GREIF, INC - Annual Report: 2012 (Form 10-K)

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2012

or

For the transition period from                     to                    

Commission file number: 001-00566

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

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

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

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

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

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes   x     No   ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the Registrant’s knowledge, in the definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ¨

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

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange).    Yes  ¨    No  x

The aggregate market value of voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold as of the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter was as follows:

Non-voting common equity (Class A Common Stock) - 1,299,196,848

Voting common equity (Class B Common Stock) – 302,381,135

The number of shares outstanding of each of the Registrant’s classes of common stock, as of December 14, 2012, was as follows:

Class A Common Stock – 25,338,098

Class B Common Stock – 22,119,966

Listed hereunder are the documents, portions of which are incorporated by reference, and the parts of this Form 10-K into which such portions are incorporated:

1. The Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement for use in connection with the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on February 25, 2013 (the “2013 Proxy Statement”), portions of which are incorporated by reference into Parts II and III of this Form 10-K. The 2013 Proxy Statement will be filed within 120 days of October 31, 2012.

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Greif, Inc. and subsidiaries (this “Form 10-K”) or incorporated herein, including, without limitation, statements regarding our future financial position, business strategy, budgets, projected costs, goals and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “project,” “believe,” “continue,” “on track” or “target” or the negative thereof or variations thereon or similar terminology. All forward-looking statements made in this Form 10-K are based on information currently available to our management. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date the statements were made. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements have a reasonable basis, we can give no assurance that these expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the statements. For a discussion of the most significant risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those projected, see “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of this Form 10-K. The risks described in this Form 10-K are not all inclusive, and given these and other possible risks and uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. All forward-looking statements made in this Form 10-K are expressly qualified in their entirety by reference to such risk factors. Except to the limited extent required by applicable law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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Index to Form 10-K Annual Report for the Year ended October 31, 2012

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PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

(a) General Development of Business

We are a leading global producer of industrial packaging products and services with manufacturing facilities located in over 50 countries. We offer a comprehensive line of rigid industrial packaging products, such as steel, fibre and plastic drums, rigid intermediate bulk containers, closure systems for industrial packaging products, transit protection products, water bottles and reconditioned containers, and services, such as container life cycle services, blending, filling and other packaging services, logistics and warehousing. We are also a leading global producer of flexible intermediate bulk containers and a North American producer of industrial and consumer shipping sacks and multiwall bag products. We also produce containerboard and corrugated products for niche markets in North America. We sell timber to third parties from our timberland in the southeastern United States that we manage to maximize long-term value. We also own timberland in Canada that we do not actively manage. In addition, we sell, from time to time, timberland and special use land, which consists of surplus land, higher and better use (“HBU”) land, and development land. Our customers range from Fortune 500 companies to medium and small-sized companies in a cross section of industries.

We were founded in 1877 in Cleveland, Ohio, as “Vanderwyst and Greif,” a cooperage shop co-founded by one of four Greif brothers. One year after our founding, the other three Greif brothers were invited to join the business, renamed Greif Bros. Company, making wooden barrels, casks and kegs to transport post-Civil War goods nationally and internationally. We later purchased nearly 300,000 acres of timberland to provide raw materials for our cooperage plants. We still own significant timber properties located in the southeastern United States and in Canada. In 1926, we incorporated as a Delaware corporation and made a public offering as The Greif Bros. Cooperage Corporation. In 1951, we moved our headquarters from Cleveland, Ohio to Delaware, Ohio, which is in the Columbus metro-area, where our corporate headquarters are currently located. Since the latter half of the 1900s, we have transitioned from our keg and barrel heading mills, stave mills and cooperage facilities to a global producer of industrial packaging products. Following our acquisition of Van Leer in 2001, a global steel and plastic drum manufacturer, we changed our name to Greif, Inc.

Our fiscal year begins on November 1 and ends on October 31 of the following year. Any references in this Form 10-K to the years 2012, 2011 or 2010, or to any quarter of those years, relate to the fiscal year ended in that year.

As used in this Form 10-K, the terms “Greif,” “the Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Greif, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

(b) Financial Information about Segments

We operate in four business segments: Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services; Flexible Products & Services; Paper Packaging; and Land Management. Information related to each of these segments is included in Note 17 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item  8 of this Form 10-K.

(c) Narrative Description of Business

Products and Services

In the Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services segment, we are a leading global producer of rigid industrial packaging products, including steel, fibre and plastic drums, rigid intermediate bulk containers, closure systems for industrial packaging products, transit protection products, water bottles and reconditioned containers, and services, such as container life cycle services, blending, filling and other packaging services, logistics and warehousing. We sell our industrial packaging products to customers in industries such as chemicals, paints and pigments, food and beverage, petroleum, industrial coatings, agricultural, pharmaceutical and mineral, among others.

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

In the Paper Packaging segment, we sell containerboard, corrugated sheets and other corrugated products to customers in North America in industries such as packaging, automotive, food and building products. Our corrugated container products are used to ship such diverse products as home appliances, small machinery, grocery products, building products, automotive components, books and furniture, as well as numerous other applications.

In the Land Management segment, we are focused on the active harvesting and regeneration of our United States timber properties to achieve sustainable long-term yields. While timber sales are subject to fluctuations, we seek to maintain a consistent cutting schedule, within the limits of market and weather conditions. We also sell, from time to time, timberland and special use land, which consists of surplus land, HBU land and development land. As of October 31, 2012, we owned approximately 270,100 acres of timber property in the southeastern United States and approximately 11,860 acres of timber property in Canada.

Customers

Due to the variety of our products, we have many customers buying different types of our products and due to the scope of our sales, no one customer is considered principal in our total operations.

Backlog

We supply a cross-section of industries, such as chemicals, paints and pigments, food and beverage, petroleum, industrial coatings, agricultural, pharmaceutical and mineral products, and must make spot deliveries on a day-to-day basis as our products are required by our customers. We do not operate on a backlog to any significant extent and maintain only limited levels of finished goods. Many customers place their orders weekly for delivery during the week.

Competition

The markets in which we sell our products are highly competitive with many participants. Although no single company dominates, we face significant competitors in each of our businesses. Our competitors include large vertically integrated companies as well as numerous smaller companies. The industries in which we compete are particularly sensitive to price fluctuations caused by shifts in industry capacity and other cyclical industry conditions. Other competitive factors include design, quality and service, with varying emphasis depending on product line.

In both the rigid industrial packaging industry and flexible packaging industry, we compete by offering a comprehensive line of products on a global basis. In the paper packaging industry, we compete by concentrating on providing value-added, higher-margin corrugated products to niche markets. In addition, over the past several years we have closed higher cost facilities and otherwise restructured our operations, which we believe have significantly improved our cost competitiveness.

Compliance with Governmental Regulations Concerning Environmental Matters

Our operations are subject to extensive federal, state, local and international laws, regulations, rules and ordinances relating to pollution, the protection of the environment, the generation, storage, handling, transportation, treatment, disposal and remediation of hazardous substances and waste materials and numerous other environmental laws and regulations. In the ordinary course of business, we are subject to periodic environmental inspections and monitoring by governmental enforcement authorities. In addition, certain of our production facilities require environmental permits that are subject to revocation, modification and renewal.

Based on current information, we believe that the probable costs of the remediation of company-owned property will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations. We believe that we have adequately reserved for our liability for these matters as of October 31, 2012.

We do not believe that compliance with federal, state, local and international provisions, which have been enacted or adopted regulating the discharge of materials into the environment, or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment, has had or will have a material effect upon our capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position. We do not anticipate any material capital expenditures related to environmental control in 2013.

Refer also to Item 7 of this Form 10-K and Note 14 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information concerning environmental expenses and cash expenditures for 2012, 2011 and 2010, and our reserves for environmental liabilities as of October 31, 2012.

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Raw Materials

Steel, resin and containerboard, as well as used industrial packaging for reconditioning, are the principal raw materials for the Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services segment, resin is the primary raw material for the Flexible Products & Services segment, and pulpwood, old corrugated containers for recycling and containerboard are the principal raw materials for the Paper Packaging segment. We satisfy most of our needs for these raw materials through purchases on the open market or under short-term and long-term supply agreements. All of these raw materials are purchased in highly competitive, price-sensitive markets, which have historically exhibited price, demand and supply cyclicality. From time to time, some of these raw materials have been in short supply at certain of our manufacturing facilities. In those situations, we ship the raw materials in short supply from one or more of our other facilities with sufficient supply to the facility or facilities experiencing the shortage. To date, raw material shortages have not had a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

Research and Development

While research and development projects are important to our continued growth, the amount expended in any year is not material in relation to our results of operations.

Other

Our businesses are not materially dependent upon patents, trademarks, licenses or franchises.

No material portion of our businesses is subject to renegotiation of profits or termination of contracts or subcontracts at the election of a governmental agency or authority.

The businesses of our segments are not seasonal to any material extent.

Employees

As of October 31, 2012, we had approximately 13,560 full time employees. A significant number of our full time employees are covered under collective bargaining agreements. We believe that our employee relations are generally good.

(d) Financial Information about Geographic Areas

Our operations are located in North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Asia Pacific region. Information related to our geographic areas of operation is included in Note 17 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. Refer to Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk, included in Item 7A of this Form 10-K.

(e) Available Information

We maintain a website at www.greif.com. We file reports with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and make available, free of charge, on or through our website, our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or Form 10-Q/A, current reports on Form 8-K, proxy and information statements and amendments to these reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after we have electronically filed such material with, or furnished it to, the SEC.

Any of the materials we file with the SEC may also be read and/or copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. Information on the operation of the SEC’s Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at www.sec.gov.

(f) Other Matters

Our common equity securities are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbols GEF and GEF.B. David B. Fischer, our President and Chief Executive Officer, has timely certified to the NYSE that, at the date of the certification, he was unaware of any violation by our Company of the NYSE’s corporate governance listing standards. In addition, Mr. Fischer and Robert M. McNutt, our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, have provided certain certifications in this Form 10-K regarding the quality of our public disclosures. Refer to Exhibits 31.1 and 31.2 to this Form 10-K.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Statements contained in this Form 10-K may be “forward-looking” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause our operating results to differ materially from those projected. The following factors, among others, in some cases have affected, and in the future could affect, our actual financial and/or operational performance.

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The Current and Future Challenging Global Economy may Adversely Affect Our Business.

The current economic downturn and any further economic decline in future reporting periods could negatively affect our business and results of operations. The volatility of the current economic climate makes it difficult for us to predict the complete impact of this downturn on our business and results of operations. Due to these current economic conditions, our customers may face financial difficulties, the unavailability of or reduction in commercial credit, or both, that may result in decreased sales by and revenues to our company. Certain of our customers may cease operations or seek bankruptcy protection, which would reduce our cash flows and adversely impact our results of operations. Our customers that are financially viable and not experiencing economic distress may nevertheless elect to reduce the volume of orders for our products or close facilities in an effort to remain financially stable or as a result of the unavailability of commercial credit which would negatively affect our results of operations. We may also have difficulty accessing the global credit markets due to the tightening of commercial credit availability and the financial difficulties of our customers, which would result in decreased ability to fund capital-intensive strategic projects. Further, we may experience challenges in forecasting revenues and operating results due to these global economic conditions. The difficulty in forecasting revenues and operating results may result in volatility in the market price of our common stock.

In addition, the lenders under our senior secured credit agreement and other borrowing facilities described in Item 7 of this Form 10-K under “Liquidity and Capital Resources—Borrowing Arrangements “ and the counterparties with whom we maintain interest rate swap agreements, currency forward contracts and derivatives and other hedge agreements may be unable to perform their lending or payment obligations in whole or in part, or may cease operations or seek bankruptcy protection, which would negatively affect our cash flows and our results of operations.

Historically, Our Business has been Sensitive to Changes in General Economic or Business Conditions.

Our customers generally consist of other manufacturers and suppliers who purchase industrial packaging products and containerboard and related corrugated products for their own containment and shipping purposes. Because we supply a cross section of industries, such as chemicals, paints and pigments, food and beverage, petroleum, industrial coatings, agricultural, pharmaceutical and mineral products, and have operations in many countries, demand for our products and services has historically corresponded to changes in general economic and business conditions of the industries and countries in which we operate. Accordingly, our financial performance is substantially dependent upon the general economic conditions existing in these industries and countries, and any prolonged or substantial economic downturn in the markets in which we operate, including the current economic downturn, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

Our Operations are Subject to Currency Exchange and Political Risks that Could Adversely Affect Our Results of Operations.

We have operations in over 50 countries. As a result of our international operations, we are subject to certain risks that could disrupt our operations or force us to incur unanticipated costs.

Our operating performance is affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates by:

The company also has indebtedness, agreements to purchase raw materials and agreements to sell finished products that are denominated in Euros. Recent events in Europe have called into question the viability of a common European currency. The failure of the Euro could negatively impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We are subject to various other risks associated with operating in international countries, such as the following:

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The Continuing Consolidation of Our Customer Base and Suppliers may Intensify Pricing Pressure.

Over the last few years, many of our large industrial packaging, containerboard and corrugated products customers have acquired, or been acquired by, companies with similar or complementary product lines. In addition, many of our suppliers of raw materials such as steel, resin and paper, have undergone a similar process of consolidation. This consolidation has increased the concentration of our largest customers, resulting in increased pricing pressures from our customers. The consolidation of our largest suppliers has resulted in increased cost pressures from our suppliers. Any future consolidation of our customer base or our suppliers could negatively impact our financial performance.

We Operate in Highly Competitive Industries.

Each of our business segments operates in highly competitive industries. The most important competitive factors we face are price, quality and service. To the extent that one or more of our competitors become more successful with respect to any of these key competitive factors, we could lose customers and our sales could decline. In addition, due to the tendency of certain customers to diversify their suppliers, we could be unable to increase or maintain sales volumes with particular customers. Certain of our competitors are substantially larger and have significantly greater financial resources.

Our Business is Sensitive to Changes in Industry Demands.

Industry demand for containerboard in the United States and certain of our industrial packaging products in our United States, European and other international markets has varied in recent years causing competitive pricing pressures for those products. We compete in industries that are capital intensive, which generally leads to continued production as long as prices are sufficient to cover marginal costs. As a result, changes in industry demands like the current economic downturn, including any resulting industry over-capacity, may cause substantial price competition and, in turn, negatively impact our financial performance.

Raw Material and Energy Price Fluctuations and Shortages may Adversely Impact Our Manufacturing Operations and Costs.

The principal raw materials used in the manufacture of our products are steel, resin, pulpwood, old corrugated containers for recycling, used industrial packaging for reconditioning, and containerboard, which we purchase or otherwise acquire in highly competitive, price sensitive markets. These raw materials have historically exhibited price and demand cyclicality. Some of these materials have been, and in the future may be, in short supply. However, we have not recently experienced any significant difficulty in obtaining our principal raw materials. We have long-term supply contracts in place for obtaining a portion of our principal raw materials. The cost of producing our products is also sensitive to the price of energy (including its impact on transport costs). We have, from time to time, entered into short-term contracts to hedge certain of our energy costs. Energy prices, in particular oil and natural gas, have fluctuated in recent years, with a corresponding effect on our production costs. Potential legislation, regulatory action and international treaties related to climate change, especially those related to the regulation of greenhouse gases, may result in significant increases in raw material and energy costs. There can be no assurance that we will be able to recoup any past or future increases in the cost of energy and raw materials.

We may Encounter Difficulties Arising from Acquisitions.

We have in recent years invested a substantial amount of capital in acquisitions, joint ventures and strategic investments and we expect that we will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. We are continually evaluating acquisitions and strategic investments that are significant to our business both in the United States and internationally. Acquisitions, joint ventures and strategic investments involve numerous risks, including the failure to retain key customers, employees and contracts, the inability to integrate businesses without material disruption, unanticipated costs incurred in connection with integrating businesses, the incurrence of liabilities greater than anticipated or operating results that are less than anticipated, the inability to realize the projected value, and the projected synergies are not realized. In addition, acquisitions, joint ventures and strategic investments and associated integration activities require time and attention of management and other key personnel, and other companies in our industries have similar acquisition and investment strategies. There can be no assurance that any acquisitions, joint ventures and strategic investments will be successfully integrated into our operations, that competition for acquisitions will not intensify or that we will be able to complete such acquisitions, joint ventures and strategic investments on acceptable terms and conditions. The costs of unsuccessful acquisition, joint venture and strategic investment efforts may adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition or prospects.

We may Incur Additional Restructuring Costs and there is no Guarantee that Our Efforts to Reduce Costs will be Successful.

We have restructured portions of our operations from time to time in recent years, particularly following acquisitions of businesses and periods of economic downturn, and it is possible that we may engage in additional restructuring opportunities. Because we are not able to predict with certainty acquisition opportunities that may become available to us, market conditions, the loss of large customers, or the selling prices for our products, we also may not be able to predict with certainty when it will be appropriate to undertake restructurings. It is also possible, in connection with these restructuring efforts, that our costs could be higher than we anticipate and that we may not realize the expected benefits. As discussed elsewhere, in 2003 we implemented the “Greif Business System,” a quantitative, systematic and disciplined process to improve productivity, increase profitability, reduce costs and drive shareholder value. While we expect these initiatives to result in significant profit opportunities and savings throughout our organization, our estimated profits and savings are based on several assumptions that may prove to be inaccurate, and as a result, there can be no assurance that we will realize these profits and cost savings or that, if realized, these profits and cost savings will be sustained. If we cannot successfully continue to implement and sustain Greif Business System initiatives, our financial conditions and results of operations would be negatively affected.

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Tax Legislation Initiatives or Challenges to Our Tax Positions May Adversely Impact Our Results or Condition.

We are a large multinational corporation with operations in the United States and international jurisdictions. As such, we are subject to the tax laws and regulations of the U.S. federal, state and local governments and of many international jurisdictions. Due to widely varying tax rates in the taxing jurisdictions applicable to our business, a change in income generation to higher taxing jurisdictions or away from lower taxing jurisdictions may have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

From time to time, various legislative initiatives may be proposed that could adversely affect our tax positions. There can be no assurance that our effective tax rate or tax payments will not be adversely affected by these initiatives. In addition, U.S. federal, state and local, as well as international, tax laws and regulations are extremely complex and subject to varying interpretations. There can be no assurance that our tax positions will not be challenged by relevant tax authorities or that we would be successful in any such challenge.

Several Operations are Conducted by Joint Ventures that we cannot Operate Solely for Our Benefit.

Several operations, particularly in emerging markets, are conducted through joint ventures, such as a significant joint venture in our Flexible Products & Services segment. In joint ventures, we share ownership and, in some instances, management of a company with one or more parties who may or may not have the same goals, strategies, priorities or resources as we do. In general, joint ventures are intended to be operated for the benefit of all co-owners, rather than for our exclusive benefit. Operating a business as a joint venture often requires additional organizational formalities as well as time-consuming procedures for sharing information, accounting and making decisions. In certain cases, our joint venture partners must agree in order for the applicable joint venture to take certain actions, including acquisitions, the sale of assets, budget approvals, borrowing money and granting liens on joint venture property. Our inability to take unilateral action that we believe is in our best interests may have an adverse effect on the financial performance of the joint venture and the return on our investment. In joint ventures, we believe our relationship with our co-owners is an important factor to the success of the joint venture, and if a co-owner changes, our relationship may be adversely affected. In addition, the benefits from a successful joint venture are shared among the co-owners, so that we do not receive all the benefits from our successful joint ventures. Finally, we may be required on a legal or practical basis or both, to accept liability for obligations of a joint venture beyond our economic interest, including in cases where our co-owner becomes bankrupt or is otherwise unable to meet its commitments. For additional information with respect to the joint venture relating to our Flexible Products & Services segment, refer to Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation – Business Acquisitions.

Our Ability to Attract, Develop and Retain Talented Employees, Managers and Executives is Critical to Our Success.

Our ability to attract, develop and retain talented employees, including executives and other key managers, is important to our business. The loss of certain key officers and employees, or the failure to attract and develop talented new executives and managers, could have a materially adverse effect on our business. Effective succession planning is also important to our long-term success. Failure to ensure effective transfer of knowledge and smooth transitions involving key employees could hinder our strategic planning and execution.

Our Business may be Adversely Impacted by Work Stoppages and Other Labor Relations Matters.

We are subject to risk of work stoppages and other labor relations matters because a significant number of our employees are represented by unions. We have experienced work stoppages and strikes in the past, and there may be work stoppages and strikes in the future. Any prolonged work stoppage or strike at any one of our principal manufacturing facilities could have a negative impact on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

We may be Subject to Losses that Might not be Covered in Whole or in Part by Existing Insurance Reserves or Insurance Coverage.

We are self-insured for certain of the claims made under our employee medical and dental insurance programs and for certain of our workers’ compensation claims. We establish reserves for estimated costs related to pending claims, administrative fees and claims incurred but not reported. Because establishing reserves is an inherently uncertain process involving estimates, currently established reserves may not be adequate to cover the actual liability for claims made under our employee medical and dental insurance programs and for certain of our workers’ compensation claims. If we conclude that our estimates are incorrect and our reserves are inadequate for these claims, we will need to increase our reserves, which could adversely affect our financial performance.

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We carry comprehensive liability, fire and extended coverage insurance on most of our facilities, with policy specifications and insured limits customarily carried for similar properties. However, there are certain types of losses, such as losses resulting from wars, acts of terrorism, wind storm, flood, earthquake or other natural disasters, that may be uninsurable or subject to restrictive policy conditions. In these instances, should a loss occur in excess of insured limits, we could lose capital invested in that property, as well as the anticipated future revenues derived from the manufacturing activities conducted at that property, while remaining obligated for any mortgage indebtedness or other financial obligations related to the property. Any such loss would adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We purchase insurance policies covering general liability and product liability with substantial policy limits. However, there can be no assurance that any liability claim would be adequately covered by our applicable insurance policies or it would not be excluded from coverage based on the terms and conditions of the policy. This could also apply to any applicable contractual indemnity.

We also purchase environmental liability policies where legally required and may elect to purchase coverage in other circumstances in order to transfer all or a portion of environmental liability risk through insurance. However, there can be no assurance that any environmental liability claim would be adequately covered by our applicable insurance policies or that it would not be excluded from coverage based on the terms and conditions of the policy.

Our Business Depends on the Uninterrupted Operations of Our Facilities, Systems and Business Functions, including Our Information Technology and Other Business Systems.

Our business is dependent upon our ability to execute, in an efficient and uninterrupted fashion, necessary business functions, such as accessing key business data, order processing, invoicing and the operation of information technology dependent manufacturing equipment. A shut-down of or inability to access one or more of our facilities, a power outage, a pandemic, or a failure of one or more of our information technology, telecommunications or other systems could significantly impair our ability to perform such functions on a timely basis.

Our information technology systems exist on platforms in more than 50 countries, many of which have been acquired in connection with business acquisitions, resulting in a complex technical infrastructure. Such complexity creates difficulties and inefficiencies in monitoring business results and consolidating financial data and could result in a material adverse effect on our business operations and financial performance. In order to reduce this complexity, we have initiated a standard information technology platform project to transition from many of the former systems to a single system. Given its scope, this project will take several years to complete and will require significant human and financial resources. There can be no assurance that this project will be successful, and even if successful, there can be no assurance that there will not exist other difficulties and inefficiencies in our systems.

A security breach of our computer systems could also interrupt or damage our operations or harm our reputation. In addition, we could be subject to liability if confidential information relating to customers, suppliers, employees or other parties is misappropriated from our computer system. Despite the implementation of security measures, these systems may be vulnerable to physical break-ins, computer viruses, programming errors or similar disruptive problems.

We have established a business continuity plan in an effort to ensure the continuation of core business operations in the event that normal operations could not be performed due to a catastrophic event. While we continue to test and assess our business continuity plan to ensure it meets the needs of our core business operations and addresses multiple business interruption events, there is no assurance that core business operations could be performed upon the occurrence of such an event.

Legislation/Regulation Related to Climate Change and Environmental and Health and Safety Matters and Corporate Social Responsibility Could Negatively Impact our Operations and Financial Performance.

We must comply with extensive laws, rules and regulations in the United States and in each of the countries we engage in business regarding environmental matters, such as air, soil and water quality, waste disposal and climate change. We must also comply with extensive laws, rules and regulations regarding safety, health and corporate responsibility matters. There can be no assurance that compliance with existing and new laws, rules and regulations will not require significant expenditures. For example, the passage of the Health Care Reform Act in 2010 could significantly increase the cost of the health care benefits provided to our U.S. employees. In addition, the failure to comply materially with such existing and new laws, rules and regulations could adversely affect our operations and financial performance.

We believe it is also likely that the scientific and political attention to issues concerning the extent and causes of climate change will continue, with the potential for further regulations that could affect our operations and financial performance.

As an update to legislation and regulatory activity that impacts or could impact our business:

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Although there may be adverse financial impact (including compliance costs, potential permitting delays and increased cost of energy, raw materials and transportation) associated with any such legislation, regulation or other action, the extent and magnitude of that impact cannot be reliably or accurately estimated due to the fact that some requirements have only recently been adopted and the present uncertainty regarding other additional measures and how they will be implemented.

Product Liability Claims and Other Legal Proceedings Could Adversely Affect our Operations and Financial Performance.

We produce products and provide services related to other parties’ products. While we have built extensive operational processes to ensure that the design and manufacture of our products meet rigorous quality standards, there can be no assurance that we or our customers will not experience operational process failures that could result in potential product, safety, regulatory or environmental claims and associated litigation. We are also subject to a variety of legal proceedings and legal compliance risks in our areas of operation around the globe. We and the industries in which we operate are at times being reviewed or investigated by regulators and other governmental authorities, which could lead to enforcement actions, fines and penalties or the assertion of private litigation claims and damages. Simply responding to actual or threatened litigation or government investigations of our compliance with regulatory standards may require significant expenditures of time and other resources. While we believe that we have adopted appropriate risk management and compliance programs, the global and diverse nature of our operations means that legal and compliance risks will continue to exist and legal proceedings and other contingencies, the outcome of which cannot be predicted with certainty, will arise from time to time that could adversely affect our operations and financial performance.

We may Incur Fines or Penalties, Damage to Our Reputation or Other Adverse Consequences if Our Employees, Agents or Business Partners Violate, or are Alleged to Have Violated, Anti-bribery, Competition or Other Laws.

We cannot provide assurance that our internal controls will always protect us from reckless or criminal acts committed by our employees, agents or business partners that would violate U.S. and/or non-U.S. laws, including anti-bribery, competition, trade sanctions and regulation, and other laws. Any such improper actions could subject us to civil or criminal investigations in the U.S. and in other jurisdictions, could lead to substantial civil or criminal monetary and non-monetary penalties against us or our subsidiaries, and could damage our reputation. Even the allegation or appearance of our employees, agents or business partners acting improperly or illegally could damage our reputation and result in significant expenditures in investigating and responding to such actions.

Changing Climate Conditions may Adversely Affect Our Operations and Financial Performance.

Climate change, to the extent it produces rising temperatures and sea levels and changes in weather patterns, could impact the frequency or severity of weather events, wildfires and flooding. These types of events may adversely impact our suppliers, our customers and their ability to purchase our products and our ability to manufacture and transport our products on a timely basis and could result in a material adverse effect on our business operations and financial performance.

The Frequency and Volume of Our Timber and Timberland Sales will Impact Our Financial Performance.

We have a significant inventory of standing timber and timberland and approximately 47,750 acres of special use properties in the United States and Canada as of October 31, 2012. The frequency, demand for and volume of sales of timber, timberland and special use properties will have an effect on our financial performance. In addition, volatility in the real estate market for special use properties could negatively affect our results of operations.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

The following are our principal operating locations and the products manufactured at such facilities or the use of such facilities. We consider our operating properties to be in satisfactory condition and adequate to meet our present needs. However, we expect to make further additions, improvements and consolidations of our properties to support our business.

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We also own a substantial amount of timber properties. As of October 31, 2012, our timber properties consisted of approximately 270,100 acres in the southeastern United States and approximately 11,860 acres in Canada.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We do not have any pending material legal proceedings.

From time to time, various legal proceedings arise at the country, state or local levels involving environmental sites to which we have shipped, directly or indirectly, small amounts of toxic waste, such as paint solvents. To date, we have been classified as a “de minimis” participant and such proceedings do not involve potential monetary sanctions in excess of $100,000.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

None.

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PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Shares of our Class A and Class B Common Stock are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbols GEF and GEF.B, respectively.

Financial information regarding our two classes of common stock, as well as the number of holders of each class and the high, low and closing sales prices for each class for each quarterly period for the two most recent years, is included in Note 18 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

We pay quarterly dividends of varying amounts computed on the basis described in Note 15 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. The annual dividends paid for the last two years are as follows:

2012 Dividends per Share – Class A $1.68; Class B $2.51

2011 Dividends per Share – Class A $1.68; Class B $2.51

The terms of our current credit agreement limit our ability to make “restricted payments,” which include dividends and purchases, redemptions and acquisitions of our equity interests. The payment of dividends and other restricted payments are subject to the condition that certain defaults not exist under the terms of our current credit agreement and are limited in amount by a formula based, in part, on our consolidated net income. Refer to “Liquidity and Capital Resources—Borrowing Arrangements” in Item 7 of this Form 10-K.

The following tables set forth our purchases of our shares of Class A and Class B Common Stock during 2012.

Issuer Purchases of Class A Common Stock

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Issuer Purchases of Class B Common Stock

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Performance Graph

The following graph compares the performance of shares of our Class A and B Common Stock to that of the Standard and Poor’s 500 Index and our industry group (Peer Index) assuming $100 invested on October 31, 2007 and reinvestment of dividends for each subsequent year. The graph does not purport to represent our value.

The Peer Index comprises the containers and packaging index as shown by Dow Jones.

Equity compensation plan information required by Items 201(d) of Regulation S-K will be found under the caption “Equity Compensation Plan Information” in the 2013 Proxy Statement, which information is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

In the fourth quarter 2012, the Company completed its review of accounting errors that occurred over a number of years with respect to the Latin America region of the Rigid Industrial & Packaging segment. In addition, the Company corrected several prior period errors related to deferred tax assets, tax reserves and withholding taxes. The Company also corrected prior period errors related to the financing structures of two of the Company’s joint ventures formed in 2010 and 2011. The impact of these errors was not material to the Company in any prior year. However, the cumulative effect of the correction of these prior period errors would have been material to the current year’s consolidated financial statement of operations. Therefore, these errors were corrected by restating the relevant prior periods. The five-year selected financial data, as restated, is as follows (Dollars in millions, except per share amounts):

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

OPERATIONS

The terms “Greif,” “the Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” as used in this discussion refer to Greif, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Our fiscal year begins on November 1 and ends on October 31 of the following year. Any references in this Form 10-K to the years 2012, 2011 or 2010 or to any quarter of those years, relates to the fiscal year or quarter, as the case may be, ending in that year.

The discussion and analysis presented below relates to the material changes in financial condition and results of operations for our consolidated balance sheets as of October 31, 2012 and 2011, and for the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended 2012, 2011 and 2010. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements that appear elsewhere in this Form 10-K. This information will assist in your understanding of the discussion of our current period financial results.

As noted in Item 6 to this Form 10-K, the Company has corrected certain prior period errors by restating the relevant prior periods during the fourth quarter 2012. Prior period balances included in this Item are presented as restated.

Business Segments

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

We are a leading global producer of rigid industrial packaging products, such as steel, fibre and plastic drums, rigid intermediate bulk containers, closure systems for industrial packaging products, transit protection products, water bottles and remanufactured and reconditioned industrial containers, and services, such as container life cycle management, recycling of industrial containers, blending, filling, logistics, warehousing and other packaging services. We sell our industrial packaging products and services to customers in industries such as chemicals, paints and pigments, food and beverage, petroleum, industrial coatings, agricultural, pharmaceutical and mineral, among others.

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

We sell containerboard, corrugated sheets and other corrugated products to customers in North America in industries such as packaging, automotive, food and building products. Our corrugated container products are used to ship such diverse products as home appliances, small machinery, grocery products, building products, automotive components, books and furniture, as well as numerous other applications.

As of October 31, 2012, we owned approximately 270,100 acres of timber properties in the southeastern United States, which are actively managed, and approximately 11,860 acres of timber properties in Canada, which are not actively managed. Our Land Management team is focused on the active harvesting and regeneration of our United States timber properties to achieve sustainable long-term yields. While timber sales are subject to fluctuations, we seek to maintain a consistent cutting schedule, within the limits of market and weather conditions. We also sell, from time to time, timberland and special use properties, which consist of surplus properties, higher and better use (“HBU”) properties, and development properties.

Greif Business System

In 2003, we implemented the “Greif Business System,” a quantitative, systematic and disciplined process to improve productivity, increase profitability, reduce costs and drive shareholder value. The Greif Business System is directed by the Greif Way, which embodies the principles that are at the core of our culture: respect for one another, “treating others as we want to be treated” and respect for our environment. The operating engine for the Greif Business System is a combination of lean manufacturing; network alignment and continuous improvement within our facilities; customer service; value selling and other commercial initiatives; maximizing cash flow; and strategic sourcing and supply chain initiatives to more effectively leverage our global spend. More recently, we have also focused on applying “lean” principles to back-office activities to streamline and improve transactional processes across our network of business and shared services. At the core supporting the Greif Business System is our people, using rigorous performance management and robust strategic planning skills to guide our continued growth.

Critical Accounting Policies

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

A summary of our significant accounting policies is included in Note 1 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. We believe that the consistent application of these policies enables us to provide readers of the consolidated financial statements with useful and reliable information about our results of operations and financial condition. The following are the accounting policies that we believe are most important to the portrayal of our results of operations and financial condition and require our most difficult, subjective or complex judgments.

Other items that could have a significant impact on the financial statements include the risks and uncertainties listed in Part I, Item 1A––Risk Factors. Actual results could differ materially using different estimates and assumptions, or if conditions are significantly different in the future.

Allowance for Accounts Receivable. We evaluate the collectability of our accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. In circumstances where we are aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations to us, we record a specific allowance for bad debts against amounts due to reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount we reasonably believe will be collected. In addition, we recognize allowances for bad debts based on the length of time receivables are past due with allowance percentages, based on our historical experiences, applied on a graduated scale relative to the age of the receivable amounts. If circumstances change (e.g., higher than expected bad debt experience or an unexpected material adverse change in a major customer’s ability to meet its financial obligations to us), our estimates of the recoverability of amounts due to us could change by a material amount.

Inventory Reserves. Reserves for slow moving and obsolete inventories are provided based on historical experience, inventory aging and product demand. We continuously evaluate the adequacy of these reserves and make adjustments to these reserves as required. We also evaluate reserves for losses under firm purchase commitments for goods or inventories.

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Net Assets Held for Sale. Net assets held for sale represent land, buildings and land improvements less accumulated depreciation. We record net assets held for sale in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 360 “Property, Plant, and Equipment,” at the lower of carrying value or fair value less cost to sell. Fair value is based on the estimated proceeds from the sale of the facility utilizing recent purchase offers, market comparables and/or data obtained from our commercial real estate broker. Our estimate as to fair value is regularly reviewed and subject to changes in the commercial real estate markets and our continuing evaluation as to the facility’s acceptable sale price.

Goodwill, Other Intangible Assets and Other Long-Lived Assets. We account for goodwill in accordance with ASC 350, “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other.” Under ASC 350, purchased goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized, but instead are tested for impairment either annually or when events and circumstances indicate an impairment may have occurred. Our reporting units contain goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles that are assessed for impairment. A reporting unit is the operating segment, or a business one level below that operating segment (the component level) if discrete financial information is prepared and regularly reviewed by segment management. However, components are aggregated as a single reporting unit if they have similar economic characteristics. Intangible assets with finite lives, primarily customer relationships, patents, non-competition agreements and trademarks, continue to be amortized over their useful lives. In conducting the annual impairment tests, the estimated fair value of our reporting units is compared to its carrying amount including goodwill. If the estimated fair value exceeds the carrying amount, then no impairment exists. If the carrying amount exceeds the estimated fair value, further analysis is performed to assess impairment.

Our determination of estimated fair value of the reporting units is based on a discounted cash flow analysis utilizing the income approach. Under this method, the principal valuation focus is on the reporting unit’s cash-generating capabilities. The discount rates used for impairment testing are based on our weighted average cost of capital. The use of alternative estimates, peer groups or changes in the industry, or adjusting the discount rate, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, depletion and amortization (“EBITDA”) multiples or price earnings ratios used could affect the estimated fair value of the assets and potentially result in impairment. Any identified impairment would result in an adjustment to our results of operations.

We performed our annual impairment tests in fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010, which resulted in no impairment charges.

Properties, Plants and Equipment. Depreciation on properties, plants and equipment is primarily provided on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of our assets.

We own timber properties in the southeastern United States and in Canada. With respect to our United States timber properties, which consisted of approximately 270,100 acres as of October 31, 2012, depletion expense is computed on the basis of cost and the estimated recoverable timber acquired. Our land costs are maintained by tract. Merchantable timber costs are maintained by five product classes, pine saw timber, pine chip-n-saw, pine pulpwood, hardwood sawtimber and hardwood pulpwood, within a “depletion block,” with each depletion block based upon a geographic district or subdistrict. Currently, we have eight depletion blocks. These same depletion blocks are used for pre-merchantable timber costs. Each year, we estimate the volume of our merchantable timber for the five product classes by each depletion block. These estimates are based on the current state in the growth cycle and not on quantities to be available in future years. Our estimates do not include costs to be incurred in the future. We then project these volumes to the end of the year. Upon acquisition of a new timberland tract, we record separate amounts for land, merchantable timber and pre-merchantable timber allocated as a percentage of the values being purchased. These acquisition volumes and costs acquired during the year are added to the totals for each product class within the appropriate depletion block(s). The total of the beginning, one-year growth and acquisition volumes are divided by the total undepleted historical cost to arrive at a depletion rate, which is then used for the current year. As timber is sold, we multiply the volumes sold by the depletion rate for the current year to arrive at the depletion cost. Our Canadian timber properties, which consisted of approximately 11,860 acres as of October 31, 2012, did not have any depletion expense since they were not actively managed at this time.

We believe that the lives and methods of determining depreciation and depletion are reasonable; however, using other lives and methods could provide materially different results.

As of October 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, we recorded capitalized interest costs of $2.7 million, $3.8 million and $5.3 million, respectively.

Restructuring Reserves. Restructuring reserves are determined in accordance with appropriate accounting guidance, including ASC 420, “Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations.” Under ASC 420, a liability is measured at its fair value and recognized as incurred.

Income Taxes. We record a tax provision for the anticipated tax consequences of our reported results of operations. In accordance with ASC 740, “Income Taxes” the provision for income taxes is computed using the asset and liability method, under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities, and for operating losses and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the currently enacted tax rates that apply to taxable income in effect for the years in which those tax assets are expected to be realized or settled. We record a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that is believed more likely than not to be realized.

Our effective tax rate is based on income, statutory tax rates and tax planning opportunities available to us in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Significant judgment is required in determining our effective tax rate and in evaluating our tax positions.

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We have been providing a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets as required under ASC 740. During 2012, this valuation allowance increased by $11.6 million, primarily due to an increase related to net operating loss carryforwards outside the U.S. We reevaluate our ability to use net operating losses on an annual basis.

In accordance with ASC 740, “Income Taxes”, we believe it is more likely than not that forecasted income, including income that may be generated as a result of certain tax planning strategies, together with the tax effects of the deferred tax liabilities, will be sufficient to fully recover the remaining deferred tax assets. In the event that all or part of the net deferred tax assets are determined not to be realizable in the future, an adjustment to the valuation allowance would be charged to earnings, in the period such determination is made.

In addition, the calculation of tax liabilities involves significant judgment in estimating the impact of uncertainties in the application of ASC 740 and other complex tax laws. Resolution of these uncertainties in a manner inconsistent with our expectations could have a material impact on our financial condition and operating results. During 2012 we decreased tax liabilities primarily due to a prior year issue in a non-U.S. jurisdiction where a settlement was made with the tax authorities. Refer to Note 12 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further discussion.

A number of years may elapse before a particular matter, for which we have established a reserve, is audited and finally resolved. The number of years with open tax audits varies depending on the tax jurisdiction. While it is often difficult to predict the final outcome or the timing of resolution of any particular tax matter, we believe that our reserves reflect the probable outcome of known tax contingencies. Unfavorable settlement of any particular issue would require use of our cash. Favorable resolution would be recognized as a reduction to our effective tax rate in the period of resolution.

We have estimated the reasonably possible expected net change in unrecognized tax benefits through October 31, 2012 based on lapses of the applicable statutes of limitation on unrecognized tax benefits. The estimated net decrease in unrecognized tax benefits for the next 12 months ranges from $0 to $28.0 million. Actual results may differ from this estimated range.

Pension and Postretirement Benefits. Pension and postretirement assumptions are significant inputs to the actuarial models that measure pension and postretirement benefit obligations and related effects on operations. Two assumptions – discount rate and expected return on assets – are important elements of plan expense and asset/liability measurement. We evaluate these critical assumptions at least annually on a plan and country-specific basis. At least annually, we evaluate other assumptions involving demographic factors, such as retirement age, mortality and turnover, and update them to reflect our experience and expectations for the future. Actual results in any given year will often differ from actuarial assumptions because of economic and other factors.

Accumulated and projected benefit obligations are measured as the present value of future cash payments. We discount those cash payments using the weighted average of market-observed yields for high quality fixed income securities with maturities that correspond to the payment of benefits. Lower discount rates increase present values and subsequent-year pension expense; higher discount rates decrease present values and subsequent-year pension expense.

Our discount rates for consolidated pension plans at October 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 were 3.92%, 4.94 % and 5.20%, respectively, reflecting market interest rates.

To develop the expected long-term rate of return on assets assumption, we use a generally consistent approach worldwide. The approach considers various sources, primarily inputs from a range of advisors, inflation, bond yields, historical returns, and future expectations for returns for each asset class, as well as the target asset allocation of the pension portfolio. This rate is gross of any investment or administrative expenses. Assets in our principal pension plans earned 11.92% in 2012. Based on our analysis of future expectations of asset performance, past return results, and our current and expected asset allocations, we have assumed a 5.70% long-term expected return on those assets for cost recognition in 2013. This is a reduction from the 6.46%, 7.20% and 7.50% long-term affected return we had assumed in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Changes in key assumptions for our consolidated pension and postretirement plans would have the following effects.

Further discussion of our pension and postretirement benefit plans and related assumptions is contained in Note 13 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

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Environmental Cleanup Costs. We expense environmental expenditures related to existing conditions caused by past or current operations and from which no current or future benefit is discernible. Expenditures that extend the life of the related property, or mitigate or prevent future environmental contamination, are capitalized. Reserves for large environmental exposures are principally based on environmental studies and cost estimates provided by third parties, but also take into account management estimates. Reserves for less significant environmental exposures are principally based on management estimates.

Environmental expenses were $1.3 million, $0.1 million, and $0.2 million in 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. Environmental cash expenditures were $2.4 million, $1.3 million, and $1.7 million in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Our reserves for environmental liabilities as of October 31, 2012 amounted to $27.5 million, which included a reserve of $13.9 million related to our blending facility in Chicago, Illinois, $7.4 million related to various European drum facilities acquired from Blagden and Van Leer, $4.2 million related to various container life cycle management and recycling facilities acquired in 2011 and 2010, and $2.0 million related to various other facilities around the world. The remaining reserves were for asserted and unasserted environmental litigation, claims and/or assessments at manufacturing sites and other locations where we believe it is probable the outcome of such matters will be unfavorable to us, but the environmental exposure at any one of those sites was not individually material. As of October 31, 2012 we estimated that our payments for environmental remediation will be $8.6 million in 2013, $3.8 million in 2014, $2.1 million in 2015, $3.8 million in 2016, $2.1 million in 2017, and $7.1 million thereafter.

We anticipate that expenditures for remediation costs at most of the sites will be made over an extended period of time. Given the inherent uncertainties in evaluating environmental exposures, actual costs may vary from those estimated as of October 31, 2012. Our exposure to adverse developments with respect to any individual site is not expected to be material. Although environmental remediation could have a material effect on results of operations if a series of adverse developments occur in a particular quarter or fiscal year, we believe that the chance of a series of adverse developments occurring in the same quarter or fiscal year is remote. Future information and developments will require us to continually reassess the expected impact of these environmental matters.

Contingencies. Various lawsuits, claims and proceedings have been or may be instituted or asserted against us, including those pertaining to environmental, product liability, and safety and health matters. While the amounts claimed may be substantial, the ultimate liability cannot currently be determined because of the considerable uncertainties that exist.

All lawsuits, claims and proceedings are considered by us in establishing reserves for contingencies in accordance with ASC 450, “Contingencies.” In accordance with the provisions of ASC 450, we accrue for a litigation-related liability when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Based on currently available information known to us, we believe that our reserves for these litigation-related liabilities are reasonable and that the ultimate outcome of any pending matters is not likely to have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results from operations.

Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets. We have agreed to sell trade receivables meeting certain eligibility requirements that the seller had purchased from other of our indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries, under a factoring agreement. The structure of the transactions provide for a legal true sale, on a revolving basis, of the receivables transferred from our various subsidiaries to the respective banks. The purchaser funds an initial purchase price of a certain percentage of eligible receivables based on a formula, with the initial purchase price approximating 75 percent to 90 percent of eligible receivables. The remaining deferred purchase price is settled upon collection of the receivables. At the balance sheet reporting dates, we remove from accounts receivable the amount of proceeds received from the initial purchase price since they meet the applicable criteria of ASC 860, “Transfers and Servicing,” and we continue to recognize the deferred purchase price in our accounts receivable. The receivables are sold on a non-recourse basis with the total funds in the servicing collection accounts pledged to the banks between settlement dates.

Fair Value Measurements. ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in GAAP and expands disclosures about fair value measurements for financial and non-financial assets and liabilities. Additionally, this guidance established a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. This hierarchy requires entities to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.

The three levels of inputs used to measure fair values are as follows:

Equity Earnings of Unconsolidated Affiliates, net of tax and Noncontrolling Interests. Equity earnings represent investments in affiliates in which we do not exercise control and have a 20 percent or more voting interest. Such investments in affiliates are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. If the fair value of an investment in an affiliate is below its carrying value and the difference is deemed to be other than temporary, the difference between the fair value and the carrying value is charged to earnings.

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Revenue Recognition. We recognize revenue when title passes to customers or services have been rendered, with appropriate provision for returns and allowances. Revenue is recognized in accordance with ASC 605, “Revenue Recognition.”

Timberland disposals, timber and special use property revenues are recognized when closings have occurred, required down payments have been received, title and possession have been transferred to the buyer, and all other criteria for sale and profit recognition have been satisfied.

We report the sale of surplus and HBU property in our consolidated statements of income under “gain on disposals of property, plants, and equipment, net” and report the sale of development property under “net sales” and “cost of goods sold.” All HBU and development property, together with surplus property, is used by us to productively grow and sell timber until the property is sold.

Other Items. Other items that could have a significant impact on our financial statements include the risks and uncertainties listed in Item 1A under “Risk Factors.” Actual results could differ materially using different estimates and assumptions, or if conditions are significantly different in the future.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Historically, revenues and earnings may or may not be representative of future operating results due to various economic and other factors.

The non-GAAP financial measures of operating profit before special items and EBITDA are used throughout the following discussion of our results of operations. EBITDA is defined as net income plus interest expense, net plus income tax expense less equity earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax plus depreciation, depletion and amortization. Since we do not calculate net income by segment, EBITDA by segment is reconciled to operating profit by segment. In our Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services segment, operating profit before special items adds back restructuring charges, restructuring-related inventory charges, acquisition-related costs and non-cash asset impairment charges to that segment’s operating profit. In our Flexible Products & Services segment, operating profit before special items adds back restructuring charges, acquisition-related costs and non-cash asset impairment charges to that segment’s operating profit. In our Paper Packaging segment, operating profit before special items adds back restructuring charges to that segment’s operating profit. We use the above-identified non-GAAP financial measures to evaluate our ongoing operations and believe the non-GAAP financial measures are useful to enable investors to perform meaningful comparisons of current and historical performance. We also believe that these non-GAAP financial measures provide a better indication of operational performance and a more stable platform on which to compare the historical performance of us than the most nearly equivalent GAAP data.

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The following table sets forth the net sales, operating profit and operating profit before special items for each of our business segments for 2012, 2011 and 2010 (Dollars in millions):

The following table sets forth EBITDA for our consolidated results for 2012, 2011 and 2010 (Dollars in millions):

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The following table sets forth EBITDA for each of our business segments for 2012, 2011 and 2010 (Dollars in millions):