Greif Earnings Beat Estimates in Q3, Revenues Decrease 3% Y/Y

Core Insights - Greif, Inc. (GEF) reported adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.03 for Q3 fiscal 2025, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 81 cents, marking a 12% year-over-year improvement excluding discontinued operations [1][10] - Total sales decreased by 2.6% year over year to $1.13 billion, falling short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.47 billion [2][10] - The company announced a quarterly cash dividend increase, reflecting its capital allocation strategy, with dividends to be paid on October 1, 2025 [11] Financial Performance - The cost of sales decreased by 4.6% year over year to $877 million, resulting in a gross profit of $257 million, which is a 5.1% increase from the prior year [2] - Gross margin improved to 22.7% from 21% in the previous year [2][10] - Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses rose to $157 million from $153 million year over year [3] Segment Performance - Customized Polymer Solutions segment revenues were $340 million, up from $315 million year over year, but below the projected $356 million [5] - Durable Metal Solutions segment revenues fell by 5.7% to $400 million, exceeding the estimated $393 million, with adjusted EBITDA of $48 million [6] - Sustainable Fiber Solutions segment revenues decreased by 5.4% to $308 million, missing the estimated $645 million, while adjusted EBITDA rose to $65.5 million from $57 million [7] - Integrated Solutions segment revenues totaled $87 million, down from $100.5 million year over year, with adjusted EBITDA of $8.1 million [8] Cash Position and Outlook - Cash and cash equivalents at the end of Q3 fiscal 2025 were $285 million, up from $198 million at the end of fiscal 2024 [9] - Operating cash flow increased significantly to $200 million from $77 million year over year [9] - Long-term debt decreased to $2.22 billion from $2.63 billion [9] - The company expects fiscal 2025 adjusted EBITDA to be between $725 million and $735 million [13] Stock Performance - Greif's shares have increased by 7% over the past year, contrasting with a 10.9% decline in the industry [14]