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EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - AVINTIV Specialty Materials Inc.ex312-sox302.htm
EX-99.1 - EXHIBIT 99.1 - AVINTIV Specialty Materials Inc.ex991-section13rq12015.htm

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

 FORM 10-Q

þ
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
 
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015
Or
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
 
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _____ to _____                    
Commission file number: 001-14330
_____________________________________________ 
POLYMER GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
_____________________________________________ 

Delaware
 
57-1003983
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
 
9335 Harris Corners Parkway, Suite 300
Charlotte, North Carolina 28269
 
(704) 697-5100
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
____________________________________________ 

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  ¨    No  þ *

* The registrant is a voluntary filer of reports required to be filed by certain companies under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and has filed all reports that would have been required to have been filed by the registrant during the preceding 12 months had it been subject to such filing requirements during the entirety of such period.

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  þ    No  ¨

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
 
¨
Accelerated filer
 
¨
 
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer
 
þ  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company
 
¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes  ¨    No  þ
Number of common shares outstanding at May 8, 2015: 1,000.



POLYMER GROUP, INC.
FORM 10-Q

INDEX
 


2


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
POLYMER GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(UNAUDITED)
In thousands, except share data
 
March 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
160,601

 
$
178,491

Accounts receivable, net
 
251,881

 
247,727

Inventories, net
 
157,016

 
173,701

Deferred income taxes
 
15,958

 
16,776

Other current assets
 
79,375

 
89,121

Total current assets
 
664,831

 
705,816

Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $241,524 and $230,681, respectively
 
807,244

 
870,230

Goodwill
 
201,347

 
220,554

Intangible assets, net
 
171,976

 
178,911

Deferred income taxes
 
20,073

 
18,231

Other noncurrent assets
 
36,290

 
41,431

Total assets
 
$
1,901,761

 
$
2,035,173

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Short-term borrowings
 
$
25,742

 
$
17,665

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
 
281,908

 
321,313

Income taxes payable
 
7,719

 
9,636

Deferred income taxes
 
10,899

 
10,217

Current portion of long-term debt
 
23,394

 
31,892

Total current liabilities
 
349,662

 
390,723

Long-term debt
 
1,426,371

 
1,433,283

Deferred purchase price
 
35,998

 
42,440

Deferred income taxes
 
37,568

 
36,223

Other noncurrent liabilities
 
64,733

 
67,124

Total liabilities
 
1,914,332

 
1,969,793

Commitments and contingencies
 

 

Redeemable noncontrolling interest
 
76,584

 
89,181

Shareholders’ equity:
 
 
 
 
Common stock — 1,000 shares issued and outstanding
 

 

Additional paid-in capital
 
280,494

 
277,248

Accumulated deficit
 
(282,397
)
 
(242,439
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
 
(87,842
)
 
(59,164
)
Total Polymer Group, Inc. shareholders' equity (deficit)
 
(89,745
)
 
(24,355
)
Noncontrolling interest
 
590

 
554

Total equity (deficit)
 
(89,155
)
 
(23,801
)
Total liabilities and equity
$
1,901,761

 
$
2,035,173

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

3


POLYMER GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(UNAUDITED)
 
In thousands
Three Months
Ended
March 31,
2015
 
Three Months
Ended
March 29,
2014
Net sales
$
461,238

 
$
422,584

Cost of goods sold
(355,820
)
 
(348,119
)
Gross profit
105,418

 
74,465

Selling, general and administrative expenses
(64,989
)
 
(55,534
)
Special charges, net
(6,022
)
 
(8,711
)
Other operating, net
1,423

 
(1,069
)
Operating income (loss)
35,830

 
9,151

Other income (expense):
 
 
 
Interest expense
(27,633
)
 
(17,906
)
Foreign currency and other, net
(43,923
)
 
4,959

Income (loss) before income taxes
(35,726
)
 
(3,796
)
Income tax (provision) benefit
(4,548
)
 
(5,700
)
Net income (loss)
(40,274
)
 
(9,496
)
Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest
and redeemable noncontrolling interest
(316
)
 
(16
)
Net income (loss) attributable to Polymer Group, Inc.
$
(39,958
)
 
$
(9,480
)
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
Currency translation, net of tax
$
(38,139
)
 
$
1,713

Employee postretirement benefits, net of tax

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
(38,139
)
 
1,713

Comprehensive income (loss)
(78,413
)
 
(7,783
)
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling
interest and redeemable noncontrolling interest
(9,777
)
 
10

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Polymer Group, Inc.
$
(68,636
)
 
$
(7,793
)
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


4


POLYMER GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
(UNAUDITED)
 
In thousands
Polymer Group, Inc. Shareholders' Equity
 
 
 
 
Common Stock
 
Additional
Paid-in Capital
 
Retained
Deficit
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Total Polymer Group, Inc. Shareholders' Equity
 
Noncontrolling Interest
 
Total Equity
Shares
 
Amount
Balance - December 31, 2014
1

 
$

 
$
277,248

 
$
(242,439
)
 
$
(59,164
)
 
$
(24,355
)
 
$
554

 
$
(23,801
)
Net income (loss)

 

 

 
(39,958
)
 

 
(39,958
)
 
29

 
(39,929
)
Periodic adjustment to redemption value

 

 
2,784

 

 

 
2,784

 

 
2,784

Share-based compensation

 

 
462

 

 

 
462

 

 
462

Currency translation, net of tax

 

 

 

 
(28,678
)
 
(28,678
)
 
7

 
(28,671
)
Balance - March 31, 2015
1

 
$

 
$
280,494

 
$
(282,397
)
 
$
(87,842
)
 
$
(89,745
)
 
$
590

 
$
(89,155
)
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

5


POLYMER GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
 
In thousands
 
Three Months
Ended
March 31,
2015
 
Three Months
Ended
March 29,
2014
Operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
(40,274
)
 
$
(9,496
)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Deferred income taxes
 

 
1,623

Depreciation and amortization expense
 
30,255

 
24,606

Inventory step-up
 

 
2,537

Accretion of deferred purchase price
 
903

 

(Gain) loss on financial instruments
 
1,844

 
(10,756
)
(Gain) loss on sale of assets, net
 
(431
)
 
114

Non-cash compensation
 
462

 
561

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
 
(18,073
)
 
(20,554
)
Inventories
 
7,566

 
388

Other current assets
 
3,440

 
(6,572
)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
 
(24,212
)
 
(2,799
)
Other, net
 
37,991

 
5,759

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
 
(529
)
 
(14,589
)
Investing activities:
 
 
 
 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
 
(11,010
)
 
(14,115
)
Proceeds from sale of assets
 
532

 

Acquisition of intangibles and other
 
(113
)
 
(57
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
 
(10,591
)
 
(14,172
)
Financing activities:
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from long-term borrowings
 
15

 
3,152

Proceeds from short-term borrowings
 
18,974

 
7,606

Repayment of long-term borrowings
 
(11,785
)
 
(5,960
)
Repayment of short-term borrowings
 
(8,948
)
 
(1,949
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
 
(1,744
)
 
2,849

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
 
(5,026
)
 
(512
)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
 
(17,890
)
 
(26,424
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 
178,491

 
86,064

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
160,601

 
$
59,640

 
 
 
 
 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
 
 
 
 
Cash payments for interest
 
$
31,725

 
$
27,434

Cash payments (receipts) for taxes, net
 
$
2,666

 
$
2,344

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

6


POLYMER GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

Note 1.  Description of Business
Polymer Group, Inc. (“Polymer” or “PGI”), a Delaware corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries (the “Company”) is a leading global innovator and manufacturer of specialty materials for use in a broad range of products that make the world safer, cleaner and healthier. The Company has one of the largest global platforms in the industry, with a total of 22 manufacturing and converting facilities located in 14 countries throughout the world. The Company operates through four reportable segments: North America, South America, Europe and Asia, with the main sources of revenue being the sales of primary and intermediate products to consumer and industrial markets.
Note 2.  Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect the consolidated operations of the Company and have been prepared in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) as defined by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) within the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”). In the opinion of management, the accompanying consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, which include normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the consolidated results for the periods presented. Certain reclassifications of amounts reported in prior periods have been made to conform with the current period presentation.
On January 28, 2011, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 4, 2010, the Company was acquired by affiliates of Blackstone Capital Partners V L.P. (“Blackstone”), along with certain members of the Company's management (the "Merger"), for an aggregate purchase price valued at $403.5 million, excluding the repayment of pre-acquisition indebtedness. Under the guidance provided by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Staff Accounting Bulletin Topic 5J, “New Basis of Accounting Required in Certain Circumstances,” push-down accounting is required when such transactions result in an entity becoming substantially wholly-owned. Therefore, the basis in shares of common stock of the Company has been pushed down to the Company from PGI Specialty Materials, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("PGI-SMI") that owns 100% of the issued and outstanding common stock of Scorpio Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("Parent") that owns 100% of the issued and outstanding common stock of the Company.
On December 11, 2014, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a change in the Company's fiscal year-end to a calendar year ending on December 31, effective with the fiscal year 2014. The change was made on a prospective basis and prior periods were not adjusted. Historically, the Company's fiscal years were based on a 52/53 week period ending on the Saturday closest to each December 31, such that each quarterly period was 13 weeks in length. Under the guidance provided by the SEC, the change was not deemed a change in fiscal year for purposes of reporting.
Note 3. Recent Accounting Pronouncements
The FASB ASC is the sole source of authoritative GAAP other than SEC issued rules and regulations that apply only to SEC registrants. The FASB issues an Accounting Standard Update ("ASU") to communicate changes to the codification. The Company considers the applicability and impact of all ASU's. The followings are those ASU's that are relevant to the Company.
In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, “Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs” (ASU 2015-03) which requires an entity to present debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the amendments in this update. ASU 2015-03 is effective on a retrospective basis for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. The adoption of this guidance concerns presentation only and will not have any impact on the Company’s financial results.
In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-01, "Income Statement - Extraordinary and Unusual Items" ("ASU 2015-01") which eliminates from GAAP the concept of extraordinary items. Under the new guidance, an event or transaction that meets the criteria for extraordinary classification is segregated from the results of ordinary operations and shown as a separate item in the income statement, net of tax. In addition, certain other related disclosures are required. ASU 2015-01 is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted provided that the guidance is applied from the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The Company does not expect that the adoption of this guidance will have a material effect on its financial results.

7


In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, “Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern” (“ASU 2014-15”). The new guidance addresses management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. Substantial doubt is defined as an indication that it is probable that an entity will be unable to meet its obligations as they become due within one year after the date that financial statements are issued. Management’s evaluation should be based on relevant conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that are known and reasonably knowable at the date that the financial statements are issued. ASU 2014-15 is effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect that the adoption of this guidance will have a material effect on its financial results.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" ("ASU 2014-09"), which creates a comprehensive, five-step model for revenue recognition that requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. Under the new guidance, a company will be required to use more judgment and make more estimates when considering contract terms as well as relevant facts and circumstances when identifying performance obligations, estimating the amount of variable consideration in the transaction price and allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation. In addition, ASU 2014-09 enhances disclosures about revenue, provides guidance for transactions that were not previously addressed comprehensively and improves guidance for multiple-element arrangements. ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and allows for either full retrospective or modified retrospective adoption. Early application is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2014-09 on its financial results.
Note 4. Acquisitions
Providência Acquisition
On January 27, 2014, the Company announced that PGI Polímeros do Brazil, a Brazilian corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company ("PGI Acquisition Company"), entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with Companhia Providência Indústria e Comércio, a Brazilian corporation ("Providência") and certain shareholders named therein. Pursuant to the terms and subject to the conditions of the Stock Purchase Agreement, PGI Acquisition Company agreed to acquire a 71.25% controlling interest in Providência (the “Providência Acquisition”). Providência is a leading manufacturer of nonwovens primarily used in hygiene applications as well as industrial and healthcare applications. Based in Brazil, Providência has three locations, including one in the United States.
The Providência Acquisition was completed on June 11, 2014 (the "Providência Acquisition Date") for an aggregate purchase price of $424.8 million and funded with the proceeds from borrowings under an incremental term loan amendment to the Company's existing Senior Secured Credit Agreement as well as the proceeds from the issuance of $210.0 million of 6.875% Senior Unsecured Notes due in 2019.
The components of the purchase price are as follows:
In thousands
Consideration
Cash consideration paid to selling shareholders
$
188,117

Cash consideration deposited into escrow
8,252

Deferred purchase price
47,931

Debt repaid
180,532

Total consideration
$
424,832

Total consideration paid included $47.9 million of deferred purchase price (the "Deferred Purchase Price"). The Deferred Purchase Price is held by the Company and relates to certain unaccrued tax claims of Providência (the "Providência Tax Claims"). The Deferred Purchase Price is denominated in Brazilian Reals (R$) and accretes at a rate of 9.5% per annum compounded daily. If the Providência Tax Claims are resolved in the Company's favor, the Deferred Purchase Price will be paid to the selling shareholders. However, if the Company or Providência incur actual tax liability in respect to the Providência Tax Claims, the amount of Deferred Purchase Price owed to the selling shareholders will be reduced by the amount of such actual tax liability. The Company will be responsible for any actual tax liability in excess of the Deferred Purchase Price and the cash consideration deposited into escrow. Based on the Company's best estimate, resolution of the Providência Tax Claims is expected to take longer than a year. As a result, the Deferred Purchase Price is classified as a noncurrent liability with accretion recognized within Interest expense.

8


As required by Brazilian law, PGI Acquisition Company filed a mandatory tender offer registration request with the Securities Commission of Brazil (Comissão de Valores Mobiliários or the “CVM”) in order to launch, as required by Brazilian law, after the CVM's approval, a tender offer to acquire the remaining 28.75% of the outstanding capital stock of Providência that is currently held by the minority shareholders (the “Mandatory Tender Offer”). The price per share to be paid to the minority shareholders in connection with the Mandatory Tender Offer will be substantially the same as paid to the selling shareholders upon acquisition of control, including the portion allocated to deferred purchase price and escrow. In addition, the Company voluntarily opted to amend the Mandatory Tender Offer to provide the minority shareholders with an alternative price structure with no escrow or deferred purchase price. Based on the alternative offer, the minority shareholders would receive an all-cash purchase price at closing. The Mandatory Tender Offer registration request is currently under review with the CVM. Once the Mandatory Tender Offer is approved and launched, the minority shareholders have the right, but not the obligation, to sell their remaining outstanding capital stock of Providência. Given such right of the minority shareholders, the Company determined that ASC 480, "Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity" ("ASC 480") requires the noncontrolling interest to be presented as mezzanine equity on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and adjusted to its estimated maximum redemption amount at each balance sheet date. Refer to Note 14, "Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest" for further information on the accounting of the redeemable noncontrolling interest.
The Providência Acquisition was recorded using the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with the accounting guidance for business combinations. As a result, the total purchase price was allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on the preliminary estimate of fair market value of such assets and liabilities at the Providência Acquisition Date. Any excess of the purchase price is recognized as goodwill, which is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes. The Company has not completed the detailed valuation work necessary to finalize its valuation of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Additional information related to acquired intangible assets, property, plant and equipment as well as accounting for certain tax matters is still pending. As a result, current amounts recorded are subject to adjustment as the Company finalizes its analysis. The Company will complete its final purchase price allocation during the second quarter of 2015.
Pro Forma Information
The following unaudited pro forma information for the three months ended March 29, 2014 assumes the acquisition of Providência occurred as of the beginning of 2014.
In thousands
Three Months
Ended
March 29,
2014
Net sales
$
512,105

Net income (loss)
(19,755
)
The unaudited pro forma information does not purport to be indicative of the results that actually would have been achieved had the operations been combined during the periods presented, nor is it intended to be a projection of future results or trends. Net sales and Operating income (loss) attributable to Providência for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was $73.6 million and $13.4 million, respectively.
Dounor Acquisition
On March 25, 2015, the Company announced that PGI France Holdings SAS, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into an agreement to acquire Dounor SAS. (“Dounor”) for a purchase price of €55 million. The acquisition was completed on April 17, 2015 and funded through the Company's Senior Secured Credit Agreement, as amended. Located in France, Dounor is a manufacturer of nonwoven materials used in the hygiene, healthcare and industrial applications. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the purchase accounting implications of the Dounor acquisition.
Note 5.  Accounts Receivable Factoring Agreements
In the ordinary course of business, the Company may utilize accounts receivable factoring agreements with third-party financial institutions in order to accelerate its cash collections from product sales. In addition, these agreements provide the Company with the ability to limit credit exposure to potential bad debts, to better manage costs related to collections as well as to enable customers to extend their credit terms. These agreements involve the ownership transfer of eligible trade accounts receivable, without recourse or discount, to a third party financial institution in exchange for cash.
The Company accounts for these transactions in accordance with ASC 860, "Transfers and Servicing" ("ASC 860"). ASC 860 allows for the ownership transfer of accounts receivable to qualify for sale treatment when the appropriate criteria is met, which permits the Company to present the balances sold under the program to be excluded from Accounts receivable, net on the

9


Consolidated Balance Sheets. Receivables are considered sold when (i) they are transferred beyond the reach of the Company and its creditors, (ii) the purchaser has the right to pledge or exchange the receivables, and (iii) the Company has surrendered control over the transferred receivables. In addition, the Company provides no other forms of continued financial support to the purchaser of the receivables once the receivables are sold. Amounts due from financial institutions are included in Other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The Company has a U.S. based program where certain U.S. based receivables are sold to an unrelated third-party financial institution. Under the current terms of the U.S. agreement, the maximum amount of outstanding advances at any one time is $20.0 million, which limitation is subject to change based on the level of eligible receivables, restrictions on concentrations of receivables and the historical performance of the receivables sold. In addition, the Company's subsidiaries in Brazil, Colombia, France, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands and Spain have entered into factoring agreements to sell certain receivables to unrelated third-party financial institutions. Under the terms of the non-U.S. agreements, the maximum amount of outstanding advances at any one time is $78.0 million (measured at March 31, 2015 foreign exchange rates), which limitation is subject to change based on the level of eligible receivables, restrictions on concentrations of receivables and the historical performance of the receivables sold.
The following is a summary of receivables sold to the third-party financial institutions that existed at the following balance sheet dates:
In thousands
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Trade receivables sold to financial institutions
$
81,810

 
$
92,528

Net amounts advanced from financial institutions
71,065

 
78,900

Amounts due from financial institutions
$
10,745

 
$
13,628

The Company sold $174.6 million and $131.7 million of receivables under the terms of the factoring agreements during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and March 29, 2014, respectively. The year-over-year increase in receivables sold is primarily attributable to accounts receivable factoring agreements associated with our recent acquisitions. In addition, a new agreement that was established in France during 2014 contributed to the increase. The Company pays a factoring fee associated with the sale of receivables based on the invoice value of the receivables sold. During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and March 29, 2014, factoring fees incurred were $0.4 million and $0.4 million, respectively. These amounts are recorded within Foreign currency and other, net in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).
Note 6.  Inventories
At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the major classes of inventory are as follows: 
In thousands
March 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
Raw materials and supplies
$
55,251

 
$
58,951

Work in process
19,194

 
19,151

Finished goods
82,571

 
95,599

Total
$
157,016

 
$
173,701

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, determined on the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method, or fair market value. The Company performs periodic assessments to determine the existence of obsolete, slow-moving and non-saleable inventories and records necessary provisions to reduce such inventories to net realizable value. Reserve balances, primarily related to obsolete and slow-moving inventories, were $9.3 million and $7.8 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.
Note 7. Intangible Assets
Indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested and reviewed annually for impairment during the fourth quarter or whenever there is a significant change in events or circumstances that indicate that the fair value of the asset may be less than the carrying amount of the asset. All other intangible assets with finite useful lives are being amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives.

10


The following table sets forth the gross amount and accumulated amortization of the Company's intangible assets at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
 
March 31, 2015
 
 
December 31, 2014
In thousands
Gross Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net
 
 
Gross Carrying Amount
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net
Technology
$
63,726

 
$
(16,230
)
 
$
47,496

 
 
$
63,726

 
$
(14,902
)
 
$
48,824

Customer relationships
73,511

 
(13,844
)
 
59,667

 
 
76,242

 
(12,735
)
 
63,507

Loan acquisition costs
40,612

 
(16,101
)
 
24,511

 
 
40,612

 
(14,447
)
 
26,165

Other
7,219

 
(1,829
)
 
5,390

 
 
7,104

 
(1,601
)
 
5,503

Tradenames (indefinite-lived)
34,912

 

 
34,912

 
 
34,912

 

 
34,912

Total
$
219,980

 
$
(48,004
)
 
$
171,976

 
 
$
222,596

 
$
(43,685
)
 
$
178,911

As of March 31, 2015, the Company had recorded intangible assets of $172.0 million, which includes amounts associated with loan acquisition costs. These expenditures represent the cost of obtaining financings that are capitalized in the balance sheet and amortized over the term of the loans to which such costs relate.
The following table presents amortization of the Company's intangible assets for the following periods:
In thousands
Three Months
Ended
March 31,
2015
 
Three Months
Ended
March 29,
2014
Intangible assets
$
2,764

 
$
3,102

Loan acquisition costs
1,654

 
1,026

Total
$
4,418

 
$
4,128

Estimated amortization expense on existing intangible assets for each of the next five years is expected to approximate $15 million in 2015, $16 million in 2016, $16 million in 2017, $16 million in 2018 and $16 million in 2019.
Note 8.  Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities consist of the following:
In thousands
March 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
Accounts payable to vendors
$
177,592

 
$
209,527

Accrued compensation and benefits
44,330

 
42,485

Accrued interest
13,429

 
19,748

Other accrued expenses
46,557

 
49,553

Total
$
281,908

 
$
321,313


11


Note 9.  Debt
The following table presents the Company's outstanding debt at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014: 
In thousands
March 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
Term Loans
$
701,328

 
$
703,029

Senior Secured Notes
504,000

 
504,000

Senior Unsecured Notes
210,000

 
210,000

ABL Facility

 

Argentina credit facilities:
 
 
 
Nacion Facility
4,177

 
5,010

Galicia Facility
1,700

 
2,047

China Credit Facility
10,468

 
18,920

Brazil Export Credit Facility
15,231

 
18,871

India loans
2,124

 
2,437

Capital lease obligations
737

 
861

Total long-term debt including current maturities
1,449,765

 
1,465,175

Short-term borrowings
25,742

 
17,665

Total debt
$
1,475,507

 
$
1,482,840

The fair value of the Company's long-term debt was $1,461.4 million at March 31, 2015 and $1,463.9 million at December 31, 2014. The fair value of long-term debt is based upon quoted market prices in inactive markets or on available rates for debt with similar terms and maturities (Level 2).
Term Loans
On December 19, 2013, the Company entered into a Senior Secured Credit Agreement (the loans thereunder, the "Term Loans") with a maturity date upon the earlier of (i) December 19, 2019 and (ii) the 91st day prior to the scheduled maturity of the Company's 7.75% Senior Secured Notes; provided that on such 91st day, the Company's 7.75% Senior Secured Notes have an outstanding aggregate principal amount in excess of $150.0 million. The Term Loans provide for a commitment by the lenders to make secured term loans in an aggregate amount not to exceed $295.0 million, the proceeds of which were used to partially repay amounts outstanding under the Senior Secured Bridge Credit Agreement and the Senior Unsecured Bridge Credit Agreement (the "Bridge Facilities").
Borrowings bear interest at a fluctuating rate per annum equal to, at the Company's option, (i) a base rate equal to the highest of (a) the federal funds rate plus ½ of 1%, (b) the rate of interest in effect for such day as publicly announced from time to time by Citicorp North America, Inc. as its "prime rate" and (c) the LIBOR rate for a one-month interest period plus 1.0% (provided that in no event shall such base rate with respect to the Term Loans be less than 2.0% per annum), in each case plus an applicable margin of 3.25% or (ii) a LIBOR rate for the applicable interest period (provided that in no event shall such LIBOR rate with respect to the Term Loans be less than 1.0% per annum) plus an applicable margin of 4.25%. The applicable margin for the Term Loans is subject to a 25 basis point step-down upon the achievement of a certain senior secured net leverage ratio. The Company is required to repay installments on the Term Loans in quarterly installments in aggregate amounts equal to 1.0% per annum of their funded total principal amount, with the remaining amount payable on the maturity date.
On June 10, 2014, the Company entered into an incremental term loan amendment (the "Incremental Amendment") to the existing Term Loans in which the Company obtained $415.0 million of commitments for incremental term loans from the existing lenders, the terms of which are substantially identical to the terms of the Term Loans. Pursuant to the Incremental Amendment, the Company borrowed $310.0 million, the proceeds of which were used to fund a portion of the consideration paid for the Providência Acquisition. The remaining commitments were used during the third quarter of 2014 to repay existing indebtedness.
The Term Loans are secured (i) together with the Tranche 2 (as defined below) loans, on a first-priority lien basis by substantially all of the Company's assets and the assets of any existing and future subsidiary guarantors (other than collateral securing the ABL Facility on a first-priority basis), including all of the Company's capital stock and the capital stock of each restricted subsidiary (which, in the case of foreign subsidiaries, will be limited to 65% of the capital stock of each first-tier foreign subsidiary) and (ii) on a second-priority basis by the collateral securing the ABL Facility, in each case, subject to certain exceptions and permitted liens. The Company may voluntarily repay outstanding loans at any time without premium or penalty, other than

12


voluntary prepayment of Term Loans in connection with a repricing transaction on or prior to the date that is six months after the closing date of the Incremental Amendment and customary "breakage" costs with respect to LIBOR loans.
The agreement governing the Term Loans, among other restrictions, limit the Company's ability and the ability of its restricted subsidiaries to: (i) incur or guarantee additional debt or issue disqualified stock or preferred stock; (ii) pay dividends and make other distributions on, or redeem or repurchase, capital stock; (iii) make certain investments; (iv) repurchase stock; (v) incur certain liens; (vi) enter into transactions with affiliates; (vii) merge or consolidate; (viii) enter into agreements that restrict the ability of subsidiaries to make dividends or other payments to Polymer Group, Inc.; (ix) designate restricted subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries; and (x) transfer or sell assets. In addition, the Term Loans contain certain customary representations and warranties, affirmative covenants and events of default.
Under the credit agreement governing the Term Loans, the Company's ability to engage in activities such as incurring additional indebtedness, making investments, refinancing certain indebtedness, paying dividends and entering into certain merger transactions is governed, in part, by the Company's ability to satisfy tests based on Adjusted EBITDA (defined as Consolidated EBITDA in the credit agreement governing the Terms Loans).
Senior Secured Notes
In connection with the Merger, the Company issued $560.0 million of 7.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 on January 28, 2011. The Senior Secured Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a senior secured basis, by each of the Polymer Group's wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries. Interest on the Senior Secured Notes is paid semi-annually on February 1 and August 1 of each year. On July 23, 2014, the Company redeemed $56.0 million aggregate principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes at a redemption price of 103.0% of the aggregate principal amount plus any accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, July 23, 2014. The redemption amount was funded by proceeds from the Incremental Amendment.
The indenture governing the Senior Secured Notes limits, subject to certain exceptions, the Company's ability and the ability of its restricted subsidiaries to: (i) incur or guarantee additional debt or issue disqualified stock or preferred stock; (ii) pay dividends and make other distributions on, or redeem or repurchase, capital stock; (iii) make certain investments; (iv) incur certain liens; (v) enter into transactions with affiliates; (vi) merge or consolidate; (vii) enter into agreements that restrict the ability of subsidiaries to make dividends or other payments to Polymer Group, Inc.; (viii) designate restricted subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries; and (ix) transfer or sell assets. It does not limit the activities of the Parent or the amount of additional indebtedness that Parent or its parent entities may incur. In addition, it also provides for specified events of default, which, if any of them occurs, would permit or require the principal of and accrued interest on the Senior Secured Notes to become or to be declared due and payable.
Under the indenture governing the Senior Secured Notes, the Company's ability to engage in certain activities such as incurring additional indebtedness, making investments, refinancing certain indebtedness, paying dividends and entering into certain merger transactions is governed, in part, by the Company's ability to satisfy tests based on Adjusted EBITDA (defined as EBITDA in the indenture governing the Senior Secured Notes).
Senior Unsecured Notes
In connection with the Providência Acquisition, the Company issued $210.0 million of 6.875% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2019 on June 11, 2014. The Senior Unsecured Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a senior unsecured basis, by each of the Polymer Group's wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries. Interest on the Senior Unsecured Notes is paid semi-annually on June 1 and December 1 of each year.
The indenture governing the Senior Unsecured Notes limits, subject to certain exceptions, the Company's ability and the ability of its restricted subsidiaries to: (i) incur or guarantee additional debt or issue disqualified stock or preferred stock; (ii) pay dividends and make other distributions on, or redeem or repurchase, capital stock; (iii) make certain investments; (iv) incur certain liens; (v) enter into transactions with affiliates; (vi) merge or consolidate; (vii) enter into agreements that restrict the ability of subsidiaries to make dividends or other payments to Polymer Group, Inc.; (viii) designate restricted subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries; and (iv) transfer or sell assets. It does not limit the activities of Parent or the amount of additional indebtedness that Parent or its parent entities may incur. In addition, it also provides for specified events of default which, if any occurs, would permit or require the principal of and accrued interest on the Senior Unsecured Notes to become or to be declared due and payable.
Under the indenture governing the Senior Unsecured Notes, the Company's ability to engage in certain activities such as incurring additional indebtedness, making investments, refinancing certain indebtedness, paying dividends and entering into certain merger transactions is governed, in part, by the Company's ability to satisfy tests based on Adjusted EBITDA (defined as EBITDA in the indenture governing the Senior Unsecured Notes).

13


ABL Facility
On January 28, 2011, the Company entered into a senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility which was amended and restated on October 5, 2012 (the "ABL Facility") to provide for borrowings not to exceed $50.0 million, subject to borrowing base availability. The ABL Facility provides borrowing capacity available for letters of credit and borrowings on a same-day basis and is comprised of (i) a revolving tranche of up to $42.5 million (“Tranche 1”) and (ii) a first-in, last out revolving tranche of up to $7.5 million (“Tranche 2”). Provided that no default or event of default was then existing or would arise therefrom, the Company had the option to request that the ABL Facility be increased by an amount not to exceed $20.0 million. The facility matures on October 5, 2017.
On November 26, 2013, the Company entered into an amendment to the ABL Facility which increased the Tranche 1 revolving credit commitments by $30.0 million (for a total aggregate revolving credit commitment of $80.0 million) as well as made certain other changes to the agreement. In addition, the Company increased the amount by which the Company can request that the ABL Facility be increased at the Company's option to an amount not to exceed $75.0 million. The effectiveness of the amendment was subject to the satisfaction of certain specified closing conditions by no later than January 31, 2014, all of which were satisfied prior to such date.
Based on current average excess availability, the borrowings under the ABL Facility will bear interest at a rate per annum equal to, at the Company's option, either (A) British Bankers Association LIBOR Rate (“LIBOR”) (adjusted for statutory reserve requirements) plus a margin of (i) 2.00% in the case of Tranche 1 or (ii) 4.00% in the case of Tranche 2; or (B) the higher of (a) the rate of interest in effect for such day as publicly announced from time to time by Citibank, N.A. as its "prime rate" and (b) the federal funds effective rate plus 0.5% of 1.0% (“ABR”) plus a margin of (x) 1.00% in the case of Tranche 1 or (y) 3.00% in the case of the Tranche 2. As of March 31, 2015, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the ABL Facility. The borrowing base availability was $71.0 million. Outstanding letters of credit in the aggregate amount of $19.3 million left $51.7 million available for additional borrowings. The aforementioned letters of credit were primarily provided to certain administrative service providers and financial institutions. None of these letters of credit had been drawn on as of March 31, 2015.
The ABL Facility contains certain restrictions which limit the Company's ability and the ability of its restricted subsidiaries to: (i) incur or guarantee additional debt; (ii) pay dividends and make other distributions on, or redeem or repurchase, capital stock; (iii) make certain investments; (iv) repurchase stock; (v) incur certain liens; (vi) enter into transactions with affiliates; (vii) merge or consolidate or other fundamental changes; (viii) enter into agreements that restrict the ability of subsidiaries to make dividends or other payments; (ix) designate restricted subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries; (x) transfer or sell assets and (xi) prepay junior financing or other restricted debt. In addition, it contains certain customary representations and warranties, affirmative covenants and events of default. If such an event of default occurs, the lenders under the ABL Facility would be entitled to take various actions, including the acceleration of amounts due under the ABL Facility and all actions permitted to be taken by a secured creditor.
Under the credit agreement governing the ABL Facility, the Company's ability to engage in activities such as incurring additional indebtedness, making investments, refinancing certain indebtedness, paying dividends and entering into certain merger transactions is governed, in part by, the Company's ability to satisfy tests based on Adjusted EBITDA (defined as Consolidated EBITDA in the credit agreement governing the ABL Facility).
Nacion Facility
In January 2007, the Company's subsidiary in Argentina entered into an arrangement with banking institutions in Argentina in order to finance the installation of a new spunmelt line at its facility located near Buenos Aires, Argentina. The maximum borrowings available under the facility, excluding any interest added to principal, were 33.5 million Argentine pesos with respect to an Argentine peso-denominated loan and $26.5 million with respect to a U.S. dollar-denominated loan. The loans are secured by pledges covering (i) the subsidiary's existing equipment lines; (ii) the outstanding stock of the subsidiary; and (iii) the new machinery and equipment being purchased, as well as a trust assignment agreement related to a portion of receivables due from certain major customers of the subsidiary.
The interest rate applicable to borrowings under these term loans is based on LIBOR plus 290 basis points for the U.S. dollar-denominated loan and Buenos Aires Interbanking Offered Rate plus 475 basis points for the Argentine peso-denominated loan. Principal and interest payments began in July 2008 with the loans maturing as follows: annual amounts of $3.5 million beginning in 2011 and continuing through 2015, and the remaining $1.7 million in 2016.
In connection with the Merger, the Company repaid and terminated the Argentine peso-denominated loan. In addition, the U.S. dollar denominated loan was adjusted to reflect its fair value as of the date of the Merger. As a result, the Company recorded a contra-liability in Long-term debt and will amortize the balance into Interest expense over the remaining life of the facility. At

14


March 31, 2015, the face amount of the outstanding indebtedness under the U.S. dollar-denominated loan was $4.3 million, with a carrying amount of $4.2 million and a weighted average interest rate of 3.13%.
Galicia Facility
On September 27, 2013, the Company's subsidiary in Argentina entered into an arrangement with a banking institution in Argentina in order to partially finance the upgrade of a manufacturing line at its facility located near Buenos Aires, Argentina. The maximum borrowings available under the facility, excluding any interest added to principal, is 20.0 million Argentine pesos (approximately $3.5 million). The three-year term of the agreement began with the date of the first draw down on the facility, which occurred in the third quarter of 2013, with payments required in twenty-five equal monthly installments beginning after one year. Borrowings will bear interest at 15.25%. As of March 31, 2015, the outstanding balance under the facility was $1.7 million. The remainder of the upgrade is expected to be financed by existing cash balances and cash generated from operations.
China Credit Facility
In the third quarter of 2012, the Company's subsidiary in China entered into a three-year U.S. dollar denominated construction loan agreement (the “Hygiene Facility”) with a banking institution in China to finance a portion of the installation of a new spunmelt line at its manufacturing facility in Suzhou, China. The interest rate applicable to borrowings under the Hygiene Facility is based on three-month LIBOR plus an amount to be determined at the time of funding based on the lender's internal head office lending rate (520 basis points at the time the credit agreement was executed).
The maximum borrowings available under the facility, excluding any interest added to principal, were $25.0 million. At December 31, 2014, the outstanding balance under the Hygiene Facility was $18.9 million with a weighted average interest rate of 5.43%. The Company repaid $8.4 million of the principal balance during the current period using a combination of existing cash balances and cash generated from operations. As a result, the outstanding balance under the Hygiene Facility was $10.5 million at March 31, 2015 with a weighted-average interest rate of 5.62%.
Brazil Export Credit Facility
As a result of the acquisition of Providência, the Company assumed a Brazilian real-denominated export credit facility with Itaú Unibanco S.A., pursuant to which Providência borrowed R$50.0 million in the first quarter of 2013 for the purpose of financing certain export transactions from Brazil. Borrowings bear interest at 8.0% per annum, payable quarterly. The facility matures in February 2016 and is unsecured. As of the date of the acquisition, the Company adjusted the outstanding balance to reflect its fair value. As a result, the Company recorded a contra-liability in Long-term debt and will amortize the balance into Interest expense over the remaining life of the facility. At March 31, 2015, the face amount of the outstanding indebtedness under the facility was $15.6 million, with a carrying amount of $15.2 million.
India Indebtedness
As a result of the acquisition of Fiberweb Limited ("Fiberweb"), the Company indirectly assumed control of Terram Geosynthetics Private Limited, a joint venture located in Mundra, India in which the Company maintains a 65% controlling interest. As part of the net assets acquired, the Company assumed $3.8 million of debt (including short-term borrowings) that was entered into with a banking institution in India. Current amounts outstanding primarily relate to a 14.70% term loan, due in 2017, used to purchase fixed assets. Other amounts relate to short-term credit facilities used to finance working capital requirements (included in Short-term borrowings in the Consolidated Balance Sheets). Combined, the outstanding balances totaled $3.2 million at March 31, 2015.
Other Indebtedness
The Company periodically enters into short-term credit facilities in order to finance various liquidity requirements, including insurance premium payments and short-term working capital needs. At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, outstanding amounts related to such facilities were $25.7 million and $17.0 million, respectively. Borrowings under these facilities are included in Short-term borrowings in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The Company also has documentary letters of credit not associated with the ABL Facility. These letters of credit are primarily provided to certain raw material vendors and amounted to $8.0 million and $7.8 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. None of these letters of credit have been drawn upon.
Note 10.  Derivative Instruments
In the normal course of business, the Company is exposed to certain risks arising from business operations and economic factors. These fluctuations can increase the cost of financing, investing and operating the business. The Company may use

15


derivative financial instruments to help manage market risk and reduce the exposure to fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currencies. These financial instruments are not used for trading or other speculative purposes.
All derivatives are recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at their fair value as either assets or liabilities. On the date the derivative contract is entered into, the Company designates the derivative as (1) a hedge of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability (fair value hedge), (2) a hedge of a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flow to be paid (cash flow hedge), or (3) an undesignated instrument. Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is designated as a fair value hedge and determined to be highly effective are recorded in current earnings, along with the gain or loss on the recognized hedged asset or liability that is attributable to the hedged risk. Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is designated as a cash flow hedge and considered highly effective are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) until they are reclassified to earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Changes in the fair value of undesignated derivative instruments and the ineffective portion of designated derivative instruments are reported in current earnings.
The Company formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as the risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. This process includes linking all derivatives that are designated as fair value hedges to specific assets and liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and linking cash flow hedges to specific forecasted transactions or variability of cash flow to be paid.
The Company also formally assesses, both at the hedge's inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the designated derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flow of hedged items. When a derivative is determined not to be highly effective as a hedge or the underlying hedged transaction is no longer probable, hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively, in accordance with current accounting standards.
The following table presents the fair values of the Company's derivative instruments for the following periods:
 
As of March 31, 2015
 
As of December 31, 2014
In thousands
Notional
 
Fair Value
 
Notional
 
Fair Value
Undesignated hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Providência Contracts
$
56,542

 
$
2,159

 
$
140,623

 
$
3,962

Providência Instruments
16,715

 
(618
)
 
20,179

 
(560
)
Dounor Contract
59,037

 
53

 

 

Total
$
132,294

 
$
1,594

 
$
160,802

 
$
3,402

Asset derivatives are recorded within Other current assets and liability derivatives are recorded within Accounts payable and accrued expenses on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Providência Contracts
On January 27, 2014, the Company entered into a series of financial instruments with a third-party financial institution used to minimize foreign exchange risk on the future consideration to be paid for the Providência Acquisition and the Mandatory Tender Offer (the "Providência Contracts"). Each contract allows the Company to purchase fixed amounts of Brazilian reals (R$) in the future at specified U.S. dollar exchange rates, coinciding with either the Providência Acquisition or the Mandatory Tender Offer. The Providência Contracts do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment, and therefore, are considered undesignated hedges. As the nature of these transactions are related to non-operating notional amounts, changes in fair value are recorded in Foreign currency and other, net in the respective period.
The primary financial instrument was related to the Providência Acquisition and consisted of a foreign exchange forward contract with an aggregate notional amount equal to the estimated purchase price. Prior to the Providência Acquisition Date, the Company amended the primary financial instrument to reduce the notional amount to align with the consideration to be paid to the selling shareholders, which resulted in a realized gain for the Company. Upon consummation of the Providência Acquisition, the Company purchased the required Brazilian real at the specified rate thus fulfilling its obligations under the terms of the contract that specifically related to the primary financial instrument. Due to a strengthening U.S. Dollar, the contract was settled in the Company's favor which resulted in a realized gain of $18.9 million recognized within Foreign currency and other, net. The remaining financial instruments relate to a series of foreign exchange call options that expire between 1 year and 5 years associated with the Mandatory Tender Offer and the deferred portion of the consideration paid for the Providência Acquisition. Each option provides the Company with the right, but not the obligation to purchase a fixed amount of Brazilian real in the future at a specified U.S. Dollar rate.

16


Providência Instruments
As a result of the acquisition of Providência, the Company assumed a variety of derivative instruments used to reduce the exposure to fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currencies. These financial instruments include an interest rate swap, forward foreign exchange contracts and call option contracts (the "Providência Instruments"). The counterparty to each financial instrument is a third-party financial institution. The Providência Instruments do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment, and therefore, are considered undesignated derivatives. As the nature of the foreign exchange contracts and call option contracts relate to operating notional amounts, changes in the fair value are recorded in Other operating, net in the current period. Changes in the fair value of the interest rate swap is recorded in Interest expense in the current period as the nature of the transaction relates to interest on our outstanding third-party debt.
Dounor Contract
On March 27, 2015, the Company entered into a foreign exchange call option with a third-party financial institution used to minimize the foreign exchange risk on the future consideration to be paid for the acquisition of Dounor (the "Dounor Contract"). The Dounor Contract provides the Company the right, but not the obligation, to purchase a fixed amount of Euros in the future at a specified U.S. Dollar rate. The Dounor Contract does not qualify for hedge accounting treatment, therefore, it is considered an undesignated hedge. As the nature of this transaction is related to a non-operating notional amount, changes in the fair value are recorded in Foreign currency and other, net in the current period.
The following table represents the amount of (gain) or loss associated with derivative instruments in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss):
In thousands
Three Months
Ended
March 31,
2015
 
Three Months
Ended
March 29,
2014
Undesignated hedges:
 
 
 
Providência Contracts
$
1,925

 
$
(10,756
)
Providência Instruments
(240
)
 

Dounor Contract
159

 

Total
$
1,844

 
$
(10,756
)
Gains and losses associated with the Company's designated fair value hedges are offset by the changes in the fair value of the underlying transactions. However, once the hedge is undesignated, the fair value of the hedge is no longer offset by the fair value of the underlying transaction.
Note 11.  Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The accounting standard for fair value measurements establishes a framework for measuring fair value that is based on the inputs market participants use to determine the fair value of an asset or liability and establishes a fair value hierarchy to prioritize those inputs. The fair value hierarchy is comprised of three levels that are described below:
Level 1 — Inputs based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 — Inputs other than Level 1 quoted prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
Level 3 — Unobservable inputs based on little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets and liabilities, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.
The fair value hierarchy requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. Observable inputs are obtained from independent sources and can be validated by a third party, whereas unobservable inputs reflect assumptions regarding what a third party would use in pricing an asset or liability based on the best information available under the circumstances. A financial instrument's categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

17


Recurring Basis
The following tables present the fair value and hierarchy levels for the Company's assets and liabilities, which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2015:
In thousands
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
March 31, 2015
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Providência Contracts
$

 
$
2,159

 
$

 
$
2,159

Dounor Contract

 
53

 

 
53

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Providência Instruments
$

 
$
(618
)
 
$

 
$
(618
)
The following tables present the fair value and hierarchy levels for the Company's assets and liabilities, which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2014:
In thousands
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
December 31, 2014
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Providência Contracts
$

 
$
3,962

 
$

 
$
3,962

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Providência Instruments
$

 
$
(560
)
 
$

 
$
(560
)
ASC 820 "Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures" (ASC 820) defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.
The Company determines the fair value of its financial assets and liabilities using the following methodologies:
Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts - Fair value is based upon a comparison of the contracted forward exchange rates to the current market exchange rates, discounted at the currency-appropriate rate.
Foreign Exchange Option Contracts - Fair value is based upon quantitative models that utilize multiple market inputs (including interest rates, prices and indices to generate continuous yield or pricing curves, discount rates and volatility factors).
The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, inventories, short-term borrowings and accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their carrying values due to the short-term nature of these instruments. The methodologies used by the Company to determine the fair value of its financial assets and liabilities at March 31, 2015 are the same as those used at December 31, 2014. As a result, there have been no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 categories.
Note 12.  Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans
The Company and its subsidiaries sponsor multiple defined benefit plans that cover certain employees. Postretirement benefit plans, other than pensions, provide healthcare benefits for certain eligible employees. Benefits are primarily based on years of service and employee compensation.
Pension Plans
The Company has both funded and unfunded pension benefit plans. It is the Company’s policy to fund such plans in accordance with applicable laws and regulations in order to ensure adequate funds are available in the plans to make benefit payments to plan participants and beneficiaries when required.

18


The components of the Company's pension related costs for the following periods are as follows:
In thousands
Three Months
Ended
March 31,
2015
 
Three Months
Ended
March 29,
2014
Service cost
$
1,001

 
$
873

Interest cost
1,975

 
2,458

Expected return on plan assets
(2,686
)
 
(3,118
)
Curtailment / settlement (gain) loss

 

Net amortization of:
 
 
 
Actuarial (gain) loss
98

 
(4
)
Transition costs and other
(9
)
 

Net periodic benefit cost
$
379

 
$
209

The Company’s practice is to fund amounts for its qualified pension plans at least sufficient to meet the minimum requirements set forth in applicable employee benefit laws and local tax laws. In addition, the Company manages these plans to ensure that all present and future benefit obligations are met as they come due. Full year contributions are expected to approximate $3.4 million.
Postretirement Plans
The Company sponsors several Non-U.S. postretirement plans that provide healthcare benefits to cover certain eligible employees. These plans have no plan assets, but instead are funded by the Company on a pay-as-you-go basis in the form of direct benefit payments.
The components of the Company's postretirement related costs for the following periods are as follows:
In thousands
Three Months
Ended
March 31,
2015
 
Three Months
Ended
March 29,
2014
Service cost
$
2

 
$
9

Interest cost
44

 
93

Curtailment / settlement (gain) loss

 

Net amortization of:
 
 
 
Actuarial (gain) loss
2

 
5

Transition costs and other

 

Net periodic benefit cost
$
48

 
$
107

Defined Contribution Plans
The Company sponsors several defined contribution plans through its domestic subsidiaries covering employees who meet certain service requirements. The Company makes matching contributions to the plans based upon a percentage of the employees’ contribution in the case of its 401(k) plans or upon a percentage of the employees’ salary or hourly wages in the case of its non-contributory money purchase plans.

19


Note 13.  Income Taxes
The Company accounts for its provision for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, "Income Taxes," which requires an estimate of the annual effective income tax rate for the full year to be applied to the respective interim period, taking into account year-to-date amounts and projected results for the full year. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company's effective income tax rate was 12.7% (compared with a negative effective income tax rate of 150.2% for the three months ended March 29, 2014). The change in our effective income tax rate was primarily driven by incremental operating losses of $42.2 million in the current period for which we recorded a full valuation allowance. In addition, our effective income tax rate was impacted by foreign withholding taxes for which tax credits are not anticipated, changes in the amounts recorded for tax uncertainties, and foreign taxes calculated at statutory rates different than the U.S. federal statutory rate. During the three months ended March 29, 2014, a French subsidiary of the Company joined the Company’s unitary French filing group. This resulted in a $1.9 million increase to the Company's French valuation allowance discrete to the prior year period.
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of (a) temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax reporting purposes and (b) operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. A valuation allowance is recorded when, based on the weight of the evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The realization of the deferred tax asset depends on the ability to generate sufficient taxable income of the appropriate character in the future and in the appropriate taxing jurisdiction. At March 31, 2015, the Company has a net deferred tax liability of $12.4 million.
At March 31, 2015, the Company had unrecognized tax benefits of $20.7 million, of which $9.5 million relates to accrued interest and penalties. These amounts are included within Other noncurrent liabilities within the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the Company's effective income tax rate is $20.7 million as of March 31, 2015. Included in the balance as of March 31, 2015 is $2.8 million, including $1.6 million of interest and penalties, related to income tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts could significantly change during the next twelve months. This amount is comprised of items which relate to the lapse of statute of limitations or the settlement of issues. The Company recognizes interest and/or penalties related to income taxes as a component of income tax expense.
Management judgment is required in determining tax provisions and evaluating tax positions. Although management believes its tax positions and related provisions reflected in the consolidated financial statements are fully supportable, it recognizes that these tax positions and related provisions may be challenged by various tax authorities. These tax positions and related provisions are reviewed on an ongoing basis and are adjusted as additional facts and information become available, including progress on tax audits, changes in interpretations of tax laws, developments in case law and closing of statute of limitations. The Company’s tax provision includes the impact of recording reserves and any changes thereto.
The major jurisdictions where the Company files income tax returns include the United States, Canada, China, India, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Spain, United Kingdom, Italy, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, and Argentina. As of March 31, 2015, the Company has a number of open tax years with various taxing jurisdictions that range from 2003 to 2013. The results of current tax audits and reviews related to open tax years have not been finalized, and management believes that the ultimate outcomes of these audits and reviews will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Note 14.  Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
In connection with the Providência Acquisition, as required by Brazilian law, PGI Acquisition Company filed the Mandatory Tender Offer registration request with the CVM in order to launch, after its approval, a tender offer to acquire all of the remaining outstanding capital stock of Providência from the minority shareholders. As of March 31, 2015, the Mandatory Tender Offer was still under review by the CVM. Hence, the conditions for the launch of the Mandatory Tender Offer have not been met as of March 31, 2015. However, once the Mandatory Tender Offer is approved and launched, the minority shareholders will have the right, but not the obligation, to sell their remaining outstanding capital stock of Providência. Given such right of the minority shareholders, the Company determined that ASC 480 requires the noncontrolling interest to be presented as mezzanine equity on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and adjusted to its estimated maximum redemption amount at each balance sheet date.
Financial results of Providência are attributed to the minority shareholders based on their ownership percentage and accordingly disclosed in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). Subsequent to the allocation of earnings, the carrying value is then adjusted to its redemption value as of each balance sheet date with a corresponding adjustment to additional paid-in capital.

20


A reconciliation of the redeemable noncontrolling interest is as follows:
In thousands
2015
December 31, 2014
$
89,181

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest
(9,813
)
Periodic adjustment to redemption value, net of currency adjustment
(2,784
)
March 31, 2015
$
76,584

The estimated redemption value of the redeemable noncontrolling interest is determined based on the terms and conditions of the Mandatory Tender Offer, which state that the purchase price payable for the tendered shares is not impacted by the earnings attributable to the redeemable noncontrolling interest. As a result, earnings attributable to the redeemable noncontrolling interest are offset by a deemed dividend, as a periodic adjustment to the recorded redemption value, to the minority shareholders recognized in additional paid-in capital. In addition, the recorded redemption value accretes at a variable interest rate which is also recognized as a periodic adjustment to the redemption value. Lastly, the Mandatory Tender Offer is denominated in Brazilian Reais. Therefore, the redemption value is recorded at the U.S. Dollar equivalent on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, initially using the exchange rate in effect on the date of issuance and translated using the current exchange rate at each subsequent balance sheet date. The respective currency exchange rate movement is recognized as a periodic adjustment to the recorded redemption value in additional paid-in capital.
Note 15.  Equity
In connection with the closing of the Merger on January 28, 2011, Blackstone, along with certain members of the Company's management, contributed $259.9 million (the "Initial Capital") through the purchase of Holdings. As consideration for the Initial Capital, the Company issued a total of 259,865 shares of common stock, with a par value of $0.01 per share. Simultaneously, all prior existing shares of Polymer Group, Inc's common and preferred stock were canceled and converted into the right to redeem for a portion of the merger consideration. As a result of the Merger, Scorpio Acquisition Corporation owns 100% of the Company's issued and outstanding common stock.
Common Stock
The authorized share capital of the Company is $10, consisting of 1,000 shares, par value $0.01 per share. The Company did not pay any dividends since the Merger and intends to retain future earnings, if any, to finance the further expansion and continued growth of the business. In addition, our indebtedness obligations limit certain restricted payments, which include dividends payable in cash, unless certain conditions are met.
Additional Paid-in-Capital
In accordance with push-down accounting, the basis in the Initial Capital has been pushed down from Holdings to the Company. Amounts related to Blackstone and certain board members are recorded in Additional paid-in capital. The remaining portion, related to certain members of the Company's management, was recorded in Other noncurrent liabilities as they contained a three-year call option feature which specifies that the employer can repurchase the shares at the original purchase price (or less) if the employee terminates within the specified time period. Upon the expiration of the three-year call option, associated amounts were no longer considered a liability and recorded in Additional paid-in capital. Subsequent to January 28, 2011, certain members of the Company's management and certain board members purchased common stock of Holdings. In addition, the Company has repurchased common stock from former employees. At March 31, 2015, the net amount purchased was $2.1 million and accordingly, the Company recorded the basis in these shares as additional paid-in capital or as a noncurrent liability, as necessary.
On December 18, 2013, the Company received an additional equity investment of $30.7 million from Blackstone (the "Equity Investment"). The Equity Investment, along with the proceeds received from the Term Loans, were used to repay all outstanding borrowings under the Senior Secured Bridge Credit Agreement and the Senior Unsecured Bridge Credit Agreement.
In connection with Providência Acquisition, the Company determined that the related noncontrolling interest is required to be presented as mezzanine equity on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and adjusted to its estimated maximum redemption amount at each balance sheet date. As a result, adjustments to the redeemable noncontrolling interest are offset by a deemed dividend to the minority shareholders recognized in Additional paid-in capital. Refer to Note 14, "Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest" for further information on the accounting of the redeemable noncontrolling interest.

21


Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The changes in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component are as follows:
In thousands
Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans
 
Cumulative Translation Adjustments
 
Total
December 31, 2014
$
(30,959
)
 
$
(28,205
)
 
$
(59,164
)
     Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
(90
)
 
(28,678
)
 
(28,768
)
     Amounts reclassified out of accumulated comprehensive income (loss)
90

 

 
90

     Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)

 
(28,678
)
 
(28,678
)
March 31, 2015
$
(30,959
)
 
$
(56,883
)
 
$
(87,842
)
Amounts presented in Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications are net of tax. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company did not record any income tax expense for pension and postretirement benefit plans and cumulative translation adjustments.
Amounts reclassified out of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is as follows:
In thousands
Three Months
Ended
March 31,
2015
 
Three Months
Ended
March 29,
2014
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans:
 
 
 
Net amortization of actuarial gains (losses)
$
91

 
$
1

Curtailment / settlement gain (loss)

 

Total reclassifications, before tax
91

 
1

Income tax (provision) benefit
(1
)
 
(1
)
Total reclassifications, net of tax
$
90

 
$

Amounts associated with pension and postretirement benefit plans reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are recorded within Selling, general and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). The components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost.
Note 16.  Special Charges
As part of our business strategy, the Company incurs amounts related to corporate-level decisions or actions by the Board of Directors. These actions are primarily associated with initiatives attributable to acquisition integration, restructuring and realignment of manufacturing operations and management structures as well as the pursuit of certain transaction opportunities when applicable. In addition, the Company evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances including the aforementioned, indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. These amounts are included in Special charges, net in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).
A summary for each respective period is as follows:
 
In thousands
Three Months
Ended
March 31,
2015
 
Three Months
Ended
March 29,
2014
Restructuring and plant realignment costs
$
1,008

 
$
2,912

Acquisition and integration - Providência
1,093

 
2,431

Acquisition and integration - Fiberweb
1,816

 
3,034

Other charges
2,105

 
334

Total restructuring and plant realignment costs
$
6,022

 
$
8,711


22


Restructuring and Plant Realignment Costs
The Company incurs costs associated with restructuring initiatives intended to result in improved operating performance, profitability and working capital levels. Actions associated with these initiatives include reducing headcount, improving manufacturing productivity, realignment of management structures, reducing corporate costs and rationalizing certain assets, businesses and employee benefit programs. Amounts incurred for the current and prior period primarily relate to cost improvement initiatives associated with the acquisition and integration of Fiberweb. In addition, the Company incurs costs associated with less significant ongoing restructuring initiatives resulting from the continuous evaluation of opportunities to optimize manufacturing facilities and manufacturing processes. Costs associated with these initiatives primarily relate to professional consulting fees.
Acquisition and Integration - Providência
In association with the Providência Acquisition, the Company incurred direct acquisition costs associated with the transaction including investment banking, legal, accounting and other fees for professional services. Other costs included direct financing costs associated with both the Senior Unsecured Notes and the Incremental Amendment to the Term Loans. A majority of these costs have been capitalized as intangible assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of the date of the Providência Acquisition. However, a portion of these costs related to the Incremental Term Loan were expensed as incurred. Costs incurred in the current period relate to integration activities and the Mandatory Tender Offer.
Acquisition and Integration - Fiberweb
In association with the Fiberweb Acquisition, the Company incurred direct acquisition costs associated with the transaction including investment banking, legal, accounting and other fees for professional services. Other expenses included direct financing costs associated with both the Secured Bridge Facility and the Unsecured Bridge Facility, as well as with the Term Loans. These costs have been capitalized as intangible assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of the date of the Fiberweb Acquisition. In addition, the Company launched several initiatives during 2014 focused on the integration of Fiberweb into the existing operations and underlying processes of the Company. These initiatives include cost reduction initiatives and costs associated with integrating the back office activities of the combined business. As a result, the Company incurred costs directly associated with these activities which include legal, accounting and other fees for professional services.
Other Charges
In general, other charges consist primarily of expenses related to the Company’s pursuit of other business opportunities. The Company reviews its business operations on an ongoing basis in light of current and anticipated market conditions and other factors and, from time to time, may undertake certain actions in order to optimize overall business, performance or competitive position. To the extent any such decisions are made, the Company would likely incur costs associated with such actions, which could be material. Other charges also include various corporate-level initiatives and most recently, the relocation of our Nanhai, China manufacturing facility.
Restructuring Reserve
Amounts accrued for Restructuring and Plant Realignment costs are included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Changes in the Company's reserves for the respective periods presented are as follows:
In thousands
North America
 
South America
 
Europe
 
Asia
 
Corporate
 
Total
December 31, 2014
$
598

 
$
1,145

 
$
1,718

 
$
39

 
$
180

 
$
3,680

Additions
248

 
(15
)
 
783

 

 
(8
)
 
1,008

Acquisitions

 

 

 

 

 

Cash payments
(458
)
 
(277
)
 
(1,146
)
 
(50
)
 
(131
)
 
(2,062
)
Adjustments
4

 
(59
)
 
(172
)
 
11

 
1

 
$
(215
)
March 31, 2015
$
392

 
$
794

 
$
1,183

 
$

 
$
42

 
$
2,411

The Company accounts for its restructuring programs in accordance with ASC 712, "Compensation - Non-retirement Postemployment Benefits" ("ASC 712") and ASC 420, "Exit of Disposal Cost Obligations" ("ASC 420"). Costs incurred for the respective periods presented primarily consisted of employee separation and severance expenses. Programs in existence prior to the acquisition of Fiberweb are substantially complete as of March 31, 2015. As a result of the acquisition of Fiberweb, the Company has initiated a restructuring program to integrate and optimize the combined footprint. Total projected costs for these programs are expected to range between $16.0 million and $23.0 million with payments continuing into 2015. Cost incurred since the Fiberweb Acquisition Date totaled $13.4 million.

23


A summary of special charges by reportable segment is as follows:
In thousands
Restructuring and Plant Realignment Costs
 
Acquisition and Integration Costs
 
Other Special Charges
 
Total Special Charges, Net
For the three months ended March 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
North America
$
248

 
$
490

 
$
71

 
$
809

South America
(15
)
 
227

 

 
212

Europe
783

 
225

 
(5
)
 
1,003

Asia

 

 
1,193

 
1,193

Corporate
(8
)
 
1,967

 
846

 
2,805

     Total
$
1,008

 
$
2,909

 
$
2,105

 
$
6,022

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the three months ended March 29, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
North America
$
203

 
$
500

 
$
173

 
$
876

South America
57

 
9

 

 
66

Europe
2,628

 
605

 
1

 
3,234

Asia
6

 

 
100

 
106

Corporate
18

 
4,351

 
60

 
4,429

     Total
$
2,912

 
$
5,465

 
$
334

 
$
8,711

Note 17.  Other Operating, Net
Transactions that are denominated in a currency other than an entity's functional currency are subject to changes in exchange rates with the resulting gains and losses recorded within current earnings. The Company includes gains and losses related to receivables and payables as well as the impacts of other operating transactions as a component of Operating income (loss).
Amounts associated with these components for the respective periods are as follows:
In thousands
Three Months
Ended
March 31,
2015
 
Three Months
Ended
March 29,
2014
Foreign currency gains (losses)
$
936

 
$
(1,926
)
Other operating income (expense)
487

 
857

Total
$
1,423

 
$
(1,069
)
Note 18. Foreign Currency and Other, Net
Transactions that are denominated in a currency other than an entity's functional currency are subject to changes in exchange rates with the resulting gains and losses recorded within current earnings. The Company includes gains and losses related to intercompany loans and third-party debt as well as other non-operating activities (primarily factoring fees and the gain or loss on the sale of assets) as a component of Other income (expense).
Amounts associated with these components for the respective periods are as follows:
In thousands
Three Months
Ended
March 31,
2015
 
Three Months
Ended
March 29,
2014
Foreign currency gains (losses)
$
(41,905
)
 
$
(5,400
)
Other non-operating income (expense)
(2,018
)
 
10,359

Total
$
(43,923
)
 
$
4,959


24


On January 27, 2014, the Company entered into a series of financial instruments with a third-party financial institution used to minimize foreign exchange risk on the future consideration to be paid for the Providência Acquisition and the Mandatory Tender Offer. The primary financial instrument was related to the Providência Acquisition and consisted of a foreign exchange forward contract with an aggregate notional amount equal to the estimated purchase price. The remaining financial instruments relate to a series of foreign exchange call options that expire between 1 year and 5 years associated with the Mandatory Tender Offer and the deferred portion of the consideration paid for the Providência Acquisition. As the nature of these transactions are related to a non-operating notional amount, changes in fair value are included in other non-operating income (expense) in the respective period. The Company recognized a gain of $10.8 million during the three months ended March 29, 2014 associated with the changes in fair value of these financial instruments. The amount associated with the remaining financial instruments recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2015 was a loss of $1.9 million.
Note 19.  Commitments and Contingencies
The Company is involved from time to time in various litigations, claims and administrative proceedings arising out of the ordinary conduct of its business. Amounts recorded for identified contingent liabilities are estimates, which are reviewed periodically and adjusted to reflect additional information when it becomes available. Subject to the uncertainties inherent in estimating future costs for contingent liabilities, management believes that any liability which may result from these legal matters would not have a material adverse effect on the Company's business or financial condition.
Equipment Lease Agreement
In the third quarter of 2011, the Company's state-of-the-art spunmelt line in Waynesboro, Virginia commenced commercial production. The plant expansion increased capacity to meet demand for nonwoven materials in the hygiene and healthcare applications in the U.S. The line was principally funded by a seven year equipment lease with a capitalized cost of $53.6 million. From the commencement of the lease to its fourth anniversary date, the Company will make annual lease payments of $8.3 million. From the fourth anniversary date to the end of the lease term, the Company's annual lease payments may change, as defined in the lease agreement. The aggregate future lease payments under the agreement, subject to adjustment, are expected to approximate $58 million. The lease includes covenants, events of default and other provisions that requires the Company to maintain certain financial ratios and other requirements.
Providência Tax Claims
In connection with the acquisition of Providência, the Company is party to the Providência Tax Claims. The Providência Tax Claims relate to two tax deficiency notices received in August and November 2013 relating to Providência's 2007 and 2008 tax filings. At the Providência Acquisition Date and at each subsequent reporting period, the Company evaluated whether the Providência Tax Claims qualified for recognition and determined it was more likely than not that Providência's position would be sustained upon challenge by the the Brazilian courts. This determination was based on advice received from the Company's Brazilian legal counsel. Therefore, the Company did not record an uncertain tax position liability for this matter.
At the Providência Acquisition Date, the Deferred Purchase Price was $47.9 million. If the Providência Tax Claims are resolved in the Company's favor, the Deferred Purchase Price will be paid to the selling shareholders. However, if the Company or Providência incur actual tax liability in respect to the Providência Tax Claims, the amount of Deferred Purchase Price owed to the selling shareholders will be reduced by the amount of such actual tax liability. At March 31, 2015, the remeasured and accreted balance of the Deferred Purchase Price was $36.0 million. Based on the Company's estimate, the resolution of the Providência Tax Claims is expected to take longer than a year. Refer to Note 4, "Acquisitions" for further information on the accounting of the Deferred Purchase Price and the Providência Tax Claims.
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
In connection with the Providência Acquisition, as required by Brazilian law, PGI Acquisition Company filed the Mandatory Tender Offer registration request with the CVM in order to launch, after its approval, a tender offer to acquire all of the remaining outstanding capital stock of Providência from the minority shareholders. As of March 31, 2015, the Mandatory Tender Offer was still under review by the CVM. Hence, the conditions for the launch of the Mandatory Tender Offer have not been met as of March 31, 2015. However, once the Mandatory Tender Offer is approved and launched, the minority shareholders will have the right, but not the obligation, to sell their remaining outstanding capital stock of Providência. Given such right of the minority shareholders, the Company determined that ASC 480 requires the noncontrolling interest to be presented as mezzanine equity on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and adjusted to its estimated maximum redemption amount at each balance sheet date. At March 31, 2015, the redemption value of the redeemable noncontrolling interest was $76.6 million. Refer to Note 14, "Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest" for further information on the accounting of the redeemable noncontrolling interest.

25


Financing Obligation
As a result of the Fiberweb Acquisition, the Company acquired a manufacturing facility in Old Hickory, Tennessee, the assets of which included a utility plant used to generate steam for use in its manufacturing process. Upon completion of its construction in 2011, the utility plant was sold to a unrelated third-party and subsequently leased back by Fiberweb for a period of 10 years. The Company has accounted for this transaction as a direct financing lease, recognizing the assets as part of property, plant and equipment and a related financing obligation as a long-term liability. Cash payments to the lessor are allocated between interest expense and amortization of the financing obligation. At the end of the lease term, the Company will recognize the sale of the utility plant, however, no gain or loss will be recognized as the financing obligation will equal the expected carrying value of the assets. At March 31, 2015, the outstanding balance of the financing obligation was $18.0 million, which is included in Other noncurrent liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Environmental
The Company is subject to a broad range of federal, foreign, state and local laws and regulations relating to pollution and protection of the environment. The Company believes that it is currently in substantial compliance with applicable environmental requirements and does not currently anticipate any material adverse effect on its operations, financial or competitive position as a result of its efforts to comply with environmental requirements. Some risk of environmental liability is inherent, however, in the nature of the Company’s business and, accordingly, there can be no assurance that material environmental liabilities will not arise.
Note 20.  Segment Information
The Company is a leading global innovator and manufacturer of specialty materials, primarily focused on the production of nonwoven products. The Company operates through four operating segments, which represent its four reportable segments: North America, South America, Europe and Asia, with the main source of revenue being the sales of primary and intermediate products to consumer and industrial markets. The Company has one major customer, Procter & Gamble, which accounts for approximately 12% of its business, the loss of which would have a material adverse impact on reported financial results. Sales to this customer are reported within each of the reportable segments.
Segment information is based on the “management” approach which designates the internal reporting used by management for making decisions and assessing performance. The Company manages its business on a geographic basis, as each region provides similar products and services. The reportable segments are consistent with the manner in which financial information is disaggregated for internal review and decision making. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in Note 3, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of the Company’s 2014 Form 10-K. Intercompany sales between the segments are eliminated.

26


Financial data by reportable segment is as follows: 
In thousands
Three Months
Ended
March 31,
2015
 
Three Months
Ended
March 29,
2014
Net sales:
 
 
 
North America
$
208,322

 
$
193,298

South America
93,086

 
38,150

Europe
112,389

 
143,621

Asia
47,441

 
47,515

Total
$
461,238

 
$
422,584

 
 
 
 
Operating income (loss):
 
 
 
North America
$
29,197

 
$
17,783

South America
13,674

 
2,986

Europe
9,755

 
6,232

Asia
5,283

 
4,152

Unallocated Corporate
(16,417
)
 
(13,254
)
Eliminations
360

 
(37
)
Subtotal
41,852

 
17,862

Special charges, net
(6,022
)
 
(8,711
)
Total
$
35,830

 
$
9,151

 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization expense:
 
 
 
North America
$
12,677

 
$
9,828

South America
5,845

 
1,953

Europe
4,000

 
5,887

Asia
5,521

 
5,572

Unallocated Corporate
558

 
340

Subtotal
28,601

 
23,580

Amortization of loan acquisition costs
1,654

 
1,026

Total
$
30,255

 
$
24,606

 
 
 
 
Capital spending:
 
 
 
North America
$
3,447

 
$
6,051

South America
802

 
2,208

Europe
3,107

 
2,509

Asia
3,468

 
2,600

Corporate
186

 
747

Total
$
11,010

 
$
14,115

 

27


In thousands
March 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
Division assets:
 
 
 
North America
$
825,545

 
$
819,133

South America
463,527

 
536,140

Europe
266,879

 
304,879

Asia
263,865

 
261,172

Corporate
81,945

 
113,849

Total
$
1,901,761

 
$
2,035,173

The Company serves customers focused on personal care, infection prevention and high performance solutions, where our products are critical components used in a broad array of consumer and commercial products. Products within each of these three applications are as follows:
Personal Care - Specialty materials used for hygiene, dryer sheets and personal wipes products
Infection Prevention - Specialty materials used for healthcare, filtration and disinfectant wipes products
High Performance Solutions - Specialty materials used for Building & Construction/Geosynthetics & Agriculture, industrial wipes, filtration, and various other applications
Net sales by key application is as follows:
In thousands
Three Months
Ended
March 31,
2015
 
Three Months
Ended
March 29,
2014
Personal Care
$
235,229

 
$
194,470

Infection Prevention
79,856

 
80,439

High Performance Solutions
146,153

 
147,675

   Total
$
461,238

 
$
422,584

Note 21.  Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions
In connection with the Merger, Holdings entered into a shareholders agreement (the “Shareholders Agreement”) with Blackstone and certain members of the Company's management. The Shareholders Agreement governs certain matters relating to ownership of Holdings, including with respect to the election of directors of our parent companies, restrictions on the issuance or transfer of shares, including tag-along rights and drag-along rights, other special corporate governance provisions and registration rights (including customary indemnification provisions). Each party to the Shareholders Agreement also agrees to vote all of its voting securities, whether at a shareholders meeting, or by written consent, in the manner which Blackstone directs, except that an employee shareholder shall not be required to vote in favor of any changes to the organizational documents of Holdings that would have a disproportionate adverse effect on the terms of such employee shareholder's shares of Common Stock relative to other shareholders. Each employee shareholder also grants to the Chief Executive Officer of Holdings a proxy to vote all of the securities owned by such employee shareholder in the manner described in the preceding sentence. As of March 31, 2015, the Board of Directors of the Company includes one Blackstone member, five outside members and the Company’s Chief Executive Officer as an employee director. Furthermore, Blackstone has the power to designate all of the members of the Board of Directors of the Company and the right to remove any or all directors that it appoints, with or without cause.
Advisory Agreement
Upon the completion of the Merger, the Company became subject to a transaction and fee advisory agreement (“Advisory Services Agreement”) with Blackstone Management Partners V L.L.C. (“BMP”), an affiliate of Blackstone. Under the Advisory Services Agreement, BMP (including through its affiliates) has agreed to provide certain monitoring, advisory and consulting services for an annual non-refundable advisory fee, to be paid at the beginning of each fiscal year, equal to the greater of (i) $3.0 million or (ii) 2.0% of the Company’s consolidated EBITDA (as defined under the credit agreement governing our ABL Facility) for the immediately preceding fiscal year. The amount of such fee shall be initially paid based on the Company’s then most current estimate of the Company’s projected EBITDA amount for the fiscal year immediately preceding the date upon which the advisory fee is paid. After completion of the fiscal year to which the fee relates and following the availability of audited financial statements for such period, the parties will recalculate the amount of such fee based on the actual consolidated EBITDA for such period and

28


the Company or BMP, as applicable, shall adjust such payment as necessary based on the recalculated amount. Since the Merger until fiscal 2014, the Company's advisory fee has been $3.0 million, which is paid at the beginning of each year. However, as a result of actual Consolidated EBITDA for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, the Company's advisory fee was adjusted to $5.2 million and was paid in December 2014. The amount is included in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).
In addition, in the absence of an express agreement to provide investment banking or other financial advisory services to the Company, and without regard to whether such services were provided, BMP will be entitled to receive a fee equal to 1.0% of the aggregate transaction value upon the consummation of any acquisition, divestiture, disposition, merger, consolidation, restructuring, refinancing, recapitalization, issuance of private or public debt or equity securities (including an initial public offering of equity securities), financing or similar transaction by the Company. The fee associated with the Fiberweb transaction totaled $2.5 million and was paid in December 2013. The fee associated with the Providência Acquisition totaled $5.3 million and was paid in October 2014. These amount are included in Special charges, net in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).
At any time in connection with or in anticipation of a change of control of the Company, a sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets or an initial public offering of common equity of the Company or parent entity of the Company or their successors, BMP may elect to receive, in consideration of BMP’s role in facilitating such transaction and in settlement of the termination of the services, a single lump sum cash payment equal to the then-present value of all then-current and future annual advisory fees payable under the Advisory Services Agreement, assuming a hypothetical termination date of the Advisory Service Agreement to be the twelfth anniversary of such election. The Advisory Service Agreement will continue until the earlier of the twelfth anniversary of the date of the agreement or such date as the Company and BMP may mutually determine. The Company will agree to indemnify BMP and its affiliates, directors, officers, employees, agents and representatives from and against all liabilities relating to the services contemplated by the transaction and advisory fee agreement and the engagement of BMP pursuant to, and the performance of BMP and its affiliates of the services contemplated by, the Advisory Services Agreement.
Other Relationships and Transactions
An affiliate of Blackstone, the Blackstone Group International Partners, LLP (“BGIP”), provided certain financial advisory services to the Company in connection with the acquisition of Fiberweb. The Company reimbursed BGIP for its reasonable documented expenses, and agreed to indemnify BGIP and related persons against certain liabilities arising out of its engagement.
Blackstone and its affiliates have ownership interests in a broad range of companies. The Company has entered into commercial transactions in the ordinary course of our business with some of these companies, including the sale of goods and services and the purchase of goods and services.
Under our Restated Articles of Incorporation, the Company's directors do not have a duty to refrain from engaging in similar business activities as the Company or doing business with any client, customer or vendor of the Company engaging in any other corporate opportunity that the Company has any expectancy or interest in engaging in. The Company has also waived, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any expectation or interest or right to be informed of any corporate opportunity, and any director acquiring knowledge of a corporate opportunity shall have no duty to inform the Company of such corporate opportunity.
Note 22.  Financial Guarantees and Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements
Polymer’s Senior Secured Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally on a senior secured basis, by each of Polymer’s 100% owned domestic subsidiaries (collectively, the “Guarantors”). As substantially all of Polymer’s operating income and cash flow is generated by its subsidiaries, funds necessary to meet Polymer’s debt service obligations may be provided, in part, by distributions or advances from its subsidiaries. Under certain circumstances, contractual and legal restrictions, as well as the financial condition and operating requirements of Polymer’s subsidiaries, could limit Polymer’s ability to obtain cash from its subsidiaries for the purpose of meeting its debt service obligations, including the payment of principal and interest on the Senior Secured Notes. Although holders of the Senior Secured Notes will be direct creditors of Polymer’s principal direct subsidiaries by virtue of the guarantees, Polymer has subsidiaries that are not included among the Guarantors (collectively, the “Non-Guarantors”), and such subsidiaries will not be obligated with respect to the Senior Secured Notes. As a result, the claims of creditors of the Non-Guarantors will effectively have priority with respect to the assets and earnings of such companies over the claims of creditors of Polymer, including the holders of the Senior Secured Notes.
The following Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements are presented to satisfy the disclosure requirements of Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X. In accordance with Rule 3-10, the subsidiary guarantors are all 100% owned by PGI (the “Issuer”). The guarantees on the Senior Secured Notes are full and unconditional and all guarantees are joint and several. The information presents Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and March 29, 2014, and Condensed

29


Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and March 29, 2014 of (1) PGI (Issuer), (2) the Guarantors, (3) the Non-Guarantors and (4) consolidating eliminations to arrive at the information for the Company on a consolidated basis.

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
As of March 31, 2015

In thousands
PGI
(Issuer)
 
Guarantors
 
Non-Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
3,026

 
$
91,898

 
$
65,677

 
$

 
$
160,601

Accounts receivable, net

 
48,403

 
203,478

 

 
251,881

Inventories, net

 
56,117

 
101,659

 
(760
)
 
157,016

Deferred income taxes

 
3,081

 
15,904

 
(3,027
)
 
15,958

Other current assets
10,595

 
16,748

 
52,032

 

 
79,375

Total current assets
13,621

 
216,247

 
438,750

 
(3,787
)
 
664,831

Property, plant and equipment, net
5,229

 
199,584

 
602,431

 

 
807,244

Goodwill

 
55,999

 
145,348

 

 
201,347

Intangible assets, net
32,688

 
116,595

 
22,693

 

 
171,976

Net investment in and advances to (from) subsidiaries
1,389,585

 
429,901

 
(774,303
)
 
(1,045,183
)
 

Deferred income taxes
2,315

 

 
19,337

 
(1,579
)
 
20,073

Other noncurrent assets
281

 
7,273

 
28,736

 

 
36,290

Total assets
$
1,443,719

 
$
1,025,599

 
$
482,992

 
$
(1,050,549
)
 
$
1,901,761

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term borrowings
$
1,139

 
$

 
$
24,603

 
$

 
$
25,742

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
36,928

 
55,903

 
189,077

 

 
281,908

Income taxes payable
169

 
756

 
6,794

 

 
7,719

Deferred income taxes
2,896

 

 
10,162

 
(2,159
)
 
10,899

Current portion of long-term debt
7,145

 

 
16,249

 

 
23,394

Total current liabilities
48,277

 
56,659

 
246,885

 
(2,159
)
 
349,662

Long-term debt
1,408,345

 

 
18,026

 

 
1,426,371

Deferred income taxes

 
14,699

 
25,316

 
(2,447
)
 
37,568

Other noncurrent liabilities
258

 
36,257

 
64,216

 

 
100,731

Total liabilities
1,456,880

 
107,615

 
354,443

 
(4,606
)
 
1,914,332

Redeemable noncontrolling interest
76,584

 

 

 

 
76,584

Common stock

 

 
16,966

 
(16,966
)
 

Polymer Group, Inc. shareholders’ equity
(89,745
)
 
917,984

 
110,993

 
(1,028,977
)
 
(89,745
)
Noncontrolling interest

 

 
590

 

 
590

Total equity
(89,745
)
 
917,984

 
128,549

 
(1,045,943
)
 
(89,155
)
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interest and equity
$
1,443,719

 
$
1,025,599

 
$
482,992

 
$
(1,050,549
)
 
$
1,901,761


30



Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
As of December 31, 2014
 
In thousands
PGI
(Issuer)
 
Guarantors
 
Non-Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
34,720

 
$
76,744

 
$
67,027

 
$

 
$
178,491

Accounts receivable, net

 
39,504

 
208,223

 

 
247,727

Inventories, net

 
54,044

 
120,775

 
(1,118
)
 
173,701

Deferred income taxes

 
3,279

 
16,523

 
(3,026
)
 
16,776

Other current assets
10,465

 
19,250

 
59,406

 

 
89,121

Total current assets
45,185

 
192,821

 
471,954

 
(4,144
)
 
705,816

Property, plant and equipment, net
5,445

 
204,800

 
659,985

 

 
870,230

Goodwill

 
55,999

 
164,555

 

 
220,554

Intangible assets, net
34,529

 
118,283

 
26,099

 

 
178,911

Net investment in and advances to (from) subsidiaries
1,437,946

 
494,906

 
(811,794
)
 
(1,121,058
)
 

Deferred income taxes
1,578

 

 
18,232

 
(1,579
)
 
18,231

Other noncurrent assets
285

 
7,111

 
34,035

 

 
41,431

Total assets
$
1,524,968

 
$
1,073,920

 
$
563,066

 
$
(1,126,781
)
 
$
2,035,173

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term borrowings
$
405

 
$

 
$
17,260

 
$

 
$
17,665

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
39,529

 
64,552

 
217,232

 

 
321,313

Income taxes payable
223

 
2,986

 
6,427

 

 
9,636

Deferred income taxes
2,322

 

 
10,216

 
(2,321
)
 
10,217

Current portion of long-term debt
7,143

 

 
24,749

 

 
31,892

Total current liabilities
49,622

 
67,538

 
275,884

 
(2,321
)
 
390,723

Long-term debt
1,410,059

 

 
23,224

 

 
1,433,283

Deferred income taxes

 
14,897

 
23,760

 
(2,434
)
 
36,223

Other noncurrent liabilities
461

 
36,839

 
72,264

 

 
109,564

Total liabilities
1,460,142

 
119,274

 
395,132

 
(4,755
)
 
1,969,793

Redeemable noncontrolling interest
89,181

 

 

 

 
89,181

Common stock

 

 
16,966

 
(16,966
)
 

Polymer Group, Inc. shareholders’ equity
(24,355
)
 
954,646

 
150,414

 
(1,105,060
)
 
(24,355
)
Noncontrolling interest

 

 
554

 

 
554

Total equity
(24,355
)
 
954,646

 
167,934

 
(1,122,026
)
 
(23,801
)
Total liabilities and equity
$
1,524,968

 
$
1,073,920

 
$
563,066

 
$
(1,126,781
)
 
$
2,035,173


 









31



Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
 
In thousands
PGI
(Issuer)
 
Guarantors
 
Non-Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Net sales
$

 
$
141,800

 
$
327,774

 
$
(8,336
)
 
$
461,238

Cost of goods sold

 
(108,769
)
 
(255,387
)
 
8,336

 
(355,820
)
Gross profit

 
33,031

 
72,387

 

 
105,418

Selling, general and administrative expenses
(15,991
)
 
(13,206
)
 
(35,792
)
 

 
(64,989
)
Special charges, net
(2,682
)
 
(738
)
 
(2,602
)
 

 
(6,022
)
Other operating, net
264

 
(564
)
 
1,723

 

 
1,423

Operating income (loss)
(18,409
)
 
18,523

 
35,716

 

 
35,830

Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
(16,251
)
 
(1,898
)
 
(9,484
)
 

 
(27,633
)
Intercompany royalty and technical service fees
2,105

 
1,559

 
(3,664
)
 

 

Foreign currency and other, net
(2,888
)
 
879

 
(41,914
)
 

 
(43,923
)
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
(7,971
)
 
(23,585
)
 

 
31,556

 

Income (loss) before income taxes
(43,414
)
 
(4,522
)
 
(19,346
)
 
31,556

 
(35,726
)
Income tax (provision) benefit
3,456

 
(3,812
)
 
(4,192
)
 

 
(4,548
)
Net income (loss)
(39,958
)
 
(8,334
)
 
(23,538
)
 
31,556

 
(40,274
)
Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest and redeemable noncontrolling interest

 

 
(316
)
 

 
(316
)
Net income (loss) attributable to Polymer Group, Inc.
$
(39,958
)
 
$
(8,334
)
 
$
(23,222
)
 
$
31,556

 
$
(39,958
)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Polymer Group, Inc.
$
(68,636
)
 
$
(37,363
)
 
$
(39,423
)
 
$
76,786

 
$
(68,636
)




























32



Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
For the Three Months Ended March 29, 2014
 
In thousands
PGI
(Issuer)
 
Guarantors
 
Non-Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Net sales
$

 
$
148,896

 
$
286,667

 
$
(12,979
)
 
$
422,584

Cost of goods sold
(37
)
 
(122,587
)
 
(238,474
)
 
12,979

 
(348,119
)
Gross profit
(37
)
 
26,309

 
48,193

 

 
74,465

Selling, general and administrative expenses
(10,930
)
 
(13,551
)
 
(31,053
)
 

 
(55,534
)
Special charges, net
(3,965
)
 
(532
)
 
(4,214
)
 

 
(8,711
)
Other operating, net
12

 
(212
)
 
(869
)
 

 
(1,069
)
Operating income (loss)
(14,920
)
 
12,014

 
12,057

 

 
9,151

Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
(19,931
)
 
7,083

 
(5,058
)
 

 
(17,906
)
Intercompany royalty and technical service fees
2,695

 
1,653

 
(4,348
)
 

 

Foreign currency and other, net
10,800

 
553

 
(6,394
)
 

 
4,959

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
8,285

 
(8,162
)
 

 
(123
)
 

Income (loss) before income taxes
(13,071
)
 
13,141

 
(3,743
)
 
(123
)
 
(3,796
)
Income tax (provision) benefit
3,591

 
(4,914
)
 
(4,377
)
 

 
(5,700
)
Net income (loss)
(9,480
)
 
8,227

 
(8,120
)
 
(123
)
 
(9,496
)
Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest and redeemable noncontrolling interest

 

 
(16
)
 

 
(16
)
Net income (loss) attributable to Polymer Group, Inc.
$
(9,480
)
 
$
8,227

 
$
(8,104
)
 
$
(123
)
 
$
(9,480
)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Polymer Group, Inc.
$
(7,793
)
 
$
9,725

 
$
(6,060
)
 
$
(3,665
)
 
$
(7,793
)




























33



Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
 
In thousands
PGI
(Issuer)
 
Guarantors
 
Non-Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
$
(33,186
)
 
$
5,433

 
$
27,224

 
$

 
$
(529
)
Investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
(186
)
 
(3,237
)
 
(7,587
)
 

 
(11,010
)
Proceeds from the sale of assets

 

 
532

 

 
532

Acquisition of intangibles and other
(113
)
 

 

 

 
(113
)
Intercompany investing activities, net
2,845

 
15,803

 

 
(18,648
)
 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
2,546

 
12,566

 
(7,055
)
 
(18,648
)
 
(10,591
)
Financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from long-term borrowings

 

 
15

 

 
15

Proceeds from short-term borrowings
869

 

 
18,105

 

 
18,974

Repayment of long-term borrowings
(1,788
)
 

 
(9,997
)
 

 
(11,785
)
Repayment of short-term borrowings
(135
)
 

 
(8,813
)
 

 
(8,948
)
Intercompany financing activities, net

 
(2,845
)
 
(15,803
)
 
18,648

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
(1,054
)
 
(2,845
)
 
(16,493
)
 
18,648

 
(1,744
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

 

 
(5,026
)
 

 
(5,026
)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
(31,694
)
 
15,154

 
(1,350
)
 

 
(17,890
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
34,720

 
76,744

 
67,027

 

 
178,491

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
3,026

 
$
91,898

 
$
65,677

 
$

 
$
160,601


34



Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the Three Months Ended March 29, 2014
 
In thousands
PGI
(Issuer)
 
Guarantors
 
Non-Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
$
(35,352
)
 
$
30,624

 
$
(9,861
)
 
$

 
$
(14,589
)
Investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
(746
)
 
(5,795
)
 
(7,574
)
 

 
(14,115
)
Acquisition of intangibles and other
(57
)
 

 

 

 
(57
)
Intercompany investing activities, net
11,035

 
(16,505
)
 
50

 
5,420

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
10,232

 
(22,300
)
 
(7,524
)
 
5,420

 
(14,172
)
Financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from long-term borrowings
3,000

 

 
152

 

 
3,152

Proceeds from short-term borrowings
1,024

 

 
6,582

 

 
7,606

Repayment of long-term borrowings
(3,898
)
 

 
(2,062
)
 

 
(5,960
)
Repayment of short-term borrowings
(478
)
 

 
(1,471
)
 

 
(1,949
)
Intercompany financing activities, net
24,168

 
(11,085
)
 
(7,663
)
 
(5,420
)
 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
23,816

 
(11,085
)
 
(4,462
)
 
(5,420
)
 
2,849

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

 

 
(512
)
 

 
(512
)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
(1,304
)
 
(2,761
)
 
(22,359
)
 

 
(26,424
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
2,068

 
13,103

 
70,893

 

 
86,064

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
764

 
$
10,342

 
$
48,534

 
$

 
$
59,640


35


Note 23.  Subsequent Events
On April 17, 2015, the Company entered into an incremental term loan amendment and limited waiver to its existing Senior Secured Credit Agreement, dated as of December 19, 2013. Under the amendment, the Company obtained $283.0 million of commitments for incremental term loans, the terms of which are substantially identical to the Term Loans. A portion of the proceeds were used to fund the consideration paid for the acquisition of Dounor. In addition, the amendment provides for a limited waiver to permit, among other things, the Company to incur the additional incremental term loans, so long as the Company is in pro forma compliance with a senior secured net leverage ratio not exceeding 4.50:1.00. The remaining commitments were used to redeem $200.0 million of the outstanding principal amount of the Company's outstanding 7.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 at a redemption price of 103.875% of the aggregate principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date.
On April 17, 2015, the Company entered into an amendment and limited waiver to its existing ABL Facility (the "ABL Amendment"). The ABL Amendment provides for a limited waiver to permit, among other things, the Company to incur the additional incremental term loans, so long as the Company is in pro forma compliance with a senior secured net leverage ratio not exceeding 4.50:1.00.

36


ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis provides information which management believes is relevant to an assessment and understanding of our consolidated results of operations and financial condition. The discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. It should be noted that our gross profit margins may not be comparable to other companies since some entities classify shipping and handling costs in cost of goods sold and others, including us, include such costs in selling, general and administrative expenses. Similarly, some entities, including us, include foreign currency gains and losses resulting from operating activities as a component of operating income, and some entities classify all foreign currency gains and losses outside of operating income.
The terms "Polymer Group," " PGI," "the Company," "we," "us," and "our" and similar terms in this Report on Form 10-Q refer to Polymer Group, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. The term "Parent" as used within this Report on Form 10-Q refers to Scorpio Acquisition Corporation, a Delaware corporation that owns 100% of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Polymer Group, Inc. The term "Holdings" as used within this Report on Form 10-Q refers to PGI Specialty Materials, Inc., a Delaware corporation that owns 100% of the Parent.
Overview
We are a leading global innovator and manufacturer of specialty materials for use in a broad range of products that make the world safer, cleaner and healthier. We primarily manufacture nonwovens, which are fabric-like, value-added materials produced from polypropylene and other resins, natural and synthetic fibers as well as other components. Our versatile high performance materials can be engineered to possess specific value-added characteristics including absorbency, tensile strength, softness and barrier properties. We serve customers focused on personal care, infection prevention, and high performance solutions, where our products are critical components used in a broad array of consumer and commercial products. For personal care applications, we supply specialty materials essential to the performance and feel of disposable baby diapers, feminine hygiene products, adult incontinence products, personal wipes and fabric softening dryer sheets. For infection prevention applications, our materials are utilized in products designed to ensure a clean environment, including disinfectant wipes, surgical gowns and drapes, face masks, wound care sponges, and water, air and blood filters. For high performance solutions, we supply protective house wrap, industrial cable wrap, construction and agricultural geosynthetics, as well as components for home and bedding products, industrial cleaning wipes, and various other applications.
Over the past five years, we have undertaken a series of investments and acquisitions that have expanded our global presence, increased our product portfolio and broadened our technology base. As a result, we have one of the largest global platforms in the nonwovens industry with 22 manufacturing and converting facilities located in 14 countries, including a significant presence in high-growth emerging markets such as South America and Asia. Our manufacturing facilities are strategically located near the production facilities of many of our key customers in order to increase our effectiveness in addressing regional demand for our products, many of which do not ship economically over long distances. We believe our global capabilities is a competitive advantage in serving our multi-national, blue-chip customers.
Our Industry
We compete primarily in the global nonwovens industry, which was estimated to be worth approximately $35 billion in 2014. Nonwovens are broadly defined as engineered sheet or web structures, made from polymers and/or natural fibers that are bonded together by entangling fiber or filaments mechanically, thermally or chemically. They are flat sheets that are made directly from separate fibers or from molten plastic or plastic film. By definition, they are not made by weaving or knitting and do not require converting the fibers to yarn.
Nonwovens are an extremely versatile specialty material that can be engineered and customized for various applications. These specialty materials take many forms, some have single-use or limited lives, while others can be very durable and long-lived. Nonwovens are engineered to provide specific characteristics such as absorbency, liquid repellency, resilience, stretch, softness, strength, flame retardancy, washability, cushioning, filtering, bacterial barriers and sterility. These properties are often combined to create fabrics suited for specific applications while achieving a good balance between product durability and cost. They can mimic the appearance, texture and strength of a woven fabric.
The global nonwoven fabrics industry is highly fragmented with many single-site and regional participants and only a few true global players. Going forward, we believe the global nonwovens market will continue to be driven by:
overall population growth;
aging population demanding products with a high content of nonwoven materials (such as adult diapers, wipes and other products);

37


increases in global demand for disposable products driven by the increase of health standards;
a growing middle class in emerging markets driven by greater consumption and penetration of sanitary products;
environmental standards driving air filtration and water purification;
global economic development coupled with the development of new nonwoven applications and technologies; and
agricultural efficiency.
Emerging markets, and in particular Asia and South America, are expected to be the fastest growing areas of demand primarily driven by rising disposable incomes and consumer adoption of personal care products.
Recent Developments
Dounor Acquisition
On March 25, 2015, we announced that PGI France Holdings SAS, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into an agreement to acquire Dounor SAS. (“Dounor”). The acquisition was completed on April 17, 2015 and funded through our Senior Secured Credit Agreement, as amended. Located in France, Dounor is a manufacturer of nonwoven materials used in the hygiene, healthcare and industrial applications. On March 27, 2015, we entered into a foreign exchange call option with a third-party financial institution used to minimize the foreign exchange risk on the future consideration to be paid for the acquisition of Dounor (the "Dounor Contract"). The Dounor Contract allows us to purchase a fixed amount of Euros in the future at a specified U.S. Dollar rate.
Results of Operations
We operate our business on a regional basis with profit accountability aligned with our physical presence. Our four reportable segments are: North America, South America, Europe and Asia. This reflects how the overall business is currently managed by our senior management and reviewed by the Board of Directors.
Gross Profit Drivers
Our net sales are driven principally by the following factors:
Volumes sold, which are tied to our available production capacity and customer demand for our products;
Prices, which are tied to the quality of our products, the overall supply and demand dynamics in our regional markets, and the cost of our raw material inputs, as changes in input costs have historically been passed through to customers through either contractual mechanisms or business practices. This can result in significant increases in total net sales during periods of sustained raw material cost increases as well as significant declines in net sales during periods of raw material cost declines; and
Product mix, which is tied to demand from various markets and customers, along with the type of available capacity and technological capabilities of our facilities and equipment. Average selling prices can vary for different product types, which impacts our total revenue trends.
Our primary costs of goods sold (“COGS”) include:
Raw material costs (primarily polypropylene resins, which generally comprise over 75% of our raw material purchases) represent approximately 60% to 70% of COGS. We purchase raw materials, including polypropylene resins, from a number of qualified vendors located in the regions in which we operate. Polypropylene is a petroleum-based commodity material and its price historically has exhibited volatility. As discussed in the revenue factors above, we have historically been able to mitigate volatility in polypropylene prices through changes in our selling prices to customers, enabling us to maintain a more stable gross profit per kilogram;
Other variable costs include direct labor, utilities (primarily electricity), maintenance and variable overhead. Utility rates vary depending on the regional market and provider. Labor generally represents less than 10% of COGS and varies by region. Historically, we have been able to mitigate wage rate inflation with operating initiatives resulting in higher productivity and improvements in throughput and yield; and
Fixed overhead consists primarily of depreciation expense, which is impacted by our level of capital investments and structural costs related to our locations. We believe our strategically located manufacturing facilities provide sufficient scale to maintain competitive unit manufacturing costs.

38


The level of our revenue and COGS vary due to changes in raw material cost. As a result, our gross profit margin as a percent of net sales can vary significantly from period to period. As such, we believe total gross profit provides a clearer representation of our operating trends. Changes in raw material costs historically have not resulted in a significant sustained impact on gross profit, as we have generally been able to effectively mitigate changes in raw material costs through changes in our selling prices to customers in order to maintain a more steady gross profit per kilogram sold.
Comparability of Periods
On December 11, 2014, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a change in our fiscal year-end to a calendar year ending on December 31, effective with the fiscal year 2014. The change was made on a prospective basis and prior periods were not adjusted. Historically, our fiscal years were based on a 52/53 week period ending on the Saturday closest to each December 31, such that each quarterly period was 13 weeks in length. Under the guidance provided by the SEC, the change was not deemed a change in fiscal year for purposes of reporting and was material to the consolidated financial statements.
On January 27, 2014, we announced that PGI Polímeros do Brazil, a Brazilian corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company ("PGI Acquisition Company"), entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with Companhia Providência Indústria e Comércio, a Brazilian corporation ("Providência") and certain shareholders named therein. Pursuant to the terms and subject to the conditions of the Stock Purchase Agreement, PGI Acquisition Company agreed to acquire a 71.25% controlling interest in Providência (the “Providência Acquisition”). The Providência Acquisition was completed on June 11, 2014 (the Providência Acquisition Date"). As a result, the financial results of Providência have been included since the Providência Acquisition Date.
Our sales are impacted by our selling prices, which are influenced by the cost of raw material inputs. Historically, changes in input costs have generally been passed through to customers either by contractual mechanisms or business practices. This can result in significant increases in total net sales during periods of sustained raw material cost increases as well as significant declines in net sales during periods of raw material cost declines. As a result, financial statement items that use percentage of net sales as an economic indicator are influenced by the changes in our selling prices. In general, average prices for polypropylene resin and other raw material prices modestly trended upwards during the majority of 2014, negatively impacting our results. However, we have seen raw material prices decline in recent months. As a result, we continue to operate in a volatile raw material environment.
In addition, our financial results are affected to a certain extent by changes in foreign currency exchange rates in the various countries in which our products are manufactured or sold.  Our recent acquisitions of Fiberweb Limited (formerly Fiberweb plc) and Providência have significant foreign operations which increased our exposure to the volatility of the Euro and the Brazilian Real, respectively. In general, the financial results of our foreign subsidiaries can fluctuate as the respective local currencies weaken or strengthen against the U.S. dollar, the Company’s reporting currency.

39


Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 Compared to the Three Months Ended March 29, 2014
The following table sets forth the period change for each category of the Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2015 as compared to the three months ended March 29, 2014, as well as each category as a percentage of net sales:
 
 
 
 
Percentage of Net Sales for the Respective Period End
In thousands
Three Months
Ended
March 31,
2015
Three Months
Ended
March 29,
2014
Period Change Favorable (Unfavorable)
March 31,
2015
March 29,
2014
Net sales
$
461,238

$
422,584

$
38,654

100.0
 %
100.0
 %
Cost of goods sold
(355,820
)
(348,119
)
(7,701
)
77.1
 %
82.4
 %
  Gross profit
105,418

74,465

30,953

22.9
 %
17.6
 %
Selling, general and administrative expenses
(64,989
)
(55,534
)
(9,455
)
14.1
 %
13.1
 %
Special charges, net
(6,022
)
(8,711
)
2,689

1.3
 %
2.1
 %
Other operating, net
1,423

(1,069
)
2,492

(0.3
)%
0.3
 %
  Operating income (loss)
35,830

9,151

26,679

7.8
 %
2.2
 %
Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
 
  Interest expense
(27,633
)
(17,906
)
(9,727
)
6.0
 %
4.2
 %
  Foreign currency and other, net
(43,923
)
4,959

(48,882
)
9.5
 %
(1.2
)%
Income (loss) before income taxes
(35,726
)
(3,796
)
(31,930
)
(7.7
)%
(0.9
)%
Income tax (provision) benefit
(4,548
)
(5,700
)
1,152

1.0
 %
1.3
 %
Net income (loss)
(40,274
)
(9,496
)
(30,778
)
(8.7
)%
(2.2
)%
Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest and redeemable noncontrolling interest
(316
)
(16
)
(300
)
0.1
 %
 %
Net income (loss) attributable to Polymer Group, Inc.
$
(39,958
)
$
(9,480
)
$
(30,478
)
(8.7
)%
(2.2
)%
Volumes
Volumes sold for the three months ended March 31, 2015 were 124.7 thousand metric tons ("kMT"), a 24.9 kMT increase compared with the three months ended March 29, 2014. A reconciliation presenting the components of the period change by each of our reportable segments is as follows:
In kMT
North America
 
South America
 
Europe
 
Asia
 
Total
Prior period
$
45.0

 
$
11.4

 
$
29.7

 
$
13.7

 
$
99.8

Changes due to:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Volume
1.1

 
1.0

 
(0.4
)
 
(0.5
)
 
1.2

Acquisitions
7.4

 
16.3

 

 

 
23.7

Sub-total
8.5

 
17.3

 
(0.4
)
 
(0.5
)
 
24.9

Current period
$
53.5

 
$
28.7

 
$
29.3

 
$
13.2

 
$
124.7

Net Sales
Net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2015 were $461.2 million, a $38.6 million increase compared with the three months ended March 29, 2014. A reconciliation presenting the components of the period change by each of our reportable segments is as follows:

40


In millions
North America
 
South America
 
Europe
 
Asia
 
Total
Prior period
$
193.3

 
$
38.2

 
$
143.6

 
$
47.5

 
$
422.6

Changes due to:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Volume
5.0

 
3.2

 
(1.7
)
 
(1.7
)
 
4.8

Acquisitions
20.7

 
52.9

 

 

 
73.6

Price/product mix
(7.5
)
 
(1.2
)
 
(8.1
)
 
2.0

 
(14.8
)
Currency translation
(3.2
)
 

 
(21.4
)
 
(0.4
)
 
(25.0
)
Sub-total
15.0

 
54.9

 
(31.2
)
 
(0.1
)
 
38.6

Current period
$
208.3

 
$
93.1

 
$
112.4

 
$
47.4

 
$
461.2

For the three months ended March 31, 2015, volumes increased $78.4 million compared with the three months ended March 29, 2014. The primary driver of the increase related to our acquisition of Providência, which provided $73.6 million of incremental net sales during the current period. Excluding acquisitions, volumes increased $4.8 million as positive results in North America and South America offset slight reductions in Europe and Asia. Continued strong demand in the hygiene, wipes and technical specialties markets enabled North America to mitigate weather impacts in the construction markets and the closure of a manufacturing facility. Improvements in the hygiene markets and a recent manufacturing line upgrade helped provide $3.2 million of incremental volume growth in South America. The reduction in Europe reflected the consolidation our manufacturing facilities in Germany in connection with the exit of the European roofing business during 2014. In addition, strong hygiene markets mitigated lower volumes in the healthcare and industrial markets. In Asia, soft demand in the hygiene markets more than offset improvements in the healthcare markets.
For the three months ended March 31, 2015, net selling prices/product mix decreased $14.8 million compared with the three months ended March 29, 2014. The decrease, which was primarily driven by our passing through lower raw material costs associated with index-based selling agreements, impacted North America, South America and Europe. In addition, product mix movements further contributed to the decrease in these regions. Combined, these factors had a $16.8 million impact on net sales. These amounts were partially offset by price and product mix improvements of $2.0 million in Asia. The increase represented an improvement from the prior year, during which our hygiene manufacturing line was qualifying products for customers. As a result, we had fewer sales in the hygiene spot markets during the current period, which tend to have lower average selling prices.
Gross Profit
Gross profit for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was $105.4 million, a $30.9 million increase compared with the three months ended March 29, 2014. The primary driver of the increase related to the contributions from Providência, which represented an incremental $18.9 million for the period. In addition, improved spreads as a result of favorable raw material trends provided year-over-year improvements. Other factors that contributed to the increase in gross profit included reductions in both our labor and overhead component of cost of goods sold. Primary drivers include the benefits of cost reduction initiatives implemented during the prior year, manufacturing efficiencies as well as a reduction in depreciation and amortization. These amounts were partially offset by the consolidation of our manufacturing facilities in Germany in connection with the exit of the European roofing business during 2014 as well as unfavorable product mix movements. As a result, gross profit as a percentage of net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2015 increased to 22.9% from 17.6% for the three months ended March 29, 2014.
The volatility of the Argentinean and Colombian Peso has not materially impacted our gross profit as changes in the cost of raw materials, including those caused by currency movements, have been passed through to our customers by formulaic or other mechanisms in our sales contracts. We have similar arrangements in Brazil, however, not to the same magnitude as in Argentina and Colombia. As a result, the weakening of the Brazilian Real had a modest unfavorable impact on our gross profit. However, all other currencies did not have a material impact on our gross profit primarily due to the combination of sales and related costs being aligned in the same currency in addition to underlying mechanisms to manage the currency exposure.
Operating Income (Loss)
Operating income for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was $35.8 million, a $26.6 million increase compared with the three months ended March 29, 2014. A reconciliation presenting the components of the period change by each of our operating divisions is as follows:

41


In millions
North America
 
South America
 
Europe
 
Asia
 
Corporate/
Other
 
Total
Prior period
$
17.8

 
$
3.0

 
$
6.2

 
$
4.2

 
$
(22.0
)
 
$
9.2

Changes due to:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Volume
1.1

 
0.7

 
(0.4
)
 
(0.4
)
 

 
1.0

Acquisitions
3.5

 
9.8

 

 

 

 
13.3

Price/product mix
(7.3
)
 
(2.6
)
 
(10.5
)
 
1.8

 

 
(18.6
)
Raw material cost
15.3

 
2.0

 
9.8

 
(0.3
)
 

 
26.8

Manufacturing costs
(0.2
)
 
1.0

 
4.6

 
(0.4
)
 

 
5.0

Currency translation
(0.9
)
 
1.0

 
(1.9
)
 

 
0.5

 
(1.3
)
Depreciation and amortization
(0.4
)
 
(0.2
)
 
1.9

 

 
(0.2
)
 
1.1

Purchase accounting
0.3

 
(0.3
)
 

 

 

 

Special charges

 

 

 

 
2.7

 
2.7

All other

 
(0.7
)
 

 
0.4

 
(3.1
)
 
(3.4
)
Sub-total
11.4

 
10.7

 
3.5

 
1.1

 
(0.1
)
 
26.6

Current period
$
29.2

 
$
13.7

 
$
9.7

 
$
5.3

 
$
(22.1
)
 
$
35.8

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2015 were $65.0 million, a $9.5 million increase compared with the three months ended March 29, 2014. The increase was primarily related to the inclusion of Providência, which added an incremental $8.8 million of costs for the period. Other selling, general and administrative expenses increased $0.7 million compared to the prior year. Factors that contributed to the increase include higher employee-related expenses as well as increased Blackstone-related management fees and costs related to third-party fees and expenses. A majority of these costs were offset by lower costs for freight, a result of exiting the European roofing business during 2014 and an increase in local sales in South America. As a result, selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales increased to 14.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 from 13.1% for the three months ended March 29, 2014.
Special Charges, net
As part of our business strategy, we incur costs related to corporate-level decisions or Board of Director actions. These actions are primarily associated with initiatives attributable to restructuring and realignment of manufacturing operations and management structures as well as the pursuit of certain transaction opportunities. In addition, we evaluate our long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances including the aforementioned, indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable.
Special charges for the three months ended March 31, 2015 were $6.0 million and consist of the following components:
$1.8 million related to integration costs associated with our acquisition of Fiberweb
$1.1 million related to transaction costs and integration costs associated with our acquisition of Providência
$1.0 million related to separation and severance expenses associated with our plant realignment cost initiatives
$2.1 million related to other corporate initiatives
Special charges for the three months ended March 29, 2014 were $8.7 million and consist of the following components:
$3.1 million related to transaction costs and integration costs associated with our acquisition of Fiberweb
$2.9 million related to separation and severance expenses associated with our plant realignment cost initiatives
$2.4 million related to professional fees and other transaction costs associated with our acquisition of Providência
$0.3 million related to other corporate initiatives
The amounts included in Special charges, net have not been allocated to our reportable business divisions because our management does not evaluate such charges on a division-by-division basis. Division operating performance is measured and evaluated before such items.

42


Other Operating, net
For the three months ended March 31, 2015, other operating income totaled $1.4 million, of which $0.9 million was associated with foreign currency gains. In addition, we recognized $0.5 million related to other operating income. Other operating expense for the three months ended March 29, 2014 was $1.1 million. Amounts associated with foreign currency losses on operating assets and liabilities totaled $1.9 million. These losses were partially offset by $0.8 million of other operating income.
Other Income (Expense)
Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and the three months ended March 29, 2014 was $27.6 million and $17.9 million, respectively. The increase primarily relates to interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs associated with the Term Loans and the Senior Unsecured Notes, both of which were used to fund our acquisition of Providência. Interest expense on third-party debt assumed in the Providência Acquisition also contributed to the increase.
Foreign currency and other, net was an expense of $43.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The main driver of the expense related to $41.9 million associated with foreign currency losses on non-operating assets and liabilities, primarily intercompany loans. A majority of the loss related to the South America region as the U.S. dollar strengthened significantly against local currencies in Brazil and Argentina. In addition, non-operating asset values in Europe created currency losses as the Euro weakened against the U.S. dollar. Other non-operating expenses totaled $2.0 million for the period and included $1.9 million associated with the changes in fair value of a series of call options related to the Mandatory Tender Offer and the deferred portion of the Providência purchase price. In addition, changes in the fair value of a call option associated with the consideration to be paid for our proposed acquisition of Dounor was a loss of $0.2 million. Other non-operating income totaled $0.1 million and primarily consisted of gains on the sale of assets partially offset by factoring fees. For the three months ended March 29, 2014, Foreign currency and other, net provided a $5.0 million benefit. The main driver of the benefit related to a series of foreign exchange forward contracts associated with the proposed acquisition of Providência, which provided $10.8 million of income recognized in the quarter. The gain was partially offset by $5.4 million associated with foreign currency losses on non-operating assets and liabilities. In addition, we incurred $0.4 million related to other non-operating expenses, primarily associated with factoring fees.
Income Tax (Provision) Benefit
During the three months ended March 31, 2015, we recognized an income tax provision of $4.5 million on consolidated pre-tax book loss from continuing operations of $35.7 million. During the three months ended March 29, 2014, we recognized income tax provision of $5.7 million on consolidated pre-tax book loss from continuing operations of $3.8 million. As a result, our effective income tax rate was 12.7% and 150.2%, respectively. The combination of our income tax provision and our recorded loss from operations before income taxes resulted in a negative effective tax rate for each period.
The change in our effective tax rate was primarily driven by incremental operating losses of $42.2 million in the current period for which we recorded a full valuation allowance. In addition, our effective tax rate was impacted by foreign withholding taxes for which tax credits are not anticipated, changes in the amounts recorded for tax uncertainties, and foreign taxes calculated at statutory rates different than the U.S. federal statutory rate. During the three months ended March 29, 2014, a French subsidiary of ours joined the Company’s unitary French filing group. This resulted in a $1.9 million increase to our French valuation allowance discrete to the prior year period.
Earnings Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest and to redeemable noncontrolling interest for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was a loss of $0.3 million. Noncontrolling interest and redeemable noncontrolling interest represent the minority partners' interest in the income or loss of consolidated subsidiaries which are not wholly-owned by us. Our acquisition of Providência represents a 71.25% controlling interest and the remaining 28.75% is recorded as redeemable noncontrolling interest on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. As a result, we incurred a $0.3 million loss related to the redeemable noncontrolling interest during the current period. In association with the acquisition of Fiberweb, the Company assumed control of Terram Geosynthetics Private Limited, a joint venture located in Gujarat, India ("Terram") in which we maintain a 65% controlling interest. As a result, we incurred a gain of less than $0.1 million related to the noncontrolling interest during the current period. Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests for the three months ended March 29, 2014 was a loss of less than $0.1 million, all of which related to Terram.

43


Liquidity and Capital Resources
The following table contains several key measures of our financial condition and liquidity:
In millions
March 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
Balance Sheet Data:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
160.6

 
$
178.5

Operating working capital (1)
127.0

 
100.1

Total assets
1,901.8

 
2,035.2

Total debt
1,475.5

 
1,482.8

Deferred purchase price
36.0

 
42.4

Redeemable noncontrolling interest
76.6

 
89.2

Total Polymer Group, Inc. shareholders’ equity
(89.7
)
 
(24.4
)
(1) Operating working capital represents accounts receivable plus inventory less accounts payable and accrued liabilities
We assess our liquidity in terms of our ability to generate cash to fund our operating, investing and financing activities. In doing so, we review and analyze our current cash on hand, the number of days our sales are outstanding, inventory turns, capital expenditure commitments and income tax payments. Our cash requirements primarily consist of the following:
Debt service requirements
Funding of working capital
Funding of capital expenditures
Our primary sources of liquidity include cash balances on hand, cash flows from operations, cash inflows from the sale of certain accounts receivables through our factoring arrangements, proceeds from notes offerings, borrowing availability under our existing credit facilities and ABL Facility. We expect our cash on hand and cash flow from operations (which may fluctuate due to short-term operational requirements), combined with the current borrowing availability under our existing credit facilities and ABL Facility, to provide sufficient liquidity to fund our current obligations, projected working capital requirements and capital spending during the next twelve month period and our ongoing operations, projected working capital requirements and capital spending during the foreseeable future.
On January 28, 2011, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 4, 2010, we were acquired by affiliates of Blackstone along with certain members of the Company's management for an aggregate purchase price of $403.5 million. In addition, we have subsequently increased our debt balances in association with our acquisitions of Fiberweb and Providência. As a result, we are highly leveraged. Accordingly, our liquidity requirements are significant, primarily due to our debt service requirements. Cash interest payments for the three months ended March 31, 2015 were $31.7 million. We had $160.6 million of cash and cash equivalents on hand and an additional $51.7 million of undrawn availability under our ABL Facility as of March 31, 2015. The availability under our ABL Facility is determined in accordance with a borrowing base which can fluctuate due to various factors.
We currently have significant net operating losses in the U.S., multiple intercompany loan agreements, and in certain circumstances, management services agreements in place that allow us to repatriate foreign subsidiary cash balances to the U.S. without being subject to significant amounts of either foreign jurisdiction withholding taxes or adverse U.S. taxation. In addition, our U.S. legal entities have royalty arrangements, associated with our foreign subsidiaries’ use of U.S. legal entities intellectual property rights that allow us to repatriate foreign subsidiary cash balances, subject to foreign jurisdiction withholding tax requirements. Should we decide to permanently repatriate foreign jurisdiction earnings by means of a dividend, the repatriated cash would be subject to foreign jurisdiction withholding tax requirements. We believe that any such dividend activity and the related tax effect would not be material.
At March 31, 2015, we had $160.6 million of cash and cash equivalents on hand, of which $65.7 million was held by subsidiaries outside of the U.S., the majority of which was available for repatriation through various intercompany arrangements. In addition, our U.S. legal entities in the past have also borrowed cash, on a temporary basis, from our foreign subsidiaries to meet U.S. obligations via short-term intercompany loans. Our U.S. legal entities may in the future borrow from our foreign subsidiaries. Approximately $7 million of cash and cash equivalents held by subsidiaries outside of the U.S. is considered permanently reinvested. If management decided to repatriate these earnings we do not believe we would incur significant tax liability in the U.S. due to our net operating losses.

44


Our liquidity and our ability to fund our capital requirements is dependent on our future financial performance, which is subject to general economic, financial and other factors that are beyond our control and many of which are described under "Item 1A - Risk Factors" in our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K. If those factors significantly change or other unexpected factors adversely affect us, our business may not generate sufficient cash flow from operations or we may not be able to obtain future financings to meet our liquidity needs. We anticipate that to the extent additional liquidity is necessary to fund our operations, it would be funded through borrowings under our ABL Facility, incurring other indebtedness, additional equity financings or a combination of these potential sources of liquidity. We may not be able to obtain this additional liquidity on terms acceptable to us or at all.
Cash Flows
The following table sets forth the major categories of cash flows:
In millions
Three Months
Ended
March 31,
2015
 
Three Months
Ended
March 29,
2014
Cash Flow Data:
 
 
 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
$
(0.5
)
 
$
(14.6
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
(10.6
)
 
(14.2
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
(1.7
)
 
2.8

Total
$
(12.8
)
 
$
(26.0
)
Operating Activities
Net cash used in operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was $0.5 million, of which net income used $7.2 million after adjusting for non-cash transactions. Working capital requirements used $31.3 million. The primary driver of the working capital outflow related to a $18.1 million increase in accounts receivable, which resulted from increased sales during the period as well as from our pass through of higher raw material costs associated with index-based selling agreements and market-based pricing trends. Days sales outstanding was 50 days at March 31, 2015 as compared 45 days at year-end. In addition, accounts payables and accrued expenses decreased $24.2 million. Trade accounts payable were impacted by the timing of supplier payments while accrued expenses were impacted by the timing of vendor payments and the bi-annual interest payment associated with our Senior Secured Notes, restructuring programs and employee-related expenses. Accounts payable days remained at 72 days. Inventory decreased $7.6 million as a result of the lower average purchase price of raw materials. As a result, inventory on hand was 40 days at March 31, 2015 compared with 39 days at year end. Other current assets decreased $3.4 million (after a $1.8 million adjustment for the non-cash impact of the Providência Contracts) primarily due to the timing of prepaid items as well as the timing of payments from our factoring agents. We continues to focus on working capital management, however, changes in raw material prices and the associated lag effect on selling prices can impact accounts receivable and inventory balances.
Net cash used in operating activities for the three months ended March 29, 2014 was $14.6 million, of which net income provided $9.2 million after adjusting for non-cash transactions. Working capital requirements used $29.5 million. The primary driver of the working capital outflow related to a $20.6 million increase in accounts receivable, which resulted from our passing through higher raw material costs associated with index-based selling agreements and market-based pricing trends. As a result, days sales outstanding increased to 46 days at March 29, 2014 compared with 45 days at year-end. Other current assets increased $6.6 million (after a $10.8 million adjustment for the non-cash impact of the Providência Contracts) primarily due to the timing of prepaid items as well as the timing of payments from our factoring agents. In addition, accounts payable and accrued expenses decreased $2.8 million. Trade accounts payable were impacted by the timing of supplier payments while accrued expenses were impacted by the timing of vendor payments, restructuring programs, employee-related expenses as well as the payment of interest on our Senior Secured Notes which was due during the period. Accounts payable days were79 days at March 29, 2014 compared with 80 days at year-end. Inventory decreased slightly as a result of the lower average purchase price of raw materials. Inventory on hand was 40 days at March 29, 2014 compared with 41 days at year-end.
As sales volume and raw material costs vary, inventory and accounts receivable balances are expected to rise and fall accordingly, which in turn, result in changes in our levels of working capital and cash flows going forward. In addition, we review our business on an ongoing basis relative to current and expected market conditions, attempting to match our production capacity and cost structure to the demands of the markets in which we participate, and strive to continuously streamline our manufacturing operations consistent with world-class standards. Accordingly, in the future we may decide to undertake certain restructuring efforts to improve our competitive position. To the extent from time to time further decisions are made to restructure our business, such actions could result in cash restructuring charges and asset impairment charges, which could be material. Cash tax payments

45


are significantly influenced by, among other things, actual operating results in each of our tax jurisdictions, changes in tax law, changes in our tax structure and any resolutions of uncertain tax positions.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was $10.6 million. The primary driver of the outflow related to $11.0 million of property, plant and equipment expenditures. These costs related to machinery and equipment upgrades that extend the useful life and/or increased the functionality of the asset as well as other various projects.
Net cash used in investing activities for the three months ended March 29, 2014 was $14.2 million. The primary driver of the outflow related to $14.1 million of property, plant and equipment expenditures. These costs related to machinery and equipment upgrades that extend the useful life and/or increased the functionality of the asset.
Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was $1.7 million. Cash inflows of $19.0 million of borrowings primarily related to short-term credit facilities used to finance various investments in Non-U.S. jurisdictions and certain liquidity requirements. These amounts were more than offset by repayments of $20.7 million.
Net cash provided by financing activities for the three months ended March 29, 2014 was $2.8 million. Proceeds from borrowings totaled $10.8 million and primarily related to short-term credit facilities used to finance various liquidity requirements, including insurance premium payments and short-term working capital needs. These amounts were partially offset by repayments of $7.9 million.
Indebtedness
The following table summarizes outstanding debt at March 31, 2015:
In thousands
Currency
Matures
Interest Rate
Outstanding Balance
Term Loans
USD
2018
5.25%
$
701,328

Senior Secured Notes
USD
2019
7.75%
504,000

Senior Unsecured Notes
USD
2019
6.875%
210,000

ABL Facility
USD
2016

Argentina credit facilities:
 
 
 
 
Nacion Facility
USD
2016
3.13%
4,177

Galicia Facility
ARS
2016
15.25%
1,700

China Credit Facility
USD
2015
5.62%
10,468

Brazil Export Credit Facility
BRL
2016
8.00%
15,231

India Loans
INR
2017
14.70%
2,124

Capital lease obligations
Various
2015-2019
Various
737

Total long-term debt including current maturities
 
 

1,449,765

Short-term borrowings
Various
2015
Various
25,742

Total debt
 
 

$
1,475,507


Term Loans
On December 19, 2013, we entered into a Senior Secured Credit Agreement (the loans thereunder, the "Term Loans") with a maturity date upon the earlier of (i) December 19, 2019 and (ii) the 91st day prior to the scheduled maturity of our 7.75% Senior Secured Notes; provided that on such 91st day, our 7.75% Senior Secured Notes have an outstanding aggregate principal amount in excess of $150.0 million. The Term Loans provide for a commitment by the lenders to make secured term loans in an aggregate amount not to exceed $295.0 million, the proceeds of which were used to partially repay amounts outstanding under the Senior Secured Bridge Credit Agreement and the Senior Unsecured Bridge Credit Agreement (the "Bridge Facilities").
Borrowings bear interest at a fluctuating rate per annum equal to, at our option, (i) a base rate equal to the highest of (a) the federal funds rate plus ½ of 1%, (b) the rate of interest in effect for such day as publicly announced from time to time by Citicorp North America, Inc. as its "prime rate" and (c) the LIBOR rate for a one-month interest period plus 1.0% (provided that in no event shall such base rate with respect to the Term Loans be less than 2.0% per annum), in each case plus an applicable margin

46


of 3.25% or (ii) a LIBOR rate for the applicable interest period (provided that in no event shall such LIBOR rate with respect to the Term Loans be less than 1.0% per annum) plus an applicable margin of 4.25%. The applicable margin for the Term Loans is subject to a 25 basis point step-down upon the achievement of a certain senior secured net leverage ratio. We are required to repay installments on the Term Loans in quarterly installments in aggregate amounts equal to 1.0% per annum of their funded total principal amount, with the remaining amount payable on the maturity date.
On June 10, 2014, we entered into an incremental term loan amendment (the "Incremental Amendment") to the existing Term Loans in which we obtained $415.0 million of commitments for incremental term loans from the existing lenders, the terms of which are substantially identical to the terms of the Term Loans. Pursuant to the Incremental Amendment, we borrowed $310.0 million, the proceeds of which were used to fund a portion of the consideration paid for the Providência Acquisition. The remaining commitments were used during the third quarter of 2014 to repay existing indebtedness.
The Term Loans are secured (i) together with the Tranche 2 (as defined below) loans, on a first-priority lien basis by substantially all of our assets and the assets of any existing and future subsidiary guarantors (other than collateral securing the ABL Facility on a first-priority basis), including all of our capital stock and the capital stock of each restricted subsidiary (which, in the case of foreign subsidiaries, will be limited to 65% of the capital stock of each first-tier foreign subsidiary) and (ii) on a second-priority basis by the collateral securing the ABL Facility, in each case, subject to certain exceptions and permitted liens. We may voluntarily repay outstanding loans at any time without premium or penalty, other than voluntary prepayment of Term Loans in connection with a repricing transaction on or prior to the date that is six months after the closing date of the Incremental Amendment and customary "breakage" costs with respect to LIBOR loans.
The agreement governing the Term Loans, among other restrictions, limit our ability and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to: (i) incur or guarantee additional debt or issue disqualified stock or preferred stock; (ii) pay dividends and make other distributions on, or redeem or repurchase, capital stock; (iii) make certain investments; (iv) repurchase stock; (v) incur certain liens; (vi) enter into transactions with affiliates; (vii) merge or consolidate; (viii) enter into agreements that restrict the ability of subsidiaries to make dividends or other payments to us; (ix) designate restricted subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries; and (x) transfer or sell assets. In addition, the Term Loans contain certain customary representations and warranties, affirmative covenants and events of default.
Under the credit agreement governing the Term Loans, our ability to engage in activities such as incurring additional indebtedness, making investments, refinancing certain indebtedness, paying dividends and entering into certain merger transactions is governed, in part, by our ability to satisfy tests based on Adjusted EBITDA (defined as Consolidated EBITDA in the credit agreement governing the Terms Loans).

Senior Secured Notes
In connection with the Merger, we issued $560.0 million of 7.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 on January 28, 2011. The Senior Secured Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a senior secured basis, by each of our wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries. Interest on the Senior Secured Notes is paid semi-annually on February 1 and August 1 of each year. On July 23, 2014, we redeemed $56.0 million aggregate principal amount of the Senior Secured Notes at a redemption price of 103.0% of the aggregate principal amount plus any accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, July 23, 2014. The redemption amount was funded by proceeds from the Incremental Amendment.
The indenture governing the Senior Secured Notes limits, subject to certain exceptions, our ability and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to: (i) incur or guarantee additional debt or issue disqualified stock or preferred stock; (ii) pay dividends and make other distributions on, or redeem or repurchase, capital stock; (iii) make certain investments; (iv) incur certain liens; (v) enter into transactions with affiliates; (vi) merge or consolidate; (vii) enter into agreements that restrict the ability of subsidiaries to make dividends or other payments to us; (viii) designate restricted subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries; and (ix) transfer or sell assets. It does not limit the activities of the Parent or the amount of additional indebtedness that Parent or its parent entities may incur. In addition, it also provides for specified events of default, which, if any of them occurs, would permit or require the principal of and accrued interest on the Senior Secured Notes to become or to be declared due and payable.
Under the indenture governing the Senior Secured Notes, our ability to engage in certain activities such as incurring additional indebtedness, making investments, refinancing certain indebtedness, paying dividends and entering into certain merger transactions is governed, in part, by our ability to satisfy tests based on Adjusted EBITDA (defined as EBITDA in the indenture governing the Senior Secured Notes).
Senior Unsecured Notes
In connection with the Providência Acquisition, we issued $210.0 million of 6.875% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2019 on June 11, 2014. The Senior Unsecured Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a senior unsecured

47


basis, by each of our wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries. Interest on the Senior Unsecured Notes is paid semi-annually on June 1 and December 1 of each year.
The indenture governing the Senior Unsecured Notes limits, subject to certain exceptions, our ability and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to: (i) incur or guarantee additional debt or issue disqualified stock or preferred stock; (ii) pay dividends and make other distributions on, or redeem or repurchase, capital stock; (iii) make certain investments; (iv) incur certain liens; (v) enter into transactions with affiliates; (vi) merge or consolidate; (vii) enter into agreements that restrict the ability of subsidiaries to make dividends or other payments to us; (viii) designate restricted subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries; and (iv) transfer or sell assets. It does not limit the activities of Parent or the amount of additional indebtedness that Parent or its parent entities may incur. In addition, it also provides for specified events of default which, if any occurs, would permit or require the principal of and accrued interest on the Senior Unsecured Notes to become or to be declared due and payable.
Under the indenture governing the Senior Unsecured Notes, the Company's ability to engage in certain activities such as incurring additional indebtedness, making investments, refinancing certain indebtedness, paying dividends and entering into certain merger transactions is governed, in part, by our ability to satisfy tests based on Adjusted EBITDA (defined as EBITDA in the indenture governing the Senior Unsecured Notes).
ABL Facility
On January 28, 2011, we entered into a senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility which was amended and restated on October 5, 2012 (the "ABL Facility") to provide for borrowings not to exceed $50.0 million, subject to borrowing base availability. The ABL Facility provides borrowing capacity available for letters of credit and borrowings on a same-day basis and is comprised of (i) a revolving tranche of up to $42.5 million (“Tranche 1”) and (ii) a first-in, last out revolving tranche of up to $7.5 million (“Tranche 2”). Provided that no default or event of default was then existing or would arise therefrom, we had the option to request that the ABL Facility be increased by an amount not to exceed $20.0 million. The facility matures on October 5, 2017.
On November 26, 2013, we entered into an amendment to the ABL Facility which increased the Tranche 1 revolving credit commitments by $30.0 million (for a total aggregate revolving credit commitment of $80.0 million) as well as made certain other changes to the agreement. In addition, we increased the amount by which we can request that the ABL Facility be increased at our option to an amount not to exceed $75.0 million. The effectiveness of the amendment was subject to the satisfaction of certain specified closing conditions by no later than January 31, 2014, all of which were satisfied prior to such date.
Based on current average excess availability, the borrowings under the ABL Facility will bear interest at a rate per annum equal to, at our option, either (A) British Bankers Association LIBOR Rate (“LIBOR”) (adjusted for statutory reserve requirements) plus a margin of (i) 2.00% in the case of Tranche 1 or (ii) 4.00% in the case of Tranche 2; or (B) the higher of (a) the rate of interest in effect for such day as publicly announced from time to time by Citibank, N.A. as its "prime rate" and (b) the federal funds effective rate plus 0.5% of 1.0% (“ABR”) plus a margin of (x) 1.00% in the case of Tranche 1 or (y) 3.00% in the case of the Tranche 2. As of March 31, 2015, we had no outstanding borrowings under the ABL Facility. The borrowing base availability was $71.0 million. Outstanding letters of credit in the aggregate amount of $19.3 million left $51.7 million available for additional borrowings. The aforementioned letters of credit were primarily provided to certain administrative service providers and financial institutions. None of these letters of credit had been drawn on as of March 31, 2015.
The ABL Facility contains certain restrictions which limit our ability and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to: (i) incur or guarantee additional debt; (ii) pay dividends and make other distributions on, or redeem or repurchase, capital stock; (iii) make certain investments; (iv) repurchase stock; (v) incur certain liens; (vi) enter into transactions with affiliates; (vii) merge or consolidate or other fundamental changes; (viii) enter into agreements that restrict the ability of subsidiaries to make dividends or other payments; (ix) designate restricted subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries; (x) transfer or sell assets and (xi) prepay junior financing or other restricted debt. In addition, it contains certain customary representations and warranties, affirmative covenants and events of default. If such an event of default occurs, the lenders under the ABL Facility would be entitled to take various actions, including the acceleration of amounts due under the ABL Facility and all actions permitted to be taken by a secured creditor.
Under the credit agreement governing the ABL Facility, our ability to engage in activities such as incurring additional indebtedness, making investments, refinancing certain indebtedness, paying dividends and entering into certain merger transactions is governed, in part by, our ability to satisfy tests based on Adjusted EBITDA (defined as Consolidated EBITDA in the credit agreement governing the ABL Facility).
Nacion Facility
In January 2007, our subsidiary in Argentina entered into an arrangement with banking institutions in Argentina in order to finance the installation of a new spunmelt line at its facility located near Buenos Aires, Argentina. The maximum borrowings

48


available under the facility, excluding any interest added to principal, were 33.5 million Argentine pesos with respect to an Argentine peso-denominated loan and $26.5 million with respect to a U.S. dollar-denominated loan. The loans are secured by pledges covering (i) the subsidiary's existing equipment lines; (ii) the outstanding stock of the subsidiary; and (iii) the new machinery and equipment being purchased, as well as a trust assignment agreement related to a portion of receivables due from certain major customers of the subsidiary.
The interest rate applicable to borrowings under these term loans is based on LIBOR plus 290 basis points for the U.S. dollar-denominated loan and Buenos Aires Interbanking Offered Rate plus 475 basis points for the Argentine peso-denominated loan. Principal and interest payments began in July 2008 with the loans maturing as follows: annual amounts of $3.5 million beginning in 2011 and continuing through 2015, and the remaining $1.7 million in 2016.
In connection with the Merger, we repaid and terminated the Argentine peso-denominated loan. In addition, the U.S. dollar-denominated loan was adjusted to reflect its fair value as of the date of the Merger. As a result, we recorded a contra-liability in Long-term debt and will amortize the balance over the remaining life of the facility. At March 31, 2015, the face amount of the outstanding indebtedness under the U.S. dollar-denominated loan was $4.3 million, with a carrying amount of $4.2 million and a weighted average interest rate of 3.13%.
Galicia Facility
On September 27, 2013, our subsidiary in Argentina entered into an arrangement with a banking institution in Argentina in order to partially finance the upgrade of a manufacturing line at its facility located near Buenos Aires, Argentina. The maximum borrowings available under the facility, excluding any interest added to principal, is 20.0 million Argentine pesos (approximately $3.5 million). The three-year term of the agreement began with the date of the first draw down on the facility, which occurred in the third quarter of 2013, with payments required in twenty-five equal monthly installments beginning after one year. Borrowings will bear interest at 15.25%. As of March 31, 2015, the outstanding balance under the facility was $1.7 million. The remainder of the upgrade is expected to be financed by existing cash balances and cash generated from operations.
China Credit Facility
In the third quarter of 2012, our subsidiary in China entered into a three-year U.S. dollar-denominated construction loan agreement (the “Hygiene Facility”) with a banking institution in China to finance a portion of the installation of a new spunmelt line at its manufacturing facility in Suzhou, China. The interest rate applicable to borrowings under the Hygiene Facility is based on three-month LIBOR plus an amount to be determined at the time of funding based on the lender's internal head office lending rate (520 basis points at the time the credit agreement was executed).
The maximum borrowings available under the facility, excluding any interest added to principal, were $25.0 million. At December 31, 2014, the outstanding balance under the Hygiene Facility was $18.9 million with a weighted-average interest rate of 5.43%. We repaid $8.4 million of the principal balance during the current period using a combination of existing cash balances and cash generated from operations. As a result, the outstanding balance under the Hygiene Facility was $10.5 million at March 31, 2015 with a weighted average interest rate of 5.62%.
Brazil Export Credit Facility
As a result of the acquisition of Providência, we assumed a Brazilian real-denominated export credit facility with Itaú Unibanco S.A., pursuant to which Providência borrowed R$50.0 million in the first quarter of 2013 for the purpose of financing certain export transactions from Brazil. Borrowings bear interest at 8.0% per annum, payable quarterly. The facility matures in February 2016 and is unsecured. As of the date of the acquisition, we adjusted the outstanding balance to reflect its fair value. As a result, we recorded a contra-liability in Long-term debt and will amortize the balance into Interest expense over the remaining life of the facility. At March 31, 2015, the face amount of the outstanding indebtedness under the facility was $15.6 million, with a carrying amount of $15.2 million.
India Indebtedness
As a result of the acquisition of Fiberweb Limited ("Fiberweb"), we indirectly assumed control of Terram Geosynthetics Private Limited, a joint venture located in Mundra, India in which we maintain a 65% controlling interest. As part of the net assets acquired, we assumed $3.8 million of debt (including short-term borrowings) that was entered into with a banking institution in India. Current amounts outstanding primarily relate to a 14.70% term loan, due in 2017, used to purchase fixed assets. Other amounts relate to a short-term credit facility used to finance working capital requirements (included in Short-term borrowings in the Consolidated Balance Sheets). Combined, the outstanding balances totaled $3.2 million at March 31, 2015.

49


Other Indebtedness
We periodically enter into short-term credit facilities in order to finance various liquidity requirements, including insurance premium payments and short-term working capital needs. At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, outstanding amounts related to such facilities were $25.7 million and $17.0 million, respectively. Borrowings under these facilities are included in Short-term borrowings in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
We also have documentary letters of credit not associated with the ABL Facility. These letters of credit are primarily provided to certain raw material vendors and amounted to $8.0 million and $7.8 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. None of these letters of credit have been drawn on.
Factoring Agreements
In the ordinary course of business, we may utilize accounts receivable factoring arrangements with third-party financial institutions in order to accelerate its cash collections from product sales. These arrangements involve the ownership transfer of eligible U.S. and non-U.S. trade accounts receivable, without recourse or discount, to a third party financial institution in exchange for cash. The maximum amount of outstanding advances at any one time is $20.0 million under the U.S. based program and $78.0 million (measured at March 31, 2015 foreign exchange rates) under the non-U.S. based program. At March 31, 2015 , the net amount of trade accounts receivable sold to third-party financial institutions, and therefore excluded from our accounts receivable balance, was $81.8 million. Amounts due from the third-party financial institutions were $10.7 million at March 31, 2015 . In the future, we may increase the sale of receivables or enter into additional factoring agreements.
Covenant Compliance
Under the credit agreement governing the Term Loans and indentures governing our Senior Secured Notes and our Senior Unsecured Notes, our ability to engage in certain activities such as incurring certain additional indebtedness, making certain investments, and making restricted payments is tied to ratios based on Adjusted EBITDA.
“Adjusted EBITDA” is defined as net income (loss) before interest expense (net of interest income), income and franchise taxes and depreciation and amortization, further adjusted to exclude certain other items permitted in calculating covenant compliance under our credit agreements and the indentures governing our Senior Secured Notes and Senior Unsecured Notes.
Adjusted EBITDA is not a recognized term under U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP"), should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for a measure of our liquidity or performance prepared in accordance with GAAP and is not indicative of income from operations or pro forma income of operations as determined under GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA and other non-GAAP financial measures have important limitations which should be considered before using these measures to evaluate the Company’s liquidity or financial performance. Adjusted EBITDA eliminates the effect of non-cash depreciation of tangible assets and amortization of intangible assets, much of which results from acquisitions accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. Adjusted EBITDA also eliminates the effects of interest rates and changes in capitalization which management believes may not necessarily be indicative of a company’s underlying operating performance. Adjusted EBITDA, as presented by us, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies due to varying methods of calculation. We believe that Adjusted EBITDA provides useful information about flexibility under our covenants to investors, lenders, financial analysts and rating agencies since these groups have historically used EBITDA-related measures in our industry, along with other measures, to estimate the value of a company, to make informed investment decisions, and to evaluate a company’s ability to meet its debt service requirements.

50


We believe that the most directly comparable GAAP measure to Adjusted EBITDA is Net income (loss) attributable to Polymer Group, Inc. The following table reconciles Net income (loss) attributable to Polymer Group, Inc. to Adjusted EBITDA for the periods presented:
In thousands
Three Months
Ended
March 31,
2015
 
Three Months
Ended
March 29,
2014
Net income (loss) attributable to Polymer Group, Inc.
$
(39,958
)
 
$
(9,480
)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest and redeemable noncontrolling interest
(316
)
 
(16
)
Interest expense, net
27,633

 
17,906

Income and franchise tax
5,237

 
5,882

Depreciation & amortization (a)
28,601

 
23,580

Purchase accounting adjustments(b)

 
2,537

Non-cash compensation (c)
462

 
561

Special charges, net (d)
6,022

 
8,711

Foreign currency and other non-operating, net (e)
42,987

 
(3,033
)
Severance and relocation expenses (f)
1,051

 
1,048

Business optimization expense (g)
74

 
62

Management, monitoring and advisory fees (h)
1,502

 
845

Other (i)
232

 

Adjusted EBITDA
$
73,527

 
$
48,603


(a)
Excludes amortization of loan acquisition costs that are included in interest expense.
(b)
Reflects fair market value adjustments as a result of purchase accounting associated with acquisitions, primarily related to the step-up in inventory value and its amortization into earnings over the period of the acquired company's normal inventory turns.
(c)
Reflects non-cash compensation costs related to employee and director restricted stock, restricted stock units and stock options.
(d)
Reflects costs associated with non-cash asset impairment charges, the restructuring and realignment of manufacturing operations and management organizational structures, pursuit of certain transaction opportunities, including expenses related to the Fiberweb and Providência acquisitions and other charges included in Special charges, net in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
(e)
Reflects (gains) losses from foreign currency translation of intercompany loans, unrealized (gains) losses on interest rate and foreign currency hedging transactions, (gains) losses on sales of assets outside the ordinary course of business, factoring costs and certain other non-operating (gains) losses recorded in Foreign Currency and Other, net as well as (gains) losses from foreign currency transactions recorded in Other Operating, net.
(f)
Reflects severance and relocation expenses not included under Special charges, net as well as costs incurred with the CEO transition in 2013.
(g)
Reflects costs incurred to improve IT and accounting functions, costs associated with establishing new facilities and certain other expenses.
(h)
Reflects management, monitoring and advisory fees paid under the Blackstone advisory agreement.
(i)
Reflects charges such as gain/loss on disposals and start-up costs.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.
Recent Accounting Standards
The FASB Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") is the sole source of authoritative GAAP other than SEC issued rules and regulations that apply only to SEC registrants. The FASB issues an Accounting Standard Update ("ASU") to communicate changes to the codification. We consider the applicability and impact of all ASU's. The followings are those ASU's that are relevant to us.
In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, “Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs” (ASU 2015-03) which requires an entity to present debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the amendments in this update. ASU 2015-03 is effective on a retrospective basis for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. The adoption of this guidance concerns presentation only and will not have any impact on our financial results.

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In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-01, "Income Statement - Extraordinary and Unusual Items" ("ASU 2015-01") which eliminates from GAAP the concept of extraordinary items. Under the new guidance, an event or transaction that meets the criteria for extraordinary classification is segregated from the results of ordinary operations and shown as a separate item in the income statement, net of tax. In addition, certain other related disclosures are required. ASU 2015-01 is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted provided that the guidance is applied from the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. We do not expect that the adoption of this guidance will have a material effect on our financial results.
In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, “Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern” (“ASU 2014-15”). The new guidance addresses management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. Substantial doubt is defined as an indication that it is probable that an entity will be unable to meet its obligations as they become due within one year after the date that financial statements are issued. Management’s evaluation should be based on relevant conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that are known and reasonably knowable at the date that the financial statements are issued. ASU 2014-15 is effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. We do not expect that the adoption of this guidance will have a material effect on our financial results.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" ("ASU 2014-09"), which creates a comprehensive, five-step model for revenue recognition that requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. Under the new guidance, a company will be required to use more judgment and make more estimates when considering contract terms as well as relevant facts and circumstances when identifying performance obligations, estimating the amount of variable consideration in the transaction price and allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation. In addition, ASU 2014-09 enhances disclosures about revenue, provides guidance for transactions that were not previously addressed comprehensively and improves guidance for multiple-element arrangements. ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and allows for either full retrospective or modified retrospective adoption. Early application is not permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2014-09 on our financial results.
Critical Accounting Policies and Other Matters
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with those accounting principles requires management to use judgment in making estimates and assumptions based on the relevant information available at the end of each period. These estimates and assumptions have a significant effect on reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenue and expenses as well as the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities because they result primarily from the need to make estimates and assumptions on matters that are inherently uncertain. Actual results may differ from estimates. The following is a summary of certain accounting estimates and assumptions made by management that we consider critical.
Long-Lived Assets. Management reviews long-lived assets, which consist of property, leasehold improvements, equipment and definite-lived intangibles, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. For long-lived assets to be held and used, management evaluates recoverability by comparing the carrying value of the asset to future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. For long-lived assets for which we have committed to a disposal plan, we report such assets at the lower of the carrying value or fair value less the cost to sell.
In determining the fair value of long-lived assets, we make judgments relating to the expected useful lives of long-lived assets and our ability to realize any undiscounted cash flows in excess of the carrying amounts of such assets. Factors that impact these judgments include the ongoing maintenance and improvements of the assets, changes in the expected use of the assets, changes in economic conditions, changes in operating performance and anticipated future cash flows. If actual fair value is less than our estimates, long-lived assets may be overstated on the balance sheet, which would adversely impact our financial position.
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets. Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are no longer amortized, but are tested and reviewed annually for impairment during the fourth quarter or whenever there is a significant change in events or circumstances that indicate that the fair value of the asset may be less than the carrying amount of the asset. Between annual impairment tests, the Company continues to monitor for potential indicators of impairment of goodwill whenever events or changes in circumstances occur, such as a significant decline in the expected future cash flows, a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate, adverse assessment or action by a regulator, and unanticipated competition.

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Recoverability of goodwill is measured at the reporting unit level and begins with a qualitative assessment to determine, as a basis for whether it is necessary to perform the two-step impairment test under GAAP, if it more likely than not that the fair value of each reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. For the reporting units where it is required, the first step compares the carrying amount of the reporting unit to its estimated fair value. If the estimated fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is not impaired and the second step of the impairment test is not necessary. To the extent that the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, a second step is performed, wherein the reporting unit’s carrying value of goodwill is compared to the implied fair value of goodwill. To the extent that the carrying value exceeds the implied fair value, impairment exists and must be recognized.
2014 Interim Impairment Test
In connection with the Providência Acquisition, the Company realigned its internal reporting structure to reflect its new organizational structure and business focus. Per ASC 350, "Goodwill and Other" ("ASC 350"), goodwill is required to be tested for impairment both before and after a reorganization. As a result, the Company performed a qualitative assessment during the third quarter and determined that goodwill was not impaired at any of the reporting units prior to the reorganization. Subsequent to the reorganization, the Company performed an interim goodwill impairment test and determined that the fair value of goodwill at the Argentina/Colombia reporting unit was zero and that all of its goodwill was impaired. As a result, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $6.9 million. The decline in fair value resulted from changes in the outlook on the operations, primarily in Argentina, as the local economic environment shifted compared to prior periods.
2014 Impairment Test
For our annual impairment test performed during the fourth quarter of 2014, we calculated the fair value of each of our reporting units. Based on the result of these calculations, we determined that the fair values of all our reporting units exceeded their carrying amounts. As a result, no impairment was recognized. The excess of our reporting units estimated fair value over carrying value (expressed as a percentage of carrying value) was a minimum of 15%, except for our Brazil reporting unit. The fair value of our Brazil reporting unit approximates its carrying value due to the short passage of time between the close date of the Providência Acquisition and the annual impairment testing date. Goodwill allocated to our Brazil reporting unit was $107.4 million at December 31, 2014. Small variations to our assumptions and estimates used to determine the fair value of our Brazil reporting unit, particularly the expected growth rates, discount rate, cash expenditures embedded in our cash flow projections and the residual capitalization rate could have a significant impact on fair value. An unfavorable change in any of these assumptions could have caused us to fail step one of the goodwill impairment test making it necessary to calculate step two which could have yielded an impairment up to the entire goodwill amount allocated to our Brazil Reporting Unit. If the Brazil reporting unit does not achieve the operating results anticipated, we could record an impairment charge in a future period.
Recoverability of other intangible assets with indefinite useful lives begins with a qualitative assessment to determine, as a basis for whether it is necessary to calculate the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset, if it is more likely than not that the asset is impaired. When required, recoverability is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the intangible assets to the estimated fair value of the respective intangible assets. Any excess of the carrying value over the estimated fair value is recognized as an impairment loss equal to that excess. The determination of estimated fair value requires management to make assumptions about estimated cash flows, including profit margins, long-term forecasts, discount rates, royalty rates and terminal growth rates. Management developed these assumptions based on the best information available as of the date of the assessment. We completed our assessment of intangible assets with indefinite useful lives during the fourth quarter of 2014 and determined that no impairment existed at that date.
Although no impairment was recognized, there can be no assurances that future impairments will not occur. Future adverse developments in market conditions or our current or projected operating results could cause the fair value of our goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives to fall below carrying value, which would result in an impairment charge that would adversely affect our financial position.
Income Taxes. We record an income tax valuation allowance when, based on the weight of the evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The ultimate realization of the deferred tax asset depends on our ability to generate sufficient taxable income of the appropriate character in the future and in the appropriate taxing jurisdictions. In assessing the realization of the deferred tax assets, consideration is given to, among other factors, the trend of historical and projected future taxable income, the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, the carryforward period for net operating losses and tax credits, as well as tax planning strategies available to us. Additionally, we have not provided U.S. income taxes for undistributed earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that are considered to be retained indefinitely for reinvestment. Certain judgments, assumptions and estimates are required in assessing such factors and significant changes in such judgments and estimates may materially affect the carrying value of the valuation allowance and deferred income tax expense or benefit recognized in our consolidated financial statements.

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We recognize a tax benefit associated with an uncertain tax position when, in our judgment, it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination by a taxing authority. For a tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, we initially and subsequently measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that we judge to have a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority. The liability associated with unrecognized tax benefits is adjusted periodically due to changing circumstances, such as the progress of tax audits, case law developments and new or emerging legislation. Such adjustments are recognized entirely in the period in which they are identified. The effective tax rate includes the net impact of changes in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits and subsequent adjustments as considered appropriate by management.
A number of years may elapse before a particular matter for which a liability related to an unrecognized tax benefit is audited and finally resolved. The number of years with open tax audits varies by jurisdiction. While it is often difficult to predict the final outcome or the timing of resolution of any particular tax matter, we believe our liability for unrecognized tax benefits is adequate. Favorable resolution of an unrecognized tax benefit could be recognized as a reduction in the effective tax rate in the period of resolution. Unfavorable settlement of an unrecognized tax benefit could increase the effective tax rate and may require the use of cash in the period of resolution. Accordingly, our future results may include favorable or unfavorable adjustments due to the closure of tax examinations, new regulatory or judicial pronouncements, changes in tax laws or other relevant events.
Revenue Recognition. Revenue is recognized and earned when all of the following criteria are satisfied: (a) persuasive evidence of a sales arrangement exists; (b) price is fixed or determinable; (c) collectability is reasonably assured; and (d) delivery has occurred or service has been rendered. We recognize revenue when the title and the risks and rewards of ownership have substantially transferred to the customer. We permit customers from time to time to return certain products and we continuously monitor and track such returns and record an estimate of such future returns, which is based on historical experience and recent trends. While such returns have historically been within management's expectations and the provisions established have been adequate, we cannot guarantee that we will continue to experience the same return rates that we have in the past. If future returns increase significantly, it could adversely impact our results of operations.
Stock-Based Compensation. We account for stock-based compensation awards in accordance with ASC 718, "Compensation - Stock Compensation" ("ASC 718"), which requires a fair-value based method for measuring the value of stock-based compensation. Fair value is measured once at the date of grant and is not adjusted for subsequent changes. We estimate the grant date fair value, and the resulting stock-based compensation expense, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The Black-Scholes option-pricing model requires the use of highly subjective assumptions which determine the fair value of stock-based awards. These assumptions include the expected term, expected volatility, risk-free interest rate and the expected dividend. In the absence of a public trading market, we determine the fair value of our common stock utilizing methodologies, approaches and assumptions consistent with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Practice Aid, “Valuation of Privately-Held-Company Equity Securities Issued as Compensation.” Our approach considered contemporaneous common stock valuations in determining the equity value of our company using a weighted combination of various methodologies, each of which can be categorized under either of the following two valuation approaches: the income approach and the market approach. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of stock-based payment awards represent our best estimates, but these estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management judgment.
Employee Benefit Plans. We provide a range of benefits to eligible employees and retired employees, including pension and postretirement benefits. Determining the cost associated with such benefits is dependent on various actuarial assumptions including discount rates, expected return on plan assets, compensation increases, employee mortality and turnover rates and healthcare cost trend rates. Actuarial valuations are performed to determine expense in accordance with GAAP. Actual results may differ from the actuarial assumptions and are generally accumulated and amortized into earnings over future periods. The expected return on plan assets assumption impacts our net periodic benefit cost, since it is our practice to fund amounts for our qualified pension plans at least sufficient to meet the minimum requirements set forth in applicable employee benefit laws and local tax laws. For 2014, the range of return on assets assumptions for our pension plan assets, including U.S. Pension and Non-U.S. Pension Plans, was between 3.0% and 7.0%. The process for setting the expected rates of return is described in Note 14, "Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. In 2014, an increase in the rate of return of 100 basis points for our U.S. Pension Plan assets and Non-U.S. Pension Plan assets would decrease our fiscal 2014 annual net periodic benefit cost by approximately $1 million and $1.4 million, respectively. In 2014, a decrease in the rate of return of 100 basis points for our U.S. Pension Plan assets and Non-U.S. Pension Plan assets would increase our fiscal 2014 annual net periodic benefit cost by approximately $1.0 million and $1.4 million, respectively.
For 2014, the range of return on assets assumptions for our pension plan assets, including U.S. pension and non-U.S. pension plans, was between 3.0% and 7.0%. The process for setting the expected rates of return is described in Note 14, "Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. In 2014, an increase in the rate of return of 100 basis points for both U.S. and non-U.S. pension plan assets would decrease our fiscal 2014 net periodic

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benefit cost by approximately $2.4 million. In 2014, a decrease in the rate of return of 100 basis points for both U.S. and non-U.S. pension plan assets would increase our fiscal 2014 net periodic benefit cost by approximately $2.4 million.
Since pension liabilities are measured on a discounted basis, the discount rate impacts our projected net benefit obligation and net periodic benefit cost. Discount rates used for our U.S. pension plans are based on a yield curve constructed from a portfolio of high quality bonds for which the timing and amount of cash outflows approximate the estimated payouts of the plan. For our non-U.S. pension plans, the discount rates are set by benchmarking against investment grade corporate bonds rated AA or better. The average discount rate on the defined benefit pension plans, including U.S. pension and non-U.S. pension plans, was between 1.7% and 8.0%. A 100-basis point increase in the pension discount rate for both U.S. and non-U.S. pension plans would decrease our 2014 annual net periodic benefit cost by approximately $0.3 million. A 100-basis point decrease in the pension discount rate for both U.S. and non-U.S. pension plans would increase our fiscal 2014 net periodic benefit cost by approximately $1.7 million.
We review our actuarial assumptions at each measurement date and make modifications to the assumptions based on current rates and trends, if appropriate. We believe that the assumptions utilized in recording our obligations under our plans are reasonable based on input from actuaries, outside investment advisors and information as to assumptions used by plan sponsors.
Management believes there have been no significant changes during the quarter ended March 31, 2015, to the items that we disclosed as our critical accounting policies and estimates in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT FOR FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
From time to time, we may publish forward-looking statements relative to matters, including, without limitation, anticipated financial performance, business prospects, technological developments, new product introductions, cost savings, research and development activities and similar matters. Forward-looking statements are generally accompanied by words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “forecast”, “intend”, “may”, “plans”, “predict”, “project”, “schedule”, “seeks”, “should”, “target” or other words that convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements.
Various statements contained in this report, including those that express a belief, expectation or intention, as well as those that are not statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements 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. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report.
These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions about future events. Although management considers these expectations and assumptions to be reasonable, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, regulatory and other risks, contingencies and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. There can be no assurance that these events will occur or that our results will be as anticipated. All forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements.
Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in such forward-looking statements include, among other things:
general economic factors including, but not limited to, changes in interest rates, foreign currency translation rates, consumer confidence, trends in disposable income, changes in consumer demand for goods produced, and cyclical or other downturns;
cost and availability of raw materials, labor and natural and other resources, and our ability to pass raw material cost increases along to customers;
changes to selling prices to customers which are based, by contract, on an underlying raw material index;
substantial debt levels and potential inability to maintain sufficient liquidity to finance our operations and make necessary capital expenditures;
ability to meet existing debt covenants or obtain necessary waivers;
achievement of objectives for strategic acquisitions and dispositions;
ability to achieve successful or timely start-up of new or modified production lines;
reliance on major customers and suppliers;
domestic and foreign competition;
information and technological advances;

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risks related to operations in foreign jurisdictions; and
changes in environmental laws and regulations, including climate change-related legislation and regulation.
The risks described in the “Risk Factors” section of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 are not exhaustive. Other sections of this Form 10-Q describe additional factors that could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. New risk factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for us to predict all such risk factors, nor can we assess the impact of all such risk factors on our business or the extent to which any factor or combination of factors may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligations to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We are exposed to fluctuations in currency exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices which could impact our results of operations and financial condition. As a result, we employ a financial risk management program, whose objective is to seek a reduction in the potential negative earnings impact of changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates and raw material pricing arising in our business activities. To manage these exposures, we primarily use operational means. However, to manage certain of these exposures, we used derivative instruments as described below. Derivative instruments utilized by us in our hedging activities are viewed as risk management tools, involve little complexity and are not used for trading or speculative purposes. To minimize the risk of counterparty non-performance, agreements are made only through major financial institutions with significant experience in such derivative instruments.
Long-Term Debt and Interest Rate Market Risk
Our objective in managing exposure to interest rate changes is to manage the impact of interest rate changes on earnings and cash flows as well as to minimize our overall borrowing costs. To achieve these objectives, we may use financial instruments such as interest rate swaps, in order to manage our mix of floating and fixed-rate debt.
The majority of our long-term financing consists of our $504.0 million of 7.75% fixed-rate, Senior Secured Notes due 2019 and $210 million of 6.875% fixed-rate, Senior Unsecured Notes due 2019. However, the remaining portion of our indebtedness, including the Term Loans, have variable interest rates, for which we have not hedged the risks attributable to fluctuations in interest rates. Hypothetically, a 1% change in the interest rate affecting our outstanding variable interest rate indebtedness at the applicable dates would change our interest expense by approximately $7.2 million and $3.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and March 29, 2014, respectively.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
Outside of the United States, we maintain assets and operations primarily in South America, Europe and Asia.  As a result, our financial results are affected to a certain extent by changes in foreign currency exchange rates in the various countries in which our products are manufactured and/or sold.  The reported income of our foreign subsidiaries will be higher or lower depending on a weakening or strengthening of the U.S. dollar, the Company’s functional currency, against the respective foreign currency.  We assess the market risk of changes in foreign currency exchange rates utilizing a sensitivity analysis that measures the potential impact on our operating income.  If the average exchange rate used to translate revenue from our major currencies relative to the U.S. dollar hypothetically depreciated 10%, it would have resulted in a reduction of operating income by approximately $2.5 million and $1.0 million for the fiscal quarters ended March 31, 2015 and March 29, 2014, respectively.
On January 27, 2014, we entered into a series of financial instruments with a third-party financial institution used to minimize foreign exchange risk on the future consideration to be paid for the Providência Acquisition and the Mandatory Tender Offer. Each contract allows us to purchase a fixed amount of Brazilian reals (R$) in the future at specified U.S. Dollar rates, coinciding with either the Providência Acquisition or the Mandatory Tender Offer. At June 28, 2014, the remaining financial instruments relate to a series of foreign exchange call options that expire between 1 and 5 years associated with the Mandatory Tender Offer and the deferred portion of the consideration paid for the Providência Acquisition. In addition, we assumed a variety of derivative instruments in the Providência Acquisition used to reduce the exposure to fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currencies. These financial instruments include an interest rate swap, forward foreign exchange contracts and call option contracts.
On March 27, 2015, we entered into a foreign exchange call option with a third-party financial institution used to minimize the foreign exchange risk on the future consideration to be paid for the acquisition of Dounor. The call option provides us the right, but not the obligation, to purchase a fixed amount of Euros in the future at a specified U.S. Dollar rate.
Raw Material and Commodity Risks

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The primary raw materials used in the manufacture of most of our products are polypropylene resin, polyester fiber, polyethylene resin, and, to a lesser extent, rayon and tissue paper. The prices of polypropylene, polyethylene and polyester are a function of, among other things, manufacturing capacity, demand and the price of crude oil and natural gas liquids. In certain regions of the world, we may source certain key raw materials from a limited number of suppliers or on a sole source basis. In addition, to the extent that we cannot procure our raw material requirements from a local country supplier, we will import raw materials from outside refiners. We believe that the loss of any one or more of our suppliers would not have a long-term material adverse effect on us because other suppliers with whom we conduct business would be able to fulfill our long-term requirements. However, the loss of certain of our suppliers or the delay in the import of raw materials could, in the short-term, adversely affect our business until alternative supply arrangements are secured and the respective suppliers were qualified with our customers, or when importation delays of raw material are resolved. We have not historically experienced, and do not expect, any significant disruptions in the long-term supply of raw materials.
We have not historically hedged our exposure to raw material increases with synthetic financial instruments. However, we have certain customer contracts with price adjustment provisions which provide for index-based pass-through of changes in the underlying raw material costs, although there is often a delay between the time we incur the new raw material cost and the time that we are able to adjust the selling price to our customers. On a global basis, raw material costs continue to fluctuate in response to certain global economic factors, including the regional supply versus demand dynamics for the raw materials and the volatile price of oil.
In periods of rising raw material costs, to the extent we are not able to pass along price increases of raw materials, or to the extent any such price increases are delayed, our cost of goods sold would increase and our operating profit would correspondingly decrease. Based on annualized purchase volume, if the price of polypropylene was to rise $0.01 per pound and we were not able to pass along any of such increase to our customers, we would realize a $8.6 million impact in our cost of goods sold. Significant increases in raw material prices that cannot be passed on to customers could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. In periods of declining raw material costs, if sales prices do not decrease at a corresponding rate, our cost of goods sold would decrease and our operating profit would correspondingly increase.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in Securities and Exchange Commission reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company's management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives.
The Company's management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures, as such item is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the material weakness previously described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 and below has been remediated, and the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report, in ensuring that information required to be disclosed in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the requisite time periods and is accumulated and communicated to the Company's management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure.
In connection with the restatement of our Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A for the quarterly period ended September 27, 2014, we identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting with respect to accounting for our redeemable noncontrolling interest acquired in the Providência Acquisition. Solely as a result of this material weakness, management concluded that the Company did not maintain effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014.
Remediation of Material Weakness
As of February 6, 2015, we implemented new procedures, including improved documentation and analysis regarding the accounting for redeemable noncontrolling interest in a business combination. Management believes that our remediation efforts have been effective with respect to our internal control over financial reporting associated with redeemable noncontrolling interest and that the previous material weaknesses in our internal controls have been remediated.

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Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
In reviewing internal control over financial reporting based upon the framework in Internal Control Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) at March 31, 2015, management determined that during the first quarter of 2015 there have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act), except as described above, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are engaged in the defense of certain claims and lawsuits arising out of the ordinary course and conduct of our business, the outcomes of which are not determinable at this time. We have insurance policies covering such potential losses where such coverage is cost effective. In our opinion, any liability that might be incurred by us upon the resolution of these claims and lawsuits will not, in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.
We are subject to a broad range of federal, foreign, state and local laws and regulations relating to pollution and protection of the environment. We believe that we are currently in substantial compliance with applicable environmental requirements and do not currently anticipate any material adverse effect on our operations, financial or competitive position as a result of our efforts to comply with environmental requirements. Some risk of environmental liability is inherent, however, in the nature of our business and, accordingly, there can be no assurance that material environmental liabilities will not arise.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
There have been no material changes to our risk factors contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not Applicable.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
Iran Related Disclosure
Pursuant to Section 219 of the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012, which added Section 13(r) of the Exchange Act, the Company hereby incorporates by reference herein Exhibit 99.1 of this report, which includes disclosures publicly filed and/or provided to The Blackstone Group L.P. by Travelport Worldwide Limited, which may be considered our affiliate.

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
(a) Exhibits
Exhibits required in connection with this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are listed below:
Exhibit No.
 
Description
31.1
 
Certifications pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by the Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
31.2
 
Certifications pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by the Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
32.1
 
Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by the Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
32.2
 
Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by the Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
99.1
 
Section 13(r) Disclosure
 
 
 
101
 
The following materials from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2015, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets; (ii) Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss); (iii) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (v) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements 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.  

 
 
 
POLYMER GROUP, INC.
 
 
 
(Registrant)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date:
May 14, 2015
By:
/s/ J. Joel Hackney, Jr.
 
 
 
J. Joel Hackney, Jr.
 
 
 
President and Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
 
Date:
May 14, 2015
By:
/s/ Dennis E. Norman
 
 
 
Dennis E. Norman
 
 
 
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)
 
 
 
 
Date:
May 14, 2015
By:
/s/ James L. Anderson
 
 
 
James L. Anderson
 
 
 
Vice President & Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer)

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