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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549





FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

| | x | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
| | - | ------------------------------------------------------------------------

| |  | ACT OF 1934
| |  | -----------

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009

OR



| |  ̈ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
| | - | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

| |  | ACT OF 1934
| |  | -----------

For the transition period from  to

Commission file number 1-12613





ROCK-TENN COMPANY

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)



|                                                               |  |                                     
|-------------------------------------------------------------- |  | ------------------------------------
|Georgia                                                        |  | 62-0342590                          
|(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) |  | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
|                                                               | 
|504 Thrasher Street, Norcross, Georgia                         |  | 30071                               
|(Address of Principal Executive Offices)                       |  | (Zip Code)                          

Registrants Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (770) 448-2193

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



|                                                |  |                                     
|----------------------------------------------- |  | ------------------------------------
|Title of Each Class                             |  | Name of Exchange on Which Registered
|Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |  | New York Stock Exchange             

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



|                                                                    |  |                            
|------------------------------------------------------------------- |  | ---------------------------
|Large accelerated filer x                                           |  | Accelerated filer  ̈        
|Non-accelerated filer  ̈ (Do not check if smaller reporting company) |  | Smaller reporting company  ̈

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

The aggregate market value of the common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of March 31, 2009, the last day of the registrants most recently completed second fiscal quarter
(based on the last reported closing price of $27.05 per share of Class A Common Stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange on such date), was approximately $962 million.

As of November 6, 2009, the registrant had 38,748,787 shares of Class A Common Stock outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on January 29, 2010, are incorporated by reference in Parts II and III.









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ROCK-TENN COMPANY

INDEX TO FORM 10-K



|         |  |                                                                                                                  |  |              
|-------- |  | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |  | -------------
|         |  |                                                                                                                  |  | PageReference
|         |  | PART I                                                                                                           |  |              
|Item 1.  |  | Business                                                                                                         |  | 3            
|Item 1A. |  | Risk Factors                                                                                                     |  | 10           
|Item 1B. |  | Unresolved Staff Comments                                                                                        |  | 12           
|Item 2.  |  | Properties                                                                                                       |  | 12           
|Item 3.  |  | Legal Proceedings                                                                                                |  | 13           
|Item 4.  |  | Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders                                                              |  | 13           
|         |  |                                                                                                                 
|         |  | PART II                                                                                                          |  |              
|Item 5.  |  | Market for the Registrants Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities |  | 14           
|Item 6.  |  | Selected Financial Data                                                                                          |  | 15           
|Item 7.  |  | Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations                            |  | 16           
|Item 7A. |  | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk                                                       |  | 37           
|Item 8.  |  | Financial Statements and Supplementary Data                                                                      |  | 41           
|Item 9.  |  | Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure                             |  | 105          
|Item 9A. |  | Controls and Procedures                                                                                          |  | 105          
|Item 9B. |  | Other Information                                                                                                |  | 106          
|         |  |                                                                                                                 
|         |  | PART III                                                                                                         |  |              
|Item 10. |  | Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance                                                           |  | 106          
|Item 11. |  | Executive Compensation                                                                                           |  | 106          
|Item 12. |  | Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters                   |  | 106          
|Item 13. |  | Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence                                        |  | 106          
|Item 14. |  | Principal Accounting Fees and Services                                                                           |  | 107          
|         |  |                                                                                                                 
|         |  | PART IV                                                                                                          |  |              
|Item 15. |  | Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules                                                                       |  | 107          



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PART I



|Item 1. | BUSINESS
|------- | --------

Unless the context otherwise requires, we, us, our, RockTenn and the
Company refer to the business of Rock-Tenn Company, its wholly-owned subsidiaries and its partially-owned consolidated subsidiaries, including RTS Packaging, LLC (RTS), GraphCorr LLC, Schiffenhaus
Canada, Inc. and Schiffenhaus California, LLC. See Note 1. Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policiesof the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

General

We are primarily
a manufacturer of packaging products, recycled paperboard, containerboard, bleached paperboard and merchandising displays. We operate a total of 100 facilities located in 27 states, Canada, Mexico, Chile and Argentina.

Products

We report our
results of operations in four segments: (1) Consumer Packaging, (2) Corrugated Packaging, (3) Merchandising Displays, and (4) Specialty Paperboard Products. For segment financial information, see Item 8,
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.For non-U.S. operations financial information and other segment information, see Note 21. Segment Informationof the Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements.

Consumer Packaging Segment

We operate an integrated system of five coated recycled mills and a bleached paperboard mill that produce paperboard for our folding carton
operations and third parties. We believe we are one of the largest manufacturers of folding cartons in North America measured by net sales. Customers use our folding cartons to package dry, frozen and perishable foods for the retail sale and
quick-serve markets; beverages; paper goods; automotive products; hardware; health care and nutritional food supplement products; household goods; health and beauty aids; recreational products; apparel; take out food products; and other products. We
also manufacture express mail envelopes for the overnight courier industry. Folding cartons typically protect customers products during shipment and distribution and employ graphics to promote them at retail. We manufacture folding cartons
from recycled and virgin paperboard, laminated paperboard and various substrates with specialty characteristics such as grease masking and microwaveability. We print, coat, die-cut and glue the paperboard to customer specifications. We ship finished
cartons to customers for assembling, filling and sealing. We employ a broad range of offset, flexographic, gravure, backside printing, and double coating technologies. We support our customers with new product development, graphic design and
packaging systems services.

We believe we operate the lowest cost coated recycled paperboard mill system in the U.S. and are
one of the largest U.S. manufacturers of 100% recycled paperboard measured by tons produced. We manufacture bleached paperboard and market pulp. We believe our bleached paperboard and market pulp mill is one of the lowest cost solid bleached
sulphate paperboard mills in North America because of cost advantages achieved through original design, process flow, relative age of its recovery boiler and hardwood pulp line replaced in the early 1990s and access to hardwood and softwood fiber.
We sell our coated recycled and bleached paperboard to manufacturers of folding cartons, and other paperboard products. Sales of consumer packaging products to external customers accounted for 52.6%, 54.0%, and 62.4% of our net sales in fiscal 2009,
2008, and 2007, respectively.

Corrugated Packaging Segment

We operate an integrated system that manufactures linerboard and corrugated medium (containerboard), corrugated
sheets, corrugated packaging and preprinted linerboard for sale to industrial and consumer products manufacturers and corrugated box manufacturers. To make corrugated sheet stock, we feed linerboard and



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corrugated medium into a corrugator that flutes the medium to specified sizes, glues the linerboard and fluted medium together and slits and cuts the resulting corrugated paperboard into sheets
to customer specifications. We also convert corrugated sheets into corrugated products ranging from one-color protective cartons to graphically brilliant point-of-purchase containers and displays. We provide structural design and engineering
services. Sales of corrugated packaging products to external customers accounted for 25.4%, 20.3%, and 9.2% of our net sales in fiscal 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively. The increase in fiscal 2008 was the result of our March 5, 2008
acquisition of Southern Container Corp. (Southern Container and the Southern Container Acquisition).

Merchandising Displays Segment

We manufacture temporary and
permanent point-of-purchase displays. We believe that we are one of the largest manufacturers of temporary promotional point-of-purchase displays in North America measured by net sales. We design, manufacture and, in most cases, pack temporary
displays for sale to consumer products companies. These displays are used as marketing tools to support new product introductions and specific product promotions in mass merchandising stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, home improvement stores
and other retail locations. We also design, manufacture and, in some cases, pre-assemble permanent displays for the same categories of customers. We make temporary displays primarily from corrugated paperboard. Unlike temporary displays, permanent
displays are restocked and, therefore, are constructed primarily from metal, plastic, wood and other durable materials. We provide contract packing services such as multi-product promotional packing and product manipulation such as multipacks and
onpacks. We manufacture lithographic laminated packaging for sale to our customers that require packaging with high quality graphics and strength characteristics. Sales of our merchandising display products to external customers accounted for 11.4%,
12.3%, and 13.2% of our net sales in fiscal 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively.

Specialty Paperboard Products Segment

We operate an integrated system of five specialty recycled paperboard mills (including our Seven Hills Paperboard LLC
(Seven Hills) joint venture) which produce paperboard for our converting operations (including our solid fiber interior packaging locations) and third parties, and we buy and sell recycled fiber. We sell our specialty recycled
paperboard to manufacturers of solid fiber interior packaging, tubes and cores, and other paperboard products. Through our Seven Hills joint venture we manufacture gypsum paperboard liner for sale to our joint venture partner. We also convert
specialty paperboard into book cover and laminated paperboard products for use in furniture, automotive components, storage, and other industrial products. Our 65% owned subsidiary, RTS, designs and manufactures fiber partitions and die-cut
paperboard components. We believe we are the largest manufacturer of solid fiber partitions in North America measured by net sales. We sell our solid fiber partitions principally to glass container manufacturers and producers of beer, food, wine,
spirits, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. We also manufacture specialty agricultural packaging for specific fruit and vegetable markets and sheeted separation products. We manufacture solid fiber interior packaging primarily from recycled paperboard.
Our solid fiber interior packaging is made from varying thicknesses of single ply and laminated paperboard to meet different structural requirements, including those required for high speed-casing, de-casing and filling lines. We employ primarily
proprietary manufacturing equipment developed by our engineering services group. This equipment delivers high-speed production and rapid turnaround on large jobs and specialized capabilities for short-run, custom applications. RTS operates in the
United States, Canada, Mexico, Chile, and Argentina. Our paper recovery facilities collect primarily waste paper from factories, warehouses, commercial printers, office complexes, retail stores, document storage facilities, and paper converters, and
from other wastepaper collectors. We handle a wide variety of grades of recovered paper, including old corrugated containers, office paper, box clippings, newspaper and print shop scraps. After sorting and baling, we transfer collected paper to our
paperboard mills for processing, or sell it, principally to U.S. manufacturers of paperboard, tissue, newsprint, roofing products and insulation. We also operate a fiber marketing and brokerage group that serves large regional and national accounts
as well as our coated and specialty recycled paperboard mills and sells scrap materials for our converting businesses and paperboard mills. Sales of specialty paperboard products to external customers accounted for 10.6%, 13.4%, and 15.2% of our net
sales in fiscal 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively.



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Raw Materials

The primary raw materials that our paperboard operations use are recycled fiber at our recycled paperboard and containerboard mills and virgin fibers from hardwoods and softwoods at our bleached
paperboard mill. The average cost per ton of recycled fiber that our recycled paperboard and containerboard mills used during fiscal 2009, 2008, and 2007 was $81, $145, and $115, respectively. Recycled fiber prices can fluctuate significantly. While
virgin fiber prices have generally been more stable than recycled fiber prices, they also fluctuate, particularly during prolonged periods of heavy rain or during housing slowdowns. The average cost per ton of virgin fiber that our bleached
paperboard mill used during fiscal 2009, 2008, and 2007 was $149, $134, and $116, respectively. Pursuant to a five year agreement entered into in June 2005, Gulf States Paper Corporation (Gulf States, currently known as the
Westervelt Company) has essentially agreed to continue to sell to our bleached paperboard mill the supply of softwood chips that it made available to the mill before our acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Gulf States Paperboard
and Packaging operations (GSPP) and the assumption of certain of Gulf States related liabilities in June 2005 (the GSPP Acquisition). This supply represents approximately 75% to 80% of the mills
historical softwood chip supply requirements and approximately 23% of the mills total wood fiber supply requirement. We are in the process of evaluating extending the contract.

Recycled and virgin paperboard are the primary raw materials that our paperboard converting operations use. One of the two primary grades of
virgin paperboard, coated unbleached kraft, used by our folding carton operations, has only two domestic suppliers. While we believe that we would be able to obtain adequate replacement supplies in the market should either of our current vendors
discontinue supplying us coated unbleached kraft, the failure to obtain these supplies or the failure to obtain these supplies at reasonable market prices could have an adverse effect on our results of operations. We supply substantially all of our
needs for recycled paperboard from our own mills and consume approximately half of our bleached paperboard production, although we have the capacity to consume substantially all of our bleached paperboard by displacing outside purchases. Because
there are other suppliers that produce the necessary grades of recycled and bleached paperboard used in our converting operations, we believe that we would be able to obtain adequate replacement supplies in the market should we be unable to meet our
requirements for recycled or bleached paperboard through internal production.

Energy

Energy is one of the most significant manufacturing costs of our mill operations. We use natural gas, electricity, fuel oil and coal to
operate our mills and to generate steam to make paper. We use primarily electricity for our converting equipment. We generally purchase these products from suppliers at market rates. Occasionally, we enter into agreements to purchase natural gas at
fixed prices. In recent years, the costs of natural gas, oil, coal and electricity have fluctuated significantly. The average cost of energy used by our recycled paperboard and containerboard mills, excluding our Solvay mill, to produce a ton of
paperboard during fiscal 2009 was $64 per ton, compared to $90 per ton during fiscal 2008 and $78 per ton in fiscal 2007. Our bleached paperboard mill uses wood by-products and pulp process wastes to supply a substantial portion of the mills
energy needs. Our Solvay mill purchases its process steam under a long-term contract with an adjacent coal fired power plant  with steam pricing based primarily on coal prices. The mills electric energy supply is low priced due to the
availability of hydro-based electric power.

Transportation

Inbound and outbound freight is a significant expenditure for us. Factors that influence our freight expense are distance between our
shipping and delivery locations, distance from customers and suppliers, mode of transportation (rail, truck, intermodal) and freight rates, which are influenced by supply and demand and fuel costs.



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Sales and Marketing

Our top 10 external customers represented approximately 24% of consolidated net sales in fiscal 2009, none of which individually accounted for more than 10% of our consolidated net sales. We generally
manufacture our products pursuant to customers orders. The loss of any of our larger customers could have a material adverse effect on the income attributable to the applicable segment and, depending on the significance of the product line,
our results of operations. We believe that we have good relationships with our customers.

In fiscal 2009, we sold:



| |  |  | consumer packaging products to approximately 1,100 customers, the top 10 of which represented approximately 30% of the external sales of our Consumer
Packaging segment;
| | - |  | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



| |  |  | corrugated packaging products to approximately 1,300 customers, the top 10 of which represented approximately 31% of the external sales of our
Corrugated Packaging segment;
| | - |  | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



| |  |  | merchandising display products to approximately 200 customers, the top 10 of which represented approximately 88% of the external sales of our
Merchandising Displays segment; and
| | - |  | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



| |  |  | specialty paperboard products to approximately 1,400 customers, the top 10 of which represented approximately 43% of the external sales of our
Specialty Paperboard Products segment.
| | - |  | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

During fiscal 2009, we sold approximately 48% of our coated recycled
paperboard mills production and 49% of our bleached paperboard production to internal customers, primarily to manufacture folding cartons. Approximately 72% of our containerboard production was sold to internal customers, primarily to
manufacture corrugated products. Excluding our gypsum paperboard liner production, which our Seven Hills joint venture sells as discussed below, we sold approximately 50% of our specialty mills production to internal customers, primarily to
manufacture interior partitions. Our mills sales volumes may therefore be directly impacted by changes in demand for our packaging products. Under the terms of our Seven Hills joint venture arrangement, our joint venture partner is required to
purchase all of the qualifying gypsum paperboard liner produced by Seven Hills.

We market our products primarily through our
own sales force. We also market a number of our products through either independent sales representatives or independent distributors, or both. We generally pay our sales personnel a base salary plus commissions. We pay our independent sales
representatives on a commission basis.

Competition

The packaging products, paperboard and containerboard industries are highly competitive, and no single company dominates either industry. Our competitors include large, vertically integrated packaging
products companies that manufacture paperboard or containerboard and numerous smaller non-integrated companies. In the folding carton and corrugated packaging markets, we compete with a significant number of national, regional and local packaging
suppliers in North America. In the solid fiber interior packaging, promotional point-of-purchase display, and converted paperboard products markets, we compete with a smaller number of national, regional and local companies offering highly
specialized products. Our paperboard operations compete with integrated and non-integrated national and regional companies operating in North America that manufacture various grades of paperboard and containerboard and, to a limited extent,
manufacturers outside of North America.

Because all of our businesses operate in highly competitive industry segments, we
regularly bid for sales opportunities to customers for new business or for renewal of existing business. The loss of business or the award of new business from our larger customers may have a significant impact on our results of operations.



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The primary competitive factors in the packaging products and paperboard and containerboard
industries are price, design, product innovation, quality and service, with varying emphasis on these factors depending on the product line and customer preferences. We believe that we compete effectively with respect to each of these factors and we
evaluate our performance with annual customer service surveys. However, to the extent that any of our competitors becomes more successful with respect to any key competitive factor, our business could be materially adversely affected.

Our ability to pass through cost increases can be limited based on competitive market conditions for our products and by the actions of our
competitors. In addition, we sell a significant portion of our paperboard and paperboard-based converted products pursuant to contracts that provide that prices are either fixed for specified terms or provide for price adjustments based on
negotiated terms, including changes in specified paperboard index prices. The effect of these contractual provisions generally is to either limit the amount of the increase or delay our ability to recover announced price increases for our paperboard
and paperboard-based converted products.

The packaging products, recycled paperboard and containerboard industries have
undergone significant consolidation in recent years. Within the packaging products industry, larger corporate customers with an expanded geographic presence have tended in recent years to seek suppliers who can, because of their broad geographic
presence, efficiently and economically supply all or a range of their customers packaging needs. In addition, during recent years, purchasers of paperboard, containerboard and packaging products have demanded higher quality products meeting
stricter quality control requirements. These market trends could adversely affect our results of operations or, alternatively, favor our products depending on our competitive position in specific product lines.

Our paperboard packaging products compete with plastic and corrugated packaging and packaging made from other materials. Customer shifts
away from paperboard packaging to packaging from other materials could adversely affect our results of operations.

Governmental Regulation

Health and Safety Regulations

Our operations are subject to federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations relating to workplace safety and worker health
including the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) and related regulations. OSHA, among other things, establishes asbestos and noise standards and regulates the use of hazardous chemicals in the workplace. Although we do not
use asbestos in manufacturing our products, some of our facilities contain asbestos. For those facilities where asbestos is present, we believe we have properly contained the asbestos and/or we have conducted training of our employees in an effort
to ensure that no federal, state or local rules or regulations are violated in the maintenance of our facilities. We do not believe that future compliance with health and safety laws and regulations will have a material adverse effect on our results
of operations, financial condition or cash flows.

Environmental Regulation

We are subject to various federal, state, local and foreign environmental laws and regulations, including, among others, the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), the Clean Air Act (as amended in 1990), the Clean Water Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and the Toxic Substances Control Act. These environmental
regulatory programs are primarily administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In addition, some states in which we operate have adopted equivalent or more stringent environmental laws and regulations or have enacted their own parallel
environmental programs, which are enforced through various state administrative agencies.



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We believe that future compliance with these environmental laws and regulations currently in
effect will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. We cannot currently assess with certainty the impact that the future emissions standards and enforcement practices associated with
changes to regulations promulgated under the Clean Air Act, or other environmental laws and regulations, will have on our operations or capital expenditure requirements. However, our compliance and remediation costs could increase materially.

We estimate that we will spend approximately $5 to $6 million for capital expenditures during fiscal 2010 in connection with
matters relating to safety and environmental compliance.

For additional information concerning environmental regulation, see
Note 20. Commitments and Contingenciesof the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Patents and Other
Intellectual Property

We hold a substantial number of patents and pending patent applications in the
United States and certain foreign countries. Our patent portfolio consists primarily of utility and design patents relating to our products and manufacturing operations. Certain of our products and services are also protected by trademarks such as
CartonMate®, DuraFrame®, DuraFreeze®, MillMask®, AngelCote®, BlueCuda®, MAXPDQ®, EcoMAX®, AdvantaEdge®, Clik Top®, Formations®, Bio-Pak®, Bio-Plus®, Fold-Pak®, CaseMate®, CitruSaver®, WineGuard®, and Pop-N-Shop. Our patents and other intellectual property, particularly our patents relating to our interior packaging, retail displays and folding carton
operations, are important to our operations as a whole.

Employees

At September 30, 2009, we employed approximately 10,300 employees. Of these employees, approximately 7,700 were hourly and
approximately 2,600 were salaried. Approximately 3,400 of our hourly employees are covered by union collective bargaining agreements, which generally have three-year terms. Approximately 300 of our employees are working under an expired contract and
approximately 1,400 of our employees are covered under collective bargaining agreements that expire within one year. We have not experienced any work stoppages in the past 10 years other than a three-week work stoppage at our Aurora, Illinois,
specialty recycled paperboard facility during fiscal 2004. Management believes that our relations with our employees are good.

Available
Information

Our Internet address is www.rocktenn.com. Our Internet address is included herein as an inactive
textual reference only. The information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference herein and should not be considered part of this report. We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and we make available free of charge most of our SEC filings through our Internet website as soon as reasonably practicable after filing with the SEC. You may access these SEC filings via
the hyperlink that we provide on our website to a third-party SEC filings website. We also make available on our website the charters of our audit committee, our compensation committee, and our nominating and corporate governance committee, as well
as the corporate governance guidelines adopted by our board of directors, our Code of Business Conduct for employees, our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for directors and our Code of Ethical Conduct for CEO and senior financial officers. We
will also provide copies of these documents, without charge, at the written request of any shareholder of record. Requests for copies should be mailed to: Rock-Tenn Company, 504 Thrasher Street, Norcross, Georgia 30071, Attention: Corporate
Secretary.

Forward-Looking Information

We, or our executive officers and directors on our behalf, may from time to time make forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements
include statements



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##### Index to Financial Statements

preceded by, followed by or that include the words believes, expects, anticipates, plans, estimates, or similar expressions. These
statements may be contained in reports and other documents that we file with the SEC or may be oral statements made by our executive officers and directors to the press, potential investors, securities analysts and others. These forward-looking
statements could involve, among other things, statements regarding any of the following: our results of operations, financial condition, cash flows, liquidity or capital resources, including expectations regarding sales growth, income tax rates, our
production capacities, our ability to achieve operating efficiencies, and our ability to fund our capital expenditures, interest payments, estimated tax payments, stock repurchases, dividends, working capital needs, and repayments of debt; the
consummation of acquisitions and financial transactions, the effect of these transactions on our business and the valuation of assets acquired in these transactions; the timing and impact of alternative fuel tax credits; our competitive position and
competitive conditions; our ability to obtain adequate replacement supplies of raw materials or energy; our relationships with our customers; our relationships with our employees; our plans and objectives for future operations and expansion; amounts
and timing of capital expenditures and the impact of such capital expenditures on our results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows; our compliance obligations with respect to health and safety laws and environmental laws, the cost of
compliance, the timing of these costs, or the impact of any liability under such laws on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows, and our right to indemnification with respect to any such cost or liability; the impact of any
gain or loss of a customers business; the impact of announced price increases; the scope, costs, timing and impact of any restructuring of our operations and corporate and tax structure; the scope and timing of any litigation or other dispute
resolutions and the impact of any such litigation or other dispute resolutions on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows; factors considered in connection with any impairment analysis, the outcome of any such analysis and the
anticipated impact of any such analysis on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows; pension and retirement plan obligations, contributions, the factors used to evaluate and estimate such obligations and expenses, the impact of
amendments to our pension and retirement plans, the impact of governmental regulations on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows; pension and retirement plan asset investment strategies; the financial condition of our insurers
and the impact on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows in the event of an insurers default on their obligations; potential liability for outstanding guarantees and indemnities and the potential impact of such
liabilities; the impact of any market risks, such as interest rate risk, pension plan risk, foreign currency risk, commodity price risks, energy price risk, rates of return, the risk of investments in derivative instruments, and the risk of
counterparty nonperformance, and factors affecting those risks; the amount of contractual obligations based on variable price provisions and variable timing and the effect of contractual obligations on liquidity and cash flow in future periods; the
implementation of accounting standards and the impact of these standards once implemented; factors used to calculate the fair value of financial instruments and other assets and liabilities; factors used to calculate the fair value of options,
including expected term and stock price volatility; our assumptions and expectations regarding critical accounting policies and estimates; the adequacy of our system of internal controls over financial reporting; and the effectiveness of any actions
we may take with respect to our system of internal controls over financial reporting.

Any forward-looking statements are
based on our current expectations and beliefs at the time of the statements and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results of operations, financial condition, acquisitions, financing transactions, operations, expansion
and other events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. With respect to these statements, we make a number of assumptions regarding, among other things, expected economic, competitive and market
conditions generally; expected volumes and price levels of purchases by customers; competitive conditions in our businesses; possible adverse actions of our customers, our competitors and suppliers; labor costs; the amount and timing of expected
capital expenditures, including installation costs, project development and implementation costs, severance and other shutdown costs; restructuring costs; the expected utilization of real property that is subject to the restructurings due to
realizable values from the sale of that property; anticipated earnings that will be available for offset against net operating loss carry-forwards; expected credit availability; raw material and energy costs; replacement energy supply alternatives
and related capital expenditures; and expected year-end inventory levels and costs. These assumptions also could be affected by changes in managements plans, such as



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##### Index to Financial Statements

delays or changes in anticipated capital expenditures or changes in our operations. We believe that our assumptions are reasonable; however, undue reliance should not be placed on these
assumptions, which are based on current expectations. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks including, among others, that our assumptions will prove to be inaccurate. There are many factors that impact these forward-looking
statements that we cannot predict accurately. Actual results may vary materially from current expectations, in part because we manufacture most of our products against customer orders with short lead times and small backlogs, while our earnings are
dependent on volume due to price levels and our generally high fixed operating costs. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we, and our executive officers and directors, have no duty under the federal securities
laws and undertake no obligation to update any such information as future events unfold.

Further, our business is subject to
a number of general risks that would affect any forward-looking statements, including the risks discussed under Item 1A.Risk Factors.



|Item 1A. | RISK FACTORS
|-------- | ------------



| |  |  | We May Face Increased Costs and Reduced Supply of Raw Materials
| | - |  | ---------------------------------------------------------------

Historically, the costs of recovered paper and virgin paperboard, our principal externally sourced raw materials, have fluctuated
significantly due to market and industry conditions. Increasing demand for products packaged in 100% recycled paper and the shift by manufacturers of virgin paperboard, tissue, newsprint and corrugated packaging to the production of products with
some recycled paper content have and may continue to increase demand for recovered paper. Furthermore, there has been a substantial increase in demand for U.S. sourced recovered paper by Asian countries. These increasing demands may result in cost
increases. In recent years, the cost of natural gas, which we use in many of our manufacturing operations, including most of our paperboard mills, and other energy costs (including energy generated by burning natural gas and coal) have fluctuated
significantly. There can be no assurance that we will be able to recoup any past or future increases in the cost of recovered paper or other raw materials or of natural gas, coal or other energy through price increases for our products. Further, a
reduction in availability of recovered paper, virgin paperboard or other raw materials due to increased demand or other factors could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.



| |  |  | We May Experience Pricing Variability
| | - |  | -------------------------------------

The paperboard, containerboard and converted products industries historically have experienced significant fluctuations in selling prices. If we are unable to maintain the selling prices of products
within these industries, that inability may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. We are not able to predict with certainty market conditions or the selling prices for our products.



| |  |  | Our Earnings are Highly Dependent on Volumes
| | - |  | --------------------------------------------

Our operations generally have high fixed operating cost components and therefore our earnings are highly dependent on volumes, which tend to
fluctuate. These fluctuations make it difficult to predict our results with any degree of certainty.



| |  |  | We Face Intense Competition
| | - |  | ---------------------------

Our businesses are in industries that are highly competitive, and no single company dominates an industry. Our competitors include large, vertically integrated packaging products, paperboard and
containerboard companies and numerous non-integrated smaller companies. We generally compete with companies operating in North America. Competition from foreign manufacturers in the future could negatively impact our sales volumes and pricing.
Because all of our businesses operate in highly competitive industry segments, we regularly bid for



10



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##### Index to Financial Statements

sales opportunities to customers for new business or for renewal of existing business. The loss of business from our larger customers may have a significant impact on our results of operations.
Further, competitive conditions may prevent us from fully recovering increased costs and may continue to inhibit our ability to pass on cost increases to our customers. Our mills sales volumes may be directly impacted by changes in demand for
our packaging products. See Item 1. Business  Competition and Business  Sales and Marketing.



| |  |  | We Have Been Dependent on Certain Customers
| | - |  | -------------------------------------------

Each of our segments has certain large customers, the loss of which could have a material adverse effect on the segments sales and,
depending on the significance of the loss, our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.



| |  |  | We May Incur Business Disruptions
| | - |  | ---------------------------------

We take measures to minimize the risks of disruption at our facilities. The occurrence of a natural disaster, such as a hurricane, tropical storm, earthquake, tornado, flood, fire, or other unanticipated
problems such as labor difficulties, equipment failure or unscheduled maintenance could cause operational disruptions or short term rises in raw material or energy costs that could materially adversely affect our earnings to varying degrees
dependent upon the facility and the duration of the disruption. Any losses due to these events may not be covered by our existing insurance policies or may be subject to certain deductibles.



| |  |  | We May be Adversely Affected by Current Economic and Financial Market Conditions
| | - |  | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Our businesses may be affected by a number of factors that are beyond our control such as general economic and business conditions, and
conditions in the financial services markets including counterparty risk, insurance carrier risk and rising interest rates. The current macro-economic challenges, including current conditions in financial and capital markets and relatively high
levels of unemployment, may continue to put pressure on the economy. As a result, customers, vendors or counterparties may experience significant cash flow problems. If customers are not successful in generating sufficient revenue or cash flows or
are precluded from securing financing, they may not be able to pay or may delay payment of accounts receivable that are owed to us or we may experience lower sales volumes. We are not able to predict with certainty market conditions, and our
business could be materially and adversely affected by these market conditions.



| |  |  | We May be Unable to Complete and Finance Acquisitions
| | - |  | -----------------------------------------------------

We have completed several acquisitions in recent years and may seek additional acquisition opportunities. There can be no assurance that we
will successfully be able to identify suitable acquisition candidates, complete and finance acquisitions, integrate acquired operations into our existing operations or expand into new markets. There can also be no assurance that future acquisitions
will not have an adverse effect upon our operating results. Acquired operations may not achieve levels of revenues, profitability or productivity comparable with those our existing operations achieve, or otherwise perform as expected. In addition,
it is possible that, in connection with acquisitions, our capital expenditures could be higher than we anticipated and that we may not realize the expected benefits of such capital expenditures.



| |  |  | We are Subject to Extensive Environmental and Other Governmental Regulation
| | - |  | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

We are subject to various federal, state, local and foreign environmental laws and regulations, including those regulating the discharge,
storage, handling and disposal of a variety of substances, as well as other financial and non-financial regulations.

We
regularly make capital expenditures to maintain compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations. However, environmental laws and regulations are becoming increasingly stringent. Consequently, our compliance and remediation costs could
increase materially. In addition, we cannot currently assess the



11



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##### Index to Financial Statements

impact that the future emissions standards, climate control initiatives and enforcement practices will have on our operations or capital expenditure requirements. Further, we have been identified
as a potentially responsible party at various superfund sites pursuant to CERCLA or comparable state statutes. See Note 20. Commitments and Contingenciesof the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. There
can be no assurance that any liability we may incur in connection with these superfund sites or other governmental regulation will not be material to our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.



| |  |  | We May Incur Additional Restructuring Costs
| | - |  | -------------------------------------------

We have restructured portions of our operations from time to time in recent years and it is possible that we may engage in additional
restructuring opportunities. Because we are not able to predict with certainty market conditions, the loss of large customers, or the selling prices for our products, we also may not be able to predict with certainty when it will be appropriate to
undertake restructurings. It is also possible, in connection with these restructuring efforts, that our costs could be higher than we anticipate and that we may not realize the expected benefits.



| |  |  | We May Incur Increased Transportation Costs
| | - |  | -------------------------------------------

We distribute our products primarily by truck and rail. Reduced availability of truck or rail carriers could negatively impact our ability
to ship our products in a timely manner. There can be no assurance that we will be able to recoup any past or future increases in transportation rates or fuel surcharges through price increases for our products.



| |  |  | We May Incur Increased Employee Benefit Costs
| | - |  | ---------------------------------------------

Our pension and health care benefits are dependent upon multiple factors resulting from actual plan experience and assumptions of future
experience. Our pension plan assets are primarily made up of equity and fixed income investments. Fluctuations in market performance and changes in interest rates may result in increased or decreased pension costs in future periods. Changes in
assumptions regarding expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, changes in our discount rate or expected compensation levels could also increase or decrease pension costs. Future pension funding requirements, and the timing of funding
payments, may also be subject to changes in legislation. During 2006, Congress passed the Pension Protection Act of 2006 (the Pension Act) with the stated purpose of improving the funding of U.S. private pension plans. The Pension Act
imposes stricter funding requirements, introduces benefit limitations for certain under-funded plans and requires underfunded pension plans to improve their funding ratios within prescribed intervals based on the level of their underfunding. The
Pension Act applies to pension plan years beginning after December 31, 2007. We have made contributions to our pension plans and expect to continue to make contributions in the coming years in order to ensure that our funding levels remain
adequate in light of projected liabilities and to meet the requirements of the Pension Act and other regulations. There can be no assurance that such changes, including the current turmoil in financial and capital markets, will not be material to
our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.



|Item 1B. | UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
|-------- | -------------------------

Not applicable  there are no unresolved SEC staff comments.



|Item 2. | PROPERTIES
|------- | ----------

We operate at a total of 100 locations. These facilities are located in 27 states (mainly in the Eastern and Midwestern United States), Canada, Mexico, Chile and Argentina. We own our principal executive offices in Norcross, Georgia. There
are 33 owned facilities used by operations in our Consumer Packaging segment, 14 owned and five leased facilities used by operations in our Corrugated Packaging segment, one owned and 16 leased facilities used by operations in our Merchandising
Displays segment, and 19 owned and 11 leased



12



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##### Index to Financial Statements

facilities used by operations in our Specialty Paperboard Products segment. We believe that our existing production capacity is adequate to serve existing demand for our products. We consider our
plants and equipment to be in good condition.

The following table shows information about our mills. We own all of our mills.



|                                        |  |                                         |     |  |                                       
|--------------------------------------- |  | --------------------------------------- | --- |  | --------------------------------------
|Location of Mill                        |  | ProductionCapacity(in tons @ 9/30/2009) |     |  | Paperboard and Containerboard Produced
|Solvay, NY                              |  | 770,000                                 |     |  | Recycled containerboard               
|St. Paul, MN                            |  | 200,000                                 |     |  | Recycled corrugated medium            
|                                        |  |                                         |     |  |                                       
|Total Recycled Containerboard Capacity  |  | 970,000                                 |     |  |                                       
|                                        |  |                                        
|Demopolis, AL                           |  | 340,000                                 |     |  | Bleached paperboard                   
|                                        |  | 100,000                                 |     |  | Market pulp                           
|                                        |  |                                         |     |  |                                       
|Total Bleached and Market Pulp Capacity |  | 440,000                                 |     |  |                                       
|                                        |  |                                        
|Battle Creek, MI                        |  | 160,000                                 |     |  | Coated recycled paperboard            
|St. Paul, MN                            |  | 160,000                                 |     |  | Coated recycled paperboard            
|Sheldon Springs, VT (Missisquoi Mill)   |  | 110,000                                 |     |  | Coated recycled paperboard            
|Dallas, TX                              |  | 110,000                                 |     |  | Coated recycled paperboard            
|Stroudsburg, PA                         |  | 78,000                                  |     |  | Coated recycled paperboard            
|                                        |  |                                         |     |  |                                       
|Total Coated Recycled Capacity          |  | 618,000                                 |     |  |                                       
|                                        |  |                                        
|Chattanooga, TN                         |  | 132,000                                 |     |  | Specialty recycled paperboard         
|Lynchburg, VA                           |  | 103,000                                 | (1) |  | Specialty recycled paperboard         
|Eaton, IN                               |  | 60,000                                  |     |  | Specialty recycled paperboard         
|Cincinnati, OH                          |  | 53,000                                  |     |  | Specialty recycled paperboard         
|Aurora, IL                              |  | 32,000                                  |     |  | Specialty recycled paperboard         
|                                        |  |                                         |     |  |                                       
|Total Specialty Recycled Capacity       |  | 380,000                                 |     |  |                                       
|                                        |  |                                         |     |  |                                       
|Total Mill Capacity                     |  | 2,408,000                               |     |  |                                       
|                                        |  |                                         |     |  |                                       



|(1) | Reflects the production capacity of a paperboard machine that manufactures gypsum paperboard liner and is owned by our Seven Hills joint venture.
|--- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The following is a list of our significant facilities other than our mills:



|                                 |  |                                                                      
|-------------------------------- |  | ---------------------------------------------------------------------
|Type of Facility                 |  | Locations                                                            
|Merchandising Display Operations |  | Winston-Salem, NC (sales,
design, manufacturing and contract packing)
|Headquarters                     |  | Norcross, GA                                                         



|Item 3. | LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
|------- | -----------------

We are a party to litigation incidental to our business from time to time. We are not currently a party to any litigation that management believes, if determined adversely to us, would have a material
adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. For additional information regarding litigation to which we are a party, see Note 20. Commitments and Contingenciesof the Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements, which is incorporated by reference into this item.



|Item 4. | SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
|------- | ---------------------------------------------------

Not applicable  there were no matters submitted to a vote of security holders in our fourth fiscal quarter ended September 30,
2009.



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PART II



|Item 5. | MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANTS COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
|------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Common Stock

Our Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share (Common Stock), trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol RKT. As of October 30, 2009, there were
approximately 292 shareholders of record of our Common Stock. The number of shareholders of record only includes a single shareholder, Cede & Co., for all of the shares held by our shareholders in individual brokerage accounts
maintained at banks, brokers and institutions.

Price Range of Common Stock



|               |  |             |       |             |   |       |  |     |       |  |   |      
|-------------- |  | ----------- | ----- | ----------- | - | ----- |  | --- | ----- |  | - | -----
|               |  | Fiscal 2009 |       | Fiscal 2008
|               |  | High        |       | Low         |   | High  |  | Low
|First Quarter  |  | $           | 40.44 |             | $ | 23.87 |  | $   | 30.47 |  | $ | 23.63
|Second Quarter |  | $           | 36.89 |             | $ | 22.84 |  | $   | 32.00 |  | $ | 21.77
|Third Quarter  |  | $           | 42.08 |             | $ | 25.95 |  | $   | 37.61 |  | $ | 29.77
|Fourth Quarter |  | $           | 52.58 |             | $ | 36.22 |  | $   | 46.37 |  | $ | 28.76

Dividends

During fiscal 2009 and 2008, we paid a quarterly dividend on our Common Stock of $0.10 per share ($0.40 per share annually). In October 2009, our board of directors approved a resolution to increase our
quarterly dividend to $0.15 per share, indicating an annualized dividend of $0.60 per share on our Common Stock.

For
additional dividend information, please see Item 6. Selected Financial Data.

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

The section under the heading
Executive Compensation Tablesentitled Equity Compensation Plan Informationin the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on January 29, 2010, which will be filed
with the SEC on or before December 31, 2009, is incorporated herein by reference.

For additional information concerning
our capitalization, see Note 17. Shareholders Equityof the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Our board of directors has approved a stock repurchase plan that allows for the repurchase from time to time of shares of Common Stock over an indefinite period of time. In August 2007, the board of
directors amended our stock repurchase plan to allow for the repurchase of an additional 2.0 million shares bringing the cumulative total authorized to 6.0 million shares of Common Stock. Pursuant to our repurchase plan, during fiscal
2007, we repurchased approximately 2.1 million shares for an aggregate cost of $58.7 million. In fiscal 2009 and 2008, we did not repurchase any shares of Common Stock. As of September 30, 2009, we had approximately 1.9 million shares
of Common Stock available for repurchase under the amended repurchase plan.



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|Item 6. | SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
|------- | -----------------------

The following selected consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto and Item 7. Managements Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included herein. We derived the consolidated statements of income and consolidated statements of cash flows data for the years ended September 30, 2009, 2008, and 2007, and
the consolidated balance sheet data as of September 30, 2009 and 2008, from the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein. We derived the consolidated statements of income and consolidated statements of cash flows data for the years
ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, and the consolidated balance sheet data as of September 30, 2007, 2006, and 2005, from audited Consolidated Financial Statements not included in this report. The table that follows is consistent with
those presentations.

On March 5, 2008, we acquired the stock of Southern Container. The Southern Container Acquisition
was the primary reason for the changes in the selected financial data beginning in fiscal 2008. On June 6, 2005, we acquired from Gulf States substantially all of the GSPP assets. The GSPP Acquisition was the primary reason for the changes in
the selected financial data beginning in fiscal 2005. Our results of operations shown below may not be indicative of future results.



|                                                                                                               |  |                                         |         |   |      |   |         |  |      |         |      |   |         |  |   |        
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |  | --------------------------------------- | ------- | - | ---- | - | ------- |  | ---- | ------- | ---- | - | ------- |  | - | -------
|                                                                                                               |  | Year Ended September 30,               
|                                                                                                               |  | 2009                                    |         |   | 2008 |   | 2007    |  | 2006 |         | 2005
|                                                                                                               |  | (In millions, except per share amounts)
|Net sales                                                                                                      |  | $                                       | 2,812.3 |   |      | $ | 2,838.9 |  | $    | 2,315.8 |      | $ | 2,138.1 |  | $ | 1,733.5
|Alternative fuel tax credit, net of expenses(a)                                                                |  |                                         | 54.1    |   |      |   |        |  |      |        |      |   |        |  |   |       
|Restructuring and other costs, net                                                                             |  |                                         | 13.4    |   |      |   | 15.6    |  |      | 4.7     |      |   | 7.8     |  |   | 7.5    
|Net income                                                                                                     |  |                                         | 222.3   |   |      |   | 81.8    |  |      | 81.7    |      |   | 28.7    |  |   | 17.6   
|Diluted earnings per common share                                                                              |  |                                         | 5.75    |   |      |   | 2.14    |  |      | 2.07    |      |   | 0.77    |  |   | 0.49   
|Dividends paid per common share                                                                                |  |                                         | 0.40    |   |      |   | 0.40    |  |      | 0.39    |      |   | 0.36    |  |   | 0.36   
|Book value per common share                                                                                    |  |                                         | 20.07   |   |      |   | 16.75   |  |      | 15.51   |      |   | 13.49   |  |   | 12.57  
|                                                                                                               |  |                                         |         |   |     
|Total assets                                                                                                   |  |                                         | 2,884.4 |   |      |   | 3,013.1 |  |      | 1,800.7 |      |   | 1,784.0 |  |   | 1,798.4
|Current portion of debt                                                                                        |  |                                         | 56.3    |   |      |   | 245.1   |  |      | 46.0    |      |   | 40.8    |  |   | 7.1    
|Total long-term debt                                                                                           |  |                                         | 1,293.1 |   |      |   | 1,453.8 |  |      | 676.3   |      |   | 765.3   |  |   | 908.0  
|Total debt(b)                                                                                                  |  |                                         | 1,349.4 |   |      |   | 1,698.9 |  |      | 722.3   |      |   | 806.1   |  |   | 915.1  
|Shareholders equity                                                                                           |  |                                         | 776.8   |   |      |   | 640.5   |  |      | 589.0   |      |   | 508.6   |  |   | 456.2  
|                                                                                                               |  |                                         |         |   |     
|Net cash provided by operating activities                                                                      |  |                                         | 389.7   |   |      |   | 240.9   |  |      | 238.3   |      |   | 153.5   |  |   | 153.3  
|Capital expenditures                                                                                           |  |                                         | 75.9    |   |      |   | 84.2    |  |      | 78.0    |      |   | 64.6    |  |   | 54.3   
|Cash paid for investment in unconsolidated entities                                                            |  |                                         | 1.0     |   |      |   | 0.3     |  |      | 9.6     |      |   | 0.2     |  |   | 0.1    
|Cash paid for purchase of businesses, including amounts (received from) paid into escrow, net of cash received |  |                                         | (4.0    | ) |      |   | 817.9   |  |      | 32.1    |      |   | 7.8     |  |   | 552.3  
|Cash paid for the purchase of a leased facility                                                                |  |                                         | 8.1     |   |      |   |        |  |      |        |      |   |        |  |   |       



Notes (in millions):



|(a) | The alternative fuel tax credit, net of expenses represents a reduction of cost of goods sold in our Consumer Packaging segment. This credit, which is
not taxable for federal or state income tax purposes, is discussed in Note 5. Alternative Fuel Tax Creditof the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
|--- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



|(b) | Total debt includes the aggregate of fair value hedge adjustments resulting from terminated and/or existing fair value interest rate derivatives or
swaps of $3.8, $6.6, $8.5, $10.4, and $12.3 during fiscal 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively.
|--- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



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|Item 7. | MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
|------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Segment and Market Information

We report our results in four segments: (1) Consumer Packaging, (2) Corrugated Packaging, (3) Merchandising Displays, and (4) Specialty Paperboard Products. See Note 21. Segment Informationof
the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

The following table shows certain operating data for our four segments. We do
not allocate certain of our income and expenses to our segments and, thus, the information that management uses to make operating decisions and assess operating performance does not reflect such amounts. We report these items as non-allocated
expenses or in other line items in the table below after Total segment income.



|                                                         |  |                          |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|-------------------------------------------------------- |  | ------------------------ | ------- | - | ---- | - | ------- | ---- |  | - | ------- | -
|                                                         |  | Year Ended September 30, |        
|                                                         |  | 2009                     |         |   | 2008 |   |         | 2007 | 
|                                                         |  | (In millions)            |        
|Net sales (aggregate):                                   |  |                          |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|Consumer Packaging                                       |  | $                        | 1,503.1 |   |      | $ | 1,551.4 |      |  | $ | 1,459.6 |  
|Corrugated Packaging                                     |  |                          | 752.9   |   |      |   | 607.5   |      |  |   | 236.7   |  
|Merchandising Displays                                   |  |                          | 320.6   |   |      |   | 350.8   |      |  |   | 305.8   |  
|Specialty Paperboard Products                            |  |                          | 306.9   |   |      |   | 392.9   |      |  |   | 361.7   |  
|                                                         |  |                          |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|Total                                                    |  | $                        | 2,883.5 |   |      | $ | 2,902.6 |      |  | $ | 2,363.8 |  
|                                                         |  |                          |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|Less net sales (intersegment):                           |  |                          |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|Consumer Packaging                                       |  | $                        | 25.1    |   |      | $ | 18.1    |      |  | $ | 15.0    |  
|Corrugated Packaging                                     |  |                          | 37.3    |   |      |   | 31.1    |      |  |   | 22.7    |  
|Merchandising Displays                                   |  |                          | 0.4     |   |      |   | 0.4     |      |  |   |        |  
|Specialty Paperboard Products                            |  |                          | 8.4     |   |      |   | 14.1    |      |  |   | 10.3    |  
|                                                         |  |                          |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|Total                                                    |  | $                        | 71.2    |   |      | $ | 63.7    |      |  | $ | 48.0    |  
|                                                         |  |                          |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|Net sales (unaffiliated customers):                      |  |                          |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|Consumer Packaging                                       |  | $                        | 1,478.0 |   |      | $ | 1,533.3 |      |  | $ | 1,444.6 |  
|Corrugated Packaging                                     |  |                          | 715.6   |   |      |   | 576.4   |      |  |   | 214.0   |  
|Merchandising Displays                                   |  |                          | 320.2   |   |      |   | 350.4   |      |  |   | 305.8   |  
|Specialty Paperboard Products                            |  |                          | 298.5   |   |      |   | 378.8   |      |  |   | 351.4   |  
|                                                         |  |                          |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|Total                                                    |  | $                        | 2,812.3 |   |      | $ | 2,838.9 |      |  | $ | 2,315.8 |  
|                                                         |  |                          |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|Segment income:                                          |  |                          |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|Consumer Packaging                                       |  | $                        | 228.3   |   |      | $ | 119.8   |      |  | $ | 125.2   |  
|Corrugated Packaging                                     |  |                          | 178.9   |   |      |   | 71.3    |      |  |   | 18.9    |  
|Merchandising Displays                                   |  |                          | 31.9    |   |      |   | 41.9    |      |  |   | 38.8    |  
|Specialty Paperboard Products                            |  |                          | 26.5    |   |      |   | 30.3    |      |  |   | 28.8    |  
|                                                         |  |                          |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|Total segment income                                     |  |                          | 465.6   |   |      |   | 263.3   |      |  |   | 211.7   |  
|Restructuring and other costs, net                       |  |                          | (13.4   | ) |      |   | (15.6   | )    |  |   | (4.7    | )
|Non-allocated expenses                                   |  |                          | (33.6   | ) |      |   | (29.3   | )    |  |   | (24.1   | )
|Interest expense                                         |  |                          | (96.7   | ) |      |   | (86.7   | )    |  |   | (49.8   | )
|Loss on extinguishment of debt and related items         |  |                          | (4.4    | ) |      |   | (1.9    | )    |  |   |        |  
|Interest income and other income (expense), net          |  |                          |        |   |      |   | 1.6     |      |  |   | (1.3    | )
|Minority interest in income of consolidated subsidiaries |  |                          | (3.6    | ) |      |   | (5.3    | )    |  |   | (4.8    | )
|                                                         |  |                          |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|Income before income taxes                               |  |                          | 313.9   |   |      |   | 126.1   |      |  |   | 127.0   |  
|Income tax expense                                       |  |                          | (91.6   | ) |      |   | (44.3   | )    |  |   | (45.3   | )
|                                                         |  |                          |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|Net income                                               |  | $                        | 222.3   |   |      | $ | 81.8    |      |  | $ | 81.7    |  
|                                                         |  |                          |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  



16



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##### Table of Contents

##### Index to Financial Statements

Overview

On March 5, 2008, we acquired Southern Container, which owned the Solvay containerboard mill, eight integrated corrugated box plants, two sheet plants and four high impact graphics facilities. With
the acquisition, RockTenn became one of the largest manufacturers of containerboard in North America, and continues as one of Americas leading manufacturers of bleached and recycled paperboard with annual mill capacity of approximately
2.4 million tons. The acquisition added highly integrated low operating cost assets to our Corrugated Packaging segment. We have included the results of Southern Containers operations in our Corrugated Packaging segment in our financial
statements since the March 2, 2008 effective date of the acquisition. We financed the acquisition with $1.2 billion of new senior secured credit facilities and $200 million of 9.25% senior notes due March 2016. See Note 7.
Acquisitions and Note 11. Debt, respectively, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements section of the Financial Statements included herein.

Segment income for fiscal 2009 increased $202.3 million to $465.6 million compared to fiscal 2008 primarily due to increased earnings in our
Corrugated Packaging segment as the Southern Container Acquisition contributed twelve months of earnings in fiscal 2009, compared to seven months of earnings in fiscal 2008, alternative fuel tax credits recorded in fiscal 2009 and comparatively
lower recycled fiber and energy costs in fiscal 2009, which were partially offset by generally lower sales volumes. Our Consumer Packaging segment benefited from $54.1 million of alternative fuel tax credits, net of related expenses, for the period
from January 22, 2009 to September 30, 2009. The tax credit is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2009; therefore, we expect to record an additional tax credit of approximately $21 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2010. See
Note 5. Alternative Fuel Tax Credit of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements section of the Financial Statements included herein.

We incurred specific pre-tax charges related to the Southern Container Acquisition aggregating approximately $9 million and $27 million in fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008, respectively. The specific pre-tax
charges in fiscal 2009 consisted of a loss on extinguishment of debt and related items of $2.4 million related to amounts paid in excess of carrying value to redeem certain debt assumed in the acquisition, $3.3 million of integration costs and $3.5
million of deferred compensation expense funded into escrow through a purchase price reduction from Southern Containers stockholders. The pre-tax charges in fiscal 2008 consisted of $12.7 million of acquisition inventory step up expense, $3.0
million for an acquisition bridge financing fee, $1.9 million of loss on extinguishment of debt and related items associated with the acquisition, $4.6 million of integration costs and $5.0 million of deferred compensation expense funded into escrow
through a purchase price reduction from Southern Containers stockholders. Net income increased $140.5 million to $222.3 million in fiscal 2009 largely due to the items discussed above.

Results of Operations

We
provide below quarterly information to reflect trends in our results of operations. For additional discussion of quarterly information, see our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC and Note 22. Financial Results by Quarter
(Unaudited) of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Net Sales (Unaffiliated Customers)

Net sales for fiscal 2009 were $2,812.3 million compared to $2,838.9 million in fiscal 2008. The decrease in net
sales was primarily due to reduced sales volumes and lower recycled fiber selling prices which were largely offset by the Southern Container Acquisition, which contributed net sales of $569.4 million for twelve months of operations in fiscal 2009,
compared to net sales of $375.9 million for seven months of operations in fiscal 2008, and increased selling prices in some of our segments.

Net sales for fiscal 2008 increased 22.6% to $2,838.9 million compared to $2,315.8 million in fiscal 2007 primarily due to the Southern Container Acquisition which contributed net sales of $375.9 million
and increased volume and pricing across our segments.



17



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##### Index to Financial Statements

Net Sales (Aggregate)  Consumer Packaging Segment



|     |  |               |       |                |   |               |  |                |       |             |   |       |  |   |        
|---- |  | ------------- | ----- | -------------- | - | ------------- |  | -------------- | ----- | ----------- | - | ----- |  | - | -------
|     |  | First Quarter |       | Second Quarter |   | Third Quarter |  | Fourth Quarter |       | Fiscal Year
|     |  | (In millions)
|2007 |  | $             | 346.8 |                | $ | 363.7         |  | $              | 373.0 |             | $ | 376.1 |  | $ | 1,459.6
|2008 |  |               | 374.7 |                |   | 394.8         |  |                | 388.9 |             |   | 393.0 |  |   | 1,551.4
|2009 |  |               | 368.8 |                |   | 362.9         |  |                | 377.2 |             |   | 394.2 |  |   | 1,503.1

The 3.1% decrease in net sales before intersegment eliminations for the Consumer
Packaging segment in fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008 was primarily due to lower sales volumes, partially offset by higher selling prices. Coated recycled paperboard, bleached paperboard and market pulp tons shipped decreased 3.2%, 2.5% and 4.3%,
respectively.

The 6.3% increase in net sales before intersegment eliminations for the Consumer Packaging segment in fiscal
2008 compared to fiscal 2007 was primarily due to higher sales of folding cartons due to increases in volume and prices and higher pricing across all coated paperboard grades. Coated recycled paperboard and bleached paperboard tons shipped increased
1.5% and 1.9%, respectively, and market pulp tons decreased 0.9%.

Net Sales (Aggregate)  Corrugated Packaging
Segment



|     |  |               |       |                |   |               |  |                |       |             |   |       |  |   |      
|---- |  | ------------- | ----- | -------------- | - | ------------- |  | -------------- | ----- | ----------- | - | ----- |  | - | -----
|     |  | First Quarter |       | Second Quarter |   | Third Quarter |  | Fourth Quarter |       | Fiscal Year
|     |  | (In millions)
|2007 |  | $             | 56.2  |                | $ | 59.3          |  | $              | 60.2  |             | $ | 61.0  |  | $ | 236.7
|2008 |  |               | 61.4  |                |   | 112.0         |  |                | 208.9 |             |   | 225.2 |  |   | 607.5
|2009 |  |               | 203.2 |                |   | 176.5         |  |                | 186.5 |             |   | 186.7 |  |   | 752.9

The 23.9% increase in Corrugated Packaging segment net sales before intersegment
eliminations for fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008 was primarily due to the Southern Container Acquisition, which contributed net sales of $569.4 million in fiscal 2009 compared with a contribution of $375.9 million in net sales in fiscal 2008.
These increases were partially offset by reduced sales volumes.

The 156.7% increase in Corrugated Packaging segment net sales
before intersegment eliminations for fiscal 2008 compared to fiscal 2007 was primarily due to the Southern Container Acquisition, which contributed net sales of $375.9 million, and increased sales prices in our legacy corrugated business. These net
sales increases were partially offset by an increase in the number of tons that we shipped to a counterparty from which we buy inventory, which are not recorded as sales under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States
(GAAP) but are accounted for as an inventory swap transaction.

Net Sales (Aggregate) 
Merchandising Displays Segment



|     |  |               |      |                |   |               |  |                |      |             |   |      |  |   |      
|---- |  | ------------- | ---- | -------------- | - | ------------- |  | -------------- | ---- | ----------- | - | ---- |  | - | -----
|     |  | First Quarter |      | Second Quarter |   | Third Quarter |  | Fourth Quarter |      | Fiscal Year
|     |  | (In millions)
|2007 |  | $             | 60.9 |                | $ | 82.6          |  | $              | 76.8 |             | $ | 85.5 |  | $ | 305.8
|2008 |  |               | 82.0 |                |   | 94.3          |  |                | 86.1 |             |   | 88.4 |  |   | 350.8
|2009 |  |               | 74.8 |                |   | 82.9          |  |                | 79.7 |             |   | 83.2 |  |   | 320.6

Net sales for the Merchandising Displays segment decreased 8.6% in fiscal 2009
compared to fiscal 2008 primarily due to decreased demand for promotional displays.

The 14.7% increase in Merchandising
Displays segment net sales before intersegment eliminations for fiscal 2008 compared to fiscal 2007 was primarily due to higher sales volumes on strong demand for promotional displays.



18



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##### Table of Contents

##### Index to Financial Statements

Net Sales (Aggregate)  Specialty Paperboard Products Segment



|     |  |               |      |                |   |               |  |                |       |             |   |      |  |   |      
|---- |  | ------------- | ---- | -------------- | - | ------------- |  | -------------- | ----- | ----------- | - | ---- |  | - | -----
|     |  | First Quarter |      | Second Quarter |   | Third Quarter |  | Fourth Quarter |       | Fiscal Year
|     |  | (In millions)
|2007 |  | $             | 79.5 |                | $ | 91.9          |  | $              | 94.0  |             | $ | 96.3 |  | $ | 361.7
|2008 |  |               | 91.8 |                |   | 99.8          |  |                | 102.1 |             |   | 99.2 |  |   | 392.9
|2009 |  |               | 75.3 |                |   | 70.2          |  |                | 77.2  |             |   | 84.2 |  |   | 306.9

The 21.9% decrease in Specialty Paperboard Products segment net sales before
intersegment eliminations in fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal 2008 was primarily due to reduced recycled fiber selling prices and lower sales volumes. Specialty recycled paperboard tons shipped decreased 10.9%.

The 8.6% increase in Specialty Paperboard Products segment net sales before intersegment eliminations in fiscal 2008 compared to fiscal 2007
was primarily due to higher sales volumes and pricing for recycled fiber, interior packaging products and specialty paperboard. Specialty recycled paperboard tons shipped increased 4.6%.

Cost of Goods Sold

Cost of goods sold decreased to $2,049.6 million in fiscal 2009 compared to $2,296.8 million in fiscal 2008. Cost of goods sold as a percentage of net sales decreased in fiscal 2009 compared to fiscal
2008 primarily related to a net alternative fuel tax credit of $54.1 million for the period from January 22, 2009 to September 30, 2009 and reduced recycled fiber and energy costs and the impact of an additional five months of higher
margin Southern Container sales. Excluding the impact of Southern Container, recycled fiber and energy costs decreased $62 per ton and $26 per ton, respectively, and virgin fiber costs increased approximately $17 per ton, over the prior year.
Additionally, excluding the impact of the Southern Container Acquisition, decreased freight expense due to cost reduction programs and lower sales volumes decreased cost of goods sold by $19.2 million. Partially offsetting these amounts, we
experienced increased pension expense of $6.3 million and increased group insurance expense of $2.6 million, excluding the impact of the Southern Container Acquisition. Additionally, in fiscal 2008, acquisition accounting required us to step up the
value of inventory acquired in the Southern Container Acquisition, which effectively eliminated the manufacturing profit that we would have realized upon sale of that inventory. This write up reduced our pre-tax income in fiscal 2008 by
approximately $12.7 million as the acquired inventory was sold and charged to cost of sales.

Cost of goods sold increased to
$2,296.8 million in fiscal 2008 compared to $1,870.2 million in fiscal 2007 primarily due to the incremental sales associated with the Southern Container Acquisition. Cost of goods sold as a percentage of sales was essentially flat in fiscal 2008
compared to fiscal 2007, 80.9% in fiscal 2008 and 80.8% in fiscal 2007, as rising input costs and the impact of the acquisition inventory step up expense offset higher pricing and the higher margin Southern Container sales included since the
acquisition. Recycled fiber costs, excluding the Solvay mill, and virgin fiber costs increased approximately $23 per ton and $18 per ton, respectively, over the prior fiscal year. Energy and chemical costs at our recycled paperboard mills increased
$12 per ton and $5 per ton, respectively, over the prior fiscal year. Excluding the impact of the Southern Container Acquisition, in fiscal 2008 we experienced increased energy costs of approximately $22.0 million, increased freight expense of $8.5
million, increased workers compensation expense of $3.0 million and increased group insurance expense of $1.4 million across our operations. We also experienced higher costs associated with our Dallas mill due to a dryer section failure and
rebuild in December 2007. Partially offsetting these amounts, in fiscal 2008, we received approximately $1.7 million in recovery of previously expensed environmental remediation costs and incurred reduced pension expense of $4.7 million. We have
foreign currency transaction risk primarily due to our operations in Canada. See Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk  Foreign Currency below. The impact of foreign currency transactions in
fiscal 2008 compared to fiscal 2007 decreased costs of goods sold by $1.6 million.



19



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##### Table of Contents

##### Index to Financial Statements

We value the majority of our U.S. inventories at the lower of cost or market with cost
determined on the last-in first-out (LIFO) inventory valuation method, which we believe generally results in a better matching of current costs and revenues than under the first-in first-out (FIFO) inventory
valuation method. In periods of increasing costs, the LIFO method generally results in higher cost of goods sold than under the FIFO method. In periods of decreasing costs, the results are generally the opposite.

The following table illustrates the comparative effect of LIFO and FIFO accounting on our results of operations. This supplemental FIFO
earnings information reflects the after-tax effect of eliminating the LIFO adjustment each year.



|                   |  |               |         |             |   |             |  |      |         |      |   |         |  |   |         |  |   |        
|------------------ |  | ------------- | ------- | ----------- | - | ----------- |  | ---- | ------- | ---- | - | ------- |  | - | ------- |  | - | -------
|                   |  | Fiscal 2009   |         | Fiscal 2008 |   | Fiscal 2007
|                   |  | LIFO          |         | FIFO        |   | LIFO        |  | FIFO |         | LIFO |   | FIFO   
|                   |  | (In millions)
|Cost of goods sold |  | $             | 2,049.6 |             | $ | 2,057.8     |  | $    | 2,296.8 |      | $ | 2,287.0 |  | $ | 1,870.2 |  | $ | 1,863.4
|Net income         |  |               | 222.3   |             |   | 217.2       |  |      | 81.8    |      |   | 88.0    |  |   | 81.7    |  |   | 86.0   

Net income in fiscal 2009 is higher under the LIFO method because we experienced a
period of declining costs, and net income in fiscal 2008 and 2007 is lower under the LIFO method because we experienced periods of rising costs.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and
administrative (SG&A) expenses increased $20.3 million to $330.8 million in fiscal 2009 compared to $310.5 million in fiscal 2008 due primarily to the additional five months of SG&A expense associated with the Southern
Container Acquisition in fiscal 2009. SG&A increased as a percentage of net sales due largely to lower fiscal 2009 net sales associated with lower sales volumes and reduced recycled fiber selling prices, which more than offset the additional
five months of net sales associated with the Southern Container Acquisition. Excluding the impact of the Southern Container Acquisition, SG&A expenses in fiscal 2009 were $9.6 million lower than fiscal 2008. We experienced increased aggregate
pension expense of $4.3 million, increased stock based compensation expense of $2.2 million, and increased group insurance expense of $1.0 million, excluding the impact of the Southern Container Acquisition. Partially offsetting these amounts, we
incurred reduced consulting and outside services for various projects of $4.3 million, commissions expense of $1.7 million due to lower sales volumes, decreased travel and entertainment expense of $1.2 million and reduced bonus expense of $1.1
million, excluding the impact of the Southern Container Acquisition.

SG&A expenses increased $51.4 million to $310.5
million in fiscal 2008 compared to $259.1 million in fiscal 2007 primarily due to SG&A expenses associated with the Southern Container Acquisition. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased to 10.9% in fiscal 2008 from 11.2% in
fiscal 2007 primarily due to increased net sales from higher sales volumes and prices. Excluding the impact of the Southern Container Acquisition, SG&A labor costs increased $5.7 million, commissions expense increased $2.7 million on increased
sales, stock based compensation expense increased $1.9 million, and bad debt expense increased $1.5 million. These increases were partially offset by reduced bonus expense of $2.4 million and reduced pension expense of $1.2 million.

Acquisitions

On March 5, 2008, we acquired the stock of Southern Container for $1,059.9 million, net of cash received of $54.0 million, including expenses. RockTenn and Southern Container made an election under
section 338(h)(10) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code) that increased RockTenns tax basis in the acquired assets and is expected to result in a net present value benefit of approximately $135 million,
net of an agreed upon payment included in the purchase price for the election to the sellers of approximately $68.6 million paid to Southern Containers former stockholders in November 2008. In fiscal 2008, we incurred $26.8 million of



20



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##### Table of Contents

##### Index to Financial Statements

debt issuance costs in connection with the transaction. We recorded fair values for acquired assets and liabilities including $374.3 million of goodwill and $108.7 million of intangibles. See
Note 7. Acquisitions and Note 11. Debt, respectively, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements section of the Financial Statements included herein.

On January 24, 2007, we acquired, for $32.0 million, the remaining 40% minority interest in Fold-Pak, LLC (Fold-Pak,
formerly known as GSD Packaging, LLC), giving us sole ownership. These operations are included in the results of our Consumer Packaging segment. We acquired our initial 60% interest in Fold-Pak in connection with the GSPP Acquisition in June 2005.
Fold-Pak makes paperboard-based food containers serving a very broad customer base and is a consumer of board from our bleached paperboard mill.

For additional information, including the opening balance sheet and pro forma information reflecting the Southern Container Acquisition, see Note 7. Acquisitionsof the Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements.

Restructuring and Other Costs, Net

We recorded pre-tax restructuring and other costs, net of $13.4 million, $15.6 million, and $4.7 million for fiscal 2009, 2008, and 2007,
respectively. These amounts are not comparable since the timing and scope of the individual actions associated with a restructuring can vary. In most instances when we close a facility we transfer a substantial portion of the facilitys assets
and production to other facilities. We recognize, if necessary, an impairment charge, primarily to reduce the carrying value of equipment or other property to their estimated fair value or fair value less cost to sell, and record charges for
severance and other employee related costs. Any subsequent change in fair value, less cost to sell prior to disposition, is recognized as identified; however, no gain is recognized in excess of the cumulative loss previously recorded. At the time of
each announced closure, we generally expect to record future charges for equipment relocation, facility carrying costs, costs to terminate a lease or contract before the end of its term and other employee related costs. We generally expect the
integration of the closed facilitys assets and production to enable the receiving facilities to better leverage their fixed costs while eliminating fixed costs from the closed facility. For additional information, see Note 8.
Restructuring and Other Costs, Netof the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



21



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##### Index to Financial Statements

Paperboard Tons Shipped and Average Price (in thousands, except Average Price Per Ton)

The table below includes coated recycled paperboard, bleached paperboard and market pulp tons shipped in our Consumer
Packaging segment, containerboard tons shipped from our two containerboard mills in our Corrugated Packaging segment, as well as the tons shipped from our specialty recycled mills in our Specialty Paperboard Products segment and the average price
per ton of the aggregated group. The decrease in average price per ton in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 is due to the higher percentage of lower priced containerboard included in the average subsequent to the Southern Container Acquisition.



|               |  |                                                      |  |                               |  |                       |  |                               |  |                             |    
|-------------- |  | ---------------------------------------------------- |  | ----------------------------- |  | --------------------- |  | ----------------------------- |  | --------------------------- | ---
|               |  | Coated andSpecialtyRecycledPaperboardTonsShipped (a) |  | BleachedPaperboardTonsShipped |  | MarketPulpTonsShipped |  | ContainerboardTonsShipped (b) |  | AveragePrice(Per Ton)(a)(c)
|               |  | (In thousands, except Average Price Per Ton)        
|First Quarter  |  | 221.5                                                |  | 74.0                          |  | 20.9                  |  | 44.6                          |  | $                           | 558
|Second Quarter |  | 223.0                                                |  | 82.2                          |  | 24.6                  |  | 46.2                          |  |                             | 571
|Third Quarter  |  | 225.1                                                |  | 90.1                          |  | 25.6                  |  | 45.3                          |  |                             | 588
|Fourth Quarter |  | 223.5                                                |  | 88.7                          |  | 24.8                  |  | 46.8                          |  |                             | 596
|               |  |                                                      |  |                               |  |                       |  |                               |  |                             |    
|Fiscal 2007    |  | 893.1                                                |  | 335.0                         |  | 95.9                  |  | 182.9                         |  | $                           | 578
|               |  |                                                      |  |                               |  |                       |  |                               |  |                             |    
|               |  |                                                      |  |                               | 
|First Quarter  |  | 217.1                                                |  | 79.6                          |  | 21.2                  |  | 44.7                          |  | $                           | 599
|Second Quarter |  | 229.0                                                |  | 84.9                          |  | 27.8                  |  | 102.1                         |  |                             | 587
|Third Quarter  |  | 235.9                                                |  | 86.3                          |  | 24.5                  |  | 218.5                         |  |                             | 566
|Fourth Quarter |  | 234.2                                                |  | 90.7                          |  | 21.5                  |  | 244.1                         |  |                             | 585
|               |  |                                                      |  |                               |  |                       |  |                               |  |                             |    
|Fiscal 2008    |  | 916.2                                                |  | 341.5                         |  | 95.0                  |  | 609.4                         |  | $                           | 583
|               |  |                                                      |  |                               |  |                       |  |                               |  |                             |    
|               |  |                                                      |  |                               | 
|First Quarter  |  | 204.9                                                |  | 86.3                          |  | 20.7                  |  | 221.9                         |  | $                           | 596
|Second Quarter |  | 212.0                                                |  | 78.3                          |  | 19.5                  |  | 188.6                         |  |                             | 586
|Third Quarter  |  | 219.8                                                |  | 79.4                          |  | 24.2                  |  | 203.0                         |  |                             | 564
|Fourth Quarter |  | 224.3                                                |  | 88.9                          |  | 26.5                  |  | 235.2                         |  |                             | 557
|               |  |                                                      |  |                               |  |                       |  |                               |  |                             |    
|Fiscal 2009    |  | 861.0                                                |  | 332.9                         |  | 90.9                  |  | 848.7                         |  | $                           | 575
|               |  |                                                      |  |                               |  |                       |  |                               |  |                             |    



|(a) | Recycled Paperboard Tons Shipped and Average Price Per Ton include gypsum paperboard liner tons shipped by Seven Hills.
|--- | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



|(b) | Containerboard Tons Shipped includes corrugated medium and linerboard, which include the Solvay mill tons beginning in March 2008.
|--- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



|(c) | Beginning in the second quarter of fiscal 2008, Average Price Per Ton includes coated and specialty recycled paperboard, containerboard, bleached
paperboard and market pulp.
|--- | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



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##### Index to Financial Statements

Segment Income

Segment Income  Consumer Packaging Segment



|               |  |                                   |         |               |   |                |  |      |  
|-------------- |  | --------------------------------- | ------- | ------------- | - | -------------- |  | ---- | -
|               |  | Net Sales(Aggregate)              |         | SegmentIncome |   | Returnon Sales | 
|               |  | (In millions, except percentages) |        
|First Quarter  |  | $                                 | 346.8   |               | $ | 24.3           |  | 7.0  | %
|Second Quarter |  |                                   | 363.7   |               |   | 29.7           |  | 8.2  |  
|Third Quarter  |  |                                   | 373.0   |               |   | 36.9           |  | 9.9  |  
|Fourth Quarter |  |                                   | 376.1   |               |   | 34.3           |  | 9.1  |  
|               |  |                                   |         |               |   |                |  |      |  
|Fiscal 2007    |  | $                                 | 1,459.6 |               | $ | 125.2          |  | 8.6  | %
|               |  |                                   |         |               |   |                |  |      |  
|               |  |                                   |        
|First Quarter  |  | $                                 | 374.7   |               | $ | 28.7           |  | 7.7  | %
|Second Quarter |  |                                   | 394.8   |               |   | 32.5           |  | 8.2  |  
|Third Quarter  |  |                                   | 388.9   |               |   | 27.9           |  | 7.2  |  
|Fourth Quarter |  |                                   | 393.0   |               |   | 30.7           |  | 7.8  |  
|               |  |                                   |         |               |   |                |  |      |  
|Fiscal 2008    |  | $                                 | 1,551.4 |               | $ | 119.8          |  | 7.7  | %
|               |  |                                   |         |               |   |                |  |      |  
|               |  |                                   |        
|First Quarter  |  | $                                 | 368.8   |               | $ | 31.5           |  | 8.5  | %
|Second Quarter |  |                                   | 362.9   |               |   | 39.2           |  | 10.8 |  
|Third Quarter  |  |                                   | 377.2   |               |   | 83.0           |  | 22.0 |  
|Fourth Quarter |  |                                   | 394.2   |               |   | 74.6           |  | 18.9 |  
|               |  |                                   |         |               |   |                |  |      |  
|Fiscal 2009    |  | $                                 | 1,503.1 |               | $ | 228.3          |  | 15.2 | %
|               |  |                                   |         |               |   |                |  |      |  

Segment income of the Consumer Packaging segment for fiscal 2009 increased $108.5
million primarily due to the recognition of the $54.1 million of alternative fuel tax credits, net, and, as previously discussed, decreased recycled fiber, energy and freight costs, increased selling prices and continued operational improvements,
which were partially offset by lower sales volumes and increased virgin fiber and chemical costs. Recycled fiber and energy costs decreased approximately $33.0 million, or $59 per ton, and approximately $19.0 million, or $19 per ton, respectively,
over the prior year. Freight expense declined $14.8 million due to cost reduction programs and lower sales volumes. Virgin fiber and chemical costs increased approximately $7.2 million and $3.4 million, respectively, and pension and group insurance
expense increased $5.1 million and $1.5 million, respectively. Partially offsetting these increases in expense was reduced bonus expense of $2.2 million and reduced salaries expense of $2.1 million.

Consumer Packaging segment income decreased to $119.8 million in fiscal 2008 from $125.2 million in fiscal 2007 as productivity
improvements, operating efficiencies and sales price increases were more than offset by higher energy, chemicals, and fiber costs in our mills. At our coated mills, recycled fiber costs increased $14.4 million, virgin fiber costs increased $7.0
million, energy costs increased $13.5 million, chemical costs increased $11.5 million and shipping costs increased approximately $3.4 million, over the prior year. During the first quarter of fiscal 2008 we received approximately $1.7 million in
recovery of previously expensed environmental remediation costs, which was largely offset by the impact of a dryer section failure and rebuild in our Dallas mill in December 2007. Workers compensation expense increased $2.0 million,
commissions expense increased $1.7 million, group insurance expense increased $1.4 million, and bad debt expense increased $1.1 million. These higher costs were only partially offset by increases in selling prices over the prior year, an increase in
coated tons shipped, decreased pension expense of $3.7 million, decreased expense of $1.4 million related to foreign currency transactions, and decreased bonus expense of $2.5 million.



23



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##### Table of Contents

##### Index to Financial Statements

Segment Income  Corrugated Packaging Segment



|               |  |                                   |       |               |   |                |  |      |  
|-------------- |  | --------------------------------- | ----- | ------------- | - | -------------- |  | ---- | -
|               |  | Net Sales(Aggregate)              |       | SegmentIncome |   | Returnon Sales | 
|               |  | (In millions, except percentages) |      
|First Quarter  |  | $                                 | 56.2  |               | $ | 6.0            |  | 10.7 | %
|Second Quarter |  |                                   | 59.3  |               |   | 5.8            |  | 9.8  |  
|Third Quarter  |  |                                   | 60.2  |               |   | 4.0            |  | 6.6  |  
|Fourth Quarter |  |                                   | 61.0  |               |   | 3.1            |  | 5.1  |  
|               |  |                                   |       |               |   |                |  |      |  
|Fiscal 2007    |  | $                                 | 236.7 |               | $ | 18.9           |  | 8.0  | %
|               |  |                                   |       |               |   |                |  |      |  
|               |  |                                   |      
|First Quarter  |  | $                                 | 61.4  |               | $ | 4.3            |  | 7.0  | %
|Second Quarter |  |                                   | 112.0 |               |   | 4.4            |  | 3.9  |  
|Third Quarter  |  |                                   | 208.9 |               |   | 23.2           |  | 11.1 |  
|Fourth Quarter |  |                                   | 225.2 |               |   | 39.4           |  | 17.5 |  
|               |  |                                   |       |               |   |                |  |      |  
|Fiscal 2008    |  | $                                 | 607.5 |               | $ | 71.3           |  | 11.7 | %
|               |  |                                   |       |               |   |                |  |      |  
|               |  |                                   |      
|First Quarter  |  | $                                 | 203.2 |               | $ | 50.6           |  | 24.9 | %
|Second Quarter |  |                                   | 176.5 |               |   | 41.6           |  | 23.6 |  
|Third Quarter  |  |                                   | 186.5 |               |   | 49.6           |  | 26.6 |  
|Fourth Quarter |  |                                   | 186.7 |               |   | 37.1           |  | 19.9 |  
|               |  |                                   |       |               |   |                |  |      |  
|Fiscal 2009    |  | $                                 | 752.9 |               | $ | 178.9          |  | 23.8 | %
|               |  |                                   |       |               |   |                |  |      |  

Segment income attributable to the Corrugated Packaging segment for fiscal 2009
increased $107.6 million compared to fiscal 2008 primarily due to increased segment income from the Southern Container Acquisition due largely to an additional five months of ownership in fiscal 2009, decreased recycled fiber, energy and chemical
costs and continued operational improvements, which were partially offset by lower sales volumes and lower selling prices. At our containerboard mills, recycled fiber, energy and chemical costs decreased approximately $60.9 million, or $72 per ton,
approximately $7.4 million, or $9 per ton, and approximately $2.8 million, or $3 per ton, respectively, over the prior year. Freight expense declined $1.1 million due to cost reduction programs and lower sales volumes. Our segment income for fiscal
2008 was reduced by $12.7 million of acquisition inventory charges and $3.8 million due to an upgrade and capacity expansion at our Solvay mill.

Corrugated Packaging segment income in fiscal 2008 increased to $71.3 million from $18.9 million in fiscal 2007 primarily due to the Southern Container Acquisition and increased income at our legacy
corrugated plants, which were partially offset by lower income at our legacy recycled corrugated medium mill due to higher fiber and energy costs. Acquisition accounting requires us to step up the value of the inventory acquired which effectively
eliminates a portion of the profit that we otherwise would realize upon the sale of that inventory. This write up associated with the Southern Container Acquisition reduced our pre-tax income in the year by approximately $12.7 million as the
acquired inventory was sold and charged to cost of goods sold. Our fiscal 2008 segment income was reduced by approximately $3.8 million primarily because of lost production during an upgrade and capacity expansion at our Solvay mill. The annual
capacity of the Solvay mill is now 770,000 tons per year, 50,000 tons more than when we closed the acquisition in March 2008.



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##### Table of Contents

##### Index to Financial Statements

Segment Income  Merchandising Displays Segment



|               |  |                                   |       |               |   |                |  |      |  
|-------------- |  | --------------------------------- | ----- | ------------- | - | -------------- |  | ---- | -
|               |  | Net Sales(Aggregate)              |       | SegmentIncome |   | Returnon Sales | 
|               |  | (In millions, except percentages) |      
|First Quarter  |  | $                                 | 60.9  |               | $ | 5.2            |  | 8.5  | %
|Second Quarter |  |                                   | 82.6  |               |   | 12.1           |  | 14.6 |  
|Third Quarter  |  |                                   | 76.8  |               |   | 10.9           |  | 14.2 |  
|Fourth Quarter |  |                                   | 85.5  |               |   | 10.6           |  | 12.4 |  
|               |  |                                   |       |               |   |                |  |      |  
|Fiscal 2007    |  | $                                 | 305.8 |               | $ | 38.8           |  | 12.7 | %
|               |  |                                   |       |               |   |                |  |      |  
|               |  |                                   |      
|First Quarter  |  | $                                 | 82.0  |               | $ | 8.0            |  | 9.8  | %
|Second Quarter |  |                                   | 94.3  |               |   | 13.8           |  | 14.6 |  
|Third Quarter  |  |                                   | 86.1  |               |   | 8.4            |  | 9.8  |  
|Fourth Quarter |  |                                   | 88.4  |               |   | 11.7           |  | 13.2 |  
|               |  |                                   |       |               |   |                |  |      |  
|Fiscal 2008    |  | $                                 | 350.8 |               | $ | 41.9           |  | 11.9 | %
|               |  |                                   |       |               |   |                |  |      |  
|               |  |                                   |      
|First Quarter  |  | $                                 | 74.8  |               | $ | 5.1            |  | 6.8  | %
|Second Quarter |  |                                   | 82.9  |               |   | 9.7            |  | 11.7 |  
|Third Quarter  |  |                                   | 79.7  |               |   | 8.0            |  | 10.0 |  
|Fourth Quarter |  |                                   | 83.2  |               |   | 9.1            |  | 10.9 |  
|               |  |                                   |       |               |   |                |  |      |  
|Fiscal 2009    |  | $                                 | 320.6 |               | $ | 31.9           |  | 10.0 | %
|               |  |                                   |       |               |   |                |  |      |  

Segment income attributable to the Merchandising Displays segment for fiscal 2009
decreased $10.0 million, compared to fiscal 2008 primarily due to lower sales volumes.

Merchandising Displays segment income
in fiscal 2008 increased $3.1 million, compared to fiscal 2007 due to an increase in display sales which were partially offset by higher input costs and increased salary expense of $1.7 million to support our increased sales levels.

Segment Income  Specialty Paperboard Products Segment



|               |  |                                   |       |               |   |                |  |      |  
|-------------- |  | --------------------------------- | ----- | ------------- | - | -------------- |  | ---- | -
|               |  | Net Sales(Aggregate)              |       | SegmentIncome |   | ReturnOn Sales | 
|               |  | (In millions, except percentages) |      
|First Quarter  |  | $                                 | 79.5  |               | $ | 7.3            |  | 9.2  | %
|Second Quarter |  |                                   | 91.9  |               |   | 7.2            |  | 7.8  |  
|Third Quarter  |  |                                   | 94.0  |               |   | 7.8            |  | 8.3  |  
|Fourth Quarter |  |                                   | 96.3  |               |   | 6.5            |  | 6.7  |  
|               |  |                                   |       |               |   |                |  |      |  
|Fiscal 2007    |  | $                                 | 361.7 |               | $ | 28.8           |  | 8.0  | %
|               |  |                                   |       |               |   |                |  |      |  
|               |  |                                   |      
|First Quarter  |  | $                                 | 91.8  |               | $ | 7.4            |  | 8.1  | %
|Second Quarter |  |                                   | 99.8  |               |   | 6.6            |  | 6.6  |  
|Third Quarter  |  |                                   | 102.1 |               |   | 7.8            |  | 7.6  |  
|Fourth Quarter |  |                                   | 99.2  |               |   | 8.5            |  | 8.6  |  
|               |  |                                   |       |               |   |                |  |      |  
|Fiscal 2008    |  | $                                 | 392.9 |               | $ | 30.3           |  | 7.7  | %
|               |  |                                   |       |               |   |                |  |      |  
|               |  |                                   |      
|First Quarter  |  | $                                 | 75.3  |               | $ | 2.8            |  | 3.7  | %
|Second Quarter |  |                                   | 70.2  |               |   | 6.2            |  | 8.8  |  
|Third Quarter  |  |                                   | 77.2  |               |   | 9.4            |  | 12.2 |  
|Fourth Quarter |  |                                   | 84.2  |               |   | 8.1            |  | 9.6  |  
|               |  |                                   |       |               |   |                |  |      |  
|Fiscal 2009    |  | $                                 | 306.9 |               | $ | 26.5           |  | 8.6  | %
|               |  |                                   |       |               |   |                |  |      |  



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##### Table of Contents

##### Index to Financial Statements

Segment income attributable to the Specialty Paperboard Products segment for fiscal 2009
decreased $3.8 million compared to fiscal 2008. The impact of reduced recycled fiber and specialty recycled paperboard selling prices and lower sales volumes were partially offset by a decrease in fiber costs at our specialty mills of approximately
$12.9 million, or $61 per ton, and decreased energy costs of approximately $2.9 million, or $13 per ton over the prior year. In fiscal 2008 we received approximately $1.7 million in recovery of previously expensed environmental remediation costs.
Partially offsetting fiscal 2009 decreases in fiber and energy costs was increased pension and group insurance expense of $1.3 million and $1.2 million over the prior year, respectively. Freight expense declined $2.7 million due to cost reduction
programs and lower sales volumes.

Specialty Paperboard Products segment income for fiscal 2008 increased to $30.3 million
compared to $28.8 million in fiscal 2007 primarily due to higher sales as a result of increases in volume and prices, which were partially offset by increased recycled fiber costs in our specialty mills of approximately $4.9 million, or $23 per ton,
over the prior year period. Across the segment, energy costs increased approximately $3.8 million.

Equity in Income of
Unconsolidated Entities

Equity in income of unconsolidated entities included in segment income in fiscal 2009 was
$0.1 million compared to $2.4 million in fiscal 2008. The decrease in income was primarily due to a decline in performance of our Seven Hills and DSA investments. Equity in income of unconsolidated entities included in segment income in fiscal 2008
was $2.4 million compared to $1.1 million in fiscal 2007. Fiscal 2008 includes our share of our Seven Hills, Display Source Alliance (DSA) and Quality Packaging Specialists International, LLC (QPSI) investments
as well as our Pohlig Brothers, LLC (Pohlig) and Greenpine Road, LLC (Greenpine) investments acquired in the Southern Container Acquisition. Fiscal 2007 includes our share of our Seven Hills as well as our share
of our QPSI and DSA investments that we entered into during the first quarter and third quarter of fiscal 2007, respectively.

Interest Expense

Interest expense for fiscal 2009 increased to $96.7 million from $86.7 million due to
the impact of twelve months of expense in fiscal 2009 associated with the additional debt required to fund the Southern Container Acquisition, compared to approximately seven months of related expense in the prior year. Deferred financing cost
amortization increased $3.1 million and the increase in our average outstanding borrowings increased interest expense by approximately $12.4 million and lower interest rates, net of interest rate swaps, decreased interest expense by approximately
$2.5 million. Included in fiscal 2008 was a $3.0 million bridge financing fee.

Interest expense for fiscal 2008 increased to
$86.7 million from $49.8 million for fiscal 2007 as a result of the additional debt required to fund the Southern Container Acquisition. Fiscal 2008 interest expense included a $3.0 million bridge financing fee associated with the acquisition. The
increase in our average outstanding borrowings increased interest expense by approximately $34.3 million and lower interest rates, net of interest rate swaps, decreased interest expense by approximately $3.1 million. Increased deferred
financing cost amortization accounted for $2.7 million.

Loss on Extinguishment of Debt and Related Items

Loss on extinguishment of debt and related items for fiscal 2009 was $4.4 million and primarily included $1.9 million
of expense recognized in connection with the tender offer for up to $100 million of our August 2011 Notes (as hereinafter defined) and $2.4 million of expense incurred to retire at 102% of par the Solvay industrial development revenue bonds (the
Solvay IDBs), which we assumed as part of the Southern Container Acquisition. The $2.4 million was funded by the former Southern Container stockholders. Loss on extinguishment of debt and related items for fiscal 2008, previously
included in interest expense, was $1.9 million and was associated with the Southern Container Acquisition.



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##### Index to Financial Statements

Interest Income and Other Income (Expense), net

Interest income and other income (expense), net for fiscal 2008 was income of $1.6 million primarily due to interest income. Interest income
and other income (expense), net was expense of $1.3 million in fiscal 2007 primarily due to a charge for an other than temporary decline in the fair value of a cost method investment.

Minority Interest in Income of Consolidated Subsidiaries

Minority interest in income of our consolidated subsidiaries for fiscal 2009 decreased to $3.6 million from $5.3 million in fiscal 2008 due
primarily to lower earnings at our consolidated solid fiber interior packaging subsidiary and the impairment of certain assets at one of our consolidated corrugated graphics subsidiaries. Minority interest in income of our consolidated subsidiaries
for fiscal 2008 increased to $5.3 million from $4.8 million in fiscal 2007 primarily as a result of the addition of partially-owned businesses acquired in the Southern Container Acquisition, which together with increased earnings at our RTS
subsidiary offset the effect in fiscal 2008 of acquiring the outstanding minority interest in Fold-Pak.

Provision for
Income Taxes

For fiscal 2009, we recorded a provision for income taxes of $91.6 million, at an effective rate of
29.2% of pre-tax income, as compared to a provision of $44.3 million for fiscal 2008, at an effective rate of 35.1% of pre-tax income. The effective tax rate for fiscal 2009 was primarily impacted by the exclusion of the alternative fuel tax credit
from taxable income, a $1.7 million tax benefit related to research tax credits, and a $3.7 million tax benefit related to other federal and state tax credits. For fiscal 2008, we recorded a provision for income taxes of $44.3 million, at an
effective rate of 35.1% of pre-tax income, as compared to a provision of $45.3 million for fiscal 2007, at an effective rate of 35.7% of pre-tax income. We estimate that the annual domestic marginal effective income tax rate for fiscal 2009 was
approximately 37%. We discuss the alternative fuel tax credit and the provision for income taxes in more detail in Note 5. Alternative Fuel Tax Creditand Note 15. Income Taxes of the Notes to the
Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.

In fiscal 2008, we recorded a deferred tax benefit of $1.4 million related
to a tax rate reduction in Canada. We adjusted the rate at which our deferred taxes are computed for state income tax purposes on our domestic operations from approximately 3.4% to approximately 3.7%, resulting in additional tax expense of $0.7
million. We also recorded a benefit of $2.3 million and $0.3 million for research and development and other tax credits, net of valuation allowances, in the United States and Canada, respectively. We also recorded $0.5 million of additional expense
to increase our liability for unrecognized tax benefits. Other differences from the statutory federal tax rate are more fully described in Note 15. Income Taxes of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included
herein.

In fiscal 2007, we adjusted the rate at which our deferred taxes are computed for state income tax purposes on our
domestic operations from approximately 3% to approximately 3.4%, resulting in additional tax expense of $1.2 million. We also recorded a benefit of $4.0 million for research and development and other tax credits, net of valuation allowances. We also
recorded $0.6 million of additional expense to increase our tax contingency reserves.

During the first quarter of fiscal
2006, we repatriated $33.3 million from certain of our foreign subsidiaries as allowed under the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004. This Act created a temporary incentive for United States corporations to repatriate accumulated income earned abroad
by allowing a deduction from U.S. taxable income of an amount equal to 85% of certain dividends received from controlled foreign corporations. As a result of this repatriation, in fiscal 2007 we paid $0.8 million in United States taxes.

Selected Balance Sheet Changes

Accrued Pension and Other Long-Term Benefits increased to $161.5 million at September 30, 2009 from $70.8 million at September 30, 2008 and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss increased to
$108.4 million



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##### Table of Contents

##### Index to Financial Statements

from $20.4 million during fiscal 2009 primarily as a result of recording the increase in our pension unfunded status. The increase in our unfunded status was primarily due to the 197 basis point
decrease in our discount rate in our five defined benefit pension plans (U.S. Qualified Plans). More information on our pension benefit obligation, the fair value of our pension assets and our accumulated other comprehensive
loss is available in Note 16. Retirement Plans and Note 3. Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We fund our working capital requirements, capital expenditures and acquisitions from net cash provided by operating activities, borrowings under term notes, our receivables-backed financing facility and bank credit facilities, and proceeds
received in connection with the issuance of industrial development revenue bonds as well as other debt and equity securities.

The sum of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and marketable debt securities was $11.8 million at September 30, 2009, and $72.0 million at September 30, 2008. The decrease was primarily due to funds used for debt
repayment in the first quarter of fiscal 2009. Our debt balance at September 30, 2009 was $1,349.4 million compared to $1,698.9 million at September 30, 2008. During fiscal 2009, we paid down $349.5 million of debt. We are exposed to
changes in interest rates as a result of our debt. We use interest rate swap instruments from time to time to manage our exposure to changes in interest rates on portions of our outstanding debt. At the inception of the swaps, we usually designate
such swaps as either cash flow hedges or fair value hedges of the interest rate exposure on an equivalent amount of our floating rate or fixed rate debt, respectively. At September 30, 2009, we had certain pay-fixed, receive-floating interest
rate swaps that terminate in April 2012 and cover debt with an aggregate notional amount of $452 million, declining at periodic intervals through April 2012 to an aggregate notional amount of $132 million. These swaps are based on the one-month
LIBOR rate, and the fixed rates average 4.00%.

On March 5, 2008, we entered into an Amended and Restated Credit
Agreement (the Credit Facility) with an original maximum principal amount of $1.2 billion and issued $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of 9.25% senior notes due March 2016 (March 2016 Notes). The Credit
Facility includes revolving credit, swing, term loan, and letters of credit consisting of a $450 million revolving credit facility, a $550 million term loan A facility and a $200 million term loan B facility. The Credit Facility is pre-payable at
any time. Scheduled term loan payments or other term loan payments reduce the facility size. The revolving credit facility and term loan A facility are scheduled to mature on the earlier to occur of (a) March 5, 2013 or (b) if our
$100 million March 2013 Notes (as defined in Note 11. Debt of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements) have not been paid in full or refinanced by September 15, 2012, then September 15, 2012; the term
loan B facility is scheduled to mature on the earlier to occur of (a) March 5, 2014 or (b) if the March 2013 Notes have not been paid in full or refinanced by September 15, 2012, then September 15, 2012. Certain restrictive
covenants govern our maximum availability under this facility, including Minimum Consolidated Interest Ratio Coverage; Maximum Leverage Ratio; and Minimum Consolidated Net Worth; as those terms are defined by the Credit Facility. We test and report
our compliance with these covenants each quarter. We are in compliance with all of our covenants. Our available borrowings under the revolving credit portion of the Credit Facility, reduced by outstanding letters of credit not drawn upon of
approximately $32.2 million, were $398.7 million at September 30, 2009. The March 2016 Notes are guaranteed by the guarantors listed therein (comprising most of our subsidiaries which are guarantors under the Credit Facility). The senior note
indenture contains financial and restrictive covenants, including limitations on restricted payments, dividend and other payments affecting restricted subsidiaries, incurrence of debt, asset sales, transactions with affiliates, liens, sale and
leaseback transactions and the creation of unrestricted subsidiaries. On May 29, 2009, we consummated a tender offer for $93.3 million of August 2011 Notes and financed this tender offer with a $100 million add-on to our March 2016 Notes. The
purchase price of the $93.3 million of tendered bonds was at a price of 103% of par. Subsequent to September 30, 2009, we repurchased $19.5 million of our March 2013 Notes at an average price of approximately 98% of par and recorded an
aggregate gain on extinguishment of debt of approximately $0.5 million.



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##### Index to Financial Statements

In fiscal 2008, in connection with the Southern Container Acquisition we assumed Solvay IDBs
totaling $132.3 million and recorded $110.7 million of debt for cash payable to the sellers for cash held to comply with the Solvay IDBs, net of a 2% redemption fee of approximately $2.4 million to terminate the Solvay IDBs, and an agreed upon
payment to the sellers related to the Code section 338(h)(10) election. On November 3, 2008, the first call date of the Solvay IDBs, we repaid the Solvay IDBs and recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt and related items of $2.4 million due
to amounts paid in excess of carrying value. The loss was funded by the former Southern Container stockholders. We repaid the Solvay IDBs using cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and marketable debt securities aggregating approximately $70
million and proceeds from the revolving portion of our Credit Facility. On November 14, 2008, we paid the former Southern Container stockholders for the cash payable to sellers primarily with funds from the revolving credit portion of our
Credit Facility.

On September 2, 2008, we amended our 364-day receivables-backed financing facility (the
Receivables Facility) and increased its size from $110.0 million to $175.0 million. On July 14, 2009 we amended our existing Receivables Facility to, among other things, extend the maturity to set it to expire on
July 13, 2012 and reduce the size of the facility to $100.0 million. On August 14, 2009 we amended the facility to increase the facility size to $135.0 million. At September 30, 2009 we had $100.0 million outstanding under the
Receivables Facility. Borrowing availability under this facility is based on the eligible underlying receivables and certain covenants. We test and report our compliance with these covenants monthly. We are in compliance with all of our covenants.
One of our covenants is based on the percentage of receivables 31 to 60 days past due, and another is based on the percentage of receivables greater than 61 days past due. Given current economic conditions it is possible that the age of qualifying
receivables could exceed the limit in the covenant. If this event were to occur, we would either amend the facility or terminate the facility utilizing available capacity under the revolving credit portion of our existing Credit Facility. Available
borrowings, reduced by outstanding letters of credit not drawn upon, were $398.7 million under the revolving credit portion of the Credit Facility. For additional information regarding our outstanding debt, our credit facilities and their
securitization, the repayment of the Solvay IDBs and cash payable to sellers, our interest rate swaps and our July 2009 Credit Facility amendment, see Note 11. Debt of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Net cash provided by operating activities during fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008 was $389.7 million and $240.9 million,
respectively. The increase was primarily due to increased earnings, an increase in deferred income tax benefit due to increases in temporary differences and a net decrease in operating assets and liabilities including reduced cash tax payments as a
result of utilizing alternative fuel tax credits. Alternative fuel tax credits reduced our cash tax payments by approximately $30 million in fiscal 2009. We expect to collect in excess of an additional $25 million when we file our 2009 tax return
for amounts recorded in fiscal 2009 and reduce fiscal 2010 cash tax payments in excess of $21 million for amounts expected to be earned in the first quarter of fiscal 2010. Net cash provided by operating activities during fiscal 2008 and 2007 was
$240.9 million and $238.3 million, respectively. We had a net use of working capital of $1.0 million as our increased accounts receivable balance was impacted primarily by higher sales prices and volumes offset by our increased accounts payable
balance which was impacted by higher input costs and both were impacted by our ongoing working capital improvement initiatives. Fiscal 2008 included net proceeds from termination of cash flow interest rate hedges of $6.9 million. Fiscal 2007 was
impacted by a greater source of funds for working capital due to our ongoing working capital improvement initiatives.

Net
cash used for investing activities was $75.4 million during fiscal 2009 compared to $895.2 million in fiscal 2008. Net cash used for investing activities in fiscal 2009 consisted primarily of $75.9 million of capital expenditures and $8.1 million
for the purchase of a leased facility. Net cash used for investing activities was $895.2 million during fiscal 2008 compared to $109.1 million in fiscal 2007. Net cash used for investing activities in fiscal 2008 consisted primarily of $816.8
million related to the Southern Container Acquisition and $84.2 million of capital expenditures. Net cash used for investing activities in fiscal 2007 consisted primarily of $78.0 million of capital expenditures, $32.0 million paid to acquire the
remaining 40% interest in Fold-Pak, and $9.6 million of investment in unconsolidated entities, primarily for our interest in QPSI in our Merchandising Displays segment. Partially offsetting these amounts in fiscal 2007 was a return of capital of
$6.5 million primarily from our Seven Hills investment.



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##### Index to Financial Statements

Net cash used for financing activities was $356.7 million during fiscal 2009 compared to net
cash provided by $696.5 million in fiscal 2008. Fiscal 2009 primarily included net repayments of debt aggregating $346.3 million and cash dividends paid to shareholders of $15.3 million, which was partially offset by the reduction in restricted cash
and investments of $19.2 million. In fiscal 2008, net cash provided by financing activities consisted primarily of net additions to debt and proceeds from issuance of notes aggregating $737.7 million. Partially offsetting these amounts were $27.1
million of debt issuance costs and cash dividends paid to shareholders of $15.2 million. Net cash used for financing activities in fiscal 2007 was $124.9 million and consisted primarily of net repayments of debt of $86.8 million, purchases of Common
Stock of $58.7 million, cash dividends paid to shareholders of $15.4 million, repayments of advances from an unconsolidated entity of $5.4 million, and distributions paid to minority interest partners of $4.2 million. These items were partially
offset by $31.5 million in issuances of Common Stock and $14.1 million for tax benefits from share-based compensation. In fiscal 2007, cash from the issuance of Common Stock increased due to the exercise of stock options for approximately
2.3 million shares.

In fiscal 2007, we received $1.6 million of insurance proceeds primarily for property damage claims
for a flood that occurred at one of our mills during fiscal 2006. The proceeds have been used primarily to repair certain property and equipment. Net cash used for investing activities in fiscal 2007 included $1.3 million for capital equipment
purchased and the balance was classified in cash provided by operating activities.

Our capital expenditures aggregated $75.9
million in fiscal 2009. We used these expenditures primarily for the purchase and upgrading of machinery and equipment. We were obligated to purchase approximately $10 million of fixed assets at September 30, 2009. We estimate that our capital
expenditures will aggregate approximately $90 to $95 million in fiscal 2010. Included in our capital expenditures estimate is approximately $5 to $6 million for capital expenditures that we expect to spend during fiscal 2010 in connection with
matters relating to environmental compliance.

Based on current facts and assumptions, we expect our cash tax payments to be
less than income tax expense in each of fiscal 2010, 2011 and 2012.

In connection with prior dispositions of assets
and/or subsidiaries, we have made certain guarantees to third parties as of September 30, 2009. Our specified maximum aggregate potential liability (on an undiscounted basis) is approximately $7.1 million, other than with respect to
certain specified liabilities, including liabilities relating to title, taxes, and certain environmental matters, with respect to which there may be no limitation. We estimate the fair value of our aggregate liability for outstanding indemnities,
including the indemnities described above with respect to which there are no limitations, to be a de minimis amount. We have also made guarantees, primarily for certain debt, related to three equity investees in an amount less
than $7 million. We have no material off balance sheet arrangements. For additional information regarding our guarantees, see Note 20. Commitments and Contingencies of the Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements.

During fiscal 2009 and 2008, we made contributions of $40.9 and $15.9 million, respectively, to our
pension and supplemental retirement plans. The under funded status of our plans at September 30, 2009 was $161.6 million. Based on current facts and assumptions, we anticipate contributing approximately $26 million to our U.S. Qualified Plans
in fiscal 2010. Future contributions are subject to changes in our under funded status based on factors such as discount rates and return on plan assets. It is possible that our assumptions may change, actual market performance may vary or we may
decide to contribute a different amount. Other than any potential financial impacts resulting from the uncertainty associated with the current turmoil in the financial and capital markets, we do not expect complying with the Pension Act will have a
material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. However, the current turmoil in the financial and capital markets may require us to materially increase our funding.

During fiscal 2009, we recorded a charge to other comprehensive income of $2.1 million for foreign currency translation adjustments,
primarily due to the change in the Canadian/U.S. dollar exchange rates; and we



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##### Index to Financial Statements

recorded deferred losses, net of reclassification adjustments included in earnings, to other comprehensive income of $11.5 million, net of tax, related primarily to our interest rate derivative
cash flow hedges; we recorded deferred losses and costs, net of amortization adjustments, to other comprehensive income of $74.4 million, net of tax, related to pension obligation adjustments.

In October 2009, our board of directors approved a resolution to pay our quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share indicating an annualized
dividend of $0.60 per share on our Common Stock.

We anticipate that we will be able to fund our capital expenditures,
interest payments, stock repurchases, dividends, pension payments, working capital needs, bond repurchases, and repayments of current portion of long-term debt for the foreseeable future from cash generated from operations, borrowings under our
Credit Facility and Receivables Facility, proceeds from the issuance of debt or equity securities or other additional long-term debt financing, including new or amended facilities to finance acquisitions.

Contractual Obligations

We summarize our enforceable and legally binding contractual obligations at September 30, 2009, and the effect these obligations are expected to have on our liquidity and cash flow in future periods
in the following table. We based some of the amounts in this table on managements estimates and assumptions about these obligations, including their duration, the possibility of renewal, anticipated actions by third parties, and other factors.
Because these estimates and assumptions are subjective, the enforceable and legally binding obligations we actually pay in future periods may vary from those we have summarized in the table.



|                                                |  |                        |         |            |   |                   |  |                   |       |            |   |       |  |   |      
|----------------------------------------------- |  | ---------------------- | ------- | ---------- | - | ----------------- |  | ----------------- | ----- | ---------- | - | ----- |  | - | -----
|                                                |  | Payments Due by Period
|Contractual Obligations                         |  | Total                  |         | Fiscal2010 |   | Fiscal2011 & 2012 |  | Fiscal2013 & 2014 |       | Thereafter
|                                                |  | (In millions)         
|Long-term debt, including current portion(a)(e) |  | $                      | 1,348.2 |            | $ | 56.3              |  | $                 | 528.8 |            | $ | 441.3 |  | $ | 321.8
|Operating lease obligations(b)                  |  |                        | 34.0    |            |   | 10.9              |  |                   | 12.6  |            |   | 6.7   |  |   | 3.8  
|Purchase obligations and other(c)(d)(f)(g)      |  |                        | 284.3   |            |   | 204.1             |  |                   | 68.6  |            |   | 9.4   |  |   | 2.2  
|                                                |  |                        |         |            |   |                   |  |                   |       |            |   |       |  |   |      
|Total                                           |  | $                      | 1,666.5 |            | $ | 271.3             |  | $                 | 610.0 |            | $ | 457.4 |  | $ | 327.8
|                                                |  |                        |         |            |   |                   |  |                   |       |            |   |       |  |   |      



|(a) | We have included
in the long-term debt line item above amounts owed on our note agreements, industrial development revenue bonds, and Credit Facility. For purposes of this table, we assume that all of our long-term debt will be held to maturity, except for our March
2013 Notes, which we expect will be paid in full or refinanced by September 15, 2012 as discussed in footnote (d) of Note 11. Debt referenced below. Also included in the Fiscal 2011 & 2012
column in the table above is our August 2011 Notes (as defined in Note 11. Debt of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements). We have not included in these amounts interest payable on our long-term debt. We have
excluded aggregate fair value hedge adjustments resulting from terminated interest rate derivatives of $3.8 million and excluded unamortized discounts of $2.6 million from the table to arrive at actual debt obligations. For information on the
interest rates applicable to our various debt instruments, see Note 11. Debt of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
|--- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



|(b) | For more
information, see Note 14. Leases of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
|--- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



|(c) | Purchase
obligations include agreements to purchase goods or services that are enforceable and legally binding and that specify all significant terms, including: fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price provision; and the
approximate timing of the transaction. Purchase obligations exclude agreements that are cancelable without penalty.
|--- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



|(d) | Seven Hills
commenced operations on March 29, 2001. Our partner has the option to require us to purchase its interest in Seven Hills, at a formula price, effective on the anniversary of the commencement date by providing us notice two years prior to any
such anniversary. No notification has been received to date,
|--- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



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| | therefore, the earliest date on which we could be required to purchase our partners interest is March 29, 2012. We currently project this contingent obligation to purchase our
partners interest (based on the formula) to be approximately $14 million, which would result in a purchase price of approximately 60% of our partners share of the net equity reflected on Seven Hills September 30, 2009 balance
sheet. We have not included the $14 million in the table above.
| | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



|(e) | We have not
included in the table above an item labeled other long-term liabilities reflected on our consolidated balance sheet because none of our other long-term liabilities has a definite pay-out scheme. As discussed in Note 16.
Retirement Plansof the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, we have long-term liabilities for deferred employee compensation, including pension, supplemental retirement plans, and deferred compensation. We have not included in
the table the payments related to the supplemental retirement plans and deferred compensation because these amounts are dependent upon, among other things, when the employee retires or leaves our Company, and whether the employee elects lump-sum or
installment payments. In addition, we have not included in the table pension funding requirements because such amounts are not available for all periods presented. We estimate that we will contribute approximately $26 million to our pension plans in
fiscal 2010. However, it is possible that our assumptions may change, actual market performance may vary or we may decide to contribute a different amount. During fiscal 2009, we contributed approximately $41 million to our pension and supplemental
retirement plans.
|--- | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



|(f) | The Solvay mill
steam supply contract expires in December 2018. We may cancel the contract subject to certain penalties. Included for fiscal 2010 in the table above is $5.9 million for the non-cancellable portion of the steam supply contract.
|--- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



|(g) | Included in the
line item Purchase obligations and other is an aggregate $13.3 million of certain provisions of ASC 740 (as hereinafter defined) liabilities based on our estimate of cash settlement with the respective taxing authorities.
|--- | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In addition to the enforceable and legally binding obligations quantified in the table above, we have other
obligations for goods and services and raw materials entered into in the normal course of business. These contracts, however, are subject to change based on our business decisions.

For information concerning certain related party transactions, see Note 19. Related Party
Transactions of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Stock Repurchase Program

Our board of directors has approved a stock repurchase plan that allows for the repurchase from time to time of shares of
Common Stock over an indefinite period of time. In August 2007 our board of directors amended our stock repurchase plan to allow for the repurchase of an additional 2.0 million shares bringing the cumulative total authorized to 6.0 million
shares of Common Stock. Pursuant to our repurchase plan, during fiscal 2007, we repurchased 2.1 million shares for an aggregate cost of $58.7 million. In fiscal 2009 and 2008, we did not repurchase any shares of Common Stock. At
September 30, 2009, we had approximately 1.9 million shares of Common Stock available for repurchase under the amended repurchase plan.

Expenditures for Environmental Compliance

For a discussion of our expenditures for environmental compliance,
see Item 1. Business  Governmental Regulation  Environmental Regulation.

Critical Accounting
Policies and Estimates

We have prepared our accompanying consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP, which
require management to make estimates that affect the amounts of revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities



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##### Index to Financial Statements

reported. The following are critical accounting matters that are both important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results and that require some of managements most subjective
and complex judgments. The accounting for these matters involves the making of estimates based on current facts, circumstances and assumptions that, in managements judgment, could change in a manner that would materially affect
managements future estimates with respect to such matters and, accordingly, could cause our future reported financial condition and results to differ materially from those that we are currently reporting based on managements current
estimates. For additional information, see Note 1. Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. See also Item 7A. Quantitative
and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

Accounts Receivable and Allowances

We have an allowance for doubtful accounts, credits, returns and allowances, and cash discounts that serve to reduce the value of our gross
accounts receivable to the amount we estimate we will ultimately collect. The allowances contain uncertainties because the calculation requires management to make assumptions and apply judgment regarding the customers credit worthiness and the
credits, returns and allowances and cash discounts that may be taken by our customers. We perform ongoing evaluations of our customers financial condition and adjust credit limits based upon payment history and the customers current
credit worthiness, as determined by our review of their current financial information. We continuously monitor collections from our customers and maintain a provision for estimated credit losses based upon our customers financial condition,
our collection experience and any other relevant customer specific information. Our assessment of this and other information forms the basis of our allowances. We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change
in the future estimates or assumptions we use to estimate the allowances. However, while these credit losses have historically been within our expectations and the provisions we established, it is possible that our credit loss rates could be higher
or lower in the future depending on changes in business conditions. At September 30, 2009, our accounts receivable net of allowances of $8.8 million was $305.5 million; a 1% additional loss on accounts receivable would be $3.1 million and a 5%
change in our allowance assumptions would change our allowance by approximately $0.4 million.

Inventory

We carry our inventories at the lower of cost or market. Cost includes materials, labor and overhead. Market, with
respect to all inventories, is replacement cost or net realizable value, depending on the inventory. Management frequently reviews inventory to determine the necessity to markdown excess, obsolete or unsaleable inventory. Judgment and uncertainty
exists with respect to this estimate because it requires management to assess customer and market demand. These estimates may prove to be inaccurate, in which case we may have overstated or understated the markdown required for excess, obsolete or
unsaleable inventory. We have not made any material changes in the accounting methodology used to markdown inventory during the past three fiscal years. We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the
future estimates or assumptions we use to calculate inventory markdowns. While these markdowns have historically been within our expectations and the markdowns we established, it is possible that our reserves could be higher or lower in the future
if our estimates are inaccurate. At September 30, 2009, our inventory reserves were $3.1 million; a 5% change in our inventory allowance assumptions would change our reserve by approximately $0.2 million.

Prior to the application of the LIFO method, our U.S. operating divisions use a variety of methods to estimate the FIFO cost of their
finished goods inventories. Such methods include a standard cost system, average costs computed by dividing the actual cost of goods manufactured by the tons produced and multiplying this amount by the tons of inventory on hand. Lastly, certain
operations calculate a ratio, on a plant by plant basis, the numerator of which is the cost of goods sold and the denominator is net sales. This ratio is applied to the estimated sales value of the finished goods inventory. Variances and other
unusual items are analyzed to determine whether it is appropriate to include those items in the value of inventory. Examples of variances and



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##### Index to Financial Statements

unusual items that are considered to be current period charges include, but are not limited to, abnormal production levels, freight, handling costs, and wasted materials (spoilage). Cost includes
raw materials and supplies, direct labor, indirect labor related to the manufacturing process and depreciation and other factory overheads.

Goodwill and Long-Lived Assets

We review the recorded value of our
goodwill annually during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year, or sooner if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may exceed fair value as set forth in the Financial Accounting Standards Boards Accounting
Standards Codification (ASC) 350, Intangibles  Goodwill and Other. We test goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is an operating segment or one level below an operating segment, which
is referred to as a component. A component of an operating segment is a reporting unit if the component constitutes a business for which discrete financial information is available and segment management regularly reviews the operating results of
that component. However, two or more components of an operating segment are aggregated and deemed a single reporting unit if the components have similar economic characteristics. The amount of goodwill acquired in a business combination that is
assigned to one or more reporting units as of the acquisition date is the excess of the purchase price of the acquired businesses (or portion thereof) included in the reporting unit, over the fair value assigned to the individual assets acquired or
liabilities assumed. Goodwill is assigned to the reporting unit(s) expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination even though other assets or liabilities of the acquired entity may not be assigned to that reporting unit.

We determine recoverability by comparing the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to which the goodwill applies to the carrying value,
including goodwill, of that reporting unit using a discounted cash flow model. Estimating the fair value of the reporting unit involves uncertainties, because it requires management to develop numerous assumptions, including assumptions about the
future growth and potential volatility in revenues and costs, capital expenditures, industry economic factors and future business strategy. The variability of the factors that management uses to perform the goodwill impairment test depends on a
number of conditions, including uncertainty about future events and cash flows. All such factors are interdependent and, therefore, do not change in isolation. Accordingly, our accounting estimates may materially change from period to period due to
changing market factors. If we had used other assumptions and estimates or if different conditions occur in future periods, future operating results could be materially impacted. However, as of our most recent review during the fourth quarter of
fiscal 2009, if forecasted net operating profit before tax was decreased by 10%, the estimated fair value of each of our reporting units would have continued to exceed their respective carrying values. Also, based on the same information, if we had
concluded that it was appropriate to increase by 100 basis points the discount rate we used to estimate the fair value of each reporting unit, the fair value for each of our reporting units would have continued to exceed its carrying value.
Therefore, based on current estimates and beliefs we do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a change in future assumptions or estimates which would put any of our reporting units with a material amount of goodwill at risk
of failing the step one goodwill impairment test. No events have occurred since the latest annual goodwill impairment assessment that would necessitate an interim goodwill impairment assessment.

We follow the provisions included in ASC 360, Property, Plant and Equipment, in determining whether the carrying value of
any of our long-lived assets is impaired. Our judgments regarding the existence of impairment indicators are based on legal factors, market conditions and operational performance. Future events could cause us to conclude that impairment indicators
exist and that assets associated with a particular operation are impaired. Evaluating the impairment also requires us to estimate future operating results and cash flows, which also require judgment by management. Any resulting impairment loss could
have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

Included in our long-lived assets are
certain intangible assets. These intangible assets are amortized based on the approximate pattern in which the economic benefits are consumed over their estimated useful lives



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##### Index to Financial Statements

ranging from 5 to 40 years and have a weighted average life of approximately 20.4 years. We identify the weighted average lives of our intangible assets by category in Note 9. Other
Intangible Assets of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

We have not made any material changes to
our impairment loss assessment methodology during the past three fiscal years. We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in future assumptions or estimates we use to calculate impairment losses. However,
if actual results are not consistent with our assumptions and estimates, we may be exposed to additional impairment losses that could be material.

Purchase Price Allocations

From time to time, we may enter into
material business combinations. The purchase price is allocated to the various assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their estimated fair value. Fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed are based upon available information and may
involve us engaging an independent third party to perform an appraisal of certain tangible and intangible assets. Estimating fair values can be complex and subject to significant business judgment and most commonly impacts property, plant and
equipment and intangible assets, including those with indefinite lives. Generally, we have, if necessary, up to one year from the date of acquisition to obtain all of the information that we have arranged to obtain and that is known to be obtainable
to finalize the purchase price allocation. Until such time, the purchase price allocation may remain subject to change based on final valuations of assets acquired and liabilities assumed and may be subject to material revision.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Financial instruments not recognized at fair value on a recurring or nonrecurring basis include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivables, certain other current assets, short-term debt, accounts
payable, certain other current liabilities and long-term debt. With the exception of long-term debt, the carrying amounts of these financial instruments approximate their fair values due to their short maturities. The fair values of our long-term
debt are estimated using quoted market prices or are based on the discounted value of future cash flows. Financial instruments recognized at fair value include mutual fund investments and derivative contracts. We measure the fair value of our mutual
fund investments based on quoted prices in active markets. We measure the fair value of our derivative contracts based on the discounted value of future cash flows. At September 30, 2009, a hypothetical increase or decrease of up to 100 basis
points in the LIBOR forward curve would increase or decrease the aggregate fair value of our interest rate swap derivatives by $7.5 million or $5.9 million, respectively. We discuss fair values in more detail in Note 13. Fair Valueof the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Accounting for Income Taxes

As part of the process of preparing our Consolidated Financial Statements, we are required to estimate our income taxes in each of the
jurisdictions in which we operate. We estimate our actual current tax exposure and assess temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and financial accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets
and liabilities, which are included within our consolidated balance sheet. Certain judgments, assumptions and estimates may affect the carrying value of any deferred tax assets and their associated valuation allowances, if any, and deferred tax
liabilities in our Consolidated Financial Statements. We periodically review our estimates and assumptions of our tax assets and obligations using historical experience for the particular jurisdiction and our expectations regarding the future
outcome of the related matters. In addition, we maintain reserves for certain tax contingencies based upon our expectations of the outcome of tax audits in the jurisdictions where we operate. While we believe that our assumptions are appropriate,
significant differences in our actual experience or significant changes in our assumptions may materially affect our income tax expense and liabilities. We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense
in the consolidated statements of income. A 1%



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##### Index to Financial Statements

increase in our effective tax rate would increase tax expense by approximately $3.1 million for fiscal 2009. A 1% increase in our estimated tax rate used to compute deferred tax liabilities and
assets, as recorded on the September 30, 2009 consolidated balance sheet, would increase tax expense by approximately $5.1 million for fiscal 2009.

Pension Plans

We have five defined benefit pension plans, with
approximately 42% of our employees in the United States currently accruing benefits. In addition, under several labor contracts, we make payments based on hours worked into multi-employer pension plan trusts established for the benefit of certain
collective bargaining employees in facilities both inside and outside the United States. We also have a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) that provides unfunded supplemental retirement benefits to certain of our
executives. The determination of our obligation and expense for these plans is dependent on our selection of certain assumptions used by actuaries in calculating such amounts. We describe these assumptions in Note 16. Retirement
Plans of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, which include, among others, the discount rate, expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and expected rates of increase in compensation levels. Although there is
authoritative guidance on how to select most of these assumptions, management must exercise some degree of judgment when selecting these assumptions.

The amounts necessary to fund future payouts under these plans are subject to numerous assumptions and variables. Certain significant variables require us to make assumptions such as a discount rate,
expected rate of return on plan assets and future compensation levels. We evaluate these assumptions with our actuarial advisors on an annual basis, and we believe they are within accepted industry ranges, although an increase or decrease in the
assumptions or economic events outside our control could have a direct impact on reported net earnings.

Our discount rate
used for determining future net periodic benefit cost for each plan is based on the Citigroup Pension Discount Curve. We project benefit cash flows from our defined benefit plans against discount rates published in the September 30, 2009
Citigroup Pension Discount Curve matched to fit our expected liability payment pattern. The benefits paid in each future year were discounted to the present at the published rate of the Citigroup Pension Discount Curve for that year. These present
values were added up and a discount rate for each plan was determined that would develop the same present value as the sum of the individual years. To set the discount rate for our U.S. Qualified Plans, the weighted average of the discount rate for
these plans was used. The expected liability payment pattern in the SERP differs materially from that of the U.S. Qualified Plans so the discount rate for the SERP was determined separately. We believe these discount rates applied to the future
defined benefit payment streams for our plans results in an appropriate measure of our obligations. For measuring benefit obligations of our U.S. Qualified Plans as of September 30, 2009 and September 30, 2008 we employed a discount rate
of 5.53% and 7.50%, respectively. The 197 basis point decrease in our U.S. Qualified Plans discount rate compared to the prior measurement date and the negative return on plan assets experienced in fiscal 2009 was partially offset by our $40.9
million of employer contributions to our pension and supplemental retirement plans in fiscal 2009, resulting in a $91.2 million decrease in funded status compared to the prior fiscal year. For measuring benefit obligations of our SERP as of
September 30, 2009 and September 30, 2008 we employed a discount rate of 4.21% and 7.375%, respectively.

In
determining the long-term rate of return for a plan, we consider the historical rates of return, the nature of the plans investments and an expectation for the plans investment strategies. As of September 30, 2009 and 2008, we used
an expected return on plan assets of 8.65%. The plan assets are divided among various investment classes. As of September 30, 2009, approximately 55% of plan assets were invested with equity managers, approximately 35% of plan assets were
invested with fixed income managers, and approximately 10% of plan assets were held in cash. The difference between actual and expected returns on plan assets is accumulated and amortized over future periods and, therefore, affects our recognized
expenses in such future periods. For fiscal 2009, our pension plans had actual losses on plan assets of $4.1 million, including administrative fees, as



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##### Index to Financial Statements

compared with expected returns on plan assets of $22.4 million, which resulted in a net deferred loss of $26.5 million. At September 30, 2009, we had an unrecognized actuarial loss of $211.4
million. In fiscal 2010, we expect to charge to net periodic pension cost approximately $17.8 million of this unrecognized loss. The amount of this unrecognized loss charged to pension cost in future years is dependent upon future interest rates and
pension investment results. A 25 basis point change in the discount rate, the expected increase in compensation levels or the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets would have had the following effect on fiscal 2009 pension expense
(amounts in the table in parentheses reflect additional income, in millions):



|                                                 |  |                        |      |   |                        |   |      |  
|------------------------------------------------ |  | ---------------------- | ---- | - | ---------------------- | - | ---- | -
|                                                 |  | 25 Basis PointIncrease |      |   | 25 Basis PointDecrease |  
|Discount rate                                    |  | $                      | (1.1 | ) |                        | $ | 1.1  |  
|                                                 |  |                        |      |   |                        |   |      |  
|Compensation level                               |  | $                      | 0.1  |   |                        | $ | (0.1 | )
|                                                 |  |                        |      |   |                        |   |      |  
|Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets |  | $                      | (0.6 | ) |                        | $ | 0.6  |  
|                                                 |  |                        |      |   |                        |   |      |  

Several factors influence our annual funding requirements. For the U.S. Qualified
Plans, our funding policy consists of annual contributions at a rate that provides for future plan benefits and maintains appropriate funded percentages. These contributions are not less than the minimum required by the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA), and subsequent pension legislation and is not more than the maximum amount deductible for income tax purposes. Amounts necessary to fund future obligations under these plans could vary
depending on estimated assumptions. The effect on operating results in the future of pension plan funding will depend in part on investment performance, funding decisions and employee demographics.

In fiscal 2009, we made cash contributions to the U.S. Qualified Plans aggregating $40.1 million which exceeded the $10.4 million
contribution required by ERISA. In fiscal 2008, we made cash contributions to the U.S. Qualified Plans aggregating $15.7 million which exceeded the $15.1 million contribution required by ERISA. Based on current assumptions, our projected funding to
the U.S. Qualified Plans will be approximately $26 million in fiscal 2010. However, it is possible that our assumptions may change, actual market performance may vary or we may decide to contribute a different amount.

New Accounting Standards

See Note 1. Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a full description of recent accounting pronouncements including the
respective expected dates of adoption and expected effects on results of operations and financial condition.



|Item 7A. | QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
|-------- | ----------------------------------------------------------

We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates and commodity prices. Our objective is to identify and
understand these risks and then implement strategies to manage them. When evaluating these strategies, we evaluate the fundamentals of each market, our sensitivity to movements in pricing, and underlying accounting and business implications. To
implement these strategies, we periodically enter into various hedging transactions. The sensitivity analyses we present below do not consider the effect of possible adverse changes in the general economy, nor do they consider additional actions we
may take to mitigate our exposure to such changes. There can be no assurance that we will manage or continue to manage any risks in the future or that our efforts will be successful.

Derivative Instruments

We enter into a variety of derivative
transactions. We use interest rate swap agreements to manage the interest rate characteristics on a portion of our outstanding debt. We evaluate market conditions and our leverage ratio in order to determine our tolerance for potential increases in
interest expense that could result from floating interest rates. From time to time we use forward contracts to limit our exposure to fluctuations in non-functional



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##### Index to Financial Statements

foreign currency rates with respect to our operating units receivables. We also use commodity swap agreements to limit our exposure to falling sales prices and rising raw material costs.
See Note 1. Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Note 12. Derivatives of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Interest Rates

We are exposed to changes in interest rates, primarily as a result of our short-term and long-term debt. We use interest rate swap agreements to manage the interest rate characteristics of a portion of our outstanding debt. Based on the
amounts and mix of our fixed and floating rate debt at September 30, 2009 and September 30, 2008, if market interest rates increase an average of 100 basis points, after considering the effects of our interest rate swaps in effect, our
interest expense would have increased by $2.1 million and $4.0 million, respectively. We determined these amounts by considering the impact of the hypothetical interest rates on our borrowing costs and interest rate swap agreements. These analyses
do not consider the effects of changes in the level of overall economic activity that could exist in such an environment.

Market Risks
Impacting Pension Plans

Our pension plans are influenced by trends in the financial markets and the regulatory
environment. Adverse general stock market trends and falling interest rates increase plan costs and liabilities. During fiscal 2009 and 2008, the effect of a 0.25% change in the discount rate would have impacted income from continuing operations
before income taxes by approximately $1.1 million in fiscal 2009 and $1.3 million in fiscal 2008.

Foreign Currency

We are exposed to changes in foreign currency rates with respect to our foreign currency denominated operating revenues and expenses. Our
principal foreign exchange exposure is the Canadian dollar. The Canadian dollar is the functional currency of our Canadian operations.

We have transaction gains or losses that result from changes in our operating units non-functional currency. For example, we have non-functional currency exposure at our Canadian operations because they have purchases and sales
denominated in U.S. dollars. We record these gains or losses in foreign exchange gains and losses in the income statement. From time to time, we enter into currency forward or option contracts to mitigate a portion of our foreign currency
transaction exposure. To mitigate potential foreign currency transaction losses, we may use offsetting internal exposures or forward contracts.

We also have translation gains or losses that result from translation of the results of operations of an operating units foreign functional currency into U.S. dollars for consolidated financial
statement purposes. Translated earnings were $2.8 million lower in fiscal 2009 than if we had translated the same earnings using fiscal 2008 exchange rates. Translated earnings were $1.2 million higher in fiscal 2008 than if we had translated the
same earnings using fiscal 2007 exchange rates.

During fiscal 2009 and 2008, the effect of a 1% change in exchange rates
would have impacted accumulated other comprehensive income by approximately $1.8 million and $1.7 million, respectively.

Commodities

Recycled Fiber

The principal raw material we use in the production of recycled paperboard and containerboard is recycled fiber. Our purchases of old corrugated containers (OCC) and double-lined kraft
clippings account for our largest fiber costs and approximately 74% of our fiscal 2009 fiber purchases. The remaining 26% of our fiber purchases consists of a number of other grades of recycled paper.



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Including purchases made by our Solvay mill for the seven months we owned it in fiscal 2008,
a hypothetical 10% increase in total fiber prices, would have increased our costs by $13 million and $20 million in fiscal 2009 and 2008, respectively. In times of higher fiber prices, we may have the ability to pass a portion of the increased
costs on to our customers in the form of higher finished product pricing; however, there can be no assurance that we will be able to do so.

Virgin Fiber

The principal raw material we use in the production
of bleached paperboard and market pulp is virgin fiber. A hypothetical 10% increase in virgin fiber prices, would have increased our costs by $6 million in each of fiscal 2009 and 2008, respectively. In times of higher virgin fiber prices, we
may have the ability to pass a portion of the increased costs on to our customers in the form of higher finished product pricing; however, there can be no assurance that we will be able to do so.

Solid Bleached Sulphate

We purchase solid bleached sulphate (SBS) from external sources to use in our folding carton converting business. A hypothetical 10% increase in SBS prices throughout each year would
have increased our costs by approximately $11 million during fiscal 2009 and by approximately $13 million during fiscal 2008. In times of higher SBS prices, we may have the ability to pass a portion of our increased costs on to our customers in the
form of higher finished product pricing; however, there can be no assurance that we will be able to do so.

Coated
Unbleached Kraft

We purchase Coated Unbleached Kraft (CUK) from external sources to use in our
folding carton converting business. A hypothetical 10% increase in CUK prices throughout each year would have increased our costs by approximately $9 million during fiscal 2009 and by approximately $10 million during fiscal 2008. In times of higher
CUK prices, we may have the ability to pass a portion of our increased costs on to our customers in the form of higher finished product pricing; however, there can be no assurance that we will be able to do so.

Linerboard/Corrugated Medium

In fiscal 2009, we converted approximately 700,000 tons of corrugated medium and linerboard in our corrugated box converting operations into corrugated sheet stock. A hypothetical 10% increase in
linerboard and corrugated medium costs throughout each year, including purchases made by the operations acquired in the Southern Container Acquisition for the seven months we owned them in fiscal 2008, would have resulted in increased costs of
approximately $39 million and $29 million during fiscal 2009 and 2008, respectively. We may have the ability to pass a portion of our increased costs on to our customers in the form of higher finished product pricing; however, there can be no
assurance that we will be able to do so.

Energy

Energy is one of the most significant manufacturing costs of our mill operations. We use natural gas, electricity, fuel oil and coal to generate steam used in the paper making process and to operate our
recycled paperboard machines and we use primarily electricity for our converting equipment. Our bleached paperboard mill uses wood by-products for most of its energy. We generally purchase these products from suppliers at market rates. Occasionally,
we enter into long-term agreements to purchase natural gas.

We spent approximately $147 million on all energy sources in
fiscal 2009. Natural gas and fuel oil accounted for approximately 34% (8.5 million MMBtu, which is lower than fiscal 2008 due primarily to decreased mill volumes) of our total energy purchases in fiscal 2009. Our Solvay mill purchases its process
steam



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##### Index to Financial Statements

under a long-term contract with an adjacent coal fired power plant  with steam pricing based primarily on coal prices. The mills electric energy supply is low priced due to the
availability of hydro-based electric power. A hypothetical 10% increase in the price of energy throughout the year would have increased our cost of energy by $15 million.

We spent approximately $172 million on all energy sources in fiscal 2008. Natural gas and fuel oil accounted for approximately 48% (9.0 million MMBtu) of our total energy purchases in fiscal 2008.
Excluding fixed price natural gas forward contracts, a hypothetical 10% increase in the price of energy throughout the year would have increased our cost of energy by $17 million.

We may have the ability to pass a portion of our increased costs on to our customers in the form of higher finished product pricing;
however, there can be no assurance that we will be able to do so.



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##### Index to Financial Statements

|Item 8. | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
|------- | -------------------------------------------

Index to Financial Statements



|                                                                                                     |  |         
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |  | --------
|Description                                                                                          |  |         
|Consolidated Statements of Income                                                                    |  | Page 42 
|Consolidated Balance Sheets                                                                          |  | Page 43 
|Consolidated Statements of Shareholders Equity                                                      |  | Page 44 
|Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows                                                                |  | Page 45 
|Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                                           |  | Page 47 
|Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm                                              |  | Page 101
|Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm On Internal Control over Financial Reporting |  | Page 102
|Managements Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting                              |  | Page 103

For supplemental quarterly financial information, please see Note 22.
Financial Results by Quarter (Unaudited) of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



41



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##### Index to Financial Statements

ROCK-TENN COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME



|                                                                            |  |                                      |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------- |  | ------------------------------------ | ------- | - | ---- | - | ------- | ---- |  | - | ------- | -
|                                                                            |  | Year Ended September 30,             |        
|                                                                            |  | 2009                                 |         |   | 2008 |   |         | 2007 | 
|                                                                            |  | (In millions, except per share data) |        
|Net sales                                                                   |  | $                                    | 2,812.3 |   |      | $ | 2,838.9 |      |  | $ | 2,315.8 |  
|Cost of goods sold (net of alternative fuel tax credit of $54.1, $0 and $0) |  |                                      | 2,049.6 |   |      |   | 2,296.8 |      |  |   | 1,870.2 |  
|                                                                            |  |                                      |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|Gross profit                                                                |  |                                      | 762.7   |   |      |   | 542.1   |      |  |   | 445.6   |  
|Selling, general and administrative expenses                                |  |                                      | 330.8   |   |      |   | 310.5   |      |  |   | 259.1   |  
|Restructuring and other costs, net                                          |  |                                      | 13.4    |   |      |   | 15.6    |      |  |   | 4.7     |  
|                                                                            |  |                                      |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|Operating profit                                                            |  |                                      | 418.5   |   |      |   | 216.0   |      |  |   | 181.8   |  
|Interest expense                                                            |  |                                      | (96.7   | ) |      |   | (86.7   | )    |  |   | (49.8   | )
|Loss on extinguishment of debt and related items                            |  |                                      | (4.4    | ) |      |   | (1.9    | )    |  |   |        |  
|Interest income and other income (expense), net                             |  |                                      |        |   |      |   | 1.6     |      |  |   | (1.3    | )
|Equity in income of unconsolidated entities                                 |  |                                      | 0.1     |   |      |   | 2.4     |      |  |   | 1.1     |  
|Minority interest in income of consolidated subsidiaries                    |  |                                      | (3.6    | ) |      |   | (5.3    | )    |  |   | (4.8    | )
|                                                                            |  |                                      |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|Income before income taxes                                                  |  |                                      | 313.9   |   |      |   | 126.1   |      |  |   | 127.0   |  
|Income tax expense                                                          |  |                                      | (91.6   | ) |      |   | (44.3   | )    |  |   | (45.3   | )
|                                                                            |  |                                      |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|Net income                                                                  |  | $                                    | 222.3   |   |      | $ | 81.8    |      |  | $ | 81.7    |  
|                                                                            |  |                                      |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|Basic earnings per share                                                    |  | $                                    | 5.87    |   |      | $ | 2.19    |      |  | $ | 2.12    |  
|                                                                            |  |                                      |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|Diluted earnings per share                                                  |  | $                                    | 5.75    |   |      | $ | 2.14    |      |  | $ | 2.07    |  
|                                                                            |  |                                      |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  





See accompanying notes.



42



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##### Index to Financial Statements

ROCK-TENN COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS



|                                                                                                                                                                              |  |                                               |          |   |      |   |         |  
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |  | --------------------------------------------- | -------- | - | ---- | - | ------- | -
|                                                                                                                                                                              |  | September 30,                                 |         
|                                                                                                                                                                              |  | 2009                                          |          |   | 2008 |  
|                                                                                                                                                                              |  | (In millions, exceptshare and per share data) |         
|ASSETS                                                                                                                                                                        |  |                                               |          |   |      |   |         |  
|Current assets:                                                                                                                                                               |  |                                               |          |   |      |   |         |  
|Cash and cash equivalents                                                                                                                                                     |  | $                                             | 11.8     |   |      | $ | 52.8    |  
|Restricted cash and marketable debt securities                                                                                                                                |  |                                               |         |   |      |   | 19.2    |  
|Accounts receivable (net of allowances of $8.8 and $9.0)                                                                                                                      |  |                                               | 305.5    |   |      |   | 304.3   |  
|Inventories                                                                                                                                                                   |  |                                               | 275.1    |   |      |   | 283.0   |  
|Other current assets                                                                                                                                                          |  |                                               | 65.0     |   |      |   | 49.2    |  
|Assets held for sale                                                                                                                                                          |  |                                               | 0.9      |   |      |   | 0.7     |  
|                                                                                                                                                                              |  |                                               |          |   |      |   |         |  
|Total current assets                                                                                                                                                          |  |                                               | 658.3    |   |      |   | 709.2   |  
|                                                                                                                                                                              |  |                                              
|Property, plant and equipment at cost:                                                                                                                                        |  |                                               |          |   |      |   |         |  
|Land and buildings                                                                                                                                                            |  |                                               | 413.8    |   |      |   | 398.3   |  
|Machinery and equipment                                                                                                                                                       |  |                                               | 1,857.1  |   |      |   | 1,826.2 |  
|Transportation equipment                                                                                                                                                      |  |                                               | 13.5     |   |      |   | 15.2    |  
|Leasehold improvements                                                                                                                                                        |  |                                               | 5.4      |   |      |   | 7.6     |  
|                                                                                                                                                                              |  |                                               |          |   |      |   |         |  
|                                                                                                                                                                              |  |                                               | 2,289.8  |   |      |   | 2,247.3 |  
|Less accumulated depreciation and amortization                                                                                                                                |  |                                               | (1,013.7 | ) |      |   | (914.2  | )
|                                                                                                                                                                              |  |                                               |          |   |      |   |         |  
|Net property, plant and equipment                                                                                                                                             |  |                                               | 1,276.1  |   |      |   | 1,333.1 |  
|Goodwill                                                                                                                                                                      |  |                                               | 736.4    |   |      |   | 727.0   |  
|Intangibles, net                                                                                                                                                              |  |                                               | 151.3    |   |      |   | 176.9   |  
|Investment in unconsolidated entities                                                                                                                                         |  |                                               | 23.8     |   |      |   | 29.4    |  
|Other assets                                                                                                                                                                  |  |                                               | 38.5     |   |      |   | 37.5    |  
|                                                                                                                                                                              |  |                                               |          |   |      |   |         |  
|                                                                                                                                                                              |  | $                                             | 2,884.4  |   |      | $ | 3,013.1 |  
|                                                                                                                                                                              |  |                                               |          |   |      |   |         |  
|LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY                                                                                                                                          |  |                                               |          |   |      |   |         |  
|Current liabilities:                                                                                                                                                          |  |                                               |          |   |      |   |         |  
|Current portion of debt                                                                                                                                                       |  | $                                             | 56.3     |   |      | $ | 245.1   |  
|Accounts payable                                                                                                                                                              |  |                                               | 233.9    |   |      |   | 241.5   |  
|Accrued compensation and benefits                                                                                                                                             |  |                                               | 88.0     |   |      |   | 95.2    |  
|Other current liabilities                                                                                                                                                     |  |                                               | 71.1     |   |      |   | 65.9    |  
|                                                                                                                                                                              |  |                                               |          |   |      |   |         |  
|Total current liabilities                                                                                                                                                     |  |                                               | 449.3    |   |      |   | 647.7   |  
|                                                                                                                                                                              |  |                                               |          |   |      |   |         |  
|Long-term debt due after one year                                                                                                                                             |  |                                               | 1,289.3  |   |      |   | 1,447.2 |  
|Hedge adjustments resulting from terminated fair value interest rate derivatives or swaps                                                                                     |  |                                               | 3.8      |   |      |   | 6.6     |  
|                                                                                                                                                                              |  |                                               |          |   |      |   |         |  
|Total long-term debt                                                                                                                                                          |  |                                               | 1,293.1  |   |      |   | 1,453.8 |  
|                                                                                                                                                                              |  |                                               |          |   |      |   |         |  
|Accrued pension and other long-term benefits                                                                                                                                  |  |                                               | 161.5    |   |      |   | 70.8    |  
|Deferred income taxes                                                                                                                                                         |  |                                               | 149.2    |   |      |   | 153.3   |  
|Other long-term liabilities                                                                                                                                                   |  |                                               | 36.7     |   |      |   | 29.4    |  
|Commitments and contingencies (Notes 14 and 20)                                                                                                                               |  |                                               |          |   |      |   |         |  
|                                                                                                                                                                              |  |                                              
|Minority interest                                                                                                                                                             |  |                                               | 17.8     |   |      |   | 17.6    |  
|                                                                                                                                                                              |  |                                              
|Shareholders equity:                                                                                                                                                         |  |                                               |          |   |      |   |         |  
|Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized; no shares outstanding                                                                                         |  |                                               |         |   |      |   |        |  
|Class A common stock, $0.01 par value; 175,000,000 shares authorized; 38,707,695 and 38,228,523 shares outstanding at
September 30, 2009 and September 30, 2008, respectively |  |                                               | 0.4      |   |      |   | 0.4     |  
|Capital in excess of par value                                                                                                                                                |  |                                               | 264.5    |   |      |   | 238.8   |  
|Retained earnings                                                                                                                                                             |  |                                               | 620.3    |   |      |   | 421.7   |  
|Accumulated other comprehensive loss                                                                                                                                          |  |                                               | (108.4   | ) |      |   | (20.4   | )
|                                                                                                                                                                              |  |                                               |          |   |      |   |         |  
|Total shareholders equity                                                                                                                                                    |  |                                               | 776.8    |   |      |   | 640.5   |  
|                                                                                                                                                                              |  |                                               |          |   |      |   |         |  
|                                                                                                                                                                              |  | $                                             | 2,884.4  |   |      | $ | 3,013.1 |  
|                                                                                                                                                                              |  |                                               |          |   |      |   |         |  

See accompanying notes.



43



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##### Index to Financial Statements

ROCK-TENN COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY



|                                                                                                           |  |                                                |            |   |      |   |            |      |  |   |            |  
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |  | ---------------------------------------------- | ---------- | - | ---- | - | ---------- | ---- |  | - | ---------- | -
|                                                                                                           |  | Year Ended September 30,                       |           
|                                                                                                           |  | 2009                                           |            |   | 2008 |   |            | 2007 | 
|                                                                                                           |  | (In millions, except share and per share data) |           
|Number of Class A Common Shares Outstanding:                                                               |  |                                                |            |   |      |   |            |      |  |   |            |  
|Balance at beginning of year                                                                               |  |                                                | 38,228,523 |   |      |   | 37,988,779 |      |  |   | 37,688,522 |  
|Shares granted under restricted stock plan                                                                 |  |                                                | 194,885    |   |      |   | 25,000     |      |  |   | 165,497    |  
|Restricted stock grants forfeited                                                                          |  |                                                | (26,499    | ) |      |   | (59,499    | )    |  |   |           |  
|Issuance of Class A common stock, net of stock received for minimum tax withholdings                       |  |                                                | 310,786    |   |      |   | 274,243    |      |  |   | 2,278,460  |  
|Purchases of Class A common stock                                                                          |  |                                                |           |   |      |   |           |      |  |   | (2,143,700 | )
|                                                                                                           |  |                                                |            |   |      |   |            |      |  |   |            |  
|Balance at end of year                                                                                     |  |                                                | 38,707,695 |   |      |   | 38,228,523 |      |  |   | 37,988,779 |  
|                                                                                                           |  |                                                |            |   |      |   |            |      |  |   |            |  
|Class A Common Stock:                                                                                      |  |                                                |            |   |      |   |            |      |  |   |            |  
|Balance at beginning of year                                                                               |  | $                                              | 0.4        |   |      | $ | 0.4        |      |  | $ | 0.4        |  
|                                                                                                           |  |                                                |            |   |      |   |            |      |  |   |            |  
|Balance at end of year                                                                                     |  |                                                | 0.4        |   |      |   | 0.4        |      |  |   | 0.4        |  
|                                                                                                           |  |                                                |            |   |      |   |            |      |  |   |            |  
|Capital in Excess of Par Value:                                                                            |  |                                                |            |   |      |   |            |      |  |   |            |  
|Balance at beginning of year                                                                               |  |                                                | 238.8      |   |      |   | 222.6      |      |  |   | 179.6      |  
|Income tax benefit from share-based plans                                                                  |  |                                                | 5.5        |   |      |   | 1.8        |      |  |   | 14.1       |  
|Compensation expense under share-based plans                                                               |  |                                                | 11.9       |   |      |   | 9.2        |      |  |   | 7.3        |  
|Issuance of Class A common stock, net of stock received for minimum tax withholdings                       |  |                                                | 8.3        |   |      |   | 5.2        |      |  |   | 33.6       |  
|Purchases of Class A common stock                                                                          |  |                                                |           |   |      |   |           |      |  |   | (12.0      | )
|                                                                                                           |  |                                                |            |   |      |   |            |      |  |   |            |  
|Balance at end of year                                                                                     |  |                                                | 264.5      |   |      |   | 238.8      |      |  |   | 222.6      |  
|                                                                                                           |  |                                                |            |   |      |   |            |      |  |   |            |  
|Retained Earnings:                                                                                         |  |                                                |            |   |      |   |            |      |  |   |            |  
|Balance at beginning of year                                                                               |  |                                                | 421.7      |   |      |   | 357.8      |      |  |   | 341.2      |  
|Net income                                                                                                 |  |                                                | 222.3      |   |      |   | 81.8       |      |  |   | 81.7       |  
|Impact of adopting certain provisions of ASC 740 (as hereinafter defined)                                  |  |                                                |           |   |      |   | (1.8       | )    |  |   |           |  
|Cash dividends (per share  $0.40, $0.40 and $0.39)                                                        |  |                                                | (15.3      | ) |      |   | (15.2      | )    |  |   | (15.4      | )
|Issuance of Class A common stock, net of stock received for minimum tax withholdings                       |  |                                                | (8.4       | ) |      |   | (0.9       | )    |  |   | (3.0       | )
|Purchases of Class A common stock                                                                          |  |                                                |           |   |      |   |           |      |  |   | (46.7      | )
|                                                                                                           |  |                                                |            |   |      |   |            |      |  |   |            |  
|Balance at end of year                                                                                     |  |                                                | 620.3      |   |      |   | 421.7      |      |  |   | 357.8      |  
|                                                                                                           |  |                                                |            |   |      |   |            |      |  |   |            |  
|Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income:                                                             |  |                                                |            |   |      |   |            |      |  |   |            |  
|Balance at beginning of year                                                                               |  |                                                | (20.4      | ) |      |   | 8.2        |      |  |   | (12.6      | )
|Foreign currency translation (loss) gain                                                                   |  |                                                | (2.1       | ) |      |   | (12.0      | )    |  |   | 14.0       |  
|Net deferred (loss) gain on cash flow hedge derivatives                                                    |  |                                                | (16.7      | ) |      |   | 1.9        |      |  |   | (0.4       | )
|Reclassification adjustment of net loss (gain) on cash flow hedge derivatives included in earnings         |  |                                                | 5.2        |   |      |   | 0.6        |      |  |   | (2.5       | )
|Pension liability adjustments, prior to adoption of certain provisions of ASC 715 (as hereinafter defined) |  |                                                |           |   |      |   |           |      |  |   | 24.0       |  
|Net actuarial loss arising during period                                                                   |  |                                                | (78.6      | ) |      |   | (21.2      | )    |  |   |           |  
|Amortization of net actuarial loss                                                                         |  |                                                | 4.5        |   |      |   | 2.0        |      |  |   |           |  
|Prior service cost arising during period                                                                   |  |                                                | (1.0       | ) |      |   | (0.1       | )    |  |   |           |  
|Amortization of prior service cost                                                                         |  |                                                | 0.7        |   |      |   | 0.2        |      |  |   |           |  
|                                                                                                           |  |                                                |            |   |      |   |            |      |  |   |            |  
|Net other comprehensive (loss) income adjustments, net of tax                                              |  |                                                | (88.0      | ) |      |   | (28.6      | )    |  |   | 35.1       |  
|Impact of adopting certain provisions of ASC 715 (as hereinafter defined)                                  |  |                                                |           |   |      |   |           |      |  |   | (14.3      | )
|                                                                                                           |  |                                                |            |   |      |   |            |      |  |   |            |  
|Balance at end of year                                                                                     |  |                                                | (108.4     | ) |      |   | (20.4      | )    |  |   | 8.2        |  
|                                                                                                           |  |                                                |            |   |      |   |            |      |  |   |            |  
|Total Shareholders Equity                                                                                 |  | $                                              | 776.8      |   |      | $ | 640.5      |      |  | $ | 589.0      |  
|                                                                                                           |  |                                                |            |   |      |   |            |      |  |   |            |  
|Comprehensive Income:                                                                                      |  |                                                |            |   |      |   |            |      |  |   |            |  
|Net income                                                                                                 |  | $                                              | 222.3      |   |      | $ | 81.8       |      |  | $ | 81.7       |  
|Net other comprehensive (loss) income adjustments, net of tax                                              |  |                                                | (88.0      | ) |      |   | (28.6      | )    |  |   | 35.1       |  
|                                                                                                           |  |                                                |            |   |      |   |            |      |  |   |            |  
|Total comprehensive income                                                                                 |  | $                                              | 134.3      |   |      | $ | 53.2       |      |  | $ | 116.8      |  
|                                                                                                           |  |                                                |            |   |      |   |            |      |  |   |            |  

See accompanying notes.



44



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##### Index to Financial Statements

ROCK-TENN COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS



|                                                                                                               |  |                          |        |   |      |   |        |      |  |   |        |  
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |  | ------------------------ | ------ | - | ---- | - | ------ | ---- |  | - | ------ | -
|                                                                                                               |  | Year Ended September 30, |       
|                                                                                                               |  | 2009                     |        |   | 2008 |   |        | 2007 | 
|                                                                                                               |  | (In millions)            |       
|Operating activities:                                                                                          |  |                          |        |   |      |   |        |      |  |   |        |  
|Net income                                                                                                     |  | $                        | 222.3  |   |      | $ | 81.8   |      |  | $ | 81.7   |  
|Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:                              |  |                          |        |   |      |   |        |      |  |   |        |  
|Depreciation and amortization                                                                                  |  |                          | 150.0  |   |      |   | 133.4  |      |  |   | 103.7  |  
|Deferred income tax expense                                                                                    |  |                          | 46.0   |   |      |   | 22.8   |      |  |   | 22.2   |  
|Share-based compensation expense                                                                               |  |                          | 11.9   |   |      |   | 9.2    |      |  |   | 7.3    |  
|Loss on extinguishment of debt and related items                                                               |  |                          | 4.4    |   |      |   | 1.9    |      |  |   |       |  
|(Gain) loss on disposal of plant and equipment and other, net                                                  |  |                          | 2.8    |   |      |   | (0.4   | )    |  |   | 0.9    |  
|Minority interest in income of consolidated subsidiaries                                                       |  |                          | 3.6    |   |      |   | 5.3    |      |  |   | 4.8    |  
|Equity in income of unconsolidated entities                                                                    |  |                          | (0.1   | ) |      |   | (2.4   | )    |  |   | (1.1   | )
|Proceeds from (payment on) termination of cash flow interest rate hedges                                       |  |                          |       |   |      |   | 6.9    |      |  |   | (0.7   | )
|Pension funding more than expense                                                                              |  |                          | (23.1  | ) |      |   | (7.1   | )    |  |   | (7.5   | )
|Alternative fuel tax credit benefit                                                                            |  |                          | (55.4  | ) |      |   |       |      |  |   |       |  
|Impairment adjustments and other non-cash items                                                                |  |                          | 3.1    |   |      |   | 2.8    |      |  |   | 2.0    |  
|Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:                                               |  |                          |        |   |      |   |        |      |  |   |        |  
|Accounts receivable                                                                                            |  |                          | (0.3   | ) |      |   | (25.3  | )    |  |   | 3.4    |  
|Inventories                                                                                                    |  |                          | 8.0    |   |      |   | 2.2    |      |  |   | (2.6   | )
|Other assets                                                                                                   |  |                          | (12.1  | ) |      |   | 1.1    |      |  |   | 3.0    |  
|Accounts payable                                                                                               |  |                          | (6.4   | ) |      |   | 32.8   |      |  |   | 18.7   |  
|Income taxes                                                                                                   |  |                          | 45.4   |   |      |   | (12.5  | )    |  |   | (4.3   | )
|Accrued liabilities and other                                                                                  |  |                          | (10.4  | ) |      |   | (11.6  | )    |  |   | 6.8    |  
|                                                                                                               |  |                          |        |   |      |   |        |      |  |   |        |  
|Net cash provided by operating activities                                                                      |  |                          | 389.7  |   |      |   | 240.9  |      |  |   | 238.3  |  
|Investing activities:                                                                                          |  |                          |        |   |      |   |        |      |  |   |        |  
|Capital expenditures                                                                                           |  |                          | (75.9  | ) |      |   | (84.2  | )    |  |   | (78.0  | )
|Cash paid for the purchase of a leased facility                                                                |  |                          | (8.1   | ) |      |   |       |      |  |   |       |  
|Cash paid for purchase of businesses, including amounts received from (paid into) escrow, net of cash received |  |                          | 4.0    |   |      |   | (817.9 | )    |  |   | (32.1  | )
|Investment in unconsolidated entities                                                                          |  |                          | (1.0   | ) |      |   | (0.3   | )    |  |   | (9.6   | )
|Return of capital from unconsolidated entities                                                                 |  |                          | 4.1    |   |      |   | 0.8    |      |  |   | 6.5    |  
|Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment                                                            |  |                          | 1.4    |   |      |   | 6.4    |      |  |   | 2.8    |  
|Proceeds from property, plant and equipment insurance settlement                                               |  |                          | 0.1    |   |      |   |       |      |  |   | 1.3    |  
|                                                                                                               |  |                          |        |   |      |   |        |      |  |   |        |  
|Net cash used for investing activities                                                                         |  |                          | (75.4  | ) |      |   | (895.2 | )    |  |   | (109.1 | )
|Financing activities:                                                                                          |  |                          |        |   |      |   |        |      |  |   |        |  
|Proceeds from issuance of notes                                                                                |  |                          | 100.0  |   |      |   | 198.6  |      |  |   |       |  
|Additions to revolving credit facilities                                                                       |  |                          | 230.8  |   |      |   | 206.0  |      |  |   | 68.1   |  
|Repayments of revolving credit facilities                                                                      |  |                          | (244.6 | ) |      |   | (238.7 | )    |  |   | (91.9  | )
|Additions to debt                                                                                              |  |                          | 119.6  |   |      |   | 764.0  |      |  |   | 22.1   |  
|Repayments of debt                                                                                             |  |                          | (552.1 | ) |      |   | (192.2 | )    |  |   | (85.1  | )
|Debt issuance costs                                                                                            |  |                          | (4.4   | ) |      |   | (27.1  | )    |  |   |       |  
|Cash paid for debt extinguishment costs                                                                        |  |                          | (5.2   | ) |      |   |       |      |  |   |       |  
|Restricted cash and investments                                                                                |  |                          | 19.2   |   |      |   | (0.4   | )    |  |   |       |  
|Issuances of common stock, net of related minimum tax withholdings                                             |  |                          | (0.1   | ) |      |   | 4.3    |      |  |   | 31.5   |  
|Purchases of common stock                                                                                      |  |                          |       |   |      |   |       |      |  |   | (58.7  | )
|Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation                                                              |  |                          | 5.5    |   |      |   | 1.8    |      |  |   | 14.1   |  
|Capital contributed to consolidated subsidiary from minority interest                                          |  |                          | 1.7    |   |      |   |       |      |  |   |       |  
|(Repayments to) advances from unconsolidated entity                                                            |  |                          | (7.0   | ) |      |   | 0.7    |      |  |   | (5.4   | )
|Cash dividends paid to shareholders                                                                            |  |                          | (15.3  | ) |      |   | (15.2  | )    |  |   | (15.4  | )
|Cash distributions paid to minority interest                                                                   |  |                          | (4.8   | ) |      |   | (5.3   | )    |  |   | (4.2   | )
|                                                                                                               |  |                          |        |   |      |   |        |      |  |   |        |  
|Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities                                                           |  |                          | (356.7 | ) |      |   | 696.5  |      |  |   | (124.9 | )
|Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents                                                   |  |                          | 1.4    |   |      |   | (0.3   | )    |  |   | (0.3   | )
|                                                                                                               |  |                          |        |   |      |   |        |      |  |   |        |  
|(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents                                                               |  |                          | (41.0  | ) |      |   | 41.9   |      |  |   | 4.0    |  
|Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year                                                                 |  |                          | 52.8   |   |      |   | 10.9   |      |  |   | 6.9    |  
|                                                                                                               |  |                          |        |   |      |   |        |      |  |   |        |  
|Cash and cash equivalents at end of year                                                                       |  | $                        | 11.8   |   |      | $ | 52.8   |      |  | $ | 10.9   |  
|                                                                                                               |  |                          |        |   |      |   |        |      |  |   |        |  



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##### Index to Financial Statements

ROCK-TENN COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS  (Continued)

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:



|                                     |  |                          |       |   |      |   |      |  |   |     
|------------------------------------ |  | ------------------------ | ----- | - | ---- | - | ---- |  | - | ----
|                                     |  | Year Ended September 30,
|                                     |  | 2009                     |       |   | 2008 |   | 2007
|                                     |  | (In millions)           
|Cash paid during the period for:     |  |                          |       |   |      |   |      |  |   |     
|Income taxes, net of refunds         |  | $                        | (3.9  | ) |      | $ | 31.4 |  | $ | 13.1
|Interest, net of amounts capitalized |  |                          | 104.9 |   |      |   | 82.5 |  |   | 54.4

Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:

The fiscal 2007 line item Issuance of Class A common stock net of stock received for minimum tax withholdings in our
consolidated statements of shareholders equity differs from the fiscal 2007 line item Issuances of common stock, net of related minimum tax withholdings in our consolidated statements of cash flows due to $0.9 million of
receivables from the sale of stock being outstanding from employees at September 30, 2006. These receivables were collected in fiscal 2007.

Liabilities assumed in the table below primarily reflect the March 5, 2008 acquisition of Southern Container Corp. (Southern Container and Southern Container
Acquisition) and reflects the final purchase price allocation completed during fiscal 2009. In conjunction with the Southern Container Acquisition, we also assumed debt.



|                                                           |  |                         |        
|---------------------------------------------------------- |  | ----------------------- | -------
|                                                           |  | Year EndedSeptember 30,
|                                                           |  | 2008                   
|                                                           |  | (In millions)          
|Fair value of assets acquired, including goodwill          |  | $                       | 1,188.2
|Cash paid, net of cash received                            |  |                         | 817.9  
|                                                           |  |                         |        
|Liabilities assumed                                        |  | $                       | 370.3  
|                                                           |  |                         |        
|Included in liabilities assumed are the following items:   |  |                         |        
|                                                           | 
|Debt assumed in acquisition                                |  | $                       | 132.4  
|Cash payable to sellers in connection with the acquisition |  |                         | 110.7  
|                                                           |  |                         |        
|Total debt assumed                                         |  | $                       | 243.1  
|                                                           |  |                         |        

For additional information on the Southern Container Acquisition and financing see
Note 7. Acquisitions and Note 11. Debt.

In fiscal 2007, we
contributed $3.9 million of assets to our unconsolidated Display Source Alliance, LLC joint venture. The assets consisted primarily of equipment and inventory.

See accompanying notes.



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##### Index to Financial Statements

ROCK-TENN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1. Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Description of Business

Unless the context otherwise requires, we,
us, our, RockTenn and the Company refer to the business of Rock-Tenn Company, its wholly-owned subsidiaries and its
partially-owned consolidated subsidiaries, including RTS Packaging, LLC (RTS), GraphCorr LLC, Schiffenhaus Canada, Inc. and Schiffenhaus California, LLC. We own 65% of RTS and conduct our interior packaging products
business through RTS. Following the Southern Container Acquisition in March 2008, we own 68% of GraphCorr LLC, 66.67% of Schiffenhaus Canada, Inc. and 50% of Schiffenhaus California, LLC, through which we conduct some of our graphics corrugated
manufacturing operations. Our references to the business of Rock-Tenn Company do not include the following entities that we do not consolidate but account for on the equity method of accounting: Seven Hills Paperboard, LLC (Seven
Hills), Quality Packaging Specialists International, LLC (QPSI), Display Source Alliance, LLC (DSA), Pohlig Brothers, LLC (Pohlig)
and Greenpine Road, LLC (Greenpine). Pohlig and Greenpine were acquired in the Southern Container Acquisition. We own 49% of Seven Hills, a manufacturer of gypsum paperboard liner, 23.96% of QPSI, a business
providing merchandising displays, contract packing, logistics and distribution solutions, 45% of DSA, a business providing primarily permanent merchandising displays, 50% of Pohlig, a small folding carton manufacturer, and 50% of Greenpine, which
owns the real property from which Pohlig operates.

We are primarily a manufacturer of packaging products, recycled
paperboard, containerboard, bleached paperboard and merchandising displays.

Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of our partially-owned consolidated subsidiaries. Equity
investments in which we exercise significant influence but do not control and are not the primary beneficiary are accounted for using the equity method. Investments in which we are not able to exercise significant influence over the investee are
accounted for under the cost method. We have eliminated all significant intercompany accounts and transactions.

We have
determined that Seven Hills, DSA, Pohlig and Greenpine are variable interest entities as defined in the Financial Accounting Standards Boards (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 810,
Consolidation. We are not, however, the primary beneficiary of each of these entities. Accordingly, we use the equity method to account for our investment in Seven Hills, DSA, Pohlig and Greenpine. We have accounted for our
investment in QPSI under the equity method.

Use of Estimates

Preparing consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States
(GAAP) requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the
reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from those estimates, and the differences could be material.

The most significant accounting estimates inherent in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements include estimates to evaluate the recoverability of goodwill, intangibles and property, plant
and equipment, to determine the useful lives of assets that are amortized or depreciated, and to measure income taxes, self-insured obligations, restructuring activities and allocate the purchase price of acquired business to the fair



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##### Index to Financial Statements

ROCK-TENN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (Continued)



value of acquired assets and liabilities. In addition, significant estimates form the basis for our reserves with respect to collectibility of accounts receivable, inventory valuations, pension
benefits, and certain benefits provided to current employees. Various assumptions and other factors underlie the determination of these significant estimates. The process of determining significant estimates is fact specific and takes into account
factors such as historical experience, current and expected economic conditions, product mix, and in some cases, actuarial techniques. We regularly re-evaluate these significant factors and make adjustments where facts and circumstances dictate.

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue when there is persuasive evidence that an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, our price to the buyer is fixed or determinable and collectibility
is reasonably assured. Delivery is not considered to have occurred until the customer takes title and assumes the risks and rewards of ownership. The timing of revenue recognition is dependent on the location of title transfer which is normally
either on the exit from our plants (i.e., shipping point) or on arrival at customers plants (i.e., destination point). We do not recognize revenue from transactions where we bill customers but retain custody and title to these products until
the date of custody and title transfer.

We net, against our gross sales, provisions for discounts, returns, allowances,
customer rebates and other adjustments. We account for such provisions during the same period in which we record the related revenues. We include in net sales any amounts related to shipping and handling that are billed to a customer.

Shipping and Handling Costs

We classify shipping and handling costs as a component of cost of goods sold.

Derivatives

We are exposed to interest rate risk, commodity price risk, and foreign currency exchange
risk. To manage these risks, from time-to-time and to varying degrees, we enter into a variety of financial derivative transactions and certain physical commodity transactions that are determined to be derivatives. Interest rate swaps may be entered
into in order to manage the interest rate risk associated with a portion of our outstanding debt. Interest rate swaps are either designated as cash flow hedges of floating rate debt or fair value hedges of fixed rate debt, or we may elect not to
treat them as accounting hedges. Forward contracts on certain commodities may be entered into to manage the price risk associated with forecasted purchases of those commodities. In addition, certain commodity derivative contracts and physical
commodity contracts that are determined to be derivatives are not designated as accounting hedges because either they do not meet the criteria for treatment as accounting hedges under ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, or we elect
not to treat them as hedges under ASC 815. We may also enter into forward contracts to manage our exposure to fluctuations in Canadian foreign currency rates with respect to our receivables denominated in Canadian dollars.

Outstanding financial derivative instruments expose us to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties to the
agreements. However, we do not expect any of the counterparties to fail to meet their obligations. Our credit exposure related to these financial instruments is represented by the fair value of contracts reported as assets. We manage our exposure to
counterparty credit risk through minimum credit standards, diversification of counterparties and procedures to monitor concentrations of credit risk.

For derivative instruments that are designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is reported as a component of other comprehensive income and
reclassified into



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##### Index to Financial Statements

ROCK-TENN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (Continued)



earnings in the same line item associated with the forecasted hedged transaction, and in the same period or periods during which the forecasted hedged transaction affects earnings. Gains and
losses on the derivative representing either hedge ineffectiveness or hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness are recognized in current earnings.

For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a fair value hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative instrument as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to
the hedged risk are recognized in the same line item associated with the hedged item in current earnings. We amortize the adjustment to the carrying value of our fixed rate debt instruments that arose from previously terminated fair value hedges to
interest expense using the effective interest method over the remaining life of the related debt.

For derivative instruments
not designated as accounting hedges, the gain or loss is recognized in current earnings.

Cash Equivalents

We consider all highly liquid investments that mature three months or less from the date of purchase to be cash
equivalents. The carrying amounts we report in the consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents approximate fair market values. We place our cash and cash equivalents with large credit worthy banks, which limits the amount of our credit
exposure.

Restricted Cash and Marketable Debt Securities

As part of the Southern Container Acquisition we received restricted cash and marketable debt securities. At September 30, 2008,
restricted cash and marketable debt securities were classified in the balance sheet in current assets because they were to be used within a year for payment of existing or maturing obligations. We classified these marketable debt securities as
available-for-sale. We carried these securities at fair market value based on current market quotes. There was no significant unrealized gain or loss in fiscal 2009 or 2008. The restricted cash and securities were liquidated in November 2008 at
amounts that approximated carrying value as of September 30, 2008.

Accounts Receivable and Allowances

We perform periodic evaluations of our customers financial condition and generally do not require collateral.
Receivables generally are due within 30 to 45 days. We serve a diverse customer base primarily in North America and, therefore, have limited exposure from credit loss to any particular customer or industry segment.

We state accounts receivable at the amount owed by the customer, net of an allowance for estimated uncollectible accounts, returns and
allowances, cash discounts and other adjustments. We do not discount accounts receivable because we generally collect accounts receivable over a relatively short time. We account for sales and other taxes that are imposed on and concurrent with
individual revenue-producing transactions between a customer and us on a net basis which excludes the taxes from our net sales. We estimate our allowance for doubtful accounts based on our historical experience, current economic conditions and the
credit worthiness of our customers. We charge off receivables when they are determined to be no longer collectible. In fiscal 2009, 2008, and 2007, we recorded bad debt expense of $2.6 million, $3.1 million, and $1.0 million, respectively.



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##### Index to Financial Statements

ROCK-TENN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (Continued)



The following table represents a summary of the changes in the reserve for allowance for doubtful accounts, returns and allowances and cash
discounts for fiscal 2009, 2008, and 2007 (in millions):



|                                                     |  |      |       |   |      |   |       |      |  |   |       |  
|---------------------------------------------------- |  | ---- | ----- | - | ---- | - | ----- | ---- |  | - | ----- | -
|                                                     |  | 2009 |       |   | 2008 |   |       | 2007 | 
|Balance at the beginning of period                   |  | $    | 9.0   |   |      | $ | 5.4   |      |  | $ | 5.2   |  
|Reduction in sales and charges to costs and expenses |  |      | 39.2  |   |      |   | 35.9  |      |  |   | 22.6  |  
|Southern Container opening balance                   |  |      |      |   |      |   | 4.7   |      |  |   |      |  
|Deductions                                           |  |      | (39.4 | ) |      |   | (37.0 | )    |  |   | (22.4 | )
|                                                     |  |      |       |   |      |   |       |      |  |   |       |  
|Balance at the end of period                         |  | $    | 8.8   |   |      | $ | 9.0   |      |  | $ | 5.4   |  
|                                                     |  |      |       |   |      |   |       |      |  |   |       |  

Inventories

We value substantially all U.S. inventories at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined on the last-in, first-out
(LIFO) basis. We value all other inventories at lower of cost or market, with cost determined using methods that approximate cost computed on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis. These other inventories represent
primarily foreign inventories and spare parts inventories and aggregate approximately 24.7% and 23.3% of FIFO cost of all inventory at September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Prior to the application of the LIFO method, our U.S. operating divisions use a variety of methods to estimate the FIFO cost of their
finished goods inventories. Such methods include a standard cost system, or average costs computed by dividing the actual cost of goods manufactured by the tons produced and multiplying this amount by the tons of inventory on hand. Lastly, certain
operations calculate a ratio, on a plant by plant basis, the numerator of which is the cost of goods sold and the denominator is net sales. This ratio is applied to the estimated sales value of the finished goods inventory. Variances and other
unusual items are analyzed to determine whether it is appropriate to include those items in the value of inventory. Examples of variances and unusual items that are considered to be current period charges include, but are not limited to, abnormal
production levels, freight, handling costs, and wasted materials (spoilage). Cost includes raw materials and supplies, direct labor, indirect labor related to the manufacturing process and depreciation and other factory overheads.

Property, Plant and Equipment

We state property, plant and equipment at cost. Cost includes major expenditures for improvements and replacements that extend useful lives, increase capacity, increase revenues or reduce costs. During
fiscal 2009, 2008, and 2007, we capitalized interest of approximately $0.5 million, $0.8 million, and $0.8 million, respectively. For financial reporting purposes, we provide depreciation and amortization primarily on a straight-line method over the
estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:



|                                    |  |            
|----------------------------------- |  | -----------
|Buildings and building improvements |  | 15-40 years
|Machinery and equipment             |  | 3-44 years 
|Transportation equipment            |  | 3-8 years  

Generally our machinery and equipment have estimated useful lives between 3 and 20
years; however, select portions of machinery and equipment at our mills have estimated useful lives up to 44 years. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the asset life or the lease term, generally between 3 and 10 years.
Depreciation expense for fiscal 2009, 2008, and 2007 was approximately $130.6 million, $118.9 million, and $96.6 million, respectively.



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##### Index to Financial Statements

ROCK-TENN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (Continued)



Goodwill and Long-Lived Assets

We review the recorded value of our goodwill annually at the beginning of the fourth quarter of each fiscal year, or more often if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may
exceed fair value as set forth in ASC 350, Intangibles  Goodwill and Other. We test goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is an operating segment or one level below an operating segment, which is
referred to as a component. A component of an operating segment is a reporting unit if the component constitutes a business for which discrete financial information is available and segment management regularly reviews the operating results of that
component. However, two or more components of an operating segment are aggregated and deemed a single reporting unit if the components have similar economic characteristics. The amount of goodwill acquired in a business combination that is assigned
to one or more reporting units as of the acquisition date is the excess of the purchase price of the acquired businesses (or portion thereof) included in the reporting unit, over the fair value assigned to the individual assets acquired or
liabilities assumed. Goodwill is assigned to the reporting unit(s) expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination even though other assets or liabilities of the acquired entity may not be assigned to that reporting unit. We determine
recoverability by comparing the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to which the goodwill applies to the carrying value, including goodwill, of that reporting unit using a discounted cash flow model.

The goodwill impairment model is a two-step process. In step one, we utilize the present value of expected net cash flows to determine the
estimated fair value of our reporting units. This present value model requires management to estimate future net cash flows, the timing of these cash flows, and a discount rate (based on a weighted average cost of capital), which represents the time
value of money and the inherent risk and uncertainty of the future cash flows. Factors that management must estimate when performing this step in the process include, among other items, sales volume, prices, inflation, discount rates, exchange
rates, tax rates and capital spending. The assumptions we use to estimate future cash flows are consistent with the assumptions that the reporting units use for internal planning purposes, updated to reflect current expectations. If we determine
that the estimated fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is not impaired. If we determine that the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, we must complete step
two of the impairment analysis. Step two involves determining the implied fair value of the reporting units goodwill and comparing it to the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting units goodwill exceeds
the implied fair value of that goodwill, we recognize an impairment loss in an amount equal to that excess. We completed the annual test of the goodwill associated with each of our reporting units during fiscal 2009 and concluded the fair values
were in excess of the carrying values of each of the reporting units. No events have occurred since the latest annual goodwill impairment assessment that would necessitate an interim goodwill impairment assessment.

We follow provisions included in ASC 360, Property, Plant and Equipment in determining whether the carrying value of any
of our long-lived assets, including amortizing intangibles other than goodwill, is impaired. The ASC 360 test is a three-step test for assets that are held and used as that term is defined by ASC 360. First, we determine whether
indicators of impairment are present. ASC 360 requires us to review long-lived assets for impairment only when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the long-lived asset might not be recoverable. Accordingly, while
we do routinely assess whether impairment indicators are present, we do not routinely perform tests of recoverability. Second, if we determine that indicators of impairment are present, we determine whether the estimated undiscounted cash flows for
the potentially impaired assets are less than the carrying value. This requires management to estimate future net cash flows through operations over the remaining useful life of the asset and its ultimate disposition. The assumptions we use to
estimate future cash flows are consistent with the assumptions we use for internal planning purposes, updated to reflect current expectations. Third, if such estimated undiscounted cash flows do not exceed the carrying value,



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##### Index to Financial Statements

ROCK-TENN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (Continued)



we estimate the fair value of the asset and record an impairment charge if the carrying value is greater than the fair value of the asset. We estimate fair value using discounted cash flows,
prices for similar assets, or other valuation techniques. We record assets classified as held for sale at the lower of their carrying value or estimated fair value less anticipated cost to sell.

Included in our long-lived assets are certain identifiable intangible assets. These intangible assets are amortized based on the estimated
pattern in which the economic benefits are realized over their estimated useful lives ranging generally from 5 to 40 years and have a weighted average life of approximately 20.4 years.

Our judgments regarding the existence of impairment indicators are based on legal factors, market conditions and operational performance.
Future events could cause us to conclude that impairment indicators exist and that assets associated with a particular operation are impaired. Evaluating impairment also requires us to estimate future operating results and cash flows, which also
require judgment by management. Any resulting impairment loss could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

Purchase Price Allocations

From time to time, we may enter into
material business combinations. In accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations, the purchase price is allocated to the various assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their estimated fair value. Fair values of assets
acquired and liabilities assumed are based upon available information and may involve us engaging an independent third party to perform an appraisal of certain tangible and intangible assets. Estimating fair values can be complex and subject to
significant business judgment and most commonly impacts property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, including those with indefinite lives. Generally, we have, if necessary, up to one year from the date of acquisition to obtain all of the
information that we have arranged to obtain and that is known to be obtainable to finalize the purchase price allocation. Until such time, the purchase price allocation may remain subject to change based on final valuations of assets acquired and
liabilities assumed and may be subject to material revision.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Financial instruments not recognized at fair value on a recurring or nonrecurring basis include cash and cash equivalents, accounts
receivables, certain other current assets, short-term debt, accounts payable, certain other current liabilities and long-term debt. With the exception of long-term debt, the carrying amounts of these financial instruments approximate their fair
values due to their short maturities. The fair values of our long-term debt are estimated using quoted market prices or are based on the discounted value of future cash flows. Financial instruments recognized at fair value include mutual fund
investments and derivative contracts. We measure the fair value of our mutual fund investments based on quoted prices in active markets. We measure the fair value of our derivative contracts based on the discounted value of future cash flows. We
discuss fair values in more detail in Note 13. Fair Value.

Health Insurance

We are self-insured for the majority of our group health insurance costs, subject to specific retention levels. We
calculate our group health insurance reserve on an undiscounted basis based on estimated reserve rates. We utilize claims lag data provided by our claims administrators to compute the required estimated reserve rate. We calculate our average monthly
claims paid using the actual monthly payments during the trailing 12-month period. At that time, we also calculate our required reserve using the reserve rates discussed above. While we believe that our assumptions are appropriate, significant
differences in our actual experience or significant changes in our assumptions may materially affect our group health insurance costs.



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##### Index to Financial Statements

ROCK-TENN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (Continued)



Workers Compensation

We purchase large risk deductible workers compensation policies for the majority of our workers compensation liabilities that are subject to various deductibles to limit our exposure. We
calculate our workers compensation reserves on an undiscounted basis based on estimated actuarially calculated development factors.

Income Taxes

We account for income taxes under the liability
method which requires that we recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amount of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax
bases. We record a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets when the weight of available evidence indicates it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will not be realized at its initially recorded value. See Note 15.
Income Taxes.

We have elected to treat earnings from certain foreign subsidiaries, from the date we acquired
those subsidiaries, as subject to repatriation, and we provide for taxes accordingly. However, we consider all earnings of our other foreign subsidiaries indefinitely reinvested in those respective operations. We have not provided for any
incremental United States taxes that would be due upon repatriation of those earnings into the United States. However, in the event of a distribution of those earnings in the form of dividends or otherwise, we may be subject to both United States
income taxes, subject to an adjustment for foreign tax credits, and withholding taxes payable to the various foreign countries. Determination of the amount of unrecognized deferred United States income tax liability is not practicable because of the
complexities associated with its hypothetical calculation.

Pension and Other Post-Retirement Benefits

We account for pensions in accordance with ASC 715, Compensation  Retirement Benefits.
Accordingly, we recognize the funded status of our pension plans as assets or liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. The funded status is the difference between our projected benefit obligations and fair value of plan assets. The
determination of our obligation and expense for pension and other post-retirement benefits is dependent on our selection of certain assumptions used by actuaries in calculating such amounts. We describe these assumptions in Note 16.
Retirement Plans, which include, among others, the discount rate, expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and rates of increase in compensation levels. As provided under ASC 715, we defer actual results that differ from our
assumptions and amortize the difference over future periods. Therefore, these differences generally affect our recognized expense and funding requirements in future periods. While we believe that our assumptions are appropriate, significant
differences in our actual experience or significant changes in our assumptions may materially affect our pension and other post-retirement benefit obligations and our future expense.

Stock Based Compensation

We account for stock based compensation in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation  Stock Compensation. Pursuant to our 2004 Incentive Stock Plan, we can award shares of restricted
Common Stock to employees and our board of directors. The grants generally vest over a period of 3 to 5 years depending on the nature of the award, except for non-employee director grants which vest over one year. Our restricted stock grants
generally contain market or performance conditions that must be met in conjunction with a service requirement for the shares to vest. We charge compensation under the plan to earnings over each increments individual restriction period. See
Note 17. Shareholders Equity for additional information.



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##### Index to Financial Statements

ROCK-TENN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (Continued)



Asset Retirement Obligations

The Company accounts for asset retirement obligations in accordance with ASC 410, Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations. A liability and an asset are recorded equal to the
present value of the estimated costs associated with the retirement of long-lived assets where a legal or contractual obligation exists and the liability can be reasonably estimated. The liability is accreted over time and the asset is depreciated
over the remaining life of the related asset. Upon settlement of the liability, we will recognize a gain for any difference between the settlement amount and the liability recorded. Asset retirement obligations with indeterminate settlement dates
are not recorded until such time that a reasonable estimate may be made. Asset retirement obligations consist primarily of wastewater lagoon and landfill closure costs at certain of our paperboard mills. The amount accrued is not significant.

Repair and Maintenance Costs

We expense routine repair and maintenance costs as we incur them. We defer expenses we incur during planned major maintenance activities and recognize the expenses ratably over the shorter of the life
provided or until replaced by the next major maintenance activity. Our bleached paperboard mill is the only facility that currently conducts planned major maintenance activities. This maintenance is generally performed every twelve to eighteen
months and has a significant impact on our results of operations in the period performed.

Foreign Currency

We translate the assets and liabilities of our foreign operations from their functional currency into U.S. dollars at the
rate of exchange in effect as of the balance sheet date. We reflect the resulting translation adjustments in shareholders equity. We translate the revenues and expenses of our foreign operations at a daily average rate prevailing for each
month during the fiscal year. We include gains or losses from foreign currency transactions, such as those resulting from the settlement of foreign receivables or payables, in the consolidated statements of income. We recorded a gain of $0.6 million
in fiscal 2009 and 2008 and recorded a loss of $0.9 million in fiscal 2007 from foreign currency transactions.

Environmental Remediation Costs

We accrue for losses associated with our environmental remediation
obligations when it is probable that we have incurred a liability and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. We generally recognize accruals for estimated losses from our environmental remediation obligations no later than completion of
the remedial feasibility study and adjust such accruals as further information develops or circumstances change. We recognize recoveries of our environmental remediation costs from other parties as assets when we deem their receipt probable.

New Accounting Standards  Recently Adopted

In June 2009, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 168, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (SFAS
168). SFAS 168 establishes the FASB Accounting Standards Codification as the source of authoritative accounting principles recognized by the FASB to be applied by non-governmental entities in the preparation of financial statements in
conformity with GAAP in the United States. SFAS 168 is effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. We have updated our GAAP references accordingly. SFAS 168 was codified in ASC 105,
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.



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##### Index to Financial Statements

ROCK-TENN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (Continued)



In April 2009, the FASB issued certain provisions included in ASC 825, Financial Instruments, to require disclosures about
fair value of financial instruments in interim financial statements as well as in annual financial statements. These provisions were effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted. We began
providing the related disclosures starting with our interim financial statements as of June 30, 2009.

In May 2009, the
FASB issued ASC 855, Subsequent Events. ASC 855 establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosures of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be
issued. ASC 855 requires the disclosure of the date through which an entity has evaluated subsequent events and the basis for that date. ASC 855 is effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009. We adopted ASC 855 as of
June 30, 2009, and it did not have an impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.

In September 2006, the FASB issued ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. ASC 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair
value measurements. ASC 820 emphasizes that fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement. Therefore, a fair value measurement would be determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing
the asset or liability. ASC 820, as issued, was effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 (October 1, 2008 for us). In February 2008, the FASB amended certain provisions of ASC 820 to defer for one year the effective date of
ASC 820 for all non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (that is, at least annually). We adopted ASC 820, as amended, as of
October 1, 2008, the beginning of our current fiscal year. See Note 13. Fair Value to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In March 2008, the FASB issued certain provisions of ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging. These provisions require entities to provide enhanced disclosures about (a) how and why an
entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under ASC 815, and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entitys financial position, financial
performance, and cash flows. The provisions are effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. We adopted these provisions on January 1, 2009, and have included the additional disclosures in
Note 12. Derivatives to our Consolidated Financial Statements. The provisions apply only to financial statement disclosures and, accordingly, had no impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, and
cash flows.

New Accounting Standards  Recently Issued

In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 166 Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets  an amendment of FASB Statement
No. 140 (SFAS 166). SFAS 166 requires additional disclosures about the transfer and derecognition of financial assets and eliminates the concept of qualifying special-purpose entities under ASC 860
Transfers and Servicing. SFAS 166 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009 (October 1, 2010 for us). We are currently evaluating the effect of adopting SFAS 166 on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 167, Amendments to FASB Interpretations No. 46(R)
(SFAS 167). SFAS 167 revises the approach to determining the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity (VIE) to be more qualitative in nature and requires companies to more frequently reassess whether
they must consolidate a VIE. SFAS No. 167 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009 (October 1,



55



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##### Index to Financial Statements

ROCK-TENN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (Continued)



2010 for us), for interim periods within that first annual reporting period and for interim and annual reporting periods thereafter. We are currently evaluating the effect of adopting SFAS 167 on
our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2008, the FASB issued certain provisions of ASC 260, Earnings Per
Share, which state that unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are participating securities and are to be included in the computation of earnings
per share under the two-class method as described in ASC 260. These provisions are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008 (October 1, 2009 for us) with early adoption prohibited. These provisions require all presented
prior-period earnings per share data to be adjusted. We are currently evaluating the effect the implementation of these new provisions will have on our consolidated financial statements, and we believe the adoption will not materially change the
previously reported computed earnings per share.

In December 2007, the FASB issued ASC 805, Business
Combinations. ASC 805 expands the definition of a business combination and requires the fair value of the purchase price of an acquisition, including the issuance of equity securities, to be determined on the acquisition date. ASC 805 also
requires that all assets, liabilities, contingent considerations, and, under certain circumstances, contingencies of an acquired business be recorded at fair value at the acquisition date. In addition, ASC 805 requires that acquisition costs
generally be expensed as incurred, restructuring costs generally be expensed in periods subsequent to the acquisition date, and changes in deferred tax asset valuation allowances and acquired income tax uncertainties after the measurement period
impact income tax expense. ASC 805 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008 (October 1, 2009 for us) with early adoption prohibited. The effect the implementation of ASC 805 will have on our consolidated financial
statements will depend upon the facts and circumstances of future acquisitions.

In December 2007, the FASB issued certain
provisions of ASC 810, Consolidation, which change the accounting and reporting for minority interests such that minority interests generally will be recharacterized as noncontrolling interests and will be required to be reported
as a component of equity, requires that purchases or sales of subsidiaries equity interests that do not result in a change in control be accounted for as equity transactions and, upon a loss of control, requires the interest sold, as well as
any interest retained, to be recorded at fair value with any gain or loss recognized in earnings. These provisions are effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008 (October 1, 2009 for us) with early adoption prohibited.
We are currently evaluating the effect the implementation of these provisions will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2008, the FASB amended certain provisions of ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures that deferred the effective date of ASC 820 for all non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except
those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (that is, at least annually), until fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 (October 1, 2009 for us). We are currently evaluating the
effect these provisions will have on our consolidated financial statements.

Reclassifications

We have made certain reclassifications to prior year amounts to conform to the current year presentation.



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##### Index to Financial Statements

ROCK-TENN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (Continued)



Note 2. Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in millions, except for earnings per share information):



|                                                                                             |  |                          |       |      |   |      |  |   |     
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |  | ------------------------ | ----- | ---- | - | ---- |  | - | ----
|                                                                                             |  | Year Ended September 30,
|                                                                                             |  | 2009                     |       | 2008 |   | 2007
|Numerator:                                                                                   |  |                          |       |      |   |      |  |   |     
|Net income                                                                                   |  | $                        | 222.3 |      | $ | 81.8 |  | $ | 81.7
|                                                                                             |  |                          |       |      |   |      |  |   |     
|Denominator:                                                                                 |  |                          |       |      |   |      |  |   |     
|Denominator for basic earnings per share  weighted average shares                           |  |                          | 37.9  |      |   | 37.4 |  |   | 38.5
|Effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock awards                                 |  |                          | 0.8   |      |   | 0.8  |  |   | 1.0 
|                                                                                             |  |                          |       |      |   |      |  |   |     
|Denominator for diluted earnings per share  weighted average shares and assumed conversions |  |                          | 38.7  |      |   | 38.2 |  |   | 39.5
|                                                                                             |  |                          |       |      |   |      |  |   |     
|Basic earnings per share:                                                                    |  |                          |       |      |   |      |  |   |     
|Net income per share  basic                                                                 |  | $                        | 5.87  |      | $ | 2.19 |  | $ | 2.12
|                                                                                             |  |                          |       |      |   |      |  |   |     
|Diluted earnings per share:                                                                  |  |                          |       |      |   |      |  |   |     
|Net income per share  diluted                                                               |  | $                        | 5.75  |      | $ | 2.14 |  | $ | 2.07
|                                                                                             |  |                          |       |      |   |      |  |   |     

Options to purchase 0.4 million, 0.4 million and 0.1 million shares of
Common Stock in fiscal 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect of including the options in the computation would have been antidilutive. The dilutive impact of the
remaining options outstanding in each year was included in the effect of dilutive securities.

Note 3. Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income

Accumulated other comprehensive loss is comprised of the following, net of taxes (in millions):



|                                                        |  |               |        |   |      |   |       |  
|------------------------------------------------------- |  | ------------- | ------ | - | ---- | - | ----- | -
|                                                        |  | September 30, |       
|                                                        |  | 2009          |        |   | 2008 |  
|Foreign currency translation gain                       |  | $             | 35.4   |   |      | $ | 37.5  |  
|Net deferred (loss) gain on cash flow hedge derivatives |  |               | (7.8   | ) |      |   | 3.7   |  
|Unrecognized pension net loss                           |  |               | (133.5 | ) |      |   | (59.4 | )
|Unrecognized pension prior service cost                 |  |               | (2.5   | ) |      |   | (2.2  | )
|                                                        |  |               |        |   |      |   |       |  
|Total accumulated other comprehensive loss              |  | $             | (108.4 | ) |      | $ | (20.4 | )
|                                                        |  |               |        |   |      |   |       |  



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##### Index to Financial Statements

ROCK-TENN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (Continued)



A summary of the components of other comprehensive (loss) income for the years ended September 30, 2009, 2008 and 2007, is as follows
(in millions):



|                                                                                           |  |               |        |   |     |   |      |                  |  |   |       |  
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |  | ------------- | ------ | - | --- | - | ---- | ---------------- |  | - | ----- | -
|                                                                                           |  | Pre-TaxAmount |        |   | Tax |   |      | Net of TaxAmount | 
|Fiscal 2009                                                                                |  |               |        |   |     |   |      |                  |  |   |       |  
|Foreign currency translation loss                                                          |  | $             | (2.1   | ) |     | $ |     |                  |  | $ | (2.1  | )
|Net deferred loss on cash flow hedge derivatives                                           |  |               | (27.3  | ) |     |   | 10.6 |                  |  |   | (16.7 | )
|Reclassification adjustment of net loss on cash flow hedgederivatives included in earnings |  |               | 8.4    |   |     |   | (3.2 | )                |  |   | 5.2   |  
|Net actuarial loss arising during period                                                   |  |               | (121.3 | ) |     |   | 42.7 |                  |  |   | (78.6 | )
|Amortization of net actuarial loss                                                         |  |               | 7.4    |   |     |   | (2.9 | )                |  |   | 4.5   |  
|Prior service cost arising during period                                                   |  |               | (1.5   | ) |     |   | 0.5  |                  |  |   | (1.0  | )
|Amortization of prior service cost                                                         |  |               | 1.2    |   |     |   | (0.5 | )                |  |   | 0.7   |  
|                                                                                           |  |               |        |   |     |   |      |                  |  |   |       |  
|Other comprehensive loss                                                                   |  | $             | (135.2 | ) |     | $ | 47.2 |                  |  | $ | (88.0 | )
|                                                                                           |  |               |        |   |     |   |      |                  |  |   |       |  



|                                                                                           |  |               |       |   |     |   |      |                  |  |   |       |  
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |  | ------------- | ----- | - | --- | - | ---- | ---------------- |  | - | ----- | -
|                                                                                           |  | Pre-TaxAmount |       |   | Tax |   |      | Net of TaxAmount | 
|Fiscal 2008                                                                                |  |               |       |   |     |   |      |                  |  |   |       |  
|Foreign currency translation loss                                                          |  | $             | (12.0 | ) |     | $ |     |                  |  | $ | (12.0 | )
|Net deferred gain on cash flow hedge derivatives                                           |  |               | 3.2   |   |     |   | (1.3 | )                |  |   | 1.9   |  
|Reclassification adjustment of net loss on cash flow hedgederivatives included in earnings |  |               | 1.0   |   |     |   | (0.4 | )                |  |   | 0.6   |  
|Net actuarial loss arising during period                                                   |  |               | (35.3 | ) |     |   | 14.1 |                  |  |   | (21.2 | )
|Amortization of net actuarial loss                                                         |  |               | 3.2   |   |     |   | (1.2 | )                |  |   | 2.0   |  
|Prior service cost arising during period                                                   |  |               | (0.2  | ) |     |   | 0.1  |                  |  |   | (0.1  | )
|Amortization of prior service cost                                                         |  |               | 0.4   |   |     |   | (0.2 | )                |  |   | 0.2   |  
|                                                                                           |  |               |       |   |     |   |      |                  |  |   |       |  
|Other comprehensive loss                                                                   |  | $             | (39.7 | ) |     | $ | 11.1 |                  |  | $ | (28.6 | )
|                                                                                           |  |               |       |   |     |   |      |                  |  |   |       |  



|                                                                                            |  |               |      |   |     |   |       |                  |  |   |      |  
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |  | ------------- | ---- | - | --- | - | ----- | ---------------- |  | - | ---- | -
|                                                                                            |  | Pre-TaxAmount |      |   | Tax |   |       | Net of TaxAmount | 
|Fiscal 2007                                                                                 |  |               |      |   |     |   |       |                  |  |   |      |  
|Foreign currency translation gain                                                           |  | $             | 14.0 |   |     | $ |      |                  |  | $ | 14.0 |  
|Net deferred loss on cash flow hedge derivatives                                            |  |               | (0.7 | ) |     |   | 0.3   |                  |  |   | (0.4 | )
|Reclassification adjustment of net gain on cash flow hedge derivatives included in earnings |  |               | (4.0 | ) |     |   | 1.5   |                  |  |   | (2.5 | )
|Pension liability adjustments, prior to adoption of certain provisions of ASC 715           |  |               | 39.1 |   |     |   | (15.1 | )                |  |   | 24.0 |  
|                                                                                            |  |               |      |   |     |   |       |                  |  |   |      |  
|Other comprehensive income                                                                  |  | $             | 48.4 |   |     | $ | (13.3 | )                |  | $ | 35.1 |  
|                                                                                            |  |               |      |   |     |   |       |                  |  |   |      |  



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##### Index to Financial Statements

ROCK-TENN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (Continued)



Note 4. Inventories

Inventories are as follows (in millions):



|                                   |  |               |       |   |      |   |       |  
|---------------------------------- |  | ------------- | ----- | - | ---- | - | ----- | -
|                                   |  | September 30, |      
|                                   |  | 2009          |       |   | 2008 |  
|Finished goods and work in process |  | $             | 154.2 |   |      | $ | 163.3 |  
|Raw materials                      |  |               | 107.4 |   |      |   | 113.4 |  
|Supplies and spare parts           |  |               | 49.0  |   |      |   | 49.9  |  
|                                   |  |               |       |   |      |   |       |  
|Inventories at FIFO cost           |  |               | 310.6 |   |      |   | 326.6 |  
|LIFO reserve                       |  |               | (35.5 | ) |      |   | (43.6 | )
|                                   |  |               |       |   |      |   |       |  
|Net inventories                    |  | $             | 275.1 |   |      | $ | 283.0 |  
|                                   |  |               |       |   |      |   |       |  

It is impracticable to segregate the LIFO reserve between raw materials, finished
goods and work in process. In fiscal 2009, 2008, and 2007, we reduced inventory quantities in some of our LIFO pools. This reduction generally results in a liquidation of LIFO inventory quantities typically carried at lower costs prevailing in prior
years as compared with the cost of the purchases in the respective fiscal years, the effect of which typically decreases cost of goods sold. The impact of the liquidations in fiscal 2009, 2008, and 2007 was not significant.

Note 5. Alternative Fuel Tax Credit

In April 2009, we received notification from the Internal Revenue Service that our registration as an alternative fuel mixer had been approved. As a result, we are eligible for a tax credit equal to $0.50
per gallon of alternative fuel used at our Demopolis, Alabama bleached paperboard mill from January 22, 2009 through the expiration of the tax credit, which is currently set at December 31, 2009. The alternative fuel eligible for the tax
credit is liquid fuel derived from biomass. We recognized approximately $55.4 million of an alternative fuel tax credit, which is not taxable for federal or state income tax purposes, and reduced cost of goods sold in our Consumer Packaging segment
by $54.1 million, net of expenses, in fiscal 2009.

Note 6. Assets Held for Sale

The assets we recorded as held for sale consisted of property, plant and equipment from a variety of plant closures and are as follows (in
millions):



|                              |  |               |     |      |   |    
|----------------------------- |  | ------------- | --- | ---- | - | ---
|                              |  | September 30,
|                              |  | 2009          |     | 2008
|Property, plant and equipment |  | $             | 0.9 |      | $ | 0.7
|                              |  |               |     |      |   |    

Note 7. Acquisitions

Southern Container Acquisition

On March 5, 2008, we acquired the stock of Southern Container. We have included the results of Southern Containers operations in our financial statements in our Corrugated Packaging segment
since the March 2, 2008 effective date. We made the acquisition in order to expand our corrugated packaging business with the Southern Container operations that we believe have the lowest system costs and the highest EBITDA margins of any major
integrated corrugated company in North America.



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ROCK-TENN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (Continued)



The purchase price for the acquisition was $1,059.9 million, net of cash received of $54.0 million, including debt assumed and transaction
costs. RockTenn and Southern Container made an election under section 338(h)(10) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code) that increased RockTenns tax basis in the acquired assets and is expected to result
in a net present value benefit of approximately $135 million (unaudited), net of an agreed upon payment included in the purchase price for the election to the sellers of approximately $68.6 million paid to Southern Containers former
stockholders in November 2008. In fiscal 2008, we incurred $26.8 million of debt issuance costs in connection with the transaction. See Note 11. Debt.

Our allocation of purchase price as of March 2, 2008, follows (in millions):



|                                                  |  |   |        
|------------------------------------------------- |  | - | -------
|Current assets, net of cash received              |  | $ | 135.0  
|Property, plant, and equipment                    |  |   | 546.5  
|Goodwill                                          |  |   | 374.3  
|Intangible assets                                 |  |   | 108.7  
|Other long-term assets                            |  |   | 22.6   
|                                                  |  |   |        
|Total assets acquired                             |  |   | 1,187.1
|                                                  |  |   |        
|Current portion of debt                           |  |   | 116.8  
|Current liabilities                               |  |   | 83.7   
|Long-term debt due after one year                 |  |   | 126.3  
|Minority interest and other long-term liabilities |  |   | 43.5   
|                                                  |  |   |        
|Total liabilities assumed                         |  |   | 370.3  
|                                                  |  |   |        
|Net assets acquired                               |  | $ | 816.8  
|                                                  |  |   |        

We recorded estimated fair values for acquired assets and liabilities including
goodwill and intangibles. The intangibles are being amortized over estimated useful lives ranging generally from 11 to 40 years on a straight-line basis over a weighted average life of approximately 18 years, and 15 years for tax purposes. We
recorded $72.3 million of customer relationship intangibles with a weighted average life of approximately 15 years, $18.1 million of trade names and trademarks with a weighted average life of approximately 39 years and $18.3 million for a steam
supply contract with a life of approximately 11 years. None of the intangibles has significant residual value. Approximately $320 million of the goodwill is deductible for income tax purposes as a result of the Code section 338(h)(10) election.

The following unaudited pro forma information reflects our consolidated results of operations as if the Southern Container
Acquisition had taken place as of the beginning of each of the periods presented. The unaudited pro forma information includes adjustments primarily for depreciation and amortization based on the preliminary fair value of the acquired property,
plant and equipment, acquired intangibles and interest expense on the acquisition financing debt. We have added back the minority interest in the earnings of the Solvay mill subsidiary, since such interests were acquired by Southern Container prior
to our acquisition; we have eliminated certain expenses that Southern Container historically incurred that the combined company does not expect to incur due to changes in employment and other contractual arrangements. In addition, for fiscal 2008,
we eliminated certain non-recurring pre-tax expenses directly associated with the acquisition including $12.7 million of inventory step up expense, $5.0 million of deferred compensation expense funded into escrow through a purchase price reduction
from Southern Containers stockholders, $3.0 million for an acquisition bridge financing fee and $1.9 million of loss on extinguishment of debt and related items associated with the acquisition (included in interest expense in fiscal 2008).
Pre-tax integration costs of $4.6 million are included in the unaudited pro forma net income below for the year ended September 30, 2008. The unaudited pro forma



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ROCK-TENN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (Continued)



information is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that we would have reported had the transaction actually occurred at the beginning of these periods nor is it necessarily
indicative of future results.



|                                     |  |                         |         |      |   |        
|------------------------------------ |  | ----------------------- | ------- | ---- | - | -------
|                                     |  | Year EndedSeptember 30,
|                                     |  | (Unaudited)            
|(In millions, except per share data) |  | 2008                    |         | 2007
|Net sales                            |  | $                       | 3,128.1 |      | $ | 2,853.7
|                                     |  |                         |         |      |   |        
|Net income                           |  | $                       | 110.2   |      | $ | 97.4   
|                                     |  |                         |         |      |   |        
|Diluted earnings per common share    |  | $                       | 2.88    |      | $ | 2.47   
|                                     |  |                         |         |      |   |        

Prior to the acquisition, Southern Container used a 52/53 week fiscal year and
reported its results of operations in three 12-week periods and one 16-week period, with the 16-week period being the fourth period and ending on the last Saturday of the calendar year. The unaudited pro forma information above for the fiscal years
ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 uses the consolidated statements of income for RockTenn for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 and the condensed consolidated statements of operations of Southern Container for the 25 weeks
preceding the March 2, 2008 effective date and the 52 weeks ended September 8, 2007.

Consumer Packaging

On January 24, 2007, we acquired for $32.0 million the remaining 40% minority interest in Fold-Pak, giving us
sole ownership. We acquired our initial 60% interest in Fold-Pak in connection with the GSPP Acquisition in June 2005. Fold-Pak makes paperboard-based food containers serving a very broad customer base and is a consumer of board from our bleached
paperboard mill. We have included the results of these operations in our consolidated financial statements in our Consumer Packaging segment. The acquisition included $18.7 million of intangibles, primarily for customer relationships,
and $3.5 million of goodwill. The goodwill is deductible for income tax purposes. We are amortizing the non-goodwill intangibles on a straight-line basis over a weighted average life of 19 years.



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##### Index to Financial Statements

ROCK-TENN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (Continued)



Note 8. Restructuring and Other Costs, Net

We recorded pre-tax restructuring and other costs, net of $13.4 million, $15.6 million, and $4.7 million for fiscal 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively. Of these costs, $3.3 million, $2.3 million and $1.1
million were non-cash for fiscal 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively. These amounts are not comparable since the timing and scope of the individual actions associated with a restructuring can vary. We discuss these charges in more detail below.

The following table represents a summary of restructuring and other charges related to our active restructuring initiatives
that we incurred during the fiscal year, the cumulative recorded amount since we announced the initiative, and the total we expect to incur (in millions):

Summary of Restructuring and Other Costs (Income), Net



|                                 |  |                |  |                                     |      |   |                                        |   |      |                                 |  |                       |     |            |   |       |  |   |      |  |   |      |  
|-------------------------------- |  | -------------- |  | ----------------------------------- | ---- | - | -------------------------------------- | - | ---- | ------------------------------- |  | --------------------- | --- | ---------- | - | ----- |  | - | ---- |  | - | ---- | -
|Segment                          |  | Period         |  | Net Property,Plant andEquipment (1) |      |   | Severanceand OtherEmployeeRelatedCosts |   |      | EquipmentandInventoryRelocation |  | FacilityCarryingCosts |     | OtherCosts |   | Total | 
|Consumer Packaging(a)            |  | Fiscal 2009    |  | $                                   | 0.2  |   |                                        | $ | (0.1 | )                               |  | $                     | 0.5 |            | $ |      |  | $ | 1.3  |  | $ | 1.9  |  
|                                 |  | Fiscal 2008    |  |                                     | 0.9  |   |                                        |   | 2.0  |                                 |  |                       | 0.6 |            |   | 0.5   |  |   | 0.1  |  |   | 4.1  |  
|                                 |  | Fiscal 2007    |  |                                     | 1.1  |   |                                        |   | 1.0  |                                 |  |                       | 0.6 |            |   | 0.3   |  |   | 1.7  |  |   | 4.7  |  
|                                 |  | Cumulative     |  |                                     | 4.1  |   |                                        |   | 4.1  |                                 |  |                       | 2.5 |            |   | 1.0   |  |   | 5.6  |  |   | 17.3 |  
|                                 |  | Expected Total |  |                                     | 4.1  |   |                                        |   | 4.1  |                                 |  |                       | 2.5 |            |   | 1.0   |  |   | 5.6  |  |   | 17.3 |  
|                                 |  |                |  |                                     |      |   |                                       
|Corrugated Packaging(b)          |  | Fiscal 2009    |  |                                     | 1.6  |   |                                        |   | (0.1 | )                               |  |                       | 0.4 |            |   | 0.1   |  |   | 1.1  |  |   | 3.1  |  
|                                 |  | Fiscal 2008    |  |                                     | 1.6  |   |                                        |   | 0.3  |                                 |  |                       |    |            |   |      |  |   | 0.3  |  |   | 2.2  |  
|                                 |  | Fiscal 2007    |  |                                     |     |   |                                        |   |     |                                 |  |                       |    |            |   |      |  |   |     |  |   |     |  
|                                 |  |                |  |                                     |      |   |                                       
|                                 |  | Cumulative     |  |                                     | 3.2  |   |                                        |   | 0.2  |                                 |  |                       | 0.4 |            |   | 0.1   |  |   | 1.4  |  |   | 5.3  |  
|                                 |  | Expected Total |  |                                     | 3.2  |   |                                        |   | 0.2  |                                 |  |                       | 0.4 |            |   | 0.1   |  |   | 1.4  |  |   | 5.3  |  
|                                 |  |                |  |                                     |      |   |                                       
|Specialty Paperboard Products(c) |  | Fiscal 2009    |  |                                     | 0.5  |   |                                        |   | 0.5  |                                 |  |                       | 0.1 |            |   | 0.2   |  |   | 0.2  |  |   | 1.5  |  
|                                 |  | Fiscal 2008    |  |                                     | (0.3 | ) |                                        |   |     |                                 |  |                       |    |            |   |      |  |   |     |  |   | (0.3 | )
|                                 |  | Fiscal 2007    |  |                                     |     |   |                                        |   |     |                                 |  |                       |    |            |   |      |  |   |     |  |   |     |  
|                                 |  | Cumulative     |  |                                     | 0.2  |   |                                        |   | 0.7  |                                 |  |                       | 0.2 |            |   | 0.5   |  |   | 0.2  |  |   | 1.8  |  
|                                 |  | Expected Total |  |                                     | 0.2  |   |                                        |   | 0.8  |                                 |  |                       | 0.2 |            |   | 0.7   |  |   | 0.2  |  |   | 2.1  |  
|                                 |  |                |  |                                     |      |   |                                       
|Other(d)                         |  | Fiscal 2009    |  |                                     |     |   |                                        |   | 0.1  |                                 |  |                       |    |            |   |      |  |   | 6.8  |  |   | 6.9  |  
|                                 |  | Fiscal 2008    |  |                                     |     |   |                                        |   |     |                                 |  |                       |    |            |   |      |  |   | 9.6  |  |   | 9.6  |  
|                                 |  | Fiscal 2007    |  |                                     |     |   |                                        |   |     |                                 |  |                       |    |            |   |      |  |   |     |  |   |     |  
|                                 |  |                |  |                                     |      |   |                                       
|                                 |  | Cumulative     |  |                                     |     |   |                                        |   | 0.1  |                                 |  |                       |    |            |   |      |  |   | 16.4 |  |   | 16.5 |  
|                                 |  | Expected Total |  |                                     |     |   |                                        |   | 0.1  |                                 |  |                       |    |            |   |      |  |   | 16.5 |  |   | 16.6 |  
|                                 |  |                |  |                                     |      |   |                                       
|Total                            |  | Fiscal 2009    |  | $                                   | 2.3  |   |                                        | $ | 0.4  |                                 |  | $                     | 1.0 |            | $ | 0.3   |  | $ | 9.4  |  | $ | 13.4 |  
|                                 |  |                |  |                                     |      |   |                                        |   |      |                                 |  |                       |     |            |   |       |  |   |      |  |   |      |  
|                                 |  | Fiscal 2008    |  | $                                   | 2.2  |   |                                        | $ | 2.3  |                                 |  | $                     | 0.6 |            | $ | 0.5   |  | $ | 10.0 |  | $ | 15.6 |  
|                                 |  |                |  |                                     |      |   |                                        |   |      |                                 |  |                       |     |            |   |       |  |   |      |  |   |      |  
|                                 |  | Fiscal 2007    |  | $                                   | 1.1  |   |                                        | $ | 1.0  |                                 |  | $                     | 0.6 |            | $ | 0.3   |  | $ | 1.7  |  | $ | 4.7  |  
|                                 |  |                |  |                                     |      |   |                                        |   |      |                                 |  |                       |     |            |   |       |  |   |      |  |   |      |  
|                                 |  | Cumulative     |  | $                                   | 7.5  |   |                                        | $ | 5.1  |                                 |  | $                     | 3.1 |            | $ | 1.6   |  | $ | 23.6 |  | $ | 40.9 |  
|                                 |  |                |  |                                     |      |   |                                        |   |      |                                 |  |                       |     |            |   |       |  |   |      |  |   |      |  
|                                 |  | Expected Total |  | $                                   | 7.5  |   |                                        | $ | 5.2  |                                 |  | $                     | 3.1 |            | $ | 1.8   |  | $ | 23.7 |  | $ | 41.3 |  
|                                 |  |                |  |                                     |      |   |                                        |   |      |                                 |  |                       |     |            |   |       |  |   |      |  |   |      |  



62



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##### Index to Financial Statements

ROCK-TENN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (Continued)





|(1) | For this Note 8,
we have defined Net property, plant and equipment as: property, plant and equipment impairment losses, subsequent adjustments to fair value for assets classified as held for sale, and subsequent (gains) or losses on
sales of property, plant and equipment and related parts and supplies.
|--- | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When we close a
facility, if necessary, we recognize an impairment charge primarily to reduce the carrying value of equipment or other property to their estimated fair value less cost to sell, and record charges for severance and other employee related costs. Any
subsequent change in fair value, less cost to sell, prior to disposition is recognized as identified; however, no gain is recognized in excess of the cumulative loss previously recorded. At the time of each announced closure, we generally expect to
record future charges for equipment relocation, facility carrying costs, costs to terminate a lease or contract before the end of its term and other employee related costs. Expected future charges are reflected in the table above in the
Expected Total lines until incurred.



| | (a) | The Consumer Packaging segment charges primarily reflect the following folding carton plant closures recorded: Baltimore, Maryland (announced in fiscal
2008 and closed in fiscal 2009), Chicopee, Massachusetts (announced and closed in fiscal 2008), Stone Mountain, Georgia (announced and closed in fiscal 2007), and Kerman, California (announced and closed in fiscal 2006) and Waco, Texas (announced
and closed in fiscal 2005). Although specific circumstances vary, our strategy has generally been to consolidate our business into large well-equipped plants that operate at high utilization rates and take advantage of available capacity created by
operational excellence initiatives. Therefore, we transferred a substantial portion of each plants assets and production to our other folding carton plants. Included in the Other Costs column are charges of $1.4 million in fiscal
2007 related to the estimated fair value of the liability for future lease payments when we ceased operations at the Stone Mountain plant. We believe these actions have allowed us to more effectively manage our business.
| | --- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



| | (b) | The Corrugated Packaging segment charges primarily reflect the closure of our Greenville, South Carolina sheet plant (announced in fiscal 2008 and
closed in fiscal 2009) and the fiscal 2009 impairment of certain assets at one of our consolidated corrugated graphics subsidiaries, including a $1.0 million charge included in the Other Costs column for a customer relationship
intangible. We have transferred a substantial portion of Greenvilles production to our other corrugated plants.
| | --- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



| | (c) | The Specialty Paperboard Products segment charges primarily reflect the closure of our Litchfield, Illinois interior packaging plant (announced and
closed in fiscal 2009). The income in fiscal 2008 primarily reflects the gain on sale of real estate relating to a previously closed facility.
| | --- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



| | (d) | The expenses in the Other Costs column reflect Southern Container integration expenses and deferred compensation expense for key Southern
Container employees. The deferred compensation and retention bonus expense was funded through a purchase price reduction from Southern Containers stockholders. Nearly all of these funds were escrowed and were disbursed in March 2009 following
the one year anniversary of the acquisition. The pre-tax charges are summarized below (in millions):
| | --- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



|            |  |                     |     |                             |   |       |  |   |    
|----------- |  | ------------------- | --- | --------------------------- | - | ----- |  | - | ---
|            |  | IntegrationExpenses |     | DeferredCompensationExpense |   | Total
|Fiscal 2009 |  | $                   | 3.3 |                             | $ | 3.5   |  | $ | 6.8
|Fiscal 2008 |  |                     | 4.6 |                             |   | 5.0   |  |   | 9.6



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##### Index to Financial Statements

ROCK-TENN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (Continued)



The following table represents a summary of the restructuring accrual, which is primarily composed of accrued severance and other employee
costs, and a reconciliation of the restructuring accrual to the line item Restructuring and other costs, net on our consolidated statements of income for fiscal 2009, 2008, and 2007 (in millions):



|                                                                              |  |      |      |   |      |   |      |      |  |   |      |  
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------- |  | ---- | ---- | - | ---- | - | ---- | ---- |  | - | ---- | -
|                                                                              |  | 2009 |      |   | 2008 |   |      | 2007 | 
|Accrual at beginning of fiscal year                                           |  | $    | 3.4  |   |      | $ | 2.4  |      |  | $ | 2.1  |  
|Additional accruals                                                           |  |      | 1.8  |   |      |   | 3.3  |      |  |   | 2.6  |  
|Payments                                                                      |  |      | (4.0 | ) |      |   | (1.8 | )    |  |   | (2.0 | )
|Adjustment to accruals                                                        |  |      | (0.1 | ) |      |   | (0.5 | )    |  |   | (0.3 | )
|                                                                              |  |      |      |   |      |   |      |      |  |   |      |  
|Accrual at September 30,                                                      |  | $    | 1.1  |   |      | $ | 3.4  |      |  | $ | 2.4  |  
|                                                                              |  |      |      |   |      |   |      |      |  |   |      |  
|                                                                              |  |     
|Reconciliation of accruals and charges to restructuring and other costs, net: |  |      |      |   |      |   |      |      | 
|Additional accruals and adjustment to accruals (see table above)              |  | $    | 1.7  |   |      | $ | 2.8  |      |  | $ | 2.3  |  
|                                                                              |  |      |     
|Deferred compensation expense                                                 |  |      | 3.5  |   |      |   | 5.0  |      |  |   |     |  
|Integration expenses (not in accruals)                                        |  |      | 2.7  |   |      |   | 4.1  |      |  |   |     |  
|Net property, plant and equipment                                             |  |      | 2.3  |   |      |   | 2.2  |      |  |   | 1.1  |  
|Severance and other employee costs                                            |  |      | 0.4  |   |      |   | 0.3  |      |  |   | 0.2  |  
|Equipment relocation                                                          |  |      | 1.0  |   |      |   | 0.6  |      |  |   | 0.6  |  
|Facility carrying costs                                                       |  |      | 0.3  |   |      |   | 0.5  |      |  |   | 0.3  |  
|Intangible asset impairments and other                                        |  |      | 1.5  |   |      |   | 0.1  |      |  |   | 0.2  |  
|                                                                              |  |      |      |   |      |   |      |      |  |   |      |  
|Total restructuring and other costs, net                                      |  | $    | 13.4 |   |      | $ | 15.6 |      |  | $ | 4.7  |  
|                                                                              |  |      |      |   |      |   |      |      |  |   |      |  

Note 9. Other Intangible Assets

The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization relating to intangible assets, excluding goodwill, is as follows (in millions):



|                          |  |                   |  |                      |       |                         |      |       |                      |  |                         |       |  |   |       |  
|------------------------- |  | ----------------- |  | -------------------- | ----- | ----------------------- | ---- | ----- | -------------------- |  | ----------------------- | ----- |  | - | ----- | -
|                          |  |                   |  | September 30,        |      
|                          |  |                   |  | 2009                 |       |                         | 2008 |      
|                          |  | WeightedAvg. Life |  | Gross CarryingAmount |       | AccumulatedAmortization |      |       | Gross CarryingAmount |  | AccumulatedAmortization |      
|Customer relationships    |  | 18.7              |  | $                    | 148.2 |                         | $    | (32.5 | )                    |  | $                       | 150.5 |  | $ | (23.7 | )
|Non-compete agreements    |  | 5.0               |  |                      | 2.1   |                         |      | (1.2  | )                    |  |                         | 8.3   |  |   | (7.0  | )
|Patents                   |  | 8.9               |  |                      | 1.2   |                         |      | (0.3  | )                    |  |                         | 1.4   |  |   | (0.2  | )
|Trademarks and tradenames |  | 40.0              |  |                      | 19.8  |                         |      | (0.9  | )                    |  |                         | 21.3  |  |   | (1.5  | )
|Contracts                 |  | 11.0              |  |                      | 18.3  |                         |      | (3.4  | )                    |  |                         | 29.4  |  |   | (1.6  | )
|License Costs             |  |                  |  |                      |      |                         |      |      |                      |  |                         | 0.3   |  |   | (0.3  | )
|                          |  |                   |  |                      |       |                         |      |       |                      |  |                         |       |  |   |       |  
|Total                     |  | 20.4              |  | $                    | 189.6 |                         | $    | (38.3 | )                    |  | $                       | 211.2 |  | $ | (34.3 | )
|                          |  |                   |  |                      |       |                         |      |       |                      |  |                         |       |  |   |       |  

During fiscal 2009, our net intangible asset balance decreased $25.6 million
primarily due to amortization of intangible assets, an $11.1 million purchase price allocation adjustment to reduce the estimated fair value of a contract-based intangible asset acquired in the Southern Container Acquisition and a $1.0 million
customer relationship impairment at one of our majority-owned corrugated graphics subsidiaries. During fiscal 2008, our



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##### Index to Financial Statements

ROCK-TENN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (Continued)



net intangible asset balance increased $109.3 million primarily due to $120.7 million of intangibles acquired in the Southern Container Acquisition, which was partially offset by amortization of
intangible assets.

During fiscal 2009, 2008, and 2007, intangible asset amortization expense was $12.5 million, $10.7
million, and $5.9 million, respectively. Estimated intangible asset amortization expense for the succeeding five fiscal years is as follows (in millions):



|     |  |   |     
|---- |  | - | ----
|2010 |  | $ | 11.6
|2011 |  |   | 11.4
|2012 |  |   | 10.5
|2013 |  |   | 10.3
|2014 |  |   | 9.9 

Note 10. Unconsolidated Entities

Seven Hills commenced operations on March 29, 2001. Our partner has the option to require us to purchase its interest in Seven Hills,
at a formula price, effective on the anniversary of the commencement date by providing us notice two years prior to any such anniversary. No notification has been received to date, therefore, the earliest date on which we could be required to
purchase our partners interest is March 29, 2012. We have not recorded any liability for this unexercised option. We currently project this contingent obligation to purchase our partners interest (based on the formula) to be
approximately $14 million at September 30, 2009, which would result in a purchase price of approximately 60% of our partners net equity reflected on Seven Hills September 30, 2009 balance sheet. The partners of the joint
venture have guaranteed funding of any net losses of Seven Hills in relation to their proportionate share of ownership. Seven Hills has no third party debt. Our investment in Seven Hills at September 30, 2009, net of capital returns and
cumulative losses, was $12.5 million. Our investment is reflected in the assets of our Specialty Paperboard Products segment. Our share of cumulative pre-tax losses by Seven Hills that we have recognized as of September 30, 2009 and 2008 were
$1.9 million and $1.1 million, respectively. During fiscal 2009, 2008, and 2007, our share of operating results at Seven Hills amounted to losses of $0.8 million, earnings of $0.2 million, and earnings of $0.4 million, respectively.

Under the terms of the Seven Hills joint venture arrangement, our partner is required to purchase all of the saleable gypsum paperboard
liner produced by Seven Hills, for which we receive fees for tons of gypsum paperboard liner calculated using formulas in the joint venture agreement. We also provide other services related to the operation of Seven Hills, for which the joint
venture reimburses our expenses, and we lease to Seven Hills the land and building occupied by the joint venture. Our pre-tax income from the Seven Hills joint venture, including the fees we charge the venture and our share of the joint
ventures net income, was $2.5 million, $3.9 million and $3.0 million, for fiscal 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively. We contributed cash of $0.1 million, $0.1 million, and $0.4 million for fiscal 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively. Our
contributions for each of those years were for capital expenditures.



65



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ROCK-TENN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (Continued)



We collect the receivables and disburse the payables for our Seven Hills joint venture. Therefore, at each balance sheet date we have either
a liability due to the joint venture or a receivable from the joint venture. Interest income or expense is recorded between the two parties on the average outstanding balance. At September 30, 2009 and 2008 we had a current receivable of $0.7
million and a current liability of $6.3 million, respectively, on our consolidated balance sheets. The change in the liability is reflected in the financing activities section of our consolidated statements of cash flows on the line item (Repayments
to) advances from unconsolidated entity.

As a result of the fiscal 2008 Southern Container Acquisition, we own 50% of Pohlig,
a small folding carton manufacturer, and 50% of Greenpine, which owns the real property from which Pohlig operates. We account for our investment in both Pohlig and Greenpine under the equity method. Our initial investments in these ventures
aggregate to $0.6 million and are included in our Consumer Packaging segment.

In fiscal 2007, we entered into two business
ventures accounted for under the equity method. We acquired 23.96% of QPSI, a business providing merchandising displays, contract packing, logistics and distribution solutions, and we acquired 45% of DSA, a business providing primarily permanent
merchandising displays. Our investment exceeds the underlying equity in net assets of each of the two investees. The difference is attributed to our proportional interest in specific assets of the ventures and is amortized over the useful lives of
the respective assets. The difference at September 30, 2009 is $4.3 million for QPSI and $0.5 million for DSA and is being amortized over a weighted average life of 20.3 years and 7.0 years, respectively, primarily for the write-up of customer
intangibles, fixed assets, and trade names and trademarks.



66



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ROCK-TENN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (Continued)



Note 11. Debt

The
following were individual components of debt (in millions):



|                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   |  |                   |         |                   |   |        
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |  | ----------------- | ------- | ----------------- | - | -------
|                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   |  | September 30,2009 |         | September 30,2008
|Face value of 8.20% notes due August 2011, net of unamortized discount of $0.1 and $0.2(a)                                                                                                                                                                                         |  | $                 | 154.6   |                   | $ | 249.8  
|Hedge adjustments resulting from terminated interest rate derivatives or swaps                                                                                                                                                                                                     |  |                   | 2.6     |                   |   | 5.1    
|                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   |  |                   |         |                   |   |        
|                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   |  |                   | 157.2   |                   |   | 254.9  
|Face value of 5.625% notes due March 2013, net of unamortized discount of $0.1 and $0.1(b)                                                                                                                                                                                         |  |                   | 99.9    |                   |   | 99.9   
|Hedge adjustments resulting from terminated interest rate derivatives or swaps                                                                                                                                                                                                     |  |                   | 1.2     |                   |   | 1.5    
|                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   |  |                   |         |                   |   |        
|                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   |  |                   | 101.1   |                   |   | 101.4  
|Face value of 9.25% notes due March 2016, net of unamortized discount of $1.1 and $1.3(c)                                                                                                                                                                                          |  |                   | 298.9   |                   |   | 198.7  
|Term loan facilities, net of unamortized discount of $1.3 and $1.7(d)                                                                                                                                                                                                              |  |                   | 643.8   |                   |   | 747.3  
|Revolving credit and swing facilities(d)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           |  |                   | 19.1    |                   |   | 33.5   
|Receivables-backed financing facility(e)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           |  |                   | 100.0   |                   |   | 92.0   
|Cash payable to sellers(f)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         |  |                   |        |                   |   | 110.7  
|Industrial development revenue bonds bearing interest at: variable rates  $16.9 million at 2.70% at September 30,
2009, and $29.0 million at 10.06% at September 30, 2008; fixed rates  $120.9 million at 6.97% at September 30, 2008; due at various dates through July 2035(g) |  |                   | 16.9    |                   |   | 149.9  
|Other notes                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        |  |                   | 12.4    |                   |   | 10.5   
|                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   |  |                   |         |                   |   |        
|Total Debt                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         |  |                   | 1,349.4 |                   |   | 1,698.9
|Less current portion of debt                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       |  |                   | 56.3    |                   |   | 245.1  
|                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   |  |                   |         |                   |   |        
|Long-term debt due after one year                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |  | $                 | 1,293.1 |                   | $ | 1,453.8
|                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   |  |                   |         |                   |   |        
|The following were the aggregate components of debt (in millions):                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |  |                   |         |                   |   |        
|Face value of debt instruments, net of unamortized discounts                                                                                                                                                                                                                       |  | $                 | 1,345.6 |                   | $ | 1,692.3
|Hedge adjustments resulting from terminated interest rate derivatives or swaps                                                                                                                                                                                                     |  |                   | 3.8     |                   |   | 6.6    
|                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   |  |                   |         |                   |   |        
|Total Debt                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         |  | $                 | 1,349.4 |                   | $ | 1,698.9
|                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   |  |                   |         |                   |   |        

A portion of the debt classified as long-term, which includes the revolving and swing
facilities, may be paid down earlier than scheduled at our discretion without penalty. During fiscal 2009, 2008, and 2007, amortization of debt issuance costs charged to interest expense was $6.9 million, $3.8 million, and $1.2 million,
respectively.



| | (a) | In August 2001, we sold $250.0 million in aggregate principal amount of our 8.20% notes due August 15, 2011 (August 2011
Notes). Interest on the August 2011 Notes is payable in arrears each February and August. The August 2011 Notes are redeemable prior to maturity, subject to certain rules and restrictions, and are not subject to any sinking fund
requirements. The August 2011 Notes are senior, secured obligations and rank equally with all other secured debt as they share generally, on a pro-rata basis, in the same Principal Property (as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement)
that was granted to the banks as part of the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. The indenture related to the August 2011 Notes restricts us and our subsidiaries from incurring certain liens and entering into certain sale and leaseback
transactions, subject to a number of exceptions. The
| | --- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



67



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##### Index to Financial Statements

ROCK-TENN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (Continued)



| | August 2011 Notes were originally issued at a discount of $0.7 million and incurred debt issuance costs of $2.1 million. Accordingly, unamortized original issue discount and debt issuance costs
are being amortized through the maturity date of the August 2011 Notes. On May 29, 2009, we consummated a tender offer for up to $100 million aggregate principal amount of the August 2011 Notes and financed this tender offer with the net cash
proceeds of an unregistered offering of $100 million aggregate principal amount of our 9.25% senior notes due March 2016, as described in footnote (c) below. We purchased $93.3 million of tendered August 2011 Notes at a price of 103% of par. In
connection with our purchase of $93.3 million of tendered August 2011 Notes, we reclassified the proportionate amount of original issue discount and debt issuance costs associated with the extinguished debt to earnings as a component of net loss on
extinguishment of debt and related items. We recorded a net loss on extinguishment of debt and related items of $1.9 million associated with the two transactions. Giving effect to the amortization of the original issue discount, the terminated fair
value hedge adjustments and the debt issuance costs, the effective interest rate of the August 2011 Notes is approximately 7.45%.
| | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



| | (b) | In March 2003, we
sold $100.0 million in aggregate principal amount of our 5.625% notes due March 15, 2013 (March 2013 Notes). Interest on the March 2013 Notes is payable in arrears each September and March. The March 2013 Notes are redeemable
prior to maturity, subject to certain rules and restrictions, and are not subject to any sinking fund requirements. The March 2013 Notes are senior, secured obligations and rank equally with all other secured debt as they share generally, on a
pro-rata basis, in the same Principal Property that was granted to the banks as part of the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. The indenture related to the March 2013 Notes restricts us and our subsidiaries from incurring certain liens and
entering into certain sale and leaseback transactions, subject to a number of exceptions. We are amortizing debt issuance costs of approximately $0.8 million over the term of the March 2013 Notes. Giving effect to the amortization of the original
issue discount, the terminated fair value hedge adjustments and the debt issuance costs, the effective interest rate on the March 2013 Notes is approximately 5.39%. Subsequent to September 30, 2009, we repurchased $19.5 million of our March 2013
Notes at an average price of approximately 98% of par and recorded an aggregate gain on extinguishment of debt of approximately $0.5 million (unaudited).
| | --- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



| | (c) | On March 5,
2008, we issued $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of 9.25% senior notes due March 2016 (March 2016 Notes). Interest on our March 2016 Notes is payable in arrears each March and September. The March 2016 Notes are
redeemable prior to maturity, subject to certain rules and restrictions, and are not subject to any sinking fund requirements. The indenture related to the March 2016 Notes contains incurrence based financial and restrictive covenants applicable to
the notes, including limitations on: restricted payments, dividend and other payments affecting restricted subsidiaries (as defined therein), incurrence of debt, asset sales, transactions with affiliates, liens, sale and leaseback transactions and
the creation of unrestricted subsidiaries. The March 2016 Notes were originally issued at a discount of $1.4 million and incurred debt issuance costs of $4.7 million. On May 29, 2009, we issued an additional $100 million aggregate principal
amount of March 2016 Notes (the Additional Notes) and as a result incurred debt issuance costs of approximately $2.7 million related to the Additional Notes; these debt issuance costs, together with the original issue debt
discount and debt issuance costs, are being amortized through the maturity date of the March 2016 Notes. Giving effect to the amortization of the original issue discount and the debt issuance costs, the effective interest rate of the March 2016
Notes and the Additional Notes is approximately 9.64%.
| | --- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



| | (d) | On March 5,
2008 we entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the Credit Facility) with an original maximum principal amount of $1.2 billion. The Credit Facility includes revolving credit, swing, term loan, and letters of credit
components, consisting of a $450 million revolving credit
| | --- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



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ROCK-TENN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (Continued)



| | facility, a $550 million term loan A facility and a $200 million term loan B facility. The Credit Facility is pre-payable at any time. Scheduled term loan payments or other term loan prepayments
reduce the facility size. As of September 30, 2009, the term loan A and term loan B facilities had been reduced to $524.7 million and $120.4 million, respectively. The revolving credit facility and term loan A facility are scheduled to mature
on the earlier to occur of (a) March 5, 2013 or (b) if our $100 million March 2013 Notes have not been paid in full or refinanced by September 15, 2012, then September 15, 2012; the term loan B facility is
scheduled to mature on the earlier to occur of (a) March 5, 2014 or (b) if the March 2013 Notes have not been paid in full or refinanced by September 15, 2012, then September 15, 2012. We expect the March 2013 Notes will be
paid in full or refinanced by September 15, 2012. The Credit Facility provides for up to $100.0 million in Canadian or U.S. Dollar loans to a Canadian subsidiary. In November 2008, the amount committed under the Credit Facility for loans
to a Canadian subsidiary was reduced from $100.0 million to $45.0 million, and $55.0 million was reallocated to the U.S. revolving credit facility, increasing its maximum availability to $405.0 million. At September 30, 2009, there was $19.1
million borrowed under the revolving credit facility; $6.7 million in borrowings by the Canadian subsidiary, predominantly denominated in Canadian dollars and $12.4 million under the U.S. revolver consisting primarily of U.S. dollar Swing/Base Loans
(as defined below). At September 30, 2009, available borrowings under the revolving credit portion of the Credit Facility, reduced by outstanding letters of credit not drawn upon of approximately $32.2 million, were approximately $398.7
million.
| | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

At our option, borrowings under the Credit Facility (other than swingline and Canadian dollar
loans) bear interest at either (1) LIBOR plus an applicable margin (LIBOR Loans) or (2) the base rate, which will be the higher of the prime commercial lending rate of the U.S. Administrative Agent plus an applicable
margin or the Federal Funds Rate for Federal Reserve System overnight borrowing transactions plus an applicable margin (Base Rate Loans). The following table summarizes the applicable margins and percentages related to the
revolving credit facility and term loan A of the Credit Facility:



|                                                     |  |              |  |                  
|---------------------------------------------------- |  | ------------ |  | -----------------
|                                                     |  | Range        |  | September 30,2009
|Applicable margin/percentage for determining:        |  |              |  |                  
|Base Rate Loans interest rate(1)                     |  | 0.25%-1.50%  |  | 0.50%            
|Bankers Acceptance and LIBOR Loans interest rate(1) |  | 1.25%-2.50%  |  | 1.50%            
|Facility commitment fee(2)                           |  | 0.175%-0.40% |  | 0.20%            



| | (1) | The rates vary
based on the ratio of our total funded debt to EBITDA as defined in the credit agreement (Leverage Ratio).
| | --- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



| | (2) | Applied to the
aggregate borrowing availability based on the Leverage Ratio.
| | --- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

The applicable margin for determining the
interest rate of the term loan B is fixed at 1.75% per annum in the case of Base Rate Loans and 2.75% for LIBOR Loans. If we select LIBOR Loans for the term B facility, we have agreed to pay term loan B lenders a minimum LIBOR rate of 3.00%
plus the applicable margin then in effect. The variable rate on our term loan A and term loan B facilities, before the effect of interest rate swaps, was 1.77% and 5.75%, respectively, at September 30, 2009, and 4.74% and 5.76%, respectively,
at September 30, 2008. We had interest rates on our revolving credit facility for borrowings both in the U.S. and Canada, ranging from 1.76% to 3.75% at September 30, 2009 and from 6.00% to 6.25% at September 30, 2008.

Our obligations under the Credit Facility and under certain related hedging agreements are guaranteed by substantially all of our U.S.
subsidiaries, and partially by our Canadian subsidiaries. Future



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##### Index to Financial Statements

ROCK-TENN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (Continued)



subsidiaries will be required to guarantee the obligations under the Credit Facility unless we designate them as unrestricted subsidiaries. Obligations under the Credit Facility are
secured by a first priority security interest in a substantial portion of our assets, including the capital stock or other equity interests and indebtedness of certain of our U.S. subsidiaries, certain of the stock of our first tier Canadian
subsidiary and certain of our and our subsidiaries real and personal property.

The Credit Facility includes usual and
customary affirmative and negative covenants, including maintenance of financial ratios and restrictions on the creation of additional long-term and short-term debt, the creation or existence of certain liens, the occurrence of certain mergers,
acquisitions or disposals of assets and certain leasing arrangements, the occurrence of certain fundamental changes in the primary nature of our consolidated business, the nature of certain investments, and other matters. Financial covenants include
maintenance of a maximum Leverage Ratio, which as of September 30, 2009 was 4.25 to 1.00 (which decreases to 3.50 to 1.00 over the term of the loans), a minimum Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio of 3.00 to 1.00 (which increases to 3.50 to
1.00 over the term of the loans), and a minimum Consolidated Net Worth of not less than the sum of $525.0 million plus 50% of cumulative Consolidated Net Income (in each case as defined in the Credit Facility documentation). We are permitted under
our Credit Facility to repurchase our capital stock and pay cash dividends. If on a pro forma basis our Leverage Ratio does not exceed 3.00 to 1.00, no default or event of default exists under the Credit Facility and we are able to incur an
additional $1.00 of funded debt under the covenants in the Credit Facility documentation, we are permitted to make stock repurchases and dividend declarations in the aggregate amount up to 50% of cumulative Consolidated Net Income from April 1,
2008 through the last day of the most recent fiscal quarter end for which financial statements have been delivered. If on a pro forma basis our Leverage Ratio is greater than 3.00 to 1.00, no default or event of default exists under the Credit
Facility and we are able to incur an additional $1.00 of funded debt under the debt and financial covenants in the Credit Facility documentation, the aggregate amount of stock repurchases and dividend declarations shall not exceed $30.0 million per
year. We test and report our compliance with these covenants each quarter. We are in compliance with all of our covenants.

On
July 21, 2009, we amended our Credit Facility to, among other things, allow us to refinance the March 2016 Notes and to redeem, repurchase, defease, purchase prior to maturity or prepay the August 2011 Notes and/or the March 2013 Notes in an
aggregate amount not to exceed (i) an annual limit of $85 million in any fiscal year plus, at the beginning of the fiscal year ended September 30, 2011, $85 million plus the unused amount available under the annual limit for the
immediately preceding fiscal year and (ii) $170 million for all such redemptions, repurchases, defeasances, purchases or prepayments (collectively, the repurchases), subject in each case to certain conditions. Such repurchases are
available to us as long as no default or event of default has occurred or would be directly or indirectly caused as a result thereof, subject to availability under the Aggregate Revolving Committed Amount of at least $300 million. In addition, when
the Leverage Ratio does not exceed 3.00 to 1.00 after giving effect to all such repurchases on a Pro Forma Basis, as such terms are defined in the Credit Facility, as amended, we may repurchase an additional $100 million of the August 2011 Notes
and/or March 2013 Notes.



| | (e) | On
September 2, 2008, we amended our 364-day receivables-backed financing facility (the Receivables Facility) to increase its size from $110.0 million to $175.0 million and to set it to expire on September 1, 2009.
Accordingly, such borrowings were classified as current at September 30, 2008. On July 14, 2009 we amended our existing Receivables Facility to, among other things, extend the maturity to set it to expire on July 13, 2012 and reduce
the size to a $100.0 million facility limit. On August 14, 2009 we amended the facility to increase the facility size to $135.0 million. Accordingly,
| | --- | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



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##### Index to Financial Statements

ROCK-TENN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (Continued)



| | such borrowings are classified as long-term at September 30, 2009. The borrowing rate, which consists of the market rate for asset-backed commercial paper plus a utilization fee, was 2.53%
and 5.15% as of September 30, 2009 and September 30, 2008, respectively. Borrowing availability under this facility is based on the eligible underlying accounts receivable and certain covenants. The agreement governing the Receivables
Facility contains restrictions, including, among others, creation of certain liens on the underlying collateral. We test and report our compliance with these covenants monthly. We are in compliance with all of our covenants. One of our covenants is
based on the percentage of receivables 31 to 60 days past due, and another is based on the percentage of receivables greater than 61 days past due. Given current economic conditions it is possible that the age of qualifying receivables could exceed
the limit in the covenant. If this event were to occur, we would either amend the facility or terminate the facility utilizing available capacity under the revolving credit portion of our existing Credit Facility. At September 30, 2009 and
September 30, 2008, maximum available borrowings under this facility were approximately $114.6 million and $166.3 million, respectively. The carrying amount of accounts receivable collateralizing the maximum available borrowings at
September 30, 2009 was approximately $215 million.
| | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



| | (f) | Cash payable to
sellers was the liability associated with cash held by us to support certain indebtedness of our Solvay Paperboard subsidiary, and an agreed upon payment to the sellers related to the Code section 338(h)(10) election. These items were paid in
November 2008. Of these amounts, approximately $69 million was refinanced using proceeds from the revolving credit portion of our Credit Facility and, accordingly, was recorded in long-term debt at September 30, 2008 since it was refinanced on
a long-term basis.
| | --- | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



| | (g) | The industrial
development revenue bonds (IDBs) are issued by various municipalities in which we maintain facilities. Each series of bonds is secured by a direct pay letter of credit, or collateralized by a mortgage interest and collateral
interest in specific property or a combination thereof. As of September 30, 2009, the outstanding amount of direct pay letters of credit supporting all industrial development revenue bonds was $19.2 million. The letters of credit are renewable
at our request so long as no default or event of default has occurred under the Credit Facility. During fiscal 2009, $1.9 million of IDBs were tendered by their holders and were not able to be remarketed. These bonds were tendered by the investors
as the credit ratings of the bank that issues the letters of credit backing the IDBs were lowered. To maintain the tax advantages associated with these IDBs, we voluntarily purchased these bonds and held them until they were successfully remarketed
in November 2009; at which time they will be included in debt outstanding.
| | --- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On March 5, 2008, we assumed
Solvay IDBs totaling $132.3 million in connection with the Southern Container Acquisition. The Solvay IDBs were comprised of a fixed rate and floating rate series: the fixed rate 1998 Series and the floating rate 2000, 2001 and 2002 Series (which we
refer to as the 2000 Series). At September 30, 2008, the remaining principal balance of the 1998 Series bonds and the 2000 Series bonds were $120.9 million and $7.7 million, respectively. The 1998 Series was available for redemption beginning
in November 2008 at 102% of par, and the 2000 Series was available for redemption at any time, at par. The Solvay IDBs had extensive affirmative, negative and restricted payment covenants that required certain minimum working capital and cash flow
requirements, and limited our ability to utilize the restricted cash governed by the indentures. The Solvay IDBs were secured by a payment of debt service to the municipality by us. The Solvay IDBs were governed under covenants by their respective
Installment Sale Agreement and Indenture of Trust Agreement which provided for restrictions on dividends, loans or advances including dividends, distributions, and payments on subordinated debt among other restrictions. Accordingly, at
September 30, 2008, we had assets of $683.0 million subject to these restrictions. These restrictions were eliminated when we repaid



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##### Index to Financial Statements

ROCK-TENN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (Continued)



the Solvay IDBs. At September 30, 2008, our Solvay subsidiary had cash and cash equivalents of $40.1 million which were maintained principally to assist in meeting a minimum working capital
requirement under the Solvay IDBs and such cash was transferred out of the subsidiary when these bonds were repaid. On November 3, 2008, the first call date of Solvay IDBs, we repaid the Solvay IDBs using cash and cash equivalents, restricted
cash and marketable debt securities aggregating approximately $70 million and proceeds from the revolving portion of our Credit Facility. Accordingly, $70 million of these bonds was classified as current at September 30, 2008. During the first
quarter of fiscal 2009, we recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt and related items of $2.4 million related to amounts paid in excess of carrying value to redeem the Solvay IDBs. The loss was funded by the former Southern Container stockholders.

As of September 30, 2009, the aggregate maturities of debt for the succeeding five fiscal years are as follows (in
millions):



|                                                                                 |  |   |         |  
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |  | - | ------- | -
|2010                                                                             |  | $ | 56.3    |  
|2011                                                                             |  |   | 231.5   |  
|2012                                                                             |  |   | 297.3   |  
|2013                                                                             |  |   | 324.8   |  
|2014                                                                             |  |   | 116.5   |  
|Thereafter                                                                       |  |   | 321.8   |  
|Unamortized hedge adjustments from terminated interest rate derivatives or swaps |  |   | 3.8     |  
|Unamortized bond discount                                                        |  |   | (2.6    | )
|                                                                                 |  |   |         |  
|Total debt                                                                       |  | $ | 1,349.4 |  
|                                                                                 |  |   |         |  

The March 2013 Notes are reflected in the table above as being paid in full or
refinanced by September 15, 2012 as discussed in footnote (d) above.

Note 12. Derivatives

Cash Flow Hedges

We have entered into interest rate swap agreements that effectively modify our exposure to interest rate risk by converting a portion of our floating rate debt to a fixed rate basis, thus reducing the impact of interest rate changes on
future interest expense. These agreements involve the receipt of floating rate amounts in exchange for fixed interest rate payments over the life of the agreements without an exchange of the underlying principal amount. We have designated these
swaps as cash flow hedges of the interest rate exposure on an equivalent amount of certain variable rate debt. In October 2007, we paid $3.5 million to terminate all of our then open interest rate swaps. In January 2008 we entered into
floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps that we terminated in June 2008 and received proceeds of $10.4 million. As of September 30, 2009, our interest rate swap agreements, which terminate in April 2012, require that we pay fixed rates of
approximately 4.00% and receive the one-month LIBOR rate on the notional amounts. As of September 30, 2009, the aggregate notional amount of outstanding debt related to these interest rate swaps was $452 million, declining at periodic intervals
through April 2012 to an aggregate notional amount of $132 million.



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ROCK-TENN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (Continued)



During fiscal 2008, we reclassified net pre-tax deferred losses of $1.2 million from accumulated other comprehensive income to earnings as a
result of the discontinuance of certain commodity derivative cash flow hedges because it was probable the related forecasted transactions being hedged would not occur. During fiscal 2007, we recognized a net pre-tax loss of $1.2 million in earnings
due to ineffectiveness of certain commodity derivative cash flow hedges; and we reclassified net pre-tax deferred gains of $4.0 million related to certain interest rate derivative cash flow hedges from accumulated other comprehensive income to
earnings as a reduction of interest expense.

As of September 30, 2009 and September 30, 2008, we had the following
outstanding commodity derivatives that were entered into to hedge forecasted sales:



|                |  |                   |  |                   |  |                |  |     
|--------------- |  | ----------------- |  | ----------------- |  | -------------- |  | ----
|                |  | September 30,2009 |  | September 30,2008
|Commodity       |  | NotionalAmount    |  | Unit              |  | NotionalAmount |  | Unit
|Paperboard, net |  | 33,000            |  | Tons              |  |               |  | Tons

Fair Value Hedges

Prior to June 2005, we had a series of interest rate swaps that effectively converted our fixed rate debt to floating rates, thus hedging
the fair value of the related fixed rate debt from changes in market interest rates. These interest rate swaps were terminated prior to maturity. The value at termination of these swaps is being amortized to interest expense over the remaining life
of the related debt using the effective interest method. During each of fiscal 2009, 2008, and 2007, $1.9 million was amortized to earnings as a reduction of interest expense. In connection with our May 29, 2009 purchase of $93.3 million of
tendered August 2011 Notes, $1.0 million, representing the proportionate amount of unamortized gain on previously terminated interest rate swaps associated with the extinguished debt, was reclassified to earnings as a component of loss on
extinguishment of debt and related items.

Derivatives not Designated as Accounting Hedges

On March 20, 2009, we entered into a pay-fixed, receive-floating interest rate swap agreement with a total notional amount of $14
million. The fixed rate of interest paid is 3.73% and the floating interest rate received is the three-month LIBOR rate. This interest rate swap agreement has a forward-starting date of December 15, 2011 and a ten-year term. However, the
agreement has a mandatory early termination date of December 15, 2011, at which time we will either receive a lump-sum from or pay a lump-sum to our counterparty to terminate the swap. This interest rate swap has not been designated as an
accounting cash flow hedge and, accordingly, the gain or loss is recognized in current earnings.

As of September 30,
2009 and September 30, 2008, we had the following outstanding commodity derivatives related to forecasted purchases that were not designated as accounting hedges:



|           |  |                   |  |                   |  |                |  |     
|---------- |  | ----------------- |  | ----------------- |  | -------------- |  | ----
|           |  | September 30,2009 |  | September 30,2008
|Commodity  |  | NotionalAmount    |  | Unit              |  | NotionalAmount |  | Unit
|Fiber, net |  | 2,100             |  | Tons              |  | 10,100         |  | Tons



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ROCK-TENN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (Continued)



The following table summarizes the location and amounts of our outstanding derivative instruments fair values in the Consolidated Balance
Sheets segregated by type of contract, by assets and liabilities and by designation (in millions):



|                                                   |  |                      |  |                             |     |                             |   |                       |  |                             |  |                             |      |  |   |    
|-------------------------------------------------- |  | -------------------- |  | --------------------------- | --- | --------------------------- | - | --------------------- |  | --------------------------- |  | --------------------------- | ---- |  | - | ---
|                                                   |  |                      |  | Asset Derivatives           |     |                             |   | Liability Derivatives
|                                                   |  | BalanceSheetLocation |  | September 30,2009Fair
Value |     | September 30,2008Fair
Value |   | Balance SheetLocation |  | September 30,2009Fair
Value |  | September 30,2008Fair
Value
|Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:    
|Interest rate derivatives                          |  | N/A                  |  | $                           |    |                             | $ |                      |  | Other currentliabilities    |  | $                           | 12.7 |  | $ |   
|Interest rate derivatives                          |  | N/A                  |  |                             |    |                             |   |                      |  | Other long-term liabilities |  |                             | 5.6  |  |   | 5.2
|Commodity derivatives                              |  | Other currentassets  |  |                             | 0.4 |                             |   |                      |  | N/A                         |  |                             |     |  |   |   
|                                                   |  |                      |  |                             |     |                             |   |                       |  |                             |  |                             |      |  |   |    
|                                                   |  |                      |  | $                           | 0.4 |                             | $ |                      |  |                             |  | $                           | 18.3 |  | $ | 5.2
|                                                   |  |                      |  |                             |     |                             |   |                       |  |                             |  |                             |      |  |   |    
|                                                  
|Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
|Interest rate derivatives                          |  | Other assets         |  | $                           | 0.5 |                             | $ |                      |  | N/A                         |  | $                           |     |  | $ |   
|Commodity derivatives                              |  | Other currentassets  |  |                             | 2.0 |                             |   | 0.7                   |  | Other currentliabilities    |  |                             | 1.8  |  |   | 0.9
|Commodity derivatives                              |  | Other assets         |  |                             | 0.6 |                             |   | 0.4                   |  | Other long-term liabilities |  |                             | 0.6  |  |   | 0.3
|                                                   |  |                      |  |                             |     |                             |   |                       |  |                             |  |                             |      |  |   |    
|                                                   |  |                      |  | $                           | 3.1 |                             | $ | 1.1                   |  |                             |  | $                           | 2.4  |  | $ | 1.2
|                                                   |  |                      |  |                             |     |                             |   |                       |  |                             |  |                             |      |  |   |    
|Total derivatives                                  |  |                      |  | $                           | 3.5 |                             | $ | 1.1                   |  |                             |  | $                           | 20.7 |  | $ | 6.4
|                                                   |  |                      |  |                             |     |                             |   |                       |  |                             |  |                             |      |  |   |    



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##### Index to Financial Statements

ROCK-TENN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (Continued)



The following table summarizes the location and amount of gains and losses on derivative instruments in the Consolidated Statements of Income
segregated by type of contract and designation for the year ended September 30, (in millions):



|                                               |  |                                                                       |       |                                                                                       |      |                                                                                     |     |  |                                                                                                                        |  |                                                                                                                       |      |   |  |   |      |      |  |           |  |   |     |  |   |  
|---------------------------------------------- |  | --------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --- |  | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |  | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---- | - |  | - | ---- | ---- |  | --------- |  | - | --- |  | - | -
|Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships |  | Amount ofGain
(Loss)Recognized in OCIon Derivative(Effective Portion) |       | Location of Gain(Loss) Reclassifiedfrom AccumulatedOCI into Income(Effective
Portion) |      | Amount of Gain(Loss) Reclassifiedfrom AccumulatedOCI into
Income(Effective Portion) |     |  | Location of Gain(Loss) Recognizedin Income onDerivative(IneffectivePortion
andAmountExcluded fromEffectivenessTesting) |  | Amount of Gain(Loss) Recognizedin Income onDerivative(Ineffective Portionand
AmountExcluded fromEffectivenessTesting)
|                                               |  | 2009                                                                  |       |                                                                                       | 2008 |                                                                                     |     |  | 2009                                                                                                                   |  |                                                                                                                       | 2008 |   |  |   |      | 2009 |  | 2008     
|For the year ending:                           |  |                                                                       |       |                                                                                       |      |                                                                                     |     |  |                                                                                                                        |  |                                                                                                                       |      |   |  |   |      |      |  |           |  |   |     |  |   |  
|Interest rate derivatives                      |  | $                                                                     | (27.8 | )                                                                                     |      | $                                                                                   | 2.1 |  | Interest expense                                                                                                       |  | $                                                                                                                     | (8.4 | ) |  | $ | 0.3  |      |  | N/A       |  | $ |    |  | $ | 
|Commodity derivatives                          |  |                                                                       |      |                                                                                       |      |                                                                                     |    |  | Interest incomeand otherincome (expense)                                                                               |  |                                                                                                                       |     |   |  |   | (0.1 | )    |  | N/A       |  |   |    |  |   | 
|Commodity derivatives                          |  |                                                                       |      |                                                                                       |      |                                                                                     |    |  | Cost of goodssold                                                                                                      |  |                                                                                                                       |     |   |  |   | (0.1 | )    |  | N/A       |  |   |    |  |   | 
|Commodity derivatives                          |  |                                                                       | 0.5   |                                                                                       |      |                                                                                     | 1.1 |  | Net Sales                                                                                                              |  |                                                                                                                       |     |   |  |   | (1.1 | )    |  | Net Sales |  |   | 0.1 |  |   | 
|                                               |  |                                                                       |       |                                                                                       |      |                                                                                     |     |  |                                                                                                                        |  |                                                                                                                       |      |   |  |   |      |      |  |           |  |   |     |  |   |  
|Total                                          |  | $                                                                     | (27.3 | )                                                                                     |      | $                                                                                   | 3.2 |  |                                                                                                                        |  | $                                                                                                                     | (8.4 | ) |  | $ | (1.0 | )    |  |           |  | $ | 0.1 |  | $ | 
|                                               |  |                                                                       |       |                                                                                       |      |                                                                                     |     |  |                                                                                                                        |  |                                                                                                                       |      |   |  |   |      |      |  |           |  |   |     |  |   |  



|                                                  |  |                                                            |  |                                                        |     |  |   |    
|------------------------------------------------- |  | ---------------------------------------------------------- |  | ------------------------------------------------------ | --- |  | - | ---
|Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments |  | Location of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Income on Derivative |  | Amount of Gain (Loss)Recognized in Incomeon Derivative
|                                                  |  | 2009                                                       |  | 2008                                                  
|For the year ending:                              |  |                                                            |  |                                                        |     |  |   |    
|Interest rate derivatives                         |  | Selling, general and administrative expenses               |  | $                                                      | 0.5 |  | $ |   
|Commodity derivatives                             |  | Interest income and other income (expense)                 |  |                                                        | 0.4 |  |   | 0.3
|Commodity derivatives                             |  | Net sales                                                  |  |                                                        | 0.1 |  |   | 0.1
|                                                  |  |                                                            |  |                                                        |     |  |   |    
|Total                                             |  |                                                            |  | $                                                      | 1.0 |  | $ | 0.4
|                                                  |  |                                                            |  |                                                        |     |  |   |    

As of September 30, 2009, based on implied forward interest rates associated
with our outstanding interest rate derivative cash flow hedges and the remaining amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income related to terminated interest rate swaps, we expect to reclassify net pre-tax deferred losses of approximately $9.6
million from accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings as an increase to interest expense within the next twelve months as the probable hedged interest payments occur. As of September 30, 2009, based on implied forward price curves
associated with certain commodity derivative cash flow hedges, we expect to reclassify approximately $0.5 million from accumulated comprehensive income to earnings as an increase to net sales within the next twelve months as the probable hedged
transactions occur. We believe amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income related to interest rate derivatives and commodity derivatives are appropriately recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income because the forecasted transactions
related to those amounts are probable of occurring.



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##### Index to Financial Statements

ROCK-TENN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (Continued)



We enter into derivative contracts that may contain credit-risk-related contingent features which could result in a counterparty requesting
immediate payment or demand immediate and ongoing full overnight collateralization on derivative instruments in net liability positions. Certain of our interest rate swap derivative contracts contain a provision whereby if we default on the Credit
Facility, we may also be deemed in default of the interest rate swap obligation. The aggregate fair value of interest rate swaps under these agreements that are in a liability position at September 30, 2009 is approximately $18.3 million. These
interest rate swaps share the same collateral as that of our Credit Facility and no other collateral has been posted against these interest rate swap obligations. If we were to default on these agreements, we may be required to settle our
obligations at their termination value of approximately $18.6 million. Certain of our commodity derivative contracts contain contingent provisions that require us to provide the counterparty with collateral if the credit rating on our debt, as
provided by major credit rating agencies, falls below certain specified minimums, or if the fair value of our obligation exceeds specified threshold amounts. The aggregate fair value of all commodity derivative instruments with credit-risk-related
contingent features that are in a liability position at September 30, 2009, is approximately $0.7 million. We have posted collateral in the form of a letter of credit of approximately $1 million against one of these positions, which was
triggered by the related obligation exceeding a specified threshold amount. If additional credit-risk-related contingent features underlying these commodity derivative agreements were triggered, we may be required to settle our obligations under the
agreements at their termination value, which was $0.7 million at September 30, 2009.

Note 13. Fair Value

On October 1, 2008, we adopted ASC 820 for financial assets and liabilities, and nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are measured
at fair value on a recurring basis. Certain provisions of ASC 820 delay its adoption date for nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis until our fiscal year beginning October 1, 2009. ASC 820
provides a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures required about fair value measurements. Specifically, ASC 820 sets forth a definition of fair value and a hierarchy prioritizing the inputs to valuation techniques. The adoption
of this statement did not have a material impact on our financial statements. ASC 820 defines levels within the hierarchy as follows:



| |  |  | Level 1  Unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets;
| | - |  | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



| |  |  | Level 2  Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in inactive markets, and
model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities; and
| | - |  | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



| |  |  | Level 3  Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable. Such
inputs typically reflect managements estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.
| | - |  | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Assets and Liabilities Recognized at Fair Value

We have
rabbi trusts which hold assets of our supplemental retirement savings plans (the Supplemental Plans) that are nonqualified deferred compensation plans. The assets of our Supplemental Plans are invested primarily in mutual funds
and are reported at fair value based on quoted prices in active markets. The fair value of our Supplemental Plans is designated as Level 1.



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##### Index to Financial Statements

ROCK-TENN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (Continued)



We value our interest rate derivatives using a widely accepted valuation technique based on discounted cash flow analysis, which reflects the
terms of the derivatives and, for all significant assumptions, uses observable market-based inputs, including LIBOR forward interest rate curves. The fair value of our interest rate derivatives is designated as Level 2.

We value our commodity derivatives based on discounted cash flow analysis using forward price curves derived from market price quotations
with internal and external fundamental data inputs. Market price quotations are obtained from independent derivatives brokers and from direct communication with market participants. As our commodity derivatives trade in less liquid markets or may
have limited observable forward prices, we have designated the fair value of our commodity derivatives as Level 3.

We
incorporate credit valuation adjustments to reflect both our own nonperformance risk and the respective counterpartys nonperformance risk in our fair value measurements.

As of September 30, 2009, the fair value of our financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis,
for each hierarchy level, is summarized in the following table (in millions):



|                          |  |         |     |         |   |         |  |       |     |  |   |     
|------------------------- |  | ------- | --- | ------- | - | ------- |  | ----- | --- |  | - | ----
|                          |  | Level 1 |     | Level 2 |   | Level 3 |  | Total
|Assets:                   |  |         |     |         |   |         |  |       |     |  |   |     
|Supplemental Plans        |  | $       | 2.9 |         | $ |        |  | $     |    |  | $ | 2.9 
|Interest rate derivatives |  | $       |    |         | $ | 0.5     |  | $     |    |  | $ | 0.5 
|Commodity derivatives     |  | $       |    |         | $ |        |  | $     | 3.0 |  | $ | 3.0 
|                          |  |         |     |        
|Liabilities:              |  |         |     |         |   |         |  |       |     |  |   |     
|Interest rate derivatives |  | $       |    |         | $ | 18.3    |  | $     |    |  | $ | 18.3
|Commodity derivatives     |  | $       |    |         | $ |        |  | $     | 2.4 |  | $ | 2.4 

The following table provides a summary of the net changes in the fair values of our
Level 3 derivatives for the year ended September 30, 2009 (in millions):



|                                                                                              |  |       |      |  
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |  | ----- | ---- | -
|                                                                                              |  | Total |     
|Beginning net asset balance                                                                   |  | $     | (0.1 | )
|Realized and unrealized net gains reported in net sales                                       |  |       | 0.2  |  
|Realized and unrealized net gains reported in interest income and other income (expense), net |  |       | 0.4  |  
|Realized and unrealized net gains deferred in other comprehensive income                      |  |       | 0.5  |  
|Purchases, issuances and settlements, net                                                     |  |       | (0.4 | )
|                                                                                              |  |       |      |  
|Ending net asset balance                                                                      |  | $     | 0.6  |  
|                                                                                              |  |       |      |  

Total net gains included in earnings, which are reported in net sales, for the year
ended September 30, 2009 that are attributable to the change in unrealized net gains of Level 3 derivatives held at September 30, 2009 were $0.5 million for year ended September 30, 2009.

Financial Instruments not Recognized at Fair Value

Financial instruments not recognized at fair value on a recurring or nonrecurring basis include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivables, certain other current assets, short-term debt, accounts
payable, certain other current liabilities, and long-term debt. With the exception of long-term debt, the carrying amounts of these financial instruments approximate their fair values due to their short maturities.



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##### Index to Financial Statements

ROCK-TENN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (Continued)



The following table summarizes the carrying amount and estimated fair value of our long-term debt (in millions):



|                                                                                |  |                    |         |                    |   |                |  |           |         |  |   |        
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |  | ------------------ | ------- | ------------------ | - | -------------- |  | --------- | ------- |  | - | -------
|                                                                                |  | September 30, 2009 |         | September 30, 2008
|                                                                                |  | CarryingAmount     |         | FairValue          |   | CarryingAmount |  | FairValue
|August 2011 Notes(1)                                                            |  | $                  | 157.2   |                    | $ | 160.8          |  | $         | 254.9   |  | $ | 258.3  
|March 2013 Notes(1)                                                             |  |                    | 101.1   |                    |   | 97.4           |  |           | 101.4   |  |   | 92.3   
|March 2016 Notes(1)                                                             |  |                    | 298.9   |                    |   | 321.8          |  |           | 198.7   |  |   | 205.5  
|Term loan facilities(2)                                                         |  |                    | 643.8   |                    |   | 636.4          |  |           | 747.3   |  |   | 715.9  
|Revolving credit and swing facilities(3)                                        |  |                    | 19.1    |                    |   | 19.1           |  |           | 33.5    |  |   | 33.5   
|Receivables Facility(3)                                                         |  |                    | 100.0   |                    |   | 100.0          |  |           | 92.0    |  |   | 92.0   
|Cash due to sellers(4)                                                          |  |                    |        |                    |   |               |  |           | 110.7   |  |   | 110.7  
|Industrial development revenue bonds (excluding the 1998 Series Solvay IDBs)(3) |  |                    | 16.9    |                    |   | 16.9           |  |           | 29.0    |  |   | 29.0   
|1998 Series Solvay IDBs(1)                                                      |  |                    |        |                    |   |               |  |           | 120.9   |  |   | 123.3  
|Other fixed rate long-term debt(2)                                              |  |                    | 12.4    |                    |   | 12.5           |  |           | 10.5    |  |   | 8.7    
|                                                                                |  |                    |         |                    |   |                |  |           |         |  |   |        
|Total debt                                                                      |  | $                  | 1,349.4 |                    | $ | 1,364.9        |  | $         | 1,698.9 |  | $ | 1,669.2
|                                                                                |  |                    |         |                    |   |                |  |           |         |  |   |        



|(1) | Fair value is based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues.
|--- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------



|(2) | Fair value is estimated based on the discounted value of future cash flows using current market interest rates offered for debt of similar credit risk
and maturity.
|--- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



|(3) | Fair value approximates the carrying amount as the variable interest rates reprice frequently at current market rates.
|--- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



|(4) | Fair value approximates the carrying amount due to short maturity.
|--- | ------------------------------------------------------------------

In the absence of quoted prices in active markets, considerable judgment is required in developing estimates of fair value. Estimates are
not necessarily indicative of the amounts we would realize in a current market transaction.

Note 14. Leases

We lease certain manufacturing and warehousing facilities and equipment (primarily transportation equipment) under various operating leases.
Some leases contain escalation clauses and provisions for lease renewal.

As of September 30, 2009, future minimum lease
payments under all noncancelable leases for the succeeding five fiscal years, including certain maintenance charges on transportation equipment, are as follows (in millions):



|                                    |  |   |     
|----------------------------------- |  | - | ----
|2010                                |  | $ | 10.9
|2011                                |  |   | 7.5 
|2012                                |  |   | 5.1 
|2013                                |  |   | 4.0 
|2014                                |  |   | 2.7 
|Thereafter                          |  |   | 3.8 
|                                    |  |   |     
|Total future minimum lease payments |  | $ | 34.0
|                                    |  |   |     



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##### Index to Financial Statements

ROCK-TENN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (Continued)



Rental expense for the years ended September 30, 2009, 2008, and 2007 was approximately $24.1 million, $22.1 million and $18.4 million,
respectively, including lease payments under cancelable leases.

Note 15. Income Taxes

The provisions for income taxes consist of the following components (in millions):



|                           |  |                         |      |   |      |   |      |      |  |   |      |  
|-------------------------- |  | ----------------------- | ---- | - | ---- | - | ---- | ---- |  | - | ---- | -
|                           |  | Year EndedSeptember 30, |     
|                           |  | 2009                    |      |   | 2008 |   |      | 2007 | 
|Current income taxes:      |  |                         |      |   |      |   |      |      |  |   |      |  
|Federal                    |  | $                       | 33.9 |   |      | $ | 13.0 |      |  | $ | 17.0 |  
|State                      |  |                         | 3.3  |   |      |   | 2.3  |      |  |   | 3.5  |  
|Foreign                    |  |                         | 8.4  |   |      |   | 6.2  |      |  |   | 2.6  |  
|                           |  |                         |      |   |      |   |      |      |  |   |      |  
|Total current              |  |                         | 45.6 |   |      |   | 21.5 |      |  |   | 23.1 |  
|                           |  |                         |      |   |      |   |      |      |  |   |      |  
|Deferred income taxes:     |  |                         |      |   |      |   |      |      |  |   |      |  
|Federal                    |  |                         | 44.7 |   |      |   | 23.8 |      |  |   | 21.4 |  
|State                      |  |                         | 2.4  |   |      |   | 1.4  |      |  |   | 2.0  |  
|Foreign                    |  |                         | (1.1 | ) |      |   | (2.4 | )    |  |   | (1.2 | )
|                           |  |                         |      |   |      |   |      |      |  |   |      |  
|Total deferred             |  |                         | 46.0 |   |      |   | 22.8 |      |  |   | 22.2 |  
|                           |  |                         |      |   |      |   |      |      |  |   |      |  
|Provision for income taxes |  | $                       | 91.6 |   |      | $ | 44.3 |      |  | $ | 45.3 |  
|                           |  |                         |      |   |      |   |      |      |  |   |      |  

The differences between the statutory federal income tax rate and our effective
income tax rate are as follows:



|                                                                            |  |                         |   |  |      |   |  |      |  
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------- |  | ----------------------- | - |  | ---- | - |  | ---- | -
|                                                                            |  | Year EndedSeptember 30, |  
|                                                                            |  | 2009                    |   |  | 2008 |   |  | 2007 |  
|Statutory federal tax rate                                                  |  | 35.0                    | % |  | 35.0 | % |  | 35.0 | %
|Adjustment of deferred taxes for changes in state and foreign tax rates     |  |                        |   |  | (0.5 | ) |  | 0.9  |  
|Adjustment and resolution of federal and state tax deductions               |  | (0.2                    | ) |  | 0.4  |   |  | 0.5  |  
|State taxes, net of federal benefit                                         |  | 1.7                     |   |  | 2.2  |   |  | 1.8  |  
|Research and development and other tax credits, net of valuation allowances |  | (1.7                    | ) |  | (2.1 | ) |  | (3.1 | )
|Alternative fuel credits                                                    |  | (6.2                    | ) |  |     |   |  |     |  
|Other, net                                                                  |  | 0.6                     |   |  | 0.1  |   |  | 0.6  |  
|                                                                            |  |                         |   |  |      |   |  |      |  
|Effective tax rate                                                          |  | 29.2                    | % |  | 35.1 | % |  | 35.7 | %
|                                                                            |  |                         |   |  |      |   |  |      |  

In fiscal 2009, we recorded a tax benefit of $1.7 million tax benefit related to
research tax credits, and a $3.7 million tax benefit related to other federal and state tax credits. In fiscal 2009, we recognized approximately $55.4 million of an alternative fuel tax credit, which is not taxable for federal or state income tax
purposes.

In fiscal 2008, we recorded a deferred tax benefit of $1.4 million related to a tax rate reduction in Canada. We
recorded state tax expense of $0.7 million related to a change in our state effective tax rate on our domestic operating entities from approximately 3.4% to approximately 3.7% primarily attributable to the estimated impact of the Southern Container
Acquisition and the impact of changes in state tax laws on deferred taxes. We recorded a tax benefit of $2.6 million related to federal, state, and foreign research and development and other tax credits, net of valuation allowances.



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##### Index to Financial Statements

ROCK-TENN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (Continued)



In fiscal 2007, we recorded a tax benefit of $4.0 million related to federal, state, and foreign research and development and other tax
credits, net of valuation allowances. We recorded state tax expense of $1.2 million which related to a change in our state effective tax rate on our domestic operating entities from approximately 3% to approximately 3.4% primarily attributable to
the estimated impact of changes in state tax laws on deferred taxes.

We recorded research and development costs of an
estimated $13 million, $15 million and $15 million in fiscal 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively.

The tax effects of temporary
differences that give rise to deferred income tax assets and liabilities consist of the following (in millions):



|                                                                |  |               |       |   |      |   |       |  
|--------------------------------------------------------------- |  | ------------- | ----- | - | ---- | - | ----- | -
|                                                                |  | September 30, |      
|                                                                |  | 2009          |       |   | 2008 |  
|Deferred income tax assets:                                     |  |               |       |   |      |   |       |  
|Accruals and allowances                                         |  | $             | 2.8   |   |      | $ | 4.8   |  
|Employee related accruals and allowances                        |  |               | 13.5  |   |      |   | 17.3  |  
|Pension                                                         |  |               | 57.9  |   |      |   | 11.7  |  
|Research and development and other federal credit carryforwards |  |               |      |   |      |   | 1.8   |  
|State net operating loss carryforwards                          |  |               | 9.2   |   |      |   | 9.6   |  
|State credit carryforwards, net of federal benefit              |  |               | 36.2  |   |      |   | 30.0  |  
|Foreign tax credit carryforwards                                |  |               | 0.6   |   |      |   | 0.4   |  
|Other                                                           |  |               | 21.7  |   |      |   | 14.3  |  
|Valuation allowances                                            |  |               | (37.2 | ) |      |   | (31.5 | )
|                                                                |  |               |       |   |      |   |       |  
|Total                                                           |  |               | 104.7 |   |      |   | 58.4  |  
|                                                                |  |               |       |   |      |   |       |  
|Deferred income tax liabilities:                                |  |               |       |   |      |   |       |  
|Property, plant and equipment                                   |  |               | 196.5 |   |      |   | 173.1 |  
|Deductible intangibles and goodwill                             |  |               | 40.6  |   |      |   | 23.7  |  
|Inventory reserves                                              |  |               | 0.7   |   |      |   | 0.2   |  
|Other                                                           |  |               | 9.6   |   |      |   | 8.0   |  
|                                                                |  |               |       |   |      |   |       |  
|Total                                                           |  |               | 247.4 |   |      |   | 205.0 |  
|                                                                |  |               |       |   |      |   |       |  
|Net deferred income tax liability                               |  | $             | 142.7 |   |      | $ | 146.6 |  
|                                                                |  |               |       |   |      |   |       |  

Deferred taxes are recorded as follows in the consolidated balance sheet (in
millions):



|                                  |  |               |       |      |   |      
|--------------------------------- |  | ------------- | ----- | ---- | - | -----
|                                  |  | September 30,
|                                  |  | 2009          |       | 2008
|Current deferred tax asset        |  | $             | 6.5   |      | $ | 6.7  
|Long-term deferred tax liability  |  |               | 149.2 |      |   | 153.3
|                                  |  |               |       |      |   |      
|Net deferred income tax liability |  | $             | 142.7 |      | $ | 146.6
|                                  |  |               |       |      |   |      

At September 30, 2009 and September 30, 2008, net operating losses, for
state tax reporting purposes, of approximately $191 million and $216 million, respectively, were available for carry forward. These loss carry forwards generally expire within 5 to 20 years. We have recorded deferred tax assets of $9.2 million and
$9.6 million at September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, as our estimate of the future benefit of these losses, and we have also recorded valuation allowances of $2.4 million and $2.1 million at September 30, 2009 and 2008,



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##### Index to Financial Statements

ROCK-TENN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (Continued)



respectively, against these assets. In addition, at September 30, 2009 and 2008, certain allowable state tax credits were available for carry forward. These state carry forwards generally
expire within 5 to 10 years. We have recorded a deferred tax asset of $36.2 million and $30.0 million at September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, as our estimate of the future benefit of these credits, and we have recorded a valuation
allowance of $29.4 million and $28.7 million at September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, against these assets. The fiscal 2009 and 2008 valuation allowance includes $29.1 million and $28.5 million, respectively, related to state investment
and employment tax credits as a result of the Southern Container Acquisition and its subsequent operations. The valuation allowance has been recorded due to uncertainty regarding our ability to generate sufficient taxable income in the appropriate
taxing jurisdiction. Under current accounting standards, if $18.1 million of this valuation allowance related to the Southern Container Acquisition was removed during fiscal 2009 the tax benefit would have been recorded as a reduction of goodwill.
After fiscal 2009, any increase or decrease in this valuation allowance will be recorded in our consolidated statement of income given the adoption of ASC 805. During fiscal 2009, we completed the purchase price allocation for our Southern Container
Acquisition and revised our estimates of acquired state tax credits we expect to be able to utilize, resulting in a decrease in our valuation allowance and the related deferred tax asset of $10.5 million and $6.3 million, respectively. At
September 30, 2009, we recorded a valuation allowance of $4.2 million as a charge to other comprehensive income related to the increase in deferred tax assets resulting from increases in our pension obligations recorded in other comprehensive
income. The valuation allowance has been recorded due to uncertainty regarding our ability to generate sufficient taxable income in the appropriate tax jurisdictions. At September 30, 2009 and September 30, 2008, we have recorded valuation
allowances of $1.2 million and $0.6 million related to foreign capital loss carryforwards and foreign tax credit carryforwards, respectively. A valuation allowance attributable to the foreign tax credit carryforward of $1.1 million was removed as of
September 30, 2008. At September 30, 2009 and September 30, 2008 we had income tax receivables of $34.7 million and $17.2 million, respectively, included in other current assets.

The following table represents a summary of the valuation allowances against deferred tax assets for fiscal 2009, 2008, and 2007 (in
millions):



|                                                         |  |      |       |   |      |   |      |      |  |   |      |  
|-------------------------------------------------------- |  | ---- | ----- | - | ---- | - | ---- | ---- |  | - | ---- | -
|                                                         |  | 2009 |       |   | 2008 |   |      | 2007 | 
|Balance at the beginning of period                       |  | $    | 31.5  |   |      | $ | 3.5  |      |  | $ | 3.5  |  
|Charges to costs and expenses                            |  |      | 12.0  |   |      |   |     |      |  |   | 0.6  |  
|Allowances related to the Southern Container Acquisition |  |      | (10.5 | ) |      |   | 28.5 |      |  |   |     |  
|Charges to other comprehensive income (loss)             |  |      | 4.2   |   |      |   |     |      |  |   |     |  
|Deductions                                               |  |      |      |   |      |   | (0.5 | )    |  |   | (0.6 | )
|                                                         |  |      |       |   |      |   |      |      |  |   |      |  
|Balance at the end of period                             |  | $    | 37.2  |   |      | $ | 31.5 |      |  | $ | 3.5  |  
|                                                         |  |      |       |   |      |   |      |      |  |   |      |  

As of September 30, 2009, except for alternative fuel tax credits and certain
foreign tax credits, we utilized all federal tax credits available to us and have no deferred tax assets other than those related to foreign tax credits. As of September 30, 2008, except for certain foreign, research and development, and
alternative minimum tax credits, we utilized all federal tax credits to offset federal tax liability of the current or prior periods. As of September 30, 2007, we utilized all net operating losses for federal tax reporting purposes to offset
taxable income of the current or prior periods.



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##### Index to Financial Statements

ROCK-TENN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (Continued)



The components of income before income taxes are as follows (in millions):



|                           |  |                          |       |      |   |       |  |   |      
|-------------------------- |  | ------------------------ | ----- | ---- | - | ----- |  | - | -----
|                           |  | Year Ended September 30,
|                           |  | 2009                     |       | 2008 |   | 2007 
|United States              |  | $                        | 290.3 |      | $ | 109.8 |  | $ | 120.6
|Foreign                    |  |                          | 23.6  |      |   | 16.3  |  |   | 6.4  
|                           |  |                          |       |      |   |       |  |   |      
|Income before income taxes |  | $                        | 313.9 |      | $ | 126.1 |  | $ | 127.0
|                           |  |                          |       |      |   |       |  |   |      

We treat earnings from certain foreign subsidiaries from the date we acquired the
operations as subject to repatriation, and we provide for taxes accordingly. We consider all earnings of our remaining foreign subsidiaries indefinitely invested in the respective foreign operations. As of September 30, 2009, we estimate those
indefinitely invested earnings to be approximately $42.6 million. We have not provided for any incremental United States taxes that would be due upon the repatriation of those earnings into the United States. However, in the event of a distribution
of those earnings in the form of dividends or otherwise, we may be subject to both United States income taxes, subject to an adjustment for foreign tax credits, and withholding taxes payable to the foreign jurisdictions. Determination of the amount
of unrecognized deferred United States income tax liability is not practicable.

On October 1, 2007, we adopted certain
provisions of ASC 740, Income Taxes, which prescribe a comprehensive model for how a company should recognize, measure, present, and disclose in its consolidated financial statements uncertain tax positions that the Company has
taken or expects to take on a tax return. As of the September 30, 2009, the gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits was approximately $13.1 million, exclusive of interest and penalties. Of this balance, if we were to prevail on all
unrecognized tax benefits recorded, approximately $6.0 million would benefit the effective tax rate. As of October 1, 2008, the gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits was approximately $12.6 million, exclusive of interest and penalties. Of
this balance, if we were to prevail on all unrecognized tax benefits recorded, approximately $4.5 million would benefit the effective tax rate. During the next twelve months, we estimate $3.7 million of our gross unrecognized tax benefit will
reverse due to expiration of statutes. Of this balance, approximately $1.6 million would impact the effective tax rate. We regularly evaluate, assess and adjust the related liabilities in light of changing facts and circumstances, which could cause
the effective tax rate to fluctuate from period to period.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross
unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in millions):



|                                                    |  |      |      |   |      |   |      |  
|--------------------------------------------------- |  | ---- | ---- | - | ---- | - | ---- | -
|                                                    |  | 2009 |      |   | 2008 |  
|Balance at the beginning of period                  |  | $    | 12.6 |   |      | $ | 9.6  |  
|Additions related to Southern Container Acquisition |  |      | 1.7  |   |      |   | 1.9  |  
|Additions for tax positions of prior years          |  |      | 0.5  |   |      |   | 1.4  |  
|Reductions for tax positions of prior years         |  |      | (1.7 | ) |      |   | (0.3 | )
|                                                    |  |      |      |   |      |   |      |  
|Balance at the end of period                        |  | $    | 13.1 |   |      | $ | 12.6 |  
|                                                    |  |      |      |   |      |   |      |  

We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income
tax expense in the consolidated statements of income. As of September 30, 2009 and September 30, 2008, we had a recorded liability of $2.6 million and $2.0 million, respectively, for the payment of interest and penalties related to the
liability for unrecognized tax benefits. Our results of operations for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 include $0.5 million and $0.4 million, respectively, related to interest and penalties related to the liability for
unrecognized tax benefits.



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ROCK-TENN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (Continued)



We file federal, state and local income tax returns in the U.S. and various foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions, we are no longer
subject to U.S. federal, state and local, or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years prior to fiscal 2006.

Note 16.
Retirement Plans

Defined Benefit Pension Plans

We have five qualified defined benefit pension plans with approximately 42% of our employees in the United States currently accruing
benefits. In addition, under several labor contracts, we make payments based on hours worked into multi-employer pension plan trusts established for the benefit of certain collective bargaining employees in facilities both inside and outside the
United States. Approximately 33% of our employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements, including approximately 3% of our employees that are covered by collective bargaining agreements that have expired and another 13% that are covered by
collective bargaining agreements that expire within one year. We have a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) that provides unfunded supplemental retirement benefits to certain of our executives. The SERP provides for
incremental pension benefits in excess of those offered in our principal pension plan.

In fiscal 2005, our board of directors
approved and adopted changes to our 401(k) retirement savings plans that cover our salaried and nonunion hourly employees and to our defined benefit plans that cover our salaried and nonunion hourly employees. Employees hired on or after
January 1, 2005 are not eligible to participate in our defined benefit plans. However, we provide an enhanced 401(k) plan match for such employees: 100% match on the first 3% of eligible pay contributed by the employee and 50% match on the next
2% of eligible pay contributed by the employee. In addition, effective January 1, 2005, then current employees who were less than 35 years old and who had less than 5 years of vesting service on December 31, 2004, were no longer eligible
to participate in our defined benefit plans after December 31, 2004. Effective March 1, 2005, then current employees who were 35 years old or older or who had 5 years or more of vesting service on December 31, 2004, were required to
elect one of two options: (1) a reduced future pension accrual based on a revised benefit formula and the current 401(k) plans match or (2) no future pension accrual and the enhanced 401(k) plan match.

The benefits under our defined benefit pension plans are based on either compensation or a combination of years of service and negotiated
benefit levels, depending upon the plan. We allocate our pension plans assets to several investment management firms across a variety of investment styles. Our Defined Benefit Investment Committee meets at least four times a year with an
investment advisor to review each management firms performance and monitor their compliance with their stated goals, our investment policy and ERISA standards. Our pension plans asset allocations at September 30, by asset category,
were as follows:



|                                 |  |      |   |  |      |  
|-------------------------------- |  | ---- | - |  | ---- | -
|                                 |  | 2009 |   |  | 2008 |  
|Equity investment managers       |  | 55   | % |  | 66   | %
|Fixed income investment managers |  | 35   | % |  | 33   | %
|Cash and cash equivalents        |  | 10   | % |  | 1    | %
|                                 |  |      |   |  |      |  
|Total                            |  | 100  | % |  | 100  | %

On October 1, 2009, 7% of the cash and cash equivalents was invested in the
fixed income category (unaudited). We have allocated our investments within the equity and fixed income asset classes to sub-asset classes designed to diversify and balance the risk and return of our portfolio of investments. In fiscal 2009, the
Defined Benefit Investment Committee completed a comprehensive review of the overall management of the pension plan assets and made the decision to hire a new asset investment advisor and pension strategy advisor. The transition to these new
advisors will be ongoing in fiscal 2010.



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ROCK-TENN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (Continued)



We manage our retirement plans in accordance with the provisions of ERISA and the regulations pertaining thereto. Our investment policy
focuses on a long-term view in managing the pension plans assets by following investment theory that assumes that over long periods of time there is a direct relationship between the level of risk assumed in an investment program and the level
of return that should be expected. The formation of judgments and the actions to be taken on those judgments will be aimed at matching the long-term needs of the pension plans with the expected, long-term performance patterns of the various
investment markets.

We understand that investment returns are volatile. We believe that, by investing in a variety of asset
classes and utilizing multiple investment management firms, we can create a portfolio that yields adequate returns with reduced volatility. After we consulted with our actuary and investment advisor, we adopted the following target allocations to
produce desired performance:

Target Allocations



|                          |  |       |   |  |       |  
|------------------------- |  | ----- | - |  | ----- | -
|                          |  | 2009  |   |  | 2008  |  
|Equity managers           |  | 50-80 | % |  | 50-80 | %
|Fixed income managers     |  | 15-45 | % |  | 15-45 | %
|Cash and cash equivalents |  | 0-35  | % |  | 0-35  | %
|Alternative investments   |  | 0-10  | % |  | 0-10  | %

These target allocations are guidelines, not limitations, and occasionally plan
fiduciaries will approve allocations above or below target ranges. We adopted our target allocations based on a review of our asset allocation with our investment advisor. We plan to update our asset allocation study in fiscal 2010 as a part of our
transition to our new asset advisor; however, we do not expect to have significant changes to our asset allocation strategy as a result of the change in asset advisor. In developing our weighted average expected rate of return on plan assets, we
consulted with our investment advisor and evaluated criteria based on historical returns by asset class, and long-term return expectations by asset class. We currently expect to contribute approximately $26 million to our five qualified defined
benefit plans in fiscal 2010 (unaudited). However, it is possible that our assumptions may change, actual market performance may vary or we may decide to contribute greater amounts. Therefore, the amount we contribute may vary materially. We use a
September 30 measurement date.

In September 2006, the FASB released certain provisions of ASC 715 which requires
companies to:



| |  |  | Recognize the funded status of a benefit plan in its balance sheet.
| | - |  | -------------------------------------------------------------------



| |  |  | Recognize as a component of other comprehensive income, net of tax, the gains or losses and prior service costs or credits that arise during the period
but are not recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost.
| | - |  | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



| |  |  | Measure defined benefit plan assets and obligations as of the date of the employers fiscal year-end balance sheet.
| | - |  | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



| |  |  | Provide additional disclosure in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
| | - |  | -----------------------------------------------------------------------

These provisions do not impact the determination of net periodic benefit cost recognized in the income statement. We adopted these
provisions effective September 30, 2007. The effect of adopting these provisions on the September 30, 2007 consolidated financial statements was a decrease in pension assets of approximately $3 million, an increase in pension liabilities
of approximately $20 million, an increase in deferred tax assets of approximately $9 million, and a decrease in accumulated other comprehensive income of approximately $14 million.



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ROCK-TENN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (Continued)



The assumptions used to measure the pension plan obligations at September 30 were:



|                                     |  |      |   |  |       |  
|------------------------------------ |  | ---- | - |  | ----- | -
|                                     |  | 2009 |   |  | 2008  |  
|Discount rate  U.S. Qualified Plans |  | 5.53 | % |  | 7.50  | %
|Discount rate  SERP                 |  | 4.21 | % |  | 7.375 | %

The September 30, 2009 and September 30, 2008 discount rates reflect an
analysis by our actuary of the projected benefit cash flows from our plans against discount rates published in the September 30, 2009 and September 30, 2008 Citigroup Pension Discount Curve. The benefits paid in each future year were
discounted to the present at the published rate of the Citigroup Pension Discount Curve for that year. For benefit cash flows beyond 30 years we used the 30 year rate of the Citigroup Pension Discount Curve. These present values were added up and a
discount rate for each plan was determined that would develop the same present value as the sum of the individual years. To set the assumed discount rate for the Qualified Plans and the SERP at September 30, 2008, the weighted average of the
discount rates for these plans was rounded to the nearest 0.125%. The discount rate for the SERP was determined separately. Our weighted-average assumption for the expected increase in compensation levels as of September 30, 2009 was 2.0-3.5%
for the first three years and 3.0-3.5% thereafter, varying by plan, for the U.S. Qualified Plans, and 7.0% for all forecast years for the SERP. Our weighted-average assumption for the expected increase in compensation levels as of September 30,
2008 was 3.0-3.5% for the first three years, varying by plan, and 3.5% thereafter, for the U.S. Qualified Plans, and 5.75% for all forecast years for the SERP. Our assumption regarding the increase in compensation levels is reviewed periodically and
the assumption is based on both our internal planning projections and recent history of actual compensation increases. We typically review our expected long-term rate of return on plan assets every 3 to 5 years through an asset allocation study with
either our actuary or investment advisor. Our latest review occurred in fiscal 2009, at which point we maintained our expected long-term rate of return at 8.65%.

On September 30, 2009, we updated the mortality rates used in our pension expense calculation to reflect those of the 2000 Retired Pensioners Mortality table projected to 2010, with collar
adjustments for males and females. For our three plans covering union employees, we used blue collar rates to reflect the populations of those plans. For our two plans covering both blue and white collar employees, we used blue collar rates to
reflect the hourly populations in each plan, and white collar rates to reflect the salaried populations in each plan.

Changes
in benefit obligation (in millions):



|                                        |  |                          |       |   |      |   |       |  
|--------------------------------------- |  | ------------------------ | ----- | - | ---- | - | ----- | -
|                                        |  | Year Ended September 30, |      
|                                        |  | 2009                     |       |   | 2008 |  
|Benefit obligation at beginning of year |  | $                        | 326.2 |   |      | $ | 347.3 |  
|Service cost                            |  |                          | 8.0   |   |      |   | 9.3   |  
|Interest cost                           |  |                          | 23.6  |   |      |   | 21.5  |  
|Amendments                              |  |                          | 1.5   |   |      |   | 0.2   |  
|Actuarial loss (gain)                   |  |                          | 94.9  |   |      |   | (38.4 | )
|Benefits paid                           |  |                          | (15.3 | ) |      |   | (13.7 | )
|                                        |  |                          |       |   |      |   |       |  
|Benefit obligation at end of year       |  | $                        | 438.9 |   |      | $ | 326.2 |  
|                                        |  |                          |       |   |      |   |       |  

The accumulated benefit obligation of the plans was $421.9 million and $314.1 million
at September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. At September 30, 2009 and 2008, no plans had a fair value of plan assets which exceeded their accumulated benefit obligation.



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ROCK-TENN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (Continued)



Changes in plan assets (in millions):



|                                               |  |                          |       |   |      |   |       |  
|---------------------------------------------- |  | ------------------------ | ----- | - | ---- | - | ----- | -
|                                               |  | Year Ended September 30, |      
|                                               |  | 2009                     |       |   | 2008 |  
|Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year |  | $                        | 255.8 |   |      | $ | 300.0 |  
|Actual loss on plan assets                     |  |                          | (4.1  | ) |      |   | (46.4 | )
|Employer contributions                         |  |                          | 40.9  |   |      |   | 15.9  |  
|Benefits paid                                  |  |                          | (15.3 | ) |      |   | (13.7 | )
|                                               |  |                          |       |   |      |   |       |  
|Fair value of assets at end of year            |  | $                        | 277.3 |   |      | $ | 255.8 |  
|                                               |  |                          |       |   |      |   |       |  

The under funded status of the plans at September 30, 2009 and 2008 was $161.6
million and $70.4 million, respectively. The table below sets forth the amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets (in millions):



|                                             |  |                          |        |   |      |   |       |  
|-------------------------------------------- |  | ------------------------ | ------ | - | ---- | - | ----- | -
|                                             |  | Year Ended September 30, |       
|                                             |  | 2009                     |        |   | 2008 |  
|Other current liability                      |  | $                        | (0.1   | ) |      | $ | (0.1  | )
|Accrued pension and other long-term benefits |  |                          | (161.5 | ) |      |   | (70.3 | )
|                                             |  |                          |        |   |      |   |       |  
|Net amount recognized                        |  | $                        | (161.6 | ) |      | $ | (70.4 | )
|                                             |  |                          |        |   |      |   |       |  

The pre-tax amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss not yet recognized as
components of net periodic pension cost consist of (in millions):



|                                           |  |               |       |      |   |      
|------------------------------------------ |  | ------------- | ----- | ---- | - | -----
|                                           |  | September 30,
|                                           |  | 2009          |       | 2008
|Net actuarial loss                         |  | $             | 211.4 |      | $ | 97.5 
|Prior service cost                         |  |               | 3.9   |      |   | 3.6  
|                                           |  |               |       |      |   |      
|Total accumulated other comprehensive loss |  | $             | 215.3 |      | $ | 101.1
|                                           |  |               |       |      |   |      

The pre-tax amounts recognized in other comprehensive loss are as follows (in
millions):



|                                                  |  |                          |       |   |      |   |      |  
|------------------------------------------------- |  | ------------------------ | ----- | - | ---- | - | ---- | -
|                                                  |  | Year Ended September 30, |      
|                                                  |  | 2009                     |       |   | 2008 |  
|Net actuarial loss arising during period          |  | $                        | 121.3 |   |      | $ | 35.3 |  
|Amortization of net actuarial loss                |  |                          | (7.4  | ) |      |   | (3.2 | )
|Prior service cost arising during period          |  |                          | 1.5   |   |      |   | 0.2  |  
|Amortization of prior service cost                |  |                          | (1.2  | ) |      |   | (0.4 | )
|                                                  |  |                          |       |   |      |   |      |  
|Net amount recognized in other comprehensive loss |  | $                        | 114.2 |   |      | $ | 31.9 |  
|                                                  |  |                          |       |   |      |   |      |  



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##### Index to Financial Statements

ROCK-TENN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (Continued)



The net periodic pension cost recognized in the consolidated statements of income is comprised of the following (in millions):



|                                                         |  |                          |       |   |      |   |       |      |  |   |       |  
|-------------------------------------------------------- |  | ------------------------ | ----- | - | ---- | - | ----- | ---- |  | - | ----- | -
|                                                         |  | Year Ended September 30, |      
|                                                         |  | 2009                     |       |   | 2008 |   |       | 2007 | 
|Service cost                                             |  | $                        | 8.0   |   |      | $ | 9.3   |      |  | $ | 9.6   |  
|Interest cost                                            |  |                          | 23.6  |   |      |   | 21.5  |      |  |   | 19.9  |  
|Expected return on plan assets                           |  |                          | (22.4 | ) |      |   | (27.3 | )    |  |   | (23.2 | )
|Net amortization of actuarial loss                       |  |                          | 7.4   |   |      |   | 3.2   |      |  |   | 6.1   |  
|Net amortization of prior service cost                   |  |                          | 1.2   |   |      |   | 0.4   |      |  |   | 0.3   |  
|                                                         |  |                          |       |   |      |   |       |      |  |   |       |  
|Total company defined benefit plan expense               |  |                          | 17.8  |   |      |   | 7.1   |      |  |   | 12.7  |  
|Multi-employer plans for collective bargaining employees |  |                          | 1.6   |   |      |   | 1.7   |      |  |   | 0.6   |  
|                                                         |  |                          |       |   |      |   |       |      |  |   |       |  
|Net periodic pension cost                                |  | $                        | 19.4  |   |      | $ | 8.8   |      |  | $ | 13.3  |  
|                                                         |  |                          |       |   |      |   |       |      |  |   |       |  

Weighted-average assumptions used in the calculation of pension expense for fiscal
years ended:



|                                                 |  |            |   |  |      |   |  |       |  
|------------------------------------------------ |  | ---------- | - |  | ---- | - |  | ----- | -
|                                                 |  | 2009       |   |  | 2008 |   |  | 2007  |  
|Discount rate  U.S. Qualified Plans             |  | 7.50       | % |  | 6.25 | % |  | 5.875 | %
|Discount rate  SERP                             |  | 6.25-7.375 | % |  | 6.25 | % |  | 5.875 | %
|Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets |  | 8.65       | % |  | 9.00 | % |  | 9.00  | %

For calculating pension expense in fiscal 2009, our weighted-average assumption for
the expected increase in compensation was 3.0-3.5% for the first three fiscal years, varying by plan, and 3.5% thereafter for the U.S. Qualified Plans. For calculating pension expense in fiscal 2008, our weighted-average assumption for the expected
increase in compensation was 3.0% for the next four fiscal years, and 3.5% thereafter for the U.S. Qualified Plans. For calculating pension expense in fiscal 2007, our weighted-average assumption for the expected increase in compensation was 3.0%
for the next four fiscal years and 3.5% thereafter.

The estimated losses that will be amortized from accumulated other
comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost in fiscal 2010 are as follows (in millions):



|                   |  |   |     
|------------------ |  | - | ----
|Actuarial loss     |  | $ | 17.8
|Prior service cost |  |   | 0.8 
|                   |  |   |     
|                   |  | $ | 18.6
|                   |  |   |     

The estimated benefit payments (unaudited), which reflect expected future service, as
appropriate, that we project are as follows (in millions):



|                  |  |   |      
|----------------- |  | - | -----
|2010              |  | $ | 16.1 
|2011              |  |   | 17.5 
|2012              |  |   | 18.4 
|2013              |  |   | 36.4 
|2014              |  |   | 21.1 
|Years 2015  2019 |  |   | 128.9



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##### Index to Financial Statements

ROCK-TENN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (Continued)



401(k) Plans

We have 401(k) plans that cover all of our salaried and nonunion hourly employees as well as certain employees covered by union collective bargaining agreements, subject to an initial waiting period. These 401(k) plans permit participants
to make contributions by salary reduction pursuant to Section 401(k) of the Code. We generally provide matching expense, net of forfeitures, of $0.50 on the dollar for the first 6% for those individuals not participating in the enhanced 401(k)
plan match. Under the enhanced 401(k) plan match, we provide matching expense that is dollar for dollar on the first 3% and $0.50 on the dollar for the next 2%. Due primarily to acquisitions we have other plans that cover some employees with other
varied terms with company contributions ranging from 0% to 7%. During fiscal 2009, 2008, and 2007, we recorded expense of $11.2 million, $9.3 million, and $7.9 million, respectively, related to the 401(k) plans.

Supplemental Retirement Plans

We have supplemental retirement savings plans (the Supplemental Plans) that are nonqualified deferred compensation plans. We intend to provide participants with an opportunity to
supplement their retirement income through deferral of current compensation. These plans are divided into a broad based section and the senior executive section. The broad based section was put into effect on January 1, 2006 for certain highly
compensated employees whose 401(k) contributions were capped at a maximum deferral rate in certain 401(k) plans in an effort to pass the nondiscrimination tests in those plans. Participants in the broad based section of the plan can contribute base
pay up to a certain maximum dollar amount determined annually. Contributions in the broad based section of the plan are not matched. Amounts deferred and payable under the Supplemental Plans (the Obligations) are our unsecured
obligations, and rank equally with our other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness outstanding from time to time. Each participant in the senior executive portion of the plan elects the amount of eligible base salary and/or eligible bonus to be
deferred to a maximum deferral of 6% of base salary and 6% of eligible bonus. We match $0.50 on the dollar of the amount contributed in the senior executive section. Each Obligation will be payable on a date selected by us pursuant to the terms of
the Supplemental Plans. Generally, we are obligated to pay the Obligations after termination of the participants employment or in certain emergency situations. We will adjust each participants account for investment gains and losses as
if the credits to the participants account had been invested in the benchmark investment alternatives available under the Supplemental Plans in accordance with the participants investment election or elections (or default election or
elections) as in effect from time to time. We will make all such adjustments at the same time and in accordance with the same procedures followed under our 401(k) plans for crediting investment gains and losses to a participants account under
our 401(k) plans. The Obligations are denominated and payable in United States dollars. The amount recorded for both the asset and liability was $2.9 million at September 30, 2009. The benchmark investment alternatives available under the
Supplemental Plans are the same as the investment alternatives available under our 401(k) plans or are, in our view, comparable to the investment alternatives available under our 401(k) plans. We recorded matching expense of $0.1 million in each of
fiscal 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively.

Note 17. Shareholders Equity

Capitalization

Our capital stock consists solely of our Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share. Holders of our Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share. Our Articles of Incorporation also authorize
preferred stock, of which no shares have been issued. The terms and provisions of such shares will be determined by our board of directors upon any issuance of such shares in accordance with our Articles of Incorporation.



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ROCK-TENN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (Continued)



Stock Repurchase Plan

Our board of directors has approved a stock repurchase plan that allows for the repurchase from time to time of shares of Common Stock over an indefinite period of time. In August 2007, the board of
directors amended our stock repurchase plan to allow for the repurchase of an additional 2.0 million shares bringing the cumulative total authorized to 6.0 million shares of Common Stock. Pursuant to our repurchase plan, during fiscal
2007, we repurchased approximately 2.1 million shares for an aggregate cost of $58.7 million. In fiscal 2009 and 2008, we did not repurchase any shares of Common Stock. As of September 30, 2009, we had approximately 1.9 million shares
of Common Stock available for repurchase under the amended repurchase plan.

Stock-based Compensation Plan

We issue nonqualified stock options and restricted shares to certain key employees and our directors pursuant to our
1993 Stock Option Plan as Amended and Restated, 2000 Incentive Stock Plan, and our 2004 Incentive Stock Plan, as amended. We also maintain an employee stock purchase plan that provides for the issuance of shares to all of our eligible employees at a
15% discount.

Our 2004 Incentive Stock Plan, as amended, allows for the granting of options and restricted stock to certain
key employees for the purchase of a maximum of 4,100,000 shares of Common Stock plus the number of shares which would remain available for issuance under each preexisting plan if shares were issued on the effective date of this plan sufficient
to satisfy grants then outstanding, plus the number of shares of Common Stock subject to grants under any preexisting plan which are outstanding on the effective date of this plan and which are forfeited or expire on or after such effective date.

Our results of operations for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2009, 2008, and 2007 include stock-based compensation
expense of $11.9 million, $9.2 million and $7.3 million, respectively. The total income tax benefit in the results of operations in connection with stock-based compensation was $4.5 million, $2.9 million and $1.0 million, for the fiscal years ended
September 30, 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively.

ASC 718 requires that the benefits of tax deductions in excess of
recognized compensation cost be reported as a financing cash flow. Excess tax benefits of approximately $5.5 million, $1.8 million and $14.1 million were included in cash used for financing activities in fiscal 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively.
Cash received from stock-based payment arrangements for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2009, 2008, and 2007 was $5.4 million, $5.3 million and $34.2 million, respectively.

Stock Options

Options that we grant under our plan are granted with an exercise price equal to the closing market price on the date of the grant, vest in increments over a period of up to five years and have 10-year
contractual terms. Our option grants provide for accelerated vesting if there is a change in control (as defined in the Plan).

We estimate, at the date of grant, the fair values for the options we granted using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. We use historical data to estimate option exercises and employee terminations in determining the expected term in
years for stock options. Expected volatility is calculated based on the historical volatility of our stock. The risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasury securities in effect at the date of the grant of the stock options. The dividend yield
is calculated based on our historic annual dividend payments.



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ROCK-TENN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (Continued)



We applied the following weighted average assumptions to estimate the fair value of stock option grants made in the following periods:



|                        |  |      |   |  |      |   |  |      |  
|----------------------- |  | ---- | - |  | ---- | - |  | ---- | -
|                        |  | 2009 |   |  | 2008 |   |  | 2007 |  
|Expected Term in Years  |  | 4.9  |   |  | 5.0  |   |  | 4.9  |  
|Expected Volatility     |  | 46.4 | % |  | 37.9 | % |  | 38.5 | %
|Risk-Free Interest Rate |  | 1.6  | % |  | 2.5  | % |  | 4.6  | %
|Dividend Yield          |  | 1.4  | % |  | 1.5  | % |  | 1.4  | %

The table below summarizes the changes in all stock options during the fiscal year
ended September 30, 2009:



|                                                         |  |           |   |  |                              |       |                                         |           |                                      |   |     
|-------------------------------------------------------- |  | --------- | - |  | ---------------------------- | ----- | --------------------------------------- | --------- | ------------------------------------ | - | ----
|                                                         |  | Shares    |   |  | WeightedAverageExercisePrice |       | WeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm |           | AggregateIntrinsicValue(in millions)
|Outstanding at September 30, 2008                        |  | 1,285,035 |   |  | $                            | 22.09 |                                         |           |                                      |   |     
|Granted                                                  |  | 257,200   |   |  |                              | 26.66 |                                         |           |                                      |   |     
|Exercised                                                |  | (492,463  | ) |  |                              | 15.20 |                                         |           |                                      |   |     
|Expired                                                  |  | (15,895   | ) |  |                              | 33.57 |                                         |           |                                      |   |     
|Forfeited                                                |  | (19,111   | ) |  |                              | 31.77 |                                         |           |                                      |   |     
|                                                         |  |           |   |  |                              |       |                                         |           |                                      |   |     
|Outstanding at September 30, 2009                        |  | 1,014,766 |   |  | $                            | 26.23 |                                         | 7.4 years |                                      | $ | 21.2
|                                                         |  |           |   |  |                              |       |                                         |           |                                      |   |     
|Exercisable at September 30, 2009                        |  | 464,967   |   |  | $                            | 22.40 |                                         | 5.7 years |                                      | $ | 11.5
|                                                         |  |           |   |  |                              |       |                                         |           |                                      |   |     
|Expected to vest at September 30, 2009                   |  | 475,236   |   |  | $                            | 29.72 |                                         | 8.8 years |                                      | $ | 8.3 
|                                                         |  |           |   |  |                              |       |                                         |           |                                      |   |     
|Options available for future grant at September 30, 2009 |  | 1,615,647 |   |  |                              |       |                                         |           |                                      |   |     
|                                                         |  |           |   |  |                              |       |                                         |           |                                      |   |     

The weighted average grant date fair value for options granted during the fiscal
years ended September 30, 2009, 2008, and 2007 was $9.88, $9.66, and $12.91 per share, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended September 30, 2009, 2008, and 2007 was $12.1 million, $4.7
million, and $33.6 million, respectively.

As of September 30, 2009, there was $2.5 million of total unrecognized
compensation cost related to nonvested stock options; that cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average remaining vesting period of 1.5 years. We amortize these costs using the accelerated attribution method.

Restricted Stock

Restricted stock is typically granted annually to certain of our employees and non-employee directors. Goals may vary from grant to grant, however, vesting generally is contingent upon meeting various
service and/or performance or market goals including, but not limited to, certain increases in earnings per share, achievement of certain stock price targets, achievement of various financial targets, or percentage return on common stock or annual
average return over capital costs compared to our Peer Group (as defined in the award documents). Subject to the level of performance attained, the target award of some of the grants may be increased by up to 150% or decreased to zero. The grants
generally vest over a period of 3 to 5 years depending on the nature of the goal, except for non-employee director grants which vest over one year. Our grants provide for accelerated vesting if there is a change in control (as defined in the Plan).



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ROCK-TENN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (Continued)



Certain of our restricted stock that have met all restrictions other than service conditions are treated as issued and carry dividend and
voting rights; should the service conditions not be met the restricted Common Stock is forfeited. At September 30, 2009 and 2008, restricted shares of 0.5 million and 0.5 million, respectively, are reflected in our accompanying
balance sheets as issued that have not yet met the service condition to vest.

A summary of our unvested restricted stock
awards as of September 30, 2008 and changes during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009 is presented below:



|                                  |  |           |   |  |                                     |      
|--------------------------------- |  | --------- | - |  | ----------------------------------- | -----
|                                  |  | Shares    |   |  | WeightedAverageGrant Date FairValue
|Unvested at September 30, 2008    |  | 856,525   |   |  | $                                   | 22.44
|Granted(1)                        |  | 433,790   |   |  |                                     | 27.34
|Vested                            |  | (199,177  | ) |  |                                     | 17.82
|Forfeited                         |  | (40,554   | ) |  |                                     | 21.16
|                                  |  |           |   |  |                                     |      
|Unvested at September 30, 2009(2) |  | 1,050,584 |   |  | $                                   | 25.53
|                                  |  |           |   |  |                                     |      



|(1) | Fiscal 2009 target awards of 279,825 shares may be increased to 150% of the target or decreased to zero, subject to the level of performance attained.
The awards are reflected in the table at the target award. During fiscal 2009, certain restricted shares granted in fiscal 2008 achieved the respective performance condition based on the level of our Debt to EBITDA Ratio (as defined in the
applicable grant letter) at 150% of target. This achievement resulted in the issuance of an additional 53,840 shares in fiscal 2009 and is reflected as granted in the table above.
|--- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



|(2) | As of September 30, 2009, target awards, net of subsequent forfeitures and performance condition achievement, granted in fiscal 2008 and fiscal
2007 in the amount of 73,575 shares and 100,800 shares, respectively, may be increased by up to 150% or decreased to zero, subject to the level of performance attained. The awards are reflected in the table at the target award amount of 100%.
|--- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

There was approximately $16.4 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to all unvested
restricted shares as of September 30, 2009 that will be recognized over a weighted average remaining vesting period of 1.5 years.

The following table represents a summary of restricted stock vested in fiscal 2009, 2008, and 2007 (in millions, except shares):



|                                                |  |      |         |      |   |         |  |   |        
|----------------------------------------------- |  | ---- | ------- | ---- | - | ------- |  | - | -------
|                                                |  | 2009 |         | 2008 |   | 2007   
|Shares of restricted stock vested               |  |      | 199,177 |      |   | 138,547 |  |   | 333,334
|Aggregate fair value of restricted stock vested |  | $    | 7.3     |      | $ | 4.3     |  | $ | 11.4   



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ROCK-TENN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (Continued)



The following table represents a summary of restricted stock granted in fiscal 2009, 2008, and 2007 with terms defined in the applicable
grant letters pursuant to our 2004 Incentive Stock Plan, as amended (in shares). The shares are not deemed to be issued until the relevant performance or market conditions have been met, unless otherwise noted. Once the relevant performance or
market conditions have been met, the shares will be deemed issued and will have voting and dividend rights as of that time, but they will be held by the Company and will be subject to forfeiture if the service conditions are not met.



|                                                                                                          |  |         |  |         |  |        
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |  | ------- |  | ------- |  | -------
|                                                                                                          |  | 2009    |  | 2008    |  | 2007   
|Shares of restricted stock granted to non-employee directors(1)                                           |  | 27,500  |  | 25,000  |  | 18,000 
|Shares of restricted stock granted to certain employees:                                                  |  |         |  |         |  |        
|Shares granted with a service condition(2)                                                                |  | 72,625  |  |        |  |       
|Shares granted for attainment of a performance condition at an amount different from target(3)            |  | 53,840  |  |        |  |       
|Shares granted with a service condition and: Cash Flow to Equity Ratio performance condition at target(2) |  | 279,825 |  |        |  |       
|Debt to EBITDA Ratio performance condition at target(2)                                                   |  |        |  | 129,075 |  |       
|Annual Average Return over Capital Costs performance condition at target(2)                               |  |        |  | 46,825  |  | 72,800 
|Total Shareholder Return market condition grant at target(2)(4)                                           |  |        |  | 46,825  |  | 61,700 
|Merchandising Displays Operating income performance condition at target(5)                                |  |        |  | 6,900   |  |       
|Credit Agreement Debt to EBITDA ratio or earnings target performance grant(6)                             |  |        |  |        |  | 18,500 
|                                                                                                          |  |         |  |         |  |        
|Total restricted stock granted                                                                            |  | 433,790 |  | 254,625 |  | 171,000
|                                                                                                          |  |         |  |         |  |        



|(1) | Non-employee
director grant in fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007 which each vest over one year and are deemed issued and have voting and dividend rights.
|--- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



|(2) | These employee
grants vest over approximately three years and are adjustable from 0-150% of target subject to the level of performance attained.
|--- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



|(3) | Shares issued for
the fiscal 2008 Debt to EBITDA grant which attained performance at 150% of target.
|--- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



|(4) | The fiscal 2008
and 2007 grants with a market condition were valued using a Monte Carlo simulation which resulted in a valuation of $38.85 and $41.60 per share, respectively. The significant assumptions used in valuing these grants in fiscal 2008 and 2007 were: an
expected volatility of 42.3% and 38.0%, expected dividends of 1.4% and 1.1%, and a risk free rate of 1.68% and 4.43%, each respectively. We estimated the expected forfeiture rate to be 4.7% and 8.6% in fiscal 2008 and 2007, respectively.
|--- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



|(5) | These employee
grants vest over one year and are adjustable from 0-125% of target subject to the level of performance attained.
|--- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



|(6) | These employee
grants vest in one-third increments upon completion of service on the third, fourth and fifth anniversary of the grant.
|--- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Expense is recognized on grants with a performance condition and service condition on a straight-line basis over the explicit service period because we estimate that it is probable the performance
conditions will be satisfied, except for the 18,500 shares with graded vesting which we amortize using the accelerated attribution method. Expense recognized on grants with a performance condition that affects how many shares are ultimately



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##### Index to Financial Statements

ROCK-TENN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (Continued)



awarded is based on the number of shares expected to be awarded. Expense is recognized on grants with a market condition and service condition on a straight-line basis over the requisite service
period which is based on the explicit service period.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Under the 1993 Employee Stock Purchase Plan as Amended and Restated (the Plan), shares of Common Stock are reserved for
purchase by substantially all of our qualifying employees. In January 2007, our board of directors amended the Plan to allow for the purchase of an additional 1.0 million shares, bringing the total authorized to a maximum of 4.32 million
shares of Common Stock. During fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007, employees purchased approximately 0.1 million, 0.1 million and 0.1 million shares, respectively, under the Plan. We recognized $0.4 million, $0.4 million and $0.5 million of
expense, respectively, relating to the Plan for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2009, 2008, and 2007 related to the 15% discount on the purchase price allowed to employees. As of September 30, 2009, approximately 1.0 million
shares of Common Stock remained available for purchase under the Plan.

Note 18. Business Interruption and Other Insurance Recoveries

During fiscal 2007, we received $1.6 million of insurance proceeds primarily for property damage claims for a flood that
occurred at one of our mills during fiscal 2006. The proceeds were primarily used to repair certain property and equipment. The majority of these recoveries are reflected in the line item cost of goods sold on our consolidated statements of income.

Note 19. Related Party Transactions

J. Hyatt Brown, a director of our company, is chairman, chief executive officer and a shareholder of Brown & Brown, Inc., the insurance agency that brokers a portion of the insurance for our
company. During fiscal 2009, 2008, and 2007, we paid Brown & Brown, Inc. approximately $0.3 million each year for property and casualty insurance services provided by Brown & Brown, Inc. and by other third parties. Third
parties paid Brown & Brown, Inc. approximately $0.2 million each year for commissions on premiums for insurance purchased by us. For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2009, 2008, and 2007, such payments to Brown & Brown,
Inc., inclusive of fees for services and commissions paid, totaled approximately $0.5 million each year. Total payments for insurance premiums and fees invoiced through Brown & Brown, Inc. (including amounts not ultimately retained by
Brown & Brown, Inc.) were approximately $6.0 million, $4.5 million, and $4.8 million, in fiscal 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively.

Note 20. Commitments and Contingencies

Capital Additions

Estimated costs for future purchases of fixed assets that we are obligated to purchase as of September 30, 2009, total approximately
$10.1 million.

Environmental and Other Matters

We are subject to various federal, state, local and foreign environmental laws and regulations, including, among others, the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, the Clean Air Act (as amended in 1990), the Clean Water Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and the Toxic



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ROCK-TENN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (Continued)



Substances Control Act. These environmental regulatory programs are primarily administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In addition, some states in which we operate have adopted
equivalent or more stringent environmental laws and regulations or have enacted their own parallel environmental programs, which are enforced through various state administrative agencies.

We believe that future compliance with these environmental laws and regulations will not have a material adverse effect on our results of
operations, financial condition or cash flows. However, our compliance and remediation costs could increase materially. In addition, we cannot currently assess with certainty the impact that the future emissions standards and enforcement practices
associated with changes to regulations promulgated under the Clean Air Act will have on our operations or capital expenditure requirements. However, we believe that any impact or capital expenditures will not have a material adverse effect on our
results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.

We have been identified as a potentially responsible party
(PRP) at five active superfund sites pursuant to Superfund legislation. Based upon currently available information and the opinions of our environmental compliance managers and general counsel, although there can be no
assurance, we have preliminarily determined that, while we may be associated with the site and while it is probable that we have incurred a liability with respect to the site, one of the following conclusions was applicable:



| |  |  | With respect to each of two sites, we determined while it was not estimable, the potential liability was reasonably likely to be a de minimis
amount and immaterial.
| | - |  | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



| |  |  | With respect to two sites, we have preliminarily determined the potential liability was best reflected by a range of reasonably possible liabilities,
all of which we expect to be de minimis and immaterial.
| | - |  | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



| |  |  | With respect to one site, we have preliminarily determined that it is probable that we have incurred a liability with respect to this site. The status
of the site is unknown, pending further investigation.
| | - |  | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In addition to the above mentioned sites, four of
our current or former locations are being investigated under various state regulations. These investigations may lead to remediation costs; however, we believe such costs, if any, would be immaterial.

Additional information on these four sites follows:



| |  |  | Contamination was discovered at the time of the Gulf States Paper Corporation acquisition in June 2005 at two sites we acquired. We did not assume any
environmental liabilities as part of the acquisition, but have limited indemnification rights with respect to this contamination. We would expect to assert various defenses under applicable laws with respect to this contamination.
| | - |  | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



| |  |  | One of these sites is one of our former locations that is involved in an investigation under the state program. It is expected that any potential
issues will be handled through administrative controls, such as a deed restriction, rather than remediation.
| | - |  | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



| |  |  | It is believed that the contamination discovered at one of the sites was due to an oil release by a previous owner. The previous owner is obligated to
indemnify us for any contamination caused by the oil release.
| | - |  | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Except as stated above, we can make no
assessment of our potential liability, if any, with respect to any site. Further, there can be no assurance that we will not be required to conduct some remediation in the future at any



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ROCK-TENN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (Continued)



of these sites and that the remediation will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. We believe that we can assert claims for
indemnification pursuant to existing rights we have under settlement and purchase agreements in connection with certain of these sites. There can be no assurance that we will be successful with respect to any claim regarding these indemnification
rights or that, if we are successful, any amounts paid pursuant to the indemnification rights will be sufficient to cover all costs and expenses.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2008 we received approximately $1.7 million in recovery of previously expensed environmental remediation costs from a third party for a site we previously acquired. The
recovery reduced the line item cost of goods sold on our consolidated statements of income.

Guarantees

We have made the following guarantees as of September 30, 2009:



| |  |  | We have a 49% ownership interest in Seven Hills. The partners guarantee funding of net losses, if any, in proportion to their share of ownership.
| | - |  | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



| |  |  | As part of the Southern Container Acquisition we have acquired two unconsolidated entities for which we guarantee or are co-borrowers on less than $5
million in debt. We also have certain guarantees, primarily for bank loans, in proportion to our share of ownership in another unconsolidated entity in an amount less than $2 million.
| | - |  | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



| |  |  | We lease certain manufacturing and warehousing facilities and equipment under various operating leases. A substantial number of these leases require us
to indemnify the lessor in the event that additional taxes are assessed due to a change in the tax law. We are unable to estimate our maximum exposure under these leases because it is dependent on changes in the tax law.
| | - |  | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We have disposed of assets and/or subsidiaries and have assumed liabilities pursuant to asset and stock
purchase and sale agreements. These agreements contain various representations and warranties relating to matters such as title to assets; accuracy of financial statements; legal proceedings; contracts; employee benefit plans; compliance with
environmental laws; patent and trademark infringement; taxes; and products, as well as various covenants. These agreements may also provide specific indemnities for breaches of representations, warranties, or covenants and may contain specific
indemnification provisions. These indemnification provisions address a variety of potential losses, including, among others, losses related to liabilities other than those assumed by the buyer and liabilities under environmental laws. These
indemnification provisions may be affected by various conditions and external factors. Many of the indemnification provisions have expired either by operation of law or as a result of the terms of the agreement. Our specified maximum aggregate
potential liability (on an undiscounted basis) is approximately $7.1 million, other than with respect to certain specified liabilities, including liabilities relating to title, taxes, and certain environmental matters, with respect to which
there may be no limitation. We estimate the fair value of our aggregate liability for outstanding indemnities, including the indemnities described above with respect to which there are no limitations, to be a de minimis amount.

Insurance Placed with Kemper

During fiscal 1985 through 2002, Kemper Insurance Companies/Lumbermens Mutual provided us with workers compensation insurance, auto liability insurance and general liability insurance. Kemper has
made



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ROCK-TENN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (Continued)



public statements that they are uncertain that they will be able to pay all of their claims liabilities in the future. At present, based on public comments made by Kemper, we believe it is
reasonably possible they will not be able to pay some or all of the future liabilities associated with our open and reopened claims. However, we cannot reasonably estimate the amount that Kemper may be unable to pay. Additionally, we cannot
reasonably estimate the impact of state guarantee funds and any facultative and treaty reinsurance that may be available to pay such liabilities. If Kemper is ultimately unable to pay such liabilities, we believe the range of our liability is
between approximately $0 and $2 million, and we are unable to estimate the liability more specifically because of the factors described above.

Note Receivable

We have a note payable to and a note receivable
from an obligor who has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. We have offset these notes on our consolidated balance sheets for the periods ending September 30, 2009 and 2008. Based on the terms of the note, we do not believe that it is
probable a loss will be incurred. If we ultimately do suffer a loss, we believe the loss could range from $0 to $4.5 million.

Note 21.
Segment Information

We report four business segments. The Consumer Packaging segment consists of facilities that
manufacture coated paperboard products and convert paperboard into folding cartons. The Corrugated Packaging segment consists of facilities that manufacture containerboard and produce corrugated packaging and sheet stock. The Merchandising Displays
segment consists of facilities that produce displays. The Specialty Paperboard Products segment consists of facilities that manufacture specialty paperboard and convert paperboard into interior packaging, convert specialty paperboard into laminated
paperboard products, and facilities that collect recovered paper. The Specialty Paperboard Packaging segment consists of two operating segments that are below the required quantitative thresholds; we have aggregated them into one segment which we
disclose aggregated in our Specialty Paperboard Packaging segment.

Certain operations included in the segments are located in
Canada, Mexico, Chile and Argentina. The table below reflects certain data of our foreign operations for each of the past three fiscal years (in millions, except percentages):



|                                                            |  |                           |      |   |      |   |       |      |  |   |      |  
|----------------------------------------------------------- |  | ------------------------- | ---- | - | ---- | - | ----- | ---- |  | - | ---- | -
|                                                            |  | Years Ended September 30, |     
|                                                            |  | 2009                      |      |   | 2008 |   |       | 2007 | 
|Foreign segment income                                      |  | $                         | 25.8 |   |      | $ | 20.7  |      |  | $ | 12.3 |  
|Foreign long-lived assets                                   |  | $                         | 97.3 |   |      | $ | 103.4 |      |  | $ | 88.2 |  
|                                                            |  |                           |     
|Foreign operations as a percent of consolidated operations: |  |                           |      |   |      |   |       |      |  |   |      |  
|Net sales to unaffiliated customers                         |  |                           | 8.5  | % |      |   | 8.6   | %    |  |   | 8.4  | %
|Segment income                                              |  |                           | 5.5  | % |      |   | 7.9   | %    |  |   | 5.1  | %
|Identifiable assets                                         |  |                           | 8.9  | % |      |   | 8.2   | %    |  |   | 11.9 | %

We evaluate performance and allocate resources based, in part, on profit from
operations before income taxes, interest and other items. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described above in Note 1. Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting
Policies. We account for intersegment sales at prices that approximate market prices. For segment reporting purposes, we include our equity in income of unconsolidated entities, as well as our investments in unconsolidated entities, in
the results of our business segments. Seven Hills is included in our Specialty Paperboard Products segment, QPSI and DSA are included in our Merchandising Displays segment, and Pohlig and Greenpine are included in the results of our Consumer
Packaging segment.



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ROCK-TENN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (Continued)



Following is certain business segment information for each of the past three fiscal years (in millions):



|                                                 |  |                           |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|------------------------------------------------ |  | ------------------------- | ------- | - | ---- | - | ------- | ---- |  | - | ------- | -
|                                                 |  | Years Ended September 30, |        
|                                                 |  | 2009                      |         |   | 2008 |   |         | 2007 | 
|Net sales (aggregate):                           |  |                           |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|Consumer Packaging                               |  | $                         | 1,503.1 |   |      | $ | 1,551.4 |      |  | $ | 1,459.6 |  
|Corrugated Packaging                             |  |                           | 752.9   |   |      |   | 607.5   |      |  |   | 236.7   |  
|Merchandising Displays                           |  |                           | 320.6   |   |      |   | 350.8   |      |  |   | 305.8   |  
|Specialty Paperboard Products                    |  |                           | 306.9   |   |      |   | 392.9   |      |  |   | 361.7   |  
|                                                 |  |                           |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|Total                                            |  | $                         | 2,883.5 |   |      | $ | 2,902.6 |      |  | $ | 2,363.8 |  
|                                                 |  |                           |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|Less net sales (intersegment):                   |  |                           |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|Consumer Packaging                               |  | $                         | 25.1    |   |      | $ | 18.1    |      |  | $ | 15.0    |  
|Corrugated Packaging                             |  |                           | 37.3    |   |      |   | 31.1    |      |  |   | 22.7    |  
|Merchandising Displays                           |  |                           | 0.4     |   |      |   | 0.4     |      |  |   |        |  
|Specialty Paperboard Products                    |  |                           | 8.4     |   |      |   | 14.1    |      |  |   | 10.3    |  
|                                                 |  |                           |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|Total                                            |  | $                         | 71.2    |   |      | $ | 63.7    |      |  | $ | 48.0    |  
|                                                 |  |                           |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|Net sales (unaffiliated customers):              |  |                           |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|Consumer Packaging                               |  | $                         | 1,478.0 |   |      | $ | 1,533.3 |      |  | $ | 1,444.6 |  
|Corrugated Packaging                             |  |                           | 715.6   |   |      |   | 576.4   |      |  |   | 214.0   |  
|Merchandising Displays                           |  |                           | 320.2   |   |      |   | 350.4   |      |  |   | 305.8   |  
|Specialty Paperboard Products                    |  |                           | 298.5   |   |      |   | 378.8   |      |  |   | 351.4   |  
|                                                 |  |                           |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|Total                                            |  | $                         | 2,812.3 |   |      | $ | 2,838.9 |      |  | $ | 2,315.8 |  
|                                                 |  |                           |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|Segment income:                                  |  |                           |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|Consumer Packaging                               |  | $                         | 228.3   |   |      | $ | 119.8   |      |  | $ | 125.2   |  
|Corrugated Packaging                             |  |                           | 178.9   |   |      |   | 71.3    |      |  |   | 18.9    |  
|Merchandising Displays                           |  |                           | 31.9    |   |      |   | 41.9    |      |  |   | 38.8    |  
|Specialty Paperboard Products                    |  |                           | 26.5    |   |      |   | 30.3    |      |  |   | 28.8    |  
|                                                 |  |                           |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|Total                                            |  |                           | 465.6   |   |      |   | 263.3   |      |  |   | 211.7   |  
|Restructuring and other costs, net               |  |                           | (13.4   | ) |      |   | (15.6   | )    |  |   | (4.7    | )
|Non-allocated expenses                           |  |                           | (33.6   | ) |      |   | (29.3   | )    |  |   | (24.1   | )
|Interest expense                                 |  |                           | (96.7   | ) |      |   | (86.7   | )    |  |   | (49.8   | )
|Loss on extinguishment of debt and related items |  |                           | (4.4    | ) |      |   | (1.9    | )    |  |   |        |  
|Interest income and other income (expense), net  |  |                           |        |   |      |   | 1.6     |      |  |   | (1.3    | )
|Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries   |  |                           | (3.6    | ) |      |   | (5.3    | )    |  |   | (4.8    | )
|                                                 |  |                           |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|Income before income taxes                       |  | $                         | 313.9   |   |      | $ | 126.1   |      |  | $ | 127.0   |  
|                                                 |  |                           |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|Identifiable assets:                             |  |                           |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|Consumer Packaging                               |  | $                         | 1,286.2 |   |      | $ | 1,316.6 |      |  | $ | 1,362.2 |  
|Corrugated Packaging                             |  |                           | 1,183.3 |   |      |   | 1,313.5 |      |  |   | 89.3    |  
|Merchandising Displays                           |  |                           | 158.1   |   |      |   | 169.3   |      |  |   | 162.2   |  
|Specialty Paperboard Products                    |  |                           | 147.8   |   |      |   | 153.7   |      |  |   | 158.9   |  
|Assets held for sale                             |  |                           | 0.9     |   |      |   | 0.7     |      |  |   | 1.8     |  
|Corporate                                        |  |                           | 108.1   |   |      |   | 59.3    |      |  |   | 26.3    |  
|                                                 |  |                           |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|Total                                            |  | $                         | 2,884.4 |   |      | $ | 3,013.1 |      |  | $ | 1,800.7 |  
|                                                 |  |                           |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  



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##### Index to Financial Statements

ROCK-TENN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (Continued)



|                                             |  |                           |       |   |      |   |       |  |   |      
|-------------------------------------------- |  | ------------------------- | ----- | - | ---- | - | ----- |  | - | -----
|                                             |  | Years Ended September 30,
|                                             |  | 2009                      |       |   | 2008 |   | 2007 
|Goodwill:                                    |  |                           |       |   |      |   |       |  |   |      
|Consumer Packaging                           |  | $                         | 296.1 |   |      | $ | 296.4 |  | $ | 299.1
|Corrugated Packaging                         |  |                           | 392.8 |   |      |   | 383.7 |  |   | 18.5 
|Merchandising Displays                       |  |                           | 28.0  |   |      |   | 28.0  |  |   | 28.0 
|Specialty Paperboard Products                |  |                           | 19.5  |   |      |   | 18.9  |  |   | 18.9 
|                                             |  |                           |       |   |      |   |       |  |   |      
|Total                                        |  | $                         | 736.4 |   |      | $ | 727.0 |  | $ | 364.5
|                                             |  |                           |       |   |      |   |       |  |   |      
|Depreciation and amortization:               |  |                           |       |   |      |   |       |  |   |      
|Consumer Packaging                           |  | $                         | 75.8  |   |      | $ | 79.3  |  | $ | 78.4 
|Corrugated Packaging                         |  |                           | 49.4  |   |      |   | 32.4  |  |   | 6.3  
|Merchandising Displays                       |  |                           | 6.1   |   |      |   | 6.4   |  |   | 6.6  
|Specialty Paperboard Products                |  |                           | 8.6   |   |      |   | 8.9   |  |   | 9.3  
|Corporate                                    |  |                           | 10.1  |   |      |   | 6.4   |  |   | 3.1  
|                                             |  |                           |       |   |      |   |       |  |   |      
|Total                                        |  | $                         | 150.0 |   |      | $ | 133.4 |  | $ | 103.7
|                                             |  |                           |       |   |      |   |       |  |   |      
|Capital expenditures:                        |  |                           |       |   |      |   |       |  |   |      
|Consumer Packaging                           |  | $                         | 41.9  |   |      | $ | 46.8  |  | $ | 60.3 
|Corrugated Packaging                         |  |                           | 11.9  |   |      |   | 18.1  |  |   | 2.7  
|Merchandising Displays                       |  |                           | 4.0   |   |      |   | 6.3   |  |   | 1.2  
|Specialty Paperboard Products                |  |                           | 8.4   |   |      |   | 6.6   |  |   | 4.7  
|Corporate                                    |  |                           | 9.7   |   |      |   | 6.4   |  |   | 9.1  
|                                             |  |                           |       |   |      |   |       |  |   |      
|Total                                        |  | $                         | 75.9  |   |      | $ | 84.2  |  | $ | 78.0 
|                                             |  |                           |       |   |      |   |       |  |   |      
|Investment in unconsolidated entities:       |  |                           |       |   |      |   |       |  |   |      
|Consumer Packaging                           |  | $                         | 0.9   |   |      | $ | 0.6   |  | $ |     
|Merchandising Displays                       |  |                           | 10.4  |   |      |   | 11.4  |  |   | 11.1 
|Specialty Paperboard Products                |  |                           | 12.5  |   |      |   | 17.4  |  |   | 17.8 
|                                             |  |                           |       |   |      |   |       |  |   |      
|Total                                        |  | $                         | 23.8  |   |      | $ | 29.4  |  | $ | 28.9 
|                                             |  |                           |       |   |      |   |       |  |   |      
|Equity in income of unconsolidated entities: |  |                           |       |   |      |   |       |  |   |      
|Consumer Packaging                           |  | $                         | 0.3   |   |      | $ | 0.1   |  | $ |     
|Merchandising Displays                       |  |                           | 0.6   |   |      |   | 2.1   |  |   | 0.7  
|Specialty Paperboard Products                |  |                           | (0.8  | ) |      |   | 0.2   |  |   | 0.4  
|                                             |  |                           |       |   |      |   |       |  |   |      
|Total                                        |  | $                         | 0.1   |   |      | $ | 2.4   |  | $ | 1.1  
|                                             |  |                           |       |   |      |   |       |  |   |      

Identifiable assets as of September 30, 2008 reflect a reclassification adjustment to
reduce Corrugated Packaging assets and increase Corporate assets by approximately $14.1 million. Depreciation and amortization for the year ended September 30, 2008 reflects an adjustment to reduce Corporate by approximately $1.9 million. Both of
these reclassifications adjustments were recorded to conform to the current year presentation.



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##### Index to Financial Statements

ROCK-TENN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (Continued)



The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2009, 2008 and 2007 are as follows (in
millions):



|                                      |  |                   |       |   |                     |   |       |                       |  |   |                             |   |       |   |      |  |   |       |  
|------------------------------------- |  | ----------------- | ----- | - | ------------------- | - | ----- | --------------------- |  | - | --------------------------- | - | ----- | - | ---- |  | - | ----- | -
|                                      |  | ConsumerPackaging |       |   | CorrugatedPackaging |   |       | MerchandisingDisplays |  |   | SpecialtyPaperboardProducts |   | Total |  
|Balance as of October 1, 2006         |  | $                 | 290.9 |   |                     | $ | 18.5  |                       |  | $ | 28.7                        |   |       | $ | 18.5 |  | $ | 356.6 |  
|Goodwill acquired                     |  |                   | 3.5   |   |                     |   |      |                       |  |   |                            |   |       |   | 0.4  |  |   | 3.9   |  
|Translation and other adjustment      |  |                   | 4.7   |   |                     |   |      |                       |  |   | (0.7                        | ) |       |   |     |  |   | 4.0   |  
|                                      |  |                   |       |   |                     |   |       |                       |  |   |                             |   |       |   |      |  |   |       |  
|Balance as of September 30, 2007      |  | $                 | 299.1 |   |                     | $ | 18.5  |                       |  | $ | 28.0                        |   |       | $ | 18.9 |  | $ | 364.5 |  
|Goodwill acquired                     |  |                   | 0.1   |   |                     |   | 365.4 |                       |  |   |                            |   |       |   |     |  |   | 365.5 |  
|Translation and other adjustment      |  |                   | (2.8  | ) |                     |   | (0.2  | )                     |  |   |                            |   |       |   |     |  |   | (3.0  | )
|                                      |  |                   |       |   |                     |   |       |                       |  |   |                             |   |       |   |      |  |   |       |  
|Balance as of September 30, 2008      |  | $                 | 296.4 |   |                     | $ | 383.7 |                       |  | $ | 28.0                        |   |       | $ | 18.9 |  | $ | 727.0 |  
|Goodwill acquired                     |  |                   |      |   |                     |   |      |                       |  |   |                            |   |       |   | 0.6  |  |   | 0.6   |  
|Purchase price allocation adjustments |  |                   |      |   |                     |   | 9.4   |                       |  |   |                            |   |       |   |     |  |   | 9.4   |  
|Translation and other adjustment      |  |                   | (0.3  | ) |                     |   | (0.3  | )                     |  |   |                            |   |       |   |     |  |   | (0.6  | )
|                                      |  |                   |       |   |                     |   |       |                       |  |   |                             |   |       |   |      |  |   |       |  
|Balance as of September 30, 2009      |  | $                 | 296.1 |   |                     | $ | 392.8 |                       |  | $ | 28.0                        |   |       | $ | 19.5 |  | $ | 736.4 |  
|                                      |  |                   |       |   |                     |   |       |                       |  |   |                             |   |       |   |      |  |   |       |  

Note 22. Financial Results by Quarter (Unaudited)



|                                   |  |                                      |       |               |   |              |  |               |       |  |   |      
|---------------------------------- |  | ------------------------------------ | ----- | ------------- | - | ------------ |  | ------------- | ----- |  | - | -----
|2009                               |  | FirstQuarter                         |       | SecondQuarter |   | ThirdQuarter |  | FourthQuarter
|                                   |  | (In millions, except per share data)
|Net sales                          |  | $                                    | 703.1 |               | $ | 676.3        |  | $             | 703.9 |  | $ | 729.0
|Gross profit                       |  |                                      | 164.8 |               |   | 171.5        |  |               | 223.1 |  |   | 203.3
|Restructuring and other costs, net |  |                                      | 6.5   |               |   | 3.2          |  |               | 1.1   |  |   | 2.6  
|Income before income taxes         |  |                                      | 47.3  |               |   | 59.3         |  |               | 114.4 |  |   | 92.9 
|Net income                         |  |                                      | 30.6  |               |   | 37.4         |  |               | 87.0  |  |   | 67.3 
|Basic earnings per share           |  |                                      | 0.81  |               |   | 0.99         |  |               | 2.29  |  |   | 1.77 
|Diluted earnings per share         |  |                                      | 0.79  |               |   | 0.97         |  |               | 2.24  |  |   | 1.72 



|                                   |  |                                      |       |               |   |              |  |               |       |  |   |      
|---------------------------------- |  | ------------------------------------ | ----- | ------------- | - | ------------ |  | ------------- | ----- |  | - | -----
|2008                               |  | FirstQuarter                         |       | SecondQuarter |   | ThirdQuarter |  | FourthQuarter
|                                   |  | (In millions, except per share data)
|Net sales                          |  | $                                    | 596.3 |               | $ | 685.9        |  | $             | 771.0 |  | $ | 785.7
|Gross profit                       |  |                                      | 107.0 |               |   | 125.9        |  |               | 144.7 |  |   | 164.5
|Restructuring and other costs, net |  |                                      | 3.0   |               |   | 0.8          |  |               | 3.7   |  |   | 8.1  
|Income before income taxes         |  |                                      | 25.7  |               |   | 27.3         |  |               | 28.1  |  |   | 45.0 
|Net income                         |  |                                      | 17.5  |               |   | 17.1         |  |               | 18.8  |  |   | 28.4 
|Basic earnings per share           |  |                                      | 0.47  |               |   | 0.46         |  |               | 0.50  |  |   | 0.76 
|Diluted earnings per share         |  |                                      | 0.46  |               |   | 0.45         |  |               | 0.49  |  |   | 0.74 

We computed the interim earnings per common and common equivalent share amounts as if
each quarter was a discrete period. As a result, the sum of the basic and diluted earnings per share by quarter will not necessarily total the annual basic and diluted earnings per share.

The fiscal 2009 financial results by quarter (unaudited) table is impacted by the inclusion of alternative fuel tax credits as discussed in
Note 5. Alternative Fuel Tax Credit of the Notes to Consolidated Financial



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ROCK-TENN COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (Continued)



Statements section of the Financial Statements included herein. Gross profit and Income before income taxes include an alternative fuel tax credit of $32.7 million and $21.4 million, net of
expenses, in the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2009, respectively, and Net income includes an alternative fuel tax credit of $33.1 million and $21.5 million, net of expenses in the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2009, respectively. Basic
earnings per share were increased $0.87 and $0.56 and Diluted earnings per share were increased by $0.85 and $0.55, each for the third and fourth fiscal quarters of fiscal 2009, respectively in connection with the inclusion of an alternative fuel
tax credits, net of expenses.

Note 23. Subsequent Events (Unaudited)

In accordance with ASC 855, Subsequent Events, we evaluated all events or transactions that occurred after the balance
sheet date of September 30, 2009 through November 17, 2009, the date we issued these financial statements. Subsequent to September 30, 2009, we repurchased $19.5 million of our March 2013 Notes at an average price of approximately 98% of
par and recorded an aggregate gain on extinguishment of debt of approximately $0.5 million.



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##### Index to Financial Statements

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of

Rock-Tenn Company

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Rock-Tenn Company as of September 30, 2009
and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2009. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Companys
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in
accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as
well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In
our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Rock-Tenn Company at September 30, 2009 and 2008, and the consolidated results of its operations and its
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2009, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

As discussed in Notes 1, 15 and 16 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainties in Income Taxes  an
Interpretation of FASB Statement 109(codified in FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 740 Income Taxes) effective October 1, 2007, and the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 158, Employers Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans(codified in FASB ASC Topic 715, Compensation  Retirement Benefits) effective September 30, 2007.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Rock-Tenn Companys internal
control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control  Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated
November 17, 2009, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

LOGO

Atlanta, Georgia

November 17, 2009



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##### Index to Financial Statements

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm On Internal Control over
Financial Reporting

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of

Rock-Tenn Company

We have audited Rock-Tenn Companys internal control over financial
reporting as of September 30, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control  Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). Rock-Tenn
Companys management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the Internal Control Over Financial
Reporting Section of the accompanying Managements Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Companys internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards
require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control
over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered
necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

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

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

In our opinion, Rock-Tenn Company maintained, in all material respects,
effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2009, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in
accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Rock-Tenn Company as of September 30, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of income,
shareholders equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2009 of Rock-Tenn Company, and our report dated November 17, 2009, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

LOGO

Atlanta, Georgia

November 17, 2009



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##### Index to Financial Statements

ROCK-TENN COMPANY

MANAGEMENTS ANNUAL REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

Managements Responsibility for the Financial Statements

The management of Rock-Tenn Company is responsible for the preparation and integrity of the Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in
our Annual Report on Form 10-K. The financial statements were prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles appropriate in the circumstances and, accordingly, include certain amounts based on our best judgments and
estimates. Financial information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K is consistent with that in the financial statements.

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management of our company is responsible for
establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act). Our internal control over financial reporting
is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements. Our internal control over financial reporting is supported by a program of internal audits and
appropriate reviews by management, written policies and guidelines, careful selection and training of qualified personnel and a written Code of Business Conduct adopted by our board of directors that is applicable to all officers and employees of
our Company and subsidiaries, as well as a that is applicable to all of our directors.

Because of its inherent
limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements and even when determined to be effective, can only provide reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Also,
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2009. In
making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control  Integrated Framework. The scope of our efforts to comply with
Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act with respect to fiscal 2009 included all of our operations. Based on our assessment, management believes that we maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2009.

Our independent auditors, Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, are appointed by the
Audit Committee of our board of directors. Ernst & Young LLP has audited and reported on the Consolidated Financial Statements of Rock-Tenn Company, and has issued an attestation report on the effectiveness of our internal control over
financial reporting. The report of the independent registered public accounting firm is contained in this Annual Report.



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Audit Committee Responsibility

The Audit Committee of our board of directors, composed solely of directors who are independent in accordance with the requirements of the
New York Stock Exchange listing standards, the Exchange Act and our Corporate Governance Guidelines, meets with the independent auditors, management and internal auditors periodically to discuss internal control over financial reporting and auditing
and financial reporting matters. The Audit Committee reviews with the independent auditors the scope and results of the audit effort. The Audit Committee also meets periodically with the independent auditors and the chief internal auditor without
management present to ensure that the independent auditors and the chief internal auditor have free access to the Audit Committee. Our Audit Committees Report can be found in our proxy statement for the annual meeting of our shareholders to be
held on January 29, 2010.

JAMES A. RUBRIGHT,

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

STEVEN C. VOORHEES,

Executive Vice President,

Chief Financial Officer and Chief

Administrative Officer

November 17, 2009



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##### Index to Financial Statements

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

Not applicable  there were no changes in or disagreements with accountants on accounting and financial disclosure.



|Item 9A. | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
|-------- | -----------------------

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and other procedures that
are designed with the objective of ensuring the following:



| |  |  | that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act are recorded, processed, summarized and
reported, within the time periods specified in the SECs rules and forms; and
| | - |  | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



| |  |  | that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management,
including our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and our Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer (CFO), as appropriate to allow timely decisions
regarding required disclosure.
| | - |  | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We have performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and
operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2009, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our CEO and CFO. Based on that evaluation, our CEO and CFO have concluded that our
disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2009, to provide reasonable assurance that material information relating to our company and our consolidated subsidiaries was made known to them by others within those
entities before or during the period in which this annual report was being prepared.

In designing and evaluating our
disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, as ours are designed to do.
Management also noted that the design of any system of controls is also based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and that there can be no assurance that any such design will succeed in achieving its stated goals
under all potential future conditions, regardless of how remote. Management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The report called for by Item 308(a) of Regulation S-K is incorporated herein by reference to Managements Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting of Rock-Tenn Company,
included in Part II, Item 8 of this report.

The attestation report called for by Item 308(b) of
Regulation S-K is incorporated herein by reference to the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, included in Part II, Item 8 of this report.

Management has evaluated, with the participation of our CEO and CFO, changes in our internal controls over financial reporting (as defined
in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act) during the quarter ended September 30, 2009. In connection with that evaluation, we have determined that there has been no change in internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter that
has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.



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CEO and CFO Certifications

Our CEO and CFO have filed with the SEC the certifications required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act as Exhibits 31.1 and 31.2,
respectively, to this Annual Report on Form 10-K. In addition, on February 23, 2009, our CEO certified to the New York Stock Exchange that he was not aware of any violation by the Company of the NYSE corporate governance listing standards as in
effect on February 23, 2009. The foregoing certification was unqualified.



|Item 9B. | OTHER INFORMATION
|-------- | -----------------

Not applicable.

PART III



|Item 10. | DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
|-------- | -------------------------------------------------------

The sections under the heading Election of Directorsentitled Board of Directors, Nominees
for Election  Term Expiring 2013, Incumbent Directors  Term Expiring 2011, Incumbent Directors  Term Expiring 2012, Committees of the Board of Directors  Audit Committee, Codes
of Business Conduct and Ethics  Code of Ethical Conduct for Chief Executive Officer and Senior Financial Officers, and Codes of Business Conduct and Ethics  Copies,and under the heading
Executive Officersentitled Identification of Executive Officersin the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held January 29, 2010 are incorporated herein by reference.
The section under the heading Additional Informationentitled Section 16 (a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliancein the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held
on January 29, 2010, which will be filed on or before December 31, 2009, is also incorporated herein by reference.



|Item 11. | EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
|-------- | ----------------------

The sections under the heading Election of Directorsentitled Compensation of Directorsand Committees of the Board of Directors 
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation. The sections under the heading Executive Compensationentitled Compensation Discussion and Analysisand
Compensation Committee Reportand the sections under the heading entitled Executive Compensation Tablesin the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on January 29,
2010, which will be filed on or before December 31, 2009, are incorporated herein by reference.



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

The information under the heading Common Stock Ownership by Management and Principal Shareholdersand the section
under the heading Executive Compensation Tablesentitled Equity Compensation Plan Informationin the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on January 29, 2010,
which will be filed on or before December 31, 2009, are incorporated herein by reference.



|Item 13. | CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
|-------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------

The information under the heading Certain Transactionsand the section under the heading Election of
Directors entitled Corporate Governance  Director Independencein the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on January 29, 2010, which will be filed on or before
December 31, 2009, are incorporated herein by reference.



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##### Index to Financial Statements

|Item 14. | PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
|-------- | --------------------------------------

The sections under the heading Independent Registered Public Accounting Firmentitled Feesand Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Services by
the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm in the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on January 29, 2010, which will be filed on or before December 31, 2009, are incorporated herein by
reference.

PART IV



|Item 15. | EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
|-------- | ------------------------------------------

(a) 1. Financial Statements.

The following
consolidated financial statements of our company and our consolidated subsidiaries and the Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm are included in Part II, Item 8 of this report:



|                                                                                                        |  |     
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |  | ----
|                                                                                                        |  | Page
|Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended September 30, 2009, 2008, and
2007                |  | 42  
|Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2009 and 2008                                           |  | 43  
|Consolidated Statements of Shareholders Equity for the years ended September 
30, 2009, 2008, and 2007 |  | 44  
|Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended September 30, 2009, 2008, and
2007            |  | 45  
|Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                                              |  | 47  
|Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm                                                 |  | 101 
|Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control over Financial Reporting    |  | 102 
|Managements Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting                                 |  | 103 

2. Financial Statement Schedule of Rock-Tenn Company.

All schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or not required because this information is provided in the
financial statements.

3. Exhibits.

See separate Exhibit Index attached hereto and incorporated herein.

(b) See Item 15(a)(3) and separate Exhibit Index attached hereto and incorporated herein.

(c) Not applicable.



107



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SIGNATURES

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



|                         |  |  |  |                   |  |                          
|------------------------ |  |  |  | ----------------- |  | -------------------------
|                         |  |  |  | ROCK-TENN COMPANY
|                         |  |  | 
|Dated: November 17, 2009 |  |  |  | By:               |  | /s/ JAMES A. RUBRIGHT    
|                         |  |  |  |                   |  | James A. Rubright        
|                         |  |  |  |                   |  | Chairman of the Board and
|                         |  |  |  |                   |  | Chief Executive Officer  

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



|                                                              |  |                                                                                                                  |  |                  
|------------------------------------------------------------- |  | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |  | -----------------
|Signature                                                     |  | Title                                                                                                            |  | Date             
|                                                              |  |                                                                                                                 
|/s/ JAMES A. RUBRIGHT James A. Rubright                       |  | Director, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)                        |  | November 17, 2009
|                                                              |  |                                                                                                                 
|/s/ STEVEN C. VOORHEES Steven C. Voorhees                     |  | Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer (Principal Financial Officer) |  | November 17, 2009
|                                                              |  |                                                                                                                 
|/s/ A. STEPHEN MEADOWS A. Stephen Meadows                     |  | Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer)                                                          |  | November 17, 2009
|                                                              |  |                                                                                                                 
|/s/ STEPHEN G. ANDERSON Stephen G. Anderson                   |  | Director                                                                                                         |  | November 17, 2009
|                                                              |  |                                                                                                                 
|/s/ J. HYATT BROWN J. Hyatt Brown                             |  | Director                                                                                                         |  | November 17, 2009
|                                                              |  |                                                                                                                 
|/s/ ROBERT M. CHAPMAN Robert M. Chapman                       |  | Director                                                                                                         |  | November 17, 2009
|                                                              |  |                                                                                                                 
|/s/ ROBERT B. CURREY Robert B. Currey                         |  | Director                                                                                                         |  | November 17, 2009
|                                                              |  |                                                                                                                 
|/s/ RUSSELL M. CURREY Russell M. Currey                       |  | Director                                                                                                         |  | November 17, 2009
|                                                              |  |                                                                                                                 
|/s/ G. STEPHEN FELKER G. Stephen Felker                       |  | Director                                                                                                         |  | November 17, 2009
|                                                              |  |                                                                                                                 
|/s/ LAWRENCE L. GELLERSTEDT, III Lawrence L. Gellerstedt, III |  | Director                                                                                                         |  | November 17, 2009



108



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##### Index to Financial Statements

|                                      |  |          |  |                  
|------------------------------------- |  | -------- |  | -----------------
|Signature                             |  | Title    |  | Date             
|                                      |  |         
|/s/ JOHN D. HOPKINS John D. Hopkins   |  | Director |  | November 17, 2009
|                                      |  |         
|/s/ JOHN W. SPIEGEL John W. Spiegel   |  | Director |  | November 17, 2009
|                                      |  |         
|/s/ BETTINA M. WHYTE Bettina M. Whyte |  | Director |  | November 17, 2009
|                                      |  |         
|/s/ JAMES E. YOUNG James E. Young     |  | Director |  | November 17, 2009



109



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##### Index to Financial Statements

INDEX TO EXHIBITS



|               |  |   |  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
|-------------- |  | - |  | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|Exhibit Number |  |   |  | Description of Exhibits                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
|               |  |  
|2.1            |  |  |  | Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of January 10, 2008, by and among Rock-Tenn Company, Carrier Merger Sub, Inc., Southern Container Corp., the Stockholders listed therein,
Steven Hill and the Stockholders Representative, as defined therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the Registrants Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 11, 2008).                                                                                                                                                                                          
|               |  |  
|2.2            |  |  |  | Amendment No. 1 to Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of March 1, 2008, by and among Rock-Tenn Company, Carrier Merger Sub, Inc., Southern Container Corp., the Stockholders
listed in the original Merger Agreement, Steven Hill, and the Stockholders Representative (as defined in the original Merger Agreement) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the Registrants Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
March 11, 2008).                                                                                                                        
|               |  |  
|3.1            |  |  |  | Restated and Amended Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrants Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No.
33-73312).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
|               |  |  
|3.2            |  |  |  | Articles of Amendment to the Registrants Restated and Amended Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Registrants Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2000).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
|               |  |  
|3.3            |  |  |  | Bylaws of the Registrant (Amended and Restated as of October 31, 2008) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Registrants Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
November 6, 2008).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
|               |  |  
|4.1            |  |  |  | Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of March 5, 2008, among Rock-Tenn Company, as Borrower, Rock-Tenn Company of Canada, as the Canadian Borrower, certain
subsidiaries of the Borrower from time to time party thereto, as Guarantors, the lenders party thereto, Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent, and Bank of America, N.A., acting through its Canada Branch,
as Canadian Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrants Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 11, 2008).
|               |  |  
|4.2            |  |  |  | The Registrant agrees to furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission, upon request, a copy of any instrument defining the rights of holders of long-term debt of the
Registrant and all of its consolidated subsidiaries and unconsolidated subsidiaries for which financial statements are required to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.                                                                                                                                                                                                 
|               |  |  
|4.3            |  |  |  | Indenture between Rock-Tenn Company and SunTrust Bank, as successor trustee to Trust Company Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Registrants Registration
Statement on Form S-3, File No. 33-93934).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
|               |  |  
|4.4            |  |  |  | Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 16, 2009, by and among Solvay Paperboard LLC, Rock-Tenn Company and HSBC Bank USA, National Association as Trustee (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Registrants Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 29, 2009).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
|               |  |  
|4.5            |  |  |  | Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 29, 2009, by and among Rock-Tenn Company, the guarantors party thereto and HSBC Bank USA, National Association as Trustee
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of the Registrants Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 29, 2009).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
|               |  |  
|4.6            |  |  |  | First Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and Consent, dated as of August 22, 2008, by and among Rock-Tenn Company, Rock-Tenn Company of Canada, the Guarantors,
the Lenders signatories thereto, and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent and Bank of America, N.A., acting through its Canada branch, as Canadian Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the
Registrants Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 13, 2009).                                                             



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##### Index to Financial Statements

|               |  |   |  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
|-------------- |  | - |  | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|Exhibit Number |  |   |  | Description of Exhibits                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
|               |  |  
|4.7            |  |  |  | Second Amendment to Credit Agreement and Consent, dated as of July 21, 2009, by and among Rock-Tenn Company, Rock-Tenn Company of Canada, the Guarantors, the Lenders, and
Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent, and Bank of America, N.A., acting through its Canada Branch, as Canadian Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrants Current Report on
Form 8-K filed on July 27, 2009).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
|               |  |  
|4.8            |  |  |  | Second Amended and Restated Credit and Security Agreement dated as of September 2, 2008 among Rock-Tenn Financial, Inc., as Borrower, Rock-Tenn Converting Company, as Servicer,
the liquidity banks from time to time party hereto, Coöperatieve Centrale Raiffeisen-Boerenleenbank B.A., Rabobank Nederland, New York Branch, as Nieuw Amsterdam Agent, and SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc., as TPF Agent and
Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 of the Registrants Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2008).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
|               |  |  
|4.9            |  |  |  | First Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Credit and Security Agreement dated as of September 24, 2008 among Rock-Tenn Financial, Inc., as Borrower, Rock-Tenn Converting
Company, as Initial Servicer, Nieuw Amsterdam Receivables Corporation and Coöperatieve Centrale Raiffeisen-Boerenleenbank B.A., Rabobank Nederland, New York Branch, as Liquidity Bank to Nieuw Amsterdam and as Nieuw Amsterdam Agent,
Three Pillars Funding LLC, SunTrust Bank as liquidity provider to TPF, and SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc., as TPF Agent, and STRH as Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 of the Registrants Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended September 30, 2008).                                                                                                              
|               |  |  
|4.10           |  |  |  | Third Amended and Restated Credit and Security Agreement dated as of August 14, 2009 among Rock-Tenn Financial, Inc., as Borrower, Rock-Tenn Converting Company, as Servicer,
Toronto Dominion (New York) LLC, individually as a Committed Lender and as TD Agent, the other committed lenders from time to time party hereto, Coöperatieve Centrale Raiffeisen-Boerenleenbank B.A., Rabobank Nederland, New York
Branch, as Nieuw Amsterdam Agent and as Administrative Agent.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
|               |  |  
|*10.1          |  |  |  | Rock-Tenn Company 1993 Employee Stock Option Plan and Amendment Number One to the Rock-Tenn Company 1993 Employee Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibits 99.1
and 99.2, respectively, to the Registrants Registration Statement on Form S-8, File No. 333-77237).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
|               |  |  
|*10.2          |  |  |  | Rock-Tenn Company Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan Effective as of October 1, 1994 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Registrants Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended September 30, 2000).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
|               |  |  
|*10.3          |  |  |  | 2000 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to the Registrants definitive Proxy Statement for the 2001 Annual Meeting of Shareholders filed with the SEC on
December 18, 2000).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
|               |  |  
|*10.4          |  |  |  | 1993 Employee Stock Purchase Plan as Amended and Restated (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to the Registrants Registration Statement on Form S-8, File No.
333-77237), as amended by Amendment No. One to 1993 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Registrants Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2003), and as further amended by
Amendment No. Two to 1993 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrants Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2003), and as further amended by Amendment No. Three to 1993
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Registrants Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2004).
|               |  |  
|*10.5          |  |  |  | Rock-Tenn Company Annual Executive Bonus Program (incorporated by reference to the Registrants definitive Proxy Statement for the 2002 Annual Meeting of Shareholders filed
with the SEC on December 19, 2001).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     



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##### Index to Financial Statements

|               |  |   |  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
|-------------- |  | - |  | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|Exhibit Number |  |   |  | Description of Exhibits                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
|               |  |  
|*10.6          |  |  |  | Rock-Tenn Company Supplemental Retirement Savings Plan as Effective as of May 15, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrants Registration Statement
on Form S-8, File No. 333-104870).                                                                                                                                   
|               |  |  
|*10.7          |  |  |  | Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Rock-Tenn Converting Company and James L. Einstein, dated as of February 21, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of
the Registrants Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2003).                                                                            
|               |  |  
|*10.8          |  |  |  | 2004 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrants Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 3,
2005).                                                                                                                                                                                     
|               |  |  
|*10.9          |  |  |  | Amendment Number One to the Rock-Tenn Company Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (Amended and Restated Effective as of January 1, 2003) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.10 of the Registrants Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2008).                                                                   
|               |  |  
|*10.10         |  |  |  | Amendment Number Two to Rock-Tenn Company Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan Effective as of November 11, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the
Registrants Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2005).                                                                                        
|               |  |  
|*10.11         |  |  |  | Amendment Number Three to Rock-Tenn Company Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan Effective as of November 21, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 of the
Registrants Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2008).                                                                                          
|               |  |  
|*10.12         |  |  |  | Amended and Restated Rock-Tenn Company Supplemental Retirement Savings Plan Effective as of January 1, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Registrants
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2005).                                                                                               
|               |  |  
|*10.13         |  |  |  | Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Rock-Tenn Company and James A. Rubright, dated as of November 21, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 of the
Registrants Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2008).                                                                                      
|               |  |  
|*10.14         |  |  |  | Amendment Number One to Rock-Tenn Company 2004 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrants Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended March 31, 2007).                                                                                                                                          
|               |  |  
|*10.15         |  |  |  | Rock-Tenn Company 1993 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as Amended and Restated (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Registrants Registration Statement on Form
S-8, File No. 333-140597).                                                                                                                                             
|               |  |  
|*10.16         |  |  |  | Second Amendment to the Rock-Tenn Company Supplemental Retirement Savings Plan Effective as of November 16, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the
Registrants Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2007).                                                                                          
|               |  |  
|*10.17         |  |  |  | Employment Agreement between Southern Container Corp. and James B. Porter III, dated as of January 1, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Registrants
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2008).                                                                                                   
|               |  |  
|*10.18         |  |  |  | Amended and Restated Earnings Share Units between Southern Container Corp. and James B. Porter III, dated as of February 27, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3
of the Registrants Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2008).                                                                            
|               |  |  
|*10.19         |  |  |  | First Amendment to Employment Agreement and Amended and Restated Earnings Share Units Agreement between James B. Porter III and Rock-Tenn Company, dated as of January 8, 2008,
effective as of March 5, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Registrants Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2008).
|               |  |  
|*10.20         |  |  |  | Amendment No. 2 to Rock-Tenn Company 2004 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Registrants Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended March 31, 2008).                                                                                                                                               
|               |  |  
|*10.21         |  |  |  | Transition and Consulting Agreement, dated as of September 9, 2009, by and between James L. Einstein and Rock-Tenn Converting Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1
of the Registrants Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 11, 2009).                                                                                    



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##### Table of Contents

##### Index to Financial Statements

|               |  |   |  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
|-------------- |  | - |  | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|Exhibit Number |  |   |  | Description of Exhibits                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
|               |  |  
|10.22          |  |  |  | Second Amended and Restated Receivables Sale Agreement dated as of September 2, 2008 among Rock-Tenn Company, as Parent, Rock-Tenn Company of Texas, Rock-Tenn Converting Company,
Rock-Tenn Mill Company, LLC, Rock-Tenn Packaging and Paperboard, LLC, PCPC, Inc. and Waldorf Corporation, Schiffenhaus Packaging Corp. and Southern Container Corp., as Originators, and Rock-Tenn Financial, Inc., as Buyer (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.23 of the Registrants Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2008).
|               |  |  
|*10.23         |  |  |  | Amendment Number 1 to Rock-Tenn Company Annual Executive Bonus Program (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrants Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended December 31, 2008).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
|               |  |  
|*10.24         |  |  |  | Amendment Number Four to Rock-Tenn Company Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan Effective as of March 31, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the
Registrants Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2009).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
|               |  |  
|*10.25         |  |  |  | Amendment No. 3 to Rock-Tenn Company 2004 Incentive Stock Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Registrants Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended March 31, 2009).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
|               |  |  
|10.26          |  |  |  | Second Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Receivables Sale Agreement and Third Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Credit and Security Agreement dated as of June 24,
2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Registrants Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2009).                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
|               |  |  
|10.27          |  |  |  | Third Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Receivables Sale Agreement and Fourth Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Credit and Security Agreement dated as of July 14,
2009.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
|               |  |  
|12             |  |  |  | Statement re: Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
|               |  |  
|21             |  |  |  | Subsidiaries of the Registrant.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
|               |  |  
|23             |  |  |  | Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
|               |  |  
|31.1           |  |  |  | Certification Accompanying Periodic Report Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, executed by James A. Rubright, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
Officer of Rock-Tenn Company.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
|               |  |  
|31.2           |  |  |  | Certification Accompanying Periodic Report Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, executed by Steven C. Voorhees, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer and Chief Administrative Officer of Rock-Tenn Company.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Additional Exhibits.

In accordance with SEC Release No. 33-8238, Exhibit 32.1 is to be treated as accompanying this report rather than filed as part of the report.



|     |  |   |  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
|---- |  | - |  | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|     |  |  
|32.1 |  |  |  | Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, executed by James A. Rubright, Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer of Rock-Tenn Company, and by Steven C. Voorhees, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer of Rock-Tenn Company.



|* | Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
|- | --------------------------------------------------------