GREIF, INC, 10-Q filed on 8/28/2020
Quarterly Report
v3.20.2
Cover Page - shares
9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Aug. 24, 2020
Document Information [Line Items]    
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Quarterly Report true  
Document Period End Date Jul. 31, 2020  
Document Transition Report false  
Entity File Number 001-00566  
Entity Registrant Name GREIF, INC  
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code DE  
Entity Tax Identification Number 31-4388903  
Entity Address, Address Line One 425 Winter Road  
Entity Address, City or Town Delaware  
Entity Address, State or Province OH  
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 43015  
City Area Code 740  
Local Phone Number 549-6000  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Entity Small Business false  
Entity Emerging Growth Company false  
Entity Shell Company false  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2020  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q2  
Entity Central Index Key 0000043920  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --10-31  
Class A Common Stock    
Document Information [Line Items]    
Title of 12(b) Security Class A Common Stock  
Trading Symbol GEF  
Security Exchange Name NYSE  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   26,441,986
Class B Common Stock    
Document Information [Line Items]    
Title of 12(b) Security Class B Common Stock  
Trading Symbol GEF-B  
Security Exchange Name NYSE  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   22,007,725
v3.20.2
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Jul. 31, 2019
Jul. 31, 2020
Jul. 31, 2019
Net sales $ 1,083.0 $ 1,252.6 $ 3,353.7 $ 3,362.9
Cost of products sold 863.3 973.2 2,670.7 2,662.0
Gross profit 219.7 279.4 683.0 700.9
Selling, general and administrative expenses 120.4 138.9 376.9 377.0
Restructuring charges 19.1 9.1 26.8 20.3
Acquisition and integration related costs 3.6 5.8 13.5 22.2
Non-cash asset impairment charges 15.5 0.0 16.9 2.1
Gain on disposal of properties, plants and equipment, net (0.3) (1.3) (2.1) (7.1)
(Gain) loss on disposal of businesses, net (0.5) 1.3 37.9 3.0
Operating profit 61.9 125.6 213.1 283.4
Interest expense, net 29.8 34.5 89.8 80.1
Debt extinguishment charges 0.0 0.1 0.0 22.0
Non-cash pension settlement income 0.0 0.0 (0.1) 0.0
Other (income) expense, net 1.1 (1.1) 3.5 1.0
Income before income tax expense and equity earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net 31.0 92.1 119.9 180.3
Income tax expense 6.9 26.8 44.8 58.3
Equity earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax (0.3) (2.2) (1.2) (2.4)
Net income 24.4 67.5 76.3 124.4
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (3.7) (4.8) (11.9) (18.4)
Net income attributable to Greif, Inc. $ 20.7 $ 62.7 $ 64.4 $ 106.0
Class A Common Stock        
Basic earnings per share attributable to Greif, Inc. common shareholders:        
Basic earnings per share attributable to Greif, Inc. common shareholders (usd per share) $ 0.35 $ 1.06 $ 1.09 $ 1.80
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Greif, Inc. common shareholders:        
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Greif, Inc. common shareholders (usd per share) $ 0.35 $ 1.06 $ 1.09 $ 1.80
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding:        
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding, basic (shares) 26,441,986 26,257,943 26,363,123 26,166,612
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding, diluted (shares) 26,442,595 26,257,943 26,363,177 26,166,612
Cash dividends declared per common share:        
Cash dividends declared per common share (usd per share) $ 0.44 $ 0.44 $ 1.32 $ 1.32
Class B Common Stock        
Basic earnings per share attributable to Greif, Inc. common shareholders:        
Basic earnings per share attributable to Greif, Inc. common shareholders (usd per share) 0.52 1.59 1.62 2.68
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Greif, Inc. common shareholders:        
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Greif, Inc. common shareholders (usd per share) $ 0.52 $ 1.59 $ 1.62 $ 2.68
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding:        
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding, basic (shares) 22,000,000.0 22,000,000.0 22,000,000.0 22,000,000.0
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding, diluted (shares) 22,000,000.0 22,000,000.0 22,000,000.0 22,000,000.0
Cash dividends declared per common share:        
Cash dividends declared per common share (usd per share) $ 0.66 $ 0.66 $ 1.97 $ 1.97
v3.20.2
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Jul. 31, 2019
Jul. 31, 2020
Jul. 31, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]        
Net income $ 24.4 $ 67.5 $ 76.3 $ 124.4
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:        
Foreign currency translation 59.6 (0.9) 4.2 (10.4)
Derivative financial instruments 2.0 (5.0) (20.9) (20.7)
Minimum pension liabilities (2.4) 2.3 20.6 2.2
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 59.2 (3.6) 3.9 (28.9)
Comprehensive income 83.6 63.9 80.2 95.5
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests 0.9 6.1 3.5 18.7
Comprehensive income attributable to Greif, Inc. $ 82.7 $ 57.8 $ 76.7 $ 76.8
v3.20.2
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Jul. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Current assets    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 98.5 $ 77.3
Trade accounts receivable, less allowance of $8.4 in 2020 and $6.8 in 2019 624.5 664.2
Inventories:    
Raw materials 251.5 238.4
Work-in-process 5.7 11.3
Finished goods 92.4 108.5
Assets held for sale 5.5 4.1
Other current assets 127.9 101.2
Prepaid expenses 49.0 44.0
Total current assets 1,305.9 1,249.0
Long-term assets    
Goodwill 1,505.3 1,517.8
Other intangible assets, net of amortization 726.2 776.5
Deferred tax assets 14.3 15.9
Other long-term assets 97.1 90.9
Pension asset 38.1 35.4
Operating lease assets 318.1 0.0
Total long term assets, excluding properties, plants and equipment 2,699.1 2,487.4
Properties, plants and equipment    
Timber properties, net of depletion 272.5 272.4
Land 169.3 178.0
Buildings 521.3 531.0
Machinery and equipment 1,928.4 1,866.2
Capital projects in progress 122.6 170.4
Properties, plants and equipment, gross 3,014.1 3,018.0
Accumulated depreciation (1,425.3) (1,327.7)
Properties, plants and equipment, net 1,588.8 1,690.3
Total assets 5,593.8 5,426.7
Current liabilities    
Accounts payable 436.0 435.2
Accrued payroll and employee benefits 86.3 142.4
Restructuring reserves 20.0 11.3
Current portion of long-term debt 99.7 83.7
Short-term borrowings 2.6 9.2
Other current liabilities 173.8 143.6
Current portion of operating lease liabilities 53.2 0.0
Total current liabilities 914.9 825.4
Long-term liabilities    
Long-term debt 2,535.3 2,659.0
Operating lease liabilities 267.5 0.0
Deferred tax liabilities 301.1 313.0
Pension liabilities 138.2 177.6
Postretirement benefit obligations 11.4 12.2
Other long-term liabilities 160.0 128.9
Contingent liabilities and environmental reserves 19.7 18.7
Mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests 8.4 8.4
Long-term income tax payable 27.8 27.8
Total long-term liabilities 3,469.4 3,388.9
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests (Note 17) 18.6 21.3
Equity    
Common stock, without par value 169.7 162.6
Treasury stock, at cost (134.4) (134.8)
Retained earnings 1,527.4 1,539.0
Total Greif, Inc. shareholders' equity 1,141.3 1,133.1
Noncontrolling interests 49.6 58.0
Total shareholders' equity 1,190.9 1,191.1
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity 5,593.8 5,426.7
Foreign Currency Translation    
Equity    
Total Greif, Inc. shareholders' equity (285.4) (298.0)
Derivative Financial Instruments    
Equity    
Total Greif, Inc. shareholders' equity (33.6) (12.7)
Minimum Pension Liability Adjustment    
Equity    
Total Greif, Inc. shareholders' equity (102.4) (123.0)
Held by special purpose entities    
Inventories:    
Other current assets 50.9 0.0
Long-term assets    
Other long-term assets 0.0 50.9
Properties, plants and equipment    
Total assets 51.3 51.9
Current liabilities    
Other current liabilities 43.3 0.0
Long-term liabilities    
Other long-term liabilities $ 0.0 $ 43.3
v3.20.2
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Jul. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]    
Allowance of trade accounts receivable $ 8.4 $ 6.8
v3.20.2
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Jul. 31, 2019
Cash flows from operating activities:    
Net income $ 76.3 $ 124.4
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:    
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 182.4 146.8
Non-cash asset impairment charges 16.9 2.1
Non-cash pension settlement income (0.1) 0.0
Gain on disposals of properties, plants and equipment, net (2.1) (7.1)
Loss on disposals of businesses, net 37.9 3.0
Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss (0.2) 2.6
Deferred income tax benefit (5.3) (12.7)
Transition tax expense 0.0 2.4
Debt extinguishment charges 0.0 14.0
Non-cash lease expense 43.0 0.0
Other, net (1.8) 5.4
Increase (decrease) in cash from changes in certain assets and liabilities:    
Trade accounts receivable 9.4 5.5
Inventories (22.5) (20.8)
Deferred purchase price on sold receivables 0.0 (6.9)
Accounts payable 25.9 (37.2)
Restructuring reserves 8.5 7.0
Operating leases (42.4) 0.0
Pension and post-retirement benefit liabilities (17.3) (10.7)
Other, net (54.3) (23.7)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 254.3 194.1
Cash flows from investing activities:    
Acquisitions of companies, net of cash acquired 0.0 (1,857.9)
Purchases of properties, plants and equipment (98.8) (103.8)
Purchases of and investments in timber properties (4.0) (4.1)
Purchases of equity method investments (3.6) 0.0
Proceeds from the sale of properties, plants, equipment and other assets 7.8 13.8
Proceeds from the sale of businesses 82.9 3.9
Proceeds from insurance recoveries 0.9 0.2
Net cash used in investing activities (14.8) (1,947.9)
Cash flows from financing activities:    
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt 1,083.6 3,470.7
Payments on long-term debt (1,156.9) (1,596.7)
Proceeds (payments) on short-term borrowings, net (6.9) 3.3
Proceeds from trade accounts receivable credit facility 64.3 59.0
Payments on trade accounts receivable credit facility (119.4) (59.4)
Dividends paid to Greif, Inc. shareholders (78.2) (77.9)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests (12.1) (9.2)
Payments for debt extinguishment and issuance costs 0.0 (44.1)
Purchases of redeemable noncontrolling interest 0.0 (11.9)
Cash contribution from noncontrolling interest holder 0.0 1.6
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (225.6) 1,735.4
Reclassification of cash to assets held for sale 0.0 0.0
Effects of exchange rates on cash 7.3 0.0
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 21.2 (18.4)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 77.3 94.2
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 98.5 $ 75.8
v3.20.2
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
The interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) instructions to Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and include all of the information and disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial reporting. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the interim condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual amounts could differ from those estimates.
The fiscal year of Greif, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) begins on November 1 and ends on October 31 of the following year. Any references to years or to any quarter of those years, relates to the fiscal year or quarter, as the case may be, ended in that year, unless otherwise stated.
The information filed herein reflects all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the interim condensed consolidated balance sheets as of July 31, 2020 and October 31, 2019, the interim condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2020 and 2019 and the interim condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine months ended July 31, 2020 and 2019 of the Company. The interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Greif, Inc., all wholly-owned and consolidated subsidiaries and investments in limited liability companies, partnerships and joint ventures in which it has controlling influence or is the primary beneficiary. Non-majority owned entities include investments in limited liability companies, partnerships and joint ventures in which the Company does not have controlling influence and are accounted for using either the equity or cost method, as appropriate.
The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements included in the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this “Form 10-Q”) should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended October 31, 2019 (the “2019 Form 10-K”).
COVID-19
The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses reported in such financial statements. The estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of the financial statements contained in this Form 10-Q do not reflect material changes to the estimates and assumptions disclosed in the 2019 Form 10-K. Nevertheless, the Company's actual results and outcomes during the three and nine months ended July 31, 2020 have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused an economic downturn on a global scale, as well as significant market disruption and volatility. Because the scope, duration and magnitude of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to evolve, the Company cannot, at this time, predict the impact the pandemic will have on its future consolidated financial position, cash flows or results of operations; however, the impact could be material. The Company's future financial results and operations depend in part on the duration and severity of the pandemic and what actions are taken to mitigate the outbreak.
Newly Adopted Accounting Standards
In February 2016 and July 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-02 and ASU 2018-11, "Leases (Topic 842)," or Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 842, which amends the lease accounting and disclosure requirements in ASC 840, "Leases." The objective of this update is to increase transparency and comparability among organizations recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about lease arrangements. The Company adopted ASU 2018-11 on November 1, 2019, utilizing a modified retrospective approach and did not adjust its comparative period financial information. The Company adopted the practical expedient package which permits the Company to not reassess previous conclusions whether a contract is or contains a lease, lease classification, or treatment of indirect costs for existing contracts as of the adoption date. The Company also adopted the short-term lease recognition exemption and the practical expedient allowing for the combination of lease and non-lease components for all leases except real estate, for which these components are presented separately. The Company has completed the lease collection and evaluation process, implemented a technology tool to assist with the accounting and reporting requirements of the new standard, and designed new processes and controls around leases. On the day of adoption, the Company capitalized onto the balance sheet $301.2 million of right-of-use assets and $305.8 million of lease liabilities related
to operating leases. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income, cash flows, or disclosures, other than as set forth above and in Note 13 to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, "Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting." The objective of this ASU is to provide optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The amendments in ASU 2020-04 were effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020 and will generally no longer be available to apply after December 31, 2022. The Company adopted this ASU as of the effective date and will utilize the optional expedients to the extent that they apply to the Company. The Company currently applies expedient guidance related to hedging relationships, which allowed the Company to amend hedge documentation, without dedesignating and redesignating, for all outstanding hedging relationships linked to expiring reference rates. The Company also has long-term debt and interest rate derivatives, as described in Notes 6 and 7 to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, respectively, which rely upon use of LIBOR. The Company intends to apply additional practical expedients to these relationships during the remaining relief period. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income, cash flows, or disclosures.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses.” This ASU sets forth a current expected credit loss model which requires the Company to measure all expected credit losses for financial instruments held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable supportable forecasts. This replaces the existing incurred loss model and is applicable to the measurement of credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost and applies to some off-balance sheet credit exposures. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company will adopt this ASU on November 1, 2020. The Company is in the process of determining the potential impact of adopting this guidance on its financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income, cash flows and disclosures.
In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes", which is intended to simplify various aspects related to accounting for income taxes. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The effective date for the Company to adopt this ASU is November 1, 2021. The Company is in the process of determining the potential impact of adopting this guidance on its financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income, cash flow and disclosures.
v3.20.2
ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES
9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Business Combinations [Abstract]  
ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES
Acquisitions
The Company accounts for acquisitions in accordance with ASC 805, "Business Combinations." The estimated fair values of all assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the acquisitions are provisional and may be revised as a result of additional information obtained during the measurement period of up to one year from the acquisition date.
Caraustar Acquisition
The Company completed its acquisition of Caraustar Industries, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“Caraustar”) on February 11, 2019 (the “Caraustar Acquisition”). Caraustar is a leader in the production of coated and uncoated recycled paperboard, which is used in a variety of applications that include industrial products (tubes and cores, construction products, protective packaging, and adhesives) and consumer packaging products (folding cartons, set-up boxes, and packaging services). The total purchase price for this acquisition, net of cash acquired, was $1,834.9 million.
The following table summarizes the consideration transferred to acquire Caraustar and the final valuation of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date, as well as measurement period adjustments made since the acquisition in 2019 through the close of measurement period:
(in millions)Amounts Recognized as of the Acquisition DateMeasurement Period Adjustments (1)Amount Recognized as of Acquisition Date (as Adjusted)
Fair value of consideration transferred
Cash consideration$1,834.9 $ $1,834.9 
Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed
Accounts receivable$147.0 $ $147.0 
Inventories103.9 (4.4)99.5 
Prepaid and other current assets21.5 (9.3)12.2 
Intangibles717.1 8.4 725.5 
Other long-term assets1.3 4.3 5.6 
Properties, plants and equipment521.3 (17.6)503.7 
Total assets acquired
1,512.1 (18.6)1,493.5 
Accounts payable(99.5) (99.5)
Accrued payroll and employee benefits(42.9)(7.2)(50.1)
Other current liabilities(21.8)4.5 (17.3)
Long-term deferred tax liability(185.7)52.0 (133.7)
Pension and postretirement obligations(67.1) (67.1)
Other long-term liabilities(12.7)(7.5)(20.2)
Total liabilities assumed
(429.7)41.8 (387.9)
Total identifiable net assets$1,082.4 $23.2 $1,105.6 
Goodwill$752.5 $(23.2)$729.3 
(1) The measurement adjustments were primarily due to refinement to third party appraisals and carrying amounts of certain assets and liabilities, as well as adjustments to certain tax accounts based on, among other things, adjustments to deferred tax liabilities. The net impact of the measurement period adjustments resulted in a net $23.2 million decrease to goodwill. The measurement adjustments recorded did not have a significant impact on the Company's interim condensed consolidated statements of income for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2020.

The Company recognized goodwill related to this acquisition of $729.3 million. The goodwill recognized in this acquisition is attributable to the acquired assembled workforce, expected synergies, and economies of scale, none of which qualify for recognition as a separate intangible asset. Caraustar is reported within the Paper Packaging & Services segment to which the goodwill was assigned. The goodwill is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes.
The cost approach was used to determine the fair value for buildings, improvements and equipment, and the market approach was used to determine the fair value for land. The cost approach measures the value by estimating the cost to acquire, or construct, comparable assets and adjusts for age and condition. The Company assigned buildings and improvements a useful life ranging from 1 year to 20 years and equipment a useful life ranging from 1 year to 15 years. Acquired property, plant and equipment are being depreciated over its estimated remaining useful lives on a straight-line basis.
The fair value for acquired customer relationship intangibles was determined as of the acquisition date based on estimates and judgments regarding expectations for the future after-tax cash flows arising from the revenue from customer relationships that existed on the acquisition date over their estimated lives, including the probability of expected future contract renewals and revenue, less a contributory assets charge, all of which is discounted to present value. The fair value of the trade name intangible assets were determined utilizing the relief from royalty method which is a form of the income approach. Under this method, a royalty rate based on observed market royalties is applied to projected revenue supporting the trade names and discounted to present value using an appropriate discount rate. 
Acquired intangible assets are being amortized over the estimated useful lives, primarily on a straight-line basis. The following table summarizes the final purchase price allocation and weighted average remaining useful lives for identifiable intangible assets acquired:
(in millions)Final Purchase Price AllocationWeighted Average Estimated Useful Life
Customer relationships$708.0 15.0
Trademarks15.0 3.0
Other2.5 4.6
Total intangible assets$725.5 

As of April 30, 2020, the Company had completed the determination of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed related to the Caraustar Acquisition. The Company continues to execute on synergies and location rationalization, including the closure of the Company's Mobile, Alabama Mill announced on June 3, 2020.
Divestitures
During the second quarter of 2020, the Company completed its divestiture of a U.S. business in the Paper Packaging & Services segment, the Consumer Packaging Group ("CPG") business, for $85.0 million, before preliminary adjustments at closing of $3.4 million and subject to final adjustments, for current net cash proceeds of $81.6 million, of which $35.6 million was allocated to goodwill.
The loss on sale of business, net for the nine months ended July 31, 2020 was $37.9 million.
v3.20.2
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The following table summarizes the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the nine months ended July 31, 2020:
(in millions)Rigid
Industrial
Packaging
& Services
Paper
Packaging
& Services
Total
Balance at October 31, 2019$731.7 $786.1 $1,517.8 
Goodwill allocated to divestitures(0.7)(35.6)(36.3)
Goodwill adjustments related to acquisitions0.9 2.8 3.7 
Currency translation20.1  20.1 
Balance at July 31, 2020$752.0 $753.3 $1,505.3 

The $36.3 million in adjustments related to divestitures was mainly composed of $35.6 million for the CPG divestiture in the Paper Packaging & Services segment. The $3.7 million in adjustments related to acquisitions was mainly composed of $2.8 million for measurement period adjustments related to the Caraustar Acquisition in the Paper Packaging & Services segment. See Note 2 to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional disclosure of goodwill adjustments by acquisitions and divestitures.
The following table summarizes the carrying amount of net intangible assets by class as of July 31, 2020 and October 31, 2019:
(in millions)Gross
Intangible
Assets
Accumulated
Amortization
Net
Intangible
Assets
July 31, 2020:
Indefinite lived:
Trademarks and patents$13.5 $ $13.5 
Definite lived:
Customer relationships887.4 191.2 696.2 
Trademarks, patents and trade names27.2 13.5 13.7 
Non-compete agreements2.3 1.9 0.4 
Other21.1 18.7 2.4 
Total$951.5 $225.3 $726.2 
(in millions)Gross
Intangible
Assets
Accumulated
Amortization
Net
Intangible
Assets
October 31, 2019:
Indefinite lived:
Trademarks and patents$13.1 $ $13.1 
Definite lived:
Customer relationships890.6 150.3 740.3 
Trademarks and patents27.0 9.3 17.7 
Non-compete agreements2.3 0.7 1.6 
Other21.9 18.1 3.8 
Total$954.9 $178.4 $776.5 

Gross intangibles assets decreased by $3.4 million for the nine months ended July 31, 2020. The decrease was attributable to $0.9 million of impairments and $8.3 million of write-offs of fully-amortized assets, offset by $5.8 million of currency fluctuations.
Amortization expense was $17.2 million and $17.1 million for the three months ended July 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Amortization expense was $52.1 million and $35.5 million for the nine months ended July 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Amortization expense for the next five years is expected to be $69.1 million in 2020, $66.5 million in 2021, $58.5 million in 2022, $56.0 million in 2023 and $52.7 million in 2024.
Definite lived intangible assets for the periods presented are subject to amortization and are being amortized using the straight-line method over periods that are contractually, legally determined, or over the period a market participant would benefit from the asset.
v3.20.2
RESTRUCTURING CHARGES
9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]  
RESTRUCTURING CHARGES RESTRUCTURING CHARGES
The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending restructuring reserve balances for the nine months ended July 31, 2020:
(in millions)Employee
Separation
Costs
Other
Costs
Total
Balance at October 31, 2019$9.5 $1.8 $11.3 
Costs incurred and charged to expense22.0 4.8 26.8 
Costs paid or otherwise settled(12.6)(5.5)(18.1)
Balance at July 31, 2020$18.9 $1.1 $20.0 

The focus for restructuring activities in 2020 is to optimize and integrate operations in the Paper Packaging & Services segment related to the Caraustar Acquisition and to rationalize operations and close underperforming assets in the Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services and the Flexible Products & Services segments.
During the three months ended July 31, 2020, the Company recorded restructuring charges of $19.1 million, as compared to $9.1 million of restructuring charges recorded during the three months ended July 31, 2019. The restructuring activity for the three months ended July 31, 2020 consisted of $16.9 million in employee separation costs and $2.2 million in other restructuring costs, primarily consisting of professional fees and other fees associated with restructuring activities.
During the nine months ended July 31, 2020, the Company recorded restructuring charges of $26.8 million, as compared to $20.3 million of restructuring charges recorded during the nine months ended July 31, 2019. The restructuring activity for the nine months ended July 31, 2020 consisted of $22.0 million in employee separation costs and $4.8 million in other restructuring costs.
The following is a reconciliation of the total amounts expected to be incurred from open restructuring plans or plans that are being formulated and have not been announced as of the filing date of this Form 10-Q. Remaining amounts expected to be incurred were $22.4 million as of July 31, 2020:
(in millions)Total Amounts
Expected to
be Incurred
Amounts Incurred During the nine months ended July 31, 2020Amounts
Remaining
to be Incurred
Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services
Employee separation costs$27.2 $17.0 $10.2 
Other restructuring costs5.5 2.4 3.1 
32.7 19.4 13.3 
Flexible Products & Services
Employee separation costs1.4 0.5 0.9 
Other restructuring costs2.4 0.8 1.6 
3.8 1.3 2.5 
Paper Packaging & Services
Employee separation costs4.5 4.5  
Other restructuring costs8.2 1.6 6.6 
12.7 6.1 6.6 
$49.2 $26.8 $22.4 
v3.20.2
CONSOLIDATION OF VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
CONSOLIDATION OF VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES CONSOLIDATION OF VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
The Company evaluates whether an entity is a variable interest entity (“VIE”) whenever reconsideration events occur and performs reassessments of all VIEs quarterly to determine if the primary beneficiary status is appropriate. The Company consolidates VIEs for which it is the primary beneficiary. If the Company is not the primary beneficiary and an ownership interest is held, the VIE is accounted for under the equity or cost methods of accounting, as appropriate. When assessing the determination of the primary beneficiary, the Company considers all relevant facts and circumstances, including: the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance; and the obligation to absorb the expected losses and/or the right to receive the expected returns of the VIE.
Significant Nonstrategic Timberland Transactions
In 2005, the Company sold certain timber properties to Plum Creek Timberlands, L.P. (“Plum Creek”) in a series of transactions that included the creation of two separate legal entities that are now consolidated as separate VIEs. One is an indirect subsidiary of Plum Creek (the “Buyer SPE”), and the other is STA Timber LLC, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“STA Timber”).
As of July 31, 2020, and October 31, 2019, consolidated assets of the Buyer SPE consisted of $50.9 million of restricted bank financial instruments which are expected to be held to maturity, scheduled for November 5, 2020. The balance as of July 31, 2020 is presented in 'Assets held by special purpose entities' on the interim condensed consolidated balance sheets. For both of the three months ended July 31, 2020 and 2019, Buyer SPE recorded interest income of $0.6 million. For both of the nine month periods ended July 31, 2020 and 2019, Buyer SPE recorded interest income of $1.8 million.
As of July 31, 2020, and October 31, 2019, STA Timber had consolidated liabilities of $43.3 million, and the maturity date of the consolidated liabilities is November 5, 2020. The balance as of July 31, 2020 is presented in 'Liabilities held by special purpose entities' on the interim condensed consolidated balance sheets. For both of the three months ended July 31, 2020 and 2019, STA Timber recorded interest expense of $0.5 million. For both of the nine months ended July 31, 2020 and 2019, STA Timber recorded interest expense of $1.7 million. The intercompany borrowing arrangement between the two VIEs is eliminated in consolidation. STA Timber is exposed to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by an issuer of a deed of guarantee in the transaction.
Flexible Packaging Joint Venture
In 2010, Greif, Inc. and one of its indirect subsidiaries formed a joint venture (referred to herein as the “Flexible Packaging JV” or “FPS VIE”) with Dabbagh Group Holding Company Limited and one of its subsidiaries, originally National Scientific
Company Limited and now Gulf Refined Packaging for Industrial Packaging Company LTD. The Flexible Packaging JV owns the operations in the Flexible Products & Services segment. The Flexible Packaging JV has been consolidated into the operations of the Company as of its formation date in 2010.
The Flexible Packaging JV is deemed to be a VIE since the total equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the legal entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support. The major factors that led to the conclusion that the Company was the primary beneficiary of this VIE were that (1) the Company has the power to direct the most significant activities due to its ability to direct the operating decisions of the FPS VIE, which power is derived from the significant CEO discretion over the operations of the FPS VIE combined with the Company’s sole and exclusive right to appoint the CEO of the FPS VIE, and (2) the significant variable interest through the Company’s equity interest in the FPS VIE.
All entities contributed to the Flexible Packaging JV were existing businesses acquired by one of the Company's indirect subsidiaries that were reorganized under Greif Flexibles Asset Holding B.V. and Greif Flexibles Trading Holding B.V.
The following table presents the Flexible Packaging JV total net assets:
(in millions)July 31,
2020
October 31,
2019
Cash and cash equivalents$21.9 $16.9 
Trade accounts receivable, less allowance of $0.8 in 2020 and $0.7 in 2019
45.9 51.2 
Inventories40.2 46.4 
Properties, plants and equipment, net22.8 22.3 
Other assets27.6 29.3 
Total assets$158.4 $166.1 
Accounts payable$31.9 $28.9 
Other liabilities22.3 23.6 
Total liabilities$54.2 $52.5 

Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest in the Flexible Packaging JV for the three months ended July 31, 2020 and 2019 was $2.2 million and $2.3 million, respectively; and for the nine months ended July 31, 2020 and 2019 was $5.3 million and $10.8 million, respectively.
Paper Packaging Joint Venture
In 2018, Greif, Inc. and one of its indirect subsidiaries formed a joint venture (referred to herein as the “Paper Packaging JV” or "PPS VIE") with a third party. The Paper Packaging JV has been consolidated into the operations of the Company since its formation date of April 20, 2018.

The Paper Packaging JV is deemed to be a VIE because the equity investors at risk, as a group, lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest. The structure of the Paper Packaging JV has governing provisions that are the functional equivalent of a limited partnership whereby the Company is the managing member that makes all the decisions related to the activities that most significantly affect the economic performance of the PPS VIE. In addition, the third party does not have any substantive kick-out rights or substantive participating rights in the Paper Packaging JV. The major factors that led to the conclusion that the Paper Packaging JV is a VIE was that all limited partnerships are considered to be VIE's unless the limited partners have substantive kick-out rights or substantive participating rights.

The following table presents the Paper Packaging JV total net assets:
(in millions)July 31,
2020
Cash and cash equivalents$0.9 
Trade accounts receivable, less allowance of $0.0 in 2020
4.6 
Inventories6.2 
Properties, plants and equipment, net35.1 
Other assets0.6 
Total assets$47.4 
Accounts payable$4.2 
Other liabilities1.3 
Total liabilities$5.5 

Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest in the Paper Packaging JV for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2020 was $0.5 million and $1.5 million. There was no net income (loss) for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2019 as the PPS JV was in the startup phase and had not yet commenced operations.
Non-United States Accounts Receivable VIE
As further described in Note 6 to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Cooperage Receivables Finance B.V. is a party to the European RFA, as defined in Note 6 to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Cooperage Receivables Finance B.V. is deemed to be a VIE since this entity is not able to satisfy its liabilities without the financial support from the Company. While this entity is a separate and distinct legal entity from the Company and no ownership interest in this entity is held by the Company, the Company is the primary beneficiary because it has (1) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, and (2) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. As a result, Cooperage Receivables Finance B.V. has been consolidated into the operations of the Company.
v3.20.2
LONG-TERM DEBT
9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
LONG-TERM DEBT LONG-TERM DEBT
Long-term debt is summarized as follows:
(in millions)July 31, 2020October 31, 2019
2019 Credit Agreement - Term Loans$1,549.4 $1,612.2 
Senior Notes due 2027494.9 494.3 
Senior Notes due 2021235.5 221.7 
Accounts receivable credit facilities301.2 351.6 
2019 Credit Agreement - Revolving Credit Facility65.4 76.1 
Other debt0.2 0.4 
2,646.6 2,756.3 
Less: current portion99.7 83.7 
Less: deferred financing costs11.6 13.6 
Long-term debt, net$2,535.3 $2,659.0 

2019 Credit Agreement
On February 11, 2019, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries entered into an amended and restated senior secured credit agreement (the “2019 Credit Agreement”) with a syndicate of financial institutions. The Company's obligations under the 2019 Credit Agreement are guaranteed by certain of its U.S. and non-U.S. subsidiaries.
The 2019 Credit Agreement provides for (a) an $800.0 million secured revolving credit facility, consisting of a $600.0 million multicurrency facility and a $200.0 million U.S. dollar facility, maturing on February 11, 2024, (b) a $1,275.0 million secured term loan A-1 facility with quarterly principal installments commencing on April 30, 2019 and continuing through maturity on
January 31, 2024, and (c) a $400.0 million secured term loan A-2 facility with quarterly principal installments commencing on April 30, 2019 and continuing through maturity on January 31, 2026. In addition, the Company has an option to add an aggregate of $700.0 million to the secured revolving credit facility under the 2019 Credit Agreement with the agreement of the lenders. The revolving credit facility is available to fund ongoing working capital and capital expenditure needs, for general corporate purposes, and to finance acquisitions.
The 2019 Credit Agreement contains certain covenants, which include financial covenants that require the Company to maintain a certain leverage ratio and an interest coverage ratio. The leverage ratio generally requires that, at the end of any quarter, the Company will not permit the ratio of (a) its total consolidated indebtedness, to (b) its consolidated net income plus depreciation, depletion and amortization, interest expense (including capitalized interest), income taxes, and minus certain extraordinary gains and non-recurring gains (or plus certain extraordinary losses and non-recurring losses) and plus or minus certain other items for the preceding twelve months (as used in this paragraph only, “EBITDA”) to be greater than 4.75 to 1.00 and stepping down annually by 0.25 increments beginning on July 31, 2020 to 4.00 on July 31, 2023. The interest coverage ratio generally requires that, at the end of any fiscal quarter, the Company will not permit the ratio of (a) its consolidated EBITDA, to (b) its consolidated interest expense to the extent paid or payable, to be less than 3.00 to 1.00, during the applicable preceding twelve month period. As of July 31, 2020, the Company was in compliance with the covenants and other agreements in the 2019 Credit Agreement.
As of July 31, 2020, $1,614.8 million was outstanding under the 2019 Credit Agreement. The current portion of such outstanding amount was $99.7 million, and the long-term portion was $1,515.1 million. The weighted average interest rate for borrowings under the 2019 Credit Agreement was 2.91% for the nine months ended July 31, 2020. The actual interest rate for borrowings under the 2019 Credit Agreement was 1.95% as of July 31, 2020. The deferred financing costs associated with the term loan portion of the 2019 Credit Agreement totaled $9.1 million as of July 31, 2020 and are recorded as a direct deduction from the balance sheet line Long-Term Debt. The deferred financing costs associated with the revolver portion of the 2019 Credit Agreement totaled $6.6 million as of July 31, 2020 and are recorded within Other Long-Term Assets.
Senior Notes due 2027
On February 11, 2019, the Company issued $500.0 million of 6.50% Senior Notes due March 1, 2027 (the "Senior Notes due 2027"). Interest on the Senior Notes due 2027 is payable semi-annually commencing on September 1, 2019. The Company's obligations under the Senior Notes due 2027 are guaranteed by its U.S. subsidiaries that guarantee the 2019 Credit Agreement. The deferred financing cost associated with the Senior Notes due 2027 totaled $2.4 million as of July 31, 2020 and are recorded as a direct deduction from the balance sheet line Long-Term Debt.
Senior Notes due 2021
On July 15, 2011, Greif, Inc.’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Greif Nevada Holdings, Inc., S.C.S., issued €200.0 million of 7.375% Senior Notes due July 15, 2021 (the "Senior Notes due 2021"). The Senior Notes due 2021 are guaranteed on a senior basis by Greif, Inc. Interest on the Senior Notes due 2021 is payable semi-annually.
United States Trade Accounts Receivable Credit Facility
On September 24, 2019, the Company amended and restated the existing receivable financing facility (the "U.S. Receivables Facility") maturing on September 24, 2020. Greif Receivables Funding LLC, Greif Packaging LLC, for itself and as servicer, and certain other U.S. subsidiaries of the Company entered into a Third Amended and Restated Transfer and Administration Agreement, dated as of September 24, 2019 (the "Third Amended TAA"), with Bank of America, N.A., as the agent, managing agent, administrator and committed investor, and various investor groups, managing agents, and administrators, from time to time parties thereto. The Third Amended TAA provides a $275.0 million U.S. Receivables Facility that is secured by certain U.S. accounts receivable. The $223.5 million outstanding balance under the U.S. Receivables Facility as of July 31, 2020 is reported in 'Long-term debt' on the interim condensed consolidated balance sheets because the Company intends to refinance this obligation on a long-term basis and has the intent and ability to consummate a long-term refinancing.
The financing costs associated with the U.S. Receivables Facility are $0.1 million as of July 31, 2020, and are recorded as a direct deduction from 'Long-term debt' on the interim condensed consolidated balance sheets.
International Trade Accounts Receivable Credit Facility
On April 17, 2020, Cooperage Receivables Finance B.V. and Greif Coordination Center BVBA, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Greif, Inc., amended and restated the Nieuw Amsterdam Receivables Financing Agreement (the "European RFA") with affiliates of a major international bank. The amended and restated European RFA will mature April 17, 2021. The
European RFA provides an accounts receivable financing facility of up to €100.0 million ($117.9 million as of July 31, 2020) secured by certain European accounts receivable. The $77.7 million outstanding on the European RFA as of July 31, 2020 is reported as 'Long-term debt' on the interim condensed consolidated balance sheets because the Company intends to refinance these obligations on a long-term basis and has the intent and ability to consummate a long-term refinancing by exercising the renewal option in the respective agreement or entering into new financing arrangements.
v3.20.2
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Recurring Fair Value Measurements
The following table presents the fair value for those assets and (liabilities) measured on a recurring basis as of July 31, 2020 and October 31, 2019:
 July 31, 2020 
 Fair Value Measurement 
(in millions)Level 1Level 2Level 3TotalBalance Sheet Location
Interest rate derivatives (49.0) (49.0)Other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities
Foreign exchange hedges 0.8  0.8 Other current assets
Foreign exchange hedges (1.2) (1.2)Other current liabilities
Insurance annuity  21.3 21.3 Other long-term assets
Cross currency swap 8.4  8.4 Other current assets and other long-term assets
Total$ $(41.0)$21.3 $(19.7)

 October 31, 2019 
 Fair Value Measurement 
(in millions)Level 1Level 2Level 3TotalBalance Sheet Location
Interest rate derivatives$ $1.3 $ $1.3 Other long-term assets and other current assets
Interest rate derivatives (25.0) (25.0)Other long-term liabilities and other current liabilities
Foreign exchange hedges 0.9  0.9 Other current assets
Foreign exchange hedges (0.2) (0.2)Other current liabilities
Insurance annuity  20.0 20.0 Other long-term assets
Cross currency swap 10.6  10.6 Other current assets and other long-term assets
Total$ $(12.4)$20.0 $7.6 

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, accounts payable, current liabilities and short-term borrowings as of July 31, 2020 and October 31, 2019 approximate their fair values because of the short-term nature of these items and are not included in this table.
Interest Rate Derivatives
The Company has various borrowing facilities which charge interest based on the one month U.S. dollar LIBOR rate plus a spread.
In 2020, the Company entered into four forward starting interest rate swaps with a total notional amount of $200.0 million effective July 15, 2021. The Company receives variable rate interest payments based upon one month U.S. dollar LIBOR, and in return the Company is obligated to pay interest at a weighted-average interest rate of 0.90% plus a spread. This effectively converted the borrowing rate on an amount of debt equal to the outstanding notional amount of the interest rate swap from a variable rate to a fixed rate.
In 2019, the Company entered into six interest rate swaps with a total notional amount of $1,300.0 million that amortize to $200.0 million over a five year term. The outstanding notional amount as of July 31, 2020 is $1,000.0 million. The Company receives variable rate interest payments based upon one month U.S. dollar LIBOR, and in return the Company is obligated to pay interest at a weighted-average interest rate of 2.49% plus a spread. This effectively converted the borrowing rate on an amount of debt equal to the outstanding notional amount of the interest rate swap from a variable rate to a fixed rate.
In 2017, the Company entered into an interest rate swap with a notional amount of $300.0 million. The Company receives variable rate interest payments based upon one month U.S. dollar LIBOR, and in return the Company is obligated to pay interest at a fixed rate of 1.19% plus a spread. This effectively converted the borrowing rate on an amount of debt equal to the outstanding notional amount of the interest rate swap from a variable rate to a fixed rate.
These derivatives are designated as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes. Accordingly, the gain or loss on these derivative instruments are reported as a component of other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings in the same line item associated with the forecasted transactions and in the same period during which the hedged transactions affect earnings. See Note 15 to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. The assumptions used in measuring fair value of these interest rate derivatives are considered level 2 inputs, which are based upon observable market rates, including LIBOR and interest paid based upon a designated fixed rate over the life of the swap agreements.
Gains (losses) reclassified to earnings under these contracts were $(6.4) million and $0.7 million for the three months ended July 31, 2020, and 2019, respectively. Gains (losses) reclassified to earnings under these contracts were $(11.1) million and $2.5 million for the nine months ended July 31, 2020, and 2019, respectively. A derivative loss of $18.6 million, based upon interest rates at July 31, 2020, is expected to be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to earnings in the next twelve months.
Foreign Exchange Hedges
The Company conducts business in various international currencies and is subject to risks associated with changing foreign exchange rates. The Company’s objective is to reduce volatility associated with foreign exchange rate changes. Accordingly, the Company enters into various contracts that change in value as foreign exchange rates change to protect the value of certain existing foreign currency assets and liabilities, commitments and anticipated foreign currency cash flows. As of July 31, 2020, and October 31, 2019, the Company had outstanding foreign currency forward contracts in the notional amount of $143.3 million and $275.0 million, respectively. Adjustments to fair value are recognized in earnings, offsetting the impact of the hedged profits. The assumptions used in measuring fair value of foreign exchange hedges are considered level 2 inputs, which are based on observable market pricing for similar instruments, principally foreign exchange futures contracts.
Realized gains recorded in other expense, net under fair value contracts were $1.7 million and $2.8 million for the three months ended July 31, 2020, and 2019, respectively. Realized gains (losses) recorded in other expense, net under fair value contracts were $(0.5) million and $3.3 million for the nine months ended July 31, 2020, and 2019, respectively. The Company recognized in other expense, net an unrealized net loss of $2.2 million and $0.3 million during the three months ended July 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The Company recognized in other expense, net an unrealized net gain (loss) of $(0.4) million and $1.5 million during the nine months ended July 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Cross Currency Swap
The Company has operations and investments in various international locations and is subject to risks associated with changing foreign exchange rates. On March 6, 2018, the Company entered into a cross currency interest rate swap agreement that synthetically swaps $100.0 million of fixed rate debt to Euro denominated fixed rate debt at a rate of 2.35%. The agreement is designated as a net investment hedge for accounting purposes and will mature on March 6, 2023. Accordingly, the gain or loss on this derivative instrument is included in the foreign currency translation component of other comprehensive income until the net investment is sold, diluted or liquidated. Interest payments received for the cross currency swap are excluded from the net investment hedge effectiveness assessment and are recorded in interest expense, net on the interim condensed consolidated statements of income. For the three months ended July 31, 2020 and 2019, gains recorded in interest expense, net under the cross currency swap agreement were $0.6 million and $0.6 million. For the nine months ended July 31, 2020 and 2019, gains recorded in interest expense, net under the cross currency swap agreement were $1.8 million and $1.8 million. See Note 15 to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. The assumptions used in measuring fair value of the cross currency swap are considered level 2 inputs, which are based upon the Euro to United States Dollar exchange rate market.
Other Financial Instruments
The fair values of the Company’s 2019 Credit Agreement, U.S. Receivables Facility and European RFA (collectively, "Accounts Receivable Credit Facilities") do not materially differ from carrying value as the Company’s cost of borrowing is variable and approximates current borrowing rates. The fair values of the Company’s long-term obligations are estimated based on either the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or the current interest rates offered for the debt of the same remaining maturities, which are considered level 2 inputs in accordance with ASC Topic 820, "Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures."
The following table presents the estimated fair values of the Company’s Senior Notes and Assets held by special purpose entities:
(in millions)July 31,
2020
October 31,
2019
Senior Notes due 2021 estimated fair value$248.6 $248.1 
Senior Notes due 2027 estimated fair value533.6 537.9 
Assets held by special purpose entities estimated fair value51.3 51.9 

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements
The Company recognized asset impairment charges of $16.9 million and $2.1 million during the nine months ended July 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
The following table presents quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used to determine the fair value of the impairment of long-lived assets held and used and net assets held for sale for the nine months ended July 31, 2020 and 2019:
 Quantitative Information about Level 3
Fair Value Measurements
(in millions)Fair Value of
Impairment
Valuation
Technique
Unobservable
Input
Range of
Input
Values
July 31, 2020
Impairment of Long Lived Assets$16.9 Discounted Cash Flows; Indicative BidsDiscounted Cash Flows; Indicative BidsN/A
Total$16.9 
July 31, 2019
Impairment of Net Assets Held for Sale$2.1 Indicative BidsIndicative BidsN/A
Total$2.1 

Long-Lived Assets
As necessary, based on triggering events, the Company measures long-lived assets at fair value on a non-recurring basis. The Company recorded $16.9 million of impairment charges related to both properties, plants and equipment, net and intangible assets and no impairment charges during the nine months ended July 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
The assumptions used in measuring fair value of long-lived assets are considered level 3 inputs, which include bids received from third parties, recent purchase offers, market comparable information and discounted cash flows based on assumptions that market participants would use.

Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale
During the nine months ended July 31, 2020, the Company recorded no impairment charges related to assets and liabilities held for sale. During the nine months ended July 31, 2019, one asset group was reclassified to assets and liabilities held for sale, resulting in recognized asset impairment charges of $2.1 million.
The assumptions used in measuring fair value of assets and liabilities held for sale are considered level 3 inputs, which include recent purchase offers, market comparables and/or data obtained from commercial real estate brokers.
v3.20.2
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]  
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
Stock-based compensation is accounted for in accordance with ASC 718, “Compensation – Stock Compensation,” which requires companies to estimate the fair value of share-based awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model.
During the second quarter of 2020, the Company's stockholders approved the 2020 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "2020 LTIP") replacing the Company's Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan ("Long-Term Incentive Plan") for all periods commencing November 1, 2019 and thereafter. The 2020 LTIP provides key employees incentive compensation based upon consecutive and overlapping three-year performance periods that commence at the start of each fiscal year. Participants may be granted restricted stock units ("RSUs") or performance stock units ("PSUs") or a combination thereof.
Restricted Stock Units
The Company grants RSUs based on a three-year vesting period on the basis of service only. The RSUs are an equity-classified plan measured at fair value on the grant date recognized ratably over the service period. Dividend-equivalent rights may be granted in connection with an RSU award and are recognized in conjunction with the Company's dividend issuance and settled upon vesting of the award.
The Company granted 147,325 RSUs on February 25, 2020, for the service period commencing on November 1, 2019 and ending October 31, 2022. The weighted average fair value of the RSUs granted on that date was $37.42.
Performance Stock Units
The Company grants PSUs for a three-year performance period based upon service, performance criteria and market conditions. The performance criteria are based on targeted levels of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, depletion and amortization and total shareholder return as determined by the Special Subcommittee of the Company's Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the "Special Subcommittee"). The PSUs are a liability-classified plan wherein the fair value of the PSUs awarded is determined at each reporting period using a Monte Carlo simulation. A Monte Carlo simulation uses assumptions including the risk-free interest rate, expected volatility of the Company’s stock price and expected life of the awards to determine a fair value of the market condition throughout the vesting period.
The Company accrued for the targeted performance awards, an expected total of 258,519 PSUs, on February 25, 2020, for the performance period commencing on November 1, 2019 and ending October 31, 2022. For the three and nine months ended July 31, 2020, the Company recognized SG&A expense of $1.2 million and $2.0 million, respectively, related to the PSUs.
v3.20.2
INCOME TAXES
9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
INCOME TAXES INCOME TAXES
The Company completed the Caraustar Acquisition on February 11, 2019 and has recorded a net deferred tax liability of $133.7 million, which is primarily related to intangible assets that cannot be amortized for tax purposes. See Note 2 to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Income tax expense for the quarter and year to date was computed in accordance with ASC 740-270 "Income Taxes - Interim Reporting." Under this method, losses from jurisdictions for which a valuation allowance has been provided have not been included in the amount to which the ASC 740-270 rate was applied. Income tax expense of the Company fluctuates primarily due to changes in losses and income from jurisdictions for which a valuation allowance has been provided, the timing of recognition of the related tax expense under ASC 740-270, and the impact of discrete items in the respective quarter.
For the nine months ended July 31, 2020, income tax expense was $44.8 million compared to $58.3 million for the nine months ended July 31, 2019. The decrease in income tax expense for the nine months ended July 31, 2020 was primarily attributable to changes in the expected mix of earnings among tax jurisdictions, discrete items, and non-deductible goodwill for tax purposes related to the sale of the CPG business within the Paper Packaging & Services segment.
On March 18, 2020, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the "FFCR Act"), and on March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the "CARES Act"), were each enacted into law in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The FFCR Act and the CARES Act contain numerous income tax provisions, such as reducing limitations on the deductibility of interest, the use of net operating losses arising in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, and additional depreciation deductions related to qualified improvement property. The Company performed an analysis of these provisions and believes that the FFCR Act and CARES Act will not have a material impact on the Company’s income taxes for the current year.
v3.20.2
POST RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS
9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Postemployment Benefits [Abstract]  
POST RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS POST RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS
During the nine months ended July 31, 2020, two United States defined benefit plans were combined and lump sum payments totaling $44.3 million were made to United States defined benefit plan participants who agreed to such payments, representing the current fair value of the participant’s respective pension benefit. The payments were made from plan assets resulting in a decrease in the fair value of both the plan assets and the projected benefit obligation of $44.3 million and non-cash pension settlement income of $0.1 million of unrecognized net actuarial gain included in accumulated other comprehensive income.
As a result of the two events described above, two United States defined benefit plans were remeasured as of December 31, 2019, resulting in a $19.0 million decline in aggregate projected benefit obligations and a $9.3 million aggregate decline in the fair value of plan assets. These reductions were due to an increase in discount rates to 3.38%, from the Company's year-end disclosures and a decline in the combined expected return on assets to 5.00%.
The components of net periodic pension cost include the following:
 Three Months Ended
July 31,
Nine Months Ended
July 31,
(in millions)2020201920202019
Service cost$3.6 $3.8 $9.6 $10.1 
Interest cost7.2 8.7 19.4 22.6 
Expected return on plan assets(10.5)(11.0)(28.7)(28.2)
Amortization of prior service cost
3.4 1.8 9.8 5.4 
Net periodic pension cost$3.7 $3.3 $10.1 $9.9 

Contributions, including benefits paid directly by the Company, to the pension plans were $27.0 million and $19.7 million, in the nine months ended July 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
The components of net periodic post-retirement benefit include the following:
 Three Months Ended
July 31,
Nine Months Ended
July 31,
(in millions)2020201920202019
Interest cost$0.1 $0.1 $0.3 $0.3 
Amortization of prior service benefit
(0.1)(0.4)(0.4)(1.2)
Net periodic post-retirement benefit$ $(0.3)$(0.1)$(0.9)

The components of net periodic pension cost and net periodic post-retirement benefit, other than the service cost components, are included in the line item "Other expense (income), net" in the interim condensed consolidated statements of income.
v3.20.2
CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESERVES
9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Environmental Remediation Obligations [Abstract]  
CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESERVES CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESERVES
Litigation-related Liabilities
The Company may become involved from time-to-time in litigation and regulatory matters incidental to its business, including governmental investigations, enforcement actions, personal injury claims, product liability, employment health and safety matters, commercial disputes, intellectual property matters, disputes regarding environmental clean-up costs, litigation in connection with acquisitions and divestitures, and other matters arising out of the normal conduct of its business. The Company intends to vigorously defend itself in such litigation. The Company does not believe that the outcome of any pending litigation will have a material adverse effect on its interim condensed consolidated financial statements.
The Company may accrue for contingencies related to litigation and regulatory matters if it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Because litigation is inherently unpredictable and unfavorable resolutions can occur, assessing contingencies is highly subjective and requires judgments about future events. The Company regularly reviews contingencies to determine whether its accruals are adequate. The amount of ultimate loss may differ from these estimates.
The Company is currently involved in legal proceedings outside of the United States related to various wrongful termination lawsuits filed by former employees and benefit claims filed by some existing employees of the Company's Flexible Products &
Services segment. The lawsuits include claims for severance for employment periods prior to the Company’s ownership in the business. As of July 31, 2020, and October 31, 2019, the estimated liability recorded related to these matters were consistent at $0.6 million. The estimated liability has been determined based on the number of active cases and the settlements and rulings on previous cases. It is reasonably possible the estimated liability could increase if additional cases are filed or adverse rulings are made.
Since 2017, three reconditioning facilities in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area that are owned by Container Life Cycle Management LLC ("CLCM"), the Company’s U.S. reconditioning joint venture company, have been subject to investigations conducted by federal, state and local governmental agencies concerning, among other matters, potential violations of environmental laws and regulations. As a result of these investigations, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“U.S. EPA”) and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (“WDNR”) have issued notices of violations to the Company and CLCM regarding violations of certain federal and state environmental laws and regulations. The remedies being sought in these proceedings include compliance with the applicable environmental laws and regulations as being interpreted by the U.S. EPA and WDNR and monetary sanctions. The Company has cooperated with the governmental agencies in these investigations and proceedings. As of August 27, 2020, no material citations have been issued or material fines assessed with respect to any violation of environmental laws and regulations. Since these proceedings are in their investigative stage, the Company is unable to predict the outcome of these proceedings or estimate a range of reasonable possible monetary sanctions or costs associated with any remedial actions that may be required or requested by the U.S. EPA or WDNR.
In addition, on November 8, 2017, the Company, CLCM and other parties were named as defendants in a punitive class action lawsuit filed in Wisconsin state court concerning one of CLCM’s Milwaukee reconditioning facilities. The plaintiffs are alleging that odors from this facility have invaded their property and are interfering with the use and enjoyment of their property and causing damage to the value of their property. Plaintiffs are seeking compensatory and punitive damages, along with their legal fees. The Company and CLCM are vigorously defending themselves in this lawsuit. The Company is unable to predict the outcome of this lawsuit or estimate a range of reasonably possible losses.
Environmental Reserves
As a result of the Caraustar Acquisition, the Company acquired The Newark Group, Inc., a subsidiary of Caraustar (“Newark”), and became subject to Newark’s Lower Passaic River environmental and litigation liability. By letters dated February 14, 2006 and June 2, 2006, the United States Environment Protection Agency (“EPA”) notified Newark of its potential liability under Section 107(a) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (“CERCLA”) relating to the Diamond Alkali Superfund Site, which includes a 17-mile stretch of the Lower Passaic River that EPA has denominated the Lower Passaic River Study Area (“LPRSA”). Newark is one of at least 70 potentially responsible parties identified in this case. The EPA alleges that hazardous substances were released from Newark’s now-closed Newark, New Jersey recycled paperboard mill into the Lower Passaic River. The EPA informed Newark that it may be potentially liable for response costs that the government may incur relating to the study of the LPRSA and for unspecified natural resource damages.
In April 2014, EPA issued a Focused Feasibility Study that proposed alternatives for the remediation of the lower 8 miles of the Lower Passaic River. On March 3, 2016, EPA issued its Record of Decision for the lower 8 miles of the Lower Passaic River, which presented a bank-to-bank dredging remedy selected by the agency for the lower 8 miles and which EPA estimates will cost approximately $1,380.0 million to implement. Newark is participating in an allocation process to determine its allocable share.
On June 30, 2018, Occidental Chemical Corporation (“Occidental”) filed litigation in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey styled Occidental Chemical Corp. v. 21st Century Fox America, Inc., et al., Civil Action No. 2:18-CV-11273 (D.N.J.), that names Newark and approximately 119 other parties as defendants. Occidental’s Complaint alleges claims under CERCLA against all defendants for cost recovery, contribution, and declaratory judgment for costs Occidental allegedly has incurred and will incur at the Diamond Alkali Superfund Site. The litigation is in its early stages, and the Company intends to vigorously defend itself in this litigation.
As of July 31, 2020, the Company has accrued $11.2 million for the Diamond Alkali Superfund Site. It is possible that there could be resolution of uncertainties in the future that would require the Company to record charges that could be material to future earnings.
As of July 31, 2020, and October 31, 2019, the Company's environmental reserves were $19.7 million and $18.7 million, respectively. These reserves are principally based on environmental studies and cost estimates provided by third parties, but also take into account management estimates. The estimated liabilities are reduced to reflect the anticipated participation of other potentially responsible parties in those instances where it is probable that such parties are legally responsible and
financially capable of paying their respective shares of relevant costs. For sites that involve formal actions subject to joint and several liabilities, these actions have formal agreements in place to apportion the liability.
Aside from the Diamond Alkali Superfund Site, other environmental reserves of the Company as of July 31, 2020 and October 31, 2019 included $3.3 million and $3.3 million, respectively, for various European drum facilities acquired from Blagden and Van Leer; $0.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively, for its various container life cycle management and recycling facilities acquired in 2011 and 2010; $0.9 million and $0.3 million, respectively, for remediation of sites no longer owned by the Company; $2.2 million and $2.0 million, respectively, for landfill closure obligations in the Company's Paper Packaging & Services segment; $0.4 million and $0.0 million, respectively, for various other accruals in the Company's Paper Packaging & Services segment; and $1.6 million and $1.8 million, respectively, for various other facilities around the world.
The Company’s exposure to adverse developments with respect to any individual site is not expected to be material. Although environmental remediation could have a material effect on results of operations if a series of adverse developments occur in a particular quarter or year, the Company believes that the chance of a series of adverse developments occurring in the same quarter or year is remote. Future information and developments will require the Company to continually reassess the expected impact of these environmental matters.
v3.20.2
EARNINGS PER SHARE
9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
EARNINGS PER SHARE EARNINGS PER SHARE
The Company has two classes of common stock and, as such, applies the “two-class method” of computing earnings per share (“EPS”) as prescribed in ASC 260, “Earnings Per Share.” In accordance with this guidance, earnings are allocated in the same fashion as dividends would be distributed. Under the Company’s articles of incorporation, any distribution of dividends in any year must be made in proportion of one cent a share for Class A Common Stock to one and one-half cents a share for Class B Common Stock, which results in a 40% to 60% split to Class A and B shareholders, respectively. In accordance with this, earnings are allocated first to Class A and Class B Common Stock to the extent that dividends are actually paid and the remainder is allocated assuming all of the earnings for the period have been distributed in the form of dividends.
The Company calculates EPS as follows:
Basic Class A EPS=40% * Average Class A Shares Outstanding*Undistributed Net Income+Class A Dividends Per Share
40% * Average Class A Shares Outstanding + 60% * Average Class B Shares OutstandingAverage Class A Shares Outstanding
Diluted Class A EPS=40% * Average Class A Shares Outstanding*Undistributed Net Income+Class A Dividends Per Share
40% * Average Class A Shares Outstanding + 60% * Average Class B Shares OutstandingAverage Diluted Class A Shares Outstanding
Basic Class B EPS=60% * Average Class B Shares Outstanding*Undistributed Net Income+Class B Dividends Per Share
40% * Average Class A Shares Outstanding + 60% * Average Class B Shares OutstandingAverage Class B Shares Outstanding
   *Diluted Class B EPS calculation is identical to Basic Class B calculation
The following table provides EPS information for each period, respectively:
 Three Months Ended
July 31,
Nine Months Ended
July 31,
(in millions)2020201920202019
Numerator for basic and diluted EPS
Net income attributable to Greif, Inc.$20.7 $62.7 $64.4 $106.0 
Cash dividends(26.2)(26.1)(78.2)(77.9)
Undistributed net income attributable to Greif, Inc.$(5.5)$36.6 $(13.8)$28.1 
The Class A Common Stock has no voting rights unless four quarterly cumulative dividends upon the Class A Common Stock are in arrears. The Class B Common Stock has full voting rights. There is no cumulative voting for the election of directors.
Common Stock Repurchases
The Board of Directors has authorized the Company to repurchase shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock or any combination of the foregoing. As of July 31, 2020, and 2019 the remaining amount of shares that may be repurchased under this authorization was 4,703,487 and 4,703,487, respectively. There were no shares repurchased under this program from November 1, 2018 through July 31, 2020.
The following table summarizes the Company’s Class A and Class B common and treasury shares as of the specified dates:
Authorized
Shares
Issued
Shares
Outstanding
Shares
Treasury
Shares
July 31, 2020
Class A Common Stock128,000,000 42,281,920 26,441,986 15,839,934 
Class B Common Stock69,120,000 34,560,000 22,007,725 12,552,275 
October 31, 2019
Class A Common Stock128,000,000 42,281,920 26,257,943 16,023,977 
Class B Common Stock69,120,000 34,560,000 22,007,725 12,552,275 

The following is a reconciliation of the shares used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share:
 Three Months Ended
July 31,
Nine Months Ended
July 31,
 2020201920202019
Class A Common Stock:
Basic shares26,441,986 26,257,943 26,363,123 26,166,612 
Assumed conversion of restricted shares609  54  
Diluted shares26,442,595 26,257,943 26,363,177 26,166,612 
Class B Common Stock:
Basic and diluted shares22,007,725 22,007,725 22,007,725 22,007,725 
v3.20.2
LEASES
9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Leases [Abstract]  
LEASES LEASES
The Company leases certain buildings, warehouses, land, transportation equipment, operating equipment, and office equipment with remaining lease terms from less than one year up to 22 years. The Company reviews all options to extend, terminate, or purchase a right of use asset at the time of lease inception and accounts for options deemed reasonably certain.
The Company combines lease and non-lease components for all leases, except real estate, for which these components are presented separately. Leases with an initial term of twelve months or less are not capitalized and are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The implicit rate is not readily determinable for substantially all of the Company's leases, therefore the initial present value of lease payments is calculated utilizing an estimated incremental borrowing rate determined at the portfolio level based on market and Company specific information.
Certain of the Company’s leases include variable costs. As the right of use asset recorded on the balance sheet was determined based upon factors considered at the commencement date, changes in these variable expenses are not capitalized and are expensed as incurred throughout the lease term.
As of July 31, 2020, the Company has not entered into any significant leases which have not yet commenced.
The following table presents the balance sheet classification of the Company’s lease assets and liabilities as of July 31, 2020:
(in millions)Balance Sheet ClassificationJuly 31, 2020
Lease Assets  
Operating lease assetsOperating lease assets$318.1 
Finance lease assetsOther long-term assets5.0 
Total lease assets$323.1 
   
Lease Liabilities
Current operating lease liabilitiesCurrent portion of operating lease liabilities$53.2 
Current finance lease liabilitiesOther current liabilities1.8 
Total current lease liabilities 55.0 
Non-current operating lease liabilitiesOperating lease liabilities267.5 
Non-current finance lease liabilitiesOther long-term liabilities3.2 
Total non-current lease liabilities 270.7 
Total lease liabilities $325.7 

The following table presents the lease expense components for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2020:
Three Months Ended
July 31,
Nine Months Ended
July 31,
(in millions)20202020
Operating lease cost$17.2 $50.0 
Finance lease cost0.4 1.1 
Variable lease cost*
5.5 19.3 
Total lease cost$23.1 $70.4 
*Amount includes short-term lease costs.
Future maturity for the Company's lease liabilities, during the next five years, and in the aggregate for the years thereafter, are as follows:
(in millions)Operating LeasesFinance LeasesTotal expected payments
2020$66.7 $1.4 $68.1 
202162.5 1.4 63.9 
202254.7 1.2 55.9 
202346.7 0.9 47.6 
202438.6 0.5 39.1 
Thereafter 172.1 0.3 172.4 
Total lease payments$441.3 $5.7 $447.0 
Less: Interest(120.6)(0.7)(121.3)
Lease liabilities$320.7 $5.0 $325.7 

The following table presents the weighted-average lease term and discount rate as of July 31, 2020:
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years):
Operating leases11.3
Finance leases3.8
Weighted-average discount rate:
Operating leases3.61 %
Finance leases3.33 %

The following table presents other required lease related information for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2020:
Three Months Ended
July 31,
Nine Months Ended
July 31,
(in millions)20202020
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows used for operating leases
$16.9 $52.2 
Financing cash flows used for finance leases
0.3 1.0 
Leased assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities0.8 63.9 
Leased assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities0.1 0.4 

In compliance with ASC 842, the Company must provide the prior year disclosures required under the previous lease guidance for comparative periods presented herein.

The table below contains information related to the Company’s rent expense as disclosed within the 10-K for the period ended October 31, 2019:
Year Ended October 31,
(in millions)201920182017
Rent Expense$86.2 $47.1 $41.0 

The following table provides the Company’s minimum rent commitments under operating leases in the next five years and the remaining years thereafter as disclosed within the 10-K for the period ended October 31, 2019:
(in millions)Operating
Leases
Capital Leases
Year(s):
2020$64.8 $1.8 
202157.0 1.6 
202248.7 1.3 
202340.1 1.0 
202431.6 0.6 
Thereafter117.5 0.3 
Total$359.7 $6.6 

Minimum rent commitments under capital leases in 2020 and thereafter are attributable to addition of capital leases through the Caraustar Acquisition.
LEASES LEASES
The Company leases certain buildings, warehouses, land, transportation equipment, operating equipment, and office equipment with remaining lease terms from less than one year up to 22 years. The Company reviews all options to extend, terminate, or purchase a right of use asset at the time of lease inception and accounts for options deemed reasonably certain.
The Company combines lease and non-lease components for all leases, except real estate, for which these components are presented separately. Leases with an initial term of twelve months or less are not capitalized and are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The implicit rate is not readily determinable for substantially all of the Company's leases, therefore the initial present value of lease payments is calculated utilizing an estimated incremental borrowing rate determined at the portfolio level based on market and Company specific information.
Certain of the Company’s leases include variable costs. As the right of use asset recorded on the balance sheet was determined based upon factors considered at the commencement date, changes in these variable expenses are not capitalized and are expensed as incurred throughout the lease term.
As of July 31, 2020, the Company has not entered into any significant leases which have not yet commenced.
The following table presents the balance sheet classification of the Company’s lease assets and liabilities as of July 31, 2020:
(in millions)Balance Sheet ClassificationJuly 31, 2020
Lease Assets  
Operating lease assetsOperating lease assets$318.1 
Finance lease assetsOther long-term assets5.0 
Total lease assets$323.1 
   
Lease Liabilities
Current operating lease liabilitiesCurrent portion of operating lease liabilities$53.2 
Current finance lease liabilitiesOther current liabilities1.8 
Total current lease liabilities 55.0 
Non-current operating lease liabilitiesOperating lease liabilities267.5 
Non-current finance lease liabilitiesOther long-term liabilities3.2 
Total non-current lease liabilities 270.7 
Total lease liabilities $325.7 

The following table presents the lease expense components for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2020:
Three Months Ended
July 31,
Nine Months Ended
July 31,
(in millions)20202020
Operating lease cost$17.2 $50.0 
Finance lease cost0.4 1.1 
Variable lease cost*
5.5 19.3 
Total lease cost$23.1 $70.4 
*Amount includes short-term lease costs.
Future maturity for the Company's lease liabilities, during the next five years, and in the aggregate for the years thereafter, are as follows:
(in millions)Operating LeasesFinance LeasesTotal expected payments
2020$66.7 $1.4 $68.1 
202162.5 1.4 63.9 
202254.7 1.2 55.9 
202346.7 0.9 47.6 
202438.6 0.5 39.1 
Thereafter 172.1 0.3 172.4 
Total lease payments$441.3 $5.7 $447.0 
Less: Interest(120.6)(0.7)(121.3)
Lease liabilities$320.7 $5.0 $325.7 

The following table presents the weighted-average lease term and discount rate as of July 31, 2020:
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years):
Operating leases11.3
Finance leases3.8
Weighted-average discount rate:
Operating leases3.61 %
Finance leases3.33 %

The following table presents other required lease related information for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2020:
Three Months Ended
July 31,
Nine Months Ended
July 31,
(in millions)20202020
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows used for operating leases
$16.9 $52.2 
Financing cash flows used for finance leases
0.3 1.0 
Leased assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities0.8 63.9 
Leased assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities0.1 0.4 

In compliance with ASC 842, the Company must provide the prior year disclosures required under the previous lease guidance for comparative periods presented herein.

The table below contains information related to the Company’s rent expense as disclosed within the 10-K for the period ended October 31, 2019:
Year Ended October 31,
(in millions)201920182017
Rent Expense$86.2 $47.1 $41.0 

The following table provides the Company’s minimum rent commitments under operating leases in the next five years and the remaining years thereafter as disclosed within the 10-K for the period ended October 31, 2019:
(in millions)Operating
Leases
Capital Leases
Year(s):
2020$64.8 $1.8 
202157.0 1.6 
202248.7 1.3 
202340.1 1.0 
202431.6 0.6 
Thereafter117.5 0.3 
Total$359.7 $6.6 

Minimum rent commitments under capital leases in 2020 and thereafter are attributable to addition of capital leases through the Caraustar Acquisition.
v3.20.2
EQUITY EARNINGS OF UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES, NET OF TAX AND NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS
9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]  
EQUITY EARNINGS OF UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES, NET OF TAX AND NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS EQUITY EARNINGS OF UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES, NET OF TAX AND NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS
Centurion Container LLC
The Company acquired a minority interest in Centurion Container LLC ("Centurion"), a U.S.-based company involved in IBC rebottling, reconditioning and distribution, on March 31, 2020 for $3.6 million. The investment in Centurion is accounted for under the equity method because the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence through its board participation.
At any time prior to October 31, 2022, the Company has the option to acquire an 80% ownership interest in Centurion at a formulaic price, as set forth in the operating agreement. Provided such interest is acquired, the Company then has the option to acquire 100% ownership of Centurion beginning on March 31, 2025 at a formulaic price set forth in the operating agreement.
v3.20.2
EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Equity [Abstract]  
EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
The following table summarizes the changes in equity for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2020 (Dollars in millions, shares in thousands)
Three Months Ended July 31, 2020
 Capital StockTreasury StockRetained
Earnings
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Greif,
Inc.
Equity
Non
controlling
interests
Total
Equity
 Common
Shares
AmountTreasury
Shares
Amount
As of April 30, 202048,450 $169.2 28,392 $(134.4)$1,531.8 $(483.4)$1,083.2 $52.0 $1,135.2 
Net income
20.7 20.7 3.7 24.4 
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation
62.4 62.4 (2.8)59.6 
Derivative financial instruments, net of $6.7 million of income tax benefit
2.0 2.0 2.0 
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of immaterial income tax expense(2.4)(2.4)(2.4)
Comprehensive income
.82.7 83.6 
Current period mark to redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interest1.1 1.1 1.1 
Net income allocated to redeemable noncontrolling interests 0.3 0.3 
Dividends paid to Greif, Inc. shareholders ($0.44 and $0.66 per Class A share and Class B share, respectively)
(26.2)(26.2)(26.2)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests and other (3.6)(3.6)
Share based compensation 0.5   0.5 0.5 
As of July 31, 202048,450 $169.7 28,392 $(134.4)$1,527.4 $(421.4)$1,141.3 $49.6 $1,190.9 

Nine Months Ended July 31, 2020
 Capital StockTreasury StockRetained
Earnings
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Greif,
Inc.
Equity
Non
controlling
interests
Total
Equity
 Common
Shares
AmountTreasury
Shares
Amount
As of October 31, 201948,266 $162.6 28,576 $(134.8)$1,539.0 $(433.7)$1,133.1 $58.0 $1,191.1 
Net income
64.4 64.4 11.9 76.3 
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation
12.6 12.6 (8.4)4.2 
Derivative financial instruments, net of $6.7 million income tax benefit
(20.9)(20.9)(20.9)
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of $7.5 million of income tax expense
20.6 20.6 20.6 
Comprehensive income
.76.7 80.2 
Current period mark to redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interest2.2 2.2 2.2 
Net income allocated to redeemable noncontrolling interests 0.2 0.2 
Dividends paid to Greif, Inc. shareholders ($1.32 and $1.97 per Class A share and Class B share, respectively)
(78.2)(78.2)(78.2)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests and other (12.1)(12.1)
Long-term incentive shares issued
153 5.0 (153)0.3 5.3 5.3 
Share based compensation
 1.0   1.0 1.0 
Restricted stock, executive
3 0.1 (3)0.1 0.2 0.2 
Restricted stock, directors
28 1 (28) 1.0 1.0 
As of July 31, 202048,450 $169.7 28,392 $(134.4)$1,527.4 $(421.4)$1,141.3 $49.6 $1,190.9 
The following table summarizes the changes in equity for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2019 (Dollars in millions, shares in thousands):
Three Months Ended July 31, 2019
 Capital StockTreasury StockRetained
Earnings
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Greif,
Inc.
Equity
Non
controlling
interests
Total
Equity
 Common
Shares
AmountTreasury
Shares
Amount
As of April 30, 201948,266 $162.6 28,576 $(134.8)$1,460.2 $(401.4)$1,086.6 $49.8 $1,136.4 
Net income
62.7 62.7 4.8 67.5 
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation
(2.2)(2.2)1.3 (0.9)
Derivative financial instruments, net of income tax benefit of $2.2 million
(5.0)(5.0)(5.0)
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of immaterial income tax2.3 2.3 2.3 
Comprehensive income
57.8 63.9 
Current period mark to redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interest2.3 2.3 2.3 
Net income allocated to redeemable noncontrolling interests (0.5)(0.5)
Dividends paid to Greif, Inc. shareholders ($0.44 and $0.66 per Class A share and Class B share, respectively)
(26.1)(26.1)(26.1)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests (0.4)(0.4)
As of July 31, 201948,266 $162.6 28,576 $(134.8)$1,499.1 $(406.3)$1,120.6 $55.0 $1,175.6 

Nine Months Ended July 31, 2019
 Capital StockTreasury StockRetained
Earnings
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Greif,
Inc.
Equity
Non
controlling
interests
Total
Equity
 Common
Shares
AmountTreasury
Shares
Amount
As of October 31, 201847,949 $150.5 28,893 $(135.4)$1,469.8 $(377.1)$1,107.8 $46.4 $1,154.2 
Net income
106.0 106.0 18.4 124.4 
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation
(10.7)(10.7)0.3 (10.4)
Derivative financial instruments, net of income tax benefit of $3.4 million
(20.7)(20.7)(20.7)
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of immaterial income tax2.2 2.2 2.2 
Comprehensive income
76.8 95.5 
Adoption of ASU 2016-16(2.1)(2.1)(2.1)
Current period mark to redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interest3.3 3.3 3.3 
Net income allocated to redeemable noncontrolling interests (1.8)(1.8)
Dividends paid to Greif, Inc. shareholders ($1.32 and $1.97 per Class A share and Class B share, respectively)
(77.9)(77.9)(77.9)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests (8.3)(8.3)
Restricted stock, directors25 1.1 (25)1.1 1.1 
Long-term incentive shares issued292 11.0 (292)0.6 11.6 11.6 
As of July 31, 201948,266 $162.6 28,576 $(134.8)$1,499.1 $(406.3)$1,120.6 $55.0 $1,175.6 

The following table provides the rollforward of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the nine months ended July 31, 2020:
(in millions)Foreign
Currency
Translation
Derivative Financial InstrumentsMinimum
Pension
Liability
Adjustment
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Balance as of October 31, 2019$(298.0)$(12.7)$(123.0)$(433.7)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)12.6 (20.9)20.6 12.3 
Balance as of July 31, 2020$(285.4)$(33.6)$(102.4)$(421.4)

The following table provides the rollforward of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the nine months ended July 31, 2019:
(in millions)Foreign Currency
Translation
Derivative
Financial
Instruments
Minimum Pension
Liability Adjustment
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Balance as of October 31, 2018$(292.8)$13.4 $(97.7)$(377.1)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(10.7)(20.7)2.2 (29.2)
Balance as of July 31, 2019$(303.5)$(7.3)$(95.5)$(406.3)

The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) above are presented net of tax, as applicable.
v3.20.2
BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION
9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company has eight operating segments, which are aggregated into four reportable business segments: Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services; Paper Packaging & Services; Flexible Products & Services; and Land Management.
The Company’s reportable business segments offer different products and services. The accounting policies of the reportable business segments are substantially the same as those described in the “Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” note in the 2019 Form 10-K.
On April 1, 2020, the Company completed the divestiture of the CPG business within the Paper Packaging & Services segment.
The following tables present net sales disaggregated by geographic area for each reportable segment for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2020:
Three Months Ended July 31, 2020
(in millions)United StatesEurope, Middle East and AfricaAsia Pacific and Other AmericasTotal
Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services$194.4 $258.3 $95.8 $548.5 
Paper Packaging & Services451.5  7.8 459.3 
Flexible Products & Services7.4 54.0 7.9 69.3 
Land Management5.9   5.9 
Total net sales
$659.2 $312.3 $111.5 $1,083.0 

Nine Months Ended July 31, 2020
(in millions)United StatesEurope, Middle East and AfricaAsia Pacific and Other AmericasTotal
Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services$617.0 $798.5 $304.3 $1,719.8 
Paper Packaging & Services1,394.3  20.3 1,414.6 
Flexible Products & Services20.4 157.4 21.9 199.7 
Land Management19.6   19.6 
Total net sales
$2,051.3 $955.9 $346.5 $3,353.7 
The following tables present net sales disaggregated by geographic area for each reportable segment for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2019:
Three Months Ended July 31, 2019
(in millions)United StatesEurope, Middle East and AfricaAsia Pacific and Other AmericasTotal
Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services$229.9 $296.2 $116.0 $642.1 
Paper Packaging & Services522.3  7.7 530.0 
Flexible Products & Services9.6 57.4 7.5 74.5 
Land Management6.0   6.0 
Total net sales
$767.8 $353.6 $131.2 $1,252.6 

Nine Months Ended July 31, 2019
(in millions)United StatesEurope, Middle East and AfricaAsia Pacific and Other AmericasTotal
Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services$688.2 $831.8 $351.6 $1,871.6 
Paper Packaging & Services1,231.2  13.7 1,244.9 
Flexible Products & Services26.3 177.4 22.9 226.6 
Land Management19.8   19.8 
Total net sales
$1,965.5 $1,009.2 $388.2 $3,362.9 

The following segment information is presented for the periods indicated:
 Three Months Ended
July 31,
Nine Months Ended
July 31,
(in millions)2020201920202019
Operating profit:
Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services$42.5 $54.3 $155.8 $124.6 
Paper Packaging & Services13.3 63.1 40.3 128.6 
Flexible Products & Services4.1 5.0 10.7 22.2 
Land Management2.0 3.2 6.3 8.0 
Total operating profit
$61.9 $125.6 $213.1 $283.4 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense:
Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services$19.5 $18.6 $59.1 $57.0 
Paper Packaging & Services37.8 38.9 115.8 81.9 
Flexible Products & Services1.4 1.4 4.4 4.7 
Land Management1.2 1.1 3.1 3.2 
Total depreciation, depletion and amortization expense
$59.9 $60.0 $182.4 $146.8 
The following table presents total assets by segment and total properties, plants and equipment, net by geographic area:
(in millions)July 31,
2020
October 31,
2019
Assets:
Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services$2,243.7 $2,006.3 
Paper Packaging & Services2,582.6 2,686.3 
Flexible Products & Services160.0 148.2 
Land Management348.4 348.7 
Total segments5,334.7 5,189.5 
Corporate and other259.1 237.2 
Total assets$5,593.8 $5,426.7 
Long lived assets, net*:
United States$1,413.1 $1,295.8 
Europe, Middle East and Africa383.8 277.1 
Asia Pacific and other Americas110.0 117.4 
Total long-lived assets, net$1,906.9 $1,690.3 
 * current year disclosure includes impact of capitalization of operating lease assets
v3.20.2
REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS
9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]  
REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS
Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
The terms of the joint venture agreement for one joint venture within the Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services segment include mandatory redemption by the Company, in cash, of the noncontrolling interest holders’ equity at a formulaic price after the expiration of a lockout period specific to each noncontrolling interest holder. The redemption features cause the interest to be classified as a mandatorily redeemable instrument under the accounting guidance, and this interest is included at the current redemption value each period in long-term or short-term liabilities of the Company, as applicable. The impact of marking to redemption value at each period end is recorded in interest expense. The carrying amount is not reduced below the initially recorded contribution. The Company has a contractual obligation to redeem the outstanding equity interest of each remaining partner in 2022 and 2023, respectively.
The following table summarizes the change in mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interest for the nine months ended July 31, 2020:
(in millions)Mandatorily
Redeemable
Noncontrolling
Interest
Balance as of October 31, 2019$8.4 
Current period mark to redemption value 
Balance as of July 31, 2020$8.4 

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Redeemable noncontrolling interests related to two joint ventures within the Paper Packaging & Services segment and one joint venture within the Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services segment are held by the respective noncontrolling interest owners. The holders of these interests share in the profits and losses of these entities on a pro-rata basis with the Company. However, the noncontrolling interest owners have the right to put all or a portion of those noncontrolling interests to the Company at a formulaic price after a set period of time, specific to each agreement.
Redeemable noncontrolling interests are reflected in the interim condensed consolidated balance sheets at redemption value. The following table summarizes the change in redeemable noncontrolling interest for the nine months ended July 31, 2020:
(in millions)Redeemable
Noncontrolling
Interest
Balance as of October 31, 2019$21.3 
Current period mark to redemption value(2.2)
Redeemable noncontrolling interest share of income and other0.2 
Dividends to redeemable noncontrolling interest and other(0.7)
Balance as of July 31, 2020$18.6 
v3.20.2
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)
9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation
Basis of Presentation
The interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) instructions to Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and include all of the information and disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial reporting. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the interim condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual amounts could differ from those estimates.
The fiscal year of Greif, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) begins on November 1 and ends on October 31 of the following year. Any references to years or to any quarter of those years, relates to the fiscal year or quarter, as the case may be, ended in that year, unless otherwise stated.
The information filed herein reflects all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the interim condensed consolidated balance sheets as of July 31, 2020 and October 31, 2019, the interim condensed consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2020 and 2019 and the interim condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine months ended July 31, 2020 and 2019 of the Company. The interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Greif, Inc., all wholly-owned and consolidated subsidiaries and investments in limited liability companies, partnerships and joint ventures in which it has controlling influence or is the primary beneficiary. Non-majority owned entities include investments in limited liability companies, partnerships and joint ventures in which the Company does not have controlling influence and are accounted for using either the equity or cost method, as appropriate.
The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements included in the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this “Form 10-Q”) should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended October 31, 2019 (the “2019 Form 10-K”).
COVID-19
The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses reported in such financial statements. The estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of the financial statements contained in this Form 10-Q do not reflect material changes to the estimates and assumptions disclosed in the 2019 Form 10-K. Nevertheless, the Company's actual results and outcomes during the three and nine months ended July 31, 2020 have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused an economic downturn on a global scale, as well as significant market disruption and volatility. Because the scope, duration and magnitude of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to evolve, the Company cannot, at this time, predict the impact the pandemic will have on its future consolidated financial position, cash flows or results of operations; however, the impact could be material. The Company's future financial results and operations depend in part on the duration and severity of the pandemic and what actions are taken to mitigate the outbreak.
Newly Adopted Accounting Standards and Recently Issued Accounting Standards
Newly Adopted Accounting Standards
In February 2016 and July 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-02 and ASU 2018-11, "Leases (Topic 842)," or Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 842, which amends the lease accounting and disclosure requirements in ASC 840, "Leases." The objective of this update is to increase transparency and comparability among organizations recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about lease arrangements. The Company adopted ASU 2018-11 on November 1, 2019, utilizing a modified retrospective approach and did not adjust its comparative period financial information. The Company adopted the practical expedient package which permits the Company to not reassess previous conclusions whether a contract is or contains a lease, lease classification, or treatment of indirect costs for existing contracts as of the adoption date. The Company also adopted the short-term lease recognition exemption and the practical expedient allowing for the combination of lease and non-lease components for all leases except real estate, for which these components are presented separately. The Company has completed the lease collection and evaluation process, implemented a technology tool to assist with the accounting and reporting requirements of the new standard, and designed new processes and controls around leases. On the day of adoption, the Company capitalized onto the balance sheet $301.2 million of right-of-use assets and $305.8 million of lease liabilities related
to operating leases. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income, cash flows, or disclosures, other than as set forth above and in Note 13 to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, "Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting." The objective of this ASU is to provide optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The amendments in ASU 2020-04 were effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020 and will generally no longer be available to apply after December 31, 2022. The Company adopted this ASU as of the effective date and will utilize the optional expedients to the extent that they apply to the Company. The Company currently applies expedient guidance related to hedging relationships, which allowed the Company to amend hedge documentation, without dedesignating and redesignating, for all outstanding hedging relationships linked to expiring reference rates. The Company also has long-term debt and interest rate derivatives, as described in Notes 6 and 7 to the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, respectively, which rely upon use of LIBOR. The Company intends to apply additional practical expedients to these relationships during the remaining relief period. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income, cash flows, or disclosures.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses.” This ASU sets forth a current expected credit loss model which requires the Company to measure all expected credit losses for financial instruments held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable supportable forecasts. This replaces the existing incurred loss model and is applicable to the measurement of credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost and applies to some off-balance sheet credit exposures. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company will adopt this ASU on November 1, 2020. The Company is in the process of determining the potential impact of adopting this guidance on its financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income, cash flows and disclosures.
In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes", which is intended to simplify various aspects related to accounting for income taxes. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The effective date for the Company to adopt this ASU is November 1, 2021. The Company is in the process of determining the potential impact of adopting this guidance on its financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income, cash flow and disclosures.
v3.20.2
ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Business Combinations [Abstract]  
Schedule of preliminary valuation of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed The following table summarizes the consideration transferred to acquire Caraustar and the final valuation of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date, as well as measurement period adjustments made since the acquisition in 2019 through the close of measurement period:
(in millions)Amounts Recognized as of the Acquisition DateMeasurement Period Adjustments (1)Amount Recognized as of Acquisition Date (as Adjusted)
Fair value of consideration transferred
Cash consideration$1,834.9 $ $1,834.9 
Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed
Accounts receivable$147.0 $ $147.0 
Inventories103.9 (4.4)99.5 
Prepaid and other current assets21.5 (9.3)12.2 
Intangibles717.1 8.4 725.5 
Other long-term assets1.3 4.3 5.6 
Properties, plants and equipment521.3 (17.6)503.7 
Total assets acquired
1,512.1 (18.6)1,493.5 
Accounts payable(99.5) (99.5)
Accrued payroll and employee benefits(42.9)(7.2)(50.1)
Other current liabilities(21.8)4.5 (17.3)
Long-term deferred tax liability(185.7)52.0 (133.7)
Pension and postretirement obligations(67.1) (67.1)
Other long-term liabilities(12.7)(7.5)(20.2)
Total liabilities assumed
(429.7)41.8 (387.9)
Total identifiable net assets$1,082.4 $23.2 $1,105.6 
Goodwill$752.5 $(23.2)$729.3 
(1) The measurement adjustments were primarily due to refinement to third party appraisals and carrying amounts of certain assets and liabilities, as well as adjustments to certain tax accounts based on, among other things, adjustments to deferred tax liabilities. The net impact of the measurement period adjustments resulted in a net $23.2 million decrease to goodwill. The measurement adjustments recorded did not have a significant impact on the Company's interim condensed consolidated statements of income for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2020.
Schedule of finite-lived intangible assets acquired as part of business combination Acquired intangible assets are being amortized over the estimated useful lives, primarily on a straight-line basis. The following table summarizes the final purchase price allocation and weighted average remaining useful lives for identifiable intangible assets acquired:
(in millions)Final Purchase Price AllocationWeighted Average Estimated Useful Life
Customer relationships$708.0 15.0
Trademarks15.0 3.0
Other2.5 4.6
Total intangible assets$725.5 
v3.20.2
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Summary of Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Segment
The following table summarizes the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the nine months ended July 31, 2020:
(in millions)Rigid
Industrial
Packaging
& Services
Paper
Packaging
& Services
Total
Balance at October 31, 2019$731.7 $786.1 $1,517.8 
Goodwill allocated to divestitures(0.7)(35.6)(36.3)
Goodwill adjustments related to acquisitions0.9 2.8 3.7 
Currency translation20.1  20.1 
Balance at July 31, 2020$752.0 $753.3 $1,505.3 
Summary of Carrying Amount of Net Other Intangible Assets by Class
The following table summarizes the carrying amount of net intangible assets by class as of July 31, 2020 and October 31, 2019:
(in millions)Gross
Intangible
Assets
Accumulated
Amortization
Net
Intangible
Assets
July 31, 2020:
Indefinite lived:
Trademarks and patents$13.5 $ $13.5 
Definite lived:
Customer relationships887.4 191.2 696.2 
Trademarks, patents and trade names27.2 13.5 13.7 
Non-compete agreements2.3 1.9 0.4 
Other21.1 18.7 2.4 
Total$951.5 $225.3 $726.2 
(in millions)Gross
Intangible
Assets
Accumulated
Amortization
Net
Intangible
Assets
October 31, 2019:
Indefinite lived:
Trademarks and patents$13.1 $ $13.1 
Definite lived:
Customer relationships890.6 150.3 740.3 
Trademarks and patents27.0 9.3 17.7 
Non-compete agreements2.3 0.7 1.6 
Other21.9 18.1 3.8 
Total$954.9 $178.4 $776.5 
v3.20.2
RESTRUCTURING CHARGES (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]  
Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Restructuring Reserve Balances
The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending restructuring reserve balances for the nine months ended July 31, 2020:
(in millions)Employee
Separation
Costs
Other
Costs
Total
Balance at October 31, 2019$9.5 $1.8 $11.3 
Costs incurred and charged to expense22.0 4.8 26.8 
Costs paid or otherwise settled(12.6)(5.5)(18.1)
Balance at July 31, 2020$18.9 $1.1 $20.0 
Reconciliation of Total Amounts Expected to be Incurred from Open Restructuring Plans Anticipated to be Realized
The following is a reconciliation of the total amounts expected to be incurred from open restructuring plans or plans that are being formulated and have not been announced as of the filing date of this Form 10-Q. Remaining amounts expected to be incurred were $22.4 million as of July 31, 2020:
(in millions)Total Amounts
Expected to
be Incurred
Amounts Incurred During the nine months ended July 31, 2020Amounts
Remaining
to be Incurred
Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services
Employee separation costs$27.2 $17.0 $10.2 
Other restructuring costs5.5 2.4 3.1 
32.7 19.4 13.3 
Flexible Products & Services
Employee separation costs1.4 0.5 0.9 
Other restructuring costs2.4 0.8 1.6 
3.8 1.3 2.5 
Paper Packaging & Services
Employee separation costs4.5 4.5  
Other restructuring costs8.2 1.6 6.6 
12.7 6.1 6.6 
$49.2 $26.8 $22.4 
v3.20.2
CONSOLIDATION OF VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Total Net Assets of Flexible Packaging JV
The following table presents the Flexible Packaging JV total net assets:
(in millions)July 31,
2020
October 31,
2019
Cash and cash equivalents$21.9 $16.9 
Trade accounts receivable, less allowance of $0.8 in 2020 and $0.7 in 2019
45.9 51.2 
Inventories40.2 46.4 
Properties, plants and equipment, net22.8 22.3 
Other assets27.6 29.3 
Total assets$158.4 $166.1 
Accounts payable$31.9 $28.9 
Other liabilities22.3 23.6 
Total liabilities$54.2 $52.5 
Total Net Assets of Paper Packaging JV The following table presents the Paper Packaging JV total net assets:
(in millions)July 31,
2020
Cash and cash equivalents$0.9 
Trade accounts receivable, less allowance of $0.0 in 2020
4.6 
Inventories6.2 
Properties, plants and equipment, net35.1 
Other assets0.6 
Total assets$47.4 
Accounts payable$4.2 
Other liabilities1.3 
Total liabilities$5.5 
v3.20.2
LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Summary of Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt is summarized as follows:
(in millions)July 31, 2020October 31, 2019
2019 Credit Agreement - Term Loans$1,549.4 $1,612.2 
Senior Notes due 2027494.9 494.3 
Senior Notes due 2021235.5 221.7 
Accounts receivable credit facilities301.2 351.6 
2019 Credit Agreement - Revolving Credit Facility65.4 76.1 
Other debt0.2 0.4 
2,646.6 2,756.3 
Less: current portion99.7 83.7 
Less: deferred financing costs11.6 13.6 
Long-term debt, net$2,535.3 $2,659.0 
v3.20.2
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Recurring Fair Value Measurements
The following table presents the fair value for those assets and (liabilities) measured on a recurring basis as of July 31, 2020 and October 31, 2019:
 July 31, 2020 
 Fair Value Measurement 
(in millions)Level 1Level 2Level 3TotalBalance Sheet Location
Interest rate derivatives (49.0) (49.0)Other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities
Foreign exchange hedges 0.8  0.8 Other current assets
Foreign exchange hedges (1.2) (1.2)Other current liabilities
Insurance annuity  21.3 21.3 Other long-term assets
Cross currency swap 8.4  8.4 Other current assets and other long-term assets
Total$ $(41.0)$21.3 $(19.7)

 October 31, 2019 
 Fair Value Measurement 
(in millions)Level 1Level 2Level 3TotalBalance Sheet Location
Interest rate derivatives$ $1.3 $ $1.3 Other long-term assets and other current assets
Interest rate derivatives (25.0) (25.0)Other long-term liabilities and other current liabilities
Foreign exchange hedges 0.9  0.9 Other current assets
Foreign exchange hedges (0.2) (0.2)Other current liabilities
Insurance annuity  20.0 20.0 Other long-term assets
Cross currency swap 10.6  10.6 Other current assets and other long-term assets
Total$ $(12.4)$20.0 $7.6 
Estimated Fair Values for the Company's Senior Notes and Assets Held by Special Purpose Entities
The following table presents the estimated fair values of the Company’s Senior Notes and Assets held by special purpose entities:
(in millions)July 31,
2020
October 31,
2019
Senior Notes due 2021 estimated fair value$248.6 $248.1 
Senior Notes due 2027 estimated fair value533.6 537.9 
Assets held by special purpose entities estimated fair value51.3 51.9 
Summary of Quantitative about Significant Unobservable Inputs Used to Determine Fair Value of Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held and Used and Net Assets Held for Sale
The following table presents quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs used to determine the fair value of the impairment of long-lived assets held and used and net assets held for sale for the nine months ended July 31, 2020 and 2019:
 Quantitative Information about Level 3
Fair Value Measurements
(in millions)Fair Value of
Impairment
Valuation
Technique
Unobservable
Input
Range of
Input
Values
July 31, 2020
Impairment of Long Lived Assets$16.9 Discounted Cash Flows; Indicative BidsDiscounted Cash Flows; Indicative BidsN/A
Total$16.9 
July 31, 2019
Impairment of Net Assets Held for Sale$2.1 Indicative BidsIndicative BidsN/A
Total$2.1 
v3.20.2
POST RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Postemployment Benefits [Abstract]  
Components of Net Periodic Pension Cost
The components of net periodic pension cost include the following:
 Three Months Ended
July 31,
Nine Months Ended
July 31,
(in millions)2020201920202019
Service cost$3.6 $3.8 $9.6 $10.1 
Interest cost7.2 8.7 19.4 22.6 
Expected return on plan assets(10.5)(11.0)(28.7)(28.2)
Amortization of prior service cost
3.4 1.8 9.8 5.4 
Net periodic pension cost$3.7 $3.3 $10.1 $9.9 
Components of Net Periodic Cost for Postretirement Benefits
The components of net periodic post-retirement benefit include the following:
 Three Months Ended
July 31,
Nine Months Ended
July 31,
(in millions)2020201920202019
Interest cost$0.1 $0.1 $0.3 $0.3 
Amortization of prior service benefit
(0.1)(0.4)(0.4)(1.2)
Net periodic post-retirement benefit$ $(0.3)$(0.1)$(0.9)
v3.20.2
EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
Computation of Class Based Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share
The Company calculates EPS as follows:
Basic Class A EPS=40% * Average Class A Shares Outstanding*Undistributed Net Income+Class A Dividends Per Share
40% * Average Class A Shares Outstanding + 60% * Average Class B Shares OutstandingAverage Class A Shares Outstanding
Diluted Class A EPS=40% * Average Class A Shares Outstanding*Undistributed Net Income+Class A Dividends Per Share
40% * Average Class A Shares Outstanding + 60% * Average Class B Shares OutstandingAverage Diluted Class A Shares Outstanding
Basic Class B EPS=60% * Average Class B Shares Outstanding*Undistributed Net Income+Class B Dividends Per Share
40% * Average Class A Shares Outstanding + 60% * Average Class B Shares OutstandingAverage Class B Shares Outstanding
   *Diluted Class B EPS calculation is identical to Basic Class B calculation
Computation of Earnings Per Share Basic and Diluted
The following table provides EPS information for each period, respectively:
 Three Months Ended
July 31,
Nine Months Ended
July 31,
(in millions)2020201920202019
Numerator for basic and diluted EPS
Net income attributable to Greif, Inc.$20.7 $62.7 $64.4 $106.0 
Cash dividends(26.2)(26.1)(78.2)(77.9)
Undistributed net income attributable to Greif, Inc.$(5.5)$36.6 $(13.8)$28.1 
Summarization of Company's Class A and Class B Common and Treasury Shares
The following table summarizes the Company’s Class A and Class B common and treasury shares as of the specified dates:
Authorized
Shares
Issued
Shares
Outstanding
Shares
Treasury
Shares
July 31, 2020
Class A Common Stock128,000,000 42,281,920 26,441,986 15,839,934 
Class B Common Stock69,120,000 34,560,000 22,007,725 12,552,275 
October 31, 2019
Class A Common Stock128,000,000 42,281,920 26,257,943 16,023,977 
Class B Common Stock69,120,000 34,560,000 22,007,725 12,552,275 
Reconciliation of Shares Used to Calculate Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share
The following is a reconciliation of the shares used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share:
 Three Months Ended
July 31,
Nine Months Ended
July 31,
 2020201920202019
Class A Common Stock:
Basic shares26,441,986 26,257,943 26,363,123 26,166,612 
Assumed conversion of restricted shares609  54  
Diluted shares26,442,595 26,257,943 26,363,177 26,166,612 
Class B Common Stock:
Basic and diluted shares22,007,725 22,007,725 22,007,725 22,007,725 
v3.20.2
LEASES - (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Leases [Abstract]  
Lease Assets And Liabilities The following table presents the balance sheet classification of the Company’s lease assets and liabilities as of July 31, 2020:
(in millions)Balance Sheet ClassificationJuly 31, 2020
Lease Assets  
Operating lease assetsOperating lease assets$318.1 
Finance lease assetsOther long-term assets5.0 
Total lease assets$323.1 
   
Lease Liabilities
Current operating lease liabilitiesCurrent portion of operating lease liabilities$53.2 
Current finance lease liabilitiesOther current liabilities1.8 
Total current lease liabilities 55.0 
Non-current operating lease liabilitiesOperating lease liabilities267.5 
Non-current finance lease liabilitiesOther long-term liabilities3.2 
Total non-current lease liabilities 270.7 
Total lease liabilities $325.7 
Components of Lease Expense
The following table presents the lease expense components for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2020:
Three Months Ended
July 31,
Nine Months Ended
July 31,
(in millions)20202020
Operating lease cost$17.2 $50.0 
Finance lease cost0.4 1.1 
Variable lease cost*
5.5 19.3 
Total lease cost$23.1 $70.4 
*Amount includes short-term lease costs.
The following table presents the weighted-average lease term and discount rate as of July 31, 2020:
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years):
Operating leases11.3
Finance leases3.8
Weighted-average discount rate:
Operating leases3.61 %
Finance leases3.33 %

The following table presents other required lease related information for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2020:
Three Months Ended
July 31,
Nine Months Ended
July 31,
(in millions)20202020
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows used for operating leases
$16.9 $52.2 
Financing cash flows used for finance leases
0.3 1.0 
Leased assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities0.8 63.9 
Leased assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities0.1 0.4 

In compliance with ASC 842, the Company must provide the prior year disclosures required under the previous lease guidance for comparative periods presented herein.

The table below contains information related to the Company’s rent expense as disclosed within the 10-K for the period ended October 31, 2019:
Year Ended October 31,
(in millions)201920182017
Rent Expense$86.2 $47.1 $41.0 

The following table provides the Company’s minimum rent commitments under operating leases in the next five years and the remaining years thereafter as disclosed within the 10-K for the period ended October 31, 2019:
(in millions)Operating
Leases
Capital Leases
Year(s):
2020$64.8 $1.8 
202157.0 1.6 
202248.7 1.3 
202340.1 1.0 
202431.6 0.6 
Thereafter117.5 0.3 
Total$359.7 $6.6 
Maturities of Operating Lease Liabilities
Future maturity for the Company's lease liabilities, during the next five years, and in the aggregate for the years thereafter, are as follows:
(in millions)Operating LeasesFinance LeasesTotal expected payments
2020$66.7 $1.4 $68.1 
202162.5 1.4 63.9 
202254.7 1.2 55.9 
202346.7 0.9 47.6 
202438.6 0.5 39.1 
Thereafter 172.1 0.3 172.4 
Total lease payments$441.3 $5.7 $447.0 
Less: Interest(120.6)(0.7)(121.3)
Lease liabilities$320.7 $5.0 $325.7 
Maturities of Financing Lease Liabilities
Future maturity for the Company's lease liabilities, during the next five years, and in the aggregate for the years thereafter, are as follows:
(in millions)Operating LeasesFinance LeasesTotal expected payments
2020$66.7 $1.4 $68.1 
202162.5 1.4 63.9 
202254.7 1.2 55.9 
202346.7 0.9 47.6 
202438.6 0.5 39.1 
Thereafter 172.1 0.3 172.4 
Total lease payments$441.3 $5.7 $447.0 
Less: Interest(120.6)(0.7)(121.3)
Lease liabilities$320.7 $5.0 $325.7 
Schedule of Information Related to Company's Rent Expense
The table below contains information related to the Company’s rent expense as disclosed within the 10-K for the period ended October 31, 2019:
Year Ended October 31,
(in millions)201920182017
Rent Expense$86.2 $47.1 $41.0 
Schedule of Company's Minimum Rent Commitments Under Operating and Capital Leases
The following table provides the Company’s minimum rent commitments under operating leases in the next five years and the remaining years thereafter as disclosed within the 10-K for the period ended October 31, 2019:
(in millions)Operating
Leases
Capital Leases
Year(s):
2020$64.8 $1.8 
202157.0 1.6 
202248.7 1.3 
202340.1 1.0 
202431.6 0.6 
Thereafter117.5 0.3 
Total$359.7 $6.6 
v3.20.2
EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Equity [Abstract]  
Summary of Changes in Equity
The following table summarizes the changes in equity for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2020 (Dollars in millions, shares in thousands)
Three Months Ended July 31, 2020
 Capital StockTreasury StockRetained
Earnings
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Greif,
Inc.
Equity
Non
controlling
interests
Total
Equity
 Common
Shares
AmountTreasury
Shares
Amount
As of April 30, 202048,450 $169.2 28,392 $(134.4)$1,531.8 $(483.4)$1,083.2 $52.0 $1,135.2 
Net income
20.7 20.7 3.7 24.4 
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation
62.4 62.4 (2.8)59.6 
Derivative financial instruments, net of $6.7 million of income tax benefit
2.0 2.0 2.0 
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of immaterial income tax expense(2.4)(2.4)(2.4)
Comprehensive income
.82.7 83.6 
Current period mark to redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interest1.1 1.1 1.1 
Net income allocated to redeemable noncontrolling interests 0.3 0.3 
Dividends paid to Greif, Inc. shareholders ($0.44 and $0.66 per Class A share and Class B share, respectively)
(26.2)(26.2)(26.2)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests and other (3.6)(3.6)
Share based compensation 0.5   0.5 0.5 
As of July 31, 202048,450 $169.7 28,392 $(134.4)$1,527.4 $(421.4)$1,141.3 $49.6 $1,190.9 

Nine Months Ended July 31, 2020
 Capital StockTreasury StockRetained
Earnings
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Greif,
Inc.
Equity
Non
controlling
interests
Total
Equity
 Common
Shares
AmountTreasury
Shares
Amount
As of October 31, 201948,266 $162.6 28,576 $(134.8)$1,539.0 $(433.7)$1,133.1 $58.0 $1,191.1 
Net income
64.4 64.4 11.9 76.3 
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation
12.6 12.6 (8.4)4.2 
Derivative financial instruments, net of $6.7 million income tax benefit
(20.9)(20.9)(20.9)
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of $7.5 million of income tax expense
20.6 20.6 20.6 
Comprehensive income
.76.7 80.2 
Current period mark to redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interest2.2 2.2 2.2 
Net income allocated to redeemable noncontrolling interests 0.2 0.2 
Dividends paid to Greif, Inc. shareholders ($1.32 and $1.97 per Class A share and Class B share, respectively)
(78.2)(78.2)(78.2)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests and other (12.1)(12.1)
Long-term incentive shares issued
153 5.0 (153)0.3 5.3 5.3 
Share based compensation
 1.0   1.0 1.0 
Restricted stock, executive
3 0.1 (3)0.1 0.2 0.2 
Restricted stock, directors
28 1 (28) 1.0 1.0 
As of July 31, 202048,450 $169.7 28,392 $(134.4)$1,527.4 $(421.4)$1,141.3 $49.6 $1,190.9 
The following table summarizes the changes in equity for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2019 (Dollars in millions, shares in thousands):
Three Months Ended July 31, 2019
 Capital StockTreasury StockRetained
Earnings
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Greif,
Inc.
Equity
Non
controlling
interests
Total
Equity
 Common
Shares
AmountTreasury
Shares
Amount
As of April 30, 201948,266 $162.6 28,576 $(134.8)$1,460.2 $(401.4)$1,086.6 $49.8 $1,136.4 
Net income
62.7 62.7 4.8 67.5 
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation
(2.2)(2.2)1.3 (0.9)
Derivative financial instruments, net of income tax benefit of $2.2 million
(5.0)(5.0)(5.0)
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of immaterial income tax2.3 2.3 2.3 
Comprehensive income
57.8 63.9 
Current period mark to redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interest2.3 2.3 2.3 
Net income allocated to redeemable noncontrolling interests (0.5)(0.5)
Dividends paid to Greif, Inc. shareholders ($0.44 and $0.66 per Class A share and Class B share, respectively)
(26.1)(26.1)(26.1)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests (0.4)(0.4)
As of July 31, 201948,266 $162.6 28,576 $(134.8)$1,499.1 $(406.3)$1,120.6 $55.0 $1,175.6 

Nine Months Ended July 31, 2019
 Capital StockTreasury StockRetained
Earnings
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Greif,
Inc.
Equity
Non
controlling
interests
Total
Equity
 Common
Shares
AmountTreasury
Shares
Amount
As of October 31, 201847,949 $150.5 28,893 $(135.4)$1,469.8 $(377.1)$1,107.8 $46.4 $1,154.2 
Net income
106.0 106.0 18.4 124.4 
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation
(10.7)(10.7)0.3 (10.4)
Derivative financial instruments, net of income tax benefit of $3.4 million
(20.7)(20.7)(20.7)
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of immaterial income tax2.2 2.2 2.2 
Comprehensive income
76.8 95.5 
Adoption of ASU 2016-16(2.1)(2.1)(2.1)
Current period mark to redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interest3.3 3.3 3.3 
Net income allocated to redeemable noncontrolling interests (1.8)(1.8)
Dividends paid to Greif, Inc. shareholders ($1.32 and $1.97 per Class A share and Class B share, respectively)
(77.9)(77.9)(77.9)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests (8.3)(8.3)
Restricted stock, directors25 1.1 (25)1.1 1.1 
Long-term incentive shares issued292 11.0 (292)0.6 11.6 11.6 
As of July 31, 201948,266 $162.6 28,576 $(134.8)$1,499.1 $(406.3)$1,120.6 $55.0 $1,175.6 
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) The following table provides the rollforward of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the nine months ended July 31, 2020:
(in millions)Foreign
Currency
Translation
Derivative Financial InstrumentsMinimum
Pension
Liability
Adjustment
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Balance as of October 31, 2019$(298.0)$(12.7)$(123.0)$(433.7)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)12.6 (20.9)20.6 12.3 
Balance as of July 31, 2020$(285.4)$(33.6)$(102.4)$(421.4)

The following table provides the rollforward of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the nine months ended July 31, 2019:
(in millions)Foreign Currency
Translation
Derivative
Financial
Instruments
Minimum Pension
Liability Adjustment
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Balance as of October 31, 2018$(292.8)$13.4 $(97.7)$(377.1)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(10.7)(20.7)2.2 (29.2)
Balance as of July 31, 2019$(303.5)$(7.3)$(95.5)$(406.3)
v3.20.2
BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Revenue from External Customers by Geographic Areas
The following tables present net sales disaggregated by geographic area for each reportable segment for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2020:
Three Months Ended July 31, 2020
(in millions)United StatesEurope, Middle East and AfricaAsia Pacific and Other AmericasTotal
Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services$194.4 $258.3 $95.8 $548.5 
Paper Packaging & Services451.5  7.8 459.3 
Flexible Products & Services7.4 54.0 7.9 69.3 
Land Management5.9   5.9 
Total net sales
$659.2 $312.3 $111.5 $1,083.0 

Nine Months Ended July 31, 2020
(in millions)United StatesEurope, Middle East and AfricaAsia Pacific and Other AmericasTotal
Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services$617.0 $798.5 $304.3 $1,719.8 
Paper Packaging & Services1,394.3  20.3 1,414.6 
Flexible Products & Services20.4 157.4 21.9 199.7 
Land Management19.6   19.6 
Total net sales
$2,051.3 $955.9 $346.5 $3,353.7 
The following tables present net sales disaggregated by geographic area for each reportable segment for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2019:
Three Months Ended July 31, 2019
(in millions)United StatesEurope, Middle East and AfricaAsia Pacific and Other AmericasTotal
Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services$229.9 $296.2 $116.0 $642.1 
Paper Packaging & Services522.3  7.7 530.0 
Flexible Products & Services9.6 57.4 7.5 74.5 
Land Management6.0   6.0 
Total net sales
$767.8 $353.6 $131.2 $1,252.6 

Nine Months Ended July 31, 2019
(in millions)United StatesEurope, Middle East and AfricaAsia Pacific and Other AmericasTotal
Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services$688.2 $831.8 $351.6 $1,871.6 
Paper Packaging & Services1,231.2  13.7 1,244.9 
Flexible Products & Services26.3 177.4 22.9 226.6 
Land Management19.8   19.8 
Total net sales
$1,965.5 $1,009.2 $388.2 $3,362.9 
Segment Information
The following segment information is presented for the periods indicated:
 Three Months Ended
July 31,
Nine Months Ended
July 31,
(in millions)2020201920202019
Operating profit:
Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services$42.5 $54.3 $155.8 $124.6 
Paper Packaging & Services13.3 63.1 40.3 128.6 
Flexible Products & Services4.1 5.0 10.7 22.2 
Land Management2.0 3.2 6.3 8.0 
Total operating profit
$61.9 $125.6 $213.1 $283.4 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense:
Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services$19.5 $18.6 $59.1 $57.0 
Paper Packaging & Services37.8 38.9 115.8 81.9 
Flexible Products & Services1.4 1.4 4.4 4.7 
Land Management1.2 1.1 3.1 3.2 
Total depreciation, depletion and amortization expense
$59.9 $60.0 $182.4 $146.8 
Properties, Plants and Equipment, Net by Geographical Area
The following table presents total assets by segment and total properties, plants and equipment, net by geographic area:
(in millions)July 31,
2020
October 31,
2019
Assets:
Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services$2,243.7 $2,006.3 
Paper Packaging & Services2,582.6 2,686.3 
Flexible Products & Services160.0 148.2 
Land Management348.4 348.7 
Total segments5,334.7 5,189.5 
Corporate and other259.1 237.2 
Total assets$5,593.8 $5,426.7 
Long lived assets, net*:
United States$1,413.1 $1,295.8 
Europe, Middle East and Africa383.8 277.1 
Asia Pacific and other Americas110.0 117.4 
Total long-lived assets, net$1,906.9 $1,690.3 
 * current year disclosure includes impact of capitalization of operating lease assets
v3.20.2
REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]  
Rollforward of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
The following table summarizes the change in mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interest for the nine months ended July 31, 2020:
(in millions)Mandatorily
Redeemable
Noncontrolling
Interest
Balance as of October 31, 2019$8.4 
Current period mark to redemption value 
Balance as of July 31, 2020$8.4 
Redeemable noncontrolling interests are reflected in the interim condensed consolidated balance sheets at redemption value. The following table summarizes the change in redeemable noncontrolling interest for the nine months ended July 31, 2020:
(in millions)Redeemable
Noncontrolling
Interest
Balance as of October 31, 2019$21.3 
Current period mark to redemption value(2.2)
Redeemable noncontrolling interest share of income and other0.2 
Dividends to redeemable noncontrolling interest and other(0.7)
Balance as of July 31, 2020$18.6 
v3.20.2
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]    
Operating lease assets $ 318.1 $ 0.0
Lease liabilities $ 320.7  
Accounting Standards Update [Extensible List] us-gaap:AccountingStandardsUpdate201811Member  
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02    
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]    
Operating lease assets   301.2
Lease liabilities   $ 305.8
v3.20.2
ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Feb. 11, 2019
Jul. 31, 2020
Apr. 30, 2020
Jul. 31, 2020
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Goodwill allocated to divestitures       $ 36.3
Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Goodwill allocated to divestitures       0.7
Paper Packaging & Services        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Goodwill allocated to divestitures       35.6
Paper Packaging & Services | 2020 Divestiture        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Proceeds from divestiture of interest in subsidiaries and affiliates     $ 85.0  
Proceeds from divestiture and deconsolidation, adjustment     $ 3.4  
Proceeds from divestiture and deconsolidation, net of adjustments   $ 81.6    
Goodwill allocated to divestitures   35.6    
Loss on sale of business       37.9
Caraustar        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Payments to acquire business $ 1,834.9      
Goodwill $ 752.5 $ 729.3   $ 729.3
Building | Minimum | Caraustar        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Useful life 1 year      
Building | Maximum | Caraustar        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Useful life 20 years      
Equipment | Minimum | Caraustar        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Useful life 1 year      
Equipment | Maximum | Caraustar        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Useful life 15 years      
v3.20.2
ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES - Schedule of preliminary valuation of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed (Details) - Caraustar - USD ($)
$ in Millions
15 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2020
Feb. 11, 2019
Apr. 30, 2020
Jul. 31, 2020
Fair value of consideration transferred        
Cash consideration $ 1,834.9 $ 1,834.9    
Cash consideration, measurement period adjustments     $ 0.0  
Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed        
Accounts receivable   147.0   $ 147.0
Accounts receivable, measurement period adjustments     0.0  
Inventories   103.9   99.5
Inventories, measurement period adjustments     (4.4)  
Prepaid and other current assets   21.5   12.2
Prepaid and other current assets, measurement period adjustments     (9.3)  
Intangibles $ 725.5 717.1 725.5 725.5
Intangibles, measurement period adjustments     8.4  
Other long-term assets   1.3   5.6
Other long term assets measurement period adjustments     4.3  
Properties, plants and equipment   521.3   503.7
Properties, plants and equipment, measurement period adjustments     (17.6)  
Total assets acquired   1,512.1   1,493.5
Total assets acquired, measurement period adjustments     (18.6)  
Accounts payable   (99.5)   (99.5)
Accounts payable, measurement period adjustments     0.0  
Accrued payroll and employee benefits   (42.9)   (50.1)
Accrued payroll and employee benefits, measurement adjustments     (7.2)  
Other current liabilities   (21.8)   (17.3)
Other current liabilities, measurement period adjustments     4.5  
Long-term deferred tax liability   (185.7)   (133.7)
Long-term deferred tax liability, measurement period adjustments     52.0  
Pension and postretirement obligations   (67.1)   (67.1)
Pension and postretirement obligations, measurement period adjustments     0.0  
Other long-term liabilities   (12.7)   (20.2)
Other long-term liabilities, measurement period adjustments     (7.5)  
Total liabilities assumed   (429.7)   (387.9)
Total liabilities assumed, measurement period adjustments     41.8  
Total identifiable net assets   1,082.4   1,105.6
Total identifiable net assets, measurement period adjustments     23.2  
Goodwill   $ 752.5   $ 729.3
Increase (decrease) in goodwill, measurement period adjustments     $ (23.2)  
v3.20.2
ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES - Schedule of intangible assets assumed (Details) - Caraustar - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Apr. 30, 2020
Jul. 31, 2020
Feb. 11, 2019
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Final Purchase Price Allocation $ 725.5 $ 725.5 $ 717.1
Customer relationships      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Final Purchase Price Allocation $ 708.0    
Weighted Average Estimated Useful Life 15 years    
Trademarks      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Final Purchase Price Allocation $ 15.0    
Weighted Average Estimated Useful Life 3 years    
Other      
Business Acquisition [Line Items]      
Final Purchase Price Allocation $ 2.5    
Weighted Average Estimated Useful Life 4 years 7 months 6 days    
v3.20.2
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Summary of Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Segment (Details)
$ in Millions
9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]  
Beginning balance $ 1,517.8
Goodwill allocated to divestitures (36.3)
Goodwill adjustments related to acquisitions 3.7
Currency translation 20.1
Ending balance 1,505.3
Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services  
Goodwill [Roll Forward]  
Beginning balance 731.7
Goodwill allocated to divestitures (0.7)
Goodwill adjustments related to acquisitions 0.9
Currency translation 20.1
Ending balance 752.0
Paper Packaging & Services  
Goodwill [Roll Forward]  
Beginning balance 786.1
Goodwill allocated to divestitures (35.6)
Goodwill adjustments related to acquisitions 2.8
Currency translation 0.0
Ending balance $ 753.3
v3.20.2
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Jul. 31, 2019
Jul. 31, 2020
Jul. 31, 2019
Goodwill [Line Items]        
Goodwill adjustments related to acquisitions     $ 3.7  
Goodwill allocated to divestitures     36.3  
Decrease in gross intangible assets     3.4  
Finite lived intangible assets currency fluctuations     5.8  
Impairment intangible asset     0.9  
Write-off of fully-amortized intangible asset (impairment of intangible assets, finite-lived)     8.3  
Amortization of intangible assets $ 17.2 $ 17.1 52.1 $ 35.5
Future amortization expense, 2020 69.1   69.1  
Future amortization expense, 2021 66.5   66.5  
Future amortization expense, 2022 58.5   58.5  
Future amortization expense, 2023 56.0   56.0  
Future amortization expense, 2024 $ 52.7   52.7  
Paper Packaging & Services        
Goodwill [Line Items]        
Goodwill adjustments related to acquisitions     2.8  
Goodwill allocated to divestitures     $ 35.6  
v3.20.2
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Summary of Carrying Amount of Net Other Intangible Assets by Class (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Jul. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Finite Lived And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Gross Intangible Assets $ 951.5 $ 954.9
Accumulated Amortization 225.3 178.4
Net Intangible Assets 726.2 776.5
Net Intangible Assets 726.2 776.5
Customer relationships    
Finite Lived And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Gross Intangible Assets 887.4 890.6
Accumulated Amortization 191.2 150.3
Net Intangible Assets 696.2 740.3
Trademarks, patents and trade names    
Finite Lived And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Gross Intangible Assets 27.2 27.0
Accumulated Amortization 13.5 9.3
Net Intangible Assets 13.7 17.7
Non-compete agreements    
Finite Lived And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Gross Intangible Assets 2.3 2.3
Accumulated Amortization 1.9 0.7
Net Intangible Assets 0.4 1.6
Other    
Finite Lived And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Gross Intangible Assets 21.1 21.9
Accumulated Amortization 18.7 18.1
Net Intangible Assets 2.4 3.8
Trademarks, patents and trade names    
Finite Lived And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Trademarks and patents 13.5 13.1
Accumulated Amortization $ 0.0 $ 0.0
v3.20.2
RESTRUCTURING CHARGES - Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Restructuring Reserve Balances (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Jul. 31, 2019
Jul. 31, 2020
Jul. 31, 2019
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]        
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance     $ 11.3  
Costs incurred and charged to expense $ 19.1 $ 9.1 26.8 $ 20.3
Costs paid or otherwise settled     (18.1)  
Restructuring reserve, ending balance 20.0   20.0  
Employee Separation Costs        
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]        
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance     9.5  
Costs incurred and charged to expense 16.9   22.0  
Costs paid or otherwise settled     (12.6)  
Restructuring reserve, ending balance 18.9   18.9  
Other Costs        
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]        
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance     1.8  
Costs incurred and charged to expense 2.2   4.8  
Costs paid or otherwise settled     (5.5)  
Restructuring reserve, ending balance $ 1.1   $ 1.1  
v3.20.2
RESTRUCTURING CHARGES - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Jul. 31, 2019
Jul. 31, 2020
Jul. 31, 2019
Restructuring and Related Costs [Line Items]        
Restructuring charges $ 19.1 $ 9.1 $ 26.8 $ 20.3
Amounts remaining to be incurred 22.4   22.4  
Employee Separation Costs        
Restructuring and Related Costs [Line Items]        
Restructuring charges 16.9   22.0  
Other Costs        
Restructuring and Related Costs [Line Items]        
Restructuring charges $ 2.2   $ 4.8  
v3.20.2
RESTRUCTURING CHARGES - Amounts Expected to be Incurred, Amounts Incurred, and Amounts Remaining to Be Incurred (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Jul. 31, 2019
Jul. 31, 2020
Jul. 31, 2019
Restructuring and Related Costs [Line Items]        
Total Amounts Expected to be Incurred $ 49.2   $ 49.2  
Amounts Incurred During the nine months ended July 31, 2020 19.1 $ 9.1 26.8 $ 20.3
Amounts Remaining to be Incurred 22.4   22.4  
Employee Separation Costs        
Restructuring and Related Costs [Line Items]        
Amounts Incurred During the nine months ended July 31, 2020 16.9   22.0  
Other Costs        
Restructuring and Related Costs [Line Items]        
Amounts Incurred During the nine months ended July 31, 2020 2.2   4.8  
Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services        
Restructuring and Related Costs [Line Items]        
Total Amounts Expected to be Incurred 32.7   32.7  
Amounts Incurred During the nine months ended July 31, 2020     19.4  
Amounts Remaining to be Incurred 13.3   13.3  
Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services | Employee Separation Costs        
Restructuring and Related Costs [Line Items]        
Total Amounts Expected to be Incurred 27.2   27.2  
Amounts Incurred During the nine months ended July 31, 2020     17.0  
Amounts Remaining to be Incurred 10.2   10.2  
Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services | Other Costs        
Restructuring and Related Costs [Line Items]        
Total Amounts Expected to be Incurred 5.5   5.5  
Amounts Incurred During the nine months ended July 31, 2020     2.4  
Amounts Remaining to be Incurred 3.1   3.1  
Flexible Products & Services        
Restructuring and Related Costs [Line Items]        
Total Amounts Expected to be Incurred 3.8   3.8  
Amounts Incurred During the nine months ended July 31, 2020     1.3  
Amounts Remaining to be Incurred 2.5   2.5  
Flexible Products & Services | Employee Separation Costs        
Restructuring and Related Costs [Line Items]        
Total Amounts Expected to be Incurred 1.4   1.4  
Amounts Incurred During the nine months ended July 31, 2020     0.5  
Amounts Remaining to be Incurred 0.9   0.9  
Flexible Products & Services | Other Costs        
Restructuring and Related Costs [Line Items]        
Total Amounts Expected to be Incurred 2.4   2.4  
Amounts Incurred During the nine months ended July 31, 2020     0.8  
Amounts Remaining to be Incurred 1.6   1.6  
Paper Packaging & Services        
Restructuring and Related Costs [Line Items]        
Total Amounts Expected to be Incurred 12.7   12.7  
Amounts Incurred During the nine months ended July 31, 2020     6.1  
Amounts Remaining to be Incurred 6.6   6.6  
Paper Packaging & Services | Employee Separation Costs        
Restructuring and Related Costs [Line Items]        
Total Amounts Expected to be Incurred 4.5   4.5  
Amounts Incurred During the nine months ended July 31, 2020     4.5  
Amounts Remaining to be Incurred 0.0   0.0  
Paper Packaging & Services | Other Costs        
Restructuring and Related Costs [Line Items]        
Total Amounts Expected to be Incurred 8.2   8.2  
Amounts Incurred During the nine months ended July 31, 2020     1.6  
Amounts Remaining to be Incurred $ 6.6   $ 6.6  
v3.20.2
CONSOLIDATION OF VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Jul. 31, 2019
Jul. 31, 2020
Jul. 31, 2019
Oct. 31, 2019
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]          
Restricted bank financial instruments under Buyer SPE $ 50,900,000   $ 50,900,000   $ 50,900,000
Interest income of Buyer SPE 600,000 $ 600,000 1,800,000 $ 1,800,000  
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests (3,700,000) (4,800,000) (11,900,000) (18,400,000)  
STA Timber          
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]          
Debt instrument, principal outstanding 43,300,000   43,300,000   $ 43,300,000
Interest expense 500,000 500,000 1,700,000 1,700,000  
Paper Packaging JV | Held by special purpose entities          
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]          
Net income (loss) (500,000) 0 (1,500,000) 0  
Flexible Packaging JV | Held by special purpose entities          
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]          
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests $ 2,200,000 $ 2,300,000 $ 5,300,000 $ 10,800,000  
v3.20.2
CONSOLIDATION OF VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES - Total Net Assets of Flexible Packaging JV (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Jul. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 98.5 $ 77.3
Trade accounts receivable, less allowance of $0.8 in 2020 and $0.7 in 2019 624.5 664.2
Properties, plants and equipment, net 1,588.8 1,690.3
Total assets 5,593.8 5,426.7
Accounts payable 436.0 435.2
Allowance of trade accounts receivable 8.4 6.8
Held by special purpose entities    
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]    
Total assets 51.3 51.9
Flexible Packaging JV | Held by special purpose entities    
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]    
Cash and cash equivalents 21.9 16.9
Trade accounts receivable, less allowance of $0.8 in 2020 and $0.7 in 2019 45.9 51.2
Inventories 40.2 46.4
Properties, plants and equipment, net 22.8 22.3
Other assets 27.6 29.3
Total assets 158.4 166.1
Accounts payable 31.9 28.9
Other liabilities 22.3 23.6
Liabilities 54.2 52.5
Allowance of trade accounts receivable $ 0.8 $ 0.7
v3.20.2
CONSOLIDATION OF VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES - Total Net Assets of Paper Packing JV (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Jul. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 98.5 $ 77.3
Trade accounts receivable, less allowance of $0.0 in 2020 624.5 664.2
Properties, plants and equipment, net 1,588.8 1,690.3
Total assets 5,593.8 5,426.7
Accounts payable 436.0 435.2
Allowance of trade accounts receivable 8.4 6.8
Held by special purpose entities    
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]    
Total assets 51.3 $ 51.9
Paper Packaging JV | Held by special purpose entities    
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]    
Cash and cash equivalents 0.9  
Trade accounts receivable, less allowance of $0.0 in 2020 4.6  
Inventories 6.2  
Properties, plants and equipment, net 35.1  
Other assets 0.6  
Total assets 47.4  
Accounts payable 4.2  
Other liabilities 1.3  
Liabilities 5.5  
Allowance of trade accounts receivable $ 0.0  
v3.20.2
LONG-TERM DEBT - Summary of Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Jul. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-term debt $ 2,646.6 $ 2,756.3
Less: current portion 99.7 83.7
Less: deferred financing costs 11.6 13.6
Long-term debt 2,535.3 2,659.0
2019 Credit Agreement    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-term debt 1,614.8  
Other debt    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-term debt 0.2 0.4
Term Loan | 2019 Credit Agreement    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-term debt 1,549.4 1,612.2
Domestic Line of Credit    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-term debt 301.2 351.6
Revolving Credit Facility | 2019 Credit Agreement    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-term debt 65.4 76.1
Less: current portion 99.7  
Long-term debt 1,515.1  
Senior Notes | Senior Notes due 2027    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-term debt 494.9 494.3
Senior Notes | Senior Notes due 2021    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-term debt $ 235.5 $ 221.7
v3.20.2
LONG-TERM DEBT - Credit Agreement (Details)
9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2023
Jul. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Jul. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Oct. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Feb. 11, 2019
USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Debt Instrument Covenant EBITDA, ratio step down   0.25      
Long-term debt   $ 2,646,600,000 $ 2,646,600,000 $ 2,756,300,000  
Current portion of long-term debt   99,700,000 99,700,000 83,700,000  
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities   2,535,300,000 2,535,300,000 2,659,000,000.0  
2019 Credit Agreement          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Debt issued         $ 700,000,000.0
Long-term debt   1,614,800,000 1,614,800,000    
Secured Term Loan A-1 Facility          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Debt issued         1,275,000,000.0
Secured Term Loan A-2 Facility          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Debt issued         400,000,000.0
Revolving Credit Facility | 2019 Credit Agreement          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Maximum borrowing capacity         800,000,000.0
Long-term debt   65,400,000 65,400,000 $ 76,100,000  
Current portion of long-term debt   99,700,000 99,700,000    
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities   $ 1,515,100,000 $ 1,515,100,000    
Weighted average interest rate   2.91% 2.91%    
Actual interest rate   1.95% 1.95%    
Debt issuance costs   $ 6,600,000 $ 6,600,000    
Revolving Credit Facility | Multicurrency Facility          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Maximum borrowing capacity         600,000,000.0
Revolving Credit Facility | U.S. Dollar Facility          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Maximum borrowing capacity         $ 200,000,000.0
Term Loan | 2019 Credit Agreement          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Debt issuance costs   $ 9,100,000 $ 9,100,000    
Minimum          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Debt instrument covenant EBITDA     4.75    
Maximum          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Interest coverage ratio, adjusted EBITDA     3.00    
Scenario, Forecast          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Debt Instrument Covenant EBITDA, ratio step down 4.00        
v3.20.2
LONG-TERM DEBT - Senior Notes (Details)
Jul. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Feb. 11, 2019
USD ($)
Jul. 15, 2011
EUR (€)
2019 Credit Agreement      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Debt issued   $ 700,000,000.0  
Senior Notes | Senior Notes due 2027      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Debt issued   $ 500,000,000.0  
Interest of senior notes   6.50%  
Debt issuance costs $ 2,400,000    
Senior Notes | Senior Notes due 2021      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Debt issued | €     € 200,000,000.0
Interest of senior notes     7.375%
v3.20.2
LONG-TERM DEBT - Trade Accounts Receivable Credit Facility (Details)
Jul. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Jul. 31, 2020
EUR (€)
Oct. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Sep. 24, 2019
USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Long-term debt $ 2,646,600,000   $ 2,756,300,000  
Debt Issuance Costs 11,600,000   13,600,000  
Domestic Line of Credit        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Long-term debt 301,200,000   $ 351,600,000  
Accounts receivable credit facilities        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Maximum borrowing capacity       $ 275,000,000.0
Accounts receivable credit facilities | Domestic Line of Credit        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Long-term debt 223,500,000      
Debt Issuance Costs 100,000      
European RPA        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Financing receivable maximum amount under receivable purchase agreement 117,900,000 € 100,000,000.0    
European RPA | International Trade Accounts Receivable Credit Facilities | Foreign Line of Credit        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Long-term debt $ 77,700,000      
v3.20.2
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Recurring Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Jul. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Fair value of assets (liabilities) $ (19.7) $ 7.6
Interest rate derivatives | Other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Fair value of assets (liabilities) (49.0) (25.0)
Interest rate derivatives | Other current assets and other long-term assets    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Fair value of assets (liabilities)   1.3
Foreign exchange hedges | Other current assets    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Fair value of assets (liabilities) 0.8 0.9
Foreign exchange hedges | Other current liabilities    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Fair value of assets (liabilities) (1.2) (0.2)
Insurance annuity | Other long-term assets    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Fair value of assets (liabilities) 21.3 20.0
Cross currency swap | Other current assets and other long-term assets    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Fair value of assets (liabilities) 8.4 10.6
Level 1    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Fair value of assets (liabilities) 0.0 0.0
Level 1 | Interest rate derivatives | Other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Fair value of assets (liabilities) 0.0 0.0
Level 1 | Interest rate derivatives | Other current assets and other long-term assets    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Fair value of assets (liabilities)   0.0
Level 1 | Foreign exchange hedges | Other current assets    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Fair value of assets (liabilities) 0.0 0.0
Level 1 | Foreign exchange hedges | Other current liabilities    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Fair value of assets (liabilities) 0.0 0.0
Level 1 | Insurance annuity | Other long-term assets    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Fair value of assets (liabilities) 0.0 0.0
Level 1 | Cross currency swap | Other current assets and other long-term assets    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Fair value of assets (liabilities) 0.0 0.0
Level 2    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Fair value of assets (liabilities) (41.0) (12.4)
Level 2 | Interest rate derivatives | Other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Fair value of assets (liabilities) (49.0) (25.0)
Level 2 | Interest rate derivatives | Other current assets and other long-term assets    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Fair value of assets (liabilities)   1.3
Level 2 | Foreign exchange hedges | Other current assets    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Fair value of assets (liabilities) 0.8 0.9
Level 2 | Foreign exchange hedges | Other current liabilities    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Fair value of assets (liabilities) (1.2) (0.2)
Level 2 | Insurance annuity | Other long-term assets    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Fair value of assets (liabilities) 0.0 0.0
Level 2 | Cross currency swap | Other current assets and other long-term assets    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Fair value of assets (liabilities) 8.4 10.6
Level 3    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Fair value of assets (liabilities) 21.3 20.0
Level 3 | Interest rate derivatives | Other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Fair value of assets (liabilities) 0.0 0.0
Level 3 | Interest rate derivatives | Other current assets and other long-term assets    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Fair value of assets (liabilities)   0.0
Level 3 | Foreign exchange hedges | Other current assets    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Fair value of assets (liabilities) 0.0 0.0
Level 3 | Foreign exchange hedges | Other current liabilities    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Fair value of assets (liabilities) 0.0 0.0
Level 3 | Insurance annuity | Other long-term assets    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Fair value of assets (liabilities) 21.3 20.0
Level 3 | Cross currency swap | Other current assets and other long-term assets    
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]    
Fair value of assets (liabilities) $ 0.0 $ 0.0
v3.20.2
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Additional Information (Details)
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Derivative
Jul. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Jan. 31, 2019
Jul. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Derivative
Jul. 31, 2019
USD ($)
asset_group
Jul. 15, 2021
USD ($)
Oct. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Derivative
Mar. 06, 2018
USD ($)
Oct. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]                  
Gains (losses) recorded under fair value contracts $ 1,700,000 $ 2,800,000   $ (500,000) $ 3,300,000        
Unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency (2,200,000) (300,000)   (400,000) 1,500,000        
Interest expense, net 29,800,000 34,500,000   89,800,000 80,100,000        
Non-cash asset impairment charges $ 15,500,000 0   16,900,000 2,100,000        
Impairment of long-lived assets held-for-use       0 0        
Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services | Assets Held And Used                  
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]                  
Recognized amount of additional impairment related to assets and liabilities held and used       $ 0 $ 2,100,000        
Number of impaired assets held and used (asset group) | asset_group         1        
Interest Rate Swap | Cash Flow Hedging                  
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]                  
Number of interest rate derivatives held | Derivative 4     4     6    
Derivative, notional amount             $ 1,300,000,000.0    
Derivative, future amortization amount             200,000,000.0    
Derivative, term of contract     5 years            
Derivative outstanding notional amount $ 1,000,000,000.0     $ 1,000,000,000.0          
Debt issued                 $ 300,000,000.0
Interest of senior notes                 1.19%
Gain (Loss) reclassified from AOCI to income (6,400,000) 700,000   (11,100,000) $ 2,500,000        
Loss to be reclassified within next twelve months       18,600,000          
Interest Rate Swap | Cash Flow Hedging | Scenario, Forecast                  
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]                  
Derivative, notional amount           $ 200,000,000.0      
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts                  
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]                  
Derivative, notional amount 143,300,000     143,300,000     $ 275,000,000.0    
Cross currency swap                  
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]                  
Derivative, notional amount               $ 100,000,000.0  
Derivative, fixed interest rate               2.35%  
Interest expense, net $ 600,000 $ 600,000   1,800,000 $ 1,800,000        
Property, Plant and Equipment                  
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]                  
Impairment of long-lived assets held-for-use       $ 16,900,000          
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Interest Rate Swap | Cash Flow Hedging                  
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]                  
Weighted average interest rate             2.49%    
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Interest Rate Swap | Cash Flow Hedging | Scenario, Forecast                  
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]                  
Weighted average interest rate           0.90%      
v3.20.2
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Estimated Fair Values for the Company's Senior Notes and Assets Held by Special Purpose Entities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Jul. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Estimated Fair Value Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]    
Assets $ 5,593.8 $ 5,426.7
Held by special purpose entities    
Estimated Fair Value Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]    
Assets 51.3 51.9
Senior Notes due 2021 | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement    
Estimated Fair Value Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]    
Estimated fair value 248.6 248.1
Senior Notes due 2027 | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement    
Estimated Fair Value Of Financial Instruments [Line Items]    
Estimated fair value $ 533.6 $ 537.9
v3.20.2
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Summary of Significant Unobservable Inputs Used to Determine Fair Value Long-Lived Assets Held and Used (Details) - USD ($)
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Jul. 31, 2019
Jul. 31, 2020
Jul. 31, 2019
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]        
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use     $ 0 $ 0
Non-cash asset impairment charges $ 15,500,000 $ 0 16,900,000 2,100,000
Level 3 | Fair value, nonrecurring        
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]        
Non-cash asset impairment charges     16,900,000 2,100,000
Level 3 | Fair value, nonrecurring | Discounted Cash Flows; Indicative Bids | Machinery and Equipment        
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]        
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use     $ 16,900,000  
Level 3 | Fair value, nonrecurring | Indicative Bids | Land and Building        
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]        
Impairment of Net Assets Held for Sale       $ 2,100,000
v3.20.2
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Additional Information (Details) - 2020 LTIP - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended 36 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Jul. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2022
RSUs | Scenario, Forecast      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Vesting period on the basis of service only     3 years
Shares of restricted stock (shares)     147,325
Weighted average grant date fair value (usd per share)     $ 37.42
PSUs      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Share-based payment arrangement, expense $ 1.2 $ 2.0  
PSUs | Scenario, Forecast      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Performance period based upon service, performance criteria and market conditions     3 years
Shares of restricted stock (shares)     258,519
v3.20.2
INCOME TAXES (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Jul. 31, 2019
Jul. 31, 2020
Jul. 31, 2019
Feb. 11, 2019
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]          
Income tax expense $ 6.9 $ 26.8 $ 44.8 $ 58.3  
Caraustar          
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]          
Deferred tax liabilities $ 133.7   $ 133.7   $ 185.7
v3.20.2
POST RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS - Additional Information (Details)
$ in Millions
9 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
plan
Jul. 31, 2020
USD ($)
plan
Jul. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]      
Company's pension contributions   $ 27.0 $ 19.7
United States | Pension Plans, Defined Benefit      
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]      
Number of plans | plan 2 2  
Employer contributions during period   $ 44.3  
Decrease for settlement   44.3  
Gain on settlement   $ 0.1  
Obligation period decrease $ 19.0    
Plan assets, decrease $ 9.3    
Defined benefit plan, assumptions used, discount rate   3.38%  
Expected long term return on assets   5.00%  
v3.20.2
POST RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS - Components of Net Periodic Pension Cost (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Jul. 31, 2019
Jul. 31, 2020
Jul. 31, 2019
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit        
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]        
Service cost $ 3.6 $ 3.8 $ 9.6 $ 10.1
Interest cost 7.2 8.7 19.4 22.6
Expected return on plan assets (10.5) (11.0) (28.7) (28.2)
Amortization of prior service cost 3.4 1.8 9.8 5.4
Net periodic costs (benefits) for pension and post-retirement benefits 3.7 3.3 10.1 9.9
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit        
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]        
Interest cost 0.1 0.1 0.3 0.3
Amortization of prior service cost (0.1) (0.4) (0.4) (1.2)
Net periodic costs (benefits) for pension and post-retirement benefits $ 0.0 $ (0.3) $ (0.1) $ (0.9)
v3.20.2
CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESERVES (Details)
$ in Millions
30 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2019
facility
Jul. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Oct. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Mar. 03, 2016
USD ($)
Site Contingency [Line Items]        
Number of reconditioning facilities subject to litigation | facility 3      
Environmental liability reserves   $ 19.7 $ 18.7 $ 1,380.0
Diamond Alkali        
Site Contingency [Line Items]        
Environmental liability reserves   11.2    
European Drum Facilities        
Site Contingency [Line Items]        
Environmental liability reserves   3.3 3.3  
Life Cycle Management and Recycling Facilities        
Site Contingency [Line Items]        
Environmental liability reserves   0.1 0.1  
Owned by Other Company        
Site Contingency [Line Items]        
Environmental liability reserves   0.9 0.3  
Paper Packaging And Services, Landfill        
Site Contingency [Line Items]        
Environmental liability reserves   2.2 2.0  
Paper Packaging & Services        
Site Contingency [Line Items]        
Environmental liability reserves   0.4 0.0  
Other Facilities        
Site Contingency [Line Items]        
Environmental liability reserves   1.6 1.8  
Wrongful Termination Lawsuits | Pending Litigation        
Site Contingency [Line Items]        
Estimated liability recorded for legal proceedings   $ 0.6 $ 0.6  
v3.20.2
EARNINGS PER SHARE - Additional Information (Details) - shares
9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Class A Common Stock    
Class of Stock [Line Items]    
Percentage of shares outstanding used in two class method calculation 40.00%  
Class B Common Stock    
Class of Stock [Line Items]    
Percentage of shares outstanding used in two class method calculation 60.00%  
Board Of Director Authorized    
Class of Stock [Line Items]    
Number of shares authorized to be purchased (shares) 4,703,487 4,703,487
Stock Repurchase Committee Authorized    
Class of Stock [Line Items]    
Repurchase of common stock (shares) 0  
v3.20.2
EARNINGS PER SHARE - Computation of Earnings Per Share Basic and Diluted (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Jul. 31, 2019
Jul. 31, 2020
Jul. 31, 2019
Numerator for basic and diluted EPS        
Net income attributable to Greif, Inc. $ 20.7 $ 62.7 $ 64.4 $ 106.0
Cash dividends (26.2) (26.1) (78.2) (77.9)
Undistributed net income attributable to Greif, Inc. $ (5.5) $ 36.6 $ (13.8) $ 28.1
v3.20.2
EARNINGS PER SHARE - Summarization of Company's Class A and Class B Common and Treasury Shares (Details) - shares
Jul. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Class A Common Stock    
Class of Stock [Line Items]    
Authorized Shares (shares) 128,000,000 128,000,000
Issued Shares (shares) 42,281,920 42,281,920
Outstanding Shares (shares) 26,441,986 26,257,943
Treasury Shares (shares) 15,839,934 16,023,977
Class B Common Stock    
Class of Stock [Line Items]    
Authorized Shares (shares) 69,120,000 69,120,000
Issued Shares (shares) 34,560,000 34,560,000
Outstanding Shares (shares) 22,007,725 22,007,725
Treasury Shares (shares) 12,552,275 12,552,275
v3.20.2
EARNINGS PER SHARE - Reconciliation of Shares Used to Calculate Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Details) - shares
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Jul. 31, 2019
Jul. 31, 2020
Jul. 31, 2019
Class A Common Stock        
Class of Stock [Line Items]        
Basic shares (shares) 26,441,986 26,257,943 26,363,123 26,166,612
Assumed conversion of restricted shares (shares) 609 0 54 0
Diluted shares (shares) 26,442,595 26,257,943 26,363,177 26,166,612
Class B Common Stock        
Class of Stock [Line Items]        
Basic shares (shares) 22,000,000.0 22,000,000.0 22,000,000.0 22,000,000.0
Diluted shares (shares) 22,000,000.0 22,000,000.0 22,000,000.0 22,000,000.0
Basic and diluted shares (shares) 22,007,725 22,007,725 22,007,725 22,007,725
v3.20.2
LEASES - Additional Information (Details)
9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Minimum  
Leases [Abstract]  
Term of contract 1 year
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]  
Term of contract 1 year
Maximum  
Leases [Abstract]  
Term of contract 22 years
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]  
Term of contract 22 years
v3.20.2
LEASES - Lease Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Jul. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]    
Operating lease assets $ 318.1 $ 0.0
Finance lease assets 5.0  
Total lease assets 323.1  
Current portion of operating lease liabilities 53.2 0.0
Current finance lease liabilities 1.8  
Total current lease liabilities 55.0  
Operating lease liabilities 267.5 $ 0.0
Non-current finance lease liabilities 3.2  
Total non-current lease liabilities 270.7  
Total lease liabilities $ 325.7  
v3.20.2
LEASES - Components of Lease Expense (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Jul. 31, 2020
Leases [Abstract]    
Operating lease cost $ 17.2 $ 50.0
Finance lease cost 0.4 1.1
Variable lease cost* 5.5 19.3
Total lease cost $ 23.1 $ 70.4
v3.20.2
LEASES - Maturities of Operating and Financing Lease Liabilities (Details)
$ in Millions
Jul. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Operating Leases  
2020 $ 66.7
2021 62.5
2022 54.7
2023 46.7
2024 38.6
Thereafter 172.1
Total lease payments 441.3
Less: Interest (120.6)
Lease liabilities 320.7
Finance Leases  
2020 1.4
2021 1.4
2022 1.2
2023 0.9
2024 0.5
Thereafter 0.3
Total lease payments 5.7
Less: Interest (0.7)
Lease liabilities 5.0
Total expected payments  
2020 68.1
2021 63.9
2022 55.9
2023 47.6
2024 39.1
Thereafter 172.4
Total lease payments 447.0
Less: Interest (121.3)
Lease liabilities $ 325.7
v3.20.2
LEASES - Other Information (Details)
Jul. 31, 2020
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years):  
Operating leases 11 years 3 months 18 days
Finance leases 3 years 9 months 18 days
Weighted-average discount rate:  
Operating leases 3.61%
Finance leases 3.33%
v3.20.2
LEASES - Cash Flow (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Jul. 31, 2020
Leases [Abstract]    
Operating cash flows used for operating leases $ 16.9 $ 52.2
Financing cash flows used for finance leases 0.3 1.0
Leased assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities 0.8 63.9
Leased assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities $ 0.1 $ 0.4
v3.20.2
LEASES - Information Related to Company's Rent Expense (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2020
Jan. 31, 2019
Jan. 31, 2018
Leases [Abstract]      
Rent Expense $ 86.2 $ 47.1 $ 41.0
v3.20.2
LEASES - Company's Minimum Rent Commitments Under Operating and Capital Leases (Details)
$ in Millions
Oct. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Operating Leases  
2020 $ 64.8
2021 57.0
2022 48.7
2023 40.1
2024 31.6
Thereafter 117.5
Total 359.7
Capital Leases  
2020 1.8
2021 1.6
2022 1.3
2023 1.0
2024 0.6
Thereafter 0.3
Total $ 6.6
v3.20.2
EQUITY EARNINGS OF UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES, NET OF TAX AND NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Jul. 31, 2019
Mar. 31, 2025
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]      
Purchases of equity method investments $ 3.6 $ 0.0  
Centurion Container LLC      
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]      
Purchases of equity method investments $ 3.6    
Option to acquirer ownership interest 80.00%    
Centurion Container LLC | Scenario, Forecast      
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]      
Option to acquirer ownership interest     100.00%
v3.20.2
EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - Summary of Changes in Equity (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Jul. 31, 2019
Jul. 31, 2020
Jul. 31, 2019
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]        
Beginning balance $ 1,135.2 $ 1,136.4 $ 1,191.1 $ 1,154.2
Net income 24.4 67.5 76.3 124.4
Other comprehensive income (loss):        
Foreign currency translation 59.6 (0.9) 4.2 (10.4)
Derivative financial instruments, net of income tax benefit 2.0 (5.0) (20.9) (20.7)
Minimum pension liabilities (2.4) 2.3 20.6 2.2
Comprehensive income 83.6 63.9 80.2 95.5
Current period mark to redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interest 1.1 2.3 2.2 3.3
Net income allocated to redeemable noncontrolling interests 0.3 (0.5) 0.2 (1.8)
Dividends paid to Greif, Inc. shareholders (26.2) (26.1) (78.2) (77.9)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests and other (3.6) (0.4) (12.1) (8.3)
Long-term incentive shares issued     5.3 11.6
Share based compensation 0.5   1.0  
Restricted stock       1.1
Ending balance 1,190.9 1,175.6 1,190.9 1,175.6
Derivative, income tax benefit $ 6.7 $ 2.2 6.7  
Pension, income tax benefit     7.5 3.4
Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment        
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]        
Beginning balance       $ (2.1)
Executive        
Other comprehensive income (loss):        
Restricted stock     0.2  
Directors        
Other comprehensive income (loss):        
Restricted stock     $ 1.0  
Capital Stock        
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]        
Beginning balance (shares) 48,450 48,266 48,266 47,949
Beginning balance $ 169.2 $ 162.6 $ 162.6 $ 150.5
Other comprehensive income (loss):        
Long-term incentive shares issued (shares)     153 292
Long-term incentive shares issued     $ 5.0 $ 11.0
Share based compensation $ 0.5   $ 1.0  
Restricted stock (shares)       25
Restricted stock       $ 1.1
Ending balance (shares) 48,450 48,266 48,450 48,266
Ending balance $ 169.7 $ 162.6 $ 169.7 $ 162.6
Capital Stock | Executive        
Other comprehensive income (loss):        
Restricted stock (shares)     3  
Restricted stock     $ 0.1  
Capital Stock | Directors        
Other comprehensive income (loss):        
Restricted stock (shares)     28  
Restricted stock     $ 1.0  
Treasury Stock        
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]        
Beginning balance (shares) 28,392 28,576 28,576 28,893
Beginning balance $ (134.4) $ (134.8) $ (134.8) $ (135.4)
Other comprehensive income (loss):        
Long-term incentive shares issued (shares)     (153) (292)
Long-term incentive shares issued     $ 0.3 $ 0.6
Restricted stock (shares)       (25)
Restricted stock      
Ending balance (shares) 28,392 28,576 28,392 28,576
Ending balance $ (134.4) $ (134.8) $ (134.4) $ (134.8)
Treasury Stock | Executive        
Other comprehensive income (loss):        
Restricted stock (shares)     (3)  
Restricted stock     $ 0.1  
Treasury Stock | Directors        
Other comprehensive income (loss):        
Restricted stock (shares)     (28)  
Restricted stock     $ 0.0  
Retained Earnings        
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]        
Beginning balance 1,531.8 1,460.2 1,539.0 1,469.8
Net income 20.7 62.7 64.4 106.0
Other comprehensive income (loss):        
Current period mark to redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interest 1.1 2.3 2.2 3.3
Dividends paid to Greif, Inc. shareholders (26.2) (26.1) (78.2) (77.9)
Ending balance 1,527.4 1,499.1 1,527.4 1,499.1
Retained Earnings | Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment        
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]        
Beginning balance       (2.1)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)        
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]        
Beginning balance (483.4) (401.4) (433.7) (377.1)
Other comprehensive income (loss):        
Foreign currency translation 62.4 (2.2) 12.6 (10.7)
Derivative financial instruments, net of income tax benefit 2.0 (5.0) (20.9) (20.7)
Minimum pension liabilities (2.4) 2.3 20.6 2.2
Ending balance (421.4) (406.3) (421.4) (406.3)
Greif, Inc. Equity        
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]        
Beginning balance 1,083.2 1,086.6 1,133.1 1,107.8
Net income 20.7 62.7 64.4 106.0
Other comprehensive income (loss):        
Foreign currency translation 62.4 (2.2) 12.6 (10.7)
Derivative financial instruments, net of income tax benefit 2.0 (5.0) (20.9) (20.7)
Minimum pension liabilities (2.4) 2.3 20.6 2.2
Comprehensive income 82.7 57.8 76.7 76.8
Current period mark to redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interest 1.1 2.3 2.2 3.3
Dividends paid to Greif, Inc. shareholders (26.2) (26.1) (78.2) (77.9)
Long-term incentive shares issued     5.3 11.6
Share based compensation 0.5   1.0  
Restricted stock       1.1
Ending balance 1,141.3 1,120.6 1,141.3 1,120.6
Greif, Inc. Equity | Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment        
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]        
Beginning balance       (2.1)
Greif, Inc. Equity | Executive        
Other comprehensive income (loss):        
Restricted stock     0.2  
Greif, Inc. Equity | Directors        
Other comprehensive income (loss):        
Restricted stock     1.0  
Non controlling interests        
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]        
Beginning balance 52.0 49.8 58.0 46.4
Net income 3.7 4.8 11.9 18.4
Other comprehensive income (loss):        
Foreign currency translation (2.8) 1.3 (8.4) 0.3
Net income allocated to redeemable noncontrolling interests 0.3 (0.5) 0.2 (1.8)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests and other (3.6) (0.4) (12.1) (8.3)
Ending balance $ 49.6 $ 55.0 $ 49.6 $ 55.0
Class A Common Stock        
Other comprehensive income (loss):        
Cash dividends declared per common share (usd per share) $ 0.44 $ 0.44 $ 1.32 $ 1.32
Class B Common Stock        
Other comprehensive income (loss):        
Cash dividends declared per common share (usd per share) $ 0.66 $ 0.66 $ 1.97 $ 1.97
v3.20.2
EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Jul. 31, 2019
Jul. 31, 2020
Jul. 31, 2019
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]        
Beginning balance     $ 1,133.1  
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) $ 59.2 $ (3.6) 3.9 $ (28.9)
Ending balance 1,141.3 1,141.3
Foreign Currency Translation        
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]        
Beginning balance     (298.0) (292.8)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)     12.6 (10.7)
Ending balance (285.4) (303.5) (285.4) (303.5)
Derivative Financial Instruments        
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]        
Beginning balance     (12.7)  
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)     (20.9)  
Ending balance (33.6)   (33.6)  
Derivative Financial Instruments        
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]        
Beginning balance       13.4
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)       (20.7)
Ending balance   (7.3)   (7.3)
Minimum Pension Liability Adjustment        
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]        
Beginning balance     (123.0) (97.7)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)     20.6 2.2
Ending balance (102.4) (95.5) (102.4) (95.5)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)        
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]        
Beginning balance     (433.7) (377.1)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)     12.3 (29.2)
Ending balance $ (421.4) $ (406.3) $ (421.4) $ (406.3)
v3.20.2
BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION - Additional Information (Details)
9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Number of operating segments 8
Number of reportable business segment 4
v3.20.2
BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION - Geographic Area (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Jul. 31, 2019
Jul. 31, 2020
Jul. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]        
Net sales $ 1,083.0 $ 1,252.6 $ 3,353.7 $ 3,362.9
Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services        
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]        
Net sales 548.5 642.1 1,719.8 1,871.6
Paper Packaging & Services        
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]        
Net sales 459.3 530.0 1,414.6 1,244.9
Flexible Products & Services        
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]        
Net sales 69.3 74.5 199.7 226.6
Land Management        
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]        
Net sales 5.9 6.0 19.6 19.8
United States        
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]        
Net sales 659.2 767.8 2,051.3 1,965.5
United States | Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services        
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]        
Net sales 194.4 229.9 617.0 688.2
United States | Paper Packaging & Services        
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]        
Net sales 451.5 522.3 1,394.3 1,231.2
United States | Flexible Products & Services        
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]        
Net sales 7.4 9.6 20.4 26.3
United States | Land Management        
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]        
Net sales 5.9 6.0 19.6 19.8
Europe, Middle East and Africa        
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]        
Net sales 312.3 353.6 955.9 1,009.2
Europe, Middle East and Africa | Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services        
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]        
Net sales 258.3 296.2 798.5 831.8
Europe, Middle East and Africa | Paper Packaging & Services        
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]        
Net sales 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Europe, Middle East and Africa | Flexible Products & Services        
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]        
Net sales 54.0 57.4 157.4 177.4
Europe, Middle East and Africa | Land Management        
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]        
Net sales 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Asia Pacific and Other Americas        
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]        
Net sales 111.5 131.2 346.5 388.2
Asia Pacific and Other Americas | Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services        
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]        
Net sales 95.8 116.0 304.3 351.6
Asia Pacific and Other Americas | Paper Packaging & Services        
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]        
Net sales 7.8 7.7 20.3 13.7
Asia Pacific and Other Americas | Flexible Products & Services        
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]        
Net sales 7.9 7.5 21.9 22.9
Asia Pacific and Other Americas | Land Management        
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]        
Net sales $ 0.0 $ 0.0 $ 0.0 $ 0.0
v3.20.2
BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION - Segment Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Jul. 31, 2019
Jul. 31, 2020
Jul. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]        
Total operating profit (loss) $ 61.9 $ 125.6 $ 213.1 $ 283.4
Total depreciation, depletion and amortization expense 59.9 60.0 182.4 146.8
Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services        
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]        
Total operating profit (loss) 42.5 54.3 155.8 124.6
Total depreciation, depletion and amortization expense 19.5 18.6 59.1 57.0
Paper Packaging & Services        
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]        
Total operating profit (loss) 13.3 63.1 40.3 128.6
Total depreciation, depletion and amortization expense 37.8 38.9 115.8 81.9
Flexible Products & Services        
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]        
Total operating profit (loss) 4.1 5.0 10.7 22.2
Total depreciation, depletion and amortization expense 1.4 1.4 4.4 4.7
Land Management        
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]        
Total operating profit (loss) 2.0 3.2 6.3 8.0
Total depreciation, depletion and amortization expense $ 1.2 $ 1.1 $ 3.1 $ 3.2
v3.20.2
BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION - Properties, Plants and Equipment, Net by Geographical Area (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Jul. 31, 2020
Oct. 31, 2019
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]    
Assets $ 5,593.8 $ 5,426.7
Total long-lived assets, net 1,906.9 1,690.3
United States    
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]    
Total long-lived assets, net 1,413.1 1,295.8
Europe, Middle East and Africa    
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]    
Total long-lived assets, net 383.8 277.1
Asia Pacific and Other Americas    
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]    
Total long-lived assets, net 110.0 117.4
Operating Segments    
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]    
Assets 5,334.7 5,189.5
Operating Segments | Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services    
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]    
Assets 2,243.7 2,006.3
Operating Segments | Paper Packaging & Services    
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]    
Assets 2,582.6 2,686.3
Operating Segments | Flexible Products & Services    
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]    
Assets 160.0 148.2
Operating Segments | Land Management    
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]    
Assets 348.4 348.7
Corporate and other    
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]    
Assets $ 259.1 $ 237.2
v3.20.2
REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS - Rollforward of Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest (Details)
$ in Millions
9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity [Roll Forward]  
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Carrying Amount $ 21.3
Current period mark to redemption value (2.2)
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Carrying Amount 18.6
Container Life Cycle Management LLC  
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity [Roll Forward]  
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Carrying Amount 8.4
Current period mark to redemption value 0.0
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Carrying Amount $ 8.4
v3.20.2
REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS - Additional Information (Details)
9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
joint_venture
Paper Packaging & Services  
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]  
Number of joint ventures 2
Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services  
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]  
Number of joint ventures 1
v3.20.2
REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS - Rollforward of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2020
Jul. 31, 2019
Jul. 31, 2020
Jul. 31, 2019
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity [Roll Forward]        
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Carrying Amount     $ 21.3  
Current period mark to redemption value     (2.2)  
Redeemable noncontrolling interest share of income and other $ 0.3 $ (0.5) 0.2 $ (1.8)
Dividends to redeemable noncontrolling interest and other     (0.7)  
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Carrying Amount $ 18.6   $ 18.6