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ACCO BRANDS Corp

For the period ended Mar 31, 2025. Filed May 2, 2025.

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About this filing

A company's report for each of its first three quarters. The financial statements are not audited. It shows how the business has moved since the last annual report, and what management says changed.

Mar 31, 2025 · Filed May 2, 2025

ACCO$5.27+4.2%Stored close · as of Nov 9, 2026

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

  1. Basis of Presentation

As used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, 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, 2024.

The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2025 and the related Consolidated Statements of Loss, Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss), and Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, and the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 are unaudited. The December 31, 2024 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet data was derived from audited financial statements but does not include all annual disclosures required by GAAP. The 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 the results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, and the financial position of the Company as of March 31, 2025. Interim results may not be indicative of results for a full year.

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.

  1. Recent Accounting Pronouncements and Adopted Accounting Standards

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In November 2024, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2024-03, Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income-Expense Disaggregation Disclosures, (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses, which requires a public entity to disaggregate certain expense captions into specified categories in disclosures within the footnotes to the financial statements. This ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2026 and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027, with early adoption permitted. We are evaluating the effect this guidance will have on the notes to our consolidated financial statements.

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which enhances the income tax disclosures to provide information to better assess how an entity’s operations and related tax risks and tax planning and operational opportunities affect its tax rate and prospects for future cash flows. This ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. We are evaluating the effect this guidance will have on our tax disclosures.

There were 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

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which requires a public entity to disclose significant segment expenses and other segment items on an annual and interim basis and to provide in interim periods all disclosures about a reportable segment’s profit or loss and assets that are currently required annually. The ASU does not change how a public entity identifies its operating segments, aggregates them, or applies the quantitative thresholds to determine its reportable segments. Effective in the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company adopted this standard. See "Note 17. Information on Operating Segments" for further details.

There were no accounting standards that were adopted in the first three months of 2025 that had a material effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flow.

  1. Acquisitions

Buro Acquisition

On February 28, 2025, we completed the acquisition ("the Buro Acquisition") of the business of Buro Seating Limited Partnership ("Buro"). Buro is a wholesaler of ergonomic seating in Australia and New Zealand and is included in the Company’s International operating segment. The Buro Acquisition extends our presence in Australia and New Zealand into a new product category. The purchase price paid at closing was AU$16.2 million (US$10.1 million, based on February 28, 2025 exchange rates). A portion of the purchase price (AU$2.2 million or $1.3 million based on February 28, 2025 exchange rates) is being held in an escrow account for a period of up to 2 years after closing in the event of any claims against the seller under the purchase agreement. The fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed are subject to finalization and are expected to be completed within one year from acquisition date. The Buro Acquisition was accounted for as a purchase combination and Buro's results are included in the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements as of February 28, 2025.

Pro forma financial information is not presented due to immateriality.

  1. 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, 2025 and December 31, 2024:

(in millions)March 31,2025December 31,2024
Euro Senior Secured Term Loan A, due October 2029 (floating interest rate of 4.11% at March 31, 2025 and 4.68% at December 31, 2024)$131.4$127.9
Euro Dollar Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility, due October 2029 (floating interest rate of 4.11% at March 31, 2025 and 4.68% at December 31, 2024)107.259.1
U.S. Dollar Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility, due October 2029 (floating interest rate of 6.09% at March 31, 2025 and 6.47% at December 31, 2024)68.534.4
Australian Dollar Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility, due October 2029 (floating interest rate of 5.93% at March 31, 2025 and 6.44% at December 31, 2024)45.732.8
Senior Unsecured Notes, due March 2029 (fixed interest rate of 4.25%)575.0575.0
Other borrowings8.710.5
Total debt936.5839.7
Less:
Current portion33.951.3
Debt issuance costs, unamortized4.85.1
Long-term debt, net$897.8$783.3

Credit Agreement

The Company is party to a Third Amended and Restated 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, which has been amended seven times between July 2018 and October 2024 (as amended, the "Credit Agreement"). The Credit Agreement currently provides for a senior secured credit facility, which consists of a €184.8 million (US$200.0 million based on October 30, 2024 exchange rates) term loan facility, and a US$467.5 million multi-currency revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Facility"). Prior to the seventh amendment which was effective October 30, 2024, the Credit Agreement provided for a senior secured credit facility, which consisted of a €300.0 million (US$320.8 million based on January 27, 2017, exchange rates) term loan facility, an AU$80.0 million (US$60.4 million based on January 27, 2017, exchange rates) term loan facility, a US$100.0 million term loan facility and a US$600.0 million multi-currency revolving credit facility.

The current financial covenants under the Credit Agreement are as follows:

Minimum Interest Coverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) of 3.00:1.00; and

Maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio financial covenant for all first and second fiscal quarters is 4.50x dropping to 4.00x for all third and fourth quarters.

The current pricing for borrowings under the Credit Agreement is as follows:

Consolidated Leverage RatioApplicable Rate on Euro/AUD/CDN LoansApplicable Rate on Base Rate LoansUndrawn Fee
> 4.252.25 %1.25 %0.375 %
> 3.52.00 %1.00 %0.350 %
> 2.51.75 %0.75 %0.300 %
≤ 2.51.50 %0.50 %0.250 %

As of March 31, 2025, the applicable rate on Euro, Australian and Canadian dollar loans was 1.75 percent and the applicable rate on Base Rate loans was 1.00 percent. Undrawn amounts under the Revolving Facility are subject to a commitment fee rate of 0.25 percent to 0.375 percent per annum, depending on the Company's Consolidated Leverage Ratio. As of March 31, 2025, the commitment fee rate was 0.30 percent.

As of March 31, 2025, there were$221.4 million in borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Facility. The remaining amount available for borrowings was$235.9 million (allowing for$10.2 million of letters of credit outstanding on that date).

As of March 31, 2025, our Consolidated Leverage Ratio was approximately 3.65 to 1.00 versus our maximum covenant of 4.50 to 1.00.

Senior Unsecured Notes

On March 15, 2021, the Company completed a private offering of $575.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 4.25 percent Senior Unsecured Notes (the "Notes") due March 2029. Interest on the Notes is payable semiannually on March 15 and September 15 of each year. The Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a senior unsecured basis by each of the Company's existing and future U.S. subsidiaries, other than certain excluded subsidiaries.

Guarantees and Security

Generally, obligations under the 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.

  1. Leases

The Company leases its corporate headquarters, various other facilities for distribution, manufacturing and offices, 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 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 Sheets. The Company currently has an immaterial amount of financing leases and leases with terms of more than one month and less than 12 months.

ROU Assets and lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. In determining the present value of leases, the Company uses its incremental collateralized borrowing rate, on a regional basis, due to the implicit rate of return is generally not readily determinable for our leases. The incremental borrowing rate is dependent upon the 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 for all classes of underlying assets except information technology equipment.

The components of lease expense were as follows:

Three months endedMarch 31,
(in millions)20252024
Operating lease cost$7.1$7.4
Sublease income(0.8)(0.9)
Total lease cost$6.3$6.5

Other information related to leases was as follows:

Three Months EndedMarch 31,
(in millions, except lease term and discount rate) · 2025 · 2024
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases$7.4$7.7
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
Operating leases$7.4$8.7
Weighted average remaining lease term:
Operating leases5.5 years
Weighted average discount rate:
Operating leases5.3%

Future minimum lease payments, net of sublease income, for all non-cancelable leases as of March 31, 2025 were as follows:

(in millions)OperatingLeases
2025$20.8
202623.2
202718.2
202815.1
202911.9
203010.3
Thereafter9.1
Total minimum lease payments108.6
Less imputed interest17.0
Future minimum payments for leases, net of sublease rental income and imputed interest$91.6
  1. Pension and Other Retiree Benefits

The components of net periodic benefit (income) cost for pension and post-retirement plans for thethree months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 were as follows:

Three Months Ended March 31,
Pension · Post-retirement
U.S. · International
(in millions)202520242025202420252024
Service cost$—$—$0.2$0.2$—$—
Interest cost1.91.94.54.6——
Expected return on plan assets(3.2)(3.2)(4.4)(4.8)——
Amortization of net loss (gain)0.60.61.11.3(0.1)(0.1)
Net periodic benefit (income) cost (1)$(0.7)$(0.7)$1.4$1.3$(0.1)$(0.1)

(1)

The components of net periodic benefit (income) cost, other than service cost, are included in the line "Non-operating pension expense" in the Consolidated Statements of Loss.

We expect to contribute approximately$16.4 million to our defined benefit plans in 2025. For the three months ended March 31, 2025, we have contributed$5.2 million to these plans.

  1. 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 thethree months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024:

Three months endedMarch 31,
(in millions)20252024
Stock option compensation expense$0.1$0.2
RSU compensation expense3.43.6
PSU compensation expense4.31.3
Total stock-based compensation expense$7.8$5.1

We generally recognize expense for stock-based awards ratably over the vesting period. During the first quarter of 2025, stock compensation grants were made consisting of 1,248,016 RSUs and 1,135,000 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, 2025:

(in millions, except weighted average years)Unrecognized Compensation ExpenseWeighted Average Years Expense To Be Recognized Over
Stock options—0.1
RSUs$9.62.4
PSUs$7.81.7
  1. Inventories

The components of inventories were as follows:

(in millions)March 31, 2025December 31, 2024
Raw materials$48.9$35.9
Work in process4.13.3
Finished goods261.7231.2
Total inventories$314.7$270.4
  1. Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets

Goodwill

We test goodwill for impairment at least annually as of our measurement date of May 31st 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 did not identify a triggering event during the three months ended March 31, 2025 that would indicate it is more likely than not that an impairment loss has been incurred.

Estimating the fair value of each reporting unit requires us to make assumptions and estimates regarding our future. We utilized a combination of discounted cash flows and market approach. The financial projections used in the valuation models reflected management's assumptions regarding revenue growth rates, economic and market trends, cost structure, discount rate, and other expectations about the anticipated short-term and long-term operating results for each of our reporting units.

We believe the assumptions used in our goodwill impairment analysis are appropriate and result in reasonable estimates of the implied fair value of each reporting unit. However, given the economic environment and uncertainties that can negatively impact our business, there can be no assurance that our estimates and assumptions, made for purposes of our goodwill impairment testing, will prove to be an accurate prediction of the future. If our assumptions regarding future performance are not achieved, or if future events occur that adversely affect our enterprise value, we may be required to record additional goodwill impairment charges in future periods.

Changes in the net carrying amount of goodwill by segment were as follows:

(in millions)ACCO Brands AmericasACCO Brands InternationalTotal
Balance at December 31, 2024$253.3$193.1$446.4
Acquisitions(1)—4.24.2
Foreign currency translation0.617.518.1
Balance at March 31, 2025$253.9$214.8$468.7

(1)

Represents goodwill from our Buro Acquisition.

The goodwill balance includes $530.8 million of accumulated impairment losses as of December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2025.

Identifiable Intangible Assets

We test our indefinite-lived intangible for impairment at least annually as of our measurement date of May 31st 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 did not identify a triggering event during the three months ended March 31, 2025, that would indicate it is more likely than not that an impairment loss has been incurred.

Estimating the fair value of our indefinite-lived trade name requires us to make assumptions and estimates regarding our future. We utilized a relief-from-royalty discounted cash flows approach. The financial projections used in the valuation models reflected management's assumptions regarding revenue growth rates, economic and market trends, royalty rate, discount rate, and other expectations about the anticipated short-term and long-term operating results for our indefinite-lived trade name.

We believe the assumptions used in our impairment analysis are appropriate and result in reasonable estimates of the implied fair value of our indefinite-lived trade name. However, given the economic environment and uncertainties that can negatively impact our business, there can be no assurance that our estimates and assumptions, made for purposes of our indefinite-lived intangible impairment testing, will prove to be an accurate prediction of the future. If our assumptions regarding future performance are not achieved, or if future events occur that adversely affect our enterprise value, we may be required to record an impairment charge in future periods against out indefinite-lived trade name.

The gross carrying value and accumulated amortization by class of identifiable intangible assets as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, were as follows:

March 31, 2025December 31, 2024
(in millions)Gross Carrying AmountsAccumulated AmortizationNet Book ValueGross Carrying AmountsAccumulated AmortizationNet Book Value
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
Trade names(2)$101.2$(44.5)$56.7$101.2$(44.5)$56.7
Amortizable intangible assets:
Trade names639.5(164.6)474.9627.5(157.5)470.0
Customer and contractual relationships359.2(237.7)121.5350.7(230.0)120.7
Vendor relationships82.4(23.6)58.882.4(22.2)60.2
Patents7.9(6.2)1.77.8(5.8)2.0
Subtotal1,089.0(432.1)656.91,068.4(415.5)652.9
Total identifiable intangibles$1,190.2$(476.6)$713.6$1,169.6$(460.0)$709.6

(2)

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 for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 was$11.3 million and$10.6 million, respectively.

Estimated amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets, as of March 31, 2025, for the current year and the next five years is as follows:

(in millions)202520262027202820292030
Estimated amortization expense(3)$45.3$43.4$41.0$38.9$37.2$36.3

(3)

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.

Acquired Identifiable Intangibles

Buro Acquisition

The valuation of identifiable intangible assets of $5.7 million acquired in the Buro Acquisition includes an amortizable trade name "Buro," 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 earning method which is based on the present value of the projected after-tax cash flows adjusted for contributory asset charges.

The allocation of the identifiable intangibles acquired in the Buro Acquisition was as follows:

(in millions)Fair ValueRemainingUseful Life
Trade name$1.920 years
Customer relationships3.88 years
Total identifiable intangibles acquired$5.7
  1. Restructuring

The Company recorded$2.3 million of net restructuring expense for the three months ended March 31, 2025, which were primarily for severance and other costs associated with our continuing footprint rationalization and cost reduction programs in both the Americas and International segments. The Company recorded a$0.3 million reduction in the restructuring provision for the three months ended March 31, 2024, which were primarily for severance related to cost reduction initiatives in the International segment.

The summary of the activity in the restructuring liability for thethree months ended March 31, 2025 was as follows:

(in millions)Balance at December 31, 2024ProvisionCash ExpendituresNon-cash Items/Currency ChangeBalance at March 31, 2025
Employee termination costs(1)$26.6$0.5$(7.8)$0.2$19.5
Other—1.8(1.8)——
Total restructuring liability$26.6$2.3$(9.6)$0.2$19.5

(1)

We expect the remaining$19.5 million of employee termination costs to be substantially paid in the next nine months.

The summary of the activity in the restructuring liability for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was as follows:

(in millions)Balance at December 31, 2023ProvisionCash ExpendituresNon-cash Items/Currency ChangeBalance at March 31, 2024
Employee termination costs$27.5$(0.3)$(4.7)$(0.2)$22.3
Other0.9—(0.1)—0.8
Total restructuring liability$28.4$(0.3)$(4.8)$(0.2)$23.1
  1. Income Taxes

For the three months ended March 31, 2025, we recorded an income tax benefit of$3.3 million on a loss before taxes of$16.5 million. For the three months ended March 31, 2024, we recorded income tax expense of$1.0 million on a loss before taxes of$5.3 million. The$4.3 million decrease in tax expense was primarily driven by the decrease in income before taxes during the three months ended March 31, 2025, along with a $1.0 million decrease in discrete income tax expense during the first quarter of 2025, compared to the first quarter of 2024.

The U.S. federal statute of limitations remains open for the years 2021 and forward. Foreign and U.S. state jurisdictions have statutes of limitations generally ranging from 2 to 6 years. Years still open to examination by foreign tax authorities in major jurisdictions include Australia (2020 forward), Brazil (2020 forward), Canada (2019 forward), Germany (2020 forward), Sweden (2023 forward) and the U.K. (2023 forward). We are currently under examination in certain foreign and U.S. jurisdictions.

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (“OECD”) Global Anti-Base Erosion Model Rules (Pillar Two)

Legislatures and taxing authorities in many jurisdictions in which we operate may enact changes to, or seek to enforce, novel interpretations of their tax rules. These changes may include modifications that can be temporary or permanent. For example, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (the "OECD"), the European Union and other countries (including countries in which we operate) have committed to enacting substantial changes to numerous long-standing tax principles impacting how large multinational enterprises are taxed. In particular, the OECD's Pillar Two initiative introduces a 15% global minimum tax (the "Global Minimum Tax") applied on a country-by-country basis and some jurisdictions have enacted a Global Minimum Tax effective January 1, 2024 while others are still evaluating the situation. As of March 31, 2025, there was noimpact to our effective tax rate resulting from the enactment of a Global Minimum Tax in the jurisdictions in which we operate. Management will continue to assess the impact and materiality of these potential new rules as well as any other changes in domestic and international tax rules and regulations.

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 its operating entity in Brazil ("ACCO Brazil"). In December of 2012, the Federal Revenue Department of the Ministry of Finance of Brazil ("FRD") issued a tax assessment against ACCO Brazil, challenging the tax deduction of goodwill from ACCO Brazil's taxable income for the year 2007 (the "First Assessment"). A second assessment challenging the deduction of goodwill from ACCO Brazil's taxable income for the years 2008, 2009 and 2010 was issued by the FRD in October 2013 (the "Second Assessment" and together with the First Assessment, the "Brazil Tax Assessments").

The final administrative appeal of the Second Assessment was decided against the Company in 2017. In 2018, we challenged this decision to the first judicial level. In the fourth quarter of 2022, this case was decided against the Company by the first level judicial court. We have appealed this decision to the second judicial level. In the event we do not prevail at the judicial level, we will be required to pay an additional penalty representing attorneys' costs and fees; accordingly, in the first quarter of 2019, the Company recorded an additional reserve in the amount of $5.6 million. In connection with the judicial challenge, we were required to provide security to guarantee payment of the Second Assessment should we not prevail.

In the third quarter of 2020, the final administrative appeal of the First Assessment was decided against the Company, and we determined that we would challenge this decision. In 2022, we challenged this adverse decision in the tax authority's lawsuit at the judicial level seeking to collect the tax. In connection with the judicial challenge, we were required to provide security to guarantee payment of the First Assessment should we not prevail.

We believe we have meritorious defenses and intend to vigorously contest both of the Brazil Tax Assessments; however, there can be no assurances that we will ultimately prevail. The ultimate outcome will not be determined until the Brazilian judicial process is complete. It is possible we could have a final decision regarding the Second Assessment at any time in the next twelve to eighteen months. 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 disputes 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.

During the third quarter of 2023, there was a change in Brazilian law which allowed us to seek a cancellation of the 75 percent standard penalty that would be payable in the event we do not prevail in our actions challenging the Brazil Tax Assessments. Following completion of the necessary administrative procedures, during the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company reduced its reserve for this contingency by $13.3 million, representing the amount of the cancelled penalties, as well as interest and other fees related to those penalties.

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. During the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, we accrued additional interest as a charge to current income tax expense of$0.2 million and $0.2 million, respectively. At current exchange rates, our accrual as of March 31, 2025, including tax, penalties and interest is$19.3 million (reported in "Other non-current liabilities").

  1. Earnings per Share

The computation of earnings per share for thethree months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 was as follows:

Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions except per share data)20252024
Net loss$(13.2)$(6.3)
Determination of shares:
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding93.395.7
Shares issuable on exercise of stock awards, net of shares assumed to be purchased out of proceeds at average market price——
Average common shares outstanding for fully diluted computation(1)93.395.7
Per share:
Basic loss per share$(0.14)$(0.07)
Diluted loss per share(1)$(0.14)$(0.07)
Shares outstanding as of March 31,90.195.6

(1)

Diluted by assumed exercise of stock-based compensation awards using the treasury stock method.

For the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, approximately 9.5 million and 9.8 million shares, respectively were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share as their effect would have been anti-dilutive.

Under our stock repurchase program, during the three months ended March 31, 2025, we repurchased and retired 3.2 million shares, and during the three months ended March 31, 2024, we didnot repurchase or retire any shares. For each of thethree months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, we acquired 0.2 million and 0.4 million shares, respectively, related to tax withholding for share-based compensation.

  1. 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 against 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. Our primary exposure to currency movements is in the Euro, the Swedish krona, the British pound, the Brazilian real, the Australian dollar, the Canadian dollar, and the Mexican peso.

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 (Loss) ("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 Loss. As of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, we had cash flow foreign exchange contracts outstanding with a U.S. dollar equivalent notional value of$80.7 million and$76.9 million, 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 expense (income), net" in the Consolidated Statements of Loss 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, with some relating to intercompany loans which extend beyond March 2026. As of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, we had foreign exchange contracts outstanding with a U.S. dollar equivalent notional value of$47.2 million and$73.6 million, respectively, which were not designated as hedges.

The following table summarizes the fair value of our derivative financial instruments as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024:

Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
Derivative AssetsDerivative Liabilities
(in millions)Balance Sheet LocationMarch 31,2025December 31,2024Balance Sheet LocationMarch 31,2025December 31,2024
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign exchange contractsOther current assets$1.4$4.0Other current liabilities$1.1$—
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign exchange contractsOther current assets0.70.3Other current liabilities0.10.3
Foreign exchange contractsOther non-current assets1.59.0Other non-current liabilities1.59.0
Total derivatives$3.6$13.3$2.7$9.3

The following tables summarize the pre-tax effect of our derivative financial instruments on the condensed consolidated financial statements for thethree months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024:

The Effect of Derivative Instruments in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships on the 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)
Three months ended March 31, · Three months ended March 31,
(in millions) · 2025 · 2024 · 2025 · 2024
Cash flow hedges:
Foreign exchange contracts$(0.6)$1.0Cost of products sold$(2.0)$(0.4)
The Effect of Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments on the Consolidated Financial Statements
Location of (Gain) Loss Recognized in Income on Derivatives · Amount of (Gain) LossRecognized in Income
Three months ended March 31,
(in millions) · 2025 · 2024
Foreign exchange contractsOther expense (income), net$0.1$1.3
  1. 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.

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, 2025 and December 31, 2024:

(in millions)March 31,2025December 31,2024
Assets:
Forward currency contracts$3.6$13.3
Liabilities:
Forward currency contracts$2.7$9.3

Our forward currency contracts are included in "Other current assets," "Other current liabilities," "Other non-current assets," 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$936.5 million and$839.7 million and the estimated fair value of total debt was$880.4 million and$789.4 million at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively. The fair values are determined from quoted market prices, where available, and from using current interest rates based on credit ratings and the remaining terms of maturity.

Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements

On a non-recurring basis, we remeasure the fair value of the goodwill of our reporting units and of our trade name indefinite-lived intangibles if an event or circumstance indicates that it is more likely than not that an impairment loss has been incurred.

The fair value of our reporting units and trade names are considered Level 3 measurements. Level 3 measurements require significant unobservable inputs that are reflected in our assumptions. See "Note 9. Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets" for more information.

  1. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

AOCI is defined as net income (loss) and other changes in stockholders’ equity from transactions and other events from sources other than stockholders. The components of, and changes in, AOCI were as follows:

(in millions)Derivative Financial InstrumentsForeign Currency AdjustmentsUnrecognized Pension and Other Post-retirement Benefit CostsAccumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Balance at December 31, 2024$2.1$(415.9)$(158.3)$(572.1)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, net of tax(0.4)31.4(3.0)28.0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax(1.5)—1.5—
Balance at March 31, 2025$0.2$(384.5)$(159.8)$(544.1)

The reclassifications out of AOCI for thethree months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 were as follows:

Three months endedMarch 31,
(in millions) · 2025 · 2024
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Components · Amount Reclassified fromAccumulated OtherComprehensive Income (Loss) · Location on Income Statement
Gain (loss) on cash flow hedges:
Foreign exchange contracts$2.0$0.4Cost of products sold
Tax benefit(0.5)(0.2)Income tax (benefit) expense
Net of tax$1.5$0.2
Defined benefit plan items:
Amortization of net actuarial loss(1)$(1.6)$(1.8)
Amortization of prior service cost(1)——
Total before tax(1.6)(1.8)
Tax benefit0.10.4Income tax (benefit) expense
Net of tax$(1.5)$(1.4)
Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax$—$(1.2)

(1)

These AOCI components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit (income) cost for pension and post-retirement plans.

  1. 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 receive 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 products are shipped.

As of December 31, 2024, there was $2.9 million of unearned revenue associated with outstanding service or extended maintenance agreements ("EMAs"), primarily reported in "Other current liabilities." During thethree months ended March 31, 2025, $1.2 million of the unearned revenue was earned and recognized. As of March 31, 2025, the amount of unearned revenue from EMAs was $2.8 million. We expect to earn and recognize approximately $2.3 million of the unearned amount in the next 12 months and $0.5 million in periods beyond the next 12 months.

The following tables present our net sales disaggregated by regional geography, based upon our operating segments and our net sales disaggregated by the timing of revenue recognition for thethree months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024:

Three months ended March 31,
(in millions)20252024
United States$127.8$137.3
Canada14.218.2
Latin America31.941.7
ACCO Brands Americas173.9197.2
EMEA(1)112.6129.2
Australia/N.Z.23.325.1
Asia7.67.4
ACCO Brands International143.5161.7
Net sales(2)$317.4$358.9

(1)EMEA is comprised largely of Europe, but also includes export sales to the Middle East and Africa.

(2)Net sales are attributed to geographic areas based on the location of the selling subsidiaries.

Three months ended March 31,
(in millions)20252024
Product and services transferred at a point in time$309.2$348.9
Product and services transferred over time8.210.0
Net sales$317.4$358.9
  1. Information on Operating Segments

The Company hastwo operating segments based in different geographic regions: Americas and International. Each operating segment designs, markets, sources, manufactures and sells recognized consumer, technology and business branded products used in schools, homes, and at work. Product designs are tailored to end-user preferences in each geographic region, and where possible, leverage common engineering, design and sourcing.

Our Chief Operating Decision Maker ("CODM"), which is our President and Chief Executive Officer, analyzes and evaluates the Company's financial results at the operating segment level to assess performance and allocate resources. This includes net revenue, gross margins, operating income, restructuring expense, components of working capital investments, and other ratio performance metrics. The significant expense categories and amounts align with the segment-level information that is regularly provided to the CODM.

The Company'stwo operating segments are as follows:

Operating SegmentGeographyPrimary BrandsPrimary Products
ACCO Brands AmericasUnited States, Canada and Latin AmericaFive Star®, PowerA®, Tilibra®, AT-A-GLANCE®, Kensington®, Quartet®, GBC®, Mead®, Swingline®, Barrilito®, Foroni® and Hilroy®Note taking products, computer and gaming accessories; planners, workspace machines, tools and essentials; and dry erase boards and accessories.
ACCO Brands InternationalEMEA, Australia/N.Z., and AsiaLeitz®, Rapid®, Kensington®, Esselte®, Rexel®, PowerA®, GBC®, NOBO®, Franken®, Derwent®, Marbig®, Artline®* and Spirax®*Australia/N.Z. onlyFiling and organization products; workspace machines, tools and essentials; computer and gaming accessories; dry erase boards and accessories; and writing and art products.

Customers

We distribute our products through a wide variety of 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, contract stationers and specialist technology businesses. We also sell directly through e-commerce sites and our direct sales organization.

The operating results regularly provided to the CODM for our operating segments for thethree months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 were as follows:

ACCO Brands Americas · ACCO Brands International · Total
Net sales$173.9$143.5$317.4
Cost of products sold120.497.4217.8
Gross profit53.546.199.6
Sales and marketing expenses(1)25.822.648.4
Administrative expenses(2)17.713.931.6
Restructuring1.80.52.3
All other(3)7.34.011.3
Segment operating income0.95.16.0
Corporate expense12.7
Total consolidated operating loss(6.7)
Interest expense (income), net8.9
Non-operating pension expense0.5
Other expense, net0.4
Loss before income tax$(16.5)
ACCO Brands Americas · ACCO Brands International · Total
Net Sales$197.2$161.7$358.9
Cost of products sold140.9107.6248.5
Gross profit56.354.1110.4
Sales and marketing expenses(1)27.023.550.5
Administrative expenses(2)16.913.830.7
Restructuring—(0.3)(0.3)
All other(3)6.34.310.6
Segment operating income6.112.818.9
Corporate expense13.0
Total consolidated operating income5.9
Interest expense (income), net11.4
Non-operating pension expense0.4
Other income, net(0.6)
Loss before income tax$(5.3)

(1)

Sales and Marketing consists primarily of advertising, marketing, selling, customer service and research and development.

(2)

Admin expense consists primarily of executive, finance, information technology and human resources expenses.

(3)

All other expense primarily consists of amortization of intangibles.

The following table presents the measure of operating segment assets used by the Company's CODMas of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024:

(in millions)March 31,2025December 31,2024
ACCO Brands Americas$366.6$418.0
ACCO Brands International194.6201.3
Total segment assets(4)561.2619.3
Goodwill468.7446.4
Identifiable intangibles, net713.6709.6
Property, plant and equipment, net139.2137.5
Unallocated assets(5)385.9315.6
Total assets$2,268.6$2,228.4

(4)

Segment assets represent assets that are regularly provided to the CODM and consist of accounts receivable less allowances and inventory.

(5)

Unallocated assets consist primarily of cash, deferred taxes, derivatives, prepaid pension assets, prepaid debt issuances costs and right of use asset, leases.

Capital spend by operating segmentas of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024:

(in millions)March 31,2025December 31,2024
ACCO Brands Americas$3.2$10.2
ACCO Brands International0.96.8
Total capital spend$4.1$17.0

Depreciation expense by operating segment for three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 was as follows:

(in millions)March 31,2025March 31,2024
ACCO Brands Americas$4.5$5.0
ACCO Brands International2.22.4
Total depreciation$6.7$7.4

Property, plant, and equipment, net by operating segmentas of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024:

(in millions)March 31,2025December 31,2024
U.S.$50.5$51.1
Canada0.80.9
Latin America23.922.7
ACCO Brands Americas75.274.7
ACCO Brands EMEA54.853.5
Australia/N.Z.8.68.7
Asia-Pacific0.60.6
ACCO Brands International64.062.8
Property, plant and equipment, net$139.2$137.5
  1. 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 ACCO Brazil. For further information, see "Note 11. Income Taxes -Brazil Tax Assessments" for details on tax assessments issued by the FRD against ACCO Brazil challenging the tax deduction of goodwill from ACCO Brazil'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.

Other Pending Litigation

We are party to various lawsuits and regulatory proceedings, primarily related to alleged patent infringement, 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.

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