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BERRY GLOBAL GROUP, INC. - Annual Report: 2023 (Form 10-K)


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

FORM 10-K

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2023

OR

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from __________ to __________

Commission File Number 001-35672
graphic
BERRY GLOBAL GROUP, INC.

 A Delaware corporation
 101 Oakley Street, Evansville, Indiana, 47710
(812) 424-2904
 IRS employer identification number
20-5234618

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of Each Class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share
BERY
New York Stock Exchange LLC

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes    No

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  Yes    No 

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files).  Yes    No

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

Large accelerated filer 
Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
Small reporting company
Emerging growth company
 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.

If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements

Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b).

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934).  Yes    No

The aggregate market value of the common stock of the registrant held by non-affiliates was approximately $6.9 billion as of March 29, 2023, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter. The aggregate market value was computed using the closing sale price as reported on the New York Stock Exchange. As of November 17, 2023, there were 115.5 million shares of common stock outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of Berry Global Group, Inc.’s Proxy Statement for its 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report.




CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Information included in or incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and the Company’s press releases or other public statements, contains or may contain forward-looking statements.  This report includes “forward-looking” statements with respect to our financial condition, results of operations and business and our expectations or beliefs concerning future events.  These statements contain words such as “believes,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “could,” “seeks,” “approximately,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “project,” “outlook,” “anticipates,” or “looking forward” or similar expressions that relate to our strategy, plans, intentions, or expectations.  All statements we make relating to our estimated and projected earnings, margins, costs, expenditures, cash flows, growth rates, and financial results or to our expectations regarding future industry trends are forward-looking statements.  In addition, we, through our senior management, from time to time make forward-looking public statements concerning our expected future operations and performance and other developments.  These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may change at any time, and, therefore, our actual results may differ materially from those that we expected.  All forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law.

Additionally, we caution readers that the list of important factors discussed in the section titled “Risk Factors” may not contain all of the material factors that are important to you.  In addition, in light of these risks and uncertainties, the matters referred to in the forward-looking statements contained in this report may not in fact occur.  Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on those statements.

1



TABLE OF CONTENTS
FORM 10-K FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2023

 
Page
 
PART I
 
3
5
8
8
8
8
     
 
PART II
 
     
9
9
10
14
15
 
15
 
18
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of fiscal 2023 and 2022
19
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021
20
 
21
 
22
40
40
40
40
     
 
PART III
 
     
41
41
41
41
41
     
 
PART IV
 
     
42
42

Item 1.  BUSINESS
(In millions of dollars, except as otherwise noted)

General

Berry Global Group, Inc. (“Berry,” “we,” or the “Company”) is a leading global supplier of a broad range of innovative rigid, flexible and non-woven products.  We sell our products predominantly into stable, consumer-oriented end markets, such as healthcare, personal care, and food and beverage.  Our customers consist of a diverse mix of global, national, regional and local specialty businesses.  For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023 (“fiscal 2023”), no single customer represented more than 5% of net sales and our top ten customers represented 15% of net sales.  We believe our manufacturing processes, manufacturing footprint and our ability to leverage our scale to reduce costs, positions us as a low-cost manufacturer relative to our competitors.

Additional financial information about our segments is provided in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” sections of this report.

Segment Overview

The Company’s operations are organized into four reporting segments: Consumer Packaging International, Consumer Packaging North America, Engineered Materials, and Health, Hygiene & Specialties.  The structure is designed to align us with our customers, provide optimal service, drive future growth, and to facilitate synergy realization.

Consumer Packaging International
The Consumer Packaging International segment is a manufacturer of rigid products that primarily services non-North American markets.  Product groups within the segment include Closures and Dispensing Systems, Pharmaceutical Devices and Packaging, Bottles and Canisters, Containers, and Technical Components.  In fiscal 2023, Consumer Packaging International accounted for 32% of our consolidated net sales.

Consumer Packaging North America
The Consumer Packaging North America segment is a manufacturer of rigid products that primarily services North American markets.  Product groups within the segment include Containers and Pails, Foodservice, Closures, Bottles and Prescription Vials, and Tubes.  In fiscal 2023, Consumer Packaging North America accounted for 24% of our consolidated net sales.

Engineered Materials
The Engineered Materials segment is a manufacturer of flexible products that services primarily North American and European markets.  Product groups within the segment include Stretch and Shrink Films, Converter Films, Institutional Can Liners, Food and Consumer Films, Retail Bags, and Agriculture Films.  In fiscal 2023, Engineered Materials accounted for 23% of our consolidated net sales.

Health, Hygiene & Specialties
The Health, Hygiene & Specialties segment is a manufacturer of non-woven and related products that services global markets.  Product groups within the segment include Healthcare, Hygiene, Specialties, and Tapes. In fiscal 2023, Health, Hygiene & Specialties accounted for 21% of our consolidated net sales.

During fiscal 2023, the Company announced that it has initiated a formal process to evaluate strategic alternatives for its Health, Hygiene and Specialties segment and has determined the segment does not meet the criteria of Held for Sale as of year end.

Marketing, Sales, and Competition

We reach our large and diversified customer base through a direct sales force of dedicated professionals and the strategic use of distributors.  Our scale enables us to dedicate certain sales and marketing efforts to particular products or customers, when applicable, which enables us to develop expertise that we believe is valued by our customers.

The major markets in which the Company sells its products are highly competitive.  Areas of competition include service, innovation, quality, and price.  This competition is significant as to both the size and the number of competing firms.  Competitors include but are not limited to Amcor, Silgan, Aptar, Pactiv Evergreen, 3M, and Fitesa.

Raw Materials

Our primary raw material is polymer resin.  In addition, we use other materials such as butyl rubber, adhesives, paper and packaging materials, linerboard, rayon, polyester fiber, and foil, in various manufacturing processes.  While temporary industry-wide shortages of raw materials have occurred, we have historically been able to manage the supply chain disruption by working closely with our suppliers and customers. Changes in the price of raw materials are generally passed on to customers through contractual price mechanisms over time, during contract renewals and other means.

Intellectual Property

While important to our business in the aggregate, the loss of any single patent or license alone would not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations as a whole or those of our reportable segments.

Environmental and Sustainability

We believe there will always be a leading role for Berry’s product offerings due to our ability to promote customer brands by providing superior clarity, protection, design versatility, consumer safety, convenience, cost efficiency, barrier properties, and environmental performance.  We collaborate with customers, suppliers, and innovators to create industry-leading solutions which offer lighter weight products, enable longer shelf-life, and protect products throughout supply chains.

Sustainability is comprehensively embedded across our business, from how we run our manufacturing operations more efficiently to the investments we are making in sustainable packaging.  We believe responsible packaging is the answer to achieving less waste and that responsible packaging requires four things - innovative design, continued development of renewable and advanced raw materials, waste management infrastructure, and consumer participation. Berry is committed to responsible packaging and has (1) targeted 100% reusable, recyclable, or compostable packaging by 2025, (2) significantly increased our use of circular materials in order to meet our targeted 10% recycled  content by 2025, and (3) worked to drive greater recycling rates around the world.  With our global scale, deep industry experience, and strong capabilities, we are uniquely positioned to assist our customer in the design and development of more sustainable packaging.

We also work globally on continuous improvement of employee safety, energy usage, water efficiency, waste reduction, recycling and reducing our Green house Gas (GHG) emissions.  Our teams focus on improving the circularity and reducing the carbon footprint of our products.  We anticipate higher demand for products with lower emissions intensity where polymer resin based products are inherently well positioned since they typically have lower GHG emissions per functional unit compared to heavier alternatives such as paper, metal and glass.  Additionally, there is also significant work being done on the use of recycled and bio-based content, which typically has lower associated GHG emissions compared to other virgin materials.

Human Capital and Employees

Overview
Berry’s mission of ‘Always Advancing to Protect What’s Important’ has never been more critical as we are proud to work alongside our customers to supply products that are essential to everyday life.  We continue to prioritize the health and well-being of the communities we serve as well as our employees and their families.

Health and Safety
Employee safety is our number one core value.  We believe when it comes to employee safety, our best should always be our standard.   It is through the adherence to our global Environment, Health, and Safety principles we have been able to identify and mitigate operational risks and drive continuous improvement, resulting in an OSHA incident rate below 1.0 which is significantly lower than the industry average.

Talent and Development
We seek to attract, develop and retain talent throughout the company.  Our succession management strategy focuses on a structured succession framework and multiple years of performance. Our holistic approach to developing key managers and identifying future leaders includes challenging assignments, formal development plans and professional coaching.  Resources to support employee development include operational programs, university partnerships, internal e-learning requirements, tuition reimbursement programs, and apprenticeships.

Employee Engagement
We seek to ensure that everyone is motivated to perform every day. To further that objective, our engagement approach focuses on clear communication and recognition. We communicate through regular employee meetings, at both the corporate and operating division levels, with business and market updates and information on production, safety, quality and other operating metrics. We have many recognition-oriented awards throughout our company and conduct company-wide engagement surveys which have generally indicated high levels of engagement and trust in Berry’s leadership.

Inclusion and Diversity
We strive to build a safe and inclusive culture where employees feel valued and treated with respect.  We believe inclusion helps drive engagement, innovation and organizational growth.  We provide annual training to our diversified global workforce on the importance of having a culture of inclusion.

Ethics
Our employees are expected to act with integrity and we maintain a Global Code of Business Ethics which is attested by every Berry employee and provides the Company's framework for ethical business. We provide targeted annual training across the globe to reinforce our commitment to ethics and drive adherence to the laws in each jurisdiction in which we operate.

Available Information

We make available, free of charge, our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments, if any, to those reports through our internet website as soon as reasonably practicable after they have been electronically filed with the SEC.  Our internet address is www.berryglobal.com.  The information contained on our website is not being incorporated herein.

Item 1A.  RISK FACTORS

Operational Risks

Global economic conditions may negatively impact our business operations and financial results.

Challenging global conditions, including inflation or military conflicts, may negatively impact our business operations and financial results.  When challenging economic conditions exist, our customers may delay, decrease or cancel purchases from us, and may also delay payment or fail to pay us altogether. Suppliers may have difficulty filling our orders and distributors may have difficulty getting our products to customers, which may affect our ability to meet customer demands, and result in a loss of business. Weakened global economic conditions may also result in unfavorable changes in our product prices, product mix and profit margins. Although we take measures to mitigate the impact of inflation, including through pricing actions and productivity programs, if these actions are not effective our cash flow, financial condition, and results of operations could be adversely impacted. In addition, there could be a time lag between recognizing the benefit of our mitigating actions versus when the challenge occurs and there is no assurance that our mitigating measures will be able to fully mitigate the negative impacts.

Political volatility may also contribute to the general economic conditions and regulatory uncertainty in regions in which we operate.  Future unrest and changing policies could result in an adverse impact to our financial condition. Political developments can also disrupt the markets we serve and the tax jurisdictions in which we operate and may affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Raw material inflation or shortage of available materials could harm our financial condition and results of operations.

Raw materials are subject to price fluctuations and availability, due to external factors, which are beyond our control.  Temporary industry-wide shortages of raw materials have occurred in the past, which can lead to increased raw material price volatility.  Additionally, our suppliers could experience cost increases to produce raw material due to increases in carbon pricing.  Historically we have been able to manage the impact of higher costs by increasing our selling prices.  We have generally been well positioned to capture additional market share as our primary raw material, polymer resin, is typically a lower cost and more versatile substrate compared to alternatives.  However, raw material shortages or our inability to timely pass-through increased costs to our customers may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.


Weather related events could negatively impact our results of operations.

Weather related events could adversely impact on our business and those of our customers, suppliers, and partners.  Such events may have a physical impact on our facilities, inventory, suppliers, and equipment and any unplanned downtime at any of our facilities could result in unabsorbed costs that could negatively impact our results of operations for the period in which it experienced the downtime.  Longer-term changes in climate patterns could alter future customer demand, impact supply chains and increase operating costs.  However, any such changes are uncertain and we cannot predict the net impact from such events.

We may not be able to compete successfully and our customers may not continue to purchase our products.

We compete with multiple companies in each of our product lines on the basis of a number of considerations, including price, service, quality, product characteristics and the ability to supply products to customers in a timely manner.  Our products also compete with various other substrates.  Some of these competitive products are not subject to the impact of changes in resin prices, which may have a significant and negative impact on our competitive position versus substitute products.  Additionally, consumer views on environmental considerations could potentially impact demand for our products that utilize fossil fuel based materials in their manufacturing.  Our competitors may have financial and other resources that are substantially greater than ours and may be better able than us to withstand higher costs.  Competition and product preference changes could result in our products losing market share or our having to reduce our prices, either of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.  In addition, since we do not have long-term arrangements with many of our customers, these competitive factors could cause our customers to shift suppliers and/or packaging material quickly.

We may pursue and execute acquisitions or divestitures, which could adversely affect our business.

Transactions involve special risks, including the potential assumption of unanticipated liabilities and contingencies as well as difficulties in integrating acquired businesses or carving-out divested businesses, which may result in substantial costs, delays or other problems that could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.  Furthermore, we may not realize all of the synergies we expect to achieve from our current strategic initiatives due to a variety of risks.  If we are unable to achieve the benefits that we expect to achieve from our strategic initiatives, it could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

In the event of a catastrophic loss of one of our key manufacturing facilities, our business would be adversely affected.

While we manufacture our products in a large number of diversified facilities and maintain insurance covering our facilities, including business interruption insurance, a catastrophic loss of the use of all or a portion of one of our key manufacturing facilities due to accident, labor issues, weather conditions, natural disaster, pandemic or otherwise, whether short or long-term, could result in future losses.

Employee retention, labor cost inflation or the failure to renew collective bargaining agreements could disrupt our business.

Our relations with employees under collective bargaining agreements remain satisfactory and there have been no significant work stoppages or other labor disputes during the past four years.  However, we may not be able to maintain constructive relationships with labor unions or trade councils and may not be able to successfully negotiate new collective bargaining agreements on satisfactory terms in the future.

Labor is subject to cost inflation, availability and workforce participation rates, all of which could be impacted by factors beyond our control.  As a result, there can be no assurance we will be able to recruit, train, assimilate, motivate and retain employees in the future.  The loss of a substantial number of these employees or a prolonged labor dispute could disrupt our business and result in future losses.

We depend on information technology systems and infrastructure to operate our business, and increased cybersecurity threats, system inadequacies, and failures could disrupt our operations, compromise customer, employee, vendor and other data which could negatively affect our business.

We rely on the efficient and uninterrupted operation of information technology systems and networks.  These systems and networks are vulnerable to increased threats and more sophisticated computer crime, energy interruptions, telecommunications failures, breakdowns, natural disasters, terrorism, war, computer malware or other malicious intrusions.

We also maintain and have access to data and information that is subject to privacy and security laws, regulations, and customer controls.  Despite our efforts to protect such information, breaches, misplaced or lost data and programming damages could result in a negative impact on the business.  While we have not had material system interruptions historically associated with these risks, there can be no assurance from future interruptions that could result in future losses.

Financial and Legal Risks

Our substantial indebtedness could affect our ability to meet our obligations and may otherwise restrict our activities.

We have a significant amount of indebtedness, which requires significant interest payments.  The amount of interest charges could increase materially due to rising interest rates as indebtedness is refinanced, interest rate swaps expire, or accounts receivable supply chain finance factoring grows.  Our inability to generate sufficient cash flow to satisfy our debt obligations, or to refinance our obligations on commercially reasonable terms, would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.  Additionally, servicing the interest obligations of our existing indebtedness could limit our ability to respond to business opportunities, including growing our business through acquisitions or increased levels of capital expenditures.

Goodwill and other intangibles represent a significant amount of our net worth, and a future write-off could result in lower reported net income and a reduction of our net worth.

We have a substantial amount of goodwill.  Future changes in market multiples, cost of capital, expected cash flows, or other external factors, may adversely affect our business and cause our goodwill to be impaired, resulting in a non-cash charge against results of operations to write off goodwill or indefinite lived intangible assets for the amount of impairment.  If a future write-off is required, the charge could result in significant losses.

Our international operations pose risks to our business that may not be present with our domestic operations.

We are subject to foreign exchange rate risk, both transactional and translational, which may negatively affect our financial performance. Exchange rates between transactional currencies may change rapidly due to a variety of factors.  In particular, our translational exposure may be impacted by movements in the exchange rate of the euro or the British pound sterling against the U.S. dollar.

Foreign operations are also subject to certain risks that are unique to doing business in foreign countries including supply chain challenges, disruption of energy, changes in applicable laws, including assessments of income and non-income related taxes, inability to readily repatriate cash to the U.S. effectively, and regulatory policies and various trade restrictions including potential changes to taxes or duties. We are also subject to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and other anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws that generally bar bribes or unreasonable gifts to foreign governments or officials. We have implemented safeguards, training and policies to discourage these practices by our employees and agents. However, if employees violate our policies, we may be subject to regulatory sanctions. Any of these risks could disrupt our business and result in significant losses.

Current and future environmental and other governmental requirements could adversely affect our financial condition and our ability to conduct our business.

While we have not been required historically to make significant capital expenditures in order to comply with applicable environmental laws and regulations, we cannot predict our future capital expenditure requirements because of continually changing compliance standards and environmental technology.  Furthermore, violations or contaminated sites that we do not know about (including contamination caused by prior owners and operators of such sites or newly discovered information) could result in additional compliance or remediation costs or other liabilities.  In addition, federal, state, local, and foreign governments could enact laws or regulations concerning environmental matters, such as greenhouse gas (carbon) emissions, that increase the cost of producing, or otherwise adversely affect the demand for our products.  Additionally, several governmental bodies in jurisdictions where we operate have introduced, or are contemplating introducing, regulatory change to address the potential impacts of changes in climate and global warming, which may have adverse impacts on our operations or financial results.  We believe that any such laws promulgated to date have not had a material adverse effect on us, as we have historically been able to manage the impact of higher costs by increasing our selling prices.  However, there can be no assurance that future legislation or regulation would not have a material adverse effect on us.

Changes in tax laws or changes in our geographic mix of earnings could have a material impact on our financial condition and results of operation.

We are subject to income and other taxes in the many jurisdictions in which we operate. Tax laws and regulations are complex and the determination of our global provision for income taxes and current and deferred tax assets and liabilities requires judgment and estimation. We are subject to routine examinations of our income tax returns, and tax authorities may disagree with our tax positions and assess additional tax. Our future income taxes could also be negatively impacted by our mix of earnings in the jurisdictions in which we operate being different than anticipated given differences in statutory tax rates in the countries in which we operate. In addition, tax policy efforts to raise global corporate tax rates could adversely impact our tax rate and subsequent tax expense.

We may not be successful in protecting our intellectual property rights, including our unpatented proprietary know-how and trade secrets, or in avoiding claims that we infringed on the intellectual property rights of others.

In addition to relying on patent and trademark rights, we rely on unpatented proprietary know-how and trade secrets, and employ various methods, including confidentiality agreements with employees and consultants, customers and suppliers to protect our know-how and trade secrets. However, these methods and our patents and trademarks may not afford complete protection and there can be no assurance that others will not independently develop the know-how and trade secrets or develop better production methods than us. Further, we may not be able to deter current and former employees, contractors and other parties from breaching agreements and misappropriating proprietary information and it is possible that third parties may copy or otherwise obtain and use our information and proprietary technology without authorization or otherwise infringe on our intellectual property rights. Furthermore, no assurance can be given that we will not be subject to claims asserting the infringement of the intellectual property rights of third parties seeking damages, the payment of royalties or licensing fees and/or injunctions against the sale of our products. Any such litigation could be protracted and costly and could result in significant losses.

We may be subject to litigation and regulatory investigations and proceedings, including product liability claims, that could adversely affect our business operations and financial performance.

In the ordinary course of our business, we are  involved in legal proceedings, including product liability claims, which may lead to financial or reputational damages. See Note 5. Commitments, Leases and Contingencies. We may also be subject to inquiries, inspections, investigations and proceedings by relevant regulatory and other governmental agencies. Given our global footprint, we are exposed to more uncertainty regarding the regulatory environment. The timing of the final resolutions to lawsuits, regulatory inquiries, and governmental and other legal proceedings is typically uncertain, and any such proceedings or claims, regardless of merit, could be time consuming and expensive to defend and could divert management’s attention and resources.  The possible outcomes of these proceedings could include adverse judgments, settlements, injunctions, fines, penalties or other results adverse to us that could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and reputation and result in significant losses. Even if we are successful in defending ourselves against these actions, the costs of such defense may be significant to us.

Item 1B.  UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

Item 2.  PROPERTIES

Our primary manufacturing facilities by geographic area were as follows:

Geographic Region
 
Total Facilities
 
Leased Facilities
US and Canada
 
102
 
18
Europe
 
110
 
24
Rest of world
 
36
 
15

Item 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

For information see Note 5. Commitments, Leases and Contingencies

Item 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.


PART II
 
Item 5.  MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS, AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Our common stock “BERY” is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. As of the date of this filing there were fewer than 550 active record holders of the common stock, but we estimate the number of beneficial stockholders to be much higher as a number of our shares are held by brokers or dealers for their customers in street name. During fiscal 2023 the Company declared and paid cash dividends of $0.25 per share for each quarter.  During fiscal 2022 we did not declare or pay any cash dividends on our common stock.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The following table summarizes the Company's repurchases of its common stock during the Quarterly Period ended September 30, 2023.

Fiscal Period
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
   
Average Price
Paid Per Share
   
Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of Publicly
Announced Programs
   
Dollar Value of Shares that
May Yet be Purchased Under
the Program (in millions) (a)
 
July
   
   
$
     
   
$
627
 
August
   
1,600,861
     
63.96
     
1,600,861
     
524
 
September
   
1,313,690
     
62.88
     
1,313,690
     
442
 
  Total
   
2,914,551
   
$
63.47
     
2,914,551
   
$
442
 

(a)
All open market purchases during the quarter were made under the fiscal 2023 authorization from our board of directors to purchase up to $1 billion of shares of common stock. See Note 9. Stockholders' Equity.

Item 6.  RESERVED

Item 7.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Outlook

The Company is affected by general economic and industrial growth, raw material availability, cost inflation, supply chain disruptions, and general consumption levels.  Our business has both geographic and end market diversity, which reduces the effect of any one of these factors on our overall performance.  Our results are affected by our ability to pass through raw material and other cost changes to our customers, improve manufacturing productivity and adapt to volume changes of our customers.  Despite global macro-economic challenges in the short-term attributed to continued rising inflation and general market softness, we continue to believe our underlying long-term fundamentals in all divisions remain strong.  For fiscal 2024, we project cash flow from operations between $1.35 to $1.45 billion and free cash flow between $800 to $900 million.  Projected fiscal 2024 free cash flow assumes $550 million of capital spending.  For the definition of free cash flow and further information related to free cash flow as a non-GAAP financial measure, see “Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

Discussion of Results of Operations for Fiscal 2023 Compared to Fiscal 2022

The Company's U.S. based results for fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022 are based on fifty-two week periods.  Business integration expenses consist of restructuring and impairment charges, divestiture related costs, and other business optimization costs.  Tables present dollars in millions. A discussion and analysis regarding our results of operations for fiscal year 2022 compared to fiscal year 2021 can be found on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC in November 2022.

Consolidated Overview
 
Fiscal Year
             
   
2023
   
2022
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Net sales
 
$
12,664
   
$
14,495
   
$
(1,831
)
   
(13
)%
Cost of goods sold
   
10,354
     
12,123
     
(1,769
)
   
(15
)%
Other operating expenses
   
1,231
     
1,130
     
101
     
9
%
Operating income
 
$
1,079
   
$
1,242
   
$
(163
)
   
(13
)%

Net sales:  The net sales decline is primarily attributed to decreased selling prices of $856 million primarily due to the pass-through of lower resin costs, a 6% volume decline, an $84 million unfavorable impact from foreign currency changes, and fiscal 2022 divestiture sales of $107 million.  The volume decline is primarily attributed to general market softness and customer destocking.

Cost of goods sold:  The cost of goods sold decrease is primarily attributed to lower raw material prices, the volume decline, fiscal 2022 divestiture cost of goods sold, and an unfavorable impact from foreign currency changes.

Other operating expenses:  The other operating expenses increase is primarily attributed to an increase in business integration costs and incentive-based compensation.

Operating Income:  The operating income decrease is primarily attributed to a $134 million unfavorable impact from the volume decline, a $79 million unfavorable impact from increased business integration costs, a $33 million unfavorable impact from foreign currency changes, and a $49 million unfavorable impact from increased selling, general, and administrative expenses primarily attributed to increased incentive-based compensation.  These declines are partially offset by a $139 million favorable impact from price cost spread.

 Consumer Packaging International
 
Fiscal Year
             
   
2023
   
2022
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Net sales
 
$
4,031
   
$
4,293
   
$
(262
)
   
(6
)%
Operating income
 
$
273
   
$
346
   
$
(73
)
   
(21
)%

Net sales:  The net sales decline is primarily attributed to a 5% volume decline, fiscal 2022 divestiture sales of $107 million, and a $60 million unfavorable impact from foreign currency changes, partially offset by increased selling prices of $102 million due to the pass-through of European inflation.  The volume decline is primarily attributed to general market softness.

Operating Income: The operating income decrease is primarily attributed to a $39 million unfavorable impact from increased business integration costs, a $36 million unfavorable impact from the volume decline, a $17 million unfavorable impact from foreign currency changes, an unfavorable impact from increased selling, general, and administrative expenses, and an unfavorable impact from fiscal 2022 divestiture.  These declines were partially offset by a $44 million favorable impact from price cost spread.

Consumer Packaging North America
 
Fiscal Year
             
   
2023
   
2022
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Net sales
 
$
3,122
   
$
3,548
   
$
(426
)
   
(12
)%
Operating income
 
$
346
   
$
338
   
$
8
     
2
%

Net sales:  The net sales decline is primarily attributed to decreased selling prices of $344 million and a 3% volume decline.  The volume decline is primarily attributed to general market softness partially offset by growth in our foodservice market.

Operating Income:  The operating income increase is primarily attributed to a $67 million favorable impact from price cost spread, partially offset by a $21 million unfavorable impact from the volume decline, an $18 million unfavorable impact from increased business integration costs, and an unfavorable impact from increased selling, general, and administrative expenses.

 Engineered Materials
 
Fiscal Year
             
   
2023
   
2022
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Net sales
 
$
2,884
   
$
3,488
   
$
(604
)
   
(17
)%
Operating income
 
$
333
   
$
328
   
$
5
     
2
%

Net sales:  The net sales decline is primarily attributed to decreased selling prices of $292 million, an 8% volume decline, and a $31 million unfavorable impact from foreign currency changes.  The volume decline is primarily attributed to general market softness and destocking.

Operating Income:  The operating income increase is primarily attributed to an $81 million favorable impact from price cost spread, partially offset by a $48 million unfavorable impact from the volume decline, and an unfavorable impact from increased selling, general, and administrative expenses.

Health, Hygiene & Specialties
 
Fiscal Year
             
   
2023
   
2022
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Net sales
 
$
2,627
   
$
3,166
   
$
(539
)
   
(17
)%
Operating income
 
$
127
   
$
230
   
$
(103
)
   
(45
)%

Net sales:  The net sales decline is primarily attributed to decreased selling prices of $322 million and a 7% volume decline.  The volume decline is primarily attributed to general market softness and customer destocking.

Operating Income:  The operating income decrease is primarily attributed to a $52 million unfavorable impact from price cost spread, a $30 million unfavorable impact from the volume decline, and an unfavorable impact from increased business integration costs.

Other expense
 
Fiscal Year
             
   
2023
   
2022
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Other expense
 
$
31
   
$
22
   
$
9
     
41
%

The Other expense increase is primarily attributed to an adverse impact from our hyperinflationary Argentina subsidiaries.

Interest expense
 
Fiscal Year
             
   
2023
   
2022
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Interest expense
 
$
306
   
$
286
   
$
20
     
7
%

The interest expense increase is primarily the result of higher interest rates partially offset by an increased benefit from the amortization of settled interest rate swaps in fiscal 2022.

Comprehensive Income
 
Fiscal Year
             
   
2023
   
2022
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Comprehensive Income
 
$
676
   
$
659
   
$
17
     
3
%

The increase in comprehensive income is primarily attributed to a $416 million favorable change in currency translation, partially offset by a $157 million decrease in net income, a $155 million unfavorable change in the fair value of interest rate hedges, and an $87 million unfavorable change from unrealized losses on the Company's pension plans.  Currency translation changes are primarily related to non-U.S. subsidiaries with a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar whereby assets and liabilities are translated from the respective functional currency into U.S. dollars using period-end exchange rates.  The change in currency translation was primarily attributed to locations utilizing the euro and British pound sterling as their functional currency.  As part of the overall risk management, the Company uses derivative instruments to (i) reduce our exposure to changes in interest rates attributed to the Company’s borrowings and (ii) reduce foreign currency exposure to translation of certain foreign operations.  The Company records changes to the fair value of these instruments in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).  The change in fair value of these instruments in fiscal 2023 versus fiscal 2022 is primarily attributed to a change in the forward interest and foreign exchange curves between measurement dates.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Senior Secured Credit Facility

We manage our global cash requirements considering (i) available funds among the many subsidiaries through which we conduct our business, (ii) the geographic location of our liquidity needs, and (iii) the cost to access international cash balances.  At the end of fiscal 2023, the Company had no outstanding balance on its $1.0 billion asset-based revolving line of credit that matures in June 2028.  The Company was in compliance with all covenants at the end of fiscal 2023.  See Note 3. Long-Term Debt.

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities increased $52 million from fiscal 2022 primarily attributed to working capital improvement, partially offset by a decline in net income and derivative settlements.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities increased $293 million from fiscal 2022 primarily attributed to the acquisition of Pro-Western in fiscal 2023 compared to the proceeds from business divestitures and the settlement of net investment hedges in fiscal 2022. See Note 2. Acquisition.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities increased $367 million from fiscal 2022 primarily attributed to higher net repayments on long-term borrowings and initiation of a quarterly dividend in fiscal 2023, partially offset by lower share repurchases.

Dividends

The Company declared and paid cash dividends of $127 million during fiscal 2023.

Share Repurchases

The Company repurchased approximately 9.8 million shares for $601 million and approximately 12.2 million shares for $709 million in fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022, respectively.  See Note 9. Stockholders' Equity.

Free Cash Flow

We define "free cash flow" as cash flow from operating activities less net additions to property, plant and equipment.  Based on our definition, our consolidated free cash flow is summarized as follows:

 
Fiscal years ended
 
   
September 30,
2023
   
October 1,
2022
 
Cash flow from operating activities
 
$
1,615
   
$
1,563
 
Additions to property, plant and equipment, net
   
(689
)
   
(687
)
Free cash flow
 
$
926
   
$
876
 

We use free cash flow as a supplemental measure of liquidity as it assists us in assessing our ability to fund growth through generation of cash.  Free cash flow may be calculated differently by other companies, including other companies in our industry or peer group, limiting its usefulness.  Free cash flow is not a generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP’) financial measure and should not be considered as an alternative to any other measure determined in accordance with GAAP.

Liquidity Outlook

At the end of fiscal 2023, our cash balance was $1,203 million, of which approximately 45% was located outside the U.S.  We believe our existing U.S. based cash and cash flow from U.S. operations, together with available borrowings under our senior secured credit facilities, will be adequate to meet our short-term and long-term liquidity needs with the exception of funds needed to cover all long-term debt obligations which we intend to refinance prior to maturity.  The Company has the ability to repatriate the cash located outside the U.S. to the extent not needed to meet operational and capital needs without significant restrictions.  Our unremitted foreign earnings were $1.6 billion at the end of fiscal 2023.  The computation of the deferred tax liability associated with unremitted earnings is not practicable.

Summarized Guarantor Financial Information

Berry Global, Inc. (“Issuer”) has notes outstanding which are fully, jointly, severally, and unconditionally guaranteed by its parent, Berry Global Group, Inc. (for purposes of this section, “Parent”) and substantially all of Issuer’s domestic subsidiaries. Separate narrative information or financial statements of the guarantor subsidiaries have not been included because they are 100% owned by Parent and the guarantor subsidiaries unconditionally guarantee such debt on a joint and several basis.  A guarantee of a guarantor subsidiary of the securities will terminate upon the following customary circumstances: the sale of the capital stock of such guarantor if such sale complies with the indentures, the designation of such guarantor as an unrestricted subsidiary, the defeasance or discharge of the indenture or in the case of a restricted subsidiary that is required to guarantee after the relevant issuance date, if such guarantor no longer guarantees certain other indebtedness of the issuer.  The guarantees of the guarantor subsidiaries are also limited as necessary to prevent them from constituting a fraudulent conveyance under applicable law and any guarantees guaranteeing subordinated debt are subordinated to certain other of the Company’s debts. Parent also guarantees the Issuer’s term loans and revolving credit facilities.  The guarantor subsidiaries guarantee our term loans and are co-borrowers under our revolving credit facility.

Presented below is summarized financial information for the Parent, Issuer and guarantor subsidiaries on a combined basis, after intercompany transactions have been eliminated.

 
Year Ended
 
   
September 30, 2023
 
Net sales
 
$
6,660
 
Gross profit
   
1,611
 
Earnings from continuing operations
   
410
 
Net income (a)
 
$
410
 

(a) Includes $39 million of income associated with intercompany activity with non-guarantor subsidiaries.

 
September 30, 2023
   
October 1, 2022
 
Assets
           
Current assets
 
$
1,975
   
$
2,432
 
Noncurrent assets
   
5,997
     
6,137
 
                 
Liabilities
               
Current liabilities
 
$
1,363
   
$
1,536
 
Intercompany payable
   
754
     
634
 
Noncurrent liabilities
   
10,271
     
10,630
 

Critical Accounting Estimates

We disclose those accounting policies that we consider to be significant in determining the amounts to be utilized for communicating our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows in the first note to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere herein.  Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP.  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with these principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes.  Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Pensions.  The accounting for our pension plans requires us to recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of the pension plans on our balance sheet.  We believe that the accounting estimates related to our pension plans are critical accounting estimates because they are highly susceptible to change from period to period based on the performance of plan assets, actuarial valuations, market conditions and contracted benefit changes.  See Note 1. Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Note 7. Retirement Plans.

Deferred Taxes and Effective Tax Rates.  We estimate the effective tax rate (“ETR”) and associated liabilities or assets for each of our legal entities in accordance with authoritative guidance.  We utilize tax planning to minimize or defer tax liabilities to future periods.  In recording ETRs and related liabilities and assets, we rely upon estimates, which are based upon our interpretation of U.S. and local tax laws as they apply to our legal entities and our overall tax structure.  Audits by local tax jurisdictions, including the U.S. Government, could yield different interpretations from our own and cause the Company to owe more taxes than originally recorded.  See Note 1. Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Note 6. Income Taxes.

Item 7A.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Interest Rate Risk

We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates primarily through our senior secured credit facilities and accounts receivable supply chain finance factoring programs. As of September 30, 2023, our senior secured credit facilities are comprised of (i) $3.1 billion term loans and (ii) a $1.0 billion revolving credit facility with no borrowings outstanding. Borrowings under our senior secured credit facilities bear interest at a rate equal to an applicable margin plus SOFR. The applicable margin for SOFR rate borrowings under the revolving credit facility ranges from 1.25% to 1.50%, and the margin for the term loans is 1.75% per annum. As of September 30, 2023, the SOFR rate of approximately 5.54% was applicable to the term loans. A change of 0.25% on these floating interest rate exposures would increase interest expense by approximately $2 million.

We seek to minimize interest rate volatility risk through regular operating and financing activities and, when deemed appropriate, through the use of derivative financial instruments. These financial instruments are not used for trading or other speculative purposes. See Note 4. Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements.

Foreign Currency Risk

As a global company, we face foreign currency risk exposure from fluctuating currency exchange rates, primarily the U.S. dollar against the euro, British pound sterling, Brazilian real, Chinese renminbi, Canadian dollar and Mexican peso. Significant fluctuations in currency rates can have a substantial impact, either positive or negative, on our revenue, cost of sales, and operating expenses.  Currency translation gains and losses are primarily related to non-U.S. subsidiaries with a functional currency other than U.S. dollars whereby assets and liabilities are translated from the respective functional currency into U.S. dollars using period-end exchange rates and impact our Comprehensive income. A 10% decline in foreign currency exchange rates would have had a $31 million unfavorable impact on fiscal 2023 Net income. See Note 4. Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements.


Item 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Berry Global Group, Inc.

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Berry Global Group, Inc. (the Company) as of September 30, 2023 and October 1, 2022, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2023, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at September 30, 2023 and October 1, 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2023, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have 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 September 30, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated November 17, 2023 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

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 Matter

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 the critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated 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 account or disclosures to which it relates.

   
United Kingdom Defined Benefit Pension Obligation
     
Description of the Matter
 
At September 30, 2023 the aggregate United Kingdom (UK) defined benefit pension obligation was $505 million. As disclosed in Notes 1 and 7 to the consolidated financial statements, the obligation for these plans are actuarially determined and affected by assumptions, including discount rates and mortality rates.
 
Auditing the UK defined benefit pension obligation is complex and required the involvement of our actuarial specialists due to the highly judgmental nature of actuarial assumptions (e.g., discount rates and mortality rates) used in the measurement process. These assumptions have a significant effect on the projected benefit obligation.


How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit
 
We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of controls that address the measurement and valuation of the UK defined benefit pension obligation. This included management’s review of the UK defined benefit pension obligation calculations and the significant actuarial assumptions used by management.
 
To test the UK defined benefit pension obligation, we performed audit procedures that included, among others, evaluating the methodology used and the significant actuarial assumptions described above. We involved our actuarial specialists to assist with our audit procedures. We compared the actuarial assumptions used by management to historical trends and evaluated the change in the defined benefit pension obligation from prior year due to the change in service cost, interest cost, actuarial gains and losses, benefit payments, contributions and other activities. In addition, we evaluated management’s methodology for determining the discount rate that reflects the maturity and duration of the benefit payments and is used to measure the defined benefit pension obligation. As part of this assessment, we compared management’s selected discount rate to an independently developed range of reasonable discount rates. To evaluate the mortality rate assumption, we assessed whether the information is consistent with publicly available information, and whether any market data adjusted for entity-specific factors were applied.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1991.

Indianapolis, Indiana
November 17, 2023
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Berry Global Group, Inc.

Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

We have audited Berry Global Group, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, Berry Global Group, Inc. (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2023, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of September 30, 2023 and October 1, 2022, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2023, and the related notes and our report dated November 17, 2023 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. 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 audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Indianapolis, Indiana
November 17, 2023


Berry Global Group, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income
(in millions of dollars)

 
Fiscal years ended
 
   
September 30,
2023
   
October 1,
2022
   
October 2,
2021
 
Net sales
 
$
12,664
   
$
14,495
   
$
13,850
 
Costs and expenses:
                       
Cost of goods sold
   
10,354
     
12,123
     
11,352
 
Selling, general and administrative
   
886
     
850
     
867
 
Amortization of intangibles
   
243
     
257
     
288
 
Restructuring and transaction activities
   
102
     
23
     
51
 
Operating income
   
1,079
     
1,242
     
1,292
 
                         
Other expense
   
31
     
22
     
51
 
Interest expense
   
306
     
286
     
336
 
Income before income taxes
   
742
     
934
     
905
 
Income tax expense
   
133
     
168
     
172
 
Net income
 
$
609
   
$
766
   
$
733
 
Net income per share (see Note 11):
                       
Basic
 
$
5.07
   
$
5.87
   
$
5.45
 
Diluted
 
$
4.95
   
$
5.77
   
$
5.30
 




Berry Global Group, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(in millions of dollars)

 
Fiscal years ended
 
   
September 30,
2023
   
October 1,
2022
   
October 2,
2021
 
Net income
 
$
609
   
$
766
   
$
733
 
Currency translation
   
115
     
(301
)
   
124
 
Pension and postretirement benefits
   
(52
)
   
35
     
49
 
Derivative instruments
   
4
     
159
     
82
 
Other comprehensive (loss) income
   
67
     
(107
)
   
255
 
Comprehensive income
 
$
676
   
$
659
   
$
988
 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.


Berry Global Group, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in millions of dollars)

 
September 30,
2023
   
October 1,
2022
 
Assets
           
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
1,203
   
$
1,410
 
Accounts receivable
   
1,568
     
1,777
 
Inventories
   
1,557
     
1,802
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
   
205
     
175
 
Total current assets
   
4,533
     
5,164
 
Property, plant and equipment
   
4,576
     
4,342
 
Goodwill and intangible assets
   
6,684
     
6,685
 
Right-of-use assets
   
625
     
521
 
Other assets
   
169
     
244
 
Total assets
 
$
16,587
   
$
16,956
 
                 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
 
$
1,528
   
$
1,795
 
Accrued employee costs
   
273
     
253
 
Other current liabilities
   
902
     
783
 
Current portion of long-term debt
   
10
     
13
 
Total current liabilities
   
2,713
     
2,844
 
Long-term debt
   
8,970
     
9,242
 
Deferred income taxes
   
573
     
707
 
Employee benefit obligations
   
193
     
160
 
Operating lease liabilities
   
525
     
429
 
Other long-term liabilities
   
397
     
378
 
Total liabilities
   
13,371
     
13,760
 
                 
Stockholders’ equity:
               
Common stock (115.5 and 124.2 shares issued, respectively)
   
1
     
1
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
1,231
     
1,177
 
Retained earnings
   
2,320
     
2,421
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
(336
)
   
(403
)
Total stockholders’ equity
   
3,216
     
3,196
 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
16,587
   
$
16,956
 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.


Berry Global Group, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in millions of dollars)

 
Fiscal years ended
 
   
September 30,
2023
   
October 1,
2022
   
October 2,
2021
 
                   
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
                 
Net income
 
$
609
   
$
766
   
$
733
 
                         
Adjustments to reconcile net cash from operating activities:
                       
Depreciation
   
575
     
562
     
566
 
Amortization of intangibles
   
243
     
257
     
288
 
Non-cash interest expense
   
(61
)
   
6
     
32
 
Share-based compensation expense
   
42
     
39
     
40
 
Deferred income tax
   
(117
)
   
(48
)
   
(73
)
Other non-cash operating activities, net
   
22
     
(22
)
   
49
 
Settlement of derivatives
   
36
     
201
     
 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                       
Accounts receivable
   
294
     
(86
)
   
(331
)
Inventories
   
343
     
(3
)
   
(639
)
Prepaid expenses and other assets
   
1
     
11
     
(30
)
Accounts payable and other liabilities
   
(372
)
   
(120
)
   
945
 
Net cash from operating activities
   
1,615
     
1,563
     
1,580
 
                         
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
                       
Additions to property, plant and equipment, net
   
(689
)
   
(687
)
   
(676
)
Acquisition of businesses
   
(87
)
   
     
 
Divestiture of businesses
   
     
128
     
165
 
Settlement of net investment hedges
   
     
76
     
 
Net cash from investing activities
   
(776
)
   
(483
)
   
(511
)
                         
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
                       
Proceeds from long-term borrowings
   
496
     
     
2,716
 
Repayment of long-term borrowings
   
(869
)
   
(22
)
   
(3,496
)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
   
36
     
27
     
60
 
Repurchase of common stock
   
(601
)
   
(709
)
   
 
Dividends paid
   
(127
)
   
     
 
Debt financing costs
   
(6
)
   
     
(21
)
Net cash from financing activities
   
(1,071
)
   
(704
)
   
(741
)
Effect of currency translation on cash
   
25
     
(57
)
   
13
 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
   
(207
)
   
319
     
341
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
1,410
     
1,091
     
750
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
1,203
   
$
1,410
   
$
1,091
 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.


Berry Global Group, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
(in millions of dollars)

 
Common
Stock
   
Additional
Paid-in Capital
   
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Loss
   
Retained
Earnings
   
Total
 
Balance at September 26, 2020
 
$
1
   
$
1,034
   
$
(551
)
 
$
1,608
   
$
2,092
 
Net income
   
     
     
     
733
     
733
 
Other comprehensive income
   
     
     
255
     
     
255
 
Share-based compensation
   
     
40
     
     
     
40
 
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
   
     
60
     
     
     
60
 
Balance at October 2, 2021
 
$
1
   
$
1,134
   
$
(296
)
 
$
2,341
   
$
3,180
 
Net income
   
     
     
     
766
     
766
 
Other comprehensive loss
   
     
     
(107
)
   
     
(107
)
Share-based compensation
   
     
39
     
     
     
39
 
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
   
     
27
     
     
     
27
 
Common stock repurchased and retired
   
     
(23
)
   
     
(686
)
   
(709
)
Balance at October 1, 2022
 
$
1
   
$
1,177
   
$
(403
)
 
$
2,421
   
$
3,196
 
Net income
   
     
     
     
609
     
609
 
Other comprehensive income
   
     
     
67
     
     
67
 
Share-based compensation
   
     
42
     
     
     
42
 
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
   
     
36
     
     
     
36
 
Common stock repurchased, retired and other
   
     
(24
)
   
     
(583
)
   
(607
)
Dividends paid
   
     
     
     
(127
)
   
(127
)
Balance at September 30, 2023
 
$
1
   
$
1,231
   
$
(336
)
 
$
2,320
   
$
3,216
 


See notes to consolidated financial statements.


Berry Global Group, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in millions of dollars, except as otherwise noted)

1.  Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

Berry Global Group, Inc.’s (“Berry,” “we,” or the “Company”) consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“GAAP”) pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commissions.  Periods presented in these financial statements include fiscal periods ending September 30, 2023 (“fiscal 2023”), October 1, 2022 (“fiscal 2022”), and October 2, 2021 (“fiscal 2021”).  The Company’s U.S. based results for fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022 are based on a fifty-two week period.  Fiscal 2021 was based on a fifty-three week period. The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Berry and its subsidiaries, all of which includes our wholly owned and majority owned subsidiaries. The Company has certain foreign subsidiaries that report on a calendar period basis which we consolidate into our respective fiscal period.  Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

During fiscal 2023, the Company announced that it has initiated a formal process to evaluate strategic alternatives for its Health, Hygiene and Specialties segment and has determined the segment does not meet the criteria of Held for Sale as of year end.

Revenue Recognition and Accounts Receivable

Our revenues are primarily derived from the sale of non-woven, flexible and rigid products.  Revenue is recognized when performance obligations are satisfied, in an amount reflecting the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled.  We consider the promise to transfer products to be our sole performance obligation.  If the consideration agreed to in a contract includes a variable amount, we estimate the amount of consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for transferring the promised goods to the customer using the most likely amount method.  Our main sources of variable consideration are customer rebates.  There are no material instances where variable consideration is constrained and not recorded at the initial time of sale.  Generally, our revenue is recognized at a point in time for standard promised goods at the time of shipment, when title and risk of loss pass to the customer.  The accrual for customer rebates was $106 million and $103 million at September 30, 2023 and October 1, 2022, respectively, and is included in Other current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The Company disaggregates revenue based on reportable business segment, geography, and significant product line.  See Note 10. Segment and Geographic Data.

Accounts receivable are presented net of allowance for credit losses of $19 million and $18 million at September 30, 2023 and October 1, 2022, respectively. The Company records current expected credit losses based on a variety of factors including historical loss experience and current customer financial condition. The changes to our current expected credit losses, write-off activity, and  recoveries were not material for any of the periods presented.

The Company has entered into various factoring agreements, primarily customer-based supply chain financing programs, to sell certain receivables to third-party financial institutions.  Agreements which result in true sales of the transferred receivables, which occur when receivables are transferred without recourse to the Company, are reflected as a reduction of trade receivables, net on the consolidated balance sheets and the proceeds are included in the cash flows from operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.

Research and Development

Research and development costs are expensed when incurred.  The Company incurred research and development expenditures of $82 million, $81 million, and $90 million in fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.

Share-Based Compensation

The Company recognized total share-based compensation expense of $42 million, $39 million, and $40 million for fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.  The share-based compensation plan is more fully described in Note 9. Stockholders’ Equity.

Foreign Currency

For the non-U.S. subsidiaries that account in a functional currency other than U.S. dollars, assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars using period-end exchange rates.  Sales and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates in effect during the period.  Foreign currency translation gains and losses are included as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss within Stockholders’ equity.  Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

All highly liquid investments purchased with a maturity of three months or less from the time of purchase are considered to be cash equivalents.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value and are valued using the first-in, first-out method.  Management periodically reviews inventory balances, using recent and future expected sales to identify slow-moving and/or obsolete items. The cost of spare parts is charged to cost of goods sold when purchased.  We evaluate our reserve for inventory obsolescence on a quarterly basis and review inventory on-hand to determine future salability.  We base our determinations on the age of the inventory and the experience of our personnel.  We reserve inventory that we deem to be not salable in the quarter in which we make the determination.  We believe, based on past history and our policies and procedures, that our net inventory is salable.  Inventory as of fiscal 2023 and 2022 was:

Inventories:
 
2023
   
2022
 
Finished goods
 
$
933
   
$
1,010
 
Raw materials
   
624
     
792
 
   
$
1,557
   
$
1,802
 

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost.  Depreciation is computed primarily by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets ranging from 15 to 40 years for buildings and improvements, 2 to 20 years for machinery, equipment, and tooling, and over the term of the agreement for capital leases.  Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the useful life of the improvement or the lease term.  Repairs and maintenance costs are charged to expense as incurred.  Property, plant and equipment as of fiscal 2023 and 2022 was:

Property, plant and equipment:
 
2023
   
2022
 
Land, buildings and improvements
 
$
1,693
   
$
1,602
 
Equipment and construction in progress
   
7,570
     
6,916
 
     
9,263
     
8,518
 
Less accumulated depreciation
   
(4,687
)
   
(4,176
)
   
$
4,576
   
$
4,342
 

Long-lived Assets

Long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment and definite lived intangible assets are reviewed for impairment in accordance with ASC 360, “Property, Plant and Equipment,” whenever facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.  Specifically, this process involves comparing an asset’s carrying value to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows the asset is expected to generate over its remaining life.  If this process were to result in the conclusion that the carrying value of a long-lived asset would not be recoverable, a write-down of the asset to fair value would be recorded through a charge to operations.

Goodwill

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment are as follows:

 
Consumer
Packaging
International
   
Consumer
Packaging
North America
   
Engineered
Materials
   
Health,
Hygiene
& Specialties
   
Total
 
Balance as of fiscal 2021
 
$
2,016
   
$
1,541
   
$
699
   
$
936
   
$
5,192
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
   
(250
)
   
(1
)
   
(37
)
   
(18
)
   
(306
)
Dispositions
   
(54
)
   
     
     
     
(54
)
Balance as of fiscal 2022
 
$
1,712
   
$
1,540
   
$
662
   
$
918
   
$
4,832
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
   
81
     
1
     
17
     
12
     
111
 
Pro-Western acquisition (See Note 2.)
   
     
38
     
     
     
38
 
Balance as of fiscal 2023
 
$
1,793
   
$
1,579
   
$
679
   
$
930
   
$
4,981
 

In fiscal year 2023, the Company completed a qualitative analysis to evaluate impairment of goodwill and concluded that it was more likely than not that the fair value for each reporting unit exceeded the carrying amount.  We reached this conclusion based on the stable valuations within the packaging industry and operating results of our reporting units, in addition to value indications provided from third parties related to the Company's evaluation of strategic alternatives for the Health, Hygiene & Specialties segment.  As a result of our annual impairment evaluations the Company concluded that no impairment existed in fiscal 2023.

Deferred Financing Fees

Deferred financing fees are amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the lives of the respective debt agreements.  Pursuant to ASC 835-30, the Company presents $34 million and $60 million as of fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022, respectively, of debt issuance and deferred financing costs on the balance sheet as a deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability, instead of a deferred charge.

Intangible Assets

The changes in the carrying amount of intangible assets are as follows:

   
Customer
Relationships
   
Trademarks
   
Other
Intangibles
   
Accumulated
Amortization
   
Total
 
Balance as of fiscal 2021
 
$
3,329
   
$
525
   
$
122
   
$
(1,734
)
 
$
2,242
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
   
(172
)
   
(31
)
   
(1
)
   
66
     
(138
)
Amortization expense
   
     
     
     
(257
)
   
(257
)
Additions
   
     
     
6
     
     
6
 
Balance as of fiscal 2022
 
$
3,157
   
$
494
   
$
127
   
$
(1,925
)
 
$
1,853
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
   
69
     
12
     
1
     
(27
)
   
55
 
Amortization expense
   
     
     
     
(243
)
   
(243
)
Pro-Western acquisition (See Note 2.)
   
35
     
3
     
     
     
38
 
Balance as of fiscal 2023
 
$
3,261
   
$
509
   
$
128
   
$
(2,195
)
 
$
1,703
 

Customer relationships are being amortized using an accelerated amortization method which corresponds with the customer attrition rates used in the initial valuation of the intangibles over the estimated life of the relationships which range from 5 to 17 years. Definite lived trademarks are being amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated life of the assets which are not more than 15 years.  Other intangibles, which include technology and licenses, are being amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated life of the assets which range from 5 to 14 years.  The Company has trademarks that total $248 million that are indefinite lived and we test annually for impairment on the first day of the fourth quarter.  We completed the annual impairment test of our indefinite lived trade names utilizing the qualitative method in 2023, 2022, and 2021 and noted no impairment.

Future amortization expense for definite lived intangibles as of fiscal 2023 for the next five fiscal years is $232 million, $219 million, $204 million, $171 million, and $147 million each year for fiscal years ending 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, and 2028, respectively.

Insurable Liabilities

The Company records liabilities for the self-insured portion of workers’ compensation, health, product, general and auto liabilities.  The determination of these liabilities and related expenses is dependent on claims experience.  For most of these liabilities, claims incurred but not yet reported are estimated based upon historical claims experience.

Leases

The Company leases certain manufacturing facilities, warehouses, office space, manufacturing equipment, office equipment, and automobiles.  We recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for leases with original lease terms greater than one year based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term using our incremental borrowing rate on a collateralized basis.  Short-term leases, with original lease terms of less than one year, are not recognized on the balance sheet. We are party to certain leases, namely for manufacturing facilities, which offer renewal options to extend the original lease term. Renewal options are included in the right-of-use asset and lease liability based on our assessment of the probability that the options will be exercised. See Note 5. Commitments, Leases and Contingencies.

At September 30, 2023, annual lease commitments were as follows:

Fiscal Year
 
Operating Leases
   
Finance Leases
 
2024
 
$
117
   
$
10
 
2025
   
106
     
7
 
2026
   
95
     
9
 
2027
   
83
     
1
 
2028
   
70
     
1
 
Thereafter
   
311
     
3
 
Total lease payments
   
782
     
31
 
Less: Interest
   
(141
)
   
(3
)
Present value of lease liabilities
 
$
641
   
$
28
 

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability approach, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequence of events that have been recognized in the Company’s financial statements or income tax returns.  Income taxes are recognized during the period in which the underlying transactions are recorded.  Deferred taxes, with the exception of non-deductible goodwill, are provided for temporary differences between amounts of assets and liabilities as recorded for financial reporting purposes and such amounts as measured by tax laws.  If the Company determines that a deferred tax asset arising from temporary differences is not likely to be utilized, the Company will establish a valuation allowance against that asset to record it at its expected realizable value.  The Company recognizes uncertain tax positions when it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by relevant taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position.  The amount recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement.  The Company’s effective tax rate is dependent on many factors including:  the impact of enacted tax laws in jurisdictions in which the Company operates; the amount of earnings by jurisdiction, due to varying tax rates in each country; and the Company’s ability to utilize foreign tax credits related to foreign taxes paid on foreign earnings that will be remitted to the U.S.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) is comprised of net income and other comprehensive income (loss).  Other comprehensive income (loss) includes net unrealized gains or losses resulting from currency translations of foreign subsidiaries, changes in the value of our derivative instruments and adjustments to the pension liability.

The accumulated balances related to each component of other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax before reclassifications were as follows:

 
Currency
Translation
   
Defined Benefit
Pension and Retiree
Health Benefit Plans
   
Derivative
Instruments
   
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Loss
 
Balance as of fiscal 2020
 
$
(278
)
 
$
(116
)
 
$
(157
)
 
$
(551
)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
   
124
     
(5
)
   
70
     
189
 
Net amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
   
     
54
     
12
     
66
 
Balance as of fiscal 2021
 
$
(154
)
 
$
(67
)
 
$
(75
)
 
$
(296
)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
   
(301
)
   
32
     
158
     
(111
)
Net amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
   
     
3
     
1
     
4
 
Balance as of fiscal 2022
 
$
(455
)
 
$
(32
)
 
$
84
   
$
(403
)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
   
115
     
(53
)
   
39
     
101
 
Net amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
   
     
1
     
(35
)
   
(34
)
Balance as of fiscal 2023
 
$
(340
)
 
$
(84
)
 
$
88
   
$
(336
)

Pension

The accounting for our pension plans requires us to recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of the pension plans on our balance sheet.  The selection of assumptions is based on historical trends and known economic and market conditions at the time of valuation, as well as independent studies of trends performed by our actuaries.  Pension benefit costs include assumptions for the discount rate, mortality rate, retirement age, and expected return on plan assets.  Retiree medical plan costs include assumptions for the discount rate, retirement age, and health-care-cost trend rates.  We review annually the discount rate used to calculate the present value of pension plan liabilities.  The discount rate used at each measurement date is set based on a high-quality corporate bond yield curve, derived based on bond universe information sourced from reputable third-party indices, data providers, and rating agencies.  In countries where there is no deep market in corporate bonds, we have used a government bond approach to set the discount rate.  In evaluating other assumptions, the Company considers many factors, including an evaluation of expected return on plan assets and the health-care-cost trend rates of other companies; historical assumptions compared with actual results; an analysis of current market conditions and asset allocations; and the views of advisers.

Net Income Per Share

The Company calculates basic net income per share based on the weighted-average number of outstanding common shares.  The Company calculates diluted net income per share based on the weighted-average number of outstanding common shares plus the effect of dilutive securities.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make extensive use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of sales and expenses.  Actual results could differ materially from these estimates. Changes in estimates are recorded in results of operations in the period that the event or circumstances giving rise to such changes occur.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Reference Rate Reform

During fiscal 2023, the Company adopted ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform - Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting (Topic 848).  The Company's adoption did not result in a material change to our consolidated financial statements or disclosures. 

2.  Acquisition

Pro-Western Plastics

During fiscal 2023, the Company acquired Pro-Western Plastics Ltd. (“Pro-Western”), a leading plastics injection molding company, for a purchase price of $87 million.  The acquired business is operated within the Consumer Packaging North America segment.  To finance the purchase, the Company used existing liquidity.  The acquisition has been accounted for under the purchase method of accounting and accordingly, the purchase price has been allocated to the identifiable assets and liabilities based on preliminary estimates of fair value at the acquisition date.  The results of Pro-Western have been included in the consolidated results of the Company since the date of acquisition.  The Company has recognized goodwill on this transaction primarily as a result of expected cost synergies and expects goodwill to be deductible for tax purposes.

3.  Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt consists of the following:

Facility
Maturity Date
 
2023
   
2022
 
Term loan (a)
July 2026 (d)
 
$
3,090
   
$
3,440
 
Revolving line of credit
June 2028
   
     
 
0.95% First Priority Senior Secured Notes (b)
February 2024
   
279
     
800
 
1.00% First Priority Senior Secured Notes (c)
July 2025
   
741
     
686
 
1.57% First Priority Senior Secured Notes
January 2026
   
1,525
     
1,525
 
4.875% First Priority Senior Secured Notes
July 2026
   
1,250
     
1,250
 
1.65% First Priority Senior Secured Notes
January 2027
   
400
     
400
 
1.50% First Priority Senior Secured Notes (c)
July 2027
   
397
     
367
 
5.50% First Priority Senior Secured Notes
April 2028
   
500
     
 
4.50% Second Priority Senior Secured Notes
February 2026
   
291
     
298
 
5.625% Second Priority Senior Secured Notes
July 2027
   
500
     
500
 
Debt discounts and deferred fees
     
(34
)
   
(60
)
Finance leases and other
Various
   
41
     
49
 
Total long-term debt
     
8,980
     
9,255
 
Current portion of long-term debt
     
(10
)
   
(13
)
Long-term debt, less current portion
   
$
8,970
   
$
9,242
 
(a)
Effectively 88% fixed interest rate with interest rate swaps (see Note 4).
(b)
Indicates debt which has been classified as long-term debt in accordance with the Company's ability and intention to refinance such obligations on a long-term basis.
(c)
Euro denominated
(d)
In October 2023, the Company extended the maturity date of $1,550 million of the Term Loans to 2029.

During fiscal 2023, the Company issued $500 million aggregate principal amount of 5.50% first priority senior secured notes due 2028.  The proceeds were used to repurchase a portion of the Company's 0.95% first priority senior secured notes due 2024.

Debt discounts and deferred financing fees are presented net of Long-term debt, less the current portion on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are amortized to Interest expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income through maturity.

Berry Global, Inc. Senior Secured Credit Facility

Our wholly owned subsidiary Berry Global, Inc.’s senior secured credit facilities consist of $3.1 billion of term loans and a $1.0 billion asset-based revolving line of credit.  The availability under the revolving line of credit is the lesser of $1.0 billion or based on a defined borrowing base which is calculated based on available accounts receivable and inventory. At the end of fiscal 2023, the Company had unused borrowing capacity of $760 million under the revolving line of credit.

The term loan facility is payable upon maturity.  The Company may voluntarily repay outstanding loans under the senior secured credit facilities at any time without premium or penalty, other than customary “breakage” costs with respect to eurodollar loans.  All obligations under the senior secured credit facilities are unconditionally guaranteed by the Company and, subject to certain exceptions, each of the Company’s existing and future direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries.  The guarantees of those obligations are secured by substantially all of the Company’s assets as well as those of each domestic subsidiary guarantor.

Despite not having financial maintenance covenants, our debt agreements contain certain negative covenants.  We are in compliance with all covenants as of September 30, 2023.  The failure to comply with these negative covenants could restrict our ability to incur additional indebtedness, effect acquisitions, enter into certain significant business combinations, make distributions or redeem indebtedness.

Future maturities of long-term debt as of fiscal year end 2023 are as follows:

Fiscal Year
 
Maturities
2024
 
$
289
2025
   
749
2026
   
6,167
2027
   
1,299
2028
   
503
Thereafter
   
7
   
$
9,014

Net cash interest was $377 million, $281 million, and $311 million in fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.

4.  Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements

In the normal course of business, the Company is exposed to certain risks arising from business operations and economic factors.  The Company may use derivative financial instruments to help manage exposure to fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currencies.  These financial instruments are not used for trading or other speculative purposes.  For those derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as hedging instruments, the Company must designate the hedging instrument, based upon the exposure being hedged, as a fair value hedge, cash flow hedge, or a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation.

To the extent hedging relationships are found to be effective, changes in the fair value of the derivatives are offset by changes in the fair value of the related hedged item and recorded to Accumulated other comprehensive loss.  Changes in the fair value of a derivative not designated as a hedge, are recorded to the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Cross-Currency Swaps

The Company is party to certain cross-currency swaps to hedge a portion of our foreign currency risk.  The swap agreements mature June 2024 (€1,625 million) and July 2027 (£700 million).  In addition to cross-currency swaps, we hedge a portion of our foreign currency risk by designating foreign currency denominated long-term debt as net investment hedges of certain foreign operations.  As of September 30, 2023, we had outstanding long-term debt of €379 million that was designated as a hedge of our net investment in certain euro-denominated foreign subsidiaries.  When valuing cross-currency swaps the Company utilizes Level 2 inputs (substantially observable).

Interest Rate Swaps

The primary purpose of the Company’s interest rate swap activities is to manage interest expense fluctuations associated with our outstanding variable rate term loan debt.  When valuing interest rate swaps the Company utilizes Level 2 inputs (substantially observable).

During fiscal 2023, the Company elected to cash settle existing interest rate swaps and received net proceeds of $36 million.  The offset is included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss and is being amortized to Interest expense through the term of the original swaps.  Following the settlement, the Company entered into interest rate swaps with matching notional amounts with expiration in June 2026.

As of September 30, 2023, the Company effectively had (i) a $450 million interest rate swap transaction that swaps a one-month variable SOFR contract for a fixed annual rate of 4.043%, (ii) a $400 million interest rate swap transaction that swaps a one-month variable SOFR contract for a fixed annual rate of 4.451%, (iii) an $884 million interest rate swap transaction that swaps a one-month variable SOFR contract for a fixed annual rate of 4.451%, (iv) a $473 million interest rate swap transaction that swaps a one-month variable SOFR contract for a fixed annual rate of 3.869%, and (v) a $500 million interest rate swap transaction that swaps a one-month variable SOFR contract for a fixed annual rate of 3.602%%.  The Company's interest rate swap transactions all expire in June 2026. See Note 12. Subsequent Events.

Balances of our derivative instruments on a gross basis are as follows:

Derivative Instruments
Hedge Designation
Balance Sheet Location
 
2023
   
2022
 
Cross-currency swaps
Designated
Other assets
 
$
   
$
147
 
Cross-currency swaps
Designated
Other current liabilities
   
66
     
 
Cross-currency swaps
Designated
Other long-term liabilities
   
19
     
 
Interest rate swaps
Designated
Other assets
   
36
     
11
 
Interest rate swaps
Not designated
Other assets
   
8
     
 
Interest rate swaps
Designated
Other long-term liabilities
   
     
3
 
Interest rate swaps
Not designated
Other long-term liabilities
   
104
     
117
 

The effect of the Company’s derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Income is as follows:

Derivative instruments
Statements of Income Location
 
2023
   
2022
   
2021
 
Cross-currency swaps
Interest expense
 
$
(41
)
 
$
(21
)
 
$
(8
)
Interest rate swaps
Interest expense
   
(59
)
   
40
     
69
 

The amortization related to unrealized losses in Accumulated other comprehensive loss is expected to be $36 million in the next 12 months.  The Company’s financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, long-term debt, interest rate swap agreements, cross-currency swap agreements and capital lease obligations.  The book value of our long-term indebtedness exceeded fair value by $381 million as of fiscal 2023 and by $561 million as of fiscal 2022.  The Company’s long-term debt fair values were determined using Level 2 inputs as other significant observable inputs were not available.

Non-recurring Fair Value Measurements

The Company has certain assets that are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis when impairment indicators are present or when the Company completes an acquisition.  The Company adjusts certain long-lived assets to fair value only when the carrying values exceed the fair values. The categorization of the framework used to value the assets is considered Level 3, due to the subjective nature of the unobservable inputs used to determine the fair value.

Included in the following tables are the major categories of assets and their current carrying values, along with the impairment loss recognized on the fair value measurement for the fiscal years then ended:

 
2023
 
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
   
Impairment
 
Indefinite lived trademarks
 
$
   
$
   
$
248
   
$
248
   
$
 
Goodwill
   
     
     
4,981
     
4,981
     
 
Definite lived intangible assets
   
     
     
1,455
     
1,455
     
 
Property, plant and equipment
   
     
     
4,576
     
4,576
     
8
 
Total
 
$
   
$
   
$
11,260
   
$
11,260
   
$
8
 

 
2022
 
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
   
Impairment
 
Indefinite lived trademarks
 
$
   
$
   
$
247
   
$
247
   
$
 
Goodwill
   
     
     
4,832
     
4,832
     
 
Definite lived intangible assets
   
     
     
1,606
     
1,606
     
 
Property, plant and equipment
   
     
     
4,342
     
4,342
     
 
Total
 
$
   
$
   
$
11,027
   
$
11,027
   
$
 


5.  Commitments, Leases and Contingencies

The Company has various purchase commitments for raw materials, supplies and property and equipment incidental to the ordinary conduct of business.

Collective Bargaining Agreements

At the end of fiscal 2023, we employed approximately 44,000 employees, and approximately 20% of those employees were covered by collective bargaining agreements.  The majority of these agreements are due for renegotiation annually.

Leases

Supplemental lease information is as follows:

Leases
Classification
 
2023
   
2022
 
Operating leases:
             
Operating lease right-of-use assets
Right-of-use asset
 
$
625
   
$
521
 
Current operating lease liabilities
Other current liabilities
   
116
     
108
 
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities
Operating lease liability
   
525
     
429
 
Finance leases:
                 
Finance lease right-of-use assets
Property, plant, and equipment, net
 
$
32
   
$
38
 
Current finance lease liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt
   
9
     
9
 
Noncurrent finance lease liabilities
Long-term debt, less current portion
   
19
     
24
 

Lease Type
 
Cash Flow Classification
   
Lease Expense Category
   
2023
   
2022
 
Operating leases
 
Operating cash flows
   
Lease cost
   
$
141
   
$
132
 
Finance leases
 
Operating cash flows
   
Interest expense
     
1
     
2
 
Finance leases
 
Financing cash flows
   
-
     
5
     
19
 
Finance leases
 
-
   
Amortization of right-of-use assets
     
9
     
9
 

 
2023
   
2022
 
Weighted-average remaining lease term - operating leases
 
9 years
   
7 years
 
Weighted-average remaining lease term - finance leases
 
2 years
   
3 years
 
Weighted-average discount rate - operating leases
   
5.0
%
   
4.5
%
Weighted-average discount rate - finance leases
   
4.5
%
   
4.5
%

Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities were $109 million for fiscal 2023.

Litigation

The Company is party to various legal proceedings involving routine claims which are incidental to its business.  Although the Company’s legal and financial liability with respect to such proceedings cannot be estimated with certainty, the Company believes that any ultimate liability would not be material to its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.


6.  Income Taxes

The Company is being taxed at the U.S. corporate level as a C-Corporation and has provided U.S. Federal, State and foreign income taxes.  Significant components of income tax expense for the fiscal years ended are as follows:

 
2023
   
2022
   
2021
 
Current
                 
U.S.
                 
Federal
 
$
118
   
$
87
   
$
56
 
State
   
25
     
20
     
14
 
Non-U.S.
   
107
     
109
     
175
 
Total current
   
250
     
216
     
245
 
                         
Deferred:
                       
U.S.
                       
Federal
   
(26
)
   
4
     
17
 
State
   
(26
)
   
(7
)
   
(6
)
Non-U.S.
   
(65
)
   
(45
)
   
(84
)
Total deferred
   
(117
)
   
(48
)
   
(73
)
Expense for income taxes
 
$
133
   
$
168
   
$
172
 

U.S. income from continuing operations before income taxes was $375 million, $449 million, and $276 million for fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.  Non-U.S. income from continuing operations before income taxes was $367 million, $485 million, and $629 million for fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.  The Company paid cash taxes of $240 million, $186 million, and $200 million in fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.

The reconciliation between U.S. Federal income taxes at the statutory rate and the Company’s benefit for income taxes on continuing operations for fiscal years ended are as follows:

 
2023
   
2022
   
2021
 
U.S. Federal income tax expense at the statutory rate
 
$
156
   
$
196
   
$
190
 
Adjustments to reconcile to the income tax provision:
                       
U.S. state income tax expense
   
5
     
20
     
11
 
Federal and state credits
   
(18
)
   
(15
)
   
(10
)
Share-based compensation
   
     
(3
)
   
(8
)
Tax law changes
   
     
(17
)
   
11
 
Withholding taxes
   
10
     
6
     
13
 
Changes in foreign valuation allowance
   
7
     
(5
)
   
(14
)
Foreign income taxed in the U.S.
   
17
     
8
     
12
 
Rate differences between U.S. and foreign
   
(22
)
   
(8
)
   
(8
)
Sale of subsidiary
   
     
     
16
 
Permanent foreign currency differences
   
     
     
(30
)
Uncertain tax positions, net
   
(20
)
   
(19
)
   
(5
)
Other
   
(2
)
   
5
     
(6
)
Expense for income taxes
 
$
133
   
$
168
   
$
172
 


Deferred income taxes result from temporary differences between the amount of assets and liabilities recognized for financial reporting and tax purposes.  The components of the net deferred income tax liability as of fiscal years ended are as follows:

 
2023
   
2022
 
Deferred tax assets:
           
Accrued liabilities and reserves
 
$
72
   
$
75
 
Inventories
   
13
     
11
 
Net operating loss carryforward
   
274
     
235
 
Interest expense carryforward
   
121
     
107
 
Lease liability
   
159
     
134
 
Research and development credit carryforward
   
13
     
13
 
Federal and state tax credits
   
11
     
9
 
Capitalization research and development expenditures
   
39
     
 
Other
   
38
     
48
 
Total deferred tax assets
   
740
     
632
 
Valuation allowance
   
(114
)
   
(104
)
Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance
   
626
     
528
 
Deferred tax liabilities:
               
Property, plant and equipment
   
471
     
450
 
Intangible assets
   
437
     
471
 
Derivatives
   
22
     
94
 
Leased asset
   
155
     
131
 
Other
   
22
     
24
 
Total deferred tax liabilities
   
1,107
     
1,170
 
Net deferred tax liability
 
$
(481
)
 
$
(642
)

The Company had $92 million of net deferred tax assets recorded in Other assets, and $573 million of net deferred tax liabilities recorded in Deferred income taxes on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

As of September 30, 2023, the Company has recorded deferred tax assets related to federal, state, and foreign net operating losses, interest expense, and tax credits.  These attributes are spread across multiple jurisdictions and generally have expiration periods beginning in 2021 while a portion remains available indefinitely.  Each attribute has been assessed for realization and a valuation allowance is recorded against the deferred tax assets to bring the net amount recorded to the amount more likely than not to be realized.  The valuation allowance against deferred tax assets was $114 million and $104 million as of the fiscal years ended 2023 and 2022, respectively, related to the foreign and U.S. federal and state operations.

The Company is permanently reinvested except to the extent the foreign earnings are previously taxed or to the extent that we have sufficient basis in our non-U.S. subsidiaries to repatriate earnings on an income tax free basis.

Uncertain Tax Positions

The following table summarizes the activity related to our gross unrecognized tax benefits for fiscal years ended:

 
2023
   
2022
 
Beginning unrecognized tax benefits
 
$
121
   
$
159
 
Gross increases – tax positions in prior periods
   
17
     
2
 
Gross decreases - tax positions in prior periods
   
(11
)
   
(19
)
Gross increases – current period tax positions
   
12
     
13
 
Settlements
   
     
(9
)
Lapse of statute of limitations
   
(32
)
   
(25
)
Ending unrecognized tax benefits
 
$
107
   
$
121
 

As of fiscal year end 2023, the amount of unrecognized tax benefit that, if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate was $105 million and we had $33 million accrued for payment of interest and penalties related to our uncertain tax positions.  Our penalties and interest related to uncertain tax positions are included in income tax expense.

As a result of global operations, we file income tax returns in the U.S. federal, various state and local, and foreign jurisdictions and are routinely subject to examination by taxing authorities throughout the world.  Excluding potential adjustments to net operating losses, the U.S. federal and state income tax returns are no longer subject to income tax assessments for years before 2019.  With few exceptions, the major foreign jurisdictions are no longer subject to income tax assessments for year before 2016.

7.  Retirement Plans

The Company sponsors defined contribution retirement plans covering substantially all employees.  Contributions are based upon a fixed dollar amount for employees who participate and percentages of employee contributions at specified thresholds.  Contribution expense for these plans was $40 million, $42 million, and $45 million for fiscal 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively.

The majority of the North American and UK defined benefit pension plans, which cover certain manufacturing facilities, are closed to future entrants.  The assets of all the plans are held in a separate trustee administered fund to meet long-term liabilities for past and present employees.  The majority, $63 million, of Mainland Europe’s total underfunded status relates to non-contributory pension plans within our German operations.  There is no external funding for these plans although they are secured by insolvency insurance required under German law.  In general, the plans provide a fixed retirement benefit not related to salaries and are closed to new entrants.

The net amount of liability recognized is included in Employee Benefit Obligations on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The Company uses fiscal year end as a measurement date for the retirement plans.

 
2023
   
2022
 
Change in Projected
Benefit Obligations (PBO)
 
North
America
   
UK
   
Mainland
Europe
   
Total
   
North
America
   
UK
   
Mainland
Europe
   
Total
 
Beginning of period
 
$
252
   
$
480
   
$
124
   
$
856
   
$
338
   
$
888
   
$
196
   
$
1,422
 
Service cost
   
     
     
4
     
4
     
     
1
     
5
     
6
 
Interest cost
   
12
     
26
     
5
     
43
     
8
     
17
     
2
     
27
 
Currency
   
     
54
     
11
     
65
     
(1
)
   
(152
)
   
(30
)
   
(183
)
Actuarial loss (gain)
   
(10
)
   
(26
)
   
(5
)
   
(41
)
   
(77
)
   
(244
)
   
(37
)
   
(358
)
Benefit settlements
   
(20
)
   
     
(1
)
   
(21
)
   
     
     
(5
)
   
(5
)
Benefits paid
   
(16
)
   
(29
)
   
(7
)
   
(52
)
   
(16
)
   
(30
)
   
(7
)
   
(53
)
End of period
 
$
218
   
$
505
   
$
131
   
$
854
   
$
252
   
$
480
   
$
124
   
$
856
 

 
2023
   
2022
 
Change in Fair
Value of Plan Assets
 
North
America
   
UK
   
Mainland
Europe
   
Total
   
North
America
   
UK
   
Mainland
Europe
   
Total
 
Beginning of period
 
$
228
   
$
446
   
$
40
   
$
714
   
$
286
   
$
828
   
$
53
   
$
1,167
 
Currency
   
     
51
     
2
     
53
     
(1
)
   
(146
)
   
(7
)
   
(154
)
Return on assets
   
29
     
(73
)
   
1
     
(43
)
   
(41
)
   
(225
)
   
(2
)
   
(268
)
Contributions
   
     
19
     
8
     
27
     
     
19
     
8
     
27
 
Benefit settlements
   
(20
)
   
     
(1
)
   
(21
)
   
     
     
(5
)
   
(5
)
Benefits paid
   
(16
)
   
(29
)
   
(7
)
   
(52
)
   
(16
)
   
(30
)
   
(7
)
   
(53
)
End of period
 
$
221
   
$
414
   
$
43
   
$
678
   
$
228
   
$
446
   
$
40
   
$
714
 
                                                                 
Underfunded status
 
$
3
   
$
(91
)
 
$
(88
)
 
$
(176
)
 
$
(24
)
 
$
(34
)
 
$
(84
)
 
$
(142
)

At the end of fiscal 2023, the Company had $112 million of net unrealized losses recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The Company expects less than $1 million to be realized in fiscal 2024.

The following table presents significant weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligation and benefit cost for the fiscal years ended:

(Percentages)
 
2023
 
North America
 
UK
 
Mainland Europe
Weighted-average assumptions:
           
Discount rate for benefit obligation
   
5.6
   
5.5
   
4.1
Discount rate for net benefit cost
   
5.1
   
5.2
   
3.7
Expected return on plan assets for net benefit costs
   
6.1
   
5.7
   
2.6

(Percentages)
 
2022
 
North America
 
UK
 
Mainland Europe
Weighted-average assumptions:
           
Discount rate for benefit obligation
   
5.1
   
5.2
   
3.6
Discount rate for net benefit cost
   
2.5
   
2.1
   
1.0
Expected return on plan assets for net benefit costs
   
6.1
   
4.2
   
2.1

In evaluating the expected return on plan assets, Berry considered its historical assumptions compared with actual results, an analysis of current market conditions, asset allocations, and the views of advisors.  The return on plan assets is derived from target allocations and historical yield by asset type.  A one quarter of a percentage point reduction of expected return on pension assets, mortality rate or discount rate applied to the pension liability would result in an immaterial change to the Company’s pension expense.

In accordance with the guidance from the FASB for employers’ disclosure about postretirement benefit plan assets the table below discloses fair values of each pension plan asset category and level within the fair value hierarchy in which it falls.  There were no material changes or transfers between level 3 assets and the other levels.

Fiscal 2023 Asset Category
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
23
   
$
   
$
   
$
23
 
U.S. large cap comingled equity funds
   
80
     
     
     
80
 
U.S. mid cap equity mutual funds
   
33
     
     
     
33
 
U.S. small cap equity & Corporate bond mutual funds
   
2
     
     
     
2
 
International equity mutual funds
   
6
     
33
     
     
39
 
Real estate equity investment funds
   
     
21
     
105
     
126
 
Corporate bonds
   
     
97
     
70
     
167
 
International fixed income funds
   
6
     
158
     
     
164
 
International insurance policies
   
     
     
44
     
44
 
Total
 
$
150
   
$
309
   
$
219
   
$
678
 

Fiscal 2022 Asset Category
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
14
   
$
   
$
   
$
14
 
U.S. large cap comingled equity funds
   
69
     
     
     
69
 
U.S. mid cap equity mutual funds
   
35
     
     
     
35
 
U.S. small cap equity & Corporate bond mutual funds
   
4
     
     
     
4
 
International equity mutual funds
   
9
     
99
     
     
108
 
Real estate equity investment funds
   
4
     
26
     
94
     
124
 
Corporate bonds
   
     
128
     
56
     
184
 
International fixed income funds
   
5
     
130
     
     
135
 
International insurance policies
   
     
     
41
     
41
 
Total
 
$
140
   
$
383
   
$
191
   
$
714
 


The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid for the fiscal year end:

 
North America
   
UK
   
Mainland Europe
   
Total
 
2024
 
$
18
   
$
29
   
$
9
   
$
56
 
2025
   
16
     
30
     
7
     
53
 
2026
   
16
     
31
     
6
     
53
 
2027
   
17
     
32
     
7
     
56
 
2028
   
17
     
33
     
8
     
58
 
2029-2033
   
80
     
179
     
49
     
308
 

Net pension expense is recorded in Cost of goods sold and included the following components as of fiscal years ended:

 
2023
   
2022
   
2021
 
Service cost
 
$
4
   
$
6
   
$
5
 
Interest cost
   
43
     
27
     
24
 
Amortization of net actuarial loss
   
1
     
3
     
9
 
Expected return on plan assets
   
(46
)
   
(51
)
   
(51
)
Net periodic benefit expense (income)
 
$
2
   
$
(15
)
 
$
(13
)

Our defined benefit pension plan asset allocations as of fiscal years ended are as follows:

Asset Category
 
2023
   
2022
 
Equity securities and equity-like instruments
   
41
%
   
47
%
Debt securities and debt-like
   
49
     
45
 
International insurance policies
   
7
     
6
 
Other
   
3
     
2
 
Total
   
100
%
   
100
%

The Company’s retirement plan assets are invested with the objective of providing the plans the ability to fund current and future benefit payment requirements while minimizing annual Company contributions.  The retirement plans held $31 million of the Company’s stock at the end of fiscal 2023.  The Company re-addresses the allocation of its investments on a regular basis.

8.  Restructuring and Transaction Activities

In the current fiscal year, the Company initiated cost savings initiatives including plant rationalization in all four segments as part of the 2023 restructuring plan.  The Company expects total cash and non-cash expense to be approximately $200 million, with the operations savings intended to counter general economic softness.  The initiatives are expected to be fully implemented by the end of fiscal 2025.  During fiscal 2021 and 2022, the Company did not shut down any facilities with significant net sales.

The table below includes the significant components of our restructuring and transaction activities recognized for the fiscal years ended, by reporting segment:

 
2023
   
2022
   
2021
 
Consumer Packaging International
 
$
50
   
$
10
   
$
56
 
Consumer Packaging North America
   
23
     
5
     
 
Engineered Materials
   
7
     
2
     
(4
)
Health, Hygiene & Specialties
   
22
     
6
     
(1
)
Consolidated
 
$
102
   
$
23
   
$
51
 


Transaction activities consist of acquisition, divestiture and other business optimization related costs.  The table below sets forth the activity with respect to the restructuring charges and the impact on our accrued restructuring reserves:

   
Restructuring (a)
             
 
Employee Severance
and Benefits
   
Facility
Exit Costs
   
Non-cash
Impairment Charges
   
Transaction
Activities
   
Total
 
Balance as of fiscal 2021
 
$
6
   
$
5
   
$
   
$
   
$
11
 
Charges
   
7
     
9
     
     
7
     
23
 
Cash
   
(11
)
   
(11
)
   
     
(7
)
   
(29
)
Balance as of fiscal 2022
 
$
2
   
$
3
   
$
   
$
   
$
5
 
Charges
   
39
     
23
     
8
     
32
     
102
 
Non-cash items
   
     
     
(8
)
   
     
(8
)
Cash
   
(31
)
   
(25
)
   
     
(32
)
   
(88
)
Balance as of fiscal 2023
 
$
10
   
$
1
   
$
   
$
   
$
11
 


(a)  Since 2021, cumulative costs attributed to restructuring programs total $105 million.

9.  Stockholders’ Equity

Share Repurchases

During fiscal 2023, the Company repurchased approximately 9.8 million shares for $601 million, at an average price of $61.00.  During fiscal 2022, the Company repurchased approximately 12.2 million shares for $709 million, at an average price of $58.30.  No shares were repurchased during fiscal 2021.

All share repurchases were immediately retired.  Common stock was reduced by the number of shares retired at $0.01 par value per share.  The Company allocates the excess purchase price over par value between additional paid-in capital and retained earnings.  As of fiscal 2023, authorized repurchases of $442 million remain available to the Company.

Equity Incentive Plans

The Company has shareholder-approved stock plans under which options and restricted stock units have been granted to employees at the market value of the Company's stock on the date of grant.  In fiscal 2021, the Company amended the 2015 Berry Global Group, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan to authorize the issuance of 20.8 million shares, an increase of 8.3 million shares from the previous authorization.  The intrinsic value of options exercised in fiscal 2023 was $27 million.

Information related to the equity incentive plans as of the fiscal years ended are as follows:

 
2023
   
2022
 
   
Number of Shares
(in thousands)
   
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
   
Number of Shares
(in thousands)
   
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
 
Options outstanding, beginning of period
   
11,656
   
$
47.33
     
11,302
   
$
44.54
 
Options granted
   
1,343
     
56.93
     
1,192
     
66.47
 
Options exercised
   
(1,041
)
   
35.85
     
(752
)
   
35.31
 
Options forfeited or cancelled
   
(122
)
   
53.96
     
(86
)
   
51.72
 
Options outstanding, end of period
   
11,836
   
$
49.36
     
11,656
   
$
47.33
 
                                 
Option price range at end of period
 
$
21.00-66.47
           
$
16.00-66.47
         
Options exercisable at end of period
   
7,349
             
6,718
         
Weighted average fair value of options granted during period
 
$
17.53
           
$
20.73
         


Generally, options vest annually in equal installments commencing one year from the date of grant and have a vesting term of either four or five years, depending on the grant date, and an expiration term of 10 years from the date of grant.  The fair value for options granted has been estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes model using the following key assumptions:

 
2023
   
2022
   
2021
 
Risk-free interest rate
   
3.8
%
   
1.3
%
   
0.5
%
Dividend yield
   
1.7
%
   
0.0
%
   
0.0
%
Volatility factor
   
31.0
%
   
29.7
%
   
30.4
%

The following table summarizes information about the options outstanding as of fiscal 2023:

Intrinsic Value
of Outstanding
(in millions)
 
Weighted
Remaining
Contractual Life
 
Number
Exercisable
(in thousands)
   
Intrinsic Value
of Exercisable
(in millions)
   
Unrecognized
Compensation
(in millions)
 
Weighted
Recognition
Period
$
154
 
5.7 years
   
7,349
   
$
117
   
$
43
 
1.4 years

The Company's issued restricted stock units generally vest in equal installments over four years.  Compensation cost is recorded based upon the fair value of the shares at the grant date.

 
2023
   
2022
 
   
Number of Shares
(in thousands)
   
Weighted Average
Grant Price
   
Number of Shares
(in thousands)
   
Weighted Average
Grant Price
 
Awards outstanding, beginning of period
   
354
   
$
61.99
     
196
   
$
54.22
 
Awards granted
   
434
     
56.93
     
232
     
66.47
 
Awards vested
   
(105
)
   
61.46
     
(64
)
   
54.70
 
Awards forfeited or cancelled
   
(23
)
   
59.75
     
(10
)
   
60.30
 
Awards outstanding, end of period
   
660
   
$
58.82
     
354
   
$
61.99
 

The Company had equity incentive shares available for grant of 5.0 million and 7.1 million as of September 30, 2023 and October 1, 2022, respectively.


10.  Segment and Geographic Data

Berry’s operations are organized into four reporting segments: Consumer Packaging International, Consumer Packaging North America, Engineered Materials, and Health, Hygiene & Specialties.  The structure is designed to align us with our customers, provide improved service, and drive future growth in a cost efficient manner.

Selected information by reportable segment is presented in the following tables:

 
2023
   
2022
   
2021
 
Net sales
                 
Consumer Packaging International
 
$
4,031
   
$
4,293
   
$
4,242
 
Consumer Packaging North America
   
3,122
     
3,548
     
3,141
 
Engineered Materials
   
2,884
     
3,488
     
3,309
 
Health, Hygiene & Specialties
   
2,627
     
3,166
     
3,158
 
Total
 
$
12,664
   
$
14,495
   
$
13,850
 
                         
Operating income
                       
Consumer Packaging International
 
$
273
   
$
346
   
$
317
 
Consumer Packaging North America
   
346
     
338
     
276
 
Engineered Materials
   
333
     
328
     
301
 
Health, Hygiene & Specialties
   
127
     
230
     
398
 
Total
 
$
1,079
   
$
1,242
   
$
1,292
 
                         
Depreciation and amortization
                       
Consumer Packaging International
 
$
310
   
$
317
   
$
341
 
Consumer Packaging North America
   
217
     
214
     
224
 
Engineered Materials
   
114
     
112
     
112
 
Health, Hygiene & Specialties
   
177
     
176
     
177
 
Total
 
$
818
   
$
819
   
$
854
 

 
2023
   
2022
 
Total assets:
           
Consumer Packaging International
 
$
6,217
   
$
6,993
 
Consumer Packaging North America
   
4,312
     
3,992
 
Engineered Materials
   
2,476
     
2,236
 
Health, Hygiene & Specialties
   
3,582
     
3,735
 
Total assets
 
$
16,587
   
$
16,956
 

Selected information by geographical region is presented in the following tables:

 
2023
   
2022
   
2021
 
Net sales:
                 
United States and Canada
 
$
6,893
   
$
7,907
   
$
7,351
 
Europe
   
4,559
     
5,065
     
4,898
 
Rest of world
   
1,212
     
1,523
     
1,601
 
Total net sales
 
$
12,664
   
$
14,495
   
$
13,850
 

 
2023
   
2022
 
Long-lived assets:
           
United States and Canada
 
$
6,893
   
$
6,826
 
Europe
   
3,800
     
3,616
 
Rest of world
   
1,361
     
1,350
 
Total long-lived assets
 
$
12,054
   
$
11,792
 

Selected information by product line is presented in the following tables:

(in percentages)
 
2023
   
2022
   
2021
 
Net sales:
                 
Packaging
   
76
%
   
76
%
   
81
%
Non-packaging
   
24
     
24
     
19
 
Consumer Packaging International
   
100
%
   
100
%
   
100
%
                         
Rigid Open Top
   
66
%
   
62
%
   
57
%
Rigid Closed Top
   
34
     
38
     
43
 
Consumer Packaging North America
   
100
%
   
100
%
   
100
%
                         
Core Films
   
60
%
   
59
%
   
63
%
Retail & Industrial
   
40
     
41
     
37
 
Engineered Materials
   
100
%
   
100
%
   
100
%
                         
Health
   
14
%
   
14
%
   
18
%
Hygiene
   
48
     
51
     
47
 
Specialties
   
38
     
35
     
35
 
Health, Hygiene & Specialties
   
100
%
   
100
%
   
100
%

11.  Net Income per Share

Basic net income or earnings per share ("EPS") is calculated by dividing the net income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period, without consideration for common stock equivalents.   Diluted EPS includes the effects of options and restricted stock units, if dilutive.

The following tables provide a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of the basic and diluted EPS calculations:

(in millions, except per share amounts)
 
2023
   
2022
   
2021
 
Numerator
                 
Consolidated net income
 
$
609
   
$
766
   
$
733
 
Denominator
                       
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic
   
120.1
     
130.6
     
134.6
 
Dilutive shares
   
2.9
     
2.2
     
3.7
 
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding - diluted
   
123.0
     
132.8
     
138.3
 
                         
Per common share earnings
                       
Basic
 
$
5.07
   
$
5.87
   
$
5.45
 
Diluted
 
$
4.95
   
$
5.77
   
$
5.30
 

1 million shares were excluded from the fiscal 2023 and 2022 diluted EPS calculation, respectively, as their effect would be anti-dilutive.   No shares were excluded from the fiscal 2021 calculation.

12.  Subsequent Events

In October 2023, the Company extended the maturity date of $1,550 million of the Term Loans and $950 million of outstanding interest rate swaps to July 2029.

In November 2023, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a quarterly cash dividend of $0.275 per share.  The first fiscal quarter payment will be paid on December 15, 2023 to shareholders of record as of December 1, 2023.



Item 9.  CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

Item 9A.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures

We maintain “disclosure controls and procedures,” as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act, that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

In connection with the preparation of this Form 10-K, management evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2023.  Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2023.

Management’s Report on Internal Controls over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, the Company conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting using the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework).  Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting were effective as of September 30, 2023.

The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2023, has been audited by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is included herein.

Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2023 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B.  OTHER INFORMATION

Rule 10b5-1 Trading Plans

No officers or directors, as defined in Rule 16a-1(f), adopted, modified and/or terminated a "Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement" or a "non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement," as defined in Regulation S-K Item 408, during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023.

Item 9C.  DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS

None.


PART III

Item 10.  DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Except as set forth below, the information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement to be filed in connection with the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

We have a Global Code of Business Ethics that applies to all directors and employees, including our Chief Executive Officer and senior financial officers.  We also have adopted a Supplemental Code of Ethics, which is in addition to the standards set by our Global Code of Business Ethics, in order to establish a higher level of expectation for the most senior leaders of the Company.  Our Global Code of Business Ethics and Supplemental Code of Ethics can be obtained, free of charge, by contacting our corporate headquarters or can be obtained from the Corporate Governance section of the Investors page on the Company’s internet site.  In the event that we make changes in, or provide waivers from, the provision of the Code of Business Ethics that the SEC requires us to disclose, we will disclose these events in the corporate governance section of our website within four business days following the date of such amendment or waiver.

Item 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement to be filed in connection with the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

Item 12.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The information required by this Item, is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement to be filed in connection with the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

Item 13.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement to be filed in connection with the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

Item 14.  PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement to be filed in connection with the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.



PART IV

Item 15.  EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

1.
Financial Statements

The financial statements listed under Item 8 are filed as part of this report.

2.
Financial Statement Schedules

Schedules have been omitted because they are either not applicable or the required information has been disclosed in the financial statements or notes thereto.

3.
Exhibits

The exhibits listed on the Exhibit Index immediately following the signature page of this annual report are filed as part of this report.

Item 16.  FORM 10-K SUMMARY

None.


Exhibit No
 
Description of Exhibit
   
Rule 2.7 Announcement, dated as of March 8, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 14, 2019).
   
Co-Operation Agreement, dated as of March 8, 2019, by and among Berry Global Group, Inc., Berry Global International Holdings Limited and RPC Group Plc (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 14, 2019).
*
 
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Berry Global Group, Inc., as amended through February 24, 2021.
   
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Berry Global Group, Inc., as amended and restated effective as of February 24, 2021 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 25, 2021).
   
Form of common stock certificate of Berry Plastics Group, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.27 of Amendment No. 5 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on September 19, 2012).
   
Indenture, by and between Berry Global Escrow Corporation and U.S. Bank Trust Company National Association (as successor to U.S. Bank National Association), as Trustee and Collateral Agent, relating to the 4.875% First Priority Senior Secured Notes due 2026, dated June 5, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 6, 2019).
   
Supplemental Indenture, among Berry Global Group, Inc., Berry Global, Inc., Berry Global Escrow Corporation, each of the parties identified as a Subsidiary Guarantor thereon, and U.S. Bank Trust Company National Association (as successor to U.S. Bank National Association), as Trustee, relating to the 4.875% First Priority Senior Secured Notes due 2026, dated July 1, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 2, 2019).
   
Indenture, by and between Berry Global Escrow Corporation and U.S. Bank Trust Company National Association (as successor to U.S. Bank National Association), as Trustee and Collateral Agent, relating to the 5.625% Second Priority Senior Secured Notes due 2027, dated June 5, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 6, 2019).
   
Supplemental Indenture, among Berry Global Group, Inc., Berry Global, Inc., Berry Global Escrow Corporation, each of the parties identified as a Subsidiary Guarantor thereon, and U.S. Bank Trust Company National Association (as successor to U.S. Bank National Association), as Trustee, relating to the 5.625% Second Priority Senior Secured Notes due 2027, dated July 1, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 2, 2019).
   
Indenture, among Berry Global, Inc., certain guarantors party thereto, U.S. Bank Trust Company National Association (as successor to U.S. Bank National Association), as Trustee and Collateral Agent, and Elavon Financial Services DAC, as Paying Agent, Transfer Agent and Registrar, relating to the 1.00% First Priority Senior Secured Notes due 2025 and 1.50% First Priority Senior Secured Notes due 2027, dated January 2, 2020 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 2, 2020).

   
Indenture among Berry Global, Inc., certain guarantors party thereto, U.S. Bank Trust Company National Association (as successor to U.S. Bank National Association), as Trustee and Collateral Agent, relating to the 1.57% First Priority Senior Secured Notes due 2026, dated December 22, 2020 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 23, 2020).
   
First Supplemental Indenture, among Berry Global, Inc., certain guarantors party thereto, U.S. Bank Trust Company National Association (as successor to U.S. Bank National Association), as Trustee and Collateral Agent, relating to the 1.57% First Priority Senior Secured Notes due 2026, dated March 4, 2021 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 4, 2021).
   
Indenture among Berry Global, Inc., certain guarantors party thereto, U.S. Bank Trust Company National Association (as successor to U.S. Bank National Association), as Trustee and Collateral Agent, relating to the 0.95% First Priority Senior Secured Notes due 2024, dated January 15, 2021 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 15, 2021).
   
Indenture, among Berry Global, Inc., certain guarantors party thereto, U.S. Bank Trust Company National Association (as successor to U.S. Bank National Association), as Trustee and Collateral Agent, relating to the 1.65% First Priority Senior Secured Notes due 2027, dated June 14, 2021 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 14, 2021).
   
Indenture, among Berry Global, Inc., certain guarantors party thereto, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as Trustee and Collateral Agent, relating to the 5.50% First Priority Senior Secured Notes due 2028, dated March 30, 2023 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 30, 2023).
   
Registration Rights Agreement, by and between Berry Global, Inc., Berry Global Group, Inc., each subsidiary of Berry Global, Inc. identified therein, and Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, on behalf of themselves and as representatives of the initial purchasers, relating to the 1.57% First Priority Senior Secured Notes due 2026 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 23, 2020).
   
Registration Rights Agreement, by and between Berry Global, Inc., Berry Global Group, Inc., each subsidiary of Berry Global, Inc. identified therein, and Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, on behalf of themselves and as representatives of the initial purchasers, relating to the 0.95% First Priority Senior Secured Notes due 2024 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 15, 2021).
   
Registration Rights Agreement, dated March 4, 2021, by and between Berry Global, Inc., Berry Global Group, Inc., each subsidiary of Berry Global, Inc. identified therein, and Citigroup Global Markets Inc. Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, on behalf of themselves and as representatives of the initial purchasers, relating to the 1.57% First Priority Senior Secured Notes due 2026 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 5, 2021).
   
Registration Rights Agreement, by and between Berry Global, Inc., Berry Global Group, Inc., each subsidiary of Berry Global, Inc. identified therein, and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, on behalf of themselves and as representatives of the initial purchasers, relating to the 1.65% First Priority Senior Secured Notes due 2027 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 14, 2021).
   
Registration Rights Agreement, by and between Berry Global, Inc., Berry Global Group, Inc., each subsidiary of Berry Global, Inc. identified therein, and Citigroup Global Markets Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, on behalf of themselves and as representatives of the initial purchasers, relating to the 5.50% First Priority Senior Secured Notes due 2028 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 30, 2023).
   
Description of Securities (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.9 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on November 11, 2019).
   
$1,000,000,000 Fourth Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of June 22, 2023, by and among Berry Global, Inc., Berry Global Group, Inc., Berry Plastics Canada Inc., RPC Group Limited, the lenders party thereto, Bank of America, N.A., as collateral agent and administrative agent, and the financial institutions party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2023).
   
U.S. $1,200,000,000 Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of April 3, 2007, by and among Berry Plastics Corporation formerly known as Berry Plastics Holding Corporation, Berry Plastics Group, Inc., Credit Suisse, Cayman Islands Branch, as collateral and administrative agent, the lenders party thereto from time to time, and the other financial institutions party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1(b) to Berry Plastics Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 10, 2007).

   
Second Amended and Restated Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of February 5, 2008, by and among Berry Plastics Group, Inc., Berry Plastics Corporation, certain subsidiaries identified as parties thereto, Bank of America, N.A. and Credit Suisse, Cayman Islands Branch as first lien agents, and U.S. Bank Trust Company National Association, as successor in interest to Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on November 23, 2015).
   
U.S. $1,147,500,000 and $814,375,000 Incremental Assumption Agreement, dated as of February 10, 2017 by and among Berry Plastics Group, Inc., Berry Plastics Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries referenced therein, Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch, as administrative agent for the lenders under the term loan credit agreement referenced therein, Citibank, N.A., as initial Term K lender and Citibank, N.A., as incremental term L lender therein. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on November 21, 2017).
   
U.S. $1,644,750,000 and $498,750,000 Incremental Assumption Agreement, dated as of August 10, 2017, by and among Berry Plastics Group, Inc., Berry Plastics Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries referenced therein, Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch, as administrative agent for the lenders under the term loan credit agreement referenced therein, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as initial Term M lender and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as initial Term N lender therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on November 21, 2017).
   
U.S. $900,000,000 and $814,375,000 Incremental Assumption Agreement, dated as of November 27, 2017, by and among Berry Global Group, Inc., Berry Global, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries referenced therein, Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch, as administrative agent for the lenders under the term loan credit agreement referenced therein, Citibank, N.A., as initial Term O Lender, and Citibank, N.A., as initial Term P Lender therein. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on February 7, 2018).
   
U.S. $ 1,644,750,000 and $496,250,000 Incremental Assumption Agreement and Amendment, dated as of February 12, 2018, by and among Berry Global Group, Inc., Berry Global, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries referenced therein, Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch, as administrative agent for the lenders under the term loan credit agreement referenced therein, Citibank, N.A., as initial Term Q lender, and Citibank, N.A., as initial Term R lender therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 3, 2018).
   
U.S. $800,000,000 and $814,375,000 Incremental Assumption Agreement, dated as of May 16, 2018, by and among Berry Global Group, Inc., Berry Global, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries referenced therein, Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch, as administrative agent for the lenders under the term loan credit agreement referenced therein, Citibank, N.A., as initial Term S lender, and Citibank, N.A., as initial Term T lender therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 3, 2018).
   
Cooperation Agreement, dated November 22, 2022, by and among Berry Global Group, Inc., Ancora Catalyst Institutional, LP, Eminence Capital, L.P. and the other persons and entities listed thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 23, 2022).
   
Amended and Restated Cooperation Agreement, dated October 18, 2023, by and among Berry Global Group, Inc., Ancora Catalyst Institutional, LP, Eminence Capital, L.P. and the other persons and entities listed thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 20, 2023).
   
Amendment and Waiver to Equipment Lease Agreement, dated as of January 19, 2011, between Chicopee, Inc., as Lessee and Gossamer Holdings, LLC, as Lessor (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to AVINTIV Specialty Materials Inc.’s Registration Statement Form S-4 filed on October 25, 2011).
   
Second Amendment to Equipment Lease Agreement, dated as of October 7, 2011, between Chicopee, Inc., as Lessee and Gossamer Holdings, LLC, as Lessor (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to AVINTIV Specialty Materials Inc.’s Registration Statement Form S-4 filed on October 25, 2011).
   
Third Amendment to Equipment Lease Agreement, dated as of February 28, 2012, between Chicopee, Inc., as Lessee and Gossamer Holdings, LLC, as Lessor (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to AVINTIV Specialty Materials Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 15, 2012).
   
Fourth Amendment to Equipment Lease Agreement, dated as of March 22, 2013, between Chicopee, Inc., as Lessee and Gossamer Holdings, LLC, as Lessor (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to AVINTIV Specialty Materials Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 9, 2013).
 
Employment Agreement of Thomas E. Salmon (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 6, 2017).
 
Berry Plastics Group, Inc. Executive Bonus Plan, amended and restated December 22, 2015, effective as of September 27, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 28, 2015).

 
Berry Plastics Group, Inc. 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on December 17, 2012).
 
Amendment No. 1 to the Berry Plastics Group, Inc., 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on December 11, 2013).
 
Omnibus amendment to awards granted under the Berry Plastics Group, Inc., 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on December 11, 2013).
 
Amendment No. 2 to the Berry Plastics Group, Inc. 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 10, 2015).
 
Form of 2016 Omnibus Amendment to Awards Granted Under the Berry Plastics Group, Inc. 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 22, 2016).
 
2015 Berry Plastics Group, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 10, 2015).
 
First Amendment to 2015 Berry Plastics Group, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 6, 2018).
 
Form of 2016 Omnibus Amendment to Awards Granted Under the Berry Plastics Group, Inc. 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 22, 2016).
 
Fourth Amended and Restated Stockholders Agreement, by and among Berry Plastics Group, Inc., and the stockholders of the Corporation listed on schedule A thereto, dated as of January 15, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on January 30, 2015).
 
Employment Agreement, dated January 1, 2002, between the Berry Plastics Corporation and Curtis Begle (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on January 31, 2014).
 
Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement, dated as of September 13, 2006, by and between the Berry Plastics Corporation and Curtis Begle (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on January 31, 2014).
 
Amendment No. 2 to Employment Agreement, dated December 31, 2008, by and between the Berry Plastics Corporation and Curtis Begle (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on January 31, 2014).
 
Amendment No. 3 to Employment Agreement, dated August 1, 2010, by and between the Berry Plastics Corporation and Curtis L. Begle (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on January 31, 2014).
 
Amendment No. 4 to Employment Agreement, dated December 16, 2011, by and between the Berry Plastics Corporation and Curtis L. Begle (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on January 31, 2014).
 
Employment Agreement, dated February 28, 1998, between Berry Plastics Corporation and Mark Miles, together with amendments dated February 28, 2003, September 13, 2006, December 31, 2008, and December 31, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.40 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on November 30, 2016).
 
Form of Amendment to Employment Agreement by and between Berry Plastics Corporation and each of Curtis L Begle, Mark W. Miles, and Thomas E. Salmon (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 22, 2016).
 
Senior Executive Employment Contract dated as of September 30, 2015 by and between PGI Specialty Materials Inc. and Jean Marc Galvez, together with the International Assignment Letter dated December 18, 2016 from Berry Global, Inc. (f/k/a Berry Plastics Corporation) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on February 7, 2018).
 
Employment Agreement, dated December 16, 2010, between Berry Plastics Corporation and Jason Greene, together with amendments dated December 31, 2011 and July 20, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.43 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on November 23, 2020).
 
Amended and Restated Berry Global Group, Inc. 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan, effective February 24, 2021 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 25, 2021).
 
Form of Employee Non-Qualified Stock Option Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 30, 2020).
 
Form of Employee Performance-Based Stock Unit Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 30, 2020).

 
Form of Director Non-Qualified Stock Option Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 30, 2020).
 
Employment Agreement, dated August 11, 2023, among Kevin Kwilinski, Berry Global Group, Inc., and Berry Global, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 17, 2023).
 
Memorandum of Understanding, dated August 11, 2023, among Thomas E. Salmon, Berry Global Group, Inc., and Berry Global, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 17, 2023).
 
Berry Global Group, Inc. 2022 Dividend Equivalent Rights Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on February 2, 2023).
 
Form of Notice of Dividend Equivalent Rights Award under the Berry Global Group, Inc. 2022 Dividend Equivalent Rights Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on February 2, 2023).
*
 
Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
*
 
List of Subsidiary Guarantors.
*
 
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
*
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of the Chief Executive Officer.
*
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of the Chief Financial Officer.
*
 
Section 1350 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer.
*
 
Section 1350 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer.
*
 
Berry Global Group, Inc. Amended and Restated Compensation Recovery Policy
101.INS
   
Inline XBRL Instance Document (the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document).
101.SCH
   
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL
   
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF
   
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
101.LAB
   
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE
   
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
104
   
Cover Page Interactive Date File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).

*
Filed or furnished herewith, as applicable.
Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on the 17th day of November, 2023.

 
BERRY GLOBAL GROUP, INC.
 
     
 
By
/s/ Kevin Kwilinski
 
   
Kevin Kwilinski
 
   
Chief Executive Officer
 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

Signature
 
Title
 
Date
         
/s/ Kevin Kwilinski
 
Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)
 
November 17, 2023
Kevin Kwilinski
       
         
/s/ Mark W. Miles
 
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
 
November 17, 2023
Mark W. Miles
       
         
/s/ James M. Till
 
Executive Vice President and Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)
 
November 17, 2023
James M. Till
       
         
/s/ B. Evan Bayh
 
Director
 
November 17, 2023
B. Evan Bayh
       
         
/s/ Jonathan F. Foster
 
Director
 
November 17, 2023
Jonathan F. Foster
       
         
/s/ Meredith R. Harper
 
Director
 
November 17, 2023
Meredith R. Harper
       
         
/s/ Idalene F. Kesner
 
Director
 
November 17, 2023
Idalene F. Kesner
       
         
/s/ Jill A. Rahman
 
Director
 
November 17, 2023
Jill A. Rahman
       
         
/s/ Carl J. Rickertsen
 
Director
 
November 17, 2023
Carl J. Rickertsen
       
         
/s/ Chaney M. Sheffield, Jr.
 
Director
 
November 17, 2023
Chaney M. Sheffield Jr.
       
         
/s/ Robert A. Steele
 
Director
 
November 17, 2023
Robert A. Steele
       
         
/s/ Stephen E. Sterrett
 
Chairman of the Board and Director
 
November 17, 2023
Stephen E. Sterrett
       
         
/s/ Peter T. Thomas
 
Director
 
November 17, 2023
Peter T. Thomas
       

/s/ Scott B. Ullem
 
Director
 
November 17, 2023
Scott B. Ullem
       

47