Quad/Graphics Reports First Quarter 2013 Results

Quad/Graphics Reports First Quarter 2013 Results

Company Reports Results In Line with Expectations, Reaffirms 2013 Guidance

Highlights:

• Generated first quarter net sales of $1.1 billion.

• Achieved first quarter Adjusted EBITDA of $114 million.

• Produced $120 million in first quarter Recurring Free Cash Flow.

• Completed the acquisition of Vertis Holdings, Inc. ("Vertis") on January 16, 2013.

• Reaffirms 2013 annual guidance of $4.8 billion to $5.0 billion in revenue, $580 million to $610 million in Adjusted EBITDA, and Recurring Free Cash Flow in excess of $360 million.

SUSSEX, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Quad/Graphics, Inc. (NYS: QUAD) ("Quad/Graphics" or the "Company") today reported results for its first quarter ending March 31, 2013. The reported results include Vertis from the day of acquisition on January 16, 2013. With the exception of certain debt ratios, prior year financial results do not include the acquisition of Vertis.

"Our first quarter results were in line with our expectations and we reaffirm our previously released 2013 annual guidance," said Joel Quadracci, Quad/Graphics Chairman, President & CEO. "In addition, we are pleased with our progress to date on the integration of Vertis. Our integration team has been focused on cost-savings initiatives and improving the overall efficiency and productivity of our platform, while also ensuring we continue to serve our clients well. Going forward, we remain focused on improving productivity; maintaining a strong and flexible balance sheet; investing in our existing business as well as pursuing profitable investment opportunities; and creating long-term value for our shareholders."

Net sales for the first quarter 2013 were $1.1 billion versus $990 million for the same period in 2012. First quarter 2013 Adjusted EBITDA was $114 million compared to $126 million for the same period in 2012, and Adjusted EBITDA margin was 10.1% compared to 12.7% for the same period in 2012. Recurring Free Cash Flow was $120 million versus $107 million for the same period in 2012.

"As expected, our Adjusted EBITDA margin was 10.1%. This reflects Vertis' lower margin profile; continued pressure on Vertis' margins due to pre-acquisition financial challenges, including its bankruptcy filing; the seasonality of Vertis' business, which has volumes and profitability more heavily weighted in the back half of the year; and ongoing industry pricing pressures," said John Fowler, Quad/Graphics Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. "The $160 million increase in debt during the quarter is attributable to the $237 million in net cash paid for the Vertis acquisition. Our leverage ratio of 2.54x is in line with our expectations for the quarter. We continue to believe that operating in the 2.0x to 2.5x leverage range is the appropriate target, but at times, like this quarter, we may go above that range given economic changes, working capital seasonality, timing of investments like Vertis, and growth opportunities. We remain confident in our annual guidance, including strong, sustainable Recurring Free Cash Flow in excess of $360 million, which will allow us to continue to pay down debt and drive future value."

Quarterly Conference Call

Quad/Graphics (NYS: QUAD) will hold a conference call at 10 a.m. ET / 9 a.m. CT on Wednesday, May 8, to discuss first quarter 2013 results. To access the conference call, it is recommended that you listen via computer at: http://us.meeting-stream.com/quadgraphics_050813.

If for any reason you are unable to stream, you can listen to the audio via the telephone by calling:

• Toll-Free: (877) 217-9946 (US/Canada)

• Toll: (702) 696-4824 (International)

• Conference ID: 45757648

The replay will be available for 30 days following the conference call. To access the replay via phone, please call (855) 859-2056 or (404) 537-3406 and enter the Conference ID number 45757648. To access the replay via the internet, please use the following link: http://us.meeting-stream.com/quadgraphics_050813. Registration is required for replay.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding, among other things, our current expectations about the Company's future results, financial condition, goals, strategies, revenue, earnings, free cash flow, margins, prospects and/or outlook and are indicated by words or phrases such as "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "project," "believe" and similar words or phrases. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results to be materially different from those expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based largely on the Company's expectations and judgments and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are unforeseeable and beyond our control.

The factors that could cause actual results to materially differ include, among others: the impact of significant overcapacity in the highly competitive commercial printing industry, which creates downward pricing pressure and fluctuating demand for printing services; the inability of the Company to reduce costs and improve operating efficiency rapidly enough to meet market conditions; the impact of electronic media and similar technological changes including digital substitution by consumers; the impact of changing future economic conditions; the failure to renew long-term contracts with clients on favorable terms or at all; the failure of clients to perform under long-term contracts due to financial or other reasons or due to client consolidation; the failure to successfully identify, manage, complete and integrate acquisitions and investments, including the integration of the operations of Vertis Holdings, Inc.; the impact of changes in postal rates, service levels or regulations; the impact of fluctuations in costs and the availability of raw materials; the impact of increased business complexity as a result of the Company's entry into additional markets; the impact of regulatory matters and legislative developments or changes in laws, including changes in privacy and environmental laws; the ability of the Company to make the significant capital expenditures needed to remain technologically and economically competitive; the impact on Quad/Graphics class A common shareholders of a limited active market for Quad/Graphics common stock and the inability to independently elect directors or control decisions due to the class B common stock voting rights; and the other risk factors identified in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, as such may be amended or supplemented by subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q or other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Except as required by the federal securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Quad/Graphics

Quad/Graphics (NYS: QUAD) , a leading global printer and media channel integrator, 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 its clients maximize the revenue they derive from their marketing spend through channel integration, and minimize their total cost of production and distribution through a fully integrated national distribution network. The Company provides a diverse range of print solutions, media solutions and logistics services from multiple locations throughout North America, Latin America and Europe.