Core Viewpoint - Greif, Inc. is conducting its Q3 2025 earnings call, focusing on strategic updates and financial results, with key insights from the CEO and CFO [3]. Group 1: Company Overview - The earnings call is led by Bill D'Onofrio, with contributions from CEO Ole Rosgaard and CFO Larry Hilsheimer [3]. - The company is addressing its planned divestment of the containerboard business, which will be reflected in discontinued operations [5]. Group 2: Financial Reporting - The call will include discussions on non-GAAP financial measures, with reconciliations to GAAP metrics provided in the presentation appendix [5]. - The company emphasizes the importance of discussing only material public information during the call [4].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA increased by $4 million with EBITDA margins up by 70 basis points, driven by improved price-cost dynamics in Fiber, Polymers, and Integrated segments [15] - Free cash flow rose by almost 400% to $171 million in the quarter, demonstrating the resilience of the business model [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Customized polymer volumes increased by 2.2%, with low double-digit growth in small containers, while IBCs and large drums saw mid-single-digit declines [12] - Durable metals volumes declined by 5.8%, reflecting softness in North America and low single-digit declines in EMEA [13] - Sustainable fiber volumes decreased by 7.6%, with URB mills operating above 90% capacity [13] - Integrated Solutions volumes grew by 2.6%, led by strong volumes in recycled fiber [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The markets chosen for investment are resilient despite a mixed macro environment, with targeted end markets like agrochemicals, pharma, and food and beverage outperforming [12] - Customer sentiment remains cautious, and the overall macro economy is not robust, impacting volume performance [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is executing a "Build to Last" strategy, focusing on reshaping the portfolio, optimizing cost structures, and targeting markets with strong competitive advantages [22] - The divestment of the containerboard business is expected to close soon, with cash proceeds anticipated to lower the leverage ratio below 1.2 times [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving 2027 commitments, emphasizing that as demand recovers, operating leverage will significantly enhance results [22] - The operating environment remains soft in North America and EMEA, particularly in the chemical sector, but the company is focused on growth in polymers [52][53] Other Important Information - The company has achieved $20 million in run-rate savings towards its fiscal 2025 commitments, with a focus on cost optimization and operational efficiency [10] - The planned divestitures are part of a strategy to concentrate efforts on markets with the greatest growth potential [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: How much of the guidance raise for the year was related to containerboard? - Management indicated that there was no containerboard impact in raising guidance, which was primarily due to SG&A cost reductions [26] Question: Can you comment on price-cost trends entering fiscal fourth quarter? - Steel costs have been relatively flat, with no significant changes expected in pricing [27] Question: What is the current normalized EBITDA for containerboard? - The trailing 12-month EBITDA for containerboard was $218 million, with a current monthly figure of $25 million [32] Question: Is increasing exposure to more defensive end markets a strategic priority? - The focus remains on end markets that are growing faster than GDP, such as food and chemicals [47] Question: What is the upper leverage range comfortable for potential deals? - The target leverage ratio is between 2 to 2.5 times, with the ability to handle larger deals if they meet strategic criteria [69]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA increased by $4 million with EBITDA margins up by 70 basis points due to improved price-cost dynamics in Fiber, Polymers, and Integrated segments [14] - Free cash flow rose by almost 400% to $171 million in the quarter, demonstrating the resilience of the business model [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Customized polymer volumes increased by 2.2%, driven by low double-digit growth in small containers, while IBCs and large drums saw mid-single-digit declines [10] - Durable metals volumes declined by 5.8%, reflecting softness in North America and low single-digit declines in EMEA [11] - Sustainable fiber volumes decreased by 7.6%, with URB mills operating above 90% capacity [11] - Integrated Solutions volumes grew by 2.6%, led by strong recycled fiber volumes [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The markets chosen for investment are resilient despite a mixed macro environment, with targeted end markets like agrochemicals and pharma outperforming [10] - Customer sentiment remains cautious, and the overall macro economy is not robust, impacting volume performance [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is executing a "Build to Last" strategy, focusing on reshaping the portfolio and optimizing cost structures [20] - Divestments of the containerboard and Timberland businesses are aimed at concentrating efforts on high-growth markets, with expected cash proceeds of approximately €1.75 billion [8] - The company aims to achieve $100 million in cost reductions, with $20 million in run rate savings already achieved [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving 2027 commitments, emphasizing that as demand recovers, operating leverage will significantly enhance results [20] - The operating environment remains cautious, particularly in North America and EMEA, with no significant changes expected from tariffs [49] Other Important Information - The company plans to close the divestment of its containerboard business by the end of the month, with a focus on capital efficiency and durable shareholder returns [8] - The company has a solid pipeline for M&A opportunities, focusing on businesses that generate at least 18% EBITDA margin and 50% free cash flow conversion [61] Q&A Session Summary Question: How much of the guidance raise for the year was related to containerboard? - Management indicated that there was no containerboard impact in raising guidance, which was primarily due to SG&A cost reductions [24] Question: Can you comment on price-cost trends entering fiscal fourth quarter? - Steel costs have been relatively flat, with no significant changes expected in pricing [25] Question: What is the current normalized EBITDA for containerboard? - The trailing 12-month EBITDA for containerboard was $218 million, with current monthly figures at $25 million [29] Question: How do you view capital allocation following divestitures? - The company expects consistent cash flow generation and prioritizes dividends, maintenance, debt paydown, and organic growth [35][38] Question: What is the expected margin recovery in Integrated Solutions? - OCC pricing was a significant driver of margin squeeze, and the company is focused on maintaining a secure supply chain for recycled fiber [76]

Financial Performance - Adjusted EBITDA increased to $160.7 million compared to $157.0 million in Q3 FY24[15] - Adjusted EBITDA percentage improved to 14.2% from 13.5% in Q3 FY24[15] - Adjusted Class A Earnings Per Share increased to $1.03 from $0.92 in Q3 FY24[15] - Adjusted Free Cash Flow significantly increased to $170.7 million from $34.3 million in Q3 FY24[15] Portfolio Transformation - The company entered into a definitive agreement to divest the Containerboard business for $1.8 billion, expected to close effective August 31st, 2025[4] - The company also entered into a definitive agreement to divest the Land Management business for $462 million ($2,671/acre), anticipated October 1st[6,17] - Post-close, the anticipated proforma leverage ratio is less than 1.2x, targeting a range of 2.0 – 2.5x[6] Cost Optimization - The company achieved $20 million in run-rate savings as of Q3'25[6] - The company is committed to achieving $100 million in run-rate savings by 2027[6] - The company announced the closure of the Merced, CA steel and polymer plant as part of cost optimization efforts[6,17] Segment Performance - Customized Polymer Solutions net sales increased from $314.7 million to $339.8 million[18] - Durable Metal Solutions net sales decreased from $424.1 million to $399.8 million[18] - Sustainable Fiber Solutions net sales decreased from $325.6 million to $308.0 million[18] - Integrated Solutions net sales slightly increased from $86.2 million to $87.1 million[18] Guidance - The company provided 2025 Adjusted Free Cash Flow guidance of $305 - $315 million[22]

Core Insights - Greif, Inc. reported fiscal third quarter 2025 results, highlighting a significant decrease in net income primarily due to a prior year gain from divestiture [1][6] - The company is in the process of divesting its containerboard business for $1.8 billion, which will be classified as discontinued operations starting Q3 2025 [2][6] Financial Highlights - Net income decreased by 49.6% to $39.3 million or $0.67 per diluted Class A share compared to $78.0 million or $1.35 per diluted Class A share in Q3 2024 [6] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 2.4% to $160.7 million compared to $157.0 million in the prior year [6] - Combined Adjusted EBITDA rose by 11% to $220.9 million from $199.4 million [6] - Net cash provided by operating activities increased by $123.1 million to $199.9 million [6] - Adjusted free cash flow increased by $136.4 million to $170.7 million [6] Segment Performance - Customized Polymer Solutions net sales increased by $25.1 million to $339.8 million, driven by higher volumes and selling prices [10] - Durable Metal Solutions net sales decreased by $24.3 million to $399.8 million, primarily due to lower volumes [14] - Sustainable Fiber Solutions net sales decreased by $17.6 million to $308.0 million, impacted by lower volumes [16] - Integrated Solutions net sales decreased by $13.4 million to $87.1 million, affected by the Delta Divestiture [18] Strategic Actions - The company achieved run-rate savings of $20 million from cost optimization initiatives by the end of Q3 2025, already at the midpoint of its $15 - $25 million target range [6] - A definitive agreement was signed for the sale of the timberlands business for $462 million, expected to close on October 1, 2025 [6] Dividend Information - The Board of Directors declared quarterly cash dividends of $0.56 per share for Class A Common Stock and $0.84 per share for Class B Common Stock, reflecting an increase from the previous quarter [22]

Core Viewpoint - Greif, Inc. announces the retirement of Gary Martz, Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary, effective November 30, 2025, after over two decades of service, highlighting his significant contributions to the company's legal and operational foundations [1][2]. Company Leadership and Transition - Gary Martz joined Greif in 2002 as the first in-house counsel and developed a global function overseeing corporate governance, compliance, mergers and acquisitions, and litigation, among other areas [2]. - Ole Rosgaard, President and CEO, acknowledges Martz's foundational role and expresses gratitude for his leadership and legal expertise, which have been vital to Greif's global success [3]. - Dennis Hoffman will take over as Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary on October 1, bringing extensive experience in corporate law and a strong understanding of Greif's values [5]. Company Background - Greif, founded in 1877, operates in 40 countries and is recognized as a leader in performance packaging, providing innovative solutions for various industries [6].

Core Insights - Greif, Inc. (GEF) is set to announce its third-quarter fiscal 2025 financial results on August 27, with total revenue expected to reach $1.47 billion, reflecting a 1.2% increase year-over-year [1][5] - The earnings per share (EPS) estimate stands at $1.40, indicating a significant 35.9% rise compared to the same quarter last year [1][5] Revenue and Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Greif's total revenues is $1.47 billion, which is a 1.2% increase from the previous year's quarter [1] - The EPS estimate of $1.40 represents a 35.9% increase from the year-ago reported number [1][5] Earnings Surprise History - Greif's earnings have exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimates in two of the last four quarters, with an average negative surprise of 10.7% [3][4] Segment Performance - The Customized Polymer Solutions segment is anticipated to drive growth, with projected revenues of $356 million for Q3, a 13% increase from $315 million in the prior-year quarter [10][11] - The Durable Metal Solutions segment is expected to see a 7.3% year-over-year decline in revenues to $393 million, attributed to a 3.9% drop in volumes and unfavorable pricing [12] - The Sustainable Fiber Solutions segment is projected to achieve revenues of $645 million for Q2, indicating a 3.2% year-over-year growth, driven by favorable pricing [14] - The Integrated Solutions segment's revenues are expected to decline by 16.9% to $75 million, impacted by unfavorable pricing and the Delta divestiture [15][16] Volume and Pricing Trends - Overall volume increased by 0.9% in Q1 but dipped by 1.4% in Q2, with pricing contributing positively by 2.2% and 1.1% in the respective quarters [7][8] - In the Customized Polymer Solutions segment, volume rose by 1.5% in Q2, supported by a favorable product mix and strong demand in key markets [9] Stock Performance - Greif's shares have increased by 10.2% over the past year, compared to the industry's growth of 21.2% [19]

Core Viewpoint - Greif (GEF) has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating a positive outlook on its earnings estimates, which significantly influence stock prices [1][2]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Price Impact - The Zacks rating system emphasizes the importance of changing earnings estimates, which are strongly correlated with near-term stock price movements [3][5]. - Institutional investors utilize earnings estimates to determine the fair value of stocks, leading to buying or selling actions that affect stock prices [3]. Greif's Earnings Outlook - The upgrade for Greif reflects an improvement in the company's underlying business, suggesting that investor sentiment may drive the stock price higher [4]. - Greif is projected to earn $4.05 per share for the fiscal year ending October 2025, with a year-over-year change of zero [7]. - Over the past three months, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Greif has increased by 7.4% [7]. Zacks Rank System - The Zacks Rank system classifies stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with a strong historical performance, particularly for Zacks Rank 1 stocks, which have averaged a +25% annual return since 1988 [6]. - The system maintains a balanced distribution of "buy" and "sell" ratings, ensuring that only the top 20% of stocks receive a "Strong Buy" or "Buy" rating [8][9]. Conclusion - Greif's upgrade to Zacks Rank 2 places it in the top 20% of Zacks-covered stocks, indicating a strong potential for market-beating returns in the near term [9].

Core Viewpoint - Greif, Inc. has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Soterra land management business for $462 million, aligning with its strategic portfolio optimization efforts [1][2][3]. Group 1: Transaction Details - The transaction involves over 173,000 acres of timberlands located in the Southeastern United States [2]. - The deal is expected to close shortly before or after the company's fiscal year end, pending customary closing conditions [2]. - Cash proceeds from the sale will be allocated to debt repayment [3]. Group 2: Strategic Implications - The sale aligns with Greif's strategy to focus on opportunities where it can be an industry leader, enhancing its ability to invest in higher-margin, less cyclical markets [3]. - The timberlands sold are strategically located near robust timber markets, offering diverse and highly productive assets [3]. Group 3: Company Background - Greif, Inc. is a global leader in industrial packaging products and services, with a workforce of over 14,000 across more than 250 facilities in 37 countries [4]. - The company produces a wide range of packaging products, including steel, plastic, and fiber drums, as well as containerboard and specialty products [4]. Group 4: Acquirer Profile - Molpus Woodlands Group is a leading timberland investment management organization in the U.S., managing over 1.7 million acres of timberland investments [5]. - The company focuses on sustainable timberland management as an investment vehicle for various institutional and high-net-worth investors [5].

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]