2018; early adoption date is no earlier than the annual period beginning after December 15, 2016

The Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2018 applying the modified retrospective method. Focus areas were customer rebates, accounting for customer dedicated inventory and principal/agent considerations. The adoption did not materially impact the Company's Financial Statements and is not expected to have a material impact on future financial results as the adoption did not change the recognition pattern for the Company's existing revenue streams. The Company implemented new internal controls related to contract reviews and revenue recognition disclosures. Additional disclosures will be made as needed in future reports as a result of the adoption in 2018.



Recently Adopted Accounting Standards (continued)
StandardDescriptionEffective DateEffect on the Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters
ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230)

The standard addresses eight specific cash flow issues and is intended to reduce diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The guidance requires application on a retrospective basis.

January 1, 2018; early adoption is permitted (early adoption requires the adoption of all amendments in the same period)

The Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2018. The adoption did not materially impact the Company's historical Consolidated Financial Statements or related disclosures. Impacts to future results and disclosures will be dependent upon the presence of any items noted in the standard.
ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805)
The standard clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The guidance requires application on a prospective basis.
January 1, 2018; early adoption is permitted

The Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2018.
ASU 2017-07, Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715)
The standard requires employers to disaggregate the service cost component from the other components of net benefit cost and disclose the amount of net benefit cost that is included in the income statement or capitalized in assets, by line item. The standard requires employers to report the service cost component in the same line item(s) as other compensation costs and to report other pension-related costs (which include interest costs, amortization of pension-related costs from prior periods, and the gains or losses on plan assets) separately and exclude them from the subtotal of operating income. The standard also allows only the service cost component to be eligible for capitalization when applicable. The guidance requires application on a retrospective basis for the presentation of the service cost component and the other components of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost in the income statement and on a prospective basis for the capitalization of the service cost component of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit in assets.January 1, 2018; early adoption is permitted as of the first interim period of an annual period for which interim or annual financial statements have not been issued
The Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2018. The adoption did not materially impact its historical Consolidated Financial Statements or related disclosures.

ASU 2015-11, Inventory - Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory (Topic 330)
The standard requires companies to measure inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value, thereby simplifying the current guidance under which an entity must measure inventory at the lower of cost or market. This ASU will not apply to inventories measured by either the last-in first-out method or retail inventory method. The guidance requires application on a prospective basis.January 1, 2017The Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2017. The adoption did not materially impact its Consolidated Financial Statements or related disclosures. For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, approximately 86% and 87% of the inventory balances were measured using LIFO, respectively.



Recently Adopted Accounting Standards (continued)
StandardDescriptionEffective DateEffect on the Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters
ASU 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350)
The standard simplifies how an entity is required to test goodwill for impairment by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Step 2 measures a goodwill impairment loss by comparing the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. The guidance requires application on a prospective basis.January 1, 2020; early adoption is permittedThe Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2017.
ASU 2017-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718)The standard clarifies the changes to the terms and conditions of a share-based payment award that require an entity to apply modification accounting. The guidance requires application on a prospective basis.January 1, 2018; early adoption is permittedThe Company adopted this ASU on April 1, 2017. The adoption did not materially impact its Consolidated Financial Statements or related disclosures. Impacts to future results and disclosures will be dependent upon the presence of any items noted in the standard.
2. 2017 ACQUISITION

On August 31, 2017 (the "Acquisition Date"), Veritiv completed its acquisition of 100% of the equity interest in various All American Containers entities (collectively, "AAC"), a family owned and operated distributor of rigid packaging, including plastic, glass and metal containers, caps, closures and plastic pouches. The acquisition of AAC aligns with the Company's strategy of investing in higher growth and higher margin segments of the business. Through the acquisition, Veritiv gains expertise in rigid plastic, glass and metal packaging that complements its portfolio of packaging products and services. This acquisition also provides Veritiv with additional marketing, selling and distribution channels into the growing U.S. rigid packaging market. The rigid packaging market's primary product categories include paperboard, plastics, metals and glass.
Acquisition-related costs of approximately $7.3 million were expensed as incurred. These costs were recognized in acquisition and integration expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2017. These charges are included in the table in See Note 3, Acquisition, Integration and Restructuring Charges,13, Shareholders' Equity and related primarily to legal, consulting and other professional fees, and retention.

The acquisition of AAC was accounted for in the Company's financial statements using the acquisition method of accounting. The total consideration to complete the acquisition was approximately $169.8 million. Due to the limited amount of time since the acquisition of AAC, the valuation of certain assets and liabilities is preliminary and, as management receives additional information during the measurement period, these assets and liabilities may be adjusted. The preliminary purchase price was allocated to tangible and intangible assets and liabilities based upon their respective estimated fair values. The following table summarizes the components of the preliminary estimated purchase price for AAC:




Preliminary estimated purchase price:
 (in millions)
Cash consideration$112.0
Loan pay-off34.3
Contingent consideration22.2
Other1.3
Total preliminary estimated purchase price$169.8

The following table summarizes the allocation of the preliminary estimated purchase price to assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the Acquisition Date based on valuation information, estimates and assumptions available on December 31, 2017. See Note 4, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, for additional information related to the goodwillCompany's treasury stock transactions.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

Effective January 1, 2022, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2021-10, Government Assistance (Topic 832) on a prospective basis. This standard increases the transparency of government assistance provided to entities by including disclosure of (1) the types of assistance, (2) an entity's accounting for the assistance and intangible assets acquired(3) the effect of the assistance on an entity's financial statements. The amendments in this update are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2021. An entity should apply the amendments in this update either (1) prospectively to all transactions within the scope of the amendments that are reflected in financial statements at the date of initial application and new
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transactions that are entered into after the date of initial application or (2) retrospectively to those transactions. The adoption did not materially impact the Company's consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

Effective January 1, 2023, the Company will adopt ASU 2022-04, Liabilities- Supplier Finance Programs (Subtopic 405-50). This standard requires disclosure of the key terms of outstanding supplier finance programs and a rollforward of the related obligations. The amendments in this update do not affect the recognition, measurement or financial statement presentation of obligations covered by supplier finance programs. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022 on a retrospective basis, including interim periods within those fiscal years, except for the requirement to disclose rollforward information, which is effective prospectively for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023. Currently, the Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its related disclosures.

ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848). This standard provides temporary optional expedients and exceptions to accounting guidance for certain contract modifications and hedging arrangements to ease financial reporting burdens as the market transitions from the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") and other interbank reference rates to alternative reference rates. The guidance is available for prospective application upon its issuance and can generally be applied to contract modifications and hedging relationships entered into March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2024. The Company has long-term debt for which existing payments are based on LIBOR. The Company's Asset-Based Lending Facility includes certain provisions, which are not yet in effect, to facilitate the transition from LIBOR to a new replacement benchmark rate. Currently, the Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

2. REVENUE RECOGNITION AND CREDIT LOSSES

Revenue Recognition

Veritiv applies the five-step model to assess its contracts with customers. The Company's revenue is reported as net sales and is measured as the determinable transaction price, net of any variable consideration (e.g., sales incentives and rights to return product) and any taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities. Certain revenues are derived from shipments which are made directly from a manufacturer to a Veritiv customer. The Company is considered to be a principal to these transactions because, among other factors, it maintains control of the goods after they leave the supplier and before they are received at the customer's location, in most cases it selects the supplier and sets the price to the customer, and it bears the risk of the customer defaulting on payment or rejecting the goods. Revenues from these sales are reported on a gross basis on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and have historically represented approximately 35% of Veritiv's total net sales. As a normal business practice, Veritiv does not enter into contracts that require more than one year to complete or that contain significant financing components. The Company considers handling and delivery as activities to fulfill its performance obligations. Billings for third-party freight are accounted for as net sales and handling and delivery costs are accounted for as distribution expenses. Veritiv enters into incentive programs with certain of its customers, which are generally based on sales to those same customers. Veritiv follows the expected value method when estimating its retrospective incentives and records the estimated amount as a reduction to gross sales when revenue is recognized. Estimates of the variable consideration are based primarily on contract terms, current customer forecasts as well as historical experience.

Customer product returns are estimated based on historical experience and the identification of specific events necessitating an adjustment. The estimated return value is recognized as a reduction of gross sales and related cost of products sold. The estimated inventory returns value is recognized as part of inventories, while the estimated customer refund liability is recognized as part of other accrued liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, estimated inventory returns were not significant.

A customer contract liability will arise when Veritiv has received payment for goods and services but has not yet transferred the items to a customer and satisfied its performance obligations. Veritiv records a customer contract liability for performance obligations outstanding related to payments received in advance for customer deposits on equipment sales and other sale arrangements requiring prepayment, which are included in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Veritiv expects to satisfy these remaining performance obligations and recognize the related revenues upon delivery of the goods and services to the customer's designated location within 12 months following receipt of
53

the payment. Most equipment sales deposits are held for approximately 90 days and other sale arrangements requiring prepayment initially cover a 60 - 90 day period but can be renewed by the customer.

See the table below for a summary of the changes to the customer contract liabilities balance:
Customer Contract Liabilities
(in millions)20222021
Balance at January 1,$21.8 $12.2 
    Payments received51.6 52.2 
    Revenue recognized from beginning of year balance(18.8)(10.4)
    Revenue recognized from current year receipts(37.6)(32.2)
    Other adjustments (1)
(0.9)— 
Balance at December 31,$16.1 $21.8 
(1) Reflects liabilities removed as part of the sale of a business. See Note 17, Divestitures, for information related to the Company's divestitures.

Revenue Composition

Veritiv's revenues are primarily derived from purchase orders and rate agreements associated with the delivery of standard listed products with observable standalone sale prices. Prior to its divestiture in September 2022, the Company also earned revenues from its logistics solutions business, which provided transportation and warehousing services. Revenue generally consists of a single performance obligation to transfer a promised good or service and is short-term in nature. Revenues are recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to Veritiv's customers and in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods and services. Sales transactions with customers are designated free on board destination and revenue is recorded at the point in time when the product is delivered to the customer's designated location or when the customer has otherwise obtained the benefit of the goods, when title and risk of loss are transferred. The Company is able to serve a wide variety of customers, from large national companies to small local customers, through its distribution network.

Historically, the Company's ten largest customers have generated approximately 10% - 15% of its consolidated annual net sales. Veritiv's principal markets are concentrated primarily across North America. Approximately 93% of its reported net sales for the year ended December 31, 2022, were generated in the AAC acquisition. U.S. Prior to its divestiture in May 2022, Veritiv's Canadian business represented approximately 10% of its net sales. Veritiv evaluated the nature of the products and services provided to its customers as well as the nature of the customer and the geographical distribution of its customer base and determined that the best representative level of disaggregated revenue is the product category basis. The following is a brief description of the Company's three reportable segments, organized by major product category. This segment structure is consistent with the way the Chief Operating Decision Maker, who is Veritiv's Chief Executive Officer, makes operating decisions and manages the growth and profitability of the Company's business. The Company also has a Corporate & Other category which includes certain assets and costs not primarily attributable to any of the reportable segments. Prior to its divestiture in September 2022, the Company's logistics solutions business, which provided transportation and warehousing solutions, was also included in Corporate & Other.

Packaging – The Packaging segment provides custom and standard packaging solutions for customers based in North America and in key global markets. This segment services its customers with a full spectrum of packaging product materials within flexible, corrugated and fiber, ancillary packaging, rigid and equipment categories. The business is strategically focused on higher growth industry sectors including manufacturing, food and beverage, wholesale and retail, healthcare and transportation, as well as specialty sectors based on industry and product expertise. This segment also provides supply chain solutions, structural and graphic packaging design and engineering, automation, workflow and equipment services and kitting.

Facility Solutions – The Facility Solutions segment sources and sells cleaning, break-room and other supplies in product categories that include towels and tissues, food service, personal protective equipment, cleaning chemicals and skincare, primarily in North America. Additionally, the Company offers total cost of ownership solutions with re-merchandising, budgeting and compliance reporting and inventory management.

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Print Solutions The Print Solutions segment sells and distributes commercial printing, writing and copying products and services primarily in North America. Veritiv's broad geographic platform of operations and services, coupled with the breadth of paper and graphics products, including exclusive private brand offerings, provides a comprehensive suite of solutions in paper procurement, print management, supply chain and distribution.

See Note 11, Fair Value Measurements16, Segment and Other Information, for the disaggregation of revenue and other information related to the Company's reportable segments and Corporate & Other.

See Note 1, Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, for additional information related to the fair valueCompany's policies for revenue recognition, trade accounts receivable, notes receivable and related allowances.

Credit Losses and Other Allowances

The components of the contingent considerationaccounts receivable allowances were as follows:
As of December 31,
(in millions)20222021
Allowance for credit losses$17.7 $23.7 
Other allowances (1)
9.0 10.7 
Total accounts receivable allowances$26.7 $34.4 
(1) Includes amounts reserved for credit memos, customer discounts, customer short pays and other miscellaneous items.

Below is a rollforward of the Company's accounts receivable allowances:
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)202220212020
Balance at January 1,$34.4 $41.6 $43.8 
Add / (Deduct):
Provision for expected credit losses4.7 4.4 7.3 
Net write-offs and recoveries(5.6)(13.1)(6.5)
Other adjustments (1)
(6.8)1.5 (3.0)
Balance at December 31,$26.7 $34.4 $41.6 
(1) Other adjustments represent amounts reserved for returns and discounts, foreign currency translation adjustments and reserves for certain customer accounts where revenue is not recognized because collectability is not probable. These adjustments may also include accounts receivable allowances recorded in connection with acquisitions and divestitures. The 2020 amount includes the impact of the Company's adoption of ASU 2016-13 on January 1, 2020.

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Below are rollforwards of the Company’s allowance for credit losses:
Packaging and Facility SolutionsPrint Solutions - High RiskPrint Solutions - Medium/Low Risk
(in millions)U.S.CanadaU.S.Canada
U.S.(1)
CanadaRest of world
Corporate & Other(2)
Total
Balance at December 31, 2021$12.6 $1.0 $6.2 $0.5 $1.7 $0.0 $1.0 $0.7 $23.7 
Add / (Deduct):
Provision for expected credit losses4.40.10.30.0(0.2)0.0(0.3)0.44.7
Write-offs charged against the allowance(3.5)(2.6)(0.1)(0.2)(6.4)
Recoveries of amounts previously written off0.30.30.2 0.00.8
Other adjustments(3)
(1.0)(1.1)(1.5)(0.5)— 0.0(0.1)(0.9)(5.1)
Balance at December 31, 2022$12.8 $— $2.7 $— $1.6 $— $0.6 $— $17.7 
(1) Reflects the combined results for print and publishing operations.
(2) Corporate & Other has only U.S. operations.
(3) Other adjustments represent amounts reserved for foreign currency translation adjustments and reserves for certain customer accounts where revenue is not recognized because collectability is not probable. These adjustments may also include accounts receivable allowances recorded in connection with acquisitions and divestitures.

Packaging and Facility SolutionsPrint Solutions- High RiskPrint Solutions - Medium/Low Risk
(in millions)U.S.CanadaU.S.Canada
U.S.(1)
CanadaRest of world
Corporate & Other(2)
Total
Balance at December 31, 2020$14.4 $0.5 $10.2 $0.7 $3.8 $0.0 $1.0 $0.8 $31.4 
Add / (Deduct):
Provision for expected credit losses4.80.6(1.7)(0.1)0.4 0.00.00.44.4
Write-offs charged against the allowance(7.3)(0.1)(4.7)(0.1)(1.1)0.0(0.5)(13.8)
Recoveries of amounts previously written off0.70.00.00.0 0.00.7
Other adjustments(3)
0.02.40.0(1.4)0.00.01.0
Balance at December 31, 2021$12.6 $1.0 $6.2 $0.5 $1.7 $0.0 $1.0 $0.7 $23.7 
(1) Reflects the combined results for print and publishing operations.
(2) Corporate & Other has only U.S. operations.
(3) Other adjustments represent amounts reserved for foreign currency translation adjustments and reserves for certain customer accounts where revenue is not recognized because collectability is not probable. These adjustments may also include accounts receivable allowances recorded in connection with acquisitions and divestitures.

Additionally, for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized $(0.7) million, $0.3 million and $5.1 million, respectively, in the provision for expected credit losses related to its notes receivable. At December 31, 2022 and 2021, the earn-out.Company held $0.1 million and $0.5 million, respectively, in notes receivable, the majority of which is reflected within other non-current assets and other current assets, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Preliminary allocation:
 (in millions)
Cash$1.5
Accounts receivable30.4
Inventories38.5
Other current assets5.7
Property and equipment3.5
Goodwill55.5
Other intangible assets49.0
Other non-current assets1.4
Accounts payable(12.4)
Other current liabilities(2.7)
Other non-current liabilities(0.6)
Total preliminary estimated purchase price$169.8
3. LEASES


The amounts shown above may change as the purchase price will be based upon finalization of customary working capital adjustments. The Company is stillleases certain property and equipment used for operations to limit its exposure to risks related to ownership. The major leased asset categories include: real estate, delivery equipment, material handling equipment and computer and office equipment. As of December 31, 2022, the Company operated from 95 distribution centers of which 89 were leased. These facilities are strategically located throughout the U.S. and Mexico in order to efficiently serve the
56

customer base in the processsurrounding areas while also facilitating expedited delivery services for special orders. The Company also leases various office spaces for corporate and sales functions.

The Company's leased asset categories generally carry the following lease terms:
Real estate leases3to10years
Delivery equipment leases3to8years
Other non-real estate leases3to5years

See Note 1, Business and Summary of verifying data and finalizingSignificant Accounting Policies, for information related to the valuationCompany's lease accounting policies.

The components of lease expense were as follows:
(in millions)Year Ended December 31,
Lease ClassificationFinancial Statement Classification202220212020
Short-term lease expense(1)
Operating expenses$3.2 $4.0 $2.3 
Operating lease expense(2)
Operating expenses$90.9 $100.9 $111.8 
Finance lease expense:
Amortization of right-of-use assetsDepreciation and amortization$11.6 $14.7 $14.7 
Interest expenseInterest expense, net1.8 2.8 3.0 
Total finance lease expense$13.4 $17.5 $17.7 
Total Lease Cost$107.5 $122.4 $131.8 
(1) Short-term lease expense is comprised of expenses related to leases with a term of twelve months or less, which includes expenses related to month-to-month leases.
(2) Sublease income and expects to finalize these matters within the measurement period as final asset and liability valuationsvariable lease expense are completed.

Actual and Pro Forma Impact (unaudited)

The operating results of AAC arenot included in the Company's financial statements from September 1, 2017 throughabove table as the amounts were not significant for the years ended December 31, 20172022, 2021 and are reported2020.

Supplemental balance sheets and other information were as partfollows:
(in millions, except weighted-average data)As of December 31,
Lease ClassificationFinancial Statement Classification20222021
Operating Leases:
Operating lease right-of-use assetsOther non-current assets$304.3 $375.6 
Operating lease obligations - currentOther accrued liabilities$67.9 $80.2 
Operating lease obligations - non-currentOther non-current liabilities266.0 329.3 
Total operating lease obligations$333.9 $409.5 
Weighted-average remaining lease term in years5.96.2
Weighted-average discount rate4.6 %4.5 %
57

(in millions, except weighted-average data)As of December 31,
Lease ClassificationFinancial Statement Classification20222021
Finance Leases:
Finance lease right-of-use assetsProperty and equipment$29.7 $66.3 
Finance lease obligations - currentCurrent portion of debt$8.8 $13.9 
Finance lease obligations - non-currentLong-term debt, net of current portion24.1 58.9 
Total finance lease obligations$32.9 $72.8 
Weighted-average remaining lease term in years3.76.4
Weighted-average discount rate4.2 %3.7 %

Cash paid for amounts included in the Company's Consolidated Statementsmeasurement of Operationslease liabilities was as follows:
(in millions)Year Ended December 31,
Lease ClassificationFinancial Statement Classification202220212020
Operating Leases:
Operating cash flows from operating leasesOperating activities$92.4 $103.3 $111.1 
Finance Leases:
Operating cash flows from finance leasesOperating activities$1.8 $2.8 $3.0 
Financing cash flows from finance leasesFinancing activities11.6 13.8 13.0 

Lease Commitments

Future minimum lease payments at December 31, 2022 were $71.7as follows:
(in millions)Finance Leases
Operating Leases(1)
2023$10.6 $81.8 
20248.4 69.9 
20257.7 57.9 
20265.0 52.8 
20272.6 45.1 
Thereafter1.9 75.2 
Total future minimum lease payments36.2 382.7 
   Amount representing interest(3.3)(48.8)
Total future minimum lease payments, net of interest$32.9 $333.9 
(1) Future sublease income of $2.2 million is excluded from the operating leases amount in the table above.

Total future minimum lease payments at December 31, 2022 for finance and ($1.7)operating leases, including the amount representing interest, are comprised of $379.9 million respectively.for real estate leases and $39.0 million for non-real estate leases.


The following unaudited pro forma financial information presents results as if the acquisition of AAC occurred on January 1, 2016. The historical consolidated financial information ofAt December 31, 2022, the Company had committed to additional future obligations of approximately $4.8 million for real estate operating leases that have not yet commenced and AAC has been adjustedtherefore are not included in the pro forma informationtable above. These leases are expected to give effectcommence within the next six months with an average lease term of approximately five years.


58

4. RESTRUCTURING CHARGES

2020 Restructuring Plan

During 2020, the Company initiated a restructuring plan (the "2020 Restructuring Plan") to pro forma events that are directly attributable(1) respond to the transaction and are factually supportable. The unaudited pro forma results do not reflect events that have occurred or may occur after the transaction, including the impact of any synergies expected to result from the acquisition. Accordingly,COVID-19 pandemic on its business operations, (2) address the unaudited pro forma financial information is not necessarily indicativeongoing secular changes in its print and publishing operations and (3) further align its cost structure with ongoing business needs as the Company executes on its stated corporate strategy. The 2020 Restructuring Plan included (i) a reduction of the resultsCompany's U.S. salaried workforce by approximately 15% across all business segments and corporate functions, (ii) the closure of operations as they would have been hadcertain warehouse facilities and retail stores, (iii) adjustments to various compensation plans, (iv) repositioning of inventory to expand the transaction been effected onCompany's service radius and (v) other actions. Through December 31, 2022, the assumed date, nor is it necessarily an indicationCompany incurred approximately $69.6 million in costs and charges, of future operating results.




(Unaudited)Year Ended December 31,
(in millions, except share and per share data)2017 2016
Net sales$8,527.6
 $8,548.2
Net income (loss)(7.2) 14.1
Earnings (loss) per share:   
Basic earnings (loss) per share$(0.46) $0.88
Diluted earnings (loss) per share$(0.46) $0.87
Weighted-average shares outstanding   
Basic15.70
 15.97
Diluted15.70
 16.15

The unaudited pro forma information reflects primarily the following pre-tax adjustments for the respective periods:
- Acquisition and integration expenses: Acquisition and integration expenses of $8.9which $2.0 million was incurred during the year ended December 31, 2017 have been eliminated. Pro forma net income for the year ended December 31, 2016 includes acquisition and integration expenses of $8.9 million.
- Incremental amortization expense: Pro forma net income for the year ended December 31, 2017 includes incremental amortization expense of $2.5 million. Pro forma net income for the year ended December 31, 2016 includes incremental amortization expense of $6.3 million.
- Interest expense: Pro forma net income for the year ended December 31, 2017 includes incremental interest expense of $2.0 million. Pro forma net income for the year ended December 31, 2016 includes incremental interest expense of $2.4 million.

A combined U.S. federal statutory and state rate of 39.0% was used to determine the after-tax impact on net income of the pro forma adjustments.

3. ACQUISITION, INTEGRATION AND RESTRUCTURING CHARGES

Merger of xpedx and Unisource    

The Company currently expects net costs and charges associated with achieving anticipated cost savings and other synergies from the Merger (excluding charges relating to the complete or partial withdrawal from multi-employer pension plans ("MEPP"), some of which are uncertain at this time, and including cash proceeds from sales of assets related to consolidation), to be approximately $225 million to $250 million, through December 31, 2018. Included in the estimate is approximately $90 million for capital expenditures, primarily consisting of information technology infrastructure, systems integration and planning. Through December 31, 2017, the Company has incurred approximately $221 million in costs and charges, including approximately $82 million for capital expenditures.

Acquisition and Integration Expenses

During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, Veritiv incurred costs and charges related primarily to: internally dedicated integration management resources, retention compensation, information technology conversion costs, rebranding, professional services and other costs to integrate its businesses. The following table summarizes the components of acquisition and integration expenses:




  Year Ended December 31,
(in millions) 2017 2016 2015
Integration management $14.5
 $8.3
 $
Retention compensation 0.2
 2.5
 10.8
Information technology conversion costs 8.8
 6.3
 7.4
Rebranding 0.5
 2.4
 6.1
Legal, consulting and other professional fees 1.5
 2.3
 7.8
Other 3.0
 4.1
 2.8
AAC acquisition and integration 8.0
 
 
     Total acquisition and integration expenses $36.5
 $25.9
 $34.9

Veritiv Restructuring Plan

As part of the Merger, the Company is executing on a multi-year restructuring program of its North American operations intended to integrate the legacy xpedx and Unisource operations, generate cost savings and capture synergies across the combined company. The restructuring plan includes initiatives to: (i) consolidate warehouse facilities in overlapping markets, (ii) improve efficiency of the delivery network, (iii) consolidate customer service centers, (iv) reorganize the field sales and operations functions and (v) restructure the corporate general and administrative functions.
As part of its restructuring efforts, the Company continues to evaluate its operations outside of North America to identify additional cost saving opportunities. The Company may elect to restructure its operations in specific countries, which may include staff reductions, lease terminations and facility closures, or a complete exit of a market. The Company may continue to record restructuring charges in the future as restructuring activities progress, which may include gains or losses from the disposition of assets. See Note 17, Segment Information, for the impact these charges had on the Company's reportable segments.

For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company recognized $24.4 million and $2.1 million in net gains related to the sale or exit of certain facilities and a $4.1 million net non-cash loss from asset impairments, respectively.2022. As of December 31, 2017,2022, the Company held for sale $3.2 million2020 Restructuring Plan was complete. Initial charges were incurred and recorded in assets related to these activities, which are included in other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.June 2020.

Other direct costs reported in the tables below include facility closing costs actual and estimated multi-employer pension plan withdrawal charges and other incidental costs associated with the development, communication, administration and implementation of these initiatives.initiatives; unless otherwise indicated, costs incurred exclude any restructuring gains or losses on lease terminations and asset disposals.


The following table presents a summary of restructuring charges, net, related to active restructuring initiatives that were incurred during the last three fiscal yearsyear ended December 31, 2022 and the cumulative recorded amounts since the initiativeinitiatives began:

(in millions)Severance and Related Costs Other Direct Costs Gain on Sale of Assets and Other Total
2017$7.5
 $33.6
 $(24.4) $16.7
20163.5
 11.0
 (2.1) 12.4
20154.3
 2.9
 4.1
 11.3
Cumulative20.0
 47.9
 (22.4) 45.5
(in millions)Severance and Related CostsOther Direct Costs(Gain) Loss on Sale of Assets and OtherTotal
2022$0.6 $5.9 $(4.5)$2.0 
Cumulative41.4 36.6 (8.4)69.6 





The following is a summary of the Company's restructuring2020 Restructuring Plan liability activity for the periods presented:
(in millions)Severance and Related CostsOther Direct CostsTotal
Balance at December 31, 2020$15.4 $6.9 $22.3 
Costs incurred2.1 10.4 12.5 
Payments(12.8)(13.6)(26.4)
Balance at December 31, 20214.7 3.7 8.4 
Costs incurred0.6 2.6 3.2 
Payments(4.4)(4.0)(8.4)
Balance at December 31, 2022$0.9 $2.3 $3.2 

(in millions)Severance and Related Costs Other Direct Costs Total
Balance at December 31, 2015$1.7
 $0.4
 $2.1
Costs incurred3.5
 11.0
 14.5
Payments(3.4) (3.4) (6.8)
Balance at December 31, 20161.8
 8.0
 9.8
Costs incurred7.5
 33.6
 41.1
Payments(4.9) (16.4) (21.3)
Balance at December 31, 2017$4.4
 $25.2
 $29.6
In addition to the costs incurred and payments shown in the table above, in December 2021 and 2020 the Company prepaid Other Direct Costs of $3.3 million and $8.1 million, respectively, of which none and $3.3 million, respectively, remained as a component of other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2022 and 2021. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company recovered $0.2 million of the December 31, 2020 prepaid Other Direct Costs as a result of forfeited agreements. For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company recognized net gains of $4.5 million and $3.9 million, respectively, related to the sale or exit of certain facilities. The $3.2 million liability in the table above primarily consists of obligations to make future lease payments over the next two years for properties that were exited before the lease expired; the majority of the noted severance obligation is expected to be paid by the end of 2023.


TheIn addition to the 2020 Restructuring Plan, the Company has recorded undiscounted chargesother restructuring liabilities related to the complete or partial withdrawal from various multi-employer pension plans. Charges not related to the Company'sprevious restructuring efforts are recordedplans that as distribution expenses. Initial amounts are recorded as other non-current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. See the table below for a summary of the net withdrawal charges for the respective years ended December 31:
 Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)Restructuring charges, net Distribution expenses Total Net Charges
2017$17.4
 $2.1
 $19.5
20167.5
 2.3
 9.8

Final charges for these MEPP withdrawals will not be known until the plans issue their respective determinations. As a result, these estimates may increase or decrease depending upon the final determinations. Currently, the Company expects payments will occur over an approximate 20 year period. The Company expects to incur similar types of charges in future periods in connection with its ongoing restructuring activities. As of December 31, 2017,2022 totaled $21.1 million, of which $17.7 million was related to MEPP withdrawal obligations that have a remaining payout period of approximately 15 years. These other liabilities as of December 31, 2021, totaled $22.2 million, of which $18.8 million was related to MEPP withdrawal obligations.

See Note 16, Segment and Other Information, for the Company has received the determination lettersimpact that charges from one of the restructuring related plans. Monthly payments for this plan are expected to occur over an approximate 20 year period.had on the Company's reportable segments.
59


5. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS


Goodwill


At December 31, 2017,2022 and 2021, the net goodwill balance of $96.3 million and $99.6 million, respectively, was $99.6 million. allocated to the Company's Packaging reportable segment. As a result of the sale of Veritiv Canada, Inc. in 2022, the Company allocated and disposed of $3.3 million of its goodwill balance. There were no other goodwill additions, disposals or impairments recognized during the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020. Cumulatively, the Company has recognized non-cash pre-tax goodwill impairment charges for certain of its businesses as follows: Facility Solutions $1.9 million (in 2015) and for the Company’s logistics solutions business $6.1 million (in 2017).

The following table sets forth the changes in the carrying amount of the Packaging reportable segment's goodwill during 20172022 and 2016:2021:


Table of Contents
(in millions)Packaging
Balance at December 31, 2020:
Goodwill$99.6 
Accumulated impairment losses— 
     Net goodwill 202099.6 
2021 Activity:
 Goodwill acquired— 
 Impairment of goodwill— 
Balance at December 31, 2021:
Goodwill99.6 
Accumulated impairment losses— 
     Net goodwill 202199.6 
2022 Activity:
Goodwill acquired— 
Sale of business(3.3)
Impairment of goodwill— 
Balance at December 31, 2022:
Goodwill96.3 
Accumulated impairment losses— 
     Net goodwill 2022$96.3 



(in millions)Packaging Facility Solutions Print Publishing Corporate & Other Total
Balance at December 31, 2015:           
   Goodwill$44.1
 $59.0
 $265.4
 $50.5
 $6.1
 $425.1
   Accumulated impairment losses
 (59.0) (265.4) (50.5) 
 (374.9)
      Net goodwill 201544.1
 
 
 
 6.1
 50.2
2016 Activity:           
   Goodwill acquired
 
 
 
 
 
   Impairment of goodwill
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2016:    
 
 
 
   Goodwill44.1
 59.0
 265.4
 50.5
 6.1
 425.1
   Accumulated impairment losses
 (59.0) (265.4) (50.5) 
 (374.9)
      Net goodwill 201644.1
 
 
 
 6.1
 50.2
2017 Activity:           
   Goodwill acquired55.5
 
 
 
 
 55.5
   Impairment of goodwill
 
 
 
 (6.1) (6.1)
Balance at December 31, 2017:           
   Goodwill99.6
 59.0
 265.4
 50.5
 6.1
 480.6
   Accumulated impairment losses
 (59.0) (265.4) (50.5) (6.1) (381.0)
      Net goodwill 2017$99.6
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $99.6

Preliminary goodwill of $55.5 million arising from the acquisition of AAC, as described in Note 2, 2017 Acquisition, consists largely of the expected synergies and other benefits from combining operations and is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. The goodwill was allocated 100% to the Company's Packaging reportable segment.

During the third quarter of 2017, as part of the Company's review for possible goodwill impairment indicators, management determined that the goodwill allocated to the logistics solutions business was fully impaired. The impairment was recorded as selling and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. See Note 11, Fair Value Measurements, for additional information related to the impairment. There were no other goodwill impairment charges for the year ended December 31, 2017. No goodwill impairment charges were recorded during the year ended December 31, 2016. During the fourth quarter of 2015, a $1.9 million goodwill impairment was identified and recorded as selling and administrative expense for the Facility Solutions segment.

Other Intangible AssetsLease Commitments


Future minimum lease payments at December 31, 2022 were as follows:
(in millions)Finance Leases
Operating Leases(1)
2023$10.6 $81.8 
20248.4 69.9 
20257.7 57.9 
20265.0 52.8 
20272.6 45.1 
Thereafter1.9 75.2 
Total future minimum lease payments36.2 382.7 
   Amount representing interest(3.3)(48.8)
Total future minimum lease payments, net of interest$32.9 $333.9 
(1) Future sublease income of $2.2 million is excluded from the operating leases amount in the table above.

Total future minimum lease payments at December 31, 2022 for finance and operating leases, including the amount representing interest, are comprised of $379.9 million for real estate leases and $39.0 million for non-real estate leases.

At December 31, 2022, the Company had committed to additional future obligations of approximately $4.8 million for real estate operating leases that have not yet commenced and therefore are not included in the table above. These leases are expected to commence within the next six months with an average lease term of approximately five years.


58

4. RESTRUCTURING CHARGES

2020 Restructuring Plan

During 2020, the Company initiated a restructuring plan (the "2020 Restructuring Plan") to (1) respond to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its business operations, (2) address the ongoing secular changes in its print and publishing operations and (3) further align its cost structure with ongoing business needs as the Company executes on its stated corporate strategy. The components2020 Restructuring Plan included (i) a reduction of the Company's U.S. salaried workforce by approximately 15% across all business segments and corporate functions, (ii) the closure of certain warehouse facilities and retail stores, (iii) adjustments to various compensation plans, (iv) repositioning of inventory to expand the Company's service radius and (v) other intangible assetsactions. Through December 31, 2022, the Company incurred approximately $69.6 million in costs and charges, of which $2.0 million was incurred during the year ended December 31, 2022. As of December 31, 2022, the 2020 Restructuring Plan was complete. Initial charges were incurred and recorded in June 2020.

Other direct costs reported in the tables below include facility closing costs and other incidental costs associated with the development, communication, administration and implementation of these initiatives; unless otherwise indicated, costs incurred exclude any restructuring gains or losses on lease terminations and asset disposals.

The following table presents a summary of restructuring charges, net, related to restructuring initiatives that were incurred during the year ended December 31, 2022 and the cumulative amounts since the initiatives began:

(in millions)Severance and Related CostsOther Direct Costs(Gain) Loss on Sale of Assets and OtherTotal
2022$0.6 $5.9 $(4.5)$2.0 
Cumulative41.4 36.6 (8.4)69.6 

The following is a summary of the Company's 2020 Restructuring Plan liability activity for the periods presented:
(in millions)Severance and Related CostsOther Direct CostsTotal
Balance at December 31, 2020$15.4 $6.9 $22.3 
Costs incurred2.1 10.4 12.5 
Payments(12.8)(13.6)(26.4)
Balance at December 31, 20214.7 3.7 8.4 
Costs incurred0.6 2.6 3.2 
Payments(4.4)(4.0)(8.4)
Balance at December 31, 2022$0.9 $2.3 $3.2 

In addition to the costs incurred and payments shown in the table above, in December 2021 and 2020 the Company prepaid Other Direct Costs of $3.3 million and $8.1 million, respectively, of which none and $3.3 million, respectively, remained as follows:
 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
(in millions)Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net
Customer relationships$67.7
 $6.1
 $61.6
 $23.6
 $4.0
 $19.6
Trademarks/Trade names3.8
 2.3
 1.5
 2.7
 1.3
 1.4
Non-compete agreements1.5
 0.5
 1.0
 
 
 
Total$73.0
 $8.9
 $64.1
 $26.3
 $5.3
 $21.0
The gross carrying amounta component of other intangiblecurrent assets increased by $49.0 million as a result of the acquisition of AAC. The Company is still in the process of verifying data and finalizing information related to the valuation and expects to finalize these matters within the measurement period as final asset and liability valuations are completed. These assets are included in other intangibles, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2022 and are being amortized to operating expense on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. Preliminary allocated values from the AAC acquisition are as follows:



 
Gross Value (in millions)
 
Estimated Useful Life (in years)
Customer relationships$46.4
 14.0
Trademarks/Trade names1.1
 1.0
Non-compete agreements1.5
 1.0
Total identifiable intangible assets acquired$49.0
  

During the third quarter of 2017, the Company recognized a $1.6 million non-restructuring asset impairment charge related to its logistics solutions business's customer relationship intangible asset, which was recorded in selling and administrative expenses.2021. During the year ended December 31, 2016,2021, the Company recognized $2.8recovered $0.2 million and $3.0 million in asset impairment charges related to its Print and Publishing segments' customer relationship intangible assets, respectively, which were recorded in selling and administrative expenses. No intangible asset impairment charges were recorded duringof the year ended December 31, 2015.
See Note 11, Fair Value Measurements, for additional information related to these impairments.

Upon retirement or full impairment of the intangible asset, the cost and related amount of accumulated amortization are eliminated from the asset and accumulated amortization accounts, respectively.

The Company recorded amortization expense of $4.2 million, $3.4 million and $5.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

The estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding years is as follows (in millions):
Year Total
2018 $6.7
2019 4.8
2020 4.8
2021 4.8
2022 4.8

5. DEBT AND OTHER OBLIGATIONS

The Company's long-term debt obligations were as follows:
(in millions)December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
Asset-Based Lending Facility (the "ABL Facility")$897.7
 $726.9
Equipment capital lease and other obligations13.5
 25.2
Total debt911.2
 752.1
Less: current maturities of long-term debt(2.9) (2.9)
Long-term debt, net of current maturities$908.3
 $749.2

The equipment capital lease and other obligations reported in the table above includes $19.1 million related to the accumulated construction costs for the Toronto build-to-suit arrangement as of December 31, 2016. This project was completed during the second quarter of 2017 and is accounted for2020 prepaid Other Direct Costs as a financing obligation. As such, for periods beginning with the second quarterresult of 2017 the obligation value is shown in the table below as other financing, in addition to the Company's related party financing obligations.




The Company's long-term financing obligations were as follows:
(in millions)December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
Obligations to related party$162.3
 $191.0
Obligations - other financing27.1
 
Total financing obligations189.4
 191.0
Less: current portion of financing obligations(7.8) (14.9)
Financing obligations, less current portion$181.6
 $176.1

From the Merger through December 31, 2017, the Company has terminated agreements for 11 of the related party financed properties and therefore triggered an early termination of each respective property's financing agreement. One of these terminations also involved the purchase of a facility in Austin, Texas. See Note 7, Leases, for additional information related to that purchase. Upon termination of a property's financing agreement, the Company recognizes the non-cash effects of the derecognition of (i) the property and equipment and (ii) the corresponding financing obligation, as other non-cash items, net, on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Any gain or loss realized upon derecognition has been included in other (income) expense, net or restructuring charges on the Consolidated Statements of Operations, based upon the rationale for the termination. Unless terminated early, upon the expiration of the term of the remaining related party financing agreements, the net remaining financing obligation of $155.2 million will be settled by the return of the assets to the owner and has been included in other non-current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. See the table below for the non-cash effects of the derecognition of (i) the property and equipment and (ii) the corresponding financing obligation:
 Year Ended December 31,
(in millions, except number of agreements)2017 2016 Total
      
Property and equipment$14.6
 $3.7
 $18.3
Financing obligations15.2
 8.4
 23.6
Number of terminated property agreements8
 3
 11
ABL Facility

Veritiv has a $1.4 billion asset-based lending facility. The ABL Facility is comprised of U.S. and Canadian sub-facilities of $1,250.0 million and $150.0 million, respectively. The ABL Facility is available to be drawn in U.S. dollars, in the case of the U.S. sub-facilities, and in U.S. dollars or Canadian dollars, in the case of the Canadian sub-facilities, or in other currencies that are mutually agreeable. The Company's accounts receivable and inventories in the U.S. and Canada are collateral under the ABL Facility.

On August 11, 2016, the Company amended the ABL Facility to, among other things, extend the maturity date to August 11, 2021. All other significant terms remained consistent. The ABL Facility provides for the right of the individual lenders to extend the maturity date of their respective commitments and loans upon the request of Veritiv and without the consent of any other lenders. The ABL Facility may be prepaid at Veritiv's option at any time without premium or penalty and is subject to mandatory prepayment if the amount outstanding under the ABL Facility exceeds either the aggregate commitments with respect thereto or the current borrowing base, in an amount equal to such excess.

The ABL Facility has a springing minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.00 to 1.00 on a trailing four-quarter basis, which will be tested only when specified availability is less than limits outlined under the ABL Facility. At December 31, 2017 the above test was not applicable.

Availability under the ABL Facility is determined based upon a monthly borrowing base calculation which includes eligible customer receivables and inventory, less outstanding borrowings, letters of credit and certain designated reserves. As of December 31, 2017, the available additional borrowing capacity under the ABL Facility was approximately $316.5 million. As of December 31, 2017, the Company held $10.1 million in outstanding letters of credit.




Under the terms of the ABL Facility, interest rates are based upon LIBOR or the prime rate plus a margin rate, or in the case of Canada, a banker’s acceptance rate or base rate plus a margin rate. The weighted-average borrowing interest rate was 3.3% and 2.5% at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

Financing and other related costs incurred in connection with the ABL Facility are reflected in other non-current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are amortized over the ABL Facility term. In conjunction with the ABL Facility amendment noted above, the Company recognized a charge of $1.9 million to interest expense, net, in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, for the write-off of a portion of the previously deferred financing costs associated with lenders in the original ABL Facility that exited the amended ABL Facility. In addition, the Company incurred and deferred $2.0 million of new financing costs associated with this transaction, reflected in other non-current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, which will be amortized to interest expense on a straight-line basis over the amended term of the ABL Facility.forfeited agreements. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162022 and 2015, interest expense,2021, the Company recognized net gains of $4.5 million and $3.9 million, respectively, related to the sale or exit of certain facilities. The $3.2 million liability in the Consolidated Statementstable above primarily consists of Operations included $2.6 million, $5.6 million and $4.4 million, respectively,obligations to make future lease payments over the next two years for properties that were exited before the lease expired; the majority of amortization and write-offthe noted severance obligation is expected to be paid by the end of deferred financing fees.2023.

Equipment Capital Lease Obligations
See Note 7, Leases, for additional information regardingIn addition to the Company's equipment capital lease obligations.

6. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENT, HEDGING ACTIVITIES AND RISK MANAGEMENT

Financial Risk Management Policy

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

This interest rate exposure is actively monitored by management, and in July 2015,2020 Restructuring Plan, the Company entered into an interest rate cap agreement. The interest rate cap effectively limitshas recorded other restructuring liabilities related to the floating LIBOR-based portion of the interest rate. The effective date of the interest rate cap agreement was July 31, 2015 with an expiration date of July 1, 2019. The initial notional amount of this agreement covered $392.9 million of the Company’s floating-rate debt at 3.0% plus the applicable credit spread. The Company paid $2.0 million for the interest rate cap agreement. Approximately $0.6 million of the amount paid represented transaction costs and was expensed immediately to earnings. Asprevious restructuring plans that as of December 31, 2017 and2022 totaled $21.1 million, of which $17.7 million was related to MEPP withdrawal obligations that have a remaining payout period of approximately 15 years. These other liabilities as of December 31, 2016,2021, totaled $22.2 million, of which $18.8 million was related to MEPP withdrawal obligations.

See Note 16, Segment and Other Information, for the interest rate cap agreementimpact that charges from the restructuring plan had a fair value that was not significant, classified within other non-current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value is estimated using observable market-based inputs including interest rate curves and implied volatilities (Level 2).

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

The Company is exposed to counterparty credit risk for nonperformance and, in the event of nonperformance, to market risk for changes in the interest rate. The Company attempts to manage exposure to counterparty credit risk primarily by selecting only those counterparties that meet certain credit and other financial standards. The Company believes there has been no material change in the creditworthiness of its counterparty and believes the risk of nonperformance by such party is minimal.

Accounting for Derivative Instruments

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

Company's reportable segments.

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A cash flow hedge refers
5. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Goodwill

At December 31, 2022 and 2021, the net goodwill balance of $96.3 million and $99.6 million, respectively, was allocated to hedging the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows attributable toCompany's Packaging reportable segment. As a particular risk. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge, the effective portionresult of the gainsale of Veritiv Canada, Inc. in 2022, the Company allocated and disposed of $3.3 million of its goodwill balance. There were no other goodwill additions, disposals or loss on the derivative instrument is reported as a component of AOCL until reclassified into earnings in the same period the hedged transaction affects earnings. The gain or loss on the ineffective portion, if any, is immediatelyimpairments recognized in earnings. The ineffective portion was not significant forduring the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162022, 2021 and 2015 respectively.

For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015,2020. Cumulatively, the Company has recognized an after-tax lossnon-cash pre-tax goodwill impairment charges for certain of $0.0its businesses as follows: Facility Solutions $1.9 million $0.2 million(in 2015) and $0.5 million, respectively, in other comprehensive income associated with the interest rate cap. For the year ended December 31, 2017, $0.2 million was reclassified from AOCL into earnings. There were no reclassifications from AOCL into earnings for the years ended December 31, 2016Company’s logistics solutions business $6.1 million (in 2017).

The following table sets forth the changes in the carrying amount of the Packaging reportable segment's goodwill during 2022 and 2015, respectively. The amount the Company expects to reclassify from AOCL into earnings within the following twelve months is approximately $0.7 million.2021:


(in millions)Packaging
Balance at December 31, 2020:
Goodwill$99.6 
Accumulated impairment losses— 
     Net goodwill 202099.6 
2021 Activity:
 Goodwill acquired— 
 Impairment of goodwill— 
Balance at December 31, 2021:
Goodwill99.6 
Accumulated impairment losses— 
     Net goodwill 202199.6 
2022 Activity:
Goodwill acquired— 
Sale of business(3.3)
Impairment of goodwill— 
Balance at December 31, 2022:
Goodwill96.3 
Accumulated impairment losses— 
     Net goodwill 2022$96.3 
7. LEASES

Lease Commitments


Future minimum lease payments at December 31, 20172022 were as follows:
(in millions)Finance Leases
Operating Leases(1)
2023$10.6 $81.8 
20248.4 69.9 
20257.7 57.9 
20265.0 52.8 
20272.6 45.1 
Thereafter1.9 75.2 
Total future minimum lease payments36.2 382.7 
   Amount representing interest(3.3)(48.8)
Total future minimum lease payments, net of interest$32.9 $333.9 
(1) Future sublease income of $2.2 million is excluded from the operating leases amount in the table above.

Total future minimum lease payments at December 31, 2022 for finance and operating leases, including the amount representing interest, are comprised of $379.9 million for real estate leases and $39.0 million for non-real estate leases.

At December 31, 2022, the Company had committed to additional future obligations of approximately $4.8 million for real estate operating leases that have not yet commenced and therefore are not included in the table above. These leases are expected to commence within the next six months with an average lease term of approximately five years.


58

 
Financing Obligations and Equipment Capital Leases (1)
 Operating Leases
(in millions) Lease Obligations Sublease Income Total
2018$12.8
 $94.3
 $(0.2) $94.1
20195.0
 80.3
 (0.2) 80.1
20204.6
 70.4
 
 70.4
20214.0
 57.7
 
 57.7
20223.8
 45.8
 
 45.8
Thereafter22.4
 135.6
 
 135.6
 52.6
 484.1
 (0.4) 483.7
Amount representing interest(12.5) 
 
 
Total future minimum lease payments$40.1
 $484.1
 $(0.4) $483.7
4. RESTRUCTURING CHARGES

2020 Restructuring Plan

During 2020, the Company initiated a restructuring plan (the "2020 Restructuring Plan") to (1) Amounts respond to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its business operations, (2) address the ongoing secular changes in its print and publishing operations and (3) further align its cost structure with ongoing business needs as the Company executes on its stated corporate strategy. The 2020 Restructuring Plan included (i) a reduction of the Company's U.S. salaried workforce by approximately 15% across all business segments and corporate functions, (ii) the closure of certain warehouse facilities and retail stores, (iii) adjustments to various compensation plans, (iv) repositioning of inventory to expand the Company's service radius and (v) other actions. Through December 31, 2022, the Company incurred approximately $69.6 million in costs and charges, of which $2.0 million was incurred during the year ended December 31, 2022. As of December 31, 2022, the 2020 Restructuring Plan was complete. Initial charges were incurred and recorded in June 2020.

Other direct costs reported in the tables below include facility closing costs and other incidental costs associated with the development, communication, administration and implementation of these initiatives; unless otherwise indicated, costs incurred exclude any restructuring gains or losses on lease terminations and asset disposals.

The following table presents a summary of restructuring charges, net, related to restructuring initiatives that were incurred during the year ended December 31, 2022 and the cumulative amounts since the initiatives began:

(in millions)Severance and Related CostsOther Direct Costs(Gain) Loss on Sale of Assets and OtherTotal
2022$0.6 $5.9 $(4.5)$2.0 
Cumulative41.4 36.6 (8.4)69.6 

The following is a summary of the Company's 2020 Restructuring Plan liability activity for the periods presented:
(in millions)Severance and Related CostsOther Direct CostsTotal
Balance at December 31, 2020$15.4 $6.9 $22.3 
Costs incurred2.1 10.4 12.5 
Payments(12.8)(13.6)(26.4)
Balance at December 31, 20214.7 3.7 8.4 
Costs incurred0.6 2.6 3.2 
Payments(4.4)(4.0)(8.4)
Balance at December 31, 2022$0.9 $2.3 $3.2 

In addition to the costs incurred and payments shown includein the financingtable above, in December 2021 and 2020 the Company prepaid Other Direct Costs of $3.3 million and $8.1 million, respectively, of which none and $3.3 million, respectively, remained as a component of other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2022 and 2021. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company recovered $0.2 million of the December 31, 2020 prepaid Other Direct Costs as a result of forfeited agreements. For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company recognized net gains of $4.5 million and $3.9 million, respectively, related to the sale or exit of certain facilities. The $3.2 million liability in the table above primarily consists of obligations to related party.make future lease payments over the next two years for properties that were exited before the lease expired; the majority of the noted severance obligation is expected to be paid by the end of 2023.

Financing Obligations to Related Party
In connection with Bain Capital Fund VII, L.P.’s acquisition of its 60% interest in UWWH on November 27, 2002, Unisource transferred 40 of its U.S. warehouse and distribution facilities (the "Properties") to Georgia-Pacific who then sold 38 of the Properties to an unrelated third-party (the "Purchaser/Landlord"). Contemporaneously with the sale, Georgia-Pacific entered into lease agreements with the Purchaser/Landlord with respectaddition to the individual 38 Properties2020 Restructuring Plan, the Company has recorded other restructuring liabilities related to the previous restructuring plans that as of December 31, 2022 totaled $21.1 million, of which $17.7 million was related to MEPP withdrawal obligations that have a remaining payout period of approximately 15 years. These other liabilities as of December 31, 2021, totaled $22.2 million, of which $18.8 million was related to MEPP withdrawal obligations.

See Note 16, Segment and concurrently entered into sublease agreements with Unisource, which are setOther Information, for the impact that charges from the restructuring plan had on the Company's reportable segments.
59


5. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Goodwill

At December 31, 2022 and 2021, the net goodwill balance of $96.3 million and $99.6 million, respectively, was allocated to expire in June 2018.the Company's Packaging reportable segment. As a result of certain formsthe sale of continuing involvement, these transactions did not qualify for sale-leaseback accounting. Accordingly,Veritiv Canada, Inc. in 2022, the leasesCompany allocated and disposed of $3.3 million of its goodwill balance. There were classified as financing transactions. Fromno other goodwill additions, disposals or impairments recognized during the Merger throughyears ended December 31, 2017,2022, 2021 and 2020. Cumulatively, the Company has terminated agreementsrecognized non-cash pre-tax goodwill impairment charges for 11certain of these Properties. Atits businesses as follows: Facility Solutions $1.9 million (in 2015) and for the endCompany’s logistics solutions business $6.1 million (in 2017).

The following table sets forth the changes in the carrying amount of the lease term,Packaging reportable segment's goodwill during 2022 and 2021:

(in millions)Packaging
Balance at December 31, 2020:
Goodwill$99.6 
Accumulated impairment losses— 
     Net goodwill 202099.6 
2021 Activity:
 Goodwill acquired— 
 Impairment of goodwill— 
Balance at December 31, 2021:
Goodwill99.6 
Accumulated impairment losses— 
     Net goodwill 202199.6 
2022 Activity:
Goodwill acquired— 
Sale of business(3.3)
Impairment of goodwill— 
Balance at December 31, 2022:
Goodwill96.3 
Accumulated impairment losses— 
     Net goodwill 2022$96.3 

Other Intangible Assets

As a result of the net remaining financing obligationsale of $155.2Veritiv Canada, Inc. in 2022, the Company allocated and disposed of $2.6 million of its other intangible assets balance. There were no other additions, disposals or impairments recognized during the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 for other intangible assets.

The components of the Company's other intangible assets were as follows:
December 31, 2022
(in millions)Gross Carrying AmountAccumulated AmortizationDisposalNet
Customer relationships$67.7 $29.5 $2.6 $35.6 
Trademarks/Trade names3.8 3.8 — — 
Total$71.5 $33.3 $2.6 $35.6 

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December 31, 2021
(in millions)Gross Carrying AmountAccumulated AmortizationNet
Customer relationships$67.7 $25.0 $42.7 
Trademarks/Trade names3.8 3.8 — 
Total$71.5 $28.8 $42.7 

Upon retirement or full impairment of the intangible assets, the cost and related amount of accumulated amortization are eliminated from the asset and accumulated amortization accounts, respectively. The Company recorded amortization expense of $4.5 million, $4.7 million and $4.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding years is as follows:
(in millions)Total
2023$4.4 
20244.4 
20254.4 
20264.4 
20274.4 

See Note 10, Fair Value Measurements, for additional information related to the Company's impairment assessments.

6. DEBT

The Company's debt obligations were as follows:
As of December 31,
(in millions)20222021
Asset-Based Lending Facility (the "ABL Facility")$229.2 $440.8 
Commercial card program1.6 2.1 
Vendor-based financing arrangements14.5 — 
Finance leases32.9 72.8 
Total debt278.2 515.7 
Less: current portion of debt(13.4)(16.0)
Long-term debt, net of current portion$264.8 $499.7 

ABL Facility

On May 20, 2021, the Company amended its ABL Facility to extend the maturity date to May 20, 2026, adjust the pricing grid for applicable interest rates and update certain provisions to facilitate the transition from LIBOR to a new replacement benchmark rate. All other significant terms remained substantially the same. Previously, on April 9, 2020, the Company amended its ABL Facility to extend the maturity date to April 9, 2025, reduce the aggregate commitments from $1.4 billion to $1.1 billion and adjust the pricing grid for applicable interest rates. All other significant terms remained substantially the same. The ABL Facility is available to be drawn in U.S. dollars, or in other currencies that are mutually agreeable. The ABL Facility provides for the right of the individual lenders to extend the maturity date of their respective commitments and loans upon the request of Veritiv and without the consent of any other lenders. The ABL Facility may be prepaid at Veritiv's option at any time without premium or penalty and is subject to mandatory prepayment if the amount outstanding under the ABL Facility exceeds either the aggregate commitments with respect thereto or the current borrowing base, in an amount equal to such excess. The Company's accounts receivable and inventories in the U.S. are collateral under the ABL Facility.

61

Availability under the ABL Facility is determined based upon a monthly borrowing base calculation which includes eligible customer receivables and inventory, less outstanding borrowings, letters of credit and certain designated reserves. As of December 31, 2022, the available additional borrowing capacity under the ABL Facility was approximately $711.3 million. As of December 31, 2022, the Company held $8.6 million in outstanding letters of credit.

The ABL Facility has a springing minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.00 to 1.00 on a trailing four-quarter basis, which will be settled bytested only when specified availability is less than the returnlimits outlined under the ABL Facility. At December 31, 2022, the above test was not applicable and based on information available as of the assetsdate of this report it is not expected to be applicable in the Purchaser/Landlord.next 12 months.


The lease and sublease agreements also include rent schedules and escalation clauses throughout the lease and sublease terms. Subject to certain conditions, the Company has the right to sublease any of the Properties. Under the terms of the leaseABL Facility, interest rates are based upon LIBOR or the prime rate plus a margin rate, or in the case of Canada, prior to its divestiture, a banker's acceptance rate or base rate plus a margin rate. At December 31, 2022 and sublease agreements, Georgia-Pacific2021, the weighted-average borrowing interest rates were 6.1% and 1.8%, respectively.

In conjunction with the May 20, 2021 amendment to the ABL Facility, the Company are responsible for allincurred and deferred $3.3 million of new financing costs and expenses associated with the Properties, including the operation, maintenance and repair, taxes and insurances. In addition to the obligations noted above, the Company currently leases from Georgia-Pacific one remaining Property that is directly owned by Georgia-Pacific and has classified it as an operating lease in accordance with the accounting guidance.

In April 2016, Veritiv assumed ownership of a warehouse and distribution facility located in Austin, Texas that was subleased from Georgia-Pacific. The Company exercised its right of first refusal and matched a $5.4 million offer from an unrelated third-party to purchase the facility directly from the owner. This transaction, was accounted for as a settlement of



the financing obligation related to the facility. Accordingly, Veritiv recognized a $1.3 million loss on the transaction, which is reflected in other (income)non-current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. In conjunction with the April 9, 2020 amendment to the ABL Facility, the Company recognized a one-time charge of $0.6 million to interest expense, net, on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Operations, for the write-off of a portion of the previously deferred financing costs associated with lenders in the ABL Facility that exited the amended ABL Facility.In May 2017,addition, the Company entered into a purchaseincurred and sale agreement under which Veritiv agreeddeferred $3.4 million of financing costs associated with the April 9, 2020 transaction, reflected in other non-current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. These deferred costs are being amortized to sell the previously acquired Austin, Texas facility to an unrelated third-party. Upon the closing of the sale, Veritiv entered into a lease of the facility for an initial period of ten years with two optional five-year renewal terms. The sale-leaseback transaction does not provide for any continuing involvement by the Company other than a normal lease for use of the property during the lease term. The transaction resulted in net cash proceeds of $9.1 million and a related deferred gain of $5.4 million. The Company expects to recognize the gain over the initial ten-year lease periodinterest expense on a straight-line basis as a reduction to selling and administrative expenses inover the 2021 amended term of the ABL Facility. Interest expense, net on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The current portion of the deferred gain isOperations included in other accrued liabilities and the non-current portion of the deferred gain is included in other non-current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Operating Leases

Certain properties and equipment are leased under cancelable and non-cancelable agreements. The Company recorded rent expense of $106.3$1.7 million, $108.1$1.5 million and $106.2$2.1 million of amortization and write-off charges related to deferred financing fees for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162022, 2021 and 2015,2020, respectively.


The Company's indebtedness under the ABL Facility creates interest rate risk. The Company actively monitors this risk with the objective to reduce, where it is deemed appropriate to do so, fluctuations in earnings and cash flows associated with changes in the interest rate. The Company's one interest rate cap agreement, which was related to the ABL Facility, expired on September 13, 2022. Through September 13, 2022 and for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company held one interest rate cap for which impacts on the Company's financial results were not significant.
8. INCOME TAXES
Commercial Card Program

The Company has a commercial purchasing card program that is used for business purpose purchasing and must be paid in-full monthly. At December 31, 2022, the card carried a maximum credit limit of $37.5 million. At December 31, 2022 and 2021, $1.6 million and $2.1 million, respectively, was outstanding on the commercial card. The net change in the outstanding balance is included in other financing activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Vendor-Based Financing Arrangements

On occasion, the Company enters into long-term vendor-based financing arrangements with suppliers to obtain products, services or property in exchange for extended payment terms. During theyear ended December 31, 2022, the Company entered into a vendor-based financing agreement with a principal amount of $18.5 million to finance the acquisition of certain internal use software licenses which will be paid in annual installments over a five-year term. At December 31, 2022, the vendor-based financing arrangement had an outstanding balance of $14.5 million. In order to determine the present value of the commitments, the Company used an imputed interest rate of 3.17%. The payments associated with this arrangement are classified as financing activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Finance Leases

See Note 3, Leases, for additional information related to the Company's finance leases.

62

7. INCOME TAXES

The Company is, or has been, subject to federal, state and local income taxes in the United States,U.S., as well as income taxes in Canada, Mexico and other foreign jurisdictions. The domestic (United States)(U.S.) and foreign components of the Company's income (loss) before income taxes were as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)202220212020
Domestic (U.S.)$410.3 $173.9 $30.8 
Foreign21.6 23.6 12.2 
Income (loss) before income taxes$431.9 $197.5 $43.0 

 Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)2017 2016 2015
Domestic (United States)$(18.0) $27.6
 $46.6
Foreign16.1
 13.2
 (1.7)
Income (loss) before income taxes$(1.9) $40.8
 $44.9

Income tax expense (benefit) inon the Consolidated Statements of Operations consisted of the following:
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)202220212020
Current Provision:
U.S. Federal$53.6 $32.7 $4.7 
U.S. State17.6 8.5 3.9 
Foreign5.7 2.5 2.0 
Total current income tax expense$76.9 $43.7 $10.6 
Deferred, net:
U.S. Federal$13.8 $3.9 $(2.6)
U.S. State3.2 1.5 (0.4)
Foreign0.1 3.8 1.2 
Total deferred, net$17.1 $9.2 $(1.8)
Provision for income tax expense$94.0 $52.9 $8.8 

63

 Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)2017 2016 2015
Current Provision:     
U.S. Federal$4.8
 $3.6
 $
U.S. State1.5
 1.5
 1.7
Foreign3.2
 3.6
 1.6
Total current income tax expense$9.5
 $8.7
 $3.3
      
Deferred, net:     
U.S. Federal$16.3
 $9.6
 $14.8
U.S. State(2.7) 1.9
 0.5
Foreign(11.7) (0.4) (0.4)
Total deferred, net$1.9
 $11.1
 $14.9
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)$11.4
 $19.8
 $18.2






Reconciliation between the federal statutory rate and the effective tax rate is as follows (see Note 9,8, Related Party Transactions, for additional information related to the Tax Receivable Agreement)Agreement ("TRA")):
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)202220212020
Income (loss) before income taxes$431.9$197.5$43.0
Statutory U.S. income tax rate21.0 %21.0 %21.0 %
Tax expense (benefit) using statutory U.S. income tax rate$90.7$41.5$9.0
Foreign income tax rate differential1.21.30.6
State tax (net of federal benefit)17.18.82.6
Non-deductible expenses10.33.52.3
Global Intangible Low Taxed Income1.8(1.5)
Foreign-Derived Intangible Income(1.6)(1.5)— 
TRA(3.7)
Tax credits(1.9)(2.8)(1.9)
Impact of CARES Act— — (2.4)
Stock compensation vesting(14.4)(1.0)2.1
Sale of foreign subsidiary(26.1)— — 
Change in valuation allowance - U.S. Federal16.9
Change in valuation allowance - Foreign0.10.2
Foreign taxes1.31.21.6
Other0.4(0.1)0.1
Income tax provision$94.0$52.9$8.8
Effective income tax rate21.8 %26.8 %20.5 %

 Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)2017 2016 2015
Income (loss) before income taxes$(1.9) $40.8
 $44.9
Statutory U.S. income tax rate35.0 % 35.0% 35.0%
Tax expense using statutory U.S. income tax rate$(0.7) $14.3
 $15.7
Foreign income tax rate differential(1.4) (1.1) 0.2
State tax (net of federal benefit)(0.5) 2.8
 1.6
Non-deductible expenses2.2
 2.3
 1.5
Tax Receivable Agreement (a)
(3.8) 1.6
 0.7
Tax credits (b)
(4.0) 
 
Foreign exchange loss (c)

 
 (1.2)
Impact of U.S. Tax Act (Federal and State)30.2
 
 
Change in valuation allowance - U.S. Federal and State (d)

 
 (0.8)
Change in valuation allowance - Foreign(13.7) (0.5) 1.7
Goodwill impairment2.1
 
 0.7
Foreign taxes0.7
 0.5
 0.1
Other (e)
0.3
 (0.1) (2.0)
Income tax provision (benefit)$11.4
 $19.8
 $18.2
Effective income tax rate(600.0)% 48.5% 40.5%
(a) Includes a $4.7 million tax rate benefit for the federal tax rate change as part of the TaxThe Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act and a $0.9 million tax rate increase for other fair value changes in 2017.
(b) Includes a $3.1 million benefit for credits related to foreign taxes and research and experimentation activities recognized in conjunction with the third quarter of 2017 filing of Veritiv’s 2016 U.S. federal tax return and amended 2015 and 2014 U.S. federal tax returns.
(c) Recognition of a 2015 U.S. tax benefit with respect to a foreign exchange loss on the capitalization of an intercompany loan with the Company's Canadian subsidiary.
(d) Increase in Section 382 limitation resulting from recognition of 2015 built-in gains.
(e) In 2015, Other primarily relates to tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions, taxes allocated to comprehensive income, adjustments for prior year tax matters and fuel tax credits.

The Tax Act(the "CARES Act") was signed into law on December 22, 2017. The Tax ActMarch 27, 2020 and makes broadsignificant economic stimulus changes and complexadditional changes to the U.S. tax code, including, but not limited to, reducingallowing the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, implementationcarryback of a territorial tax systemnet operating losses ("NOLs" or "NOL") occurring in 2018, 2019 and a one-time transition tax on certain unrepatriated earnings of foreign subsidiaries that is payable over eight years. Veritiv recognized the tax effects of the Tax Act in the year ended December 31, 2017 and recorded $30.2 million in provisional tax expense, of which $23.0 million related primarily2020 to the remeasurement ofprior five years and eliminating the Company's deferred taxestaxable income limitation, changes to the 21% tax rateinterest expense limitation, a technical correction for qualified improvement property depreciation and $7.2 million related to the one-time transition tax.providing additional employee retention credits.


On December 22, 2017, Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”) was issued to address the applicationComponents of U.S. GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act. In accordance with SAB 118, the Company has determined that remeasurement of its deferred tax assets and liabilities, one-time transition tax, impact of the Tax Act on state taxes, and tax liability associated with investments in non-U.S. subsidiaries where book basis exceeds tax basis are provisional amounts and reasonable estimates at December 31, 2017. The impact of the Tax Act may differ from this estimate, possibly materially, due to, among other things, changes in interpretations and assumptions the Company has made, guidance that may be issued, completion of the Company's 2017 U.S. federal and state tax returns in 2018, completion of earnings and profits and foreign income tax calculations for the Company's non-U.S. subsidiaries, and actions the Company may take as a result of the Tax Act. Additional work is necessary for a more detailed analysis of Veritiv's deferred tax assets and liabilities and its historical foreign earnings as well as potential correlative adjustments. The Company has not accounted for the tax impacts related to the Global Intangible Low Tax Income (GILTI), Base Erosion Anti Abuse Tax or Foreign Derived Intangible Income regimes or any of the other provisions of the Tax Act that are not effective until fiscal year 2018.  Additionally, the Company has not concluded on any applicable accounting policy election associated with  GILTI.  Any subsequent adjustment to these amounts will be recorded to tax expense in the quarter of 2018 when the analysis is complete.




Deferred income tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:
As of December 31,
20222021
(in millions)U.S.Non-U.S.U.S.Non-U.S.
Deferred income tax assets:
Accrued compensation$39.4 $— $41.8 $0.0 
Finance leases7.4 — 8.9 9.4 
    Lease obligations83.2 4.4 91.2 15.6 
Net operating losses and credit carryforwards22.0 1.3 23.7 1.1 
Capital loss carryforward19.8 — — — 
Allowance for credit losses7.0 0.2 9.5 0.2 
Other4.3 2.0 5.4 1.0 
Gross deferred income tax assets183.1 7.9 180.5 27.3 
Less valuation allowance(19.9)(1.1)(0.1)(1.1)
Total deferred tax asset$163.2 $6.8 $180.4 $26.2 
64

 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
(in millions)U.S. Non-U.S. U.S. Non-U.S.
Deferred income tax assets:       
Accrued compensation$11.6
 $0.2
 $17.7
 $0.1
Financing obligations to related party47.3
 0.8
 77.5
 0.8
Goodwill and other intangibles, net1.9
 
 4.6
 
Long-term compensation21.3
 4.1
 21.2
 3.8
Net operating losses and credit carryforwards44.9
 11.8
 74.1
 13.6
Allowance for doubtful accounts10.0
 0.1
 11.9
 
Other5.6
 0.6
 3.5
 0.8
Gross deferred income tax assets142.6
 17.6
 210.5
 19.1
Less valuation allowance(4.7) (3.6) (6.5) (18.1)
Total deferred tax asset137.9
 14.0
 204.0
 1.0
Deferred income tax liabilities:       
Property and equipment, net(54.2) 
 (86.7) 
Inventory reserve(33.5) 
 (48.2) 
Other(4.6) 
 (8.3) 
Total deferred tax liability(92.3) 
 (143.2) 
Net deferred income tax asset$45.6
 $14.0
 $60.8
 $1.0
As of December 31,
20222021
(in millions)U.S.Non-U.S.U.S.Non-U.S.
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Property and equipment, net$(21.5)$— $(20.1)$(8.4)
    Lease assets(77.1)(4.4)(84.6)(14.9)
Inventory reserve(25.4)— (20.5)— 
Other(12.6)— (11.0)— 
Total deferred tax liability$(136.6)$(4.4)$(136.2)$(23.3)
Net deferred income tax asset$26.6 $2.4 $44.2 $2.9 


Deferred income tax asset valuation allowance is as follows:
(in millions)U.S.Non-U.S.Total
Balance at December 31, 2020$1.3 $1.0 $2.3 
   Additions— 0.2 0.2 
   Subtractions(1.2)— (1.2)
   Currency translation adjustments— (0.1)(0.1)
Balance at December 31, 20210.1 1.1 1.2 
   Additions19.8 0.1 19.9 
   Subtractions0.0 — 0.0 
   Currency translation adjustments— (0.1)(0.1)
Balance at December 31, 2022$19.9 $1.1 $21.0 
(in millions)U.S. Non-U.S. Total
Balance at December 31, 2015$6.3
 $15.5
 $21.8
Additions0.2
 3.4
 3.6
Subtractions
 (0.9) (0.9)
Currency translation adjustments
 0.1
 0.1
Balance at December 31, 20166.5
 18.1
 24.6
Additions
 0.2
 0.2
Subtractions (a)
(1.8) (16.0) (17.8)
Currency translation adjustments
 1.3
 1.3
Balance at December 31, 2017$4.7
 $3.6
 $8.3
(a) Includes a $13.4 million benefit for release of the valuation allowance against net deferred tax assets in Canada reflecting the Company’s cumulative recent income and improved expectation of future taxable income.


The Merger resulted in a significant change in the ownership of the Company, which, pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code Section 382, imposes annual limits on the Company’sCompany's ability to utilize its U.S. federal and state net operating loss carryforwards ("NOLs").NOL carryforwards. The Company’sCompany's NOLs will continue to be available to offset taxable income (until such NOLs are either utilized or expire) subject to the Section 382 annual limitation. This limitation is increased for built-in gains recognized within a 60-month period following the ownership change to the extent of total unrealized built-in gains. If the annual limitation amount is not fully utilized in a particular tax year, then the unused portion from that particular tax year will be added to the annual limitation in subsequent years.


In connection with the sale of the Company's Canadian operations in 2022, Veritiv generated a capital loss of approximately $98.5 million. The capital loss generated was partially offset by capital gains generated by the Company during the current and prior years. As of December 31, 2022, Veritiv does not expect to generate any additional capital gains before the capital loss expires and, therefore, has recorded a full valuation allowance on the remaining carryforward. To the extent additional capital gains are generated during the remaining carryforward period, the tax benefits relating to the reversal of any or all of the valuation allowance will be recognized as a benefit to income tax expense.

In general, it is the practice and intention of Veritiv to reinvest the earnings of its non-U.S. subsidiaries in those operations. As of December 31, 2017, Veritiv’s2022, Veritiv's tax basis exceeded its financial reporting basis in certain investments in non-U.S. subsidiaries. The Company does not believe these temporary differences will reverse in the foreseeable future and, therefore, no deferred tax asset has been recognized with respect to these basis differences. Additionally, no deferred tax liability has been recognized for income and withholding tax liabilities associated with investments in non-U.S. subsidiaries



where book basis exceeds tax basis. The provisional estimateamount of such temporary differences totaled approximately $25.8$33.9 million as of December 31, 2017.2022. The provisional estimate of income and withholding tax liability associated with these temporary differences is immaterial. Veritiv will record the tax effects of any change in its prior provisional estimates, with respect to these investments, and disclose any unrecognized deferred tax impact for temporary differences related to its foreign investments, if practicable, in the period that it is first able to determine a change, but no later than December 31, 2018.was not significant.

Veritiv applies a "more likely than not" threshold to the recognition and de-recognition of uncertain tax positions. A change in judgment related to prior years' uncertain tax positions is recognized in the period of such change.


The Company accrues interest and penalties, if incurred, on unrecognized tax benefits as a component of interest expense. Penalties, if incurred, are recognized as a component of income tax expense. Total gross unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2017, 20162022, 2021 and 2015,2020, as well as activity within each of the years, was not material.

65


In the U.S., Veritiv is generally subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS")IRS for fiscal years 2014 2016 and later and certain states for fiscal years 20132018 and later; however, it may be subject to IRS and state tax authority adjustments for years prior to 20142016 to the extent of losses or other tax attributes carrying forward from the earlier years. Veritiv Canada remains subject to examination by the Canadian Revenue Agency and certain provinces for fiscal years 2012 and later.


As of December 31, 2017,2022, Veritiv has federal, state and foreign income tax NOLs available to offset future taxable income of $167.1$89.9 million, $165.5$54.3 million and $49.2$5.0 million, respectively, whichrespectively. Federal NOLs begin expiring in 2024. State and foreign NOLs will expire at various dates from 2018 2023 through 2035,2042, with the exception of certain foreign NOLs that do not expire, butsome of which have a full valuation allowance.

9.8. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Agreements with the UWWH Stockholder


On March 3, 2021, Veritiv announced that its Board of Directors authorized a $50 million share repurchase program (the "2021 Share Repurchase Program"). Executing within the Distribution Date2021 Share Repurchase Program, on March 9, 2021, Veritiv entered into a Share Repurchase Agreement with UWW Holdings, LLC (the "UWWH Stockholder"), pursuant to which the Company agreed to repurchase (the "Share Repurchase") an aggregate of 553,536 shares of its common stock owned by the UWWH Stockholder for an aggregate purchase price of $23.2 million. The Share Repurchase closed on March 12, 2021 and the sole shareholderCompany funded the Share Repurchase with cash on hand. Concurrently with the closing of the Share Repurchase, the UWWH received 7.84 millionStockholder sold the remainder of its shares of Veritiv common stock for all outstanding shares of UWWH common stock that it held in a private placement transaction. Additionally,to an unrelated third-party.

In conjunction with the Merger, Veritiv and the UWWH Stockholder executed the following agreements:

Registration Rights Agreement:TRA. The Registration Rights Agreement provides the UWWH Stockholder with certain demand and piggyback registration rights. Under this Agreement, the UWWH Stockholder is also entitled to transfer its Veritiv common stock to one or more of its affiliates or equity-holders and may exercise registration rights on behalf of such transferees if such transferees become a party to the Registration Rights Agreement. The UWWH Stockholder, on behalf of the holders of shares of Veritiv’s common stock that are party to the Registration Rights Agreement, under certain circumstances and provided certain thresholds described in the Registration Rights Agreement are met, may make a written request to the Company for the registration of the offer and sale of all or part of the shares subject to such registration rights. If the Company registers the offer and sale of its common stock (other than pursuant to a demand registration or in connection with registration on Form S-4 and Form S-8 or any successor or similar forms, or relating solely to the sale of debt or convertible debt instruments) either on its behalf or on the behalf of other security holders, the holders of the registration rights under the Registration Rights Agreement are entitled to include their shares in such registration. The demand rights described commenced 180 days after the Distribution Date. Veritiv is not required to effect more than one demand registration in any 150-day period or more than two demand registrations in any 365-day period. If Veritiv believes that a registration or an offering would materially affect a significant transaction or would require it to disclose confidential information which it in good faith believes would be adverse to its interest, then Veritiv may delay a registration or filing for no more than 120 days in a 360-day period.

Tax Receivable Agreement: The Tax Receivable Agreement setsTRA set forth the terms by which Veritiv was generally will be obligated to pay the UWWH Stockholder an amount equal to 85% of the U.S. federal, state and Canadian income tax savings, if any, that Veritiv actually realizesrealized as a result of the utilization of Unisource's net operating lossesNOLs attributable to taxable periods prior to the date of the Merger. For purposes of the Tax Receivable Agreement, Veritiv’s income tax savings will generally be computed by comparing Veritiv’s actual aggregate U.S. federal, state and Canadian income tax liability for taxable periods (or portions thereof) beginning after the date of the Merger to the amount of Veritiv’s aggregate U.S. federal, state and Canadian income tax liability for the same periods had Veritiv not been able to utilize Unisource's net operating losses attributable to taxable periods prior to the date of the Merger. Veritiv will pay to the



UWWH Stockholder an amount equal to 85% of such tax savings, plus interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 1.00%, computed from the earlier of the date that Veritiv files its U.S. federal income tax return for the applicable taxable year and the date that such tax return is due (without extensions) until payments are made. Under the Tax Receivable Agreement, the UWWH Stockholder will not be required to reimburse Veritiv for any payments previously made if such tax benefits are subsequently disallowed or adjusted (although future payments under the Tax Receivable Agreement would be adjusted to the extent possible to reflect the result of such disallowance or adjustment). The Tax Receivable Agreement will be binding on and adapt to the benefit of any permitted assignees of the UWWH Stockholder and to any successors to any of the parties of the Tax Receivable Agreement to the same extent as if such permitted assignee or successor had been an original party to the Tax Receivable Agreement. In January 2018 and 2017,2020, Veritiv paid $10.1$0.3 million and $8.7 million, respectively, in principal and interest to the UWWH Stockholder for the utilization of pre-merger NOLs in its 2016 and 20152018 federal and state tax returns, respectively. As ofreturns. In December 31, 2017,2020, the Tax Receivable Agreement was revalued for the Tax Act change, lowering the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%. This change reduced the value of the Tax Receivable Agreement liability by $13.5 million.

On November 23, 2016,Company and the UWWH Stockholder sold 1.76 million shares of Veritiv common stock in an underwritten public offering. Concurrently withagreed to settle the closing of the offering, Veritiv repurchased 0.31 million of these offered shares from the underwriters at a price of $42.8625 per share, which is the price at which the underwriters purchased such shares from the selling stockholder, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $13.4 million. In conjunction with these transactions, Veritiv incurred approximately $0.8 million in transaction-related fees, of which approximately $0.2 million was capitalized as part of the cost to acquire the treasury stock with the remainder included in selling and administrative expense, on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

On March 22, 2017,TRA. The Company paid the UWWH Stockholder sold 1.80a total of $12.0 million sharesin settlement of Veritivall past and future liabilities that would have been owed under the TRA and the parties agreed to a mutual release of claims under the TRA. See Note 10, Fair Value Measurements, for additional information related to the Company's TRA.

The Company considers its stockholders that own more than 10.0% of its outstanding common stock into be related parties as defined within ASC 850, Related Party Disclosures. As a block trade. The Company did not sell any shares and did not receive anyresult of the proceeds. In conjunctionMerger and related private placement, Georgia-Pacific LLC ("Georgia-Pacific"), as joint owner of the UWWH Stockholder, qualified as a related party. Effective with this transaction, Veritiv incurred approximately $0.2 million in transaction-related fees, which were included in selling and administrative expenses on the Consolidated StatementsNovember 19, 2020 sale of Operations.the Company's common stock by the UWWH Stockholder, Georgia-Pacific was no longer treated as a related party. The UWWH Stockholder beneficially owned 4,283,840 shares8.7% of Veritiv's outstanding common stock as of December 31, 2017.2020.


Transactions with Georgia-Pacific


Veritiv purchases certain inventory items from, and sells certain inventory items to, Georgia-Pacific in the normal course of business. As a result of the Merger and related private placement, Georgia-Pacific, as joint owner of the UWWH Stockholder, is a related party. The following table summarizes the financial impact of these related partythe transactions with Georgia Pacific:Georgia-Pacific during the portion of 2020 when it was considered a related party:

Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)2020
Sales to Georgia-Pacific, reflected in net sales$19.7 
Purchases of inventory from Georgia-Pacific, recognized in cost of products sold55.6 

9. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
  Year Ended December 31,
(in millions) 2017 2016 2015
Sales to Georgia-Pacific, reflected in net sales $32.2
 $35.6
 $33.6
Purchases of inventory from Georgia-Pacific, recognized in cost of products sold $181.6
 $224.9
 $264.7
       
Inventories purchased from Georgia-Pacific that remained on Veritiv's balance sheet $22.7
 $24.8
  
Related party payable to Georgia-Pacific $8.5
 $9.0
  
Related party receivable from Georgia-Pacific $3.3
 $3.9
  


Prior to its divestiture in the second quarter of 2022, the Company sponsored various benefit plans covering certain of its Veritiv Canada, Inc. employees. The information and activity presented below for Canada are through the divestiture date. See Note 7, Leases,17, Divestitures, for information onrelated to the Company's financing obligations to Georgia-Pacific.divestiture of Veritiv Canada, Inc.


66



Separation Agreements with Former Unisource CEO

Effective as of the Distribution Date, Allan R. Dragone, Jr. ceased to be the Chief Executive Officer of Unisource and became a member of Veritiv’s Board of Directors. Under his then existing employment agreement with Unisource, Mr. Dragone was entitled to receive severance benefits, subject to his execution and non-revocation of a general release of claims against Unisource, the Company and International Paper. As part of his employment agreement, Mr. Dragone exercised his right to sell his personal residence to the Company. The Company completed the purchase of the residence for $4.6 million and subsequently sold the residence for $4.6 million during 2015.

10. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

Defined Contribution Plans


Veritiv sponsors qualified defined contribution plans covering its employees in the U.S., and prior to the Company's divestiture of its Canadian operations, its employees in Canada. The defined
contribution plans allow eligible employees to contribute a portion of their eligible compensation (including salary and annual incentive plan bonus) to the plans and Veritiv makes matching contributions to participant accounts on a specified percentage of employee deferrals as determined by the provisions of each plan. During the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162022, 2021 and 20152020 Veritiv's contributions to these plans totaled $19.4$16.3 million, $19.6$16.2 million and $19.0$9.3 million, respectively. As part of the Company's cost-saving actions taken due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company's matching contributions for all salaried employees not covered by collective bargaining agreements were suspended effective May 1, 2020 and were resumed effective January 1, 2021.


Profit Sharing Plan

Effective January 1, 2022, the Company established a profit sharing plan covering certain U.S. employees who meet established plan eligibility criteria. Contributions to the plan are determined annually based on Veritiv's financial performance and disbursed in the fourth quarter of the year earned. The amount charged to selling and administrative expense for this plan in 2022 was $7.8 million.

Deferred Compensation Savings Plans


In conjunction with the Merger, Veritiv assumed responsibility for Unisource's legacy deferred compensation plans. In general, the payout terms varied for each employee agreement and are paid in monthly or annual installments ranging up to 15 years from the date of eligibility.


Effective January 1, 2015, the Company adopted the Veritiv Deferred Compensation Savings Plan which provides for the deferral of salaries, commissions or bonuses of eligible non-union employees and the deferral of cash and equity retainers for non-employee members of the Company's Board of Directors. Under this plan, eligible employees may elect to defer up to 85% of their base salary, commissions and annual incentive bonus. The amounts deferred are credited to notional investment accounts selected by participants. At the time a deferral election is made, participants elect to receive payout of the deferred amounts (a) in a future year or (b) upon termination of employment or termination of Board service in the form of a lump sum or equal annual installments ranging from two to ten years. Currently, Veritiv does not make matching contributions to this plan.


The liabilities associated with these U.S. plans are summarized in the table below.
As of December 31,
(in millions)20222021
Other accrued liabilities$2.8 $4.0 
Other non-current liabilities16.5 19.3 
Total liabilities$19.3 $23.3 
Deferred Compensation Liability    
     
(in millions) December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
Other accrued liabilities $2.6
 $2.7
Other non-current liabilities 23.7
 21.6
Total liabilities $26.3
 $24.3


Defined Benefit Plans


AtVeritiv maintains an open defined benefit pension plan in the U.S. for employees covered by certain collectively bargained agreements. Veritiv also maintains a defined benefit plan in the U.S., which includes frozen cash balance accounts for certain former Unisource employees, and formerly maintained similar plans for Canadian employees prior to the sale of Veritiv Canada, Inc. No other employees participate in Veritiv-sponsored defined benefit pension plans.

Effective December 31, 20171, 2021, the Company divided the U.S. Veritiv Pension Plan by establishing a new Veritiv Hourly Pension Plan to provide benefits to certain employees who were accruing a benefit under the U.S. Veritiv Pension Plan pursuant to the terms of a collective bargaining agreement. Veritiv currently has the intent to subsequently terminate and 2016,settle the U.S. Veritiv did not maintain any activePension Plan. The Veritiv Hourly Pension Plan will remain open.

During the second quarter of 2022, the Company completed the sale of its Veritiv Canada, Inc. business. As a result of the sale, a pension settlement occurred, which required an interim remeasurement of Veritiv Canada, Inc.'s defined benefit pension plan obligations as of the date of the sale. The Company ultimately recognized a gain of $7.0 million on the settlement of the Veritiv Canada, Inc. defined benefit plans, for its non-union employees.

which was included in other (income) expense, net on the

67


Consolidated Statement of Operations. See Note 17, Divestitures, for additional information regarding the Company's divestiture of Veritiv Canada, Inc.

Benefit Obligations and Funded Status


The following table provides information about Veritiv's U.S. and Canadian defined benefit pension plans and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans ("SERP"):
Year Ended December 31,
20222021
(in millions)U.S.
Canada(1)
U.S.Canada
Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year$53.6 $— $68.0 $82.9 
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation, beginning of year$68.0 $87.8 $68.6 $95.3 
Service cost1.1 0.1 1.3 0.4 
Interest cost1.3 0.8 1.0 2.0 
Actuarial (gain) loss(13.6)(17.7)1.7 (5.7)
Benefits paid(0.9)(1.6)(0.6)(4.6)
Settlements(2.3)— (4.0)— 
Divestitures(2)
— (68.8)— — 
Foreign exchange adjustments— (0.6)— 0.4 
Projected benefit obligation, end of year$53.6 $— $68.0 $87.8 
Change in plan assets:
Plan assets, beginning of year$65.0 $89.0 $63.4 $82.0 
Employer contributions0.0 0.1 0.0 0.3 
Investment returns(6.6)(8.4)6.9 11.1 
Benefits paid(0.9)(1.6)(0.6)(4.6)
Administrative expenses paid(1.5)— (0.7)— 
Settlements(2.3)— (4.0)— 
Divestitures(2)
— (78.4)— — 
Foreign exchange adjustments— (0.7)— 0.2 
Plan assets, end of year$53.7 $— $65.0 $89.0 
Funded status, end of year$0.1 $— $(3.0)$1.2 
(1)The amounts for Canada reflect activity through the divestiture date.
(2)The divestitures amounts are included in the calculation of the gain on the sale of the Veritiv Canada, Inc. business. See Note 17, Divestitures, for
additional information related to the Company's business divestitures.

As of December 31, 2022, the U.S. Veritiv Pension Plan's benefit obligation was $43.6 million, the fair value of plan assets was $44.2 million and the plan was overfunded by $0.6 million. As of December 31, 2022, the Veritiv Hourly Pension Plan plus the SERP plans:
 Year Ended December 31,
 2017
2016
(in millions)U.S.
Canada
U.S.
Canada
Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year$91.0
 $83.2
 $89.7
 $71.9

       
Change in projected benefit obligation:       
Benefit obligation, beginning of year$89.7
 $79.0
 $89.0
 $76.0
Service cost0.8
 0.3
 0.7
 0.3
Interest cost2.7
 2.7
 3.4
 3.1
Actuarial (gain) loss3.3
 6.1
 
 2.2
Benefits paid(5.5) (3.9) (3.4) (4.8)
Foreign exchange adjustments
 5.8
 
 2.2
Projected benefit obligation, end of year$91.0
 $90.0
 $89.7
 $79.0

       
Change in plan assets:       
Plan assets, beginning of year$75.9
 $64.9
 $74.4
 $61.6
Employer contributions
 3.1
 
 3.1
Investment returns12.0
 6.0
 5.9
 3.1
Benefits paid(5.5) (3.9) (3.4) (4.8)
Administrative expenses paid(1.0) 
 (1.0) 
Foreign exchange adjustments
 4.8
 
 1.9
Plan assets, end of year$81.4
 $74.9
 $75.9
 $64.9
Underfunded status, end of year$(9.6) $(15.1) $(13.8) $(14.1)

Balance Sheet Positionshad a total projected benefit obligationof $10.0 million, which was equal to the accumulated benefit obligation, a total fair value of plan assets of $9.5 million and the plans were underfunded by a total of $0.5 million.
68

 Year Ended December 31,
 2017
2016
(in millions)U.S.
Canada
U.S.
Canada
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:       
Other accrued liabilities$0.1
 $0.2
 $0.1
 $0.2
Defined benefit pension obligations9.5
 14.9
 13.7
 13.9
Net liability recognized$9.6
 $15.1
 $13.8
 $14.1


 Year Ended December 31,
 2017
2016
(in millions)U.S. Canada U.S. Canada
Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost and included in AOCL consist of:       
Net loss, net of tax$3.2
 $6.1
 $5.7
 $3.4






Balance Sheet Positions
As of December 31,
20222021
(in millions)U.S.U.S.Canada
Non-current assets$0.6 $— $5.7 
Other accrued liabilities(0.1)(0.1)(0.2)
Defined benefit pension obligations(0.4)(2.9)(4.3)
Net asset (liability) recognized$0.1 $(3.0)$1.2 
Amounts included in AOCL - net actuarial (gain) loss, net of tax$(3.9)$(0.5)$(0.5)

Net Periodic Cost


Total net periodic benefit cost (credit) associated with the defined benefit pension and SERP plans is summarized below:
Year Ended December 31,
202220212020
(in millions)U.S.
Canada(1)
U.S.CanadaU.S.Canada
Components of net periodic benefit cost (credit):
Service cost$2.2 $0.1 $2.1 $0.4 $2.1 $0.4 
Interest cost$1.3 $0.8 $1.0 $2.0 $1.6 $2.4 
Expected return on plan assets(2.0)(0.4)(4.3)(4.1)(3.9)(3.9)
Settlement (gain) loss0.0 (7.0)0.0 0.2 0.0 0.1 
Amortization of net loss— 0.0 — 0.2 0.0 0.2 
Total other components$(0.7)$(6.6)$(3.3)$(1.7)$(2.3)$(1.2)
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)$1.5 $(6.5)$(1.2)$(1.3)$(0.2)$(0.8)
Changes to funded status recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss:
Net (gain) loss during year, net of tax$(3.4)$0.5 $(0.7)$(9.4)$(0.5)$3.4 
(1)The amounts for Canada reflect activity through the divestiture date.
 Year Ended December 31,
 2017
2016 2015
(in millions)U.S. Canada U.S. Canada U.S. Canada
Components of net periodic benefit cost (credit):           
Service cost$2.0
 $0.3
 $1.7
 $0.3
 $1.6
 $0.2
Interest cost2.7
 2.7
 3.4
 3.1
 3.2
 3.2
Expected return on plan assets(5.1) (3.7) (5.0) (3.5) (5.2) (3.3)
Amortization of net loss0.1
 0.2
 0.1
 0.2
 
 
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)$(0.3) $(0.5) $0.2
 $0.1
 $(0.4) $0.1
            
            
Changes to funded status recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss:           
Net loss (gain) during year, net of tax$(2.5) $2.7
 $(0.5) $2.2
 $1.0
 $(1.0)
The components of net periodic benefit cost (credit) other than the service cost component are included in other (income) expense, net on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Amounts are generally amortized from AOCL over the expected future working lifetime of active plan participants. The amount Veritiv expects to amortize from AOCL into net periodic pension cost in 2017 is not significant.


Fair Value of Plan Assets


U.S. and Canada pension plan assets are primarily invested in broad-based mutual funds and pooled funds comprised of U.S. and non-U.S. equities, U.S. and non-U.S. high-quality and high-yield fixed income securities, hedge fund-of-funds and short-term interest bearing securities or deposits.

The underlying Level 1 investments of the U.S. plan assets are valued using quoted prices in active markets (Level 1).markets. The Level 2 investments are primarily valued by each fund’s third-party administrator based upon the valuation of the underlying securities and instruments and primarily by applying a valuation methodology based on observable market data as appropriate depending on the specific type of security or instrument held. Prior to the settlement and disposition of the Veritiv Canada, Inc. defined benefit plans, the underlying investments of the Canada planplans' assets in equity and fixed income securities arewere measured at fair value using the Net Asset Value ("NAV") provided by the administrator of the fund and the Company has the ability to redeem such assets at the measurement date or within the near term without redemption restrictions.fund. In accordance with
69

ASU 2015-07, "FairFair Value Measurement (Topic 820)", investments that are measured at fair value using the NAV per share practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy.

The following tables present Veritiv’sVeritiv's plan assets using the fair value hierarchy which is reconciled to the amounts presented for the total pension benefit plan assets as of December 31:assets:

As of December 31, 2022As of December 31, 2021
(in millions)TotalLevel 1Level 2TotalLevel 1Level 2
Investments – U.S.:
Equity securities$5.0 $5.0 $— $3.3 $3.3 $— 
Fixed income securities23.8 23.8 — 31.5 31.5 — 
Hedge Fund-of-Funds0.9 — 0.9 4.2 — 4.2 
Cash and short-term securities24.0 24.0 — 26.0 26.0 — 
Total$53.7 $52.8 $0.9 $65.0 $60.8 $4.2 

As of December 31, 2021
As of December 31, 2017       
(in millions)Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3(in millions)TotalLevel 1
Investments – U.S.:       
Investments – Canada:Investments – Canada:
Cash and short-term securitiesCash and short-term securities$0.7 $0.7 
Investments measured at NAV:Investments measured at NAV:
Equity securities$56.8
 $56.8
 $
 $
Equity securities
61.9 
Fixed income securities24.3
 24.3
 
 
Fixed income securities
26.4 
Cash and short-term securities0.3
 0.3
 
 
Total$81.4
 $81.4
 $
 $
Total$89.0 $0.7 




As of December 31, 2017       
(in millions)Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Investments – Canada:       
Cash and short-term securities$0.1
 $0.1
 $
 $
Investments measured at NAV:       
   Equity securities49.2
      
   Fixed income securities25.6
      
Total$74.9
 $0.1
 $
 $
As of December 31, 2016       
(in millions)Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Investments – U.S.:       
Equity securities$50.0
 $50.0
 $
 $
Fixed income securities25.7
 25.7
 
 
Cash and short-term securities0.2
 0.2
 
 
Total$75.9
 $75.9
 $
 $

As of December 31, 2016       
(in millions)Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Investments – Canada:       
Cash and short-term securities$0.3
 $0.3
 $
 $
Investments measured at NAV:       
   Equity securities43.8
      
   Fixed income securities20.8
      
Total$64.9
 $0.3
 $
 $


The classification of fair value measurements within the hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the measurement. Valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities measured at fair value are as follows:


* Equity Securities: Commingled funds are valued at the net asset value of units held at year end, as determined by a pricing vendor or the fund family. Mutual funds are valued at the net asset value of shares held at year end, as determined by the closing price reported on the active market on which the individual securities are traded, or a pricing vendor or the fund family if an active market is not available. 


* Fixed Income Securities: Mutual funds are valued at the net asset value of shares held at year end, as determined by the closing price reported on the active market on which the individual securities are traded, or a pricing vendor or the fund family if an active market is not available. 


* Hedge Fund-of-Funds: These investments represent limited partnership interests in private equity and hedge funds. The partnership interests are valued by the general partners based on the underlying assets in each fund.

* Cash and Short-term Securities: Cash and cash equivalents consist of U.S. and foreign currencies. Foreign currencies are reported in U.S. dollars based on currency exchange rates readily available in active markets. Short-term securities are valued at the net asset value of units held at year end.


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The weighted-average asset allocations of invested assets within Veritiv’sVeritiv's defined benefit pension plans were as follows:
As of December 31, 2022Asset Allocation Range
(in millions)U.S.U.S.
Equity securities$5.0 5%-15%
Fixed income securities23.8 40%-50%
Hedge Fund-of-Funds0.9 0%-10%
   Cash and short-term securities24.0 40%-50%
Total$53.7 

As of December 31, 2017    Asset Allocation Range
As of December 31, 2021As of December 31, 2021Asset Allocation Range
(in millions)U.S. Canada U.S. Canada(in millions)U.S.CanadaU.S.Canada
Equity securities$56.8
 $49.2
 55 - 75% 50 - 70%Equity securities$3.3 $61.9 0%-15%50%-70%
Fixed income securities24.3
 25.6
 20 - 40% 30 - 50%Fixed income securities31.5 26.4 45%-55%30%-50%
Hedge Fund-of-FundsHedge Fund-of-Funds4.2 — 0%-10%—%-—%
Cash and short-term securities0.3
 0.1
 0 - 10% 0 - 5%Cash and short-term securities26.0 0.7 35%-45%0%-5%
Total$81.4
 $74.9
 Total$65.0 $89.0 
As of December 31, 2016    Asset Allocation Range
(in millions)U.S. Canada U.S. Canada
Equity securities$50.0
 $43.8
 55 - 75% 50 - 70%
Fixed income securities25.7
 20.8
 20 - 40% 30 - 50%
Cash and short-term securities0.2
 0.3
 0 - 10% 0 - 5%
Total$75.9
 $64.9
    


Veritiv's current U.S. investment objectives reflect a recent realignment of the investment strategy to better address the separate needs of the legacy plan and the newly established Veritiv Hourly Pension Plan. The investment objective of the assets remaining in the legacy Veritiv Pension Plan is primarily to reduce the effects of volatility on the fair value of pension assets relative to pension obligations by investing a majority of plan assets in high quality fixed income securities and cash equivalents in preparation for the currently intended plan termination. The investment objective of the assets that were moved to the Veritiv Hourly Pension Plan 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.

Investment performance is evaluated at least quarterly. Total returns are compared to the weighted-average return of a benchmark mix of investments. Individual fund investments are compared to historical 3, 5three year, five year and 10ten year returns achieved by funds with similar investment objectives. Investment performance is evaluated at least quarterly.


Assumptions


The determination of Veritiv’sVeritiv's defined benefit obligations and pension expense is based on various assumptions, such as discount rates, expected long-term rates of return, rate of compensation increases, employee retirement patterns and payment selections, inflation and mortality rates.


Veritiv's weighted-average discount rates for its U.S. plans were determined by using cash flow matching techniques whereby the rates of yield curves, developed from U.S. corporate yield curves, were applied to the benefit obligations to determine the appropriate discount rate. Prior to the settlement and disposition of the Veritiv Canada, Inc. defined benefit plans, Veritiv's weighted-average discount rates for its Canadian plans were determined by using spot rates from yield curves, developed from high-quality bonds (rated AA or higher) by established rating agencies, matching the duration of the future expected benefit obligations.


Veritiv’sVeritiv's weighted-average expected rate of return was developed based on several factors, including projected and historical rates of returns, investment allocations of pension plan assets and inflation expectations. Veritiv evaluates the expected rate of return assumptions on an annual basis.


The following table presents significant weighted-average assumptions used in computing the benefit obligations:
As of December 31,
202220212020
U.S.U.S.CanadaU.S.Canada
Discount rate5.16 %2.54 %2.95 %2.15 %2.50 %
Rate of compensation increasesN/AN/A3.00 %N/A3.00 %
71

 December 31,
 2017
2016
 U.S. Canada U.S. Canada
Discount rate3.33% 3.40% 3.76% 3.85%
Rate of compensation increasesN/A
 3.00% N/A
 3.00%







The following table presents significant weighted-average assumptions used in computing net periodic benefit cost:cost (credit):
Year Ended December 31,
202220212020
U.S.
Canada(1)
U.S.CanadaU.S.Canada
Discount rate2.53 %4.60 %2.13 %2.50 %2.98 %3.10 %
Rate of compensation increasesN/A3.00 %N/A3.00 %N/A3.00 %
Expected long-term rate of return on assets3.37 %5.00 %7.15 %5.00 %7.15 %5.25 %
Interest crediting rate2.11 %N/A1.43 %N/A2.73 %N/A
(1) The rates for Canada are for the period through the divestiture date.
 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016
 U.S. Canada U.S. Canada
Discount rate3.76% 3.85% 4.05% 4.00%
Rate of compensation increasesN/A
 3.00% N/A
 3.00%
Expected long-term rate of return on assets7.15% 5.50% 7.15% 5.50%


Cash Flows


Veritiv expects to contribute $0.1 million and $3.2 million to its U.S. and Canadian defined benefit pension and SERP plans respectively, during 2018.2023. Future benefit payments under the defined benefit pension and SERP plans are estimated as follows:follows, and include an estimated payment of $43.6 million in 2023 to terminate and settle the U.S. Veritiv Pension Plan:
(in millions)U.S.
2023$43.9 
20240.3 
20250.4 
20260.5 
20270.6 
2028 – 20323.9 

(in millions)U.S. Canada
2018$9.6
 $2.8
20195.7
 2.9
20205.4
 3.0
20215.6
 3.2
20225.5
 3.4
2023-202727.7
 20.1
MEPPs

Multi-employer Plans


Veritiv's contributions to multi-employer plansMEPPs, excluding the payment of any withdrawal liabilities, were $3.5$1.3 million, $3.7$1.7 million and $3.9$2.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162022, 2021 and 2015,2020, respectively. It is reasonably possible that changes to Veritiv employees covered under these plans might result in additional contribution obligations. Any such obligations would be governed by the specific agreement between Veritiv and any such plan. Veritiv's contributions did not represent more than 5% of total contributions to any multi-employer plansMEPPs for the plan years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.in which Forms 5500 were available. At the date these Consolidated Financial Statements were issued, Forms 5500 were not available for the plan years endingyear ended in 2017.2022.


The risks of participating in these multi-employer pension plansMEPPs are different from a single employer plan in the following aspects:

Assets contributed to the multi-employer plansMEPPs by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers,
If a participating employer ceases contributing to the plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be inherited by the remaining participating employers, and
If the Company stops participating in any of the multi-employer plans,MEPPs, the Company may be required to pay those plans an amount based on the underfunded status of the plan, referred to as a withdrawal liability.

The Company has recorded undiscounted charges related to the complete or partial withdrawal from various multi-employer pension plans. Charges not related to the Company's restructuring efforts are recorded as distribution expenses. Initial amounts are recorded as other non-current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. See the table below for a summary of the net charges and the year-end balance sheet liability positions for the respective years ended December 31:





Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)Restructuring charges, net Distribution expenses Total Net Charges
2017$17.4
 $2.1
 $19.5
20167.5
 2.3
 9.8
      
 At December 31,  
      
(in millions)Other accrued liabilities Other non-current liabilities  
2017$0.7
 $27.2
  
20160.0
 9.8
  

Included in the previously mentioned multi-employer pension plan withdrawal charges is $13.6 million related to the New England Teamsters and Trucking Industry Pension Fund (the “NE Fund”), a multi-employer pension plan. During the second quarter of 2017, the Company was presented with a Demand for Payment of Withdrawal Liability from the NE Fund attributable to the closure of the Company's Wilmington, Massachusetts facility in the amount of $10.9 million, payable in 240 equal monthly installments beginning in August 2017. Also as part of this same consolidation, the Company's Windsor and Middletown, Connecticut facilities were closed and relocated to Enfield, Connecticut. Employees at both the Windsor and Middletown locations were covered by separate collective bargaining agreements. Employees at the Middletown location subject to that agreement also participate in the NE Fund. The Company entered into a new collective bargaining agreement for the Enfield, Connecticut facility to replace the legacy Windsor and Middletown, Connecticut agreements. The new agreement ended participation in the NE Fund. As a result, in December 2017, the Company received another Demand for Payment of Withdrawal Liability from the NE Fund attributable to that negotiated exit in the amount of $2.7 million, payable in 240 equal monthly installments beginning in February 2018.

See Note 3, Acquisition, Integration and Restructuring Charges, for additional information regarding these transactions. The Company records an estimated undiscounted charge when it becomes probable that it has incurred a withdrawal liability.liability when exiting a MEPP. Final charges for theseMEPP withdrawals willare not be known until the plans issue their respective determinations. As a result, these estimates may increase or decrease depending upon the final determinations. Currently,Charges not related to the Company's restructuring efforts are recorded as distribution expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Initial amounts are recorded as other non-current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

72

See the table below for a summary of the net withdrawal charges and the year-end balance sheet liability positions:
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)Distribution expenses
2022$4.9 
20210.5 
20207.2 
As of December 31,
(in millions)Other accrued liabilitiesOther non-current liabilities
2022$1.8 $44.5 
20211.8 41.4 

Teamsters Pension Trust Fund of Philadelphia and Vicinity

During the fourth quarter of 2022, in the course of negotiations for a collective bargaining agreement, Veritiv negotiated a complete withdrawal from the Teamsters Pension Trust Fund of Philadelphia and Vicinity to take effect on December 31, 2024, and recognized an estimated complete withdrawal liability of $4.9 million as of December 31, 2022. The withdrawal charge was recorded in distribution expenses as it was not related to a restructuring activity. As of December 31, 2022, the Company has not yet received the determination letter for the complete withdrawal from the Teamsters Pension Trust Fund of Philadelphia and Vicinity. The Company expects that payments will occur over an approximately 20-yearapproximate 19-year period.

Minneapolis Food Distributors Ind Pension Plan

During the fourth quarter of 2021, in the course of negotiations for a collective bargaining agreement, Veritiv negotiated a complete withdrawal from the Minneapolis Food Distributors Ind Pension Plan to take effect on July 31, 2022 and recognized an estimated complete withdrawal liability of $0.5 million as of December 31, 2021. The Company expectswithdrawal charge was recorded in distribution expenses as it was not related to incur similar types of charges in future periods in connection with its ongoinga restructuring activities.activity. As of December 31, 2017,2022, the Company has not yet received the determination letters from two plans. Of those, the liability for one was settled with a lump sum payment, while monthly paymentsletter for the other plan are expected tocomplete withdrawal from the Minneapolis Food Distributors Ind Pension Plan. The Company expects that payments will occur over an approximatelyapproximate three-year period.

Western Pennsylvania Teamsters and Employers Pension Fund

During the first quarter of 2020, Veritiv negotiated the complete withdrawal from the Western Pennsylvania Teamsters and Employers Pension Fund (the "Western Pennsylvania Fund"), a MEPP related to the second bargaining unit at its Warrendale, Pennsylvania location and recognized an estimated complete withdrawal liability of $7.1 million in distribution expenses as it was not related to a restructuring activity. During the second quarter of 2019, in the course of negotiations for a collective bargaining agreement, Veritiv negotiated a partial withdrawal from the Western Pennsylvania Fund and recognized an estimated partial withdrawal liability of $6.5 million. As of December 31, 2022, the Company has not yet received the determination letters for the full and partial withdrawals from the Western Pennsylvania Fund. The Company expects that payments will occur over an approximate 20-year period.period, which could run consecutively.


    Veritiv’sVeritiv's participation in the multi-employer plansMEPPs for the year ended December 31, 20172022, is outlined in the table below. The "EIN/Pension"EIN" and "Pension Plan Number" column providescolumns provide the EmployeeEmployer Identification Number and the three-digit plan number if applicable.for each applicable plan. The Pension Protection Act zone listed below is based on the latest information Veritiv received from the plan and is certified by the plan’splan's actuary. Plans in the red zone are generally less than 65% funded, plans in the yellow zone are less than 80% funded and plans in the green zone are at least 80% funded. There were no changes in the status of any zones in 2017.based on the information provided to Veritiv during 2022. The "FIP/RP Status Pending/Implemented" column indicates plans for which a financial improvement plan or a rehabilitation plan is either pending or has been implemented. The last column lists the expiration date(s) of the collective-bargaining agreement(s). Contributions in the table below, for the yearyears ended December 31, 20172022, 2021 and 2020, exclude $1.4$1.8 million, $1.8 million and $1.9 million, respectively, related to payments made for accrued withdrawal liabilities.

73






Pension FundEINPension Plan NumberPension Protection Act Zone StatusFIP/RP Status Pending/ ImplementedVeritiv's ContributionsSurcharge ImposedExpiration Date(s) of Collective Bargaining Agreement(s)
202220212020
Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Trust Fund (1)
91-6145047001GreenNo$0.9 $0.9 $1.1 No7/31/2023 - 12/31/2025
Teamsters Pension Plan of Philadelphia & Vicinity23-1511735001YellowImplemented0.3 0.4 0.4 YesComplete exit on December 31, 2024
Western Pennsylvania Teamsters and Employers Pension Plan25-6029946001RedImplemented— — 0.1 YesPartial exit during 2019; complete exit during 2020
Contributions for individually significant plans1.2 1.3 1.6 
Contributions to other multi-employer plans0.1 0.4 0.4 
Total contributions$1.3 $1.7 $2.0 
Pension FundEIN/Pension Plan No. Pension Protection Act Zone Status FIP/RP Status Pending/ Implemented Veritiv's Contributions Surcharge Imposed Expiration Date(s) of Collective Bargaining Agreement(s)
   2017 2016 2015  
Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Trust Fund (1)
916145047/001 Green No $1.6
 $1.7
 $1.7
 No 7/31/2017 - 10/31/2020
Central States, Southeast & Southwest Areas Pension Fund (2)
366044243/001 Red Implemented 0.2
 0.3
 0.4
 Yes 7/31/2018
Teamsters Pension Plan of Philadelphia & Vicinity231511735/001 Yellow Implemented 0.4
 0.4
 0.4
 Yes 3/31/2018 & 7/31/2018
Graphic Arts Industry Joint Pension Trust521074215/001 Red Implemented 
 
 0.1
 Yes Exited during 2016
New England Teamsters & Trucking Industry Pension046372430/001 Red Implemented 0.4
 0.5
 0.4
 Yes Exited during 2017
Western Pennsylvania Teamsters and Employers Pension Plan256029946/001 Red Implemented 0.3
 0.3
 0.3
 Yes 3/31/2019 & 3/31/2020
Contributions for individually significant plans      2.9
 3.2
 3.3
    
Contributions to other multi-employer plans      0.6
 0.5
 0.6
    
Total contributions      $3.5
 $3.7
 $3.9
    
(1) As of December 31, 2017,2022, there were 11seven collective bargaining units participating in the Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Trust. As of December 31, 2017, one was2022, none were then in negotiations.
(2) As of December 31, 2017, there was one collective bargaining unit participating in the Central States, Southeast & Southwest Areas Pension Fund. As of December 31, 2017, it was not then in negotiations.

11.10. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS


At December 31, 20172022 and 2016,2021, the carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, payables, and other components of other current assets and other currentaccrued liabilities, and the short-term debt associated with the commercial card program approximate their fair values due to the short maturity of these items. Cash and cash equivalents may include highly-liquid, unrestricted investments with original maturities to the Company of three months or less that are readily convertible into known amounts of cash.


Debt and Other Obligations

Borrowings under the ABL Facility are at variable market interest rates, and accordingly, the carrying amount approximates fair value.

value, which is a Level 2 measurement. The Company's one interest rate cap agreement, which was related to the ABL Facility, expired on September 13, 2022. Prior to its expiration, the fair value of the interest rate cap was derived from a discounted cash flow analysis based on the terms of the agreement and Level 2 data for the forward interest rate curve adjusted for the Company’sCompany's credit risk.risk and was not significant for the periods presented in this report. See Note 6, Derivative Instrument, Hedging Activities and Risk ManagementDebt, for additional information onrelated to the interest rate cap agreement.Company's ABL Facility and other obligations.


Goodwill and Other Intangibles

The fair value analysisanalyses used for the determination of goodwill and intangible asset impairments, as described in Note 4, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, and Note 1, Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies respectively,, relied upon both Level 2 data (publicly observable data such as market interest rates, the Company’sCompany's stock price, the stock prices of peer companies and the capital structures of peer companies) and Level 3 data (internal data such as the Company’sCompany's operating and cash flow projections). Goodwill is reviewed for impairment on a reporting unit basis annually as of October 1st or more frequently when indicators are present or changes in circumstances suggest that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable.


DuringAs a result of the thirdannounced sale of Veritiv Canada, Inc. in the first quarter of 2017,2022, which the Company concluded represented a triggering event, the Company reviewed its goodwill and other intangible assets for possible impairment indicators,indicators. Utilizing Level 3 data, the Company allocated $3.3 million of its goodwill balance and management$2.6 million of its other intangibles, net asset balance to the divested Canadian business. The fair value analyses used in the impairment assessments for the retained goodwill and other intangibles, net asset also relied upon Level 3 data. Management determined that the carrying values of the goodwill and customer relationship intangible assets allocatedother intangibles, net asset for both the Veritiv Canada, Inc. business and the remaining Veritiv business were not impaired. See Note 17, Divestitures, for additional information related to the logistics solutions business were fully impaired. Company's divestiture of Veritiv Canada, Inc.
74


The impairments were determined afterCompany performed a reviewquantitative goodwill impairment test during the fourth quarter of 2022 and 2021, which required a determination of whether the fair value of the business's forecasted revenues and estimatedreporting unit was less than its carrying value. The determination of the reporting unit's fair value was based on an income approach that utilized discounted cash flows (Leveland required management to make significant assumptions and estimates related to the forecasts of future revenues, profit margins and discount rates. The principal assumptions utilized, all of which are considered Level 3 data). The impairment charges were primarilyinputs under the fair value hierarchy, are subject to various risks and uncertainties. As a result of lower forecasted sales growth due tothe respective quantitative goodwill impairment tests, no goodwill impairment was indicated or recorded. The continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on estimated future cash flows is uncertain and will largely depend on the outcome of future events. The Company will perform additional goodwill impairment testing when indicators are present or changes in circumstances suggest the Company's growth strategycarrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable and margin compression due to increased competition. The fair value of these assets was derived using discounted cash flow analyses based on Level 3 inputs. As a result, the Company recorded $7.7 million in non-restructuring impairment charges related to its logistics solutions business's goodwill and customer relationship intangible assets, included in selling and administrative expenses, on the Consolidated Statements oftriggering event has occurred.

Operations. See Note 4,5, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, for additional information regardingrelated to the Company's goodwill and other intangible assets.


For the year endedOther Assets

At December 31, 2016,2022 and 2021, the Company recognized $5.8had assets-held-for-sale of none and $1.2 million, respectively. These assets are included, at the lower of their carrying value or fair value, in intangible asset impairment charges related to its Print and Publishing segments' customer relationship intangibleother current assets included in selling and administrative expenses, on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The impairments were determined after review of the segments' forecasted revenues and estimated cash flows (Level 3). As a result, the entire carrying values were deemed impaired.Balance Sheets.


For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company recognized a $1.9 million goodwill impairment charge for its Facility Solutions segment and $3.3 million in asset impairment charges related to property, plant and equipment disposed of as part of its restructuring efforts. The goodwill impairment charge is included in selling and administrative expense and the property, plant and equipment impairment charge is included in restructuring charges, net on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

For the year ended December 31, 2017, there were no impairments charged to restructuring expense. The Company has on occasion recognized other minor impairments when warranted as part of its normal review of long-lived assets andassets. Based on the underlying nature of each item, these impairments are included inimpairment charges may be reported as restructuring charges, net or selling and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Total goodwill and long-lived asset impairments for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162022, 2021 and 20152020 were $8.4 million, $7.7none, $0.5 million and $5.9$0.5 million respectively.


At December 31, 20172022 and 2016,2021, a portion of the pension plan assets were primarily comprised of mutual funds and pooled funds. The underlying investments of these funds were valued using either quoted prices in active markets or valued as of the most recent trade date. See Note 10,9, Employee Benefits Plans, for further detail.additional information related to the Company's pension plans.


TRA Contingent Liability

At the time of the Merger, the Company recorded a $59.4 million contingent liability associated with the Tax Receivable AgreementTRA at fair value using a discounted cash flow model that reflected management's expectations about probability of payment. The fair value of the Tax Receivable Agreement is a Level 3 measurement which relied upon both Level 2 data (publicly observable data such as market interest rates) and Level 3 data (internal data such as the Company’s projected revenues, taxable income and assumptions about the utilization of Unisource’s net operating losses, attributable to taxable periods prior to the Merger, by the Company). The amount payable under the Tax Receivable Agreement is contingent on the Company generating a certain level of taxable income prior to the expiration of the NOL carryforwards. Moreover, future trading of Company stock by significant shareholders may result in additional ownership changes as defined under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, further limiting the use of Unisource's NOLs and the amount ultimately payable under the Tax Receivable Agreement. The contingent liability iswas remeasured at fair value at each reporting periodperiod-end with the change in fair value recognized in other (income) expense, net on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. AtIn December 31, 2017,2020, the Company remeasuredand the contingent liability usingUWWH Stockholder agreed to settle the TRA. The Company paid the UWWH Stockholder a discount ratetotal of 4.2% (Moody's daily long-term corporate BAA bond yield). There$12.0 million in settlement of all past and future liabilities that would have been no transfers betweenowed under the TRA and the parties agreed to a mutual release of claims under the TRA. As a result of the settlement, the Company recognized a favorable fair value measurement levels foradjustment of $20.1 million in other (income) expense, net in the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. The Company recognizes transfers between the fair value measurement levels at the endfourth quarter of the reporting period.2020. See Note 9,8, Related Party Transactions, for further discussionadditional information related to the Company's TRA.

All American Containers ("AAC") Contingent Consideration

On August 31, 2017 (the "Acquisition Date"), Veritiv completed its acquisition of 100% of the Tax Receivable Agreement.

The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of the Tax Receivable Agreement ("TRA") contingent liability for the year ended December 31, 2017:    
(in millions) TRA Contingent Liability
Balance at December 31, 2015 $63.0
Change in fair value adjustment recorded in other (income) expense, net 4.9
Balance at December 31, 2016 67.9
Change in fair value adjustment recorded in other (income) expense, net (a)
 (9.4)
Principal payments (8.5)
Balance at December 31, 2017 $50.0
(a) The Tax Act lowered the U.S. federal corporate tax rate to 21%, which resultedequity interests in a fair value reduction of $13.5 million included in the 2017 fair value change in the table above.





various AAC entities. The preliminary purchase price allocation for the acquisition of AAC described in Note 2, 2017 Acquisition, includesincluded $22.2 million for the estimated fair value of contingent consideration. The maximum amount payable for the contingent consideration iswas $50.0 million, with up to $25.0 million payable at each of the first and second anniversaries of the Acquisition Date. TheDuring the first quarter of 2020, the Company recognized a final amount will be determined basedcharge of $1.0 million and on actual growth ratesMarch 19, 2020, the Company paid an additional $3.5 million to the sellers of AAC in revenue and gross profit. The preliminary fair value estimate was based on historic growth patterns and future forecasts, which are Level 3 data. The valuationfull satisfaction of contingent consideration uses assumptions and estimates to forecast a range of outcomes and probabilities for the contingent consideration. The contingent consideration is valued using a Monte Carlo simulation model. The Company will assess these assumptions and estimates on a quarterly basis as additional data impacting the assumptions is obtained. Any changes in the fair valueliability.

75


Table of contingent consideration related to updated assumptions and estimates will be recognized within other (income) expense, net, in the Consolidated Statements of Operations during the period in which the change occurs.Contents

The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of the AAC contingent liability for the year ended December 31, 2017:    

(in millions) AAC Contingent Liability
Balance at August 31, 2017 $30.0
Purchase accounting adjustment (7.8)
Adjusted purchase price 22.2
Change in fair value adjustment recorded in other (income) expense, net 2.0
Balance at December 31, 2017 $24.2

12.11. SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION

Other Current Assets


The components of other current assets as of December 31 were as follows:
(in millions)20222021
Rebates receivable$51.0 $59.3 
Prepaid expenses32.4 44.2 
Vendor deposits11.0 8.2 
Value Added Tax receivable6.4 11.9 
Other2.9 9.1 
Other current assets$103.7 $132.7 
(in millions)December 31, December 31,
2017 2016
Rebates receivable$61.1
 $62.3
Prepaid expenses33.8
 26.1
Other38.6
 30.5
Other current assets$133.5
 $118.9


Other Non-Current Assets


The components of other non-current assets as of December 31 were as follows:
(in millions)20222021
Operating lease right-of-use assets$304.3 $375.6 
Cloud computing arrangements17.3 0.3 
Investments in real estate joint ventures8.3 7.7 
Deferred financing costs5.6 7.3 
Other7.9 17.5 
Other non-current assets$343.4 $408.4 
(in millions)December 31, December 31,
2017 2016
Deferred financing costs$9.3
 $11.9
Investments in real estate joint ventures6.4
 6.0
Below market leasehold agreements4.7
 4.7
Other10.4
 7.7
Other non-current assets$30.8
 $30.3





Accrued Payroll and Benefits


The components of accrued payroll and benefits as of December 31 were as follows:
(in millions)20222021
Accrued incentive plans$57.0 $60.1 
Accrued payroll and related taxes15.8 28.7 
Accrued commissions15.7 17.9 
Accrued cash-based long-term incentive awards, current portion15.2 — 
Other2.5 3.3 
Accrued payroll and benefits$106.2 $110.0 

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(in millions)December 31, December 31,
2017 2016
Accrued payroll and related taxes$18.0
 $26.0
Accrued commissions23.2
 21.8
Accrued incentive plans28.7
 33.1
Other3.6
 3.5
Accrued payroll and benefits$73.5
 $84.4


Other Accrued Liabilities


The components of other accrued liabilities as of December 31 were as follows:
(in millions)20222021
Operating lease obligations - current$67.9 $80.2 
Accrued customer incentives19.5 23.5 
Accrued taxes12.7 17.8 
Accrued professional fees12.6 5.4 
Accrued freight5.8 12.3 
Other35.6 46.5 
Other accrued liabilities$154.1 $185.7 
(in millions)December 31, December 31,
2017 2016
Accrued taxes$12.1
 $9.1
Accrued customer incentives25.1
 23.3
Accrued freight16.0
 13.9
Accrued professional fees6.7
 7.3
Tax Receivable Agreement contingent liability9.9
 8.5
AAC contingent liability and working capital adjustment18.4
 
Other46.4
 40.4
Other accrued liabilities$134.6
 $102.5


Other Non-Current Liabilities


The components of other non-current liabilities as of December 31 were as follows:
(in millions)20222021
Operating lease obligations - non-current$266.0 $329.3 
MEPP withdrawals44.5 41.4 
Deferred compensation16.5 19.3 
Accrued cash-based long-term incentive awards, non-current portion7.1 16.6 
Other7.6 15.5 
Other non-current liabilities$341.7 $422.1 

(in millions)December 31, December 31,
2017 2016
Tax Receivable Agreement contingent liability$40.1
 $59.4
AAC contingent liability7.1
 
Deferred compensation23.7
 21.6
Straight-line rent17.5
 15.7
Above market leasehold agreements2.1
 3.1
Other, including multi-employer pension plan withdrawals46.5
 21.4
Other non-current liabilities$137.0
 $121.2

13.12. EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE


Basic earnings (loss) per share for Veritiv common stock is calculated by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period.respective periods. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is similarly calculated, except that the denominator is increased to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding during those periods if the dilutive potential common shares had been issued, using the treasury stock method, except where the inclusion of such common shares would have an anti-dilutiveantidilutive impact. See Note 14, Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plans, for additional information related to shares issued under the Company's long-term incentive compensation plans.

The calculation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 utilized 15.70 million, 15.97 million and 16.00 million shares for basic, respectively, and 15.70 million, 16.15 million and

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16.00 million shares for dilutive, respectively, issued and outstanding based on the weighted-average shares outstanding during this period, with the weighted-average shares outstanding for the diluted earnings per share having been adjusted for potentially dilutive shares.

See Note 15, Equity-Based Incentive Plans, for additional information.

A reconciliationsummary of the numerators and denominators used in the basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share calculations is as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions, except per share data)202220212020
Numerator:
Net income (loss)$337.9 $144.6 $34.2 
Denominator:
Weighted-average shares outstanding – basic14.17 15.22 15.96 
Dilutive effect of stock-based awards0.34 0.83 0.52 
Weighted-average shares outstanding – diluted14.51 16.05 16.48 
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic$23.85 $9.50 $2.14 
Diluted$23.29 $9.01 $2.08 
Antidilutive stock-based awards excluded from computation of diluted earnings per share ("EPS")0.07 0.00 0.28 
Performance stock-based awards excluded from computation of diluted EPS because performance conditions had not been met0.00 0.00 0.08 

 Year Ended December 31,
(in millions, except per share data)2017 2016 2015
Numerator:     
Net income (loss)$(13.3) $21.0
 $26.7
      
Denominator:     
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding – basic15.70
 15.97
 16.00
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding – diluted15.70
 16.15
 16.00
      
Earnings (loss) per share:     
Basic earnings (loss) per share$(0.85) $1.31
 $1.67
Diluted earnings (loss) per share$(0.85) $1.30
 $1.67
      
Antidilutive stock-based awards excluded from computation of diluted earnings per share0.80
 0.06
 0.10
Performance stock-based awards excluded from computation of diluted earnings per share because performance conditions had not been met0.30
 0.20
 0.16

14.13. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY


Common Stock


Shares Authorized and Outstanding: On November 23, 2016, At December 31, 2022 and 2021, the UWWH Stockholder sold 1.76Company had authorized 100.0 million shares of Veritiv common stock in an underwritten public offering. See the "Treasury Stock" sectionwith a par value of this footnote below for additional information. On March 22, 2017, the UWWH Stockholder sold 1.80 million shares of Veritiv common stock in a block trade. The Company did not sell any shares and did not receive any of the proceeds in these transactions.$0.01.


Dividends: Each holder of common stock shall be entitled to participate equally in all dividends payable with respect to the common stock.On November 7, 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.63 per share of common stock, payable on December 19, 2022 to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 18, 2022. The dividend resulted in a payout of approximately $8.5 million, which is reported as dividends paid to shareholders on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. On February 27, 2023, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.63 per share of common stock, payable on March 31, 2023 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 9, 2023.


Voting Rights: The holders of the Company’sCompany's common stock are entitled to vote only in the circumstances set forth in Veritiv's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation. Each holder of common stock shall be entitled to one vote for each share of common stock held of record by such holder upon all matters to be voted on by the holders of the common stock.


Other Rights: Each holder of common stock shall be entitled to share equally, subject to any rights and preferences of the preferred stock (as fixed by resolutions, if any, of theVeritiv's Board of Directors), in the assets of the Company available for distribution, in the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of Veritiv, or upon any distribution of the assets of the Company.





Preferred Stock


Subject to the provisions of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the Board of Directors of Veritiv is authorized to provide for the issuance of up to 10.0010.0 million shares of preferred stock in one or more series. The Board of Directors may fix the number of shares constituting any series and determine the designation of the series, the dividend rates, rights of priority of dividend payment, the voting powers (if any) of the shares of the series, and the
78

preferences and relative participating, optional and other rights, if any, and any qualifications, limitations or restrictions, applicable to the shares of such series. No preferred stock was issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2017.2022 and 2021.


Treasury Stock - Share Repurchase Programs


On March 1, 2022, Veritiv announced that its Board of Directors authorized a $200 million share repurchase program (the "2022 Share Repurchase Program"). The 2022 Share Repurchase Program authorizes the Company, from time to time, to purchase shares of its common stock through open market transactions, privately negotiated transactions, forward, derivative, or accelerated repurchase transactions, tender offers or otherwise, including Rule 10b5-1 trading plans, in accordance with all applicable securities laws and regulations. The timing and method of any repurchases, which depend on a variety of market factors, including market conditions, are subject to results of operations, financial conditions, cash requirements and other factors. This authorization may be suspended, terminated, increased or decreased by the Board of Directors at any time. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company completed its repurchases under the 2022 Share Repurchase Program by repurchasing 1,564,420 shares of its common stock at a cost of $200 million, reaching the program's authorized repurchase limit.

On March 3, 2021, Veritiv announced that its Board of Directors authorized a $50 million share repurchase program, which was increased to $100 million in May 2021 (collectively the "2021 Share Repurchase Program"). The 2021 Share Repurchase Program replaced the $25 million share repurchase authorization previously approved by the Board of Directors in March 2020 (the "2020 Share Repurchase Program"). During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company completed its repurchases under the 2021 Share Repurchase Program by repurchasing 1,734,810 shares of its common stock at a cost of $100 million, reaching the program's authorized repurchase limit.

During the first quarter of 2020, the Company repurchased 383,972 shares of its common stock at a cost of $3.5 million under its 2020 Share Repurchase Program, prior to its suspension as of March 27, 2020.

Veritiv Omnibus Incentive Plan

In conjunctionaccordance with the November 2016 UWWH Stockholder offeringCompany's 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan, as amended and related Veritiv stock repurchase, Veritiv incurred approximately $0.8 million in transaction-related fees,restated as of which approximately $0.2 million was capitalized as partMarch 8, 2017, shares of the costCompany's common stock were issued to acquire the treasury stock with the remainderplan participants whose Restricted Stock Units ("RSUs"), Performance Share Units ("PSUs"), Market Condition Performance Share Units ("MCPSUs") and/or non-employee director grants (grants not deferred) vested during those periods. The net share issuance is included in selling and administrative expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.Shareholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020. The Company may repurchase additional sharesrelated cash flow impacts are included in financing activities on the future, however, there is currently no share repurchase authorization plan approved byConsolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

See the Company's Board of Directors. See Note 9, Related Party Transactions,table below for additional information regardingrelated to these transactions.transactions:

Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)202220212020
Shares issued0.7 0.6 0.3 
Shares recovered for minimum tax withholding(0.2)(0.2)(0.1)
Net shares issued0.5 0.4 0.2 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (AOCL)


Comprehensive income (loss) is reported inon the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) and consists of net income (loss) and other gains and losses affecting shareholders' equity that, under U.S. GAAP, are excluded from net income (loss).

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The following table provides the components of AOCL consisted(amounts are shown net of the following:their related income tax effect, if any):

(in millions)Foreign currency translation adjustmentsRetirement liabilitiesInterest rate capAOCL
Balance at December 31, 2020$(24.2)$(9.1)$(0.2)$(33.5)
     Unrealized net gains (losses) arising during the period(1.2)10.1 0.0 8.9 
     Amounts reclassified from AOCL0.2 0.0 0.1 0.3 
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)(1.0)10.1 0.1 9.2 
Balance at December 31, 2021(25.2)1.0 (0.1)(24.3)
     Unrealized net gains (losses) arising during the period(1.0)9.9 0.1 9.0 
     Amounts reclassified from AOCL9.6 (7.0)— 2.6 
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)8.6 2.9 0.1 11.6 
Balance at December 31, 2022$(16.6)$3.9 $— $(12.7)

14. LONG-TERM INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLANS
(in millions) Foreign currency translation adjustments Retirement liabilities Interest rate swap AOCL
         
Balance at December 31, 2015 $(27.1) $(7.4) $(0.5) $(35.0)
     Unrealized net losses arising during the period (2.1) (1.8) (0.2) (4.1)
     Amounts reclassified from AOCL 
 0.1
 
 0.1
Net current period other comprehensive loss (2.1) (1.7) (0.2) (4.0)
Balance at December 31, 2016 (29.2) (9.1) (0.7) (39.0)
     Unrealized net gains (losses) arising during the period 5.9
 0.1
 (0.1) 5.9
     Amounts reclassified from AOCL (0.2) (0.3) 0.1
 (0.4)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) 5.7
 (0.2) 0.0
 5.5
Balance at December 31, 2017 $(23.5) $(9.3) $(0.7) $(33.5)

15. EQUITY-BASED INCENTIVE PLANS


Veritiv Omnibus Incentive Plan


Veritiv'sThe 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan as amended and restated as of March 8, 2017 (the "2014 Plan") provides for the grant of stock, deferred share unitsDeferred Share Units ("DSUs"), restricted stock unitsRSUs, PSUs, Market Condition Performance Share Units and cash-based Performance-Based Units ("RSUs"), performance condition share units ("PCSUs"), and market condition performance share units ("MCPSUs"PBUs"), among other awards. A total of 3.083.1 million shares of Veritiv common stock may be issued under the 2014 Plan subject to certain adjustment provisions. As of December 31, 2017,2022, there were approximately 1.31.1 million shares available to be granted to any employee, director or consultant of Veritiv or a subsidiary of Veritiv. Grants are made at the discretion of the Compensation and Leadership Development Committee of the Company's Board of Directors. For awards granted in 2021 and 2020, the Compensation and Leadership Development Committee approved cash-based grants in lieu of equity-based PSU and MCPSU grants.





Stock


The Company made grants of common stock in 20172022, 2021 and 2020 to its non-employee directors. The stock grant wasgrants were fully vested and non-forfeitable as of the grant date.dates. The non-employee directors were eligible to defer receipt of the awardawards under the Veritiv Deferred Compensation Plan.Savings Plan, a nonqualified plan. The Company recognized $1.1 million, $1.1 million and $1.0 million in expenseselling and administrative expenses related to these grants for the yearyears ended December 31, 2017.2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.


Deferred Share Units


The Company granted DSUs in 2014,2016, 2015 and 20162014 to its non-employee directors. Each DSU is the economical equivalent of one share of Veritiv's common stock. The DSUs were fully vested and non-forfeitable as of the grant date and are payable following the individual's terminationseparation of service as a Veritiv director. The DSUs granted in 20142015 and 20152014 are payable in cash and the DSUs granted in 2016 are settled in stock. The cash-settled DSUs are classified as a non-current liability and are remeasured at each reporting date, with a corresponding adjustment to compensation expense. At December 31, 20172022 there were approximately 51,90025,900 DSUs outstanding with a fair value of $1.7$2.4 million. At December 31, 2016,2021, there were approximately 55,10034,600 DSUs outstanding with a fair value of $3.0$3.2 million. The Company recognized $(0.8)impacts of $0.1 million, $0.6$2.1 million and $0.7$0.0 million in net expenseselling and administrative expenses related to these grants for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162022, 2021 and 20152020, respectively.


Restricted Stock Units


RSUs are awarded to key employees annually andannually. RSUs granted prior to 2020 typically cliff vest at the end of three years, subject to continued service. RSUs granted in 2022, 2021 and 2020 typically vest over four years, with 25% vesting on each of the first, second, third and fourth anniversaries of the grant date, subject to continued service. The fair value of the RSU awards is based typically on either the closing price of Veritiv common stock on the grant date of grant or the closing price on
80

the trading date immediately prior to the grant date of grant if the grant date is not a trading date. Compensation expense for the RSUs granted prior to 2020 is recognized ratably from the grant date to the vesting date. Compensation expense for RSUs granted in 2022, 2021 and 2020 is recognized ratably over the requisite service period for the entire award, which is four years. The total fair value of RSUs that vested during 2022, 2021 and 2020 was $3.7 million, $7.2 million and $4.3 million, respectively.

A summary of activity related to non-vested RSUs is presented below:

202220212020
(units in thousands) Number of RSUs Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share(units in thousands)Number of RSUsWeighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per ShareNumber of RSUsWeighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per ShareNumber of RSUsWeighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share
Non-vested at December 31, 2015 59
 $51.21
Non-vested at beginning of yearNon-vested at beginning of year456 $19.91 556 $22.59 369 $32.00 
Granted 98
 $36.43
Granted93 $118.02 243 $19.79 352 $18.59 
Vested (1) $47.71
Vested(170)$21.87 (288)$24.93 (99)$43.48 
Forfeited (10) $41.35
Forfeited(32)$35.98 (55)$20.24 (66)$22.69 
Non-vested at December 31, 2016 146
 $42.05
Granted 111
 $49.86
Vested 
 $
Forfeited (8) $44.21
Non-vested at December 31, 2017 249
 $45.43
Non-vested at end of yearNon-vested at end of year347 $43.69 456 $19.91 556 $22.59 



Performance Condition Share Units


PCSUs arePSUs granted prior to 2020 were awarded to key employees annually and cliff vest at the end of three years, subject to continued service and the attainment of performance conditions. The PCSUPSU award represents the contingent right to receive a number of shares equal to a portion, all or a multiple (not to exceed 200%) of the target number of PCSUs.PSUs. The PCSUsPSUs are divided into three tranches, and each tranche is earned based on the achievement of an annual Adjusted EBITDA target which is set at the beginning of each of the three years in the vesting period. The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, restructuring charges, net, acquisitionintegration and integrationacquisition expenses and other similar charges including any severance costs, costs associated with warehouse and office openings or closings, consolidation, and relocation and other business optimization expenses, stock-based compensation expense, changes in the LIFO reserve, non-restructuring asset impairment charges, non-restructuring severance charges, non-restructuring pension charges (benefits), fair value adjustments related to contingent liabilities assumed in mergers and acquisitions and certain other



adjustments. Compensation expense for each tranche is recognized ratably from the date the fair value is determinedmeasured to the vesting date for the number of awards expected to vest. The total fair value of PSUs granted prior to 2020 that vested during 2022, 2021 and 2020 was $8.3 million, $5.9 million and $3.6 million, respectively. Cash-based PBUs were granted in 2021 and 2020 in lieu of equity-based PSUs.


In 2022, the Company resumed awarding equity-based PSUs to key employees annually based on a three-year cliff vesting period. For the 2022 grants, 50% percent of the PSUs vest based on the achievement of Packaging Gross Profit Dollar Growth targets, which were set at the beginning of 2022. Packaging Gross Profit Dollar Growth is defined as: net sales for the Packaging reportable segment less the cost of product sold, excluding the impact of LIFO inventory accounting and certain other adjustments. The remaining 50% of the PSUs vest based on the achievement of Return on Invested Capital targets, which were set at the beginning of 2022. Return on Invested Capital is defined as: (Net Operating Profit) divided by (the sum of net working capital and property and equipment). Net Operating Profit is defined as: (Adjusted EBITDA less depreciation and amortization) times (1 minus the standard tax rate). The standard tax rate used in 2022 was 26%. The maximum PSU payout based on the achievement of Packaging Gross Profit Dollar Growth and Return on Invested Capital targets is 180% of the target values. The PSUs are then subject to an adjustment of 20 percentage points (increase or decrease) based on the Company’s total shareholder return ("TSR") relative to the TSR of an applicable peer group. The maximum total payout that can be earned, including the 20% relative TSR modifier, is 200% of the target value. Compensation expense is recognized ratably from the grant date to the vesting date for the number of awards expected to vest. No PSUs granted in 2022 vested during 2022.

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A summary of activity related to non-vested PCSUsPSUs is presented below:

202220212020
(units in thousands) Number of PCSUs Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share (units in thousands)Number of PSUsWeighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per ShareNumber of PSUsWeighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per ShareNumber of PSUsWeighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share
Non-vested at December 31, 2015 159
 $51.23
 
Non-vested at beginning of yearNon-vested at beginning of year280 $21.79 587 $23.06 645 $25.10 
Granted(1) 244
 $47.98
(1) 
77 $122.44 — $— — $— 
Shares lost based on actual performance (22) $36.43
 
Shares gained (lost) based on actual performance (2) (3)
Shares gained (lost) based on actual performance (2) (3)
117 $20.88 (31)$23.60 183 $19.67 
Vested 
 $
 Vested(397)$20.88 (249)$23.60 (102)$35.70 
Forfeited (26) $41.49
 Forfeited(7)$122.57 (27)$21.95 (139)$28.26 
Non-vested at December 31, 2016 355
 $42.14
 
Granted 166
 $53.56
(2) 
Shares lost based on actual performance (45) $53.56
 
Vested 
 $
 
Forfeited (22) $40.78
 
Non-vested at December 31, 2017 454
 $40.87
 
Non-vested at end of yearNon-vested at end of year70 $122.43 280 $21.79 587 $23.06 
(1) Represents The per share value for the 2022 grants represents the weighted-average grant date fair value for the 20162022 Packaging Gross Profit Dollar Growth and 2017 tranches.Return on Invested Capital awards.
(2) Represents Shares gained (lost) based on actual performance are reflected in the year of vesting. The current year amount may include adjustments for prior years' activity.
(3) The per share value for shares gained (lost) based on actual performance in 2022 represents the weighted-average grant date fair value for the 2017 tranche.shares vesting in that year.



Market Condition Performance Share Units


MCPSUs aregranted prior to 2020 were awarded to key employees annually and cliff vest at the end of three years, subject to continued service and the attainment of performance conditions. The MCPSU award represents the contingent right to receive a number of shares equal to a portion, all or a multiple (not to exceed 200%) of the target number of MCPSUs. The MCPSUs are divided into three tranches and each tranche is earned based on the achievement of a total shareholder return ("TSR")TSR target relative to the TSR of an applicable peer group over the 1-one-, 2-two- and 3-yearthree-year cumulative periods in the vesting period. The weighted-average grant date fair value of the MCPSUs is determined using a Monte Carlo simulation model. Assumptions usedNo MCPSUs were granted in the 2017, 20162022, 2021 and 2015 models included a 25.0% expected volatility rate and a 1.1% risk-free interest rate.2020. The expected volatility rate is based on the historical volatility over the most recent period equal to the vesting period. Given Veritiv’s limited trading history, an average of the peer group volatility was used for the portion of the historical period prior to the Merger and Veritiv’s actual historical volatility was used for the portion of the period after the Merger. The risk-free interest rate is based on the yield on U.S. Treasury securities matching the vesting period. Compensation expense is recognized ratably from the grant date to the vesting date. The total fair value of MCPSUs that vested during 2022, 2021 and 2020 was $4.1 million, $3.3 million and $0.0 million, respectively. None of the 2017 MCPSUs vested in 2020, due to the cumulative TSR performance resulting in a 0% of target final payout. Cash-based PBUs were granted in 2021 and 2020 in lieu of equity-based MCPSUs.



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A summary of activity related to non-vested MCPSUs is presented below:
(units in thousands) Number of MCPSUs Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share
Non-vested at December 31, 2015 91
 $62.52
Granted 146
 $42.23
Shares earned based on actual performance 15
 $
Vested 
 $
Forfeited/cancelled (44) $58.16
Non-vested at December 31, 2016 208
 $48.23
Granted 100
 $71.63
Shares lost based on actual performance (103) $71.63
Vested 
 $
Forfeited/cancelled (12) $55.65
Non-vested at December 31, 2017 193
 $56.23


202220212020
(units in thousands)Number of MCPSUsWeighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per ShareNumber of MCPSUsWeighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per ShareNumber of MCPSUsWeighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share
Non-vested at beginning of year168 $31.51 20 $34.35 274 $40.81 
Granted— $— — $— — $— 
Shares gained (lost) based on actual performance (1)(2)
(38)$31.52 250 $37.79 (110)$34.35 
Vested(130)$31.52 (86)$37.79 — $— 
Forfeited/cancelled— $— (16)$31.95 (144)$58.89 
Non-vested at end of year— $— 168 $31.51 20 $34.35 
For(1) Shares gained (lost) based on actual performance are reflected in the year of vesting. The current year amount may include adjustments for prior years' activity.
(2) The per share value for shares gained (lost) based on actual performance in 2022 represents the weighted-average grant date fair value for the shares vesting in that year.

Performance-Based Units (cash-based)

In 2021 and 2020, PBUs valued at $1.00 per unit and payable in cash, were awarded to key employees and cliff vest at the end of three years, ended December 31, 2017, 2016subject to continued service and 2015, the attainment of performance conditions. The PBUs represent the contingent right to receive a cash payment of performance units equal to a portion, all or a multiple (not to exceed 200%) of the target value. Fifty percent of the PBUs vest based on the achievement of Packaging Gross Profit Dollar Growth targets, which were set at the beginning of 2021 and 2020. Packaging Gross Profit Dollar Growth is defined as: net sales for the Packaging reportable segment less the cost of product sold, excluding the impact of LIFO inventory accounting and certain other adjustments. The remaining 50% of the PBUs vest based on the achievement of Return on Invested Capital targets, which were set at the beginning of 2021 and 2020. Return on Invested Capital is defined as: (Net Operating Profit) divided by (the sum of net working capital and property and equipment). Net Operating Profit is defined as: (Adjusted EBITDA less depreciation and amortization) times (1 minus the standard tax rate). The standard tax rate used in 2022, 2021 and 2020 was 26%. The maximum PBU payout based on the achievement of Packaging Gross Profit Dollar Growth and Return on Invested Capital targets is 180% of the target values. The PBUs are then subject to an adjustment of 20 percentage points (increase or decrease) based on the Company’s TSR relative to the TSR of an applicable peer group. The maximum total payout that can be earned, including the 20% relative TSR modifier, is 200% of the target value. The PBUs are remeasured at each reporting date and are classified on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as either accrued payroll and benefits (for the current portion) or other non-current liabilities (for the non-current portion). Compensation expense is recognized ratably from the grant date to the vesting date for the number of awards expected to vest. The Company recognized $15.7 million, $8.3 million and $3.8 million, respectively,did not issue any PBUs in expense2022.

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A summary of activity related to non-vested PBUs is presented below:

202220212020
(units in thousands)Number of PBUsGrant Date Fair Value Per ShareNumber of PBUsGrant Date Fair Value Per ShareNumber of PBUsGrant Date Fair Value Per Share
Non-vested at beginning of year17,984 $1.00 11,613 $1.00 — $— 
Granted— $— 9,408 $1.00 11,863 $1.00 
PBUs gained (lost) based on actual performance (1)
— $— (1,057)$1.00 1,056 $1.00 
Vested— $— (20)$1.00 — $— 
Forfeited/cancelled(1,896)$1.00 (1,960)$1.00 (1,306)$1.00 
Non-vested at end of year16,088 $1.00 17,984 $1.00 11,613 $1.00 
(1) Shares gained (lost) based on actual performance are reflected in the aforementioned equity-based awards.year of vesting. The current year amount may include adjustments for prior years' activity.
The following table summarizes the Company's stock-based and cash-based long-term incentive compensation expense and the related income tax benefit recognized in 2017, 2016 and 2015 related to stock-based compensation expense was $5.7 million, $3.2 million and $1.5 million, respectively. benefits:
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)202220212020
Stock-based long-term incentive compensation expense$9.5 $7.4 $17.7 
Cash-based long-term incentive compensation expense5.1 10.8 6.5 
Income tax benefit - stock-based long-term incentive compensation expense2.4 1.9 4.6 
Income tax benefit - cash-based long-term incentive compensation expense1.3 2.8 1.7 

As of December 31, 2017,2022, total unrecognized stock-basedlong-term incentive compensation expense was $21.8$23.6 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.8approximately 2.0 years. Unrecognized compensation expense for the 2018

Impact of Dividends on Grant Date Fair Value

The Company’s stock-settled RSUs and 2019 tranches of the PCSU awards is estimated basedPSUs are entitled to dividends on the Company's closing stock price at December 31, 2017. Dividends are not paid or accrued on unvested stock units. Theunderlying shares only upon vesting. All stock-settled RSUs and PSUs granted after the Company’s dividend policy was instituted in November 2022 will be measured by reducing the grant date fair values are not reduced forvalue per share by the present value of dividends as none are expected to be paid on outstanding Veritiv common stock during the vesting period.requisite service period, discounted at the appropriate risk-free interest rate. The fair value of awards granted in 2022 or earlier was not impacted by this dividend policy.

16.15. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES


Legal Proceedings


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


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

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Escheat AuditTable of Contents


In 2013, Unisource was notified by the State of Delaware
MEPPs

The Company records an estimated undiscounted charge when it becomes probable that it intendedhas incurred a withdrawal liability when exiting a MEPP. Final charges for MEPP withdrawals are not known until the plans issue their respective determinations. As a result, these estimates may increase or decrease depending upon the final determinations. Charges not related to examine the booksCompany's restructuring efforts are recorded as distribution expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Initial amounts are recorded as other non-current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Teamsters Pension Trust Fund of Philadelphia and records of Unisource to determine compliance with Delaware escheat laws. Since that date, seven other states have joined with Delaware in the audit process, which is conducted by an outside firm on behalf of the states. In the third quarter of 2017, the Company recorded an estimated liability with respect to certain transactions in connection with the pending audit.Vicinity


During the fourth quarter of 2017,2022, in the course of negotiations for a collective bargaining agreement, Veritiv negotiated a complete withdrawal from the Teamsters Pension Trust Fund of Philadelphia and Vicinity to take effect on December 31, 2024, and recognized an estimated complete withdrawal liability of $4.9 million as of December 31, 2022. The withdrawal charge was recorded in distribution expenses as it was not related to a restructuring activity. As of December 31, 2022, the Company filedhas not yet received the determination letter for the complete withdrawal from the Teamsters Pension Trust Fund of Philadelphia and Vicinity. The Company expects that payments will occur over an electionapproximate 19-year period.

Minneapolis Food Distributors Ind Pension Plan

During the fourth quarter of 2021, in the course of negotiations for a collective bargaining agreement, Veritiv negotiated a complete withdrawal from the Minneapolis Food Distributors Ind Pension Plan to converttake effect on July 31, 2022, and recognized an estimated complete withdrawal liability of $0.5 million as of December 31, 2021, which was unchanged as of December 31, 2022. The withdrawal charge was recorded in distribution expenses as it was not related to a restructuring activity. As of December 31, 2022, the Delaware portionCompany has not yet received the determination letter for the complete withdrawal from the Minneapolis Food Distributors Ind Pension Plan. The Company expects that payments will occur over an approximate three-year period.

Western Pennsylvania Teamsters and Employers Pension Fund

During the first quarter of 2020, Veritiv negotiated the complete withdrawal from the Western Pennsylvania Fund, a MEPP related to the second bargaining unit at its Warrendale, Pennsylvania location and recognized an estimated complete withdrawal liability of $7.1 million, which was unchanged as of December 31, 2022. The withdrawal charge was recorded in distribution expenses as it was not related to a restructuring activity.

During the second quarter of 2019, in the course of negotiations for a collective bargaining agreement, Veritiv negotiated a partial withdrawal from the Western Pennsylvania Fund and recognized an estimated partial withdrawal liability of $6.5 million, which was unchanged as of December 31, 2022.

As of December 31, 2022, the Company has not yet received the determination letters for the full and partial withdrawals from the Western Pennsylvania Fund. The Company expects that payments will occur over an approximate 20-year period, which could run consecutively.

16. SEGMENT AND OTHER INFORMATION

Veritiv's business is organized under three reportable segments: Packaging, Facility Solutions and Print Solutions. See Note 1, Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, for information related to the formation of the audit into a review under the State of Delaware’s Voluntary Disclosure Agreement Program (“VDA”).  Under the VDA, the Company will continue to identify source documents that support the historical treatmentCompany's Print Solutions reportable segment. See Note 2, Revenue Recognition and Credit Losses, for descriptions of the transactions at issue to determine the amount it believes is owed to Delaware.  Similarly, the Company will continue to identify source documents that support the historical treatment of the transactions under audit by the other participating states.

Company's reportable segments and Corporate & Other.

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Based upon the information available to date, the Company recognized an estimated liability in 2017 of $7.5 million. The Company anticipates that it may take more than a year to complete the VDA and audit. Due to the inherent uncertainties with respect to the ultimate outcome of these matters, any updates to this estimate of loss could have a material impact on the Company's results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.

17. SEGMENT INFORMATION


The following is a brief description of the four reportable segments, organized by major product category:

Packaging – The Packaging segment provides standard as well as custom and comprehensive packaging solutions for customers based in North America and in key global markets. The business is strategically focused on higher growth industries including light industrial/general manufacturing, food production, fulfillment and internet retail, as well as niche verticals based on geographical and functional expertise.
Facility Solutions – The Facility Solutions segment sources and sells cleaning, break-room and other supplies such as towels, tissues, wipers and dispensers, can liners, commercial cleaning chemicals, soaps and sanitizers, sanitary maintenance supplies and equipment, safety and hazard supplies, and shampoos and amenities primarily in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
Print – The Print segment sells and distributes commercial printing, writing, copying, digital, wide format and specialty paper products, graphics consumables and graphics equipment primarily in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. This segment also includes customized paper conversion services of commercial printing paper for distribution to document centers and form printers.
Publishing – The Publishing segment sells and distributes coated and uncoated commercial printing papers to publishers, retailers, converters, printers and specialty businesses for use in magazines, catalogs, books, directories, gaming, couponing, retail inserts and direct mail. This segment also provides print management, procurement and supply chain management solutions to simplify paper and print procurement processes for its customers.

The Company’s consolidated financial results also include a "Corporate & Other" category which includes certain assets and costs not primarily attributable to any of the reportable segments. Corporate & Other also includes the Veritiv logistics solutions business which provides transportation and warehousing solutions.

Table of Contents


The following tables presenttable presents net sales, Adjusted EBITDA (the(earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, restructuring charges, net, integration and acquisition expenses and other similar charges including any severance costs, costs associated with warehouse and office openings or closings, consolidation, and relocation and other business optimization expenses, stock-based compensation expense, changes in the LIFO reserve, non-restructuring asset impairment charges, non-restructuring severance charges, non-restructuring pension charges (benefits), fair value adjustments related to contingent liabilities assumed in mergers and acquisitions and certain other adjustments), which is the metric management uses to assess operating performance)performance of the segments, and certain other measures for each of the reportable segments and Corporate & Other for the periods presented:
(in millions)PackagingFacility SolutionsPrint SolutionsTotal Reportable SegmentsCorporate & OtherTotal
Year Ended December 31, 2022
Net sales$3,908.5 $780.6 $2,378.8 $7,067.9 $78.4 $7,146.3 
Adjusted EBITDA415.9 60.7 239.6 716.2 (198.3)
Depreciation and amortization22.9 5.2 4.3 32.4 13.2 45.6 
Restructuring charges, net1.4 0.3 0.3 2.0 0.0 2.0 
Total assets, end of period1,286.3173.4545.42,005.1 84.52,089.6 
Year Ended December 31, 2021
Net sales$3,760.4 $894.0 $2,080.8 $6,735.2 $115.3 $6,850.5 
Adjusted EBITDA393.5 52.7 114.7 560.9 (218.3)
Depreciation and amortization24.5 7.5 6.3 38.3 16.9 55.2 
Restructuring charges, net8.8 1.7 3.3 13.8 1.6 15.4 
Total assets, end of period1,482.6280.6546.72,309.9 128.52,438.4 
Year Ended December 31, 2020
Net sales$3,316.7 $922.3 $2,001.7 $6,240.7 $104.9 $6,345.6 
Adjusted EBITDA300.0 41.6 46.5 388.1 (200.5)
Depreciation and amortization22.5 7.9 7.8 38.2 19.5 57.7 
Restructuring charges, net16.0 5.1 23.8 44.9 7.3 52.2 
Total assets, end of period1,332.9314.7528.92,176.5 158.52,335.0 

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(in millions)Packaging Facility Solutions Print Publishing Total Reportable Segments Corporate & Other Total
Year Ended December 31, 2017             
Net sales$3,157.8
 $1,309.7
 $2,793.7
 $958.0
 $8,219.2
 $145.5
 $8,364.7
Adjusted EBITDA238.0
 35.5
 60.8
 26.4
 360.7
 (184.3) 
Depreciation and amortization15.9
 6.0
 10.4
 1.5
 33.8
 20.4
 54.2
Restructuring charges, net6.1
 2.3
 8.0
 0.0
 16.4
 0.3
 16.7
Year Ended December 31, 2016             
Net sales2,854.2
 1,271.6
 3,047.4
 1,033.6
 8,206.8
 119.8
 8,326.6
Adjusted EBITDA221.2
 47.0
 76.8
 23.6
 368.6
 (176.4) 
Depreciation and amortization12.4
 5.9
 12.4
 3.1
 33.8
 20.9
 54.7
Restructuring charges, net4.6
 2.3
 5.2
 0.1
 12.2
 0.2
 12.4
Year Ended December 31, 2015             
Net sales2,829.9
 1,289.3
 3,271.8
 1,215.5
 8,606.5
 111.2
 8,717.7
Adjusted EBITDA212.6
 41.7
 79.0
 34.7
 368.0
 (186.0) 
Depreciation and amortization14.4
 7.1
 13.5
 3.1
 38.1
 18.8
 56.9
Restructuring charges3.8
 2.5
 3.6
 0.0
 9.9
 1.4
 11.3

The table below presents a reconciliation of net income (loss) from operations before income taxes as reflected inon the Consolidated Statements of Operations to Adjusted EBITDA for the reportable segments:
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)202220212020
Net income (loss)$337.9 $144.6 $34.2 
Interest expense, net17.7 17.2 25.1 
Income tax expense (benefit)94.0 52.9 8.8 
Depreciation and amortization45.6 55.2 57.7 
Restructuring charges, net2.0 15.4 52.2 
Gain on sale of businesses(29.7)(3.1)— 
Facility closure charges, including (gain) loss from asset disposition0.0 0.1 (3.7)
Stock-based compensation9.5 7.4 17.7 
LIFO reserve (decrease) increase32.1 43.6 (1.5)
Non-restructuring severance charges4.3 7.8 4.1 
Non-restructuring pension charges (benefits)(2.1)0.5 7.2 
Fair value adjustment on TRA contingent liability— — (19.1)
Fair value adjustment on contingent consideration liability— — 1.0 
Escheat audit contingent liability— — (0.2)
Other6.6 1.0 4.1 
Adjustment for Corporate & Other198.3 218.3 200.5 
Adjusted EBITDA for reportable segments$716.2 $560.9 $388.1 
 Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)2017 2016 2015
Income (loss) before income taxes$(1.9) $40.8
 $44.9
Interest expense, net31.2
 27.5
 27.0
Depreciation and amortization54.2
 54.7
 56.9
Restructuring charges, net16.7
 12.4
 11.3
Stock-based compensation15.7
 8.3
 3.8
LIFO reserve increase (decrease)7.1
 3.6
 (7.3)
Non-restructuring asset impairment charges8.4
 7.7
 2.6
Non-restructuring severance charges3.5
 3.1
 3.3
Non-restructuring pension charges2.2
 2.4
 
Acquisition and integration expenses36.5
 25.9
 34.9
Fair value adjustment on Tax Receivable Agreement contingent liability(9.4) 4.9
 1.9
Fair value adjustment on contingent consideration liability2.0
 
 
Escheat audit contingent liability7.5
 
 
Other2.7
 0.9
 2.7
Adjustment for Corporate & Other184.3
 176.4
 186.0
Adjusted EBITDA for reportable segments$360.7
 $368.6
 $368.0




Table of Contents


The table below summarizes total assets as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:
(in millions)December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
Packaging$1,192.2
 $875.9
Facility Solutions416.9
 397.9
Print801.8
 874.1
Publishing168.6
 170.0
Corporate & Other128.9
 165.8
Total assets$2,708.4
 $2,483.7

The following table presents net sales andas well as property and equipment and operating lease ROU assets, which are shown net of accumulated depreciation and or accumulated amortization, by geographic area.area:
Net SalesProperty and EquipmentOperating Lease ROU Assets
Year Ended December 31,As of December 31,As of December 31,
(in millions)2022202120202022202120222021
U.S.$6,679.7 $5,919.2 $5,521.8 $122.0 $120.1 $294.3 $321.7 
Canada260.0 722.3 650.9 — 38.7 — 43.5 
Rest of world206.6 209.0 172.9 5.5 4.1 10.0 10.4 
Total$7,146.3 $6,850.5 $6,345.6 $127.5 $162.9 $304.3 $375.6 
 Net Sales Property and Equipment, Net
 Year Ended December 31, December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
(in millions)2017 2016 2015  
U.S.$7,510.9
 $7,552.3
 $7,961.3
 $300.6
 $333.8
Canada682.0
 631.2
 628.9
 36.7
 35.0
Rest of world171.8
 143.1
 127.5
 2.9
 3.0
Total$8,364.7
 $8,326.6
 $8,717.7
 $340.2
 $371.8

No single customer accounted for more than 5% of net sales for the years ended December 31, 2017, 20162022, 2021 and 2015.2020. During the year ended December 31, 2017,2022, approximately 38%29% of ourthe Company's purchases were made from ten suppliers.



TableIn February 2021, a Veritiv warehouse incurred significant damage as a result of Contents


18. QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED)

a severe weather event, which included damage to the building structure and contents, as well as a loss of inventory. The unaudited quarterly resultstotal amount of operations for 2017the incurred loss and 2016 are summarized below:
 2017
 Three Months Ended
(in millions, except per share data)March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31
Net sales$1,994.6
 $2,028.9
 $2,116.8
 $2,224.4
Cost of products sold1,629.3
 1,660.5
 1,736.6
 1,820.2
Net income (loss)(2.2) (9.1) (14.3) 12.3
        
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding – basic15.69 15.70 15.70 15.70
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding – diluted15.69 15.70 15.70 15.98
        
Earnings (loss) per share (1):
       
Basic earnings (loss) per share$(0.14) $(0.58) $(0.91) $0.78
        
Diluted earnings (loss) per share(0.14) (0.58) (0.91) 0.77
(1) See Note 13, Earning (Loss) Per Share, for discussion about the shares of common stock utilized in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2017.
        
 2016
 Three Months Ended
(in millions, except per share data)March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31
Net sales$2,019.8
 $2,060.8
 $2,126.6
 $2,119.4
Cost of products sold1,654.5
 1,687.9
 1,743.8
 1,740.2
Net income3.3
 7.9
 5.6
 4.2
        
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding – basic16.00 16.00 16.00 15.87
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding – diluted16.00 16.00 16.27 16.21
        
Earnings per share (1):
       
Basic earnings per share$0.21
 $0.49
 $0.35
 $0.26
Diluted earnings per share0.21
 0.49
 0.34
 0.26
(1) See Note 13, Earnings (Loss) Per Share, for discussion aboutrestoration cost is currently estimated to be approximately $13 million, the sharesmajority of common stock utilizedwhich is expected to be covered by the Company's various insurance policies. From the date of the incident, a total net benefit of $2.9 million has been recognized in selling and administrative expenses on the computationConsolidated Statements of basic and diluted earnings per share forOperations, of which $3.2 million was recognized in 2022. During the year ended December 31, 2016.

2022, the Company received $3.2 million in reimbursement related to the structural damage, which is reported as proceeds from insurance related to property and equipment on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Insurance proceeds not related to the structural damage are reported as cash flows from operating activities.

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17. DIVESTITURES
See
Logistics solutions business

On September 1, 2022, the table belowCompany sold its logistics solutions business, which provided transportation and warehousing solutions to customers in the U.S., to FitzMark, LLC for a purchase price of $19 million in cash payable at closing, subject to certain customary adjustments. The Company recognized a pre-tax gain of approximately $11.0 million, which is included in gain on sale of businesses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company received net cash proceeds of approximately $18.0 million, reflecting the purchase price adjusted for working capital and transaction fees. The net cash proceeds are reported as proceeds from asset sales and sale of businesses, net of cash transferred, in the investing activities section of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The Company used the proceeds to support the 2022 Share Repurchase Program, to pay down outstanding debt and to fund capital priorities and growth initiatives. Upon closing of the sale, Veritiv’s approximately 60 employees in its logistics solutions business became employees of FitzMark, LLC. The sale did not represent a strategic shift that will have a major effect on the Company's operations or financial results and it did not meet the requirements to be classified as a discontinued operation. The financial results of this business are included in the Corporate & Other category of reported results in Note 16, Segment and Other Information.

Veritiv Canada, Inc.

On May 2, 2022, the Company sold its Veritiv Canada, Inc. business to Imperial Dade Canada Inc. for a purchase price of CAD $240 million (approximately U.S. $190 million) in cash payable at closing, subject to certain customary adjustments. The Company recognized a pre-tax gain of approximately $18.7 million, which is included in gain on sale of businesses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Veritiv received net cash proceeds of approximately $162.2 million reflecting the purchase price adjusted for working capital, closing date debt, transaction fees and cash transferred. The net cash proceeds are reported as proceeds from asset sales and sale of businesses, net of cash transferred, in the investing activities section of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The Company used the proceeds to support the 2022 Share Repurchase Program, to pay down outstanding debt and to fund capital priorities and growth initiatives. The sale included substantially all of the Company's facility solutions and print operations in Canada, and a majority of the Company's Canada-based packaging business, which primarily serves food service customers. The Company maintains the ability to supply packaging solutions to the Canadian locations of certain U.S.-based customers. The sale did not represent a strategic shift that will have a major effect on the Company's operations or financial results and it did not meet the requirements to be classified as a discontinued operation. Upon closing of the sale, Veritiv’s approximately 900 employees in Canada became employees of Imperial Dade Canada Inc. In connection with the closing, the Company entered into an agreement with the buyer for the quarterly breakdownprovision of acquisitioncertain storage, order processing and/or fulfillment services for the small subset of Veritiv-retained packaging customers.

Rollsource business

On March 31, 2021, the Company sold its legacy Print segment's Rollsource business, which provided specialized converting of commercial printing paper for distribution to the business-forms, direct-mail and integrationdigital-printing industries. The Company recognized a pre-tax gain of approximately $3.1 million, which is included in gain on sale of businesses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company received cash proceeds of approximately $8.2 million, which was immediately used to pay outstanding revolving loan borrowings under the ABL Facility. The cash proceeds are reported as proceeds from asset sales and sale of businesses, net of cash transferred, in the investing activities section of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The sale did not represent a strategic shift that will have a major effect on the Company's operations or financial results and it did not meet the requirements to be classified as a discontinued operation.

Other divestitures

During 2022, the Company sold one property and recognized a gain totaling approximately $4.3 million related to the exit and sale of the facility, which is included in restructuring charges, net on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. During 2021, the Company sold two properties and recognized gains totaling approximately $4.6 million related to the exit and sale of those facilities, of which approximately $1.7 million is included in selling and administrative expenses and approximately $2.9 million is included in restructuring charges, net:net on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. During 2020, the Company sold two properties and recognized gains totaling approximately $8.3 million related to the exit and sale of those facilities, which are included in selling and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
88
 2017
(in millions)Three Months Ended
 March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31
Acquisition and integration expenses$6.4
 $7.5
 $14.2
 $8.4
Restructuring charges, net4.1
 23.2
 2.7
 (13.3)
        
 2016
(in millions)Three Months Ended
 March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31
Acquisition and integration expenses$6.2
 $6.1
 $7.3
 $6.3
Restructuring charges, net1.7
 (0.3) 5.8
 5.2







ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE


None.


ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES


Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures


The Company maintains a set of disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act, of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”"Exchange Act"), designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized orand reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms. The Company’sCompany's management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’sCompany's disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2017.2022. Based on that evaluation, the Company’sCompany's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’sCompany's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2017.2022.


Management necessarily applies its judgment in assessing the costs and benefits of such controls and procedures, which, by their nature, can provide only reasonable assurance regarding management's control objectives. The Company's management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures can prevent all possible errors or fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. Judgments in decision-making can be faulty and breakdowns can occur because of simple errors or mistakes. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of one or more persons. The design of any system of controls is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and while our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to be effective under circumstances where they should reasonably be expected to operate effectively, there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Because of the inherent limitations in any control system, misstatements due to possible errors or fraud may occur and not be detected.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting


ThereThe Company is in the process of implementing a broad, multi-year, technology transformation project to modernize legacy systems to achieve better process efficiencies across customer service, sourcing, warehousing and accounting through the use of various cloud based solutions. The project will continue to be implemented over the next several years. As the Company’s technology transformation project continues, the Company continues to emphasize the maintenance of effective internal controls and assessment of the design and operating effectiveness of key control activities throughout development and deployment of each phase.

Except as disclosed above, there have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter of 20172022 that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company’sCompany's internal control over financial reporting.


Management’sManagement's Annual Report On Internal Control Over Financial Reporting


Management’sManagement's Responsibility for the Financial Statements


The management of Veritiv Corporation 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 U.S. 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 companyCompany is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15(d)-15(f)15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Our internal control over
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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, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017.2022. The scope of management’smanagement's assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting includes all of the Company’s businesses except for the various All American Containers entities (collectively, “AAC”) which were acquired on August 31, 2017. The financial statements of AAC constitute 6.8% of total assets and 0.9% of revenues of the consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017. Further discussion of this acquisition can be found in Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. This exclusion is in accordance with SEC staff interpretive guidance that a recently acquired business may be omitted from the scope of the assessment in the year of acquisition.Company's businesses. In making this assessment on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017,2022, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013 Framework). Based on our assessment, management has concluded that internal controls over financial reporting were effective as of December 31, 2017.2022.


Our independent auditors, Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, are appointed by the Audit and Finance Committee of our Board of Directors. Deloitte & Touche LLP has audited and reported on the Consolidated Financial Statements of Veritiv Corporation, 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 and Finance Committee Responsibility


The Audit and Finance Committee of our Board of Directors, composed solely of directors who are independent in accordance with the requirements of the New York Stock Exchange 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 and Finance Committee reviews with the independent auditors the scope and results of the audit effort. The Audit and Finance 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 and Finance Committee. Our Audit and Finance Committee’sCommittee's Report can be found in the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on April 25, 2018,May 3, 2023, which will be filed on or about March 2, 2018.17, 2023.


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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM



To the Shareholdersshareholders and the Board of Directors of Veritiv Corporation


Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting


We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Veritiv Corporation and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2017,2022, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017,2022, based on criteria established in Internal Control —Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.


We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017,2022, of the Company and our report dated March 1, 2018February 28, 2023 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.


As described in Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, management excluded from its assessment the internal control over financial reporting at the All American Containers entities (collectively referred to as "AAC"), which were acquired on August 31, 2017 and whose financial statements constitute 6.8% of total assets and 0.9% of



revenues of the consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017. Accordingly, our audit did not include the internal control over financial reporting at AAC.


Basis for Opinion


The Company’sCompany'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’sManagement's Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’sCompany's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.


We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. 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.


Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting


A company’scompany'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’scompany'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’scompany'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.



/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP


Atlanta, Georgia
March 1, 2018February 28, 2023




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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION


Not applicable.



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ITEM 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS


Not applicable.

PART III


ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

(a) Directors of the Company.
This information is incorporated by reference to "Information About Our Executive Officers" in Part I, Item 1 of this report, and to the Company’sCompany's Proxy Statement for the 20182023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed subsequent to the filing of this report under the headingheadings "Proposal 1 – Election of Directors.Directors," "Corporate Governance—Board Committees," "Corporate Governance—Corporate Governance Principles" and, if applicable, "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management—Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports."


(b) Executive Officers of the Company.
This information can be found under "Executive Officers of the Company" in Part I, Item 1 of this report.ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

(c) Audit Committee Financial Experts.
This information is incorporated by reference to the Company’sCompany's Proxy Statement for the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed subsequent to the filing of this report under the heading "Corporate Governance—Board Committees."

(d) Identification and Composition of the Audit and Finance Committee.
This information is incorporated by reference to the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed subsequent to the filing of this report under the heading "Corporate Governance—Board Committees."

(e) Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act.
This information is incorporated by reference to the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed subsequent to the filing of this report under the heading "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management—Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance."

(f) Code of Ethics.
This information is incorporated by reference to the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed subsequent to the filing of this report under the heading "Corporate Governance—Corporate Governance Principles."

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

This information is incorporated by reference to the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 20182023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed subsequent to the filing of this report under the headings "Executive Compensation" and "Corporate Governance—Director Compensation."


ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS


This information is incorporated by reference to the Company’sCompany's Proxy Statement for the 20182023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed subsequent to the filing of this report under the headings "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management" and "Executive Compensation—Equity Compensation Plans.Plan."


ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE


This information is incorporated by reference to the Company’sCompany's Proxy Statement for the 20182023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed subsequent to the filing of this report under the headings "Corporate Governance—Related Person Transaction Policy" and "Corporate Governance—Director Independence."


ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES


This information is incorporated by reference to the Company’sCompany's Proxy Statement for the 20182023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed subsequent to the filing of this report under the heading "Principal Accountant Fees and Services."



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PART IV


ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES


(a) The following documents are filed or incorporated by reference as part of this Form 10-K:


1. Financial Statements:
See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.


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2. Financial Statement Schedules:
All schedules have been omitted as the required information is included in the footnotes or not applicable.



Exhibit No.Description
2.1+
Exhibit No.2.2+Description
2.1
2.23.1
2.3
2.4
2.5
3.1
3.2
3.3
10.1

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4.1Description4.1 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 27, 2020.
10.2
10.1
10.310.2
U.S. Guarantee and Collateral Agreement, dated as of July 1, 2014, made by xpedx Intermediate, LLC, xpedx, LLC, the Subsidiary Borrowers and the U.S. Guarantors parties thereto and Veritiv Corporation, in favor of Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent for the Secured Parties (as defined therein), together with the Assumption and Supplemental Agreement, dated as of July 1, 2014, made by Veritiv Corporation, Alco Realty, Inc., Graph Comm Holdings International, Inc., Graphic Communications Holdings, Inc., Paper Corporation of North America, Unisource International Holdings, Inc., Unisource International Holdings Poland, Inc., and Unisource Worldwide, Inc., in favor of Bank of America, N.A., as collateral agent and as administrative agent, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 3, 2014.
10.410.3†
10.5
10.6
10.7
10.8†
10.9†
10.10†*10.4†
10.11†*10.5†
10.12†
10.13†10.6†
10.14†
10.15†
10.16†

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Exhibit No.10.7†Description
10.17†
10.18†
10.19†
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10.20†Exhibit No.Description
10.8†
10.21†10.9†
10.22†10.10†
10.23†10.11†
10.24†10.12†
10.25†10.13†
10.26†10.14†
10.15†
10.16†
10.17†
10.18†
21.1*10.19†
10.20†
10.21†*
21.1*
23.1*
31.1*
31.2*
32.1*
32.2*
101.INS*XBRL Instance Document.Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
101.SCH*Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL*Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
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101.DEF*Exhibit No.Description
101.DEF*Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
101.LAB*Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE*Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
104Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)
 + The schedules to this Exhibit have been omitted in accordance with Regulation S-K Item 601.
† Management contract or compensatory plans or arrangements
* FiledFurnished or filed herewith



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ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY



None.



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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Annual Report on Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on March 1, 2018.
February 28, 2023.
VERITIV CORPORATION
(Registrant)
VERITIV CORPORATIONBy:/s/ Salvatore A. Abbate
(Registrant)Name: Salvatore A. Abbate
By: /s/ Mary A. Laschinger
Name: Mary A. Laschinger
Title: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Director


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on March 1, 2018.
February 28, 2023.
(i)Principal executive officer:
/s/ Salvatore A. AbbateChief Executive Officer and Director
Salvatore A. Abbate
(i)(ii)Principal executive officer:
/s/ Mary A. LaschingerChairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer
Mary A. Laschinger
(ii)Principal financial officer:
/s/ Stephen J. SmithSenior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Stephen J. Smith
(iii)Principal accounting officer:
 /s/ W. Forrest Bell/s/ Lance D. GebertChief Accounting OfficerCorporate Controller
W. Forrest BellLance D. Gebert
(iv)Directors:
/s/ Stephen E. MacadamChairman of the Board of Directors
Stephen E. Macadam
/s/ Autumn R. BaylesDirector
Autumn R. Bayles
/s/ Shantella E. CooperDirector
Shantella E. Cooper
/s/ David E. FlitmanDirector
David E. Flitman
/s/ Daniel T. HenryDirector
Daniel T. Henry
/s/ Liza K. LandsmanDirector
Liza K. Landsman
/s/ Tracy A. LeinbachDirector
Tracy A. Leinbach
/s/ Gregory B. MorrisonDirector
/s/ William E. MitchellGregory B. MorrisonDirector
William E. Mitchell
/s/ Michael P. MuldowneyDirector
Michael P. Muldowney
/s/ Charles G. Ward, IIIDirector
Charles G. Ward, III
/s/ John J. ZillmerDirector
John J. Zillmer


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