Greif Earnings Beat Estimates in Q2, Revenues Increase 1% Y/Y

Core Insights - Greif, Inc. (GEF) reported adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.19 for Q2 fiscal 2025, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.08, marking a year-over-year increase of 43.4% [1][10] - Total revenues increased by 1.1% year over year to $1.39 billion, although this fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.43 billion [2][10] - The gross margin improved to 23.1%, up from 19.7% in the prior year, with gross profit rising 18.3% to $319.5 million [2][10] Financial Performance - Selling, general and administrative expenses rose to $173 million from $167 million in the prior year [3] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 26% year over year to $214 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 15.4%, compared to 12.4% in the previous year [3][10] - Cash and cash equivalents at the end of Q2 fiscal 2025 were $253 million, up from $198 million at the end of fiscal 2024, with cash generated from operating activities totaling $136 million compared to $87.5 million in the prior year [9] Segment Performance - Customized Polymer Solutions segment revenues were $329 million, up from $286 million year over year, with adjusted EBITDA of $53 million, exceeding estimates [5] - Durable Metal Solutions segment revenues decreased by 8.4% year over year to $379 million, with adjusted EBITDA of $63.7 million, slightly lower than the previous year [6] - Sustainable Fiber Solutions segment revenues grew by 3.3% year over year to $599 million, with adjusted EBITDA rising to $79.5 million from $49.5 million in the prior year [7] - Integrated Solutions segment revenues fell to $78 million from $92 million year over year, with adjusted EBITDA of $17.3 million compared to $20.8 million in the previous year [8] Outlook - Greif raised its fiscal 2025 adjusted EBITDA low-end forecast to $725 million from $710 million [10][12] - The company expects the low end of fiscal 2025 adjusted free cash flow to be $280 million [12] Dividend Announcement - Greif's board announced a quarterly cash dividend of 54 cents per share for Class A Common Stock and 81 cents per share for Class B Common Stock, payable on July 1, 2025 [11] Stock Performance - Greif's shares have declined by 9.5% over the past year, compared to an 8.4% decline in the industry [13]