NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 – BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The Business
Greif, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Greif,” “our,” or the “Company”), principally manufacture rigid industrial packaging products, such as steel, fibre and plastic drums, rigid intermediate bulk containers, closure systems for industrial packaging products, transit protection products, water bottles and remanufactured and reconditioned industrial containers, and provides services, such as container life cycle management, filling, logistics, warehousing and other packaging services. The Company produce and sell containerboard, corrugated sheets, corrugated containers, and other corrugated products to customers in North America in industries such as packaging, automotive, food and building products. The Company also produce and sell coated recycled paperboard and uncoated recycled paperboard, some of which are used to produce and sell industrial products (tubes and cores, construction products, protective packaging and adhesives). In addition, the Company also purchase and sell recycled fiber. The Company is a leading global producer of flexible intermediate bulk containers. In addition, the Company owns timber properties in the southeastern United States which are actively harvested and regenerated. The Company has operations in over 40 countries.
Due to the variety of its products, the Company has many customers buying different products and due to the scope of the Company’s sales, no one customer is considered principal in the total operations of the Company.
The Company supplies a cross section of industries, such as chemicals, paints and pigments, food and beverage, petroleum, industrial coatings, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, minerals, packaging, automotive and building products, and makes spot deliveries on a day-to-day basis as its products are required by its customers. The Company does not operate on a backlog to any significant extent and maintains only limited levels of finished goods. Many customers place their orders weekly for delivery during the same week.
The Company’s raw materials are principally steel, resin, containerboard, old corrugated containers, pulpwood, recycled coated and uncoated paperboard and used industrial packaging for reconditioning.
There were approximately 16,000 full time employees of the Company as of October 31, 2021.
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Greif, Inc., all wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries, joint ventures controlled by the Company or for which the Company is the primary beneficiary and equity earnings of unconsolidated affiliates. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Investments in unconsolidated affiliates are accounted for using the equity method based on the Company’s ownership interest in the unconsolidated affiliate.
The Company’s consolidated financial statements are presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
The Company’s fiscal year begins on November 1 and ends on October 31 of the following year. Any references to years or to any quarter of those years, relates to the fiscal year or quarter, as the case may be, ended in that year, unless otherwise stated.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Though actual amounts could significantly or materially differ from estimates, the most significant estimates are related to:
•Expected useful lives assigned to properties, plants and equipment;
•Goodwill and other intangible assets;
•Estimates of fair value;
•Environmental liabilities;
•Pension and post-retirement benefits, including plan assets;
•Income taxes;
•Net assets held for sale; and contingencies.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The carrying value of cash equivalents approximates fair value.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Trade receivables represent amounts owed to the Company through its operating activities and are presented net of allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts totaled $6.1 million and $9.4 million as of October 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The Company evaluates the collectability of its accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. In circumstances where the Company is aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations to the Company, the Company records a specific allowance for bad debts against amounts due to reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount the Company reasonably believes will be collected. In addition, the Company recognizes allowances for bad debts based on the length of time receivables are past due with allowance percentages, based on its historical experiences, applied on a graduated scale relative to the age of the receivable amounts. If circumstances such as higher than expected bad debt experience or an unexpected material adverse change in a major customer’s ability to meet its financial obligations to the Company were to occur, the recoverability of amounts due to the Company could change by a material amount. Amounts deemed uncollectible are written-off against the allowance for doubtful accounts.
Concentration of Credit Risk and Major Customers
The Company maintains cash depository accounts with banks throughout the world and invests in high quality short-term liquid instruments. Such investments are made only in instruments issued by high quality institutions and mature within three months. The Company did not incur any losses related to these investments during the years ended October 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019.
Trade receivables can be potentially exposed to a concentration of credit risk with customers or in particular industries. Such credit risk is considered by management to be limited due to the Company’s many customers, none of which are considered principal in the total operations of the Company, and its geographic scope of operations in a variety of industries throughout the world. The Company does not have an individual customer that exceeds 10 percent of total revenue. In addition, the Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers’ financial conditions and maintains reserves for credit losses. Such losses historically have been within management’s expectations.
Inventory
The Company primarily uses the FIFO method of inventory valuation. Reserves for slow moving and obsolete inventories are provided based on historical experience, inventory aging and product demand. The Company continuously evaluates the adequacy of these reserves and adjusts these reserves as required.
Net Assets Held for Sale
Net assets held for sale represent land, buildings and other assets and liabilities for locations that have met the criteria of “held for sale” accounting, as specified by Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 360, “Property, Plant, and Equipment,” 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 assets utilizing recent purchase offers, market comparables and/or reliable third party data. The Company's estimate as to fair value is regularly reviewed and assets are subject to changes, such as in the commercial real estate markets and the Company's continuing evaluation as to the asset’s acceptable sale price. The net assets held for sale are being marketed for sale and it is the Company’s intention to complete the sales of these assets within the upcoming year, assuming offers deemed sufficient by management are received as result of marketing efforts. See Note 6 herein for additional information regarding assets and liabilities held for sale.
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangibles
Goodwill is the excess of the purchase price of an acquired entity over the amounts assigned to tangible and intangible assets and liabilities assumed in the business combination. The Company accounts for purchased goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets in accordance with ASC 350, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other.” Under ASC 350, purchased goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized, but instead are tested for impairment at least annually. The Company tests for impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets as of August 1, or more frequently if certain indicators are present or changes in circumstances suggest that impairment may exist.
In accordance with ASC 350, the Company has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative test for goodwill impairment. If the Company believes, as a result of its qualitative assessment, that it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the quantitative impairment test is required. The quantitative test for goodwill impairment is conducted at the reporting unit level by comparing the carrying value of each reporting unit to the estimated fair value of the unit. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, then the goodwill of the reporting unit is impaired. Goodwill impairment is recognized as the amount that the carrying value exceeds the fair value; not to exceed the balance of goodwill attributable to the reporting unit. When a portion of a reporting unit is disposed of, goodwill is allocated to the gain or loss on that disposition based on the relative fair values of the portion of the reporting unit subject to disposition and the portion of the reporting unit that will be retained.
The Company’s determinations of estimated fair value of the reporting units are based on both the market approach and a discounted cash flow analysis utilizing the income approach. Under the market approach, the principal inputs are market prices and valuation multiples for public companies engaged in businesses that are considered comparable to the reporting unit. Under the income approach, the principal inputs are the reporting unit’s cash-generating capabilities and the discount rate. The discount rates used in the income approach are based on a market participant’s weighted average cost of capital. The use of alternative estimates, including different peer groups or changes in the industry, or adjusting the discount rate, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, depletion and amortization forecasts or cash flow assumptions used could affect the estimated fair value of the reporting units and potentially result in goodwill impairment. Any identified impairment would result in an expense to the Company’s results of operations. See Note 2 for additional information regarding goodwill and other intangible assets.
Other Intangibles
The Company accounts for intangible assets in accordance with ASC 350. Definite lived intangible assets are amortized over their useful lives on a straight-line basis. The useful lives for definite lived intangible assets vary depending on the type of asset and the terms of contracts or the valuation performed. Amortization expense on intangible assets is recorded on the straight-line method over their useful lives as follows:
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Years
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Trade names
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10-15
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Customer relationships
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5-23
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Non-compete agreements
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3-10
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Other intangibles
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7-15
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Acquisitions
From time to time, the Company acquires businesses and/or assets that augment and complement its operations. In accordance with ASC 805, “Business Combinations,” these acquisitions are accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. Under this method, the Company allocates the fair value of purchase consideration transferred to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values on the date of the acquisition. The excess purchase consideration over the aggregate fair value of tangible and intangible assets, net of liabilities assumed, is recorded as goodwill. The Company's estimates of fair value are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable and, as a result, actual results may differ from estimates.
During the measurement period, not to exceed one year from the date of acquisition, the Company may record adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with a corresponding offset to goodwill if new information is obtained related to facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date. After the measurement period, any subsequent adjustments are reflected in the consolidated statements of operations. Acquisition costs, such as legal and consulting fees, are expensed as incurred.
The Company classifies costs incurred in connection with acquisitions and their integration as acquisition and integration related costs. These costs are expensed as incurred and consist primarily of transaction costs, legal and consulting fees, integration costs and changes in the fair value of contingent payments (earn-outs) and are recorded within Acquisition and Integration related Costs line item presented on the consolidated income statement. Acquisition transaction costs are incurred during the initial evaluation of a potential targeted acquisition and primarily relate to costs to analyze, negotiate and consummate the transaction as well as financial and legal due diligence activities. Post-acquisition integration activities are costs incurred to combine the operations of an acquired enterprise into the Company’s operations.
The consolidated financial statements include the results of operations from these business combinations from the date of acquisition.
Internal Use Software
Internal use software is accounted for under ASC 985, “Software.” Internal use software is software that is acquired, internally developed or modified solely to meet the Company’s needs and for which, during the software’s development or modification, a plan does not exist to market the software externally. Costs incurred to develop the software during the application development stage and for upgrades and enhancements that provide additional functionality are capitalized and then amortized over a three-year period. Internal use software is capitalized as a component of machinery and equipment on the consolidated balance sheets.
Long-Lived Assets
Properties, plants and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation on properties, plants and equipment is provided on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:
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Years
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Buildings
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30
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Machinery and equipment
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10-15
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Depreciation expense was $164.6 million, $169.1 million and $149.0 million in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. When properties are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the asset and related allowance accounts. Gains or losses are credited or charged to income as incurred.
The Company capitalizes interest on long-term fixed asset projects using a rate that approximates the weighted average cost of borrowing. For the years ended October 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, the Company's capitalized interest costs were not material.
The Company tests for impairment of properties, plants and equipment if certain indicators are present to suggest that impairment may exist. Long-lived assets are grouped together at the lowest level, generally at the plant level, for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of cash flows of other groups of long-lived assets. As events warrant, the Company evaluates the recoverability of long-lived assets, other than goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, by assessing whether the carrying value can be recovered over their remaining useful lives through the expected future undiscounted operating cash flows of the underlying business. Impairment indicators include, but are not limited to, a significant decrease in the market price of a long-lived asset; a significant adverse change in the manner in which the asset is being used or in its physical condition; a significant adverse change in legal factors or the business climate that could affect the value of a long-lived asset; an accumulation of costs significantly in excess of the amount originally expected for the acquisition or construction of a long-lived asset; current period operating or cash flow losses combined with a history of operating or cash flow losses associated with the use of the asset; or a current expectation that it is more likely than not that a long-lived asset will be sold or otherwise disposed of significantly before the end of its previously estimated useful life. Future decisions to change our manufacturing processes, exit certain businesses, reduce excess capacity, temporarily idle facilities and close facilities could also result in material impairment losses. Any impairment loss that may be required is determined by comparing the carrying value of the assets to their estimated fair value.
As of October 31, 2021, the Company's timber properties consisted of approximately 175,000 acres, all of which were located in the southeastern United States. The Company’s land costs are maintained by tract. Upon acquisition of a new timberland tract, the Company records separate amounts for land, merchantable timber and pre-merchantable timber allocated as a percentage of the values being purchased. The Company begins recording pre-merchantable timber costs at the time the site is prepared for planting. Costs capitalized during the establishment period include site preparation by aerial spray, costs of seedlings, including refrigeration rental and trucking, planting costs, herbaceous weed control, woody release and labor and machinery use. The Company does not capitalize interest costs in the process. Property taxes are expensed as incurred. New road construction costs are capitalized as land improvements and depreciated over a 10 to 20 year period. Road repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Costs after establishment of the seedlings, including management costs, pre-commercial thinning costs and fertilization costs, are expensed as incurred. Once the timber becomes merchantable, the cost is transferred from the pre-merchantable timber category to the merchantable timber category in the depletion block.
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, the Company has five depletion blocks. These same depletion blocks are used for pre-merchantable timber costs. Each year, the Company estimates the volume of the Company’s merchantable timber for the five product classes by each depletion block and depletion costs recognized upon sales are calculated as volumes sold times the unit costs in the
respective depletion block. For the years ended October 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, the Company's depletion expense was not material.
Contingencies
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 currently be determined because of the considerable uncertainties that exist.
All lawsuits, claims and proceedings are considered by the Company in establishing reserves for contingencies in accordance with ASC 450, “Contingencies.” In accordance with the provisions of ASC 450, 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 effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
Environmental Cleanup Costs
The Company accounts for environmental cleanup costs in accordance with ASC 410, “Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations.” The Company expenses environmental expenditures related to existing conditions resulting from past or current operations and from which no current or future benefit is discernible. Expenditures that extend the life of the related property or mitigate or prevent future environmental contamination are capitalized. The Company determines its liability on a site-by-site basis and records a liability at the time when it is probable and can be reasonably estimated. The Company’s estimated liability is reduced to reflect the anticipated participation of other potentially responsible parties in those instances where it is probable that such parties are legally responsible and financially capable of paying their respective shares of the relevant costs.
Self-insurance
The Company is self-insured for certain of the claims made under its employee medical and dental insurance programs. The Company had recorded liabilities totaling $7.4 million and $7.2 million for estimated costs related to outstanding claims as of October 31, 2021 and 2020, 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 management’s assessment of outstanding claims, historical analyses and current payment trends. The Company recorded an estimate for the claims incurred, but not reported using an estimated lag period based upon historical information.
The Company has certain deductibles applied to various insurance policies including general liability, product, vehicle and workers’ compensation. The Company maintains liabilities totaling $24.0 million and $24.7 million for anticipated costs related to general liability, product, vehicle and workers’ compensation claims as of October 31, 2021 and 2020, 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 the Company’s assessment of its deductibles, outstanding claims, historical analysis, actuarial information and current payment trends.
Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for under ASC 740, “Income Taxes.” In accordance with ASC 740, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, as measured by enacted tax rates that are expected to be in effect in the periods when the deferred tax assets and liabilities are expected to be settled or realized. Valuation allowances are established when management believes it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
The Company’s effective tax rate is impacted by the amount of income generated in each taxing jurisdiction, statutory tax rates and tax planning opportunities available to the Company in the various jurisdictions in which the Company operates. Significant judgment is required in determining the Company’s effective tax rate and in evaluating its tax positions.
Tax benefits from uncertain tax positions are recognized when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits. The amount recognized is measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon settlement. The Company’s effective tax rate includes the impact of reserve provisions and changes to reserves on uncertain tax positions that are not more likely than not to be sustained upon examination as well as related interest and penalties.
A number of years may elapse before a particular matter, for which the Company has established a reserve, is audited and finally resolved. The number of years with open tax audits varies depending on the tax jurisdiction. While it is often difficult to predict the final outcome or the timing of resolution of any particular tax matter, the Company believes that its reserves reflect the probable outcome of known tax contingencies. Unfavorable settlement of any particular issue would require use of the Company’s cash. Favorable resolution would be recognized as a reduction to the Company’s effective tax rate in the period of resolution.
Equity earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax
Equity earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax represent the Company’s share of earnings of affiliates in which the Company does not exercise control, but has significant influence. Investments in such affiliates are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. The Company has an equity interest in three such affiliates as of October 31, 2021. 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.
Other Comprehensive Income
The Company's other comprehensive income is significantly impacted by foreign currency translation, effective cash flow hedges and defined benefit pension and post-retirement benefit adjustments.
The impact of foreign currency translation is affected by the translation of assets, liabilities and operations of the Company's foreign subsidiaries which are denominated in functional currencies other than the U.S. dollar and the recognition of accumulated foreign currency translation upon the disposal of foreign entities. The primary assets and liabilities affecting the adjustments are: cash and cash equivalents; accounts receivable; inventory; properties, plants and equipment; accounts payable; pension and other post-retirement benefit obligations; and certain intercompany loans payable and receivable. The primary currencies in which these assets and liabilities are denominated are the Euro, Brazilian real and Chinese yuan. Currently, cross currency swaps are held by the Company to synthetically swap U.S. dollar denominated fixed rate debt into Euro denominated fixed rate debt, thus reducing the impact of foreign currency translation for operations and investments we have in various international locations. The Company uses the critical terms match method for assessing the effectiveness of the swaps.
The impact of effective cash flow hedges is reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Currently, interest rate swaps are held by the Company to effectively convert a portion of floating rate debt to a fixed rate basis, thus reducing the impact of interest rate increases on future interest expense. The Company uses the regression method for assessing the effectiveness of the swaps.
The impact of defined benefit pension and post-retirement benefit adjustments is primarily affected by unrecognized actuarial gains and losses related to the Company's defined benefit and other post-retirement benefit plans, as well as the subsequent amortization of gains and losses from accumulated other comprehensive income in periods following the initial recording of such items. These actuarial gains and losses are determined using various assumptions, the most significant of which are (i) the weighted average rate used for discounting the liability, (ii) the weighted average expected long-term rate of return on pension plan assets, (iii) the method used to determine market-related value of pension plan assets, (iv) the weighted average rate of future salary increases and (v) the anticipated mortality rate tables.
Restructuring Charges
The Company accounts for all exit or disposal activities in accordance with ASC 420, “Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations.” Under ASC 420, a liability is measured at its fair value and recognized as incurred.
Employee-related costs primarily consist of one-time termination benefits provided to employees who have been involuntarily terminated. A one-time benefit arrangement is an arrangement established by a plan of termination that applies for a specified termination event or for a specified future period. A one-time benefit arrangement exists at the date the plan of termination meets all of the following criteria and has been communicated to employees:
(1)Management, having the authority to approve the action, commits to a plan of termination.
(2)The plan identifies the number of employees to be terminated, their job classifications or functions and their locations and the expected completion date.
(3)The plan establishes the terms of the benefit arrangement, including the benefits that employees will receive upon termination (including but not limited to cash payments), in sufficient detail to enable employees to determine the type and amount of benefits they will receive if they are involuntarily terminated.
(4)Actions required to complete the plan indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made or that the plan will be withdrawn.
Facility exit and other costs consist of equipment relocation costs and project consulting fees. A liability for other costs associated with an exit or disposal activity is recognized and measured at its fair value in the period in which the liability is incurred (generally, when goods or services associated with the activity are received). The liability is not recognized before it is incurred, even if the costs are incremental to other operating costs and will be incurred as a direct result of a plan.
Pension and Post-retirement Benefits
Under ASC 715, “Compensation – Retirement Benefits,” the Company recognizes the funded status of its defined benefit pension and other post-retirement plans on the consolidated balance sheet and records as a component of other comprehensive income, net of tax, the gains or losses and prior service costs or credits that have not been recognized as components of the net periodic benefit cost.
Stock-Based Compensation Expense
The Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense in accordance with ASC 718, “Compensation – Stock Compensation.” ASC 718 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 and restricted stock units.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for transferring goods or providing services. Customer payment terms are typically less than one year and as such, transaction prices are not adjusted for the effects of a significant financing component. Standalone selling prices for each performance obligation are generally stated in the contract. Variable consideration in the form of volume rebates is estimated based on contract terms and historical experience of actual results limited to the amount which is probable will not result in reversal of cumulative revenue recognized when the variable consideration is resolved. Taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are excluded from net sales.
For the vast majority of revenues, contracts with customers are either a purchase order or the combination of a purchase order with a master supply agreement. A performance obligation is considered an individual unit sold. The Company does not bundle products. Prices negotiated with each individual customer are representative of the stand-alone selling price of the product. The Company typically satisfies the performance obligation at a point in time when control is transferred to customers. The point in time when control of goods is transferred is largely dependent on delivery terms.
Contract liabilities relate primarily to prepayments received from the Company’s customers before revenue is recognized and from volume rebates to customers. These amounts are included in other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company does not have any material contract assets. Freight charged to customers is included in net sales in the statement of income.
The Company's contracts with customers are broadly similar in nature throughout its reportable segments, but the amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows may vary in each reportable segment due to geographic factors. See Note 13 herein for additional disclosures of revenue disaggregated by geography for each reportable segment.
Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs
The Company includes shipping and handling fees and costs in cost of products sold.
Other Expense, net
Other expense, net primarily represents foreign currency transaction gains and losses, non-service cost components of net periodic post-retirement benefit costs and other infrequent non-operating items.
Currency Translation
In accordance with ASC 830, “Foreign Currency Matters,” the assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency are translated into United States dollars at the rate of exchange existing at period-end, and revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates.
The cumulative translation adjustments, which represent the effects of translating assets and liabilities of the Company’s international operations, are presented in the consolidated statements of changes in shareholders’ equity in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Transaction gains and losses on foreign currency transactions denominated in a currency other than an entity’s functional currency are credited or charged to income. The amounts included in other expense, net related to foreign currency transaction losses were not material for the years ended October 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019.
Derivative Financial Instruments
In accordance with ASC 815, “Derivatives and Hedging,” the Company records all derivatives in the consolidated balance sheet as either assets or liabilities measured at fair value. Dependent on the designation of the derivative instrument, changes in fair value are recorded to earnings or shareholders’ equity through other comprehensive income (loss).
The Company may from time to time use interest rate swap agreements to hedge against changing interest rates. For interest rate swap agreements designated as cash flow hedges, the net gain or loss on the derivative instrument is reported as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The Company's interest rate swap agreements effectively convert a portion of floating rate debt to a fixed rate basis, thus reducing the impact of interest rate changes on future interest expense.
The Company's cross currency interest rate swap agreement synthetically swaps United States ("U.S.") dollar denominated fixed rate debt for Euro denominated fixed rate debt and is designated as a net investment hedge for accounting purposes. The gain or loss on this derivative instrument is included in the foreign currency translation component of other comprehensive income until the net investment is sold, diluted, or liquidated. Interest payments received for the cross currency swap are excluded from the net investment hedge effectiveness assessment and are recorded in interest expense, net on the consolidated statements of income.
The Company enters into currency forward contracts to hedge certain currency transactions and short-term intercompany loan balances with its international businesses. Such contracts limit the Company’s exposure to both favorable and unfavorable currency fluctuations. These contracts are adjusted to reflect market value as of each balance sheet date, with the resulting changes in fair value being recognized in other expense, net.
Any derivative contract that is either not designated as a hedge, or is so designated but is ineffective, has its changes to market value recognized in earnings immediately. If a cash flow or fair value hedge ceases to qualify for hedge accounting, the contract would continue to be carried on the balance sheet at fair value until settled and have the adjustments to the contract’s fair value recognized in earnings. If a forecasted transaction were no longer probable to occur, amounts previously deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) would be recognized immediately in earnings.
Variable Interest Entities
The Company evaluates whether an entity is a variable interest entity (“VIE”) and determines if the primary beneficiary status is appropriate on a quarterly basis. The Company consolidates VIEs for which it is the primary beneficiary. If the Company is not the primary beneficiary and an ownership interest is held, the VIE is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. When assessing the determination of the primary beneficiary, the Company considers all relevant facts and circumstances, including: the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance; the obligation to absorb the expected losses; and/or the right to receive the expected returns of the VIE.
Fair Value
The Company uses ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” to account for fair value. ASC 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in GAAP and expands disclosures about assets and liabilities measured at fair value. Additionally, this standard established a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. This hierarchy requires entities to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.
The three levels of inputs used to measure fair values are as follows:
•Level 1 – Observable inputs such as unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.
•Level 2 – Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.
•Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets and liabilities.
The Company presents various fair value disclosures in Note 6 and Note 9 of the Notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Newly Adopted Accounting Standards
In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-13, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses”. The ASU sets forth a current expected credit loss model which requires the Company to measure all expected credit losses for financial instruments held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable supportable forecasts. This replaces the existing incurred loss model and is applicable to the measurement of credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost and applies to some off-balance sheet credit exposures. This ASU is effective for years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those years, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this ASU on November 1, 2020. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income, cash flows or disclosures.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes,” which is intended to simplify various aspects related to accounting for income taxes. This ASU is effective for years beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim periods within those years, with early adoption permitted. The effective date for the Company to adopt this ASU is November 1, 2021. The Company has completed its assessment related to the adoption of the ASU and based on the current structure of the Company and its operations, the ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the financial position, result of operations, comprehensive income, cash flows or disclosures.
NOTE 2 – GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The following table summarizes the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for the years ended October 31, 2021 and 2020:
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(in millions)
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Global Industrial Packaging (1)
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Paper
Packaging & Services
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Total
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Balance at October 31, 2019
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$
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731.7
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$
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786.1
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$
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1,517.8
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Goodwill allocated to divestitures and businesses held for sale
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(0.7)
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(35.6)
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(36.3)
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Goodwill adjustments related to acquisitions
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1.1
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|
17.4
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Currency translation
|
18.4
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18.4
|
|
Balance at October 31, 2020
|
$
|
750.5
|
|
|
$
|
767.9
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
1,518.4
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Goodwill allocated to divestitures and businesses held for sale
|
(0.4)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.4)
|
|
Goodwill adjustments
|
(0.2)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Currency translation
|
(2.6)
|
|
|
0.2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2.4)
|
|
Balance at October 31, 2021
|
$
|
747.3
|
|
|
$
|
768.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
1,515.4
|
|
(1)Accumulated goodwill impairment loss was $63.3 million as of October 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, related to the Global Industrial Packaging reportable segment.
The Company reviews goodwill by reporting unit and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment as required by ASC 350, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other,” either annually August 1, or whenever events and circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred. A reporting unit is the operating segment, or a business unit one level below that operating segment (the component level) if discrete financial information is prepared and regularly reviewed by segment management. The components are aggregated into reporting units for purposes of goodwill impairment testing to the extent they share similar qualitative and quantitative characteristics.
The Company performed its annual goodwill impairment test as of August 1, 2021. The fair value of the Company's goodwill reporting units exceeded the carrying value, resulting in no impairment. Discount rates and revenue growth rates are the assumptions that are most sensitive and susceptible to change as they require significant management judgment. In addition, certain future events and circumstances, including deterioration of market conditions, higher cost of capital, a decline in actual and expected consumption and demand, could result in changes to these assumptions and judgments. A revision of these assumptions could cause the fair value of the reporting unit to fall below its respective carrying value. As for all of the Company's reporting units, if in future years, the reporting unit's actual results are not consistent with the Company's estimates and assumptions used to calculate fair value, the Company may be required to recognize material impairments to goodwill.
The following table summarizes the carrying amount of net intangible assets by class as of October 31, 2021 and 2020:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions)
|
Gross
Intangible
Assets
|
|
Accumulated
Amortization
|
|
Net Intangible
Assets
|
October 31, 2021:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Indefinite lived:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trademarks and patents
|
$
|
13.4
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
13.4
|
|
Definite lived:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Customer relationships
|
887.0
|
|
|
259.4
|
|
|
627.6
|
|
Trademarks and patents
|
27.3
|
|
|
20.8
|
|
|
6.5
|
|
Non-compete agreements
|
0.7
|
|
|
0.6
|
|
|
0.1
|
|
Other
|
1.8
|
|
|
1.0
|
|
|
0.8
|
|
Total
|
$
|
930.2
|
|
|
$
|
281.8
|
|
|
$
|
648.4
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 31, 2020:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Indefinite lived:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trademarks and patents
|
$
|
13.5
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
13.5
|
|
Definite lived:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Customer relationships
|
891.8
|
|
|
204.9
|
|
|
686.9
|
|
Trademarks and patents
|
27.4
|
|
|
14.9
|
|
|
12.5
|
|
Non-compete agreements
|
1.7
|
|
|
1.2
|
|
|
0.5
|
|
Other
|
20.9
|
|
|
19.0
|
|
|
1.9
|
|
Total
|
$
|
955.3
|
|
|
$
|
240.0
|
|
|
$
|
715.3
|
|
Gross intangible assets decreased by $25.1 million for the year ended October 31, 2021. The decrease was attributable to the write-off of $25.1 million fully-amortized assets and $0.3 million of currency fluctuations; offset by $0.3 million of immaterial asset acquisitions.
Amortization expense was $66.9 million, $69.1 million and $53.2 million for the years ended October 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Amortization expense for the next five years is expected to be $59.6 million in 2022, $56.9 million in 2023, $53.6 million in 2024, $51.0 million in 2025 and $50.3 million in 2026.
Definite lived intangible assets for the periods presented are subject to amortization and are being amortized using the straight-line method over periods that are contractually or legally determined, or over the period a market participant would benefit from the asset. Indefinite lived intangibles of approximately $13.4 million as of October 31, 2021, related primarily to the Tri-Sure trademark and trade names related to Closures, Blagden Express, Closed-loop, Box Board and Pachmas, are not amortized, but rather are tested for impairment at least annually.
NOTE 3 – RESTRUCTURING CHARGES
The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending restructuring reserve balances for the years ended October 31, 2021 and 2020:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions)
|
Employee
Separation
Costs
|
|
Other Costs
|
|
Total
|
Balance at October 31, 2019
|
$
|
9.5
|
|
|
$
|
1.8
|
|
|
$
|
11.3
|
|
Costs incurred and charged to expense
|
26.4
|
|
|
12.3
|
|
|
38.7
|
|
Costs paid or otherwise settled
|
(18.0)
|
|
|
(10.4)
|
|
|
(28.4)
|
|
Balance at October 31, 2020
|
$
|
17.9
|
|
|
$
|
3.7
|
|
|
$
|
21.6
|
|
Costs incurred and charged to expense
|
14.9
|
|
|
8.2
|
|
|
23.1
|
|
Costs paid or otherwise settled
|
(14.2)
|
|
|
(10.2)
|
|
|
(24.4)
|
|
Balance at October 31, 2021
|
$
|
18.6
|
|
|
$
|
1.7
|
|
|
$
|
20.3
|
|
The focus for restructuring activities in 2021 was to optimize and integrate operations in the Paper Packaging & Services reportable segment and to rationalize operations and close underperforming assets in the Global Industrial Packaging reportable segment. During the year ended October 31, 2021, the Company recorded restructuring charges of $23.1 million, as compared to $38.7 million of restructuring charges recorded during the year ended October 31, 2020. The restructuring activity for the year ended October 31, 2021 consisted of $14.9 million in employee separation costs and $8.2 million in other restructuring costs, primarily consisting of professional fees and other fees associated with restructuring activities. There were five plants closed in 2021, and a total of 177 employees severed throughout 2021 as part of the Company’s restructuring efforts.
The focus for restructuring activities in 2020 was to optimize and integrate operations in the Paper Packaging & Services reportable segment related to the acquisition of Caraustar Industries, Inc. and its subsidiaries ("Caraustar") on February 11, 2019 (the “Caraustar Acquisition”), and continue to rationalize operations and close underperforming assets in the Global Industrial Packaging segments. During 2020, the Company recorded restructuring charges of $38.7 million, consisting of $26.4 million in employee separation costs and $12.3 million in other restructuring costs, primarily consisting of professional fees and other fees associated with restructuring activities. There were sixteen plants closed and a total of 658 employees severed throughout 2020 as part of the Company’s restructuring efforts.
The focus for restructuring activities in 2019 was to optimize and integrate operations in the Paper Packaging & Services reportable segment related to the Caraustar Acquisition and continue to rationalize operations and close underperforming assets in the Global Industrial Packaging segments. During 2019, the Company recorded restructuring charges of $26.1 million, consisting of $22.5 million in employee separation costs and $3.6 million in other restructuring costs, primarily consisting of professional fees incurred for services specifically associated with employee separation and relocation. There were twelve plants closed and a total of 430 employees severed throughout 2019 as part of the Company’s restructuring efforts.
The following is a reconciliation of the total amounts expected to be incurred from open restructuring plans or plans that are being formulated and have not been announced as of the filing date of this Form 10-K. Remaining amounts expected to be incurred were $10.8 million as of October 31, 2021:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions)
|
Total Amounts
Expected to be
Incurred
|
|
Amounts Incurred During the year ended October 31, 2021
|
|
Amounts
Remaining to be
Incurred
|
Global Industrial Packaging:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Employee separation costs
|
$
|
19.5
|
|
|
$
|
13.7
|
|
|
5.8
|
|
Other restructuring costs
|
5.8
|
|
|
3.4
|
|
|
2.4
|
|
|
25.3
|
|
|
17.1
|
|
|
8.2
|
|
Paper Packaging & Services:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Employee separation costs
|
1.4
|
|
|
1.1
|
|
|
0.3
|
|
Other restructuring costs
|
7.1
|
|
|
4.8
|
|
|
2.3
|
|
|
8.5
|
|
|
5.9
|
|
|
2.6
|
|
Land Management:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Employee separation costs
|
0.1
|
|
|
0.1
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.1
|
|
|
0.1
|
|
|
—
|
|
Total
|
$
|
33.9
|
|
|
$
|
23.1
|
|
|
$
|
10.8
|
|
NOTE 4 – CONSOLIDATION OF VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
The Company evaluates whether an entity is a VIE whenever reconsideration events occur and performs reassessments of all VIEs quarterly to determine if the primary beneficiary status is appropriate. The Company consolidates VIEs for which it is the primary beneficiary. If the Company is not the primary beneficiary and an ownership interest is held, the VIE is accounted for under the equity or cost method of accounting, as appropriate. When assessing the determination of the primary beneficiary, the Company considers all relevant facts and circumstances, including: the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance; and the obligation to absorb the expected losses and/or the right to receive the expected returns of the VIE.
Flexible Packaging Joint Venture
On September 29, 2010, Greif, Inc. and one of its indirect subsidiaries formed a joint venture (referred to herein as the “Flexible Packaging JV” or "FPS VIE") with Dabbagh Group Holding Company Limited and one of its subsidiaries, originally National Scientific Company Limited and now Gulf Refined Packaging for Industrial Packaging Company LTD ("GRP"). The Flexible Packaging JV owns the operations in the Company's flexible packaging business, which are included in Global Industrial Packaging reportable segment. The Flexible Packaging JV has been consolidated into the operations of the Company since its formation date of September 29, 2010.
The Flexible Packaging JV is deemed to be a VIE since the total equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the legal entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support. The major factors that led to the conclusion that the Company was the primary beneficiary of this VIE was that (1) the Company has the power to direct the most significant activities due to its ability to direct the operating decisions of the FPS VIE, which power is derived from the significant CEO discretion over the operations of the FPS VIE combined with the Company's sole and exclusive right to appoint the CEO of the FPS VIE, and (2) the significant variable interest through the Company's equity interest in the FPS VIE.
The economic and business purpose underlying the Flexible Packaging JV is to establish a global industrial flexible products enterprise through a series of targeted acquisitions and major investments in plant, machinery and equipment. All entities contributed to the Flexible Packaging JV were existing businesses acquired by an indirect subsidiary of the Company and that were reorganized under Greif Flexibles Asset Holding B.V. and Greif Flexibles Trading Holding B.V. (“Asset Co.” and “Trading Co.”), respectively. The Company has 51 percent ownership in Trading Co. and 49 percent ownership in Asset Co. However, the Company and GRP have equal economic interests in the Flexible Packaging JV, notwithstanding the actual ownership interests in the various legal entities.
All investments, loans and capital contributions are to be shared equally by the Company and GRP and each partner has committed to contribute capital of up to $150.0 million and obtain third party financing for up to $150.0 million as required.
The following table presents the Flexible Packaging JV total net assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions)
|
October 31, 2021
|
|
October 31, 2020
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
$
|
19.6
|
|
|
$
|
19.0
|
|
Trade accounts receivable, less allowance of $0.4 in 2021 and $0.7 in 2020
|
59.0
|
|
|
47.5
|
|
Inventories
|
58.5
|
|
|
36.0
|
|
Properties, plants and equipment, net
|
25.8
|
|
|
22.8
|
|
Other assets
|
25.1
|
|
|
20.3
|
|
Total assets
|
$
|
188.0
|
|
|
$
|
145.6
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable
|
$
|
45.3
|
|
|
$
|
29.4
|
|
Other liabilities
|
40.7
|
|
|
22.8
|
|
Total liabilities
|
$
|
86.0
|
|
|
$
|
52.2
|
|
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest in the Flexible Packaging JV for the years ended October 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 were $7.9 million, $6.4 million and $12.4 million, respectively.
Paper Packaging Joint Venture
On April 20, 2018, Greif, Inc. and one of its indirect subsidiaries formed a joint venture (referred to herein as the “Paper Packaging JV” or "PPS VIE") with a third party. The Paper Packaging JV has been consolidated into the operations of the Company since its formation date of April 20, 2018.
The Paper Packaging JV is deemed to be a VIE as the equity investors at risk, as a group, lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest. The structure of the Paper Packaging JV has governing provisions that are the functional equivalent of a limited partnership whereby the Company is the managing member that makes all the decisions related to the activities that most significantly affect the economic performance of the PPS VIE. In addition, the third party does not have any substantive kick-out rights or substantive participating rights in the Paper Packaging JV. The major factors that led to the conclusion that the Paper Packaging JV is a VIE was that all limited partnerships are considered to be VIE’s unless the limited partners have substantive kick-out rights or substantive participating rights.
The following table presents the Paper Packaging JV total net assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions)
|
October 31, 2021
|
|
October 31,
2020
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
$
|
5.9
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Trade accounts receivable, less allowance of $0.0 in 2021 and $0.0 in 2020
|
9.4
|
|
|
5.5
|
|
Inventories
|
10.8
|
|
|
6.3
|
|
Properties, plants and equipment, net
|
31.1
|
|
|
34.3
|
|
Other assets
|
0.5
|
|
|
0.6
|
|
Total assets
|
$
|
57.7
|
|
|
$
|
46.7
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable
|
3.4
|
|
|
5.2
|
|
Other liabilities
|
1.7
|
|
|
1.3
|
|
Total liabilities
|
$
|
5.1
|
|
|
$
|
6.5
|
|
Net income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest in the Paper Packaging JV for the years ended October 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 were $0.5 million, $(1.8) million and $(0.1) million, respectively.
Non-United States Accounts Receivable VIE
As further described in Note 5 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Cooperage Receivables Finance B.V. is a party to the Nieuw Amsterdam Receivables Financing Agreement (the "European RFA"). Cooperage Receivables Finance B.V. is deemed to be a VIE since this entity is not able to satisfy its liabilities without the financial support from the Company. While this entity is a separate and distinct legal entity from the Company and no ownership interest in this entity is held by the Company, the Company is the primary beneficiary because it has (1) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, and (2) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. As a result, Cooperage Receivables Finance B.V. has been consolidated into the operations of the Company.
NOTE 5 – LONG-TERM DEBT
Long-term debt is summarized as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions)
|
October 31, 2021
|
|
October 31, 2020
|
2019 Credit Agreement - Term Loans
|
$
|
1,247.3
|
|
|
$
|
1,429.8
|
|
Senior Notes due 2027
|
495.9
|
|
|
495.1
|
|
Senior Notes due 2021
|
—
|
|
|
234.8
|
|
Accounts receivable credit facilities
|
391.1
|
|
|
310.0
|
|
2019 Credit Agreement - Revolving Credit Facility
|
50.5
|
|
|
—
|
|
Other debt
|
0.6
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
2,185.4
|
|
|
2,469.7
|
|
Less current portion
|
120.3
|
|
|
123.1
|
|
Less deferred financing costs
|
10.3
|
|
|
11.1
|
|
Long-term debt, net
|
$
|
2,054.8
|
|
|
$
|
2,335.5
|
|
2019 Credit Agreement
On February 11, 2019, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries entered into an amended and restated senior secured credit agreement (the “2019 Credit Agreement”) with a syndicate of financial institutions. The Company's obligations under the 2019 Credit Agreement are guaranteed by certain of its U.S. and non-U.S. subsidiaries.
The 2019 Credit Agreement provides for (a) an $800.0 million secured revolving credit facility, consisting of a $600.0 million multicurrency facility and a $200.0 million U.S. dollar facility, maturing on February 11, 2024, (b) a $1,275.0 million secured term A-1 loan with quarterly principal installments that commenced on April 30, 2019 and continue through maturity on
January 31, 2024, (c) a $400.0 million secured term A-2 loan with quarterly principal installments that commenced on April 30, 2019 and continue through maturity on January 31, 2026, and (d) a $225.0 million secured term A-3 loan with quarterly principal installments that commenced on July 31, 2021 and continue through maturity on July 15, 2026. In addition, the Company has an option to add an aggregate of $475.0 million to the secured revolving credit facility under the 2019 Credit Agreement with the agreement of the lenders. The revolving credit facility is available to fund ongoing working capital and capital expenditure needs, for general corporate purposes, and to finance acquisitions.
As of October 31, 2021, $1,297.8 million was outstanding under the 2019 Credit Agreement. The current portion of such outstanding amount was $120.3 million, and the long-term portion was $1,177.5 million. The weighted average interest rate for borrowings under the 2019 Credit Agreement was 1.81% for the year ended October 31, 2021. The actual interest rate for borrowings under the 2019 Credit Agreement was 1.41% as of October 31, 2021. The deferred financing costs associated with the term loan portion of the 2019 Credit Agreement totaled $8.4 million as of October 31, 2021 and are recorded as a reduction of long-term debt on the consolidated balance sheets. The deferred financing costs associated with the revolver portion of the 2019 Credit Agreement totaled $4.2 million as of October 31, 2021 and are recorded within other long-term assets on the consolidated balance sheets.
Senior Notes due 2027
On February 11, 2019, the Company issued $500.0 million of 6.50% Senior Notes due March 1, 2027 (the "Senior Notes due 2027"). Interest on the Senior Notes due 2027 is payable semi-annually and commenced on September 1, 2019. The Company's obligations under the Senior Notes due 2027 are guaranteed by its U.S. subsidiaries that guarantee the 2019 Credit Agreement, as described above. The Company used the net proceeds from the issuance of the Senior Notes due 2027, together with borrowings under the 2019 Credit Agreement, to fund the purchase price of the Caraustar Acquisition, to redeem all of the Senior Notes due 2019, to repay outstanding borrowings under the Company's then existing credit agreement, and to pay related fees and expenses. The deferred financing cost associated with the Senior Notes due 2027 totaled $1.9 million as of October 31, 2021 and is recorded as a reduction of long-term debt on the consolidated balance sheets.
United States Trade Accounts Receivable Credit Facility
On September 24, 2019, certain U.S. subsidiaries of Greif, Inc. (the “Company”) amended and restated the existing receivables financing facility (the “U.S. Receivables Facility”). Greif Receivables Funding LLC (“Greif Funding”), Greif Packaging LLC (“Greif Packaging”), for itself and as servicer, and certain other U.S. subsidiaries of the Company entered into a Third Amended and Restated Transfer and Administration Agreement, dated as of September 24, 2019 (the “Third Amended TAA”), with Bank of America, N.A., as the agent, managing agent, administrator and committed investor, and various investor groups, managing agents, and administrators, from time to time parties thereto. The Third Amended TAA provided for a $275.0 million U.S. Receivables Facility. On May 26, 2021, the Third Amended TAA was amended with a new maturity date of May 26, 2022.
Greif Funding is a direct subsidiary of Greif Packaging and is included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. However, because Greif Funding is a separate and distinct legal entity from the Company, the assets of Greif Funding are not available to satisfy the liabilities and obligations of the Company, Greif Packaging or other subsidiaries of the Company, and the liabilities of Greif Funding are not the liabilities or obligations of the Company or its other subsidiaries.
The U.S. Receivables Facility is secured by certain trade accounts receivables related to the Global Industrial Packaging and the Paper Packaging & Services businesses of Greif Packaging and other subsidiaries of the Company in the United States and bears interest at a variable rate based on the London InterBank Offered Rate or an applicable base rate, plus a margin, or a commercial paper rate, all as provided in the Third Amended TAA. Interest is payable on a monthly basis and the principal balance is payable upon termination of the U.S. Receivables Facility. The $275.0 million outstanding balance under the U.S. Receivables Facility as of October 31, 2021 is reported as long-term debt in the consolidated balance sheets because the Company intends to refinance this obligation on a long-term basis and has the intent and ability to consummate a long-term refinancing.
International Trade Accounts Receivable Credit Facilities
On July 27, 2021, Cooperage Receivables Finance B.V. and Greif Coordination Center BVBA, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Greif, Inc., amended and restated the European RFA with affiliates of a major international bank. The amended and restated European RFA matures April 26, 2022. The European RFA provides an accounts receivable financing facility of up to €100.0 million ($116.1 million as of October 31, 2021) secured by certain European accounts receivable. The $116.1 million outstanding on the European RFA as of October 31, 2021 is reported as long-term debt on the consolidated balance sheets because the Company intends to refinance these obligations on a long-term basis and has the intent and ability to consummate a long-term refinancing by exercising the renewal option in the respective agreement or entering into new financing arrangements.
Short-Term Borrowings
The Company had short-term borrowings of $50.5 million and $28.4 million as of October 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. There are no financial covenants associated with this other debt.
As of October 31, 2021, annual scheduled payments and maturities, including the current portion of long-term debt, were $562.5 million in 2022, $120.3 million in 2023, $611.0 million in 2024, $26.1 million in 2025, $369.6 million in 2026 and $495.9 million thereafter.
NOTE 6 – FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Recurring Fair Value Measurements
The following table presents the fair value of those assets and (liabilities) measured on a recurring basis as of October 31, 2021 and 2020:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 31, 2021
|
|
Assets
|
|
Liabilities
|
(in millions)
|
Level 1
|
|
Level 2
|
|
Level 3
|
|
Total
|
|
Level 1
|
|
Level 2
|
|
Level 3
|
|
Total
|
Interest rate derivatives
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
7.6
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
7.6
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
(16.8)
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
(16.8)
|
|
Foreign exchange hedges
|
—
|
|
|
0.1
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
0.1
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(0.1)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(0.1)
|
|
Insurance annuity
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
20.9
|
|
|
20.9
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Cross currency swap
|
—
|
|
|
10.2
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
10.2
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(1.2)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(1.2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 31, 2020
|
|
Assets
|
|
Liabilities
|
(in millions)
|
Level 1
|
|
Level 2
|
|
Level 3
|
|
Total
|
|
Level 1
|
|
Level 2
|
|
Level 3
|
|
Total
|
Interest rate derivatives
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
(37.9)
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
(37.9)
|
|
Foreign exchange hedges
|
—
|
|
|
1.5
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1.5
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(1.6)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(1.6)
|
|
Insurance annuity
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
21.4
|
|
|
21.4
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Cross currency swap
|
—
|
|
|
8.9
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
8.9
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, accounts payable, current liabilities and short-term borrowings as of October 31, 2021 and 2020 approximate their fair values because of the short-term nature of these items and are not included in this table.
Interest Rate Derivatives
The Company has various borrowing facilities which charge interest based on the one-month U.S. dollar LIBOR rate plus an interest spread.
In 2020 (effective July 15, 2021), the Company entered into four interest rate swaps with a total notional amount of $200.0 million, maturing on July 15, 2029. The Company receives variable rate interest payments based upon one-month U.S. dollar LIBOR, and in return the Company is obligated to pay interest at a weighted-average interest rate of 0.90%, plus a spread. This effectively converted the borrowing rate on an amount of debt equal to the outstanding notional amount of the interest rate swap from a variable rate to a fixed rate.
In 2019, the Company entered into six interest rate swaps with a total notional amount of $1,300.0 million that amortize to $200.0 million over a five-year term. The outstanding notional as of October 31, 2021 is $500.0 million. The Company receives variable rate interest payments based upon one-month U.S. dollar LIBOR, and in return the Company is obligated to pay interest at a weighted-average interest rate of 2.49%, plus a spread. This effectively converted the borrowing rate on an amount of debt equal to the outstanding notional amount of the interest rate swap from a variable rate to a fixed rate.
In 2017, the Company entered into three interest swaps with a total notional amount of $300.0 million. As of February 1, 2017, the Company began to receive variable rate interest payments based upon one-month U.S. dollar LIBOR and in return was obligated to pay interest at a fixed rate of 1.19%, plus a spread. This effectively converted the borrowing rate on $300.0 million of debt from a variable rate to a fixed rate.
These derivatives are designated as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes. Accordingly, the gain or loss on these derivative instruments are reported as a component of other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings in the same line item associated with the forecasted transaction and in the same period during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. See Note 14 herein for additional disclosures of the aggregate gain or loss included within other comprehensive income. The assumptions used in measuring fair value of these interest rate derivatives are considered level 2 inputs, which are based upon observable market rates, including LIBOR and interest paid based upon a designated fixed rate over the life of the swap agreements.
Gains (losses) reclassified to earnings under these contracts were $(18.1) million, $(16.5) million and $3.0 million for the year ended October 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019. A derivative loss of $11.5 million, based upon interest rates at October 31, 2021, is expected to be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to earnings in the next twelve months.
Foreign Exchange Hedges
The Company conducts business in various international currencies and is subject to risks associated with changing foreign exchange rates. The Company’s objective is to reduce volatility associated with foreign exchange rate changes. Accordingly, the Company enters into various contracts that change in value as foreign exchange rates change to protect the value of certain existing foreign currency assets and liabilities, commitments and anticipated foreign currency cash flows. As of October 31, 2021, the Company had outstanding foreign currency forward contracts in the notional amount of $81.8 million ($268.6 million as of October 31, 2020).
Adjustments to fair value are recognized in earnings, offsetting the impact of the hedged profits. The assumptions used in measuring fair value of foreign exchange hedges are considered level 2 inputs, which were based on observable market pricing for similar instruments, principally foreign exchange futures contracts.
Realized gains (losses) recorded in other expense, net under fair value contracts were $0.4 million, $(3.2) million and $4.6 million for the years ended October 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The unrealized net gain (loss) recognized by the Company in other expense, net was not material for the years ended October 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Cross Currency Swap
On October 1, 2021, the Company entered into two cross currency interest rate swap agreements that synthetically swap $116.8 million of fixed rate debt to Euro denominated fixed rate debt. The Company receives a weighted average rate of 1.26% on these swaps. These agreements are designated as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes and will mature on October 5, 2026.
On August 11, 2021, the Company entered into two cross currency interest rate swap agreements that synthetically swap $117.6 million of fixed rate debt to Euro denominated fixed rate debt. The Company receives a weighted average rate of 1.19% on these swaps. These agreements are designated as net investment hedges for accounting purposes and will mature on August 10, 2026.
On March 6, 2018, the Company entered into two cross currency interest rate swap agreements that synthetically swaps $100.0 million of fixed rate debt to Euro denominated fixed rate debt. Greif receives a rate of 2.35% on these swaps. These agreements are designated as a net investment hedge for accounting purposes and will mature on March 6, 2023.
The gain or loss on the net investment hedge derivative instruments is included in the foreign currency translation component of other comprehensive income until the net investment is sold, diluted, or liquidated. See Note 14 herein for additional disclosure of the aggregate gain or loss included within other comprehensive income. The gain or loss on the cash flow hedge derivative instruments is included in the unrealized foreign exchange component of other expense, offset by the underlying gain or loss on the underlying cash flows that are being hedged. Interest payments received for the cross currency swap are excluded from the
net investment hedge effectiveness assessment and are recorded in interest expense, net on the consolidated statements of income. The assumptions used in measuring fair value of the cross currency swap are considered level 2 inputs, which are based upon the Euro to United States dollar exchange rate market.
For the years ended October 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, gains recorded in interest expense, net under the cross currency swap agreements were $2.2 million, $2.4 million and $2.4 million, respectively.
Other Financial Instruments
The fair values of the Company’s 2019 Credit Agreement, the U.S. Receivables Facility and European RFA do not materially differ from carrying value as the Company’s cost of borrowing is variable and approximates current borrowing rates. 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 the debt of the same remaining maturities, which are considered level 2 inputs in accordance with ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.”
The following table presents the estimated fair values for the Company’s Senior Notes due 2027:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions)
|
October 31, 2021
|
|
October 31, 2020
|
Senior Notes due 2027 estimated fair value
|
$
|
520.0
|
|
|
$
|
524.4
|
|
Pension Plan Assets
On an annual basis the Company compares the asset holdings of its pension plan to targets it previously established. The pension plan assets are categorized as equity securities, debt securities, fixed income securities, insurance annuities or other assets, which are considered level 1, level 2 and level 3 fair value measurements. The typical asset holdings include:
•Common stock: Valued based on quoted prices and are primarily exchange-traded.
•Mutual funds: Valued at the Net Asset Value (“NAV”) available daily in an observable market.
•Common collective trusts: Unit value calculated based on the observable NAV of the underlying investment.
•Pooled separate accounts: Unit value calculated based on the observable NAV of the underlying investment.
•Government and corporate debt securities: Valued based on readily available inputs such as yield or price of bonds of comparable quality, coupon, maturity and type.
•Insurance annuity: Value is derived based on the value of the corresponding liability.
Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements
The Company recognized asset impairment charges of $8.9 million and $18.5 million for the years ended October 31, 2021 and 2020.
The following table presents quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used to determine the fair value of the impairment of long-lived assets held and used and net assets held for sale for the twelve months ended October 31, 2021 and 2020:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
|
(in millions)
|
Fair Value of
Impairment
|
|
Valuation
Technique
|
|
Unobservable
Input
|
|
Range
of Input Values
|
October 31, 2021
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Impairment of Net Assets Held for Sale
|
$
|
1.0
|
|
|
Indicative Bids
|
|
Indicative Bids
|
|
N/A
|
Impairment of Long Lived Assets
|
$
|
7.9
|
|
|
Discounted Cash Flows, Indicative Bids
|
|
Discounted Cash Flows, Indicative Bids
|
|
N/A
|
Total
|
$
|
8.9
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 31, 2020
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Impairment of Long Lived Assets
|
$
|
18.5
|
|
|
Discounted Cash Flows, Indicative Bids
|
|
Discounted Cash Flows, Indicative Bids
|
|
N/A
|
Total
|
$
|
18.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-Lived Assets and Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale
During the year ended October 31, 2021, the Company wrote down long-lived assets with a carrying value of $9.9 million to a fair value of $1.0 million, resulting in recognized asset impairment charges of $8.9 million. These charges include $2.7 million related to properties, plants and equipment, net, in the Global Industrial Packaging reportable segment, $1.2 million related properties, plants and equipment, net in the Land Management reportable segment, and $5.0 million related to properties, plants and equipment, net, in the Paper Packaging & Services reportable segment.
During the year ended October 31, 2020, the Company wrote down long-lived assets with a carrying value of $36.4 million to a fair value of $17.9 million, resulting in recognized asset impairment charges of $18.5 million. These charges include $5.1 million related to properties, plants and equipment, net, in the Global Industrial Packaging reportable segment, $0.9 million related to definite-lived intangibles in the Global Industrial Packaging reportable segment, and $12.5 million related to properties, plants and equipment, net, in the Paper Packaging & Services reportable segment.
During the year ended October 31, 2019, the Company wrote down long-lived assets with a carrying value of $8.0 million to a fair value of $0.2 million, resulting in recognized asset impairment charges of $7.8 million. These charges include $0.6 million related to properties, plants and equipment, net, in the Global Industrial Packaging reportable segment, and $5.1 million related to properties, plants and equipment, net, in the Paper Packaging & Services reportable segment.
The assumptions used in measuring fair value of long-lived assets are considered level 3 inputs, which include bids received from third parties, recent purchase offers, market comparable information and discounted cash flows based on assumptions that market participants would use.
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangibles
On an annual basis or when events or circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred, the Company performs impairment tests for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles as defined under ASC 350, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other.” During the year ended October 31, 2020, the Company allocated $35.6 million of goodwill to the Consumer Packaging Group ("CPG") divestiture in April 2020, on a relative fair value basis. There was no goodwill impairment for the years ended October 31, 2021, 2020 or 2019.
NOTE 7 – STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
Stock-based compensation is accounted for in accordance with ASC 718, “Compensation – Stock Compensation,” which requires companies to estimate the fair value of share-based awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model.
The Company's stock-based compensation plans include the Long-Term Incentive Plan, which is comprised of the 2020 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2020 LTIP”) and the 2006 Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2006 LTIP”); the 2005 Outside Directors Equity Award Plan (the “2005 Directors Plan”); and the 2001 Management Equity Incentive and Compensation Plan (the “2001 Plan”). The total stock compensation expense (income) recorded under these plans was $34.1 million, $(1.2) million and $12.7 million for periods ended October 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 respectively.
The Long-Term Incentive Plan is intended to focus management on the key measures that drive superior performance over the longer term. The Long-Term Incentive Plan provides key employees with incentive compensation based upon consecutive and overlapping three-year performance periods that commence at the start of every year. For each three-year performance period, the performance goals are based on performance criteria as determined by the Compensation Committee.
2020 Long-Term Incentive Plan
For the three-year performance periods ending after fiscal 2021, awards were or will be made under the 2020 LTIP. Participants may be granted restricted stock units (“RSUs”) or performance stock units (“PSUs”) or a combination thereof.
The Company grants RSUs based on a three-year vesting period on the basis of service only. The RSUs are an equity-classified plan measured at fair value on the grant date recognized ratably over the service period. Dividend-equivalent rights may be granted in connection with an RSU award and are recognized in conjunction with the Company's dividend issuance and settled upon vesting of the award. Upon vesting, the RSUs are to be awarded in shares of Class A Common Stock.
The Company has made the following grants of RSUs under the 2020 LTIP:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issuance Date
|
|
|
December 17, 2020
|
|
February 25, 2020
|
Service Period
|
|
|
11/1/2020 - 10/31/2023
|
|
11/1/2019 - 10/31/2022
|
RSUs Granted
|
|
|
139,360
|
|
147,325
|
Weighted Average Fair Value of RSUs
|
|
|
$48.50
|
|
$37.42
|
The Company grants PSUs for a three-year performance period based upon service, performance criteria and market conditions. The performance criteria are based on targeted levels of adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, depletion and amortization and total shareholder return as determined by the Compensation Committee. The PSUs are a liability-classified plan wherein the fair value of the PSUs awarded is determined at each reporting period using a Monte Carlo simulation. A Monte Carlo simulation uses assumptions including the risk-free interest rate, expected volatility of the Company’s stock price and expected life of the awards to determine a fair value of the market condition throughout the vesting period. If earned, the PSUs are to be awarded in shares of Class A Common Stock.
The following table summarizes the key assumptions used in estimating the value of PSUs:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issuance Date
|
|
|
December 17, 2020
|
|
February 25, 2020
|
Performance Period
|
|
|
11/1/2020 - 10/31/2023
|
|
11/1/2019 - 10/31/2022
|
PSUs Issued
|
|
|
253,102
|
|
258,519
|
Weighted Average Fair Value of PSUs at Issuance Date
|
|
|
$47.26
|
|
$35.58
|
Weighted Average Fair Value of PSUs at Valuation Date
|
|
|
$67.97
|
|
$73.50
|
Valuation Date Stock Price
|
|
|
$64.94
|
|
$64.94
|
Risk-Free Rate
|
|
|
0.5%
|
|
0.1%
|
Estimated Volatility
|
|
|
40.2%
|
|
31.0%
|
2006 Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan
For each of the three-year performance periods ending in fiscal 2021, 2020 and 2019, awards were made under the 2006 LTIP, with the performance goals based on targeted levels of adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, depletion and amortization. For each of these periods, awards are to be paid 50% in cash and 50% in restricted stock. All restricted stock awards under the 2006 LTIP are fully vested at the date of award. Under the 2006 LTIP, the Company granted 80,252 shares of restricted Class A Common Stock with a grant date fair value of $50.08 for 2021 and 153,275 shares of restricted Class A Common Stock with a grant date fair value of $34.50 for 2020.
The total stock compensation expense (income) recorded under the 2020 and 2006 LTIP was $32.8 million, $(2.4) million and $11.6 million for the periods ended October 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
2005 Directors Plan
Under the 2005 Directors Plan, the Company granted 25,686 shares of restricted Class A Common Stock with a grant date fair value of $47.29 in 2021 and 27,768 shares of restricted Class A Common Stock with a grant date fair value of $38.89 in 2020. The total expense recorded under the 2005 Directors Plan was $1.2 million, $1.1 million and $1.1 million for the periods ended October 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. All restricted stock awards under the 2005 Directors Plan are fully vested at the date of award.
For the 2005 Directors Plan, no stock options were granted in 2021, 2020 or 2019 and no shares were forfeited in 2021, 2020 or 2019.
2001 Plan
During 2019, the Company awarded an officer, as part of the terms of the officer's initial employment arrangement, 9,000 shares of Class A Common Stock under the 2001 Plan. These shares were issued subject to vesting and post-vesting restrictions on the sale or transfer until November 5, 2023. These shares vested in equal installments of 3,000 on November 5, 2019, 2020 and 2021. Share-based compensation expense was $0.1 million for each the period ended October 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019.
For the 2001 Plan, no stock options were granted in 2021, 2020 or 2019 and no shares were forfeited in 2021, 2020 or 2019.
NOTE 8 – INCOME TAXES
On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act ("CARES Act") was enacted into law in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act contains numerous income tax provisions, such as enhanced interest deductibility, repeal of the 80% limitation with respect to net operating losses arising in taxable years 2018, 2019 and 2020, and additional depreciation deductions related to qualified improvement property. Further, on December 27, 2020, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 was enacted, which extended or expanded upon the income tax provisions outlined in the CARES Act. The Company has concluded its analysis of these provisions as October 31, 2021 and has determined that the CARES Act and Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 did not have a material impact on the Company’s income taxes for 2021.
The provision for income taxes consists of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended October 31,
|
(in millions)
|
2021
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
Current
|
|
|
|
|
|
Federal
|
$
|
45.0
|
|
|
$
|
(9.7)
|
|
|
$
|
26.6
|
|
State and local
|
15.5
|
|
|
3.3
|
|
|
6.1
|
|
Non-U.S.
|
56.3
|
|
|
53.0
|
|
|
35.9
|
|
Total Current
|
116.8
|
|
|
46.6
|
|
|
68.6
|
|
Deferred
|
|
|
|
|
|
Federal
|
(33.0)
|
|
|
7.9
|
|
|
2.1
|
|
State and local
|
(9.9)
|
|
|
10.2
|
|
|
0.9
|
|
Non-U.S.
|
(4.3)
|
|
|
(1.4)
|
|
|
(0.9)
|
|
Total Deferred
|
(47.2)
|
|
|
16.7
|
|
|
2.1
|
|
Tax expense
|
$
|
69.6
|
|
|
$
|
63.3
|
|
|
$
|
70.7
|
|
The U.S. income before income tax was $239.3 million, $25.5 million and $129.9 million in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The non-U.S. income before income tax expense was $239.2 million, $160.4 million and $132.1 million in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
The following is a reconciliation of the provision for income taxes based on the federal statutory rate to the Company’s effective income tax rate:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended October 31,
|
|
2021
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
Federal statutory rate
|
21.00
|
%
|
|
21.00
|
%
|
|
21.00
|
%
|
Impact of foreign tax rate differential
|
0.70
|
%
|
|
0.49
|
%
|
|
0.10
|
%
|
State and local taxes, net of federal tax benefit
|
0.93
|
%
|
|
5.71
|
%
|
|
1.99
|
%
|
Net impact of changes in valuation allowances
|
(2.57)
|
%
|
|
(15.23)
|
%
|
|
2.41
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-deductible write-off and impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets
|
—
|
%
|
|
4.02
|
%
|
|
0.29
|
%
|
Return to provision
|
(2.73)
|
%
|
|
(1.85)
|
%
|
|
(1.27)
|
%
|
Permanent book-tax differences
|
0.86
|
%
|
|
16.56
|
%
|
|
(0.87)
|
%
|
Withholding taxes
|
2.86
|
%
|
|
5.28
|
%
|
|
2.43
|
%
|
Tax credits
|
(1.56)
|
%
|
|
(2.60)
|
%
|
|
(3.33)
|
%
|
Capital losses
|
(5.70)
|
%
|
|
(6.34)
|
%
|
|
—
|
%
|
Other items, net
|
0.73
|
%
|
|
6.97
|
%
|
|
4.23
|
%
|
Company's effective income tax rate
|
14.52
|
%
|
|
34.01
|
%
|
|
26.98
|
%
|
The primary items which decreased the Company’s effective income tax rate from the federal statutory rate in 2021 were capital losses, which are expected to reduce capital gains resulting from the sale of timberland; releases of unrecognized tax benefits as a result of the expiration of statute of limitations; decreases in valuation allowances; and other favorable return to provision adjustments and audit settlements. These reductions were offset by an increase in withholding taxes and other immaterial items.
The primary items which increased the Company’s effective income tax rate from the federal statutory rate in 2020 were state and local taxes, non-deductible goodwill from divestment of the CPG business, increases in permanent book-tax differences including a one-time elimination related to an intra-company sale and withholding tax liabilities. Increases were offset by a reduction in valuation allowances as a result of utilization of foreign tax credits.
The primary items which increased the Company’s effective income tax rate from the federal statutory rate in 2019 were state and local taxes, increases in valuation allowances and withholding tax liabilities.
The components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities as of October 31 for the years indicated were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions)
|
2021
|
|
2020
|
Deferred tax assets
|
|
|
|
Net operating loss and other carryforwards
|
$
|
149.0
|
|
|
$
|
179.3
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension liabilities
|
—
|
|
|
12.9
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incentive liabilities
|
16.2
|
|
|
8.2
|
|
Workers compensation accruals
|
10.5
|
|
|
10.0
|
|
|
|
|
|
Inventories
|
6.4
|
|
|
7.8
|
|
Operating lease liabilities
|
74.4
|
|
|
76.9
|
|
State income taxes
|
11.6
|
|
|
10.2
|
|
Other reserves
|
18.4
|
|
|
21.0
|
|
Deferred compensation
|
2.2
|
|
|
2.4
|
|
Other
|
36.1
|
|
|
28.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total deferred tax assets
|
324.8
|
|
|
357.2
|
|
Valuation allowance
|
(132.7)
|
|
|
(146.4)
|
|
Net deferred tax assets
|
$
|
192.1
|
|
|
$
|
210.8
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax liabilities
|
|
|
|
Properties, plants and equipment
|
$
|
134.9
|
|
|
$
|
158.1
|
|
Operating lease assets
|
74.4
|
|
|
76.9
|
|
Timberland transactions
|
51.0
|
|
|
74.2
|
|
Goodwill and other intangible assets
|
190.2
|
|
|
200.2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension liabilities
|
4.5
|
|
|
—
|
|
Other
|
38.4
|
|
|
29.3
|
|
Total deferred tax liabilities
|
493.4
|
|
|
538.7
|
|
Net deferred tax liability
|
$
|
301.3
|
|
|
$
|
327.9
|
|
As of October 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company had deferred income tax benefits from net operating loss and other tax credit carryforwards of $149.0 million and $179.3 million, respectively. For fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, these carryforwards are consisted of $12.3 million, $21.8 million and $110.4 million in U.S. Federal, U.S. state and non-U.S. jurisdictions, respectively. As of October 31, 2020, these carryforwards are comprised of $30.6 million, $25.1 million and $123.6 million in U.S. Federal, U.S. state and non-U.S. jurisdictions, respectively. The Company has recorded valuation allowances of $116.8 million and $136.9 million against non-U.S. deferred tax assets as of October 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The Company has also recorded valuation allowances against U.S. deferred tax assets of $15.9 million and $9.5 million, as of October 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The Company had net changes in valuation allowances in 2021 of $13.7 million.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions)
|
2021
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
Balance of unrecognized tax benefit at November 1
|
$
|
36.0
|
|
|
$
|
38.8
|
|
|
$
|
36.2
|
|
Increases in tax positions for prior years
|
1.2
|
|
|
10.1
|
|
|
5.1
|
|
Decreases in tax positions for prior years
|
—
|
|
|
(10.5)
|
|
|
(0.7)
|
|
Increases in tax positions for current years
|
1.7
|
|
|
2.6
|
|
|
4.3
|
|
Settlements with taxing authorities
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(3.6)
|
|
Lapse in statute of limitations
|
(8.0)
|
|
|
(5.5)
|
|
|
(2.0)
|
|
Currency translation
|
0.1
|
|
|
0.5
|
|
|
(0.5)
|
|
Balance at October 31
|
$
|
31.0
|
|
|
$
|
36.0
|
|
|
$
|
38.8
|
|
The 2021 net decrease in unrecognized tax benefits is primarily related to decreases in unrecognized tax benefits related lapses in statute of limitations. The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, various U.S. state jurisdictions
and various non-U.S. jurisdictions and is subject to audit by various taxing authorities for 2014 through the current year. The Company has completed its U.S. federal tax audit for the tax years through 2015.
The October 31, 2021, 2020, 2019 balances include $31.0 million, $36.0 million and $38.8 million, respectively, of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would have an impact on the effective tax rate. The Company also recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense net of tax, as applicable. As of October 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company had accrued for the payment of interest and penalties in the amounts of $7.7 million and $7.2 million, respectively.
The Company has estimated the reasonably possible expected net change in unrecognized tax benefits through October 31, 2021 under ASC 740, "Income Taxes." The Company’s estimate is based on lapses of the applicable statutes of limitations, settlements and payments of uncertain tax positions. Though actual results may materially differ, the estimated net decrease in unrecognized tax benefits for the next 12 months could be up to $14.0 million.
NOTE 9 – POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
The Company has certain non-contributory defined benefit pension plans for salaried and hourly employees in the United States, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, South Africa, Turkey and the United Kingdom. The Company uses a measurement date of October 31 for fair value purposes for its pension plans. The salaried employees plans’ benefits are based primarily on years of service and earnings. The hourly employees plans’ benefits are based primarily upon years of service, and certain benefit provisions are subject to collective bargaining. The Company contributes an amount that is not less than the minimum funding and not more than the maximum tax-deductible amount to these plans. Salaried employees in the United States who commence service on or after November 1, 2007 are not eligible to participate in the U.S. defined benefit pension plan, but are eligible to participate in a defined contribution retirement program. Salaried employees outside the U.S. also have various dates in which they are not eligible to participate in the respective defined benefit pension plans, but are eligible to participate in a defined contribution retirement program. The category “Other International” represents the noncontributory defined benefit pension plans in Canada, South Africa and Turkey.
Pension plan contributions by the Company totaled $21.9 million during 2021, which consisted of $17.8 million of employer contributions and $4.1 million of benefits paid directly by the Company. Pension plan contributions, including benefits paid directly by the Company, totaled $26.4 million and $26.5 million during 2020 and 2019, respectively. Contributions, including benefits paid directly by the Company, during 2022 are expected to be approximately $35.5 million.
The following table presents the number of participants in the defined benefit plans:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 31, 2021
|
Consolidated
|
|
United States
|
|
Germany
|
|
United Kingdom
|
|
Netherlands
|
|
Other
International
|
Active participants
|
3,603
|
|
|
1,733
|
|
|
30
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
60
|
|
|
1,780
|
|
Vested former employees and deferred members
|
3,468
|
|
|
2,881
|
|
|
79
|
|
|
366
|
|
|
107
|
|
|
35
|
|
Retirees and beneficiaries
|
3,306
|
|
|
1,962
|
|
|
276
|
|
|
662
|
|
|
354
|
|
|
52
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 31, 2020
|
Consolidated
|
|
United States
|
|
Germany
|
|
United
Kingdom
|
|
Netherlands
|
|
Other
International
|
Active participants
|
2,226
|
|
|
2,127
|
|
|
36
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
63
|
|
|
—
|
|
Vested former employees and deferred members
|
3,385
|
|
|
2,788
|
|
|
82
|
|
|
366
|
|
|
105
|
|
|
44
|
|
Retirees and beneficiaries
|
6,526
|
|
|
5,138
|
|
|
267
|
|
|
662
|
|
|
405
|
|
|
54
|
|
The weighted average assumptions used to measure the year-end benefit obligations as of October 31 were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of October 31,
|
2021
|
|
2020
|
Discount rate
|
2.55
|
%
|
|
2.48
|
%
|
Rate of compensation increase
|
2.96
|
%
|
|
2.91
|
%
|
The weighted average assumptions used to determine the pension cost for the years ended October 31 were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the year ended October 31,
|
2021
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
Discount rate
|
2.48
|
%
|
|
2.74
|
%
|
|
3.48
|
%
|
Expected Return on plan assets
|
3.87
|
%
|
|
4.64
|
%
|
|
4.12
|
%
|
Rate of compensation increase
|
2.91
|
%
|
|
2.85
|
%
|
|
2.85
|
%
|
The discount rate is determined by developing a hypothetical portfolio of individual high-quality corporate bonds available at the measurement date, the coupon and principal payments of which would be sufficient to satisfy the plans’ expected future benefit payments as defined for the projected benefit obligation. The discount rate by country is equivalent to the average yield on that hypothetical portfolio of bonds and is a reflection of current market settlement rates on such high quality bonds, government treasuries and annuity purchase rates. To determine the expected long-term rate of return on pension plan assets, the Company considers current and expected asset allocations, as well as historical and expected returns on various categories of plan assets. In developing future return expectations for the defined benefit pension plans’ assets, the Company formulates views on the future economic environment, both in the U.S. and globally. The Company evaluates general market trends and historical relationships among a number of key variables that impact asset class returns, such as expected earnings growth, inflation, valuations, yields and spreads, using both internal and external sources. The Company takes into account expected volatility by asset class and diversification across classes to determine expected overall portfolio results given current and expected allocations. The Company uses published mortality tables for determining the expected lives of plan participants and believes that the tables selected are most-closely associated with the expected lives of plan participants as the tables are based on the country in which the participant is employed.
Based on the Company's analysis of future expectations of asset performance, past return results and its current and expected asset allocations, the Company has assumed a 3.87% long-term expected return on those assets for cost recognition in 2021. For the defined benefit pension plans, the Company applies its expected rate of return to a market-related value of assets, which stabilizes variability in the amounts to which the Company applies that expected return.
The Company amortizes experience gains and losses as well as the effects of changes in actuarial assumptions and plan provisions over a period no longer than the average future service of employees.
During the year ended October 31, 2021, an annuity contract in the amount of approximately $98.8 million was purchased with defined benefit plan assets, and the pension obligation for certain retirees in the United States was irrevocably transferred from that plan to the annuity contract settling that obligation. Additionally, lump sum payments totaling $13.9 million were made from the U.S. defined benefit plan assets to certain participants who agreed to such payments, representing the current fair value of such participants' respective pension benefits. The settlement items described above resulted in a decrease in the fair value of both the plan assets and the projected benefit obligation of $112.7 million and non-cash pension settlement charges of $8.8 million of unrecognized net actuarial loss included in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the year ended October 31, 2021.
Additional lump sum payments in Canada, South Africa and the United Kingdom exceeded the settlement threshold for the fiscal year triggering settlement accounting. Lump sum payments for these plans resulted in non-cash pension settlement charges of $0.3 million of unrecognized net actuarial loss that was included in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the year ended October 31, 2021.
During the year ended October 31, 2020, two United States defined benefit plans were combined and lump sum payments totaling $44.3 million were made to United States defined benefit plan participants who agreed to such payments, representing the current fair value of such participants' respective pension benefits. The payments were made from plan assets, resulting in a decrease in the fair value of both the plan assets and the projected benefit obligation of $44.3 million and noncash pension settlement income of $0.1 million of unrecognized net actuarial gain included in accumulated other comprehensive income.
Benefit Obligations
The components of net periodic pension cost include the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the year ended October 31, 2021
|
Consolidated
|
|
United States
|
|
Germany
|
|
United
Kingdom
|
|
Netherlands
|
|
Other
International
|
(in millions)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Service cost
|
$
|
12.1
|
|
|
$
|
10.7
|
|
|
$
|
0.3
|
|
|
$
|
0.5
|
|
|
$
|
0.5
|
|
|
$
|
0.1
|
|
Interest cost
|
18.8
|
|
|
15.4
|
|
|
0.3
|
|
|
2.5
|
|
|
0.4
|
|
|
0.2
|
|
Expected return on plan assets
|
(31.8)
|
|
|
(25.8)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(4.6)
|
|
|
(0.7)
|
|
|
(0.7)
|
|
Amortization of prior service benefit
|
(0.3)
|
|
|
(0.1)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(0.2)
|
|
|
—
|
|
Recognized net actuarial loss
|
12.6
|
|
|
10.1
|
|
|
1.3
|
|
|
1.1
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
0.1
|
|
Special Events
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Settlement
|
9.1
|
|
|
8.8
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
0.3
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Net periodic pension (benefit) cost
|
$
|
20.5
|
|
|
$
|
19.1
|
|
|
$
|
1.9
|
|
|
$
|
(0.2)
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
(0.3)
|
|
For the year ended October 31, 2020
|
Consolidated
|
|
United States
|
|
Germany
|
|
United
Kingdom
|
|
Netherlands
|
|
Other
International
|
(in millions)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Service cost
|
$
|
12.8
|
|
|
$
|
11.5
|
|
|
$
|
0.4
|
|
|
$
|
0.5
|
|
|
$
|
0.3
|
|
|
$
|
0.1
|
|
Interest cost
|
25.9
|
|
|
22.4
|
|
|
0.2
|
|
|
2.7
|
|
|
0.3
|
|
|
0.3
|
|
Expected return on plan assets
|
(37.9)
|
|
|
(31.4)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(5.2)
|
|
|
(0.7)
|
|
|
(0.6)
|
|
Amortization of prior service (benefit) cost
|
(0.1)
|
|
|
(0.1)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
0.1
|
|
|
(0.1)
|
|
|
—
|
|
Recognized net actuarial loss
|
13.2
|
|
|
10.2
|
|
|
1.8
|
|
|
1.1
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
0.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Special Events
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Settlement
|
0.3
|
|
|
(0.1)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
0.4
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Net periodic pension (benefit) cost
|
$
|
14.2
|
|
|
$
|
12.5
|
|
|
$
|
2.4
|
|
|
$
|
(0.4)
|
|
|
$
|
(0.2)
|
|
|
$
|
(0.1)
|
|
For the year ended October 31, 2019
|
Consolidated
|
|
United States
|
|
Germany
|
|
United
Kingdom
|
|
Netherlands
|
|
Other
International
|
(in millions)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Service cost
|
$
|
14.1
|
|
|
$
|
12.7
|
|
|
$
|
0.3
|
|
|
$
|
0.5
|
|
|
$
|
0.5
|
|
|
$
|
0.1
|
|
Interest cost
|
31.0
|
|
|
25.4
|
|
|
0.5
|
|
|
3.9
|
|
|
0.9
|
|
|
0.3
|
|
Expected return on plan assets
|
(38.8)
|
|
|
(30.5)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(6.2)
|
|
|
(1.3)
|
|
|
(0.8)
|
|
Amortization of prior service (benefit) cost
|
(0.1)
|
|
|
(0.1)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
0.1
|
|
|
(0.1)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Adjustments
|
7.1
|
|
|
5.0
|
|
|
0.9
|
|
|
1.2
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net periodic pension (benefit) cost
|
$
|
13.3
|
|
|
$
|
12.5
|
|
|
$
|
1.7
|
|
|
$
|
(0.5)
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
(0.4)
|
|
Benefit obligations are described in the following tables. Accumulated and projected benefit obligations ("ABO" and "PBO") represent the obligations of a pension plan for past service as of the measurement date. ABO is the present value of benefits earned to date with benefits computed based on current compensation levels. PBO is ABO increased to reflect expected future compensation.
The following table sets forth the plans’ change in projected benefit obligation:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the year ended October 31, 2021
|
Consolidated
|
|
United States
|
|
Germany
|
|
United
Kingdom
|
|
Netherlands
|
|
Other
International
|
(in millions)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in benefit obligation:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
|
$
|
1,110.3
|
|
|
$
|
782.0
|
|
|
$
|
42.1
|
|
|
$
|
184.6
|
|
|
$
|
90.9
|
|
|
$
|
10.7
|
|
Service cost
|
12.1
|
|
|
10.7
|
|
|
0.3
|
|
|
0.5
|
|
|
0.5
|
|
|
0.1
|
|
Interest cost
|
18.8
|
|
|
15.4
|
|
|
0.3
|
|
|
2.5
|
|
|
0.4
|
|
|
0.2
|
|
Plan participant contributions
|
0.2
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
0.2
|
|
|
—
|
|
Expenses paid from assets
|
(3.1)
|
|
|
(2.3)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(0.9)
|
|
|
0.2
|
|
|
(0.1)
|
|
Actuarial loss (gain)
|
0.3
|
|
|
17.1
|
|
|
(1.5)
|
|
|
(11.1)
|
|
|
(3.8)
|
|
|
(0.4)
|
|
Foreign currency effect
|
9.8
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(0.4)
|
|
|
10.9
|
|
|
(0.9)
|
|
|
0.2
|
|
Benefits paid
|
(159.9)
|
|
|
(143.3)
|
|
|
(1.5)
|
|
|
(9.0)
|
|
|
(5.0)
|
|
|
(1.1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
|
0.7
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(3.4)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
4.1
|
|
Benefit obligation at end of year
|
$
|
989.2
|
|
|
$
|
679.6
|
|
|
$
|
39.3
|
|
|
$
|
174.1
|
|
|
$
|
82.5
|
|
|
$
|
13.7
|
|
For the year ended October 31, 2020
|
Consolidated
|
|
United States
|
|
Germany
|
|
United
Kingdom
|
|
Netherlands
|
|
Other
International
|
(in millions)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in benefit obligation:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
|
$
|
1,158.7
|
|
|
$
|
831.0
|
|
|
$
|
44.1
|
|
|
$
|
180.8
|
|
|
$
|
91.3
|
|
|
$
|
11.5
|
|
Service cost
|
12.8
|
|
|
11.5
|
|
|
0.4
|
|
|
0.5
|
|
|
0.3
|
|
|
0.1
|
|
Interest cost
|
25.9
|
|
|
22.4
|
|
|
0.2
|
|
|
2.7
|
|
|
0.3
|
|
|
0.3
|
|
Plan participant contributions
|
0.2
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
0.2
|
|
|
—
|
|
Expenses paid from assets
|
(3.4)
|
|
|
(2.6)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(0.9)
|
|
|
0.2
|
|
|
(0.1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Actuarial loss (gain)
|
17.4
|
|
|
14.6
|
|
|
(3.5)
|
|
|
7.6
|
|
|
(1.6)
|
|
|
0.3
|
|
Foreign currency effect
|
8.6
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
2.3
|
|
|
1.7
|
|
|
5.0
|
|
|
(0.4)
|
|
Benefits paid
|
(109.9)
|
|
|
(94.9)
|
|
|
(1.4)
|
|
|
(7.8)
|
|
|
(4.8)
|
|
|
(1.0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefit obligation at end of year
|
$
|
1,110.3
|
|
|
$
|
782.0
|
|
|
$
|
42.1
|
|
|
$
|
184.6
|
|
|
$
|
90.9
|
|
|
$
|
10.7
|
|
The following tables set forth the PBO, ABO, plan assets and instances where the ABO exceeds the plan assets for the respective years:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions)
|
Consolidated
|
|
United States
|
|
Germany
|
|
United
Kingdom
|
|
Netherlands
|
|
Other
International
|
Actuarial value of benefit obligations and plan assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 31, 2021
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Projected benefit obligation
|
$
|
989.2
|
|
|
$
|
679.6
|
|
|
$
|
39.3
|
|
|
$
|
174.1
|
|
|
$
|
82.5
|
|
|
$
|
13.7
|
|
Accumulated benefit obligation
|
961.0
|
|
|
655.4
|
|
|
38.2
|
|
|
174.1
|
|
|
81.2
|
|
|
12.1
|
|
Plan assets
|
950.8
|
|
|
646.4
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
205.4
|
|
|
84.5
|
|
|
14.5
|
|
October 31, 2020
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Projected benefit obligation
|
$
|
1,110.3
|
|
|
$
|
782.0
|
|
|
$
|
42.1
|
|
|
$
|
184.6
|
|
|
$
|
90.9
|
|
|
$
|
10.7
|
|
Accumulated benefit obligation
|
1,086.1
|
|
|
760.3
|
|
|
41.0
|
|
|
184.6
|
|
|
89.3
|
|
|
10.9
|
|
Plan assets
|
1,002.1
|
|
|
687.0
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
210.0
|
|
|
92.0
|
|
|
13.1
|
|
Plans with ABO in excess of Plan assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 31, 2021
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated benefit obligation
|
$
|
75.1
|
|
|
$
|
35.3
|
|
|
$
|
38.2
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
1.6
|
|
Plan assets
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
October 31, 2020
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated benefit obligation
|
$
|
812.2
|
|
|
$
|
760.3
|
|
|
$
|
41.0
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
10.9
|
|
Plan assets
|
697.2
|
|
|
687.2
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
10.0
|
|
The actuarial (gain) loss for all pension plans was primarily related to a change in discount rates used to measure the benefit obligations of those plans.
Future benefit payments for the Company's global plans, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, during the next five years, and in the aggregate for the five years thereafter, are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions)
|
Expected
Benefit
Payments
|
Year(s)
|
|
2022
|
$
|
59.0
|
|
2023
|
58.7
|
|
2024
|
58.5
|
|
2025
|
56.3
|
|
2026
|
56.8
|
|
2027-2031
|
288.9
|
|
Plan assets
The assets of all the Company's plans consist of U.S. and non-U.S. equity securities, government and corporate bonds, cash, insurance annuity mutual funds and not more than the allowable number of shares of the Company’s common stock. The assets of the plans in the aggregate included shares of the Company's common stock in the amount of 51,576 shares of Class A common stock and 30,930 shares of Class B common stock at October 31, 2020. During 2021, as part of a change in strategy for plan assets, all shares of Class A and Class B common stock were sold by the plan, and at October 31, 2021, the assets of the plans in the aggregate do not include shares of the Company's common stock.
The investment policy reflects the long-term nature of the plans’ funding obligations. The assets are invested to provide the opportunity for both income and growth of principal. This objective is pursued as a long-term goal designed to provide required benefits for participants without undue risk. It is expected that this objective can be achieved through a well-diversified asset portfolio. All equity investments are made within the guidelines of quality, marketability and diversification mandated by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act and/or other relevant statutes and laws. Investment managers are directed to maintain equity portfolios at a risk level approximately equivalent to that of the specific benchmark established for that portfolio.
The Company’s weighted average asset allocations at the measurement date and the target asset allocations by category are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Asset Category
|
2022 Target
|
|
2021 Target
|
|
2021 Actual
|
Equity securities
|
20
|
%
|
|
21
|
%
|
|
20
|
%
|
Debt securities
|
66
|
%
|
|
63
|
%
|
|
65
|
%
|
Other
|
14
|
%
|
|
16
|
%
|
|
15
|
%
|
Total
|
100
|
%
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
100
|
%
|
The fair value of the pension plans’ investments is presented below. The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of the assets are consistently applied and described in Note 6 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the year ended October 31, 2021
|
Consolidated
|
|
United States
|
|
Germany
|
|
United
Kingdom
|
|
Netherlands
|
|
Other
International
|
(in millions)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in plan assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
|
$
|
1,002.1
|
|
|
$
|
687.0
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
210.0
|
|
|
$
|
92.0
|
|
|
$
|
13.1
|
|
Actual return on plan assets
|
77.1
|
|
|
88.4
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(9.8)
|
|
|
(3.1)
|
|
|
1.6
|
|
Expenses paid
|
(3.1)
|
|
|
(2.3)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(0.9)
|
|
|
0.2
|
|
|
(0.1)
|
|
Plan participant contributions
|
0.2
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
0.2
|
|
|
—
|
|
Foreign currency impact
|
12.5
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
12.4
|
|
|
(0.9)
|
|
|
1.0
|
|
Employer contributions
|
17.8
|
|
|
14.0
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
2.7
|
|
|
1.1
|
|
|
—
|
|
Benefits paid out of plan
|
(155.8)
|
|
|
(140.7)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(9.0)
|
|
|
(5.0)
|
|
|
(1.1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
|
$
|
950.8
|
|
|
$
|
646.4
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
205.4
|
|
|
$
|
84.5
|
|
|
$
|
14.5
|
|
For the year ended October 31, 2020
|
Consolidated
|
|
United States
|
|
Germany
|
|
United
Kingdom
|
|
Netherlands
|
|
Other
International
|
(in millions)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in plan assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
|
$
|
1,017.0
|
|
|
$
|
698.7
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
209.8
|
|
|
$
|
94.5
|
|
|
$
|
14.0
|
|
Actual return on plan assets
|
65.4
|
|
|
62.2
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
4.6
|
|
|
(2.1)
|
|
|
0.7
|
|
Expenses paid
|
(3.4)
|
|
|
(2.6)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(0.9)
|
|
|
0.2
|
|
|
(0.1)
|
|
Plan participant contributions
|
0.2
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
0.2
|
|
|
—
|
|
Foreign currency impact
|
6.4
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1.9
|
|
|
5.0
|
|
|
(0.5)
|
|
Employer contributions
|
22.4
|
|
|
21.0
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
2.4
|
|
|
(1.0)
|
|
|
—
|
|
Benefits paid out of plan
|
(105.9)
|
|
|
(92.3)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(7.8)
|
|
|
(4.8)
|
|
|
(1.0)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
|
$
|
1,002.1
|
|
|
$
|
687.0
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
210.0
|
|
|
$
|
92.0
|
|
|
$
|
13.1
|
|
The following table presents the fair value measurements for the pension assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair Value Measurement
|
As of October 31, 2021 (in millions)
|
Level 1
|
|
Level 2
|
|
Level 3
|
|
Total
|
Asset Category
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mutual funds
|
$
|
87.4
|
|
|
$
|
128.5
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
215.9
|
|
Common stock
|
6.6
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
6.6
|
|
Cash
|
15.7
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
15.7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corporate bonds
|
—
|
|
|
228.5
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
228.5
|
|
Government bonds
|
—
|
|
|
44.5
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
44.5
|
|
Other assets
|
—
|
|
|
1.0
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1.0
|
|
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy
|
109.7
|
|
|
402.5
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
512.2
|
|
Investments Measured at Net Asset Value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Insurance contracts
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
122.9
|
|
Common stock funds
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
94.2
|
|
Corporate bond funds
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
209.2
|
|
Government bond funds
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12.3
|
|
Investments at Fair Value
|
$
|
109.7
|
|
|
$
|
402.5
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
950.8
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair Value Measurement
|
As of October 31, 2020 (in millions)
|
Level 1
|
|
Level 2
|
|
Level 3
|
|
Total
|
Asset Category
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mutual funds
|
$
|
9.2
|
|
|
$
|
122.4
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
131.6
|
|
Common stock
|
9.3
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
9.3
|
|
Cash
|
14.8
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
14.8
|
|
Corporate bonds
|
—
|
|
|
250.3
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
250.3
|
|
Government bonds
|
—
|
|
|
34.2
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
34.2
|
|
Other assets
|
—
|
|
|
0.7
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
0.7
|
|
Total Assets in the Fair Value Hierarchy
|
33.3
|
|
|
407.6
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
440.9
|
|
Investments Measured at Net Asset Value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mutual funds
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.5
|
|
Insurance contracts
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
132.9
|
|
Common stock funds
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
215.4
|
|
Corporate bond funds
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
203.1
|
|
Government bond funds
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.3
|
|
Investments at Fair Value
|
$
|
33.3
|
|
|
$
|
407.6
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
1,002.1
|
|
Financial statement presentation including other comprehensive income:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of October 31, 2021
|
Consolidated
|
|
United States
|
|
Germany
|
|
United
Kingdom
|
|
Netherlands
|
|
Other
International
|
(in millions)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrecognized net actuarial loss
|
$
|
87.2
|
|
|
$
|
29.9
|
|
|
$
|
11.9
|
|
|
$
|
36.2
|
|
|
$
|
4.4
|
|
|
$
|
4.8
|
|
Unrecognized prior service credit
|
(2.0)
|
|
|
(0.7)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(1.3)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss - Pre-tax
|
$
|
85.2
|
|
|
$
|
29.2
|
|
|
$
|
11.9
|
|
|
$
|
36.2
|
|
|
$
|
3.1
|
|
|
$
|
4.8
|
|
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prepaid benefit cost
|
$
|
39.9
|
|
|
$
|
2.7
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
31.1
|
|
|
$
|
2.0
|
|
|
$
|
4.1
|
|
Accrued benefit liability
|
(78.3)
|
|
|
(35.5)
|
|
|
(39.3)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(3.5)
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss - Pre-tax
|
85.2
|
|
|
29.2
|
|
|
11.9
|
|
|
36.2
|
|
|
3.1
|
|
|
4.8
|
|
Net amount recognized
|
$
|
46.8
|
|
|
$
|
(3.6)
|
|
|
$
|
(27.4)
|
|
|
$
|
67.3
|
|
|
$
|
5.1
|
|
|
$
|
5.4
|
|
As of October 31, 2020
|
Consolidated
|
|
United States
|
|
Germany
|
|
United Kingdom
|
|
Netherlands
|
|
Other
International
|
(in millions)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrecognized net actuarial loss
|
$
|
149.7
|
|
|
$
|
94.1
|
|
|
$
|
14.8
|
|
|
$
|
32.4
|
|
|
$
|
4.5
|
|
|
$
|
3.9
|
|
Unrecognized prior service cost (credit)
|
0.9
|
|
|
(0.8)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
3.2
|
|
|
(1.5)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss - Pre-tax
|
$
|
150.6
|
|
|
$
|
93.3
|
|
|
$
|
14.8
|
|
|
$
|
35.6
|
|
|
$
|
3.0
|
|
|
$
|
3.9
|
|
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prepaid benefit cost
|
$
|
29.5
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
25.3
|
|
|
$
|
1.1
|
|
|
$
|
3.1
|
|
Accrued benefit liability
|
(137.7)
|
|
|
(94.7)
|
|
|
(42.1)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
(0.9)
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss - Pre-tax
|
150.6
|
|
|
93.3
|
|
|
14.8
|
|
|
35.6
|
|
|
3.0
|
|
|
3.9
|
|
Net amount recognized
|
$
|
42.4
|
|
|
$
|
(1.4)
|
|
|
$
|
(27.3)
|
|
|
$
|
60.9
|
|
|
$
|
4.1
|
|
|
$
|
6.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions)
|
October 31, 2021
|
|
October 31, 2020
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at beginning of year
|
$
|
150.6
|
|
|
$
|
172.6
|
|
Increase or (decrease) in accumulated other comprehensive loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net prior service benefit amortized
|
0.3
|
|
|
0.1
|
|
Net loss amortized
|
(12.6)
|
|
|
(13.2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss recognized due to settlement
|
(9.1)
|
|
|
(0.3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liability loss
|
0.3
|
|
|
17.4
|
|
Asset gain
|
(45.3)
|
|
|
(27.4)
|
|
Other adjustments
|
(0.9)
|
|
|
—
|
|
Decrease in accumulated other comprehensive loss
|
(67.3)
|
|
|
(23.4)
|
|
Foreign currency impact
|
1.9
|
|
|
1.4
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at year end
|
$
|
85.2
|
|
|
$
|
150.6
|
|
Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan
The Company has a supplemental employee retirement plan which is an unfunded plan providing supplementary retirement benefits primarily to certain executives and longer-service employees. The present benefit obligation of the supplemental employee retirement plan is included in the United States defined benefit pension plans above.
Defined contribution plans
The Company has several voluntary 401(k) savings plans that cover eligible employees in the U.S. For certain plans, the Company matches a percentage of each employee’s contribution up to a maximum percentage of base salary. The Company's contributions to the 401(k) plans were $21.9 million, $25.2 million and $21.8 million in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Post-retirement Health Care and Life Insurance Benefits
The Company has certain post-retirement unfunded health and life insurance benefit plans in the United States and South Africa. The Company recognized loss (income) for its post-retirement benefit plans of $0.1 million, $(0.2) million and $(1.1) million for the years ended 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The projected benefit obligation of the Company’s post-retirement benefit plans was $11.0 million and $11.6 million as of October 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Benefits paid directly by the Company totaled $1.0 million, $0.9 million and $0.9 million for the years ending 2021, 2020 and 2019 respectively. Benefits paid directly by the Company during 2022 are expected to be approximately $1.3 million, .
NOTE 10 – CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESERVES
Litigation-related Liabilities
The Company may become involved from time-to-time in litigation and regulatory matters incidental to its business, including governmental investigations, enforcement actions, personal injury claims, product liability, employment health and safety matters, commercial disputes, intellectual property matters, disputes regarding environmental clean-up costs, litigation in connection with acquisitions and divestitures, and other matters arising out of the normal conduct of its business. The Company intends to vigorously defend itself in such litigation. The Company does not believe that the outcome of any pending litigation will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial statements.
The Company will accrue for contingencies related to litigation and regulatory matters if it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Because litigation is inherently unpredictable and unfavorable resolutions can occur, assessing contingencies is highly subjective and requires judgments about future events. The Company regularly reviews contingencies to determine whether its accruals are adequate. The amount of ultimate loss may differ from these estimates.
The Company is currently involved in legal proceedings outside of the United States related to various wrongful termination lawsuits filed by former employees and benefit claims filed by some existing employees of the Company's Global Industrial Packaging reportable segment. The lawsuits include claims for severance for employment periods prior to the Company’s ownership in the business. As of October 31, 2021 and October 31, 2020, the estimated liability recorded related to these matters was not material. The estimated liability has been determined based on the number of active cases and the settlements and rulings on previous cases. It is reasonably possible the estimated liability could increase if additional cases are filed or adverse rulings are made.
Since 2017, two reconditioning facilities in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area that are or were owned by Container Life Cycle Management LLC ("CLCM"), the Company’s U.S. reconditioning joint venture, have been subject to investigations conducted by federal, state and local governmental agencies concerning, among other matters, potential violations of environmental laws and regulations. As a result of these investigations, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“U.S. EPA”) and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (“WDNR”) have issued notices of violations to the Company and CLCM regarding violations of certain federal and state environmental laws and regulations. The remedies being sought in these proceedings include compliance with the applicable environmental laws and regulations as being interpreted by the U.S. EPA and WDNR and monetary sanctions. The Company has cooperated with the governmental agencies in these investigations and proceedings. As of December 16, 2021, no material citations have been issued or material fines assessed with respect to any violation of environmental laws and regulations. Although the Company anticipates paying a civil penalty to the U.S. EPA and WDNR, the amount is not expected to be material to the Company.
In addition, on November 8, 2017, the Company, CLCM and other parties were named as defendants in a punitive class action lawsuit filed in Wisconsin state court concerning one of CLCM’s Milwaukee reconditioning facilities. The plaintiffs alleged that odors from this facility invaded their property and interfered with the use and enjoyment of their property and caused damage to the value of their property. In September 2021, the Milwaukee County Circuit Court approved a class action settlement of these claims. The cash settlement component of $0.8 million is expected to be paid in December 2021 into a fund for the benefit of class members. CLCM has also agreed to make capital improvements in an amount up to $0.5 million to the facility, subject to certain qualifications set forth in the agreement, to further reduce odor emissions.
Environmental Reserves
The Newark Group, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company ("Newark"), is subject to environmental and litigation liability related to contamination of the Lower Passaic River in New Jersey. By letters dated February 14, 2006 and June 2, 2006, the U.S. EPA notified Newark of its potential liability under Section 107(a) of the Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (“CERCLA”) relating to the Diamond Alkali Superfund Site, which includes a 17-mile stretch of the Lower Passaic River that EPA has denominated the Lower Passaic River Study Area (“LPRSA”). Newark is one of at least 70 potentially responsible parties identified in this case. The EPA alleges that hazardous substances were released from Newark’s now-closed Newark, New Jersey recycled paperboard mill into the Lower Passaic River. The EPA informed the Company that it may be potentially liable for response costs that the government may incur relating to the study of the LPRSA and for unspecified natural resource damages.
In April 2014, EPA issued a Focused Feasibility Study that proposed alternatives for the remediation of the lower 8 miles of the Lower Passaic River. On March 3, 2016, EPA issued its Record of Decision for the lower 8 miles of the Lower Passaic River, which presented a bank-to-bank dredging remedy selected by the agency for the lower 8 miles and which EPA estimates will cost approximately $1,380.0 million to implement. Newark participated in an allocation process to determine its allocable share. During 2021, final report was issued that determined Newark as a low tier participant and share of the liability to be less than 1.0% that applies to the 17-miles of LPRSA.
On June 30, 2018, Occidental Chemical Corporation (“Occidental”) filed litigation in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey styled Occidental Chemical Corp. v. 21st Century Fox America, Inc., et al., Civil Action No. 2:18-CV-11273 (D.N.J.), that names Newark and approximately 119 other parties as defendants. Occidental’s Complaint alleges claims under CERCLA against all defendants for cost recovery, contribution, and declaratory judgment for costs Occidental allegedly has incurred and will incur at the Diamond Alkali Superfund Site. The litigation is in its early stages, and the Company intends to vigorously defend itself in this litigation.
As of October 31, 2021 and October 31, 2020, the Company has accrued $11.0 million and $11.1 million, respectively, for LPRSA and the Diamond Alkali Superfund Site. It is possible that there could be resolution of uncertainties in the future that would require the Company to record charges, which could be material to future earnings.
As of October 31, 2021 and October 31, 2020, the Company's environmental reserves were $19.5 million and $20.2 million, respectively, which include the LPRSA and Diamond Alkali Superfund Sites mentioned above. These reserves are principally based on environmental studies and cost estimates provided by third parties, but also take into account management estimates. The estimated liabilities are reduced to reflect the anticipated participation of other potentially responsible parties in those instances where it is probable that such parties are legally responsible and financially capable of paying their respective shares of relevant costs. For sites that involve formal actions subject to joint and several liabilities, these actions have formal agreements in place to apportion the liability.
Aside from the Diamond Alkali Superfund Site, other environmental reserves of the Company as of October 31, 2021 and October 31, 2020 included $8.5 million and $9.1 million, respectively, for its various facilities around the world.
The Company’s 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 year, the Company believes that the chance of a series of adverse developments occurring in the same quarter or year is remote. Future information and developments will require the Company to continually reassess the expected impact of these environmental matters.
NOTE 11 – EARNINGS PER SHARE
The Company has two classes of common stock and, as such, applies the “two-class method” of computing earnings per share (“EPS”) as prescribed in ASC 260, “Earnings Per Share.” In accordance with this guidance, earnings are allocated in the same fashion as dividends would be distributed. Under the Company’s articles of incorporation, any distribution of dividends in any year must be made in proportion of one cent a share for Class A Common Stock to one and one-half cents a share for Class B Common Stock, which results in a 40% to 60% split to Class A and B shareholders, respectively. In accordance with this, earnings are allocated first to Class A and Class B Common Stock to the extent that dividends are actually paid, and the remainder is allocated assuming all of the earnings for the period have been distributed in the form of dividends.
The Company calculates EPS as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
=
|
40% * Average Class A Shares Outstanding
|
*
|
Undistributed Net Income
|
+
|
Class A Dividends
Per Share
|
Class A EPS
|
40% * Average Class A Shares Outstanding + 60% * Average Class B Shares Outstanding
|
Average Class A Shares Outstanding
|
Diluted
|
=
|
40% * Average Class A Shares Outstanding
|
*
|
Undistributed Net Income
|
+
|
Class A Dividends
Per Share
|
Class A EPS
|
40% * Average Class A Shares Outstanding + 60% * Average Class B Shares Outstanding
|
Average Diluted Class A Shares Outstanding
|
Basic
|
=
|
60% * Average Class B Shares Outstanding
|
*
|
Undistributed Net Income
|
+
|
Class B Dividends
Per Share
|
Class B EPS
|
40% * Average Class A Shares Outstanding + 60% * Average Class B Shares Outstanding
|
Average Class B Shares Outstanding
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* Diluted Class B EPS calculation is identical to Basic Class B calculation
|
The following table provides EPS information for each period, respectively:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended October 31,
|
(in millions, except per share data)
|
2021
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
Numerator
|
|
|
|
|
|
Numerator for basic and diluted EPS –
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income attributable to Greif
|
$
|
390.7
|
|
|
$
|
108.8
|
|
|
$
|
171.0
|
|
Cash dividends
|
(105.8)
|
|
|
(104.3)
|
|
|
(104.0)
|
|
Undistributed net income attributable to Greif, Inc.
|
$
|
284.9
|
|
|
$
|
4.5
|
|
|
$
|
67.0
|
|
Denominator
|
|
|
|
|
|
Denominator for basic EPS –
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A common stock
|
26.5
|
|
|
26.4
|
|
|
26.2
|
|
Class B common stock
|
22.0
|
|
|
22.0
|
|
|
22.0
|
|
Denominator for diluted EPS –
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A common stock
|
26.7
|
|
|
26.4
|
|
|
26.2
|
|
Class B common stock
|
22.0
|
|
|
22.0
|
|
|
22.0
|
|
EPS Basic
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A common stock
|
$
|
6.57
|
|
|
$
|
1.83
|
|
|
$
|
2.89
|
|
Class B common stock
|
$
|
9.84
|
|
|
$
|
2.74
|
|
|
$
|
4.33
|
|
EPS Diluted
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A common stock
|
$
|
6.54
|
|
|
$
|
1.83
|
|
|
$
|
2.89
|
|
Class B common stock
|
$
|
9.84
|
|
|
$
|
2.74
|
|
|
$
|
4.33
|
|
The Class A Common Stock has no voting rights unless four quarterly cumulative dividends upon the Class A Common Stock are in arrears. The Class B Common Stock has full voting rights. There is no cumulative voting for the election of directors.
Common Stock Repurchases
The Board of Directors has authorized the Company to repurchase shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock or any combination of the foregoing. As of October 31, 2021 and 2020, the remaining number of shares that may be repurchased under this authorization were 4,703,487 and 4,703,487, respectively. There were no shares repurchased during 2021 and 2020.
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
|
October 31, 2021:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A common stock
|
128,000,000
|
|
|
42,281,920
|
|
|
26,550,924
|
|
|
15,730,996
|
|
Class B common stock
|
69,120,000
|
|
|
34,560,000
|
|
|
22,007,725
|
|
|
12,552,275
|
|
October 31, 2020:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A common stock
|
128,000,000
|
|
|
42,281,920
|
|
|
26,441,986
|
|
|
15,839,934
|
|
Class B common stock
|
69,120,000
|
|
|
34,560,000
|
|
|
22,007,725
|
|
|
12,552,275
|
|
The following is a reconciliation of the shares used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended October 31,
|
|
2021
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
Class A Common Stock:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic shares
|
26,525,529
|
|
|
26,382,838
|
|
|
26,189,445
|
|
Assumed conversion of stock options and unvested shares
|
133,692
|
|
|
7,805
|
|
|
25,666
|
|
Diluted shares
|
26,659,221
|
|
|
26,390,643
|
|
|
26,215,111
|
|
Class B Common Stock:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic and diluted shares
|
22,007,725
|
|
|
22,007,725
|
|
|
22,007,725
|
|
No stock options were antidilutive for the years ended October 31, 2021, 2020, or 2019.
NOTE 12 – LEASES
The Company leases certain buildings, warehouses, land, transportation equipment, operating equipment and office equipment with remaining lease terms from less than 1 year up to 21 years. The Company reviews all options to extend, terminate, or purchase a right of use asset at the time of lease inception and accounts for options deemed reasonably certain.
The Company combines lease and non-lease components for all leases, except real estate, for which these components are presented separately. Leases with an initial term of twelve months or less are not capitalized and are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The implicit rate is not readily determinable for substantially all of the Company's leases, therefore the initial present value of lease payments is calculated utilizing an estimated incremental borrowing rate determined at the portfolio level based on market and Company specific information.
Certain of the Company’s leases include variable costs. As the right of use asset recorded on the balance sheet was determined based upon factors considered at the commencement date, changes in these variable expenses are not capitalized and are expensed as incurred throughout the lease term.
As of October 31, 2021, the Company had no significant leases that had not commenced.
The following table presents the lease expense components:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
(in millions)
|
October 31, 2021
|
|
October 31, 2020
|
|
|
Operating lease cost
|
$
|
70.4
|
|
|
$
|
67.0
|
|
|
|
Other lease cost*
|
24.0
|
|
|
26.8
|
|
|
|
Total lease cost
|
$
|
94.4
|
|
|
$
|
93.8
|
|
|
|
*Amount includes variable, short-term and finance lease costs.
Future maturity for the Company's lease liabilities, during the next five years, and in the aggregate for the years thereafter, are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions)
|
October 31, 2021
|
2022
|
$
|
69.2
|
|
2023
|
64.3
|
|
2024
|
56.3
|
|
2025
|
46.6
|
|
2026
|
40.7
|
|
Thereafter
|
142.3
|
|
Total lease payments
|
419.4
|
|
Less: Interest
|
(125.9)
|
|
Lease liabilities
|
$
|
293.5
|
|
The following table presents the weighted-average lease term and discount rate as of October 31, 2021 and October 31, 2020:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 31, 2021
|
|
October 31, 2020
|
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years) for operating lease liabilities
|
10.3
|
|
11.1
|
Weighted-average discount rate for operating lease liabilities
|
3.61
|
%
|
|
3.63
|
%
|
The following table presents other required lease related information:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions)
|
October 31, 2021
|
|
October 31, 2020
|
Operating cash flows used for operating leases
|
$
|
70.2
|
|
|
$
|
69.4
|
|
Leased assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities
|
25.0
|
|
|
67.4
|
|
NOTE 13 – BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION
During 2021, the Company made changes to the operational and financial management practices and procedures of the Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services and Flexible Products & Services reportable segments and combined the two reportable segments under a single global leadership team. These changes were made to enhance cross-selling and service offerings to customers within similar markets and enhance Greif Business System effectiveness. As a result of the changes, the Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services reportable segment and the Flexible Products & Services reportable segment have been combined into a single reportable segment known as Global Industrial Packaging.
Due to the changes described above, the Company has six operating segments, which are aggregated into three reportable segments: Global Industrial Packaging; Paper Packaging & Services; and Land Management. The Global Industrial Packaging reportable segment is the aggregation of four operating segments: Global Industrial Packaging – North America; Global Industrial Packaging – Latin America; Global Industrial Packaging – Europe, Middle East and Africa; and Global Industrial Packaging – Asia Pacific.
Operations in the Global Industrial Packaging reportable segment involve the production and sale of rigid industrial packaging products, such as steel, fibre and plastic drums, rigid intermediate bulk containers, closure systems for industrial packaging products, transit protection products, water bottles and remanufactured and reconditioned industrial containers, and services, such as container life cycle management, filling, logistics, warehousing and other packaging services. These products and services are sold to customers in industries such as chemicals, paints and pigments, food and beverage, petroleum, industrial coatings, agriculture, pharmaceuticals and mineral products, among others. Additional operations of the Global Industrial Packaging reportable segment include production and sale of flexible intermediate bulk containers and related services on a global basis. These containers are constructed from a polypropylene-based woven fabric that is produced at its production sites, as well as sourced from strategic regional suppliers. Flexible intermediate bulk containers are sold to customers and in market segments similar to those of the other Global Industrial Packaging reportable segment, with an emphasis on customers in industries such as agriculture, construction and food industries.
Operations in the Paper Packaging & Services reportable segment involve the production and sale of containerboard, corrugated sheets, corrugated containers and other corrugated and specialty products to customers in North America in industries such as packaging, automotive, food and building products. The Company’s corrugated container products are used to ship such diverse products as home appliances, small machinery, grocery products, automotive components, books and furniture, as well as numerous other applications. The Company also produces and sells coated and uncoated recycled paperboard, along with tubes and cores and a diverse mix of specialty products to customers in North America. In addition, the reportable segment is involved in the purchase and sale of recycled fiber.
Operations in the Land Management reportable segment involve the management and sale of timber and special use properties from approximately 175,000 acres of timber properties in the southeastern United States. Land Management’s operations focus on the active harvesting and regeneration of its timber properties to achieve sustainable long-term yields. While timber sales are subject to fluctuations, the Company seeks to maintain a consistent cutting schedule, within the limits of market and weather conditions. The Company also sells, from time to time, timberland and special use properties, which consists of surplus properties, higher and better use ("HBU") properties and development properties.
In order to maximize the value of timber property, the Company continues to review its current portfolio and explore the development of certain of these properties. This process has led the Company to characterize property as follows:
•Surplus property, meaning land that cannot be efficiently or effectively managed by the Company, whether due to parcel size, lack of productivity, location, access limitations or for other reasons.
•HBU property, meaning land that in its current state has a higher market value for uses other than growing and selling timber.
•Development property, meaning HBU land that, with additional investment, may have a significantly higher market value than its HBU market value.
•Timberland, meaning land that is best suited for growing and selling timber.
The disposal of surplus and HBU property is reported in the consolidated statements of income under “gain on disposals of properties, plants and equipment, net” and the sale of development property is reported under “net sales” and “cost of products sold.” All HBU, development and surplus property is used by the Company to productively grow and sell timber until sold.
Whether timberland has a higher value for uses other than growing and selling timber is a determination based upon several variables, such as proximity to population centers, anticipated population growth in the area, the topography of the land,
aesthetic considerations, including access to water, the condition of the surrounding land, availability of utilities, markets for timber and economic considerations both nationally and locally. Given these considerations, the characterization of land is not a static process, but requires an ongoing review and re-characterization as circumstances change.
The following tables present net sales disaggregated by geographic area for each reportable segment for the year ended October 31, 2021:
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|
|
|
Year Ended October 31, 2021
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(in millions)
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United States
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|
Europe, Middle East and Africa
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|
Asia Pacific and Other Americas
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|
Total
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Global Industrial Packaging
|
$
|
1,044.5
|
|
|
$
|
1,673.9
|
|
|
$
|
598.3
|
|
|
$
|
3,316.7
|
|
Paper Packaging & Services
|
2,182.0
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
36.4
|
|
|
2,218.4
|
|
Land Management
|
21.0
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
21.0
|
|
Total net sales
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$
|
3,247.5
|
|
|
$
|
1,673.9
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|
|
$
|
634.7
|
|
|
$
|
5,556.1
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|
The following tables present net sales disaggregated by geographic area for each reportable segment for the year ended October 31, 2020:
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|
Year Ended October 31, 2020
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(in millions)
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United States
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|
Europe, Middle East and Africa
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|
Asia Pacific and Other Americas
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Total
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Global Industrial Packaging
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$
|
842.2
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|
|
$
|
1,288.8
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|
|
$
|
440.8
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|
|
$
|
2,571.8
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Paper Packaging & Services
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1,888.4
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
28.5
|
|
|
1,916.9
|
|
Land Management
|
26.3
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
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|
|
26.3
|
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Total net sales
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$
|
2,756.9
|
|
|
$
|
1,288.8
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|
|
$
|
469.3
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|
|
$
|
4,515.0
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The following reportable segment information is presented for each of the three years in the period ended October 31:
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(in millions)
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2021
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2020
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|
2019
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Operating profit:
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|
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Global Industrial Packaging
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$
|
350.2
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|
|
$
|
225.4
|
|
|
$
|
204.9
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Paper Packaging & Services
|
131.0
|
|
|
71.0
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|
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184.3
|
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Land Management
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104.0
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|
|
8.5
|
|
|
9.9
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Total operating profit
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$
|
585.2
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|
|
$
|
304.9
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|
|
$
|
399.1
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|
|
|
|
|
|
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Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense:
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|
|
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Global Industrial Packaging
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$
|
83.1
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|
|
$
|
84.5
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|
|
$
|
82.5
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Paper Packaging & Services
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148.0
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|
|
153.5
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|
|
119.3
|
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Land Management
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3.3
|
|
|
4.5
|
|
|
4.3
|
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Total depreciation, depletion and amortization expense
|
$
|
234.4
|
|
|
$
|
242.5
|
|
|
$
|
206.1
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|
|
|
|
|
|
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Capital expenditures:
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|
|
|
|
|
Global Industrial Packaging
|
$
|
71.1
|
|
|
$
|
55.8
|
|
|
$
|
58.4
|
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Paper Packaging & Services
|
79.9
|
|
|
61.4
|
|
|
81.2
|
|
Land Management
|
0.2
|
|
|
0.2
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0.2
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Total segment
|
151.2
|
|
|
117.4
|
|
|
139.8
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Corporate and other
|
11.0
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|
|
12.6
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|
17.1
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Total capital expenditures
|
$
|
162.2
|
|
|
$
|
130.0
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$
|
156.9
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The following table presents total assets by reportable segment and total long lived assets, net by geographic area:
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(in millions)
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October 31, 2021
|
|
October 31, 2020
|
|
October 31, 2019
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Assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Global Industrial Packaging
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$
|
2,735.1
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|
|
$
|
2,338.5
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|
|
$
|
2,154.5
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Paper Packaging & Services
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2,506.5
|
|
|
2,524.3
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|
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2,686.3
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Land Management
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249.2
|
|
|
348.6
|
|
|
348.7
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Total segment
|
5,490.8
|
|
|
5,211.4
|
|
|
5,189.5
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Corporate and other
|
325.0
|
|
|
299.5
|
|
|
237.2
|
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Total assets
|
$
|
5,815.8
|
|
|
$
|
5,510.9
|
|
|
$
|
5,426.7
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|
|
|
|
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Long lived assets, net*:
|
|
|
|
|
|
United States
|
$
|
1,321.8
|
|
|
$
|
1,345.8
|
|
|
$
|
1,295.8
|
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Europe, Middle East, and Africa
|
374.5
|
|
|
377.6
|
|
|
277.1
|
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Asia Pacific and other Americas
|
114.3
|
|
|
111.0
|
|
|
117.4
|
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Total properties, plants and equipment, net
|
$
|
1,810.6
|
|
|
$
|
1,834.4
|
|
|
$
|
1,690.3
|
|
*includes impact of capitalization of operating lease assets
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|
|
|
|
|
NOTE 14 – COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
The following table provides the roll forward of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended October 31, 2021 and 2020:
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(in millions)
|
Foreign Currency
Translation
|
|
Derivative Financial Instruments
|
|
Minimum
Pension Liability
Adjustment
|
|
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
|
Balance as of October 31, 2019
|
$
|
(298.0)
|
|
|
$
|
(12.7)
|
|
|
$
|
(123.0)
|
|
|
$
|
(433.7)
|
|
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
|
$
|
3.1
|
|
|
$
|
(12.0)
|
|
|
$
|
15.1
|
|
|
$
|
6.2
|
|
Balance as of October 31, 2020
|
$
|
(294.9)
|
|
|
$
|
(24.7)
|
|
|
$
|
(107.9)
|
|
|
$
|
(427.5)
|
|
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
|
(0.5)
|
|
|
21.1
|
|
|
50.4
|
|
|
71.0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of October 31, 2021
|
$
|
(295.4)
|
|
|
$
|
(3.6)
|
|
|
$
|
(57.5)
|
|
|
$
|
(356.5)
|
|
The components of accumulated other comprehensive income above are presented net of tax, as applicable.
NOTE 15 – REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS
Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
The terms of the joint venture agreement for one joint venture within the Global Industrial Packaging reportable segment include mandatory redemption by the Company, in cash, of the noncontrolling interest holders’ equity at a formulaic price after the expiration of a lockout period specific to each noncontrolling interest holder. The redemption features cause the noncontrolling interest to be classified as a mandatorily redeemable instrument under the accounting guidance, and this noncontrolling interest is included at the current redemption value each period in long-term or short-term liabilities of the Company, as applicable. The impact of marking to redemption value at each period end is recorded in interest expense. The carrying amount is not reduced below the initially recorded contribution. The Company has a contractual obligation to redeem the outstanding equity interest of each remaining partner in 2022 and 2023, respectively.
The mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interest balance is $8.4 million as of October 31, 2021 and October 31, 2020 .
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Redeemable noncontrolling interests related to two joint ventures within the Paper Packaging & Services reportable segment and one joint venture within the Global Industrial Packaging reportable segment are held by the respective noncontrolling interest owners. The holders of these interests share in the profits and losses of these entities on a pro-rata basis with the Company. However, the noncontrolling interest owners have the right to put all or a portion of those noncontrolling interests to the Company at a formulaic price after a set period of time, specific to each agreement.
Redeemable noncontrolling interests are reflected in the consolidated balance sheets at redemption value. The following table provides the rollforward of the redeemable noncontrolling interest for the years ended October 31, 2021 and 2020:
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions)
|
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
|
Balance as of October 31, 2019
|
$
|
21.3
|
|
Current period mark to redemption value
|
(0.4)
|
|
|
|
Redeemable noncontrolling interest share of income and other
|
0.1
|
|
Dividends to redeemable noncontrolling interest and other
|
(1.0)
|
|
Balance as of October 31, 2020
|
20.0
|
|
Current period mark to redemption value
|
2.6
|
|
|
|
Redeemable noncontrolling interest share of income and other
|
2.4
|
|
Dividends to redeemable noncontrolling interest and other
|
(0.9)
|
|
Balance as of October 31, 2021
|
$
|
24.1
|
|
NOTE 16 — DISPOSALS OF TIMBERLAND
During the second quarter of 2021, the Company sold approximately 69,200 acres of its Alabama timberland properties to Weyerhaeuser Company for approximately $145.1 million in cash, after deducting $4.3 million in closing costs. Cash proceeds were applied toward debt repayment. As a result of the sale of the Alabama timberland properties, the Company recorded a gain of $95.7 million.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of Greif, Inc. and subsidiary companies
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Greif, Inc. and subsidiary companies (the “Company”) as of October 31, 2021 and 2020, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income (loss), changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 2021, and the related notes and the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15 (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company as of October 31, 2021 and 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 2021, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated December 16, 2021, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Change in Accounting Principle
The Company has changed its method of accounting for leases as of November 1, 2019 due to the adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 and Accounting Standards Update 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842).
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Goodwill - Paper Packaging & Services and Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services Asia Pacific Reporting Units - Refer to Note 2 to the Financial Statements
Critical Audit Matter Description
The Company’s evaluation of goodwill for impairment involves comparing the carrying value of each reporting unit to the estimated fair value of the reporting unit. The Company’s determination of the estimated fair value of the reporting units is based on both the market approach and a discounted cash flow analysis utilizing the income approach. The determination of the estimated fair value using the market approach and the discounted cash flow model requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions related to the valuation of the reporting unit. Changes in these assumptions could have a significant impact on either the fair value of the reporting unit, the amount of any goodwill impairment charge, or both. The Company’s consolidated goodwill balance was $1.5 billion as of October 31, 2021, of which $768.1 million and $97.2 million were
allocated to the Paper Packaging & Services (“PPS”) reporting unit and the Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services Asia Pacific (“RIPS APAC”) reporting unit, respectively. These reporting units exhibit more sensitivity to changes in estimates and assumptions. The estimated fair value of the PPS and RIPS APAC reporting units exceeded their carrying value by at least 30%, therefore no impairment was recognized.
We identified the valuation of the PPS and the RIPS APAC reporting units as a critical audit matter because of the significant estimates and assumptions management made to estimate their fair values and the sensitive nature of the valuation of the PPS and RIPS APAC reporting units to changes in key estimates and assumptions including valuation multiples, revenue growth rates, and discount rates. This required a high degree of auditor judgment and an increased extent of effort, including the need to involve our fair value specialists, when performing audit procedures to evaluate the reasonableness of management’s estimates and assumptions.
How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit
Our audit procedures related to testing the valuation of the PPS and RIPS APAC reporting units focused on certain key assumptions such as valuation multiples, revenue growth rates, and the selection of the discount rates, and included the following procedures, among others:
•We tested the effectiveness of internal controls over management’s goodwill impairment evaluation, including those over the determination of the fair value of the PPS and RIPS APAC reporting units, such as controls related to management’s selection of the valuation multiples, revenue growth rates, and discount rates
•We performed a sensitivity analysis of the revenue growth rates and discount rates, which included their impact on cash flows
•We evaluated the reasonableness of management’s revenue growth rates used in the discounted cash flow model by comparing the forecasted revenues to historical amounts, historical macroeconomic benchmarking, competitors’ analyst’s forecasts, and future forecasted macroeconomic benchmarking
•With the assistance of our fair value specialists, we evaluated the reasonableness of (1) the long-term revenue growth rates through macroeconomic benchmarking, (2) the discount rates, and (3) the valuation multiples by developing a range of independent estimates and comparing those to the rates and amounts selected by management.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Columbus, Ohio
December 16, 2021
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2014.