DELAWARE, Ohio, Aug. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Greif, Inc. (NYSE: GEF, GEF.B), a global leader in industrial packaging products and services, announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement with Molpus Woodlands Group, on behalf of clients, to sell its Soterra land management business for $462 million. This transaction, which includes over 173,000 acres of timberlands across the Southeastern United States, follows Greif's previously announced intent to divest the business as part of its s ...

Core Insights - Greif, Inc. will report its 2025 third quarter financial results on August 27, 2025, after market close [1] - A conference call to discuss the results will take place on August 28, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. ET [1][2] Company Overview - Greif is a global leader in industrial packaging products and services, aiming to be the best customer service company in the world [4] - The company produces a variety of packaging products including steel, plastic, and fiber drums, intermediate bulk containers, and other specialty products [4] - Greif operates over 250 facilities in 37 countries, employing more than 14,000 colleagues to serve both global and regional customers [4]

Core Viewpoint - Greif announced the permanent closure of its steel and polymer drum facility in Merced, California, as part of a strategy to optimize operations and reduce costs by $100 million [1][2]. Company Actions - The facility is set to cease operations in September 2025, impacting approximately 43 positions [2]. - Customer orders will be fulfilled through the company's remaining global steel and polymer network after the closure [2]. Strategic Focus - The decision is aimed at strengthening the company's focus on key markets and enhancing the performance of its existing steel network and broader business portfolio [3]. Company Overview - Greif is a global leader in industrial packaging products and services, producing a variety of containers and packaging solutions [4]. - The company operates over 250 facilities in 37 countries, employing more than 14,000 people [4].

Group 1 - Andritz is part of the Industrial Products group, which consists of 189 companies and is currently ranked 4 in the Zacks Sector Rank [2] - The Zacks Rank system focuses on earnings estimates and revisions, with Andritz holding a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and a 3.4% increase in full-year earnings estimates over the past 90 days [3] - Year-to-date, Andritz has achieved a return of 47.8%, significantly outperforming the average return of 7.3% for the Industrial Products sector [4] Group 2 - Andritz belongs to the Industrial Services industry, which includes 18 companies and is currently ranked 50 in the Zacks Industry Rank, with a year-to-date gain of 5.1% [5] - In contrast, Greif, another stock in the Industrial Products sector, is part of the Containers - Paper and Packaging industry, which has a year-to-date decline of 6.3% and is ranked 93 [6] - Both Andritz and Greif are noted for their solid performance, indicating potential investment interest in these stocks within the Industrial Products sector [6]

Core Points - Greif, Inc. has initiated a Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA) with Enel Green Power España, effective July 1, 2025, following the completion of solar farms in Castilla y León, Spain [1][2] - The 12-year agreement will enable Greif to purchase approximately 100 GWh of renewable energy annually, which is expected to offset around 65% of its Scope 2 emissions in Europe and 3% of its total Scope 1 and 2 emissions globally [2][3] - The VPPA is a key element of Greif's sustainability strategy, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and minimizing waste across its operations [3] Company Overview - Greif, Inc. is a global leader in industrial packaging products and services, producing a variety of packaging solutions including steel, plastic, and fiber drums, as well as containerboard and specialty products [4] - The company operates over 250 facilities in 37 countries, employing more than 14,000 individuals to serve both global and regional customers [4]

Core Viewpoint - Greif's shares have increased by approximately 9.5% since the last earnings report, outperforming the S&P 500, raising questions about the sustainability of this positive trend leading up to the next earnings release [1] Estimates Movement - Estimates for Greif have remained flat over the past month, indicating no significant changes in analyst expectations [2] VGM Scores - Greif currently holds a Growth Score of B, a Momentum Score of D, and a Value Score of B, resulting in an aggregate VGM Score of B, which is relevant for investors not focused on a single strategy [3] Outlook - Greif has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), suggesting expectations for above-average returns in the upcoming months [4]

Core Insights - Greif, Inc. has entered into a definitive agreement with Packaging Corporation of America to divest its Containerboard business, which includes its CorrChoice sheet feeder network, aimed at debt reduction and unlocking value-creation opportunities [1][3][7] Group 1: Business Overview - Greif's containerboard business consists of two mills with a production capacity of 800,000 tons and includes eight sheet feeder and corrugated plants across the U.S. [2][7] - The containerboard business generated revenues of $1.2 billion and EBITDA of $212 million for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2025 [2][7] Group 2: Strategic Implications - The divestiture aligns with Greif's Build to Last strategy, enhancing portfolio optimization, capital efficiency, and growth acceleration [3][7] - The transaction is expected to close by the end of fiscal 2025, pending regulatory approvals, with Packaging Corp paying Greif $1.8 billion in cash [4][7] Group 3: Financial Performance - In Q2 of fiscal 2025, Greif reported adjusted earnings per share of $1.19, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.08, reflecting a year-over-year improvement of 43.4% [5] - Revenues for the same quarter increased by 1.1% year over year to $1.39 billion, although it fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.43 billion [5] Group 4: Stock Performance - Greif's stock has appreciated by 26.4% over the past year, contrasting with a 3.2% decline in the industry [6]

Core Insights - In times of market volatility, investors often prefer value investing, seizing opportunities to buy undervalued stocks as others sell at lower prices [1][2] Value Investment Strategy - Value investing can lead to "value traps" where stocks underperform due to persistent issues rather than temporary problems [3] - Key metrics for identifying value stocks include dividend yield, P/E ratio, and P/B ratio [3] Importance of PEG Ratio - The PEG ratio, defined as (Price/Earnings)/Earnings Growth Rate, is a crucial metric for assessing a stock's intrinsic value [4][5] - A low PEG ratio is favorable for value investors, but it has limitations, such as not accounting for changing growth rates [5] Screening Criteria for Value Stocks - Effective screening criteria for value stocks include a PEG ratio less than the industry median, a P/E ratio below the industry median, Zacks Rank 1 or 2, market capitalization over $1 billion, average 20-day volume greater than 50,000, and upward earnings estimate revisions greater than 5% [6] Selected Stocks - Carnival Corporation (CCL) has a five-year growth rate of 28.5% and a Zacks Rank 2 with a Value Score of A [7][9] - Harmony Gold Mining (HMY) shows a long-term historical growth rate of 73.4%, a Zacks Rank 1, and a Value Score of B [7][10][11] - Dollar Tree (DLTR) has a five-year expected growth rate of 6.7% and a Zacks Rank 2 with a Value Score of B [7][12][13] - Greif, Inc. (GEF) has a long-term expected earnings growth rate of 9.9%, a Value Score of A, and a Zacks Rank of 1 [7][14]

Greif Inc. Containerboard Divestment Conference Call Summary Company Overview - **Company**: Greif Inc. (GEF) - **Event**: Containerboard Divestment Conference Call - **Date**: July 01, 2025 Key Points Industry and Company Focus - **Divestment Announcement**: Greif announced the divestment of its containerboard business for **$1.8 billion** [4] - **Strategic Rationale**: The divestment aligns with Greif's "build to last" strategy, aimed at enhancing capital efficiency and focusing on high-margin packaging solutions [4][6] - **Remaining Portfolio**: Post-divestment, Greif will concentrate on its URB (Unbleached Recycled Board) business and polymer-based solutions, which are expected to grow faster than GDP [8][9] Financial Implications - **EBITDA and Cash Flow Goals**: Greif aims to achieve **$1 billion** in EBITDA and **$500 million** in free cash flow by 2027 [5] - **Debt Reduction**: 100% of the proceeds from the divestment will be used to pay down debt, positioning Greif with a leverage ratio below **2.0 times** [5][10] - **Cost Savings**: The divestment is expected to lower annual interest expenses by **$85 million** and recurring maintenance capital expenditures by **$25 million** [11] Market Position and Strategy - **Focus on Leadership**: Greif aims to maintain a number one or two position in its chosen markets, emphasizing that it was not a leader in the containerboard market [22][23] - **Growth Areas**: The company is targeting growth in high-margin sectors such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals [9][12] - **Capital Allocation**: Greif will continue to prioritize safety and maintenance CapEx while also increasing shareholder returns through dividends and share repurchases [11][12] Future Outlook - **Growth Opportunities**: Greif is committed to pursuing high-return organic capital expenditures and strategic M&A opportunities within its targeted growth areas [12][41] - **EBITDA Growth Drivers**: The company has identified several drivers to achieve its EBITDA target, including volume growth and business optimization [13][14] - **Market Trends**: North America remains sluggish, particularly in metal markets, but acquired companies in the agricultural space are performing well [90][91] Additional Considerations - **Regulatory Approvals**: The transaction is subject to customary conditions, including regulatory approvals, which may affect the closing timeline [6] - **Synergies and Cost Structure**: Greif will work on optimizing support functions and addressing overhead costs post-divestment [37][65] - **Market Dynamics**: The company expects to be a net seller in the open market for OCC (Old Corrugated Containers) after the divestment, which may impact its business dynamics [61] Conclusion - Greif's divestment of its containerboard business marks a significant strategic shift aimed at enhancing shareholder value and focusing on high-growth, high-margin opportunities. The company is committed to maintaining financial discipline while pursuing growth in its remaining business segments.

Transaction Overview - Greif has signed an agreement to sell its Containerboard business for $1.8 billion in cash to Packaging Corporation of America[4] - The transaction reflects a multiple of 8.5x LTM Fiscal Q2-25 Adjusted EBITDA of $212 million[4, 30] - The company expects to achieve a pro-forma leverage ratio below 2.0x after the transaction[4] - The transaction is expected to close by the end of fiscal year 2025[4] Strategic Goals - The company reaffirms its 2027 financial targets of $1 billion Adjusted EBITDA and $500 million Adjusted Free Cash Flow[4] - The company is targeting an Adjusted EBITDA margin of 18%+[21] - The company is shifting its product mix towards higher growth and less cyclical end markets[5, 6] Capital Allocation - The company anticipates annual interest savings of $85 million and annual maintenance CAPEX savings of $25 million[10] - The company plans to allocate capital with 50% towards returning cash to shareholders, 30% towards investing for growth, and 20% towards maintaining a strong foundation[9] - The company is targeting Adjusted EBITDA of $1B+ at 2.0-2.5x leverage[15] 2025 Guidance - The company is raising the low-end of its Adjusted EBITDA guidance to $725 million and Adjusted Free Cash Flow guidance to $280 million[25]