UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC  20549
FORM 10-K
 
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2014
 
Commission File Number 1-5277
 
BEMIS COMPANY, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Missouri
 
43-0178130
(State or other jurisdiction of
 
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
 
Identification No.)
 
One Neenah Center, 4th Floor, P.O. Box 669, Neenah, Wisconsin  54957-0669
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:  (920) 527-5000
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
Title of Each Class
 
Name of Each Exchange
on Which Registered
Common Stock, par value $0.10 per share
 
New York Stock Exchange
 
Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act:  None
 
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  YES  ý  NO  o
 
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  YES  o  NO  ý
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  YES  ý  NO  o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  YES  ý  NO  o
 
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§232.405) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  ý
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one):
 
Large Accelerated Filer x
 
Accelerated Filer o
Non-Accelerated Filer o
 
Smaller Reporting Company o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  YES  o  NO  ý
 
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by nonaffiliates of the Registrant on June 30, 2014, based on a closing price of $40.66 per share as reported on the New York Stock Exchange, was $4,061,047,083.
 
As of February 18, 2015, the Registrant had 97,464,764 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding.
 
Documents Incorporated by Reference
Portions of the Proxy Statement - Annual Meeting of Shareholders May 7, 2015 - Part III





BEMIS COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

2



Forward-Looking Statements

This Annual Report contains certain estimates, predictions, and other “forward-looking statements” (as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended).  Forward-looking statements are generally identified with the words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “target,” “may,” “will,” “plan,” “project,” “should,” “continue,” or the negative thereof or other similar expressions, or discussion of future goals or aspirations, which are predictions of or indicate future events and trends and which do not relate to historical matters.  Such statements are based on information available to management as of the time of such statements and relate to, among other things, expectations of the business environment in which we operate, projections of future performance (financial and otherwise), including those of acquired companies, perceived opportunities in the market and statements regarding our mission and vision.  Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
 
Factors that could cause actual results to differ from those expected include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions caused by inflation, interest rates, consumer confidence, rates of unemployment and foreign currency exchange rates; global economic conditions, including continued uncertainties in Europe; investment performance of assets in our pension plans; competitive conditions within our markets, including the acceptance of our new and existing products; customer contract bidding activity; threats or challenges to our patented or proprietary technologies; raw materials: costs, availability and terms (particularly for polymer resins and adhesives); price changes for raw materials and our ability to pass these price changes on to our customers or otherwise manage commodity price fluctuation risks; unexpected energy surcharges; broad changes in customer order patterns; a failure in our information technology infrastructure or applications; changes in governmental regulation, especially in the areas of environmental, health and safety matters, fiscal incentives, and foreign investment; unexpected outcomes in our current and future administrative and litigation proceedings; unexpected outcomes in our current and future tax proceedings; changes in domestic and international tax laws; costs associated with the pursuit of business combinations or divestitures; unexpected costs associated with the integration of acquired businesses; unexpected costs and timing related to transition of production; changes in our labor relations; and the impact of changes in the world political environment including threatened or actual armed conflict.  These and other risks, uncertainties, and assumptions identified from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including without limitation, those described under Item 1A "Risk Factors" of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, could cause actual future results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.  In addition, actual future results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statement as a result of changes in the assumptions used in making such forward-looking statement.



3



PART I
 
ITEM 1 — BUSINESS
 
Bemis Company, Inc., a Missouri corporation (the “Registrant” or “Company”), continues a business formed in 1858.  The Company was incorporated in 1885 as Bemis Bro. Bag Company with the name changed to Bemis Company, Inc. in 1965.  The Company is a global manufacturer of packaging products.  The Company's business activities are organized around its two reportable business segments, U.S. Packaging (66 percent of 2014 net sales) and Global Packaging (34 percent). 
 
The majority of the Company’s products are sold to customers in the food industry.  Other customers include companies in the following types of businesses: chemical, agribusiness, medical, pharmaceutical, personal care, electronics, automotive, construction, and other consumer goods. Further information about the Company’s operations in its business segments and geographic areas is available in Note 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
As of December 31, 2014, the Company had approximately 17,000 employees worldwide. Approximately 8,500 of these employees were in the U.S., with approximately 40 percent of hourly production employees covered by collective bargaining agreements involving four different unions. Of the approximately 8,500 employees who were outside the U.S., over half of the hourly production employees and some of the salaried workforce are covered by collective bargaining agreements and are represented by numerous unions.
 
Working capital fluctuates throughout the year in relation to business volume and other marketplace conditions.  The Company maintains inventory levels that provide a reasonable balance between obtaining raw materials at favorable prices and maintaining adequate inventory levels to enable the Company to fulfill its commitment to promptly fill customer orders.  Manufacturing backlogs are not a significant factor in the industries in which the Company operates.  The business of each of the reportable segments is not seasonal to any significant extent.
 
The Company is the owner or licensee of a number of United States and foreign patents and patent applications that relate to certain of its products, manufacturing processes, and equipment.  The Company also has a number of trademarks and trademark registrations in the United States and in foreign countries.  The Company’s patents, licenses, and trademarks collectively provide a competitive advantage.  However, the loss of any single patent or license alone would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results as a whole or those of any of its segments.
 
The Company’s business activities are organized around its two reportable business segments, U.S. Packaging and Global Packaging.  Both internal and external reporting conform to this organizational structure.  A summary of the Company’s business activities reported by its two reportable business segments follows.

U.S. Packaging Segment
The U.S. Packaging segment represents all food, consumer, and industrial products packaging-related manufacturing operations located in the United States. This segment manufactures multilayer polymer, blown and cast film structures to produce packaging sold for food and personal care product applications as well as non-food applications. Markets for these products include processed and fresh meat, dairy, liquids, frozen foods, cereals, snacks, cheese, coffee, condiments, candy, pet food, bakery, lawn and garden, tissue, fresh produce, personal care and hygiene, disposable diapers, and agribusiness.
Global Packaging Segment
The Global Packaging segment includes all packaging-related manufacturing operations located outside of the United States as well as global medical device and pharmaceutical packaging manufacturing operations. This segment manufactures multilayer polymer, blown and cast film structures to produce packaging sold for a variety of food, medical, pharmaceutical, personal care, electronics, and industrial applications. Additional products include injection molded plastic and folding carton packaging. Markets for these products include processed and fresh meat, dairy, liquids, snacks, cheese, coffee, condiments, candy, bakery, tissue, fresh produce, personal care and hygiene, disposable diapers, agribusiness, pharmaceutical, and medical devices.


4



Marketing, Distribution, and Competition
While the Company’s sales are made through a variety of distribution methods, substantially all sales are made by the Company’s direct sales force.  Sales offices and plants are located throughout North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific to provide prompt and economical service to thousands of customers.  The Company’s technically trained sales force is supported by product development engineers, design technicians, and a customer service organization.
 
No single customer accounts for ten percent or more of the Company’s total sales.  Nevertheless, business arrangements with certain large customers require a large portion of the manufacturing capacity at a few individual manufacturing sites.  Any change in the business arrangement would typically occur over a period of time, which would allow for an orderly transition for both the Company’s manufacturing site and the customer.
 
The major markets in which the Company sells its products are highly competitive.  Areas of competition include service, innovation, quality, and price.  This competition is significant as to both the size and the number of competing firms.  Competitors include Amcor Limited, Berry Plastics Corporation, Bryce Corporation, Coveris High Performance Packaging, Printpack, Inc., Sealed Air Corporation, Sonoco Products Company, Wihuri OY, and Winpak Ltd. 
 
The Company considers itself to be a significant participant in the markets in which it serves; however, due to the diversity of our business, the Company’s precise competitive position in these markets is not reasonably determinable.  Advertising is limited primarily to business and trade publications emphasizing the Company’s product features and related technical capabilities.
 
Raw Materials
Polymer resins and films, paper, inks, adhesives, aluminum, and chemicals constitute the basic major raw materials.  These are purchased from a variety of global industry sources and the Company is not dependent on any one supplier for its raw materials.  While temporary industry-wide shortages of raw materials may occur, the Company expects to continue to successfully manage raw material supplies without significant supply interruptions.  Currently, raw materials are readily available.
 
Research and Development Expense
Research and development expenditures were as follows:
(in millions)
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
U.S. Packaging
 
$
21.0

 
$
23.2

 
$
19.2

Global Packaging
 
16.7

 
15.1

 
15.1

Corporate
 
6.4

 
2.2

 
1.4

Total
 
$
44.1

 
$
40.5

 
$
35.7

 
Environmental Control
Compliance with federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations which have been enacted or adopted regulating discharges of materials into the environment or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment, is not expected to have a material effect on the capital expenditures, earnings, or competitive position of the Company and its subsidiaries.
 
Available Information
The Company is a large accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2) and is also an electronic filer.  Electronically filed reports (Forms 4, 8-K, 10-K, 10-Q, S-3, S-8, etc.) can be accessed at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) website (http://www.sec.gov) or by visiting the SEC’s Public Reference Room located at 100 F St., N.E., Washington, DC 20549 (call 1-202-551-8090 or 1-800-732-0330 for hours of operation). Electronically filed and furnished reports can also be accessed through the Company’s own website (http://www.bemis.com), under Investors/SEC Filings or by writing for free information, including SEC filings, to Investor Relations, Bemis Company, Inc., One Neenah Center, 4th Floor, P.O. Box 669, Neenah, Wisconsin 54957-0669, or calling (920) 527-5000.  In addition, the Company’s Board Committee charters, Principles of Corporate Governance, and the Company’s Code of Conduct can be electronically accessed at the Company’s website under About Us/Corporate Governance or, free of charge, by writing directly to the Company, Attention:  Corporate Secretary.  The Company will post any amendment to, or waiver from, a provision of the Code of Conduct that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, and other persons performing similar functions on the Investor Relations section of its website (www.bemis.com) promptly following the date of such amendment or waiver.

5



Explanation of Terms Describing the Company’s Products
Aseptic packaging — Packaging used in a flash-heating process in which a food product and its packaging are sterilized separately and then combined and sealed under sterile conditions. This process retains more nutrients and uses less energy than conventional sterilization techniques and extends the shelf life of processed food without using preservatives.
Barrier products — Products that provide protection and extend the shelf life of the package contents.  These products provide protection from oxygen, moisture, light, odor, or other environmental factors by combining different types of plastics and additives into a multilayered plastic package. 
Cast film — A plastic film that is extruded through a straight slot die as a flat sheet during its manufacturing process.
Child resistance — Packaging materials and systems for drugs and household chemicals that are designed to be difficult for children to open.
Coextruded film — A blown or cast film extruded with multiple layers extruded simultaneously.
CSD labels — Carbonated soft drink labels.
Extruded film — A plastic film manufactured by forcing heated resin through a shaped die. This forms a tube of thin plastic film which is then expanded by an internal column of air to produce a continuous ribbon of film.
EZ Open packaging — Package technologies such as peelable closures or laser scoring used to allow the consumer easy access to a packaged product. EZ Open packaging may be combined with reclose features such as plastic zippers to allow for convenient storage of the packaged material once opened.
Film laminate — A multilayer plastic film made by laminating two or more films together with the use of adhesive or a molten plastic to achieve a barrier for the packaged contents.
Flexible pouches — A packaging option that delivers a semi-finished package, instead of rollstock, to a customer for filling product and sealing/closing the package for distribution.
Flexographic printing — The most common flexible packaging printing process using a raised rubber or alternative material image mounted on a printing cylinder.
Forming films — A flexible plastic film that is designed to take the shape determined by a cavity when subjected to heat and vacuum.
Injection molded plastic — Plastic that is created through a manufacturing process where heated plastic is injected into a die or mold.
Multipack — A film manufactured by a modified extrusion process that is used for wrapping and holding multipacks of products such as canned goods and bottles of liquids, replacing corrugate and fiberboard.
Narrow-web rolls — Films that are produced one-across at widths typically less than one meter and can be produced in either tube or roll form depending on the application.
Retort packaging — A multilayer flexible or rigid package able to withstand the thermal processing used for sterilization, similar to the process used for pressure cooking. The food is prepared and sealed in a package and then heated to approximately 250 degrees Fahrenheit under high pressure. This process extends the food product’s shelf life under normal room temperature conditions.
Rigid packaging — A form of packaging in which the shape of the package is retained as its contents are removed. Bottles, trays and clamshell packaging are examples of rigid packaging options.
Rollstock — The principal form in which flexible packaging material is delivered to a customer.  Finished film wound on a core is converted in a process at the end user’s plant that forms, fills, and seals the package of product for delivery to customers.
Rotogravure printing — A high quality printing process utilizing a metal engraved cylinder.
Shrink bags/films — An extruded packaging film that is cooled, reheated, and stretched at a temperature near its melting point. The film is made to shrink around a product by an application of thermal treatment, and can be a barrier product if a layer of oxygen barrier material is added.
Specialty filmPlastic films that are produced for non-food applications and are typically used as either secondary packaging
or incorporated into a film structure to impart specific physical and /or performance characteristics.
Sterilization packaging — Packaging materials and preformed packaging systems that support the sterilization process, physical and sterile barrier protection through global distribution, and aseptic operating room presentation of life saving medical devices and technologies.
Thermoformed plastic packaging — A package formed by applying heat to a film to shape it into a tray or cavity and then sealing a flat film on top of the package after it has been filled.
Vacuum skin packaging ("VSP") — Vacuum skin packaging combines the benefits of traditional vacuum packs in terms of shelf life extension and premium second-skin presentation of meats, fish, and ready-made meals. VSP systems include multilayer high barrier top webs and adapted forming webs and trays.

6



ITEM 1A — RISK FACTORS
 
The following factors, as well as factors described elsewhere in this Form 10-K, or in other filings by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, could adversely affect the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.  Other factors not presently known to us or that we presently believe are not material could also affect our business operations and financial results.
 
Raw materials — Raw material cost increases or shortages could adversely affect our results of operations.
As a manufacturer, our sales and profitability are dependent on the availability and cost of raw materials, which are subject to price fluctuations.  Inflationary and other increases in the costs of raw materials have occurred in the past and are expected to recur, and our performance depends in part on our ability to reflect changes in costs in selling prices for our products.  In the past, we have generally been successful in managing the impact of higher raw material costs by increasing selling prices.  Natural disasters such as hurricanes, in addition to terrorist activity and government regulation of environmental emissions, may negatively impact the production or delivery capacity of our raw material suppliers in the chemical and paper industries.  This could result in increased raw material costs or supply shortages, which may have a negative impact on our profitability if we are unable to pass along the increased costs in our selling prices or, in the case of a shortage, secure raw materials from alternative sources.

Key customers — The loss of key customers or a significant reduction in sales to those customers could significantly reduce our revenues.
Our customer base includes key (generally large) customers that are important to our success. If key customers experience financial pressure, they could attempt to demand more favorable contractual terms, which would place additional pressure on our margins and cash flows. In addition, our success depends on our ability to respond timely to changes in customer product needs and market acceptance of our products. We must produce products that meet the quality, performance, and price expectations of our customers. Changes in customers’ preferences for our products can also affect the demand for our products. Lower demand for our products could adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
Acquisitions and divestitures — We may not be able to successfully integrate businesses that we acquire or limit ongoing costs associated with the operations we divest.
We have made numerous acquisitions in the past and are regularly considering new acquisitions that we believe will provide meaningful opportunities to grow our business and improve performance in the future.  Acquired businesses may not achieve the levels of revenue, profit, productivity, or otherwise perform as we expect.  Acquisitions involve special risks, including, without limitation, the potential assumption of unanticipated liabilities and contingencies as well as difficulties in integrating acquired businesses.  While we believe that our acquisitions will improve our competitiveness and future financial performance, we can give no assurance that acquisitions will be successful.
We also make strategic divestitures from time to time, including the 2014 divestitures of the Paper Packaging Division and Pressure Sensitive Materials business. In the case of divestitures, we may agree to indemnify acquiring parties for certain liabilities arising from our former businesses. These divestitures may also result in continued financial involvement in the divested businesses, including through guarantees, service level agreements, or other financial arrangements, following the transaction. Lower performance by those divested businesses could also affect our future financial results if there is contingent consideration associated.

Information technology — A failure in our information technology systems could negatively affect our business.
We depend on information technology to record and process customers' orders, manufacture and ship products in a timely manner, and maintain the financial accuracy of our business records.  We are in the process of implementing a global Enterprise Resource Planning ("ERP") system that will redesign and deploy new processes and a common information system across our plants over a period of several years.  There can be no certainty that this system will deliver the expected benefits.  The failure to achieve our goals may impact our ability to (1) process transactions accurately and efficiently and (2) remain in step with the changing needs of the trade, which could result in the loss of customers.  In addition, the failure to either deliver the application on time, or anticipate the necessary readiness and training needs, could lead to business disruption and loss of customers and revenue.  Finally, failure or abandonment of any part of the ERP system could result in a write-off of part or all of the costs that have been capitalized on the project.
 

7



Our information systems could also be penetrated by outside parties or misused by employees or other insiders intent on extracting information, corrupting information, or disrupting business processes.  Such unauthorized access could disrupt our business and could result in the loss of assets, which could result in the loss of customer confidence and business, and cause us to incur time and expense in remediation efforts.

Litigation — Litigation or regulatory developments could adversely affect our business operations and financial performance.
We are, and in the future will become, involved in lawsuits, regulatory inquiries, and governmental and other legal proceedings arising out of the ordinary course of our business. As we expand our global footprint, we become exposed to more uncertainty regarding the regulatory environment. The timing of the final resolutions to lawsuits, regulatory inquiries, and governmental and other legal proceedings is typically uncertain. Additionally, the possible outcomes of, or resolutions to, these proceedings could include adverse judgments or settlements, either of which could require substantial payments. See “Legal Proceedings" included in Item 3 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Goodwill and other intangible assets — A significant write down of goodwill and/or other intangible assets would have a material adverse effect on our reported results of operations and net worth.
We review our goodwill balance for impairment at least once a year using the business valuation methods allowed in accordance with current accounting standards.  These methods include the use of a weighted-average cost of capital to calculate the present value of the expected future cash flows of our reporting units.  Future changes in the cost of capital, expected cash flows, or other factors may cause our goodwill and/or other intangible assets to be impaired, resulting in a non-cash charge against results of operations to write down these assets for the amount of the impairment.  In addition, if we make changes in our business strategy or if external conditions adversely affect our business operations, we may be required to record an impairment charge for goodwill or intangibles, which would lead to decreased assets and reduced net operating results.  If a significant write down is required, the charge would have a material adverse effect on our reported results of operations and net worth.  We have identified the valuation of intangibles as a critical accounting estimate.  See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments—Intangible assets and goodwill” included in Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
Patents and proprietary technology — Our success is dependent on our ability to develop and successfully introduce new products and to acquire and retain intellectual property rights.
Our ability to develop and successfully market new products and to develop, acquire, and retain necessary intellectual property rights is essential to our continued success, but cannot reasonably be assured.

Funded status of pension plans — Recognition of pension liabilities may cause a significant reduction in stockholders’ equity.
In September 2013 the Company approved amendments related to certain defined benefit pension plans effective December 31, 2013. The amendments froze all further benefit accruals for all persons entitled to benefits under these plans as of December 31, 2013. As a result, final average pay formulas will not reflect future compensation increases or additional service after December 31, 2013. While the amendments reduced some risk related to future service costs, there is still risk associated with ongoing liability re-measurement and plan asset valuations. Current accounting standards issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") require balance sheet recognition of the funded status of our defined benefit pension and postretirement benefit plans.  If the fair value of our pension plans’ assets at a future reporting date decreases or if the discount rate used to calculate the projected benefit obligation ("PBO") as of that date decreases, we will be required to record the incremental change in the excess of PBO over the fair value of the assets as a reduction of stockholders’ equity.  The resulting non-cash after-tax charge would represent future expense and would be recorded directly as a decrease in the Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income component of stockholders’ equity.  While we cannot estimate the future funded status of our pension liability with any certainty at this time, we believe that if the market value of assets or the discount rate used to calculate our pension liability materially decreases, the adjustment could significantly reduce our stockholders’ equity.  A significant reduction in stockholders’ equity may impact our compliance with debt covenants or could cause a downgrade in our credit ratings that could also adversely impact our future cost and speed of borrowing and have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.  We have identified pension assumptions as a critical accounting estimate.  See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments—Pension costs” and “—Pension assumptions sensitivity analysis” included in Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 

8



Foreign operations — Conditions in foreign countries and changes in foreign currency exchange rates may significantly reduce our reported results of operations.
We have operations globally.  In 2014, approximately 30 percent of our sales were generated by entities operating outside of the United States.  Fluctuations in currencies can cause transaction and translation losses.  In addition, our revenues and net income may be adversely affected by economic conditions, political situations, and changing laws and regulations in foreign countries, as to which we have no control.

Credit rating — A downgrade in our credit rating could increase our borrowing costs and negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations.
In addition to using cash provided by operations, we regularly issue commercial paper to meet our short-term liquidity needs.  Our credit ratings are important to our ability to issue commercial paper at favorable rates of interest.  A downgrade in our credit rating could increase the cost of borrowing by increasing the spread over prevailing market rates that we pay for our commercial paper or the fees associated with our bank credit facility. 

 Interest rates — An increase in interest rates could reduce our reported results of operations.
At December 31, 2014, our variable rate borrowings approximated $948.5 million (which includes $400 million fixed rate notes that have been effectively converted to variable rate debt through the use of a fixed to variable rate interest rate swap).  Fluctuations in interest rates can increase borrowing costs and have an adverse impact on results of operations.  Accordingly, increases in short-term interest rates will directly impact the amount of interest we pay.  For each one percent increase in variable interest rates, our annual interest expense would increase by approximately $9.5 million on the $948.5 million of variable rate debt outstanding as of December 31, 2014.
 
Imports and exports — We are subject to governmental export and import controls that could subject us to liability or impair our ability to compete in international markets. 
Certain of our products are subject to export controls and may be exported only with the required export license or through an export license exception. If we were to fail to comply with export licensing, customs regulations, economic sanctions and other laws, we could be subject to substantial civil and criminal penalties, including fines for the Company and incarceration for responsible employees and managers, and the possible loss of export or import privileges. In addition, if our distributors fail to obtain appropriate import, export or re-export licenses or permits, we may also be adversely affected through reputational harm and penalties. Obtaining the necessary export license for a particular sale may be time-consuming and may result in the delay or loss of sales opportunities.
 
Furthermore, export control laws and economic sanctions prohibit the shipment of certain products to embargoed or sanctioned countries, governments and persons. While we train our employees to comply with these regulations, we cannot assure that a violation will not occur, whether knowingly or inadvertently. Any such shipment could have negative consequences including government investigations, penalties, fines, civil and criminal sanctions, and reputational harm. Any change in export or import regulations, economic sanctions or related legislation, shift in the enforcement or scope of existing regulations, or change in the countries, governments, persons or technologies targeted by such regulations, could result in our decreased ability to export or sell our products to existing or potential customers with international operations. Any limitation on our ability to export or sell our products could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 

ITEM 1B — UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
 
None.
 

9



ITEM 2 — PROPERTIES
 
Properties utilized by the Company at December 31, 2014, were as follows:
 
U.S. Packaging Segment
This segment has 28 manufacturing plants located in 13 states, of which 27 are owned directly by the Company or its subsidiaries and one is leased from an outside party. 

Global Packaging Segment
This segment has 32 manufacturing plants located in three U.S. states, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and ten non-U.S. countries, of which 26 are owned directly by the Company or its subsidiaries and six are leased from outside parties.  Initial building lease terms generally provide for minimum terms of five to twelve years and have one or more renewal options.  The terms of building leases in effect at December 31, 2014, expire between 2015 and 2018.
 
Corporate and General
The Company considers its plants and other physical properties to be suitable, adequate, and of sufficient productive capacity to meet the requirements of its business.  The manufacturing plants operate at varying levels of utilization depending on the type of operation and market conditions.  The executive offices of the Company, which are leased, are located in Neenah, Wisconsin.
 

ITEM 3 — LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company is involved in a number of lawsuits incidental to its business, including environmental-related litigation and routine litigation arising in the ordinary course of business.  Although it is difficult to predict the ultimate outcome of these cases, the Company believes, except as discussed below, that any ultimate liability would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
 
Environmental Matters
The Company is a potentially responsible party ("PRP") pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (commonly known as “Superfund”) and similar state and foreign laws in proceedings associated with 17 sites around the United States and one in Brazil.  These proceedings were instituted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and certain state and foreign environmental agencies at various times beginning in 1983.  Superfund and similar state and foreign laws create liability for investigation and remediation in response to releases of hazardous substances in the environment. Under these statutes, joint and several liability may be imposed on waste generators, site owners and operators, and others regardless of fault.  Although these regulations could require the Company to remove or mitigate the effects on the environment at various sites, perform remediation work at such sites, or pay damages for loss of use and non-use values, the Company expects its liability in these proceedings to be limited to monetary damages. The Company expects its future liability relative to these sites to be insignificant, individually and in the aggregate.  The Company has accrued an amount that it believes to be adequate to cover its exposure.
 
São Paulo Tax Dispute
Two of the Company’s subsidiaries (Dixie Toga Ltda ("Dixie Toga") and Itap Bemis Ltda) were involved in a tax dispute with the City of São Paulo, Brazil ("City"). The City imposes a tax on the rendering of printing services. The City assessed this city services tax on the production and sale of printed labels and packaging products. The Company disagreed and contended that the city services tax was not applicable to its products and that the products were subject only to the state value added tax ("VAT"). Under Brazilian law, state VAT and city services tax are mutually exclusive and the same transaction can be subject to only one of those taxes. Based on a ruling from the State of São Paulo, advice from legal counsel, and long standing business practice, the Company appealed the city services tax and instead continued to collect and pay only the state VAT.

The City disagreed and assessed the subsidiaries the city services tax for the multiple years dating back to 1991. The Company challenged the assessments and ultimately litigated the issue. Multiple courts, including the Lower Tax Court in the city of São Paulo and the São Paulo Court of Justice, previously issued decisions in favor of the Company. In May 2014, the Second Panel of the Supreme Court for the State of São Paulo issued a decision in favor of the Company in one of the relevant lawsuits.  The City did not appeal, and the decision is final.  The Company is involved in several similar lawsuits with the City. We expect it may take several years before the remaining cases are fully decided, but we believe this decision has established precedent and should lead to a favorable ruling in the remaining cases.

10




Brazil Tax Dispute - Goodwill Amortization
During October 2013, Dixie Toga received an income tax assessment in Brazil for the tax years 2009 through 2011 that relates to the amortization of certain goodwill generated from the acquisition of Dixie Toga. The income tax assessed for those years is approximately $14.3 million, translated to U.S. dollars at the December 31, 2014 exchange rate. The Company expects that tax examinations for years after 2011 will include similar assessments as the Company continues to claim the tax benefits associated with the goodwill amortization. An ultimate adverse resolution on these assessments, including interest and penalties, could be material to the Company's consolidated results of operations and/or cash flows.

The Company has been advised by its legal and tax advisors that its position with respect to the deductions is allowable under the tax laws of Brazil. The Company is contesting the disallowance and believes it is more likely than not the tax benefit will be sustained in its entirety and consequently has not recorded a liability. The Company intends to litigate the matter if it is not resolved at the administrative appeal levels. The ultimate outcome will not be determined until the Brazilian tax appeal process is complete, which could take several years.  At this time, the Company believes that final resolution of the assessment will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
 
Brazil Investigation
On September 18, 2007, the Secretariat of Economic Law ("SDE"), a governmental agency in Brazil now integrated into the CADE (Brazilian Competition Commission) Superintendence General after a change in the law, initiated an investigation into possible anti-competitive practices in the Brazilian flexible packaging industry against a number of Brazilian companies including a Dixie Toga subsidiary.  The investigation relates to periods prior to the Company’s acquisition of control of Dixie Toga and its subsidiaries.  Given the nature of the proceedings, the Company is unable at the present time to predict the outcome of this matter.
 

 ITEM 4 — MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
 
Not applicable.
 

11



PART II
 
ITEM 5 — MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
 
 
 
(a)
 
(b)
 
(c)
 
(d)
Period
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased
 
Average Price Paid per Share
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
 
Maximum Number of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
October 1-31, 2014
 
50,000

 
$
38.60

 
50,000

 
8,337,783

November 1-30, 2014
 
1,132,856

 
38.70

 
1,132,856

 
7,204,927

December 1-31, 2014
 
522,036

 
42.64

 
522,036

 
6,682,891

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Total
 
 
 
$
39.90

 
1,704,892

 
6,682,891


The Company’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol BMS.  On December 31, 2014, there were 3,284 registered holders of record of our common stock.  On May 1, 2014, the Board of Directors of the Company increased the cumulative authorization for repurchases to 9.4 million shares of Bemis common stock, which authorization has no stated expiration. During the fourth quarter of the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company repurchased 1,704,892 shares of Bemis common stock in the open market at an average purchase price of $39.90 per share.  As of December 31, 2014, under authority granted by the Board of Directors, the Company had authorization to repurchase an additional 6,682,891 shares of its common stock.
 
Dividends paid and the high and low common stock prices per share were as follows:
 
For the Quarterly Periods Ended:
 
March 31
 
June 30
 
September 30
 
December 31
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2014
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Dividend paid per common share
 
$
0.27

 
$
0.27

 
$
0.27

 
$
0.27

Common stock price per share
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

High
 
40.99

 
41.58

 
41.02

 
47.20

Low
 
37.01

 
39.13

 
37.72

 
34.34

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2013
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Dividend paid per common share
 
0.26

 
0.26

 
0.26

 
0.26

Common stock price per share
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

High
 
40.41

 
41.22

 
42.34

 
41.02

Low
 
33.65

 
37.81

 
38.40

 
37.88

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2012
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Dividend paid per common share
 
0.25

 
0.25

 
0.25

 
0.25

Common stock price per share
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

High
 
32.79

 
33.48

 
32.08

 
33.93

Low
 
29.63

 
29.52

 
29.59

 
31.33



12



ITEM 6 — SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
FIVE-YEAR CONSOLIDATED REVIEW
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
Operating Data
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net sales
 
$
4,343.5

 
$
4,476.6

 
$
4,583.6

 
$
4,747.9

 
$
4,272.4

Income from continuing operations
 
239.1

 
192.5

 
148.9

 
164.3

 
187.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common Share Data
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic earnings per share from continuing operations
 
2.39

 
1.86

 
1.43

 
1.51

 
1.63

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations
 
2.36

 
1.85

 
1.42

 
1.51

 
1.63

Dividends per share
 
1.08

 
1.04

 
1.00

 
0.96

 
0.92

Book value per share
 
14.59

 
16.53

 
15.88

 
15.36

 
17.90

Weighted-average shares outstanding for computation of diluted earnings per share
 
101.2

 
104.0

 
105.0

 
106.6

 
110.7

Common shares outstanding at December 31,
 
98.2

 
101.9

 
103.3

 
103.0

 
107.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital Structure and Other Data
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Current ratio
 
2.7x

 
2.5x

 
2.4x

 
2.3x

 
2.2x

Working capital
 
$
806.4

 
$
902.6

 
$
882.0

 
$
867.0

 
$
791.7

Total assets
 
3,615.1

 
4,110.2

 
4,185.7

 
4,320.4

 
4,285.8

Short-term debt
 
31.3

 
14.9

 
8.9

 
15.1

 
2.9

Long-term debt
 
1,315.9

 
1,421.4

 
1,417.6

 
1,554.8

 
1,283.5

Total equity
 
1,433.0

 
1,684.8

 
1,640.9

 
1,582.1

 
1,927.4

Depreciation and amortization
 
180.6

 
190.3

 
204.3

 
220.3

 
209.7

Capital expenditures
 
185.2

 
139.8

 
136.4

 
135.2

 
113.2

Number of common shareholders
 
3,284

 
3,416

 
3,481

 
3,618

 
3,758

Number of employees
 
16,944

 
19,106

 
19,564

 
20,165

 
19,796


13



ITEM 7 — MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
 
Three Years Ended December 31, 2014
Management’s Discussion and Analysis should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
Three-year review of results
(dollars in millions)
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Net sales
 
$
4,343.5

 
100.0
 %
 
$
4,476.6

 
100.0
 %
 
$
4,583.6

 
100.0
 %
Cost of products sold
 
3,484.4

 
80.2

 
3,601.2

 
80.4

 
3,731.9

 
81.4

Gross profit
 
859.1

 
19.8

 
875.4

 
19.6

 
851.7

 
18.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
 
416.6

 
9.6

 
448.5

 
10.0

 
454.2

 
9.9

Research and development
 
44.1

 
1.0

 
40.5

 
0.9

 
35.7

 
0.8

Facility consolidation and other costs
 

 

 
45.4

 
1.0

 
68.7

 
1.5

Other operating income
 
(9.3
)
 
(0.2
)
 
(9.2
)
 
(0.2
)
 
(15.2
)
 
(0.3
)
Operating income
 
407.7

 
9.4

 
350.2

 
7.8

 
308.3

 
6.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
 
60.8

 
1.4

 
68.2

 
1.5

 
70.9

 
1.5

Other non-operating income
 
(16.8
)
 
(0.4
)
 
(7.7
)
 
(0.2
)
 
(3.8
)
 
(0.1
)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
 
363.7

 
8.4

 
289.7

 
6.5

 
241.2

 
5.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for income taxes
 
124.6

 
2.9

 
97.2

 
2.2

 
92.3

 
2.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations
 
239.1

 
5.5

 
192.5

 
4.3

 
148.9

 
3.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Loss) income from discontinued operations
 
(48.0
)
 
(1.1
)
 
20.1

 
0.4

 
24.9

 
0.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
191.1

 
4.4
 %
 
$
212.6

 
4.7
 %
 
$
173.8

 
3.8
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
Effective income tax rate
 
 

 
34.3
 %
 
 

 
33.6
 %
 
 

 
38.3
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations
 
$
2.36

 
 
 
$
1.85

 
 
 
$
1.42

 
 
 

Overview
Bemis Company, Inc. is a leading global manufacturer of packaging supplying a variety of markets. Historically, about 75 percent of our total net sales are to customers in the food industry. Sales of our packaging products are widely diversified among food categories and can be found in nearly every aisle of the grocery store. Our emphasis on supplying packaging to the food industry has typically provided a more stable market environment for our U.S. Packaging and Global Packaging business segments.
 

14



Market Conditions
The markets into which our products are sold are highly competitive. Our leading market positions in packaging for perishable food and medical device products reflect our focus on value-added, proprietary products that provide food safety and sterility benefits. We also manufacture products for which our technical know-how and economies of scale offer us a competitive advantage. The primary raw materials for our business segments are polymer resins and films, paper, inks, adhesives, aluminum, and chemicals. 

Facility Consolidation
During the fourth quarter of 2011 we initiated a facility consolidation program to improve efficiencies and reduce fixed costs. This program was expanded in the second quarter of 2012. In total, nine production facilities were closed, and while some low margin business was shed, most of the production from these facilities has been transferred to other facilities. The total cost of the programs was $149.8 million which included $55.3 million in employee-related costs, $51.2 million in fixed asset accelerated depreciation and write-downs, and $43.3 million in other facility consolidation costs.
We recorded $45.4 million and $68.7 million of charges associated with the facility consolidation programs during the twelve months ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. These costs have been recorded on the consolidated statement of income as facility consolidation and other costs. Cash payments for these programs in 2013 and 2012 totaled $51.6 million and $35.2 million, respectively. At the end of 2013, the facility consolidation program was substantially complete.

Discontinued Operations
On November 7, 2014, we completed the sale of our global Pressure Sensitive Materials business. Net proceeds of the transaction totaled $136.9 million, subject to settlement of customary post-closing adjustments in 2015.
The Pressure Sensitive Materials business meets the criteria to be classified as a discontinued operation, which requires retrospective application to certain financial information for all periods presented. Amounts included in the consolidated statement of income have been recast to exclude Pressure Sensitive Materials amounts. The consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2013 and related notes have not been recast to reflect the assets and liabilities divested. The consolidated statement of cash flows for all periods includes both continuing and discontinued operations.
(Loss) income from discontinued operations in 2014 includes the operating results of our Pressure Sensitive Materials business, goodwill impairment charges, direct transaction costs associated with the planned divestiture, $25.0 million of plant closure costs associated with our Stow, Ohio facility ($0.16 per share after tax), and the associated income tax effects of these items. The pre-tax $44.7 million ($0.50 per share after tax) non-cash goodwill impairment charge is to reduce net assets held for sale to estimated fair value, less costs to sell.

Acquisitions and Divestitures

Divestiture of Paper Packaging Division
On March 31, 2014, we completed the sale of our Paper Packaging Division. Annual net sales by this division were approximately $160 million. Net proceeds of the transaction totaled $78.7 million. A $9.3 million pre-tax gain on the sale was recorded as part of other non-operating income during 2014.

Acquisition of Specialty Film Manufacturer in Foshan, China
On July 1, 2013, we acquired Foshan New Changsheng Plastics Films Co., LTD ("Foshan"), a specialty film manufacturer located in Foshan, China. The acquisition of this film platform is expected to provide cost and logistics benefits to support our broader Asia-Pacific growth strategy. The cash purchase price was $75.6 million.

Divestiture of Clysar Plant in Clinton, Iowa
On May 29, 2013, we completed the sale of our Clysar thin gauge shrink film plant. Annual net sales of Clysar films were approximately $70 million and were sold primarily through distributors into the display market. Net proceeds of the transaction totaled $30 million.


15



Acquisition of Australia and New Zealand Distributors
On August 22, 2012, we acquired flexible packaging businesses in Australia and New Zealand. The acquisition of these businesses supports our strategy to enhance our presence in the Asia-Pacific region. The combined purchase price was approximately $18.4 million.


Results of Operations
Consolidated Overview — Continuing Operations
(in millions, except per share amounts)
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Net sales
 
$
4,343.5

 
$
4,476.6

 
$
4,583.6

Income from continuing operations
 
239.1

 
192.5

 
148.9

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations
 
2.36

 
1.85

 
1.42

 
2014 versus 2013
Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2014 decreased 3.0 percent from the same period of 2013. Currency translation reduced net sales by 2.4 percent.  The divestitures of the Clysar business in 2013 and the Paper Packaging Division in 2014 reduced sales by 3.4 percent. The acquisition of Foshan during the third quarter of 2013 increased net sales by 0.8 percent in the current year. Plant closures during 2013 reduced sales by 0.1 percent. The remaining 2.1 percent increase in net sales represents the net benefit of changes in selling prices and sales mix, partially offset by an approximate 2 percent net sales reduction from lower volume.
 
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2014 were $2.36 compared to $1.85 reported in the same period of 2013.  Results for 2014 included a $0.06 gain on the sale of our Paper Packaging Division. Results for 2013 included a $0.29 charge associated with facility consolidation and other costs, a $0.03 gain on the sale of our Clysar plant, and a $0.02 gain on the sale of land and building.

2013 versus 2012
Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2013 decreased 2.3 percent from the same period of 2012. Currency translation reduced net sales by 1.6 percent. Acquisitions increased net sales by approximately 0.9 percent during the year, which was completely offset by the sales reduction due to divestitures. Our facility consolidation activities reduced net sales by 1.7 percent, reflecting our reduced capacity for certain products. The remaining increase in net sales represents an approximate 4 percent benefit from increased selling prices and improved sales mix, partially offset by an approximate 3 percent net sales reduction from lower volume. These changes were principally driven by the performance of our Global Packaging business, as described below.
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2013 were $1.85 compared to $1.42 reported in the same period of 2012. Results for 2013 included a $0.29 charge associated with facility consolidation and other costs and $0.05 of benefits associated with gains on divestiture and land and building. Results for 2012 included a $0.45 charge associated with facility consolidation and other costs and $0.04 of charges for acquisition-related earnout and transaction payments.
2012 Accounting Practice Harmonization
In the fourth quarter of 2012, financial modules of our ERP system were implemented at a significant number of our locations. During that quarter we recorded adjustments primarily to cost of goods sold in order to harmonize the application of certain accounting practices and provide consistency among the business segments. These adjustments which were made to individual locations across our segments, as referenced in the respective business segment discussions and summarized in the chart below, substantially offset one another.
(dollars in millions)
Benefit (detriment)
U.S. Packaging
$
13.8

Global Packaging
(16.4
)
Total
$
(2.6
)
 

16



U.S. Packaging Business Segment
Our U.S. Packaging segment represents all food, consumer, and industrial products packaging-related manufacturing operations located in the United States. Our U.S. Packaging business segment provides packaging to a variety of end markets, including applications for meat and cheese, dairy and liquids, confectionery and snack foods, frozen foods, lawn and garden products, health and hygiene products, beverages, bakery goods, and dry foods.
(dollars in millions)
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Net sales
 
$
2,860.7

 
$
2,984.6

 
$
3,040.1

Operating profit (See Note 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements)
 
375.8

 
337.9

 
366.7

Operating profit as a percentage of net sales
 
13.1
%
 
11.3
%
 
12.1
%
 
2014 versus 2013
U.S. Packaging net sales decreased 4.2 percent in the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the same period of 2013. The divestitures of the Clysar business in 2013 and the Paper Packaging Division in 2014 reduced sales by 5.2 percent. Plant closures during 2013 reduced sales by 0.1 percent. The remaining 1.1 percent increase in net sales reflects the net benefit of increased selling prices and improved sales mix as a result of our ongoing focus to increase sales of value-added flexible packaging products, partially offset by an approximate 2 percent decrease in unit volumes driven by generally softer demand.

 Operating profit for the total year 2014 was $375.8 million, or 13.1 percent of net sales, compared to $337.9 million, or 11.3 percent of net sales in 2013. Operating profit in 2013 was negatively impacted by $45.0 million of facility consolidation and other costs.

2013 versus 2012
U.S. Packaging net sales decreased 1.8 percent in the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to the same period of 2012. This change reflects a 1.4 percent reduction in sales due to the impact of facility consolidation activities, in addition to a 1.4 percent reduction associated with a divestiture in May of 2013. The remaining one percent increase in net sales reflects an approximately 2 percent benefit from increased selling prices and improved sales mix, partially offset by an approximately one percent decrease in net sales associated with generally lower unit sales compared to the same period of last year. The net benefit of increased selling prices and improved sales mix reflect our ongoing focus on higher priced, value-added flexible packaging products.
Operating profit for the total year 2013 was $337.9 million, or 11.3 percent of net sales, compared to $366.7 million, or 12.1 percent of net sales in 2012. Operating profit in 2013 and 2012 were negatively impacted by $45.0 million and $42.1 million of facility consolidation and other costs, respectively. Operating profit in 2012 benefited from a favorable fourth quarter adjustment totaling $13.8 million related to the harmonization of certain accounting practices in connection with an enterprise resource planning system implementation.
 
Global Packaging Business Segment
Our Global Packaging business segment includes all of our packaging-related manufacturing operations located outside of the United States as well as our global medical device and pharmaceutical packaging manufacturing operations. Our Global Packaging business segment provides packaging to a variety of end markets, including applications for meat and cheese, dairy and liquids, confectionery and snack foods, frozen foods, lawn and garden products, health and hygiene products, beverages, medical and pharmaceutical products, bakery goods, and dry foods.
(dollars in millions)
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Net sales
 
$
1,482.8

 
$
1,492.0

 
$
1,543.5

Operating profit (See Note 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements)
 
113.3

 
106.4

 
59.9

Operating profit as a percentage of net sales
 
7.6
%
 
7.1
%
 
3.9
%
 
2014 versus 2013
Global Packaging net sales of $1.5 billion represented a decrease of 0.6 percent compared to 2013. Acquisitions increased net sales by approximately 2.4 percent, which was more than offset by a 7.0 percent decrease in net sales related to

17



currency translation. The remaining 4.0 percent increase in Global Packaging net sales reflects the net benefit of changes in selling prices and sales mix as a result of our ongoing focus to increase sales of value-added flexible packaging products, partially offset by an approximate 1 percent decrease in unit volumes driven by generally lower consumer demand in South America.

Operating profit for the total year 2014 was $113.3 million, or 7.6 percent of net sales, compared to $106.4 million, or 7.1 percent of net sales in 2013. The net effect of currency translation decreased operating profit in 2014 by $6.4 million. Margin improvement in this segment reflects the favorable impact of increased sales of value-added packaging for medical device, pharmaceutical, and perishable food applications.
 
2013 versus 2012
Global Packaging net sales of $1.5 billion represented a decrease of 3.3 percent compared to 2012. The impact of currency translation reduced net sales by 4.8 percent during the year. Facility consolidation activities reduced net sales by 3.0 percent, reflecting our reduced capacity for certain products. Our acquisition of a China-based extrusion facility in July 2013 increased net sales by 2.8 percent compared to last year. The remaining 1.7 percent increase in Global Packaging net sales reflects the net impact of an approximately 12 percent increase in net sales associated with higher selling prices and improved sales mix, partially offset by a net sales decrease of approximately 10 percent related to lower unit sales volumes.  Lower unit sales volumes reflect the impact of economic inflation in Latin America which has increased food prices and reduced consumer demand for grocery products, including applications that use our packaging products.
Operating profit for the total year 2013 was $106.4 million, or 7.1 percent of net sales, compared to $59.9 million, or 3.9 percent of net sales in 2012. The net effect of currency translation decreased operating profit in 2013 by $6.9 million. Operating profit in 2013 and 2012 were negatively impacted by $0.4 million and $26.6 million of facility consolidation and other costs, respectively. The increase in operating profit also reflects the impact of an unfavorable 2012 fourth quarter adjustment totaling $16.4 million related to the harmonization of certain accounting practices in connection with the enterprise resource planning system implementation, and $4.6 million of Mayor Packaging acquisition-related charges in 2012.



Consolidated Gross Profit
(dollars in millions)
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Gross profit
 
$
859.1

 
$
875.4

 
$
851.7

Gross profit as a percentage of net sales
 
19.8
%
 
19.6
%
 
18.6
%
Gross profit in 2014 and 2013 reflects the benefits of cost reductions associated with facility consolidation activities and improvements in sales mix.
 

Consolidated Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses
(dollars in millions)
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Selling, general, and administrative expenses (SG&A)
 
$
416.6

 
$
448.5

 
$
454.2

SG&A as a percentage of net sales
 
9.6
%
 
10.0
%
 
9.9
%
Selling, general, and administrative expenses ("SG&A") in 2014 declined due to the impact of business divestitures of approximately $17 million and lower employee-related expenses of approximately $10 million, in addition to disciplined cost control measures. SG&A in 2013 reflects lower employee benefit plan costs of approximately $10 million partially offset by inflationary increases.
 





18



Research and Development (R&D)
(dollars in millions)
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Research and development (R&D)
 
$
44.1

 
$
40.5

 
$
35.7

R&D as a percentage of net sales
 
1.0
%
 
0.9
%
 
0.8
%
During the periods presented, R&D expense increased in absolute terms and as a percentage of net sales, reflecting our investment in select research and development projects that are expected to create long-term growth opportunities. Current market trends support these investments.

Other Operating Income
(dollars in millions)
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Other operating income
 
$
(9.3
)
 
$
(9.2
)
 
$
(15.2
)
For the year 2014, other operating income included $11.6 million of fiscal incentive income compared to $10.8 million in 2013 and $16.6 million in 2012. The reduction in fiscal incentives reflects the impact of currency translation, the closing of a plant in Brazil, and a general reduction in fiscal incentives. These fiscal incentives are associated with net sales in South America and are included in Global Packaging segment operating profit.
 

Interest Expense
(dollars in millions)
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Interest expense
 
$
60.8

 
$
68.2

 
$
70.9

Effective interest rate
 
4.4
%
 
4.8
%
 
4.7
%
Interest expense in 2014 declined as a result of refinancing bonds that matured August 1, 2014 with lower variable rate debt.  

Other Non-operating Income
(dollars in millions)
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Other non-operating income
 
$
(16.8
)
 
$
(7.7
)
 
$
(3.8
)
A $9.3 million pre-tax gain related to the sale of our Paper Packaging Division and $7.6 million of interest income were recorded in 2014.
During 2013, a $2.2 million pre-tax gain on the sale of land and building and a $5.5 million pre-tax gain on the sale of our Clysar plant was recorded as part of other non-operating income. We recognized $4.5 million of expense in 2013 for the write-off of indemnification receivables as an offsetting tax liability was reversed (see "Income Taxes" below). The residual amount in other non-operating income relates to interest income.
During 2012, other non-operating income included interest income and a gain on sale of excess land, partially offset by a foreign exchange loss of $1.8 million.   
Income Taxes
(dollars in millions)
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Income taxes
 
$
124.6

 
$
97.2

 
$
92.3

Effective tax rate
 
34.3
%
 
33.6
%
 
38.3
%
 
Other than the differences noted below, the difference between our overall tax rate and the U.S. statutory rate of 35 percent in each of the three years presented principally relates to state and local income taxes, net of federal income tax benefits, and the differences between tax rates in the various foreign jurisdictions in which we operate.

Our 2013 effective income tax rate was 33.6 percent. During 2013, a $4.5 million tax benefit was recognized for the reversal of non-U.S. tax liabilities that were assumed in a past acquisition. We also recognized an equal amount of non-operating expense for the write-off of related receivables (see "Other Non-operating Income" above). These equal and offsetting items had no impact on operating profit, net income or earnings per share.

19



Our 2012 effective income tax rate was 38.3 percent. This higher rate was caused by adjustments to valuation allowances based on the likely realization of the future benefits related to specific net deferred tax assets. The deferred tax assets relate primarily to accumulated operating losses incurred by certain legal entities in foreign countries. Excluding these adjustments, the effective tax rate for 2012 would have been 36.5 percent.     
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Debt to Total Capitalization
Net debt to total capitalization (which includes total debt net of cash balances divided by total debt net of cash balances plus equity) was 44.9 percent at December 31, 2014, compared to 43.5 percent at December 31, 2013.  Total debt as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 was approximately $1.3 billion and $1.4 billion, respectively. 
 
Credit Rating
Our capital structure and financial practices have earned us investment grade credit ratings from two nationally recognized credit rating agencies. These credit ratings are important to our ability to issue commercial paper at favorable rates of interest.

Cash Flow
Net cash provided by operations totaled $248.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to $373.2 million in 2013 and $421.3 million in 2012.  Reduced operating cash flow in 2014 reflects high levels of working capital associated with sales growth initiatives. New product commercialization and strong customer demand for value-added products resulted in higher inventory and accounts receivable balances. Net cash provided by operations was reduced by income tax payments of $134.8 million, $121.9 million and $79.3 million during 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. Net cash provided by operations was reduced by contributions to our defined benefit pension plans of $10.8 million, $39.0 million and $65.4 million during 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. In 2014 we used $20.8 million of cash for payments related to the closure of our Stow, Ohio plant. Cash flow from operations was reduced by $51.6 million and $35.2 million of cash paid related to the facility consolidation program during 2013 and 2012, respectively.  

 Net cash provided by investing activities totaled $40.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to cash used in investing activities in 2013 totaling $155.8 million. The cash proceeds from divesting our Pressure Sensitive Materials business and Paper Packaging Division more than offset increased capital expenditure spending in 2014. The cash proceeds from divesting our Clysar plant offset the higher acquisition outflows associated with our Foshan purchase in 2013.
 
Net cash used in financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, included share repurchases of $152.1 million and $77.3 million, respectively. Net cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2012 included repayment of our $300 million notes.
 
Available Financing
In addition to using cash provided by operations, we issue commercial paper to meet our short-term liquidity needs.  At year-end, our commercial paper debt outstanding was $317.3 million.  Based on our current credit rating, we enjoy ready access to the commercial paper markets.

On August 12, 2013, we amended our revolving credit facility to increase the total amount available from $800 million to $1.1 billion and to extend the term from July 21, 2016 to August 12, 2018. This facility is principally used as back-up for our commercial paper program. Our revolving credit facility is supported by a group of major U.S. and international banks. Covenants imposed by the revolving credit facility include minimum net worth calculations and a maximum ratio of debt to total capitalization. The revolving credit agreement includes a $100 million multicurrency limit to support the financing needs of our international subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2014, there was $317.3 million of debt outstanding supported by this credit facility, leaving $782.7 million of available credit. If we were not able to issue commercial paper, we would expect to meet our financial liquidity needs by accessing the bank market, which would increase our borrowing costs. Borrowings under the credit agreement are subject to a variable interest rate.

Public notes totaling $400 million matured in August 2014. On July 15, 2014, we further amended our revolving credit facility to provide for a $200 million term loan. This term loan has an eight-year term and a variable rate based on the one-month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus a fixed spread. We used this term loan combined with commercial paper borrowings to refinance the $400 million public notes which matured in August 2014.
 

20



Liquidity Outlook
As of December 31, 2014, cash and cash equivalents outside of the United States was $44.0 million. We use a notional pooling arrangement with an international bank to help manage global liquidity requirements. Under this pooling arrangement, our participating subsidiaries maintain either a cash deposit or borrowing position through local currency accounts with the bank, so long as the aggregate position of the global pool is a notionally calculated net cash deposit. This notional pooling arrangement allows reasonable access to our cash in foreign subsidiaries, as well as provides a financing option to foreign subsidiaries beyond our multi-currency credit facility.
 
Management expects cash flow from operations and available liquidity described above to be sufficient to support operations going forward.  There can be no assurance, however, that the cost or availability of future borrowings will not be impacted by future capital market disruptions.  In addition, increases in raw material costs would increase our short term liquidity needs.
 
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures were $185.2 million during 2014, compared to $139.8 million in 2013, and $136.4 million in 2012.  We expect capital expenditures for 2015 to be in the range of $185 to $200 million, which will support increased customer demand for value-added products and further strengthen our competitive position. We expect to fund 2015 capital expenditures with cash provided by operating activities.

Dividends
We increased our quarterly cash dividend by 3.8 percent during the first quarter of 2014 to $0.27 per share from $0.26 per share.  This follows increases of 4.0 percent in 2013 and 4.2 percent in 2012.  In February 2015, the Board of Directors approved the 32nd consecutive annual increase in the quarterly cash dividend on common stock to $0.28 per share, a 3.7 percent increase.
 
Share Repurchases
We purchased 3.8 million and 2.0 million shares of our common stock in the open market during 2014 and 2013, respectively. No shares were repurchased during 2012.  As of December 31, 2014, 6.7 million shares remained on our previously-approved authorization to purchase common stock for the treasury.
 
Contractual Obligations
The following table provides a summary of contractual obligations including our debt payment obligations, operating lease obligations, and certain other purchase obligations as of December 31, 2014.  Obligations under capital leases are insignificant.
 
 
 
Contractual Payments Due by Period
 
 
 
 
Less than
 
1 to 3
 
3 to 5
 
More than
(in millions)
 
Total
 
1 year
 
years
 
years
 
5 years
Long-term debt obligations (1)
 
$
1,317.3

 
$

 
$

 
$
717.3

 
$
600.0

Interest expense (2)
 
273.4

 
48.9

 
97.6

 
86.3

 
40.6

Operating leases (3)
 
54.4

 
8.7

 
12.9

 
7.5

 
25.3

Purchase obligations (4)
 
489.9

 
462.6

 
16.3

 
2.5

 
8.5

Postretirement obligations (5)
 
59.2

 
2.1

 
21.3

 
6.5

 
29.3

Total
 
$
2,194.2

 
$
522.3

 
$
148.1

 
$
820.1

 
$
703.7

 
(1)
Long-term debt maturing in 2015 is $317.3 million. These amounts have been classified as long-term liabilities in accordance with the Company’s ability and intent to refinance such obligations on a long-term basis.  This debt is commercial paper backed by a bank credit facility that expires on August 12, 2018.  See Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information about our long term debt.

(2)
A portion of the interest expense disclosed is subject to variable interest rates.  The amounts disclosed above assume that future variable interest rates are equal to rates at December 31, 2014.

(3)
We enter into operating leases in the normal course of business.  Substantially all lease agreements have fixed payment terms based on the passage of time.  Some lease agreements provide us with the option to renew the lease.  Our future

21



operating lease obligations would change if we exercised these renewal options and if we entered into additional operating lease agreements.

(4)
Purchase obligations represent contracts or commitments for the purchase of raw materials, utilities, capital equipment and various other goods and services.

(5)
Postretirement obligations represent contracts or commitments for postretirement healthcare benefits and benefit payments for the unfunded Bemis Supplemental Retirement Plan.  See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information about our postretirement benefit obligations.

 
We also have long-term obligations related to our income tax liabilities associated with uncertain tax positions, environmental liabilities, multi-employer plan, and pension defined benefit plans. These liabilities have been excluded from the table above due to the high degree of uncertainty as to amounts and timing regarding future payments.  See Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes.

Market Risks and Foreign Currency Exposures
We enter into contractual arrangements (derivatives) in the ordinary course of business to manage foreign currency exposure and interest rate risks.  We do not enter into derivative transactions for speculative trading purposes.  Our use of derivative instruments is subject to internal policies that provide guidelines for control, counterparty risk, and ongoing reporting.  These derivative instruments are designed to reduce the income statement volatility associated with movement in foreign exchange rates and to achieve greater exposure to variable interest rates.
 
A portion of the interest expense on our outstanding debt is subject to short-term interest rates.  As such, increases in short-term interest rates will directly impact the amount of interest we pay.  For each one percent increase in variable interest rates, the annual interest expense on $948.5 million of variable rate debt outstanding (which includes $400 million fixed rate notes that have been effectively converted to variable rate debt through the use of a fixed to variable rate interest rate swap) would increase by approximately $9.5 million.
 
We enter into interest-rate swap contracts to economically convert a portion of our fixed-rate debt to variable rate debt.  During the fourth quarter of 2011, we entered into four interest rate swap agreements with a total notional amount of $400 million.  These contracts were designated as hedges of our $400 million 4.50 percent fixed-rate debt due in 2021.  The variable rate for each of the interest rate swaps is based on the six-month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), set in arrears, plus a fixed spread.  The variable rates are reset semi-annually at each net settlement date.  The net settlement benefit to us, which is recorded as a reduction in interest expense, was $8.2 million, $8.1 million, and $7.0 million in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.  At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the fair value of these interest rate swaps was $1.0 million in our favor and $20.2 million in the bank's favor, respectively, using discounted cash flow or other appropriate methodologies. Asset positions are included in deferred charges and other assets with a corresponding increase in long-term debt.  Liability positions are included in other liabilities and deferred credits with a corresponding decrease in long-term debt.

Our international operations enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts to manage foreign currency exchange rate exposures associated with certain foreign currency denominated receivables and payables.  At December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had outstanding forward exchange contracts with notional amounts aggregating $2.3 million and $5.5 million, respectively.  Forward exchange contracts generally have maturities of less than six months.  Counterparties to the forward exchange contracts are major financial institutions.  Credit loss from counterparty nonperformance is not anticipated.  We have not designated these derivative instruments as hedging instruments.  The net settlement amount (fair value) related to the active forward foreign currency exchange contracts is recorded on the balance sheet within current liabilities and as an element of other operating income which offsets the related transactions gains and losses on the related foreign denominated asset or liability.  Amounts recognized in income related to forward exchange contracts were $0.4 million of expense and $0.1 million of income in the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
 



22



Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP.  The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period.  On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates and judgments, including those related to retirement benefits, intangible assets, goodwill, and expected future performance of operations.  Our estimates and judgments are based on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.  Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
 
We believe the following are critical accounting estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
The calculation of annual pension costs and related assets and liabilities; and
The valuation of intangible assets and goodwill.

Pension costs
We recognize amounts in our financial statements related to our defined benefit pension plans which are frozen for the majority of participants on an actuarial basis.  The accounting for our pension plans requires us to recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of the pension plans on our balance sheet.  A substantial portion of our pension amounts relate to our defined benefit plans in the United States.  Net periodic pension cost recorded in 2014 was $9.4 million, compared to pension cost of $24.3 million in 2013 and $47.8 million in 2012. We expect pension expense before the effect of income taxes for 2015 to be in a range of $10 million to $15 million. 
 
One element used in determining annual pension income and expense in accordance with accounting rules is the expected return on plan assets. Beginning in 2013, we adopted a liability responsive asset allocation policy that becomes more conservative as the funded status of the plans improve. The majority of pension plan assets relate to U.S. plans and the target allocation is currently to invest approximately 65 percent in fixed income securities and approximately 35 percent in equity securities.
 
To develop the expected long-term rate of return on assets assumption, we considered compound historical returns and future expectations based on our target asset allocation.  For the historical long-term investment periods of 10, 15, 20 and 25 years ending December 31, 2014, our U.S. pension plan assets earned annualized rates of return of 6.6 percent, 4.1 percent, 8.8 percent, and 8.7 percent, respectively.  Using our U.S. target asset allocation of plan assets, our outside actuaries have used their independent economic models to calculate a range of expected long-term rates of return and, based on their results, we have determined our U.S. asset return assumptions to be reasonable.
 
This assumed long-term rate of return on assets is applied to a calculated value of plan assets, which recognizes changes in the fair value of plan assets in a systematic manner over approximately three years.  This process calculates the expected return on plan assets that is included in pension income or expense.  The difference between this expected return and the actual return on plan assets is generally deferred and recognized over subsequent periods.  The net deferral of asset gains and losses affects the calculated value of pension plan assets and, ultimately, future pension income and expense.

At the end of each year, we determine the discount rate to be used to calculate the present value of pension plan liabilities.  This discount rate is an estimate of the current interest rate at which the pension liabilities could be effectively settled at the end of the year.  In estimating this rate, we look to changes in rates of return on high quality, fixed income investments that receive one of the two highest ratings given by a recognized ratings agency.  At December 31, 2014, for our U.S. defined benefit pension plans we determined this rate to be 4.00 percent, a decrease of one percent from the 5.00 percent rate used at December 31, 2013.
 
For our non-U.S. pension plans, we follow similar methodologies in determining the appropriate expected rates of return on assets and discount rates to be used in our actuarial calculations in each individual country.
 
U.S.  Pension assumptions sensitivity analysis
The following charts depict the sensitivity of estimated 2015 pension expense to incremental changes in the discount rate and the expected long-term rate of return on assets.
 

23



Discount rate
 
Total increase (decrease) to pension expense from current assumption (in millions)
 
Rate of Return on Plan Assets
 
Total increase (decrease) to pension expense from current assumption (in millions)
3.00 percent
 
$
8.0

 
6.50 percent
 
$
6.4

3.25 percent
 
5.8

 
6.75 percent
 
4.7

3.50 percent
 
3.8

 
7.00 percent
 
3.1

3.75 percent
 
1.9

 
7.25 percent
 
1.6

4.00 percent —                    Current Assumption
 

 
7.50 percent —                       Current Assumption
 

4.25 percent
 
(1.9
)
 
7.75 percent
 
(1.6
)
4.50 percent
 
(3.6
)
 
8.00 percent
 
(3.1
)
4.75 percent
 
(5.2
)
 
8.25 percent
 
(4.7
)
5.00 percent
 
(6.8
)
 
8.50 percent
 
(6.4
)
 
The amount by which the fair value of plan assets differs from the projected benefit obligation of a pension plan must be recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as an asset, in the case of an overfunded plan, or as a liability, in the case of an underfunded plan.  The gains or losses and prior service costs or credits that arise but are not recognized as components of pension cost are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income.  The following chart depicts the sensitivity of the total pension adjustment to other comprehensive income to changes in the assumed discount rate.
 
 
 
Total increase (decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive
Discount rate
 
Income, net of taxes, from current assumptions (in millions)
3.00 percent
 
$
(110.2
)
3.25 percent
 
(80.4
)
3.50 percent
 
(52.3
)
3.75 percent
 
(25.4
)
4.00 percent — Current Assumption
 

4.25 percent
 
24.1

4.50 percent
 
47.0

4.75 percent
 
68.7

5.00 percent
 
89.4

 

Intangible assets and goodwill
The purchase price of each new acquisition is allocated to tangible assets, identifiable intangible assets, liabilities assumed, and goodwill.  Determining the portion of the purchase price allocated to identifiable intangible assets and goodwill requires us to make significant estimates.  The amount of the purchase price allocated to intangible assets is generally determined by estimating the future cash flows of each asset and discounting the net cash flows back to their present values.  The discount rate used is determined at the time of the acquisition in accordance with accepted valuation methods.

Goodwill represents the excess of the aggregate purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired, including intangible assets.  Goodwill is not amortized, but instead tested annually or when events and circumstances indicate an impairment may have occurred. Our reporting units each contain goodwill that is assessed for potential impairment. All goodwill is assigned to reporting units, which is defined as the operating segment, or one level below the operating segment. We have three reporting units, of which two are included in the Global Packaging reportable segment. The other reporting unit is the U.S. Packaging segment.

Goodwill for our reporting units is reviewed for impairment annually in the fourth quarter of each year using a two-step process. In the first step, we compare the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. Our determination of the estimated fair value of the reporting units utilizes both a discounted cash flow valuation and a market multiple method. Significant inputs to the discounted cash flow valuation method include discount rates, long-term sales growth rates and forecasted operating margins. The market multiple method estimates fair value by comparing the Company to similar public companies. If the fair value exceeds the carrying value, step two is not required and an impairment loss is not

24



recognized. If step two were required, we would calculate the implied fair value of goodwill by deducting the fair value of all tangible and intangible net assets, including unrecognized intangible assets, of the reporting unit from the fair value of the reporting unit. If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the carrying value of goodwill, we would recognize an impairment loss, in the period identified, equal to the difference.

Current accounting guidance allows the Company to first perform a qualitative assessment about the likelihood of the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeding its fair value, referred to as the "Step 0" assessment. The Step 0 assessment requires the evaluation of certain qualitative factors, including macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors and overall financial performance, as well as company and reporting unit factors. If the Company's Step 0 analysis indicates that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying amount, then the Company would perform a quantitative two-step impairment test. The Company applied the Step 0 assessment to the U.S. Packaging reporting unit in 2014 and concluded that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Therefore, the two-step goodwill impairment test for this reporting unit was not necessary in 2014.

Our estimates associated with the goodwill impairment tests are considered critical due to the amount of goodwill recorded on our consolidated balance sheet and the judgment required in determining fair value amounts, including projected future cash flows. Judgment is used in assessing whether goodwill should be tested more frequently for impairment than annually. Factors such as a significant decrease in expected net earnings, adverse equity market conditions, and other external events may require more frequent assessments. The annual goodwill impairment testing has been completed and, as the fair value of each reporting unit was at least 20 percent in excess of the respective reporting unit’s carrying value, it has been determined that our $1.0 billion of goodwill is not impaired as of December 31, 2014. We perform sensitivity analyses of key factors including discount rates and long-term sales growth rates. There were no key factors that a 1 percent change would result in an impairment.
 
Intangible assets consist primarily of purchased customer relationships, technology, trademarks, and tradenames and are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, which range from one to 30 years, when purchased.  We review these intangible assets for impairment as changes in circumstances or the occurrence of events suggest that the remaining value is not recoverable.  The test for impairment requires us to make estimates about fair value, most of which are based on projected future cash flows.  These estimates and projections require judgments as to future events, condition, and amounts of future cash flows. We have no indefinite-lived intangible assets.

New Accounting Pronouncements
There has been no new accounting guidance issued or effective during 2014 that is expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
 
ITEM 7A — QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
The information required by this Item 7A is included in Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and under the caption “Market Risks and Foreign Currency Exposures” which is part of Management’s Discussion and Analysis included in Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  Certain of our locations have assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than their functional currencies. We enter into foreign currency forward exchange contracts to offset the transaction gains or losses associated with some of these assets and liabilities. For assets and liabilities without offsetting foreign currency forward exchange contracts, a 10 percent adverse change in the underlying foreign currency exchange rates would reduce our pre-tax income by approximately $5 million.


25



ITEM 8 — FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
 
Management’s Responsibility Statement
The management of Bemis Company, Inc. is responsible for the integrity, objectivity, and accuracy of the financial statements of the Company.  The financial statements are prepared by the Company in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and using management’s best estimates and judgments, where appropriate.  The financial information presented throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K is consistent with that in the financial statements.
 
The management of Bemis Company, Inc. is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f).  Under the direction, supervision, and participation of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, the Company’s management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO-Framework (2013)).  Based on the results of this evaluation, management has concluded that internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2014.  Item 9A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K contains management’s favorable assessment of internal controls over financial reporting based on their review and evaluation utilizing the COSO-Framework (2013) criteria.
 
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, which is composed solely of outside directors, meets quarterly with management, the Internal Audit Director, and independent accountants to review the work of each and to satisfy itself that the respective parties are properly discharging their responsibilities.  PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and the Internal Audit Director have had and continue to have unrestricted access to the Audit Committee, without the presence of Company management.
 
/s/ William F. Austen
 
/s/ Michael B. Clauer
 
/s/ Jerry S. Krempa
William F. Austen, President and Chief Executive Officer
 
Michael B. Clauer, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
Jerry S. Krempa, Vice President and Controller


26



Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Bemis Company, Inc.:

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(1) present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Bemis Company, Inc. and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index appearing under Item 15(a)(2) presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements and financial statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements, on the financial statement schedule, and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
February 20, 2015


27

BEMIS COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
(in millions, except per share amounts) 



For the years ended December 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Net sales
 
$
4,343.5

 
$
4,476.6

 
$
4,583.6

Cost of products sold
 
3,484.4

 
3,601.2

 
3,731.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross profit
 
859.1

 
875.4

 
851.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating expenses:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Selling, general, and administrative expenses
 
416.6

 
448.5

 
454.2

Research and development
 
44.1

 
40.5

 
35.7

Facility consolidation and other costs
 

 
45.4

 
68.7

Other operating income
 
(9.3
)
 
(9.2
)
 
(15.2
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income
 
407.7

 
350.2

 
308.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
 
60.8

 
68.2

 
70.9

Other non-operating income
 
(16.8
)
 
(7.7
)
 
(3.8
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
 
363.7

 
289.7

 
241.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for income taxes
 
124.6

 
97.2

 
92.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations
 
239.1

 
192.5

 
148.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Loss) income from discontinued operations
 
(48.0
)
 
20.1

 
24.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
191.1

 
$
212.6

 
$
173.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations
 
$
2.39

 
$
1.86

 
$
1.43

(Loss) income from discontinued operations
 
(0.48
)
 
0.20

 
0.24

Net income
 
$
1.91

 
$
2.06

 
$
1.67

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations
 
$
2.36

 
$
1.85

 
$
1.42

(Loss) income from discontinued operations
 
(0.47
)
 
0.19

 
0.24

Net income
 
$
1.89

 
$
2.04

 
$
1.66

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash dividends paid per share
 
$
1.08

 
$
1.04

 
$
1.00

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

28

BEMIS COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in millions) 


For the years ended December 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Net income
 
$
191.1

 
$
212.6

 
$
173.8

Other comprehensive (loss) income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrecognized gain reclassified to earnings, net of tax
 

 

 
(0.1
)
Translation adjustments
 
(129.4
)
 
(88.5
)
 
(48.3
)
Pension and other postretirement liability adjustments, net of tax (a)
 
(48.3
)
 
102.7

 
26.2

Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive loss from discontinued operations to net income
 
(15.3
)
 

 

Other comprehensive (loss) income
 
(193.0
)
 
14.2

 
(22.2
)
Total comprehensive (loss) income
 
$
(1.9
)
 
$
226.8

 
$
151.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a) - Tax benefit (expense) related to pension and other postretirement liability adjustments
 
$
30.3

 
$
(65.3
)
 
$
(9.2
)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


29

BEMIS COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(in millions, except per share amounts) 


As of December 31,
 
2014
 
2013
ASSETS
 
 

 
 

Current assets:
 
 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
47.1

 
$
141.7

Accounts receivable, net
 
566.1

 
615.4

Inventories
 
575.8

 
648.5

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
98.8

 
98.9

Total current assets
 
1,287.8

 
1,504.5

 
 
 
 
 
Property and equipment:
 
 

 
 

Land and land improvements
 
61.5

 
73.7

Buildings and leasehold improvements
 
552.3

 
624.4

Machinery and equipment
 
1,696.5

 
1,841.0

Total property and equipment
 
2,310.3

 
2,539.1

Less accumulated depreciation
 
(1,167.4
)
 
(1,254.8
)
Net property and equipment
 
1,142.9

 
1,284.3

 
 
 
 
 
Other long-term assets:
 
 

 
 

Goodwill
 
963.1

 
1,052.2

Other intangible assets, net
 
168.6

 
190.6

Deferred charges and other assets
 
52.7

 
78.6

Total other long-term assets
 
1,184.4

 
1,321.4

TOTAL ASSETS
 
$
3,615.1

 
$
4,110.2

 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES
 
 

 
 

Current liabilities:
 
 

 
 

Current portion of long-term debt
 
$

 
$
0.2

Short-term borrowings
 
31.3

 
14.7

Accounts payable
 
272.4

 
362.8

Accrued salaries and wages
 
86.6

 
99.6

Accrued income and other taxes
 
23.3

 
32.3

Other current liabilities
 
67.8

 
92.3

Total current liabilities
 
481.4

 
601.9

 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt, less current portion
 
1,315.9

 
1,421.4

Deferred taxes
 
223.4

 
269.8

Other liabilities and deferred credits
 
161.4

 
132.3

Total liabilities
 
2,182.1

 
2,425.4

 
 
 
 
 
Commitments and contingencies (See Note 19)
 


 


 
 
 
 
 
EQUITY
 
 

 
 

Bemis Company, Inc. shareholders’ equity:
 
 

 
 

Common stock, $0.10 par value:
 
 

 
 

Authorized — 500.0 shares
 
 

 
 

Issued — 128.0 and 127.9 shares, respectively
 
12.8

 
12.8

Capital in excess of par value
 
559.7

 
548.1

Retained earnings
 
2,086.8

 
2,005.1

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(291.7
)
 
(98.7
)
Common stock held in treasury (29.8 and 26.0 shares at cost, respectively)
 
(934.6
)
 
(782.5
)
TOTAL EQUITY
 
1,433.0

 
1,684.8

 
 
 
 
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
$
3,615.1

 
$
4,110.2

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

30

BEMIS COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions)


For the years ended December 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net income
 
$
191.1

 
$
212.6

 
$
173.8

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Depreciation and amortization
 
180.6

 
190.3

 
204.3

Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements
 
(0.7
)
 

 
(0.6
)
Share-based compensation
 
12.4

 
16.4

 
17.6

Deferred income taxes
 
(0.5
)
 
2.0

 
8.7

Income of unconsolidated affiliated company
 
(1.7
)
 
(3.1
)
 
(2.6
)
Cash dividends received from unconsolidated affiliated company
 

 
3.4

 
4.4

Non-cash impairment charge of discontinued operations
 
44.7

 

 

(Gain) loss on sale of property and equipment
 
(0.6
)
 
0.6

 
1.7

Net facility consolidation and other costs
 

 
(15.5
)
 
34.8

Gain on divestitures
 
(9.3
)
 
(5.5
)
 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, excluding effect of acquisitions, divestitures, and currency:
 
 
 
 

 
 

Accounts receivable
 
(68.9
)
 
7.6

 
9.4

Inventories
 
(48.0
)
 
(0.4
)
 
(20.4
)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
(3.6
)
 
3.6

 
23.8

Accounts payable
 
(15.4
)
 
(10.2
)
 
(28.4
)
Accrued salaries and wages
 
15.3

 
(4.0
)
 
12.6

Accrued income and other taxes
 
(3.7
)
 
(2.9
)
 
10.8

Other current liabilities
 
(25.9
)
 
(0.1
)
 
(30.5
)
Other liabilities and deferred credits
 
(0.2
)
 
(17.2
)
 
4.3

Deferred charges and other assets
 
(17.5
)
 
(4.4
)
 
(2.4
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
248.1

 
373.2

 
421.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Additions to property and equipment
 
(185.2
)
 
(139.8
)
 
(136.4
)
Business acquisitions and adjustments, net of cash acquired
 

 
(59.7
)
 
(19.1
)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment
 
10.1

 
13.7

 
4.7

Proceeds from divestitures
 
215.6

 
30.0

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
 
40.5

 
(155.8
)
 
(150.8
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
 
199.4

 

 

Repayment of long-term debt
 
(400.2
)
 
(7.4
)
 
(321.7
)
Net borrowing of commercial paper
 
76.8

 
35.1

 
157.3

Net borrowing (repayment) of short-term debt
 
21.1

 
(14.3
)
 
7.6

Cash dividends paid to shareholders
 
(108.4
)
 
(107.5
)
 
(104.3
)
Common stock purchased for the treasury
 
(152.1
)
 
(77.3
)
 

Deferred payments for business acquisitions
 
(6.6
)
 

 

Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements
 
0.7

 

 
0.6

Stock incentive programs and related withholdings
 
(1.5
)
 
(13.3
)
 
(5.2
)
Net cash used in financing activities
 
(370.8
)
 
(184.7
)
 
(265.7
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents
 
(12.4
)
 
(5.1
)
 
(0.5
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
 
(94.6
)
 
27.6

 
4.3

Cash and cash equivalents balance at beginning of year
 
141.7

 
114.1

 
109.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents balance at end of year
 
$
47.1

 
$
141.7

 
$
114.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest paid during the year
 
$
68.4

 
$
66.5

 
$
73.5

Income taxes paid during the year
 
$
134.8

 
$
121.9

 
$
79.3

 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

31

BEMIS COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY
(in millions)


 
 
Common
Stock
 
Capital In
Excess of
Par Value
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss)
 
Common
Stock Held
In Treasury
 
Total
Balance as of December 31, 2011
 
$
12.7

 
$
532.4

 
$
1,832.9

 
$
(90.7
)
 
$
(705.2
)
 
$
1,582.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
 

 
 

 
173.8

 
 

 
 

 
173.8

Other comprehensive loss
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
(22.2
)
 
 

 
(22.2
)
Cash dividends declared on common stock
 
 

 
 

 
(105.8
)
 
 

 
 

 
(105.8
)
Stock incentive programs and related tax withholdings (0.3 shares)
 


 
(5.2
)
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
(5.2
)
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation arrangements
 
 

 
0.6

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
0.6

Share-based compensation
 
 

 
17.6

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
17.6

Balance as of December 31, 2012
 
12.7

 
545.4

 
1,900.9

 
(112.9
)
 
(705.2
)
 
1,640.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
 

 
 

 
212.6

 
 

 
 

 
212.6

Other comprehensive income
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
14.2

 
 

 
14.2

Cash dividends declared on common stock
 
 

 
 

 
(108.4
)
 
 

 
 

 
(108.4
)
Stock incentive programs and related tax withholdings (0.6 shares)
 
0.1

 
(13.4
)
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
(13.3
)
Tax shortfall expense from share-based compensation arrangements
 
 
 
(0.3
)
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
(0.3
)
Share-based compensation
 
 

 
16.4

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
16.4

Purchase of 2.0 shares of common stock for the treasury
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(77.3
)
 
(77.3
)
Balance as of December 31, 2013
 
12.8

 
548.1

 
2,005.1

 
(98.7
)
 
(782.5
)
 
1,684.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
 
 
 
 
191.1

 
 
 
 
 
191.1

Other comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(193.0
)
 
 

 
(193.0
)
Cash dividends declared on common stock
 
 
 
 
 
(109.4
)
 
 
 
 
 
(109.4
)
Stock incentive programs and related tax withholdings (0.1 shares)
 
 
 
(1.5
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1.5
)
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation arrangements
 
 
 
0.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
0.7

Share-based compensation
 
 
 
12.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12.4

Purchase of 3.8 shares of common stock for the treasury
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(152.1
)
 
(152.1
)
Balance as of December 31, 2014
 
$
12.8

 
$
559.7

 
$
2,086.8

 
$
(291.7
)
 
$
(934.6
)
 
$
1,433.0


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

32



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

Note 1BUSINESS DESCRIPTION

Bemis Company, Inc. (the "Company"), a Missouri corporation, was founded in 1858 and incorporated in 1885 as Bemis Bro. Bag Company.  In 1965 the name was changed to Bemis Company, Inc.  Based in Neenah, Wisconsin, the Company employs approximately 17,000 individuals and has 60 manufacturing facilities.  The Company manufactures and sells packaging products globally.
 
The Company’s business activities are organized around its two business segments, U.S. Packaging (66 percent of 2014 net sales) and Global Packaging (34 percent).  The Company’s packaging businesses have a strong technical base in polymer chemistry, film extrusion, coating, laminating, printing, and converting.  The primary markets for the Company’s products are in the food industry, which accounted for approximately 75 percent of net sales in 2014.  The Company’s packaging products are widely diversified among food categories and can be found in nearly every aisle of the grocery store.  Other markets include chemical, agribusiness, medical, pharmaceutical, personal care products, electronics, automotive, construction, graphic industries, and other consumer goods.  All markets are considered to be highly competitive as to price, innovation, quality, and service.
 
Note 2SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Discontinued operations presentation: The consolidated statement of income and related notes have been recast from those presented in the previously filed Form 10-K to reflect our Pressure Sensitive Materials business as a discontinued operation (see Note 6 — Divestitures). The consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2013 and related notes have not been recast to reflect the assets and liabilities divested. The consolidated statement of cash flows for all periods includes both continuing and discontinued operations.

Principles of consolidation:  The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its majority owned subsidiaries.  All intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated.  Joint ventures which are not majority controlled are accounted for by the equity method of accounting with earnings of $1.7 million, $3.1 million, and $2.6 million in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively, included in other operating income on the accompanying consolidated statement of income.  Investments in joint ventures of $8.0 million and $7.7 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, are included in deferred charges and other assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.
    
In connection with the implementation of an enterprise resource planning system during 2012, the Company recorded adjustments primarily to cost of goods sold during the fourth quarter in order to align the application of certain accounting practices among the business segments. These adjustments substantially offset one another in the Company's consolidated financial statements. The $2.1 million consolidated expense is disaggregated by reportable segment in Note 20.
    
Estimates and assumptions required:  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
Translation of foreign currencies:  The Company considers the local currency to be the functional currency for substantially all foreign subsidiaries.  Assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange rate as of the balance sheet date.  All revenue and expense accounts are translated at average exchange rates in effect during the year.  Translation gains or losses are recorded in the foreign currency translation component in accumulated other comprehensive loss in shareholders’ equity.  Foreign currency transaction losses of $3.5 million, $2.6 million, and $1.7 million in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively, are included as a component of other operating income.  There were no foreign currency transaction losses recorded within non-operating income in 2014, 2013 or 2012.
 
Revenue recognition:  Sales and related costs of products sold are recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, title and risk of ownership have been transferred to the customer, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured.  These conditions are typically fulfilled upon shipment of products.  All costs associated with revenue, including customer rebates and provisions for estimates of sales returns and allowances, are recognized as a deduction from revenue in the period in which the associated revenue is recorded. Customer rebates are accrued using sales data and rebate percentages specific to each customer agreement. Shipping and handling costs are classified as a component of

33



cost of products sold while amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling are classified as a component of sales. The Company accrues for estimated warranty costs when specific issues are identified and the amounts are determinable and also considers the history of actual claims paid. Taxes assessed by governmental authorities on revenue producing transactions, including sales, value added, excise and use taxes, are recorded on a net basis (excluded from revenue).

Environmental cost:  The Company is involved in environmental-related litigation arising in the ordinary course of business.  The Company accrues environmental costs when it is probable that these costs will be incurred and can be reasonably estimated.  The Company’s reserve for environmental liabilities at December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $6.1 million and $7.6 million, respectively.  The Company made a favorable adjustment of $0.8 million in 2014 based on current estimates of liability. The Company made no other adjustments to the reserve accounts and costs which were directly expensed for environmental remediation matters resulted in charges to the income statements for each of the years 2014, 2013, and 2012.  There were no third party reimbursements for any of the years presented.
 
Research and development:  Research and development expenditures are expensed as incurred.
 
Facility consolidation and other costs:  Facility consolidation and other costs are recognized when the liability is incurred.  The Company calculates severance obligations based on its standard customary practices.  Accordingly, the Company records provisions for severance when probable and estimable and the Company has committed to the facility consolidation plan.  In the absence of a standard customary practice or established local practice for locations outside the U.S., liabilities for severance are recognized when incurred.  If fixed assets are to be disposed of as a result of the Company’s facility consolidation efforts, the assets are written off when the Company commits to dispose of them and they are no longer in use.  Depreciation is accelerated on fixed assets for the period of time the asset continues to be used until the asset ceases to be used.  Other facility consolidation costs, including costs to relocate equipment, are generally recorded as the service is provided.

Cash and cash equivalents:  The Company considers all highly liquid temporary investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.  Cash equivalents include certificates of deposit that can be readily liquidated without penalty at the Company’s option.  Cash equivalents are carried at cost which approximates fair market value.
 
Accounts receivable:  Trade accounts receivable are stated at the amount the Company expects to collect, which is net of an allowance for sales returns and the estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments.  When determining the collectability of specific customer accounts, a number of factors are evaluated, including: customer creditworthiness, past transaction history with the customer, and changes in customer payment terms or practices.  In addition, overall historical collection experience, current economic industry trends, and a review of the current status of trade accounts receivable are considered when determining the required allowance for doubtful accounts.  Based on management’s assessment, the Company provides for estimated uncollectible amounts through a charge to earnings and a credit to allowance for doubtful accounts.  Balances that remain outstanding after the Company has used reasonable collection efforts are written off through a charge to the allowance for doubtful accounts and a credit to accounts receivable.  Accounts receivable are presented net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $21.0 million and $30.7 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
 
The Company enters into supply chain financing programs from time to time to sell accounts receivables without recourse to third-party financial institutions.  Sales of accounts receivable are reflected as a reduction of accounts receivable on the consolidated balance sheets and the proceeds are included in the cash flows from operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company sold without recourse accounts receivable representing approximately five percent of net sales, and the associated discount on sale of accounts receivables was insignificant.   
 
Inventory valuation:  Inventories are valued at the lower of cost, as determined by the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method, or market.  Inventory values using the FIFO method of accounting approximate replacement cost.  Inventories are summarized at December 31, as follows:
 
(in millions)
 
2014
 
2013
Raw materials and supplies
 
$
193.9

 
$
215.6

Work in process and finished goods
 
381.9

 
432.9

Total inventories
 
$
575.8

 
$
648.5

 

34



Property and equipment:  Property and equipment are stated at cost.  Maintenance and repairs that do not improve efficiency or extend economic life are expensed as incurred.  Plant and equipment are depreciated for financial reporting purposes principally using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of assets as follows:  land improvements, 15-30 years; buildings, 15-45 years; leasehold and building improvements, the lesser of the lease term or 8-20 years; and machinery and equipment, 3-16 years.  For tax purposes, the Company generally uses accelerated methods of depreciation.  The tax effect of the difference between book and tax depreciation has been provided as deferred income taxes.  Depreciation expense was $154.6 million, $162.2 million, and $175.5 million for 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.  On sale or retirement, the asset cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any related gain or loss is reflected in income.  Interest costs, which are capitalized during the construction of major capital projects, totaled $0.2 million in 2014, $0.3 million in 2013, and $0.1 million in 2012.
 
The Company reviews its long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable.  If impairment indicators are present and the estimated future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of the assets, the carrying values are reduced to the estimated fair value.
 
The Company capitalizes direct costs (internal and external) of materials and services used in the development and purchase of internal-use software.  Amounts capitalized are amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of three to twelve years and are reported as a component of machinery and equipment within property and equipment.
 
The Company is in the process of developing and implementing a new Enterprise Resource Planning ("ERP") system.  Certain costs incurred during the application development stage have been capitalized in accordance with authoritative accounting guidance related to accounting for costs of computer software developed or obtained for internal use.  The net book value of capitalized costs for this new ERP system were approximately $69.9 million and $74.3 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. These costs are being amortized over the system’s estimated useful life as the ERP system is placed in service. 
 
Goodwill:  Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of net assets acquired in business combinations.  Goodwill is not amortized, but instead tested annually or when events and circumstances indicate an impairment may have occurred. The Company's reporting units each contain goodwill that is assessed for potential impairment. All goodwill is assigned to reporting units, which is defined as the operating segment, or one level below the operating segment. The Company has three reporting units, of which two are included in the Global Packaging reportable segment. The other reporting unit is the U.S. Packaging segment.

Goodwill for the reporting units is reviewed for impairment annually in the fourth quarter of each year using a two-step process. In the first step, the fair value of each reporting unit is compared to its carrying value, including goodwill. The determination of the estimated fair value of the reporting units utilizes both a discounted cash flow valuation and a market multiple method. Significant inputs to the discounted cash flow valuation method include discount rates, long-term sales growth rates and forecasted operating margins. The market multiple method estimates fair value by comparing the Company to similar public companies. If the fair value exceeds the carrying value, step two is not required and an impairment loss is not recognized. If step two were required, the implied fair value of goodwill would be calculated by deducting the fair value of all tangible and intangible net assets, including unrecognized intangible assets, of the reporting unit from the fair value of the reporting unit. If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the carrying value of goodwill, an impairment loss would be recognized equal to the difference.
Current accounting guidance allows the Company to first perform a qualitative assessment about the likelihood of the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeding its fair value, referred to as the "Step 0" assessment. The Step 0 assessment requires the evaluation of certain qualitative factors, including macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors and overall financial performance, as well as company and reporting unit factors. If the Company's Step 0 analysis indicates that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying amount, then the Company would perform a quantitative two-step impairment test. The Company applied the Step 0 assessment to the U.S. Packaging reporting unit in 2014 and concluded that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Therefore, the two-step goodwill impairment test for this reporting unit was not necessary in 2014.
The annual impairment test indicated no impairment for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, or 2012, nor does the Company have any accumulated impairment losses. 
 

35



Intangible assets:  Contractual or separable intangible assets that have finite useful lives are amortized against income using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, with original periods ranging from one to thirty years. The straight-line method of amortization reflects an appropriate allocation of the costs of the intangible assets to earnings in proportion to the amount of economic benefits obtained by the Company in each reporting period.  The Company tests finite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever there is an impairment indicator.  Intangible assets are tested for impairment by comparing anticipated undiscounted future cash flows from operations to net book value.
 
Financial instruments:  The Company recognizes all derivative instruments on the balance sheet at fair value.  Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments are adjusted to fair value through income.  Depending on the nature of derivatives designated as hedging instruments, changes in the fair value are either offset against the change in fair value of the hedged assets, liabilities, or firm commitments through earnings or recognized in shareholders’ equity through other comprehensive income until the hedged item is recognized.  Gains or losses, if any, related to the ineffective portion of any hedge are recognized through earnings in the current period.

Note 8 contains expanded details relating to specific derivative instruments included on the Company’s balance sheet, such as forward foreign currency exchange contracts, currency swap contracts, and interest rate swap arrangements.
 
Other liabilities and deferred credits:  Other liabilities and deferred credits balances include non-current pension and other postretirement liability amounts of $102.4 million and $54.7 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
 
Treasury stock:  Treasury stock purchases are stated at cost and presented as a separate reduction of shareholders’ equity.  During 2014, the Company purchased 3.8 million shares of common stock in the open market for $152.1 million. During 2013, the Company purchased 2.0 million shares of common stock in the open market for $77.3 million.  The Company did not purchase any shares of common stock during 2012.  At December 31, 2014, approximately 6.7 million common shares can be repurchased, at management’s discretion, under authority granted by the Company’s Board of Directors in 2014.



Note 3 — NEW ACCOUNTING GUIDANCE

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued new guidance which supersedes current revenue recognition requirements.  This guidance is based on the principle that revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of 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 is required to be applied by the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2017 using one of two retrospective application methods. The Company is currently evaluating the application methods and the impact of this new statement on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.    

In April 2014, the FASB issued new guidance that redefines a discontinued operation as a component or group of components that has been disposed of or is classified as held for sale and represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s financial results. Continuing involvement will no longer preclude presentation as a discontinued operation. The guidance is required to be applied by the Company prospectively to new disposals and new classifications of disposal groups as held for sale beginning in fiscal 2015. While early adoption is permitted, the Company did not early adopt this guidance for its divestiture of its Pressure Sensitive Materials business. The Company does not expect the adoption of this standard will have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.



36



Note 4— FACILITY CONSOLIDATION AND OTHER COSTS

2011 Program
 
During the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company initiated a facility consolidation and other costs program (“2011 Program”) to improve efficiencies and reduce fixed costs.  As a part of this program, the Company announced the closure of five facilities. As of December 31, 2013, manufacturing operations had ceased at all of these manufacturing facilities.  Most of the production from these five facilities has been transferred to other facilities.  The total 2011 Program costs were $97.2 million, including $33.4 million in employee costs, $34.7 million in fixed asset accelerated depreciation and write-downs, and $29.1 million in other facility consolidation costs.  These amounts exclude any potential gain to be recognized on the sale of property. The 2011 Program costs by reportable segment follow:
(in millions)
 
U.S. Packaging
 
Global Packaging
 
Corporate
 
Total Facility
Consolidation and Other Costs
2011 net expense accrued
 
$
26.3

 
$
8.6

 
$
0.8

 
$
35.7

2012 net expense accrued
 
29.4

 
5.0

 

 
34.4

2013 net expense accrued
 
27.1

 

 

 
27.1

Expense incurred through December 31, 2013
 
$
82.8

 
$
13.6

 
$
0.8

 
$
97.2

 
 
2012 Program
 
During the second quarter of 2012, the Company expanded its facility consolidation and other costs program (“2012 Program”) to further improve efficiencies and reduce costs within its U.S. and Global Packaging segments.  As a part of this program, the Company announced the closure of an additional four production locations, including three facilities outside of the U.S., and the relocation of the majority of the production to other facilities. As of December 31, 2013, manufacturing operations had ceased at all of these manufacturing facilities.  The total 2012 Program costs of $52.6 million included $21.9 million in employee-related costs, $16.5 million in fixed asset accelerated depreciation and write-downs, and $14.2 million in other facility consolidation costs.  The 2012 Program costs by reportable segment follow: 
(in millions)
 
U.S. Packaging
 
Global Packaging
 
Total Facility
Consolidation and Other Costs
2012 net expense accrued
 
$
12.7

 
$
21.6

 
$
34.3

2013 net expense accrued
 
17.9

 
0.4

 
18.3

Expense incurred through December 31, 2013
 
$
30.6

 
$
22.0

 
$
52.6

 

       Cash payments for these facility consolidation programs in 2013 and 2012 totaled $51.6 million and $35.2 million, respectively.  Cash payments in 2013 were net of proceeds of $9.8 million received for the sale of property and equipment. Cash payments in 2014 were minimal, and exclude the impact of proceeds on sale of property. The costs related to facility consolidation activities have been recorded on the consolidated statement of income as facility consolidation and other costs.

 


37



Note 5 — ACQUISITIONS

Foshan New Changsheng Plastics Films

On July 1, 2013, Bemis acquired Foshan New Changsheng Plastics Films Co., LTD ("Foshan"), a specialty film manufacturer located in Foshan, China. Foshan is a supplier to the Company's food packaging plant in Dongguan, China and other specialty film product customers. The acquisition of this film platform is expected to provide cost and logistics benefits to support the Company's broader Asia-Pacific growth strategy. The cash purchase price was $75.6 million, of which $65.3 million was paid in 2013 and $6.6 million was paid in 2014. The remaining balance will be paid during 2015. The allocation of the purchase price resulted in approximately $47.4 million of goodwill for the Global Packaging segment, none of which is expected to be tax deductible. The fair values and weighted average useful lives that have been assigned to the acquired identifiable intangible assets of this acquisition are:
(in millions, except useful lives)
 
Fair Value
 
Weighted Average Useful Life (years)
Customer relationships
 
$
8.3

 
9
Land-use rights
 
4.4

 
43
Other intangible assets
 
0.4

 
2

The fair value of assets and liabilities acquired was $111.0 million and $35.4 million, respectively. Pro forma financial information and allocation of the purchase price are not presented as the effects of this acquisition is not material to the Company's results of operations or financial position.

Australia and New Zealand Distributors

On August 22, 2012, the Company acquired two flexible packaging businesses in Australia and New Zealand. The acquisition of these businesses supports the Company’s strategy to enhance its presence in the Asia-Pacific region. The combined purchase price of approximately $18.4 million was financed with commercial paper. Pro forma results of operations and other disclosures for the acquisitions noted above have not been presented, as they were immaterial to the reported results.
 
 


38



Note 6 — DIVESTITURES

Divestiture of Pressure Sensitive Materials Business

On November 7, 2014, the Company completed the sale its global Pressure Sensitive Materials business. Net proceeds of the transaction totaled $136.9 million, subject to settlement of customary post-closing adjustments in 2015. At September 30, 2014, the Company determined that the Pressure Sensitive Materials business met the criteria to be classified as a discontinued operation, which required retrospective application to certain financial information for all periods presented. The assets and liabilities of the Pressure Sensitive Materials business were reflected as held for sale in the consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2014.
The following table summarizes the results of the Pressure Sensitive Materials business, reclassified as discontinued operations for the twelve month periods ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012:
 
Twelve Months Ended
 
December 31,
(in millions)
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Net sales
$
480.9

 
$
553.2

 
$
555.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
(Loss) income from discontinued operations before income taxes
$
(39.4
)
 
$
30.6

 
$
37.4

Provision for income taxes on discontinued operations
8.6

 
10.5

 
12.5

(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax
$
(48.0
)
 
$
20.1


$
24.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
(Loss) income from discontinued operations includes the operating results of our Pressure Sensitive Materials business, goodwill impairment charges, direct transaction costs associated with the divestiture, and plant closure costs associated with the Stow, Ohio plant.
Assets and liabilities classified as held for sale are required to be recorded at the lower of carrying value or fair value less costs to sell. Accordingly, the Company recorded goodwill impairment charges of $44.7 million in the third quarter of 2014 when it became apparent the business would sell for less than its carrying value. There were no indicators of impairment prior to the third quarter of 2014.
In March 2014, the Company announced the closure of its plant in Stow, Ohio, one of its Pressure Sensitive Materials manufacturing facilities. Operations ceased at this location in May 2014. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2014, plant closure costs of $25.0 million were recorded and approximately $20.8 million of cash payments were made. These costs are included within (loss) income from discontinued operation and included a final withdrawal payment for a multi-employer pension plan.

Divestiture of Paper Packaging Division

On March 31, 2014, the Company completed the sale of its Paper Packaging Division. Annual net sales by this division were approximately $160 million. Net proceeds of the transaction totaled $78.7 million. A $9.3 million pre-tax gain on the sale was recorded as part of other non-operating income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014.
    
Divestiture of Clysar    

On May 29, 2013, the Company completed the sale of its Clysar thin gauge shrink film plant. Annual net sales of Clysar films were approximately $70 million and were sold primarily through distributors. A $5.5 million pre-tax gain on the sale was recorded as part of other non-operating income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013. Net proceeds of the transaction totaled $30.0 million.
 


39



Note 7 — FINANCIAL ASSETS AND FINANCIAL LIABILITIES MEASURED AT FAIR VALUE

The fair values of the Company’s financial assets and financial liabilities listed below reflect the amounts that would be received to sell the assets or paid to transfer the liabilities in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price).
 
The Company’s non-derivative financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, short-term borrowings, and long-term debt.  At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the carrying value of these financial instruments, excluding long-term debt, approximates fair value because of the short-term maturities of these instruments.
 
Fair value disclosures are classified based on the fair value hierarchy.  Level 1 fair value measurements represent exchange-traded securities which are valued at quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access as of the reporting date.  Level 2 fair value measurements are determined using input prices that are directly observable for the asset or liability or indirectly observable through corroboration with observable market data.  Level 3 fair value measurements are determined using unobservable inputs, such as internally developed pricing models for the asset or liability due to little or no market activity for the asset or liability.
 
The fair value measurements of the Company’s long-term debt represent non-active market exchange-traded securities which are valued at quoted prices or using input prices that are directly observable or indirectly observable through corroboration with observable market data. The carrying values and estimated fair values of long-term debt at December 31, 2014 and 2013 follow:
 
 
December 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
 
Carrying
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying
 
Fair Value
(in millions)
 
Value
 
(Level 2)
 
Value
 
(Level 2)
Total long-term debt
 
$
1,315.9

 
$
1,410.9

 
$
1,421.4

 
$
1,520.1

 
The fair values for derivatives are based on inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability.  These inputs include interest rates.  The financial assets and financial liabilities are primarily valued using standard calculations / models that use as their basis readily observable market parameters.  Industry standard data providers are the primary source for forward and spot rate information for both interest rates and currency rates, with resulting valuations periodically validated through third-party or counterparty quotes. The fair value of the Company's derivatives follow: 
 
 
Fair Value
As of
 
Fair Value
As of
 
 
December 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
(in millions)
 
(Level 2)
 
(Level 2)
Interest rate swaps — net asset (liability) position
 
$
1.0

 
$
(20.2
)


Note 8 — DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

The Company enters into derivative transactions to manage exposures arising in the normal course of business.  The Company does not enter into derivative transactions for speculative or trading purposes. The Company recognizes all derivative instruments on the balance sheet at fair value.  Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments are adjusted to fair value through income. Depending on the nature of derivatives designated as hedging instruments, changes in the fair value are either offset against the change in fair value of the hedged assets, liabilities, or firm commitments through earnings or recognized in shareholders' equity through other comprehensive income until the hedged item is recognized. Gains or losses, if any, related to the ineffective portion of any hedge are recognized through earnings in the current period.

The Company enters into interest-rate swap contracts to economically convert a portion of the Company’s fixed-rate debt to variable rate debt.  During the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company entered into four interest rate swap agreements with a total notional amount of $400 million.  These contracts were designated as fair value hedges of the Company’s $400 million 4.5% fixed-rate debt due in 2021.  The variable rate for each of the interest rate swaps is based on the six-month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), set in arrears, plus a fixed spread.  The variable rates are reset semi-annually at each net settlement date.  Fair values of these interest rate swaps are determined using discounted cash flow or other appropriate

40



methodologies.  Asset positions are included in deferred charges and other assets with a corresponding increase in long-term debt.  Liability positions are included in other liabilities and deferred credits with a corresponding decrease in long-term debt.

The Company enters into forward exchange contracts to manage foreign currency exchange rate exposures associated with certain foreign currency denominated receivables and payables.  Forward exchange contracts generally have maturities of less than six months and relate primarily to major Western European currencies for the Company’s European operations, the U.S. dollar for the Company’s Brazilian operations, and the U.S. and Australian dollars for the Company’s New Zealand and Australian operations.  The Company has not designated these derivative instruments as hedging instruments.  At December 31, 2014, and 2013, the Company had outstanding forward exchange contracts with notional amounts aggregating $2.3 and $5.5 million, respectively.  The net settlement amount (fair value) related to active forward exchange contracts is recorded on the balance sheet as either a current or long-term asset or liability and as an element of other operating income which offsets the related transaction gains or losses. The net settlement amounts were immaterial for all periods presented.
 
The Company is exposed to credit loss in the event of non-performance by counterparties in forward exchange contracts and interest-rate swap contracts.  Collateral is generally not required of the counterparties or of the Company.  In the event a counterparty fails to meet the contractual terms of a currency swap or forward exchange contract, the Company’s risk is limited to the fair value of the instrument.  The Company actively monitors its exposure to credit risk through the use of credit approvals and credit limits, and by selecting major international banks and financial institutions as counterparties.  The Company has not had any historical instances of non-performance by any counterparties, nor does it anticipate any future instances of non-performance.
 
The fair values, balance sheet presentation, and the hedge designation status of derivative instruments at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are presented in the table below: 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value (Level 2) as of
(in millions)
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
December 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Asset Derivatives
 
 
 
 

 
 

Interest rate swaps — designated as hedge
 
Deferred charges and other assets
 
$
1.0

 
$

Liability Derivatives
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps — designated as hedge
 
Other liabilities and deferred credits
 

 
20.2

 
The income statement impact of derivatives are presented in the table below:
 
 
 
 
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized
in Income on Derivatives
(in millions)
 
Income Statement Location
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Designated as hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps
 
Interest expense
 
$
8.2

 
$
8.1

 
$
7.0

Not designated as hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Forward exchange contracts
 
Other operating income
 
(0.4
)
 
0.1

 
0.8

Total
 
 
 
$
7.8

 
$
8.2

 
$
7.8




41



Note 9 — GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill attributable to each reportable business segment follow:
 
(in millions)
 
U.S. Packaging Segment
 
Global Packaging Segment
 
Pressure Sensitive Materials Segment
 
Total
Reported balance at December 31, 2012
 
$
637.8

 
$
343.9

 
52.6

 
$
1,034.3

Acquisition and acquisition adjustments
 

 
47.1

 

 
47.1

Divestiture
 
(4.7
)
 

 

 
(4.7
)
Currency translation
 
(0.8
)
 
(23.7
)
 

 
(24.5
)
Reported balance at December 31, 2013
 
632.3

 
367.3

 
52.6

 
1,052.2

Reclassification
 
12.8

 
(12.8
)
 
 
 

Non-cash impairment charge of discontinued operations
 

 

 
(44.7
)
 
(44.7
)
Divestitures
 
(10.1
)
 

 
(7.8
)
 
(17.9
)
Currency translation
 
(1.0
)
 
(25.4
)
 
(0.1
)
 
(26.5
)
Reported balance at December 31, 2014
 
$
634.0

 
$
329.1

 
$

 
$
963.1

 

The components of amortized intangible assets follow:
 
 
December 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
(in millions)
 
Gross Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Gross Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated Amortization
Contract based
 
$
10.7

 
$
(1.2
)
 
$
26.2

 
$
(14.4
)
Technology based
 
81.0

 
(43.9
)
 
82.6

 
(40.9
)
Marketing related
 
16.3

 
(9.1
)
 
23.0

 
(14.2
)
Customer based
 
188.4

 
(73.6
)
 
200.1

 
(71.8
)
Reported balance
 
$
296.4

 
$
(127.8
)
 
$
331.9

 
$
(141.3
)
 
Amortization expense for intangible assets during 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $15.4 million, $15.5 million, and $17.8 million, respectively.  Estimated annual amortization expense is $15.4 million for 2015, $15.2 million for 2016, 2017 and 2018, and $14.9 million for 2019.
 
The Company recorded an impairment at September 30, 2014 to adjust the Pressure Sensitive Materials net assets to fair value less costs to sell. The Company completed its annual impairment tests in the fourth quarter of 2014 with no other indications of impairment of goodwill found.  The Company does not have any accumulated impairment losses.
 


42



Note 10 — PENSION PLANS

Total defined benefit, defined contribution, and multiemployer plan pension expense in 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $37.2 million, $53.2 million, and $68.7 million, respectively. 

The Company sponsors a 401(k) savings plan (a defined contribution plan) for substantially all U.S. employees.  Through December 31, 2013, the Company contributed $0.50 for every pre-tax $1.00 an employee contributed on the first two percent of eligible compensation plus $0.25 for every pre-tax $1.00 an employee contributed on the next six percent of eligible compensation for the plans that include a company match.  Effective January 1, 2014 the Company contributes $0.50 for every pre-tax $1.00 an employee contributes on the first four percent of eligible compensation plus $0.25 for every pre-tax $1.00 an employee contributes on the next four percent of eligible compensation for the plans that include a company match. The Company contributions are invested in Company stock and are fully vested after three years of service.  Total Company contributions for 2014, 2013, and 2012 were $10.6 million, $9.0 million, and $8.9 million, respectively.
 
Effective January 1, 2006, the Company’s U.S. defined benefit pension plans were amended for approximately two-thirds of the participant population, and effective January 1, 2014, two of the Company's three U.S. defined benefit plans were frozen. Further benefit accruals for all persons entitled to benefits under these two plans were frozen as of December 31, 2013. The Company recorded a plan curtailment of $32.6 million related to the amendments, and the actuarial gain recorded in 2013 was also impacted by the freeze. (Refer to the "Change in Benefit Obligation Table".) For those employees impacted, future pension benefits were replaced with the Bemis Investment Profit Sharing Plan (BIPSP), a defined contribution plan which is subject to achievement of certain financial performance goals of the Company.  Total contribution expense for BIPSP and other defined contribution plans (including a multiemployer defined contribution plan) was $16.5 million in 2014, $18.9 million in 2013, and $10.7 million in 2012.  Defined benefit multiemployer plans covered employees at two manufacturing locations and provided for contributions to union administered defined benefit pension plans during the year. One of the plans covered employees at a facility that was closed during the year. Amounts contributed to the multiemployer plans in 2014, 2013, and 2012 totaled $0.7 million, $1.0 million, and $1.3 million, respectively.

 The Company’s defined benefit pension plans continue to cover a number of U.S. hourly employees, and the non-U.S. defined benefit plans cover select employees at various international locations.  The benefits under the plans are based on years of service and salary levels.  Certain plans covering hourly employees provide benefits of stated amounts for each year of service.  In October 2014, the Society of Actuaries released final reports of new mortality tables and a mortality improvement scale for measurement of retirement program obligations in the U.S. The Company has adopted these tables in measuring defined benefit plan liabilities in 2014. In addition, the Company also sponsors an unfunded supplemental retirement plan to provide senior management with benefits in excess of limits under the federal tax law and increased benefits to reflect a service adjustment factor.
 
Net periodic pension cost for defined benefit plans included the following components for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012
(in millions)
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Service cost - benefits earned during the year
 
$
7.5

 
$
14.0

 
$
14.7

Interest cost on projected benefit obligation
 
34.0

 
32.5

 
33.7

Expected return on plan assets
 
(47.9
)
 
(48.1
)
 
(43.5
)
Settlement loss
 
1.8

 
0.4

 
12.7

Curtailment loss (gain)
 
0.6

 
(0.4
)
 

Amortization of unrecognized transition obligation
 
0.2

 
0.2

 
0.2

Amortization of prior service cost
 
1.4

 
1.8

 
1.5

Recognized actuarial net loss
 
11.8

 
23.9

 
28.5

Net periodic pension cost
 
$
9.4

 
$
24.3

 
$
47.8


In 2012, the Company recognized a $12.7 million pension settlement charge related to its supplemental pension plan. The supplemental pension plan provides for a lump sum payment option at the time of retirement. The Company recognizes pension settlements when payments exceed the sum of service and interest cost components of net periodic pension cost of the plan for the fiscal year.

43



Changes in benefit obligations and plan assets, and a reconciliation of the funded status at December 31, 2014 and 2013, were as follows:
 
 
U.S. Pension Plans
 
Non-U.S. Pension Plans
(in millions)
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Change in Benefit Obligation:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Benefit obligation at the beginning of the year
 
$
641.4

 
$
750.4

 
$
83.4

 
$
80.4

Service cost
 
4.9

 
11.2

 
2.6

 
2.8

Interest cost
 
30.7

 
29.5

 
3.3

 
3.0

Participant contributions
 

 

 
0.3

 
0.4

Plan amendments
 
0.1

 
0.5

 

 

Plan settlements
 

 

 
(0.7
)
 
(4.2
)
Plan curtailments
 
(0.5
)
 
(32.6
)
 
(0.4
)
 
(0.9
)
Benefits paid
 
(36.0
)
 
(29.5
)
 
(4.0
)
 
(2.1
)
Actuarial loss (gain)
 
134.0

 
(88.1
)
 
8.4

 
1.9

Divestitures
 

 

 
(21.1
)
 

Foreign currency exchange rate changes
 

 

 
(5.9
)
 
2.1

Benefit obligation at the end of the year
 
$
774.6

 
$
641.4

 
$
65.9

 
$
83.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated benefit obligation at the end of the year
 
$
774.6

 
$
641.4

 
$
58.5

 
$
68.5


 
 
U.S. Pension Plans
 
Non-U.S. Pension Plans
(in millions)
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Change in Plan Assets:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year
 
$
627.2

 
$
555.3

 
$
67.2

 
$
63.3

Actual return on plan assets
 
88.6

 
65.2

 
4.0

 
5.5

Employer contributions
 
5.9

 
36.2

 
4.9

 
2.8

Participant contributions
 

 

 
0.3

 
0.4

Plan settlements
 

 

 
(0.7
)
 
(4.2
)
Divestitures
 

 

 
(9.9
)
 

Benefits paid
 
(36.0
)
 
(29.5
)
 
(4.0
)
 
(2.1
)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes
 


 

 
(4.6
)
 
1.5

Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year
 
$
685.7

 
$
627.2

 
$
57.2

 
$
67.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unfunded status at year end:
 
$
(88.9
)
 
$
(14.2
)
 
$
(8.7
)
 
$
(16.2
)
 
 
U.S. Pension Plans
 
Non-U.S. Pension Plans
(in millions)
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Amount recognized in consolidated balance sheet consists of:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Prepaid benefit cost, non-current
 
$

 
$
23.2

 
$

 
$
0.4

Accrued benefit liability, current
 
(1.6
)
 
(6.1
)
 
(0.2
)
 
(0.5
)
Accrued benefit liability, non-current
 
(87.3
)
 
(31.3
)
 
(8.5
)
 
(16.1
)
Sub-total
 
(88.9
)
 
(14.2
)
 
(8.7
)
 
(16.2
)
Deferred tax asset
 
85.1

 
56.5

 
2.6

 
2.2

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
134.7

 
89.4

 
8.4

 
6.1

Net amount related to pension plans
 
$
130.9

 
$
131.7

 
$
2.3

 
$
(7.9
)

44



     
Accumulated other comprehensive loss related to pension benefit plans is as follows:
 
 
U.S. Pension Plans
 
Non-U.S. Pension Plans
(in millions)
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Unrecognized net actuarial losses
 
$
215.7

 
$
139.7

 
$
10.4

 
$
6.5

Unrecognized net prior service costs
 
4.1

 
6.2

 
0.1

 
0.4

Unrecognized net transition costs
 

 

 
0.5

 
1.4

Tax benefit
 
(85.1
)
 
(56.5
)
 
(2.6
)
 
(2.2
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, end of year
 
$
134.7

 
$
89.4

 
$
8.4

 
$
6.1

 
Estimated amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be reclassified to net period cost during 2015 are as follows:
 
 
 
 
Non-U.S.
(in millions)
 
U.S. Pension Plans
 
Pension Plans
Net actuarial losses
 
$
19.8

 
$
0.3

Net prior service costs
 
0.9

 

Net transition costs
 

 
0.1

Total
 
$
20.7

 
$
0.4


The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans was $833.1 million and $709.9 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
 
Presented below are the projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation, and fair value of plan assets for pension plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets and pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.
 
 
 
Projected Benefit Obligation Exceeds the Fair Value of Plan’s Assets
 
Accumulated Benefit Obligation
Exceeds the Fair Value of Plan’s Assets
 
 
U.S. Plans
 
Non-U.S. Plans
 
U.S. Plans
 
Non-U.S. Plans
(in millions)
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Projected benefit obligation
 
$
774.6

 
$
37.4

 
$
65.9

 
$
74.1

 
$
774.6

 
$
37.4

 
$
13.7

 
$
30.8

Accumulated benefit obligation
 
774.6

 
37.4

 
58.5

 
61.0

 
774.6

 
37.4

 
11.9

 
21.0

Fair value of plan assets
 
685.7

 

 
57.2

 
57.4

 
685.7

 

 
8.2

 
15.7

 
The Company’s general funding policy is to make contributions as required by applicable regulations and when beneficial to the Company for tax purposes.  The employer contributions for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, were $10.8 million and $39.0 million, respectively.  Total expected cash contributions for 2015 are $3.3 million which are expected to satisfy plan and regulatory funding requirements.
 
For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the U.S. pension plans represented approximately 92 percent and 90 percent, respectively, of the Company’s total plan assets and approximately 92 percent and 88 percent, respectively, of the Company’s total projected benefit obligation.  Considering the significance of the U.S. pension plans in comparison with the Company’s total pension plans, the critical pension assumptions related to the U.S. pension plans and the non-U.S. pension plans are separately presented and discussed below.
 

45



The Company’s actuarial valuation date is December 31.  The weighted-average discount rates and rates of increase in future compensation levels used in determining the actuarial present value of the projected benefit obligation for the years ended December 31 are as follows:
 
 
U.S. Pension Plans
 
Non-U.S. Pension Plans
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Weighted-average discount rate
 
4.00
%
 
5.00
%
 
3.67
%
 
4.25
%
Rate of increase in future compensation levels
 

 
3.75
%
 
3.66
%
 
3.91
%
 
The weighted-average discount rates, expected returns on plan assets, and rates of increase in future compensation levels used to determine the net benefit cost for the years ended December 31 are as follows:
 
 
 
U.S. Pension Plans
 
Non-U.S. Pension Plans
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Weighted-average discount rate
 
4.89
%
 
4.13
%
 
4.25
%
 
4.25
%
 
3.89
%
 
4.68
%
Expected return on plan assets
 
7.50
%
 
8.00
%
 
8.00
%
 
5.78
%
 
6.01
%
 
6.32
%
Rate of increase in future compensation levels
 

 
3.75
%
 
4.25
%
 
3.93
%
 
3.79
%
 
3.81
%
 
The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid:
(in millions)
 
U.S. Pension Plans
 
Non-U.S. Pension Plans
2015
 
$
33.9

 
$
1.3

2016
 
52.4

 
5.8

2017
 
36.9

 
1.6

2018
 
38.5

 
1.4

2019
 
42.1

 
1.6

Years 2020-2024
 
217.7

 
12.2

 
The Pension Investment Committee appointed by the Company’s Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the investments of the pension plans.  The overall investment strategy is to achieve a long-term rate of return that maintains an adequate funded ratio and minimizes the need for future contributions through diversification of asset types, investment strategies, and investment managers.  A target asset allocation policy is used to balance investments in equity securities with investments in fixed income securities.  Beginning in 2013, the Company adopted a liability responsive asset allocation policy that becomes more conservative as the funded status of the plans improve. The majority of pension plan assets relate to U.S. plans and the target allocation is currently to invest approximately 65 percent in fixed income securities and approximately 35 percent in equity securities. Equity securities primarily include investments in diversified portfolios of domestic large cap and small cap companies.  Fixed income securities include diversified investments across a broad spectrum of primarily investment-grade debt securities. To develop the expected long-term rate of return on assets assumption, the Company considered historical returns and future expectations.  Using the Company’s 2015 target asset allocation based on a liability responsive asset allocation, the Company’s outside actuaries have used their independent economic model to calculate a range of expected long-term rates of return and, based on their results, the Company has determined these assumptions to be reasonable.
  

46



The pension plan assets measured at fair value at December 31, 2014 and 2013 follow:
 
 
2014
 
 
U.S. Pension Plans
 
Non-U.S. Pension Plans
 
 
Quoted Price In Active Markets for Identical Assets
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
 
Quoted Price In Active Markets for Identical Assets
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(in millions)
 
(Level 1)
 
(Level 2)
 
(Level 3)
 
(Level 1)
 
(Level 2)
 
(Level 3)
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
12.8

 
$
6.7

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Corporate debt securities
 

 
243.6

 

 

 

 

U.S. government debt securities
 
1.1

 

 

 

 

 

State and municipal debt securities
 

 
48.6

 

 

 

 

Corporate common stock
 
144.7

 
15.6

 

 

 

 

Registered investment company funds
 
11.1

 
151.1

 

 
46.7

 

 

Common trust funds
 

 
50.4

 

 

 
5.0

 

General insurance account
 

 

 

 

 

 
5.5

Balance at December 31, 2014
 
$
169.7

 
$
516.0

 
$

 
$
46.7

 
$
5.0

 
$
5.5

 
 
2013
 
 
U.S. Pension Plans
 
Non-U.S. Pension Plans
 
 
Quoted Price In Active Markets for Identical Assets
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
 
Quoted Price In Active Markets for Identical Assets
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(in millions)
 
(Level 1)
 
(Level 2)
 
(Level 3)
 
(Level 1)
 
(Level 2)
 
(Level 3)
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
5.9

 
$
9.8

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Corporate debt securities
 

 
199.2

 

 

 

 

U.S. government debt securities
 
2.7

 

 

 

 

 

State and municipal debt securities
 

 
45.6

 

 

 

 

Corporate common stock
 
194.2

 
17.5

 

 

 

 

Registered investment company funds
 
10.2

 
133.3

 

 
44.8

 

 

Common trust funds
 

 
8.8

 

 

 
4.8

 

General insurance account
 

 

 

 

 

 
17.6

Balance at December 31, 2013
 
$
213.0

 
$
414.2

 
$

 
$
44.8

 
$
4.8

 
$
17.6


Cash and cash equivalents.  This category consists of direct cash holdings and institutional short-term investment vehicles. Direct cash holdings are valued based on cost, which approximates fair value and are classified as Level 1. Institutional short-term investment vehicles are valued daily and are classified as Level 2.
Corporate, U.S. government, state, and municipal debt securities. These securities are valued using market inputs including benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, benchmark securities, bids, offers and reference data including market research publications. Inputs may be prioritized differently at certain times based on market conditions.
Corporate common stock. This category includes common and preferred stocks and index mutual funds that track U.S. and foreign indices. Fair values for the common and preferred stocks are based on quoted prices in active markets and were therefore classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. The mutual funds were valued at the unit prices established by the funds' sponsors based on the fair value of the assets underlying the funds. Since the units of the funds are not actively traded, the fair value measurements have been classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

47



Registered investment company funds. This category includes mutual funds that are actively traded on public exchanges.  The funds are invested in equity and debt securities that are actively traded on public exchanges.
Common trust funds. Common trust funds consist of shares in commingled funds that are not publicly traded.  The funds are invested in equity and debt securities that are actively traded on public exchanges.
General insurance account. The general insurance account is primarily comprised of insurance contracts that guarantee a minimum return.
 
The reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 follows: 
(in millions)
 
General Insurance Account
Fair value of plan assets at December 31, 2012
 
$
19.0

Actual return on plan assets
 
1.0

Purchases, sales and settlements, net
 
(3.2
)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes
 
0.8

Fair value of plan assets at December 31, 2013
 
17.6

Actual return on plan assets
 
(0.8
)
Purchases, sales and settlements, net
 
(0.2
)
Divestiture
 
(9.9
)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes
 
(1.2
)
Fair value of plan assets at December 31, 2014
 
$
5.5





Note 11 — POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS OTHER THAN PENSIONS
 
The Company sponsors several defined postretirement benefit plans that cover a majority of salaried and a portion of nonunion hourly employees.  These plans provide healthcare benefits and, in some instances, provide life insurance benefits.  Postretirement health care plans are contributory, with retiree contributions adjusted annually.  Further benefit accruals for all persons entitled to benefits under these plans were frozen as of March 31, 2014. The Company recorded a plan curtailment gain of $3.0 million related to the amendments. Life insurance plans are noncontributory.
 
Net periodic postretirement benefit costs included the following components for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012
(in millions)
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Service cost - benefits earned during the year
 
$
0.1

 
$
0.3

 
$
0.3

Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation
 
0.3

 
0.4

 
0.4

Amortization of prior service credit
 
(0.2
)
 
(0.6
)
 
(0.6
)
Recognized actuarial net gain
 
(0.3
)
 
(0.3
)
 
(0.3
)
Curtailment gain
 
(3.6
)
 

 

Net periodic postretirement benefit income
 
$
(3.7
)
 
$
(0.2
)
 
$
(0.2
)
 
    

48



Changes in benefit obligation and plan assets, and a reconciliation of the funded status at December 31, 2014 and 2013, are as follows: 
(in millions)
 
2014
 
2013
Change in Benefit Obligation
 
 

 
 

Benefit obligation at the beginning of the year
 
$
7.9

 
$
9.1

Service cost
 
0.1

 
0.3

Interest cost
 
0.3

 
0.4

Participant contributions
 
0.7

 
0.6

Plan curtailment (gain)
 
(1.4
)
 

Actuarial loss (gain)
 
0.7

 
(1.5
)
Benefits paid
 
(1.2
)
 
(1.0
)
Benefit obligation at the end of the year
 
$
7.1

 
$
7.9

 
 
 
 
 
Change in Plan Assets
 
 

 
 

Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year
 
$

 
$

Participant contributions
 
0.7

 
0.6

Employer contribution
 
0.5

 
0.4

Benefits paid
 
(1.2
)
 
(1.0
)
Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year
 
$

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
Unfunded status at year end:
 
$
(7.1
)
 
$
(7.9
)

(in millions)
 
2014
 
2013
Amount recognized in consolidated balance sheet consists of:
 
 

 
 

Accrued benefit liability, current
 
$
(0.5
)
 
$
(0.6
)
Accrued benefit liability, non-current
 
(6.6
)
 
(7.3
)
Sub-total
 
(7.1
)
 
(7.9
)
Deferred tax liability
 
(1.7
)
 
(3.1
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income
 
(2.7
)
 
(4.8
)
Net amount related to postretirement benefit plans
 
$
(11.5
)
 
$
(15.8
)
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income related to other postretirement benefit plans is as follows: 
(in millions)
 
2014
 
2013
Unrecognized net actuarial gains
 
$
(4.4
)
 
$
(5.5
)
Unrecognized net prior service credits
 

 
(2.4
)
Tax expense
 
1.7

 
3.1

Accumulated other comprehensive income, end of year
 
$
(2.7
)
 
$
(4.8
)
 
Estimated amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be reclassified to net period cost during 2015 are as follows: 
(in millions)
 
Net actuarial gains
$
0.3

 

49



The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid: 
(in millions)
Benefit Payments
2015
$
0.5

2016
0.5

2017
0.5

2018
0.5

2019
0.5

Years 2020 - 2024
2.8

 
The employer contributions for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were $0.5 million and $0.4 million, respectively.  The expected contribution for 2015 is $0.5 million which is expected to satisfy plan funding requirements.
 
The health care cost trend rate assumption affects the amounts reported.  For measurement purposes, the assumed annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits was 7.5 percent for 2014 and 7.0 percent for 2013; the health care trend was reset from 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent in 2014, remaining at 7.5 percent in 2015, grading to 5 percent in 2025 (reducing 0.25 percent annually), and remains at that level thereafter.  A one-percentage point change in assumed health care trends would have a nominal effect on both the total of service and interest cost components for 2014 and the post retirement benefit obligations at December 31, 2014.
 
The Company’s actuarial valuation date is December 31.  The weighted-average discount rates used to determine the actuarial present value of the net postretirement projected benefit obligation for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were 4.00 percent and 5.00 percent, respectively.  The weighted-average discount rates used to determine the net postretirement benefit cost was 4.62 percent, 4.00 percent, and 4.25 percent for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
 

Note 12 — MULTIEMPLOYER DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION PLANS
 
As of December 31, 2014, the Company contributes to one multiemployer defined benefit pension plan under the terms contained in a collective bargaining agreement.  The risks of participating in multiemployer plans are different from single-employer plans in the following aspects:
 
a.
Assets contributed to the multiemployer plan by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers.
b.
If a participating employer stops contributing to the plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be borne by the remaining participating employers.
c.
If the Company chooses to stop participating in a multiemployer plan, the Company may be required to pay that plan an amount based on the underfunded status of the plan, referred to as a withdrawal liability.       

The Company settled and paid a withdrawal liability for the withdrawal from the Central States Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Fund as part of a Pressure Sensitive Materials plant closure (refer to Note 6 - Divestiture). The Company recorded charges related to the withdrawal from the GCIU - Employer Retirement Fund as part of its facility consolidation consolidation activities in the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011. In December 2013, the Company settled with the GCIU and paid the withdrawal liability in full.
 

50



The Company’s participation in these plans for the annual periods ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 is outlined in the table below. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expiration
Multiemployer
 
 
 
Pension Protection
 
FIP/RP
 
Company Contributions
 
 
 
Date of
Pension
 
EIN/Pension
 
Act Zone Status
 
Status
 
(in millions)
 
Surcharge
 
Bargaining
Fund
 
Plan Number
 
2014
 
2013
 
Implemented
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
Imposed
 
Agreement
Central States Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Fund
 
36-6044243/001
 
Red
 
Red
 
Yes
 
$
0.6

 
$
0.9

 
$
0.9

 
No
 
Withdrawn (a)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Warehouse Employees Local 169 & Employers Joint Pension Fund
 
23-6230368/001
 
Red
 
Red
 
Yes
 
0.1

 
0.1

 
0.1

 
Yes
 
5/31/2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GCIU — Employer Retirement Fund
 
91-6024903/001
 
Red
 
Red
 
Yes
 

 

 
0.3

 
Yes
 
Withdrawn (b)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
0.7

 
$
1.0

 
$
1.3

 
 
 
 
 
(a)  The Company was required to make contributions to the Central States Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Fund for its Pressure Sensitive Material's Stow, OH facility, which was closed during 2014.
(b) The Company was party to two collective-bargaining agreements that required contributions to GCIU - Employer Retirement Fund.  The Company’s Newark, CA facility closed during 2012. The Company’s Minneapolis, MN facility closed during 2013.
 
The “EIN Number” column provides the Employer Identification Number (EIN).  Unless otherwise noted, the most recent Pension Protection Act (PPA) zone status available in 2014 and 2013 is for the plan’s year-end at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.  The zone status is based on information that the Company received from the plan and is certified by the plan’s actuary.  Among other factors, plans in the red zone are generally less than 65 percent funded, plans in the yellow zone are less than 80 percent funded, and plans in the green zone are at least 80 percent funded.  The “FIP/RP Status Implemented” column indicates plans for which a Financial Improvement Plan (FIP) or a Rehabilitation Plan (RP) has been implemented.
 

Note 13 — STOCK INCENTIVE PLANS
 
In 2014, the Company adopted the 2014 Stock Incentive Plan, which replaced the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan. The 2014 Stock Incentive Plan provides for the issuance of up to 3,282,170 shares of common stock to certain employees and other service providers. The number of shares available under the 2014 Stock Incentive Plan represented the number of shares that were remaining available for issuance under the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan when the new plan was adopted as no further awards would be made under the prior plan. As of December 31, 2014, 3,324,257 shares were available for future grants under the 2014 Stock Incentive Plan.  Shares subject to awards that are forfeited by an employee under the 2014 Stock Incentive Plan or the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan become available for future grants under the 2014 Stock Incentive Plan. Distribution of stock awards is made in the form of shares of the Company’s common stock on a one for one basis.  Distribution of the shares will normally be made not less than three years, nor more than six years, from the date of the stock award grant to an employee.  Stock awards for directors vest immediately.  All other stock awards granted under the plans are subject to restrictions as to continuous employment, except in the case of death, permanent disability, retirement or change in control. 


51



Total compensation expense related to stock incentive plans was $14.0 million in 2014, $15.9 million in 2013, and $16.8 million in 2012. As of December 31, 2014, the unrecorded compensation cost for stock awards was $21.7 million and will be recognized over the remaining vesting period for each grant which ranges between 2015 and 2017.  The remaining weighted-average life of all stock awards outstanding as of December 31, 2014 was 1.21 years.  These awards are considered equity-based awards and are therefore classified as a component of additional paid-in capital.

In addition, cash payments are made during the vesting period on the outstanding stock awards granted prior to January 1, 2010, equal to the dividend on the Company’s common stock.  Cash payments equal to dividends on awards made on or after January 1, 2010, will be distributed at the same time as the shares of common stock to which they relate.
 
Time-Based Stock Awards

The cost of time-based stock awards is based on the fair market value of the Company's common stock on the date of grant and is charged to income on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. The per share fair value of time-based stock awards granted during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $40.65, $33.75, and $30.61, respectively.

Performance-Based Stock Awards

Certain officers and key employees are also eligible to receive performance-based stock awards. Grantees of performance-based awards will be eligible to receive shares of the Company's common stock depending upon the Company's total shareowner return, assuming reinvestment of all dividends, relative to the performance of the Company's comparator group over a three-year period. The per share fair value of performance-based awards granted during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $46.42, $36.98, and $39.10, respectively, which the Company determined using a Monte Carlo simulation and the following assumptions:
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Average risk-free interest rate
0.76
%
 
0.37
%
 
0.40
%
Expected volatility (Bemis Company, Inc.)
19.7
%
 
21.9
%
 
27.7
%

The average risk-free interest rate is based on the three-year U.S. treasury security rate in effect as of the grant date. The expected volatilities were determined using daily historical volatility for the most recent three-year period as of the grant date. In 2015, there was a 59.5 percent payout of 2012 awards, and the balance was canceled. In 2014, there was no payout of 2011 awards and they all were canceled. During 2013, there was a 54.7 percent payout of 2010 performance grants, and the balance were canceled.
    
The following table summarizes stock awards unit activity for the year ended December 31, 2014:
 
 
Time-Based
 
Performance-Based
 
Weighted-average grant date share value
 
Stock Awards (in thousands)
 
Weighted-average grant date share value
 
Stock Awards (in thousands)
Outstanding units granted at the beginning of the year
$
30.35

 
1,471

 
$
37.95

 
347

Units granted
40.65

 
391

 
46.42

 
142

Units paid (in shares)
27.50

 
(134
)
 

 

Units canceled
31.39

 
(202
)
 
41.36

 
(117
)
Outstanding units granted at the end of the year
33.13

 
1,526

 
40.11

 
372

 


52



Note 14 — LONG-TERM DEBT
 
Debt consisted of the following at December 31,
(dollars in millions)
 
2014
 
2013
Commercial paper payable through 2015
 
$
317.3

 
$
240.5

Notes payable in 2014, at an interest rate of 5.65% less unamortized discount of $0.0 and $0.1, respectively
 

 
399.9

Notes payable in 2019, at an interest rate of 6.8% less unamortized discount of $0.6 and $0.7, respectively
 
399.4

 
399.3

Notes payable in 2021, at an interest rate of 4.5% includes $1.0 and ($20.2) fair value of interest rate swap, respectively, less unamortized discount of $1.8 and $2.0, respectively
 
399.2

 
377.8

Notes payable in 2022
 
200.0

 

Debt of subsidiary companies
 

 
3.9

Obligations under capital leases
 

 
0.2

 
 
 
 
 
Total debt
 
1,315.9

 
1,421.6

Less current portion
 

 
0.2

Total long-term debt
 
$
1,315.9

 
$
1,421.4

 
Commercial paper has been classified as long-term debt to the extent of available long-term backup credit agreements, in accordance with the Company’s intent and ability to refinance such obligations on a long-term basis.  The weighted-average interest rate of commercial paper outstanding at December 31, 2014, was 0.5 percent.  The maximum amount of commercial paper outstanding during 2014 was $491.0 million, and the average outstanding during 2014 was $323.9 million.  The weighted-average interest rate during 2014 was 0.3 percent.
 
As of December 31, 2014, the Company had available from its banks a $1.1 billion revolving credit facility.  This credit facility is used principally as back-up for the Company’s commercial paper program and expires on August 12, 2018.  The revolving credit facility is supported by a group of major U.S. and international banks.  Covenants imposed by the revolving credit facility include limits on the sale of businesses, minimum net worth calculations, and a maximum ratio of debt to total capitalization.  The revolving credit agreement includes a combined $100 million multicurrency limit to support the financing needs of the Company’s international subsidiaries.

Public notes totaling $400 million matured in August 2014. On July 15, 2014, the Company further amended its revolving credit facility to provide for a $200 million term loan. This term loan has an eight-year term and a variable rate based on the one-month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus a fixed spread. The Company used this term loan combined with commercial paper borrowings to refinance the $400 million public notes which matured in August 2014.

Refer to Note 8 - Derivative Instruments for information regarding the interest rate swap.
 
Long-term debt maturing in 2015 is $317.3 million. These amounts have been classified as long term liabilities in accordance with the Company’s ability and intent to refinance such obligations on a long term basis. There is no long-term debt maturing from 2016-2018.  Long-term debt maturing in 2019 is $399.4 million. The Company was in compliance with all debt covenants throughout 2014. 


53



Note 15 — LEASES
 
The Company has leases for manufacturing plants, land, warehouses, machinery and equipment, and administrative offices that generally expire at various times over the next 15 years.  Under most leasing arrangements, the Company pays the property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and other expenses related to the leased property.  Total rental expense under operating leases was approximately $13.3 million in 2014, $14.3 million in 2013, and $14.7 million in 2012.

Minimum future obligations on leases in effect at December 31, 2014 were: 
 
Operating
(in millions)
Leases
2015
$
8.7

2016
7.2

2017
5.7

2018
4.3

2019
3.2

Thereafter
25.3

Total minimum obligations
$
54.4

 
Note 16 — INCOME TAXES
 
(in millions)
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
U.S. income before income taxes
 
$
255.3

 
$
201.1

 
$
203.7

Non-U.S. income before income taxes
 
108.4

 
88.6

 
37.5

Income from continuing operations before income taxes
 
$
363.7

 
$
289.7

 
$
241.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income tax expense consists of the following components:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Current tax expense:
 
 

 
 

 
 

U.S. federal
 
$
82.6

 
$
59.7

 
$
51.3

Foreign
 
31.2

 
30.9

 
27.4

State and local
 
11.3

 
5.9

 
4.9

Total current tax expense
 
125.1

 
96.5

 
83.6

Deferred tax (benefit) expense :
 
 

 
 

 
 

U.S. federal
 
1.0

 
13.9

 
16.9

Foreign
 
(0.7
)
 
(14.8
)
 
(10.7
)
State and local
 
(0.8
)
 
1.6

 
2.5

Total deferred tax (benefit) expense
 
(0.5
)
 
0.7

 
8.7

Total income tax expense
 
$
124.6

 
$
97.2

 
$
92.3


The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are presented below. 

54



(in millions)
 
2014
 
2013
Deferred Tax Assets:
 
 

 
 

Accounts receivable, principally due to allowances for returns and doubtful accounts
 
$
5.5

 
$
9.0

Inventories, principally due to additional costs inventoried for tax purposes
 
24.1

 
30.8

Employee compensation and benefits accrued for financial reporting purposes
 
88.1

 
51.6

Foreign net operating losses
 
22.8

 
26.8

Foreign tax credits
 
25.0

 
17.0

Other
 
13.4

 
16.8

Total deferred tax assets
 
178.9

 
152.0

Less valuation allowance
 
(47.9
)
 
(42.1
)
Total deferred tax assets, after valuation allowance
 
$
131.0

 
$
109.9

 
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
 
2014
 
2013
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
 
 

 
 

Plant and equipment, principally due to differences in depreciation, capitalized interest, and capitalized overhead
 
$
116.9

 
$
124.4

Goodwill and intangible assets, principally due to differences in amortization
 
172.1

 
175.3

Total deferred tax liabilities
 
289.0

 
299.7

 
 
 
 
 
Deferred tax liabilities, net
 
$
158.0

 
$
189.8

 
The net deferred tax liabilities are reflected in the balance sheet as follows: 
(in millions)
 
2014
 
2013
Deferred tax assets (included in prepaid expense and other current assets)
 
$
65.4

 
$
80.0

Deferred tax liabilities
 
223.4

 
269.8

Net deferred tax liabilities
 
$
158.0

 
$
189.8

 
The Company’s effective tax rate differs from the federal statutory rate due to the following items: 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
(dollars in millions)
 
Amount
 
% of Income Before Tax
 
Amount
 
% of Income Before Tax
 
Amount
 
% of Income Before Tax
Computed “expected” tax expense on income before taxes at federal statutory rate
 
$
127.3

 
35.0
 %
 
$
101.4

 
35.0
 %
 
$
84.4

 
35.0
 %
Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

State and local income taxes net of federal income tax benefit
 
6.8

 
1.9

 
4.9

 
1.7

 
4.8

 
2.0

Foreign tax rate differential
 
(7.4
)
 
(2.0
)
 
(4.2
)
 
(1.4
)
 
3.6

 
1.5

Manufacturing tax benefits
 
(7.5
)
 
(2.1
)
 
(5.8
)
 
(2.0
)
 
(4.4
)
 
(1.8
)
Other
 
5.4

 
1.5

 
0.9

 
0.3

 
3.9

 
1.6

Actual income tax expense
 
$
124.6

 
34.3
 %
 
$
97.2

 
33.6
 %
 
$
92.3

 
38.3
 %
 
In 2014 various foreign subsidiaries paid $170.0 million of dividends to the U.S. parent. These dividends, in addition to the divestiture of the Pressure Sensitive Materials business, resulted in an increase in the foreign tax credit carryover of $8.0 million. The Company placed a full valuation allowance against these credits.

In 2013 a Brazilian subsidiary paid $21.3 million of dividends out of current earnings to the U.S. parent. This resulted in $8.9 million of additional tax and an increase in the foreign tax credit of $8.0 million. The Company placed a full valuation

55



allowance against these credits. The net increase in tax due to the dividends was largely offset by the release of various foreign valuation allowances and foreign deferred tax liabilities.

As of December 31, 2014, the Company had foreign net operating loss carryovers of approximately $72.1 million that are available to offset future taxable income.  Approximately $28.5 million of the carryover expires over the period 2015-2033.  The remaining balance has no expiration.  In addition, the Company had $25.0 million of foreign tax credit carryover that is available to offset future tax.  This carryover expires over the period 2018-2024.
 
Current authoritative guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") requires that a valuation allowance be established when it is more likely than not that all or a portion of deferred tax assets will not be realized.  The Company has, and continues to generate, both net operating losses and deferred tax assets in certain jurisdictions for which a valuation allowance is required.  The Company’s management determined that a valuation allowance of $47.9 million and $42.1 million against deferred tax assets primarily associated with the foreign net operating loss carryover and the foreign tax credit carryover was necessary at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Provision has not been made for U.S. or additional foreign taxes on $203.7 million of undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries because those earnings are considered to be indefinitely reinvested in the operations of those subsidiaries.  It is not practical to estimate the amount of tax that might be payable on the eventual remittance of such earnings.
 
The Company had total unrecognized tax benefits of $24.1 million and $21.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The approximate amount of unrecognized tax benefits that would impact the effective income tax rate if recognized in any future periods was $24.1 million and $21.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
 
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits, in millions, is as follows: 
 
 
2014
 
2013
Balance at beginning of year
 
$
21.4

 
$
25.6

Additions based on tax positions related to the current year
 
2.3

 
3.6

Additions for tax positions of prior years
 
3.2

 
5.1

Reductions for tax positions of prior years
 
(0.6
)
 
(9.9
)
Reductions due to a lapse of the statute of limitations
 
(1.7
)
 
(2.9
)
Settlements
 
(0.5
)
 
(0.1
)
Balance at end of year
 
$
24.1

 
$
21.4

 
The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as components of income tax expense. The Company recognized $0.4 million of net tax benefit, $1.0 million of net tax benefit, and $0.6 million of net tax expense related to interest and penalties during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. The Company had approximately $6.1 million and $6.5 million accrued for interest and penalties, net of tax benefits, at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
 
During the next 12 months it is reasonably possible that a reduction of gross unrecognized tax benefits will occur in an amount of up to $7.0 million as a result of the resolution of positions taken on previously filed returns.
 
The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to U.S. federal and state income tax as well as income tax in multiple international jurisdictions.  The Company's U.S. federal income tax returns prior to 2012 have been audited and settled.  With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to examinations by tax authorities for years prior to 2009 in the significant jurisdictions in which it operates.
 


56



Note 17 — ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

On January 1, 2013, the Company adopted changes required by the FASB to the reporting of amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss. These changes require an entity to report the effect of significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss on the respective line items in net income if the amount being reclassified is required to be reclassified in its entirety to net income. For other amounts that are not required to be reclassified in their entirety to net income in the same reporting period, an entity is required to cross-reference other disclosures that provide additional detail about those amounts. Other than the additional disclosure requirements (see below), the adoption of these changes had no impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements. The components and activity of accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows: 
(in millions)
 
Foreign Currency Translation
 
Pension And Other Postretirement Liability Adjustment
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
December 31, 2012
 
$
80.5

 
$
(193.4
)
 
$
(112.9
)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications
 
(88.5
)
 
87.1

 
(1.4
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
 

 
15.6

 
15.6

Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income
 
(88.5
)
 
102.7

 
14.2

December 31, 2013
 
(8.0
)
 
(90.7
)
 
(98.7
)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications
 
(129.4
)
 
(59.1
)
 
(188.5
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(13.9
)
 
9.4

 
(4.5
)
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income
 
(143.3
)
 
(49.7
)
 
(193.0
)
December 31, 2014
 
$
(151.3
)
 
$
(140.4
)
 
$
(291.7
)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss associated with pension and other postretirement liability adjustments are net of tax effects of $85.9 million and $55.6 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Reclassifications of $15.8 million ($9.3 million, net of tax) and $25.5 million ($15.6 million, net of tax) for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, related to pension costs. Other comprehensive income before reclassifications of $7.7 million ($4.8 million, net of tax) for the year ended December 31, 2014, related to remeasurement of other postretirement plans triggered by curtailment. An additional reclassification of $2.2 million ($1.4 million, net of tax) for the year ended December 31, 2014, related to curtailment benefits associated with other postretirement plans. Refer to Note 10 — Pension Plans for additional detail.
In September 2013 the Company approved amendments related to multiple qualified defined benefit pension plans effective December 31, 2013. The amendments froze all further benefit accruals for all persons entitled to benefits under the plans as of December 31, 2013. As a result, final average pay formulas will not reflect future compensation increases or additional service after December 31, 2013. Other comprehensive income before reclassifications reflects the effect of these plan amendments.

 


57



Note 18 — EARNINGS PER SHARE COMPUTATIONS

The Company considers unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to receive dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) to be participating securities, and thus includes them in the two-class method of computing earnings per share. Participating securities include a portion of the Company’s unvested employee stock awards, which receive nonforfeitable cash payments equal to the dividend on the Company’s common stock. The calculation of earnings per share for common stock shown below excludes the income attributable to the participating securities from the numerator and excludes the dilutive impact of those awards from the denominator. 
(in millions, except per share amounts)
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Numerator
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net income attributable to Bemis Company, Inc.
 
$
191.1

 
$
212.6

 
$
173.8

Income allocated to participating securities
 

 
(0.2
)
 
(1.8
)
Net income available to common shareholders (1)
 
$
191.1

 
$
212.4

 
$
172.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Denominator
 
 

 
 

 
 

Weighted-average common shares outstanding — basic
 
100.2

 
102.9

 
103.2

Dilutive shares
 
1.0

 
1.0

 
0.7

Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding — diluted
 
101.2

 
103.9

 
103.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Per common share income
 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic
 
$
1.91

 
$
2.06

 
$
1.67

Diluted
 
$
1.89

 
$
2.04

 
$
1.66

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)   Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding
 
100.2

 
102.9

 
103.2

Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding and participating securities
 
100.2

 
103.0

 
104.3

Percentage allocated to common shareholders
 
100.0
%
 
99.9
%
 
98.9
%
 
Certain stock awards outstanding were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share above because they would not have had a dilutive effect.  The excluded stock awards represented an aggregate of 0.3 million shares at December 31, 2014 and 2013.  There were no anti-dilutive stock awards outstanding at December 31, 2012.

 
Note 19 — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The Company is involved in a number of lawsuits incidental to its business, including environmental-related litigation and routine litigation arising in the ordinary course of business.  Although it is difficult to predict the ultimate outcome of these cases, the Company believes, except as discussed below, that any ultimate liability would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
 
Environmental Matters
The Company is a potentially responsible party ("PRP") pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (commonly known as “Superfund”) and similar state and foreign laws in proceedings associated with 17 sites around the United States and one in Brazil.  These proceedings were instituted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and certain state and foreign environmental agencies at various times beginning in 1983.  Superfund and similar state and foreign laws create liability for investigation and remediation in response to releases of hazardous substances in the environment. Under these statutes, joint and several liability may be imposed on waste generators, site owners and operators, and others regardless of fault.  Although these regulations could require the Company to remove or mitigate the effects on the environment at various sites, perform remediation work at such sites, or pay damages for loss of use and non-use values, the Company expects its liability in these proceedings to be limited to monetary damages. The Company

58



expects its future liability relative to these sites to be insignificant, individually and in the aggregate.  The Company has accrued an amount that it believes to be adequate to cover its exposure.
 
São Paulo Tax Dispute
Two of the Company’s subsidiaries (Dixie Toga Ltda ("Dixie Toga") and Itap Bemis Ltda) were involved in a tax dispute with the City of São Paulo, Brazil ("City"). The City imposes a tax on the rendering of printing services. The City assessed this city services tax on the production and sale of printed labels and packaging products. The Company disagreed and contended that the city services tax was not applicable to its products and that the products were subject only to the state value added tax ("VAT"). Under Brazilian law, state VAT and city services tax are mutually exclusive and the same transaction can be subject to only one of those taxes. Based on a ruling from the State of São Paulo, advice from legal counsel, and long standing business practice, the Company appealed the city services tax and instead continued to collect and pay only the state VAT.

The City disagreed and assessed the subsidiaries the city services tax for the multiple years dating back to 1991. The Company challenged the assessments and ultimately litigated the issue. Multiple courts, including the Lower Tax Court in the city of São Paulo and the São Paulo Court of Justice, previously issued decisions in favor of the Company. In May 2014, the Second Panel of the Supreme Court for the State of São Paulo issued a decision in favor of the Company in one of the relevant lawsuits.  The City did not appeal, and the decision is final.  The Company is involved in several similar lawsuits with the City. We expect it may take several years before the remaining cases are fully decided, but we believe this decision has established precedent and should lead to a favorable ruling in the remaining cases.

Brazil Tax Dispute - Goodwill Amortization
During October 2013, Dixie Toga received an income tax assessment in Brazil for the tax years 2009 through 2011 that relates to the amortization of certain goodwill generated from the acquisition of Dixie Toga. The income tax assessed for those years is approximately $14.3 million, translated to U.S. dollars at the December 31, 2014 exchange rate. The Company expects that tax examinations for years after 2011 will include similar assessments as the Company continues to claim the tax benefits associated with the goodwill amortization. An ultimate adverse resolution on these assessments, including interest and penalties, could be material to the Company's consolidated results of operations and/or cash flows.

The Company has been advised by its legal and tax advisors that its position with respect to the deductions is allowable under the tax laws of Brazil. The Company is contesting the disallowance and believes it is more likely than not the tax benefit will be sustained in its entirety and consequently has not recorded a liability. The Company intends to litigate the matter if it is not resolved at the administrative appeal levels. The ultimate outcome will not be determined until the Brazilian tax appeal process is complete, which could take several years.  At this time, the Company believes that final resolution of the assessment will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
 
Brazil Investigation
On September 18, 2007, the Secretariat of Economic Law ("SDE"), a governmental agency in Brazil now integrated into the CADE (Brazilian Competition Commission) Superintendence General after a change in the law, initiated an investigation into possible anti-competitive practices in the Brazilian flexible packaging industry against a number of Brazilian companies including a Dixie Toga subsidiary.  The investigation relates to periods prior to the Company’s acquisition of control of Dixie Toga and its subsidiaries.  Given the nature of the proceedings, the Company is unable at the present time to predict the outcome of this matter.
 

 


59



Note 20 — SEGMENTS OF BUSINESS

The Company's business activities are organized around and aggregated into its two principal business segments, U.S. Packaging and Global Packaging, based on their similar economic characteristics, products, production process, types of customers, and distribution methods. Both internal and external reporting conforms to this organizational structure, with no significant differences in accounting policies applied. Minor intersegment sales are generally priced to reflect nominal markups. The Company evaluates the performance of its segments and allocates resources to them based primarily on operating profit, which is defined as profit before general corporate expense, interest expense, other non-operating income, and income taxes.

Products produced within the U.S. and Global Packaging business segments service packaging applications for markets such as food, medical devices, personal care, agribusiness, chemicals, pet food, and consumer products.
    
A summary of the Company’s business activities reported by its two business segments follows:
Business Segments (in millions)
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Sales including intersegment sales:
 
 
 
 

 
 

U.S. Packaging
 
$
2,889.5

 
$
3,013.1

 
$
3,062.6

Global Packaging
 
1,507.6

 
1,518.8

 
1,561.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Intersegment sales:
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Packaging
 
(28.8
)
 
(28.5
)
 
(22.5
)
Global Packaging
 
(24.8
)
 
(26.8
)
 
(17.8
)
Total net sales
 
$
4,343.5

 
$
4,476.6

 
$
4,583.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Packaging
 
 
 
 

 
 

Operating profit before facility consolidation and other costs (a)
 
$
375.8

 
$
382.9

 
$
408.8

Facility consolidation and other costs
 

 
(45.0
)
 
(42.1
)
Operating profit
 
375.8

 
337.9

 
366.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Global Packaging
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating profit before facility consolidation and other costs (a)
 
113.3

 
106.8

 
86.5

Facility consolidation and other costs
 

 
(0.4
)
 
(26.6
)
Operating profit
 
113.3

 
106.4

 
59.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate
 
 
 
 
 
 
General corporate expenses
 
(81.4
)
 
(94.1
)
 
(118.3
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income
 
407.7

 
350.2

 
308.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
 
60.8

 
68.2

 
70.9

Other non-operating income
 
(16.8
)
 
(7.7
)
 
(3.8
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
 
$
363.7

 
$
289.7

 
$
241.2

(a)
Fiscal 2012 operating profit before facility consolidation and other costs includes adjustments associated with the alignment of certain accounting practices. The benefit (detriment) for U.S. Packaging and Global Packaging for the twelve months ended December 31, 2012 was $13.8 million and $(16.4) million, respectively. These adjustments did not have a material impact on the Company's previously issued consolidated financial statements.



60



Business Segments (in millions)
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Total assets(1):
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Packaging
 
$
1,977.9

 
$
2,004.5

 
$
2,095.7

Global Packaging
 
1,345.3

 
1,413.3

 
1,335.0

Corporate assets (2)
 
291.9

 
380.8

 
442.7

Discontinued operations
 

 
311.6

 
312.3

Total
 
$
3,615.1

 
$
4,110.2

 
$
4,185.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization:
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Packaging
 
$
96.3

 
$
102.4

 
$
114.6

Global Packaging
 
62.1

 
63.6

 
67.3

Corporate
 
11.7

 
11.5

 
9.8

Total continuing operations
 
170.1

 
177.5

 
191.7

Discontinued operations
 
10.5

 
12.8

 
12.6

Total
 
$
180.6

 
$
190.3

 
$
204.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Additions to property and equipment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Packaging
 
$
105.5

 
$
80.8

 
$
65.1

Global Packaging
 
51.0

 
42.3

 
47.2

Corporate
 
23.8

 
9.2

 
7.4

Total continuing operations
 
180.3

 
132.3

 
119.7

Discontinued operations
 
4.9

 
7.5

 
16.7

Total
 
$
185.2

 
$
139.8

 
$
136.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operations by geographic area (in millions)
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Net sales: (3)
 
 

 
 

 
 

United States
 
$
3,040.8

 
$
3,143.2

 
$
3,142.3

Brazil
 
581.5

 
629.6

 
712.5

Other Americas
 
273.2

 
299.8

 
361.7

Europe
 
258.8

 
245.4

 
245.0

Asia-Pacific
 
189.2

 
158.6

 
122.1

Total
 
$
4,343.5

 
$
4,476.6

 
$
4,583.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-lived assets: (4)
 
 

 
 

 
 

United States
 
$
836.1

 
$
906.2

 
$
938.3

Brazil
 
159.0

 
179.9

 
217.0

Other Americas
 
55.7

 
64.3

 
77.3

Europe
 
68.1

 
126.4

 
135.3

Asia-Pacific
 
72.4

 
74.3

 
54.1

Total
 
$
1,191.3

 
$
1,351.1

 
$
1,422.0

 
(1)
Total assets by business segment include only those assets that are specifically identified with each segment’s operations.
(2)
Corporate assets are principally cash and cash equivalents, prepaid expenses, prepaid income taxes, prepaid pension benefit costs, and corporate tangible and intangible property. The Company utilizes a global cash pooling arrangement. Beginning in 2014, the Company treated all cash and cash equivalents, including the net cash position in the cash pooling arrangement, as Corporate assets. Prior periods have been recast on a consistent basis.
(3)
Net sales are attributed to geographic areas based on location of the Company’s manufacturing or selling operation.
(4)
Long-lived assets include net property and equipment, long-term receivables, deferred charges, and investment in affiliates.

61





Note 21 — QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION — UNAUDITED
 
 
Quarter Ended
(in millions, except per share amounts)
 
March 31
 
June 30
 
September 30
 
December 31
 
Total
2014
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net sales
 
$
1,095.0

 
$
1,097.6

 
$
1,098.2

 
$
1,052.7

 
$
4,343.5

Gross profit
 
210.9

 
219.0

 
220.7

 
208.5

 
859.1

Income from continuing operations
 
59.7

 
60.7

 
61.5

 
57.2

 
239.1

(Loss) income from discontinued operations
 
(10.5
)
 
5.1

 
(44.5
)
 
1.9

 
(48.0
)
Net income
 
49.2

 
65.8

 
17.0

 
59.1

 
191.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations
 
0.58

 
0.61

 
0.62

 
0.58

 
2.39

(Loss) income from discontinued operations
 
(0.10
)
 
0.05

 
(0.45
)
 
0.02

 
(0.48
)
Net income
 
0.48

 
0.66

 
0.17

 
0.60

 
1.91

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations
 
0.58

 
0.60

 
0.61

 
0.57

 
2.36

(Loss) income from discontinued operations
 
(0.10
)
 
0.05

 
(0.44
)
 
0.02

 
(0.47
)
Net income
 
0.48

 
0.65

 
0.17

 
0.59

 
1.89

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2013
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net sales
 
$
1,114.5

 
$
1,155.3

 
$
1,121.5

 
$
1,085.3

 
$
4,476.6

Gross profit
 
217.2

 
226.6

 
224.2

 
207.4

 
875.4

Income from continuing operations
 
44.2

 
49.1

 
48.9

 
50.3

 
192.5

Income from discontinued operations
 
5.1

 
4.0

 
5.1

 
5.9

 
20.1

Net income
 
49.3

 
53.1

 
54.0

 
56.2

 
212.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations
 
0.43

 
0.47

 
0.47

 
0.49

 
1.86

Income from discontinued operations
 
0.05

 
0.04

 
0.05

 
0.06

 
0.20

Net income
 
0.48

 
0.51

 
0.52

 
0.55

 
2.06

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations
 
0.42

 
0.47

 
0.47

 
0.49

 
1.85

Income from discontinued operations
 
0.05

 
0.04

 
0.05

 
0.05

 
0.19

Net income
 
0.47

 
0.51

 
0.52

 
0.54

 
2.04

 
The summation of quarterly earnings per share may not equate to the calculation for the full year as quarterly calculations are performed on a discrete basis.


62



ITEM 9 — CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
 
None.
 
ITEM 9A — CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a)  Management’s Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company’s management, under the direction, supervision, and involvement of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, has carried out an evaluation, as of the end of the period covered by this report, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)) of the Company.  Based on this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer have concluded that disclosure controls and procedures in place at the Company are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified by the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
 
(b)  Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The management of Bemis Company, Inc. is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f).  Under the direction, supervision, and participation of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, the Company’s management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO-Framework (2013)).  Based on the results of this evaluation, management has concluded that internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2014.
 
The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which appears on page  27 of this Form 10-K.
 
(c)  Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
ITEM 9B — OTHER INFORMATION
 
None.



63



PART  III
ITEM 10 — DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
     
The information required to be submitted in response to this item with respect to directors is omitted because a definitive proxy statement containing such information will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after December 31, 2014, and such information is expressly incorporated herein by reference.    

The following sets forth the name, age, and business experience for at least the last five years of the principal executive officers of the Company.  Unless otherwise indicated, positions shown are with the Company.
Name (Age)
 
Positions Held
 
Period The Position  Was Held
William F. Austen (56)
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
2014 to present
 
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
 
2013 to 2014
 
 
Group President
 
2012 to 2013
 
 
Vice President — Operations
 
2004 to 2012
 
 
President and Chief Executive Officer — Morgan Adhesives Company (1)
 
2000 to 2004
 
 
 
 
 
Michael B. Clauer (57)
 
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
2014 to present
 
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer — BWAY Corporation
 
2009 to 2014
 
 
 
 
 
Sheri H. Edison (58)
 
Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary
 
2010 to present
 
 
Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, Hill-Rom, Inc.
 
2007 to 2010
 
 
Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary, Hill-Rom, Inc.
 
2003 to 2007
 
 
 
 
 
Timothy S. Fliss (52)
 
Vice President — Human Resources
 
2010 to present
 
 
Executive Vice President — Human Resources, Schneider National, Inc.
 
2003 to 2009
 
 
Vice President — Human Resources, Schneider National, Inc.
 
1995 to 2003
 
 
Various operational positions within Schneider National, Inc.
 
1990 to 1995
 
 
 
 
 
William E. Jackson (53)
 
Vice President and Chief Technology Officer      
 
2013 to present
 
 
Vice President of Global Research and Development — Dow Building and Construction
 
2007 to 2013
 
 
Various management positions — General Electric            
 
1992 to 2007
 
 
 
 
 
Jerry S. Krempa (54)
 
Vice President and Controller
 
2011 to present
 
 
Various finance management positions within the Company
 
1998 to 2011
 
 
 
 
 
Melanie E.R. Miller (51)
 
Vice President and Treasurer
 
2005 to present
 
 
Vice President, Investor Relations and Assistant Treasurer
 
2002 to 2005
 
 
Various finance management positions within the Company
 
2000 to 2002
 
 
 
 
 
James W. Ransom (55)
 
Senior Vice President
 
2014 to present
 
 
President — Bemis North America
 
2014 to present
 
 
Group President
 
2012 to 2014
 
 
Vice President — Operations
 
2007 to 2012
 
 
President — Curwood, Inc. (1)
 
2005 to 2010
 
 
President — Banner Packaging, Inc. (1)
 
2002 to 2005
 
 
 
 
 
Henry J. Theisen (61)
 
Executive Chairman of the Board
 
2014 to present
 
 
Chairman of the Board of Directors
 
2013 to present
 
 
Director
 
2006 to present
 
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
2008 to 2014
 
 
President and Chief Operating Officer
 
2007 to 2008
 
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
 
2003 to 2007
 
 
Vice President — Operations
 
2002 to 2003
 
 
Various R&D, marketing, and management positions within the Company
 
1976 to 2002
(1)           Identified operation was a 100 percent owned subsidiary or division of the Company. 


64



ITEM 11 — EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
The information required to be submitted in response to this item is omitted because a definitive proxy statement containing such information is expected to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after December 31, 2014, and such information is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 12 — SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS
 
Equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2014 were as follows:
 
 
 
Number of securities to be
issued upon exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
 
Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
 
Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation plans
(excluding securities
reflected in column (a))
 
Plan Category
 
(a)
 
(b)
 
(c)
 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
 
2,268,771

(1)
N/A
(2)
3,324,257

(3)
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
 

 
N/A
 

 
Total
 
2,268,771

(1)
N/A
(2)
3,324,257

(3)

(1)
Includes restricted stock units.
(2)
Restricted stock units do not have an exercise price.
(3)
May be issued as options or restricted stock units.

The additional information required to be submitted in response to this item is omitted because a definitive proxy statement containing such information is expected to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after December 31, 2014, and such information is expressly incorporated herein by reference.
 
ITEM 13 — CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
 
The information required to be submitted in response to this item is omitted because a definitive proxy statement containing such information is expected to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after December 31, 2014, and such information is expressly incorporated herein by reference.
 
ITEM 14 — PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
 
The information required to be submitted in response to this item is omitted because a definitive proxy statement containing such information is expected to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after December 31, 2014, and such information is expressly incorporated herein by reference.
 

65



PART  IV
 
ITEM 15 — EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
 
 
Pages in Form 10-K
(a) Financial Statements, Financial Statement Schedule, and Exhibits
 
 
 
 
(1)  Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(2)  Financial Statement Schedule
 
 
 
All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto.
 
 
 
(3)  Exhibits
 
 
The Exhibit Index is incorporated herein by reference.
 


66



SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
BEMIS COMPANY, INC.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
By
/s/ Michael B. Clauer
 
By
 /s/ Jerry S. Krempa
 
Michael B. Clauer, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
Jerry S. Krempa, Vice President
and Controller
 
Date February 20, 2015
 
 
Date February 20, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
  
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons (including a majority of the Board of Directors) on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
/s/ Michael B. Clauer
 
/s/ Jerry S. Krempa
Michael B. Clauer, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
Jerry S. Krempa, Vice President
and Controller (principal accounting officer)
Date February 20, 2015
 
Date February 20, 2015
 
 
 
/s/ William F. Austen
 
/s/ Ronald J. Floto
William F. Austen, Director, President, and Chief Executive Officer
 
Ronald J. Floto, Director
 
Date February 20, 2015
Date February 20, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ David S. Haffner
 
/s/ Barbara L. Johnson
David S. Haffner, Director
 
Barbara L. Johnson, Director
Date February 20, 2015
 
Date February 20, 2015
 
 
 
/s/ Timothy M. Manganello
 
/s/ William L. Mansfield
Timothy M. Manganello, Director
 
William L. Mansfield, Director
Date February 20, 2015
 
Date February 20, 2015
 
 
 
/s/ Paul S. Peercy
 
/s/ Edward N. Perry
Paul S. Peercy, Director
 
Edward N. Perry, Director
Date February 20, 2015
 
Date February 20, 2015
 
 
 
/s/ David T. Szczupak
 
/s/ Henry J. Theisen
David T. Szczupak, Director
 
Henry J. Theisen, Executive Chairman of the Board
Date February 20, 2015
 
Date February 20, 2015
 
 
 
/s/ Holly A. Van Deursen
 
/s/ Philip G. Weaver
Holly A. Van Deursen, Director
 
Philip G. Weaver, Director
Date February 20, 2015
 
Date February 20, 2015

67



Exhibit Index
 
Exhibit
 
Description
 
Form of Filing
3

(a)
 
Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant, as amended. (1)
 
Incorporated by Reference
3

(b)
 
By-Laws of the Registrant, as amended through November 26, 2012. (2)
 
Incorporated by Reference
4

(a)
 
Form of Indenture dated as of June 15, 1995, between the Registrant and U.S. Bank Trust National Association (formerly known as First Trust National Association), as Trustee. Copies of constituent instruments defining rights of holders of long-term debt of the Company and subsidiaries, other than the Indenture specified herein, are not filed herewith, pursuant to Instruction (b)(4)(iii)(A) to Item 601 of Regulation S-K, because the total amount of securities authorized under any such instrument does not exceed 10% of the total assets of the Company and subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. The registrant hereby agrees that it will, upon request by the SEC, furnish to the SEC a copy of each such instrument. (3)
 
Incorporated by Reference
10

(a)
 
Third Amended and Restated Long-Term Credit Agreement dated as of July 15, 2014 among Bemis Company, Inc., various subsidiaries thereof, the Lenders Party, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, Bank of America, N.A., BNP Paribas and U.S. Bank National Association. (5)
 
Incorporated by Reference
10

(b)
 
Bemis Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended Effective January 1, 2009.* (6)
 
Incorporated by Reference
10

(c)
 
Bemis Company, Inc. Supplemental Retirement Plan, Amended and Restated as of as of January 1, 2014.* (11)
 
Incorporated by Reference
10

(d)
 
Bemis Company, Inc. Supplemental Retirement Plan for Senior Officers, Amended and Restated as of January 1, 2014.* (11)
 
Incorporated by Reference
10

(e)
 
Bemis Company, Inc. 2014 Stock Incentive Plan,* (4)
 
Incorporated by Reference
10

(f)
 
Bemis Supplemental BIPSP (As amended effective January 1, 2014).* (11)
 
Incorporated by Reference
10

(g)
 
Bemis Company, Inc. Long Term Deferred Compensation Plan, Amended and Restated as of August 4, 1999.* (7)
 
Incorporated by Reference
10

(h)
 
Bemis Company, Inc. Form of Management Contract with Principal Executive Officers.* (8)
 
Incorporated by Reference
10

(j)
 
Bemis Company, Inc. 1997 Executive Officer Performance Plan.* (9)
 
Incorporated by Reference
10

(k)
 
Bemis Company, Inc. Form of Management Contract with Principal Executive Officers Effective January 1, 2009.* (10)
 
Incorporated by Reference
21

 
 
Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
 
Filed Electronically
23

 
 
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
 
Filed Electronically
31

.1
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of CEO.
 
Filed Electronically
31

.2
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of CFO.
 
Filed Electronically
32

 
 
Section 1350 Certification of CEO and CFO.
 
Filed Electronically
101

 
 
Interactive data files.
 
Filed Electronically
 

68



Footnotes to Exhibit Index

*
Management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement filed pursuant to Rule 601(b)(10)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
 
 
(1)
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2004 (File No. 1-5277).
(2)
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 26, 2012 (File No. 1-5277).
(3)
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 30, 1995 (File No. 1-5277).
(4)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit B to the Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement filed with the SEC on March 18, 2014 (File No. 1-5277).
(5)
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2014 (File No. 1-5277).
(6)
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 (File No. 1-5277).
(7)
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1999 (File No. 1-5277).
(8)
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005 (File No. 1-5277).
(9)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to the Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement filed with the SEC on March 18, 2014 (File No. 1-5277).
(10)
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 (File No. 1-5277).
(11)
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 (File No. 1-5277).



69



SCHEDULE II — VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES
(in millions)
 
 
 
Balance at
 
Additions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign
 
 
 
 
 
Balance
Year Ended
 
Beginning
 
Charged to
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Currency
 
 
 
 
 
at Close
December 31,
 
of Year
 
Profit & Loss
 
 
 
Write-offs
 
 
 
Impact
 
Other
 
 
 
of Year
RESERVES FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS, SALES RETURNS, AND ALLOWANCES
2014
 
$
30.7

 
$
24.6

 
 
 
$
(23.5
)
 
(1)
 
$
(2.2
)
 
$
(8.6
)
 
(3)
 
$
21.0

2013
 
29.6

 
27.2

 
 
 
(23.0
)
 
(1)
 
(3.1
)
 

 
 
 
30.7

2012
 
30.5

 
13.3

 
 
 
(13.8
)
 
(1)
 
(0.4
)
 

 
 
 
29.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
VALUATION ALLOWANCE FOR DEFERRED TAX ASSETS
2014
 
$
42.1

 
$
12.3

 
(2)
 
$
(3.5
)
 
 
 
$
(3.0
)
 
$

 
 
 
$
47.9

2013
 
36.6

 
5.5

 
(2)
 

 
 
 

 

 
 
 
42.1

2012
 
31.6

 
4.3

 
(2)
 

 
 
 
0.7

 

 
 
 
36.6


(1) Net of $0.5 million, $0.1 million, and $0.1 million collections on accounts previously written off, respectively.
(2) Represents charge to profit and loss, net of valuation allowance reversals, if any.
(3) Reserve accruals related to Pressure Sensitive Materials business and Paper Packaging Division which were divested.


 

70




EXHIBIT 21
 
SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT
 
Bemis Company, Inc. has no parent.  The following were subsidiaries of the Company as of  December 31, 2014.
 
Name
Jurisdiction of Organization
Percentage of Voting Securities Owned By Immediate Parent
Bemis Company, Inc.
Missouri
 

Bemis Brisbane Pty Ltd
Australia
100
%
Micris Packaging Pty Ltd
Australia
100
%
Micris Investments Pty Ltd
Australia
100
%
Bemis Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands
100
%
Dixie Toga Ltda.
Brazil
100
%
American Plast S.A.
Argentina
21
%
Dixie Toga Uruguay S.A.
Uruguay
100
%
Envatrip S.A.
Argentina
10
%
Itap Bemis Ltda.
Brazil
33
%
American Plast S.A.
Brazil
79
%
Envatrip S.A.
Argentina
90
%
Itap Bemis Centro Oeste-Industria e Comércio de Embalagens Ltda.
Brazil
100
%
Curwood Itap Chile Ltda.
Chile
100
%
Laminor S.A.
Brazil
50
%
Bemis Czech Republic, s.r.o.
Czech Republic
100
%
Bemis Deutschland Holdings GmbH
Germany
100
%
Bemis Packaging Deutschland GmbH
Germany
100
%
Bemis Empaques Mexico, S.A. de C.V.
Mexico
100
%
Bemis Europe Holdings, S.A.
Belgium
100
%
Bemis Monceau S.A.
Belgium
100
%
Bemis Packaging Polska Sp. z.o.o.
Poland
100
%
Bemis Flexible Packaging Australasia Limited
New Zealand
100
%
Bemis Flexible Packaging Canada Limited
Canada
100
%
Bemis Flexible Packaging de Mexico, S.A. de C.V.
Mexico
100
%
Bemis Packaging Mexico, S.A. de C.V.
Mexico
100
%
Bemis Flexible Packaging Mexico Servicios, S.A. de C.V.
Mexico
100
%
Bemis Flexible Packaging (Suzhou) Co., Ltd.
China
100
%
Bemis France Holdings S.A.S.
France
87.3
%
Bemis Packaging France S.A.S.
France
100
%
Bemis Healthcare Packaging, Inc.
Delaware
100
%
Bemis Healthcare Packaging de Puerto Rico, Inc.
Delaware
100
%
Bemis Healthcare Packaging International Ltd.
Delaware
100
%
Bemis Healthcare Packaging Limited
United Kingdom
100
%
Bemis Asia Pacific Sdn Bhd
Malaysia
100
%
Bemis Japan G.K.
Japan
100
%
Bemis Mayor Packaging Limited
Hong Kong
100
%
Foshan New Changsheng Plastics Film Co., LTD
China
100
%
Bemis Packaging Danmark ApS
Denmark
100
%
Bemis Packaging, Inc.
Wisconsin
100
%
Bemis Elsham Limited
United Kingdom
100
%





Bemis Packaging Ireland Limited
Ireland
100
%
Bemis Packaging U.K. Ltd.
United Kingdom
100
%
Bemis Shield Pack Specialty Packaging, LLC
Delaware
100
%
Bemis Swansea Limited
United Kingdom
100
%
Bemis Packaging Espana sl
Spain
100
%
Bemis Valkeakoski Oy
Finland
100
%
Bemis France Holdings S.A.S.
France
12.7
%
Bemis Wisconsin, LLC
Delaware
100
%
Bolsas Bemis, S.A. de C.V.
Mexico
100
%
Bolsas Bemis Servicios, S.A. de C.V.
Mexico
100
%
Itap Bemis Ltda.
Brazil
67
%
Hayco Liquidation Company
Delaware
100
%
Pagasus Investments Limited
British Virgin Islands
100
%
Dongguan Wonderful Packaging Company Limited
China
100
%
Pervel Industries, Inc.
Delaware
100
%






EXHIBIT 23 - CONSENT OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (333-136698 and 333-195649) of Bemis Company, Inc. of our report dated February 20, 2015 relating to the consolidated financial statements, financial statement schedule and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in this Form 10-K.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
February 20, 2015







EXHIBIT 31.1
 
RULE 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) CERTIFICATION OF CEO
 
I, William F. Austen, certify that:
1.
I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K of Bemis Company, Inc.;
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date
February 20, 2015
 
By
/s/ William F. Austen
 
 
 
 
William F. Austen, President and
Chief Executive Officer
 







EXHIBIT 31.2
 
RULE 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) CERTIFICATION OF CFO
 
I, Michael B. Clauer, certify that:
1.
I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K of Bemis Company, Inc.;
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date
February 20, 2015
 
By
/s/ Michael B. Clauer
 
 
 
 
Michael B. Clauer, Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
 







EXHIBIT 32
 
SECTION 1350 CERTIFICATIONS OF CEO AND CFO
 
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, each of the undersigned certifies that the annual report on Form 10-K of Bemis Company, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2014 (the “Report”), fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Bemis Company, Inc.
 
 
/s/ William F. Austen
 
/s/ Michael B. Clauer
William F. Austen, President and
Chief Executive Officer
 
Michael B. Clauer, Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
February 20, 2015
 
February 20, 2015
 



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