QuadGraphics Inc
For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Feb 21, 2025.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2024 · Filed Feb 21, 2025
What changed in Risk Factors?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2023-12-31; filed 2024-02-22.
0001481792-24-000007
Item 1A. Risk FactorsCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-02-21.
0001481792-25-000010
Item 1A. Risk FactorsThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 99 previous paragraphs and 102 current paragraphs.
66 unchanged; 32 reworded; 2 added; 1 removed; 0 previous and 2 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 0 previous and 0 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (2)
Current report
Integrated distribution with the USPS is an important component of the Company’s business. Any material change in the current service levels provided by the postal service could impact the demand that clients have for print services. In September 2024, the USPS held a pre-filing conference to further reduce service standards. These changes required an advisory opinion from the Postal Regulatory Commission (“PRC”), which was issued in January 2025, urging the USPS to reconsider its plan. However, the USPS is still expected to implement the changes in 2025, regardless of the advisory opinion issued. In addition to the reduce service standards, the USPS has also issued reduced service performance targets for 2025. Almost all letters and flats targets were reduced, some as much as 15% lower than 2024 targets (i.e. First Class Letters three to five day on time performance target was reduced from 90% down to 80%).
Current report
In addition, adverse weather or natural disasters, epidemics, other public health crises, conflicts, terrorist attacks, fires or other catastrophic events affecting the Company’s plants, distribution centers or other facilities, could also materially disrupt the Company’s operations and result in an adverse impact on its financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Removed paragraphs (1)
Previous report
Integrated distribution with the USPS is an important component of the Company’s business. Any material change in the current service levels provided by the postal service could impact the demand that clients have for print services. The USPS continues to experience financial problems. The passing of the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022, signed in April 2022, gave the USPS considerable financial relief as well as significant relief over the next ten years. While the legislative postal reform helps considerably, without decreased operational cost structures, increased efficiencies or increased volumes and revenues, these losses will potentially continue into the future. As a result of these financial difficulties, the USPS has continued to adjust its postal rates and service levels. Additional price increases may result in clients reducing mail volumes and exploring the use of alternative methods for delivering a larger portion of their products, such as continued diversion to the internet, digital and mobile channels and other alternative media channels, in order to ensure that they stay within their expected postage budgets.
Reworded paragraphs (32)
Previous wording
As the Company continues to expand its integrated marketing platform, the overall complexity of the Company’s business continues to increase and the Company continues to become subject to different market dynamics. The new markets into which the Company is expanding, or may expand, may have different characteristics from the markets in which the Company historically competed. These different characteristics may include, among other things, demand volume requirements, demand seasonality, product generation development rates, client concentrations and performance and compatibility requirements. The Company’s failure to make the necessary adaptations to its business model to address these different characteristics, complexities and new market dynamics could adversely affect the Company’s operating results. In addition, with rapid changes in technology affecting the marketing and advertising industry, including generative artificial intelligence, the Company may not accurately predict trends, identify use cases, or make the technological adaptations or investments necessary to stay competitive in these new markets.
Current wording
As the Company continues to expand its integrated marketing platform, the overall complexity of the Company’s business continues to increase and the Company continues to become subject to different market dynamics. The new markets into which the Company is expanding, or may expand, may have different characteristics from the markets in which the Company historically competed. These different characteristics may include, among other things, demand volume requirements, demand seasonality, product generation development rates, client concentrations and performance and compatibility requirements. The Company’s failure to make the necessary adaptations to its business model to address these different characteristics, complexities and new market dynamics could adversely affect the Company’s operating results. In addition, with rapid changes in technology affecting the marketing and advertising industry, including generative artificial intelligence, the Company may not accurately predict trends, identify use cases, adapt its marketing offerings and business processes, or make the technological adaptations or investments necessary to stay competitive in these new markets.
Previous wording
Decreases in demand for printing services caused by factors outside of the Company’s control, including the substitution of printed products with digital content, recessions and other macroeconomic conditions, as well as significant downward pricing pressure, may continue to adversely affect the Company.
Current wording
Decreases in demand for printing services caused by factors outside of the Company’s control, including the substitution of printed products with digital content, prior and any future recessions and other macroeconomic conditions, as well as significant downward pricing pressure, may continue to adversely affect the Company.
Previous wording
The Company and the overall printing industry continues to experience a reduction in demand for printed materials and overcapacity due to various factors including the sustained and increasing shift of digital substitution by marketers and advertisers (to both replace and augment campaigns that were historically focused on print), as well as macroeconomic conditions and recessions (which severely impact print volumes and further accelerate the impact of media disruption). The impacts of overcapacity, as well as intense competition, have led to the Company experiencing significant downward pricing pressures for printing services in recent years and such pricing may continue to decline from current levels. Any future increases in the supply of printing services or decreases in demand could cause prices to continue to decline, and prolonged periods of low prices, weak demand and/or excess supply could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business growth, results of operations and liquidity.
Current wording
The Company and the overall printing industry continue to experience a reduction in demand for printed materials and overcapacity due to various factors including the sustained and increasing shift of digital substitution by marketers and advertisers (to both replace and augment campaigns that were historically focused on print), as well as macroeconomic conditions and prior recessions (which severely impacted print volumes and further accelerated the impact of media disruption). The impacts of overcapacity, as well as intense competition, have led to the Company experiencing significant downward pricing pressures for printing services in recent years and such pricing may continue to decline from current levels. Any future increases in the supply of printing services or decreases in demand could cause prices to continue to decline, and prolonged periods of low prices, weak demand and/or excess supply could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business growth, results of operations and liquidity.
Previous wording
The Company may be adversely affected by increases in its operating costs, including the cost and availability of paper, ink components and other raw materials, parts for equipment, labor-related costs, fuel and other energy costs and freight rates.
Current wording
The Company may be adversely affected by increases in its operating costs, including the cost and availability of raw materials (such as paper, ink components and other materials), inventory, parts for equipment, labor, fuel and other energy costs and freight rates.
Previous wording
The primary raw materials that the Company uses in its print business are paper, ink and energy. The price of such raw materials has fluctuated over time and has caused fluctuations in the Company’s net sales and cost of sales. This volatility may continue and the Company may experience increases in the costs of its raw materials in the future as prices in the overall paper, ink and energy markets are expected to remain beyond its control. The price and availability of paper may also be adversely affected by paper mills’ permanent or temporary closures, and mills’ access to raw materials, conversion to produce other types of paper (which a number of paper mills have done or are doing), and ability to transport paper produced. The price and availability of ink and ink components may be adversely affected by the availability of component raw materials, labor and transportation.
Current wording
The primary raw materials that the Company uses in its print business are paper, ink and energy. The price and availability of paper may also be adversely affected by paper mills’ permanent or temporary closures; paper mills’ access to raw materials, conversion to produce other types of paper (which a number of paper mills have done or are doing), and ability to transport paper produced; and tariffs and trade restrictions. The price and availability of ink and ink components may be adversely affected by the availability of component raw materials, labor and transportation, as well as by tariffs and trade restrictions.
Previous wording
Approximately half of the paper used by the Company is supplied directly by its clients. For those clients that do not directly supply their own paper, the Company generally includes price adjustment clauses in sales contracts for paper and other critical raw materials in the printing process. Although these clauses generally mitigate paper price risk, higher paper prices and tight paper supplies may have an impact on client demand for printed products. If the Company passes along increases in the cost of paper and the price of the Company’s products and services increases as a result, client demand could be adversely affected, and thereby, negatively impact the Company’s financial performance. If the Company is unable to continue to pass along increases in the cost of paper to its clients, future increases in paper costs would adversely affect its margins and profits.
Current wording
Approximately half of the paper used by the Company is supplied directly by its clients. For those clients that do not directly supply their own paper, the Company generally includes price adjustment clauses in sales contracts for paper and other critical raw materials in the printing process. Although these clauses generally mitigate paper price risk, higher paper prices and tight paper supplies, as well as changes in the United States import or trade regulations, may have an impact on client demand for printed products. If the Company passes along increases in the cost of paper and the price of the Company’s products and services increases as a result, client demand could be adversely affected, and thereby, negatively impact the Company’s financial performance. If the Company is unable to continue to pass along increases in the cost of paper to its clients, future increases in paper costs would adversely affect its margins and profits.
Previous wording
Although historically the Company generally has not experienced significant difficulty in obtaining adequate quantities of paper, continued decline in suppliers, changes in United States import or trade regulations, or other developments in the overall paper markets could result in a decrease in the supply of paper and could adversely affect the Company’s revenues or profits. In addition, the Company may not be able to resell waste paper and other by-products or the prices received for their sale may decline substantially.
Current wording
Although historically the Company generally has not experienced significant difficulty in obtaining adequate quantities of paper, continued decline in suppliers, changes in United States import or trade regulations, paper mills’ reduction of graphic paper production capacity in favor of other product lines, or other developments in the overall paper markets could result in a decrease in the supply of paper and could adversely affect the Company’s revenues or profits. In addition, the Company may not be able to resell waste paper and other by-products or the prices received for their sale may decline substantially.
Previous wording
The Company is dependent upon the vendors within the Company’s supply chain to maintain a steady supply of inventory, parts for equipment and materials. Many of the Company’s products are dependent upon a limited number of vendors, and significant disruptions could adversely affect operations (including labor pressures, distribution challenges, recessionary concerns and other macroeconomic conditions). Under current market conditions, it is possible that one or more of the Company’s vendors will be unable to fulfill their operating obligations due to financial hardships, liquidity issues or other reasons.
Current wording
The Company is dependent upon the vendors within the Company’s supply chain to maintain a steady supply of inventory, parts for equipment and other materials. Many of the Company’s products are dependent upon a limited number of vendors, and the price and availability of inventory, parts and other materials, such as printing plates, could be adversely affected by supply chain disruptions, such as from labor pressures; tariffs, anti-dumping duties, and trade restrictions; distribution challenges; and macroeconomic conditions. The Company may not be able to fully pass on to clients the impact of higher supply chain prices on its manufacturing costs. Under current market conditions, it is possible that one or more of the Company’s vendors will be unable to fulfill their operating obligations due to financial hardships, liquidity issues or other reasons.
Previous wording
Federal statute requires the Postal Regulatory Commission (“PRC”) to conduct reviews of the overall rate-making structure for the USPS to ensure funding stability. As a result of those reviews, the PRC authorized a five year rate-making structure that provides the USPS with additional pricing flexibility over the Consumer Price Index cap, which may result in a substantially altered rate structure for mailers. The revised rate authority that is effective as a result of the rules issued by the PRC includes a higher overall rate cap on the USPS’ ability to increase rates from year to year. The USPS has used these additional rate authorities to implement twice a year increases and are expected to continue to do so in the future. This has led to price spikes for mailers and may also reduce the incentive for the USPS to continue to take out costs and instead continue to rely on postage to cover the costs of an outdated postal service that does not reflect the industry’s ability or willingness to pay. The uncertainty as to how much of the authority the USPS will use on any specific rate increase also creates potential volume declines as rate predictability with respect to cost is no longer known for mailers. The result may be reduced demand for printed products as clients may move more aggressively into other delivery methods, such as the many digital and mobile options now available to consumers. The PRC has committed to reviewing the 5-year structure in 2024, but resulting rate reductions may take years to finalize.
Current wording
Federal statute requires the PRC to conduct reviews of the overall rate-making structure for the USPS to ensure funding stability. As a result of those reviews, the PRC authorized a five year rate-making structure that provides the USPS with additional pricing flexibility over the Consumer Price Index (“CPI”) cap, which has resulted in a substantially altered rate structure for mailers. The revised rate authority that is effective as a result of the rules issued by the PRC includes a higher overall rate cap on the USPS’ ability to increase rates from year to year. The USPS has used these additional rate authorities to implement twice a year increases. This will continue to lead to price spikes for mailers and may also reduce the incentive for the USPS to continue to take out costs and instead continue to rely on postage to cover the costs of an outdated postal service that does not reflect the industry’s ability or willingness to pay. Given the significant amount of concern that has been expressed by the mailing industry, in April 2024, the PRC opened a proceeding to start the next rate system review, which is still underway. The Company believes the continued use of all available rate authority by the USPS will continue to increase the potential volume declines as rate predictability with respect to cost is no longer known for mailers. The result may be reduced demand for printed products as clients may move more aggressively into other delivery methods, such as the many digital and mobile options now available to consumers. The PRC began reviewing the 5-year structure in 2024, which is still underway, and resulting rate reductions may take years to finalize.
Previous wording
Macroeconomic conditions, including inflation, high interest rates and recessionary concerns, cost and labor pressures, distribution challenges and the price and availability of paper, have had, and may continue to have, a negative impact on the Company’s business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations. For instance, the Company was negatively impacted in 2023 by rising interest rates and the increasing cost and availability of raw materials (such as paper, ink and supplies), distribution and labor. In addition in 2023, the Company experienced certain distribution challenges, including, but not limited to, delivery delays at the USPS and recent volume restrictions at the United Parcel Service, Federal Express and certain local couriers, which negatively impacted the Company.
Current wording
Macroeconomic conditions, including inflation and elevated interest rates, postal rate increases, tariffs, trade restrictions, cost pressures and the price and availability of paper, have had, and may continue to have, a negative impact on the Company’s business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations. For instance, the Company was negatively impacted in 2024 by higher interest rates, the price and availability of paper, and postage rate increases, along with the previously described industry challenges.
Previous wording
Demand for the Company’s products and services, in general, is highly related to general economic conditions in the markets the Company’s clients serve. Declines in economic conditions in the United States or in other countries in which the Company operates, including as a result of macroeconomic conditions, recessionary concerns and/or geopolitical events, may adversely impact the Company’s financial results, and these impacts may be material. Economic weakness and constrained advertising spending have resulted, and may in the future result, in decreased revenue, operating margin, earnings and growth rates and difficulty in managing inventory levels and collecting accounts receivable. The Company has experienced, and expects to experience in the future, excess capacity and lower demand due to economic factors affecting consumers’ and businesses’ spending behavior, including as a result of macroeconomic conditions, recessionary concerns and/or geopolitical events. This, or uncertainty or disruptions in global credit and banking markets, might cause the Company to not be able to continue to have access to preferred sources of liquidity when needed or on terms the Company finds acceptable, and the Company’s borrowing costs could increase.
Current wording
Demand for the Company’s products and services, in general, is highly related to general economic conditions in the markets the Company’s clients serve. Declines in economic conditions in the United States or in other countries in which the Company operates, including as a result of macroeconomic conditions and/or geopolitical events, may adversely impact the Company’s financial results, and these impacts may be material. Economic weakness and constrained advertising spending have resulted, and may in the future result, in decreased revenue, operating margin, earnings and growth rates and difficulty in managing inventory levels and collecting accounts receivable. The Company has experienced, and expects to experience in the future, excess capacity and lower demand due to economic factors affecting consumers’ and businesses’ spending behavior, including as a result of macroeconomic conditions, tariffs, trade restrictions and/or other geopolitical events. This, or uncertainty or disruptions in global credit and banking markets, might cause the Company to not be able to continue to have access to preferred sources of liquidity when needed or on terms the Company finds acceptable, and the Company’s borrowing costs could increase.
Previous wording
The Company expects inflationary cost pressures and certain supply chain shortages and distribution challenges to potentially continue through 2024 and the Company may not be able to fully mitigate the impact of the rising inflationary cost pressures through price increases. Continuing or worsening inflation, recessionary concerns, supply chain and distribution challenges and/or uncertainty or disruptions in global credit and banking markets may have a material adverse impact on the Company’s business, financial condition, cash flows and/or results of operations.
Current wording
The Company expects inflationary cost pressures, tariffs and trade restrictions, to potentially continue in 2025 and the Company may not be able to fully mitigate the impact of the rising inflationary cost pressures through price increases. Continuing or worsening inflation and/or tariffs and trade restrictions may have a material adverse impact on the Company’s business, financial condition, cash flows and/or results of operations.
Previous wording
The Company continues to be substantially dependent on its production personnel to print the Company’s products in a cost-effective and efficient manner that allows the Company to obtain new clients and to drive sales from the Company’s existing clients. The Company believes that there is significant competition for production personnel with the skills and technical knowledge that the Company requires, especially in light of continuing labor shortages. The Company’s ability to continue efficient operations, reduce production costs, and consolidate operations will depend, in large part, on the Company’s success in recruiting, training, integrating and retaining sufficient numbers of production personnel to support the Company’s production, cost savings and consolidation targets. New hires require extensive training and it may take significant time before they achieve full productivity. In addition, increases in the wages paid by competing employers, including as a result of current macroeconomic conditions, has resulted, and may continue to result, in increases in the wage rates that the Company must pay. As a result, the Company has and may continue to incur additional costs to attract, train and retain employees, including expenditures related to salaries and benefits, and the Company may lose new, as well as existing, employees to competitors or other companies before the Company realizes the benefit of its investment in recruiting and training them. If the Company is unable to hire and train sufficient numbers of personnel, the Company’s business would be adversely affected. The nationwide shortage of available production personnel may also put a strain on the Company’s ability to accept new work from client requests, including during the Company’s seasonally higher second half of the calendar year.
Current wording
The Company continues to be substantially dependent on its production personnel to print the Company’s products in a cost-effective and efficient manner that allows the Company to obtain new clients and to drive sales from the Company’s existing clients. The Company believes that there is significant competition for production personnel with the skills and technical knowledge that the Company requires. The Company’s ability to continue efficient operations, reduce production costs, and consolidate operations will depend, in large part, on the Company’s success in recruiting, training, integrating and retaining sufficient numbers of production personnel to support the Company’s production, cost savings and consolidation targets. New hires require extensive training and it may take significant time before they achieve full productivity. In addition, increases in the wages paid by competing employers, including as a result of current macroeconomic conditions, has resulted, and may continue to result, in increases in the wage rates that the Company must pay. As a result, the Company has and may continue to incur additional costs to attract, train and retain employees, including expenditures related to salaries and benefits, and the Company may lose new, as well as existing, employees to competitors or other companies before the Company realizes the benefit of its investment in recruiting and training them. If the Company is unable to hire and train sufficient numbers of personnel, the Company’s business would be adversely affected. Any shortage of available production personnel may also put a strain on the
Previous wording
Approximately 1,000 of the Company’s United States and international employees are covered by an industry wide agreement, a collective bargaining agreement or through a works council or similar arrangement. While the Company believes its employee relations are good and that the Company maintains an employee-centric culture, any material disruption in operations resulting from labor disputes, a strike or other forms of labor protest affecting the Company’s United States or international plants, distribution centers or other facilities in the future could materially disrupt the Company’s operations and result in an adverse impact on its financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, which could force the Company to reassess its strategic alternatives involving certain of its operations.
Current wording
Approximately 1,200 of the Company’s United States and international employees are covered by an industry wide agreement, a collective bargaining agreement or through a works council or similar arrangement. While the Company believes its employee relations are good and that the Company maintains an employee-centric culture, any material disruption in operations resulting from labor disputes, a strike or other forms of labor protest affecting the Company’s United States or international plants, distribution centers or other facilities in the future could materially disrupt the Company’s operations and result in an adverse impact on its financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, which could force the Company to reassess its strategic alternatives involving certain of its operations.
Previous wording
Certain industries in which the Company’s clients operate are experiencing consolidation. When client consolidation occurs, it is possible that the volume of work performed by the Company for a client after the consolidation will be less than it was before the consolidation or that the client’s work will be completely moved to competitors. In addition, new and enhanced technologies, including search, web and infrastructure computing services, digital content, and electronic devices, may affect clients. The internet facilitates competitive entry and comparison shopping, and the reliance on digital retailing may reduce clients’ volume. Any such reduction or loss of work could adversely affect the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.
Current wording
Certain industries in which the Company’s clients operate have experienced, and in the future may experience consolidation. When client consolidation occurs, it is possible that the volume of work performed by the Company for a client after the consolidation will be less than it was before the consolidation or that the client’s work will be completely moved to competitors. In addition, new and enhanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, search, web and infrastructure computing services, digital content, and electronic devices, may affect clients. The internet facilitates competitive entry and comparison shopping, and the reliance on digital retailing may reduce clients’ volume. Any such reduction or loss of work could adversely affect the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.
Previous wording
Net sales from the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries outside of the United States accounted for approximately 14% and 13% of its consolidated net sales for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Current wording
Net sales from the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries outside of the United States accounted for approximately 13% and 14% of its consolidated net sales for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Previous wording
As a result, the Company is subject to the risks inherent in conducting business outside of the United States, including, but not limited to: the impact of economic and political instability; fluctuations in currency values, foreign-currency exchange rates, devaluation and conversion restrictions; exchange control regulations and other limits on the Company’s ability to import raw materials or finished product; tariffs and other trade barriers; trade restrictions and economic embargoes by the United States or other countries; health concerns regarding infectious diseases; adverse weather or natural disasters; social unrest, acts of terrorism, force majeure, war or other armed conflicts; inflation and fluctuations in interest rates; language barriers; difficulties in staffing, training, employee retention and managing international operations; logistical and communications challenges; differing local business practices and cultural considerations; restrictions on the ability to repatriate funds; foreign ownership restrictions and the potential for nationalization or expropriation of property or other resources; longer accounts receivable payment cycles; potential adverse tax consequences and being subject to different legal and regulatory regimes that may preclude or make more costly certain initiatives or the implementation of certain elements of its business strategy.
Current wording
As a result, the Company is subject to the risks inherent in conducting business outside of the United States, including, but not limited to: the impact of economic and political instability; tariffs and other trade barriers; trade restrictions and economic embargoes by the United States or other countries; fluctuations in currency values, foreign-currency exchange rates, devaluation and conversion restrictions; exchange control regulations and other limits on the Company’s ability to import raw materials or finished product; health concerns regarding infectious diseases; adverse weather or natural disasters; social unrest, acts of terrorism, force majeure, war or other armed conflicts; inflation and fluctuations in interest rates; language barriers; difficulties in staffing, training, employee retention and managing international operations; logistical and communications challenges; differing local business practices and cultural considerations; restrictions on the ability to repatriate funds; foreign ownership restrictions and the potential for nationalization or expropriation of property or other resources; longer accounts receivable payment cycles; potential adverse tax consequences; and being subject to different legal and regulatory regimes that may preclude or make more costly certain initiatives or the implementation of certain elements of its business strategy.
Previous wording
In addition, there has been a substantial increase in the use of social media platforms, including blogs, social media websites, and other forms of internet-based and mobile communications, which allow individuals access to a broad audience of consumers and other interested persons. Many social media platforms immediately publish the content their subscribers’ and participants’ post, often without filters or checks on accuracy of the content posted. Information or commentary posted on such platforms at any time may be adverse to the Company’s interests or may be inaccurate, each of which may harm the Company’s reputation, business or prospects. The harm may be immediate without affording the Company an opportunity for redress or correction.
Current wording
In addition, the increased use of social media platforms, including blogs, social media websites, and other forms of internet-based and mobile communications, allows individuals access to a broad audience of consumers and other interested persons. Many social media platforms immediately publish the content their subscribers’ and participants’ post, often without filters or checks on accuracy of the content posted. Information or commentary posted on such platforms at any time may be adverse to the Company’s interests or may be inaccurate, each of which may harm the Company’s reputation, business or prospects. The harm may be immediate without affording the Company an opportunity for redress or correction.
Previous wording
The printing and advertising and marketing services industries are experiencing rapid change as new digital technologies are developed that offer clients an array of choices for their marketing and publication needs. In order to remain competitive, the Company will need to adapt to future changes, especially with regard to technology and talent, to enhance the Company’s existing offerings and introduce new offerings to address the changing demands of clients. In order to remain technologically and economically competitive, the Company may need to make significant capital expenditures and other investments, including in its talent, as it develops and continues to maintain its platforms and processes, and to develop and integrate new technologies. In order to accomplish this effectively, the Company will need to deploy its resources efficiently, maintain effective cost controls and bear potentially significant market and raw material risks. If the Company’s revenues decline, it may impact the Company’s ability to expend the capital necessary to develop and implement new technology and be economically competitive. Debt or equity financing, or cash generated from operations, may not be available or sufficient for these requirements or for other corporate purposes or, if debt or equity financing is available, it may not be on terms favorable to the Company. In addition, even if capital is available to the Company, there is risk that the Company’s vendors will have discontinued the production of parts needed for repairs, replacements or improvements to the Company’s existing platforms, leading the Company to expend more capital than expected to perform such repairs, replacements or improvements. The Company’s business and operating results may be adversely affected if the Company is unable to keep pace with relevant technological and industry changes or if the technologies or business strategies that the Company adopts or services it promotes do not receive widespread market acceptance.
Current wording
The printing and advertising and marketing services industries are experiencing rapid change as new digital technologies are developed that offer clients an array of choices for their marketing and publication needs. In order to remain competitive, the Company will need to adapt to future changes, especially with regard to technology, such as artificial intelligence, and talent, to enhance the Company’s existing offerings and introduce new offerings to address the changing demands of clients. In order to remain technologically and economically competitive, the Company may need to make significant capital expenditures and other investments, including in its talent, as it develops and continues to maintain its platforms and processes, and to develop and integrate new technologies. In order to accomplish this effectively, the Company will need to deploy its resources efficiently, maintain effective cost controls and bear potentially significant market and raw material risks. If the Company’s revenues decline, it may impact the Company’s ability to expend the capital necessary to develop and implement new technology and be economically competitive. Debt or equity financing, or cash generated from operations, may not be available or sufficient for these requirements or for other corporate purposes or, if debt or equity financing is available, it may not be on terms favorable to the Company. In addition, even if capital is available to the Company, there is risk that the Company’s vendors will have discontinued the production of parts needed for repairs, replacements or improvements to the Company’s existing platforms, leading the Company to expend more capital than expected to perform such repairs, replacements or improvements. The Company’s business and operating results may be adversely affected if the Company is unable to keep pace with relevant technological and industry changes or if the technologies or business strategies that the Company adopts or services it promotes do not receive widespread market acceptance.
Previous wording
On September 1, 1995, and as last amended on November 24, 2014, the Company entered into a senior secured note agreement (the “Master Note and Security Agreement”) pursuant to which the Company has issued over time senior notes in an aggregate principal amount of $1.1 billion in various tranches. As of December 31, 2023, the borrowings outstanding under the Master Note and Security Agreement were $2.5 million. On April 28, 2014, and as last amended on January 4, 2024, the Company entered into a senior secured credit facility (the “Senior Secured Credit Facility,”) which includes two different loan facilities: a $825.0 million Term Loan A and a $432.5 million revolving credit facility. As a result of the November 2, 2021 amendment to the Senior Secured Credit Facility, the Term Loan A and revolving credit facility were both broken into two separate maturity dates. Borrowing from lenders who elected to not extend the maturity date matured on January 31, 2024, whereas borrowing from lenders who elected to extend the maturity date matures on November 2, 2026. As of December 31, 2023, the borrowings outstanding under the Senior Secured Credit Facility were $511.1 million.
Current wording
On April 28, 2014, and as last amended on October 18, 2024, the Company entered into a senior secured credit facility (the “Senior Secured Credit Facility,”) which currently includes two different loan facilities: a $360.8 million Term Loan A and a $324.6 million revolving credit facility. As a result of an amendment to the Senior Secured Credit Facility, the Term Loan A and revolving credit facility were both broken into two separate maturity dates. Borrowing from lenders who elected to not extend the maturity date will mature on November 2, 2026, whereas borrowing from lenders who elected to extend the maturity date matures on October 18, 2029. As of December 31, 2024, the borrowings outstanding under the Senior Secured Credit Facility were $360.8 million.
Previous wording
The Company has entered into two interest rate collar contracts, both effective February 1, 2023. The purpose of entering into the contracts is to reduce the variability of cash flows from interest payments related to a portion of the Company’s variable-rate debt. The interest rate collars convert the notional value of the Company’s variable rate debt based on one-month term SOFR to a fixed rate if that month’s interest rate is outside of the collars’ floor and ceiling rates, including a spread on underlying debt, and a monthly reset in the variable interest rate.
Current wording
The Company has entered into two interest rate collar contracts, both effective February 1, 2023. The purpose of entering into the contracts was to reduce the variability of cash flows from interest payments related to a portion of the Company’s variable-rate debt. The interest rate collars convert the notional value of the Company’s variable rate debt based on one-month term SOFR to a fixed rate if that month’s interest rate is outside of the collars’ floor and ceiling rates, including a spread on underlying debt, and a monthly reset in the variable interest rate.
Previous wording
The Company’s business is seasonal, with the Company recognizing the majority of its operating income in the second half of the calendar year, primarily as a result of the increased magazine advertising page counts and retail inserts and catalogs from back-to-school and holiday-related advertising and promotions. The fourth quarter is typically the highest seasonal quarter for cash flows from operating activities and Free Cash Flow due to the reduction of working capital requirements that reach peak levels during the third quarter. If the Company does not successfully manage the increased workflow, necessary increases in paper and ink inventory, production capacity flows and other business elements during these high seasons of activity, this seasonality could adversely affect the Company’s cash flows and results of operations.
Current wording
The Company’s business is seasonal, with the Company recognizing the majority of its operating income in the second half of the calendar year, primarily as a result of the increased catalogs and retail inserts from back-to-school and holiday-related advertising and promotions. The fourth quarter is typically the highest seasonal quarter for cash flows from operating activities and Free Cash Flow due to the reduction of working capital requirements that reach peak levels during the third quarter. If the Company does not successfully manage the increased workflow, necessary increases in paper and ink inventory, production capacity flows and other business elements during these high seasons of activity, this seasonality could adversely affect the Company’s cash flows and results of operations.
Previous wording
The Company has a material amount of property, plant, equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets on its balance sheet, due in part to acquisitions. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had the following long-lived assets on its consolidated balance sheet included in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K: (a) property, plant and equipment of $620.6 million; (b) goodwill of $103.0 million; and (c) other intangible assets, primarily representing the value of customer relationships acquired, of $21.8 million.
Current wording
The Company has a material amount of property, plant, equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets on its balance sheet, due in part to acquisitions. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had the following long-lived assets on its consolidated balance sheet included in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K: (a) property, plant and equipment of $499.7 million; (b) goodwill of $100.3 million; and (c) other intangible assets, primarily representing the value of customer relationships acquired, of $7.2 million.
Previous wording
As of December 31, 2023, these assets represented approximately 49% of the Company’s total assets. The Company assesses impairment of property, plant and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets based upon the expected future cash flows of the respective assets. These valuations include management’s estimates of sales, profitability, cash flow generation, capital structure, cost of debt, interest rates, capital expenditures and other assumptions. A decline in expected profitability, significant negative industry or economic trends, inability to effectively integrate acquired businesses, unexpected significant changes or planned changes in use of the assets or in entity structure, divestitures and discontinued operations may adversely impact the assumptions used in the valuations. As a result, the recoverability of these assets could be called into question, and the Company could be required to write down or write off these assets. Such an occurrence could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations and financial position.
Current wording
As of December 31, 2024, these assets represented approximately 47% of the Company’s total assets. The Company assesses impairment of property, plant and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets based upon the expected future cash flows of the respective assets. These valuations include management’s estimates of sales, profitability, cash flow generation, capital structure, cost of debt, interest rates, capital expenditures and other assumptions. A decline in expected profitability, significant negative industry or economic trends, inability to effectively integrate acquired businesses, unexpected significant changes or planned changes in use of the assets or in entity structure, divestitures and discontinued operations may adversely impact the assumptions used in the valuations. As a result, the recoverability of these assets could be called into question, and the Company could be required to write down or write off these assets. Such an occurrence could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations and financial position.
Previous wording
As a result of the 2010 acquisition of World Color Press, the Company assumed frozen single employer defined benefit pension plans for certain of its employees in the United States. The majority of the plans’ assets are held in North American and global equity securities and debt securities. The asset allocation as of December 31, 2023, was approximately 21% equity securities and 79% debt securities.
Current wording
As a result of the 2010 acquisition of World Color Press, the Company assumed frozen single employer defined benefit pension plans for certain of its employees in the United States. The majority of the plans’ assets are held in North American and global equity securities and debt securities. The asset allocation as of December 31, 2024, was approximately 22% equity securities and 78% debt securities.
Previous wording
As of December 31, 2023, the Company had underfunded pension liabilities of $39.4 million for single employer defined benefit plans in the United States. Under current United States pension law, pension funding deficits are generally required to be funded over a seven-year period. These pension deficits may increase or decrease depending on changes in the levels of interest rates, pension plan investment performance, pension legislation and other factors. Declines in global debt and equity markets would increase the Company’s potential pension funding obligations. Any significant increase in the Company’s required contributions could have a material adverse impact on its business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Current wording
As of December 31, 2024, the Company had underfunded pension liabilities of $34.1 million for single employer defined benefit plans in the United States. Under current United States pension law, pension funding deficits are generally required to be funded over a seven-year period. These pension deficits may increase or decrease depending on changes in the levels of interest rates, pension plan investment performance, pension legislation and other factors. Declines in global debt and equity markets would increase the Company’s potential pension funding obligations. Any significant increase in the Company’s required contributions could have a material adverse impact on its business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Previous wording
In addition to the single employer defined benefit plans described above, the Company has previously participated in multiemployer pension plans (“MEPPs”) in the United States, including the Graphic Communications International Union - Employer Retirement Fund (“GCIU”) and the Graphic Communications Conference of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters National Pension Fund (“GCC”). Prior to the acquisition of World Color Press by the Company, World Color Press received notice that certain plans in which it participated were in critical status, as defined in Section 432 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”). As a result, the Company could have been subject to increased contribution rates associated with these plans or other MEPPs suffering from declines in their funding levels. Due to the significantly underfunded status of the United States multiemployer plans and the potential increased contribution rates, the Company withdrew from participation in these multiemployer plans and has replaced these pension benefits with a Company-sponsored “pay as you go” defined contribution plan, which is historically the form of retirement benefit provided to the Company’s employees. As of December 31, 2023, the Company has recorded in its financial statements a pre-tax withdrawal liability for all United States MEPPs of $24.0 million in the aggregate. The Company is scheduled to make payments to the GCIU and GCC until April 2032 and February 2024, respectively.
Current wording
In addition to the single employer defined benefit plans described above, the Company has previously participated in multiemployer pension plans (“MEPPs”) in the United States, including the Graphic Communications International Union - Employer Retirement Fund (“GCIU”) and the Graphic Communications Conference of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters National Pension Fund (“GCC”). Prior to the acquisition of World Color Press by the Company, World Color Press received notice that certain plans in which it participated were in critical status, as defined in Section 432 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”). As a result, the Company could have been subject to increased contribution rates associated with these plans or other MEPPs suffering from declines in their funding levels. Due to the significantly underfunded status of the United States multiemployer plans and the potential increased contribution rates, the Company withdrew from participation in these multiemployer plans and has replaced these pension benefits with a Company-sponsored “pay as you go” defined contribution plan, which is historically the form of retirement benefit provided to the Company’s employees. As of December 31, 2024, the Company has recorded in its financial statements a pre-tax withdrawal liability for all United States MEPPs of $21.5 million in the aggregate. The Company is scheduled to make payments to the GCIU until April 2032 and made its final payment to the GCC in February 2024.
Previous wording
As of December 31, 2023, the Company had deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances, of $86.6 million. The Company expects to utilize the deferred tax assets to reduce consolidated income tax liabilities in future taxable years. However, the Company may not be able to fully utilize the deferred tax assets if its future taxable income and related income tax liability is insufficient to permit their use. In addition, in the future, the Company may be required to record a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets if the Company believes it is unable to utilize them, which would have an adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations and financial position.
Current wording
As of December 31, 2024, the Company had deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances, of $66.9 million. The Company expects to utilize the deferred tax assets to reduce consolidated income tax liabilities in future taxable years. However, the Company may not be able to fully utilize the deferred tax assets if its future taxable income and related income tax liability is insufficient to permit their use. In addition, in the future, the Company may be required to record a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets if the Company believes it is unable to utilize them, which would have an adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations and financial position.
Previous wording
Various laws and regulations addressing climate change are being considered at the federal and state levels. Proposals under consideration include requiring climate- and emissions-related disclosures and limitations on the amount of greenhouse gas that can be emitted (so-called “caps”) together with systems of trading allowed emissions capacities. The impacts of such proposals could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.
Current wording
Various laws and regulations addressing climate change have been and/or are being considered at the federal and state levels. Proposals under consideration include requiring climate- and emissions-related disclosures and limitations on the amount of greenhouse gas that can be emitted together with systems of trading allowed emissions capacities. The impacts of such proposals could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.
Previous wording
QuadMed provides employer-sponsored healthcare solutions in the United States to employers of all sizes, including the Company and other private and public-sector companies. These solutions include, but are not limited to, on-site and near-site healthcare clinics, occupational health services, telemedicine, and health and wellness programs. The healthcare industry is heavily regulated, constantly evolving and subject to significant change and fluctuation. The United States federal and state healthcare laws and regulations that impact the QuadMed subsidiary business include, among others, those: (a) regarding privacy, security and transmission of individually identifiable health information; (b) prohibiting, among other things, soliciting, receiving or providing remuneration to induce the referral of an individual for an item or service or the purchasing or ordering of an item or service for which payment may be made under healthcare programs; (c) prohibiting, among other things, knowingly presenting or causing to be presented claims for payment from third-party payors that are false or fraudulent; and (d) prohibiting the corporate practice of medicine.
Current wording
QuadMed provides employer-sponsored healthcare solutions in the United States to employers of all sizes, including the Company and other private and public-sector companies. These solutions include, but are not limited to, on-site and near-site health centers, occupational health services, telemedicine, behavioral health and counseling services, and health and wellness programs. The healthcare industry is heavily regulated, constantly evolving and subject to significant change and fluctuation. The United States federal and state healthcare laws and regulations that impact the QuadMed subsidiary business include, among others, those: (a) regarding privacy, security and transmission of individually identifiable health information; (b) prohibiting, among other things, soliciting, receiving or providing remuneration to induce the referral of an individual for an item or service or the purchasing or ordering of an item or service for which payment may be made under healthcare programs; (c) prohibiting, among other things, knowingly presenting or causing to be presented claims for payment from third-party payors that are false or fraudulent; and (d) prohibiting the corporate practice of medicine.
Previous wording
As of January 31, 2024, approximately 93% of the outstanding class B stock was held of record by the Quad Voting Trust, and that constitutes approximately 73% of the Company’s total voting power. The trustees of the Quad Voting Trust have the authority to vote the stock held by the Quad Voting Trust. Accordingly, the trustees of the Quad Voting Trust are able to exercise a controlling influence over the Company’s business, have the power to elect its directors and indirectly control decisions such as whether to issue additional shares, declare and pay dividends or enter into corporate transactions.
Current wording
As of January 31, 2025, approximately 93% of the outstanding class B stock was held of record by the Quad Voting Trust, and that constitutes approximately 72% of the Company’s total voting power. The trustees of the Quad Voting Trust have the authority to vote the stock held by the Quad Voting Trust. Accordingly, the trustees of the Quad Voting Trust are able to exercise a controlling influence over the Company’s business, have the power to elect its directors and indirectly control decisions such as whether to issue additional shares, declare and pay dividends or enter into corporate transactions.
Previous wording
Furthermore, in response to recent public focus on dual class capital structures, certain stock index providers are implementing limitations on the inclusion of dual class share structures in their indices and certain institutional shareholder advisory firms are updating their voting guidelines to generally withhold support for directors of companies with dual class voting rights. If these restrictions increase or these guidelines are followed, they may impact who buys and holds the Company’s stock.
Current wording
Furthermore, in response to recent public focus on dual class capital structures, certain stock index providers have or are implementing limitations on the inclusion of dual class share structures in their indices and certain institutional shareholder advisory firms have or are updating their voting guidelines to generally withhold support for directors of companies with dual class voting rights. If these restrictions increase or these guidelines are followed, they may impact who buys and holds the Company’s stock.
Rearranged current paragraphs (2)
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
The price of raw materials used by the Company has fluctuated over time and has caused fluctuations in the Company’s net sales and cost of sales. This volatility may continue and the Company may experience increases in the costs of its raw materials in the future as prices are expected to remain beyond its control.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Company’s ability to accept new work from client requests, including during the Company’s seasonally higher second half of the calendar year.