Quad Reports Preliminary 2015 Financial Results and 2016 Financial Guidance

SUSSEX, Wis.—January 7, 2016—Quad/Graphics Inc. has reported preliminary results for the year ending Dec. 31, 2015. The reported results are both preliminary and unaudited, and may be adjusted as a result of, among other things, completion of customary financial close review and audit procedures.

Joel Quadracci

"We are pleased with our operating performance in the fourth quarter resulting from improvements in manufacturing productivity and strong cost management," said Joel Quadracci, Quad/Graphics chairman, president and CEO. "Our team was able to react quickly to increased pricing and volume pressure, and incrementally reduce our cost structure by $100 million on a run rate basis for 2016. This quick cost action allowed us to deliver stronger than expected results in the quarter and better position the Company for success in 2016."

Quadracci continued, "These activities required the complete coordination and dedication of our entire organization, and I want to thank all of our employees for their hard work and strong execution. As we move forward, we will continue to find new and creative ways to adapt to and evolve with changing industry conditions to meet our goal of being the industry’s high-quality and low-cost producer."

The Company expects preliminary Net Sales for full-year 2015 to be approximately $4.65 billion and Adjusted EBITDA to be at least $460 million, representing an approximate 10 percent Adjusted EBITDA margin. The preliminary full-year Adjusted EBITDA results are at least $10 million greater than the high end of the previous guidance range of $430 million to $450 million, primarily as a result of cost productivity improvements and earlier than expected impacts from the Company’s previously announced $100 million cost reduction program.

Preliminary Free Cash Flow is expected to be approximately $210 million for full-year 2015, and is $30 million greater than the high end of the previous guidance range of $165 million to $180 million. Free Cash Flow increased $56 million or 36 percent over the prior year due to sustainable improvements in the cash conversion process primarily impacting working capital. The Company also expects the Debt Leverage Ratio to be below 3.0x at December 31, 2015, as compared to 3.09x at Sept. 30, 2015, due to the stronger Free Cash Flow which was utilized to reduce debt levels during the fourth quarter.

Outlook
The Company provided the following 2016 preliminary financial guidance:

• Net Sales of $4.4 billion to $4.6 billion.
• Adjusted EBITDA of $420 million to $460 million.
• Adjusted EBITDA margin of approximately 10 percent at the midpoint of guidance and flat with the expected 2015 margin.
• Free Cash Flow of $190 million to $230 million, flat with 2015 at the $210 million midpoint of guidance.

Dave Honan, Quad/Graphics executive vice president and CEO, concluded, "We believe Quad/Graphics will continue to be a significant Free Cash Flow generator into the future and, because of permanent improvements to our cost structure and working capital levels, our preliminary financial guidance for 2016 demonstrates our ability to deliver a sustainable level of Free Cash Flow. Our strong cash flow and disciplined capital deployment strategy provides us the ability to continue maintaining a strong balance sheet, including further deleveraging the balance sheet through debt and pension liability reductions, while continuing to invest strategically in our business and return cash to our shareholders through our dividend, representing only 30 percent of our annual Free Cash Flow."

Management will provide detailed audited financial statements and will discuss final 2015 financial results and 2016 financial guidance as part of its regular quarterly conference call on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016.

About Quad/Graphics
Quad/Graphics (NYSE: QUAD), a leading global provider of print and media solutions, is redefining print in today’s multichannel media world by helping marketers and publishers capitalize on print’s ability to complement and connect with other media channels. With consultative ideas, worldwide capabilities, leading-edge technology and single-source simplicity, Quad/Graphics has the resources and knowledge to help a wide variety of clients in distinct vertical industries, including but not limited to retail, publishing, insurance, financial and healthcare. The Company helps clients perform better in today’s rapidly changing world through innovative solutions that improve efficiencies, reduce costs, lift response and increase revenue. Quad/Graphics provides a diverse range of print and related products, services and solutions from multiple locations throughout North America, Latin America and Europe, and strategic partnerships in Asia and other parts of the world.

Source: Quad/Graphics Inc.