ATLANTA, April 26, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Highlights


    --  Q1 Earnings per Diluted Share increased to $0.18 versus $0.17 in the
        prior year period.
    --  Q1 Adjusted Earnings per Diluted Share increased to $0.20 versus $0.17
        in the prior year period.
    --  Q1 Adjusted EBITDA increased to $193.4 million versus $181.3 million in
        the prior year period.
    --  Q1 Adjusted EBITDA Margin increased to 18.7% versus 18.0% in the prior
        year period.
    --  Repurchased $45.0 million, or 3.7 million shares in Q1.

Graphic Packaging Holding Company (NYSE: GPK), (the "Company"), a leading provider of packaging solutions to food, beverage and consumer product companies, today reported Net Income for first quarter 2016 of $57.5 million, or $0.18 per share, based upon 324.2 million weighted average diluted shares. This compares to first quarter 2015 Net Income of $55.1 million, or $0.17 per share, based on 331.9 million weighted average diluted shares.

Including the tax impact, first quarter 2016 Net Income was negatively impacted by $7.1 million from business combinations and other special charges. When adjusting for these charges, Adjusted Net Income for the first quarter of 2016 was $64.6 million, or $0.20 per diluted share. This compares to first quarter 2015 Adjusted Net Income of $56.7 million or $0.17 per diluted share.

"We delivered a very solid first quarter," said President and CEO Michael Doss. "Sales were up 2.6% driven by both acquisitions and modest volume growth in our core legacy business. Adjusted EBITDA Margin increased 70 basis points to 18.7%. The increase was driven by $16.4 million of improved operating performance across the organization, as we remain firmly committed to our culture of continuous improvement and cost reduction."

"While we remain keenly focused on day to day execution, we had a busy quarter as we closed three strategic, tuck-under acquisitions and announced a fourth, which is expected to close in the second quarter. These transactions represent a continuation of our strategy to grow in key end-markets and geographies."

Operating Results

Net Sales

Net Sales increased 2.6% to $1,034.0 million in the first quarter of 2016, compared to $1,008.2 million in the prior year period. The $25.8 million increase was driven by $42.5 million of improved volume/mix, related to acquisitions and a modest improvement in core volumes. The sales increase was partially offset by $8.7 million of unfavorable foreign exchange rates and $8.0 million of lower pricing.

Attached is supplemental data showing Net Tons Sold for the first quarter of 2016 and each quarter of 2015.

EBITDA

EBITDA for first quarter 2016 was $182.9 million, or $3.8 million higher than the first quarter of 2015. After adjusting both periods for business combinations and other special charges, Adjusted EBITDA increased 6.7% to $193.4 million in the first quarter of 2016 from $181.3 million in the first quarter of 2015. When comparing against the prior year quarter, Adjusted EBITDA in the first quarter of 2016 was positively impacted by $16.4 million of improved net operating performance, $4.2 million of favorable volume/mix and $0.2 million in commodity deflation, net of pricing. These benefits were partially offset by $5.1 million of other inflation (primarily labor and benefits) and $3.6 million of unfavorable foreign exchange.

Other Results

Total Net Debt increased $404.2 million during the first quarter of 2016 to $2,238.5 million. At quarter end, the Company's Net Leverage Ratio increased to 2.93 times Adjusted EBITDA from 2.44 times Adjusted EBITDA at the end of 2015. In addition to the first quarter seasonal growth in working capital, the increase in Net Debt and Net Leverage Ratio was driven by the funding of three acquisitions, share repurchases and the quarterly dividend payment.

At March 31, 2016, the Company had available global liquidity of $822.0 million, including the undrawn availability under its $1.25 billion U.S. revolving credit facility.

Net Interest Expense was $16.9 million in the first quarter of 2016, flat when compared to the $16.9 million reported in the first quarter of 2015.

Capital expenditures for the first quarter of 2016 were $99.0 million compared to $57.2 million in the first quarter of 2015. The increase is primarily the result of investments made in the Company's paperboard mills, including the previously announced installation of a new press section and headbox on one of the paper machines in West Monroe, LA.

First quarter 2016 Income Tax Expense was $33.2 million compared to $33.6 million in the first quarter of 2015. As of March 31, 2016, the Company had approximately $386 million of NOLs for U.S. federal income tax purposes, which may be used to offset future taxable income.

Please note that a tabular reconciliation of EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, Adjusted Net Income, Total Net Debt and Net Leverage Ratio is attached to this release.

Acquisitions

In the first quarter of 2016, the Company closed the acquisitions of G-Box, S.A. de C.V., Walter G. Anderson, Inc., and Metro Packaging & Imaging, Inc. In addition, the Company announced its intent to acquire Colorpak (ASX: CKL), which is expected to close in the second quarter of 2016.

Earnings Call

The Company will host a conference call at 10:00 am eastern time today (April 26, 2016) to discuss the results of first quarter 2016. To access the conference call, listeners calling from within North America should dial 800-392-9489 at least 10 minutes prior to the start of the conference call (Conference ID # 86052237). Listeners may also access the audio webcast, along with a slide presentation, at the Investor Relations section of the Graphic Packaging website: http://www.graphicpkg.com. Replays of the call can be accessed for one week by dialing 855-859-2056.

Forward Looking Statements

Any statements of the Company's expectations in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements, including but not limited to, assessments regarding the use of the Company's NOLs and the timing for closing the acquisition of Colorpak, are based on currently available information and are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's present expectations. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, inflation of and volatility in raw material and energy costs, continuing pressure for lower cost products, the Company's ability to implement its business strategies, including productivity initiatives and cost reduction plans, the Company's debt level, currency movements and other risks of conducting business internationally, the impact of regulatory and litigation matters, including the continued availability of the Company's net operating loss offset to taxable income. Undue reliance should not be placed on such forward-looking statements, as such statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and the Company undertakes no obligation to update such statements, except as required by law. Additional information regarding these and other risks is contained in the Company's periodic filings with the SEC.

About Graphic Packaging Holding Company

Graphic Packaging Holding Company (NYSE: GPK), headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, is committed to providing consumer packaging that makes a world of difference. The Company is a leading provider of paper-based packaging solutions for a wide variety of products to food, beverage and other consumer product companies. The Company operates on a global basis, is one of the largest producers of folding cartons in the United States, and holds leading market positions in coated unbleached kraft paperboard and coated-recycled paperboard. The Company's customers include many of the world's most widely recognized companies and brands. Additional information about Graphic Packaging, its business and its products is available on the Company's web site at www.graphicpkg.com.



                                                                                   GRAPHIC PACKAGING HOLDING COMPANY

                                                                            CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

                                                                                              (Unaudited)


                                                                                                                                   Three Months Ended

                                                                                                                                       March 31,
                                                                                                                                     ---------

    In millions, except per share amounts                                                                                     2016                  2015
    -------------------------------------                                                                                     ----                  ----

    Net Sales                                                                                                                      $1,034.0                      $1,008.2

    Cost of Sales                                                                                                            826.3                         818.6

    Selling, General and Administrative                                                                                       89.1                          85.4

    Other Expense (Income), Net                                                                                                0.9                         (3.3)

    Business Combinations and Other Special Charges                                                                           10.5                           2.2
    -----------------------------------------------                                                                           ----                           ---

    Income from Operations                                                                                                   107.2                         105.3

    Interest Expense, Net                                                                                                   (16.9)                       (16.9)
    ---------------------                                                                                                    -----                         -----

    Income before Income Taxes and Equity Income of Unconsolidated Entities                                                   90.3                          88.4

    Income Tax Expense                                                                                                      (33.2)                       (33.6)
    ------------------                                                                                                       -----                         -----

    Income before Equity Income of Unconsolidated Entities                                                                    57.1                          54.8

    Equity Income of Unconsolidated Entities                                                                                   0.4                           0.3
    ----------------------------------------                                                                                   ---                           ---

    Net Income                                                                                                                        $57.5                         $55.1
    ----------                                                                                                                        -----                         -----


    Net Income Per Share -  Basic and Diluted                                                                                         $0.18                         $0.17


    Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding - Basic                                                                    323.1                         329.6

    Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding - Diluted                                                                  324.2                         331.9




                                                                                                    GRAPHIC PACKAGING HOLDING COMPANY

                                                                                                  CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

                                                                                                               (Unaudited)


    In millions, except share and per share amounts                                                                                     March 31,           December 31,
                                                                                                                                              2016                   2015
    ---                                                                                                                                       ----                   ----


    ASSETS


    Current Assets:

    Cash and Cash Equivalents                                                                                                                         $75.6                           $54.9

    Receivables, Net                                                                                                                         474.0                           423.9

    Inventories, Net                                                                                                                         599.4                           557.1

    Other Current Assets                                                                                                                      41.2                            30.9

    Total Current Assets                                                                                                                   1,190.2                         1,066.8

    Property, Plant and Equipment, Net                                                                                                     1,689.5                         1,586.4

    Goodwill                                                                                                                               1,280.0                         1,167.8

    Intangible Assets, Net                                                                                                                   482.1                           386.7

    Other Assets                                                                                                                              49.2                            48.4
    ------------                                                                                                                              ----                            ----

    Total Assets                                                                                                                                   $4,691.0                        $4,256.1
    ============                                                                                                                                   ========                        ========


    LIABILITIES


    Current Liabilities:

    Short-Term Debt and Current Portion of Long-Term Debt                                                                                             $33.3                           $36.6

    Accounts Payable                                                                                                                         406.5                           457.9

    Other Accrued Liabilities                                                                                                                231.0                           237.7
    -------------------------                                                                                                                -----                           -----

    Total Current Liabilities                                                                                                                670.8                           732.2

    Long-Term Debt                                                                                                                         2,267.7                         1,838.9

    Deferred Income Tax Liabilities                                                                                                          338.0                           266.7

    Other Noncurrent Liabilities                                                                                                             314.8                           316.6



    SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY


    Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share; 100,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or                                                -                              -
      outstanding

    Common Stock, par value $.01 per share; 1,000,000,000 shares authorized; 322,669,785 and                                                   3.2                             3.2
      324,688,717 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015,
      respectively

    Capital in Excess of Par Value                                                                                                         1,746.2                         1,771.0

    Accumulated Deficit                                                                                                                    (310.6)                        (326.8)

    Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss                                                                                                   (339.1)                        (345.7)
    ------------------------------------                                                                                                    ------                          ------

    Total Shareholders' Equity                                                                                                             1,099.7                         1,101.7
    --------------------------                                                                                                             -------                         -------

    Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity                                                                                                     $4,691.0                        $4,256.1
    ==========================================                                                                                                     ========                        ========




                                        GRAPHIC PACKAGING HOLDING COMPANY

                                 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

                                                   (Unaudited)


                                                       Three Months Ended

                                                           March 31,
                                                         ---------

    In millions                                       2016                  2015
    -----------                                       ----                  ----

    CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING
     ACTIVITIES:

    Net Income                                                $57.5                       $55.1

    Non-cash Items Included in Net
     Income:

    Depreciation and
     Amortization                                     70.7                           68.1

    Deferred Income
     Taxes                                            28.9                           29.9

    Amount of
     Postretirement
     Expense Less Than
     Funding                                         (6.7)                         (8.1)

    Other, Net                                        12.8                           10.7

    Changes in
     Operating Assets
     and Liabilities                               (104.8)                       (128.0)
    -----------------                               ------                         ------

    Net Cash Provided
     by Operating
     Activities                                       58.4                           27.7


    CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING
     ACTIVITIES:

    Capital Spending                                (99.0)                        (57.2)

    Packaging
     Machinery
     Spending                                        (4.0)                         (3.5)

    Acquisition of
     Businesses, Net
     of Cash Acquired                              (288.5)                       (116.6)

    Other, Net                                       (1.4)                         (0.1)
    ----------                                        ----                           ----

    Net Cash Used in
     Investing
     Activities                                    (392.9)                       (177.4)


    CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING
     ACTIVITIES:

    Repurchase of
     Common Stock                                   (43.5)                         (4.0)

    Payments on Debt                                 (6.3)                         (6.3)

    Borrowings under
     Revolving Credit
     Facilities                                      552.5                          396.7

    Payments on
     Revolving Credit
     Facilities                                    (122.4)                       (251.3)

    Repurchase of
     Common Stock
     related to Share-
     Based Payments                                 (10.4)                        (20.1)

    Dividends Paid                                  (16.3)                             -

    Other, Net                                       (0.3)                             -
    ----------                                        ----                            ---

    Net Cash Used in
     Financing
     Activities                                      353.3                          115.0

    Effect of Exchange
     Rate Changes on
     Cash                                              1.9                          (3.5)
    ------------------                                 ---                           ----

    Net Increase
     (Decrease) in
     Cash and Cash
     Equivalents                                      20.7                         (38.2)

    Cash and Cash
     Equivalents at
     Beginning of
     Period                                           54.9                           81.6
    ---------------                                   ----                           ----

    CASH AND CASH
     EQUIVALENTS AT
     END OF PERIOD                                            $75.6                       $43.4
    ===============                                           =====                       =====

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The tables below set forth the calculation of the Company's earnings before interest expense, income tax expense, equity income of unconsolidated entities, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA"), Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income, Net Leverage Ratio and Total Net Debt. Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Net Income exclude charges associated with: the Company's business combinations, other special charges and the modification or extinguishment of debt. The Company's management believes that the presentation of EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income and Net Leverage Ratio provides useful information to investors because these measures are regularly used by management in assessing the Company's performance. EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income and Net Leverage Ratio are financial measures not calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP"), and are not measures of net income, operating income, operating performance or liquidity presented in accordance with GAAP.

EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income and Net Leverage Ratio should be considered in addition to results prepared in accordance with GAAP, but should not be considered substitutes for or superior to GAAP results. In addition, our EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income and Net Leverage Ratio may not be comparable to Adjusted EBITDA or similarly titled measures utilized by other companies since such other companies may not calculate such measures in the same manner as we do.



                                   Three Months Ended

                                       March 31,
                                       ---------

    In millions, except per
     share amounts               2016                 2015
    -----------------------      ----                 ----

    Net Income                            $57.5                    $55.1

    Add (Subtract):

    Income Tax Expense           33.2                        33.6

    Equity Income of
     Unconsolidated Entities    (0.4)                      (0.3)

    Interest Expense, Net        16.9                        16.9

    Depreciation and
     Amortization                75.7                        73.8
    ----------------             ----                        ----

    EBITDA                      182.9                       179.1

    Business Combinations and
     Other Special Charges       10.5                         2.2
    -------------------------    ----                         ---

    Adjusted EBITDA                      $193.4                   $181.3
    ===============                      ======                   ======



    Net Income                            $57.5                    $55.1

    Business Combinations and
     Other Special Charges       10.5                         2.2

    Tax Impact of Non-recurring
     Items                      (3.4)                      (0.6)
                                 ----

    Adjusted Net Income                   $64.6                    $56.7
    ===================                   =====                    =====


    Adjusted Earnings Per Share
     -Basic and Diluted                   $0.20                    $0.17


                                       Three Months Ended

                                           March 31,
                                           ---------

    In millions                        2016                     2015
    -----------                        ----                     ----

    Adjusted EBITDA Margin
     (Adjusted EBITDA/Net Sales)      18.7%                            18.0%


                                                                GRAPHIC PACKAGING HOLDING COMPANY

                                                          Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

                                                                           (Continued)


                                                                                                             Twelve Months Ended

                                                                                      March 31,              March 31,               December 31,
                                                                                      ---------              ---------              ------------

    In millions                                                                             2016                   2015                        2015
    -----------                                                                             ----                   ----                        ----

    Net Income                                                                                        $232.5                                          $109.6            $230.1

    (Subtract) Add:

    Net Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests                                          -                             (0.3)                                -

    Income Tax Expense                                                                     130.0                               54.2                             130.4

    Equity Income of Unconsolidated Entities                                               (1.3)                             (1.7)                            (1.2)

    Interest Expense, Net                                                                   67.8                               77.2                              67.8

    Depreciation and Amortization                                                          302.8                              287.6                             300.9
    -----------------------------                                                          -----                              -----                             -----

    EBITDA                                                                                 731.8                              526.6                             728.0

    Loss on Sale of Assets, Net                                                              1.9                              174.3                               1.9

    Business Combinations and Other Special Charges                                         29.6                               19.2                              21.3

    Loss on Modification or Extinguishment of Debt                                             -                              14.4                                 -
    ----------------------------------------------                                           ---                              ----                               ---

    Adjusted EBITDA                                                                                   $763.3                                          $734.5            $751.2
    ===============                                                                                   ======                                          ======            ======


                                                                                      March 31,              March 31,               December 31,

    Calculation of Net Debt:                                                                2016                   2015                        2015
    ------------------------                                                                ----                   ----                        ----

    Short-Term Debt and Current Portion of Long-Term Debt                                              $33.3                                           $35.0             $36.6

    Long-Term Debt (a)                                                                   2,280.8                            2,070.9                           1,852.6

    Less:

    Cash and Cash Equivalents                                                             (75.6)                            (43.4)                           (54.9)
    -------------------------                                                              -----                              -----                             -----

    Total Net Debt                                                                                  $2,238.5                                        $2,062.5          $1,834.3
    ==============                                                                                  ========                                        ========          ========


    Net Leverage Ratio (Total Net Debt/Adjusted EBITDA)                                     2.93                               2.81                              2.44


    (a) Excludes unamortized deferred debt issue costs.



                            GRAPHIC PACKAGING HOLDING COMPANY

                               Unaudited Supplemental Data


                                        Three Months Ended
                                        ------------------

                  March 31,         June 30,             September 30, December 31,
                  ---------         --------             ------------- ------------

             2016


     Net
     Tons
     Sold
     (000's)          687.0



             2015


     Net
     Tons
     Sold
     (000's)          681.1                       730.8                         732.3 696.8

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SOURCE Graphic Packaging International, Inc.