VERITIV CORP, 10-K filed on 2/28/2019
Annual Report
v3.10.0.1
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Feb. 22, 2019
Jun. 29, 2018
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]      
Entity Registrant Name VERITIV CORPORATION    
Entity Central Index Key 0001599489    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer No    
Entity Voluntary Filer No    
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer    
Document Type 10-K    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2018    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2018    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Amendment Flag false    
Entity Small Business false    
Entity Emerging Growth Company false    
Entity Shell Company false    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   15,901,416  
Entity Public Float     $ 454,160,966
v3.10.0.1
Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($)
shares in Thousands, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Income Statement [Abstract]      
Net sales (including sales to related party of $28.0, $32.2 and $35.6, respectively) $ 8,696.2 $ 8,364.7 $ 8,326.6
Cost of products sold (including purchases from related party of $146.5, $181.6 and $224.9, respectively) (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below) 7,155.7 6,846.6 6,826.4
Distribution expenses 550.5 516.9 505.1
Selling and administrative expenses 867.6 875.7 827.9
Depreciation and amortization 53.5 54.2 54.7
Integration and acquisition expenses 31.8 36.5 25.9
Restructuring charges, net 21.3 16.7 12.4
Operating income 15.8 18.1 74.2
Interest expense, net 42.3 31.2 27.5
Other (income) expense, net (16.3) (11.2) 5.9
Income (loss) before income taxes (10.2) (1.9) 40.8
Income tax expense 5.5 11.4 19.8
Net income (loss) $ (15.7) $ (13.3) $ 21.0
Earnings (loss) per share:      
Basic earnings (loss) per share (usd per share) $ (0.99) $ (0.85) $ 1.31
Diluted earnings (loss) per share (usd per share) $ (0.99) $ (0.85) $ 1.30
Weighted-average shares outstanding      
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic (in shares) 15,820 15,700 15,970
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted (in shares) 15,820 15,700 16,150
v3.10.0.1
Consolidated Statements of Operations (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Income Statement [Abstract]      
Related party sales $ 28.0 $ 32.2 $ 35.6
Related party cost of products sold $ 146.5 $ 181.6 $ 224.9
v3.10.0.1
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]      
Net income (loss) $ (15.7) $ (13.3) $ 21.0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:      
Foreign currency translation adjustments (6.8) 5.7 (2.1)
Change in fair value of cash flow hedge, net of $0.2, $0.0 and $0.1 tax, respectively 0.5 0.0 (0.2)
Pension liability adjustments, net of $0.0, $(0.6) and $(0.3) tax, respectively (0.1) (0.2) (1.7)
Other comprehensive income (loss) (6.4) 5.5 (4.0)
Total comprehensive income (loss) $ (22.1) $ (7.8) $ 17.0
v3.10.0.1
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]      
Change in fair value of cash flow hedge, tax $ 0.2 $ 0.0 $ 0.1
Pension liability adjustment, tax $ 0.0 $ (0.6) $ (0.3)
v3.10.0.1
Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Current assets:    
Cash $ 64.3 $ 80.3
Accounts receivable, less allowances of $62.0 and $44.0, respectively 1,181.4 1,174.3
Related party receivable 3.2 3.3
Inventories 688.2 722.7
Other current assets 147.2 133.5
Total current assets 2,084.3 2,114.1
Property and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $320.7 and $314.6, respectively) 206.7 340.2
Goodwill 99.6 99.6
Other intangibles, net 57.2 64.1
Deferred income tax assets 56.5 59.6
Other non-current assets 25.4 30.8
Total assets 2,529.7 2,708.4
Current liabilities:    
Accounts payable 641.9 680.1
Related party payable 9.3 8.5
Accrued payroll and benefits 56.5 73.5
Other accrued liabilities 134.7 134.6
Current maturities of long-term debt 6.7 2.9
Financing obligations, current portion (including obligations to related party of $0.0 and $7.1, respectively) 0.6 7.8
Total current liabilities 849.7 907.4
Long-term debt, net of current maturities 963.6 908.3
Financing obligations, less current portion (including obligations to related party of $0.0 and $155.2, respectively) 23.6 181.6
Defined benefit pension obligations 21.1 24.4
Other non-current liabilities 128.6 137.0
Total liabilities 1,986.6 2,158.7
Commitments and contingencies (Note 17)
Shareholders' equity:    
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 10.0 million shares authorized, none issued 0.0 0.0
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 100.0 million shares authorized; shares issued - 16.2 million and 16.0 million, respectively; shares outstanding - 15.9 million and 15.7 million, respectively 0.2 0.2
Additional paid-in capital 605.7 590.2
Accumulated (deficit) earnings (8.5) 6.4
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (40.7) (33.5)
Treasury stock at cost - 0.3 million shares at December 31, 2018 and 2017 (13.6) (13.6)
Total shareholders' equity 543.1 549.7
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 2,529.7 $ 2,708.4
v3.10.0.1
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Assets    
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 62.0 $ 44.0
Depreciation and amortization 320.7 314.6
Liabilities [Abstract]    
Obligations to related parties current 0.0 7.1
Obligations to related parties noncurrent $ 0.0 $ 155.2
Shareholders' equity:    
Preferred stock par value (usd per share) $ 0.01 $ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares) 10,000,000 10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares) 0 0
Common stock par value (usd per share) $ 0.01 $ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) 100,000,000 100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares) 16,200,000 16,000,000
Common stock shares outstanding (in shares) 15,900,000 15,700,000
Treasury stock at cost (in shares) 300,000 300,000
v3.10.0.1
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Operating activities      
Net income (loss) $ (15.7) $ (13.3) $ 21.0
Depreciation and amortization 53.5 54.2 54.7
Amortization and write-off of deferred financing fees 2.6 2.6 5.6
Net (gains) on dispositions of property and equipment (18.5) (25.7) (0.8)
Goodwill and long-lived asset impairment charges 0.4 8.4 7.7
Provision for allowance for doubtful accounts 27.1 15.9 2.2
Deferred income tax provision 2.0 1.9 11.1
Stock-based compensation 18.1 15.7 8.3
Other non-cash items, net (8.3) (8.8) 3.7
Changes in operating assets and liabilities      
Accounts receivable and related party receivable (43.9) (101.9) (14.7)
Inventories 26.4 30.1 13.1
Other current assets (23.2) (8.4) (11.4)
Accounts payable and related party payable (15.9) 48.3 69.9
Accrued payroll and benefits (16.6) (11.3) (40.9)
Other accrued liabilities 17.2 13.6 (3.6)
Other 9.8 15.3 14.3
Net cash provided by operating activities 15.0 36.6 140.2
Investing activities      
Property and equipment additions (45.4) (32.5) (41.0)
Proceeds from asset sales 23.7 51.1 6.6
Cash paid for purchase of business, net of cash acquired 0.0 (144.8) 0.0
Net cash used for investing activities (21.7) (126.2) (34.4)
Financing activities      
Change in book overdrafts (16.2) (40.5) 18.9
Borrowings of long-term debt 5,805.3 4,898.8 4,555.8
Repayments of long-term debt (5,767.3) (4,731.5) (4,625.9)
Payments under equipment capital lease obligations (6.7) (2.7) (3.2)
Payments under financing obligations (including obligations to related party of $8.6, $15.0 and $19.9, respectively) (9.3) (16.4) (19.9)
Deferred financing fees 0.0 0.0 (2.0)
Purchase of treasury stock 0.0 0.0 (13.6)
Payments under Tax Receivable Agreement (9.9) (8.5) 0.0
Payments under other contingent consideration (2.5) 0.0 0.0
Other (2.1) 0.0 0.0
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities (8.7) 99.2 (89.9)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash (0.6) 1.1 (0.7)
Net change in cash (16.0) 10.7 15.2
Cash at beginning of period 80.3 69.6 54.4
Cash at end of period 64.3 80.3 69.6
Supplemental cash flow information      
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds 2.4 3.7 11.6
Cash paid for interest 38.9 27.6 20.6
Non-cash investing and financing activities      
Non-cash additions to property and equipment 31.5 17.8 20.8
Contingent consideration for purchase of business: Earn-out $ 0.0 $ 22.2 $ 0.0
v3.10.0.1
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]      
Repayments of related party obligation $ 8.6 $ 15.0 $ 19.9
v3.10.0.1
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity - USD ($)
shares in Millions, $ in Millions
Total
Common Stock Issued
Additional Paid-in Capital
Accumulated Earnings (Deficit)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Treasury Stock
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015   16.0       0.0
Beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2015 $ 530.1 $ 0.2 $ 566.2 $ (1.3) $ (35.0) $ 0.0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]            
Net income (loss) 21.0     21.0    
Other comprehensive income (loss) (4.0)       (4.0)  
Stock-based compensation 8.3   8.3      
Treasury stock (in shares)           (0.3)
Treasury stock (13.6)         $ (13.6)
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016   16.0       0.3
End of period at Dec. 31, 2016 541.8 $ 0.2 574.5 19.7 (39.0) $ (13.6)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]            
Net income (loss) (13.3)     (13.3)    
Other comprehensive income (loss) 5.5       5.5  
Stock-based compensation 15.7   15.7      
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017   16.0       0.3
End of period at Dec. 31, 2017 549.7 $ 0.2 590.2 6.4 (33.5) $ (13.6)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]            
Net income (loss) (15.7)     (15.7)    
Other comprehensive income (loss) (6.4)       (6.4)  
Stock-based compensation 18.1   18.1      
Issuance of common stock, net of stock received for minimum tax withholdings (in shares)   0.2        
Issuance of common stock, net of stock received for minimum tax withholdings (2.6)   (2.6)      
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018   16.2       0.3
End of period at Dec. 31, 2018 $ 543.1 $ 0.2 $ 605.7 $ (8.5) (40.7) $ (13.6)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]            
Tax impact of adoption of ASU 2018-02         $ (0.8)  
v3.10.0.1
Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
1. BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Description of Business

Veritiv Corporation ("Veritiv" or the "Company") is a North American business-to-business distributor of packaging, facility solutions, print and publishing products and services. Additionally, Veritiv provides logistics and supply chain management solutions to its customers. Veritiv was established on July 1, 2014 (the "Distribution Date"), following the merger (the "Merger") of International Paper Company’s ("International Paper") xpedx distribution solutions business ("xpedx") and UWW Holdings, Inc. ("UWWH"), the parent company of Unisource Worldwide, Inc. ("Unisource"). On July 2, 2014, Veritiv’s common stock began regular-way trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol VRTV.

Veritiv operates from approximately 160 distribution centers primarily throughout the United States ("U.S."), Canada and Mexico.
    
Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and include all of the Company’s subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions between Veritiv's businesses have been eliminated. As a result of adopting Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2017-07, certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. See the adoption impact in the Recently Issued Accounting Standards section of this note.
    
Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenue and expenses and certain financial statement disclosures. Estimates and assumptions are used for, but not limited to, revenue recognition, accounts receivable valuation, inventory valuation, employee benefit plans, income tax contingency accruals and valuation allowances, recognition of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Tax Act"), multi-employer pension plan withdrawal liabilities, contingency accruals and goodwill and other intangible asset valuations. Although these estimates are based on management's knowledge of current events and actions it may undertake in the future, actual results may ultimately differ from these estimates and assumptions. Estimates are revised as additional information becomes available.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Revenue Recognition

The Company adopted ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) ("Topic 606") on January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective method for all contracts not completed as of the date of adoption, with no impact to the opening retained earnings.

Under Topic 606 -

Veritiv applies the five step model to assess its contracts with customers. The Company's revenue is reported as net sales and is measured as the determinable transaction price, net of any variable consideration (e.g., sales incentives and rights to return product) and any taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities. When the Company enters into a sales arrangement with a customer, it believes it is probable that it will collect substantially all of the consideration to which it will be entitled in exchange for the goods or services that will be transferred to the customer. When management cannot conclude collectability is probable for shipments to a particular customer, revenue associated with that customer is not recognized until cash is collected or management is otherwise able to establish that collectability is probable. As a normal business practice, Veritiv does not enter into contracts that require more than one year to complete or that contain significant financing components. See Note 2, Revenue Recognition, for additional information regarding revenue recognition.
        
Under prior revenue recognition guidance -

Revenue was recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement existed, the price was fixed or determinable, collectability was reasonably assured and delivery had occurred. Revenue was recognized when the customer took title and assumed the risks and rewards of ownership. When management could not conclude collectability was reasonably assured for shipments to a particular customer, revenue associated with that customer was not recognized until cash was collected or management was otherwise able to establish that collectability was reasonably assured.

Sales transactions with customers were designated free on board ("f.o.b.") destination and revenue was recorded when the product was delivered to the customer’s delivery site, when title and risk of loss were transferred.
    
Certain revenues were derived from shipments arranged by the Company made directly from a manufacturer to a customer. The Company was considered to be a principal to these transactions because, among other factors, it controlled pricing to the customer, bore the credit risk of the customer defaulting on payment and was the primary obligor. Revenues from these sales were reported on a gross basis in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and amounted to $3.0 billion for each of the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.

Taxes collected from customers relating to product sales and remitted to governmental authorities were accounted for on a net basis. Accordingly, such taxes were excluded from both net sales and expenses.

Purchase Incentives

Veritiv enters into agreements with suppliers that entitle Veritiv to receive rebates, allowances and other discounts based on the attainment of specified purchasing levels or sales to certain customers. Purchase incentives are recorded as a reduction to inventory and recognized in cost of products sold when the sale occurs. During the year ended December 31, 2018, approximately 38% of the Company's purchases were made from ten suppliers.

Distribution Expenses

Distribution expenses consist of storage, handling and delivery costs including freight to the Company's customers’ destinations. Handling and delivery costs were $398.0 million, $380.7 million and $371.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Integration and Acquisition Expenses

Integration and acquisition expenses are expensed as incurred. Integration and acquisition expenses include internally dedicated integration management resources, retention compensation, information technology conversion costs, rebranding, professional services and other costs to integrate its businesses.

Accounts Receivable and Allowances

Accounts receivable are recognized net of allowances. The allowance for doubtful accounts reflects the best estimate of losses inherent in the Company’s accounts receivable portfolio determined on the basis of historical experience, specific allowances for known troubled accounts and other available evidence. The other allowances balance is inclusive of returns, discounts and any other items affecting the realization of these assets. Accounts receivable are written off when management determines they are uncollectible.

The components of the accounts receivable allowances were as follows:
 
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
Allowance for doubtful accounts
$
49.1

 
$
32.4

Other allowances
12.9

 
11.6

Total accounts receivable allowances
$
62.0

 
$
44.0


    
Below is a rollforward of the Company's accounts receivable allowances for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016:            

Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)
2018

2017

2016
Beginning balance, January 1
$
44.0

 
$
34.5

 
$
33.3

Add / (Deduct):
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for bad debt expense
26.5

 
15.9

 
2.2

Net write-offs and recoveries
(6.3
)
 
(7.7
)
 
(6.7
)
Other adjustments(1)
(2.2
)
 
1.3

 
5.7

Ending balance, December 31
$
62.0

 
$
44.0

 
$
34.5

(1) Other adjustments represent amounts reserved for returns and discounts, foreign currency translation adjustments and reserves for certain customer accounts where revenue is not recognized because collectability is not probable, and may include accounts receivable allowances recorded in connection with acquisitions.

Inventories

The Company's inventories are primarily comprised of finished goods and predominantly valued at cost as determined by the last-in first-out ("LIFO") method. Such valuations are not in excess of market. Elements of cost in inventories include the purchase price invoiced by a supplier, plus inbound freight and related costs and reduced by estimated volume-based discounts and early pay discounts available from certain suppliers. Approximately 85% and 86% of inventories were valued using the LIFO method as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. If the first-in, first-out method had been used, total inventory balances would be increased by approximately $98.7 million and $78.7 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

The Company reduces the value of obsolete inventory based on the difference between the LIFO cost of the inventory and the estimated market value using assumptions of future demand and market conditions. To estimate the net realizable value, the Company considers factors such as the age of the inventory, the nature of the products, the quantity of items on-hand relative to sales trends, current market prices and trends in pricing, its ability to use excess supply in another channel, historical write-offs and expected residual values or other recoveries.

Veritiv maintains some of its inventory on a consignment basis in which the inventory is physically located at the customer's premises or a third-party warehouse. Veritiv had $56.8 million and $50.9 million of consigned inventory as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, valued on a LIFO basis, net of reserves.

Property and Equipment, Net

Property and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and software amortization. Expenditures for replacements and major improvements are capitalized, whereas repair and maintenance costs that do not improve service potential or extend economic life are expensed as incurred. The Company capitalizes certain computer software and development costs incurred in connection with developing or obtaining software for internal use. Costs related to the development of internal use software, other than those incurred during the application development stage, are expensed as incurred.
            
The components of property and equipment, net were as follows:
(in millions)
December 31,
 
December 31,
2018
 
2017
Land, buildings and improvements
$
107.4

 
$
106.6

Machinery and equipment
159.7

 
145.3

Equipment capital leases and assets related to financing obligations (including financing obligations with related party) (1)
75.3

 
233.3

Internal use software
166.6

 
159.2

Construction-in-progress
18.4

 
10.4

Less: Accumulated depreciation and software amortization
(320.7
)
 
(314.6
)
Property and equipment, net
$
206.7

 
$
340.2


(1) During the year ended December 31, 2018, the financing obligations for all of the Company’s remaining related party financed properties were either terminated early or expired in accordance with their terms. As such, the Company derecognized the non-cash effect of $155.2 million to property and equipment. See Note 6, Debt and Other Obligations, for additional information related to these properties.

Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Land is not depreciated, and construction-in-progress ("CIP") is not depreciated until ready for service. Leased property and leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lease term or useful life of the asset, whichever is less.

Depreciation and amortization for property and equipment, other than land and CIP, is based upon the following estimated useful lives:
Buildings
40 years
Leasehold improvements
1 to 20 years
Machinery and equipment
3 to 15 years
Equipment capital leases and assets related to financing obligations (including financing obligations with related party)
3 to 15 years
Internal use software
3 to 5 years


Additional property and equipment information is as follows:
 
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Depreciation expense (1)
$
33.2

 
$
33.5

 
$
33.8

Amortization expense - internal use software
13.4

 
16.5

 
17.5

Depreciation and amortization expense related to property and equipment
$
46.6

 
$
50.0

 
$
51.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated depreciation on equipment capital leases and assets related to financing obligations (including financing obligations with related party)
$
16.3

 
$
35.6

 
 
Unamortized internal use software costs, including amounts recorded in CIP
$
32.9

 
$
37.6

 
 
(1) Includes the depreciation expense for equipment capital leases and assets related to financing obligations (including financing obligations with
related party).

Upon retirement or other disposal of property and equipment, the cost and related amount of accumulated depreciation or accumulated amortization are eliminated from the asset and accumulated depreciation or accumulated amortization accounts, respectively. The difference, if any, between the net asset value and the proceeds is included in net income.

Leases

The Company leases certain property and equipment used for operations. Such lease arrangements are reviewed for capital or operating classification at their inception.

Capital lease obligations consist of delivery equipment, material handling equipment, computer hardware and office equipment which are leased through third parties under non-cancelable leases with terms generally ranging from three to eight years. Many of the delivery equipment leases include annual rate increases based on the Consumer Price Index which are included in the calculation of the initial lease obligation. The carrying value of the related equipment associated with these capital leases is included within property and equipment, net in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and depreciated over the term of the lease. The Company does not record rent expense for capital leases. Rather, rental payments under the lease are recognized as a reduction of the capital lease obligation and interest expense. Depreciation expense for assets under capital leases is included in the total depreciation expense disclosed in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
  
All other leases are operating leases. Certain lease agreements include renewal options and rent escalation clauses. Assets subject to an operating lease and the related lease payments are not recorded on the Company’s balance sheet. Rent expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the expected lease term.

The term for all types of leases begins on the date the Company becomes legally obligated for the rent payments or takes possession of the asset, whichever is earlier. See Note 8, Leases, for additional information related to the Company's leases.
    
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net

Goodwill relating to a single business reporting unit is included as an asset of the applicable segment. Goodwill arising from major acquisitions that involve multiple reportable segments is allocated to the reporting units based on the relative fair value of the reporting unit.

Goodwill is reviewed by Veritiv for impairment on a reporting unit basis annually on October 1st or more frequently if indicators are present or changes in circumstances suggest that impairment may exist. The testing of goodwill for possible impairment is performed by completing a Step 0 test or electing to by-pass the Step 0 test and comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying value, including goodwill. The Step 0 test utilizes qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. Qualitative factors include: macroeconomic conditions; industry and market considerations; overall financial performance and cost factors to determine whether a reporting unit is at risk for goodwill impairment.

In the event a reporting unit fails the Step 0 goodwill impairment test, it is necessary to move forward with a comparison of the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying value, including goodwill. If the fair value exceeds the carrying value, goodwill is not considered to be impaired. If the fair value of a reporting unit is below the carrying value, a goodwill impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, any loss recognized will not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. See Note 5, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, for additional information related to the Company's goodwill.

Intangible assets acquired in a business combination are recorded at fair value. The Company's intangible assets may include customer relationships, trademarks and trade names and non-compete agreements. Intangible assets with finite useful lives are subsequently amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. See the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets section below for the accounting policy related to the periodic review of long-lived intangible assets for impairment. See Note 5, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, for additional information related to the Company's intangible assets.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets, including finite lived intangible assets, are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate their carrying value may not be recoverable. The Company assesses the recoverability of long-lived assets based on the undiscounted future cash flow the assets are expected to generate and recognizes an impairment loss when estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset plus net proceeds expected from disposition of the asset, if any, are less than the carrying value of the asset. When an impairment is identified, the Company reduces the carrying amount of the asset to its estimated fair value based on a discounted cash flow approach or, when available and appropriate, to comparable market values.

For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, impairment charges of $0.4 million, $0.7 million and $1.9 million, respectively, were recorded for certain long-lived assets that supported multiple segments. These charges were recorded as selling and administrative expenses as they were not related to the Company's restructuring efforts.

Employee Benefit Plans

The Company sponsors and/or contributes to defined contribution plans, defined benefit pension plans and multi-employer pension plans in the U.S. Except for certain union employees who continue to accrue benefits under the U.S. defined benefit pension plan in accordance with their collective bargaining agreements, as discussed below, the defined benefit pension plans are frozen. In addition, the Company and its subsidiaries have various pension plans and other forms of retirement arrangements outside the U.S. See Note 11, Employee Benefit Plans, for additional information related to these plans and arrangements.
      
The determination of defined benefit pension and postretirement plan obligations and their associated costs requires the use of actuarial computations to estimate participant plan benefits to which the employees will be entitled. The Company’s significant assumptions in this regard include discount rates, rate of future compensation increases, expected long-term rates of return on plan assets, mortality rates, and other factors. Each assumption is developed using relevant company experience in conjunction with market-related data in the U.S. and Canada. All actuarial assumptions are reviewed annually with third-party consultants and adjusted, as necessary.

For the recognition of net periodic postretirement cost, the calculation of the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is derived using the fair value of plan assets at the measurement date. Actual results that differ from the Company's assumptions are accumulated and amortized on a straight-line basis only to the extent they exceed 10% of the higher of the fair value of plan assets or the projected benefit obligation, over the estimated remaining service period of active participants. The fair value of plan assets is determined based on market prices or estimated fair value at the measurement date.

The Company also makes contributions to multi-employer pension plans for its union employees covered by such plans. For these plans, the Company recognizes a liability only for any required contributions to the plans or surcharges imposed by the plans that are accrued and unpaid at the balance sheet date. The Company does not record an asset or liability to recognize the funded status of the plans. The Company records an estimated undiscounted charge when it becomes probable that it has incurred a withdrawal liability, as the final amount and timing is not assured. When a final determination of the withdrawal liability is received from the plan, the estimated charge is adjusted to the final amount determined by the plan.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company measures and records compensation expense for all stock-based awards based on the grant date fair values over the vesting period of the awards. Forfeitures are recognized when they occur. See Note 16, Equity-Based Incentive Plans, for additional information.

Income Taxes

Veritiv's income tax expense, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits reflect management’s best assessment of estimated current and future taxes to be paid.  Veritiv records its global tax provision based on the respective tax rules and regulations for the jurisdictions in which it operates.  Where treatment of a position is uncertain, liabilities are recorded based upon an evaluation of the more likely than not outcome considering technical merits of the position.  Changes to recorded liabilities are made only when an identifiable event occurs that alters the likely outcome, such as settlement with the relevant tax authority or the expiration of statutes of limitation for the subject tax year.  Significant judgments and estimates are required in determining the consolidated income tax expense.

The Tax Act was signed into law on December 22, 2017 and makes broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code. We recognized provisional estimates of the impact of the Tax Act in the year ended December 31, 2017 and as of the year ended December 31, 2018, we recorded additional tax expense. Although the Company considers these items complete, the determination of the Tax Act’s income tax effects may change following future legislation or further interpretation of the Tax Act based on the publication of recently proposed U.S. Treasury regulations and guidance from the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") and state tax authorities.  Additionally, the Company has concluded the applicable accounting policy election associated with Global Intangible Low Tax Income ("GILTI") will be treated as a period cost.  See Note 9, Income Taxes, for additional details regarding the Tax Act.
               
Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized.  Significant judgment is required in evaluating the need for and amount of valuation allowances against deferred tax assets.  The realization of these assets is dependent on generating sufficient future taxable income.

While Veritiv believes that these judgments and estimates are appropriate and reasonable under the circumstances, actual resolution of these matters may differ from recorded estimated amounts.
    
Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is the price that would be received upon the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The following fair value hierarchy is used in selecting inputs, with the highest priority given to Level 1, as these are the most transparent or reliable.
    
Level 1 –
Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 –
Observable market-based inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.
Level 3 –
Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability reflecting the reporting entity’s own assumptions or external inputs from inactive markets.

See Note 12, Fair Value Measurements, for further detail.

Foreign Currency

The assets and liabilities of the foreign subsidiaries are translated from their respective local currencies to the U.S. dollars at the appropriate spot rates as of the balance sheet date. Changes in the carrying values of these assets and liabilities attributable to fluctuations in spot rates are recognized in foreign currency translation adjustment, a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss ("AOCL"). See Note 15, Shareholders' Equity, for the impacts of foreign currency translation adjustments on AOCL.

The revenues and expenses of the foreign subsidiaries are translated using the monthly average exchange rates during the year. The gains or losses from foreign currency transactions are included in other (income) expense, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Treasury Stock
    
Common stock purchased for treasury is recorded at cost. Costs incurred by the Company that are associated with the acquisition of treasury stock are treated in a manner similar to stock issue costs and are added to the cost of the treasury stock.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Effective January 1, 2019, the Company adopted ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The standard requires lessees to recognize right-of-use assets ("ROUs") and liabilities for leases with a lease term greater than twelve months on their balance sheet. The pattern and classification of expense recognition in a lessee's statement of operations will remain similar to prior accounting guidance. The new standard also eliminates the prior guidance related to real estate specific provisions.
    
The guidance allows an entity to elect to adopt the standard using either a modified retrospective approach, applying the standard to leases that existed at the beginning of the earliest period presented and those entered into thereafter with restated comparative period financial statements, or a prospective approach, which allows an entity to initially apply the new lease standard at the adoption date (January 1, 2019, for the Company) and recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. Consequently, an entity’s reporting for the comparative periods presented in the financial statements in which it adopts the new leases standard will not be restated and will continue to be in accordance with prior U.S. GAAP (Topic 840, Leases). The Company adopted this ASU applying the prospective approach.

The standard permits entities to elect a package of practical expedients which must be applied consistently to all leases that commenced prior to the effective date. If the package of practical expedients is elected, entities do not need to reassess: (i) whether expired or existing contracts contain leases; (ii) lease classification for any expired or existing leases; and (iii) initial direct costs for any existing leases. The Company elected to apply the package of practical expedients to all leases that commenced prior to the date of adoption. The guidance also allows entities to make certain policy elections under the new standard, including: (i) the use of hindsight to determine lease term and when assessing existing right of use assets for impairment; (ii) a policy to not record short-term leases on the balance sheet; and (iii) a policy to not separate lease and non-lease components. The Company made a policy election to exclude short-term leases from the Consolidated Balance Sheet and to separate lease and non-lease components for most lease categories. The Company made a policy election to not use hindsight to determine lease term. Upon adoption, the Company recorded (i) operating lease obligations and related ROU assets of approximately $425 million and (ii) an increase to retained earnings of approximately $3.0 million, primarily driven by the derecognition of the unamortized deferred gain from the 2017 sale of the Austin, Texas property. See Note 8, Leases, for additional information related to the Austin lease.

Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The standard replaces previous revenue recognition standards and significantly expands the disclosure requirements for revenue arrangements. The guidance may be adopted either retrospectively or on a modified retrospective basis for new contracts and existing contracts with remaining performance obligations as of the effective date. Veritiv adopted this ASU applying the modified retrospective transition method; accordingly, prior periods have not been adjusted to conform to the new guidance. There was determined to be no cumulative effect to opening retained earnings after applying the new guidance to all contracts with customers that were not completed as of January 1, 2018. The adoption is not expected to have a material impact on future financial results, as the adoption did not change the recognition pattern for the Company's existing revenue streams. See Note 2, Revenue Recognition, for additional information related to the Company's revenues and the Topic 606 adoption impacts.

Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2017-07, Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715). The standard requires employers to disaggregate the service cost component from the other components of net benefit cost and disclose by line item the amount of net benefit cost that is included in the statement of operations or capitalized in assets. The standard requires employers to report the service cost component in the same line item(s) as other compensation costs and to report other pension-related costs (which include interest costs, amortization of pension-related costs from prior periods and the gains or losses on plan assets) separately and exclude them from the subtotal of operating income. The standard also allows only the service cost component to be eligible for capitalization when applicable. The guidance requires application on a retrospective basis for the presentation of the service cost component and the other components of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost in the statement of operations and on a prospective basis for the capitalization of the service cost component of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit in assets. The Company adopted this guidance on a retrospective basis; accordingly, prior periods have been adjusted to conform to the new guidance. The Company elected to use the practical expedient that permits entities to use the amounts disclosed in their pension and other postretirement benefit plan notes for the prior comparative periods as the basis of estimation for applying the retrospective presentation requirements. The Company does not currently capitalize service costs.

The effect of the retrospective presentation change related to the net periodic cost of the Company's defined benefit pension and other postretirement employee benefits plans on the Consolidated Statements of Operations was as follows:

 
Year Ended December 31, 2017
(in millions)
As Revised
 
Previously Reported
 
Effect of Change Higher/(Lower)
Selling and administrative expenses
$
875.7

 
$
872.6

 
$
3.1

Operating income
18.1

 
21.2

 
(3.1
)
Other (income) expense, net
(11.2
)
 
(8.1
)
 
(3.1
)

 
Year Ended December 31, 2016
(in millions)
As Revised
 
Previously Reported
 
Effect of Change Higher/(Lower)
Selling and administrative expenses
$
827.9

 
$
826.2

 
$
1.7

Operating income
74.2

 
75.9

 
(1.7
)
Other (income) expense, net
5.9

 
7.6

 
(1.7
)


Effective January 1, 2018, the Company early adopted ASU 2018-02, Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) ("AOCI"). The standard allows companies to reclassify the effect of the change in tax laws and rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities as part of the Tax Act from AOCI to retained earnings. The guidance is to be applied to each period in which the effect of the Tax Act (or portion thereof) is recorded and companies may apply it either (i) retrospectively as of the date of enactment or (ii) as of the beginning of the period of adoption. The Company elected to apply the guidance as of the beginning of the period of adoption. The guidance would have been effective for Veritiv on January 1, 2019 had the Company not early adopted. See Note 9, Income Taxes, for additional information related to the adoption impact of ASU 2018-02.

Effective March 31, 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2018-05, Income Taxes (Topic 740). The standard amends SEC paragraphs in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 740 to reflect Staff Accounting Bulletin 118 (“SAB 118”) to provide guidance for companies that are not able to complete their accounting for the income tax effects of the Tax Act in the period of enactment. SAB 118 provides a measurement period that should not extend beyond one year from the Tax Act enactment date for companies to complete their accounting under ASC 740. In accordance with SAB 118, a company must reflect the income tax effects of those aspects of the Tax Act for which the accounting under ASC 740 is complete. To the extent that a company’s accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act is incomplete, but it is able to determine a reasonable estimate, it must record a provisional estimate in the financial statements. If a company cannot determine a provisional estimate to be included in the financial statements, it should continue to apply ASC 740 on the basis of the provisions of the tax laws that were in effect immediately before the enactment of the Tax Act. The guidance is effective upon addition to the ASC and early adoption is permitted. The Company completed the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act during the fourth quarter of 2018 in accordance with SAB 118. See Note 9, Income Taxes, for additional information regarding the adoption of this standard.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
Standard
 
Description
 
Effective Date
 
Effect on the Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters
ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326)
 
The standard will replace the currently required incurred loss impairment methodology with guidance that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to be considered in making credit loss estimates. The guidance requires application on a modified retrospective basis. Other application requirements exist for specific assets impacted by a more-than-insignificant credit deterioration since origination.
 
January 1, 2020; early adoption is permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018
 
The Company is currently evaluating the impact this ASU will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures. The Company currently plans to adopt this ASU on January 1, 2020.
ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820)
 
The standard modifies the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements by removing certain disclosure requirements related to the fair value hierarchy, modifying existing disclosure requirements related to measurement uncertainty and adding new disclosure requirements. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. The amendments on changes in unrealized gains and losses, the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements, and the narrative description of measurement uncertainty should be applied prospectively for only the most recent interim or annual period presented in the initial fiscal year of adoption. All other amendments should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented upon their effective date.
 
January 1, 2020; early adoption is permitted
 
The Company is currently evaluating the impact this ASU will have on its disclosures. The Company currently plans to adopt this ASU on January 1, 2020.
ASU 2018-14, Compensation-Retirement Benefits-Defined Benefit Plans-General (Subtopic 715-20)
 
The standard modifies the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement benefit plans.  The guidance removes disclosures that are no longer considered cost beneficial, clarifies the specific requirements of disclosures and adds disclosure requirements identified as relevant.  The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020. The amendments in this update should be applied on a retrospective basis to all periods presented.
 
December 31, 2020; early adoption is permitted
 
The Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on its disclosures. The Company currently plans to adopt this ASU on December 31, 2020.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted (continued)
 
 
 
 
Standard
 
Description
 
Effective Date
 
Effect on the Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters
ASU 2018-15, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40)
 
The standard aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. The amendments in this update also require companies to expense capitalized implementation costs over the term of the hosting arrangement, including periods covered by renewal options that are reasonably certain to be exercised. The amendments also stipulate presentation requirements for the Statement of Operations, Balance Sheet and Statement of Cash Flows. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The amendments in this update should be applied either retrospectively or prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption.
 
January 1, 2020; early adoption is permitted
 
The Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures. The Company currently plans to adopt this ASU on January 1, 2020.



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
 
 
 
 
Standard
 
Description
 
Effective Date
 
Effect on the Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters
ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230)

 
The standard addresses eight specific cash flow issues and is intended to reduce diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The guidance requires application on a retrospective basis.

 
January 1, 2018

 
The Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2018. The adoption did not materially impact the Company's historical Consolidated Financial Statements or related disclosures. Impacts to future results and disclosures will be dependent upon the presence of any items noted in the standard.
ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805)
 
The standard clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The guidance requires application on a prospective basis.
 
January 1, 2018

 
The Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2018.
v3.10.0.1
Revenue Recognition
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Revenue Recognition
2. REVENUE RECOGNITION

Adoption
    
In May 2014, the FASB issued Topic 606, including Subtopic 340-40, Other Assets and Deferred Costs - Contracts with Customers, which requires the deferral of incremental costs of obtaining a contract with a customer, and costs to fulfill a contract when the costs meet certain criteria. The new standard is effective for public business entities with annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those reporting periods. The new guidance replaces numerous requirements in U.S. GAAP and provides a single revenue recognition model for recognizing revenue from contracts with customers. The adoption of Topic 606 represents a change in accounting principle that will more closely depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance also requires disclosures regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The two permitted transition methods are (i) the full retrospective method, in which case the standard would be applied to each prior reporting period presented and the cumulative effect would be recognized at the earliest period shown, or (ii) the modified retrospective method in which an entity would apply the new guidance only to contracts not completed at the adoption date, would not adjust prior reporting periods and the cumulative effect would be recognized in retained earnings in the period of adoption.

The Company adopted Topic 606 on January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective method for all contracts not completed as of the date of adoption, with no impact to the opening retained earnings. Results for periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented following the guidance of Topic 606, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported following the Company's historical accounting under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. The Company elected to adopt certain practical expedients outlined in Topic 606. As such, Veritiv does not include sales tax in the transaction price and does recognize revenue in the amount to which it has a right to invoice the customer as it believes that amount corresponds directly with the value provided to the customer. Additionally, Veritiv has utilized certain exceptions allowed under Topic 606 including not assessing whether promised goods or services are performance obligations if they are immaterial in the context of the contract with the customer and not disclosing the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for contracts with an original estimated length of time to convert of one year or less.

Revenue Recognition

In order to achieve compliance with the accounting principles of Topic 606, Veritiv applies the five step model to assess its contracts with customers. The Company's revenue is reported as net sales and is measured as the determinable transaction price, net of any variable consideration (e.g., sales incentives and rights to return product) and any taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities.

When the Company enters into a sales arrangement with a customer, it believes it is probable that it will collect substantially all of the consideration to which it will be entitled in exchange for the goods or services that will be transferred to the customer. When management cannot conclude collectability is probable for shipments to a particular customer, revenue associated with that customer is not recognized until cash is collected or management is otherwise able to establish that collectability is probable. The Company has established credit and collection processes whereby collection assessments are performed and allowances for bad debt are recognized. As a normal business practice, Veritiv does not enter into contracts that require more than one year to complete or that contain significant financing components.
    
Additionally, Veritiv enters into incentive programs with certain of its customers, which are generally based on sales to those same customers. Veritiv follows the expected value method when estimating its retrospective incentives and records the estimated amount as a reduction to gross sales when revenue is recognized. Estimates of the variable consideration are based primarily on contract terms, current customer forecasts as well as historical experience.

Customer product returns are estimated based on historical experience and the identification of specific events necessitating an adjustment. The estimated return value is recognized as a reduction of gross sales and related cost of products sold. The estimated inventory returns value is recognized as part of inventories, while the estimated customer refund liability is recognized as part of other accrued liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

In accordance with Topic 606, a customer contract liability will arise when Veritiv has received payment for goods and services, but has not yet transferred the items to a customer and satisfied its performance obligations. Veritiv records a customer contract liability for performance obligations outstanding related to payments received in advance for customer deposits on equipment sales and its bill-and-hold arrangements. Veritiv expects to satisfy these remaining performance obligations and recognize the related revenues upon delivery of the goods and services to the customer's designated location within 12 months following receipt of the payment. Most equipment sales deposits are held for approximately 90 days and most bill-and-hold arrangements initially cover a 90-day period, but can be renewed by the customer.

As of December 31, 2018, the Company recognized estimated inventory returns of approximately $2.5 million, which is included in inventories on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Additionally, the Company recognized approximately $17.7 million of customer contract liabilities related to its customer deposits for equipment sales and payments received for bill-and-hold arrangements, which are included in accounts payable on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. See the table below for a summary of the changes to the customer contract liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2018:

 
Customer Contract Liabilities
(in millions)
2018
Balance at January 1
$
20.5

    Payments received
55.0

    Revenue recognized from beginning balance
(20.5
)
    Revenue recognized from current year receipts
(37.3
)
Balance at December 31
$
17.7



Revenue Composition
    
Veritiv’s revenues are primarily derived from purchase orders and rate agreements associated with (i) the delivery of standard listed products with observable standalone sale prices or (ii) transportation and warehousing services. Revenue generally consists of a single performance obligation to transfer a promised good or service and is short-term in nature. Revenues are recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to Veritiv’s customers and in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods and services. Sales transactions with customers are designated f.o.b. destination and revenue is recorded at the point in time when the product is delivered to the customer’s designated location or when the customer has otherwise obtained the benefit of the goods, when title and risk of loss are transferred. Revenues from Veritiv's transportation services are recognized upon completion of the related delivery services and revenues from warehousing services are recognized over time as the storage services are provided. The Company considers handling and delivery as activities to fulfill its performance obligations. Billings for third-party freight are accounted for as net sales and handling and delivery costs are accounted for as distribution expenses.

Certain revenues are derived from shipments which are made directly from a manufacturer to a Veritiv customer. The Company is considered to be a principal to these transactions because, among other factors, it maintains control of the goods after they leave the supplier and before they are received at the customer's location, in most cases it selects the supplier and sets the price to the customer, and it bears the risk of the customer defaulting on payment or rejecting the goods. Revenues from these sales are reported on a gross basis in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and have historically represented approximately one-third of Veritiv's total net sales. Revenues from these sales amounted to $3.1 billion for the year ended December 31, 2018.
    
The Company has determined that certain services provided to customers represent activities necessary to obtain or fulfill the contract and deliver the end product to the customer's designated location. These costs have been evaluated and do not meet the criteria for recognition as capitalizable costs. Taxes collected from customers relating to product sales and remitted to governmental authorities are excluded from both net sales and expenses.

Veritiv evaluated the nature of the products and services provided to its customers as well as the nature of the customer and the geographical distribution of its customer base and determined that the best representative level of disaggregated revenue is the product category basis as shown in the segment results. The Company is able to serve a wide variety of customers, from large national companies to small local customers through its distribution network. Historically, the Company's ten largest customers have generated less than 10% of its consolidated annual net sales. Veritiv’s principal markets are concentrated across North America, primarily the U.S. (90%), Canada (8%) and Mexico (1%).

The following is a brief description of the four reportable segments, organized by major product category:

Packaging – The Packaging segment provides standard as well as custom and comprehensive packaging solutions for customers based in North America and in key global markets. The business is strategically focused on higher growth industries including light industrial/general manufacturing, food production, fulfillment and internet retail, as well as niche verticals based on geographical and functional expertise. This segment also provides supply chain solutions, structural and graphic packaging design and engineering, automation, workflow and equipment services and kitting and fulfillment.

Facility Solutions – The Facility Solutions segment sources and sells cleaning, break-room and other supplies such as towels, tissues, wipers and dispensers, can liners, commercial cleaning chemicals, soaps and sanitizers, sanitary maintenance supplies and equipment, safety and hazard supplies, and shampoos and amenities primarily in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Additionally, the Company offers total cost of ownership solutions with re-merchandising, budgeting and compliance reporting, and inventory management.

Print – The Print segment sells and distributes commercial printing, writing, copying, digital, wide format and specialty paper products, graphics consumables and graphics equipment primarily in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. This segment also includes customized paper conversion services of commercial printing paper for distribution to document centers and form printers. Veritiv's broad geographic platform of operations coupled with the breadth of paper and graphics products, including exclusive private brand offerings, provides a foundation to service national, regional and local customers across North America.

Publishing – The Publishing segment sells and distributes coated and uncoated commercial printing papers to publishers, retailers, converters, printers and specialty businesses for use in magazines, catalogs, books, directories, gaming, couponing, retail inserts and direct mail. This segment also provides print management, procurement and supply chain management solutions to simplify paper and print procurement processes for its customers.

The Company’s consolidated financial results also include a "Corporate & Other" category which includes certain assets and costs not primarily attributable to any of the reportable segments. Corporate & Other also includes the Veritiv logistics solutions business which provides transportation and warehousing solutions.

See Note 18, Segment Information, for the disaggregation of revenue and other information related to the Company’s reportable segments and Corporate & Other.
v3.10.0.1
2017 Acquisition
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Business Combinations [Abstract]  
2017 Acquisition
3. 2017 ACQUISITION

On August 31, 2017 (the "Acquisition Date"), Veritiv completed its acquisition of 100% of the equity interest in various All American Containers entities (collectively, "AAC"), a family owned and operated distributor of rigid packaging products, including plastic, glass and metal containers, caps, closures and plastic pouches. The acquisition of AAC aligns with the Company's strategy of investing in higher growth and higher margin segments of the business. Through the acquisition, Veritiv gains expertise in rigid plastic, glass and metal packaging that complements its portfolio of packaging products and services. This acquisition also provides Veritiv with additional marketing, selling and distribution channels into the growing U.S. rigid packaging market. The rigid packaging market's primary product categories include paperboard, plastics, metals and glass.
    
Acquisition-related costs of approximately $0.6 million and $7.3 million were expensed as incurred and were recognized in integration and acquisition expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. These charges are included in the table in Note 4, Integration, Acquisition and Restructuring Charges, and related primarily to legal, consulting and other professional fees, retention and other costs to integrate the business.

The acquisition of AAC was accounted for in the Company's financial statements using the acquisition method of accounting. The total consideration to complete the acquisition was approximately $169.8 million. The purchase price was allocated to tangible and intangible assets and liabilities based upon their respective estimated fair values. The following table summarizes the components of the purchase price for AAC:

Purchase price:
 
(in millions)
Cash consideration
$
112.0

Loan pay-off
34.3

Contingent consideration
22.2

Other
1.3

Total purchase price
$
169.8



The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase price to assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the Acquisition Date based on valuation information, estimates and assumptions available as of August 30, 2018. See Note 5, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, for additional information related to the goodwill acquired in the AAC acquisition. See Note 12, Fair Value Measurements, for additional information related to the fair value of the contingent consideration related to the earn-out.    
    
Purchase price allocation:
 
(in millions)
Cash
$
1.5

Accounts receivable
30.4

Inventories
38.5

Other current assets
5.7

Property and equipment
3.5

Goodwill
55.5

Other intangible assets
49.0

Other non-current assets
1.4

Accounts payable
(12.4
)
Other current liabilities
(2.7
)
Other non-current liabilities
(0.6
)
Total purchase price
$
169.8



The purchase price allocated to the identifiable intangible assets acquired is as follows:
 
 
Gross Value (in millions)
 
Estimated Useful Life (in years)
Customer relationships
 
$
46.4

 
14.0
Trademarks/Trade names
 
1.1

 
1.0
Non-compete agreements
 
1.5

 
1.0
Total identifiable intangible assets acquired
 
$
49.0

 
 


Pro Forma Impact (unaudited)

The operating results of AAC are included in the Company's financial statements from September 1, 2017 through December 31, 2018 and are reported as part of the Packaging reportable segment.

The following unaudited pro forma financial information presents results as if the acquisition of AAC occurred on January 1, 2016. The historical consolidated financial information of the Company and AAC has been adjusted in the pro forma information to give effect to pro forma events that are directly attributable to the transaction and are factually supportable. The unaudited pro forma results do not reflect events that have occurred or may occur after the transaction, including the impact of any synergies expected to result from the acquisition. Accordingly, the unaudited pro forma financial information is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations as they would have been had the transaction been effected on the assumed date, nor is it necessarily an indication of future operating results.

(Unaudited)
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions, except share and per share data)
2017
 
2016
Net sales
$
8,527.6

 
$
8,548.2

Net income (loss)
(7.2
)
 
14.1

Earnings (loss) per share:
 
 
 
Basic earnings (loss) per share
$
(0.46
)
 
$
0.88

Diluted earnings (loss) per share
$
(0.46
)
 
$
0.87

Weighted-average shares outstanding
 
 
 
Basic
15.70

 
15.97

Diluted
15.70

 
16.15



The unaudited pro forma information reflects primarily the following pre-tax adjustments for the respective periods:
Acquisition and integration expenses: Acquisition and integration expenses of $8.9 million incurred during the year ended December 31, 2017 have been eliminated. Pro forma net income for the year ended December 31, 2016 includes acquisition and integration expenses of $8.9 million.
Incremental amortization expense: Pro forma net loss for the year ended December 31, 2017 includes incremental amortization expense of $2.5 million. Pro forma net income for the year ended December 31, 2016 includes incremental amortization expense of $6.3 million.
Interest expense: Pro forma net loss for the year ended December 31, 2017 includes incremental interest expense of $2.0 million. Pro forma net income for the year ended December 31, 2016 includes incremental interest expense of $2.4 million.

A combined U.S. federal statutory and state rate of 39.0% was used to determine the after-tax impact on net income (loss) of the pro forma adjustments.
v3.10.0.1
Integration, Acquisition and Restructuring Charges
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]  
Integration, Acquisition and Restructuring Charges
4. INTEGRATION, ACQUISITION AND RESTRUCTURING CHARGES

Merger of xpedx and Unisource

The Company currently expects net costs and charges associated with achieving anticipated cost savings and other synergies from the Merger (excluding charges relating to the complete or partial withdrawal from multi-employer pension plans ("MEPP"), some of which are uncertain at this time, and including cash proceeds from sales of assets related to consolidation), to be approximately $320 million to $330 million, through December 31, 2019. Included in the estimate is approximately $130 million to $135 million for capital expenditures, primarily consisting of information technology infrastructure, systems integration and planning. Through December 31, 2018, the Company has incurred approximately $282 million in costs and charges, including approximately $106 million for capital expenditures.

Integration and Acquisition Expenses

During the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, Veritiv incurred costs and charges related primarily to: internally dedicated integration management resources, retention compensation, information technology conversion costs, rebranding, professional services and other costs to integrate its businesses. The following table summarizes the components of integration and acquisition expenses:

 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Integration management
 
$
17.3

 
$
14.5

 
$
8.3

Retention compensation
 
0.5

 
0.2

 
2.5

Information technology conversion costs
 
8.1

 
8.8

 
6.3

Rebranding
 
0.0

 
0.5

 
2.4

Legal, consulting and other professional fees
 
0.3

 
1.5

 
2.3

Other
 
3.5

 
3.0

 
4.1

AAC integration and acquisition
 
2.1

 
8.0

 

     Total integration and acquisition expenses
 
$
31.8

 
$
36.5

 
$
25.9



Veritiv Restructuring Plan: Merger Related

As part of the Merger, the Company is executing on a multi-year restructuring program of its North American operations intended to integrate the legacy xpedx and Unisource operations, generate cost savings and capture synergies across the combined company. The restructuring plan includes initiatives to: (i) consolidate warehouse facilities in overlapping markets, (ii) improve efficiency of the delivery network, (iii) consolidate customer service centers, (iv) reorganize the field sales and operations functions and (v) restructure the corporate general and administrative functions.
As part of its restructuring efforts, the Company continues to evaluate its operations outside of North America to identify additional cost saving opportunities. The Company may elect to restructure its operations in specific countries, which may include staff reductions, lease terminations and facility closures, or the complete exit of a market. The Company may continue to record restructuring charges in the future as restructuring activities progress, which may include gains or losses from the disposition of assets. See Note 18, Segment Information, for the impact these charges had on the Company's reportable segments.

For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, the Company recognized $15.0 million, $24.4 million and $2.1 million in net gains related to the sale or exit of certain facilities, respectively. During the fourth quarter of 2018, three properties were sold as part of the Company's restructuring efforts. The Company recognized a gain on the sale of these assets of approximately $12.9 million.

As described in Note 6, Debt and Other Obligations, on June 30, 2018, the related party failed sale-leaseback agreements, originally entered into with Georgia-Pacific, expired in accordance with their terms. The agreements contained provisions that required Veritiv to incur costs during the lease term related to general repairs and maintenance. Certain termination and repair costs were incurred at or near the end of the agreements' expirations. Costs related to the properties that were exited as part of the restructuring plan were classified within restructuring charges, net, on the Consolidated Statements of Operations, and totaled $11.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2018.
        
Other direct costs reported in the tables below include facility closing costs, actual and estimated multi-employer pension plan withdrawal charges and other incidental costs associated with the development, communication, administration and implementation of these initiatives.

The following table presents a summary of restructuring charges, net, related to active restructuring initiatives that were incurred during the last three fiscal years and the cumulative recorded amounts since the initiative began:
(in millions)
Severance and Related Costs
 
Other Direct Costs
 
(Gain) Loss on Sale of Assets and Other (non-cash portion)
 
Total
2018
$
3.3

 
$
22.3

 
$
(15.0
)
 
$
10.6

2017
7.5

 
33.6

 
(24.4
)
 
16.7

2016
3.5

 
11.0

 
(2.1
)
 
12.4

Cumulative
23.3

 
70.2

 
(37.4
)
 
56.1



The following is a summary of the Company's restructuring liability activity for the periods presented (costs incurred exclude any non-cash portion of restructuring gains or losses on asset disposals):    
(in millions)
Severance and Related Costs
 
Other Direct Costs
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2016
$
1.8

 
$
8.0

 
$
9.8

Costs incurred
7.5

 
33.6

 
41.1

Payments
(4.9
)
 
(16.4
)
 
(21.3
)
Balance at December 31, 2017
4.4

 
25.2

 
29.6

Costs incurred
3.3

 
22.3

 
25.6

Payments
(3.0
)
 
(22.4
)
 
(25.4
)
Balance at December 31, 2018
$
4.7

 
$
25.1

 
$
29.8



The Company has recorded undiscounted charges related to the complete or partial withdrawal from various multi-employer pension plans. Charges not related to the Company's restructuring efforts are recorded as distribution expenses. Initial amounts are recorded as other non-current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. See the table below for a summary of the net withdrawal charges for the respective years ended December 31:
 
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)
Restructuring charges, net
 
Distribution expenses
 
Total Net Charges
2018
$
(2.8
)
 
$
11.2

 
$
8.4

2017
17.4

 
2.1

 
19.5

2016
7.5

 
2.3

 
9.8



Final charges for these MEPP withdrawals will not be known until the plans issue their respective determinations. As a result, these estimates may increase or decrease depending upon the final determinations. Currently, the Company expects payments will occur over an approximate 20 year period. The Company expects to incur similar types of charges in future periods in connection with its ongoing restructuring activities. As of December 31, 2018, the Company has received determination letters resulting from two withdrawals. Payments for these two withdrawals are expected to occur over an approximate 20 year period.


Veritiv Restructuring Plan: Print Segment

To ensure that Veritiv will be appropriately positioned to respond to the secular decline in the paper industry, the Company restructured its Print segment in 2018. The restructuring plan included initiatives within the Company's Print segment to improve the sustainability of the print business, better serve its customers’ needs and work more effectively with suppliers by incorporating a more customer focused, collaborative, team-selling approach as well as better aligning its support functions. For the year ended December 31, 2018 the Company incurred charges of $10.7 million related to this restructuring plan. The Company does not anticipate any further charges relating to this restructuring plan.

The following is a summary of the Company's Print restructuring liability activity for the year ended December 31, 2018:
(in millions)
Severance and Related Costs
 
Other Direct Costs
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2017
$

 
$

 
$

Costs incurred
10.0

 
0.7

 
10.7

Payments
(8.0
)
 
(0.7
)
 
(8.7
)
Balance at December 31, 2018
$
2.0

 
$
0.0

 
$
2.0

v3.10.0.1
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
5. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Goodwill

At December 31, 2018, the net goodwill balance was $99.6 million. The following table sets forth the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during 2018 and 2017:
(in millions)
Packaging
 
Facility Solutions
 
Print
 
Publishing
 
Corporate & Other
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2016:
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

   Goodwill
$
44.1

 
$
59.0

 
$
265.4

 
$
50.5

 
$
6.1

 
$
425.1

   Accumulated impairment losses

 
(59.0
)
 
(265.4
)
 
(50.5
)
 

 
(374.9
)
      Net goodwill 2016
44.1

 

 

 

 
6.1

 
50.2

2017 Activity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Goodwill acquired
55.5

 

 

 

 

 
55.5

   Impairment of goodwill

 

 

 

 
(6.1
)
 
(6.1
)
Balance at December 31, 2017:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Goodwill
99.6

 
59.0

 
265.4

 
50.5

 
6.1

 
480.6

   Accumulated impairment losses

 
(59.0
)
 
(265.4
)
 
(50.5
)
 
(6.1
)
 
(381.0
)
      Net goodwill 2017
99.6

 

 

 

 

 
99.6

2018 Activity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Goodwill acquired

 

 

 

 

 

   Impairment of goodwill

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2018:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Goodwill
99.6

 
59.0

 
265.4

 
50.5

 
6.1

 
480.6

   Accumulated impairment losses

 
(59.0
)
 
(265.4
)
 
(50.5
)
 
(6.1
)
 
(381.0
)
      Net goodwill 2018
$
99.6

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
99.6



Goodwill of $55.5 million arising from the acquisition of AAC, as described in Note 3, 2017 Acquisition, consists largely of the expected synergies and other benefits from combining operations. The goodwill was allocated 100% to the Company's Packaging reportable segment. All costs associated with the AAC acquisition will be deductible for tax purposes.

During the third quarter of 2017, as part of the Company's review for possible goodwill impairment indicators, management determined that the goodwill allocated to the logistics solutions business was fully impaired. The impairment was recorded as selling and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. See Note 12, Fair Value Measurements, for additional information related to the impairment. There were no other goodwill impairment charges recorded during the year ended December 31, 2017. There were no goodwill impairment charges recorded during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2016.

Other Intangible Assets

The components of the Company's other intangible assets were as follows:
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
(in millions)
Gross Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net
 
Gross Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net
Customer relationships
$
67.7

 
$
10.8

 
$
56.9

 
$
67.7

 
$
6.1

 
$
61.6

Trademarks/Trade names
3.8

 
3.5

 
0.3

 
3.8

 
2.3

 
1.5

Non-compete agreements
1.5

 
1.5

 

 
1.5

 
0.5

 
1.0

Total
$
73.0

 
$
15.8

 
$
57.2

 
$
73.0

 
$
8.9

 
$
64.1


    
During the third quarter of 2017, the Company recognized a $1.6 million non-restructuring asset impairment charge related to its logistics solutions business's customer relationship intangible asset, which was recorded in selling and administrative expenses. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company recognized $2.8 million and $3.0 million in asset impairment charges related to its Print and Publishing segments' customer relationship intangible assets, respectively, which were recorded in selling and administrative expenses. See Note 12, Fair Value Measurements, for additional information related to these impairments.

Upon retirement or full impairment of the intangible asset, the cost and related amount of accumulated amortization are eliminated from the asset and accumulated amortization accounts, respectively.

The Company recorded amortization expense of $6.9 million, $4.2 million and $3.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

The estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding years is as follows (in millions):
Year
 
Total
2019
 
$
5.0

2020
 
4.8

2021
 
4.8

2022
 
4.8

2023
 
4.8

v3.10.0.1
Debt and Other Obligations
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Debt and Other Obligations
6. DEBT AND OTHER OBLIGATIONS

The Company's long-term debt obligations were as follows:
(in millions)
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Asset-Based Lending Facility (the "ABL Facility")
$
932.1

 
$
897.7

Equipment capital leases
38.2

 
13.5

Total debt
970.3

 
911.2

Less: current maturities of long-term debt
(6.7
)
 
(2.9
)
Long-term debt, net of current maturities
$
963.6

 
$
908.3



        
The Company's long-term financing obligations were as follows:
(in millions)
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Obligations to related party
$

 
$
162.3

Obligations - other financing
24.2

 
27.1

Total financing obligations
24.2

 
189.4

Less: current portion of financing obligations
(0.6
)
 
(7.8
)
Financing obligations, less current portion
$
23.6

 
$
181.6



As of June 30, 2018, the financing obligations for all of the related party financed properties were either terminated early or expired in accordance with their terms. Through formal termination or natural expiration of these agreements, the involvement of Georgia-Pacific (the related party) ceased and the leases no longer qualified as failed sale-leaseback financing obligations. Of the original 38 financing obligations to related party properties, 27 were settled by the return of the properties to the landlord.

Upon termination or expiration of a property's financing agreement, the Company recognized the non-cash effects of the derecognition of (i) the property and equipment and (ii) the corresponding financing obligation, as other non-cash items, net, on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Any gain or loss realized upon derecognition has been included in other (income) expense, net or restructuring charges, net on the Consolidated Statements of Operations, based upon the rationale for the termination. See the table below for the non-cash effects of the derecognition of (i) the property and equipment and (ii) the corresponding financing obligation (total of current and non-current portions):

Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)
2018

2017
 
2016

Total
Property and equipment
$
155.2


$
14.6

 
$
3.7


$
173.5

Financing obligations
155.6


15.2

 
8.4


179.2


    
ABL Facility

Veritiv has a $1.4 billion asset-based lending facility. The ABL Facility is comprised of U.S. and Canadian sub-facilities of $1,250 million and $150 million, respectively. The ABL Facility is available to be drawn in U.S. dollars, in the case of the U.S. sub-facilities, and in U.S. dollars or Canadian dollars, in the case of the Canadian sub-facilities, or in other currencies that are mutually agreeable. The Company's accounts receivable and inventories in the U.S. and Canada are collateral under the ABL Facility.

On August 11, 2016, the Company amended the ABL Facility to, among other things, extend the maturity date to August 11, 2021. All other significant terms remained consistent. The ABL Facility provides for the right of the individual lenders to extend the maturity date of their respective commitments and loans upon the request of Veritiv and without the consent of any other lenders. The ABL Facility may be prepaid at Veritiv's option at any time without premium or penalty and is subject to mandatory prepayment if the amount outstanding under the ABL Facility exceeds either the aggregate commitments with respect thereto or the current borrowing base, in an amount equal to such excess.

The ABL Facility has a springing minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.00 to 1.00 on a trailing four-quarter basis, which will be tested only when specified availability is less than limits outlined under the ABL Facility. At December 31, 2018 the above test was not applicable.

Availability under the ABL Facility is determined based upon a monthly borrowing base calculation which includes eligible customer receivables and inventory, less outstanding borrowings, letters of credit and certain designated reserves. As of December 31, 2018, the available additional borrowing capacity under the ABL Facility was approximately $278.7 million. As of December 31, 2018, the Company held $11.5 million in outstanding letters of credit.

Under the terms of the ABL Facility, interest rates are based upon LIBOR or the prime rate plus a margin rate, or in the case of Canada, a banker’s acceptance rate or base rate plus a margin rate. The weighted-average borrowing interest rate was 4.6% and 3.3% at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

In conjunction with the ABL Facility amendment noted above, the Company recognized a charge of $1.9 million to interest expense, net, in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, for the write-off of a portion of the previously deferred financing costs associated with lenders in the original ABL Facility that exited the amended ABL Facility. In addition, the Company incurred and deferred $2.0 million of new financing costs associated with this transaction, reflected in other non-current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, which will be amortized to interest expense on a straight-line basis over the amended term of the ABL Facility. For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, interest expense, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations included $2.6 million, $2.6 million and $5.6 million, respectively, of amortization and write-off of deferred financing fees.
    
Equipment Capital Lease Obligations
    
See Note 8, Leases, for additional information regarding the Company's equipment capital lease obligations.
v3.10.0.1
Derivative Instrument, Hedging Activities and Risk Management
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]  
Derivative Instrument, Hedging Activities and Risk Management
7. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENT, HEDGING ACTIVITIES AND RISK MANAGEMENT

Financial Risk Management Policy

The Company’s indebtedness under its financing arrangement creates interest rate risk. The Company’s objective is to reduce, where it is deemed appropriate to do so, fluctuations in earnings and cash flows associated with changes in the interest rate. The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

This interest rate exposure is actively monitored by management, and in July 2015, the Company entered into an interest rate cap agreement. The interest rate cap effectively limits the floating LIBOR-based portion of the interest rate. The effective date of the interest rate cap agreement was July 31, 2015 with an expiration date of July 1, 2019. The initial notional amount of this agreement covered $392.9 million of the Company’s floating-rate debt at 3.0% plus the applicable credit spread. The Company paid $2.0 million for the interest rate cap agreement. Approximately $0.6 million of the amount paid represented transaction costs and was expensed immediately to earnings. As of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the interest rate cap agreement had a fair value that was not significant. As of December 31, 2018 the value was classified within other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as it expires July 1, 2019. As of December 31, 2017, the value was classified within other non-current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value is estimated using observable market-based inputs including interest rate curves and implied volatilities (Level 2).

The Company designated the interest rate cap as a cash flow hedge of exposure to changes in cash flows due to changes in the LIBOR-based portion of the interest rate above 3.0% on an equivalent amount of debt. The notional amount of the cap is reduced throughout the term of the agreement to align with the expected repayment of the Company’s outstanding floating-rate debt.

The Company is exposed to counterparty credit risk for nonperformance and, in the event of nonperformance, to market risk for changes in the interest rate. The Company attempts to manage exposure to counterparty credit risk primarily by selecting only those counterparties that meet certain credit and other financial standards. The Company believes there has been no material change in the creditworthiness of its counterparty and believes the risk of nonperformance by such party is minimal.

Accounting for Derivative Instruments

The interest rate cap agreement is subject to ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging. For those instruments that are designated and qualify as hedging instruments, a company must designate the instrument, based upon the exposure being hedged, as a cash flow hedge, a fair value hedge or a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation.

A cash flow hedge refers to hedging the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows attributable to a particular risk. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is reported as a component of AOCL until reclassified into earnings in the same period the hedged transaction affects earnings. The gain or loss on the ineffective portion, if any, is immediately recognized in earnings. The ineffective portion was not significant for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, the Company recognized an after-tax gain of $0.4 million, and after-tax losses of $0.0 million and $0.2 million, respectively, in other comprehensive income (loss) associated with the interest rate cap. For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, $0.4 million and $0.1 million were reclassified from AOCL into earnings on an after-tax basis. There were no reclassifications from AOCL into earnings for the year ended December 31, 2016. The amount the Company expects to reclassify from AOCL into earnings within the following six months is approximately $0.3 million after-tax.
v3.10.0.1
Leases
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Leases [Abstract]  
Leases
8. LEASES

Lease Commitments

Future minimum lease payments at December 31, 2018 were as follows:
 
Financing Obligation and Equipment Capital Leases
 
Operating Leases
(in millions)
 
Lease Obligations
 
Sublease Income
 
Total
2019
$
9.3

 
$
108.3

 
$
(0.3
)
 
$
108.0

2020
9.0

 
98.3

 
(0.1
)
 
98.2

2021
8.3

 
82.2

 

 
82.2

2022
7.9

 
69.3

 

 
69.3

2023
6.8

 
49.4

 

 
49.4

Thereafter
23.0

 
173.4

 

 
173.4

 
64.3

 
580.9

 
(0.4
)
 
580.5

Amount representing interest
(11.6
)
 

 

 

Total future minimum lease payments
$
52.7

 
$
580.9

 
$
(0.4
)
 
$
580.5




Financing Obligations to Related Party
In connection with Bain Capital Fund VII, L.P.’s acquisition of its 60% interest in UWWH on November 27, 2002, Unisource transferred 40 of its U.S. warehouse and distribution facilities (the "Properties") to Georgia-Pacific who then sold 38 of the Properties to an unrelated third-party (the "Purchaser/Landlord"). Contemporaneously with the sale, Georgia-Pacific entered into lease agreements with the Purchaser/Landlord with respect to the individual 38 Properties and concurrently entered into sublease agreements with Unisource, which expired in June 2018. As a result of certain forms of continuing involvement, these transactions did not qualify for sale-leaseback accounting. Accordingly, the leases were classified as financing transactions. As of June 30, 2018, the financing obligations for all of the related party financed Properties were either terminated early or have expired in accordance with their terms. Through formal termination or natural expiration of these agreements, the involvement of Georgia-Pacific (the related party) ceased and the leases no longer qualified as failed sale-leaseback financing obligations. Of the original 38 financing obligations to related party Properties, 27 were settled by the return of the Properties to the landlord.

The Company currently leases one property that is directly owned by Georgia-Pacific and has classified it as an operating lease in accordance with the accounting guidance.

In April 2016, Veritiv assumed ownership of a warehouse and distribution facility located in Austin, Texas that was subleased from Georgia-Pacific. The Company exercised its right of first refusal and matched a $5.4 million offer from an unrelated third-party to purchase the facility directly from the owner. This transaction was accounted for as a settlement of the financing obligation related to the facility. Accordingly, Veritiv recognized a $1.3 million loss on the transaction, which is reflected in other (income) expense, net, on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

In May 2017, the Company entered into a purchase and sale agreement under which Veritiv agreed to sell the previously acquired Austin, Texas facility to an unrelated third-party. Upon the closing of the sale, Veritiv entered into a lease of the facility for an initial period of ten years with two optional five-year renewal terms. The sale-leaseback transaction does not provide for any continuing involvement by the Company other than a normal lease for use of the property during the lease term. The transaction resulted in net cash proceeds of $9.1 million and a related deferred gain of $5.4 million. The Company has recognized a portion of the gain on a straight-line basis over the initial ten-year lease period as a reduction to selling and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The current portion of the deferred gain is included in other accrued liabilities and the non-current portion of the deferred gain is included in other non-current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Operating Leases

Certain properties and equipment are leased under cancelable and non-cancelable agreements. The Company recorded rent expense of $118.1 million, $106.3 million and $108.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

New Lease Accounting Standard

The Company adopted ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), and its related interpretations on January 1, 2019 applying the prospective method. The adoption will result in the recognition of approximately $425 million in operating lease right-of-use assets and related obligations in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. See Note 1, Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, for additional adoption related information.
v3.10.0.1
Income Taxes
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Income Taxes
9. INCOME TAXES
    
The Company is subject to federal, state and local income taxes in the U.S., as well as income taxes in Canada, Mexico and other foreign jurisdictions. The domestic (United States) and foreign components of the Company's income (loss) before income taxes were as follows:
 
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Domestic (United States)
$
(16.7
)
 
$
(18.0
)
 
$
27.6

Foreign
6.5

 
16.1

 
13.2

Income (loss) before income taxes
$
(10.2
)
 
$
(1.9
)
 
$
40.8



Income tax expense (benefit) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations consisted of the following:
 
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Current Provision:
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Federal
$
0.8

 
$
4.8

 
$
3.6

U.S. State
1.2

 
1.5

 
1.5

Foreign
1.5

 
3.2

 
3.6

Total current income tax expense
$
3.5

 
$
9.5

 
$
8.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred, net:
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Federal
$
0.4

 
$
16.3

 
$
9.6

U.S. State
0.6

 
(2.7
)
 
1.9

Foreign
1.0

 
(11.7
)
 
(0.4
)
Total deferred, net
$
2.0

 
$
1.9

 
$
11.1

Provision for income tax expense
$
5.5

 
$
11.4

 
$
19.8



Reconciliation between the federal statutory rate and the effective tax rate is as follows (see Note 10, Related Party Transactions, for additional information related to the Tax Receivable Agreement):
 
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Income (loss) before income taxes
$
(10.2
)
 
$
(1.9
)
 
$
40.8

Statutory U.S. income tax rate
21.0
 %
 
35.0
 %
 
35.0
%
Tax expense using statutory U.S. income tax rate
$
(2.1
)
 
$
(0.7
)
 
$
14.3

Foreign income tax rate differential
0.7

 
(1.4
)
 
(1.1
)
State tax (net of federal benefit)
1.4

 
(0.5
)
 
2.8

Non-deductible expenses
2.7

 
2.2

 
2.3

Tax Receivable Agreement (1)
(0.3
)
 
(3.8
)
 
1.6

Tax credits (2)
(1.0
)
 
(4.0
)
 

Impact of U.S. Tax Act (Federal and State)
1.3

 
30.2

 

Stock compensation vesting
1.7

 

 

Change in valuation allowance - U.S. Federal (3)
(0.1
)
 

 

Change in valuation allowance - Foreign
(0.4
)
 
(13.7
)
 
(0.5
)
Global Intangible Low Taxed Income
1.4

 

 

Goodwill impairment

 
2.1

 

Foreign taxes
0.6

 
0.7

 
0.5

Other
(0.4
)
 
0.3

 
(0.1
)
Income tax provision
$
5.5

 
$
11.4

 
$
19.8

Effective income tax rate
(53.9
)%
 
(600.0
)%
 
48.5
%

(1) Includes a $4.7 million tax rate benefit for the federal tax rate change as part of the Tax Act and a $0.9 million tax rate increase for other fair value changes in 2017.
(2) Includes a $3.1 million benefit for credits related to foreign taxes and research and experimentation activities recognized in conjunction with the third quarter of 2017 filing of Veritiv’s 2016 U.S. federal tax return and amended 2015 and 2014 U.S. federal tax returns.
(3) Increase in Section 382 limitation resulting from recognition of 2018 built-in gains.

The Tax Act was signed into law on December 22, 2017. The Tax Act makes broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code, including, but not limited to reducing the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35.0% to 21.0%, implementation of a territorial tax system and a one-time transition tax on certain unrepatriated earnings of foreign subsidiaries that is payable over eight years. Veritiv recognized the tax effects of the Tax Act in the year ended December 31, 2017 and completed the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act during the fourth quarter of 2018 in accordance with SAB 118. The total amount recorded related to the Tax Act includes $31.5 million in tax expense, of which $24.0 million related primarily to the remeasurement of the Company's deferred taxes to the 21.0% tax rate and $7.5 million related to the one-time transition tax. Additionally, the Company has concluded the applicable accounting policy election associated with GILTI will be treated as a period cost.  The Company has accounted for the tax impacts related to provisions of the Tax Act effective in fiscal year 2018. 

Effective January 1, 2018, Veritiv elected to early adopt ASU 2018-02, Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) which gives companies the option to reclassify to retained earnings tax effects resulting from the Tax Act related to items in AOCI that the FASB refers to as having been stranded in AOCI. As a result of adopting this standard, the Company reclassified $0.8 million from Veritiv's AOCL to retained earnings.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
(in millions)
U.S.
 
Non-U.S.
 
U.S.
 
Non-U.S.
Deferred income tax assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accrued compensation
$
11.4

 
$
0.1

 
$
11.6

 
$
0.2

Capital leases and financing obligations
13.0

 
0.6

 
47.3

 
0.8

Goodwill and other intangibles, net
1.2

 

 
1.9

 

Long-term compensation
21.7

 
2.5

 
21.3

 
4.1

Net operating losses and credit carryforwards
40.8

 
10.0

 
44.9

 
11.8

Allowance for doubtful accounts
14.8

 
0.1

 
10.0

 
0.1

Other
9.6

 
1.4

 
5.6

 
0.6

Gross deferred income tax assets
112.5

 
14.7

 
142.6

 
17.6

Less valuation allowance
(5.1
)
 
(3.3
)
 
(4.7
)
 
(3.6
)
Total deferred tax asset
107.4

 
11.4

 
137.9

 
14.0

Deferred income tax liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property and equipment, net
(22.9
)
 

 
(54.2
)
 

Inventory reserve
(34.9
)
 

 
(33.5
)
 

Other
(4.5
)
 

 
(4.6
)
 

Total deferred tax liability
(62.3
)
 

 
(92.3
)
 

Net deferred income tax asset
$
45.1

 
$
11.4

 
$
45.6

 
$
14.0



Deferred income tax asset valuation allowance is as follows:
(in millions)
U.S.
 
Non-U.S.
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2016
$
6.5

 
$
18.1

 
$
24.6

Additions

 
0.2

 
0.2

Subtractions (1)
(1.8
)
 
(16.0
)
 
(17.8
)
Currency translation adjustments

 
1.3

 
1.3

Balance at December 31, 2017
4.7

 
3.6

 
8.3

Additions
0.5

 
0.7

 
1.2

Subtractions
(0.1
)
 
(0.8
)
 
(0.9
)
Currency translation adjustments

 
(0.2
)
 
(0.2
)
Balance at December 31, 2018
$
5.1

 
$
3.3

 
$
8.4


(1) Includes a $13.4 million benefit for release of the valuation allowance against net deferred tax assets in Canada reflecting the Company’s cumulative recent income and improved expectation of future taxable income.

The Merger resulted in a significant change in the ownership of the Company, which, pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code Section 382, imposes annual limits on the Company’s ability to utilize its U.S. federal and state net operating loss carryforwards ("NOLs"). The Company’s NOLs will continue to be available to offset taxable income (until such NOLs are either utilized or expire) subject to the Section 382 annual limitation. This limitation is increased for built-in gains recognized within a 60-month period following the ownership change to the extent of total unrealized built-in gains. If the annual limitation amount is not fully utilized in a particular tax year, then the unused portion from that particular tax year will be added to the annual limitation in subsequent years.

In general, it is the practice and intention of Veritiv to reinvest the earnings of its non-U.S. subsidiaries in those operations. As of December 31, 2018, Veritiv’s tax basis exceeded its financial reporting basis in certain investments in non-U.S. subsidiaries. The Company does not believe these temporary differences will reverse in the foreseeable future and, therefore, no deferred tax asset has been recognized with respect to these basis differences. Additionally, no deferred tax liability has been recognized for income and withholding tax liabilities associated with investments in non-U.S. subsidiaries where book basis exceeds tax basis. The amount of such temporary differences totaled approximately $26.9 million as of December 31, 2018. The income and withholding tax liability associated with these temporary differences is immaterial.
    
Veritiv applies a "more likely than not" threshold to the recognition and de-recognition of uncertain tax positions. A change in judgment related to prior years' uncertain tax positions is recognized in the period of such change.

The Company accrues interest on unrecognized tax benefits as a component of interest expense. Penalties, if incurred, are recognized as a component of income tax expense. Total gross unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, as well as activity within each of the years, was not material.

In the U.S., Veritiv is generally subject to examination by the IRS for fiscal years 2015 and later and certain states for fiscal years 2014 and later; however, it may be subject to IRS and state tax authority adjustments for years prior to 2015 to the extent of losses or other tax attributes carrying forward from the earlier years. Veritiv Canada remains subject to examination by the Canadian Revenue Agency and certain provinces for fiscal years 2011 and later.

As of December 31, 2018, Veritiv has federal, state and foreign income tax NOLs available to offset future taxable income of $149.0 million, $156.3 million and $40.8 million, respectively, which will expire at various dates from 2019 through 2035, with the exception of certain foreign NOLs that do not expire but have a full valuation allowance.
v3.10.0.1
Related Party Transactions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]  
Related Party Transactions
10. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Agreements with the UWWH Stockholder

On the Distribution Date the UWWH Stockholder, the sole shareholder of UWWH, received 7.84 million shares of Veritiv common stock for all outstanding shares of UWWH common stock that it held in a private placement transaction. Additionally, Veritiv and the UWWH Stockholder executed the following agreements:

Registration Rights Agreement: The Registration Rights Agreement provides the UWWH Stockholder with certain demand and piggyback registration rights. Under this Agreement, the UWWH Stockholder is also entitled to transfer its Veritiv common stock to one or more of its affiliates or equity-holders and may exercise registration rights on behalf of such transferees if such transferees become a party to the Registration Rights Agreement. The UWWH Stockholder, on behalf of the holders of shares of Veritiv’s common stock that are party to the Registration Rights Agreement, under certain circumstances and provided certain thresholds described in the Registration Rights Agreement are met, may make a written request to the Company for the registration of the offer and sale of all or part of the shares subject to such registration rights. If the Company registers the offer and sale of its common stock (other than pursuant to a demand registration or in connection with registration on Form S-4 and Form S-8 or any successor or similar forms, or relating solely to the sale of debt or convertible debt instruments) either on its behalf or on the behalf of other security holders, the holders of the registration rights under the Registration Rights Agreement are entitled to include their shares in such registration. The demand rights described commenced 180 days after the Distribution Date. Veritiv is not required to effect more than one demand registration in any 150-day period or more than two demand registrations in any 365-day period. If Veritiv believes that a registration or an offering would materially affect a significant transaction or would require it to disclose confidential information which it in good faith believes would be adverse to its interest, then Veritiv may delay a registration or filing for no more than 120 days in a 360-day period.

Tax Receivable Agreement: The Tax Receivable Agreement ("TRA") sets forth the terms by which Veritiv generally will be obligated to pay the UWWH Stockholder an amount equal to 85% of the U.S. federal, state and Canadian income tax savings that Veritiv actually realizes as a result of the utilization of Unisource's NOLs attributable to taxable periods prior to the date of the Merger. For purposes of the TRA, Veritiv’s income tax savings will generally be computed by comparing Veritiv’s actual aggregate U.S. federal, state and Canadian income tax liability for taxable periods (or portions thereof) beginning after the date of the Merger to the amount of Veritiv’s aggregate U.S. federal, state and Canadian income tax liability for the same periods had Veritiv not been able to utilize Unisource's NOLs attributable to taxable periods prior to the date of the Merger. Veritiv will pay to the UWWH Stockholder an amount equal to 85% of such tax savings, plus interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 1.00%, computed from the earlier of the date that Veritiv files its U.S. federal income tax return for the applicable taxable year and the date that such tax return is due (without extensions) until payments are made. Under the TRA, the UWWH Stockholder will not be required to reimburse Veritiv for any payments previously made if such tax benefits are subsequently disallowed or adjusted (although future payments under the TRA would be adjusted to the extent possible to reflect the result of such disallowance or adjustment). The TRA will be binding on and adapt to the benefit of any permitted assignees of the UWWH Stockholder and to any successors to any of the parties of the TRA to the same extent as if such permitted assignee or successor had been an original party to the TRA. In January 2019, 2018 and 2017, Veritiv paid $8.1 million, $10.1 million and $8.7 million, respectively, in principal and interest, to the UWWH Stockholder for the utilization of pre-merger NOLs in its 2017, 2016 and 2015 federal and state tax returns, respectively. As of December 31, 2017, the TRA was revalued for the Tax Act change, lowering the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35.0% to 21.0%. This change reduced the value of the TRA liability by $13.5 million.

On November 23, 2016, the UWWH Stockholder sold 1.76 million shares of Veritiv common stock in an underwritten public offering. Concurrently with the closing of the offering, Veritiv repurchased 0.31 million of these offered shares from the underwriters at a price of $42.8625 per share, which is the price at which the underwriters purchased such shares from the selling stockholder, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $13.4 million. In conjunction with these transactions, Veritiv incurred approximately $0.8 million in transaction-related fees, of which approximately $0.2 million was capitalized as part of the cost to acquire the treasury stock with the remainder included in selling and administrative expenses, on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

On March 22, 2017, the UWWH Stockholder sold 1.80 million shares of Veritiv common stock in a block trade. The Company did not sell or repurchase any shares and did not receive any of the proceeds in this transaction. In conjunction with this transaction, Veritiv incurred approximately $0.2 million in transaction-related fees, which were included in selling and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

On September 25, 2018, the UWWH Stockholder sold 1.50 million shares of Veritiv common stock in a block trade. The Company did not sell or repurchase any shares and did not receive any of the proceeds in this transaction. In conjunction with this transaction, Veritiv incurred approximately $0.2 million in transaction-related fees, which were included in selling and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The UWWH Stockholder beneficially owned 2,783,840 shares of Veritiv's outstanding common stock as of December 31, 2018.


Transactions with Georgia-Pacific

Veritiv purchases certain inventory items from, and sells certain inventory items to, Georgia-Pacific in the normal course of business. As a result of the Merger and related private placement, Georgia-Pacific, as joint owner of the UWWH Stockholder, is a related party. The following table summarizes the financial impact of these related party transactions with Georgia-Pacific:

 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Sales to Georgia-Pacific, reflected in net sales
 
$
28.0

 
$
32.2

 
$
35.6

Purchases of inventory from Georgia-Pacific, recognized in cost of products sold
 
$
146.5

 
$
181.6

 
$
224.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Inventories purchased from Georgia-Pacific that remained on Veritiv's balance sheet
 
$
17.3

 
$
22.7

 
 
Related party payable to Georgia-Pacific
 
$
9.3

 
$
8.5

 
 
Related party receivable from Georgia-Pacific
 
$
3.2

 
$
3.3

 
 


See Note 8, Leases, for information on the Company's financing obligations to Georgia-Pacific.
v3.10.0.1
Employee Benefit Plans
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]  
Employee Benefit Plans
11. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

Defined Contribution Plans

Veritiv sponsors qualified defined contribution plans covering its employees in the U.S. and Canada. The defined
contribution plans allow eligible employees to contribute a portion of their eligible compensation (including salary and annual incentive plan bonus) to the plans and Veritiv makes matching contributions to participant accounts on a specified percentage of employee deferrals as determined by the provisions of each plan. During the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 Veritiv's contributions to these plans totaled $20.6 million, $19.4 million and $19.6 million, respectively.

Deferred Compensation Savings Plans

In conjunction with the Merger, Veritiv assumed responsibility for Unisource's legacy deferred compensation plans. In general, the payout terms varied for each employee agreement and are paid in monthly or annual installments ranging up to 15 years from the date of eligibility.

Effective January 1, 2015, the Company adopted the Veritiv Deferred Compensation Savings Plan which provides for the deferral of salaries, commissions or bonuses of eligible non-union employees and the deferral of cash and equity retainers for non-employee members of the Company's Board of Directors. Under this plan, eligible employees may elect to defer up to 85% of their base salary, commissions and annual incentive bonus. The amounts deferred are credited to notional investment accounts selected by participants. At the time a deferral election is made, participants elect to receive payout of the deferred amounts upon termination of employment or termination of Board service in the form of a lump sum or equal annual installments ranging from two to ten years. Currently, Veritiv does not make matching contributions to this plan.

The liabilities associated with these plans are summarized in the table below.
Deferred Compensation Liability
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Other accrued liabilities
 
$
3.4

 
$
2.6

Other non-current liabilities
 
21.6

 
23.7

Total liabilities
 
$
25.0

 
$
26.3



Defined Benefit Plans

At December 31, 2018 and 2017, Veritiv did not maintain any active defined benefit plans for its non-union employees. Veritiv maintains a defined benefit pension plan in the U.S. for employees covered by certain collectively bargained agreements. Veritiv also assumed responsibility for Unisource’s defined benefit plan, which includes frozen cash balance accounts for certain former Unisource employees.

During October 2018, the Company settled its pension obligation related to participants currently in receipt of benefits (i.e., retirees) in the U.S. by purchasing a group annuity insurance contract. By purchasing an insurance contract, the Company eliminated its obligation related to paying and managing these participants and passed the full obligation to the selected insurer, which reduced Veritiv's projected benefit obligation and plan assets by approximately $21.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The Company's initial estimate of a $1.4 million settlement gain, as reported in its quarterly report on Form 10-Q as filed with the SEC for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2018, was adjusted during December 2018 for changes in market conditions and other normal pension activities. This December 2018 adjustment resulted in the recording of a settlement loss of approximately $0.9 million.

Benefit Obligations and Funded Status

The following table provides information about Veritiv's U.S. and Canadian defined benefit pension plans and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans ("SERP"):
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2018

2017
(in millions)
U.S.

Canada

U.S.

Canada
Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year
$
64.1

 
$
70.2

 
$
91.0

 
$
83.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in projected benefit obligation:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefit obligation, beginning of year
$
91.0

 
$
90.0

 
$
89.7

 
$
79.0

Service cost
1.2

 
0.3

 
0.8

 
0.3

Interest cost
2.5

 
2.7

 
2.7

 
2.7

Actuarial (gain) loss
(3.7
)
 
(6.0
)
 
3.3

 
6.1

Benefits paid
(1.7
)
 
(4.9
)
 
(5.5
)
 
(3.9
)
Settlements
(25.2
)
 

 

 

Foreign exchange adjustments

 
(6.8
)
 

 
5.8

Projected benefit obligation, end of year
$
64.1

 
$
75.3

 
$
91.0

 
$
90.0


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in plan assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Plan assets, beginning of year
$
81.4

 
$
74.9

 
$
75.9

 
$
64.9

Employer contributions
0.1

 
2.2

 

 
3.1

Investment returns
(1.5
)
 
(0.4
)
 
12.0

 
6.0

Benefits paid
(1.7
)
 
(4.9
)
 
(5.5
)
 
(3.9
)
Administrative expenses paid
(1.0
)
 

 
(1.0
)
 

Settlements
(25.2
)
 

 

 

Foreign exchange adjustments

 
(5.9
)
 

 
4.8

Plan assets, end of year
$
52.1

 
$
65.9

 
$
81.4

 
$
74.9

Underfunded status, end of year
$
(12.0
)
 
$
(9.4
)
 
$
(9.6
)
 
$
(15.1
)


Balance Sheet Positions
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2018

2017
(in millions)
U.S.

Canada

U.S.

Canada
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other accrued liabilities
$
0.1

 
$
0.2

 
$
0.1

 
$
0.2

Defined benefit pension obligations
11.9

 
9.2

 
9.5

 
14.9

Net liability recognized
$
12.0

 
$
9.4

 
$
9.6

 
$
15.1


 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2018

2017
(in millions)
U.S.
 
Canada
 
U.S.
 
Canada
Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost and included in AOCL consist of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss, net of tax
$
5.4

 
$
4.7

 
$
3.2

 
$
6.1



Net Periodic Cost

Total net periodic benefit cost (credit) associated with the defined benefit pension and SERP plans is summarized below:
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2018

2017
 
2016
(in millions)
U.S.
 
Canada
 
U.S.
 
Canada
 
U.S.
 
Canada
Components of net periodic benefit cost (credit):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service cost
$
2.0

 
$
0.3

 
$
2.0

 
$
0.3

 
$
1.7

 
$
0.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest cost
$
2.5

 
$
2.7

 
$
2.7

 
$
2.7

 
$
3.4

 
$
3.1

Expected return on plan assets
(5.2
)
 
(3.9
)
 
(5.1
)
 
(3.7
)
 
(5.0
)
 
(3.5
)
Settlement loss
1.1

 
0.1

 

 

 

 

Amortization of net loss

 
0.3

 
0.1

 
0.2

 
0.1

 
0.2

Total other components
$
(1.6
)
 
$
(0.8
)
 
$
(2.3
)
 
$
(0.8
)
 
$
(1.5
)
 
$
(0.2
)
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)
$
0.4

 
$
(0.5
)
 
$
(0.3
)
 
$
(0.5
)
 
$
0.2

 
$
0.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Changes to funded status recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss (gain) during year, net of tax
$
2.2

 
$
(1.4
)
 
$
(2.5
)
 
$
2.7

 
$
(0.5
)
 
$
2.2


 
The components of net periodic benefit cost (credit) other than the service cost component are included in other (income) expense, net in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. Amounts are generally amortized from AOCL over the expected future working lifetime of active plan participants. The amount Veritiv expects to amortize from AOCL into net periodic pension cost in 2019 is not significant.

Fair Value of Plan Assets

U.S. and Canada pension plan assets are primarily invested in broad-based mutual funds and pooled funds comprised of U.S. and non-U.S. equities, U.S. and non-U.S. high-quality and high-yield fixed income securities, and short-term interest bearing securities or deposits.
 
The underlying investments of the U.S. plan assets are valued using quoted prices in active markets (Level 1). The underlying investments of the Canada plan assets in equity and fixed income securities are measured at fair value using the Net Asset Value ("NAV") provided by the administrator of the fund and the Company has the ability to redeem such assets at the measurement date or within the near term without redemption restrictions. In accordance with ASU 2015-07, "Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820)", investments that are measured at fair value using the NAV per share practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The following tables present Veritiv’s plan assets using the fair value hierarchy which is reconciled to the amounts presented for the total pension benefit plan assets as of December 31:

As of December 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Investments – U.S.:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities
$
33.1

 
$
33.1

 
$

 
$

Fixed income securities
18.7

 
18.7

 

 

Cash and short-term securities
0.3

 
0.3

 

 

Total
$
52.1

 
$
52.1

 
$

 
$


As of December 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Investments – Canada:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and short-term securities
$
0.3

 
$
0.3

 
$

 
$

Investments measured at NAV:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Equity securities
42.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
   Fixed income securities
23.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
$
65.9

 
$
0.3

 
$

 
$


    
As of December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Investments – U.S.:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities
$
56.8

 
$
56.8

 
$

 
$

Fixed income securities
24.3

 
24.3

 

 

Cash and short-term securities
0.3

 
0.3

 

 

Total
$
81.4

 
$
81.4

 
$

 
$


As of December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Investments – Canada:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and short-term securities
$
0.1

 
$
0.1

 
$

 
$

Investments measured at NAV:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Equity securities
49.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
   Fixed income securities
25.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
$
74.9

 
$
0.1

 
$

 
$



The classification of fair value measurements within the hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the measurement. Valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities measured at fair value are as follows:

* Equity Securities: Commingled funds are valued at the net asset value of units held at year end, as determined by a pricing vendor or the fund family. Mutual funds are valued at the net asset value of shares held at year end, as determined by the closing price reported on the active market on which the individual securities are traded, or a pricing vendor or the fund family if an active market is not available. 

* Fixed Income Securities: Mutual funds are valued at the net asset value of shares held at year end, as determined by the closing price reported on the active market on which the individual securities are traded, or a pricing vendor or the fund family if an active market is not available. 

* Cash and Short-term Securities: Cash and cash equivalents consist of U.S. and foreign currencies. Foreign currencies are reported in U.S. dollars based on currency exchange rates readily available in active markets. Short-term securities are valued at the net asset value of units held at year end.
 
The weighted-average asset allocations of invested assets within Veritiv’s defined benefit pension plans were as follows:
As of December 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
Asset Allocation Range
(in millions)
U.S.
 
Canada
 
U.S.
 
Canada
Equity securities
$
33.1

 
$
42.2

 
55 - 75%
 
50 - 70%
Fixed income securities
18.7

 
23.4

 
20 - 40%
 
30 - 50%
Cash and short-term securities
0.3

 
0.3

 
0 - 10%
 
0 - 5%
Total
$
52.1

 
$
65.9

 
 
 
 

    
As of December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
Asset Allocation Range
(in millions)
U.S.
 
Canada
 
U.S.
 
Canada
Equity securities
$
56.8

 
$
49.2

 
55 - 75%
 
50 - 70%
Fixed income securities
24.3

 
25.6

 
20 - 40%
 
30 - 50%
Cash and short-term securities
0.3

 
0.1

 
0 - 10%
 
0 - 5%
Total
$
81.4

 
$
74.9

 
 
 
 


Veritiv's investment objectives include maximizing long-term returns at acceptable risk levels, diversifying among asset classes, as applicable, and among investment managers as well as establishing certain risk parameters within asset classes.     

Investment performance is evaluated at least quarterly. Total returns are compared to the weighted-average return of a benchmark mix of investments. Individual fund investments are compared to historical three, five and ten year returns achieved by funds with similar investment objectives.

Assumptions

The determination of Veritiv’s defined benefit obligations and pension expense is based on various assumptions, such as discount rates, expected long-term rates of return, rate of compensation increases, employee retirement patterns and payment selections, inflation, and mortality rates.

Veritiv's weighted-average discount rates for its U.S. plans were determined by using cash flow matching techniques whereby the rates of yield curves, developed from U.S. corporate yield curves, were applied to the benefit obligations to determine the appropriate discount rate. Veritiv's weighted-average discount rates for its Canadian plans were determined by using spot rates from yield curves, developed from high-quality bonds (rated AA or higher) by established rating agencies, matching the duration of the future expected benefit obligations.

Veritiv’s weighted-average expected rate of return was developed based on several factors, including projected and historical rates of returns, investment allocations of pension plan assets and inflation expectations. Veritiv evaluates the expected rate of return assumptions on an annual basis.

The following table presents significant weighted-average assumptions used in computing the benefit obligations:
 
December 31,
 
2018

2017
 
U.S.
 
Canada
 
U.S.
 
Canada
Discount rate
4.01
%
 
3.90
%
 
3.33
%
 
3.40
%
Rate of compensation increases
N/A

 
3.00
%
 
N/A

 
3.00
%

The following table presents significant weighted-average assumptions used in computing net periodic benefit cost:
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
U.S.
 
Canada
 
U.S.
 
Canada
Discount rate
3.47
%
 
3.40
%
 
3.76
%
 
3.85
%
Rate of compensation increases
N/A

 
3.00
%
 
N/A

 
3.00
%
Expected long-term rate of return on assets
7.15
%
 
5.50
%
 
7.15
%
 
5.50
%


Cash Flows

Veritiv expects to contribute $0.1 million and $1.0 million to its U.S. and Canadian defined benefit pension and SERP plans, respectively, during 2019. Future benefit payments under the defined benefit pension and SERP plans are estimated as follows:
(in millions)
U.S.
 
Canada
2019
$
8.0

 
$
2.6

2020
3.8

 
2.7

2021
4.0

 
2.9

2022
3.8

 
3.1

2023
3.9

 
3.3

2024-2028
21.0

 
19.2



Multi-employer Pension Plans

Veritiv's contributions to multi-employer pension plans, excluding the payment of any withdrawal liabilities, were $3.0 million, $3.5 million and $3.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. It is reasonably possible that changes to Veritiv employees covered under these plans might result in additional contribution obligations. Any such obligations would be governed by the specific agreement between Veritiv and any such plan. Veritiv's contributions did not represent more than 5% of total contributions to any multi-employer pension plans for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016. At the date these Consolidated Financial Statements were issued, Forms 5500 were not available for the plan years ending in 2018.

The risks of participating in these multi-employer pension plans are different from a single employer plan in the following aspects:

Assets contributed to the multi-employer pension plans by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers,
If a participating employer ceases contributing to the plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be inherited by the remaining participating employers, and
If the Company stops participating in any of the multi-employer pension plans, the Company may be required to pay those plans an amount based on the underfunded status of the plan, referred to as a withdrawal liability.
    
The Company has recorded undiscounted charges related to the complete or partial withdrawal from various multi-employer pension plans. Charges not related to the Company's restructuring efforts are recorded as distribution expenses. Initial amounts are recorded as other non-current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. See the table below for a summary of the net withdrawal charges and the year-end balance sheet liability positions for the respective years ended December 31:


Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)
Restructuring charges, net
 
Distribution expenses
 
Total Net Charges
2018
$
(2.8
)
 
$
11.2

 
$
8.4

2017
17.4

 
2.1

 
19.5

2016
7.5

 
2.3

 
9.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At December 31,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
Other accrued liabilities
 
Other non-current liabilities
 
 
2018
$
0.7

 
$
32.5

 
 
2017
0.7

 
27.2

 
 


Included in the restructuring charges, net amounts above for 2017 and 2016, are multi-employer pension plan withdrawal charges of $3.4 million and $7.5 million, respectively, related to the Central States multi-employer pension plan. During the third quarter of 2018, based on an estimate provided by the multi-employer pension plan and an actuarial review change, Veritiv recognized a reduction of $2.7 million in the estimated partial withdrawal liability for the three locations which exited from the Central States multi-employer pension plan in 2017 and 2016. During the fourth quarter of 2018, Veritiv negotiated an exit from the Central States multi-employer pension plan for its Rogers, Minnesota location and recognized an estimated complete withdrawal liability of an additional $12.0 million in distribution expenses, as it was not related to a restructuring activity. To date, Veritiv has not received final determination letters from the Central States multi-employer pension plan for either the 2017 partial or the 2018 complete withdrawals.

Included in the restructuring charges, net amount above for 2017, are multi-employer pension plan withdrawal charges of $13.6 million related to the New England Teamsters and Trucking Industry Pension Fund (the “NE Fund”), a multi-employer pension plan. During the second quarter of 2017, the Company was presented with a Demand for Payment of Withdrawal Liability from the NE Fund attributable to the closure of the Company's Wilmington, Massachusetts facility in the amount of $10.9 million, payable in 240 equal monthly installments beginning in August 2017. Also as part of this same consolidation, the Company's Windsor and Middletown, Connecticut facilities were closed and relocated to Enfield, Connecticut. Employees at both the Windsor and Middletown locations were covered by separate collective bargaining agreements. Employees at the Middletown location subject to that agreement also participate in the NE Fund. The Company entered into a new collective bargaining agreement for the Enfield, Connecticut facility to replace the legacy Windsor and Middletown, Connecticut agreements. The new agreement ended participation in the NE Fund. As a result, in December 2017, the Company received another Demand for Payment of Withdrawal Liability from the NE Fund attributable to that negotiated exit in the amount of $2.7 million, payable in 240 equal monthly installments beginning in February 2018.

See Note 4, Integration, Acquisition and Restructuring Charges, for additional information regarding these transactions. The Company records an estimated undiscounted charge when it becomes probable that it has incurred a withdrawal liability. Final charges for these withdrawals will not be known until the plans issue their respective determinations. As a result, these estimates may increase or decrease depending upon the final determinations. Currently, the Company expects payments will occur over an approximately 20-year period. The Company expects to incur similar types of charges in future periods in connection with its ongoing restructuring activities. As of December 31, 2018, the Company has received determination letters resulting from four withdrawals. Of those, the liabilities for two withdrawals were settled with lump sum payments, while payments for the other two withdrawals are expected to occur over an approximately 20-year period.

Veritiv’s participation in the multi-employer pension plans for the year ended December 31, 2018 is outlined in the table below. The "EIN/Pension Plan Number" column provides the Employer Identification Number and the three-digit plan number, if applicable. The Pension Protection Act zone listed below is based on the latest information Veritiv received from the plan and is certified by the plan’s actuary. Plans in the red zone are generally less than 65% funded, plans in the yellow zone are less than 80% funded and plans in the green zone are at least 80% funded. There were no changes in the status of any zones in 2018. The "FIP/RP Status Pending/Implemented" column indicates plans for which a financial improvement plan or a rehabilitation plan is either pending or has been implemented. The last column lists the expiration date(s) of the collective-bargaining agreement(s). Contributions in the table below, for the year ended December 31, 2018 exclude $3.1 million related to payments made for accrued withdrawal liabilities.

Pension Fund
EIN/Pension Plan No.
 
Pension Protection Act Zone Status
 
FIP/RP Status Pending/ Implemented
 
Veritiv's Contributions
 
Surcharge Imposed
 
Expiration Date(s) of Collective Bargaining Agreement(s)
 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Trust Fund (1)
916145047/001
 
Green
 
No
 
$
1.6

 
$
1.6

 
$
1.7

 
No
 
9/30/2018 - 10/31/2020
Central States, Southeast & Southwest Areas Pension Fund
366044243/001
 
Red
 
Implemented
 
0.2

 
0.2

 
0.3

 
Yes
 
Exited during 2018
Teamsters Pension Plan of Philadelphia & Vicinity
231511735/001
 
Yellow
 
Implemented
 
0.4

 
0.4

 
0.4

 
Yes
 
3/31/2021 & 7/31/2021
New England Teamsters & Trucking Industry Pension
046372430/001
 
Red
 
Implemented
 

 
0.4

 
0.5

 
Yes
 
Exited during 2017
Western Pennsylvania Teamsters and Employers Pension Plan
256029946/001
 
Red
 
Implemented
 
0.3

 
0.3

 
0.3

 
Yes
 
3/31/2019 & 3/31/2020
Contributions for individually significant plans
 
 
 
 
 
 
2.5

 
2.9

 
3.2

 
 
 
 
Contributions to other multi-employer plans
 
 
 
 
 
 
0.5

 
0.6

 
0.5

 
 
 
 
Total contributions
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
3.0

 
$
3.5

 
$
3.7

 
 
 
 
(1) As of December 31, 2018, there were ten collective bargaining units participating in the Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Trust. As of December 31, 2018, two were then in negotiations.
v3.10.0.1
Fair Value Measurements
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Fair Value Measurements
12. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

At December 31, 2018 and 2017, the carrying amounts of cash, receivables, payables and other components of other current assets and other accrued liabilities approximate their fair values due to the short maturity of these items.

Borrowings under the ABL Facility are at variable market interest rates, and accordingly, the carrying amount approximates fair value. See Note 6, Debt and Other Obligations, for additional information regarding the Company's ABL Facility.

The fair value of the interest rate cap was derived from a discounted cash flow analysis based on the terms of the agreement and Level 2 data for the forward interest rate curve adjusted for the Company’s credit risk. See Note 7, Derivative Instrument, Hedging Activities and Risk Management, for additional information on the interest rate cap agreement.

The fair value analysis for the goodwill and intangible asset impairments described in Note 5, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, and Note 1, Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, respectively, relied upon both Level 2 data (publicly observable data such as market interest rates, the Company’s stock price, the stock prices of peer companies and the capital structures of peer companies) and Level 3 data (internal data such as the Company’s operating and cash flow projections).

For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recorded $0.4 million in impairment charges, related to software assets, included in selling and administrative expenses, on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

During the third quarter of 2017, the Company reviewed its intangible assets for possible impairment indicators, and management determined that the carrying values of the goodwill and customer relationship intangible assets allocated to the logistics solutions business were fully impaired. The impairments were determined after a review of the business's forecasted revenues and estimated cash flows (Level 3 data). The impairment charges were primarily a result of lower forecasted sales growth due to changes in the Company's growth strategy and margin compression due to increased competition. The fair value of these assets was derived using discounted cash flow analyses based on Level 3 inputs. As a result, the Company recorded $7.7 million in non-restructuring impairment charges related to its logistics solutions business's goodwill and customer relationship intangible assets, included in selling and administrative expenses, on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company recognized $5.8 million in intangible asset impairment charges related to its Print and Publishing segments' customer relationship intangible assets, included in selling and administrative expenses, on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The impairments were determined after review of the segments' forecasted revenues and estimated cash flows (Level 3). As a result, the entire carrying values were deemed impaired.

The Company has on occasion recognized other minor impairments when warranted as part of its normal review of long-lived assets and these impairments are included in selling and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Total goodwill and long-lived asset impairments for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 were $0.4 million, $8.4 million and $7.7 million, respectively.

At December 31, 2018 and 2017, the pension plan assets were primarily comprised of mutual funds and pooled funds. The underlying investments of these funds were valued using either quoted prices in active markets or valued as of the most recent trade date. See Note 11, Employee Benefits Plans, for further detail.

At the time of the Merger, the Company recorded a $59.4 million contingent liability associated with the TRA at fair value using a discounted cash flow model that reflected management's expectations about probability of payment. The fair value of the TRA is a Level 3 measurement which relied upon both Level 2 data (publicly observable data such as market interest rates) and Level 3 data (internal data such as the Company’s projected revenues, taxable income and assumptions about the utilization of Unisource’s NOLs, attributable to taxable periods prior to the Merger, by the Company). The amount payable under the TRA is contingent on the Company generating a certain level of taxable income prior to the expiration of the NOL carryforwards. Moreover, future trading of Company stock by significant shareholders may result in additional ownership changes as defined under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, further limiting the use of Unisource's NOLs and the amount ultimately payable under the TRA. The contingent liability is remeasured at fair value at each reporting period end with the change in fair value recognized in other (income) expense, net on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. At December 31, 2018, the Company remeasured the contingent liability using a discount rate of 5.1% (Moody's daily long-term corporate BAA bond yield). There have been no transfers between the fair value measurement levels for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017. The Company recognizes transfers between the fair value measurement levels at the end of the reporting period. See Note 10, Related Party Transactions, for further discussion of the TRA.

The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of the TRA contingent liability for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017:    
(in millions)
 
TRA Contingent Liability
Balance at December 31, 2016
 
$
67.9

Change in fair value adjustment recorded in other (income) expense, net (1)
 
(9.4
)
Principal payment
 
(8.5
)
Balance at December 31, 2017
 
50.0

Change in fair value adjustment recorded in other (income) expense, net
 
(1.2
)
Principal payment
 
(9.9
)
Balance at December 31, 2018
 
$
38.9


(1) The Tax Act lowered the U.S. federal corporate tax rate to 21.0%, which resulted in a fair value reduction of $13.5 million included in the 2017 fair value change in the table above.

The purchase price allocation for the acquisition of AAC, described in Note 3, 2017 Acquisition, includes $22.2 million for the estimated fair value of contingent consideration. The maximum amount payable for the contingent consideration was $50.0 million, with up to $25.0 million payable at each of the first and second anniversaries of the Acquisition Date. The Company paid $2.5 million on December 26, 2018 for contingent consideration earned as of the first anniversary of the Acquisition Date. The amount payable as of the second anniversary of the Acquisition Date will be determined based on actual growth rates in revenue and gross profit. The initial fair value estimate was based on historic growth patterns and future forecasts, which are Level 3 data. The valuation of contingent consideration uses assumptions and estimates to forecast a range of outcomes and probabilities for the contingent consideration. The contingent consideration is valued using a Monte Carlo simulation model. The Company assesses these assumptions and estimates on a quarterly basis as additional data impacting the assumptions is obtained. Any changes in the fair value of contingent consideration related to updated assumptions and estimates are recognized within other (income) expense, net, in the Consolidated Statements of Operations during the period in which the change occurs.

The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of the AAC contingent liability for the year ended December 31, 2018:    
(in millions)
 
AAC Contingent Liability
Balance at August 31, 2017
 
$
30.0

Purchase accounting adjustment
 
(7.8
)
Adjusted purchase price
 
22.2

Change in fair value adjustment recorded in other (income) expense, net
 
2.0

Balance at December 31, 2017
 
24.2

Change in fair value adjustment recorded in other (income) expense, net
 
(12.3
)
Contingent liability payment
 
(2.5
)
Balance at December 31, 2018
 
$
9.4

v3.10.0.1
Supplementary Financial Statement Information
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Supplementary Financial Statement Information
13. SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION
Other Current Assets

The components of other current assets were as follows:
(in millions)
December 31,
 
December 31,
2018
 
2017
Rebates receivable
$
78.0

 
$
61.1

Prepaid expenses
32.0

 
33.8

Other
37.2

 
38.6

Other current assets
$
147.2

 
$
133.5



Other Non-Current Assets

The components of other non-current assets were as follows:
(in millions)
December 31,
 
December 31,
2018
 
2017
Deferred financing costs
$
6.7

 
$
9.3

Investments in real estate joint ventures
6.7

 
6.4

Below market leasehold agreements
4.0

 
4.7

Other
8.0

 
10.4

Other non-current assets
$
25.4

 
$
30.8



Accrued Payroll and Benefits

The components of accrued payroll and benefits were as follows:
(in millions)
December 31,
 
December 31,
2018
 
2017
Accrued incentive plans
$
23.6

 
$
28.7

Accrued commissions
20.6

 
23.2

Accrued payroll and related taxes
9.2

 
18.0

Other
3.1

 
3.6

Accrued payroll and benefits
$
56.5

 
$
73.5



Other Accrued Liabilities

The components of other accrued liabilities were as follows:
(in millions)
December 31,
 
December 31,
2018
 
2017
Accrued customer incentives
$
25.1

 
$
25.1

Accrued freight
16.4

 
16.0

Accrued taxes
9.9

 
12.1

AAC contingent liability and working capital adjustment
9.4

 
18.4

Tax Receivable Agreement contingent liability
7.9

 
9.9

Accrued professional fees
6.6

 
6.7

Other
59.4

 
46.4

Other accrued liabilities
$
134.7

 
$
134.6



Other Non-Current Liabilities

The components of other non-current liabilities were as follows:
(in millions)
December 31,
 
December 31,
2018
 
2017
MEPP withdrawals
$
32.5

 
$
27.2

Tax Receivable Agreement contingent liability
31.0

 
40.1

Deferred compensation
21.6

 
23.7

Straight-line rent
19.5

 
17.5

AAC contingent liability

 
7.1

Other
24.0

 
21.4

Other non-current liabilities
$
128.6

 
$
137.0

v3.10.0.1
Earnings (Loss) Per Share
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
Earnings (Loss) Per Share
14. EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE

Basic earnings (loss) per share for Veritiv common stock is calculated by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is similarly calculated, except that the denominator is increased to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if the dilutive potential common shares had been issued, except where the inclusion of such common shares would have an antidilutive impact.

The calculation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 utilized 15.82 million, 15.70 million and 15.97 million shares for basic, respectively, and 15.82 million, 15.70 million and 16.15 million shares for dilutive, respectively, issued and outstanding based on the weighted-average shares outstanding during this period, with the weighted-average shares outstanding for the diluted earnings per share having been adjusted for potentially dilutive shares. See Note 16, Equity-Based Incentive Plans, for additional information.

A summary of the numerators and denominators used in the basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share calculations is as follows:
 
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions, except per share data)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Numerator:
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
$
(15.7
)
 
$
(13.3
)
 
$
21.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
Denominator:
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding – basic
15.82

 
15.70

 
15.97

Weighted-average number of shares outstanding – diluted
15.82

 
15.70

 
16.15

 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) per share:
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings (loss) per share
$
(0.99
)
 
$
(0.85
)
 
$
1.31

Diluted earnings (loss) per share
$
(0.99
)
 
$
(0.85
)
 
$
1.30

 
 
 
 
 
 
Antidilutive stock-based awards excluded from computation of diluted earnings per share
1.32

 
0.80

 
0.06

Performance stock-based awards excluded from computation of diluted earnings per share because performance conditions had not been met
0.26

 
0.30

 
0.20



During the year ended December 31, 2018, in accordance with Veritiv's 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan, as amended and restated as of March 8, 2017 (the "2014 Plan"), shares of the Company's common stock were issued to plan participants whose Restricted Stock Units ("RSUs") and/or Performance Share Units ("PSUs") vested during those periods. The Company issued approximately 210,000 shares and simultaneously recovered approximately 75,000 shares for purposes of covering the related minimum tax withholdings. The net share issuance is included in additional paid-in capital on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2018.
v3.10.0.1
Shareholders' Equity
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Equity [Abstract]  
Shareholders' Equity
15. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Common Stock

Shares Outstanding: On November 23, 2016, the UWWH Stockholder sold 1.76 million shares of Veritiv common stock in an underwritten public offering. The Company did not sell any shares and did not receive any of the proceeds in this transaction. See the "Treasury Stock" section of this footnote below for additional information on this transaction. On March 22, 2017, and September 25, 2018, the UWWH Stockholder sold 1.80 million and 1.50 million shares of Veritiv common stock in a block trade, respectively. The Company did not sell or repurchase any shares and did not receive any of the proceeds in the 2017 and 2018 transactions.

Dividends: Each holder of common stock shall be entitled to participate equally in all dividends payable with respect to the common stock.

Voting Rights: The holders of the Company’s common stock are entitled to vote only in the circumstances set forth in Veritiv's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation. Each holder of common stock shall be entitled to one vote for each share of common stock held of record by such holder upon all matters to be voted on by the holders of the common stock.

Other Rights: Each holder of common stock shall be entitled to share equally, subject to any rights and preferences of the preferred stock (as fixed by resolutions, if any, of the Board of Directors), in the assets of the Company available for distribution, in the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of Veritiv, or upon any distribution of the assets of the Company.

Preferred Stock

Subject to the provisions of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the Board of Directors of Veritiv is authorized to provide for the issuance of up to 10.0 million shares of preferred stock in one or more series. The Board of Directors may fix the number of shares constituting any series and determine the designation of the series, the dividend rates, rights of priority of dividend payment, the voting powers (if any) of the shares of the series, and the preferences and relative participating, optional and other rights, if any, and any qualifications, limitations or restrictions, applicable to the shares of such series. No preferred stock was issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2018.

Treasury Stock

In conjunction with the November 2016 UWWH Stockholder offering and related Veritiv stock repurchase, Veritiv incurred approximately $0.8 million in transaction-related fees, of which approximately $0.2 million was capitalized as part of the cost to acquire the treasury stock with the remainder included in selling and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company may repurchase additional shares in the future, however, there is currently no share repurchase authorization plan approved by the Company's Board of Directors. See Note 10, Related Party Transactions, for additional information regarding these transactions.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (AOCL)

Comprehensive income (loss) is reported in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) and consists of net income (loss) and other gains and losses affecting shareholders' equity that, under U.S. GAAP, are excluded from net income (loss). AOCL consisted of the following:

(in millions)
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
Retirement liabilities
 
Interest rate swap
 
AOCL
Balance at December 31, 2016
 
$
(29.2
)
 
$
(9.1
)
 
$
(0.7
)
 
$
(39.0
)
     Unrealized net gains (losses) arising during the period
 
5.9

 
0.1

 
(0.1
)
 
5.9

     Amounts reclassified from AOCL
 
(0.2
)
 
(0.3
)
 
0.1

 
(0.4
)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
 
5.7

 
(0.2
)
 
0.0

 
5.5

Balance at December 31, 2017
 
(23.5
)
 
(9.3
)
 
(0.7
)
 
(33.5
)
     Unrealized net gains (losses) arising during the period
 
(6.8
)
 
(0.2
)
 
0.0

 
(7.0
)
     Amounts reclassified from AOCL
 

 
0.1

 
0.5

 
0.6

Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
 
(6.8
)
 
(0.1
)
 
0.5

 
(6.4
)
Adjustment for adoption of ASU 2018-02
 

 
(0.7
)
 
(0.1
)
 
(0.8
)
Balance at December 31, 2018
 
$
(30.3
)
 
$
(10.1
)
 
$
(0.3
)
 
$
(40.7
)
v3.10.0.1
Equity-Based Incentive Plans
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]  
Equity-Based Incentive Plans
16. EQUITY-BASED INCENTIVE PLANS

Veritiv Omnibus Incentive Plan

The 2014 Plan provides for the grant of stock, Deferred Share Units ("DSUs"), RSUs, PSUs, and Market Condition Performance Share Units ("MCPSUs"), among other awards. A total of 3.08 million shares of Veritiv common stock may be issued under the 2014 Plan subject to certain adjustment provisions. As of December 31, 2018, there were approximately 1.4 million shares available to be granted to any employee, director or consultant of Veritiv or a subsidiary of Veritiv. Grants are made at the discretion of the Compensation and Leadership Development Committee of the Company's Board of Directors.

Stock

The Company made grants of common stock in 2018 to its non-employee directors. The stock grant was fully vested and non-forfeitable as of the grant date. The non-employee directors were eligible to defer receipt of the award under the Veritiv Deferred Compensation Savings Plan, a nonqualified plan. The Company recognized $1.1 million in expense related to these grants for the year ended December 31, 2018.

The Company made grants of common stock in 2017 to its non-employee directors. The stock grant was fully vested and non-forfeitable as of the grant date. The non-employee directors were eligible to defer receipt of the award under the Veritiv Deferred Compensation Savings Plan. The Company recognized $1.1 million in expense related to these grants for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Deferred Share Units

The Company granted DSUs in 2014, 2015 and 2016 to its non-employee directors. Each DSU is the economical equivalent of one share of Veritiv's common stock. The DSUs were fully vested and non-forfeitable as of the grant date and are payable following the individual's separation of service as a Veritiv director. The DSUs granted in 2014 and 2015 are payable in cash and the DSUs granted in 2016 are settled in stock. The cash-settled DSUs are classified as a non-current liability and are remeasured at each reporting date, with a corresponding adjustment to compensation expense. At December 31, 2018 there were approximately 51,900 DSUs outstanding with a fair value of $1.6 million. At December 31, 2017, there were approximately 51,900 DSUs outstanding with a fair value of $1.7 million. The Company recognized impacts of $(0.1) million, $(0.8) million and $0.6 million in selling and administrative expenses related to these grants for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Restricted Stock Units

RSUs are awarded to key employees and typically cliff vest at the end of three years, subject to continued service. The fair value of the RSU awards is based typically on either the closing price of Veritiv common stock on the date of grant or the closing price on the trading date immediately prior to the date of grant if the grant date is not a trading date. Compensation expense for the RSUs is recognized ratably from the grant date to the vesting date.
    
A summary of activity related to non-vested RSUs is presented below:
(units in thousands)
 
Number of RSUs
 
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share
Non-vested at December 31, 2016
 
146

 
$
42.05

Granted
 
111

 
$
49.86

Vested
 

 
$

Forfeited
 
(8
)
 
$
44.21

Non-vested at December 31, 2017
 
249

 
$
45.43

Granted
 
228

 
$
29.69

Vested
 
(65
)
 
$
50.03

Forfeited
 
(14
)
 
$
39.01

Non-vested at December 31, 2018
 
398

 
$
35.88




Performance Share Units

PSUs are awarded to key employees annually and cliff vest at the end of three years, subject to continued service and the attainment of performance conditions. The PSU award represents the contingent right to receive a number of shares equal to a portion, all or a multiple (not to exceed 200%) of the target number of PSUs. The PSUs are divided into three tranches, and each tranche is earned based on the achievement of an annual Adjusted EBITDA target which is set at the beginning of each of the three years in the vesting period. The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, restructuring charges, net, integration and acquisition expenses and other similar charges including any severance costs, costs associated with warehouse and office openings or closings, consolidation, and relocation and other business optimization expenses, stock-based compensation expense, changes in the LIFO reserve, non-restructuring asset impairment charges, non-restructuring severance charges, non-restructuring pension charges, net, fair value adjustments related to contingent liabilities assumed in mergers and acquisitions and certain other adjustments. Compensation expense for each tranche is recognized ratably from the date the fair value is determined to the vesting date for the number of awards expected to vest.

A summary of activity related to non-vested PSUs is presented below:
(units in thousands)
 
Number of PSUs
 
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share
 
Non-vested at December 31, 2016
 
355

 
$
42.14

 
Granted
 
166

 
$
37.12

(1) 
Shares lost based on actual performance
 
(45
)
 
$
37.12

 
Vested
 

 
$

 
Forfeited
 
(22
)
 
$
40.78

 
Non-vested at December 31, 2017
 
454

 
$
40.87

 
Granted
 
323

 
$
29.24

(2) 
Shares gained based on actual performance
 
7

 
$
29.24

 
Vested
 
(122
)
 
$
47.37

 
Forfeited
 
(35
)
 
$
34.57

 
Non-vested at December 31, 2018
 
627

 
$
32.59

 
(1) Represents weighted-average grant date fair value for the 2017 and 2018 tranches.
(2) Represents weighted-average grant date fair value for the 2018 tranche.


Market Condition Performance Share Units

MCPSUs are awarded to key employees annually and cliff vest at the end of three years, subject to continued service and the attainment of performance conditions. The MCPSU award represents the contingent right to receive a number of shares equal to a portion, all or a multiple (not to exceed 200%) of the target number of MCPSUs. The MCPSUs are divided into three tranches and each tranche is earned based on the achievement of a total shareholder return ("TSR") target relative to the TSR of an applicable peer group over the 1-, 2- and 3-year cumulative periods in the vesting period. The weighted-average grant date fair value of the MCPSUs is determined using a Monte Carlo simulation model. Assumptions used in the 2018, 2017 and 2016 models included an expected volatility rate of 45.5%, 25.0% and 25.0%, respectively, and a risk-free interest rate of 2.0%, 1.1% and 1.1%, respectively. The expected volatility rate is based on the historical volatility over the most recent period equal to the vesting period. The risk-free interest rate is based on the yield on U.S. Treasury securities matching the vesting period. Compensation expense is recognized ratably from the grant date to the vesting date.

A summary of activity related to non-vested MCPSUs is presented below:
(units in thousands)
 
Number of MCPSUs
 
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share
Non-vested at December 31, 2016
 
208

 
$
48.23

Granted
 
100

 
$
71.63

Shares lost based on actual performance
 
(103
)
 
$
71.63

Vested
 

 
$

Forfeited/cancelled
 
(12
)
 
$
55.65

Non-vested at December 31, 2017
 
193

 
$
56.23

Granted
 
194

 
$
37.76

Shares lost based on actual performance
 
(35
)
 
$
37.76

Vested
 
(23
)
 
$
62.53

Forfeited/cancelled
 
(21
)
 
$
49.66

Non-vested at December 31, 2018
 
308

 
$
46.74

    

For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, the Company recognized $18.1 million, $15.7 million and $8.3 million, respectively, in expense related to the aforementioned equity-based awards. The income tax benefit recognized in 2018, 2017 and 2016 related to stock-based compensation expense was $4.7 million, $5.7 million and $3.2 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2018, total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense was $25.1 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.0 years. Unrecognized compensation expense for the 2019 and 2020 tranches of the PSU awards is estimated based on the Company's closing stock price at December 31, 2018. Dividends are not paid or accrued on unvested stock units. The grant date fair values are not reduced for dividends as none are expected to be paid during the vesting period.
v3.10.0.1
Commitments and Contingencies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Commitments and Contingencies
17. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Legal Proceedings

From time to time, the Company is involved in various lawsuits, claims and regulatory and administrative proceedings arising out of its business relating to general commercial and contractual matters, governmental regulations, intellectual property rights, labor and employment matters, tax and other actions.

Although the ultimate outcome of any legal proceeding or investigation cannot be predicted with certainty, based on present information, including the Company's assessment of the merits of the particular claim, the Company does not expect that any asserted or unasserted legal claims or proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on its results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.

Escheat Audit

In 2013, Unisource was notified by the State of Delaware that it intended to examine the books and records of Unisource to determine compliance with Delaware escheat laws. Since that date, seven other states have joined with Delaware in the audit process, which is conducted by an outside firm on behalf of the states.

During the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company filed an election to convert the Delaware portion of the audit into a review under the State of Delaware’s Voluntary Disclosure Agreement Program (“VDA”).  Under the VDA, the Company will continue to identify source documents that support the historical treatment of the transactions at issue to determine the amount it believes is owed to Delaware.  Similarly, the Company will continue to identify source documents that support the historical treatment of the transactions under audit by the other participating states.

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company has recognized an estimated liability of approximately $10.0 million and $7.5 million, respectively, based upon the information available to date. The Company currently expects to complete the VDA and audit no later than mid-2020. Due to the inherent uncertainties with respect to the ultimate outcome of these matters, any updates to this estimate of loss could have a material impact on the Company's results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.

International Paper Potential Earn-Out

International Paper has a potential earn-out payment of up to $100.0 million that would become due in 2020 if Veritiv's aggregate EBITDA for fiscal years 2017, 2018 and 2019 exceeds an agreed-upon target of $759.0 million, subject to certain adjustments. The $100.0 million potential earn-out payment would be reflected by Veritiv as a reduction to equity at the time of payment. Veritiv does not expect to meet the agreed-upon target value based on actual results for 2017 and 2018 and thus does not expect to be required to make the earn-out payment in 2020.
v3.10.0.1
Segment Information
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Segment Information
18. SEGMENT INFORMATION

The following tables present net sales, Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, restructuring charges, net, integration and acquisition expenses and other similar charges including any severance costs, costs associated with warehouse and office openings or closings, consolidation, and relocation and other business optimization expenses, stock-based compensation expense, changes in the LIFO reserve, non-restructuring asset impairment charges, non-restructuring severance charges, non-restructuring pension charges, net, fair value adjustments related to contingent liabilities assumed in mergers and acquisitions and certain other adjustments), which is the metric management uses to assess operating performance of the segments, and certain other measures for each of the reportable segments and Corporate & Other for the periods presented:

(in millions)
Packaging
 
Facility Solutions
 
Print
 
Publishing
 
Total Reportable Segments
 
Corporate & Other
 
Total
Year Ended December 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
$
3,547.1

 
$
1,311.7

 
$
2,676.7

 
$
1,019.2

 
$
8,554.7

 
$
141.5

 
$
8,696.2

Adjusted EBITDA
246.7

 
29.0

 
64.0

 
24.6

 
364.3

 
(178.9
)
 

Depreciation and amortization
19.2

 
6.8

 
8.8

 
0.8

 
35.6

 
17.9

 
53.5

Restructuring charges, net
4.7

 
3.4

 
12.1

 
0.7

 
20.9

 
0.4

 
21.3

Year Ended December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
3,157.8

 
1,309.7

 
2,793.7

 
958.0

 
8,219.2

 
145.5

 
8,364.7

Adjusted EBITDA
238.0

 
35.5

 
60.8

 
26.4

 
360.7

 
(184.3
)
 

Depreciation and amortization
15.9

 
6.0

 
10.4

 
1.5

 
33.8

 
20.4

 
54.2

Restructuring charges, net
6.1

 
2.3

 
8.0

 
0.0

 
16.4

 
0.3

 
16.7

Year Ended December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
2,854.2

 
1,271.6

 
3,047.4

 
1,033.6

 
8,206.8

 
119.8

 
8,326.6

Adjusted EBITDA
221.2

 
47.0

 
76.8

 
23.6

 
368.6

 
(176.4
)
 

Depreciation and amortization
12.4

 
5.9

 
12.4

 
3.1

 
33.8

 
20.9

 
54.7

Restructuring charges, net
4.6

 
2.3

 
5.2

 
0.1

 
12.2

 
0.2

 
12.4



The table below presents a reconciliation of income (loss) before income taxes as reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Operations to Adjusted EBITDA for the reportable segments:
 
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Income (loss) before income taxes
$
(10.2
)
 
$
(1.9
)
 
$
40.8

Interest expense, net
42.3

 
31.2

 
27.5

Depreciation and amortization
53.5

 
54.2

 
54.7

Restructuring charges, net
21.3

 
16.7

 
12.4

Stock-based compensation
18.1

 
15.7

 
8.3

LIFO reserve increase
19.9

 
7.1

 
3.6

Non-restructuring asset impairment charges
0.4

 
8.4

 
7.7

Non-restructuring severance charges
4.9

 
3.5

 
3.1

Non-restructuring pension charges, net
11.3

 
2.2

 
2.4

Integration and acquisition expenses
31.8

 
36.5

 
25.9

Fair value adjustment on Tax Receivable Agreement contingent liability
(1.2
)
 
(9.4
)
 
4.9

Fair value adjustment on contingent consideration liability
(12.3
)
 
2.0

 

Escheat audit contingent liability
2.5

 
7.5

 

Other
3.1

 
2.7

 
0.9

Adjustment for Corporate & Other
178.9

 
184.3

 
176.4

Adjusted EBITDA for reportable segments
$
364.3

 
$
360.7

 
$
368.6



During the year ended December 31, 2018, the financing obligations for all of the Company’s remaining related party financed Properties were either terminated early or expired in accordance with their terms. As such, the Company derecognized the non-cash effect of $155.2 million of property and equipment, which impacted the Packaging, Facility Solutions and Print segments in the U.S. See Note 6, Debt and Other Obligations, for additional information related to these Properties and financing obligations. The derecognition impacts are reflected in the total assets and property and equipment, net tables below.    

The table below summarizes total assets as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
(in millions)
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Packaging
$
1,183.1

 
$
1,192.2

Facility Solutions
345.5

 
416.9

Print
684.5

 
801.8

Publishing
196.3

 
168.6

Corporate & Other
120.3

 
128.9

Total assets
$
2,529.7

 
$
2,708.4



The following table presents net sales and property and equipment, net by geographic area.
 
Net Sales
 
Property and Equipment, Net
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
U.S.
$
7,800.9

 
$
7,510.9

 
$
7,552.3

 
$
171.6

 
$
300.6

Canada
712.7

 
682.0

 
631.2

 
32.1

 
36.7

Rest of world
182.6

 
171.8

 
143.1

 
3.0

 
2.9

Total
$
8,696.2

 
$
8,364.7

 
$
8,326.6

 
$
206.7

 
$
340.2



    
No single customer accounted for more than 5% of net sales for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016. During the year ended December 31, 2018, approximately 38% of our purchases were made from ten suppliers.
v3.10.0.1
Quarterly Data (Unaudited)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]  
Quarterly Data (Unaudited)
19. QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED)

The unaudited quarterly results of operations for 2018 and 2017 are summarized below:
 
2018
 
Three Months Ended
(in millions, except per share data)
March 31
 
June 30
 
September 30
 
December 31
Net sales
$
2,101.0

 
$
2,171.9

 
$
2,192.5

 
$
2,230.8

Cost of products sold
1,729.5

 
1,788.5

 
1,805.8

 
1,831.9

Net income (loss)
(15.8
)
 
(10.6
)
 
1.4

 
9.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding – basic
15.76
 
15.84
 
15.85
 
15.85
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding – diluted
15.76
 
15.84
 
16.47
 
16.46
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) per share (1):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings (loss) per share
$
(1.00
)
 
$
(0.67
)
 
$
0.09

 
$
0.59

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
$
(1.00
)
 
$
(0.67
)
 
$
0.09

 
$
0.57

(1) See Note 14, Earning (Loss) Per Share, for discussion about the shares of common stock utilized in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2018.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2017
 
Three Months Ended
(in millions, except per share data)
March 31
 
June 30
 
September 30
 
December 31
Net sales
$
1,994.6

 
$
2,028.9

 
$
2,116.8

 
$
2,224.4

Cost of products sold
1,629.3

 
1,660.5

 
1,736.6

 
1,820.2

Net income (loss)
(2.2
)
 
(9.1
)
 
(14.3
)
 
12.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding – basic
15.69
 
15.70
 
15.70
 
15.70
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding – diluted
15.69
 
15.70
 
15.70
 
15.98
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) per share (1):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings (loss) per share
$
(0.14
)
 
$
(0.58
)
 
$
(0.91
)
 
$
0.78

Diluted earnings (loss) per share
$
(0.14
)
 
$
(0.58
)
 
$
(0.91
)
 
$
0.77

(1) See Note 14, Earnings (Loss) Per Share, for discussion about the shares of common stock utilized in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2017.

See the table below for the quarterly breakdown of integration and acquisition expenses and restructuring charges, net:
 
2018
(in millions)
Three Months Ended
 
March 31
 
June 30
 
September 30
 
December 31
Integration and acquisition expenses
$
8.3

 
$
8.4

 
$
7.9

 
$
7.2

Restructuring charges, net
11.9

 
11.4

 
5.4

 
(7.4
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2017
(in millions)
Three Months Ended
 
March 31
 
June 30
 
September 30
 
December 31
Integration and acquisition expenses
$
6.4

 
$
7.5

 
$
14.2

 
$
8.4

Restructuring charges, net
4.1

 
23.2

 
2.7

 
(13.3
)
v3.10.0.1
Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation
Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and include all of the Company’s subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions between Veritiv's businesses have been eliminated.
Use of Estimates
Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenue and expenses and certain financial statement disclosures. Estimates and assumptions are used for, but not limited to, revenue recognition, accounts receivable valuation, inventory valuation, employee benefit plans, income tax contingency accruals and valuation allowances, recognition of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Tax Act"), multi-employer pension plan withdrawal liabilities, contingency accruals and goodwill and other intangible asset valuations. Although these estimates are based on management's knowledge of current events and actions it may undertake in the future, actual results may ultimately differ from these estimates and assumptions. Estimates are revised as additional information becomes available.

Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition

The Company adopted ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) ("Topic 606") on January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective method for all contracts not completed as of the date of adoption, with no impact to the opening retained earnings.

Under Topic 606 -

Veritiv applies the five step model to assess its contracts with customers. The Company's revenue is reported as net sales and is measured as the determinable transaction price, net of any variable consideration (e.g., sales incentives and rights to return product) and any taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities. When the Company enters into a sales arrangement with a customer, it believes it is probable that it will collect substantially all of the consideration to which it will be entitled in exchange for the goods or services that will be transferred to the customer. When management cannot conclude collectability is probable for shipments to a particular customer, revenue associated with that customer is not recognized until cash is collected or management is otherwise able to establish that collectability is probable. As a normal business practice, Veritiv does not enter into contracts that require more than one year to complete or that contain significant financing components. See Note 2, Revenue Recognition, for additional information regarding revenue recognition.
        
Under prior revenue recognition guidance -

Revenue was recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement existed, the price was fixed or determinable, collectability was reasonably assured and delivery had occurred. Revenue was recognized when the customer took title and assumed the risks and rewards of ownership. When management could not conclude collectability was reasonably assured for shipments to a particular customer, revenue associated with that customer was not recognized until cash was collected or management was otherwise able to establish that collectability was reasonably assured.

Sales transactions with customers were designated free on board ("f.o.b.") destination and revenue was recorded when the product was delivered to the customer’s delivery site, when title and risk of loss were transferred.
    
Certain revenues were derived from shipments arranged by the Company made directly from a manufacturer to a customer. The Company was considered to be a principal to these transactions because, among other factors, it controlled pricing to the customer, bore the credit risk of the customer defaulting on payment and was the primary obligor. Revenues from these sales were reported on a gross basis in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and amounted to $3.0 billion for each of the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.

Taxes collected from customers relating to product sales and remitted to governmental authorities were accounted for on a net basis. Accordingly, such taxes were excluded from both net sales and expenses.

Purchase Incentives and Customer Rebates
Purchase Incentives

Veritiv enters into agreements with suppliers that entitle Veritiv to receive rebates, allowances and other discounts based on the attainment of specified purchasing levels or sales to certain customers. Purchase incentives are recorded as a reduction to inventory and recognized in cost of products sold when the sale occurs. During the year ended December 31, 2018, approximately 38% of the Company's purchases were made from ten suppliers.

Distribution Expenses
Distribution Expenses

Distribution expenses consist of storage, handling and delivery costs including freight to the Company's customers’ destinations.
Acquisition and Integration Expenses
Integration and Acquisition Expenses

Integration and acquisition expenses are expensed as incurred. Integration and acquisition expenses include internally dedicated integration management resources, retention compensation, information technology conversion costs, rebranding, professional services and other costs to integrate its businesses.
Accounts Receivable and Allowances
Accounts Receivable and Allowances

Accounts receivable are recognized net of allowances. The allowance for doubtful accounts reflects the best estimate of losses inherent in the Company’s accounts receivable portfolio determined on the basis of historical experience, specific allowances for known troubled accounts and other available evidence. The other allowances balance is inclusive of returns, discounts and any other items affecting the realization of these assets. Accounts receivable are written off when management determines they are uncollectible.
Inventories
Inventories

The Company's inventories are primarily comprised of finished goods and predominantly valued at cost as determined by the last-in first-out ("LIFO") method. Such valuations are not in excess of market. Elements of cost in inventories include the purchase price invoiced by a supplier, plus inbound freight and related costs and reduced by estimated volume-based discounts and early pay discounts available from certain suppliers. Approximately 85% and 86% of inventories were valued using the LIFO method as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. If the first-in, first-out method had been used, total inventory balances would be increased by approximately $98.7 million and $78.7 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

The Company reduces the value of obsolete inventory based on the difference between the LIFO cost of the inventory and the estimated market value using assumptions of future demand and market conditions. To estimate the net realizable value, the Company considers factors such as the age of the inventory, the nature of the products, the quantity of items on-hand relative to sales trends, current market prices and trends in pricing, its ability to use excess supply in another channel, historical write-offs and expected residual values or other recoveries.

Veritiv maintains some of its inventory on a consignment basis in which the inventory is physically located at the customer's premises or a third-party warehouse.
Property and Equipment, Net
Upon retirement or other disposal of property and equipment, the cost and related amount of accumulated depreciation or accumulated amortization are eliminated from the asset and accumulated depreciation or accumulated amortization accounts, respectively. The difference, if any, between the net asset value and the proceeds is included in net income.

Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Land is not depreciated, and construction-in-progress ("CIP") is not depreciated until ready for service. Leased property and leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lease term or useful life of the asset, whichever is less.

Property and Equipment, Net

Property and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and software amortization. Expenditures for replacements and major improvements are capitalized, whereas repair and maintenance costs that do not improve service potential or extend economic life are expensed as incurred. The Company capitalizes certain computer software and development costs incurred in connection with developing or obtaining software for internal use. Costs related to the development of internal use software, other than those incurred during the application development stage, are expensed as incurred.
Leases
Leases

The Company leases certain property and equipment used for operations. Such lease arrangements are reviewed for capital or operating classification at their inception.

Capital lease obligations consist of delivery equipment, material handling equipment, computer hardware and office equipment which are leased through third parties under non-cancelable leases with terms generally ranging from three to eight years. Many of the delivery equipment leases include annual rate increases based on the Consumer Price Index which are included in the calculation of the initial lease obligation. The carrying value of the related equipment associated with these capital leases is included within property and equipment, net in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and depreciated over the term of the lease. The Company does not record rent expense for capital leases. Rather, rental payments under the lease are recognized as a reduction of the capital lease obligation and interest expense. Depreciation expense for assets under capital leases is included in the total depreciation expense disclosed in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
  
All other leases are operating leases. Certain lease agreements include renewal options and rent escalation clauses. Assets subject to an operating lease and the related lease payments are not recorded on the Company’s balance sheet. Rent expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the expected lease term.

The term for all types of leases begins on the date the Company becomes legally obligated for the rent payments or takes possession of the asset, whichever is earlier.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net

Goodwill relating to a single business reporting unit is included as an asset of the applicable segment. Goodwill arising from major acquisitions that involve multiple reportable segments is allocated to the reporting units based on the relative fair value of the reporting unit.

Goodwill is reviewed by Veritiv for impairment on a reporting unit basis annually on October 1st or more frequently if indicators are present or changes in circumstances suggest that impairment may exist. The testing of goodwill for possible impairment is performed by completing a Step 0 test or electing to by-pass the Step 0 test and comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying value, including goodwill. The Step 0 test utilizes qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. Qualitative factors include: macroeconomic conditions; industry and market considerations; overall financial performance and cost factors to determine whether a reporting unit is at risk for goodwill impairment.

In the event a reporting unit fails the Step 0 goodwill impairment test, it is necessary to move forward with a comparison of the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying value, including goodwill. If the fair value exceeds the carrying value, goodwill is not considered to be impaired. If the fair value of a reporting unit is below the carrying value, a goodwill impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, any loss recognized will not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. See Note 5, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, for additional information related to the Company's goodwill.

Intangible assets acquired in a business combination are recorded at fair value. The Company's intangible assets may include customer relationships, trademarks and trade names and non-compete agreements. Intangible assets with finite useful lives are subsequently amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. See the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets section below for the accounting policy related to the periodic review of long-lived intangible assets for impairment.
Impairment or Long-Lived Assets
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets, including finite lived intangible assets, are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate their carrying value may not be recoverable. The Company assesses the recoverability of long-lived assets based on the undiscounted future cash flow the assets are expected to generate and recognizes an impairment loss when estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset plus net proceeds expected from disposition of the asset, if any, are less than the carrying value of the asset. When an impairment is identified, the Company reduces the carrying amount of the asset to its estimated fair value based on a discounted cash flow approach or, when available and appropriate, to comparable market values.

Employee Benefit Plans
Employee Benefit Plans

The Company sponsors and/or contributes to defined contribution plans, defined benefit pension plans and multi-employer pension plans in the U.S. Except for certain union employees who continue to accrue benefits under the U.S. defined benefit pension plan in accordance with their collective bargaining agreements, as discussed below, the defined benefit pension plans are frozen. In addition, the Company and its subsidiaries have various pension plans and other forms of retirement arrangements outside the U.S. See Note 11, Employee Benefit Plans, for additional information related to these plans and arrangements.
      
The determination of defined benefit pension and postretirement plan obligations and their associated costs requires the use of actuarial computations to estimate participant plan benefits to which the employees will be entitled. The Company’s significant assumptions in this regard include discount rates, rate of future compensation increases, expected long-term rates of return on plan assets, mortality rates, and other factors. Each assumption is developed using relevant company experience in conjunction with market-related data in the U.S. and Canada. All actuarial assumptions are reviewed annually with third-party consultants and adjusted, as necessary.

For the recognition of net periodic postretirement cost, the calculation of the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is derived using the fair value of plan assets at the measurement date. Actual results that differ from the Company's assumptions are accumulated and amortized on a straight-line basis only to the extent they exceed 10% of the higher of the fair value of plan assets or the projected benefit obligation, over the estimated remaining service period of active participants. The fair value of plan assets is determined based on market prices or estimated fair value at the measurement date.

The Company also makes contributions to multi-employer pension plans for its union employees covered by such plans. For these plans, the Company recognizes a liability only for any required contributions to the plans or surcharges imposed by the plans that are accrued and unpaid at the balance sheet date. The Company does not record an asset or liability to recognize the funded status of the plans. The Company records an estimated undiscounted charge when it becomes probable that it has incurred a withdrawal liability, as the final amount and timing is not assured. When a final determination of the withdrawal liability is received from the plan, the estimated charge is adjusted to the final amount determined by the plan.
Share-based Compensation
Stock-Based Compensation

The Company measures and records compensation expense for all stock-based awards based on the grant date fair values over the vesting period of the awards. Forfeitures are recognized when they occur.
Income Taxes
Income Taxes

Veritiv's income tax expense, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits reflect management’s best assessment of estimated current and future taxes to be paid.  Veritiv records its global tax provision based on the respective tax rules and regulations for the jurisdictions in which it operates.  Where treatment of a position is uncertain, liabilities are recorded based upon an evaluation of the more likely than not outcome considering technical merits of the position.  Changes to recorded liabilities are made only when an identifiable event occurs that alters the likely outcome, such as settlement with the relevant tax authority or the expiration of statutes of limitation for the subject tax year.  Significant judgments and estimates are required in determining the consolidated income tax expense.

The Tax Act was signed into law on December 22, 2017 and makes broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code. We recognized provisional estimates of the impact of the Tax Act in the year ended December 31, 2017 and as of the year ended December 31, 2018, we recorded additional tax expense. Although the Company considers these items complete, the determination of the Tax Act’s income tax effects may change following future legislation or further interpretation of the Tax Act based on the publication of recently proposed U.S. Treasury regulations and guidance from the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") and state tax authorities.  Additionally, the Company has concluded the applicable accounting policy election associated with Global Intangible Low Tax Income ("GILTI") will be treated as a period cost.  See Note 9, Income Taxes, for additional details regarding the Tax Act.
               
Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized.  Significant judgment is required in evaluating the need for and amount of valuation allowances against deferred tax assets.  The realization of these assets is dependent on generating sufficient future taxable income.

While Veritiv believes that these judgments and estimates are appropriate and reasonable under the circumstances, actual resolution of these matters may differ from recorded estimated amounts.
Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is the price that would be received upon the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The following fair value hierarchy is used in selecting inputs, with the highest priority given to Level 1, as these are the most transparent or reliable.
    
Level 1 –
Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 –
Observable market-based inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.
Level 3 –
Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability reflecting the reporting entity’s own assumptions or external inputs from inactive markets.
Foreign Currency
Foreign Currency

The assets and liabilities of the foreign subsidiaries are translated from their respective local currencies to the U.S. dollars at the appropriate spot rates as of the balance sheet date. Changes in the carrying values of these assets and liabilities attributable to fluctuations in spot rates are recognized in foreign currency translation adjustment, a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss ("AOCL"). See Note 15, Shareholders' Equity, for the impacts of foreign currency translation adjustments on AOCL.

The revenues and expenses of the foreign subsidiaries are translated using the monthly average exchange rates during the year. The gains or losses from foreign currency transactions are included in other (income) expense, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Treasury Stock
Treasury Stock
    
Common stock purchased for treasury is recorded at cost. Costs incurred by the Company that are associated with the acquisition of treasury stock are treated in a manner similar to stock issue costs and are added to the cost of the treasury stock.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Effective January 1, 2019, the Company adopted ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The standard requires lessees to recognize right-of-use assets ("ROUs") and liabilities for leases with a lease term greater than twelve months on their balance sheet. The pattern and classification of expense recognition in a lessee's statement of operations will remain similar to prior accounting guidance. The new standard also eliminates the prior guidance related to real estate specific provisions.
    
The guidance allows an entity to elect to adopt the standard using either a modified retrospective approach, applying the standard to leases that existed at the beginning of the earliest period presented and those entered into thereafter with restated comparative period financial statements, or a prospective approach, which allows an entity to initially apply the new lease standard at the adoption date (January 1, 2019, for the Company) and recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. Consequently, an entity’s reporting for the comparative periods presented in the financial statements in which it adopts the new leases standard will not be restated and will continue to be in accordance with prior U.S. GAAP (Topic 840, Leases). The Company adopted this ASU applying the prospective approach.

The standard permits entities to elect a package of practical expedients which must be applied consistently to all leases that commenced prior to the effective date. If the package of practical expedients is elected, entities do not need to reassess: (i) whether expired or existing contracts contain leases; (ii) lease classification for any expired or existing leases; and (iii) initial direct costs for any existing leases. The Company elected to apply the package of practical expedients to all leases that commenced prior to the date of adoption. The guidance also allows entities to make certain policy elections under the new standard, including: (i) the use of hindsight to determine lease term and when assessing existing right of use assets for impairment; (ii) a policy to not record short-term leases on the balance sheet; and (iii) a policy to not separate lease and non-lease components. The Company made a policy election to exclude short-term leases from the Consolidated Balance Sheet and to separate lease and non-lease components for most lease categories. The Company made a policy election to not use hindsight to determine lease term. Upon adoption, the Company recorded (i) operating lease obligations and related ROU assets of approximately $425 million and (ii) an increase to retained earnings of approximately $3.0 million, primarily driven by the derecognition of the unamortized deferred gain from the 2017 sale of the Austin, Texas property. See Note 8, Leases, for additional information related to the Austin lease.

Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The standard replaces previous revenue recognition standards and significantly expands the disclosure requirements for revenue arrangements. The guidance may be adopted either retrospectively or on a modified retrospective basis for new contracts and existing contracts with remaining performance obligations as of the effective date. Veritiv adopted this ASU applying the modified retrospective transition method; accordingly, prior periods have not been adjusted to conform to the new guidance. There was determined to be no cumulative effect to opening retained earnings after applying the new guidance to all contracts with customers that were not completed as of January 1, 2018. The adoption is not expected to have a material impact on future financial results, as the adoption did not change the recognition pattern for the Company's existing revenue streams. See Note 2, Revenue Recognition, for additional information related to the Company's revenues and the Topic 606 adoption impacts.

Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2017-07, Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715). The standard requires employers to disaggregate the service cost component from the other components of net benefit cost and disclose by line item the amount of net benefit cost that is included in the statement of operations or capitalized in assets. The standard requires employers to report the service cost component in the same line item(s) as other compensation costs and to report other pension-related costs (which include interest costs, amortization of pension-related costs from prior periods and the gains or losses on plan assets) separately and exclude them from the subtotal of operating income. The standard also allows only the service cost component to be eligible for capitalization when applicable. The guidance requires application on a retrospective basis for the presentation of the service cost component and the other components of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost in the statement of operations and on a prospective basis for the capitalization of the service cost component of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit in assets. The Company adopted this guidance on a retrospective basis; accordingly, prior periods have been adjusted to conform to the new guidance. The Company elected to use the practical expedient that permits entities to use the amounts disclosed in their pension and other postretirement benefit plan notes for the prior comparative periods as the basis of estimation for applying the retrospective presentation requirements. The Company does not currently capitalize service costs.

The effect of the retrospective presentation change related to the net periodic cost of the Company's defined benefit pension and other postretirement employee benefits plans on the Consolidated Statements of Operations was as follows:

 
Year Ended December 31, 2017
(in millions)
As Revised
 
Previously Reported
 
Effect of Change Higher/(Lower)
Selling and administrative expenses
$
875.7

 
$
872.6

 
$
3.1

Operating income
18.1

 
21.2

 
(3.1
)
Other (income) expense, net
(11.2
)
 
(8.1
)
 
(3.1
)

 
Year Ended December 31, 2016
(in millions)
As Revised
 
Previously Reported
 
Effect of Change Higher/(Lower)
Selling and administrative expenses
$
827.9

 
$
826.2

 
$
1.7

Operating income
74.2

 
75.9

 
(1.7
)
Other (income) expense, net
5.9

 
7.6

 
(1.7
)


Effective January 1, 2018, the Company early adopted ASU 2018-02, Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) ("AOCI"). The standard allows companies to reclassify the effect of the change in tax laws and rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities as part of the Tax Act from AOCI to retained earnings. The guidance is to be applied to each period in which the effect of the Tax Act (or portion thereof) is recorded and companies may apply it either (i) retrospectively as of the date of enactment or (ii) as of the beginning of the period of adoption. The Company elected to apply the guidance as of the beginning of the period of adoption. The guidance would have been effective for Veritiv on January 1, 2019 had the Company not early adopted. See Note 9, Income Taxes, for additional information related to the adoption impact of ASU 2018-02.

Effective March 31, 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2018-05, Income Taxes (Topic 740). The standard amends SEC paragraphs in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 740 to reflect Staff Accounting Bulletin 118 (“SAB 118”) to provide guidance for companies that are not able to complete their accounting for the income tax effects of the Tax Act in the period of enactment. SAB 118 provides a measurement period that should not extend beyond one year from the Tax Act enactment date for companies to complete their accounting under ASC 740. In accordance with SAB 118, a company must reflect the income tax effects of those aspects of the Tax Act for which the accounting under ASC 740 is complete. To the extent that a company’s accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act is incomplete, but it is able to determine a reasonable estimate, it must record a provisional estimate in the financial statements. If a company cannot determine a provisional estimate to be included in the financial statements, it should continue to apply ASC 740 on the basis of the provisions of the tax laws that were in effect immediately before the enactment of the Tax Act. The guidance is effective upon addition to the ASC and early adoption is permitted. The Company completed the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act during the fourth quarter of 2018 in accordance with SAB 118. See Note 9, Income Taxes, for additional information regarding the adoption of this standard.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
Standard
 
Description
 
Effective Date
 
Effect on the Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters
ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326)
 
The standard will replace the currently required incurred loss impairment methodology with guidance that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to be considered in making credit loss estimates. The guidance requires application on a modified retrospective basis. Other application requirements exist for specific assets impacted by a more-than-insignificant credit deterioration since origination.
 
January 1, 2020; early adoption is permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018
 
The Company is currently evaluating the impact this ASU will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures. The Company currently plans to adopt this ASU on January 1, 2020.
ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820)
 
The standard modifies the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements by removing certain disclosure requirements related to the fair value hierarchy, modifying existing disclosure requirements related to measurement uncertainty and adding new disclosure requirements. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. The amendments on changes in unrealized gains and losses, the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements, and the narrative description of measurement uncertainty should be applied prospectively for only the most recent interim or annual period presented in the initial fiscal year of adoption. All other amendments should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented upon their effective date.
 
January 1, 2020; early adoption is permitted
 
The Company is currently evaluating the impact this ASU will have on its disclosures. The Company currently plans to adopt this ASU on January 1, 2020.
ASU 2018-14, Compensation-Retirement Benefits-Defined Benefit Plans-General (Subtopic 715-20)
 
The standard modifies the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement benefit plans.  The guidance removes disclosures that are no longer considered cost beneficial, clarifies the specific requirements of disclosures and adds disclosure requirements identified as relevant.  The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020. The amendments in this update should be applied on a retrospective basis to all periods presented.
 
December 31, 2020; early adoption is permitted
 
The Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on its disclosures. The Company currently plans to adopt this ASU on December 31, 2020.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted (continued)
 
 
 
 
Standard
 
Description
 
Effective Date
 
Effect on the Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters
ASU 2018-15, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40)
 
The standard aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. The amendments in this update also require companies to expense capitalized implementation costs over the term of the hosting arrangement, including periods covered by renewal options that are reasonably certain to be exercised. The amendments also stipulate presentation requirements for the Statement of Operations, Balance Sheet and Statement of Cash Flows. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The amendments in this update should be applied either retrospectively or prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption.
 
January 1, 2020; early adoption is permitted
 
The Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures. The Company currently plans to adopt this ASU on January 1, 2020.



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
 
 
 
 
Standard
 
Description
 
Effective Date
 
Effect on the Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters
ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230)

 
The standard addresses eight specific cash flow issues and is intended to reduce diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The guidance requires application on a retrospective basis.

 
January 1, 2018

 
The Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2018. The adoption did not materially impact the Company's historical Consolidated Financial Statements or related disclosures. Impacts to future results and disclosures will be dependent upon the presence of any items noted in the standard.
ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805)
 
The standard clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The guidance requires application on a prospective basis.
 
January 1, 2018

 
The Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2018.
v3.10.0.1
Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Schedule of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
The components of the accounts receivable allowances were as follows:
 
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
Allowance for doubtful accounts
$
49.1

 
$
32.4

Other allowances
12.9

 
11.6

Total accounts receivable allowances
$
62.0

 
$
44.0

Allowances for Accounts Receivable
Below is a rollforward of the Company's accounts receivable allowances for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016:            

Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)
2018

2017

2016
Beginning balance, January 1
$
44.0

 
$
34.5

 
$
33.3

Add / (Deduct):
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for bad debt expense
26.5

 
15.9

 
2.2

Net write-offs and recoveries
(6.3
)
 
(7.7
)
 
(6.7
)
Other adjustments(1)
(2.2
)
 
1.3

 
5.7

Ending balance, December 31
$
62.0

 
$
44.0

 
$
34.5

(1) Other adjustments represent amounts reserved for returns and discounts, foreign currency translation adjustments and reserves for certain customer accounts where revenue is not recognized because collectability is not probable, and may include accounts receivable allowances recorded in connection with acquisitions.

Property and Equipment, Net
The components of property and equipment, net were as follows:
(in millions)
December 31,
 
December 31,
2018
 
2017
Land, buildings and improvements
$
107.4

 
$
106.6

Machinery and equipment
159.7

 
145.3

Equipment capital leases and assets related to financing obligations (including financing obligations with related party) (1)
75.3

 
233.3

Internal use software
166.6

 
159.2

Construction-in-progress
18.4

 
10.4

Less: Accumulated depreciation and software amortization
(320.7
)
 
(314.6
)
Property and equipment, net
$
206.7

 
$
340.2


(1) During the year ended December 31, 2018, the financing obligations for all of the Company’s remaining related party financed properties were either terminated early or expired in accordance with their terms. As such, the Company derecognized the non-cash effect of $155.2 million to property and equipment. See Note 6, Debt and Other Obligations, for additional information related to these properties.

Depreciation and amortization for property and equipment, other than land and CIP, is based upon the following estimated useful lives:
Buildings
40 years
Leasehold improvements
1 to 20 years
Machinery and equipment
3 to 15 years
Equipment capital leases and assets related to financing obligations (including financing obligations with related party)
3 to 15 years
Internal use software
3 to 5 years
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment, Depreciation and Amortization
Additional property and equipment information is as follows:
 
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Depreciation expense (1)
$
33.2

 
$
33.5

 
$
33.8

Amortization expense - internal use software
13.4

 
16.5

 
17.5

Depreciation and amortization expense related to property and equipment
$
46.6

 
$
50.0

 
$
51.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated depreciation on equipment capital leases and assets related to financing obligations (including financing obligations with related party)
$
16.3

 
$
35.6

 
 
Unamortized internal use software costs, including amounts recorded in CIP
$
32.9

 
$
37.6

 
 
(1) Includes the depreciation expense for equipment capital leases and assets related to financing obligations (including financing obligations with
related party).
Schedule of Topic 715 Adoption Impact
The effect of the retrospective presentation change related to the net periodic cost of the Company's defined benefit pension and other postretirement employee benefits plans on the Consolidated Statements of Operations was as follows:

 
Year Ended December 31, 2017
(in millions)
As Revised
 
Previously Reported
 
Effect of Change Higher/(Lower)
Selling and administrative expenses
$
875.7

 
$
872.6

 
$
3.1

Operating income
18.1

 
21.2

 
(3.1
)
Other (income) expense, net
(11.2
)
 
(8.1
)
 
(3.1
)

 
Year Ended December 31, 2016
(in millions)
As Revised
 
Previously Reported
 
Effect of Change Higher/(Lower)
Selling and administrative expenses
$
827.9

 
$
826.2

 
$
1.7

Operating income
74.2

 
75.9

 
(1.7
)
Other (income) expense, net
5.9

 
7.6

 
(1.7
)
v3.10.0.1
Revenue Recognition (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Schedule of Customer Contract Liabilities
See the table below for a summary of the changes to the customer contract liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2018:

 
Customer Contract Liabilities
(in millions)
2018
Balance at January 1
$
20.5

    Payments received
55.0

    Revenue recognized from beginning balance
(20.5
)
    Revenue recognized from current year receipts
(37.3
)
Balance at December 31
$
17.7

v3.10.0.1
2017 Acquisition (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Business Combinations [Abstract]  
Schedule of Preliminary Purchase Price
Purchase price:
 
(in millions)
Cash consideration
$
112.0

Loan pay-off
34.3

Contingent consideration
22.2

Other
1.3

Total purchase price
$
169.8

Schedule Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation
See Note 12, Fair Value Measurements, for additional information related to the fair value of the contingent consideration related to the earn-out.    
    
Purchase price allocation:
 
(in millions)
Cash
$
1.5

Accounts receivable
30.4

Inventories
38.5

Other current assets
5.7

Property and equipment
3.5

Goodwill
55.5

Other intangible assets
49.0

Other non-current assets
1.4

Accounts payable
(12.4
)
Other current liabilities
(2.7
)
Other non-current liabilities
(0.6
)
Total purchase price
$
169.8

Schedule of Identifiable Intangible Assets Acquired
The purchase price allocated to the identifiable intangible assets acquired is as follows:
 
 
Gross Value (in millions)
 
Estimated Useful Life (in years)
Customer relationships
 
$
46.4

 
14.0
Trademarks/Trade names
 
1.1

 
1.0
Non-compete agreements
 
1.5

 
1.0
Total identifiable intangible assets acquired
 
$
49.0

 
 
Schedule of Pro Forma Information
Accordingly, the unaudited pro forma financial information is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations as they would have been had the transaction been effected on the assumed date, nor is it necessarily an indication of future operating results.

(Unaudited)
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions, except share and per share data)
2017
 
2016
Net sales
$
8,527.6

 
$
8,548.2

Net income (loss)
(7.2
)
 
14.1

Earnings (loss) per share:
 
 
 
Basic earnings (loss) per share
$
(0.46
)
 
$
0.88

Diluted earnings (loss) per share
$
(0.46
)
 
$
0.87

Weighted-average shares outstanding
 
 
 
Basic
15.70

 
15.97

Diluted
15.70

 
16.15

v3.10.0.1
Integration, Acquisition and Restructuring Charges (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]  
Components of Merger and Integration Costs
The following table summarizes the components of integration and acquisition expenses:

 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Integration management
 
$
17.3

 
$
14.5

 
$
8.3

Retention compensation
 
0.5

 
0.2

 
2.5

Information technology conversion costs
 
8.1

 
8.8

 
6.3

Rebranding
 
0.0

 
0.5

 
2.4

Legal, consulting and other professional fees
 
0.3

 
1.5

 
2.3

Other
 
3.5

 
3.0

 
4.1

AAC integration and acquisition
 
2.1

 
8.0

 

     Total integration and acquisition expenses
 
$
31.8

 
$
36.5

 
$
25.9

Restructuring and Related Costs
The following table presents a summary of restructuring charges, net, related to active restructuring initiatives that were incurred during the last three fiscal years and the cumulative recorded amounts since the initiative began:
(in millions)
Severance and Related Costs
 
Other Direct Costs
 
(Gain) Loss on Sale of Assets and Other (non-cash portion)
 
Total
2018
$
3.3

 
$
22.3

 
$
(15.0
)
 
$
10.6

2017
7.5

 
33.6

 
(24.4
)
 
16.7

2016
3.5

 
11.0

 
(2.1
)
 
12.4

Cumulative
23.3

 
70.2

 
(37.4
)
 
56.1

See the table below for a summary of the net withdrawal charges for the respective years ended December 31:
 
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)
Restructuring charges, net
 
Distribution expenses
 
Total Net Charges
2018
$
(2.8
)
 
$
11.2

 
$
8.4

2017
17.4

 
2.1

 
19.5

2016
7.5

 
2.3

 
9.8

See the table below for a summary of the net withdrawal charges and the year-end balance sheet liability positions for the respective years ended December 31:


Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)
Restructuring charges, net
 
Distribution expenses
 
Total Net Charges
2018
$
(2.8
)
 
$
11.2

 
$
8.4

2017
17.4

 
2.1

 
19.5

2016
7.5

 
2.3

 
9.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At December 31,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
Other accrued liabilities
 
Other non-current liabilities
 
 
2018
$
0.7

 
$
32.5

 
 
2017
0.7

 
27.2

 
 
See the table below for the quarterly breakdown of integration and acquisition expenses and restructuring charges, net:
 
2018
(in millions)
Three Months Ended
 
March 31
 
June 30
 
September 30
 
December 31
Integration and acquisition expenses
$
8.3

 
$
8.4

 
$
7.9

 
$
7.2

Restructuring charges, net
11.9

 
11.4

 
5.4

 
(7.4
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2017
(in millions)
Three Months Ended
 
March 31
 
June 30
 
September 30
 
December 31
Integration and acquisition expenses
$
6.4

 
$
7.5

 
$
14.2

 
$
8.4

Restructuring charges, net
4.1

 
23.2

 
2.7

 
(13.3
)
Schedule of Restructuring Reserve
The following is a summary of the Company's restructuring liability activity for the periods presented (costs incurred exclude any non-cash portion of restructuring gains or losses on asset disposals):    
(in millions)
Severance and Related Costs
 
Other Direct Costs
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2016
$
1.8

 
$
8.0

 
$
9.8

Costs incurred
7.5

 
33.6

 
41.1

Payments
(4.9
)
 
(16.4
)
 
(21.3
)
Balance at December 31, 2017
4.4

 
25.2

 
29.6

Costs incurred
3.3

 
22.3

 
25.6

Payments
(3.0
)
 
(22.4
)
 
(25.4
)
Balance at December 31, 2018
$
4.7

 
$
25.1

 
$
29.8

The following is a summary of the Company's Print restructuring liability activity for the year ended December 31, 2018:
(in millions)
Severance and Related Costs
 
Other Direct Costs
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2017
$

 
$

 
$

Costs incurred
10.0

 
0.7

 
10.7

Payments
(8.0
)
 
(0.7
)
 
(8.7
)
Balance at December 31, 2018
$
2.0

 
$
0.0

 
$
2.0

v3.10.0.1
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Goodwill
The following table sets forth the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during 2018 and 2017:
(in millions)
Packaging
 
Facility Solutions
 
Print
 
Publishing
 
Corporate & Other
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2016:
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

   Goodwill
$
44.1

 
$
59.0

 
$
265.4

 
$
50.5

 
$
6.1

 
$
425.1

   Accumulated impairment losses

 
(59.0
)
 
(265.4
)
 
(50.5
)
 

 
(374.9
)
      Net goodwill 2016
44.1

 

 

 

 
6.1

 
50.2

2017 Activity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Goodwill acquired
55.5

 

 

 

 

 
55.5

   Impairment of goodwill

 

 

 

 
(6.1
)
 
(6.1
)
Balance at December 31, 2017:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Goodwill
99.6

 
59.0

 
265.4

 
50.5

 
6.1

 
480.6

   Accumulated impairment losses

 
(59.0
)
 
(265.4
)
 
(50.5
)
 
(6.1
)
 
(381.0
)
      Net goodwill 2017
99.6

 

 

 

 

 
99.6

2018 Activity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Goodwill acquired

 

 

 

 

 

   Impairment of goodwill

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2018:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Goodwill
99.6

 
59.0

 
265.4

 
50.5

 
6.1

 
480.6

   Accumulated impairment losses

 
(59.0
)
 
(265.4
)
 
(50.5
)
 
(6.1
)
 
(381.0
)
      Net goodwill 2018
$
99.6

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
99.6

Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
The components of the Company's other intangible assets were as follows:
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
(in millions)
Gross Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net
 
Gross Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net
Customer relationships
$
67.7

 
$
10.8

 
$
56.9

 
$
67.7

 
$
6.1

 
$
61.6

Trademarks/Trade names
3.8

 
3.5

 
0.3

 
3.8

 
2.3

 
1.5

Non-compete agreements
1.5

 
1.5

 

 
1.5

 
0.5

 
1.0

Total
$
73.0

 
$
15.8

 
$
57.2

 
$
73.0

 
$
8.9

 
$
64.1

Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense
The estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding years is as follows (in millions):
Year
 
Total
2019
 
$
5.0

2020
 
4.8

2021
 
4.8

2022
 
4.8

2023
 
4.8

v3.10.0.1
Debt and Other Obligations (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Long-term Debt Obligations
The Company's long-term debt obligations were as follows:
(in millions)
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Asset-Based Lending Facility (the "ABL Facility")
$
932.1

 
$
897.7

Equipment capital leases
38.2

 
13.5

Total debt
970.3

 
911.2

Less: current maturities of long-term debt
(6.7
)
 
(2.9
)
Long-term debt, net of current maturities
$
963.6

 
$
908.3

The Company's long-term financing obligations were as follows:
(in millions)
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Obligations to related party
$

 
$
162.3

Obligations - other financing
24.2

 
27.1

Total financing obligations
24.2

 
189.4

Less: current portion of financing obligations
(0.6
)
 
(7.8
)
Financing obligations, less current portion
$
23.6

 
$
181.6

Related Party Financing Obligations
See the table below for the non-cash effects of the derecognition of (i) the property and equipment and (ii) the corresponding financing obligation (total of current and non-current portions):

Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)
2018

2017
 
2016

Total
Property and equipment
$
155.2


$
14.6

 
$
3.7


$
173.5

Financing obligations
155.6


15.2

 
8.4


179.2

v3.10.0.1
Leases (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Leases [Abstract]  
Schedule of Future Minimum Payments for Operating and Capital Leases
Future minimum lease payments at December 31, 2018 were as follows:
 
Financing Obligation and Equipment Capital Leases
 
Operating Leases
(in millions)
 
Lease Obligations
 
Sublease Income
 
Total
2019
$
9.3

 
$
108.3

 
$
(0.3
)
 
$
108.0

2020
9.0

 
98.3

 
(0.1
)
 
98.2

2021
8.3

 
82.2

 

 
82.2

2022
7.9

 
69.3

 

 
69.3

2023
6.8

 
49.4

 

 
49.4

Thereafter
23.0

 
173.4

 

 
173.4

 
64.3

 
580.9

 
(0.4
)
 
580.5

Amount representing interest
(11.6
)
 

 

 

Total future minimum lease payments
$
52.7

 
$
580.9

 
$
(0.4
)
 
$
580.5




v3.10.0.1
Income Taxes (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign
The domestic (United States) and foreign components of the Company's income (loss) before income taxes were as follows:
 
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Domestic (United States)
$
(16.7
)
 
$
(18.0
)
 
$
27.6

Foreign
6.5

 
16.1

 
13.2

Income (loss) before income taxes
$
(10.2
)
 
$
(1.9
)
 
$
40.8

Schedule of Provision for Income Tax (Benefit) Expense
Income tax expense (benefit) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations consisted of the following:
 
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Current Provision:
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Federal
$
0.8

 
$
4.8

 
$
3.6

U.S. State
1.2

 
1.5

 
1.5

Foreign
1.5

 
3.2

 
3.6

Total current income tax expense
$
3.5

 
$
9.5

 
$
8.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred, net:
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Federal
$
0.4

 
$
16.3

 
$
9.6

U.S. State
0.6

 
(2.7
)
 
1.9

Foreign
1.0

 
(11.7
)
 
(0.4
)
Total deferred, net
$
2.0

 
$
1.9

 
$
11.1

Provision for income tax expense
$
5.5

 
$
11.4

 
$
19.8

Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation
Reconciliation between the federal statutory rate and the effective tax rate is as follows (see Note 10, Related Party Transactions, for additional information related to the Tax Receivable Agreement):
 
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Income (loss) before income taxes
$
(10.2
)
 
$
(1.9
)
 
$
40.8

Statutory U.S. income tax rate
21.0
 %
 
35.0
 %
 
35.0
%
Tax expense using statutory U.S. income tax rate
$
(2.1
)
 
$
(0.7
)
 
$
14.3

Foreign income tax rate differential
0.7

 
(1.4
)
 
(1.1
)
State tax (net of federal benefit)
1.4

 
(0.5
)
 
2.8

Non-deductible expenses
2.7

 
2.2

 
2.3

Tax Receivable Agreement (1)
(0.3
)
 
(3.8
)
 
1.6

Tax credits (2)
(1.0
)
 
(4.0
)
 

Impact of U.S. Tax Act (Federal and State)
1.3

 
30.2

 

Stock compensation vesting
1.7

 

 

Change in valuation allowance - U.S. Federal (3)
(0.1
)
 

 

Change in valuation allowance - Foreign
(0.4
)
 
(13.7
)
 
(0.5
)
Global Intangible Low Taxed Income
1.4

 

 

Goodwill impairment

 
2.1

 

Foreign taxes
0.6

 
0.7

 
0.5

Other
(0.4
)
 
0.3

 
(0.1
)
Income tax provision
$
5.5

 
$
11.4

 
$
19.8

Effective income tax rate
(53.9
)%
 
(600.0
)%
 
48.5
%

(1) Includes a $4.7 million tax rate benefit for the federal tax rate change as part of the Tax Act and a $0.9 million tax rate increase for other fair value changes in 2017.
(2) Includes a $3.1 million benefit for credits related to foreign taxes and research and experimentation activities recognized in conjunction with the third quarter of 2017 filing of Veritiv’s 2016 U.S. federal tax return and amended 2015 and 2014 U.S. federal tax returns.
(3) Increase in Section 382 limitation resulting from recognition of 2018 built-in gains.

Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
(in millions)
U.S.
 
Non-U.S.
 
U.S.
 
Non-U.S.
Deferred income tax assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accrued compensation
$
11.4

 
$
0.1

 
$
11.6

 
$
0.2

Capital leases and financing obligations
13.0

 
0.6

 
47.3

 
0.8

Goodwill and other intangibles, net
1.2

 

 
1.9

 

Long-term compensation
21.7

 
2.5

 
21.3

 
4.1

Net operating losses and credit carryforwards
40.8

 
10.0

 
44.9

 
11.8

Allowance for doubtful accounts
14.8

 
0.1

 
10.0

 
0.1

Other
9.6

 
1.4

 
5.6

 
0.6

Gross deferred income tax assets
112.5

 
14.7

 
142.6

 
17.6

Less valuation allowance
(5.1
)
 
(3.3
)
 
(4.7
)
 
(3.6
)
Total deferred tax asset
107.4

 
11.4

 
137.9

 
14.0

Deferred income tax liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property and equipment, net
(22.9
)
 

 
(54.2
)
 

Inventory reserve
(34.9
)
 

 
(33.5
)
 

Other
(4.5
)
 

 
(4.6
)
 

Total deferred tax liability
(62.3
)
 

 
(92.3
)
 

Net deferred income tax asset
$
45.1

 
$
11.4

 
$
45.6

 
$
14.0

Summary of Valuation Allowance
Deferred income tax asset valuation allowance is as follows:
(in millions)
U.S.
 
Non-U.S.
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2016
$
6.5

 
$
18.1

 
$
24.6

Additions

 
0.2

 
0.2

Subtractions (1)
(1.8
)
 
(16.0
)
 
(17.8
)
Currency translation adjustments

 
1.3

 
1.3

Balance at December 31, 2017
4.7

 
3.6

 
8.3

Additions
0.5

 
0.7

 
1.2

Subtractions
(0.1
)
 
(0.8
)
 
(0.9
)
Currency translation adjustments

 
(0.2
)
 
(0.2
)
Balance at December 31, 2018
$
5.1

 
$
3.3

 
$
8.4


(1) Includes a $13.4 million benefit for release of the valuation allowance against net deferred tax assets in Canada reflecting the Company’s cumulative recent income and improved expectation of future taxable income.
v3.10.0.1
Related Party Transactions (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]  
Schedule of Related Party Transactions
The following table summarizes the financial impact of these related party transactions with Georgia-Pacific:

 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Sales to Georgia-Pacific, reflected in net sales
 
$
28.0

 
$
32.2

 
$
35.6

Purchases of inventory from Georgia-Pacific, recognized in cost of products sold
 
$
146.5

 
$
181.6

 
$
224.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Inventories purchased from Georgia-Pacific that remained on Veritiv's balance sheet
 
$
17.3

 
$
22.7

 
 
Related party payable to Georgia-Pacific
 
$
9.3

 
$
8.5

 
 
Related party receivable from Georgia-Pacific
 
$
3.2

 
$
3.3

 
 
v3.10.0.1
Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]  
Deferred Compensation Liability
The liabilities associated with these plans are summarized in the table below.
Deferred Compensation Liability
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Other accrued liabilities
 
$
3.4

 
$
2.6

Other non-current liabilities
 
21.6

 
23.7

Total liabilities
 
$
25.0

 
$
26.3

Changes in Projected Benefit Obligations, Fair Value of Plan Assets, and Funded Status of Plan
The following table provides information about Veritiv's U.S. and Canadian defined benefit pension plans and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans ("SERP"):
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2018

2017
(in millions)
U.S.

Canada

U.S.

Canada
Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year
$
64.1

 
$
70.2

 
$
91.0

 
$
83.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in projected benefit obligation:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefit obligation, beginning of year
$
91.0

 
$
90.0

 
$
89.7

 
$
79.0

Service cost
1.2

 
0.3

 
0.8

 
0.3

Interest cost
2.5

 
2.7

 
2.7

 
2.7

Actuarial (gain) loss
(3.7
)
 
(6.0
)
 
3.3

 
6.1

Benefits paid
(1.7
)
 
(4.9
)
 
(5.5
)
 
(3.9
)
Settlements
(25.2
)
 

 

 

Foreign exchange adjustments

 
(6.8
)
 

 
5.8

Projected benefit obligation, end of year
$
64.1

 
$
75.3

 
$
91.0

 
$
90.0


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in plan assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Plan assets, beginning of year
$
81.4

 
$
74.9

 
$
75.9

 
$
64.9

Employer contributions
0.1

 
2.2

 

 
3.1

Investment returns
(1.5
)
 
(0.4
)
 
12.0

 
6.0

Benefits paid
(1.7
)
 
(4.9
)
 
(5.5
)
 
(3.9
)
Administrative expenses paid
(1.0
)
 

 
(1.0
)
 

Settlements
(25.2
)
 

 

 

Foreign exchange adjustments

 
(5.9
)
 

 
4.8

Plan assets, end of year
$
52.1

 
$
65.9

 
$
81.4

 
$
74.9

Underfunded status, end of year
$
(12.0
)
 
$
(9.4
)
 
$
(9.6
)
 
$
(15.1
)
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet
Balance Sheet Positions
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2018

2017
(in millions)
U.S.

Canada

U.S.

Canada
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other accrued liabilities
$
0.1

 
$
0.2

 
$
0.1

 
$
0.2

Defined benefit pension obligations
11.9

 
9.2

 
9.5

 
14.9

Net liability recognized
$
12.0

 
$
9.4

 
$
9.6

 
$
15.1


 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2018

2017
(in millions)
U.S.
 
Canada
 
U.S.
 
Canada
Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost and included in AOCL consist of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss, net of tax
$
5.4

 
$
4.7

 
$
3.2

 
$
6.1

Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Not yet Recognized
Total net periodic benefit cost (credit) associated with the defined benefit pension and SERP plans is summarized below:
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2018

2017
 
2016
(in millions)
U.S.
 
Canada
 
U.S.
 
Canada
 
U.S.
 
Canada
Components of net periodic benefit cost (credit):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service cost
$
2.0

 
$
0.3

 
$
2.0

 
$
0.3

 
$
1.7

 
$
0.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest cost
$
2.5

 
$
2.7

 
$
2.7

 
$
2.7

 
$
3.4

 
$
3.1

Expected return on plan assets
(5.2
)
 
(3.9
)
 
(5.1
)
 
(3.7
)
 
(5.0
)
 
(3.5
)
Settlement loss
1.1

 
0.1

 

 

 

 

Amortization of net loss

 
0.3

 
0.1

 
0.2

 
0.1

 
0.2

Total other components
$
(1.6
)
 
$
(0.8
)
 
$
(2.3
)
 
$
(0.8
)
 
$
(1.5
)
 
$
(0.2
)
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)
$
0.4

 
$
(0.5
)
 
$
(0.3
)
 
$
(0.5
)
 
$
0.2

 
$
0.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Changes to funded status recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss (gain) during year, net of tax
$
2.2

 
$
(1.4
)
 
$
(2.5
)
 
$
2.7

 
$
(0.5
)
 
$
2.2

Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets
The weighted-average asset allocations of invested assets within Veritiv’s defined benefit pension plans were as follows:
As of December 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
Asset Allocation Range
(in millions)
U.S.
 
Canada
 
U.S.
 
Canada
Equity securities
$
33.1

 
$
42.2

 
55 - 75%
 
50 - 70%
Fixed income securities
18.7

 
23.4

 
20 - 40%
 
30 - 50%
Cash and short-term securities
0.3

 
0.3

 
0 - 10%
 
0 - 5%
Total
$
52.1

 
$
65.9

 
 
 
 

    
As of December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
Asset Allocation Range
(in millions)
U.S.
 
Canada
 
U.S.
 
Canada
Equity securities
$
56.8

 
$
49.2

 
55 - 75%
 
50 - 70%
Fixed income securities
24.3

 
25.6

 
20 - 40%
 
30 - 50%
Cash and short-term securities
0.3

 
0.1

 
0 - 10%
 
0 - 5%
Total
$
81.4

 
$
74.9

 
 
 
 
The following tables present Veritiv’s plan assets using the fair value hierarchy which is reconciled to the amounts presented for the total pension benefit plan assets as of December 31:

As of December 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Investments – U.S.:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities
$
33.1

 
$
33.1

 
$

 
$

Fixed income securities
18.7

 
18.7

 

 

Cash and short-term securities
0.3

 
0.3

 

 

Total
$
52.1

 
$
52.1

 
$

 
$


As of December 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Investments – Canada:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and short-term securities
$
0.3

 
$
0.3

 
$

 
$

Investments measured at NAV:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Equity securities
42.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
   Fixed income securities
23.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
$
65.9

 
$
0.3

 
$

 
$


    
As of December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Investments – U.S.:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities
$
56.8

 
$
56.8

 
$

 
$

Fixed income securities
24.3

 
24.3

 

 

Cash and short-term securities
0.3

 
0.3

 

 

Total
$
81.4

 
$
81.4

 
$

 
$


As of December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Investments – Canada:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and short-term securities
$
0.1

 
$
0.1

 
$

 
$

Investments measured at NAV:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Equity securities
49.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
   Fixed income securities
25.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
$
74.9

 
$
0.1

 
$

 
$

Schedule of Assumptions Used
The following table presents significant weighted-average assumptions used in computing the benefit obligations:
 
December 31,
 
2018

2017
 
U.S.
 
Canada
 
U.S.
 
Canada
Discount rate
4.01
%
 
3.90
%
 
3.33
%
 
3.40
%
Rate of compensation increases
N/A

 
3.00
%
 
N/A

 
3.00
%

The following table presents significant weighted-average assumptions used in computing net periodic benefit cost:
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
U.S.
 
Canada
 
U.S.
 
Canada
Discount rate
3.47
%
 
3.40
%
 
3.76
%
 
3.85
%
Rate of compensation increases
N/A

 
3.00
%
 
N/A

 
3.00
%
Expected long-term rate of return on assets
7.15
%
 
5.50
%
 
7.15
%
 
5.50
%
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments
Future benefit payments under the defined benefit pension and SERP plans are estimated as follows:
(in millions)
U.S.
 
Canada
2019
$
8.0

 
$
2.6

2020
3.8

 
2.7

2021
4.0

 
2.9

2022
3.8

 
3.1

2023
3.9

 
3.3

2024-2028
21.0

 
19.2

Restructuring and Related Costs
The following table presents a summary of restructuring charges, net, related to active restructuring initiatives that were incurred during the last three fiscal years and the cumulative recorded amounts since the initiative began:
(in millions)
Severance and Related Costs
 
Other Direct Costs
 
(Gain) Loss on Sale of Assets and Other (non-cash portion)
 
Total
2018
$
3.3

 
$
22.3

 
$
(15.0
)
 
$
10.6

2017
7.5

 
33.6

 
(24.4
)
 
16.7

2016
3.5

 
11.0

 
(2.1
)
 
12.4

Cumulative
23.3

 
70.2

 
(37.4
)
 
56.1

See the table below for a summary of the net withdrawal charges for the respective years ended December 31:
 
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)
Restructuring charges, net
 
Distribution expenses
 
Total Net Charges
2018
$
(2.8
)
 
$
11.2

 
$
8.4

2017
17.4

 
2.1

 
19.5

2016
7.5

 
2.3

 
9.8

See the table below for a summary of the net withdrawal charges and the year-end balance sheet liability positions for the respective years ended December 31:


Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)
Restructuring charges, net
 
Distribution expenses
 
Total Net Charges
2018
$
(2.8
)
 
$
11.2

 
$
8.4

2017
17.4

 
2.1

 
19.5

2016
7.5

 
2.3

 
9.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At December 31,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
Other accrued liabilities
 
Other non-current liabilities
 
 
2018
$
0.7

 
$
32.5

 
 
2017
0.7

 
27.2

 
 
See the table below for the quarterly breakdown of integration and acquisition expenses and restructuring charges, net:
 
2018
(in millions)
Three Months Ended
 
March 31
 
June 30
 
September 30
 
December 31
Integration and acquisition expenses
$
8.3

 
$
8.4

 
$
7.9

 
$
7.2

Restructuring charges, net
11.9

 
11.4

 
5.4

 
(7.4
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2017
(in millions)
Three Months Ended
 
March 31
 
June 30
 
September 30
 
December 31
Integration and acquisition expenses
$
6.4

 
$
7.5

 
$
14.2

 
$
8.4

Restructuring charges, net
4.1

 
23.2

 
2.7

 
(13.3
)
Schedule of Multiemployer Plans
Veritiv’s participation in the multi-employer pension plans for the year ended December 31, 2018 is outlined in the table below. The "EIN/Pension Plan Number" column provides the Employer Identification Number and the three-digit plan number, if applicable. The Pension Protection Act zone listed below is based on the latest information Veritiv received from the plan and is certified by the plan’s actuary. Plans in the red zone are generally less than 65% funded, plans in the yellow zone are less than 80% funded and plans in the green zone are at least 80% funded. There were no changes in the status of any zones in 2018. The "FIP/RP Status Pending/Implemented" column indicates plans for which a financial improvement plan or a rehabilitation plan is either pending or has been implemented. The last column lists the expiration date(s) of the collective-bargaining agreement(s). Contributions in the table below, for the year ended December 31, 2018 exclude $3.1 million related to payments made for accrued withdrawal liabilities.

Pension Fund
EIN/Pension Plan No.
 
Pension Protection Act Zone Status
 
FIP/RP Status Pending/ Implemented
 
Veritiv's Contributions
 
Surcharge Imposed
 
Expiration Date(s) of Collective Bargaining Agreement(s)
 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Trust Fund (1)
916145047/001
 
Green
 
No
 
$
1.6

 
$
1.6

 
$
1.7

 
No
 
9/30/2018 - 10/31/2020
Central States, Southeast & Southwest Areas Pension Fund
366044243/001
 
Red
 
Implemented
 
0.2

 
0.2

 
0.3

 
Yes
 
Exited during 2018
Teamsters Pension Plan of Philadelphia & Vicinity
231511735/001
 
Yellow
 
Implemented
 
0.4

 
0.4

 
0.4

 
Yes
 
3/31/2021 & 7/31/2021
New England Teamsters & Trucking Industry Pension
046372430/001
 
Red
 
Implemented
 

 
0.4

 
0.5

 
Yes
 
Exited during 2017
Western Pennsylvania Teamsters and Employers Pension Plan
256029946/001
 
Red
 
Implemented
 
0.3

 
0.3

 
0.3

 
Yes
 
3/31/2019 & 3/31/2020
Contributions for individually significant plans
 
 
 
 
 
 
2.5

 
2.9

 
3.2

 
 
 
 
Contributions to other multi-employer plans
 
 
 
 
 
 
0.5

 
0.6

 
0.5

 
 
 
 
Total contributions
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
3.0

 
$
3.5

 
$
3.7

 
 
 
 
(1) As of December 31, 2018, there were ten collective bargaining units participating in the Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Trust. As of December 31, 2018, two were then in negotiations.

v3.10.0.1
Fair Value Measurements (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation
The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of the TRA contingent liability for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017:    
(in millions)
 
TRA Contingent Liability
Balance at December 31, 2016
 
$
67.9

Change in fair value adjustment recorded in other (income) expense, net (1)
 
(9.4
)
Principal payment
 
(8.5
)
Balance at December 31, 2017
 
50.0

Change in fair value adjustment recorded in other (income) expense, net
 
(1.2
)
Principal payment
 
(9.9
)
Balance at December 31, 2018
 
$
38.9


(1) The Tax Act lowered the U.S. federal corporate tax rate to 21.0%, which resulted in a fair value reduction of $13.5 million included in the 2017 fair value change in the table above.
Schedule of Contingent Consideration
The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of the AAC contingent liability for the year ended December 31, 2018:    
(in millions)
 
AAC Contingent Liability
Balance at August 31, 2017
 
$
30.0

Purchase accounting adjustment
 
(7.8
)
Adjusted purchase price
 
22.2

Change in fair value adjustment recorded in other (income) expense, net
 
2.0

Balance at December 31, 2017
 
24.2

Change in fair value adjustment recorded in other (income) expense, net
 
(12.3
)
Contingent liability payment
 
(2.5
)
Balance at December 31, 2018
 
$
9.4

v3.10.0.1
Supplementary Financial Statement Information (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Other Current Assets
The components of other current assets were as follows:
(in millions)
December 31,
 
December 31,
2018
 
2017
Rebates receivable
$
78.0

 
$
61.1

Prepaid expenses
32.0

 
33.8

Other
37.2

 
38.6

Other current assets
$
147.2

 
$
133.5

Other Non-Current Assets
The components of other non-current assets were as follows:
(in millions)
December 31,
 
December 31,
2018
 
2017
Deferred financing costs
$
6.7

 
$
9.3

Investments in real estate joint ventures
6.7

 
6.4

Below market leasehold agreements
4.0

 
4.7

Other
8.0

 
10.4

Other non-current assets
$
25.4

 
$
30.8

Accrued Payroll and Benefits
The components of accrued payroll and benefits were as follows:
(in millions)
December 31,
 
December 31,
2018
 
2017
Accrued incentive plans
$
23.6

 
$
28.7

Accrued commissions
20.6

 
23.2

Accrued payroll and related taxes
9.2

 
18.0

Other
3.1

 
3.6

Accrued payroll and benefits
$
56.5

 
$
73.5

Other Accrued Liabilities
The components of other accrued liabilities were as follows:
(in millions)
December 31,
 
December 31,
2018
 
2017
Accrued customer incentives
$
25.1

 
$
25.1

Accrued freight
16.4

 
16.0

Accrued taxes
9.9

 
12.1

AAC contingent liability and working capital adjustment
9.4

 
18.4

Tax Receivable Agreement contingent liability
7.9

 
9.9

Accrued professional fees
6.6

 
6.7

Other
59.4

 
46.4

Other accrued liabilities
$
134.7

 
$
134.6

Other Non-Current Liabilities
The components of other non-current liabilities were as follows:
(in millions)
December 31,
 
December 31,
2018
 
2017
MEPP withdrawals
$
32.5

 
$
27.2

Tax Receivable Agreement contingent liability
31.0

 
40.1

Deferred compensation
21.6

 
23.7

Straight-line rent
19.5

 
17.5

AAC contingent liability

 
7.1

Other
24.0

 
21.4

Other non-current liabilities
$
128.6

 
$
137.0

v3.10.0.1
Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
Schedule of Earnings (Loss) Per Share, Basic and Diluted
A summary of the numerators and denominators used in the basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share calculations is as follows:
 
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions, except per share data)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Numerator:
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
$
(15.7
)
 
$
(13.3
)
 
$
21.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
Denominator:
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding – basic
15.82

 
15.70

 
15.97

Weighted-average number of shares outstanding – diluted
15.82

 
15.70

 
16.15

 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) per share:
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings (loss) per share
$
(0.99
)
 
$
(0.85
)
 
$
1.31

Diluted earnings (loss) per share
$
(0.99
)
 
$
(0.85
)
 
$
1.30

 
 
 
 
 
 
Antidilutive stock-based awards excluded from computation of diluted earnings per share
1.32

 
0.80

 
0.06

Performance stock-based awards excluded from computation of diluted earnings per share because performance conditions had not been met
0.26

 
0.30

 
0.20

v3.10.0.1
Shareholders' Equity (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Equity [Abstract]  
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
AOCL consisted of the following:

(in millions)
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
Retirement liabilities
 
Interest rate swap
 
AOCL
Balance at December 31, 2016
 
$
(29.2
)
 
$
(9.1
)
 
$
(0.7
)
 
$
(39.0
)
     Unrealized net gains (losses) arising during the period
 
5.9

 
0.1

 
(0.1
)
 
5.9

     Amounts reclassified from AOCL
 
(0.2
)
 
(0.3
)
 
0.1

 
(0.4
)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
 
5.7

 
(0.2
)
 
0.0

 
5.5

Balance at December 31, 2017
 
(23.5
)
 
(9.3
)
 
(0.7
)
 
(33.5
)
     Unrealized net gains (losses) arising during the period
 
(6.8
)
 
(0.2
)
 
0.0

 
(7.0
)
     Amounts reclassified from AOCL
 

 
0.1

 
0.5

 
0.6

Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
 
(6.8
)
 
(0.1
)
 
0.5

 
(6.4
)
Adjustment for adoption of ASU 2018-02
 

 
(0.7
)
 
(0.1
)
 
(0.8
)
Balance at December 31, 2018
 
$
(30.3
)
 
$
(10.1
)
 
$
(0.3
)
 
$
(40.7
)


v3.10.0.1
Equity-Based Incentive Plans (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Summary of Activity of Non-Vested Restricted Stock Units
A summary of activity related to non-vested RSUs is presented below:
(units in thousands)
 
Number of RSUs
 
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share
Non-vested at December 31, 2016
 
146

 
$
42.05

Granted
 
111

 
$
49.86

Vested
 

 
$

Forfeited
 
(8
)
 
$
44.21

Non-vested at December 31, 2017
 
249

 
$
45.43

Granted
 
228

 
$
29.69

Vested
 
(65
)
 
$
50.03

Forfeited
 
(14
)
 
$
39.01

Non-vested at December 31, 2018
 
398

 
$
35.88

Performance Condition Stock Units (PCSUs)  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Summary of Activity of Non-Vested Performance Units
A summary of activity related to non-vested PSUs is presented below:
(units in thousands)
 
Number of PSUs
 
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share
 
Non-vested at December 31, 2016
 
355

 
$
42.14

 
Granted
 
166

 
$
37.12

(1) 
Shares lost based on actual performance
 
(45
)
 
$
37.12

 
Vested
 

 
$

 
Forfeited
 
(22
)
 
$
40.78

 
Non-vested at December 31, 2017
 
454

 
$
40.87

 
Granted
 
323

 
$
29.24

(2) 
Shares gained based on actual performance
 
7

 
$
29.24

 
Vested
 
(122
)
 
$
47.37

 
Forfeited
 
(35
)
 
$
34.57

 
Non-vested at December 31, 2018
 
627

 
$
32.59

 
(1) Represents weighted-average grant date fair value for the 2017 and 2018 tranches.
(2) Represents weighted-average grant date fair value for the 2018 tranche.


Market Condition Performance Stock Units (MCPSUs)  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]  
Summary of Activity of Non-Vested Performance Units
A summary of activity related to non-vested MCPSUs is presented below:
(units in thousands)
 
Number of MCPSUs
 
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share
Non-vested at December 31, 2016
 
208

 
$
48.23

Granted
 
100

 
$
71.63

Shares lost based on actual performance
 
(103
)
 
$
71.63

Vested
 

 
$

Forfeited/cancelled
 
(12
)
 
$
55.65

Non-vested at December 31, 2017
 
193

 
$
56.23

Granted
 
194

 
$
37.76

Shares lost based on actual performance
 
(35
)
 
$
37.76

Vested
 
(23
)
 
$
62.53

Forfeited/cancelled
 
(21
)
 
$
49.66

Non-vested at December 31, 2018
 
308

 
$
46.74

v3.10.0.1
Segment Information (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment
The following tables present net sales, Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, restructuring charges, net, integration and acquisition expenses and other similar charges including any severance costs, costs associated with warehouse and office openings or closings, consolidation, and relocation and other business optimization expenses, stock-based compensation expense, changes in the LIFO reserve, non-restructuring asset impairment charges, non-restructuring severance charges, non-restructuring pension charges, net, fair value adjustments related to contingent liabilities assumed in mergers and acquisitions and certain other adjustments), which is the metric management uses to assess operating performance of the segments, and certain other measures for each of the reportable segments and Corporate & Other for the periods presented:

(in millions)
Packaging
 
Facility Solutions
 
Print
 
Publishing
 
Total Reportable Segments
 
Corporate & Other
 
Total
Year Ended December 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
$
3,547.1

 
$
1,311.7

 
$
2,676.7

 
$
1,019.2

 
$
8,554.7

 
$
141.5

 
$
8,696.2

Adjusted EBITDA
246.7

 
29.0

 
64.0

 
24.6

 
364.3

 
(178.9
)
 

Depreciation and amortization
19.2

 
6.8

 
8.8

 
0.8

 
35.6

 
17.9

 
53.5

Restructuring charges, net
4.7

 
3.4

 
12.1

 
0.7

 
20.9

 
0.4

 
21.3

Year Ended December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
3,157.8

 
1,309.7

 
2,793.7

 
958.0

 
8,219.2

 
145.5

 
8,364.7

Adjusted EBITDA
238.0

 
35.5

 
60.8

 
26.4

 
360.7

 
(184.3
)
 

Depreciation and amortization
15.9

 
6.0

 
10.4

 
1.5

 
33.8

 
20.4

 
54.2

Restructuring charges, net
6.1

 
2.3

 
8.0

 
0.0

 
16.4

 
0.3

 
16.7

Year Ended December 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
2,854.2

 
1,271.6

 
3,047.4

 
1,033.6

 
8,206.8

 
119.8

 
8,326.6

Adjusted EBITDA
221.2

 
47.0

 
76.8

 
23.6

 
368.6

 
(176.4
)
 

Depreciation and amortization
12.4

 
5.9

 
12.4

 
3.1

 
33.8

 
20.9

 
54.7

Restructuring charges, net
4.6

 
2.3

 
5.2

 
0.1

 
12.2

 
0.2

 
12.4

Reconciliation of Total Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income (Loss)
The table below presents a reconciliation of income (loss) before income taxes as reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Operations to Adjusted EBITDA for the reportable segments:
 
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Income (loss) before income taxes
$
(10.2
)
 
$
(1.9
)
 
$
40.8

Interest expense, net
42.3

 
31.2

 
27.5

Depreciation and amortization
53.5

 
54.2

 
54.7

Restructuring charges, net
21.3

 
16.7

 
12.4

Stock-based compensation
18.1

 
15.7

 
8.3

LIFO reserve increase
19.9

 
7.1

 
3.6

Non-restructuring asset impairment charges
0.4

 
8.4

 
7.7

Non-restructuring severance charges
4.9

 
3.5

 
3.1

Non-restructuring pension charges, net
11.3

 
2.2

 
2.4

Integration and acquisition expenses
31.8

 
36.5

 
25.9

Fair value adjustment on Tax Receivable Agreement contingent liability
(1.2
)
 
(9.4
)
 
4.9

Fair value adjustment on contingent consideration liability
(12.3
)
 
2.0

 

Escheat audit contingent liability
2.5

 
7.5

 

Other
3.1

 
2.7

 
0.9

Adjustment for Corporate & Other
178.9

 
184.3

 
176.4

Adjusted EBITDA for reportable segments
$
364.3

 
$
360.7

 
$
368.6

Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated
The table below summarizes total assets as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
(in millions)
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Packaging
$
1,183.1

 
$
1,192.2

Facility Solutions
345.5

 
416.9

Print
684.5

 
801.8

Publishing
196.3

 
168.6

Corporate & Other
120.3

 
128.9

Total assets
$
2,529.7

 
$
2,708.4

Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas
The following table presents net sales and property and equipment, net by geographic area.
 
Net Sales
 
Property and Equipment, Net
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
U.S.
$
7,800.9

 
$
7,510.9

 
$
7,552.3

 
$
171.6

 
$
300.6

Canada
712.7

 
682.0

 
631.2

 
32.1

 
36.7

Rest of world
182.6

 
171.8

 
143.1

 
3.0

 
2.9

Total
$
8,696.2

 
$
8,364.7

 
$
8,326.6

 
$
206.7

 
$
340.2



v3.10.0.1
Quarterly Data (Unaudited) (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information
The unaudited quarterly results of operations for 2018 and 2017 are summarized below:
 
2018
 
Three Months Ended
(in millions, except per share data)
March 31
 
June 30
 
September 30
 
December 31
Net sales
$
2,101.0

 
$
2,171.9

 
$
2,192.5

 
$
2,230.8

Cost of products sold
1,729.5

 
1,788.5

 
1,805.8

 
1,831.9

Net income (loss)
(15.8
)
 
(10.6
)
 
1.4

 
9.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding – basic
15.76
 
15.84
 
15.85
 
15.85
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding – diluted
15.76
 
15.84
 
16.47
 
16.46
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) per share (1):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings (loss) per share
$
(1.00
)
 
$
(0.67
)
 
$
0.09

 
$
0.59

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
$
(1.00
)
 
$
(0.67
)
 
$
0.09

 
$
0.57

(1) See Note 14, Earning (Loss) Per Share, for discussion about the shares of common stock utilized in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2018.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2017
 
Three Months Ended
(in millions, except per share data)
March 31
 
June 30
 
September 30
 
December 31
Net sales
$
1,994.6

 
$
2,028.9

 
$
2,116.8

 
$
2,224.4

Cost of products sold
1,629.3

 
1,660.5

 
1,736.6

 
1,820.2

Net income (loss)
(2.2
)
 
(9.1
)
 
(14.3
)
 
12.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding – basic
15.69
 
15.70
 
15.70
 
15.70
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding – diluted
15.69
 
15.70
 
15.70
 
15.98
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) per share (1):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings (loss) per share
$
(0.14
)
 
$
(0.58
)
 
$
(0.91
)
 
$
0.78

Diluted earnings (loss) per share
$
(0.14
)
 
$
(0.58
)
 
$
(0.91
)
 
$
0.77

(1) See Note 14, Earnings (Loss) Per Share, for discussion about the shares of common stock utilized in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Restructuring and Related Costs
The following table presents a summary of restructuring charges, net, related to active restructuring initiatives that were incurred during the last three fiscal years and the cumulative recorded amounts since the initiative began:
(in millions)
Severance and Related Costs
 
Other Direct Costs
 
(Gain) Loss on Sale of Assets and Other (non-cash portion)
 
Total
2018
$
3.3

 
$
22.3

 
$
(15.0
)
 
$
10.6

2017
7.5

 
33.6

 
(24.4
)
 
16.7

2016
3.5

 
11.0

 
(2.1
)
 
12.4

Cumulative
23.3

 
70.2

 
(37.4
)
 
56.1

See the table below for a summary of the net withdrawal charges for the respective years ended December 31:
 
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)
Restructuring charges, net
 
Distribution expenses
 
Total Net Charges
2018
$
(2.8
)
 
$
11.2

 
$
8.4

2017
17.4

 
2.1

 
19.5

2016
7.5

 
2.3

 
9.8

See the table below for a summary of the net withdrawal charges and the year-end balance sheet liability positions for the respective years ended December 31:


Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)
Restructuring charges, net
 
Distribution expenses
 
Total Net Charges
2018
$
(2.8
)
 
$
11.2

 
$
8.4

2017
17.4

 
2.1

 
19.5

2016
7.5

 
2.3

 
9.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At December 31,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
Other accrued liabilities
 
Other non-current liabilities
 
 
2018
$
0.7

 
$
32.5

 
 
2017
0.7

 
27.2

 
 
See the table below for the quarterly breakdown of integration and acquisition expenses and restructuring charges, net:
 
2018
(in millions)
Three Months Ended
 
March 31
 
June 30
 
September 30
 
December 31
Integration and acquisition expenses
$
8.3

 
$
8.4

 
$
7.9

 
$
7.2

Restructuring charges, net
11.9

 
11.4

 
5.4

 
(7.4
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2017
(in millions)
Three Months Ended
 
March 31
 
June 30
 
September 30
 
December 31
Integration and acquisition expenses
$
6.4

 
$
7.5

 
$
14.2

 
$
8.4

Restructuring charges, net
4.1

 
23.2

 
2.7

 
(13.3
)
v3.10.0.1
Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Narrative (Details)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Distribution_Center
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2016
USD ($)
Jan. 01, 2019
USD ($)
Jan. 01, 2018
USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]          
Number of distribution centers | Distribution_Center 160        
Manufacturer direct to customer goods, gross $ 3,100.0 $ 3,000.0 $ 3,000.0    
Handling and delivery costs $ 398.0 $ 380.7 371.7    
Percentage of LIFO inventory 85.00% 86.00%      
Excess of replacement or current costs over stated LIFO value $ 98.7 $ 78.7      
Consigned inventory 56.8 50.9      
Impact of adoption of ASU 2016-02         $ 0.0
Selling and Administrative Expenses          
Business Acquisition [Line Items]          
Long-lived asset impairment $ 0.4 $ 0.7 $ 1.9    
Capital Lease Obligations | Minimum          
Business Acquisition [Line Items]          
Debt Instrument, term 3 years        
Capital Lease Obligations | Maximum          
Business Acquisition [Line Items]          
Debt Instrument, term 8 years        
Ten Suppliers | Supplier Concentration Risk | Purchases          
Business Acquisition [Line Items]          
Concentration risk 38.00%        
Retained Earnings          
Business Acquisition [Line Items]          
Impact of adoption of ASU 2016-02         $ 0.8
Subsequent Event          
Business Acquisition [Line Items]          
Operating lease obligation       $ 425.0  
Right of use asset       425.0  
Subsequent Event | Retained Earnings | Accounting Standards Update 2016-02          
Business Acquisition [Line Items]          
Impact of adoption of ASU 2016-02       $ 3.0  
v3.10.0.1
Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2014
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]        
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 62.0 $ 44.0 $ 34.5 $ 33.3
Allowance for doubtful accounts        
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]        
Allowance for doubtful accounts 49.1 32.4    
Other allowances        
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]        
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 12.9 $ 11.6    
v3.10.0.1
Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Receivable Allowance Rollforward (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance, January 1 $ 44.0 $ 34.5  
Provision for bad debt expense 26.5 15.9 $ 2.2
Net write-offs and recoveries (6.3) (7.7) (6.7)
Other adjustments (2.2) 1.3 5.7
Ending balance, December 31 $ 62.0 $ 44.0 $ 34.5
v3.10.0.1
Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Plant Property & Equipment, Net (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended 36 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]        
Less: Accumulated depreciation and software amortization $ (320.7) $ (314.6)   $ (320.7)
Property and equipment, net 206.7 340.2   206.7
Land, buildings and improvements        
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]        
Property and equipment, gross 107.4 106.6   107.4
Machinery and equipment        
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]        
Property and equipment, gross 159.7 145.3   159.7
Equipment capital leases and assets related to financing obligations (including financing obligations with related party) (1)        
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]        
Property and equipment, gross 75.3 233.3   75.3
Internal use software        
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]        
Property and equipment, gross 166.6 159.2   166.6
Construction-in-progress        
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]        
Property and equipment, gross 18.4 10.4   18.4
Joint Owner of Principal Owner        
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]        
Property and equipment $ 155.2 $ 14.6 $ 3.7 $ 173.5
v3.10.0.1
Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Estimated Useful Lives (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Buildings  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
Property, plant and equipment, useful life 40 years
Leasehold improvements | Minimum  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
Property, plant and equipment, useful life 1 year
Leasehold improvements | Maximum  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
Property, plant and equipment, useful life 20 years
Machinery and equipment | Minimum  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
Property, plant and equipment, useful life 3 years
Machinery and equipment | Maximum  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
Property, plant and equipment, useful life 15 years
Equipment capital leases and assets related to financing obligations (including financing obligations with related party) | Minimum  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
Property, plant and equipment, useful life 3 years
Equipment capital leases and assets related to financing obligations (including financing obligations with related party) | Maximum  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
Property, plant and equipment, useful life 15 years
Internal use software | Minimum  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
Property, plant and equipment, useful life 3 years
Internal use software | Maximum  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
Property, plant and equipment, useful life 5 years
v3.10.0.1
Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment, Depreciation and Amortization (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]      
Depreciation $ 33.2 $ 33.5 $ 33.8
Amortization expense - internal use software 13.4 16.5 17.5
Depreciation and amortization expense related to property and equipment 46.6 50.0 $ 51.3
Accumulated depreciation on equipment capital leases and assets related to financing obligations (including financing obligations with related party) 16.3 35.6  
Unamortized internal use software costs, including amounts recorded in CIP $ 32.9 $ 37.6  
v3.10.0.1
Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Topic 715 Adoption Impact (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]      
Selling and administrative expenses $ 867.6 $ 875.7 $ 827.9
Operating income 15.8 18.1 74.2
Other (income) expense, net $ (16.3) (11.2) 5.9
Accounting Standards Update 2017-07 | Previously Reported      
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]      
Selling and administrative expenses   872.6 826.2
Operating income   21.2 75.9
Other (income) expense, net   (8.1) 7.6
Accounting Standards Update 2017-07 | Effect of Change Higher/(Lower)      
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]      
Selling and administrative expenses   3.1 1.7
Operating income   (3.1) (1.7)
Other (income) expense, net   $ (3.1) $ (1.7)
v3.10.0.1
Revenue Recognition - Narrative (Details)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
segment
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2016
USD ($)
Concentration Risk [Line Items]      
Estimated inventory returns recognized $ 688.2 $ 722.7  
Contract with customer liability, current 17.7    
Manufacturer direct to customer goods, gross $ 3,100.0 $ 3,000.0 $ 3,000.0
Number of reportable segments | segment 4    
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 | Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606      
Concentration Risk [Line Items]      
Estimated inventory returns recognized $ 2.5    
Sales Revenue, Net | U.S. | Geographic Concentration Risk      
Concentration Risk [Line Items]      
Concentration risk 90.00%    
Sales Revenue, Net | Canada | Geographic Concentration Risk      
Concentration Risk [Line Items]      
Concentration risk 8.00%    
Sales Revenue, Net | MEXICO | Geographic Concentration Risk      
Concentration Risk [Line Items]      
Concentration risk 1.00%    
v3.10.0.1
Revenue Recognition - Schedule of Customer Contract Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Change in Contract with Customer, Liability [Roll Forward]    
Beginning balance $ 17.7 $ 20.5
Payments received 55.0  
Revenue recognized from beginning balance (20.5)  
Revenue recognized from current year receipts (37.3)  
Ending balance $ 17.7  
v3.10.0.1
2017 Acquisition - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Aug. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Integration and acquisition expenses   $ 31.8 $ 36.5 $ 25.9
Depreciation and amortization   53.5 54.2 54.7
Interest expense   42.3 31.2 27.5
All American Containers        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Percent of business acquired 100.00%      
Acquisition related costs   0.6 7.3  
Payments to acquire business $ 169.8      
Integration and acquisition expenses   $ 2.1 $ 8.0 0.0
Income tax rate used to determine after-tax impact on net income of pro forma adjustments     39.00%  
Acquisition-related Costs | All American Containers        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Integration and acquisition expenses     $ (8.9) 8.9
Depreciation and amortization     2.5 6.3
Interest expense     $ 2.0 $ 2.4
v3.10.0.1
2017 Acquisition - Schedule of Purchase Price (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Aug. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Cash consideration   $ 0.0 $ 144.8 $ 0.0
All American Containers        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Cash consideration $ 112.0      
Loan pay-off 34.3      
Contingent consideration 22.2      
Other 1.3      
Total purchase price $ 169.8      
v3.10.0.1
2017 Acquisition - Schedule of Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation (Details) - All American Containers
$ in Millions
Aug. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]  
Cash $ 1.5
Accounts receivable 30.4
Inventories 38.5
Other current assets 5.7
Property and equipment 3.5
Goodwill 55.5
Other intangible assets 49.0
Other non-current assets 1.4
Accounts payable (12.4)
Other current liabilities (2.7)
Other non-current liabilities (0.6)
Total purchase price $ 169.8
v3.10.0.1
2017 Acquisition - Schedule of Intangible Assets Acquired (Details) - All American Containers
$ in Millions
Aug. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]  
Gross value $ 49.0
Customer relationships  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]  
Gross value $ 46.4
Estimated useful life 14 years
Trademarks/Trade names  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]  
Gross value $ 1.1
Estimated useful life 1 year
Non-compete agreements  
Business Acquisition [Line Items]  
Gross value $ 1.5
Estimated useful life 1 year
v3.10.0.1
2017 Acquisition - Schedule of Pro Forma Information (Details) - All American Containers - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract]    
Net sales $ 8,527.6 $ 8,548.2
Net income (loss) $ (7.2) $ 14.1
Earnings (loss) per share:    
Basic earnings (loss) per share (usd per share) $ (0.46) $ 0.88
Diluted earnings (loss) per share (usd per share) $ (0.46) $ 0.87
Weighted-average shares outstanding    
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic (in shares) 15,700 15,970
Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted (in shares) 15,700 16,150
v3.10.0.1
Integration, Acquisition and Restructuring Charges - Narrative (Details)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Property
Sep. 30, 2018
USD ($)
Jun. 30, 2018
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2017
USD ($)
Jun. 30, 2017
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2016
USD ($)
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                      
Integration and restructuring charges including capital expenditures                 $ 282.0    
Integration and restructuring charges, capital expenditures                 106.0    
Restructuring charges, net $ (7.4) $ 5.4 $ 11.4 $ 11.9 $ (13.3)       $ 21.3 $ 16.7 $ 12.4
Multiemployer plans, withdrawal obligation, recognition period                 20 years    
Veritiv Restructuring Plan                      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                      
Gain on sale or exit of facility $ 12.9               $ 15.0 24.4 2.1
Number of properties disposed of | Property 3                    
Restructuring charges, net           $ 2.7 $ 23.2 $ 4.1      
Facility Closing | Veritiv Restructuring Plan                      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                      
Restructuring charges, net                 11.2    
Restructuring Costs, Excluding Non-Cash Items | Veritiv Restructuring Plan                      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                      
Restructuring charges, net                 25.6 41.1  
Restructuring Costs, Excluding Non-Cash Items | Print Segment Plan                      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                      
Restructuring charges, net                 10.7    
Minimum                      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                      
Expected integration and restructuring charges including capital expenditures $ 320.0               320.0    
Expected integration and restructuring charges, capital expenditures                 130.0    
Maximum                      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                      
Expected integration and restructuring charges including capital expenditures $ 330.0               330.0    
Expected integration and restructuring charges, capital expenditures                 135.0    
Withdrawal from Multiemployer Defined Benefit Plan                      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                      
Restructuring charges, net                 $ (2.8) $ 17.4 $ 7.5
Multiemployer plans, withdrawal obligation, recognition period                 20 years    
Print | Restructuring Costs, Excluding Non-Cash Items | Print Segment Plan                      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                      
Restructuring charges, net                 $ 10.7    
v3.10.0.1
Integration, Acquisition and Restructuring Charges - Schedule of Acquisition and Integration Expenses (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Integration and acquisition expenses $ 31.8 $ 36.5 $ 25.9
UWW Holdings, Inc. XPEDX Merger      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Integration management 17.3 14.5 8.3
Retention compensation 0.5 0.2 2.5
Information technology conversion costs 8.1 8.8 6.3
Rebranding 0.0 0.5 2.4
Legal, consulting and other professional fees 0.3 1.5 2.3
Other 3.5 3.0 4.1
All American Containers      
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]      
Integration and acquisition expenses $ 2.1 $ 8.0 $ 0.0
v3.10.0.1
Integration, Acquisition and Restructuring Charges - Schedule of Restructuring Charges (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 54 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Sep. 30, 2018
Jun. 30, 2018
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Sep. 30, 2017
Jun. 30, 2017
Mar. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2018
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                        
Restructuring charges, net $ (7.4) $ 5.4 $ 11.4 $ 11.9 $ (13.3)       $ 21.3 $ 16.7 $ 12.4  
Veritiv Restructuring Plan                        
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                        
Restructuring charges, net           $ 2.7 $ 23.2 $ 4.1        
Severance and Related Costs | Veritiv Restructuring Plan                        
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                        
Restructuring charges, net                 3.3 7.5 3.5 $ 23.3
Other Direct Costs | Veritiv Restructuring Plan                        
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                        
Restructuring charges, net                 22.3 33.6 11.0 70.2
(Gain) Loss on Sale of Assets and Other (non-cash portion) | Veritiv Restructuring Plan                        
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                        
Restructuring charges, net                 (15.0) (24.4) (2.1) (37.4)
Total | Veritiv Restructuring Plan                        
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                        
Restructuring charges, net                 $ 10.6 $ 16.7 $ 12.4 $ 56.1
v3.10.0.1
Integration, Acquisition and Restructuring Charges - Restructuring Liability (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 54 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Sep. 30, 2018
Jun. 30, 2018
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Sep. 30, 2017
Jun. 30, 2017
Mar. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2018
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]                        
Restructuring charges, net $ (7.4) $ 5.4 $ 11.4 $ 11.9 $ (13.3)       $ 21.3 $ 16.7 $ 12.4  
Veritiv Restructuring Plan                        
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]                        
Restructuring charges, net           $ 2.7 $ 23.2 $ 4.1        
Severance and Related Costs | Veritiv Restructuring Plan                        
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]                        
Restructuring reserve       4.4       1.8 4.4 1.8    
Restructuring charges, net                 3.3 7.5 3.5 $ 23.3
Payments                 (3.0) (4.9)    
Restructuring reserve 4.7       4.4       4.7 4.4 1.8 4.7
Severance and Related Costs | Print Segment Plan                        
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]                        
Restructuring reserve       0.0         0.0      
Restructuring charges, net                 10.0      
Payments                 (8.0)      
Restructuring reserve 2.0       0.0       2.0 0.0   2.0
Other Direct Costs | Veritiv Restructuring Plan                        
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]                        
Restructuring reserve       25.2       8.0 25.2 8.0    
Restructuring charges, net                 22.3 33.6 11.0 70.2
Payments                 (22.4) (16.4)    
Restructuring reserve 25.1       25.2       25.1 25.2 8.0 25.1
Other Direct Costs | Print Segment Plan                        
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]                        
Restructuring reserve       0.0         0.0      
Restructuring charges, net                 0.7      
Payments                 (0.7)      
Restructuring reserve 0.0       0.0       0.0 0.0   0.0
Total | Veritiv Restructuring Plan                        
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]                        
Restructuring reserve       29.6       $ 9.8 29.6 9.8    
Restructuring charges, net                 25.6 41.1    
Payments                 (25.4) (21.3)    
Restructuring reserve 29.8       29.6       29.8 29.6 $ 9.8 29.8
Total | Print Segment Plan                        
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]                        
Restructuring reserve       $ 0.0         0.0      
Restructuring charges, net                 10.7      
Payments                 (8.7)      
Restructuring reserve $ 2.0       $ 0.0       $ 2.0 $ 0.0   $ 2.0
v3.10.0.1
Integration, Acquisition and Restructuring Charges - Schedule of Multi-Employer Pension Plan Charges (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Sep. 30, 2018
Jun. 30, 2018
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
Restructuring charges, net $ (7.4) $ 5.4 $ 11.4 $ 11.9 $ (13.3) $ 21.3 $ 16.7 $ 12.4
Distribution expenses           398.0 380.7 371.7
Withdrawal from Multiemployer Defined Benefit Plan                
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]                
Restructuring charges, net           (2.8) 17.4 7.5
Distribution expenses           11.2 2.1 2.3
Total Net Charges           $ 8.4 $ 19.5 $ 9.8
v3.10.0.1
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Aug. 31, 2017
Sep. 30, 2017
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill [Line Items]          
Goodwill     $ 99,600,000 $ 99,600,000 $ 50,200,000
Impairment of goodwill     0 6,100,000  
Amortization of intangible assets     6,900,000 4,200,000 3,400,000
Customer relationships          
Goodwill [Line Items]          
Impairment of finite lived intangible assets   $ 1,600,000     5,800,000
Print | Customer relationships          
Goodwill [Line Items]          
Impairment of finite lived intangible assets         2,800,000
Publishing | Customer relationships          
Goodwill [Line Items]          
Impairment of finite lived intangible assets         3,000,000
Selling, general and administrative expenses          
Goodwill [Line Items]          
Impairment of goodwill     $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
All American Containers          
Goodwill [Line Items]          
Goodwill, expected tax deductible amount $ 55,500,000        
All American Containers | Packaging          
Goodwill [Line Items]          
Goodwill acquired percent allocation 100.00%        
v3.10.0.1
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Changes in Goodwill (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill [Line Items]      
Goodwill gross $ 480.6 $ 480.6 $ 425.1
Accumulated impairment losses (381.0) (381.0) (374.9)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]      
Net goodwill beginning of period 99.6 50.2  
Goodwill acquired 0.0 55.5  
Impairment of goodwill 0.0 (6.1)  
Net goodwill end of period 99.6 99.6 50.2
Operating Segments | Packaging      
Goodwill [Line Items]      
Goodwill gross 99.6 99.6 44.1
Accumulated impairment losses 0.0 0.0 0.0
Goodwill [Roll Forward]      
Net goodwill beginning of period 99.6 44.1  
Goodwill acquired 0.0 55.5  
Impairment of goodwill 0.0 0.0  
Net goodwill end of period 99.6 99.6 44.1
Operating Segments | Facility Solutions      
Goodwill [Line Items]      
Goodwill gross 59.0 59.0 59.0
Accumulated impairment losses (59.0) (59.0) (59.0)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]      
Net goodwill beginning of period 0.0 0.0  
Goodwill acquired 0.0 0.0  
Impairment of goodwill 0.0 0.0  
Net goodwill end of period 0.0 0.0 0.0
Operating Segments | Print      
Goodwill [Line Items]      
Goodwill gross 265.4 265.4 265.4
Accumulated impairment losses (265.4) (265.4) (265.4)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]      
Net goodwill beginning of period 0.0 0.0  
Goodwill acquired 0.0 0.0  
Impairment of goodwill 0.0 0.0  
Net goodwill end of period 0.0 0.0 0.0
Operating Segments | Publishing      
Goodwill [Line Items]      
Goodwill gross 50.5 50.5 50.5
Accumulated impairment losses (50.5) (50.5) (50.5)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]      
Net goodwill beginning of period 0.0 0.0  
Goodwill acquired 0.0 0.0  
Impairment of goodwill 0.0 0.0  
Net goodwill end of period 0.0 0.0 0.0
Corporate & Other      
Goodwill [Line Items]      
Goodwill gross 6.1 6.1 6.1
Accumulated impairment losses (6.1) (6.1) 0.0
Goodwill [Roll Forward]      
Net goodwill beginning of period 0.0 6.1  
Goodwill acquired 0.0 0.0  
Impairment of goodwill 0.0 (6.1)  
Net goodwill end of period $ 0.0 $ 0.0 $ 6.1
v3.10.0.1
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Other Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]    
Gross Carrying Amount $ 73.0 $ 73.0
Accumulated Amortization 15.8 8.9
Net 57.2 64.1
Customer relationships    
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]    
Gross Carrying Amount 67.7 67.7
Accumulated Amortization 10.8 6.1
Net 56.9 61.6
Trademarks/Trade names    
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]    
Gross Carrying Amount 3.8 3.8
Accumulated Amortization 3.5 2.3
Net 0.3 1.5
Non-compete agreements    
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]    
Gross Carrying Amount 1.5 1.5
Accumulated Amortization 1.5 0.5
Net $ 0.0 $ 1.0
v3.10.0.1
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Future Amortization (Details)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]  
2019 $ 5.0
2020 4.8
2021 4.8
2022 4.8
2023 $ 4.8
v3.10.0.1
Debt and Other Obligations - Long-Term Debt Obligations (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Equipment capital leases $ 38.2 $ 13.5
Total debt 970.3 911.2
Less: current maturities of long-term debt (6.7) (2.9)
Long-term debt, net of current maturities 963.6 908.3
Line of Credit | Asset-Backed Lending Facility    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Asset-Based Lending Facility (the ABL Facility) $ 932.1 $ 897.7
v3.10.0.1
Debt and Other Obligations - Narrative (Details)
12 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2018
Property
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2016
USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]        
Amortization and write-off of deferred financing fees   $ 2,600,000 $ 2,600,000 $ 5,600,000
Line of Credit | Asset-Backed Lending Facility        
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]        
Maximum borrowing capacity   $ 1,400,000,000    
Minimum fixed charge coverage ratio   100.00%    
Remaining borrowing capacity   $ 278,700,000    
Outstanding letters of credit   $ 11,500,000    
Weighted average interest rate   4.60% 3.30%  
Line of Credit | Asset-Backed Lending Facility | Interest Expense        
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]        
Write off of deferred debt issuance cost   $ 1,900,000    
Amortization and write-off of deferred financing fees   2,600,000 $ 2,600,000 $ 5,600,000
Line of Credit | U.S. Borrowers Line of Credit | Asset-Backed Lending Facility        
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]        
Maximum borrowing capacity   1,250,000,000.0    
Revolving Credit Facility | Canadian Borrower Line of Credit | Asset-Backed Lending Facility        
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]        
Maximum borrowing capacity   150,000,000    
Other Noncurrent Assets | Line of Credit | Asset-Backed Lending Facility        
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]        
Debt issuance costs, line of credit arrangements, gross   $ 2,000,000    
Joint Owner of Principal Owner        
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]        
Sublease agreements, number of properties | Property 38      
Subleases agreements, number of properties exited | Property 27      
v3.10.0.1
Debt and Other Obligations - Related Party Finance Obligations (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]    
Obligations to related party $ 0.0 $ 162.3
Obligations - other financing 24.2 27.1
Total financing obligations 24.2 189.4
Less: current portion of financing obligations (0.6) (7.8)
Financing obligations, less current portion $ 23.6 $ 181.6
v3.10.0.1
Debt and Other Obligations - Non-cash Effects of Derecognition (Details) - Joint Owner of Principal Owner - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended 36 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Property and equipment $ 155.2 $ 14.6 $ 3.7 $ 173.5
Financing obligations $ 155.6 $ 15.2 $ 8.4 $ 179.2
v3.10.0.1
Derivative Instrument, Hedging Activities and Risk Management - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2015
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Derivative [Line Items]        
After tax gain (loss) in other comprehensive income   $ 500,000 $ 0 $ (200,000)
Reclassification from AOCI, current period   400,000 100,000 0
Gain (loss) to be reclassified within six months   300,000    
Interest Rate Cap        
Derivative [Line Items]        
After tax gain (loss) in other comprehensive income   $ 400,000 $ 0 $ (200,000)
Designated as Hedging Instrument | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)        
Derivative [Line Items]        
Derivative, cap, interest rate 3.00%      
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cash Flow Hedging        
Derivative [Line Items]        
Derivative asset, notional amount $ 392,900,000      
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Interest Rate Cap | Cash Flow Hedging        
Derivative [Line Items]        
Payments for hedge, financing activities 2,000,000      
Derivative, cost of hedge $ 600,000      
v3.10.0.1
Leases - Future Minimum Lease Payments (Details)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Financing Obligation and Equipment Capital Leases  
2019 $ 9.3
2020 9.0
2021 8.3
2022 7.9
2023 6.8
Thereafter 23.0
Total 64.3
Amount representing interest (11.6)
Total future minimum lease payments 52.7
Lease Obligations  
2019 108.3
2020 98.3
2021 82.2
2022 69.3
2023 49.4
Thereafter 173.4
Lease obligations total 580.9
Sublease Income  
2019 (0.3)
2020 (0.1)
2021 0.0
2022 0.0
2023 0.0
Thereafter 0.0
Total (0.4)
Total  
2019 108.0
2020 98.2
2021 82.2
2022 69.3
2023 49.4
Thereafter 173.4
Total $ 580.5
v3.10.0.1
Leases - Narrative (Details)
$ in Millions
1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2018
Property
May 31, 2017
USD ($)
renewal
Apr. 30, 2016
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Property
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2016
USD ($)
Jan. 01, 2019
USD ($)
Nov. 27, 2002
Property
Schedule of Capital and Operating Leases [Line Items]                
Lease contract term   10 years            
Number of lease contract renewals | renewal   2            
Term of lease contract renewal   5 years            
Proceeds from sale leaseback transaction, net   $ 9.1            
Deferred gain on sale leaseback transaction   $ 5.4            
Operating leases, rent expense       $ 118.1 $ 106.3 $ 108.1    
Georgia-Pacific                
Schedule of Capital and Operating Leases [Line Items]                
Sublease agreements, number of properties | Property 38              
Subleases agreements, number of properties exited | Property 27              
Georgia-Pacific | UWW Holdings Inc                
Schedule of Capital and Operating Leases [Line Items]                
Percentage of voting interest sold               60.00%
Number of properties transferred to related party | Property               40
Sublease agreements, number of properties | Property               38
Number of properties transferred to related party not sold | Property       1        
Settlement of Financing Obligation | Georgia-Pacific                
Schedule of Capital and Operating Leases [Line Items]                
Purchases of inventory from Georgia-Pacific, recognized in cost of products sold     $ 5.4          
Related party transaction, loss on settlement of financing obligation     $ 1.3          
Subsequent Event                
Schedule of Capital and Operating Leases [Line Items]                
Right of use asset             $ 425.0  
v3.10.0.1
Income Taxes - Domestic (United States) and Foreign components of Net Income Before Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]      
Domestic (United States) $ (16.7) $ (18.0) $ 27.6
Foreign 6.5 16.1 13.2
Income (loss) before income taxes $ (10.2) $ (1.9) $ 40.8
v3.10.0.1
Income Taxes - Income Tax Expense (Benefit) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Current Provision:      
U.S. Federal $ 0.8 $ 4.8 $ 3.6
U.S. State 1.2 1.5 1.5
Foreign 1.5 3.2 3.6
Total current income tax expense 3.5 9.5 8.7
Deferred, net:      
U.S. Federal 0.4 16.3 9.6
U.S. State 0.6 (2.7) 1.9
Foreign 1.0 (11.7) (0.4)
Total deferred, net 2.0 1.9 11.1
Provision for income tax expense $ 5.5 $ 11.4 $ 19.8
v3.10.0.1
Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Federal Statutory Rate and the Effective Tax Rate (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2017
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract]        
Income (loss) before income taxes   $ (10.2) $ (1.9) $ 40.8
Statutory U.S. income tax rate   21.00% 35.00% 35.00%
Tax expense using statutory U.S. income tax rate   $ (2.1) $ (0.7) $ 14.3
Foreign income tax rate differential   0.7 (1.4) (1.1)
State tax (net of federal benefit)   1.4 (0.5) 2.8
Non-deductible expenses   2.7 2.2 2.3
Tax Receivable Agreement   (0.3) (3.8) 1.6
Tax credits   (1.0) (4.0) 0.0
Impact of U.S. Tax Act (Federal and State)   1.3 30.2 0.0
Stock compensation vesting   1.7 0.0 0.0
Global Intangible Low Taxed Income   1.4 0.0 0.0
Goodwill impairment   0.0 2.1 0.0
Foreign taxes   0.6 0.7 0.5
Other   (0.4) 0.3 (0.1)
Provision for income tax expense   $ 5.5 $ 11.4 $ 19.8
Effective income tax rate   (53.90%) (600.00%) 48.50%
Research Tax Credit Carryforward        
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract]        
Provision for income tax expense $ 3.1      
Tax Receivable Agreement        
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract]        
Tax Receivable Agreement     $ 0.9  
Provisional tax expense due to Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017     4.7  
U.S. Federal and State        
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract]        
Change in valuation allowance   $ (0.1) 0.0 $ 0.0
Foreign        
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract]        
Change in valuation allowance   $ (0.4) $ (13.7) $ (0.5)
v3.10.0.1
Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Jan. 01, 2018
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]      
Income tax expense as result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act   $ 31.5  
Income tax expense due to remeasurement of deferred taxes   24.0  
Income tax expense due to one time transition tax   7.5  
Reclassification from AOCI to retained earnings as result of tax act $ 0.8    
Temporary difference in foreign subsidiary earnings     $ 26.9
Federal tax authority      
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]      
Operating loss carryforwards   149.0  
State tax authority      
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]      
Operating loss carryforwards   156.3  
Non-U.S.      
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]      
Operating loss carryforwards   $ 40.8  
v3.10.0.1
Income Taxes - Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
U.S.    
Deferred income tax assets:    
Accrued compensation $ 11.4 $ 11.6
Capital leases and financing obligations 13.0 47.3
Goodwill and other intangibles, net 1.2 1.9
Long-term compensation 21.7 21.3
Net operating losses and credit carryforwards 40.8 44.9
Allowance for doubtful accounts 14.8 10.0
Other 9.6 5.6
Gross deferred income tax assets 112.5 142.6
Less valuation allowance (5.1) (4.7)
Total deferred tax asset 107.4 137.9
Deferred income tax liabilities:    
Property and equipment, net (22.9) (54.2)
Inventory reserve (34.9) (33.5)
Other (4.5) (4.6)
Total deferred tax liability (62.3) (92.3)
Net deferred income tax asset 45.1 45.6
Non-U.S.    
Deferred income tax assets:    
Accrued compensation 0.1 0.2
Capital leases and financing obligations 0.6 0.8
Goodwill and other intangibles, net 0.0 0.0
Long-term compensation 2.5 4.1
Net operating losses and credit carryforwards 10.0 11.8
Allowance for doubtful accounts 0.1 0.1
Other 1.4 0.6
Gross deferred income tax assets 14.7 17.6
Less valuation allowance (3.3) (3.6)
Total deferred tax asset 11.4 14.0
Deferred income tax liabilities:    
Property and equipment, net 0.0 0.0
Inventory reserve 0.0 0.0
Other 0.0 0.0
Total deferred tax liability 0.0 0.0
Net deferred income tax asset $ 11.4 $ 14.0
v3.10.0.1
Income Taxes - Schedule of Valuation Allowance (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Valuation Allowance [Roll Forward]      
Income tax benefit $ (5.5) $ (11.4) $ (19.8)
Canada      
Valuation Allowance [Roll Forward]      
Income tax benefit   13.4  
Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets      
Valuation Allowance [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance 8.3 24.6  
Additions 1.2 0.2  
Subtractions (0.9) (17.8)  
Currency translation adjustments (0.2) 1.3  
Ending balance 8.4 8.3 24.6
Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets | U.S.      
Valuation Allowance [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance 4.7 6.5  
Additions 0.5 0.0  
Subtractions (0.1) (1.8)  
Currency translation adjustments 0.0 0.0  
Ending balance 5.1 4.7 6.5
Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets | Non-U.S.      
Valuation Allowance [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance 3.6 18.1  
Additions 0.7 0.2  
Subtractions (0.8) (16.0)  
Currency translation adjustments (0.2) 1.3  
Ending balance $ 3.3 $ 3.6 $ 18.1
v3.10.0.1
Related Party Transactions - Narrative (Details)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Millions
1 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
shares
Sep. 25, 2018
USD ($)
shares
Mar. 22, 2017
USD ($)
shares
Nov. 23, 2016
USD ($)
$ / shares
shares
Jul. 01, 2014
Demand_Registration
shares
Jan. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Jan. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Jan. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]                  
Treasury stock (in shares) | shares       310,000          
Treasury stock acquired, average cost per share (usd per share) | $ / shares       $ 42.8625          
Treasury stock, value, acquired       $ 13.4          
Treasury stock, transaction related fees   $ 0.2 $ 0.2 0.8          
Treasury stock, capitalized transaction related fees       $ 0.2          
UWW Holdings, LLC                  
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]                  
Registration rights agreement, period demand rights commence following distribution date         180 days        
Registration rights agreement, maximum demand registration in 150 day period | Demand_Registration         1        
Registration rights agreement, maximum demand registration in 365 day period | Demand_Registration         2        
Registration rights agreement, material transaction, period allowed to delay registration in 360 day period         120 days        
Merger utilization of operating losses, percentage of tax savings payable to affiliate         85.00%        
LIBOR | UWW Holdings, LLC                  
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]                  
Tax receivable agreement, basis spread on variable rate         1.00%        
UWW Holdings, Inc. XPEDX Merger                  
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]                  
Business acquisition, equity issued (in shares) | shares         7,840,000        
Public Stock Offering | UWW Holdings, LLC                  
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]                  
Shares sold in offering (in shares) | shares       1,760,000          
Tax Receivable Agreement | UWW Holdings, LLC | UWW Holdings, LLC                  
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]                  
Payments for utilization of pre-merger NOL             $ 10.1 $ 8.7  
Decrease in contingent consideration liability                 $ 13.5
UWW Holdings, LLC                  
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]                  
Shares of Veritiv outstanding common stock owned (in shares) | shares 2,783,840                
UWW Holdings, LLC | Block Trade                  
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]                  
Shares sold in offering (in shares) | shares   1,500,000 1,800,000            
Subsequent Event | Tax Receivable Agreement | UWW Holdings, LLC | UWW Holdings, LLC                  
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]                  
Payments for utilization of pre-merger NOL           $ 8.1      
v3.10.0.1
Related Party Transactions - Financial Impact (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Sales to Georgia-Pacific, reflected in net sales $ 28.0 $ 32.2 $ 35.6
Inventories 688.2 722.7  
Related party payable 9.3 8.5  
Related party receivable 3.2 3.3  
Georgia-Pacific      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Inventories 17.3 22.7  
Related party payable 9.3 8.5  
Related party receivable 3.2 3.3  
Sales to International Paper, reflected in net sales | Georgia-Pacific      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Sales to Georgia-Pacific, reflected in net sales 28.0 32.2 35.6
Purchases of inventory from International Paper, recognized in cost of products sold | Georgia-Pacific      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Purchases of inventory from Georgia-Pacific, recognized in cost of products sold $ 146.5 $ 181.6 $ 224.9
v3.10.0.1
Employee Benefit Plans - Narrative (Details)
$ in Millions
1 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
installemnt
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2018
USD ($)
Jun. 30, 2018
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2017
USD ($)
Jun. 30, 2017
USD ($)
installemnt
Mar. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2016
USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]                          
Contributions                     $ 20.6 $ 19.4 $ 19.6
Maximum contractual term                     15 years    
Deferred compensation, percentage of base salary deferred (up to)                     85.00%    
Decrease in projected benefit obligations                     $ 21.6    
Settlement gain (loss) $ (0.9)     $ 1.4                  
Restructuring charges, net     $ (7.4) 5.4 $ 11.4 $ 11.9 $ (13.3)       $ 21.3 16.7 12.4
Multiemployer plans, withdrawal obligation, recognition period                     20 years    
Veritiv Restructuring Plan                          
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]                          
Restructuring charges, net               $ 2.7 $ 23.2 $ 4.1      
Multiemployer plans, pension                          
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]                          
Multiemployer plan, period contributions                     $ 3.0 3.5 3.7
Multiemployer plans, pension | US employee collective bargaining agreement                          
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]                          
Multiemployer plan, period contributions                     $ 3.0 $ 3.5 $ 3.7
Multiemployer plan, percentage of employer's contributions (not more than)                     5.00% 5.00% 5.00%
Domestic Plan                          
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]                          
Decrease in projected benefit obligations                     $ 25.2 $ 0.0  
U.S.                          
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]                          
Settlement gain (loss)                     (1.1) 0.0 $ 0.0
Estimated future employer contributions 0.1   0.1               0.1    
Foreign Plan                          
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]                          
Decrease in projected benefit obligations                     0.0 0.0  
Canada                          
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]                          
Settlement gain (loss)                     (0.1) 0.0 0.0
Estimated future employer contributions $ 1.0   1.0               $ 1.0    
Minimum                          
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]                          
Installment payment period                     2 years    
Maximum                          
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]                          
Installment payment period                     10 years    
Withdrawal from Multiemployer Defined Benefit Plan                          
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]                          
Restructuring charges, net                     $ (2.8) 17.4 7.5
Withdrawal expense                     $ 8.4 19.5 9.8
Multiemployer plans, withdrawal obligation, recognition period                     20 years    
Payments made for accrued withdrawal liability                     $ 3.1    
Withdrawal from Multiemployer Defined Benefit Plan | Central States | Multiemployer plans, pension                          
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]                          
Restructuring charges, net                       3.4 $ 7.5
Decrease in withdrawal obligations       $ (2.7)                  
Withdrawal expense     $ (12.0)                    
Withdrawal from Multiemployer Defined Benefit Plan | NE Fund | Multiemployer plans, pension                          
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]                          
Restructuring charges, net                     $ 13.6    
Recognized estimated liability   $ 2.7         $ 2.7   $ 10.9     $ 2.7  
Loss contingency monthly installments | installemnt   240             240        
v3.10.0.1
Employee Benefit Plans - Deferred Compensation Liability (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Other non-current liabilities $ 21.6 $ 23.7
Total liabilities 25.0 26.3
Other Accrued Liabilities Current    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Other accrued liabilities 3.4 2.6
Other Non-current Liabilities    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Other non-current liabilities $ 21.6 $ 23.7
v3.10.0.1
Employee Benefit Plans - Change Benefit Obligation and Funded Status (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Change in projected benefit obligation:      
Settlements $ (21.6)    
Domestic Plan      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year 64.1 $ 91.0  
Change in projected benefit obligation:      
Beginning balance 91.0 89.7  
Service cost 1.2 0.8  
Interest cost 2.5 2.7  
Actuarial (gain) loss (3.7) 3.3  
Benefits paid (1.7) (5.5)  
Settlements (25.2) 0.0  
Foreign exchange adjustments 0.0 0.0  
Ending balance 64.1 91.0 $ 89.7
Change in plan assets:      
Beginning balance 81.4 75.9  
Employer contributions 0.1 0.0  
Investment returns (1.5) 12.0  
Benefits paid (1.7) (5.5)  
Administrative expenses paid (1.0) (1.0)  
Settlements (25.2) 0.0  
Foreign exchange adjustments 0.0 0.0  
Ending balance 52.1 81.4 75.9
Underfunded status, end of year (12.0) (9.6)  
U.S.      
Change in projected benefit obligation:      
Service cost 2.0 2.0 1.7
Interest cost 2.5 2.7 3.4
Change in plan assets:      
Beginning balance 81.4    
Ending balance 52.1 81.4  
Foreign Plan      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Accumulated benefit obligation, end of year 70.2 83.2  
Change in projected benefit obligation:      
Beginning balance 90.0 79.0  
Service cost 0.3 0.3  
Interest cost 2.7 2.7  
Actuarial (gain) loss (6.0) 6.1  
Benefits paid (4.9) (3.9)  
Settlements 0.0 0.0  
Foreign exchange adjustments (6.8) 5.8  
Ending balance 75.3 90.0 79.0
Change in plan assets:      
Beginning balance 74.9 64.9  
Employer contributions 2.2 3.1  
Investment returns (0.4) 6.0  
Benefits paid (4.9) (3.9)  
Administrative expenses paid 0.0 0.0  
Settlements 0.0 0.0  
Foreign exchange adjustments (5.9) 4.8  
Ending balance 65.9 74.9 64.9
Underfunded status, end of year (9.4) (15.1)  
Canada      
Change in projected benefit obligation:      
Service cost 0.3 0.3 0.3
Interest cost 2.7 2.7 $ 3.1
Change in plan assets:      
Beginning balance 74.9    
Ending balance $ 65.9 $ 74.9  
v3.10.0.1
Employee Benefit Plans - Balance Sheet Positions (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
U.S.    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Other accrued liabilities $ 0.1 $ 0.1
Defined benefit pension obligations 11.9 9.5
Net liability recognized 12.0 9.6
Net loss, net of tax 5.4 3.2
Canada    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Other accrued liabilities 0.2 0.2
Defined benefit pension obligations 9.2 14.9
Net liability recognized 9.4 15.1
Net loss, net of tax $ 4.7 $ 6.1
v3.10.0.1
Employee Benefit Plans - Net Periodic Costs (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
1 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Sep. 30, 2018
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]          
Settlement loss $ 0.9 $ (1.4)      
Domestic Plan          
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]          
Service cost     $ 1.2 $ 0.8  
Interest cost     2.5 2.7  
U.S.          
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]          
Service cost     2.0 2.0 $ 1.7
Interest cost     2.5 2.7 3.4
Expected return on plan assets     (5.2) (5.1) (5.0)
Settlement loss     1.1 0.0 0.0
Amortization of net loss     0.0 0.1 0.1
Total other components     (1.6) (2.3) (1.5)
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)     0.4 (0.3) 0.2
Net loss (gain) during year, net of tax     2.2 (2.5) (0.5)
Foreign Plan          
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]          
Service cost     0.3 0.3  
Interest cost     2.7 2.7  
Canada          
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]          
Service cost     0.3 0.3 0.3
Interest cost     2.7 2.7 3.1
Expected return on plan assets     (3.9) (3.7) (3.5)
Settlement loss     0.1 0.0 0.0
Amortization of net loss     0.3 0.2 0.2
Total other components     (0.8) (0.8) (0.2)
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)     (0.5) (0.5) 0.1
Net loss (gain) during year, net of tax     $ (1.4) $ 2.7 $ 2.2
v3.10.0.1
Employee Benefit Plans - Fair Value Hierarchy of Plan Assets (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Domestic Plan      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets $ 52.1 $ 81.4 $ 75.9
U.S.      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 52.1 81.4  
U.S. | Level 1      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 52.1 81.4  
U.S. | Level 2      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0.0 0.0  
U.S. | Level 3      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0.0 0.0  
U.S. | Equity securities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 33.1 56.8  
U.S. | Equity securities | Level 1      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 33.1 56.8  
U.S. | Equity securities | Level 2      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0.0 0.0  
U.S. | Equity securities | Level 3      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0.0 0.0  
U.S. | Fixed income securities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 18.7 24.3  
U.S. | Fixed income securities | Level 1      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 18.7 24.3  
U.S. | Fixed income securities | Level 2      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0.0 0.0  
U.S. | Fixed income securities | Level 3      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0.0 0.0  
U.S. | Cash and short-term securities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0.3 0.3  
U.S. | Cash and short-term securities | Level 1      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0.3 0.3  
U.S. | Cash and short-term securities | Level 2      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0.0 0.0  
U.S. | Cash and short-term securities | Level 3      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0.0 0.0  
Foreign Plan      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 65.9 74.9 $ 64.9
Canada      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 65.9 74.9  
Canada | Level 1      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0.3 0.1  
Canada | Level 2      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0.0 0.0  
Canada | Level 3      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0.0 0.0  
Canada | Equity securities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 42.2 49.2  
Investments measured as NAV 42.2 49.2  
Canada | Fixed income securities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 23.4 25.6  
Investments measured as NAV 23.4 25.6  
Canada | Cash and short-term securities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0.3 0.1  
Canada | Cash and short-term securities | Level 1      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0.3 0.1  
Canada | Cash and short-term securities | Level 2      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0.0 0.0  
Canada | Cash and short-term securities | Level 3      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets $ 0.0 $ 0.0  
v3.10.0.1
Employee Benefit Plans - Weighted-Average Asset Allocations (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Domestic Plan      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets $ 52.1 $ 81.4 $ 75.9
U.S.      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 52.1 81.4  
U.S. | Equity securities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 33.1 56.8  
U.S. | Fixed income securities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 18.7 24.3  
U.S. | Cash and short-term securities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0.3 0.3  
Foreign Plan      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 65.9 74.9 $ 64.9
Canada      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 65.9 74.9  
Canada | Equity securities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 42.2 49.2  
Canada | Fixed income securities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 23.4 25.6  
Canada | Cash and short-term securities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets $ 0.3 $ 0.1  
Minimum | U.S. | Equity securities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets target allocation 55.00% 55.00%  
Minimum | U.S. | Fixed income securities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets target allocation 20.00% 20.00%  
Minimum | U.S. | Cash and short-term securities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets target allocation 0.00% 0.00%  
Minimum | Canada | Equity securities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets target allocation 50.00% 50.00%  
Minimum | Canada | Fixed income securities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets target allocation 30.00% 30.00%  
Minimum | Canada | Cash and short-term securities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets target allocation 0.00% 0.00%  
Maximum | U.S. | Equity securities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets target allocation 75.00% 75.00%  
Maximum | U.S. | Fixed income securities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets target allocation 40.00% 40.00%  
Maximum | U.S. | Cash and short-term securities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets target allocation 10.00% 10.00%  
Maximum | Canada | Equity securities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets target allocation 70.00% 70.00%  
Maximum | Canada | Fixed income securities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets target allocation 50.00% 50.00%  
Maximum | Canada | Cash and short-term securities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Plan assets target allocation 5.00% 5.00%  
v3.10.0.1
Employer Benefit Plans - Significant Weighted-Average Assumptions (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
U.S.    
Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract]    
Discount rate 4.01% 3.33%
Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]    
Discount rate 3.47% 3.76%
Expected long-term rate of return on assets 7.15% 7.15%
Canada    
Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract]    
Discount rate 3.90% 3.40%
Rate of compensation increases 3.00% 3.00%
Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]    
Discount rate 3.40% 3.85%
Rate of compensation increases 3.00% 3.00%
Expected long-term rate of return on assets 5.50% 5.50%
v3.10.0.1
Employee Benefit Plans - Expected Future Benefit Payments (Details)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
U.S.  
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment [Abstract]  
2019 $ 8.0
2020 3.8
2021 4.0
2022 3.8
2023 3.9
2024-2028 21.0
Canada  
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment [Abstract]  
2019 2.6
2020 2.7
2021 2.9
2022 3.1
2023 3.3
2024-2028 $ 19.2
v3.10.0.1
Employee Benefit Plans - Multiemployer Plans (Details)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2018
USD ($)
Jun. 30, 2018
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
collective_bargaining_unit
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2016
USD ($)
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]                
Restructuring charges, net $ (7.4) $ 5.4 $ 11.4 $ 11.9 $ (13.3) $ 21.3 $ 16.7 $ 12.4
Distribution expenses           398.0 380.7 371.7
Multiemployer plans, pension                
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]                
Veritiv's Contributions           3.0 3.5 3.7
Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Trust Fund | Multiemployer plans, pension                
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]                
Veritiv's Contributions           $ 1.6 1.6 1.7
Number of participating collective bargaining units | collective_bargaining_unit           10    
Number of participating collective bargaining units under negotiations | collective_bargaining_unit           2    
Central States, Southeast & Southwest Areas Pension Fund | Multiemployer plans, pension                
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]                
Veritiv's Contributions           $ 0.2 0.2 0.3
Teamsters Pension Plan of Philadelphia & Vicinity | Multiemployer plans, pension                
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]                
Veritiv's Contributions           0.4 0.4 0.4
New England Teamsters & Trucking Industry Pension | Multiemployer plans, pension                
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]                
Veritiv's Contributions           0.0 0.4 0.5
Western Pennsylvania Teamsters and Employers Pension Plan | Multiemployer plans, pension                
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]                
Veritiv's Contributions           0.3 0.3 0.3
Contributions for individually significant plans | Multiemployer plans, pension                
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]                
Veritiv's Contributions           2.5 2.9 3.2
Contributions to other multi-employer plans | Multiemployer plans, pension                
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]                
Veritiv's Contributions           0.5 0.6 0.5
Other Accrued Liabilities Current                
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]                
Withdrawal obligations 0.7       0.7 0.7 0.7  
Other Non-current Liabilities                
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]                
Withdrawal obligations $ 32.5       $ 27.2 32.5 27.2  
Withdrawal from Multiemployer Defined Benefit Plan                
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]                
Restructuring charges, net           (2.8) 17.4 7.5
Distribution expenses           11.2 2.1 2.3
Total Net Charges           $ 8.4 $ 19.5 $ 9.8
v3.10.0.1
Fair Value Measurements - Narrative (Details)
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 26, 2018
USD ($)
Jul. 01, 2014
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2017
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2016
USD ($)
Aug. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]              
Goodwill and long-lived asset impairment charges       $ 400,000 $ 8,400,000 $ 7,700,000  
Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets held-for-use       $ 400,000 $ 8,400,000 7,700,000  
UWW Holdings, Inc. XPEDX Merger              
Business Acquisition [Line Items]              
Fair value of contingent liability associated with the Tax Receivable Agreement   $ 59,400,000          
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring              
Business Acquisition [Line Items]              
Goodwill and long-lived asset impairment charges     $ 7,700,000        
Customer relationships              
Business Acquisition [Line Items]              
Impairment of finite lived intangible assets     $ 1,600,000     $ 5,800,000  
Earn Out Payment | All American Containers              
Business Acquisition [Line Items]              
Contingent liability             $ 22,200,000
Contingent consideration range of outcomes high value             50,000,000
Maximum contingent consideration paid on an annual basis             $ 25,000,000
Contingent consideration payment $ 2,500,000            
Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3 | Contingent Liability | UWW Holdings, Inc. XPEDX Merger              
Business Acquisition [Line Items]              
Discount rate       0.051      
v3.10.0.1
Fair Value Measurements - Contingent Liability (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Contingent Liability | UWW Holdings, Inc. XPEDX Merger | Level 3    
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]    
Beginning balance $ 50.0 $ 67.9
Change in fair value adjustment recorded in other (income) expense, net (1.2) (9.4)
Principal payment (9.9) (8.5)
Ending balance $ 38.9 50.0
Tax Receivable Agreement | UWW Holdings, LLC | UWW Holdings, LLC    
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]    
Decrease in contingent consideration liability   $ 13.5
v3.10.0.1
Fair Value Measurements - Contingent Consideration Rollforward (Details) - Earn Out Payment - All American Containers - Level 3 - USD ($)
$ in Millions
4 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2018
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]    
Beginning balance $ 30.0 $ 24.2
Purchase accounting adjustment (7.8)  
Adjusted purchase price 22.2  
Change in fair value adjustment recorded in other (income) expense, net 2.0 (12.3)
Principal payment   (2.5)
Ending balance $ 24.2 $ 9.4
v3.10.0.1
Supplementary Financial Statement Information - Other Current Assets (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Other Current Assets:    
Rebates receivable $ 78.0 $ 61.1
Prepaid expenses 32.0 33.8
Other 37.2 38.6
Other current assets $ 147.2 $ 133.5
v3.10.0.1
Supplementary Financial Statement Information - Other Non-Current Assets (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Other Non-Current Assets:    
Deferred financing costs $ 6.7 $ 9.3
Investments in real estate joint ventures 6.7 6.4
Below market leasehold agreements 4.0 4.7
Other 8.0 10.4
Other non-current assets $ 25.4 $ 30.8
v3.10.0.1
Supplementary Financial Statement Information - Accrued Payroll and Benefits (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Accrued Payroll and Benefits:    
Accrued incentive plans $ 23.6 $ 28.7
Accrued commissions 20.6 23.2
Accrued payroll and related taxes 9.2 18.0
Other 3.1 3.6
Accrued payroll and benefits $ 56.5 $ 73.5
v3.10.0.1
Supplementary Financial Statement Information - Other Accrued Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Other Accrued Liabilities:    
Accrued customer incentives $ 25.1 $ 25.1
Accrued freight 16.4 16.0
Accrued taxes 9.9 12.1
Accrued professional fees 6.6 6.7
Other 59.4 46.4
Other accrued liabilities 134.7 134.6
Tax Receivable Agreement    
Other Accrued Liabilities:    
Contingent liability 7.9 9.9
All American Containers    
Other Accrued Liabilities:    
Contingent liability $ 9.4 $ 18.4
v3.10.0.1
Supplementary Financial Statement Information - Other Non-Current Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Other Non-Current Liabilities:    
Deferred compensation $ 21.6 $ 23.7
Straight-line rent 19.5 17.5
Other 24.0 21.4
Other non-current liabilities 128.6 137.0
Tax Receivable Agreement    
Other Non-Current Liabilities:    
Contingent liability 31.0 40.1
All American Containers    
Other Non-Current Liabilities:    
Contingent liability $ 0.0 $ 7.1
v3.10.0.1
Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Narrative (Details) - shares
shares in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Sep. 30, 2018
Jun. 30, 2018
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Sep. 30, 2017
Jun. 30, 2017
Mar. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]                      
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic (in shares) 15,850 15,850 15,840 15,760 15,700 15,700 15,700 15,690 15,820 15,700 15,970
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted (in shares) 16,460 16,470 15,840 15,760 15,980 15,700 15,700 15,690 15,820 15,700 16,150
Shares issued during period (in shares)                 210    
Shares withheld to pay for tax (in shares)                 75    
v3.10.0.1
Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Schedule of Earnings Per Share Basic and Diluted (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Sep. 30, 2018
Jun. 30, 2018
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Sep. 30, 2017
Jun. 30, 2017
Mar. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Numerator:                      
Net income (loss) $ 9.3 $ 1.4 $ (10.6) $ (15.8) $ 12.3 $ (14.3) $ (9.1) $ (2.2) $ (15.7) $ (13.3) $ 21.0
Denominator:                      
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic (in shares) 15,850 15,850 15,840 15,760 15,700 15,700 15,700 15,690 15,820 15,700 15,970
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted (in shares) 16,460 16,470 15,840 15,760 15,980 15,700 15,700 15,690 15,820 15,700 16,150
Earnings (loss) per share:                      
Basic earnings (loss) per share (usd per share) $ 0.59 $ 0.09 $ (0.67) $ (1.00) $ 0.78 $ (0.91) $ (0.58) $ (0.14) $ (0.99) $ (0.85) $ 1.31
Diluted earnings (loss) per share (usd per share) $ 0.57 $ 0.09 $ (0.67) $ (1.00) $ 0.77 $ (0.91) $ (0.58) $ (0.14) $ (0.99) $ (0.85) $ 1.30
Antidilutive stock-based awards excluded from computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)                 1,320 800 60
Performance stock-based awards excluded from computation of diluted earnings per share because performance conditions had not been met (in shares)                 260 300 200
v3.10.0.1
Shareholders' Equity - Narrative (Details)
$ in Millions
Sep. 25, 2018
USD ($)
shares
Mar. 22, 2017
USD ($)
shares
Nov. 23, 2016
USD ($)
shares
Dec. 31, 2018
vote / shares
shares
Dec. 31, 2017
shares
Class of Stock [Line Items]          
Common stock votes per share owned (in votes per share) | vote / shares       1  
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)       10,000,000 10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)       0 0
Treasury stock, transaction related fees | $ $ 0.2 $ 0.2 $ 0.8    
Treasury stock, capitalized transaction related fees | $     $ 0.2    
Number of shares authorized to be repurchased (in shares)       0  
UWW Holdings, LLC | Public Stock Offering          
Class of Stock [Line Items]          
Shares sold in offering (in shares)     1,760,000    
UWW Holdings, LLC | Block Trade          
Class of Stock [Line Items]          
Shares sold in offering (in shares) 1,500,000 1,800,000      
v3.10.0.1
Shareholders' Equity - Schedule of Other Comprehensive Income Included (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Jan. 01, 2018
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]      
Unrealized net gains (losses) arising during the period $ (7.0) $ 5.9  
Amounts reclassified from AOCL 0.6 (0.4)  
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) (6.4) 5.5  
Impact of adoption of ASU 2016-02     $ 0.0
Foreign currency translation adjustments      
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance (23.5) (29.2)  
Unrealized net gains (losses) arising during the period (6.8) 5.9  
Amounts reclassified from AOCL 0.0 (0.2)  
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) (6.8) 5.7  
Impact of adoption of ASU 2016-02 0.0    
Ending balance (30.3) (23.5)  
Retirement liabilities      
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance (9.3) (9.1)  
Unrealized net gains (losses) arising during the period (0.2) 0.1  
Amounts reclassified from AOCL 0.1 (0.3)  
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) (0.1) (0.2)  
Impact of adoption of ASU 2016-02 (0.7)    
Ending balance (10.1) (9.3)  
Interest rate swap      
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance (0.7) (0.7)  
Unrealized net gains (losses) arising during the period 0.0 (0.1)  
Amounts reclassified from AOCL 0.5 0.1  
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) 0.5 0.0  
Impact of adoption of ASU 2016-02 (0.1)    
Ending balance (0.3) (0.7)  
AOCL      
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance (33.5) (39.0)  
Impact of adoption of ASU 2016-02 (0.8)   $ (0.8)
Ending balance $ (40.7) $ (33.5)  
v3.10.0.1
Equity-Based Incentive Plans - Narrative (Details)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
tranche
shares
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
shares
Dec. 31, 2016
USD ($)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Stock-based compensation expense $ 18.1 $ 15.7 $ 8.3
Income tax benefit related to stock-based compensation $ 4.7 5.7 3.2
Omnibus Incentive Plan      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Number of shares authorized (in shares) | shares 3,080,000    
Number of shares available for grant (in shares) | shares 1,400,000    
Omnibus Incentive Plan | Non-Employee Director      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Stock-based compensation expense $ 1.1 $ 1.1  
Omnibus Incentive Plan | Deferred Share Units (DSUs) | Non-Employee Director      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Deferred compensation arrangement, shares per award | shares 1    
Deferred compensation arrangement with individual, shares outstanding (in shares) | shares 51,900 51,900  
Deferred compensation arrangement with individual, fair value of shares outstanding $ 1.6 $ 1.7  
Deferred compensation share-based compensation expense $ (0.1) (0.8) 0.6
Omnibus Incentive Plan | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Share-based compensation, award vesting period 3 years    
Omnibus Incentive Plan | Performance Condition Stock Units (PCSUs)      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Share-based compensation, award vesting period 3 years    
Share-based compensation, percent of target award (no to exceed) 200.00%    
Share-based compensation arrangement, number of tranches | tranche 3    
Omnibus Incentive Plan | Market Condition Performance Stock Units (MCPSUs)      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Stock-based compensation expense $ 18.1 $ 15.7 $ 8.3
Share-based compensation, award vesting period 3 years    
Share-based compensation, percent of target award (no to exceed) 200.00%    
Share-based compensation arrangement, number of tranches | tranche 3    
Share-based compensation, expected volatility rate 45.50% 25.00% 25.00%
Share-based compensation, risk free interest rate 2.00% 1.10% 1.10%
Employee service share-based compensation, unrecognized compensation expense $ 25.1    
Employee service share-based compensation, unrecognized compensation expense, period of recognition 2 years    
Omnibus Incentive Plan | Market Condition Performance Stock Units (MCPSUs) | Peer Group Period One      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Share-based compensation, award vesting period 1 year    
Omnibus Incentive Plan | Market Condition Performance Stock Units (MCPSUs) | Peer Group Period Two      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Share-based compensation, award vesting period 2 years    
Omnibus Incentive Plan | Market Condition Performance Stock Units (MCPSUs) | Peer Group Period Three      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Share-based compensation, award vesting period 3 years    
v3.10.0.1
Equity-Based Incentive Plans - Activity of Non-Vested Restricted Stock Units (Details) - Omnibus Incentive Plan - Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) - $ / shares
shares in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]    
Non-vested at beginning of period (in shares) 249 146
Granted (in shares) 228 111
Vested (in shares) (65) 0
Forfeited (in shares) (14) (8)
Non-vested at end of period (in shares) 398 249
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]    
Non-vested at beginning of period (usd per share) $ 45.43 $ 42.05
Granted (usd per share) 29.69 49.86
Vested (usd per share) 50.03 0.00
Forfeited (usd per share) 39.01 44.21
Non-vested at end of period (usd per share) $ 35.88 $ 45.43
v3.10.0.1
Equity-Based Inventive Plans - Activity of Non-Vested PCSUs (Details) - Omnibus Incentive Plan - Performance Condition Stock Units (PCSUs) - $ / shares
shares in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]    
Non-vested at beginning of period (in shares) 454 355
Granted (in shares) 323 166
Shares earned or lost based on actual performance (in shares) 7 (45)
Vested (in shares) (122) 0
Forfeited (in shares) (35) (22)
Non-vested at end of period (in shares) 627 454
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]    
Non-vested at beginning of period (usd per share) $ 40.87 $ 42.14
Granted (usd per share) 29.24 37.12
Shares earned or lost based on actual performance (usd per share) 29.24 37.12
Vested (usd per share) 47.37 0.00
Forfeited (usd per share) 34.57 40.78
Non-vested at end of period (usd per share) $ 32.59 $ 40.87
v3.10.0.1
Equity-Based Incentive Plans - Activity of Non-Vested MCPSUs (Details) - Omnibus Incentive Plan - Market Condition Performance Stock Units (MCPSUs) - $ / shares
shares in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]    
Non-vested at beginning of period (in shares) 193 208
Granted (in shares) 194 100
Shares earned or lost based on actual performance (in shares) (35) (103)
Vested (in shares) (23) 0
Forfeited (in shares) (21) (12)
Non-vested at end of period (in shares) 308 193
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]    
Non-vested at beginning of period (usd per share) $ 56.23 $ 48.23
Granted (usd per share) 37.76 71.63
Shares earned or lost based on actual performance (usd per share) 37.76 71.63
Vested (usd per share) 62.53 0.00
Forfeited (usd per share) 49.66 55.65
Non-vested at end of period (usd per share) $ 46.74 $ 56.23
v3.10.0.1
Commitments and Contingencies - Narrative (Details)
$ in Millions
72 Months Ended
Jul. 01, 2014
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
state
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]      
Additional states joining escheat audit | state   7  
Escheat Audit      
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]      
Recognized estimated liability   $ 10.0 $ 7.5
International Paper Shareholders      
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]      
Potential earnout payment $ 100.0    
Aggregate EBITDA target $ 759.0    
v3.10.0.1
Segment Information - Net Sales by Reportable Segment (Details)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2018
USD ($)
Jun. 30, 2018
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2017
USD ($)
Jun. 30, 2017
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
segment
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2016
USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Number of reportable segments | segment                 4    
Net sales $ 2,230.8 $ 2,192.5 $ 2,171.9 $ 2,101.0 $ 2,224.4 $ 2,116.8 $ 2,028.9 $ 1,994.6 $ 8,696.2 $ 8,364.7 $ 8,326.6
Adjusted EBITDA for reportable segments                
Depreciation and amortization                 53.5 54.2 54.7
Restructuring charges, net $ (7.4) $ 5.4 $ 11.4 $ 11.9 $ (13.3)       21.3 16.7 12.4
Operating Segments                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Net sales                 8,554.7 8,219.2 8,206.8
Adjusted EBITDA for reportable segments                 364.3 360.7 368.6
Depreciation and amortization                 35.6 33.8 33.8
Restructuring charges, net                 20.9 16.4 12.2
Operating Segments | Print                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Net sales                 2,676.7 2,793.7 3,047.4
Adjusted EBITDA for reportable segments                 64.0 60.8 76.8
Depreciation and amortization                 8.8 10.4 12.4
Restructuring charges, net                 12.1 8.0 5.2
Operating Segments | Publishing                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Net sales                 1,019.2 958.0 1,033.6
Adjusted EBITDA for reportable segments                 24.6 26.4 23.6
Depreciation and amortization                 0.8 1.5 3.1
Restructuring charges, net                 0.7 0.0 0.1
Operating Segments | Packaging                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Net sales                 3,547.1 3,157.8 2,854.2
Adjusted EBITDA for reportable segments                 246.7 238.0 221.2
Depreciation and amortization                 19.2 15.9 12.4
Restructuring charges, net                 4.7 6.1 4.6
Operating Segments | Facility Solutions                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Net sales                 1,311.7 1,309.7 1,271.6
Adjusted EBITDA for reportable segments                 29.0 35.5 47.0
Depreciation and amortization                 6.8 6.0 5.9
Restructuring charges, net                 3.4 2.3 2.3
Corporate & Other                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Net sales                 141.5 145.5 119.8
Adjusted EBITDA for reportable segments                 (178.9) (184.3) (176.4)
Depreciation and amortization                 17.9 20.4 20.9
Restructuring charges, net                 $ 0.4 $ 0.3 $ 0.2
v3.10.0.1
Segment Information - Operating Profit by Reportable Segment (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Sep. 30, 2018
Jun. 30, 2018
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                
Income (loss) before income taxes           $ (10.2) $ (1.9) $ 40.8
Interest expense, net           42.3 31.2 27.5
Depreciation and amortization           53.5 54.2 54.7
Restructuring charges, net $ (7.4) $ 5.4 $ 11.4 $ 11.9 $ (13.3) 21.3 16.7 12.4
Stock-based compensation           18.1 15.7 8.3
LIFO reserve increase           19.9 7.1 3.6
Non-restructuring asset impairment charges           0.4 8.4 7.7
Non-restructuring severance charges           4.9 3.5 3.1
Non-restructuring pension charges, net           11.3 2.2 2.4
Integration and acquisition expenses           31.8 36.5 25.9
Escheat audit contingent liability           2.5 7.5 0.0
Other           3.1 2.7 0.9
Adjusted EBITDA for reportable segments          
Tax Receivable Agreement                
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                
Fair value adjustment on contingent liability           (1.2) (9.4) 4.9
All American Containers                
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                
Integration and acquisition expenses           2.1 8.0 0.0
Corporate & Other                
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                
Depreciation and amortization           17.9 20.4 20.9
Restructuring charges, net           0.4 0.3 0.2
Adjusted EBITDA for reportable segments           (178.9) (184.3) (176.4)
Operating Segments                
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                
Depreciation and amortization           35.6 33.8 33.8
Restructuring charges, net           20.9 16.4 12.2
Adjusted EBITDA for reportable segments           364.3 360.7 368.6
Earn Out Payment | All American Containers                
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                
Fair value adjustment on contingent liability           $ (12.3) $ 2.0 $ 0.0
v3.10.0.1
Segment Information - Assets by Reportable Segment (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]    
Total assets $ 2,529.7 $ 2,708.4
Operating Segments | Packaging    
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]    
Total assets 1,183.1 1,192.2
Operating Segments | Facility Solutions    
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]    
Total assets 345.5 416.9
Operating Segments | Print    
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]    
Total assets 684.5 801.8
Operating Segments | Publishing    
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]    
Total assets 196.3 168.6
Corporate & Other    
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]    
Total assets $ 120.3 $ 128.9
v3.10.0.1
Segment Information - Sales and Property and Equipment by Geographic Area (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Sep. 30, 2018
Jun. 30, 2018
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Sep. 30, 2017
Jun. 30, 2017
Mar. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]                      
Net sales $ 2,230.8 $ 2,192.5 $ 2,171.9 $ 2,101.0 $ 2,224.4 $ 2,116.8 $ 2,028.9 $ 1,994.6 $ 8,696.2 $ 8,364.7 $ 8,326.6
Property and equipment, net 206.7       340.2       206.7 340.2  
U.S.                      
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]                      
Net sales                 7,800.9 7,510.9 7,552.3
Property and equipment, net 171.6       300.6       171.6 300.6  
Canada                      
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]                      
Net sales                 712.7 682.0 631.2
Property and equipment, net 32.1       36.7       32.1 36.7  
Rest of world                      
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]                      
Net sales                 182.6 171.8 $ 143.1
Property and equipment, net $ 3.0       $ 2.9       $ 3.0 $ 2.9  
v3.10.0.1
Segment Information - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended 36 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2018
Purchases | Supplier Concentration Risk | Ten Suppliers        
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]        
Concentration risk 38.00%      
Joint Owner of Principal Owner        
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]        
Property and equipment $ 155.2 $ 14.6 $ 3.7 $ 173.5
v3.10.0.1
Quarterly Data (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Sep. 30, 2018
Jun. 30, 2018
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Sep. 30, 2017
Jun. 30, 2017
Mar. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]                      
Net sales $ 2,230.8 $ 2,192.5 $ 2,171.9 $ 2,101.0 $ 2,224.4 $ 2,116.8 $ 2,028.9 $ 1,994.6 $ 8,696.2 $ 8,364.7 $ 8,326.6
Cost of products sold 1,831.9 1,805.8 1,788.5 1,729.5 1,820.2 1,736.6 1,660.5 1,629.3 7,155.7 6,846.6 6,826.4
Net income (loss) $ 9.3 $ 1.4 $ (10.6) $ (15.8) $ 12.3 $ (14.3) $ (9.1) $ (2.2) $ (15.7) $ (13.3) $ 21.0
Earnings (loss) per share: Basic and Diluted                      
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic (in shares) 15,850 15,850 15,840 15,760 15,700 15,700 15,700 15,690 15,820 15,700 15,970
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted (in shares) 16,460 16,470 15,840 15,760 15,980 15,700 15,700 15,690 15,820 15,700 16,150
Basic earnings (loss) per share (usd per share) $ 0.59 $ 0.09 $ (0.67) $ (1.00) $ 0.78 $ (0.91) $ (0.58) $ (0.14) $ (0.99) $ (0.85) $ 1.31
Diluted earnings (loss) per share (usd per share) $ 0.57 $ 0.09 $ (0.67) $ (1.00) $ 0.77 $ (0.91) $ (0.58) $ (0.14) $ (0.99) $ (0.85) $ 1.30
v3.10.0.1
Quarterly Data (Unaudited) - Merger and Integration Expenses and Restructuring Charges (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Sep. 30, 2018
Jun. 30, 2018
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Sep. 30, 2017
Jun. 30, 2017
Mar. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]                      
Integration and acquisition expenses $ 7.2 $ 7.9 $ 8.4 $ 8.3 $ 8.4 $ 14.2 $ 7.5 $ 6.4      
Restructuring (income) charges $ (7.4) $ 5.4 $ 11.4 $ 11.9 $ (13.3)       $ 21.3 $ 16.7 $ 12.4