425 Winter Road, Delaware, Ohio		43015
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (740) 549-6000

Not Applicable

Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes þ No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ

The number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock at the close of business on August 31, 2010:

Class A Common Stock		24,742,974 shares
Class B Common Stock		22,412,266 shares

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

GREIF, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Accounting and Reporting of Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements, an amendment of ARB No. 51,” (codified under ASC 810 “Consolidation”) . The objective of SFAS No. 160 is to improve the relevance, comparability and transparency of the financial information that a reporting entity provides in its consolidated financial statements. SFAS No. 160 amends ARB No. 51 to establish accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. SFAS No. 160 also changes the way the consolidated financial statements are presented, establishes a single method of accounting for changes in a parent’s ownership interest in a subsidiary that do not result in deconsolidation, requires that a parent recognize a gain or loss in net income when a subsidiary is deconsolidated and expands disclosures in the consolidated financial statements that clearly identify and distinguish between the parent’s ownership interest and the interest of the noncontrolling owners of a subsidiary. The provisions of SFAS No. 160 are to be applied prospectively as of the beginning of the fiscal year in which SFAS No. 160 is adopted, except for the presentation and disclosure requirements, which are to be applied retrospectively for all periods presented. The Company adopted the new guidance beginning November 1, 2009, and the adoption of the new guidance did not impact the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows, other than the related disclosures.

In December 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position FAS 132(R)-1, “Employers’ Disclosures About Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets” (“FSP FAS 132(R)-1”) (codified under ASC 715 “Compensation – Retirement Benefits”) , to provide guidance on employers’ disclosures about assets of a defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan. FSP FAS 132(R)-1 requires employers to disclose information about fair value measurements of plan assets similar to SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.” The objectives of the disclosures are to provide an understanding of: (a) how investment allocation decisions are made, including the factors that are pertinent to an understanding of investment policies and strategies, (b) the major categories of plan assets, (c) the inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of plan assets, (d) the effect of fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs on changes in plan assets for the period and (e) significant concentrations of risk within plan assets. The Company adopted the new guidance beginning November 1, 2009, and the adoption of the new guidance did not impact the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows, other than the related disclosures.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 166, “Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets—an amendment of FASB Statement No. 140” (codified under ASC 860 “Transfers and Servicing”). The Statement amends SFAS No. 140 to improve the information provided in financial statements concerning transfers of financial assets, including the effects of transfers on financial position, financial performance and cash flows, and any continuing involvement of the transferor with the transferred financial assets. The provisions of SFAS 166 are effective for the Company’s financial statements for the fiscal year beginning November 1, 2010. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact that the adoption of the guidance may have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. However, the Company does not anticipate a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 167, “Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R)” (codified under ASC 810 “Consolidation”). SFAS 167 amends FIN 46(R) to require an enterprise to perform an analysis to determine whether the enterprise’s variable interest or interests give it a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity. It also amends FIN 46(R) to require enhanced disclosures that will provide users of financial statements with more transparent information about an enterprise’s involvement in a variable interest entity. The provisions of SFAS 167 are effective for the Company’s financial statements for the fiscal year beginning November 1, 2010. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact that the adoption of SFAS No. 167 may have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. However, the Company does not anticipate a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

NOTE 2 — ACQUISITIONS, DIVESTITURES AND OTHER SIGNIFICANT TRANSACTIONS

During the first nine months of 2010, the Company completed acquisitions of three rigid industrial packaging companies and two flexible products companies and made a contingent purchase price payment related to a 2008 rigid industrial packaging acquisition. The five 2010 acquisitions consisted of the acquisition of a European rigid industrial packaging company in November 2009, an Asian rigid industrial packaging company in June 2010, a North American drum reconditioning company in July 2010, and two European flexible products companies, one in February and the other in June 2010. The aggregate purchase price for the five 2010 acquisitions was less than $200 million. The European and Asian rigid industrial packaging acquisitions are expected to complement the Company’s existing product lines that together will provide growth opportunities and economies of scale. The drum reconditioning and flexible products acquisitions expand the Company’s product and service offerings.

During 2009, the Company completed acquisitions of five rigid industrial packaging companies and one paper packaging company and made a contingent purchase price payment related to a 2005 acquisition for an aggregate purchase price of $90.8 million. These six acquisitions consisted of two North American rigid industrial packaging companies in February 2009, the acquisition of a North American rigid industrial packaging company in June 2009, the acquisition of a rigid industrial packaging company in Asia in July 2009, the acquisition of a South American rigid industrial packaging company in October 2009, and the acquisition of a 75 percent interest in a North American paper packaging company in October 2009. These rigid industrial packaging and paper packaging acquisitions complemented the Company’s existing product lines and provided growth opportunities and economies of scale. These acquisitions, included in operating results from the acquisition dates, were accounted for using the purchase method of accounting and, accordingly, the purchase prices were allocated to the assets purchased and liabilities assumed based upon their estimated fair values at the dates of acquisition. The estimated fair values of the net assets acquired were $23.5 million (including $8.4 million of accounts receivable and $4.4 million of inventory) and liabilities assumed were $20.7 million. Identifiable intangible assets, with a combined fair value of $34.5 million, including trade-names, customer relationships, and certain non-compete agreements, have been recorded for these acquisitions. The excess of the purchase prices over the estimated fair values of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired of $53.5 million was recorded as goodwill. The final allocation of the purchase prices may differ due to additional refinements in the fair values of the net assets acquired as well as the execution of consolidation plans to eliminate duplicate operations, in accordance with SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations.” This is due to the valuation of certain other assets and liabilities that are subject to refinement and therefore the actual fair value may vary from the preliminary estimates. Adjustments to the acquired net assets resulting from final valuations are not expected to be significant. The Company is finalizing certain closing date adjustments with the sellers, as well as the allocation of income tax adjustments.

The Company implemented a restructuring plan for one of the 2009 acquisitions above. The Company’s restructuring activities, which were accounted for in accordance with Emerging Task Force Issue No. 95-3, “Recognition of Liabilities in Connection with a Purchase Business Combination” (“EITF 95-3”), primarily included exit costs associated with the consolidation of facilities, facility relocation, and the reduction of excess capacity. In connection with these restructuring activities, as part of the cost of the above acquisition, the Company established reserves, primarily for excess facilities, in the amount of $1.7 million, of which $0.8 million remains in the restructuring reserve at July 31, 2010.

Had the transactions occurred on November 1, 2008, results of operations would not have differed materially from reported results.

NOTE 3 — SALE OF NON-UNITED STATES ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

Pursuant to the terms of a Receivable Purchase Agreement (the “RPA”) dated October 28, 2004 between Greif Coordination Center BVBA, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Greif, Inc., and a major international bank, the seller agreed to sell trade receivables meeting certain eligibility requirements that seller had purchased from other indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries of Greif, Inc., including Greif Belgium BVBA, Greif Germany GmbH, Greif Nederland BV, Greif Spain SA and Greif UK Ltd, under discounted receivables purchase agreements and from Greif France SAS under a factoring agreement. The RPA was amended on October 28, 2005 to include receivables originated by Greif Portugal Lda, also an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Greif, Inc. In addition, on October 28, 2005, Greif Italia S.P.A., also an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Greif, Inc., entered into the Italian Receivables Purchase Agreement with the Italian branch of the major international bank (the “Italian RPA”) with Greif Italia S.P.A., agreeing to sell trade receivables that meet certain eligibility criteria to the Italian branch of the major international bank. The Italian RPA is similar in structure and terms as the RPA. The RPA was amended April 30, 2007 to include receivables originated by Greif Packaging Belgium NV, Greif Packaging France SAS and Greif Packaging Spain SA, all wholly-owned subsidiaries of Greif, Inc. The maximum amount of receivables that may be sold under the RPA and the Italian RPA is €115 million ($149.5 million) at July 31, 2010.

In October 2007, Greif Singapore Pte. Ltd., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Greif, Inc., entered into the Singapore Receivable Purchase Agreement (the “Singapore RPA”) with a major international bank. The maximum amount of aggregate receivables that may be sold under the Singapore RPA is 15.0 million Singapore Dollars ($11.0 million) at July 31, 2010.

In October 2008, Greif Embalagens Industriais do Brasil Ltda., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Greif, Inc., entered into agreements (the “Brazil Agreements”) with Brazilian banks. There is no maximum amount of aggregate receivables that may be sold under the Brazil Agreements; however, the sale of individual receivables is subject to approval by the banks.

In May 2009, Greif Malaysia Sdn Bhd., an indirect wholly-owned Malaysian subsidiary of Greif, Inc., entered into the Malaysian Receivables Purchase Agreement (the “Malaysian Agreements”) with Malaysian banks. The maximum amount of the aggregate receivables that may be sold under the Malaysian Agreements is 15.0 million Malaysian Ringgits ($4.7 million) at July 31, 2010.

The structure of the transactions provide for a legal true sale, on a revolving basis, of the receivables transferred from the various Greif, Inc. subsidiaries to the respective banks. The bank funds an initial purchase price of a certain percentage of eligible receivables based on a formula with the initial purchase price approximating 75 percent to 90 percent of eligible receivables. The remaining deferred purchase price is settled upon collection of the receivables. At the balance sheet reporting dates, the Company removes from accounts receivable the amount of proceeds received from the initial purchase price since they meet the applicable criteria of SFAS No. 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities” (codified under ASC 860 “Transfers and Servicing”), and continues to recognize the deferred purchase price in its accounts receivable. The receivables are sold on a non-recourse basis with the total funds in the servicing collection accounts pledged to the banks between settlement dates.

At July 31, 2010 and October 31, 2009, €85.3 million ($110.8 million) and €77.0 million ($114.0 million), respectively, of accounts receivable were sold under the RPA and Italian RPA. At July 31, 2010 and October 31, 2009, 8.1 million Singapore Dollars ($5.9 million) and 5.6 million Singapore Dollars ($4.0 million), respectively, of accounts receivable were sold under the Singapore RPA. At July 31, 2010 and October 31, 2009, 18.1 million Brazilian Reais ($10.2 million) and 13.3 million Brazilian Reais ($7.6 million), respectively, of accounts receivable were sold under the Brazil Agreements. At July 31, 2010 and October 31, 2009, 6.6 million Malaysian Ringgits ($2.1 million) and 6.3 million Malaysian Ringgits ($1.8 million), respectively, of accounts receivable were sold under the Malaysian Agreements.

At the time the receivables are initially sold, the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the assets sold are included as a loss on sale in the consolidated statements of operations.

Expenses, primarily related to the loss on sale of receivables, associated with the RPA and Italian RPA totaled €0.8 million ($1.0 million) and €0.8 million ($1.2 million) for the three months ended July 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively; and €2.2 million ($2.9 million) and €2.9 million ($3.9 million) for the nine months ended July 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Expenses associated with the Singapore RPA totaled 0.1 million Singapore Dollars ($0.1 million) and 0.1 million Singapore Dollars ($0.1 million) for the three months ended July 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively; and 0.3 million Singapore Dollars ($0.3 million) and 0.3 million Singapore Dollars ($0.2 million) for the nine months ended July 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Expenses associated with the Brazil Agreements totaled 1.2 million Brazilian Reais ($0.7 million) and 0.9 million Brazilian Reais ($0.4 million) for the three months ended July 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively; and 3.3 million ($1.9 million) and 1.4 million ($0.7 million) for the nine months ended July 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Expenses associated with the Malaysian Agreements were insignificant for the three months ended July 31, 2010 and 2009; and 0.1 million Malaysian Ringgits ($0.1 million) for the nine months ended July 31, 2010 and were insignificant for the nine months ended July 31, 2009.

Additionally, the Company performs collections and administrative functions on the receivables sold similar to the procedures it uses for collecting all of its receivables, including receivables that are not sold under the RPA, the Italian RPA, the Singapore RPA, the Brazil Agreements, and the Malaysian Agreements. The servicing liability for these receivables is not material to the consolidated financial statements.

NOTE 4 — INVENTORIES

On November 1, 2009, the Company elected to adopt the FIFO method of inventory valuation for all locations, whereas in all prior years inventory for certain U.S. locations was valued using the LIFO method. The Company believes that the FIFO method of inventory valuation is preferable because (i) the change conforms to a single method of accounting for all of the Company’s inventories on a U.S. and global basis, (ii) the change simplifies financial disclosures, (iii) financial statement comparability and analysis for investors and analysts is improved, and (iv) the majority of the Company’s key competitors use FIFO. The comparative consolidated financial statements of prior periods presented have been adjusted to apply the new accounting method retrospectively. The change in accounting principle is reported through retrospective application as described in ASC 250, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections.”

The following consolidated statement of operations line items for the three and nine-month periods ended July 31, 2009 were affected by the change in accounting principle (Dollars in thousands):

The following consolidated balance sheet line items at October 31, 2009 were affected by the change in accounting principle (Dollars in thousands):

NOTE 5 — NET ASSETS HELD FOR SALE

Net assets held for sale represent land, buildings and land improvements for locations that have met the criteria of “held for sale” accounting, as specified by SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” (codified under ASC 360 “Property, Plant, and Equipment”). As of July 31, 2010 and October 31, 2009, there were thirteen and fourteen facilities held for sale, respectively. The net assets held for sale are being marketed for sale and it is the Company’s intention to complete the facility sales within the upcoming year.

The goodwill acquired of $79.5 million consisted of preliminary goodwill related to acquisitions in the Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services and Flexible Products & Services segments. The goodwill adjustments increased goodwill by $5.4 million and consisted of a $3.4 million contingent payment relating to a 2008 acquisition, with the balance related to purchase price adjustments for nine of the 2009 acquisitions.

The detail of other intangible assets by class as of July 31, 2010 and October 31, 2009 are as follows (Dollars in thousands):

Gross intangible assets increased by $28.5 million for the nine-month period ended July 31, 2010. The increase in gross intangible assets consisted of $3.0 million in final purchase price allocations related to the 2009 acquisitions in the Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services and Paper Packaging segments, $29.9 million in preliminary purchase price allocations related to 2010 acquisitions in the Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services and Flexible Products & Services segments and a $4.4 million decrease due to currency fluctuations both related to the Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services and to the Flexible Products & Services segment. Amortization expense for the nine months ended July 31, 2010 and 2009 was $10.0 million and $8.0 million, respectively. Amortization expense for the next five years is expected to be $18.1 million in 2011, $17.8 million in 2012, $14.2 million in 2013, $12.3 million in 2014 and $11.7 million in 2015.

All intangible assets for the periods presented are subject to amortization and are being amortized using the straight-line method over periods that range from three to 23 years, except for $12.4 million related to the Tri-Sure trademark and the trade names related to Blagden Express, Closed-loop, and Box Board, all of which have indefinite lives.

NOTE 7 — RESTRUCTURING CHARGES

During the first nine months of 2010, the Company recorded restructuring charges of $20.7 million, which compares to $57.7 million of restructuring charges during the first nine months of 2009. The restructuring activity for the nine month period ended July 31, 2010 consisted of $11.4 million in employee separation costs, $2.3 million in asset impairments and $6.9 million in other costs. In addition, during that period there was a restructuring-related inventory charge of $0.1 million recorded in cost of products sold. During the first nine months of 2010, five locations within the Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services and two locations within the Paper Packaging segments were closed and the total number of employees severed was 163. The restructuring activity for the nine month period ended July 31, 2009 consisted of $29.8 million in employee separation costs, $14.6 million in asset impairments and $13.3 million in other costs. In addition, during that period there was a restructuring-related inventory charge for $10.1 million recorded in cost of products sold. During the nine months of 2009, sixteen company-owned plants in the Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services segment were closed and the total number of employees severed was 1,178.

During the three months ended July 31, 2010, the Company recorded restructuring charges of $9.8 million, consisting of $4.7 million in employee separation costs, $2.1 million in asset impairments, $1.1 million in professional fees, and $1.9 million in other costs. In addition, the Company recorded $0.1 million in restructuring related inventory charges in cost of products sold. During this period, two company owned plants in the Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services segment and two company owned plants in the Paper Packaging segment were closed and the total number of employees severed was 104. During the three months ended July 31, 2009, the Company recorded restructuring charges of $10.3 million, consisting of $4.7 million in employee separation costs, $1.7 million in asset impairments and $3.9 million in other costs. In addition, the Company recorded $0.9 million in restructuring related inventory charges in cost of products sold. During the three months of 2009, three company owned plants in the Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services segment were closed and the total number employees severed was 54.

For each relevant business segment, costs incurred in 2010 are as follows (Dollars in thousands):

Total amounts expected to be incurred above are from open restructuring plans which are anticipated to be realized in 2010 and 2011 or plans that are being formulated and have not been announced as of the date of this Form 10-Q.

The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending restructuring reserve balances for the nine month period ended July 31, 2010 (Dollars in thousands):

NOTE 8 — SIGNIFICANT NONSTRATEGIC TIMBERLAND TRANSACTIONS AND CONSOLIDATION OF VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

On March 28, 2005, Soterra LLC (a wholly owned subsidiary) entered into two real estate purchase and sale agreements with Plum Creek Timberlands, L.P. (“Plum Creek”) to sell approximately 56,000 acres of timberland and related assets located primarily in Florida for an aggregate sales price of approximately $90 million, subject to closing adjustments. In connection with the closing of one of these agreements, Soterra LLC sold approximately 35,000 acres of timberland and associated assets in Florida, Georgia and Alabama for $51.0 million, resulting in a pretax gain of $42.1 million, on May 23, 2005. The purchase price was paid in the form of cash and a $50.9 million purchase note payable by an indirect subsidiary of Plum Creek (the “Purchase Note”). Soterra LLC contributed the Purchase Note to STA Timber LLC (“STA Timber”), one of the Company’s indirect wholly owned subsidiaries. The Purchase Note is secured by a Deed of Guarantee issued by Bank of America, N.A., London Branch, in an amount not to exceed $52.3 million (the “Deed of Guarantee”), as a guarantee of the due and punctual payment of principal and interest on the Purchase Note.

The Company completed the second phase of these transactions in the first quarter of 2006. In this phase, the Company sold 15,300 acres of timberland holdings in Florida for $29.3 million in cash, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $27.4 million. The final phase of this transaction, approximately 5,700 acres sold for $9.7 million, occurred on April 28, 2006 and the Company recognized additional timberland gains in its consolidated statements of operations in the periods that these transactions occurred resulting in a pre-tax gain of $9.0 million.

On May 31, 2005, STA Timber issued in a private placement its 5.20% Senior Secured Notes due August 5, 2020 (the “Monetization Notes”) in the principal amount of $43.3 million. In connection with the sale of the Monetization Notes, STA Timber entered into note purchase agreements with the purchasers of the Monetization Notes (the “Note Purchase Agreements”) and related documentation. The Monetization Notes are secured by a pledge of the Purchase Note and the Deed of Guarantee. The Monetization Notes may be accelerated in the event of a default in payment or a breach of the other obligations set forth therein or in the Note Purchase Agreements or related documents, subject in certain cases to any applicable cure periods, or upon the occurrence of certain insolvency or bankruptcy related events. The Monetization Notes are subject to a mechanism that may cause them, subject to certain conditions, to be extended to November 5, 2020. The proceeds from the sale of the Monetization Notes were primarily used for the repayment of indebtedness.

In addition, Greif, Inc. and its other subsidiaries have not extended any form of guaranty of the principal or interest on the Monetization Notes. Accordingly, Greif, Inc. and its other subsidiaries will not become directly or contingently liable for the payment of the Monetization Notes at any time.

The Company has consolidated the assets and liabilities of the buyer-sponsored special purpose entity (the “Buyer SPE”) involved in these transactions as the result of ASC 810. However, because the Buyer SPE is a separate and distinct legal entity from the Company, the assets of the Buyer SPE are not available to satisfy the liabilities and obligations of the Company and its other subsidiaries and the liabilities of the Buyer SPE are not liabilities or obligations of the Company and its other subsidiaries.

Assets of the Buyer SPE at July 31, 2010 and October 31, 2009 consist of restricted bank financial instruments of $50.9 million, respectively. STA Timber had long-term debt of $43.3 million as of July 31, 2010 and October 31, 2009, respectively. STA Timber is exposed to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by the issuer of the Deed of Guarantee. The accompanying consolidated income statements for the nine-month periods ended July 31, 2010 and 2009 include interest expense on STA Timber debt of $1.7 million and interest income on Buyer SPE investments of $1.8 million, respectively.

$700 Million Credit Agreement

On February 19, 2009, the Company and Greif International Holding B.V., as borrowers, entered into a $700 million Senior Secured Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with a syndicate of financial institutions. The Credit Agreement provides for a $500 million revolving multicurrency credit facility and a $200 million term loan, both maturing in February 2012, with an option to add $200 million to the facilities with the agreement of the lenders. The $200 million term loan is scheduled to amortize by $2.5 million each quarter-end for the first four quarters, $5.0 million each quarter-end for the next eight quarters and $150.0 million on the maturity date. The Credit Agreement is available to fund ongoing working capital and capital expenditure needs, for general corporate purposes, to finance acquisitions, and to repay amounts outstanding under the previous $450 million credit agreement. Interest is based on a Eurodollar rate or a base rate that resets periodically plus a calculated margin amount. As of July 31, 2010, $294.0 million was outstanding under the Credit Agreement. The current portion of the Credit Agreement is $20.0 million and the long-term portion is $274.0 million. The weighted average interest rate on the Credit Agreement was 3.16% for the nine months ended July 31, 2010 and the interest rate was 3.30% at July 31, 2010.

The Credit Agreement contains financial covenants that require the Company to maintain a certain leverage ratio and a fixed charge coverage ratio. At July 31, 2010, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.

Senior Notes due 2017

On February 9, 2007, the Company issued $300.0 million of 6.75% Senior Notes due February 1, 2017. Interest on these Senior Notes is payable semi-annually. Proceeds from the issuance of these Senior Notes were principally used to fund the purchase of previously outstanding 8.875% Senior Subordinated Notes in a tender offer and for general corporate purposes.

The fair value of these Senior Notes due 2017 was $311.0 million at July 31, 2010 based upon quoted market prices. The Indenture pursuant to which these Senior Notes were issued contains certain covenants. At July 31, 2010, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.

Senior Notes due 2019

On July 28, 2009, the Company issued $250.0 million of 7.75% Senior Notes due August 1, 2019. Interest on these Senior Notes is payable semi-annually. Proceeds from the issuance of Senior Notes were principally used for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of amounts outstanding under the Company’s revolving multicurrency credit facility, without any permanent reduction of the commitments.

The fair value of these Senior Notes due 2019 was $257.5 million at July 31, 2010 based upon quoted market prices. The Indenture pursuant to which these Senior Notes were issued contains certain covenants. At July 31, 2010, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.

United States Trade Accounts Receivable Credit Facility

On December 8, 2008, the Company entered into a $135.0 million trade accounts receivable credit facility with a financial institution and its affiliate, with a maturity date of December 8, 2013, subject to earlier termination of their purchase commitment on December 6, 2010, or such later date to which the purchase commitment may be extended by agreement of the parties. The credit facility is secured by certain of the Company’s trade accounts receivable in the United States and bears interest at a variable rate based on the applicable commercial paper rate plus a margin or other agreed-upon rate (1.71% at July 31, 2010). In addition, the Company can terminate the credit facility at any time upon five days prior written notice. A significant portion of the initial proceeds from this credit facility was used to pay the obligations under the previous trade accounts receivable credit facility, which was terminated. The remaining proceeds were and will be used to pay certain fees, costs and expenses incurred in connection with the credit facility and for working capital and general corporate purposes. At July 31, 2010, there was $117.8 million outstanding under the Receivables Facility. The agreement for this receivables financing facility contains financial covenants that require the Company to maintain a certain leverage ratio and a fixed charge coverage ratio. At July 31, 2010, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.

Greif Receivables Funding LLC (“GRF”), an indirect subsidiary of the Company, has participated in the purchase and transfer of receivables in connection with these credit facilities and is included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. However, because GRF is a separate and distinct legal entity from the Company and its other subsidiaries, the assets of GRF are not available to satisfy the liabilities and obligations of the Company and its other subsidiaries, and the liabilities of GRF are not the liabilities or obligations of the Company and its other subsidiaries. This entity purchases and services the Company’s trade accounts receivable that are subject to these credit facilities.

Other

In addition to the amounts borrowed under the Credit Agreement and proceeds from these Senior Notes and the United States Trade Accounts Receivable Credit Facility, at July 31, 2010, the Company had outstanding other debt of $62.1 million, comprised of $11.1 million in long-term debt and $51.0 million in short-term borrowings, compared to other debt outstanding of $24.0 million, comprised of $4.4 million in long-term debt and $19.6 million in short-term borrowings, at October 31, 2009.

At July 31, 2010, the current portion of the Company’s long-term debt was $20.0 million. Annual maturities, including the current portion, of long-term debt under the Company’s various financing arrangements were $5.0 million in 2010, $31.1 million in 2011, $269.0 million in 2012, $117.8 million in 2013 and $545.7 million thereafter.

At July 31, 2010 and October 31, 2009, the Company had deferred financing fees and debt issuance costs of $11.9 million and $14.9 million, respectively, which are included in other long-term assets.

Derivatives and Hedging Activity

The Company uses derivatives from time to time to partially mitigate the effect of exposure to interest rate movements, exposure to currency fluctuations, and energy cost fluctuations. Under SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (codified under ASC 815 “Derivatives and Hedging”) , all derivatives are to be recognized as assets or liabilities in the balance sheet and measured at fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recognized in either net income or in other comprehensive income, depending on the designated purpose of the derivative.

While the Company may be exposed to credit losses in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties to its derivative financial instrument contracts, its counterparties are established banks and financial institutions with high credit ratings. The Company has no reason to believe that such counterparties will not be able to fully satisfy their obligations under these contracts.

During the next three months, the Company expects to reclassify into earnings a net loss from accumulated other comprehensive loss of approximately $2.6 million after tax at the time the underlying hedge transactions are realized.

Cross-Currency Interest Rate Swaps

The Company entered into cross-currency interest rate swap agreements which were designated as a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation. Under these swap agreements, the Company received interest semi-annually from the counterparties in an amount equal to a fixed rate of 6.75% on $200.0 million and paid interest in an amount equal to a fixed rate of 6.25% on € 146.6 million. During the third quarter of 2010, the Company terminated these swap agreements, including any future cash flows. The termination of these swap agreements resulted in a cash benefit of $25.7 million ($15.8 million, net of tax) which is included within foreign currency translation adjustments. At October 31, 2009, the Company had recorded an other comprehensive loss of $14.6 million as a result of these swap agreements.

Interest Rate Derivatives

The Company has interest rate swap agreements with various maturities through 2012. These interest rate swap agreements are used to manage the Company’s fixed and floating rate debt mix. Under these agreements, the Company receives interest monthly from the counterparties based upon a designated London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) and pays interest based upon a designated fixed rate over the life of the swap agreements.

The Company has two interest rate derivatives (floating to fixed swap agreements recorded as cash flow hedges) with a total notional amount of $125 million. Under these swap agreements, the Company receives interest based upon a variable interest rate from the counterparties (weighted average of 0.27% at July 31, 2010 and 0.25% at October 31, 2009) and pays interest based upon a fixed interest rate (weighted average of 1.78% at July 31, 2010 and 2.71% at October 31, 2009).

In the first quarter of 2010, the Company entered into a $100.0 million fixed to floating swap agreement which was recorded as a fair value hedge. Under this swap agreement, the Company received interest from the counterparty based upon a fixed rate of 6.75% and paid interest based upon a variable rate on a semi-annual basis. In the third quarter of 2010, the Company terminated this swap agreement, including any future cash flows. The termination of this swap agreement resulted in a cash benefit of $3.6 million ($2.2 million, net of tax) which is included within long-term debt on the balance sheet.

Foreign Exchange Hedges

At July 31, 2010, the Company had outstanding foreign currency forward contracts in the notional amount of $148.1 million ($70.5 million at October 31, 2009). The purpose of these contracts is to hedge the Company’s exposure to foreign currency transactions and short-term intercompany loan balances in its international businesses. The fair value of these contracts at July 31, 2010 resulted in an immaterial gain recorded in the consolidated statements of operations and a loss of $2.4 million recorded in other comprehensive income. The fair value of similar contracts at October 31, 2009 resulted in an immaterial loss in the consolidated statements of operations.

Energy Hedges

The Company has entered into certain cash flow agreements to mitigate its exposure to cost fluctuations in natural gas prices through October 31, 2010. Under these hedge agreements, the Company agrees to purchase natural gas at a fixed price. At July 31, 2010, the notional amount of these hedges was $3.0 million ($4.0 million at October 31, 2009). The other comprehensive loss on these agreements was $0.1 million at July 31, 2010 and $0.6 million at October 31, 2009. As a result of the high correlation between the hedged instruments and the underlying transactions, ineffectiveness has not had a material impact on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations for the quarter ended July 31, 2010.

Other financial instruments

The estimated fair values of the Company’s long-term debt were $991.5 million and $744.9 million compared to the carrying amounts of $968.6 million and $738.6 million at July 31, 2010 and October 31, 2009, respectively. The current portion of the long-term debt was $20.0 million and $17.5 million at July 31, 2010 and October 31, 2009, respectively. The fair values of the Company’s long-term obligations are estimated based on either the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or the current interest rates offered for debt of the same remaining maturities.

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements

The Company has reviewed its non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities for fair value treatment under the current guidance.

Net Assets Held for Sale

Net assets held for sale are considered level three inputs which include recent purchase offers, market comparables and/or data obtained from commercial real estate brokers. As of July 31, 2010, the Company has not recognized impairments related to the net assets held for sale.

Long-Lived Assets

As part of the Company’s restructuring plans following current and future acquisitions, the Company may shut down manufacturing facilities during the next few years. The long-lived assets are considered level three inputs which were valued based on bids received from third parties and using discounted cash flow analysis based on assumptions that the Company believes market participants would use. Key inputs included anticipated revenues, associated manufacturing costs, capital expenditures and discount, growth and tax rates. For the three-month and nine-month periods ended July 31, 2010, the Company recorded restructuring related expenses of $2.1 million and $2.4 million, respectively on long lived assets with net book values of $3.5 million and $4.0 million, respectively over the same period.

Goodwill

On an annual basis, the Company performs its impairment tests for goodwill as defined under SFAS No. 142, (codified under ASC 350 “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other”) . As a result of this review during 2009, the Company concluded that no impairment existed at that time. As of July 31, 2010, the Company has concluded that no impairment exists.

NOTE 11 — STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

On November 1, 2005, the Company adopted SFAS No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment” (codified under 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 value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations over the requisite service periods. The Company uses the straight-line single option method of expensing stock options to recognize compensation expense in its consolidated statements of operations for all share-based awards. Because share-based compensation expense is based on awards that are ultimately expected to vest, share-based compensation expense will be reduced to account for estimated forfeitures. SFAS No. 123(R) requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. No options have been granted in 2010 and 2009. For any options granted in the future, compensation expense will be based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R). There was no share-based compensation expense recognized under SFAS No. 123(R) for the first nine months of 2010 or 2009.

NOTE 12 — INCOME TAXES

The quarterly effective tax rate was 18.2% and 22.7% in the third quarter of 2010 and 2009, respectively. The year to date effective tax rate was 18.9% and 19.5% in the nine month periods ended July 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The change in the effective tax rate is primarily due to a change in the forecasted mix of income in the United States versus outside the United States for the respective periods as well as an incremental benefit from an alternative fuel credit.

The Company has estimated the reasonably possible expected net change in unrecognized tax benefits through July 31, 2011 based on expected settlements or payments of uncertain tax positions, and lapses of the applicable statutes of limitations of unrecognized tax benefits under FASB Interpretation No. (“FIN”) 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes.” FIN 48 is an interpretation of SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” and clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income tax positions (codified under ASC 740 “Income Taxes”). The Company estimates that the range of possible change in unrecognized tax benefits within the next 12 months is a decrease of approximately zero to $2.8 million. Actual results may differ materially from this estimate.

The Company’s uncertain tax positions for the nine months ended July 31, 2010 were reduced by approximately $1.7 million due to settlements with tax authorities. There were no other significant changes in the Company’s uncertain tax positions for this period.

The Company made $12.2 million in pension contributions in the nine months ended July 31, 2010. The Company estimates $17.1 million of pension contributions for the entire 2010 fiscal year.

The components of net periodic cost for postretirement benefits include the following (Dollars in thousands):

NOTE 14 — CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

Various lawsuits, claims and proceedings have been or may be instituted or asserted against the Company, including those pertaining to environmental, product liability and safety and health matters. While the amounts claimed may be substantial, the ultimate liability cannot now be determined because of considerable uncertainties that exist. Therefore, it is possible that results of operations or liquidity in a particular period could be materially affected by certain contingencies.

All lawsuits, claims and proceedings are considered by the Company in establishing reserves for contingencies in accordance with SFAS No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies” (codified under ASC 450 “Contingencies”). In accordance with the provisions of this standard, 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 had no recorded legal liabilities at July 31, 2010 and October 31, 2009. The ultimate outcome of any pending matters is not likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results from operations.

The most significant contingencies of the Company relate to environmental liabilities. The following is additional information with respect to these matters.

At July 31, 2010 and October 31, 2009, the Company had recorded liabilities of $31.1 million and $33.4 million, respectively, for estimated environmental remediation costs. The liabilities were recorded on an undiscounted basis and are included in other long-term liabilities. At July 31, 2010 and October 31, 2009, the Company had recorded environmental liability reserves of $17.4 million and $17.9 million, respectively, for its blending facility in Chicago, Illinois; $9.3 million and $10.9 million, respectively, for various European drum facilities acquired in November 2006; and $2.8 million and $3.4 million, respectively, related to the Company’s facility in Lier, Belgium. These reserves are principally based on environmental studies and cost estimates provided by third parties, but also take into account management estimates.

These environmental liabilities were not individually material. The Company only reserves for those unasserted claims that it believes are probable of being asserted at some time in the future. The liabilities recorded are based upon an evaluation of currently available facts with respect to each individual site, including the results of environmental studies and testing, and considering existing technology, presently enacted laws and regulations, and prior experience in remediation of contaminated sites. The Company initially provides for the estimated cost of environmental-related activities when costs can be reasonably estimated. If the best estimate of costs can only be identified as a range and no specific amount within that range can be determined more likely than any other amount within the range, the minimum of the range is accrued.

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 liability, these actions have formal agreements in place to apportion the liability. The Company’s potential future obligations for environmental contingencies related to facilities acquired in the 2001 Van Leer Industrial Packaging acquisition may, under certain circumstances, be reduced by insurance coverage and seller cost sharing provisions. In connection with that acquisition, the Company was issued a 10-year term insurance policy, which insures the Company against environmental contingencies unidentified at the acquisition date, subject to a $50.0 million aggregate self-insured retention. Liability for this first $50.0 million of unidentified environmental contingencies is shared 70 percent by the seller and 30 percent by the Company if such contingency is identified within 10 years following the acquisition date. The Company is liable for identified environmental contingencies at the acquisition date up to an aggregate $10.0 million, and thereafter the liability is shared 70 percent by the Company and 30 percent by the seller.

The Company anticipates that cash expenditures in future periods for remediation costs at identified sites will be made over an extended period of time. Given the inherent uncertainties in evaluating environmental exposures, actual costs may vary from those estimated at July 31, 2010. 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 fiscal year, the Company believes that the chance of a series of adverse developments occurring in the same quarter or fiscal year is remote. Future information and developments will require the Company to continually reassess the expected impact of these environmental matters.

NOTE 15 — EARNINGS PER SHARE

Earnings per share

The Company has two classes of common stock and, as such, applies the “two-class method” of computing earnings per share as prescribed in SFAS No. 128, “Earnings Per Share” (codified under ASC 260 “Earnings Per Share”). In accordance with guidance, earnings are allocated first to Class A and Class B Common Stock to the extent that dividends are actually paid and the remainder allocated assuming all of the earnings for the period have been distributed in the form of dividends.

The following table summarizes the Company’s Class A and Class B common and treasury shares at the specified dates:

The following is a reconciliation of the shares used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share:

No stock options were antidilutive for the three or nine months ended July 31, 2010. There were no stock options that were antidilutive for the three months ended July 31, 2009 and 20,000 stock options that were antidilutive for the nine months ended July 31, 2009.

Dividends per share

The following dividends per share were paid during the periods indicated:

Class A Common Stock is entitled to cumulative dividends of 1 cent a share per year after which Class B Common Stock is entitled to non-cumulative dividends up to one half (1/2) cent per share per year. Further distribution in any year must be made in proportion of one cent a share for Class A Common Stock to one and one-half (1 1/2) cents a share for Class B Common Stock. The Class A Common Stock has no voting rights unless four quarterly cumulative dividends upon the Class A Common Stock are in arrears or unless changes are proposed to the Company’s certificate of incorporation. The Class B Common Stock has full voting rights. There is no cumulative voting for the election of directors.

Common stock repurchases

The Company’s Board of Directors has authorized the purchase of up to four million shares of Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock or any combination of the foregoing. During the first nine months of 2010, the Company did not repurchase any shares of Class A Common Stock, but did purchase 50,000 shares of Class B Common Stock. As of July 31, 2010, the Company had repurchased 2,883,272 shares, including 1,416,752 shares of Class A Common Stock and 1,466,520 shares of Class B Common Stock, under this program. The total cost of the shares repurchased from November 1, 2008 through July 31, 2010 was approximately $5.8 million.

NOTE 16 — EQUITY EARNINGS (LOSSES) OF UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES, NET OF TAX AND NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS

Equity earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax

Equity earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax represent investments in affiliates in which the Company does not exercise control and has a 20 percent or more voting interest. Such investments in affiliates are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. If the fair value of an investment in an affiliate is below its carrying value and the difference is deemed to be other than temporary, the difference between the fair value and the carrying value is charged to earnings. The Company has an equity interest in six affiliates, and the equity earnings of these interests were recorded in net income. Equity earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax for the three months ended July 31, 2010 and 2009 were $3.1 and $0.4 million, respectively. Equity earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax for the nine months ended July 31, 2010 and 2009 were $3.3 and ($0.2) million, respectively. There were no dividends received from the Company’s equity method affiliates for the nine months ended July 31, 2010 and 2009.

Noncontrolling interests

Noncontrolling interests reflect the portion of earnings or losses of operations that are majority owned by the Company which are applicable to the noncontrolling interest partners. Noncontrolling interests for the three months ended July 31, 2010 and 2009 were $1.8 million and $1.7 million, respectively. Noncontrolling interests for the nine months ended July 31, 2010 and 2009 were $5.4 million and $2.2 million, respectively, and were deducted from net income to arrive at net income attributable to Greif, Inc.

The following is the income tax benefit (expense) for each other comprehensive income line items:

NOTE 18 — BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company operates in four business segments: Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services, Flexible Products & Services, Paper Packaging, and Land Management.

Operations in the Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services segment involve the production and sale of industrial packaging products, such as steel, fiber and plastic drums, intermediate bulk containers, closure systems for industrial packaging products, transit protection products, polycarbonate water bottles and reconditioned containers, and services, such as container lifecycle management, blending, filling and other packaging services, logistics and warehousing. These products are manufactured and sold in over 50 countries throughout the world.

Operations in the Flexible Products & Services segment involve the production, global distribution and sale of flexible intermediate bulk containers as well as industrial and consumer multiwall bag products, and related services in the North America market. These products are manufactured in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia and sold throughout the world.

Operations in the Paper Packaging segment involve the production and sale of containerboard (both semi-chemical and recycled), corrugated sheets, corrugated containers and related services. These products are manufactured and sold in North America. Operations related to the Company’s industrial and consumer multiwall bag products have been reclassified from this segment to the Flexible Products & Services segment.

Operations in the Land Management segment involve the management and sale of timber and special use properties from approximately 267,000 acres of timber properties in the southeastern United States. The Company also owns approximately 24,700 acres of timber properties in Canada, which are not actively managed at this time. In addition, the Company sells, from time to time, timberland and special use land, which consists of surplus land, higher and better use land, and development land.

The Company’s reportable segments are strategic business units that offer different products. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are substantially the same as those described in the “Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” note (see Note 1) in the 2009 Form 10-K.

The following segment information is presented for the periods indicated (Dollars in thousands):

The following table presents net sales to external customers by geographic area (Dollars in thousands):

The following table presents total assets by geographic area (Dollars in thousands):

may intensify pricing pressure, (vii) raw material and energy price fluctuations and shortages may adversely impact our manufacturing operations and costs, (viii) tax legislation initiatives or challenges to our tax positions may adversely impact our financial results or condition, (ix) we may encounter difficulties arising from our acquisitions or joint ventures, or both (x) environmental and health and safety matters and product liability claims may adversely impact our operations or financial performance, (xi) our business may be adversely impacted by work stoppages and other labor relations disputes, (xii) we may be subject to losses that might not be covered in whole or in part by existing insurance reserves or insurance coverage, (xiii) the volatility in the frequency and volume of our timber and timberland sales impacts our financial performance, and (xiv) our restructuring efforts may not realize the expected benefits. The risks described above are not all inclusive and given these and other possible risks and uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. For a more detailed discussion of the most significant risks and uncertainties that could cause Greif’s actual results to differ materially from those projected, see “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of the 2009 Form 10-K, updated by Part II, Item 1A of this Form 10-Q. All forward-looking statements made in this Form 10-Q are expressly qualified in their entirety by reference to such risk factors. Except to the limited extent required by applicable law, Greif undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

OVERVIEW

We operate in four business segments:  Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services; Flexible Products & Services; Paper Packaging; and Land Management.

We are a leading global provider 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, polycarbonate water bottles and reconditioned containers, and services, such as container lifecycle management, blending, filling and other packaging services, logistics and warehousing. We sell our industrial packaging products to customers in industries such as chemicals, paints and pigments, food and beverage, petroleum, industrial coatings, agricultural, pharmaceutical and mineral, among others.  

We are a leading global provider of flexible intermediate bulk containers and North American provider of industrial and consumer multiwall bag products. Our flexible intermediate bulk containers consist of a polypropylene-based woven fabric that is partly produced at our fully integrated production sites, as well as sourced from strategic regional suppliers. Our flexible products are sold globally and service similar customers and market segments as our Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services segment. Additionally, our flexible products significantly expand our presence in the agricultural and food industries, among others. Our industrial and consumer multiwall bag products are used to ship a wide range of industrial and consumer products, such as seed, fertilizers, chemicals, concrete, flour, sugar, feed, pet foods, popcorn, charcoal and salt, primarily for the agricultural, chemical, building products and food industries.

We sell containerboard, corrugated sheets and other corrugated products to customers in North America in industries such as packaging, automotive, food and building products. Our corrugated container products are used to ship such diverse products as home appliances, small machinery, grocery products, building products, automotive components, books and furniture, as well as numerous other applications. Operations related to our industrial and consumer multiwall bag products have been reclassified to our Flexible Products & Services segment.

As of July 31, 2010, we owned approximately 267,000 acres of timber properties in the southeastern United States, which were actively managed, and approximately 24,700 acres of timber properties in Canada. Our Land Management team is focused on the active harvesting and regeneration of our United States timber properties to achieve sustainable long-term yields. While timber sales are subject to fluctuations, we seek to maintain a consistent cutting schedule, within the limits of market and weather conditions. We also sell, from time to time, timberland and special use land, which consists of surplus land, higher and better use (“HBU”) land, and development land.

In 2003, we began a transformation to become a leaner, more market-focused, performance-driven company – what we call the “Greif Business System.”  We believe the Greif Business System has and will continue to generate productivity improvements and achieve permanent cost reductions.  The Greif Business System continues to focus on opportunities such as improved labor productivity, material yield and other manufacturing efficiencies, along with further plant consolidations.  In addition, as part of the Greif Business System, we have launched a strategic sourcing initiative to more effectively leverage our global spending and lay the foundation for a world-class sourcing and supply chain capability.  In response to the economic slowdown that began at the end of 2008, we accelerated the implementation of certain Greif Business System initiatives.  

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). The preparation of these consolidated financial statements, in accordance with these principles, require us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our consolidated financial statements.

Our significant accounting policies are discussed in Part II, Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation of the 2009 Form 10-K. We believe that the consistent application of these policies enables us to provide readers of the consolidated financial statements with useful and reliable information about our results of operations and financial condition. The following accounting policy is important to the portrayal of our results of operations and financial condition for the three and nine-month periods ended July 31, 2010.

Inventory. At the beginning of fiscal 2010, we changed our method of accounting for inventories at certain of our U.S. locations from the lower of cost, as determined by the LIFO method of accounting, or market to the lower of cost, as determined by the FIFO method of accounting, or market. We believe that this change is preferable because: (1) the change conforms to a single method of accounting for all of our inventories on a U.S. and global basis, (2) the change simplifies financial disclosures, (3) financial statement comparability and analysis for investors and analysts is improved, and (4) the majority of our key competitors use FIFO. The financial information presented has been adjusted for all prior periods presented as if we had used FIFO instead of LIFO for each reporting period for all of our operations. The change in accounting principle is further discussed in Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-Q.

Other Items. Other items that could have a significant impact on the financial statements include the risks and uncertainties listed in Part I, Item 1A––Risk Factors, of the 2009 Form 10-K, as updated by Part II, Item 1A of this Form 10-Q. Actual results could differ materially using different estimates and assumptions, or if conditions are significantly different in the future.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following comparative information is presented for the three-month and nine-month periods ended July 31, 2010 and 2009. Historically, revenues or earnings may or may not be representative of future operating results due to various economic and other factors.

The non-GAAP financial measure of operating profit before the impact of restructuring charges, restructuring-related inventory charges and acquisition-related costs is used throughout the following discussion of our results of operations. Operating profit before the impact of restructuring charges, restructuring-related inventory charges and acquisition-related costs is equal to operating profit plus restructuring charges, restructuring-related inventory charges and acquisition-related costs. We use operating profit before the impact of restructuring charges, restructuring-related inventory charges and acquisition-related costs because we believe that this measure provides a better indication of our operational performance because it excludes restructuring charges, restructuring-related inventory charges and acquisition-related costs, which are not representative of ongoing operations, and it provides a more stable platform on which to compare our historical performance.

As discussed in “Critical Accounting Policies,” at the beginning of fiscal 2010, we changed our method of accounting for inventories at certain of our U.S. locations from the LIFO method of accounting to the FIFO method of accounting. The financial information presented in “Results of Operations” has been adjusted for all prior periods presented as if we had used the FIFO method of accounting instead of the LIFO method of accounting for each reporting period for all of our operations. Refer to the May 27 Form 8-K which updated certain sections of the 2009 Form 10-K for revised financial information and disclosures resulting from the application of a change in an accounting principle from using a combination of the LIFO and the FIFO inventory accounting methods to the FIFO method for all of our businesses effective November 1, 2009.

In the second quarter of 2010, we acquired Storsack Holding GmbH and its subsidiaries (“Storsack”), which is the world’s largest producer of flexible intermediate bulk containers. Based on an analysis of the qualitative and quantitative standards, Storsack’s results are included in a new reporting segment called Flexible Products & Services. Our multiwall bag operations, previously included in the Paper Packaging segment, are also included in Flexible Products & Services. The Industrial Packaging segment has been renamed Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services.

Third Quarter Results

Overview

Net sales increased 28 percent to $921.3 million in the third quarter of 2010 compared to $717.6 million in the third quarter of 2009. The 28 percent increase was due to higher sales volumes (23 percent or 10 percent excluding acquisitions) and higher selling prices (5 percent). The $203.7 million increase was due to Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services ($87.5 million increase), Flexible Products & Services ($57.7 million increase), Paper Packaging ($57.8 million increase) and Land Management ($0.7 million increase).

Operating profit was $95.7 million and $67.0 million in the third quarter of 2010 and 2009, respectively. Operating profit before the impact of restructuring charges, restructuring-related inventory charges and acquisition-related costs was $111.1 million for the third quarter of 2010 compared to $78.1 million for the third quarter of 2009. The $33.0 million increase in operating deficit before the impact of restructuring charges, restructuring–related inventory charges and acquisition–related costs was due to Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services ($11.9 million increase), Flexible Products & Services ($4.0 million increase) and Paper Packaging ($18.9 million increase), partially offset by Land Management ($1.8 million decrease).

The following table sets forth the net sales and operating profit for each of our business segments (Dollars in thousands):