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

FORM 10-Q

 
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended April 30, 2009
 
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 001-00566
 
 
GREIF, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
   
Delaware
31-4388903
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
   
425 Winter Road, Delaware, Ohio
43015
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (740) 549-6000
 
Not Applicable
Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report.
 
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  x    No  ¨
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, 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  ¨    No  ¨
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer x
                                                         Accelerated filer ¨
   
Non-accelerated filer ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
                                                         Smaller reporting company ¨
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x
 
The number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock at the close of business on April 30, 2009 was as follows:
 
Class A Common Stock
24,360,723 shares
Class B Common Stock
22,462,266 shares
 



 
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1.  CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
GREIF, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

   
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
 
   
April 30,
   
April 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
Net sales
  $ 647,897     $ 918,019     $ 1,314,157     $ 1,764,311  
Cost of products sold
    533,816       758,851       1,099,521       1,456,819  
Gross profit
    114,081       159,168       214,636       307,492  
                                 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    65,695       83,431       124,129       163,943  
Restructuring charges
    20,295       7,337       47,471       17,812  
Timberland disposals, net
    -       100       -       190  
Gain on disposal of properties, plants and equipment, net
    2,237       12,971       4,554       49,745  
Operating profit
    30,328       81,471       47,590       175,672  
                                 
Interest expense, net
    13,403       13,296       25,602       25,052  
Debt extinguishment charge
    782       -       782       -  
Other income (expense), net
    1,957       (3,780 )     170       (7,110 )
                                 
Income before income tax expense and equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates and minority interests
    18,100       64,395       21,376       143,510  
                                 
Income tax expense
    5,960       14,748       6,926       33,438  
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates and minority interests
    2       (993 )     (1,042 )     (731 )
Net income
  $ 12,142     $ 48,654     $ 13,408     $ 109,341  
                                 
Basic earnings per share:
                               
Class A Common Stock
  $ 0.21     $ 0.84     $ 0.24     $ 1.88  
Class B Common Stock
  $ 0.31     $ 1.25     $ 0.34     $ 2.81  
                                 
Diluted earnings per share:
                               
Class A Common Stock
  $ 0.21     $ 0.82     $ 0.24     $ 1.85  
Class B Common Stock
  $ 0.31     $ 1.25     $ 0.34     $ 2.81  
 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
1


GREIF, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands)
 
ASSETS
 
   
April 30, 2009
   
October 31, 2008
 
   
(Unaudited)
       
Current assets
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 66,775     $ 77,627  
Trade accounts receivable, less allowance of $14,400 in 2009 and $13,532 in 2008
    309,296       392,537  
Inventories
    244,074       303,994  
Deferred tax assets
    28,307       33,206  
Net assets held for sale
    24,188       21,321  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    83,027       93,965  
      755,667       922,650  
                 
Long-term assets
               
Goodwill
    531,581       512,973  
Other intangible assets, net of amortization
    102,630       104,424  
Assets held by special purpose entities (Note 8)
    50,891       50,891  
Other long-term assets
    106,659       88,563  
      791,761       756,851  
                 
Properties, plants and equipment
               
Timber properties, net of depletion
    203,154       199,701  
Land
    117,061       119,679  
Buildings
    339,247       343,702  
Machinery and equipment
    1,043,859       1,046,347  
Capital projects in progress
    108,195       91,549  
      1,811,516       1,800,978  
Accumulated depreciation
    (761,814 )     (734,581 )
      1,049,702       1,066,397  
    $ 2,597,130     $ 2,745,898  
 
 See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
2

 
GREIF, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands)
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
   
April 30, 2009
   
October 31, 2008
 
   
(Unaudited)
       
Current liabilities
           
Accounts payable
  $ 195,146     $ 384,648  
Accrued payroll and employee benefits
    50,613       91,498  
Restructuring reserves
    25,327       15,147  
Short-term borrowings
    57,862       44,281  
Other current liabilities
    76,286       136,227  
      405,234       671,801  
                 
Long-term liabilities
               
Long-term debt
    828,162       673,171  
Deferred tax liabilities
    183,654       183,021  
Pension liabilities
    13,431       14,456  
Postretirement benefit liabilities
    25,246       25,138  
Liabilities held by special purpose entities (Note 8)
    43,250       43,250  
Other long-term liabilities
    98,794       75,521  
      1,192,537       1,014,557  
                 
Minority interest
    4,762       3,729  
                 
Shareholders' equity
               
Common stock, without par value
    94,412       86,446  
Treasury stock, at cost
    (115,511 )     (112,931 )
Retained earnings
    1,124,734       1,155,116  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss:
               
      - foreign currency translation
    (78,025 )     (39,693 )
      - interest rate derivatives
    (1,014 )     (1,802 )
      - energy and other derivatives
    (2,382 )     (4,299 )
      - minimum pension liabilities
    (27,617 )     (27,026 )
      994,597       1,055,811  
    $ 2,597,130     $ 2,745,898  
 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
3


GREIF, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
(Dollars in thousands)
 
For the six months ended April 30,
 
2009
   
2008
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net income
  $ 13,408     $ 109,341  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
               
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
    49,518       52,638  
Asset impairments
    11,620       10,236  
Deferred income taxes
    5,532       (77,659 )
Gain on disposals of properties, plants and equipment, net
    (4,554 )     (49,745 )
Timberland disposals, net
    -       (190 )
Equity in losses of affiliates and minority interests
    1,042       731  
Increase (decrease) in cash from changes in certain assets and liabilities:
               
Trade accounts receivable
    81,917       (40,544 )
Inventories
    54,957       (29,004 )
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    8,595       (6,763 )
Other long-term assets
    (12,044 )     (3,401 )
Accounts payable
    (242,598 )     (19,162 )
Accrued payroll and employee benefits
    (40,581 )     (13,294 )
Restructuring reserves
    10,180       (4,235 )
Other current liabilities
    (54,041 )     31  
Pension and postretirement benefit liabilities
    (917 )     (2,101 )
Other long-term liabilities
    23,453       107,041  
Other
    41,595       (84,393 )
Net cash used in operating activities
    (52,918 )     (50,473 )
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Acquisitions of companies, net of cash acquired
    (19,201 )     (66,605 )
Purchases of properties, plants and equipment
    (53,472 )     (69,500 )
Purchases of timber properties
    (600 )     (1,300 )
Proceeds from the sale of properties, plants, equipment and other assets
    5,249       51,440  
Purchases of land rights and other
    -       (308 )
Receipt of notes receivable
    -       33,178  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (68,024 )     (53,095 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
    1,974,879       1,156,574  
Payments on long-term debt
    (1,819,597 )     (1,072,834 )
Proceeds from short-term borrowings
    14,361       29,996  
Dividends paid
    (43,790 )     (32,391 )
Acquisitions of treasury stock and other
    (3,145 )     (10,899 )
Exercise of stock options
    272       3,152  
Debt issuance cost
    (8,309 )     -  
Net cash provided by financing activities
    114,671       73,598  
Effects of exchange rates on cash
    (4,581 )     3,249  
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (10,852 )     (26,721 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    77,627       123,699  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 66,775     $ 96,978  
 
 See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
4

 
GREIF, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
April 30, 2009
 
NOTE 1 — BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
Basis of Presentation
 
The information furnished herein reflects all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated balance sheets as of April 30, 2009 and October 31, 2008 and the consolidated statements of income and cash flows for the three-month and six-month periods ended April 30, 2009 and 2008 of Greif, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”). These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended October 31, 2008 (the “2008 Form 10-K”).
 
The Company’s fiscal year begins on November 1 and ends on October 31 of the following year. Any references to the year 2009 or 2008, or to any quarter of those years, relates to the fiscal year or quarter, as the case may be, ending in that year.
 
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual amounts could differ from those estimates.
 
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2009 presentation.
 
Industrial Packaging and Paper Packaging Acquisitions and Divestitures
 
During the first six months of 2009, the Company completed acquisitions of two small North America industrial packaging companies and made a contingent purchase price payment related to a 2005 acquisition for an aggregate purchase price of $19.2 million. Both acquisitions occured in February 2009 and are expected to complement the Company’s existing product lines. These acquisitions, included in operating results from the acquisition dates, were accounted for using the purchase method of accounting and, accordingly, the purchase prices were allocated to the assets purchased and liabilities assumed based upon their estimated fair values at the dates of acquisition. The estimated fair values of the net assets acquired were $4.2 million (including $4.0 million of accounts receivable and $0.2 million of inventory) and liabilities assumed were $1.3 million. Identifiable intangible assets, with a combined fair value of $4.3 million, including trade-names, customer relationships, and certain non-compete agreements, have been recorded for these acquisitions. The excess of the purchase prices over the estimated fair values of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired of $12.0 million was recorded as goodwill. The final allocation of the purchase prices may differ due to additional refinements in the fair values of the net assets acquired as well as the execution of consolidation plans to eliminate duplicate operations, in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 141, “Business Combinations.” This is due to the valuation of certain other assets and liabilities that are subject to refinement and therefore the actual fair value may vary from the preliminary estimates. Adjustments to the acquired net assets resulting from final valuations are not expected to be significant. The Company is finalizing certain closing date adjustments with the sellers, as well as the allocation of income tax adjustments.
 
During 2008, the Company completed acquisitions of four industrial packaging companies and one paper packaging company and made a contingent purchase price payment related to an acquisition from October 2005 for an aggregate purchase price of $90.3 million. These five acquisitions consisted of a joint venture in the Middle East in November 2007, acquisition of a 70 percent interest in a South American company in November 2007, the acquisition of a North American company in December 2007, the acquisition of a company in Asia in May 2008, and the acquisition of a North American paper packaging company in July 2008. These industrial packaging and paper packaging acquisitions complement the Company’s existing product lines that together will provide growth opportunities and scale. These acquisitions, included in operating results from the acquisition dates, were accounted for using the purchase method of accounting and, accordingly, the purchase prices were allocated to the assets purchased and liabilities assumed based upon their estimated fair values at the dates of acquisition. The estimated fair values of the net assets acquired were $65.5 million (including $12.2 million of accounts receivable and $7.4 million of inventory) and liabilities assumed were $43.2 million. Identifiable intangible assets, with a combined fair value of $19.5 million, including trade-names, customer relationships, and certain non-compete agreements, have been recorded for these acquisitions. The excess of the purchase prices over the estimated fair values of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired of $48.5 million was recorded as goodwill. The final allocation of the purchase price of the July 2008 paper packaging acquisition may differ due to additional refinements in the fair values of the net assets acquired, in accordance with SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations.” This is due to the valuation of certain other assets and liabilities that are subject to refinement and therefore the actual fair value may vary from the preliminary estimates. Adjustments to the acquired net assets resulting from final valuations are not expected to be significant. The Company is finalizing the allocation of income tax adjustments.   The Company is required to make a contingent payment in 2009 based on a fixed percentage of EBITDA for one acquisition.  This payment is currently being negotiated.  Furthermore, in December 2010, the Company is required to pay $5.0 million to purchase the land and building that is currently being leased from the seller of one North American industrial packaging acquisition.  
 
5

 
The Company implemented various restructuring plans at certain of the 2008 acquired businesses discussed above. The Company’s restructuring activities, which were accounted for in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 95-3, “Recognition of Liabilities in Connection with a Purchase Business Combination” (“EITF 95-3”), primarily have included reductions in staffing levels, other exit costs associated with the consolidation of facilities, facility relocation, and the reduction of excess capacity. In connection with these restructuring activities, as part of the cost of the above acquisitions, the Company established reserves, primarily for severance and excess facilities, in the amount of $4.9 million, of which $2.9 million remains in the restructuring reserve at April 30, 2009. These charges primarily reflect severance, other exit costs associated with the consolidation of facilities, and the reduction of excess capacity.
 
Had the transactions occurred on November 1, 2007, results of operations would not have differed materially from reported results.
 
During 2008, the Company sold a business unit in Australia, a 51 percent interest in a Zimbabwean operation, three North American paper packaging operations and a North American industrial packaging operation. The net gain from these divestitures was $31.6 million and is included in gain on disposal of properties, plants, and equipment, net in the accompanying 2008 consolidated statement of income. Included in the gain calculation for the disposal in Australia was the reclass to net income of a gain of $37.4 million of accumulated foreign currency translation adjustments.
 
Stock-Based Compensation Expense
 
On November 1, 2005, the Company adopted SFAS No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment,” which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense, based on estimated fair values, for all share-based awards made to employees and directors, including stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and participation in the Company’s employee stock purchase plan. In adopting SFAS No. 123(R), the Company used the modified prospective application transition method, as of November 1, 2005, the first day of the Company’s fiscal year 2006. There was no share-based compensation expense recognized under SFAS No. 123(R) for the first six months of 2009 and 2008.
 
SFAS No. 123(R) requires companies to estimate the fair value of share-based awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model. The value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense in the Company’s consolidated statements of income over the requisite service periods. The Company will use the straight-line single option method of expensing stock options to recognize compensation expense in its consolidated statements of income for all share-based awards. Because share-based compensation expense is based on awards that are ultimately expected to vest, share-based compensation expense will be reduced to account for estimated forfeitures. SFAS No. 123(R) requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.  No options have been granted in 2009 and 2008. For any options granted in the future, compensation expense will be based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R).
 
Equity Earnings and Minority Interests
 
Equity earnings represent investments in affiliates in which the Company does not exercise control and has a 20 percent or more voting interest. Such investments in affiliates are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. If the fair value of an investment in an affiliate is below its carrying value and the difference is deemed to be other than temporary, the difference between the fair value and the carrying value is charged to earnings. The Company has an equity interest in six affiliates, and the equity earnings of these interests were recorded in net income. Equity earnings (losses) for the first six months of 2009 and 2008 were ($0.6) million and $1.1 million, respectively. There were no dividends received from our equity method subsidiaries for the six months ended April 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
 
The Company records minority interest expense which reflects the portion of the earnings of majority-owned operations which are applicable to the minority interest partners. The Company has majority holdings in various companies, and the minority interests of other persons in the respective net income of these companies were recorded as an expense. Minority interest expense for the first six months of 2009 and 2008 was $0.4 million and $1.8 million, respectively.
 
NOTE 2 — RECENT ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
 
In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued SFAS No. 141(R), “Business Combinations,” which replaces SFAS No. 141. The objective of SFAS 141(R) is to improve the relevance, representational faithfulness and comparability of the information that a reporting entity provides in its financial reports about a business combination and its effects. SFAS No. 141(R) establishes principles and requirements for how the acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree; recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase; and determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS No. 141(R) applies to all transactions or other events in which an entity (the acquirer) obtains control of one or more businesses (the acquiree), including those sometimes referred to as “true mergers” or “mergers of equals” and combinations achieved without the transfer of consideration. SFAS No. 141(R) will apply to any acquisition entered into on or after November 1, 2009, but will have no effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ending October 31, 2009 or any prior fiscal years upon adoption.
 
6

 
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Accounting and Reporting of Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements, an amendment of ARB No. 51.”  The objective of SFAS No. 160 is to improve the relevance, comparability and transparency of the financial information that a reporting entity provides in its consolidated financial statements. SFAS No. 160 amends Accounting Research Bulletin ARB No. 51 to establish accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. SFAS No. 160 also changes the way the consolidated financial statements are presented, establishes a single method of accounting for changes in a parent’s ownership interest in a subsidiary that do not result in deconsolidation, requires that a parent recognize a gain or loss in net income when a subsidiary is deconsolidated and expands disclosures in the consolidated financial statements that clearly identify and distinguish between the parent’s ownership interest and the interest of the noncontrolling owners of a subsidiary. The provisions of SFAS No. 160 are to be applied prospectively as of the beginning of the fiscal year in which SFAS No. 160 is adopted, except for the presentation and disclosure requirements, which are to be applied retrospectively for all periods presented. SFAS No. 160 will be effective for the Company’s financial statements for the fiscal year beginning November 1, 2009 (2010 for the Company). The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of SFAS No. 160 will have on its consolidated financial statements.
 
In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.”  This standard identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles to be used in the preparation of financial statements that are presented in conformity with GAAP.  The FASB believes that the GAAP hierarchy should be directed to entities because it is the entity, not its auditor, that is responsible for selecting accounting principles for financial statements that are presented in conformity with GAAP. Accordingly, the FASB concluded that the GAAP hierarchy should reside in the accounting literature established by the FASB and issued this Statement to achieve that result.  The standard will be effective 60 days following the Securities Exchange Commission’s approval of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board amendment to AU Section 411.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact, if any, that the adoption of SFAS No. 162 will have on its consolidated financial statements.
 
NOTE 3 — SALE OF NON-UNITED STATES ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
 
Pursuant to the terms of a Receivable Purchase Agreement (the “RPA”) dated October 28, 2004, as amended, between Greif Coordination Center BVBA (the “Seller”), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Greif, Inc., and a major international bank (the “Buyer”), the Seller agreed to sell trade receivables meeting certain eligibility requirements that the Seller had purchased from other indirect wholly-owned indirect European subsidiaries of Greif, Inc., under discounted receivables purchase agreements and from an indirect wholly-owned French subsidiary under a factoring agreement. In addition, on October 28, 2005, an indirect wholly-owned Italian subsidiary of Greif, Inc., entered into the Italian Receivables Purchase Agreement with the Italian branch of the major international bank (the “Italian RPA”) and agreed to sell trade receivables that meet certain eligibility criteria to the Italian branch of the major international bank. The Italian RPA is similar in structure and terms as the RPA.  The maximum amount of the receivables that may be sold under the RPA and the Italian RPA is €115.0 million ($149.9 million at April 30, 2009).
 
In October 2007, an indirect wholly-owned Singapore subsidiary of Greif Inc., entered into the Singapore Receivable Purchase Agreement (the “Singapore RPA”) with a major international bank. The maximum amount of the aggregate receivables that may be sold under the Singapore RPA is 10.0 million Singapore Dollars ($6.7 million at April 30, 2009).
 
In October 2008, an indirect wholly-owned Brazil subsidiary of Greif, Inc., entered into agreements (“the Brazil Agreements”) with Brazilian Banks.  There is no maximum amount of aggregate receivables that may be sold under the Brazil Agreements; however, the sale of individual receivables is subject to approval by the banks.
 
The structure of the transactions provide for a legal true sale, on a revolving basis, of the receivables transferred from the various Greif, Inc. subsidiaries to the respective banks. The bank funds an initial purchase price of a certain percentage of eligible receivables based on a formula with the initial purchase price approximating 75 percent to 90 percent of eligible receivables. The remaining deferred purchase price is settled upon collection of the receivables. At the balance sheet reporting dates, the Company removes from accounts receivable the amount of proceeds received from the initial purchase price since they meet the applicable criteria of SFAS No. 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities,” and continues to recognize the deferred purchase price in its accounts receivable. The receivables are sold on a non-recourse basis with the total funds in the servicing collection accounts pledged to the banks between settlement dates. At April 30, 2009 and October 31, 2008, €60.6 million ($79.0 million) and €106.0 million ($137.8 million), respectively, of accounts receivable were sold under the RPA and Italian RPA. At April 30, 2009 and October 31, 2008, 5.5 million Singapore Dollars ($3.6 million) and 7.8 million Singapore Dollars ($5.3 million), respectively, of accounts receivable were sold under the Singapore RPA.   At April 30, 2009 and October 31, 2008, 7.2 million Brazilian Reais ($3.2 million) and 9.5 million Brazilian Reais ($4.5 million), respectively, of accounts receivable were sold under the Brazil Agreements.
 
7

 
At the time the receivables are initially sold, the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the assets sold are included as a loss on sale in the consolidated statements of income. Expenses, primarily related to the loss on sale of receivables, associated with the RPA and Italian RPA totaled €0.7 million ($0.9 million) and €1.0 million ($1.6 million) for the three months ended April 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Expenses associated with the Singapore RPA and Brazil Agreements were not material to the consolidated financial statements for the three months ended April 30, 2009 and 2008. Additionally, the Company performs collections and administrative functions on the receivables sold similar to the procedures it uses for collecting all of its receivables, including receivables that are not sold under the RPA, the Italian RPA, the Singapore RPA and the Brazil Agreements. The servicing liability for these receivables is not material to the consolidated financial statements.
 
NOTE 4 — INVENTORIES
 
Inventories are summarized as follows (Dollars in thousands):
 
   
April 30,
   
October 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Finished goods
  $ 64,820     $ 71,659  
Raw materials and work-in-process
    203,129       279,186  
      267,949       350,845  
Reduction to state inventories on last-in, first-out basis
    (23,875 )     (46,851 )
    $ 244,074     $ 303,994  
 
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, utilizing the first-in, first-out basis (“FIFO”) for approximately 75 percent of consolidated inventories and the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) basis for approximately 25 percent of consolidated inventories.  Approximately 88 percent of inventories in the United States utilize the LIFO basis, and approximately 12 percent utilize the FIFO basis.  All Non-United States inventories utilize the FIFO basis.
 
NOTE 5 — NET ASSETS HELD FOR SALE
 
Net assets held for sale represent land, buildings and land improvements less accumulated depreciation for locations that meet the classification requirements of net assets held for sale as defined in SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” As of April 30, 2009, there were eleven facilities held for sale. The net assets held for sale are being marketed for sale and it is the Company’s intention to complete the facility sales within the upcoming year.
 
NOTE 6 — GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
 
The Company annually and on an interim basis, when considered necessary, reviews goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment as required by SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” The Company has concluded that no impairment exists at this time.
 
Changes to the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the six-month period ended April 30, 2009 are as follows (Dollars in thousands):
 
   
Industrial
Packaging
   
Paper
Packaging
   
 
Total
 
Balance at October 31, 2008
  $ 480,312     $ 32,661     $ 512,973  
Goodwill acquired
    12,035       -       12,035  
Goodwill adjustments
    10,287       (1,700 )     8,587  
Currency translation
    (2,014 )     -       (2,014 )
Balance at April 30, 2009
  $ 500,620     $ 30,961     $ 531,581  
 
The goodwill acquired of $12.0 million consists of a $2.8 million contingent purchase price payment related to a 2005 acquisition and $9.2 million of preliminary goodwill related to acquisitions in the Industrial Packaging segment during the second quarter.  The goodwill adjustments represent a net increase in goodwill of $8.6 million primarily related to the final purchase price adjustments for three of the 2008 acquisitions, the recognition of deferred tax assets and the recording of tax contingency reserves.
 
8


All other intangible assets for the periods presented, except for $7.6 million related to the Tri-Sure Trademark, Blagden Express Tradename, and Closed-loop Tradename, are subject to amortization and are being amortized using the straight-line method over periods that range from five to 20 years. The detail of other intangible assets by class as of April 30, 2009 and October 31, 2008 are as follows (Dollars in thousands):
 
   
Gross Intangible Assets
   
Accumulated Amortization
   
Net Intangible Assets
 
April 30, 2009:
                 
Trademark and patents
  $ 29,803     $ 14,202     $ 15,601  
Non-compete agreements
   
17,096
      4,618       12,478  
Customer relationships
    82,798       13,292       69,506  
Other
    9,802       4,757       5,045  
Total
  $ 139,499     $ 36,869     $ 102,630  
                         
October 31, 2008:
                       
Trademark and patents
  $ 29,996     $ 13,066     $ 16,930  
Non-compete agreements
    16,514       3,470       13,044  
Customer relationships
    80,017       10,741       69,276  
Other
    9,624       4,450       5,174  
Total
  $ 136,151     $ 31,727     $ 104,424  
 
During the first six months of 2009, gross intangible assets increased by $3.3 million. The increase in gross intangible assets is comprised of $4.3 million in preliminary purchase price allocations related to current quarter acquisitions and a $1.0 million decrease of currency fluctuations both related to the Industrial Packaging segment. Amortization expense for the six months ended April 30, 2009 and 2008 was $5.3 million and $4.7 million, respectively. Amortization expense for the next five years is expected to be $13.2 million in 2010, $12.2 million in 2011, $11.2 million in 2012, $8.0 million in 2013 and $7.1 million in 2014.
 
NOTE 7 — RESTRUCTURING CHARGES
 
The focus for restructuring activities in 2009 is on business realignment to address the adverse impact resulting from the sharp decline in business throughout the global economy and further implementation of the Greif Business System. During the first six months of 2009, the Company recorded restructuring charges of $47.5 million, consisting of $25.1 million in employee separation costs, $11.6 million in asset impairments and $10.8 million in other costs. In addition, the Company recorded $9.3 million in restructuring-related inventory charges in cost of products sold.  Thirteen company-owned plants in the Industrial Packaging segment were closed and the total employees severed that were eligible for severance during the first six months of 2009 were 1,124.  The remaining restructuring charges for the above activities are anticipated to be approximately $25 million for the remainder of 2009.
 
In 2008, the focus for restructuring activities was on integration of acquisitions in the Industrial Packaging segment and on alignment to market-focused strategy and implementation of the Greif Business System in the Paper Packaging segment.  During the first six months of 2008, the Company recorded restructuring charges of $17.8 million, consisting of $5.0 million in employee separation costs, $10.2 million in asset impairments, $0.4 million in professional fees and $2.2 million in other costs. Two company-owned plants in the Industrial Packaging segment were closed and the total employees severed during the first six months of 2008 were 270.
 
9

 
For each relevant business segment, costs incurred in 2009 are as follows (Dollars in thousands):
 
   
Three months ended April 30, 2009
   
Six months ended April 30, 2009
   
Total Amounts Expected to be Incurred
 
                   
Industrial Packaging
                 
Employee separation costs
  $ 11,180     $ 23,486     $ 38,351  
Asset impairments
    6,741       11,582       19,273  
Inventory adjustments
    7,452       9,285       9,299  
Other restructuring costs
    1,642       9,670       19,948  
      27,015       54,023       86,871  
                         
Paper Packaging
                       
Employee separation costs
    9       1,451       2,343  
Asset impairments
    -       38       169  
Other restructuring costs
    723       1,094       1,165  
      732       2,583       3,677  
                         
Timber
                       
Employee separation costs
    -       150       150  
      -       150       150  
                         
    $ 27,747     $ 56,756     $ 90,698  
 
Amounts in the column Total Amounts Expected to be Incurred above relate to the commencement of restructuring plans which are anticipated to be realized in 2009 and 2010.

The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending restructuring reserve balances for the six-month period ended April 30, 2009 (Dollars in thousands):
 
   
Cash Charges
   
Non-cash Charges
       
   
Employee Separation Costs
   
Other Costs
   
Asset Impairments
   
Inventory Write-down
   
Total
 
Balance at October 31, 2008
  $ 14,413     $ 734     $ -     $ -     $ 15,147  
Costs incurred and charged to expense
    25,087       10,764       11,620       -       47,471  
Costs incurred and charged to cost of
                                       
   products sold
    -       -       -       9,285       9,285  
Reserves established in the purchase price
                                       
  of business combinations
    320       1,294       3,209       -       4,823  
Costs paid or otherwise settled
    (18,696 )     (8,589 )     (14,829 )     (9,285 )     (51,399 )
Balance at April 30, 2009
  $ 21,124     $ 4,203     $ -     $ -     $ 25,327  
 
NOTE 8 — SIGNIFICANT NONSTRATEGIC TIMBERLAND TRANSACTIONS AND CONSOLIDATION OF VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
 
On May 31, 2005, STA Timber LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“STA Timber”) issued in a private placement its 5.20 percent Senior Secured Notes due August 5, 2020 (the “Monetization Notes”) in the principal amount of $43.3 million. In connection with the sale of the Monetization Notes, STA Timber entered into note purchase agreements with the purchasers of the Monetization Notes (the “Note Purchase Agreements”) and related documentation. The Monetization Notes are secured by a pledge of the Purchase Note and the Deed of Guarantee (as hereafter defined). The Monetization Notes may be accelerated in the event of a default in payment or a breach of the other obligations set forth therein or in the Note Purchase Agreements or related documents, subject in certain cases to any applicable cure periods, or upon the occurrence of certain insolvency or bankruptcy related events. The Monetization Notes are subject to a mechanism that may cause them, subject to certain conditions, to be extended to November 5, 2020. The proceeds from the sale of the Monetization Notes were primarily used for the repayment of indebtedness.   The Purchase Note means the $50.9 million purchase note payable by an indirect subsidiary of Plum Creek Timberlands, L.P (“Plum Creek”) as a portion of the purchase price in connection with its purchase from Soterra LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, of approximately 56,000 acres of timberland located in Florida, Georgia and Alabama, on May 23, 2005.  The Purchase Note is secured by a Deed of Guarantee issued by Bank of America, N.A., London Branch, in an amount not to exceed $52.3 million (the “Deed of Guarantee”), as a guarantee of the due and punctual payment of principal and interest on the Purchase Note.
 
10

 
The Company has consolidated the assets and liabilities of STA Timber in accordance with FASB Interpretation No. 46R, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities.” Because STA Timber is a separate and distinct legal entity from Greif, Inc. and its other subsidiaries, the assets of STA Timber are not available to satisfy the liabilities and obligations of these entities and the liabilities of STA Timber are not liabilities or obligations of these entities. In addition, Greif, Inc. and its other subsidiaries have not extended any form of guaranty of the principal or interest on the Monetization Notes. Accordingly, Greif, Inc. and its other subsidiaries will not become directly or contingently liable for the payment of the Monetization Notes at any time.
 
The Company has also consolidated the assets and liabilities of the buyer-sponsored special purpose entity (the “Buyer SPE”) involved in these transactions as the result of Interpretation 46R. However, because the Buyer SPE is a separate and distinct legal entity from the Company, the assets of the Buyer SPE are not available to satisfy the liabilities and obligations of the Company and the liabilities of the Buyer SPE are not liabilities or obligations of the Company.
 
Assets of the Buyer SPE at April 30, 2009 and October 31, 2008 consist of restricted bank financial instruments of $50.9 million. STA Timber had long-term debt of $43.3 million as of April 30, 2009 and October 31, 2008. STA Timber is exposed to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by the issuer of the Deed of Guarantee, but the Company does not expect that issuer to fail to meet its obligations. The accompanying consolidated income statements for the six month periods ended April 30, 2009 and 2008 include interest expense on STA Timber debt of $1.1 million and interest income on Buyer SPE investments of $1.2 million.
 
NOTE 9 — DEBT
 
Long-term debt is summarized as follows (Dollars in thousands):
 
   
April 30,
   
October 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
$700 Million Credit Agreement
  $ 439,475     $ -  
$450 Million Credit Agreement
    -       247,597  
Senior Notes
    300,000       300,000  
Trade accounts receivable credit facility
    84,000       120,000  
Other long-term debt
    4,687       5,574  
    $ 828,162     $ 673,171  
 
Credit Agreement
 
On February 19, 2009, the Company and Greif International Holding B.V., as borrowers, entered into a $700 million Senior Secured Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with a syndicate of financial institutions. The Credit Agreement replaced the then existing Credit Agreement (the “Prior Credit Agreement”) that provided the Company with a $450.0 million revolving multicurrency credit facility due 2010. At April 30, 2009, $234.6 million was available under the Credit Agreement. As a result of this transaction, a $0.8 million debt extinguishment charge, which included the write-off of unamortized capitalized debt issuance costs, was recorded.
 
The Credit Agreement provides for a $500 million revolving multicurrency credit facility and a $200 million term loan, both maturing in February 2012, with an option to add $200 million to the facilities with the agreement of the lenders. The $200 million term loan is scheduled to amortize by $2.5 million each quarter-end for the first four quarters, $5 million each quarter-end for the next eight quarters and $150 million on the maturity date. The Credit Agreement is available to fund ongoing working capital and capital expenditure needs, for general corporate purposes, to finance acquisitions, and to repay amounts outstanding under the Prior Credit Agreement.  Interest is based on a Eurodollar rate or a base rate that resets periodically plus a calculated margin amount.  On February 19, 2009, $325.3 million borrowed under the revolving credit facility and term loan was used to prepay the obligations outstanding under the Prior Credit Agreement and certain costs and expenses incurred in connection with the Credit Agreement. As of April 30, 2009, $439.5 million was outstanding under the Credit Agreement, which consisted of $242.0 million borrowed on the $500 million revolving multicurrency credit facility and $197.5 million term loan. The weighted average interest rate on the Credit Agreement was 3.28 percent since February 19, 2009, and the interest rate was 3.31 percent at April 30, 2009.
 
The Credit Agreement contains financial covenants that require the Company to maintain a certain leverage ratio and a fixed charge coverage ratio. At April 30, 2009, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.
 
11

 
Senior Notes
 
On February 9, 2007, the Company issued $300.0 million of 6 3 /4 percent Senior Notes due February 1, 2017. Interest on the Senior Notes is payable semi-annually. Proceeds from the issuance of Senior Notes were principally used to fund the purchase of previously outstanding 8 7/8 percent Senior Subordinated Notes in a tender offer and for general corporate purposes.
 
The Indenture pursuant to which the Senior Notes were issued contains certain covenants. At April 30, 2009, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.
 
United States Trade Accounts Receivable Credit Facility
 
On December 8, 2008, the Company entered into a $135.0 million trade accounts receivable credit facility with a financial institution and its affiliate, with a maturity date of December 8, 2013, subject to earlier termination of their purchase commitment on December 7, 2009, or such later date to which the purchase commitment may be extended by agreement of the parties.  The credit facility is secured by certain of the Company’s trade accounts receivable in the United States and bears interest at a variable rate based on the applicable commercial paper rate plus a margin or other agreed-upon rate (2.09 percent at April 30, 2009).  In addition, the Company can terminate the credit facility at any time upon five days prior written notice.  A significant portion of the proceeds from this credit facility were used to pay the obligations under the previous credit facility, which was terminated.  The remaining proceeds will be used to pay certain fees, costs and expenses incurred in connection with the credit facility and for working capital and general corporate purposes. There was $84.0 million outstanding under the United States trade accounts receivable credit facility at April 30, 2009.  The agreement for this receivables financing facility contains financial covenants that require the Company to maintain a certain leverage ratio and an interest coverage ratio. At April 30, 2009, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.
 
Greif Receivables Funding LLC (“GRF”), an indirect subsidiary of the Company, has participated in the purchase and transfer of receivables in connection with these credit facilities and is included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. However, because GRF is a separate and distinct legal entity from the Company and its other subsidiaries, the assets of GRF are not available to satisfy the liabilities and obligations of the Company and its other subsidiaries, and the liabilities of GRF are not the liabilities or obligations of the Company and its other subsidiaries. This entity purchases and services the Company’s trade accounts receivable that are subject to these credit facilities.
 
Other
 
In addition to the amounts borrowed against the Credit Agreement and proceeds from the Senior Notes and the United States trade accounts receivable credit facility, at April 30, 2009 the Company had other debt outstanding of $62.6 million, comprised of $4.7 million in long-term debt and $57.9 million in short-term borrowings and at October 31, 2008 other debt outstanding of $49.9 million, comprised of $5.6 million in long-term debt and $44.3 million in short-term borrowings.
 
At April 30, 2009, annual maturities of the Company’s long-term debt under the various financing arrangements were $4.7 million in 2010, $439.5 million in 2012, $84.0 million in 2014 and $300.0 million thereafter.
 
At April 30, 2009 and October 31, 2008, the Company had deferred financing fees and debt issuance costs of $11.6 million and $4.6 million, respectively, which are included in other long-term assets.
 
NOTE 10 — FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
 
The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, accounts payable, current liabilities and short-term borrowings at April 30, 2009 and October 31, 2008 approximate their fair values because of the short-term nature of these items.
 
The estimated fair value of the Company’s long-term debt was $805.7 million and $619.2 million as compared to the carrying amounts of $828.2 million and $673.2 million at April 30, 2009 and October 31, 2008, respectively. The fair values of the Company’s long-term obligations are estimated based on either the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or the current interest rates offered for debt of the same remaining maturities.
 
The Company uses derivatives from time to time to partially mitigate the effect of exposure to interest rate movements, exposure to foreign currency fluctuations, and commodity cost fluctuations. The Company records derivatives based on SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” and related amendments. This Statement requires that all derivatives be recognized as assets or liabilities in the balance sheet and measured at fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recognized in either net income or in other comprehensive income, depending on the designated purpose of the derivative.
 
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities–Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115.” SFAS No. 159 permits companies to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value at specified election dates. SFAS No. 159 was effective for the Company on November 1, 2008. Since the Company has not utilized the fair value option for any allowable items, the adoption of SFAS No. 159 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.
 
12

 
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.”  SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value within GAAP and expands required disclosures about fair value measurements. In November 2007, the FASB provided a one year deferral for the implementation of SFAS No. 157 for nonfinancial assets and liabilities.  The Company adopted SFAS No. 157 on February 1, 2008, as required. The adoption of SFAS No. 157 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.
 
SFAS No. 157 established a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions. As of April 30, 2009, the Company held certain derivative asset and liability positions that are required to be measured at fair value on a Level 2 basis. The majority of the Company’s derivative instruments related to receive fixed-rate, pay floating-rate interest rate swaps and receive fixed-rate, pay fixed-rate cross-currency interest rate swaps.  The fair values of these derivatives have been measured in accordance with Level 2 inputs in the fair value hierarchy, and as of April 30, 2009, are as follows (Dollars in thousands):
 
   
Notional Amount
   
Fair Value Adjustment
 
Balance Sheet Location
   
April 30, 2009
   
April 30, 2009
 
April 30, 2009
               
Cross-currency interest rate swaps
  $ 300,000     $ 11,977  
Other long-term assets
Interest rate derivatives
    100,000       (1,559 )
Other long-term liabilities
Energy and other derivatives
    61,184       (4,608 )
Other current liabilities
                     Total
  $ 461,184     $ 5,810    
 
The Company has entered into cross-currency interest rate swaps which are designated as a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation. Under these agreements, the Company receives interest semi-annually from the counterparties equal to a fixed rate of 6.75 percent on $300.0 million and pays interest at a fixed rate of 6.25 percent on €219.9 million. Upon maturity of these swaps on August 1, 2009, August 1, 2010, and August 1, 2012, the Company will be required to pay €73.3 million to the counterparties and receive $100.0 million from the counterparties on each of these dates. The other comprehensive gain on these agreements was $12.0 million and $24.5 million at April 30, 2009 and October 31, 2008, respectively.
 
The Company has interest rate swap agreements with various maturities through 2011. The interest rate swap agreements are used to fix a portion of the interest on the Company’s variable rate debt. Under certain of these agreements, the Company receives interest quarterly from the counterparties equal to LIBOR and pays interest at a fixed rate (4.93 percent at April 30, 2009) over the life of the contracts.
 
At April 30, 2009, the Company had outstanding foreign currency forward contracts in the notional amount of $54.9 million ($174.0 million at October 31, 2008). The purpose of these contracts is to hedge the Company’s exposure to foreign currency transactions and short-term intercompany loan balances in its international businesses. The fair value of these contracts at April 30, 2009 resulted in a loss of $0.7 million recorded in other comprehensive income and a loss of $0.3 million recorded in the consolidated statements of income. The fair value of similar contracts at April 30, 2008 resulted in a gain of $0.9 million recorded in other comprehensive income and a loss of $0.1 million recorded in the consolidated statements of income.
 
The Company has entered into certain cash flow hedges to mitigate its exposure to cost fluctuations in natural gas prices through October 31, 2010. The fair value of the energy hedges was in an unfavorable position of $3.0 million ($2.0 million net of tax) at April 30, 2009, compared to an unfavorable position of $5.2 million ($3.4 million net of tax) at October 31, 2008. As a result of the high correlation between the hedged instruments and the underlying transactions, ineffectiveness has not had a material impact on the Company’s consolidated statements of income for the quarter ended April 30, 2009.
 
The Company has entered into certain cash flow hedges to mitigate its exposure to cost fluctuations in old corrugated containers (“OCC”) prices through July 31, 2009. The fair value of these hedges was in an unfavorable position of $0.6 million ($0.4 million net of tax). As a result of the high correlation between the hedged instruments and the underlying transactions, ineffectiveness has not had a material impact on the Company’s consolidated statements of income for the quarter ended April 30, 2009.
 
While the Company may be exposed to credit losses in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties to its derivative financial instrument contracts, its counterparties are established banks and financial institutions with high credit ratings. The Company has no reason to believe that such counterparties will not be able to fully satisfy their obligations under these contracts.
 
13

 
During the next six months, the Company expects to reclassify into earnings a net loss from accumulated other comprehensive income of approximately $3.9 million after tax at the time the underlying hedge transactions are realized.
 
NOTE 11 — CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
 
Various lawsuits, claims and proceedings have been or may be instituted or asserted against the Company, including those pertaining to environmental, product liability and safety and health matters. While the amounts claimed may be substantial, the ultimate liability cannot now be determined because of considerable uncertainties that exist. Therefore, it is possible that results of operations or liquidity in a particular period could be materially affected by certain contingencies.
 
All lawsuits, claims and proceedings are considered by the Company in establishing reserves for contingencies in accordance with SFAS No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies.” In accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 5, the Company accrues for a litigation-related liability when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Based on currently available information known to the Company, the Company believes that its reserves for these litigation-related liabilities are reasonable and that the ultimate outcome of any pending matters is not likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results from operations.
 
NOTE 12 — CAPITAL STOCK
 
Class A Common Stock is entitled to cumulative dividends of 1 cent a share per year after which Class B Common Stock is entitled to non-cumulative dividends up to one half (1/2) cent per share per year. Further distribution in any year must be made in proportion of one cent a share for Class A Common Stock to one and one-half (1 ½) cents a share for Class B Common Stock. The Class A Common Stock has no voting rights unless four quarterly cumulative dividends upon the Class A Common Stock are in arrears or unless changes are proposed to the Company’s certificate of incorporation. The Class B Common Stock has full voting rights. There is no cumulative voting for the election of directors.
 
The following table summarizes the Company’s Class A and Class B common and treasury shares at the specified dates:
 
   
Authorized Shares
   
Issued Shares
   
Outstanding Shares
   
Treasury Shares
 
April 30, 2009:
                       
Class A Common Stock
    128,000,000       42,281,920       24,360,723       17,921,197  
Class B Common Stock
    69,120,000       34,560,000       22,462,266       12,097,734  
                                 
October 31, 2008:
                               
Class A Common Stock
    128,000,000       42,281,920       24,081,998       18,199,922  
Class B Common Stock
    69,120,000       34,560,000       22,562,266       11,997,734  
 
NOTE 13 — DIVIDENDS PER SHARE
 
The following dividends per share were paid during the periods indicated:
 
   
Three Months Ended April 30
   
Six Months Ended April 30
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
Class A Common Stock
  $ 0.38     $ 0.28     $ 0.76     $ 0.56  
Class B Common Stock
  $ 0.57     $ 0.42     $ 1.13     $ 0.83  

14

 
NOTE 14 — CALCULATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE
 
The Company has two classes of common stock and, as such, applies the “two-class method” of computing earnings per share as prescribed in SFAS No. 128, “Earnings Per Share.” In accordance with the Statement, earnings are allocated first to Class A and Class B Common Stock to the extent that dividends are actually paid and the remainder allocated assuming all of the earnings for the period have been distributed in the form of dividends. The following is a reconciliation of the average shares used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share:
 
   
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
 
   
April 30
   
April 30
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
Class A Common Stock:
                       
Basic shares
    24,352,826       23,911,860       24,241,605       23,850,542  
Assumed conversion of stock options
    270,598       535,589       266,413       525,698  
Diluted shares
    24,623,424       24,447,449       24,508,018       24,376,240  
                                 
Class B Common Stock:
                               
Basic and diluted shares
    22,462,266       22,882,611       22,489,148       22,912,762  
 
NOTE 15 — COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
Comprehensive income is comprised of net income and other charges and credits to equity that are not the result of transactions with the Company’s owners. The components of comprehensive income, net of tax, are as follows (Dollars in thousands):
 
   
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
 
   
April 30
   
April 30
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
Net income
  $ 12,142     $ 48,654     $ 13,408     $ 109,341  
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                               
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    (9,423 )     (8,573 )     (38,332 )     (43,576 )
Changes in fair value of interest rate derivatives, net of tax
    1,104       677       788       (1,785 )
Changes in fair value of energy and other derivatives, net of tax
    2,972       342       1,917       302  
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax
    547       (728 )     (591 )     35  
Comprehensive income
  $ 7,342     $ 40,372     $ (22,810 )   $ 64,317  
 
The following are the income tax benefit (expense) for each other comprehensive income (loss) line items:
 
   
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
 
   
April 30
   
April 30
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
Income tax (benefit) expense:
                       
Changes in fair value of interest rate derivatives, net of tax
    541       201       378       (542 )
Changes in fair value of energy and other derivatives, net of tax
    1,457       102       919       92  
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax
    268       (216 )     (283 )     11  
 
NOTE 16 — INCOME TAXES
 
The Company applies FASB Interpretation No. 48 (“FIN 48”), “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes.” FIN 48 is an interpretation of SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” and clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income tax positions. FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement process for recording in the financial statements uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Additionally, FIN 48 provides guidance regarding uncertain tax positions relating to de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition.
 
The Company has estimated the reasonably possible expected net change in unrecognized tax benefits through April 30, 2010 based on expected settlements or payments of uncertain tax positions, and lapses of the applicable statutes of limitations of unrecognized tax benefits. The estimated net decrease in unrecognized tax benefits for the next 12 months is approximately $2.8 million. Actual results may differ materially from this estimate.
 
There have been no significant changes in the Company’s uncertain tax positions for the six months ended April 30, 2009.
 
15

 
NOTE 17 — RETIREMENT PLANS AND POSTRETIREMENT HEALTH CARE AND LIFE INSURANCE BENEFITS
 
The components of net periodic pension cost include the following (Dollars in thousands):
 
   
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
 
   
April 30
   
April 30
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
Service cost
  $ 1,842     $ 3,151     $ 3,684     $ 6,302  
Interest cost
    4,143       7,660       8,286       15,320  
Expected return on plan assets
    (4,398 )     (9,098 )     (8,796 )     (18,196 )
Amortization of prior service cost, initial net asset and net actuarial gain
    288       1,192       576       2,384  
Net periodic pension costs
  $ 1,875     $ 2,905     $ 3,750     $ 5,810  
 
The Company made $4.9 million in pension contributions in the six months ended April 30, 2009. Based on minimum funding requirements including a change in measurement date to October 31 for all defined benefit plans, $11.5 million of pension contributions are estimated for the entire 2009 fiscal year.
 
The components of net periodic cost for postretirement benefits include the following (Dollars in thousands):
 
   
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
 
   
April 30
   
April 30
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
Service cost
  $ -     $ 8     $ -     $ 16  
Interest cost
    374       502       748       1,004  
Amortization of prior service cost and recognized actuarial gain
    (283 )     (348 )     (566 )     (696 )
Net periodic cost for postretirement benefits
  $ 91     $ 162     $ 182     $ 324  
 
16

 
NOTE 18 — BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION
 
The Company operates in three business segments: Industrial Packaging, Paper Packaging and Timber.
 
Operations in the Industrial Packaging segment involve the production and sale of industrial packaging and related services. These products are manufactured and sold in over 45 countries throughout the world.
 
Operations in the Paper Packaging segment involve the production and sale of containerboard, both semi-chemical and recycled, corrugated sheets, corrugated containers and multiwall bags and related services. These products are manufactured and sold in North America.
 
Operations in the Timber segment involve the management and sale of timber and special use properties from approximately 272,600 acres of timber properties in the southeastern United States. The Company also owns approximately 27,400 acres of timber properties in Canada, which are not actively managed at this time. In addition, the Company sells, from time to time, timberland and special use land, which consists of surplus land, higher and better use land, and development land.
 
The Company’s reportable segments are strategic business units that offer different products. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are substantially the same as those described in the “Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” note (see Note 1) in the 2008 Form 10-K.
 
17

 
The following segment information is presented for the periods indicated (Dollars in thousands):
 
   
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
 
   
April 30,
   
April 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
Net sales:
                       
Industrial Packaging
  $ 527,073     $ 748,009     $ 1,056,589     $ 1,419,287  
Paper Packaging
    118,064       163,442       248,449       332,246  
Timber
    2,760       6,568       9,119       12,778  
Total net sales
  $ 647,897     $ 918,019     $ 1,314,157     $ 1,764,311  
                                 
Operating profit:
                               
Operating profit, before the impact of restructuring charges,
                               
restructuring-related inventory charges and timberland disposals, net:
                         
Industrial Packaging
  $ 40,689     $ 64,209     $ 63,073     $ 142,281  
Paper Packaging
    14,961       14,053       35,689       34,452  
Timber
    2,425       10,446       5,584       16,561  
Operating profit, before the impact of restructuring charges,
                               
    restructuring-related inventory charges and timberland disposals, net:
    58,075       88,708       104,346       193,294  
                                 
Restructuring charges:
                               
Industrial Packaging
    19,564       6,454       44,738       16,257  
Paper Packaging
    731       816       2,583       1,488  
Timber
    -       67       150       67  
Restructuring charges
    20,295       7,337       47,471       17,812  
                                 
Restructuring-related inventory charges -
                               
Industrial Packaging
    7,452       -       9,285       -  
Timberland disposals, net - Timber
    -       100       -       190  
Total operating profit
  $ 30,328     $ 81,471     $ 47,590     $ 175,672  
                                 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense:
                               
Industrial Packaging
  $ 17,576     $ 18,312     $ 35,013     $ 36,060  
Paper Packaging
    6,636       7,283       13,370       13,102  
Timber
    49       1,180       1,135       3,476  
Total depreciation, depletion and amortization expense
  $ 24,261     $ 26,775     $ 49,518     $ 52,638  
                                 
                   
April 30,
   
October 31,
 
                   
2009
   
2008
 
Assets:
                               
Industrial Packaging
                  $ 1,684,122     $ 1,831,010  
Paper Packaging
                    348,181       360,263  
Timber
                    259,325       254,771  
Total segments
                    2,291,628       2,446,044  
Corporate and other
                    305,502       299,854  
Total assets
                  $ 2,597,130     $ 2,745,898  
 
The following table presents net sales to external customers by geographic area (Dollars in thousands):
 
   
Three months ended
   
Six months ended
 
   
April 30,
   
April 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
Net sales:
                       
North America
  $ 361,419     $ 475,780     $ 755,360     $ 925,850  
Europe, Middle East and Africa
    192,374       324,883       374,711       607,074  
Other
    94,104       117,356       184,086       231,387  
Total net sales
  $ 647,897     $ 918,019     $ 1,314,157     $ 1,764,311  
 
The following table presents total assets by geographic area (Dollars in thousands):
 
   
April 30,
   
October 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Assets:
           
North America
  $ 1,805,381     $ 1,836,049  
Europe, Middle East and Africa
    468,739       568,061  
Other
    323,010       341,788  
      Total assets
  $ 2,597,130     $ 2,745,898  
 
18

 
ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
GENERAL
 
The terms “Greif,” “our company,” “we,” “us” and “our” as used in this discussion refer to Greif, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Our fiscal year begins on November 1 and ends on October 31 of the following year. Any references in this Form 10-Q to the years 2009 or 2008, or to any quarter of those years, relates to the fiscal year or quarter, as the case may be, ending in that year.
 
The discussion and analysis presented below relates to the material changes in financial condition and results of operations for our consolidated balance sheets as of April 30, 2009 and October 31, 2008, and for the consolidated statements of income for the three-month and six-month periods ended April 30, 2009 and 2008. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements that appear elsewhere in this Form 10-Q and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2008 (the “2008 Form 10-K”). Readers are encouraged to review the entire 2008 Form 10-K, as it includes information regarding Greif not discussed in this Form 10-Q. This information will assist in your understanding of the discussion of our current period financial results.
 
All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this Form 10-Q, including without limitation, statements regarding our future financial position, business strategy, budgets, projected costs, goals and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “project,” “believe,” “continue” or “target” or the negative thereof or variations thereon or similar terminology. All forward-looking statements made in this Form 10-Q are based on information currently available to our management. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements have a reasonable basis, we can give no assurance that these expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the statements. For a discussion of the most significant risks and uncertainties that could cause Greif’s actual results to differ materially from those projected, see “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of the 2008 Form 10-K, updated by Part II, Item 1A of this Form 10-Q. All forward-looking statements made in this Form 10-Q are expressly qualified in their entirety by reference to such risk factors. Except to the limited extent required by applicable law, Greif undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
 
OVERVIEW
 
We operate in three business segments: Industrial Packaging; Paper Packaging; and Timber.
 
We are a leading global provider of industrial packaging products, such as steel, fibre and plastic drums, intermediate bulk containers, closure systems for industrial packaging products, transit protection products and polycarbonate water bottles, and services, such as blending, filling and other packaging services, logistics and warehousing. We seek to provide complete packaging solutions to our customers by offering a comprehensive range of products and services on a global basis. We sell our products to customers in industries such as chemicals, paint and pigments, food and beverage, petroleum, industrial coatings, agricultural, pharmaceutical and mineral, among others. In addition, the Company provides a variety of blending, filling and other packaging services, logistics and warehousing to customers in many of these same industries in North America.
 
We sell our containerboard, corrugated sheets, corrugated containers and multiwall bags to customers in North America in industries such as packaging, automotive, food and building products. Our corrugated container products are used to ship such diverse products as home appliances, small machinery, grocery products, building products, automotive components, books and furniture, as well as numerous other applications. Our full line of multiwall bag products is used to ship a wide range of industrial and consumer products, such as seed, fertilizers, chemicals, concrete, flour, sugar, feed, pet foods, popcorn, charcoal and salt, primarily for the agricultural, chemical, building products and food industries.
 
19

 
As of April 30, 2009, we owned approximately 272,600 acres of timber properties in the southeastern United States, which are actively managed, and approximately 27,400 acres of timber properties in Canada. Our timber management is focused on the active harvesting and regeneration of our timber properties to achieve sustainable long-term yields on our timberland. While timber sales are subject to fluctuations, we seek to maintain a consistent cutting schedule, within the limits of available merchantable acreage of timber, market and weather conditions. We also sell, from time to time, timberland and special use land, which consists of surplus land, higher and better use (“HBU”) land, and development land.
 
In 2003, we began a transformation to become a leaner, more market-focused/performance-driven company – what we call the “Greif Business System.” We believe the Greif Business System has and will continue to generate productivity improvements and achieve permanent cost reductions. The Greif Business System continues to focus on opportunities such as improved labor productivity, material yield and other manufacturing efficiencies, along with further plant consolidations. In addition, as part of the Greif Business System, we have launched a strategic sourcing initiative to more effectively leverage our global spending, including a transportation management system, and lay the foundation for a world-class sourcing and supply chain capability.
 
In response to the current economic slowdown, we have continued to implement previously announced incremental and accelerated Greif Business System initiatives and specific contingency actions. These initiatives include continuation of active portfolio management, further administrative excellence activities, a hiring and salary freeze and curtailed discretionary spending.
 
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). The preparation of these consolidated financial statements, in accordance with these principles, require us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our consolidated financial statements.
 
A summary of our significant accounting policies is included in Note 1 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the 2008 Form 10-K. We believe that the consistent application of these policies enables us to provide readers of the consolidated financial statements with useful and reliable information about our results of operations and financial condition. The following are the accounting policies that we believe are most important to the portrayal of our results of operations and financial condition and require our most difficult, subjective or complex judgments.
 
Allowance for Accounts Receivable. We evaluate the collectibility of our accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. In circumstances where we are aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations to us, we record a specific allowance for bad debts against amounts due to reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount we reasonably believe will be collected. In addition, we recognize allowances for bad debts based on the length of time receivables are past due with allowance percentages, based on our historical experiences, applied on a graduated scale relative to the age of the receivable amounts. If circumstances change (e.g., higher than expected bad debt experience or an unexpected material adverse change in a major customer’s ability to meet its financial obligations to us), our estimates of the recoverability of amounts due to us could change by a material amount.
 
20

 
Inventory Reserves. Reserves for slow moving and obsolete inventories are provided based on historical experience and product demand. We continuously evaluate the adequacy of these reserves and make adjustments to these reserves as required.
 
Net Assets Held for Sale. Net assets held for sale represent land, buildings and land improvements less accumulated depreciation for locations that have been closed. We record net assets held for sale in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” at the lower of carrying value or fair value less cost to sell. Fair value is based on the estimated proceeds from the sale of the facility utilizing recent purchase offers, market comparables and/or data obtained from our commercial real estate broker. Our estimate as to fair value is regularly reviewed and subject to changes in the commercial real estate markets and our continuing evaluation as to the facility’s acceptable sale price.
 
Properties, Plants and Equipment. Depreciation on properties, plants and equipment is provided on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of our assets.
 
We own timber properties in the southeastern United States and in Canada. With respect to our United States timber properties, which consisted of approximately 272,600 acres at April 30, 2009, depletion expense is computed on the basis of cost and the estimated recoverable timber acquired. Our land costs are maintained by tract. Merchantable timber costs are maintained by five product classes, pine sawtimber, pine chip-n-saw, pine pulpwood, hardwood sawtimber and hardwood pulpwood, within a “depletion block,” with each depletion block based upon a geographic district or subdistrict. Currently, we have 11 depletion blocks. These same depletion blocks are used for pre-merchantable timber costs. Each year, we estimate the volume of our merchantable timber for the five product classes by each depletion block. These estimates are based on the current state in the growth cycle and not on quantities to be available in future years. Our estimates do not include costs to be incurred in the future. We then project these volumes to the end of the year. Upon acquisition of a new timberland tract, we record separate amounts for land, merchantable timber and pre-merchantable timber allocated as a percentage of the values being purchased. These acquisition volumes and costs acquired during the year are added to the totals for each product class within the appropriate depletion block(s). The total of the beginning, one-year growth and acquisition volumes are divided by the total undepleted historical cost to arrive at a depletion rate, which is then used for the current year. As timber is sold, we multiply the volumes sold by the depletion rate for the current year to arrive at the depletion cost. Our Canadian timberland, which consisted of approximately 27,400 acres at April 30, 2009, did not have any depletion expense since it is not actively managed at this time.
 
We believe that the lives and methods of determining depreciation and depletion are reasonable; however, using other lives and methods could provide materially different results.
 
Restructuring Reserves. Restructuring reserves are determined in accordance with appropriate accounting guidance, including SFAS No. 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities,” and Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 100, “Restructuring and Impairment Charges,” depending upon the facts and circumstances surrounding the situation. Restructuring reserves are further discussed in Note 7 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-Q.
 
Pension and Postretirement Benefits. Our actuaries using assumptions about the discount rate, expected return on plan assets, rate of compensation increase and health care cost trend rates determine pension and postretirement benefit expenses. Further discussion of our pension and postretirement benefit plans and related assumptions is contained in Note 17 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-Q. The results would be different using other assumptions.
 
Income Taxes. We record a tax provision for the anticipated tax consequences of our reported results of operations. In accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” the provision for income taxes is computed using the asset and liability method, under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities, and for operating losses and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the currently enacted tax rates that apply to taxable income in effect for the years in which those tax assets are expected to be realized or settled. We record a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that is believed more likely than not to be realized. On November 1, 2007, we adopted Financial Interpretation No. (“FIN”) 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109.” Further information may be found in Note 16, to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-Q.
 
We believe it is more likely than not that forecasted income, including income that may be generated as a result of certain tax planning strategies, together with the tax effects of the deferred tax liabilities, will be sufficient to fully recover the remaining deferred tax assets. In the event that all or part of the net deferred tax assets are determined not to be realizable in the future, an adjustment to the valuation allowance would be charged either to earnings or to goodwill, whichever is appropriate, in the period such determination is made. In addition, the calculation of tax liabilities involves significant judgment in estimating the impact of uncertainties in the application of FIN 48 and other complex tax laws. Resolution of these uncertainties in a manner inconsistent with our expectations could have a material impact on our financial condition and operating results.
 
21

 
Environmental Cleanup Costs. We expense environmental costs related to existing conditions caused by past or current operations and from which no current or future benefit is discernable. Expenditures that extend the life of the related property, or mitigate or prevent future environmental contamination, are capitalized.
 
Environmental expenses were insignificant for the six months ended April 30, 2009 and 2008. Environmental cash expenditures were $0.4 million and $1.1 for the six months ended April 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Our reserves for environmental liabilities at April 30, 2009 amounted to $32.8 million, which included reserves of $18.2 million related to our blending facility in Chicago, Illinois (a reduction of $3.3 million from January 31, 2009 due to expenditures made and a reduction in cost estimates by a third party for its remediation efforts), and $9.0 million related to our Blagden facilities. The remaining reserves were for asserted and unasserted environmental litigation, claims and/or assessments at manufacturing sites and other locations where we believe it is probable the outcome of such matters will be unfavorable to us, but the environmental exposure at any one of those sites was not individually material. Reserves for large environmental exposures are principally based on environmental studies and cost estimates provided by third parties, but also take into account management estimates. Reserves for less significant environmental exposures are principally based on management estimates.
 
We anticipate that expenditures for remediation costs at most of the sites will be made over an extended period of time. Given the inherent uncertainties in evaluating environmental exposures, actual costs may vary from those estimated at April 30, 2009. Our exposure to adverse developments with respect to any individual site is not expected to be material. Although environmental remediation could have a material effect on results of operations if a series of adverse developments occur in a particular quarter or fiscal year, we believe that the chance of a series of adverse developments occurring in the same quarter or fiscal year is remote. Future information and developments will require us to continually reassess the expected impact of these environmental matters.
 
Self-Insurance. We are self-insured for certain of the claims made under our employee medical and dental insurance programs. We had recorded liabilities totaling $4.2 million and $4.1 million of estimated costs related to outstanding claims at April 30, 2009 and October 31, 2008, respectively. These costs include an estimate for expected settlements on pending claims, administrative fees and an estimate for claims incurred but not reported. These estimates are based on our assessment of outstanding claims, historical analysis and current payment trends. We record an estimate for the claims incurred but not reported using an estimated lag period based upon historical information. This lag period assumption has been consistently applied for the periods presented. If the lag period were hypothetically adjusted by a period equal to a half month, the impact on earnings would be approximately $1.0 million. However, we believe the liabilities recorded are adequate based upon current facts and circumstances.
 
We have certain deductibles applied to various insurance policies including general liability, product, auto and workers’ compensation. Deductible liabilities are insured primarily through our captive insurance subsidiary. We recorded liabilities totaling $20.1 million and $20.6 million for anticipated costs related to general liability, product, auto and workers’ compensation at April 30, 2009 and October 31, 2008, respectively. These costs include an estimate for expected settlements on pending claims, defense costs and an estimate for claims incurred but not reported. These estimates are based on our assessment of outstanding claims, historical analysis, actuarial information and current payment trends.
 
Contingencies. Various lawsuits, claims and proceedings have been or may be instituted or asserted against us, including those pertaining to environmental, product liability, and safety and health matters. We are continually consulting legal counsel and evaluating requirements to reserve for contingencies in accordance with SFAS No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies.” While the amounts claimed may be substantial, the ultimate liability cannot currently be determined because of the considerable uncertainties that exist. Based on the facts currently available, we believe the disposition of matters that are pending will not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.
 
Goodwill, Other Intangible Assets and Other Long-Lived Assets. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are no longer amortized, but instead are periodically reviewed for impairment as required by SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” The costs of acquired intangible assets determined to have definite lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated economic lives of five to 20 years. Our policy is to periodically review other intangible assets subject to amortization and other long-lived assets based upon the evaluation of such factors as the occurrence of a significant adverse event or change in the environment in which the business operates, or if the expected future net cash flows (undiscounted and without interest) would become less than the carrying amount of the asset. An impairment loss would be recorded in the period such determination is made based on the fair value of the related assets.
 
22

 
Other Items. Other items that could have a significant impact on the financial statements include the risks and uncertainties listed in Part I, Item 1A—Risk Factors, of the 2008 Form 10-K, as updated by Part II, Item 1A of this Form 10-Q. Actual results could differ materially using different estimates and assumptions, or if conditions are significantly different in the future.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
The following comparative information is presented for the three-month and six-month periods ended April 30, 2009 and 2008. Historically, revenues or earnings may or may not be representative of future operating results due to various economic and other factors.
 
The non-GAAP financial measure of operating profit, before the impact of restructuring charges, restructuring-related inventory charges and timberland disposals, net, is used throughout the following discussion of our results of operations (although restructuring-related inventory charges are applicable only to the Industrial Packaging segment and timberland disposals, net, are applicable only to the Timber segment). Operating profit, before the impact of restructuring charges, restructuring-related inventory charges and timberland disposals, net, is equal to operating profit plus restructuring charges, plus restructuring-related inventory charges less timberland gains plus timberland losses. We use operating profit, before the impact of restructuring charges, restructuring-related inventory charges and timberland disposals, net, because we believe that this measure provides a better indication of our operational performance because it excludes restructuring charges and restructuring-related inventory charges, which are not representative of ongoing operations, and timberland disposals, net, which are volatile from period to period, and it provides a more stable platform on which to compare our historical performance.
 
Second Quarter Results
 
Overview
 
Net sales decreased 29 percent (20 percent excluding the impact of foreign currency translation) to $647.9 million in the second quarter of 2009 compared to $918.0 million in the second quarter of 2008.  The $270.1 million decline was due to Industrial Packaging ($220.9 million), Paper Packaging ($45.3 million) and Timber ($3.9 million). The 20 percent constant-currency decrease was due to lower sales volumes across all product lines.
 
Operating profit was $30.3 million and $81.5 million in the second quarter of 2009 and 2008, respectively. Operating profit before the impact of restructuring charges, restructuring-related inventory charges and timberland disposals, net, was $58.1 million for the second quarter of 2009 compared to $88.7 million for the second quarter of 2008.  The $30.6 million decrease was due to Industrial Packaging ($23.5 million) and Timber ($8.0 million), partially offset by an increase in Paper Packaging ($0.9 million).
 
23

 
The following table sets forth the net sales and operating profit for each of our business segments (Dollars in millions):
 
For the three months ended April 30,
 
2009
   
2008
 
Net Sales
           
Industrial Packaging
  $ 527.1     $ 748.0  
Paper Packaging
    118.1       163.4  
Timber
    2.7       6.6  
Total net sales
  $ 647.9     $ 918.0  
Operating Profit:
               
Operating profit, before the impact of restructuring charges, restructuring-related inventory charges and timberland diposals, net:
               
Industrial Packaging
  $ 40.7     $ 64.2  
Paper Packaging 
    15.0       14.1  
Timber
    2.4       10.4  
Total operating profit before the impact of restructuring charges, restructuring-related inventory charges and timberland disposals, net:
  $ 58.1     $ 88.7  
Restructuring charges:
               
Industrial Packaging
  $ 19.6     $ 6.4  
Paper Packaging
    0.7       0.8  
Timber
    -       0.1  
Restructuring charges
  $ 20.3     $ 7.3  
                 
Restructuring-related inventory charges:
               
        Industrial Packaging
  $ 7.5     $ -  
Timberland disposals, net:
               
Timber
  $ -     $ 0.1  
                 
Operating profit (loss):
               
Industrial Packaging
  $ 13.6     $ 57.8  
Paper Packaging
    14.3       13.3  
Timber
    2.4       10.4  
Total operating profit
  $ 30.3     $ 81.5  

Segment Review
 
Industrial Packaging
 
Our Industrial Packaging segment offers a comprehensive line of industrial packaging products, such as steel, fibre and plastic drums, intermediate bulk containers, closure systems for industrial packaging products, transit protection products, polycarbonate water bottles, and services, such as blending, filling and other packaging services, logistics and warehousing. The key factors influencing profitability in the Industrial Packaging segment are:
 
 
Selling prices, customer demand and sales volumes;
 
 
Raw material costs, primarily steel, resin and containerboard;
 
 
Energy and transportation costs;
 
 
Benefits from executing the Greif Business System;
 
 
Restructuring charges;
 
 
Contributions from recent acquisitions;
 
 
Divestiture of business units; and
 
 
Impact of foreign currency translation.
 
In this segment, net sales decreased 30 percent (19 percent excluding the impact of foreign currency translation) to $527.1 million in the second quarter of 2009 from $748.0 million in the second quarter of 2008. The 19 percent constant-currency decrease was due to lower sales volumes across all product lines due to the current economic slowdown, compared to the same period in 2008.
 
Gross profit margin for the Industrial Packaging segment was 16.7 percent in the second quarter of 2009 versus 18.1 percent in the second quarter of 2008 due to lower net sales, a lower of cost or market adjustments in Asia and restructing related inventory charge primarily related to two closed plants in Asia which were partially offset by related LIFO benefits and contributions from further execution and acceleration of the Greif Business System initiatives.
 
Operating profit was $13.6 million in the second quarter of 2009 compared to operating profit of $57.9 million in the second quarter of 2008. Operating profit before the impact of restructuring charges and restructuringrelated inventory charges decreased to $40.7 million in the second quarter of 2009 from $64.2 million in the second quarter of 2008. The segment is aggressively implementing plans through the Greif Business System and specific contingency actions  to mitigate the impact of the lower activity levels.
 
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Paper Packaging
 
Our Paper Packaging segment sells containerboard, corrugated sheets, corrugated containers and multiwall bags in North America. The key factors influencing profitability in the Paper Packaging segment are:
 
 
Selling prices, customer demand and sales volumes;
 
 
Raw material costs, primarily old corrugated containers;
 
 
Energy and transportation costs;
 
 
Benefits from executing the Greif Business System; and
 
 
 •
Restructuring charges.
 
In this segment, net sales were $118.1 million in the second quarter of 2009 compared to $163.4 million in the second quarter of 2008.  This decrease was primarily due to lower activity levels compared to the same quarter of the previous year, partially offset by higher containerboard selling prices implemented in the fourth quarter of 2008.
 
The Paper Packaging segment’s gross profit margin increased to 21.7 percent in the second quarter of 2009 compared to 13.2 percent in the second quarter of 2008 due to higher selling prices and lower input costs.
 
Operating profit was $14.3 million and $13.2 million in the second quarter of 2009 and 2008, respectively. Operating profit before the impact of restructuring charges increased to $15.0 million in the second quarter of 2009 from $14.1 million in the second quarter of 2008.  The increase was primarily due to lower raw material costs, especially old corrugated containers, labor and transportation costs, partially offset by lower sales volumes.  In addition, the segment is aggressively implementing plans through the Greif Business Systems and specific contingency actions to mitigate the impact of the lower activity levels.
 
Timber
 
As of April 30, 2009, our Timber segment consists of approximately 272,600 acres of timber properties in the southeastern United States, which are actively harvested and regenerated, and approximately 27,400 acres in Canada. The key factors influencing profitability in the Timber segment are:
 
 
Planned level of timber sales;
 
 
Selling prices and customer demand
 
 
Gains (losses) on sale of timberland; and
 
 
Sale of special use properties (surplus, HBU, and development properties).
 
Net sales were $2.7 million and $6.6 million in the second quarter of 2009 and 2008, respectively.
 
Operating profit was $2.4 million and $10.4 million in the second quarter of 2009 and 2008, respectively.  Operating profit before the impact of restructuring charges and timberland disposals, net, was $2.4 million in the second quarter of 2009 compared to $10.4 million in the second quarter of 2008.  Included in these amounts were profits from the sale of certain special use properties of $1.3 million in the second quarter of 2009 and $9.5 million in the second quarter of 2008.
 
Other Income Statement Changes
 
Cost of Products Sold
 
The cost of products sold, as a percentage of net sales, was 82.4 percent for the second quarter of 2009 versus 82.7 percent for the second quarter of 2008. The slightly lower cost of products sold was due to lower raw material cost and related last-in, first-out (LIFO) benefits.
 
Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”) Expenses
 
SG&A expenses were $65.7 million, or 10.1 percent of net sales, in the second quarter of 2009 compared to $83.4 million, or 9.1 percent of net sales, in the second quarter of 2008. The decrease in SG&A expenses was primarily due to the implementation of incremental and accelerated Greif Business System initiatives and specific contingency actions and the impact of foreign currency translation.
 
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Restructuring Charges
 
The focus of the 2009 restructuring activities is on business realignment due to the economic downturn and further implementation of the Greif Business System. During the second quarter of 2009, we recorded restructuring charges of $20.3 million, consisting of $11.2 million in employee separation costs, $6.7 million in asset impairments and $2.4 million in other costs.
 
In 2008, our restructuring charges were primarily related to integration of acquisitions in the Industrial Packaging segment and alignment of the market-focused strategy and implementation of the Greif Business System in the Paper Packaging segment.   During the second quarter of 2008, we recorded restructuring charges of $7.3 million, consisting of $1.2 million in employee separation costs, $3.8 million in asset impairments, and $2.3 million in other costs.
 
In addition, during the second quarter of 2009, we recorded $7.5 million of restructuring-related inventory charges as a cost of products sold in our Industrial Packaging segment related to excess inventory adjustment primarily at two closed facilities in Asia.
 
Timberland Disposals, Net
 
During the second quarter of 2009 and 2008, we recorded no net gain on sale of timber property.
 
Gain on Disposal of Properties, Plants and Equipment, Net
 
During the second quarter of 2009, we recorded a gain on disposal of properties, plants and equipment, net of $2.2 million, primarily consisting of a $0.5 million gain on the sale of a business in Europe and a $1.3 million gain on the sale of special use properties. During the second quarter of 2008, we recorded a gain on disposal of properties, plants and equipment, net of $13.0 million, primarily from the sale of surplus and HBU timber properties of $8.3 million.
 
Interest Expense, Net
 
Interest expense, net was $13.4 million and $13.3 million for the second quarter of 2009 and 2008, respectively. The slight increase in interest expense, net was primarily attributable to higher average debt outstanding partially offset by lower interest rates.
 
Debt Extinguishment Charge
 
In the second quarter of 2009, we completed its new $700 million senior secured credit facilities. The new facilities replaced an existing $450 million revolving credit facility that was scheduled to mature in March 2010. As a result of this transaction, a debt extinguishment charge of $0.8 million in non-cash items, such as write-off of unamortized capitalized debt issuance costs was recorded.
 
Other Income (Expense), Net
 
Other income, net during second quarter of 2009 was $2.0 million compared to other expense, net of $3.8 million during the second quarter of 2008. The decrease in other expense, net was primarily due to foreign exchange gains and lower fees related to trade receivables financing facilities.
 
Income Tax Expense
 
The effective tax rate was 32.9 percent and 22.9 percent in the second quarter of 2009 and 2008, respectively. The higher effective tax rate resulted from an increase in the proportion of taxable income in the United States relative to outside the United States in the 2009 compared to the same period last year.
 
Equity in Earnings (Losses) of Affiliates and Minority Interests
 
During the second quarter of 2009, we had no significant loss or gain on equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates and minority interests. During the second quarter of 2008, we recorded a loss of $1.0 million on equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates and minority interests. We have minority holdings in various companies, and the minority interests of other persons in the respective net income of these companies have been recorded as an expense.
 
Net Income
 
Based on the foregoing, we recorded net income of $12.1 million for the second quarter of 2009 compared to $48.7 million in the second quarter of 2008.
 
Year-to-Date Results
 
Overview

Net sales decreased 26 percent (21 percent excluding the impact of foreign currency translation) to $1,314.1 million in the first half of 2009 compared to $1,764.3 million in the first half of 2008.  The $450.2 million decrease is due to Industrial Packaging ($362.7 million), Paper Packaging ($83.8 million) and Timber ($3.7 million). The 21 percent constant-currency decrease was due to lower sales volumes across all product lines.
 
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Operating profit was $47.6 million and $175.7 million in the first half of 2009 and 2008, respectively.  Operating profit before the impact of restructuring charges, restructuring-related inventory charges, and timberland disposals, net was $104.4 million for the first half of 2009 compared to $193.3 million for the first half of 2008.  The $88.9 million decrease was principally due to lower operating profit in Industrial Packaging ($79.1 million) and Timber ($11.0 million) and a slight increase in Paper Packaging ($1.2 million). This decrease was attributable to slower sales across all segments compared to the same period last year and a $29.9 million pretax net gain on the divestiture of business units in Australia and Zimbabwe, which we recognized in the 2008 in Industrial Packaging.

The following table sets forth the net sales and operating profit for each of our business segments (Dollars in millions):
 
For the six months ended April 30,
 
2009
   
2008
 
Net Sales
           
Industrial Packaging
  $ 1,056.6     $ 1,419.3  
Paper Packaging
    248.4       332.2  
Timber
    9.1       12.8  
Total net sales
  $ 1,314.1     $ 1,764.3  
Operating Profit:
               
Operating profit, before the impact of restructuring charges, restructuring-related inventory charges and timberland diposals, net:
               
Industrial Packaging
  $ 63.1     $ 142.2  
Paper Packaging 
    35.7       34.5  
Timber
    5.6       16.6  
Total operating profit before the impact of restructuring charges, restructuring-related inventory charges and timberland disposals, net:
  $ 104.4     $ 193.3  
Restructuring charges:
               
Industrial Packaging
  $ 44.7     $ 15.8  
Paper Packaging
    2.6       1.9  
Timber
    0.2       0.1  
Restructuring charges
  $ 47.5     $ 17.8  
Restructuring-related inventory charges:
               
Industrial Packaging
  $ 9.3     $ -  
Timberland disposals, net:
               
Timber
  $ -     $ 0.2  
                 
Operating profit (loss):
               
Industrial Packaging
  $ 9.1     $ 126.4  
Paper Packaging
    33.1       32.6  
Timber
    5.4       16.7  
Total operating profit