UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form10-Q
xQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 20192020


o

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 001-08454
ACCO Brands Corporation
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Delaware36-2704017
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
Four Corporate Drive
Four Corporate Drive
Lake Zurich, Illinois 60047
(Address of Registrant’s Principal Executive Office, Including Zip Code)
(847) 541-9500
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
Lake Zurich, Illinois60047
(Address of Registrant’s Principal Executive Office, Including Zip Code)
(847) 541-9500
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per shareACCONYSE


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.     Yesx    No  o


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).    Yesx    No  o


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of large"large accelerated filer, accelerated" "accelerated filer, smaller" "smaller reporting company," and emerging"emerging growth companycompany" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filerxAccelerated filero
Non-accelerated filer
o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting companyo
  Emerging growth companyo
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. o


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


As of April 23, 2019,27, 2020, the registrant had outstanding 102,089,01994,462,147 shares of Common Stock.







Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements


Certain statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q other than statements of historical fact, particularly those anticipating future financial performance, business prospects, growth, operating strategies and similar matters, including without limitation, statements concerning the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s business, operations, results of operations, liquidity and financial condition, are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on the beliefs and assumptions of management based on information available to us at the time such statements are made. These statements, which are generally identifiable by the use of the words "will," "believe," "expect," "intend," "anticipate," "estimate," "forecast," "project," "plan," and similar expressions, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, are made as of the date hereof, and we undertake no duty or obligation to update them. Because actual results may differ materially from those suggested or implied by such forward-looking statements, you should not place undue reliance on them when deciding whether to buy, sell or hold the Company's securities.


SomeOur outlook is based on certain assumptions, which we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. These include, without limitation, assumptions regarding both the near-term and long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global economy and other changes in the macro environment; changes in the competitive landscape, including ongoing uncertainties in the traditional office products channels; as well as the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency and acquisitions and the other factors described below.

Among the factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements are: the scope and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, government actions and other third party responses to it and the consequences for the global economy, uncertainties regarding how geographies, distribution channels and consumer behaviors will evolve over time in response to the pandemic, and its impact on our business, operations, results of operations and financial condition, including, among others, manufacturing, distribution and supply chain disruptions, reduced demand for our products and services, and the financial condition of our suppliers and customers, including their ability to fund their operations and pay their invoices. Additionally, many of the other risk factors affecting us are currently elevated by, and may continue to be elevated by, the COVID-19 pandemic.

Other factors that could affect our results or cause plans, actions and results to differ materially from current expectations are detailed in "Part I, Item 1. Business" and "Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018,2019, as updated under "Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors" of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and the discussion under the heading "COVID-19 Impact" as well as the financial statement line item discussions set forth in "Part I, Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and from time to time in our other Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") filings.


Website Access to Securities and Exchange Commission Reports


The Company’s Internet website can be found at www.accobrands.com. The Company makes available free of charge on or through its website its Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as soon as practicable after the Company files them with, or furnishes them to, the SEC.








TABLE OF CONTENTS
 








PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION


ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


ACCO Brands Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets


March 31,
2019
 December 31,
2018
March 31,
2020
 December 31,
2019
(in millions)(unaudited)  (unaudited)  
Assets      
Current assets:      
Cash and cash equivalents$100.5
 $67.0
$93.4
 $27.8
Accounts receivable, net318.1
 428.4
298.9
 453.7
Inventories399.7
 340.6
291.6
 283.3
Other current assets49.1
 44.2
54.1
 41.2
Total current assets867.4
 880.2
738.0
 806.0
Total property, plant and equipment622.5
 618.7
631.6
 651.7
Less: accumulated depreciation(362.2) (355.0)(381.0) (384.6)
Property, plant and equipment, net260.3
 263.7
250.6
 267.1
Right of use asset, leases83.6
 
92.1
 101.9
Deferred income taxes106.3
 115.1
109.2
 119.0
Goodwill706.9
 708.9
717.7
 718.6
Identifiable intangibles, net776.2
 787.0
725.9
 758.6
Other non-current assets26.7
 31.5
19.7
 17.4
Total assets$2,827.4
 $2,786.4
$2,653.2
 $2,788.6
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity      
Current liabilities:      
Notes payable$9.5
 $
$15.7
 $3.7
Current portion of long-term debt47.1
 39.5
51.5
 29.5
Accounts payable193.4
 274.6
185.9
 245.7
Accrued compensation38.2
 41.6
28.3
 48.5
Accrued customer program liabilities92.9
 114.5
64.2
 99.7
Lease liabilities22.8
 
19.9
 21.8
Other current liabilities111.6
 129.0
104.0
 139.9
Total current liabilities515.5
 599.2
469.5
 588.8
Long-term debt, net949.4
 843.0
856.9
 777.2
Long-term lease liabilities69.7
 11.0
81.7
 89.8
Deferred income taxes173.4
 176.2
167.3
 177.5
Pension and post-retirement benefit obligations245.9
 257.2
268.9
 283.2
Other non-current liabilities108.7
 110.1
91.0
 98.4
Total liabilities2,062.6
 1,996.7
1,935.3
 2,014.9
Stockholders' equity:      
Common stock1.1
 1.1
1.0
 1.0
Treasury stock(38.2) (33.9)(39.9) (38.2)
Paid-in capital1,931.9
 1,941.0
1,874.3
 1,890.8
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(467.0) (461.7)(545.1) (505.7)
Accumulated deficit(663.0) (656.8)(572.4) (574.2)
Total stockholders' equity764.8
 789.7
717.9
 773.7
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity$2,827.4
 $2,786.4
$2,653.2
 $2,788.6


See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).




ACCO Brands Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions, except per share data)2019 20182020 2019
Net sales$393.9
 $405.8
$384.1
 $393.9
Cost of products sold268.1
 278.3
271.9
 268.1
Gross profit125.8
 127.5
112.2
 125.8
Operating costs and expenses:      
Selling, general and administrative expenses95.9
 101.8
86.1
 95.9
Amortization of intangibles9.3
 9.3
8.4
 9.3
Restructuring charges2.7
 4.7
0.3
 2.7
Total operating costs and expenses107.9
 115.8
94.8
 107.9
Operating income17.9
 11.7
17.4
 17.9
Non-operating expense (income):      
Interest expense10.4
 9.4
8.6
 10.4
Interest income(0.9) (1.0)(0.3) (0.9)
Non-operating pension income(1.4) (2.2)(1.5) (1.4)
Other income, net(0.2) (0.6)(0.5) (0.2)
Income before income tax10.0
 6.1
11.1
 10.0
Income tax expense (benefit)10.6
 (4.3)
Net (loss) income$(0.6) $10.4
Income tax expense3.1
 10.6
Net income (loss)$8.0
 $(0.6)
      
Per share:      
Basic (loss) income per share$(0.01) $0.10
Diluted (loss) income per share$(0.01) $0.09
Basic income (loss) per share$0.08
 $(0.01)
Diluted income (loss) per share$0.08
 $(0.01)
      
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:      
Basic102.3
 106.8
96.0
 102.3
Diluted102.3
 110.0
97.5
 102.3

























See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).





ACCO Brands Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)Loss
(Unaudited)


 Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions)2019 2018
Net (loss) income$(0.6) $10.4
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:   
Unrealized income (loss) on derivative instruments, net of tax benefit (expense) of $0.4 and $(0.3), respectively(1.1) 0.6
    
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax expense of $(3.8) and $(2.7), respectively(3.1) (4.3)
    
Recognition of deferred pension and other post-retirement items, net of tax benefit of $0.4 and $0.9, respectively(1.1) (2.6)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax(5.3) (6.3)
    
Comprehensive income (loss)$(5.9) $4.1
 Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions)2020 2019
Net income (loss)$8.0
 $(0.6)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:   
Unrealized income (loss) on derivative instruments, net of tax (expense) benefit of $(0.9) and $0.4, respectively2.4
 (1.1)
    
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax benefit (expense) of $2.1 and $(3.8), respectively(49.7) (3.1)
    
Recognition of deferred pension and other post-retirement items, net of tax (expense) benefit of $(2.4) and $0.4, respectively7.9
 (1.1)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax(39.4) (5.3)
    
Comprehensive loss$(31.4) $(5.9)





































See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).





ACCO Brands Corporation and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions)2019 20182020 2019
Operating activities      
Net (loss) income$(0.6) $10.4
Net income (loss)$8.0
 $(0.6)
Amortization of inventory step-up0.1
 

 0.1
Loss on disposal of assets0.1
 0.1

 0.1
Depreciation8.8
 9.0
8.6
 8.8
Amortization of debt issuance costs0.5
 0.5
0.5
 0.5
Amortization of intangibles9.3
 9.3
8.4
 9.3
Stock-based compensation2.0
 3.2
0.9
 2.0
Changes in balance sheet items:      
Accounts receivable108.1
 162.0
112.0
 108.1
Inventories(57.3) (43.5)(26.2) (57.3)
Other assets(10.1) (8.0)(13.8) (10.1)
Accounts payable(79.9) 8.8
(45.2) (79.9)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities(41.1) (78.7)(72.1) (41.1)
Accrued income taxes(1.2) (12.7)(6.3) (1.2)
Net cash (used) provided by operating activities(61.3) 60.4
Net cash used by operating activities(25.2) (61.3)
Investing activities      
Additions to property, plant and equipment(7.2) (8.0)(6.9) (7.2)
Proceeds from the disposition of assets0.1
 

 0.1
Cost of acquisitions, net of cash acquired0.6
 
Other assets acquired(5.4) 

 (5.4)
Net cash used by investing activities(12.5) (8.0)(6.3) (12.5)
Financing activities      
Proceeds from long-term borrowings123.7
 21.5
117.4
 123.7
Repayments of long-term debt
 (11.6)(5.3) 
Borrowings of notes payable, net4.8
 0.7
12.4
 4.8
Dividends paid(6.2) (6.4)(6.2) (6.2)
Repurchases of common stock(10.5) (9.1)(18.9) (10.5)
Payments related to tax withholding for stock-based compensation(4.2) (7.4)(1.7) (4.2)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options
 5.3
1.5
 
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities107.6
 (7.0)
Net cash provided by financing activities99.2
 107.6
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents(0.3) 0.4
(2.1) (0.3)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents33.5
 45.8
65.6
 33.5
Cash and cash equivalents      
Beginning of the period67.0
 76.9
27.8
 67.0
End of the period$100.5
 $122.7
$93.4
 $100.5
Cash paid during the year for:   
Interest$2.9
 $4.3
Income taxes$10.1
 $11.4






See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).




ACCO Brands Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity
(Unaudited)

(in millions)Common
Stock
 Paid-in
Capital
 Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 Treasury
Stock
 Accumulated
Deficit
 Total
Balance at December 31, 2019$1.0
 $1,890.8
 $(505.7) $(38.2) $(574.2) $773.7
Net income
 
 
 
 8.0
 8.0
Gain on derivative financial instruments, net of tax
 
 2.4
 
 
 2.4
Translation impact
 
 (49.7) 
 
 (49.7)
Pension and post-retirement adjustment, net of tax
 
 7.9
 
 
 7.9
Common stock repurchases
 (18.9) 
 
 
 (18.9)
Stock-based compensation
 0.9
 
 
 
 0.9
Common stock issued, net of shares withheld for employee taxes
 1.5
 
 (1.7) 
 (0.2)
Dividends declared, $.065 per share
 
 
 
 (6.2) (6.2)
Balance at March 31, 2020$1.0
 $1,874.3
 $(545.1) $(39.9) $(572.4) $717.9
Shares of Capital Stock
(in millions)Common
Stock
 Paid-in
Capital
 Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 Treasury
Stock
 Accumulated
Deficit
 Total
Balance at December 31, 2018$1.1
 $1,941.0
 $(461.7) $(33.9) $(656.8) $789.7
Net loss
 
 
 
 (0.6) (0.6)
Gain on derivative financial instruments, net of tax
 
 (1.1) 
 
 (1.1)
Translation impact
 
 (3.1) 
 
 (3.1)
Pension and post-retirement adjustment, net of tax
 
 (1.1) 
 
 (1.1)
Common stock repurchases
 (11.0) 
 
 
 (11.0)
Stock-based compensation
 2.0
 
 
 
 2.0
Common stock issued, net of shares withheld for employee taxes
 
 
 (4.3) 
 (4.3)
Dividends declared, $0.06 per share
 
 
 
 (6.2) (6.2)
Other
 (0.1) 
 
 0.1
 
Cumulative effect due to the adoption of ASU 2016-02
 
 
 
 0.5
 0.5
Balance at March 31, 2019$1.1
 $1,931.9
 $(467.0) $(38.2) $(663.0) $764.8
 Common
Stock
 Treasury
Stock
 Net
Shares
Shares at December 31, 2019100,412,933
 3,967,445
 96,445,488
Common stock issued, net of shares withheld for employee taxes898,664
 206,243
 692,421
Common stock repurchases(2,690,292) 
 (2,690,292)
Shares at March 31, 202098,621,305
 4,173,688
 94,447,617































See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).


ACCO Brands Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity
Continued (Unaudited)
(in millions)Common
Stock
 Paid-in
Capital
 Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 Treasury
Stock
 Accumulated
Deficit
 Total
December 31, 2018$1.1
 $1,941.0
 $(461.7) $(33.9) $(656.8) $789.7
Net loss
 
 
 
 (0.6) (0.6)
Loss on derivative financial instruments, net of tax
 
 (1.1) 
 
 (1.1)
Translation impact
 
 (3.1) 
 
 (3.1)
Pension and post-retirement adjustment, net of tax
 
 (1.1) 
 
 (1.1)
Common stock repurchases
 (11.0) 
 
 
 (11.0)
Stock-based compensation
 2.0
 
 
 
 2.0
Common stock issued, net of shares withheld for employee taxes
 
 
 (4.3) 
 (4.3)
Dividends declared, $.06 per share
 
 
 
 (6.2) (6.2)
Other
 (0.1) 
 
 0.1
 
Cumulative effect due to the adoption of ASU 2016-02
 
 
 
 0.5
 0.5
Balance at March 31, 2019$1.1
 $1,931.9
 $(467.0) $(38.2) $(663.0) $764.8
Shares of Capital Stock
 Common
Stock
 Treasury
Stock
 Net
Shares
Shares at December 31, 2018106,249,322
 3,500,622
 102,748,700
Common stock issued, net of shares withheld for employee taxes1,437,021
 458,987
 978,034
Common stock repurchases(1,260,163) 
 (1,260,163)
Shares at March 31, 2019106,426,180
 3,959,609
 102,466,571





8


























See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited).


ACCO Brands Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)






1. Basis of Presentation


As used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 20192020, the terms "ACCO Brands," "ACCO," the "Company," "we," "us," and "our" refer to ACCO Brands Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries.


The management of ACCO Brands Corporation is responsible for the accuracy and internal consistency of the preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements and notes contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.


The condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. Although the Company believes the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading, certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. ("GAAP") have been condensed or omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20182019.


The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2019,2020, the related Consolidated Statements of Operations, and the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)Loss, and the Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity for the three months ended March 31, 20192020 and 20182019 and Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 20192020 and 20182019 are unaudited. The December 31, 20182019 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all annual disclosures required by GAAP. The above referenced financial statements included herein were prepared by management and reflect all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring items unless otherwise noted) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for the fair presentation of results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods ended March 31, 20192020 and 2018,2019, and the financial position of the Company as of March 31, 2019.2020. Interim results may not be indicative of results for a full year.


On July 2, 2018,Effective August 1, 2019, we completed the acquisition (the "GOBA"Foroni Acquisition") of GOBA Internacional, S.A. de C.V.Indústria Gráfica Foroni Ltda. ("GOBA"Foroni"), a leading provider of Foroni® branded notebooks and paper-based school and craftoffice products in Mexico under the Barrilito® brand, for a preliminaryBrazil. The purchase price of approximately $37.2was $41.5 million netinclusive of cash acquired, and subject to working capital and other adjustments. The GOBAForoni Acquisition has increased the breadthadvanced our strategy to expand in faster growing geographies and depth ofproduct categories, add consumer-centric brands and diversify our distribution, especially with wholesalers and retailers throughout Mexico, and complements our existing office products portfolio with a strong offering of school and craft products.customer base. The results of GOBAForoni are included in the ACCO Brands International segment as of July 2, 2018.

effective August 1, 2019. See "Note 3. Acquisitions" for details on the GOBA Acquisition.Foroni acquisition.

On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted accounting standard ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), applying the transition method in accounting standard ASU 2018-11 Leases (Topic 842), Targeted Improvements. ASU 2018-11 allows an entity to initially apply ASU 2016-02 at the adoption date and recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. The comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. For more information, see "Note 2. Recent Accounting Pronouncements and Adopted Accounting Standards" and "Note 5. Leases."

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified for consistency with the current year presentation in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet, primarily due to the Company's adoption of ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) at the beginning of 2019.


The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.


2. Recent Accounting Pronouncements and Adopted Accounting Standards


Recent Accounting Pronouncements


In August 2018,December 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB"("FASB") issued ASU No. 2018-15, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40), Customer’s2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Implementation Costs IncurredIncome Taxes, which removes certain exceptions for investments, intraperiod allocations and interim calculations, and adds guidance to reduce complexity in accounting for income taxes. ASU 2019-12 is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2020. The Company is currently evaluating the effects the standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.

There are no other recently issued accounting standards that are expected to have an impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flow.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, an accounting standard that requires companies to utilize an impairment model (current expected credit loss, or "CECL") for most financial assets measured at amortized cost and certain other financial instruments, which include, but are not limited to, trade and other receivables. This accounting standard replaced the incurred loss model with a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract. This ASU aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs

model that
9



ACCO Brands Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)




incurred inreflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a hosting arrangement that is a service contract withbroader range of reasonable and supportable information to estimate those losses. Effective January 1, 2020, the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal use software license). The Company is currently inadopted this standard. As of March 31, 2020 the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of ASU 2018-15 on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. ASU 2018-015 is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2019. Early adoption of thethis standard is permitted, including adoption in any interim period for which financial statements havedid not been issued.

There are no other recently issued accounting standards that are expected to have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flow.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted accounting standard ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), applying the transition method in accounting standard ASU 2018-11 Leases (Topic 842), Targeted Improvements. ASU 2018-11 allows an entity to initially apply ASU 2016-02 at the adoption date and recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. The comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods.

The cumulative effect of the changesimpact on our January 1, 2019 opening Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet due to the adoption of ASU 2016-02 was as follows:condensed consolidated financial statements.
(in millions)Balance at December 31, 2018 Adjustments due to ASU 2016-02 Balance at January 1, 2019
Assets:     
Property, plant and equipment, net$263.7
 $(0.9) $262.8
Right of use asset, leases
 90.9
 90.9
      
Liabilities and stockholders' equity:     
Current portion of long-term debt39.5
 (0.1) 39.4
Lease liabilities
 24.1
 24.1
Long-term debt, net843.0
 (0.1) 842.9
Long-term lease liabilities11.0
 65.6
 76.6
Accumulated deficit(656.8) 0.5
 (656.3)


10


ACCO Brands Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)


The impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-02 on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet for the period ended March 31, 2019 was as follows:
 March 31, 2019
(in millions)As Reported Balances without adoption of ASU 2016-02 Effect of Change Higher/(Lower)
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet:     
Assets:     
Property, plant and equipment, net$260.3
 $261.1
 $(0.8)
Right of use asset, leases83.6
 
 83.6
      
Liabilities and stockholders' equity:     
Current portion of long-term debt47.1
 47.2
 (0.1)
Lease liabilities22.8
 
 22.8
Long-term debt, net949.4
 949.5
 (0.1)
Long-term lease liabilities69.7
 10.0
 59.7
Accumulated deficit(663.0) (663.5) 0.5

See "Note 5. Leases" for further details and the required disclosures related to ASU 2016-02.

The adoption of ASU 2016-02 did not materially affect our Consolidated Statements of Operations or Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.


There were no other accounting standards that were adopted in the first quarterthree months of 20192020 that had a material effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flow.


3. Acquisitions

On January 31, 2019, the Company completed the purchase of certain assets, including inventory and certain identifiable intangibles, for the Cumberland brand (the "Cumberland Asset Acquisition") in Australia for a purchase price of A$8.2 million (US$6.0 million based on January 31, 2019 exchange rates), of which $0.6 million is expected to be paid during the second quarter of 2019. The Cumberland Asset Acquisition extends our presence in Australia into new product categories. The Company accounted for the transaction as an asset acquisition, as the set of assets acquired does not meet the criteria to be classified as a business under GAAP. During the quarter ended March 31, 2019, transaction costs related to the Cumberland Asset Acquisition were $0.1 million. These costs were reported as selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The following table summarizes the fair value of assets acquired:
(in millions)At January 31, 2019
Inventory2.8
Identifiable intangibles3.2
  Fair value of assets acquired$6.0


Acquisition of GOBAForoni


On July 2, 2018, the CompanyEffective August 1, 2019, we completed the GOBA Acquisition. GOBA isacquisition of Foroni, a leading provider of Foroni® branded notebooks and paper-based school and craftoffice products in Mexico under the Barrilito® brand.Brazil. The GOBAForoni Acquisition is expectedadvanced our strategy to increase the breadthexpand in faster growing geographies and depth ofproduct categories, add consumer-centric brands and diversify our distribution, especially with wholesalers and retailers throughout Mexico, and complements our existing office products portfolio with a strong offering of school and craft products.customer base. The results of GOBAForoni are included in the ACCO Brands International segment as of July 2, 2018.effective August 1, 2019.

11


ACCO Brands Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)




The purchase price paid at closing was Mex$796.8R$157.2 million (US$39.941.5 million based on July 2, 201831, 2019, exchange rates), subject to inclusive of working capital and other adjustments that reduced it by $0.8 million. The preliminary purchase price, net of cash acquired of $1.9adjustments. We also assumed $7.6 million was $37.2 million.in debt. A portion of the purchase price (Mex$115.0(R$25.0 million (US$5.8or US$6.6 million based on July 2, 201831, 2019 exchange rates)) is being held in an escrow account for a period of up to 56 years after closing in the event of any claims against the sellers under the stockquota purchase agreement. The Company may also make claims against the sellers directly, subject to limitations in the stockquota purchase agreement, if the escrow is depleted. The GOBAForoni Acquisition and related expenses were funded by increased borrowing under our revolving facility.cash on hand.


For accounting purposes, the Company was the acquiring enterprise. The GOBAForoni Acquisition is being accounted for as a purchase business combination.combination and Foroni's results are included in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements as of August 1, 2019. The net sales for GOBAForoni for the three months ended March 31, 20192020 were $11.8$14.4 million.



ACCO Brands Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)


The following table presents the preliminary allocation of the consideration given to the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition.acquisition:
(in millions)At August 1, 2019
Calculation of Goodwill: 
Purchase price, net of working capital adjustment$41.5
  
Plus fair value of liabilities assumed: 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities12.4
Deferred tax liabilities3.9
Debt7.6
Lease liabilities5.6
  Fair value of liabilities assumed$29.5
  
Less fair value of assets acquired: 
Cash acquired
Accounts receivable17.5
Inventory12.2
Property and equipment9.1
Identifiable intangibles11.1
Deferred tax assets2.6
Right of use asset, leases5.6
Other assets3.6
  Fair value of assets acquired$61.7
  
Goodwill$9.3

(in millions)At July 2, 2018
Calculation of Goodwill: 
Purchase price, net of working capital adjustment$39.1
  
Plus fair value of liabilities assumed: 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities10.2
Deferred tax liabilities3.1
Other non-current liabilities5.6
  Fair value of liabilities assumed$18.9
  
Less fair value of assets acquired: 
Cash acquired1.9
Accounts receivable30.0
Inventory7.1
Property, plant and equipment0.6
Identifiable intangibles10.3
Deferred tax assets1.9
Other assets4.2
  Fair value of assets acquired$56.0
  
Goodwill$2.0


We are continuing our review of our fair value estimate of assets acquired and liabilities assumed during the measurement period, which will conclude as soon as we receive the information we are seeking about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date or learn that more information is not available. This measurement period will not exceed one year from the acquisition date. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired is allocated to goodwill. The preliminary goodwill of $9.3 million is primarily attributable to synergies expected to be realized from facility integration, headcount reduction and other operational streamlining activities, and from the existence of an assembled workforce.


Our fair value estimate of assets acquired and liabilities assumed is pending the completion of several elements, including the final determination of purchase price related to the settlement of differences in working capital, and the valuation of the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed and the final review by our management. The primary areas that are not yet finalized relate to inventory, intangible assets, property and equipment, reserves and liabilities, and income and other taxes. Accordingly, there could be material adjustments to our condensed consolidated financial statements.statements, including changes in our amortization and depreciation expense related to the valuation of intangible assets and property and equipment acquired and their respective useful lives, among other adjustments.


The final determination of the purchase price, fair values and resulting goodwill may differ significantly from what is reflected in these condensed consolidated financial statements.



During the year ended December 31, 2019, transaction costs related to the Foroni Acquisition were $1.5 million, and for the quarter ending March 31, 2020, they were $0.2 million. These costs were reported as selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.

12



ACCO Brands Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)



During the year ended December 31, 2018, transaction costs related to the GOBA Acquisition were $1.1 million. These costs were reported as interest and SG&A expenses in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.


4. Long-term Debt and Short-term Borrowings


Notes payable and long-term debt, listed in order of the priority of security interests in assets of the Company, consisted of the following as of March 31, 20192020 and December 31, 20182019:
(in millions)March 31,
2020
 December 31,
2019
Euro Senior Secured Term Loan A, due May 2024 (floating interest rate of 1.50% at March 31, 2020 and 1.50% at December 31, 2019)$268.7
 $275.9
USD Senior Secured Term Loan A, due May 2024 (floating interest rate of 2.57% at March 31, 2020 and 3.44% at December 31, 2019)96.2
 97.5
Australian Dollar Senior Secured Term Loan A, due May 2024 (floating interest rate of 2.20% at March 31, 2020 and 2.45% at December 31, 2019)36.2
 41.6
U.S. Dollar Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility, due May 2024 (floating interest rate of 2.40% at March 31, 2020 and 3.26% at December 31, 2019)120.7
 8.2
Australian Dollar Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility, due May 2024 (floating interest rate of 1.98% at March 31, 2020 and 2.44% at December 31, 2019)16.7
 14.0
Senior Unsecured Notes, due December 2024 (fixed interest rate of 5.25%)375.0
 375.0
Other borrowings15.7
 3.8
Total debt929.2
 816.0
Less:   
 Current portion67.2
 33.2
 Debt issuance costs, unamortized5.1
 5.6
Long-term debt, net$856.9
 $777.2

(in millions)March 31,
2019
 December 31,
2018
Euro Senior Secured Term Loan A, due January 2022 (floating interest rate of 1.5% at March 31, 2019 and 1.50% at December 31, 2018)$283.6
 $289.0
Australian Dollar Senior Secured Term Loan A, due January 2022 (floating interest rate of 3.39% at March 31, 2019 and 3.56% at December 31, 2018)43.2
 43.0
U.S. Dollar Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility, due January 2022 (floating interest rate of 4.25% at March 31, 2019 and 4.36% at December 31, 2018)222.2
 106.8
Australian Dollar Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility, due January 2022 (floating interest rate of 3.48% at March 31, 2019 and 3.54% at December 31, 2018)77.8
 73.9
Senior Unsecured Notes, due December 2024 (fixed interest rate of 5.25%)375.0
 375.0
Other borrowings9.5
 0.3
Total debt1,011.3
 888.0
Less:   
 Current portion56.6
 39.5
 Debt issuance costs, unamortized5.3
 5.5
Long-term debt, net$949.4
 $843.0


The Company entered into a Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "2017 Credit"Credit Agreement"), dated as of January 27, 2017, among the Company, certain subsidiaries of the Company, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and the other agents and various lenders party thereto. The 2017 Credit Agreement providesprovided for a five-year senior secured credit facility, which consistsconsisted of a €300.0 million (US$320.8 million based on January 27, 2017, exchange rates) term loan facility, an A$80.0 million (US$60.4 million based on January 27, 2017, exchange rates) term loan facility, and a US$400.0 million multi-currency revolving credit facility (the "2017 Revolving"Revolving Facility").


Effective July 26, 2018, the Company entered into the First Amendment (the "First Amendment") to the 2017 Credit Agreement among the Company, certain subsidiaries of the Company, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and the other lenders party thereto. The First Amendment increased the aggregate revolving credit commitments under the revolving facilityRevolving Facility by $100.0 million such that, after giving effect to such increase, the aggregate amount of revolving credit available under the 2017 Revolving Facility iswas $500.0 million. In addition, the First Amendment also affected certain technical amendments to the 2017 Credit Agreement, including the addition of provisions relating to LIBOR successor rate procedures if LIBOR becomes unascertainable or is discontinued in the future and to expressly permit certain intercompany asset transfers. The changes related to LIBOR successor rate procedures are not expected to have a material effect on the Company.


As of March 31, 2019, there were $300.0 million in borrowings outstanding under the 2017 Revolving Facility. The remaining amount available for borrowings as of March 31, 2019 was $183.6 million (allowing for $16.4 million of letters of credit outstanding on that date).

As described in the Company's 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K, we must meet certain restrictive debt covenants under the senior secured credit facilities. The indenture governing our outstanding senior unsecured notes also contains certain covenants. As of and for the periods ended March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company was in compliance with all applicable loan covenants.

5. Leases

On January 1,Effective May 23, 2019, the Company adopted accounting standard ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), applying the transition method in accounting standard ASU 2018-11 Leases (Topic 842), Targeted Improvements. ASU 2018-11 allows an entity to initially apply ASU 2016-02 at the adoption date and recognizeentered into a cumulative-effect adjustmentSecond Amendment (the "Second Amendment") to the opening balanceCredit Agreement. Pursuant to the Second Amendment, the Credit Agreement was amended to, among other things:

extend the maturity date to May 23, 2024;

increase the aggregate revolving credit commitments under the Revolving Facility from $500.0 million to $600.0 million;

establish a new term loan facility denominated in U.S. Dollars in an aggregate principal amount of retained earnings$100.0 million (the "USD Term Loan");


replace the minimum fixed coverage ratio of 1.25:1.00 with a minimum interest coverage ratio, as calculated under the Credit Agreement, of 3.00:1.00;

reflect a more favorable restricted payment covenant, with the consolidated leverage ratio hurdle for unlimited restricted
13



ACCO Brands Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)




payments (including share repurchases and dividends) as calculated under the Credit Agreement increasing from 2.50x to 3.25x;

reflect, in certain cases, more favorable pricing with a 25 basis point reduction in the periodapplicable rate on outstanding loans than was in effect prior to the Second Amendment based on the Company's current consolidated leverage ratio, along with lower fees on undrawn amounts;

eliminate the requirement to make annual principal prepayments of adoption. The comparative information has not been restatedexcess cash flow;

reduce amortization payments for the term loans; and continues

increase the qualified receivables transaction basket with respect to be reportedsales or financings of certain receivables.

Effective upon the closing of the Second Amendment, the Company borrowed the entire principal amount committed under the accounting standardsUSD Term Loan, which was used to repay revolver borrowings and, in effectcombination with the increase in the Revolving Facility, resulted in $200.0 million of additional liquidity becoming available under the Revolving Facility.

As of March 31, 2020, there were $137.4 million in borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Facility. The remaining amount available for those periods. Theborrowings was $450.1 million (allowing for $12.5 million of letters of credit outstanding on that date).

As of and for the periods ended March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company recorded a net increase to beginning retained earnings of $0.5 million as of January 1, 2019 due to the cumulative impact of adopting ASU 2016-02. The impact of adopting ASU 2016-02 on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet was material, but the impact was immaterial for our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.in compliance with all applicable loan covenants.


5. Leases

The Company leases its corporate headquarters;headquarters, various other facilities for distribution, manufacturing, and offices; andoffices, as well as vehicles, forklifts and other equipment. The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Leases are included in "Right of use asset, leases" ("ROU"ROU Assets") assets,, and the current portion of the lease liability is included in "Lease liabilities" and the non-current portion is included in "Long-term lease liabilities" in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company currently has an immaterial amount of financing leases and leases with a termterms of more than one month and less than 12 months. ROU assetsAssets and lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. Because most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate of return, the Company uses its incremental collateralized borrowing rate, on a regional basis, in determining the present value of lease payments. The incremental borrowing rate is dependent upon duration of the lease and has been segmented into three groups of time. All leases within the same region and the same group of time share the same incremental borrowing rate. The Company has lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, which are combined for accounting purposes.purposes for all classes of assets except information technology equipment.


The components of lease expense were as follows:
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions)20192020 2019
Operating lease cost$7.0
$7.3
 $7.0
Sublease income(0.4)(0.4) (0.4)
Total lease cost$6.6
$6.9
 $6.6



ACCO Brands Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)


Other information related to leases was as follows:
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions, except lease term and discount rate)20192020 2019
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:    
Operating cash flows from operating leases$8.0
$7.3
 $8.0
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:    
Operating leases(1)
$(1.4)$1.0
 $(1.4)
    
Weighted average remaining lease term:    
Operating leases5.4 years
6.9 years
  
    
Weighted average discount rate:    
Operating leases5.2%5.3%  


(1) In the first quarter of 2019, the Company signed a sub-lease for one of its distribution centers.

14


ACCO Brands Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)



Future minimum lease payments, net of sub-lease income, for all non-cancelable leases as of March 31, 20192020 were as follows:
(in millions) 
2020$18.9
202122.0
202218.0
202313.8
202411.8
20258.8
Thereafter31.0
Total minimum lease payments124.3
Less imputed interest22.7
Future minimum payments for leases, net of sublease rental income and imputed interest$101.6

(in millions) 
2019$21.2
202023.2
202118.8
202215.3
20239.9
20247.0
Thereafter11.9
Total minimum lease payments107.3
Less imputed interest14.8
Future minimum payments for leases, net of sublease rental income and imputed interest$92.5

As of March 31, 2019, the Company had one operating lease for property that had not yet commenced. In addition, early in the second quarter of 2019, the Company signed a renewal of the lease for its corporate headquarters.



6. Pension and Other Retiree Benefits


The components of net periodic benefit (income) cost for pension and post-retirement plans for the three months ended March 31, 20192020 and 20182019 were as follows:
 Three Months Ended March 31,
 Pension Post-retirement
 U.S. International    
(in millions)2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019
Service cost$0.4
 $0.4
 $0.4
 $0.3
 $
 $
Interest cost1.5
 1.8
 2.4
 3.4
 
 0.1
Expected return on plan assets(2.9) (2.9) (4.7) (5.1) 
 
Amortization of net loss (gain)0.8
 0.5
 1.2
 0.8
 (0.1) (0.1)
Amortization of prior service cost0.1
 0.1
 0.1
 
 
 
Net periodic benefit income(1)
$(0.1) $(0.1) $(0.6) $(0.6) $(0.1) $

 Three Months Ended March 31,
 Pension Post-retirement
 U.S. International    
(in millions)2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018
Service cost$0.4
 $0.4
 $0.3
 $0.5
 $
 $
Interest cost1.8
 1.7
 3.4
 3.4
 0.1
 
Expected return on plan assets(2.9) (2.9) (5.1) (5.9) 
 
Amortization of net loss (gain)0.5
 0.6
 0.8
 0.9
 (0.1) (0.1)
Amortization of prior service cost0.1
 0.1
 
 
 
 
Net periodic benefit income(1)
$(0.1) $(0.1) $(0.6) $(1.1) $
 $(0.1)


(1)The components, other than service cost, are included in the line "Non-operating pension income" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

We expect to contribute approximately $21.2 million to our defined benefit plans in 2019. For the three months ended March 31, 2019, we have contributed $7.5 million to these plans.

15



ACCO Brands Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)






We expect to contribute approximately $19.5 million to our defined benefit plans in 2020. For the three months ended March 31, 2020, we have contributed $5.7 million to these plans.

7. Stock-Based Compensation


The following table summarizes our stock-based compensation expense (including stock options, restricted stock units ("RSUs") and performance stock units ("PSUs")) for the three months ended March 31, 20192020 and 20182019:



Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions)2020 2019
Stock option compensation expense$0.8
 $0.5
RSU compensation expense1.0
 1.0
PSU compensation expense(0.9) 0.5
Total stock-based compensation expense$0.9
 $2.0


Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions)2019 2018
Stock option compensation expense$0.5
 $0.5
RSU compensation expense1.0
 0.9
PSU compensation expense0.5
 1.8
Total stock-based compensation expense$2.0
 $3.2


We generally recognize compensation expense for stock-based awards ratably over the vesting period. During the first quarter of 2019,2020, the Company's Board of Directors approved stock compensation grants which consisted of1,303,255 1,402,829 stock options, 354,695600,014 RSUs and 365,893918,911 PSUs.


The following table summarizes our unrecognized compensation expense and the weighted-average period over which the expense will be recognized as of March 31, 2019:2020:

March 31, 2020

Unrecognized Weighted Average

Compensation Years Expense To Be
(in millions, except weighted average years)Expense Recognized Over
Stock options$6.9 2.4
RSUs$9.3 2.3
PSUs$3.2 2.5


March 31, 2019

Unrecognized Weighted Average

Compensation Years Expense To Be
(in millions, except weighted average years)Expense Recognized Over
Stock options$5.8 2.5
RSUs$7.4 2.2
PSUs$5.5 2.1


8. Inventories


The components of inventories were as follows:
(in millions)March 31,
2020
 December 31,
2019
Raw materials$45.6
 $44.4
Work in process2.9
 3.5
Finished goods243.1
 235.4
Total inventories$291.6
 $283.3

(in millions)March 31,
2019
 December 31,
2018
Raw materials$65.4
 $55.4
Work in process4.2
 4.3
Finished goods330.1
 280.9
Total inventories$399.7
 $340.6


9. Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets


Goodwill


As more fully described in the Company’s 20182019 Annual Report on Form 10-K, we test goodwill for impairment at least annually and on an interim basis if an event or circumstance indicates that it is more likely than not that an impairment loss has been incurred. The Company performed this annual assessment, on a qualitative basis, as allowed by GAAP, in the second quarter of 20182019 and concluded that no impairment existed.


16



ACCO Brands Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)




Changes in the net carrying amount of goodwill by segment were as follows:
(in millions)ACCO
Brands
North America
 ACCO
Brands
EMEA
 ACCO
Brands
International
 Total
   
Balance at December 31, 2019$375.6
 $165.7
 $177.3
 $718.6
Acquisitions
 
 (0.5) (0.5)
Foreign currency translation
 2.1
 (2.5) (0.4)
Balance at March 31, 2020$375.6
 $167.8
 $174.3
 $717.7

(in millions)ACCO
Brands
North America
 ACCO
Brands
EMEA
 ACCO
Brands
International
 Total
   
Balance at December 31, 2018$375.6
 $165.6
 $167.7
 $708.9
GOBA Acquisition
 
 (0.3) (0.3)
Foreign currency translation
 (1.7) 
 (1.7)
Balance at March 31, 2019$375.6
 $163.9
 $167.4
 $706.9


The goodwill balance is net of $215.1 million of accumulated impairment losses, which occurred prior to December 31, 2016.


Identifiable Intangible Assets


Foroni Acquisition

The valuation of identifiable intangible assets of $3.2$11.1 million acquired in the Cumberland AssetForoni Acquisition includes an amortizable trade name, and amortizable customer relationships,"Foroni®," which havehas been recorded at theirits estimated fair values.value. The fair value of the trade name was determined using the relief from royalty method, which is based on the present value of royalty fees derived from projected revenues. The fair value of the customer relationships was determined using the multi-period excess earnings method which is based on the present value of the projected after-tax cash flows.

The amortizable trade name is expected be amortized over 10 years on a straight-line basis while the customer relationships will be amortized on an accelerated basis over 7 years from January 31, 2019, the date the Cumberland assets were acquired by the Company. The allocations of the identifiable intangibles acquired in the Cumberland Asset Acquisition were as follows:
(in millions)Fair Value Remaining Useful Life Ranges
Trade name - amortizable$0.8
 10 Years
Customer relationships2.4
 7 Years
Total identifiable intangibles acquired$3.2
  

The valuation of identifiable intangible assets of $10.3 million acquired in the GOBA Acquisition include an amortizable trade name and amortizable customer relationships, which have been recorded at their estimated fair values. The fair value of the trade name was determined using the relief from royalty method, which is based on the present value of royalty fees derived from projected revenues. The fair value of the customer relationships was determined using the multi-period excess earnings method which is based on the present value of the projected after-tax cash flows.

The amortizableForoni® trade name is expected to be amortized over 1523 years on a straight-line basis, while the customer relationships will be amortized on an accelerated basis over 10 years from July 2, 2018, the date GOBA was acquired by the Company. The allocations of the identifiable intangibles acquired in the GOBA Acquisition were as follows:basis.
(in millions)Fair Value Remaining Useful Life Ranges
Trade name - amortizable$3.8
 15 Years
Customer relationships6.5
 10 Years
Total identifiable intangibles acquired$10.3
  


17


ACCO Brands Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)



The gross carrying value and accumulated amortization by class of identifiable intangible assets as of March 31, 20192020 and December 31, 20182019, was as follows:
March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
(in millions)Gross
Carrying
Amounts
 Accumulated
Amortization
 Net
Book
Value
 Gross
Carrying
Amounts
 Accumulated
Amortization
 Net
Book
Value
Gross
Carrying
Amounts
 Accumulated
Amortization
 Net
Book
Value
 Gross
Carrying
Amounts
 Accumulated
Amortization
 Net
Book
Value
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
 
   
 
  
 
   
 
  
Trade names$469.1
 $(44.5)
(1) 
$424.6
 $471.7
 $(44.5)
(1) 
$427.2
$454.2
 $(44.5)
(1) 
$409.7
 $467.3
 $(44.5)
(1) 
$422.8
Amortizable intangible assets:
 
   
 
  
 
   
 
  
Trade names306.1
 (73.9) 232.2
 306.0
 (70.5) 235.5
308.4
 (85.8) 222.6
 316.7
 (83.7) 233.0
Customer and contractual relationships241.0
 (126.0) 115.0
 240.2
 (120.5) 119.7
232.9
 (143.2) 89.7
 241.0
 (142.3) 98.7
Patents5.4
 (1.0) 4.4
 5.5
 (0.9) 4.6
5.4
 (1.5) 3.9
 5.5
 (1.4) 4.1
Subtotal552.5
 (200.9) 351.6
 551.7
 (191.9) 359.8
546.7
 (230.5) 316.2
 563.2
 (227.4) 335.8
Total identifiable intangibles$1,021.6
 $(245.4) $776.2
 $1,023.4
 $(236.4) $787.0
$1,000.9
 $(275.0) $725.9
 $1,030.5
 $(271.9) $758.6


(1)Accumulated amortization prior to the adoption of authoritative guidance on goodwill and other intangible assets, at which time further amortization ceased.


The Company’s intangible amortization expense was $9.3$8.4 million and $9.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 20192020 and 2018,2019, respectively.



ACCO Brands Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)


Estimated amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets as of March 31, 20192020, for the current year and the next five years areis as follows:
(in millions)2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Estimated amortization expense(2)
$32.0
 $28.4
 $24.9
 $22.6
 $21.0
 $19.4

(in millions)2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Estimated amortization expense(2)
$35.5
 $31.9
 $28.3
 $24.7
 $22.4
 $20.8


(2)Actual amounts of amortization expense may differ from estimated amounts due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, additional intangible asset acquisitions, impairment of intangible assets, accelerated amortization of intangible assets and other events.


We test indefinite-lived intangibles for impairment at least annually and on an interim basis if an event or circumstance indicates that it is more likely than not that an impairment loss has been incurred. We performed this annual assessment, on a qualitative basis, as allowed by GAAP, for our indefinite-lived trade names in the second quarter of 20182019 and concluded that no impairment existed.


COVID-19 Impact

We continue to monitor the significant global economic uncertainty as a result of COVID-19 to assess the outlook for demand for our products and the impact on our business and our overall financial performance. This includes our risk of impairment losses to our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets. Although the potential impact of COVID-19 related demand is uncertain, we remain committed to the strategic actions necessary to preserve the long-term forecasted financial performance and expect the macroeconomic environment will recover in the medium to long-term. As a result of our analysis, and consideration of events and circumstances, we concluded that there were no triggering events that would make it more likely than not that our goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets were impaired as of March 31, 2020.

10. Restructuring


The Company recorded $0.3 million and $2.7 million of restructuring expensesexpense for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, of $2.7 millionrespectively. The restructuring expenses are primarily for severance costs related to additional changescost reduction initiatives in the operating structure of our North America and International segments.


The summary of the activity in the restructuring accountliability for the three months ended March 31, 20192020, was as follows:
(in millions)Balance at December 31, 2019 Provision Cash
Expenditures
 Non-cash
Items/
Currency Change
 Balance at March 31, 2020
Employee termination costs(1)
$10.7
 $0.3
 $(2.0) $(0.4) $8.6
Termination of lease agreements(2)
0.6
 
 (0.5) 
 0.1
Other(3)
0.5
 
 (0.1) 
 0.4
Total restructuring liability$11.8
 $0.3
 $(2.6) $(0.4) $9.1

(in millions)Balance at December 31, 2018 Provision Cash
Expenditures
 Non-cash
Items/
Currency Change
 Balance at March 31, 2019
Employee termination costs(1)
$7.9
 $2.7
 $(2.9) $
 $7.7
Termination of lease agreements(2)
1.8
 
 (1.0) 
 0.8
Total restructuring liability$9.7
 $2.7
 $(3.9) $
 $8.5


(1) We expect the remaining $7.7$8.6 million employee termination costs to be substantially paid in the next twelve months.
(2) We expect the remaining $0.8$0.1 million termination of lease costs to be substantially paid in the next three months.

(3) We expect the remaining $0.4 million of other costs to be substantially paid in the next six months.

18


ACCO Brands Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)



The summary of the activity in the restructuring accountliability for the three months ended March 31, 20182019, was as follows:
(in millions)Balance at December 31, 2018 Provision Cash
Expenditures
 Non-cash
Items/
Currency Change
 Balance at March 31, 2019
Employee termination costs$7.9
 $2.7
 $(2.9) $
 $7.7
Termination of lease agreements1.8
 
 (1.0) 
 0.8
Total restructuring liability$9.7
 $2.7
 $(3.9) $
 $8.5

(in millions)Balance at December 31, 2017 Provision Cash
Expenditures
 Non-cash
Items/
Currency Change
 Balance at March 31, 2018
Employee termination costs$12.0
 $3.8
 $(2.6) $0.3
 $13.5
Termination of lease agreements0.8
 0.9
 (0.7) 
 1.0
Other0.5
 
 (0.1) (0.1) 0.3
Total restructuring liability$13.3
 $4.7
 $(3.4) $0.2
 $14.8


11. Income Taxes


For the three months ended March 31, 2020, we recorded an income tax expense of $3.1 million on income before taxes of $11.1 million, for an effective rate of 27.9 percent. The decrease in effective tax rate for the period was primarily due to a reduction in nondeductible interest expense in the current year, and an increase in reserves for uncertain tax positions in the prior year.

For the three months ended March 31, 2019, we recorded an income tax expense of $10.6 million on income before taxes of $10.0 million, for an effective rate of 106.0%.106.0 percent. The high effective tax rate for the quarter iswas primarily due to the Company increasing its reserves for uncertain tax positions in connection with the Brazil Tax Assessments (see Brazil Tax Assessments below) in the amount of $5.6$5.6 million, and the recording of deferred state taxes on unremitted non-U.S. earnings in the amount of $0.8$0.8 million and other reserves related to various tax contingencies.

Immaterial Out-of-Period Adjustment

The $5.6 million increase in tax expense resulting from the increase in the reserve related to uncertain tax positions in connection with the Brazil Tax Assessments that was recorded in the first quarter of 2019 should properly have been recorded in 2018 when the Company decided to appeal the administrative decision to the judicial level. The impact of recording this out-of-period adjustment to our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2019 is a $5.6 million increase in our income tax expense and a $5.6 million decrease to our Net Income, resulting in a Net Loss; the Company has concluded that this amount would not have been material to its Net Income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 or its expected Net Income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019. Further, the impact of the correction was not material to either our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets or our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. This amount is not expected to be paid in cash in the foreseeable future, and would only be paid in the event that we do not ultimately prevail in the case.

For the three months ended March 31, 2018, we recorded an income tax benefit of $4.3 million on income before taxes of $6.1 million. The tax benefit for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was primarily due to the excess tax benefit resulting from the realization of stock-based compensation related tax deductions, the partial release of the reserve for the Brazil Tax Assessments resulting from the expiration of the statute of limitation for the 2011 tax year, the positive impacts attributable to the U.S. Tax Act and foreign tax refunds. This was partially offset by the revaluation of the deferred tax assets and liabilities resulting from the decrease in the Swedish corporate tax rate.


The U.S. federal statute of limitations remains open for the years 20152016 and forward. Foreign and U.S. state jurisdictions have statutes of limitations generally ranging from 2 to 5 years. Years still open to examination by foreign tax authorities in major jurisdictions include Australia (2015 forward), Brazil (2014 forward), Brazil (2013 forward), Canada (2014(2015 forward), Germany (2014(2015 forward), Sweden (2013(2015 forward) and the U.K. (2017(2018 forward). We are currently under examination in certain foreign jurisdictions.


Brazil Tax Assessments


In connection with our May 1, 2012, acquisition of the Mead Consumer and Office Products business ("Mead C&OP"), we assumed all of the tax liabilities for the acquired foreign operations including Tilibra Produtos de Papelaria Ltda. ("Tilibra"). In December of 2012, the Federal Revenue Department of the Ministry of Finance of Brazil ("FRD") issued a tax assessment against Tilibra, challenging the tax deduction of goodwill from Tilibra's taxable income for the year 2007 (the "First Assessment"). A second assessment challenging the deduction of goodwill from Tilibra's taxable income for the years 2008, 2009 and 2010 was issued by FRD in October 2013 (the "Second Assessment" and together with the First Assessment, the "Brazil Tax Assessments"). Tilibra is disputing both of the tax assessments.



ACCO Brands Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)


The final administrative appeal of the Second Assessment was decided against the Company in 2017. In 2018, the Companywe decided to appeal this decision to the judicial level. In the event we do not prevail at the judicial level, the Companywe will be required to pay an additional amountpenalty representing attorneys' costs and fees. Accordingly,fees; accordingly, in Marchthe first quarter of 2019, the Company recorded an additional

19


ACCO Brands Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)


reserve in the amount of $5.6 million reflecting the increased liability bringing the total reserve to $27.5 million for the Second Assessment.. In connection with the judicial challenge, we were required to provide security to guarantee payment of the Second Assessment should we not prevail. The First Assessment is still being challenged through established administrative procedures.


We believe we have meritorious defenses and intend to vigorously contest both of the assessments; however, there can be no assurances that we will ultimately prevail. The ultimate outcome will not be determined until the Brazilian tax appeal process is complete, which is expected to take a number of years. If the FRD's initial position is ultimately sustained, payment of the amount assessed would materially and adversely affect our cash flow in the year of settlement.


Because there is no settled legal precedent on which to base a definitive opinion as to whether we will ultimately prevail, we consider the outcome of these disputesthis dispute to be uncertain. Since it is not more likely than not that we will prevail, in 2012, we recorded a reserve in the amount of $44.5 million (at December 31, 2012 exchange rates) in consideration of this contingency, of which $43.3 million was recorded as an adjustment to the purchase price and which included the 2007-2012 tax years plus penalties and interest through December 2012. Included in this reserve is an assumption of penalties at 75%,75 percent, which is the standard penalty. While there is a possibility that a penalty of 150%150 percent could be imposed in connection with the First Assessment, based on the facts in our case and existing precedent, we believe the likelihood of a 150%150 percent penalty is not more likely than not as of March 31, 2019.2020. We will continue to actively monitor administrative and judicial court decisions and evaluate their impact, if any, on our legal assessment of the ultimate outcome of our disputes. In addition, we will continue to accrue interest related to this contingency until such time as the outcome is known or until evidence is presented that we are more likely than not to prevail. The time limit for issuing an assessment for 2011 and 2012 expired in January 2018 and January 2019, respectively. Since we did not receive an assessment;assessments for either of these periods, we therefore reversed the amounts previously accrued, including $5.6 million of reserves related to 2011, which was reversed in the first quarter of 2018. During the three months ended March 31, 20192020 and 2018,2019, we accrued additional interest as a charge to current income tax expense of $0.3$0.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively. At current exchange rates, our accrual through March 31, 2019,2020, including tax, penalties and interest is $35.1 million.$27.0 million (reported in "Other non-current liabilities").



ACCO Brands Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)


12. Earnings per Share


Total outstanding shares as of March 31, 20192020 and 20182019, were 94.4 million and 102.5 million and 107.8 million, respectively. Under our stock repurchase program, for the three months ended March 31, 20192020 and 2018,2019, we repurchased and retired 1.32.7 million and 0.81.3 million, shares, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 20192020 and 2018,2019, we acquired 0.50.2 million and 0.60.5 million shares, respectively, related to tax withholding for share-based compensation.


The calculation of basic earnings per share of common stock is based on the weighted averageweighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding in the year, or period, over which they were outstanding. Our calculation of diluted earnings per share of common stock assumes that any shares of common stock outstanding were increased by shares that would be issued upon exercise of those stock awards for which the average market price for the period exceeds the exercise price less the shares that could have been purchased by the Company with the related proceeds, including compensation expense measured but not yet recognized.


Our weighted-average shares outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 20192020 and 20182019 was as follows:
 Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions)2020 2019
Weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding - basic96.0
 102.3
Stock options0.2
 
Restricted stock units1.3
 
Weighted-average shares and assumed conversions - diluted(1)
97.5
 102.3

 Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions)2019 2018
Weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding - basic102.3
 106.8
Stock options
 1.2
Restricted stock units
 2.0
Weighted-average shares and assumed conversions - diluted(1)
102.3
 110.0


(1)Due to the net loss during the three months ended March 31, 2019, the denominator in the diluted earnings per share calculation does not include the effects of the stock awards for which the average market price for the period exceeds the exercise price, as it would result in a less dilutive computation. As a result, reported diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2019 are the same as basic earnings per share.


Awards of potentially dilutive shares of common stock, which have exercise prices that were higher than the average market price during the period, are not included in the computation of dilutive earnings per share as their effect would have been anti-

20


ACCO Brands Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)


dilutive.anti-dilutive. For the three months ended March 31, 20192020 and 20182019, the number of anti-dilutive shares was approximately 5.2 million, and 5.8 million, and 2.8 million, respectively.


13. Derivative Financial Instruments


We are exposed to various market risks, including changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rate changes. We enter into financial instruments to manage and reduce the impact of these risks, not for trading or speculative purposes. The counterparties to these financial instruments are major financial institutions. We continually monitor our foreign currency exposures in order to maximize the overall effectiveness of our foreign currency hedge positions. Principal currencies hedged includeagainst the U.S. dollar include the Euro, Australian dollar, Canadian dollar, Swedish krona, British pound and Japanese yen. We are subject to credit risk, which relates to the ability of counterparties to meet their contractual payment obligations or the potential non-performance by counterparties to financial instrument contracts. Management continues to monitor the status of our counterparties and will take action, as appropriate, to further manage our counterparty credit risk. There are no credit contingency features in our derivative financial instruments.


When hedge accounting is applicable, on the date we enter into a derivative, the derivative is designated as a hedge of the identified exposure. We measure the effectiveness of our hedging relationships both at hedge inception and on an ongoing basis.


Forward Currency Contracts


We enter into forward foreign currency contracts with third parties to reduce the effect of fluctuating foreign currencies, primarily on foreign denominated inventory purchases and intercompany loans. The majority of the Company’s exposure to local currency movements is in Europe (the Euro, the Swedish krona and the British pound), Brazil, Australia, Canada, Brazil, and Mexico.



ACCO Brands Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)


Forward currency contracts are used to hedge foreign denominated inventory purchases for Europe, Australia, Canada, Japan and New Zealand, and are designated as cash flow hedges. Unrealized gains and losses on these contracts are deferred in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("AOCI") until the contracts are settled and the underlying hedged transactions relating to inventory purchases are recognized, at which time the deferred gains or losses will be reported in the "Cost of products sold" line in the "Consolidated Statements of Operations." As of March 31, 20192020 and December 31, 2018,2019, we had cash-flow-designatedcash flow foreign exchange contracts outstanding with a U.S. dollar equivalent notional value of $96.3$91.8 million and $98.7$96.7 million, respectively.respectively, which were designated as hedges.


Forward currency contracts used to hedge foreign denominated intercompany loans are not designated as hedging instruments. Gains and losses on these derivative instruments are recognized within "Other income, net" in the "Consolidated Statements of Operations" and are largely offset by the change in the current translated value of the hedged item. The periods of the forward foreign exchange contracts correspond to the periods of the hedged transactions, and do not extend beyond March 2020, except for one relating to intercompany loans which extends to December 2020.May 2024. As of March 31, 20192020 and December 31, 2018,2019, we had undesignated foreign exchange contracts outstanding with a U.S. dollar equivalent notional value of $150.3$159.5 million and $113.3$182.6 million, respectively.respectively, which were not designated as hedges.


21


ACCO Brands Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)



The following table summarizes the fair value of our derivative financial instruments as of March 31, 20192020 and December 31, 2018:2019:
Fair Value of Derivative InstrumentsFair Value of Derivative Instruments
Derivative Assets Derivative LiabilitiesDerivative Assets Derivative Liabilities
(in millions)Balance Sheet
Location
 March 31, 2019 December 31,
2018
 Balance Sheet
Location
 March 31, 2019 December 31,
2018
Balance Sheet
Location
 March 31, 2020 December 31,
2019
 Balance Sheet
Location
 March 31, 2020 December 31,
2019
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:                
Foreign exchange contractsOther current assets $1.8
 $3.3
 Other current liabilities $0.1
 $0.1
Other current assets $3.7
 $0.4
 Other current liabilities $0.4
 $0.9
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:                
Foreign exchange contractsOther current assets 0.4
 0.6
 Other current liabilities 1.2
 1.7
Other current assets 5.3
 7.6
 Other current liabilities 1.2
 8.6
Foreign exchange contractsOther non-current assets 7.9
 12.7
 Other non-current liabilities 7.9
 12.7
Other non-current assets 4.0
 
 Other non-current liabilities 4.0
 
Total derivatives $10.1
 $16.6
 $9.2
 $14.5
 $13.0
 $8.0
 $5.6
 $9.5
The following tables summarize the pre-tax effect of our derivative financial instruments on the condensed consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 20192020 and 2018:2019:
 The Effect of Derivative Instruments in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships on the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements The Effect of Derivative Instruments in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships on the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion) Location of (Gain) Loss Reclassified from AOCI to Income Amount of (Gain) Loss
Reclassified from AOCI to Income (Effective Portion)
 Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI (Effective Portion) Location of (Gain) Loss Reclassified from AOCI to Income Amount of (Gain) Loss
Reclassified from AOCI to Income (Effective Portion)
 Three Months Ended March 31, Three Months Ended March 31, Three Months Ended March 31, Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions) 2019 2018 2019 2018 2020 2019 2020 2019
Cash flow hedges:Cash flow hedges:       Cash flow hedges:       
Foreign exchange contractsForeign exchange contracts$0.2
 $(0.3) Cost of products sold $(1.7) $1.2
Foreign exchange contracts$4.5
 $0.2
 Cost of products sold $(1.2) $(1.7)
 The Effect of Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations
 Location of (Gain) Loss Recognized in
Income on Derivatives
 Amount of (Gain) Loss
Recognized in Income
   Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions)  2020 2019
Foreign exchange contractsOther income, net $(9.3) $1.2

 The Effect of Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations
 Location of (Gain) Loss Recognized in
Income on Derivatives
 Amount of (Gain) Loss
Recognized in Income
   Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions)  2019 2018
Foreign exchange contractsOther income, net $1.2
 $0.4



ACCO Brands Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)


14. Fair Value of Financial Instruments


In establishing a fair value, there is a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The basis of the fair value measurement is categorized in three levels, in order of priority, as described below:
Level 1Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
Level 2Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, or
 Unadjusted quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or
 Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability
Level 3Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability


We utilize the best available information in measuring fair value. Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.


22


ACCO Brands Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)



We have determined that our financial assets and liabilities described in "Note 13. Derivative Financial Instruments" are Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The following table sets forth our financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 20192020 and December 31, 2018:2019:


(in millions)March 31,
2020
 December 31,
2019
Assets:   
Forward currency contracts$13.0
 $8.0
Liabilities:   
Forward currency contracts$5.6
 $9.5

(in millions)March 31,
2019
 December 31,
2018
Assets:   
Forward currency contracts$10.1
 $16.6
Liabilities:   
Forward currency contracts$9.2
 $14.5


Our forward currency contracts are included in "Other"Other current assets,," "Other current liabilities," "Other non-current assets," "Other current liabilities" or "Other non-current liabilities." The forward foreign currency exchange contracts are primarily valued based on the foreign currency spot and forward rates quoted by banks or foreign currency dealers. As such, these derivative instruments are classified within Level 2.


The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, notes payable to banks, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate carrying amounts due principally to their short maturities. The carrying amount of total debt was $1,011.3$929.2 million and $888.0$816.0 million and the estimated fair value of total debt was $1,003.8906.7 million and $848.6831.4 million at March 31, 20192020 and December 31, 20182019, respectively. The fair values are determined from quoted market prices, where available, and from investment bankers using current interest rates considering credit ratings and the remaining time to maturity.


15. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)


Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) ("AOCI") is defined as net income (loss) income and other changes in stockholders’ equity from transactions and other events from sources other than stockholders. The components of, and changes in, accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxAOCI were as follows:
(in millions)Derivative
Financial
Instruments
  
Foreign
Currency
Adjustments
 Unrecognized
Pension and Other
Post-retirement
Benefit Costs
 Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Balance at December 31, 2019$(0.2) $(299.5) $(206.0) $(505.7)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax3.3
 (49.7) 6.3
 (40.1)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax(0.9) 
 1.6
 0.7
Balance at March 31, 2020$2.2
 $(349.2) $(198.1) $(545.1)
(in millions)Derivative
Financial
Instruments
  
Foreign
Currency
Adjustments
 Unrecognized
Pension and Other
Post-retirement
Benefit Costs
 Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Balance at December 31, 2018$2.1
 $(299.2) $(164.6) $(461.7)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications, net of tax(0.1) (3.1) (2.2) (5.4)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax(1.0) 
 1.1
 0.1
Balance at March 31, 2019$1.0
 $(302.3) $(165.7) $(467.0)


23



ACCO Brands Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)






The reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)AOCI for the three months ended March 31, 20192020 and 20182019 were as follows:
 Three Months Ended March 31,  Three Months Ended March 31, 
 2019 2018  2020 2019 
(in millions) Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)Location on Income Statement Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)Location on Income Statement
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Components Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)Location on Income Statement
Gain (loss) on cash flow hedges:     
Foreign exchange contracts $1.7
 $(1.2)Cost of products sold $1.2
 $1.7
Cost of products sold
Tax (expense) benefit (0.7) 0.3
Income tax expense (benefit)
Tax expense (0.3) (0.7)Income tax expense
Net of tax $1.0
 $(0.9)  $0.9
 $1.0
 
Defined benefit plan items:          
Amortization of actuarial loss $(1.2) $(1.4)(1) $(1.9) $(1.2)(1)
Amortization of prior service cost (0.1) (0.1)(1) (0.2) (0.1)(1)
Total before tax (1.3) (1.5)  (2.1) (1.3) 
Tax benefit 0.2
 0.3
Income tax expense (benefit) 0.5
 0.2
Income tax expense
Net of tax $(1.1) $(1.2)  $(1.6) $(1.1) 
          
Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax $(0.1) $(2.1)  $(0.7) $(0.1) 


(1)These accumulated other comprehensive incomeAOCI components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost for pension and post-retirement plans. See "Note 6. Pension and Other Retiree Benefits" for additional details.


16. Revenue Recognition


Revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to our customers in an amount reflective of the consideration we expect to be received in exchange for those goods or services. Taxes we collect concurrent with revenue producing activities are excluded from revenue. Incidental items incurred that are immaterial in the context of the contract are expensed.


At the inception of each contract, the Company assesses the products and services promised and identifies each distinct performance obligation. To identify the performance obligations, the Company considers all products and services promised regardless of whether they are explicitly stated or implied within the contract or by standard business practices.


Freight and distribution activities performed before the customer obtains control of the goods are not considered promised services under customer contracts and therefore are not distinct performance obligations. The Company has chosen to account for shipping and handling activities as a fulfillment activity, and therefore accrues the expense of freight and distribution in "Cost of products sold" when product is shipped.


Service or Extended Maintenance Agreements ("EMAs") As of December 31, 2018,2019, there was $5.0$5.5 million of unearned revenue associated with outstanding EMAs, primarily reported in "Other current liabilities." During the three months ended March 31, 2019, $1.62020, $2.8 million of the unearned revenue was earned and recognized. As of March 31, 2019,2020, the amount of unearned revenue from EMA's was $5.4 million. We expect to earn and recognize approximately $4.1$4.7 million of the unearned amount in the next 12 months and $1.3$0.7 million in future periods beyond the next 12 months.



24



ACCO Brands Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)




The following tables presentspresent our net sales disaggregated by regional geography(1), based upon our reporting business segments and our net sales disaggregated by the timing of revenue recognition for the three months ended March 31, 20192020 and 2018:2019:
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions)2019 20182020 2019
United States$140.0
 $144.4
$147.4
 $140.0
Canada20.4
 21.2
20.4
 20.4
ACCO Brands North America160.4
 165.6
167.8
 160.4
      
ACCO Brands EMEA(2)
146.5
 154.5
127.5
 146.5
      
Australia/N.Z.32.9
 39.8
28.9
 32.9
Latin America42.3
 33.5
49.0
 42.3
Asia-Pacific11.8
 12.4
10.9
 11.8
ACCO Brands International87.0
 85.7
88.8
 87.0
Net sales$393.9
 $405.8
$384.1
 $393.9


(1) Net sales are attributed to geographic areas based on the location of the selling subsidiaries.
(2) ACCO Brands EMEA is comprised largely of Europe, but also includes export sales to the Middle East and Africa.


 Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions)2020 2019
Product and services transferred at a point in time$363.6
 $378.4
Product and services transferred over time20.5
 15.5
Net sales$384.1
 $393.9

 Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions)2019 2018
Product and services transferred at a point in time$373.4
 $391.4
Product and services transferred over time20.5
 14.4
Net sales$393.9
 $405.8



ACCO Brands Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)


17. Information on Business Segments


The Company has three3 operating business segments each of which is comprised of different geographic regions. The Company's three3 segments are as follows:

Operating Segment GeographyPrimary BrandsPrimary Products
ACCO Brands North America United States and Canada
Five Star®, Quartet®, AT-A-GLANCE®, GBC®, Swingline®, Kensington®, Mead®, and Hilroy®
School notebooks, planners, dry erase boards, storage and organization products (3-ring binders), stapling, punching, laminating, binding products, and computer accessories
ACCO Brands EMEA Europe, Middle East and Africa
Leitz®, Rapid®, Esselte®, Kensington®, Rexel® GBC®, NOBO®, and Derwent®
Storage and organization products (lever-arch binders, sheet protectors, indexes), stapling, punching, laminating, shredding, do-it-yourself tools, dry erase boards, writing instruments and computer accessories
ACCO Brands International Australia/N.Z., Latin America and Asia-Pacific
Tilibra®, GBC®, Barrilito®, Foroni®, Marbig®, Kensington®, Artline®*, Wilson Jones®,Quartet®, Spirax®, and Rexel®
*Australia/N.Z. only
School notebooks, planners, dry erase boards, storage and organization products (binders, sheet protectors and indexes), stapling, punching, laminating, shredding, writing instruments, janitorial supplies and computer accessories


Each of the Company's three operating segmentsbusiness segment designs, markets, sources, manufactures and sells recognized consumer and other end-user demanded branded products used in businesses, schools and homes. Product designs are tailored based onto end-user preferences in each geographic region.region, and where possible, leverage common engineering, design, and sourcing.


Our product categories include storage and organization; stapling; punching; laminating, shredding and binding and shredding machines and related consumable supplies; whiteboards;machines; dry erase boards; notebooks; calendars; computer accessories; and do-it-yourself tools, among others. Our portfolio of consumer and other end-user demanded brands includes both globally and regionally recognized brands.


25


ACCO Brands Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)


ACCO Brands North America

The ACCO Brandsrevenue in North America segment is comprised of the United States and Canada where the Company is a leading branded supplierInternational segments includes significant sales of consumer products that have very important, seasonal selling periods related to back-to-school and business products under brands such as AT-A-GLANCE®, Five Star®, GBC®, Hilroy®, Kensington®, Mead®, Quartet®, and Swingline®.The ACCO Brandscalendar year-end. For North America segment designs, sources or manufactures and distributes school notebooks, calendars, whiteboards, storageMexico, back-to-school straddles the second and organization products (such as three-ring binders, sheet protectorsthird quarters, and indexes), stapling, punching, laminating, bindingfor Southern hemisphere it takes place in the fourth and shredding products, and computer accessories, among others, which are primarily used in schools, homes and businesses. The majority of revenue in this segment is related to consumer and home products and is associated with the "back-to-school" season and year-end calendar purchases.first quarter. We expect sales of consumer products to become an increasinglya greater percentage of our revenue asbecause demand for consumer back-to-school products is growing faster growing than demand for most business-related and calendar products.

ACCO Brands EMEA

The ACCO Brands EMEA segment is comprised largely of Europe, but also includes export sales to the Middle East and Africa. The Company is a leading branded supplier of consumer and business products under brands such as Derwent®, Esselte®, GBC®, Kensington®, Leitz®, NOBO®, Rapid®, and Rexel®.The ACCO Brands EMEA segment designs, manufactures or sources and distributes storage and organization products (such as lever-arch binders, sheet protectors and indexes), stapling, punching, laminating, binding and shredding products, do-it-yourself tools, and computer accessories, among others, which are primarily used in businesses, homes and schools.

ACCO Brands International

The ACCO Brands International segment is comprised of Australia/N.Z., Latin America and Asia-Pacific where the Company is a leading branded supplier of consumer and business products under brands such as Artline®, Barrilito®, GBC®, Kensington®, Marbig®, Quartet®, Rexel®, Tilibra®, and Wilson Jones®, among others. The ACCO Brands International segment designs, sources or manufactures and distributes school notebooks, calendars, whiteboards, storage and organization products (such as three-ring binders, sheet protectors and indexes), stapling, punching, laminating, binding and shredding products, writing instruments, and janitorial supplies, among others, which are primarily used in schools, businesses and homes. The majority of revenue in this segment is related to consumer products and is associated with the "back-to-school" season and year-end calendar purchases. We expect sales of consumer products to become an increasingly greater percentage of our revenue as demand for consumer products is faster growing than most business-related products.


Customers


We distribute our products through a wide variety of retail and commercial channels to ensure that our productsthey are readily and conveniently available for purchase by consumers and other end-users, wherever they prefer to shop. These channels include mass retailers; e-tailers; discount, drug/grocery and variety chains; warehouse clubs; hardware and specialty stores; independent office product dealers; office superstores; wholesalers; and contract stationers. We also sell directly to commercial and consumer end-users through our e-commerce platformsites and our direct sales organization.

Net sales by business segment for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 were as follows:
 Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions)2019 2018
ACCO Brands North America$160.4
 $165.6
ACCO Brands EMEA146.5
 154.5
ACCO Brands International87.0
 85.7
Net sales$393.9
 $405.8


26



ACCO Brands Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)




Net sales by business segment for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 were as follows:
 Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions)2020 2019
ACCO Brands North America$167.8
 $160.4
ACCO Brands EMEA127.5
 146.5
ACCO Brands International88.8
 87.0
Net sales$384.1
 $393.9


Operating income by business segment for the three months ended March 31, 20192020 and 20182019 was as follows:
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions)2019 20182020 2019
ACCO Brands North America$6.8
 $2.9
$7.6
 $6.8
ACCO Brands EMEA15.9
 14.1
12.0
 15.9
ACCO Brands International5.6
 5.8
5.9
 5.6
Segment operating income28.3
 22.8
25.5
 28.3
Corporate(10.4) (11.1)(8.1) (10.4)
Operating income(1)
17.9
 11.7
17.4
 17.9
Interest expense10.4
 9.4
8.6
 10.4
Interest income(0.9) (1.0)(0.3) (0.9)
Non-operating pension income(1.4) (2.2)(1.5) (1.4)
Other income, net(0.2) (0.6)(0.5) (0.2)
Income before income tax$10.0
 $6.1
$11.1
 $10.0


(1)Operating income as presented in the segment table above is defined as i) net sales; ii) less cost of products sold; iii) less selling, general and administrative expenses; iv) less amortization of intangibles; and v) less restructuring charges.


18. Commitments and Contingencies


Pending Litigation - Brazil Tax Assessments


In connection with our May 1, 2012, acquisition of the Mead C&OP business, we assumed all of the tax liabilities for the acquired foreign operations including Tilibra Produtos de Papelaria Ltda. ("Tilibra"). For further information, see "Note 11. Income Taxes - Brazil Tax Assessments" for details on tax assessments issued by the FRD against Tilibra challenging the tax deduction of goodwill from Tilibra's taxable income for the years 2007 through 2010. If the FRD's initial position is ultimately sustained, payment of the amount assessed would materially and adversely affect our cash flow in the year of settlement.


Brazil Tax Credits

In March 2017, the Supreme Court of Brazil ruled against the Brazilian tax authority in a leading case related to the computation of certain indirect taxes. The Supreme Court ruled that the indirect tax base should not include a value-added tax known as "ICMS." The Supreme Court decision, in principle, affects all applicable judicial proceedings in progress, and reduces future indirect taxes on our Brazilian subsidiary, Tilibra. However, the Brazilian tax authority has filed an appeal seeking clarification of certain matters, including the amount by which taxpayers would be entitled to reduce their indirect tax base (i.e. the gross ICMS collected or the net ICMS paid). The appeal also requests a modulation of the decision’s effects, which may limit its retrospective impact on taxpayers, including Tilibra.

Tilibra has paid and continues to pay these indirect taxes on a tax base which includes the gross ICMS collected. It has also filed legal actions in Brazil to request reimbursement of these excess tax payments by way of future credits ("Tax Credits") and

ACCO Brands Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)


for permission to exclude the gross ICMS collected from the tax base in future periods. Tilibra’s legal actions cover various time periods and some have been finally decided in a court of law in favor of Tilibra, while others are still pending a final decision.

Due to the uncertainties associated with the scope of the application of the Brazilian Supreme Court’s ruling, taking into account the Brazilian tax authority’s appeal and request for modulation, the Company has and will recognize income only for the amount of Tax Credits actually monetized, which will occur when Tilibra receives a cash flow benefit from applying the Tax Credits against various taxes payable in Brazil. The benefit of the Tax Credits realized by the Company has and will be recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in the line item "Other income, net."

Tilibra has received final decisions for Tax Credits in the amount of $4.3 million, of which $3.3 million was offset against Brazilian taxes in the fourth quarter of 2019, with the balance used during the first quarter of 2020. This amount of Tax Credits assumes that only the net amount of ICMS paid can be excluded from the tax base. The total value of these Tax Credits was recorded as a gain in Tilibra’s local statutory accounts during the third quarter of 2019, resulting in Brazilian federal taxes payable of approximately $1.6 million.

Final decisions in the remaining legal actions Tilibra has filed may result in additional Tax Credits that could be monetized in future periods. Further, a favorable decision in the leading case by the Brazilian Supreme Court on the methodology to compute the Tax Credits (i.e. gross ICMS collected) would result in additional Tax Credits being available to Tilibra. The amount of these additional Tax Credits may be material.

Foroni, in years prior to acquisition, also filed legal actions in Brazil to recover these excess indirect tax payments; however all of Foroni's claims are still pending a final decision. In the event any Tax Credits are recovered on behalf of Foroni, in accordance with the terms of the quota purchase agreement we are required to remit such recovery to the former owners of Foroni on a net income tax paid basis and therefore will not recognize any benefit in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Other Pending Litigation


We are party to various lawsuits and regulatory proceedings, primarily related to alleged patent infringement, and employee terminations as well as other claims incidental to our business. In addition, we may be unaware of third party claims of intellectual property infringement relating to our technology, brands, or products, and we may face other claims related to business operations. Any litigation regarding patents or other intellectual property could be costly and time-consuming and might require us to pay monetary damages or enter into costly license agreements. We also may be subject to injunctions against development and sale of certain of our products.


It is the opinion of management that (other than the Brazil Tax Assessments) the ultimate resolution of currently outstanding matters will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flow. However, there is no assurance that we will ultimately be successful in our defense of any of these matters or that an adverse outcome in any matter will not affect our results of operations, financial condition or cash flow. Further, future claims, lawsuits and legal proceedings could materially and adversely affect our business, reputation, results of operations and financial condition.


Environmental


We are subject to national, state, provincial and/or local environmental laws and regulations concerning the discharge of materials into the environment and the handling, disposal and clean-up of waste materials and otherwiseother items relating to the protection of the environment. This includes environmental laws and regulations that affect the design and composition of certain of our products. It is not possible to quantify with certainty the potential impact of actions regarding environmental matters, particularly remediation and other compliance efforts that we may undertake in the future. In the opinion of our management, compliance with the present environmental protection laws, before taking into account estimated recoveries from third parties, will not have a material adverse effect upon our capital expenditures, financial condition and results of operations or competitive position.

27


ACCO Brands Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)




19. Subsequent Events


Dividends


On May 2, 2019,1, 2020, the Company's Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.06$0.065 per share on its common stock. The dividend is payable on June 19, 20192020 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on May 24, 2019.27, 2020. The declaration and payment of future dividends will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will be dependent upon, among

ACCO Brands Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) (Continued)


other things, the Company's financial position, results of operations, cash flows, debt covenant compliance, anticipated liquidity needs, and other factors.



Bank Amendment

On May 1, 2020, the Company entered into a Third Amendment (the "Third Amendment") to its Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, as amended (the "Credit Agreement"), among the Company, certain subsidiaries of the Company, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and the other lenders party thereto. Pursuant to the Third Amendment, the Credit Agreement was amended to, among other things:

Increase the maximum consolidated leverage ratio from 3.75:1.00 to 4.75:1.00, stepping back down to 3.75:1.00 for the first fiscal quarter ending after June 30, 2021.
Amend the pricing based on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio, with a scaled increase in fees based on varying leverage ratios. Per the terms of the Third Amendment, pricing will be locked at LIBOR plus 200 bps until the Company publishes its financial results for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2020.
Reduce the Company’s capacity to incur certain other indebtedness, and impose additional limitations on certain restricted payments (other than dividends) and permitted acquisitions.
Require that the Company pay down any amounts on its revolving facility when cash and cash equivalents of the loan parties exceed $100 million.





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



Introduction
INTRODUCTION

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 20192020 and 20182019 should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of ACCO Brands Corporation and the accompanying notes contained therein.


Overview of the Company


ACCO Brands is a designer, marketerdesigns, markets and manufacturer of recognizedmanufactures well-recognized consumer, school, and other end-user demanded brands used in businesses, schools, and homes.office products. Our widely known brands include AT-A-GLANCE®, Barrilito®, Derwent®, Esselte®, Five Star®, Foroni®, GBC®, Hilroy®, Kensington®, Leitz®, Marbig®, Mead®, NOBO®, Quartet®, Rapid®, Rexel®, Swingline®, Tilibra® and Wilson Jones®. More than 75%Approximately 75 percent of our net sales come from brands that occupy the number-oneNo. 1 or number-two positionsNo. 2 position in the select product categories in which we compete. We distribute our products through a wide variety of retail and commercial channels to ensure that our products are readily and conveniently available for purchase by consumers and other end-users, wherever they prefer to shop. These channels include mass retailers, e-tailers, discount, drug/grocery and variety chains; warehouse clubs; hardware and specialty stores; independent office product dealers; office superstores; wholesalers; and contract stationers. Our products are sold primarily in the U.S., Europe, Brazil, Australia, Canada, Brazil and Mexico. For the year ended December 31, 2018,2019, approximately 42%43 percent of our net sales were in the U.S.; down

Our leading product category positions provide the scale to invest in marketing and product innovation to drive profitable growth. Over the long term, we expect to derive much of our growth from 45% in 2017. This decrease was primarilyemerging markets such as Latin America and parts of Asia, the resultMiddle East, and Eastern Europe. These areas exhibit sales growth for our product categories. In all of the Esselteour markets, we see opportunities for sales growth through share gains, channel expansion, and GOBA acquisitions, which further extended our geographic reach.product enhancements.


The Company'sOur strategy is to grow itsour global portfolio of consumer brands, offer more innovative products, increase itsour presence in faster growing geographies and channels, and diversify itsour customer base. The Company continuesWe plan to focus on leveraging itssupplement organic growth with strategic acquisitions in both existing and adjacent product categories. We generate strong operating cash flow, and will continue to leverage our cost structure through synergies and productivity savings to drive long-term profit improvement and on strong free cash flow generation. We plan to supplement organic growth globally with strategic acquisitions in both existing and adjacent product categories.improvement.


In furtherancesupport of our strategy,these strategic imperatives, we have transformedbeen transforming our business by acquiring companies with consumer and other end-user demanded brands, and by continuing to diversifydiversifying our distribution channels. In 2012, we acquired the Mead Consumerchannels and Office Products business ("Mead C&OP"), which substantially increasedincreasing our presence in North America and Brazil in school and calendar products with well-known consumer brands. In 2016, we purchased the remaining equity interest in Pelikan Artline from our joint venture partner, which enhanced our competitive position in school and business products in Australia and New Zealand and added new categories, including writing instruments and janitorial supplies. In early 2017, we acquired Esselte Group Holdings AB ("Esselte"), which more than doubled our presence in Europe and added several iconic business brands, a significant base of independent dealer customers, and a new product category of do-it-yourself hardware tools. On July 2, 2018, we completed the acquisition of GOBA Internacional, S.A. de C.V. in Mexico to extend our presence into new categories. Together theseglobal presence. These acquisitions have meaningfully expanded our portfolio of well-known end-user demanded brands, enhanced our competitive position from both a product and channel perspective, and added scale to our business operations.

Today our CompanyACCO Brands is a global enterprise focused on developing innovative, branded consumer products for use in businesses, schools, and homes.

Overview of Performance

For the three months ended March 31, 2020, net sales declined $9.8 million, or 2.5 percent, primarily driven by weakness in EMEA, particularly in March, from COVID-19-related business closures and negative foreign exchange of $10.6 million, which was partially offset by sales from Foroni, which contributed $14.4 million to net sales. Excluding foreign exchange and Foroni, comparable net sales were down 3.5 percent, primarily due to the weakness in EMEA. Operating income declined 2.8 percent, primarily due to foreign exchange, which impacted our operating income by $1.2 million.

Operating cash outflow for the three months ended March 31, 2020, was $25.2 million, which was significantly better than last year's operating cash outflow of $61.3 million. The $36.1 million year-over-year improvement was due to our decision in 2018 to purchase raw materials and finished goods inventory for the 2019 year in late 2018 to secure supply and partially mitigate the effect of anticipated inflation and tariffs. These purchases were paid for in the first quarter of 2019. This year-end inventory build did not repeat in 2019.

COVID-19 Impact

As discussed in more detail in "Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors" of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, COVID-19 and the actions being taken by national, state and local governments to address it have caused and continue to cause significant disruptions to normal business operations both in and outside of affected areas and have had significant adverse impacts on businesses and financial markets worldwide. Similarly, our business and results of operations have been and will continue to be adversely affected


by these events, as well as the current and expected continued negative impact on the global economy and uncertainties regarding how geographies, distribution channels and consumer behaviors will evolve over time.

Health and Safety of our People

Our top priority is the health and safety of our employees and, in the face of the developing pandemic we immediately took actions to address their safety. Those employees who could do their jobs from home began doing so. In our plants and distribution centers we made modifications to our normal operations because of the COVID-19 outbreak. These modifications vary from country to country depending on local conditions and government mandates but include taking workers’ temperatures daily, practicing social distancing, wearing protective equipment, quarantines consistent with CDC and WHO guidelines, and adjusting schedules as appropriate to reduce unnecessary employee interaction. We also instituted heightened cleaning and sanitization standards. We will continue to monitor our operations and government recommendations regarding employee health and safety and make changes as appropriate. We are beginning to consider the policies and procedures that will need to be in place to ensure the health and safety of our office and administrative employees when they return to the workplace.

Facilities and Supply Chain

During the first quarter, COVID-19 impacted our Chinese supply chain and we experienced and are continuing to experience some out-of-stocks and lost sales, but we have seen continued improvement since then. We currently believe the most significant supply chain issues are largely behind us, but there can be no assurance that there will not be future supply chain disruptions or a reemergence of supply chain impacts as a result of COVID-19. While a small number of our leading product category positions providemanufacturing and distribution operations were or currently are closed temporarily, we have been declared an essential business in most jurisdictions and most of our facilities remain open and operating. We are shipping, but at a reduced level based on lower demand, particularly in the scaletraditional office products area.

Our second and third quarters are heavily driven by the North America back-to-school season. We currently do not anticipate any significant supply chain issues in meeting back-to-school orders. We manufacture approximately 50 percent of our U.S. back-to-school supply domestically, and our manufacturing facilities are open and operating. Additionally, over the past two years we have moved a sizeable amount of manufacturing from China to enable usVietnam. Approximately 30 percent of back-to-school items now come from Vietnam and less than 20 percent come from China.

Cost Reductions

To begin to investaddress the financial impact of the pandemic on our results of operations, we have undertaken cost-cutting initiatives to better align our cost structure with the expected decline in marketing and product innovation to drive profitable growth.2020 sales. We expect these cost reduction actions, when combined with our normal productivity savings, to derive muchreduce costs by approximately $20 million for the second quarter. These actions include reducing discretionary spending such as travel, freezing hiring, delaying non-essential capital spending, as well as numerous actions to reduce payroll and benefit costs. Among others, the payroll-related actions include: temporary salary reductions for most of the staff, ranging from 50 percent for the CEO, to 30 percent for executives, to 10 percent to 30 percent for most other global employees; a temporary 50-percent reduction to the Board of Directors' annual cash retainers; indefinite postponement of 2020 merit increases except where mandated by law; release of 2020 bonus accruals due to lack of achievement; temporary furloughs across the organization; the suspension of company match for the U.S. 401(k) plan; and layoffs of production and distribution employees commensurate with the drop in demand. We are doing everything we can in the short term to mitigate the impact of the pandemic to ensure the long-term health and prosperity of our growth, overcompany and our employees.

Where we qualify, we have also sought to take full advantage of government assistance available to employers in the longcountries outside the U.S. where we operate. We do not expect these cost reductions to fully offset the impact of reduced sales due to COVID-19 in the second quarter. Further, there can be no assurance that these cost-savings measures, and any additional cost-savings measures we may implement in the future will be sufficient to offset the current and future adverse financial impacts of COVID-19 on our business, results of operation or financial condition. Over the longer term, we will evaluate the need to extend, adjust or convert these actions into more permanent changes depending on the economic and business situation.

Liquidity, Capital Resources and Other Assets

We are in faster-growing emerging geographiesa strong financial position with $93.4 million cash on hand and $450.1 million available for borrowings under our $600 million committed revolving credit facility as of the end of the first quarter. We also recently amended our bank debt maintenance covenant increasing the net debt to EBITDA leverage ratio to 4.75x from 3.75x through the first quarter ending after June 30, 2021. This will provide us additional financial flexibility to cover the anticipated financial impact of COVID-19 should we need it. As of March 31, 2020, our net leverage ratio was 2.8x. We have no debt maturities before May 2024. We also recently


announced that we do not intend to repurchase additional shares during 2020. Our planned use of cash for the remainder of 2020, after funding operating needs, will be to pay dividends and reduce debt.

Given our financial strength, we currently expect to be able to maintain adequate liquidity as we manage through the current environment. We also believe that our seasonal borrowings could be higher in the second quarter because lower sales in April will result in lower collections from accounts receivables in the quarter.

Likewise, we are monitoring our working capital, including accounts receivable and inventory. We anticipate an increased level of late payments and potential bad debts as our customers deal with the COVID-19 impacts on their businesses from the prolonged period of closure. We are actively managing our receivables and will potentially restrict our own sales to mitigate our risk. In addition, we did not anticipate such a steep drop in demand when we placed orders for purchased finished goods earlier in the year, which is likely to result in elevated inventory levels at the end of the second quarter.

We continue to monitor the significant global economic uncertainty as Latin America and partsa result of Asia,COVID-19 to assess the Middle East and Eastern Europe, which exhibit growingoutlook for demand for our product categories. In allproducts and the impact on our business and our overall financial performance. This includes our risk of impairment losses to our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets. Although the potential impact of COVID-19 related demand is uncertain, we remain committed to the strategic actions necessary to preserve the long-term forecasted financial performance and expect the macroeconomic environment will recover in the medium to long-term. As a result of our analysis, and consideration of events and circumstances, we concluded that there were no triggering events that would make it more likely than not that our goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets were impaired as of March 31, 2020.

Outlook

During the back half of March 2020, we began to experience a decline in the demand for our products resulting in decreased sales, particularly in our EMEA and International segments, which were the first to experience the full effects of COVID-19 and the government and business response to the pandemic. This trend has continued and expanded into most of our markets and will continue to materially and negatively impact our sales, earnings and results of operations at least through year-end.

We expect demand in the second quarter to be down significantly due to business and school closures, with April anticipated to be the weakest month. While back-to-school sell-in to mass merchants and e-tailers is expected to be similar to last year, we see opportunitiesanticipate that sales to growour traditional office products customers and other retailers will be down with their customers not open and/or themselves not being operational. Our outlook for second quarter sales through share gains, channel expansiondecline is a range of 25 percent to 40 percent, including 3 percent impact from adverse foreign exchange. For the full year, visibility is limited and innovative products.we expect overall demand to be down relative to 2019, with a slowly improving demand level with a wide range of sales outcomes as the year progresses. There may be some variation in the timing of school openings versus normal which could affect the timing of back-to-school sales, but we expect most schools will be open in the fall.


We have limited visibility beyond the second quarter, and we previously withdrew our full year guidance due to our inability to provide a longer-term outlook with confidence. We expect that the pandemic will materially and adversely affect our business, sales, and results of operations for the remainder of 2020; however, we are uncertain as to the magnitude of the longer term impact on our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, customers, consumers, suppliers, industry and employees.

Acquisitions


GOBA Internacional, S.A. de C.V.Indústria Gráfica Foroni Ltda Acquisition


On July 2, 2018,Effective August 1, 2019, we completed the acquisition (the "GOBA"Foroni Acquisition") of GOBA Internacional, S.A. de C.V.Indústria Gráfica Foroni Ltda. ("GOBA"Foroni"), a leading provider of Foroni® branded notebooks and paper-based school and craftoffice products in Mexico under the Barrilito® brand, for a preliminaryBrazil. The purchase price of approximately $37.2was $41.5 million netinclusive of cash acquired, and subject to working capital adjustments. We also assumed $7.6 million of debt. The Foroni Acquisition advanced our strategy to expand in faster growing geographies and other adjustments. The GOBA Acquisition has increased the breadthproduct categories, add consumer-centric brands and depth ofdiversify our distribution, especially with wholesalers and retailers throughout Mexico, and complements our existing office products portfolio with a strong offering of school and craft products.customer base. The results of GOBAForoni are included in the ACCO Brands International segment as of July 2, 2018.effective August 1, 2019.




For further information on the GOBAForoni Acquisition, see "Note 3. Acquisitions" to the condensed consolidated financial statements contained in Item 1. of this report.Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.


OVERVIEW OF PERFORMANCE



Our financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2019 reflect the positive impact of price increases, cost reductions and improved operating efficiencies, which increased the operating income and operating income margin in our North America segment, and the impact of the GOBA Acquisition which contributed $11.8 million of net sales and $2.5 million of operating income to our International segment. Conversely, foreign currency translation negatively impacted our net sales by $21.6 million, our operating income by $2.2 million.Foreign Exchange Rates


The quarterly average foreign exchange rates have moved relative to the prior-year quarter as follows for most of our major currencies have declined relative to the U.S. dollar:dollar from the prior-year period as detailed below:
  
20192020 1ST QTR Average Versus 20182019 1ST QTR Average
Currency Increase/(Decline)
Euro (8)(3)%
Brazilian real(15)%
Australian dollar (9)(8)%
Canadian dollar (5)(1)%
Brazilian realMexican peso (14)(3)%
Swedish krona (12)(5)%
British pound(6)%
Mexican peso (2)%
Japanese yen (1)%1%


In North America, price increases and cost savings initiatives were initiated in late 2018 in order to offset the negative impact of inflationary increases in input costs, as well as increased tariffs that increased our cost of goods sold and reduced our gross profit margins during the second half of 2018. While we expect these higher input costs and tariffs will continue to negatively impact on our costs of goods sold in 2019, we expect the price increases and additional cost reduction initiatives we have already implemented to fully offset currently known inflation. Should the rate of tariffs on purchased finished goods we source from China increase again, or should we experience additional cost inflation, we may need to increase prices again which may result in a decrease in sales volume.

Operating cash flow for the three months ended March 31, 2019 decreased by $121.7 million compared to the prior-year quarter primarily due to the payments for inventory in the first quarter of 2019 that was purchased at the end of 2018. The 2018 inventory purchases were primarily in the U.S. in order to secure paper supply and pricing for the 2019 back-to-school season and to mitigate the previously expected additional inflationary cost increases on purchased finished goods sourced from China. Due to this shift in timing of inventory purchases, we also anticipate a much lower cash outflow in the second quarter of 2019 when compared to second quarter of 2018 because the normal buildup of back-to-school inventory will be offset by a reduction in the previously purchased inventory.



Consolidated Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2018


Three Months Ended March 31, Amount of Change Three Months Ended March 31, Amount of Change 
(in millions, except per share data)2019 2018 $ %/pts 2020 2019 $ %/pts 
Net sales$393.9
 $405.8
 $(11.9) (2.9)% $384.1
 $393.9
 $(9.8) (2.5)% 
Cost of products sold268.1
 278.3
 (10.2) (3.7)% 271.9
 268.1
 3.8
 1.4 % 
Gross profit125.8
 127.5
 (1.7) (1.3)% 112.2
 125.8
 (13.6) (10.8)% 
Gross profit margin31.9% 31.4 %   0.5
pts 29.2% 31.9%   (2.7)
pts 
Selling, general and administrative expenses95.9
 101.8
 (5.9) (5.8)% 86.1
 95.9
 (9.8) (10.2)% 
Amortization of intangibles9.3
 9.3
 
 -
 8.4
 9.3
 (0.9) (9.7)% 
Restructuring charges2.7
 4.7
 (2.0) (42.6)% 0.3
 2.7
 (2.4) (88.9)% 
Operating income17.9
 11.7
 6.2
 53.0 % 17.4
 17.9
 (0.5) (2.8)% 
Operating income margin4.5% 2.9 %   1.6
pts 4.5% 4.5%   0.0
pts 
Interest expense10.4
 9.4
 1.0
 10.6 % 8.6
 10.4
 (1.8) (17.3)% 
Interest income(0.9) (1.0) (0.1) (10.0)% (0.3) (0.9) (0.6) (66.7)% 
Non-operating pension income(1.4) (2.2) (0.8) (36.4)% (1.5) (1.4) 0.1
 7.1 % 
Other income, net(0.2) (0.6) 0.4
 (66.7)% (0.5) (0.2) 0.3
 150.0 % 
Income tax expense (benefit)10.6
 (4.3) 14.9
 NM
 
Income before income tax11.1
 10.0
 1.1
 11.0 % 
Income tax expense3.1
 10.6
 (7.5) (70.8)% 
Effective tax rate106.0% (70.5)%   NM
pts 27.9% 106.0%   (78.1)
pts 
Net income (loss)(0.6) 10.4
 (11.0) NM
 8.0
 (0.6) 8.6
 NM
 
Weighted average number of diluted shares outstanding:102.3
 110.0
 (7.7) (7.0)% 97.5
 102.3
 (4.8) (4.7)% 
Diluted (loss) income per share$(0.01) $0.09
 $(0.10) NM
 
Diluted income (loss) per share$0.08
 $(0.01) $0.09
 NM
 


Net Sales


Net sales ofdecreased 2.5 percent to $384.1 million from $393.9 million including $11.8 million attributablein 2019 due to GOBA, decreased $11.9adverse foreign exchange of $10.6 million, or 2.9%, from $405.8 million2.7 percent. The Foroni acquisition added $14.4 million. Comparable sales decreased 3.5 percent driven by weakness in the prior-year period due to foreign currency translation, which reduced net sales by $21.6 million, or 5.3%,EMEA and International segments, particularly in the current-year period. Comparable net sales, excluding the salesMarch from GOBA and foreign currency translation, decreased slightly, 0.5%, as lower volume wasCOVID-19-related business closures. These declines were partially offset by higher pricing.growth in North America.




Cost of Products Sold


Cost of products sold includes all manufacturing, product sourcing and distribution costs, including depreciation related to assets used in manufacturing; procurement and distribution process costs; allocation of $268.1 million, including $7.4 million attributable to GOBA, decreased $10.2 million, or 3.7%, from $278.3 millioncertain information technology costs supporting those processes; inbound and outbound freight; shipping and handling costs; purchasing costs associated with materials and packaging used in the prior-year period. production processes; and inventory valuation adjustments.

Foreign currency translationexchange reduced cost of products sold by $14.6$7.3 million, or 5.2%, in2.7 percent and the current-year period. UnderlyingForoni acquisition added $12.0 million, or 4.5%. Excluding Foroni and foreign exchange, cost of products sold excluding GOBA and foreign currency translation, decreased due to lower comparable net sales and cost savings, partially offset by higher input costslower levels of fixed cost absorption (primarily in the U.S.North America segment) and Europe.an unfavorable product mix (primarily in the EMEA segment).


Gross Profit


We believe that gross profit and gross profit margin provide enhanced stockholdershareholder understanding of our underlying operating profit drivers. Gross profit of $125.8 million, including $4.4 million attributable to GOBA, decreased $1.7 million, or 1.3%, from $127.5 million in the prior-year period.

Foreign currency translationexchange reduced gross profit by $7.0$3.3 million, or 5.5%,2.6 percent and the Foroni acquisition added $2.4 million, or 1.9%. Excluding Foroni and foreign exchange, gross profit decreased due to lower net comparable sales, primarily in the current-year period. Underlying gross profit, excluding GOBAEMEA and foreign currency translation, increased primarily due to cost savings and higher pricing in the North America segment.International segments.


Gross profit as a percent of net sales increaseddecreased to 31.9%29.2 percent from 31.4%,31.9 percent, with 50 basis points of the decline attributable to Foroni. Excluding Foroni and foreign exchange, gross profit margin declined in all segments, primarily due to lower levels of fixed cost savingsabsorption (primarily in the North America segment) and higher pricing.an unfavorable product mix (primarily in the EMEA segment). International segment gross profit margin was flat.




Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A") include advertising, marketing, selling (including commissions), research and development, customer service, depreciation related to assets outside the manufacturing and distribution processes and all other general and administrative expenses outside the manufacturing and distribution functions (e.g., finance, human resources, and information technology).

Foreign exchange reduced SG&A of $95.9 million, including $1.6 million attributable to GOBA, decreased $5.9$1.9 million, or 5.8%, from $101.8 million in2.0 percent and the prior-year period. Foreign currency translation reduced SG&A by $4.3Foroni acquisition added $2.2 million, or 4.2%, in the current-year period.2.3%. The current-year periodcurrent year includes $0.4$0.3 million of transactionintegration and integrationtransaction costs related to the Cumberland asset and GOBA acquisitions.Foroni acquisition. The prior-year period included $1.6$0.4 million in integration costs related primarily to the Esselte acquisition. Underlying SG&A, excluding GOBA,prior acquisitions. Excluding Foroni, integration and transaction and integration costs, and foreign currency translation, decreasedexchange, SG&A declined due to $7 million in lower incentive accruals and cost savings.


SG&A as a percentage of net sales decreased to 22.4% from 24.3% from 25.1% in the prior-year period,last year, primarily due to cost savings.the reasons mentioned above. Foroni accounted for 30 basis points of the decrease.


Restructuring Charges


Restructuring charges ofwere $0.3 million, down $2.4 million from $2.7 million decreased $2.0 million, or 42.6%, from $4.7 million in the prior-year period.last year. The current-year periodcharges related to incremental costs associated with cost reduction programs initiated at the end of 2019 in all of our segments. The prior year charges related to severance costs associated with additional changes in the operating structure of our North America and International segments. The prior-year period charges primarily related to Esselte integration activities and changes in the operating structure of the North America segment.


Operating Income


Operating income was $17.4 million, a decrease of $0.5 million, from $17.9 million including $2.5 million attributablein 2019, primarily due to GOBA, increased $6.2 million, or 53.0%,lower comparable sales from $11.7 million in the prior-year period.impact of COVID-19-related business closures. The Foroni acquisition was immaterial. Foreign currency translationexchange reduced operating income by $2.2$1.2 million or 18.8%, in the current-year period. Underlying operating income, excluding GOBA,and lower restructuring charges transaction and integration costs, and foreign currency translation, increased primarily due to cost savings and higher pricing.were a $2.4 million benefit.


Interest Expense and Non-Operating Pension Income


InterestThe decrease in interest expense of $10.4$1.8 million, increased $1.0 million, or 10.6%, from $9.4 million in the prior-year period. The increase was primarily due to higherlower average debt outstanding and higherlower interest rates on our variable rate debtdebt.

Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense was $3.1 million on income before taxes of $11.1 million, or an effective tax rate of 27.9 percent. The decrease in effective tax rate for the period was primarily due to a reduction in nondeductible interest expense in the current-year period.

Non-operating pension income of $1.4 million decreased $0.8 million, or 36.4% from $2.2 millioncurrent year, and an increase in reserves for uncertain tax positions in the prior-year period. The decrease is due to lower expected rates of return on plan assets in our foreign plans.prior year.


Income Taxes


For the current-year period,prior year, income tax expense was $10.6 million on income before taxes of $10.0 million, or an effective tax rate of 106.0%.106.0 percent. The high effective tax rate for the quarter is primarilyprior-year period was due to the Company recording of (i) additional reserves for uncertain tax positions in connection withrelated to the Brazil Tax Assessments ($($5.6 million)million), the recording of(ii) deferred state taxes on unremitted non-U.S. earnings ($($0.8 million)million) and the recording of other(iii) reserves related to various tax contingencies. The increase of $5.6$5.6 million in the reserve related to uncertain tax positions in connection with the Brazil Tax Assessments was recorded in March,the first quarter of 2019, thoughalthough the increase should properly have been recorded in 2018 when the Companywe decided to appeal an administrative decision to the judicial level.


The lower effective tax rate in the prior-year period was due to a $5.6 million benefit resulting from the partial release of the reserve for the Brazil Tax Assessments due to the expiration of the statute of limitations for the 2011 tax year, and $2.5 million of excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation.

See "Note 11. Income Taxes -Brazil- Brazil Tax Assessments"Assessments" to the condensed consolidated financial statements contained in Item 1. of this report for additional details on the Brazil Tax Assessments.


Net (Loss) Income/Diluted (Loss) Income per Share


For the current-year period, the Company reportedNet income was $8.0 million, or $0.08 per share, compared with a net loss in 2019 of $0.6 million compared to $10.4 million in net income in the prior-year period. Foreign currency translation reduced net income by $0.4$(0.6) million, or 3.8%, in the current-year period. Diluted loss$(0.01) per share, was $0.01, compared to $0.09because of an unusually high tax rate and higher restructuring charges and integration and transaction costs in 2019. Diluted income per diluted share in the prior-year period. The decrease in net income was primarily driven by higher income tax expense, partially offset by cost savings.benefited from fewer outstanding shares.





Segment Net Sales and Operating Income for the Three Months Ended March 31, 20192020 and March 31, 20182019


Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Amount of Change Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2018Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Amount of Change Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2019
Net Sales Segment Operating Income (A) Segment Operating Income Margin Net Sales Net Sales Segment Operating Income (A) Segment Operating Income Margin PointsNet Sales Segment Operating Income (A) Segment Operating Income Margin Net Sales Net Sales Segment Operating Income (A) Segment Operating Income Margin Points
  
(in millions) $ % $ %  $ % $ % 
ACCO Brands North America$160.4
 $6.8
 4.2% $(5.2) (3.1)% $3.9
 134.5 % 240
$167.8
 $7.6
 4.5% $7.4
 4.6% $0.8
 11.8 % 30
ACCO Brands EMEA146.5
 15.9
 10.9% (8.0) (5.2)% 1.8
 12.8 % 180
127.5
 12.0
 9.4% (19.0) (13.0)% (3.9) (24.5)% (150)
ACCO Brands International87.0
 5.6
 6.4% 1.3
 1.5% (0.2) (3.4)% (40)88.8
 5.9
 6.6% 1.8
 2.1% 0.3
 5.4 % 20
Total$393.9
 $28.3
   $(11.9) $5.5
    $384.1
 $25.5
   $(9.8) $(2.8)    
                          
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018        Three Months Ended March 31, 2019        
Net Sales Segment Operating Income (A) Segment Operating Income Margin        Net Sales Segment Operating Income (A) Segment Operating Income Margin        
                
(in millions)                
ACCO Brands North America$165.6
 $2.9
 1.8%        $160.4
 $6.8
 4.2%        
ACCO Brands EMEA154.5
 14.1
 9.1%        146.5
 15.9
 10.9%        
ACCO Brands International85.7
 5.8
 6.8%        87.0
 5.6
 6.4%        
Total$405.8
 $22.8
          $393.9
 $28.3
          
(A) Segment operating income excludes corporate costs. See "Part I, Item 1. Note 17. Information on Business Segments,"Segments" for a reconciliation of total "Segment operating income" to "Income before income tax."


ACCO Brands North America


ACCO Brands North America net sales of $160.4 million decreased $5.2 million, or 3.1%, from $165.6 million in the prior-year period with foreign currency translation reducing net sales by $1.0 million, or 0.6%, in the current-year period. Comparable net sales, excluding foreign currency translation, decreased 2.5%. Net sales and comparable sales increased from higher pricing and included growth in Kensington®, Swingline®, Quartet®, and Five Star® brands. Unfavorable foreign exchange reduced net sales declined primarily due to the timing of orders and some lost placements, which were partially offset by price increases.

ACCO Brands North America operating income of $6.8 million increased $3.9$0.2 million, or 134.5%, from $2.9 million in the prior-year period, and operating income margin increased to 4.2% from 1.8%. 0.1 percent.

Operating income and operating margin increased despite lower sales volume and inflationary increases in input costs, primarily due to lower restructuring charges in the current year. The benefits of higher sales and lower SG&A from reduced incentive accruals were offset by adverse gross margin due to lower fixed cost savingsabsorption, unfavorable product and price increases.customer mix, and increased reserves for obsolete inventory.


ACCO Brands EMEA


Net sales and comparable sales declined primarily as the result of COVID-19-related customer closures in March. Unfavorable foreign exchange reduced net sales $4.3 million, or 2.9 percent.



Operating income and operating margin both declined primarily due to lower sales. In addition, gross margin also declined due to lower fixed cost absorption and the impact of the stronger U.S. dollar on purchased Asian-sourced products partially offset by cost savings, including lower incentive accruals. Foreign exchange reduced operating income $0.5 million, or 3.1 percent.

ACCO Brands EMEAInternational

Net sales increased as a result of the Foroni acquisition which added $14.4 million, or 16.6 percent, partially offset by unfavorable foreign exchange of $6.1 million, or 7.0 percent. Excluding Foroni and foreign exchange, comparable net sales of $146.5 million decreased $8.0$6.5 million, or 5.2%, from $154.5 million in the prior-year period7.5 percent, primarily due to foreign currency translation, which reduced net sales by $13.5 million, or 8.7%, in the current-year period. Comparable net sales, excluding foreign currency translation, increased 3.5%slowing demand due to strong growthCOVID-19-related business closures and supply chain disruptions in sales of computer products and shredders.China.


ACCO Brands EMEA operating income of $15.9 million increased $1.8 million, or 12.8%, from $14.1 million in the prior-year period, and operating income margin increased to 10.9% from 9.1%. Foreign currency translationAdverse foreign exchange reduced operating income by $1.6$0.7 million, or 11%, in the current-year period. Underlying12.5 percent. Foroni contributed an immaterial operating loss. Excluding Foroni and foreign exchange, operating income excluding foreign currency translation, increased primarily due to $3.1 million in lower restructuring charges and integration costs.

ACCO Brands International

ACCO Brands International net sales of $87.0 million increased $1.3 million, or 1.5%, from $85.7 million in the prior-year period due to $11.8 million in net sales attributable to GOBA, which wasSG&A, including reduced incentive accruals, partially offset by foreign currency translation, which reduced netlower sales by $7.1 million, or 8.3%, in the current-year period. Comparable net sales, excluding GOBA and foreign currency translation, decreased 4.0% primarily due to lower net sales in Australia, which offset growth in Brazil.COVID-19.

ACCO Brands International operating income of $5.6 million, including $2.5 million attributable to GOBA, decreased $0.2 million, or 3.4%, from $5.8 million in the prior-year period and operating income margin decreased to 6.4% from 6.8%. Foreign


currency translation reduced operating income by $0.5 million, or 8.6%, in the current-year period. Underlying operating income, excluding GOBA and foreign currency translation, decreased due to lower comparable net sales and lower gross profit.


SUPPLEMENTAL NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURESupplemental Non-GAAP Financial Measure


To supplement our condensed consolidated financial statements presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. ("GAAP"), we provide investors with thecertain non-GAAP financial measuremeasures, including comparable net sales. Comparable net sales represents net sales excluding the impact of acquisitions and with current-period foreign operation sales translated at prior-year currency rates.


We provideuse comparable net sales change in orderboth to facilitate comparisons ofexplain our historical sales results as well as to highlightstockholders and the underlying sales trends in our business. We use this non-GAAP financial measureinvestment community and in the internal evaluation and management of our business. We believe this measure providescomparable net sales provide management and investors with a more complete understanding of our underlying salesoperational results and trends, facilitate meaningful period-to-period comparisons and enhances theenhance an overall understanding of our past sales performance and our future prospects.

financial performance. We calculatesometimes refer to comparable net sales by excluding the effect of acquisitions and by translating the current-period foreign operationas comparable sales. Comparable net sales at prior-year currency rates.should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for, or superior to, the directly comparable GAAP financial measure and should be read in connection with the Company's financial statements presented in accordance with GAAP.


The following tables provide a reconciliation of GAAP net sales change as reported to non-GAAP comparable net sales change:
Amount of Change - Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 compared to the Three Months Ended 31, 2018Amount of Change - Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2019
$ Change - Net Sales$ Change - Net Sales
 Non-GAAP Non-GAAP
GAAP   ComparableGAAP   Comparable
Net Sales Currency  Net SalesNet Sales Currency  Net Sales
(in millions)Change Translation Acquisition ChangeChange Translation Acquisition Change
ACCO Brands North America$(5.2) $(1.0) $— $(4.2)$7.4 $(0.2) $— $7.6
ACCO Brands EMEA(8.0) (13.5)  5.5(19.0) (4.3)  (14.7)
ACCO Brands International1.3 (7.1) 11.8 (3.4)1.8 (6.1) 14.4 (6.5)
Total$(11.9) $(21.6) $11.8 $(2.1)$(9.8) $(10.6) $14.4 $(13.6)
  
% Change - Net Sales% Change - Net Sales
 Non-GAAP Non-GAAP
GAAP   ComparableGAAP   Comparable
Net Sales Currency  Net SalesNet Sales Currency  Net Sales
Change Translation Acquisition ChangeChange Translation Acquisition Change
ACCO Brands North America(3.1)% (0.6)% —% (2.5)%4.6% (0.1)% —% 4.7%
ACCO Brands EMEA(5.2)% (8.7)% —% 3.5%(13.0)% (2.9)% —% (10.1)%
ACCO Brands International1.5% (8.3)% 13.8% (4.0)%2.1% (7.0)% 16.6% (7.5)%
Total(2.9)% (5.3)% 2.9% (0.5)%(2.5)% (2.7)% 3.7% (3.5)%
  






Liquidity and Capital Resources


Our primary liquidity needs are to service indebtedness, fund capital expenditures, fund our acquisition strategy and support working capital requirements. Our principal sources of liquidity are cash flows from operating activities, cash and cash equivalents held and seasonal borrowings under our $500$600 million multi-currency revolving credit facility (the "2017 Revolving"Revolving Facility"). As of March 31, 2019,2020, there were $300.0was $137.4 million in borrowings outstanding under our 2017the Revolving Facility ($30.7 million reported in "Current portion of long-term debt" and $106.7 million reported in "Long-term debt, net") and the amount available for borrowings was $183.6$450.1 million (allowing for $16.4$12.5 million of letters of credit outstanding on that date).

We maintain adequate financing arrangements at market rates. Because

We are in a strong financial position with $93.4 million cash on hand and $450.1 million available for borrowings under our $600 million Revolving Facility as of the seasonalityend of the first quarter. We also recently amended our business, we typically generate much of our cash flow inbank debt maintenance covenant increasing the third and fourth quarters, as accounts receivables are collected, and use cash in the second quarternet debt to fund working capital in orderEBITDA leverage ratio to support the North America back-to-school season. We anticipate a different cash flow pattern in 2019, with a cash outflow in4.75x from 3.75x through the first quarter ending after June 30, 2021. This will provide us additional financial flexibility to cover the anticipated financial impact of COVID-19 should we need it. As of March 31, 2020, our net leverage ratio was 2.8x. We have no debt maturities before May 2024. We also recently announced that we do not intend to repurchase additional shares during 2020. Our planned use of cash for the remainder of 2020, after funding operating needs, will be to pay dividends and a muchreduce debt.

Given our financial strength, we currently expect to be able to maintain adequate liquidity as we manage through the current environment. We also believe that our seasonal borrowings could be larger because the lower outflowsales in April will result in lower collections from accounts receivables in the quarter.

Likewise, we are monitoring our working capital, including our accounts receivable and inventory, closely. We anticipate an increased level of late payments and potential bad debts as our customers deal with the COVID-19 impacts on their businesses from the prolonged period of closure. We are actively managing our accounts receivables and will potentially restrict our own sales to mitigate our risk. In addition, we did not anticipate such a steep drop in demand when we placed orders for purchased finished goods earlier in the year, which is likely to result in elevated inventory levels at the end of the second quarter when compared to 2018.quarter.

The $538.5 million of debt currently outstanding under our senior secured credit facilities has a weighted average interest rate of 1.95 percent as of March 31, 2020, and $375.0 million outstanding principal amount of our senior unsecured notes (the "Senior Unsecured Notes") has a fixed interest rate of 5.25 percent.

Consolidated cash and cash equivalents were $93.4 million as of March 31, 2020, approximately $53 million of which was held in Brazil. Our Brazilian businessbusinesses is also highly seasonal due to the timing of the back-to-school season, which coincides with the calendar year-end in the fourth quarter. Due to various tax laws, it is costly to transfer short-term working capital in and out of Brazil; therefore, our normal practice is to hold seasonal cash requirements in Brazil, and invest it in short-term Brazilian government securities.



Adequacy of Liquidity Sources
securities. Consolidated cash and cash equivalents was $100.5 million as of March 31, 2019, approximately $76 million of which was held in Brazil.

Our priorities forWe believe that cash flow use overfrom operations, our current cash balance and other sources of liquidity, including borrowings available under our Revolving Facility, will be adequate to support our requirements for working capital, capital and restructuring expenditures and to service indebtedness for the near term, after funding business operations, including restructuring expenses, are funding strategic acquisitions, debt reduction, dividends and share repurchases.foreseeable future.

The current senior secured credit facilities have a weighted average interest rate of 2.85% as of March 31, 2019 and our senior unsecured notes have a fixed interest rate of 5.25%.


Restructuring and Integration Activities


From time to time the Company may implement restructuring, realignment or cost-reduction plans and activities, including those related to integrating acquired businesses.


During the three months ended March 31, 2019,2020, the Company recorded an aggregate $2.7$0.3 million in restructuring expenses primarily for severance costs related to additional changes inincremental costs associated with cost reduction programs initiated at the operating structureend of our North America and International segments.2019. For additional details, see "Note 10. Restructuring" to the condensed consolidated financial statements contained in "Part I, Item 1. Financial Information" of this report.Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.


In addition, during the three months ended March 31, 2019,2020, the Company recorded an aggregate $0.3 million in non-restructuring integration expenses related to the integration of the Cumberland Asset Acquisition and GOBA operations.Foroni with ACCO Brands' operations in Brazil.




Cash Flow for the Three Months Ended March 31, 20192020 and March 31, 20182019


Cash Flow from Operating Activities


Cash used byfrom operating activities during the three months ended March 31, 20192020 of $25.2 million was $36.1 million less than the $61.3 million was $121.7 million lower than the $60.4 million providedused in the 20182019 period. The significant changereduction in cash used from operating activities was primarily the result of a use of cash for netreductions in our working capital (accounts receivable, inventories, and accounts payable) in 2019 compared to a significant source of cash in the prior-year period. Accounts receivable contributed $108.1 million in the 2019 period versus $162.0 million in the prior-year period, and was adversely affected by lower sales in the prior quarter, a higher mix of sales in slower-paying geographies (e.g. Latin America) and by the timing of collections. Inventory purchases were higher than the prior year due to advanced purchases of materials to secure supply, support new product launches and to mitigate the risk of anticipated inflation, including tariffs. In addition, we anticipate an earlier start to the back-to-school season in North America, which has resulted in an earlier-than-usual increase in inventory. Accounts payable used cash of $79.9 millionrequirements during the first quarter of 2019, which compares unfavorably to $8.8 million contributed2020 driven primarily by a reduction in the prior-year period, dueaccounts payable and inventory compared to the earlier inventory purchases which occurredprior year’s first quarter. The decrease in both the fourth quarter of 2018working capital requirements was partially offset by an increase in our net income and changes to our accrued expenses compared to the first quarter of 2019, which advanced the timing of payments.2019.

Partially offsetting the adverse change in cash flow from working capital were payments of customer incentives which were $15.0 million below the prior-year period primarily due to the settlement of disputed amounts which occurred in the prior year, and lower annual and long-term employee incentive payments which were approximately $12 million less than prior year. Cash used for pension contributions, tax, interest and restructuring payments was collectively in-line with payments made during the prior-year period.


The table below shows our cash flow fromused or provided by accounts receivable, inventories and accounts payable for the three months ended March 31, 20192020 and 2018:2019:
Three Months EndedThree Months Ended Amount of Change
(in millions)March 31,
2019
 March 31,
2018
March 31,
2020
 March 31,
2019
 
Accounts receivable$108.1
 $162.0
$112.0
 $108.1
 $3.9
Inventories(57.3) (43.5)(26.2) (57.3) 31.1
Accounts payable(79.9) 8.8
(45.2) (79.9) 34.7
Cash flow provided by net working capital$(29.1) $127.3
Cash flow provided (used) by net working capital$40.6
 $(29.1) $69.7


Accounts receivable was a source of cash of $112.0 million during the first quarter of 2020, a favorable change of $3.9 million compared to a source of cash of $108.1 million during the first quarter of 2019. The $3.9 million improvement resulted from improved collections and lower sales during the first quarter of 2020.
Inventories was a use of cash of $26.2 million during the first quarter of 2020, a favorable change of $31.1 million when compared with the $57.3 million used during the first quarter of 2019. The use of cash for inventory was higher during the first quarter of 2019 as a result of the Company acquiring additional inventory during the fourth quarter of 2018 to secure supply and to partially reduce the anticipated inflation and avoid import tariffs that went into effect during 2019. The inventory build-up was not repeated in 2019.
Accounts payable was a use of cash of $45.2 million during the first quarter of 2020, a favorable change of $34.7 million when compared to a use of cash of $79.9 million during the first quarter of 2019. The use of cash for accounts payable was higher during the first quarter of 2019 as a result of the Company paying for the additional inventory that was acquired during the fourth quarter of 2018 as noted above.

Cash used for annual and long-term employee incentive payments during the first quarter of 2020 was approximately $7.0 million higher during the first quarter of 2020 compared to the prior year’s first quarter due to higher achievement of annual performance objectives for 2019.

Cash Flow from Investing Activities


Cash used by investing activities was $12.5$6.3 million and $8.0$12.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, and 2018, respectively. The 2020 cash used included $0.6 million of purchase price adjustment received for working capital adjustments for the Foroni Acquisition in Brazil. The 2019 cash outflow includesincluded $5.4 million of purchase price paid to date for the acquisition of certain assets of the


Cumberland brand in Australia. For further details, see "Note 3. Acquisitions" to the condensed consolidated financial statements contained in Item 1. of this report. Capital expenditures were $7.2$6.9 million and $8.0$7.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 20192020 and 2018,2019, respectively.


Cash Flow from Financing Activities


Cash provided by financing activities was $107.6$99.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019,2020, compared to a use of $7.0with $107.6 million provided by financing activities for the same period of 2018.2019. Cash sourcedprovided in 2020 includes incremental net borrowings of $124.5 million, partially offset by $19.1 million for repurchases of our common stock, payments related to tax withholding for stock-based compensation, net of proceeds received from the exercise of stock options, and $6.2 million for the payment of dividends to stockholders.

Cash provided during the first quarter of 2019 includes incremental net borrowings of $123.7 million, partially offset by $14.7 million for repurchases of our common stock and payments related to tax withholding for stock-based compensation, and $6.2 million for the payment of dividends to stockholders.


Cash used in 2018 reflects $11.2 million used for repurchases of our common stock and payments related to tax withholding for stock-based compensation, net of proceeds received from the exercise of stock options, and $6.4 million for payment of dividends, partially offset by incremental net borrowings of $9.9 million.



Credit Facilities and Notes Covenants


As of and for the periods ended March 31, 20192020 and December 31, 2018,2019, the Company was in compliance with all applicable loan covenants.


Guarantees and Security


Generally, obligations under the 2017 Credit Agreement are guaranteed by certain of the Company’s existing and future subsidiaries, and are secured by substantially all of the Company’s and certain guarantor subsidiaries’ assets, subject to certain exclusions and limitations.

Adequacy of Liquidity Sources

We believe that cash flow from operations, our current cash balance and other sources of liquidity, including borrowings available under our 2017 Revolving Facility, will be adequate to support our requirements for working capital, capital and restructuring expenditures and to service indebtedness for the foreseeable future.


ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK


See "Part II, Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk" of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.2019. There have been no material changes to Foreign Exchange Risk Management or Interest Rate Risk Management in the quarter ended March 31, 20192020 or through the date of this report.


ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES


(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.


As of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we carried out an evaluation under the supervision of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, and with the participation of our Disclosure Committee, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2019.2020.


(b) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting.


There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 20192020 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.reporting, except for the Foroni Acquisition, which represented $14.4 million of our consolidated net sales for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 and approximately $62.3 million of our consolidated assets as of March 31, 2020.







PART II — OTHER INFORMATION


ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS


There are various claims, lawsuits and pending actions against us incidental to our operations, including the income tax assessments against our Brazilian subsidiary, Tilibra Produtos de Papelaria Ltda (the "Brazil Tax Assessments"), which is more fully described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20182019 and in "Part I, Item 1. Note 11. Income Taxes - Brazil Tax Assessments" to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

It is the opinion of management that (other than the Brazil Tax Assessments) the ultimate resolution of thesecurrently outstanding matters will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flow. However, there is no assurance that we will ultimately be successful in our defense of any of these matters or that an adverse outcome in any matter will not affect our results of operations, financial condition or cash flow. Further, future claims, lawsuits and legal proceedings could materially and adversely affect our business, reputation, results of operations, and financial condition.


ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS


ThereExcept as set forth below, there have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in "Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.2019.


Our business and results of operations have been and will continue to be materially and adversely affected by the impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic, which may also adversely affect our financial condition and liquidity.

COVID-19 has been declared by the World Health Organization to be a "pandemic" and has spread to many of the countries in which we, our customers and consumers, our suppliers and our other business partners do business. National, state and local governments in affected regions have implemented and likely will continue to implement or maintain safety precautions, including quarantines, travel restrictions, business and school closures, cancellations of public gatherings and other measures. Other organizations and individuals have taken additional steps to avoid or reduce infection, including limiting travel and staying home from work. These measures have caused and continue to cause significant disruptions to normal business operations both in and outside of affected areas and have had and are expected to continue to have significant adverse impacts on businesses and financial markets worldwide. Similarly, our business and results of operations have been and will continue to be materially and adversely affected by these events as well as by the current and expected continued negative impact on the global economy.

During the first quarter, COVID-19 impacted our Asian supply chain and we experienced and are continuing to experience some out-of-stocks and lost sales, but we have seen continued improvement since then. We currently believe the most significant Asian supply chain issues are largely behind us, but there can be no assurance that there will not be future supply chain disruptions or a reemergence of supply chain impacts as a result of COVID-19.

During the latter half of March 2020, we began to experience a decline in the demand for our products resulting in decreased sales, particularly in our EMEA and International segments, which were the first to experience the full effects of COVID-19 and the government and business response to the pandemic. This trend has continued and expanded into the vast majority of our markets and will continue to materially and negatively impact our sales, earnings and results of operations at least through year-end.

We continue to monitor our operations and government recommendations and have made modifications to our normal operations because of the COVID-19 outbreak to protect the health and safety of our employees, suppliers and customers. These modifications vary from country to country depending on local conditions and government mandates and are more fully described in "Part I, Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation" of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q under the heading "COVID-19 Impact". While we have taken actions which serve to reduce the possibility of transmission of the virus within our workplace, they do not assure that our employees will not contract the virus or bring it to the workplace. Furthermore, we may be forced to close locations for reasons such as the health of our employees, because of disruptions in our supply chain or reduced demand, or due to further governmental orders. Were such an event to occur, our operations could be disrupted to varying degrees which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operation, financial condition and liquidity.

To begin to address the financial impact of the pandemic on our results of operation, we have undertaken cost-cutting initiatives to better align our cost structure with the expected decline in 2020 sales. These actions are more fully described in "Part 1. Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation" of this Quarterly Report on Form 10Q under the heading "COVID-19 Impact". We do not expect the measures taken to date to fully offset the impact of COVID-19


on our second quarter sales and results of operations. There can be no assurance that these cost-savings measures, and any additional cost-savings measures we may implement in the future will be sufficient to offset, in whole or in part, the current and future adverse financial impacts of COVID-19 on our business, results of operation or financial condition.

Likewise, as discussed in more detail in "Part 1, Item 2. Management’s Discussion and analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q under the heading "COVID-19 Impact", we are monitoring our working capital, including our accounts receivable and inventory, closely. We anticipate an increased level of late payments and potential bad debts which may require us to increase bad debt reserves. We also anticipate higher than usual seasonal borrowing under our revolving line of credit and elevated levels of inventory the second quarter. Our ability to draw on our line of credit and service our indebtedness will depend, in part, upon our future operating performance which likely will be negatively impacted by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Should we continue to experience adverse impacts to our working capital, this could negatively impact our cash flow.

The extent of the impact of COVID-19 on our business and financial results will also depend on future developments, including the severity, duration and spread of the outbreak within the markets in which we operate, the depth and nature of the economic consequences from the closures, actions taken globally, nationally and locally to contain or mitigate the effects of the pandemic, including its impact on the global economy, and the related impact on consumer confidence and spending, all of which are highly uncertain and ever-changing. Additionally, these are uncertainties regarding how geographies, distribution channels and consumer behaviors will evolve over time. Our North America segment and our operations in Brazil and Mexico are highly dependent on back-to-school business. Any delay in the reopening of schools in these geographies or changes in the behaviors of our customers and our consumers could have a material adverse effect on our sales, margins, results of operation and financial condition.

The long-term impact of the COVID-19 and its follow-on economic impact on our business will also depend on the effectiveness of the actions we and our customers take to manage our businesses through this uncertain period. The extent to which we and our customers may successfully mitigate the impact of COVID-19, if at all, is presently unclear.

We expect that the pandemic will materially and adversely affect our business, sales and results of operations for the remainder of 2020, but we cannot reasonably estimate its financial impact beyond the second quarter of 2020 at this time. We are also uncertain as to the full magnitude of the impact the pandemic will have on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, customers, suppliers, industry and employees over the longer term. Even after the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided, we may experience materially adverse impacts on our business due to any resulting economic recession or depression, a change in the competitive landscape or changes in customers’ and consumers’ behaviors.

Finally, many of the risks associated with our business are currently elevated and likely will continue to be elevated as a result of COVID-19. These include, without limitation: a relatively limited number of large customers account for a significant percentage of our sales; risks associated with shifts in the channels of distribution for our products; issues that affect customer and consumer spending decisions during periods of economic uncertainty or weakness; risks associated with foreign currency fluctuations; challenges related to the highly competitive business environments in which we operate; our ability to develop and market innovative products that meet consumer demands; our ability to successfully implement our cost reduction and productivity initiatives; risks associated with a cybersecurity incident or information security breach, including that related to a disclosure of personally identifiable information; the risks associated with outsourcing production of certain of our products, information systems and other administrative functions; the continued decline in the use of certain of our products; risks associated with changes in the cost or availability of raw materials, labor, transportation and other necessary supplies and services and the cost of finished goods; the sufficiency of investment returns on pension assets, risks related to actuarial assumptions and changes in the unfunded liabilities of a multi-employer pension plan; any impairment of our intangible assets; risks associated with our indebtedness, including our debt service obligations, limitations imposed by restrictive covenants, our ability to comply with financial ratios and tests; the bankruptcy or financial instability of our customers and suppliers; the volatility of our stock price, and other risks and uncertainties described in "Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.



ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS


(a) Not applicable.


(b) Not applicable.


(c) Common Stock Purchases


The following table provides information about our purchases of equity securities during the quarter ended March 31, 2019:2020:
Period Total Number of Shares Purchased Average Price Paid per Share 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plan or Program(1)
 
Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Program(1)
January 1, 2019 to January 31, 2019 541,449
 $7.61
 541,449
 $104,843,854
February 1, 2019 to February 28, 2019 173,957
 9.30
 173,957
 103,226,863
March 1, 2019 to March 31, 2019 603,009
 8.79
 603,009
 97,926,171
Total 1,318,415
 $8.37
 1,318,415
 $97,926,171
Period Total Number of Shares Purchased Average Price Paid per Share 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plan or Program(1)
 
Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Program(1)
January 1, 2020 to January 31, 2020 
 $
 
 $143,964,231
February 1, 2020 to February 28, 2020 535,839
 8.30
 535,839
 139,517,188
March 1, 2020 to March 31, 2020 2,154,453
 6.72
 2,154,453
 125,045,248
Total 2,690,292
 $7.03
 2,690,292
 $125,045,248


(1) On October 28, 2015,February 14, 2018, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had approved thean authorization to repurchase of up to $100 million in shares of its common stock. On February 14, 2018,August 7, 2019, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had approved an authorization to repurchase up to an additional $100 million in shares of its common stock.


The number of shares to be purchased, if any, and the timing of purchases will be based on the Company's stock price, leverage ratios, cash balances, general business and market conditions, and other factors, including alternative investment opportunities and working capital needs. The Company may repurchase its shares, from time to time, through a variety of methods, including open-market purchases, privately negotiated transactions and block trades or pursuant to repurchase plans designed to comply with the Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Any stock repurchases will be subject to market conditions, SEC regulations and other considerations and may be commenced or suspended at any time or from time to time, without prior notice. Accordingly, there is no guarantee as to the number of shares that will be repurchased or the timing of such repurchases.


ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES


None.




ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES


Not applicable.


ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION


None.


ITEM 6. EXHIBITS


Exhibit
Number    Description of Exhibit


10.1


10.2

31.1


31.2




32.1


32.2

101.INSInline XBRL Instance 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

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 (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)

*Filed herewith.
**Furnished herewith.






SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


REGISTRANT:
  
ACCO BRANDS CORPORATION
  
By:/s/ Boris Elisman
Boris Elisman
Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer
(principal executive officer)
  
By:/s/ Neal V. Fenwick
Neal V. Fenwick
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(principal financial officer)
  
By:/s/ Kathleen D. HoodJames M. Dudek, Jr.
Kathleen D. HoodJames M. Dudek, Jr.
Senior Vice President, Corporate Controller and Chief Accounting Officer
(principal accounting officer)
Date: May 2, 20195, 2020







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