Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Third quarter net income for 2025 was $227 million or $2.51 per share, compared to $239 million or $2.65 per share in the third quarter of 2024. Excluding special items, net income was $247 million or $2.73 per share in 2025 [2][3] - Total company EBITDA for the third quarter was $503 million in 2025, up from $461 million in 2024 [3] - Cash provided by operations reached a record $469 million, with free cash flow also at a record $277 million after $192 million in capital expenditures [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the packaging business, EBITDA excluding special items was $492 million with sales of $2.1 billion, resulting in a margin of 23.1%, compared to last year's EBITDA of $446 million and sales of $2 billion with a margin of 22.2% [6] - The paper segment reported EBITDA of $40 million with sales of $161 million, reflecting a margin of 24.9%, down from a margin of 27.1% in the third quarter of 2024 [12][13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Domestic containerboard and corrugated products prices and mix were $0.72 per share above the third quarter of 2024, but down $0.02 per share compared to the second quarter of 2025 [9] - Total shipments in the third quarter were down 1.1% compared to last year, with a noted decrease in shipments per day in corrugated products plants [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to optimize production capabilities and reduce costs, leveraging in-house technical expertise [7] - The acquisition of the Greif containerboard business is expected to enhance long-term productivity and efficiency, with plans to integrate operations into PCA's corrugated system [11][30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while some end markets, such as beef and building materials, are struggling, overall business performance remains strong in other segments [24][25] - For the fourth quarter, the company expects per-day corrugated shipments to be higher than the third quarter, despite having three fewer shipping days [17] Other Important Information - The company revised its capital expenditure forecast for the year to approximately $800 million, down from a previous estimate of $840 to $870 million [15] - The annual net interest expense is expected to increase by $95 million, with $8 million recorded in the third quarter [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: How are bookings and billings as the fourth quarter starts? - Bookings and billings are slightly over 1% up, but comparisons are tough [22][23] Question: Any insights on the Greif acquisition and maintenance? - The Greif business is customer-focused, and PCA personnel are actively involved in improving operations [26][28] Question: Can you discuss the EBITDA expectations for Greif? - Historical performance was around $240 million EBITDA, with synergies expected to reach about $60 million [30] Question: What is the inventory strategy post-Greif acquisition? - The company plans to manage inventory levels down over the next couple of quarters [34] Question: How are energy costs impacting the business? - Energy costs have risen significantly, and the company is investing in projects to become electricity independent [58][65] Question: What is the outlook for the box business tied to beef and building products? - These segments are significant, with beef facing long-term challenges due to low cattle herds [114]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported third quarter net income of $227 million or $2.51 per share, with adjusted net income of $247 million or $2.73 per share, compared to $239 million or $2.65 per share in 2024 [3][4] - Third quarter net sales were $2.3 billion in 2025, up from $2.2 billion in 2024 [3] - Total company EBITDA for the third quarter, excluding special items, was $503 million in 2025 compared to $461 million in 2024 [3][4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Packaging segment, EBITDA, excluding special items, was $492 million with sales of $2.1 billion, resulting in a margin of 23.1%, compared to last year's EBITDA of $446 million and sales of $2 billion with a margin of 22.2% [5][11] - The Paper segment reported EBITDA, excluding special items, of $40 million with sales of $161 million, reflecting a margin of 24.9%, down from a margin of 27.1% in 2024 [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Domestic containerboard and corrugated products prices and mix were $0.72 per share above 2024, while export containerboard prices were up $0.01 per share versus last year's third quarter [9][12] - Total shipments in the corrugated products plants were down 1.1% in 2025 compared to last year, with a noted decline in shipments per day [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company completed the acquisition of the Greif Containerboard business, which is expected to improve long-term productivity and efficiency [4][7] - The management emphasized the integration of the acquired operations into PCA's corrugated system, highlighting the cultural compatibility and customer focus of the Greif team [11][30] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that customer ordering patterns reflect ongoing market conditions, with some end markets, such as beef and building materials, facing challenges [26][112] - For the fourth quarter, the company expects per day corrugated shipments to be higher than the third quarter, with anticipated lower prices and mix in the Packaging segment [18][19] Other Important Information - Cash provided by operations reached a record $469 million, with free cash flow also at a record $277 million [14] - The company revised its capital expenditure forecast for the year to approximately $800 million, down from a previous forecast of $840 million to $870 million [15][16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about bookings and billings as we're starting the fourth quarter? - The current blend of bookings and billings is slightly over 1% up, with tough comparisons expected to continue [24][25] Question: Any insights on the Greif acquisition and maintenance outlook? - The core converting side of the Greif business is well-capitalized, and operational improvements are being made [28][30] Question: How are you managing inventory and what are the expectations for 2026? - The company is actively working to reduce inventory levels and expects to manage this within normal operational outages [109] Question: Can you provide details on the impact of energy costs and inflation? - Energy costs have significantly increased, with electricity rates up 50% to 75%, impacting overall operational costs [55][57] Question: What is the outlook for the beef and building materials segments? - These segments are currently facing challenges, with beef herds at a 70-year low and building materials reliant on interest rates and housing starts [26][112]

Core Points - The court is currently evaluating a motion to dismiss an antitrust lawsuit filed by Artuso Pastry against several major paper and packaging companies, including Cascades, Georgia-Pacific, and Graphic Packaging International, among others [4][5][6] - The dismissal of Smurfit Westrock and Georgia-Pacific was made without prejudice, allowing for the possibility of their re-involvement if new evidence arises [2][9] - The plaintiff's claims center around allegations of a price-fixing conspiracy among the defendants, but the court has indicated that the plaintiff has not provided sufficient evidence to support these claims [6][10][11] Group 1: Legal Proceedings - The defendants filed a motion to dismiss the case on the grounds of "failure to state a claim," indicating that even if some facts are true, they do not establish a legal claim [5][6] - Artuso Pastry's responses to the motions to dismiss are due in December, with defendants having until January to submit reply briefs [4] Group 2: Company Involvement - Smurfit Westrock was included as a defendant in the lawsuit, alongside predecessor companies that merged in July 2024 [3] - The case also lists multiple entities from Cascades as defendants, including Cascades Inc., Cascades USA Inc., and Cascades Holding US [3] Group 3: Antitrust Allegations - The lawsuit alleges that the defendants created a cartel for corrugated materials, but the court has noted that the plaintiff must provide more substantial evidence of collusion [6][7] - The plaintiff's ability to prove standing is questioned, as it must demonstrate direct injury from the alleged anticompetitive conduct [8][9] Group 4: Specific Company Defenses - Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) argues that the plaintiff's claims are insufficient, citing a lack of evidence for conspiracy and its own capacity expansion during the alleged price increases [10][11] - Pratt Industries similarly contends that its actions, including increased output and new facility openings, contradict the notion of participation in a price-fixing conspiracy [11][12]

Core Insights - Greif, Inc. has been recognized as one of America's Top 100 Most Loved Workplaces for the fifth consecutive year, ranking 51st on the list [1][2] - The recognition highlights the company's commitment to employee experience and retention strategies in the current economy [1][2] Company Recognition - The honor reflects the values of empathy, integrity, and commitment that Greif promotes among its employees [2] - The recognition is seen as a testament to the spirit of the workforce, emphasizing a unified global team with a common purpose [2] Methodology of Rankings - The rankings were determined through research conducted by Best Practice Institute (BPI), utilizing the Love of Workplace Index and advanced sentiment analysis [3] - This methodology assesses various factors such as emotional connection, collaboration, respect, alignment of values, and achievement [3] Survey Details - Over 2.8 million U.S. employees were surveyed across diverse companies and industries, with hundreds of executives interviewed for additional context [4] - The companies represented span more than 50 industries, including Financial Services, Healthcare, Technology, and Construction [4] Validation of Rankings - The rankings are independently validated to reflect both employee experiences and a thorough external assessment of workplace practices [5] - This validation is crucial in an era where employees seek tangible proof of workplace quality rather than mere promises [5]

Core Insights - Greif, Inc. has successfully completed the sale of its timberlands business to Molpus Woodlands Group for $462 million, which will aid in debt reduction and enhance capital efficiency [1][2][7] Group 1: Timberlands Sale - The sale involves approximately 173,000 acres of timberlands located in the Southeastern United States [2][7] - This divestiture is part of Greif's ongoing portfolio optimization strategy, allowing the company to concentrate on its core business and invest in higher-margin markets [2][4] Group 2: Portfolio Optimization - In September, Greif also sold its containerboard business to Packaging Corporation of America, which includes two mills with a production capacity of 800,000 tons [3] - The cash proceeds from both sales are expected to reduce Greif's leverage ratio to below 1.2X, strengthening its balance sheet and generating interest savings [5][7] Group 3: Strategic Goals - The timberlands sale aligns with Greif's "Build to Last" strategy, marking a significant step towards improved capital efficiency and accelerated growth [4] - The company aims to reduce recurring capital expenditures, thereby unlocking value-creation opportunities [4] Group 4: Stock Performance - Greif's stock has increased by 0.7% over the past year, contrasting with a 14.3% decline in the industry [6]

Core Points - Greif, Inc. has completed the sale of its timberlands business to Molpus Woodlands Group for approximately $462 million after adjustments [1][2] - The sale is part of Greif's strategy to achieve the highest return on invested capital and is expected to lower the company's leverage ratio below 1.2x, enhancing its balance sheet and providing significant interest savings for fiscal 2026 [2] Company Overview - Greif, Inc. is a global leader in performance packaging, operating in 40 countries and providing innovative and tailored solutions for various industries [3] - The company emphasizes customer service, operational excellence, and sustainability in its packaging solutions [3]

Core Viewpoint - Greif, Inc. has appointed Dennis Hoffman as Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary, succeeding Gary Martz, who will retire on November 30, 2025 [1][3]. Group 1: Leadership Transition - Dennis Hoffman brings extensive experience in corporate law, governance, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and environmental compliance, having worked closely with Gary Martz for the past 15 years [2]. - Ole Rosgaard, President and CEO, expressed confidence in Hoffman's leadership and business orientation, stating he is well-suited to guide Greif's legal, compliance, and governance agenda [3]. - Gary Martz has served in his role for over two decades, significantly contributing to Greif's corporate governance and strategic transactions, and will assist in the transition until his retirement [3]. Group 2: Company Overview - Greif, founded in 1877, operates in 40 countries and is a leader in performance packaging, providing innovative and tailored solutions for various industries [4]. - The company emphasizes customer service, operational excellence, and sustainability, aiming to create lasting value for stakeholders [4].

Core Points - Greif, Inc. will report its 2025 fourth quarter financial results on November 5, 2025, after market close [1] - A conference call to discuss the results will take place on November 6, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. ET [1] - The company will provide conference call slides along with the earnings press release [2] Conference Call Details - Participants can access the call through an online registration link, receiving a confirmation with dial-in details and a unique conference call code [3] - Phone lines will open at 8:00 a.m. ET on November 5, 2025 [3] - A digital replay of the conference call will be available two hours after the call on the company's website [3] Company Overview - Greif, founded in 1877, is a global leader in performance packaging, operating in 40 countries [4] - The company focuses on delivering innovative and tailored solutions for demanding industries, emphasizing customer service, operational excellence, and sustainability [4] - Greif's product offerings include Customized Polymer, Sustainable Fiber, Durable Metal, and Integrated Solutions [4]

Core Insights - Cuprina Holdings has secured exclusive licensing rights for Southeast Asia's first medical waste recycling technology, developed under the oversight of UNIDO and GEF, aimed at improving environmental management in the region [1][2][4] Group 1: Technology and Operations - The new technology utilizes advanced high-temperature steam treatment to sterilize and decontaminate medical waste, particularly plastic-based materials, avoiding the toxic emissions associated with incineration [3] - Cuprina plans to apply for operating licenses in Singapore to construct a facility for this technology and is engaging with local toxic waste disposal companies to integrate the new processes into the national waste management framework [4] Group 2: Market Opportunity - The biohazardous medical waste in Singapore increased from 4,400 tons in 2016 to 5,700 tons in 2020, reflecting a 5% annual growth rate due to rising healthcare demand and stricter infection control measures [5] - The global medical waste management market was valued at USD 34.06 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 59.42 billion by 2030, growing at an annual rate of 8%, with Asia-Pacific identified as the fastest-growing region [6] Group 3: Strategic Vision - By establishing Singapore as the first hub for this technology outside of China, Cuprina aims to capture significant growth opportunities in Southeast Asia, where governments are tightening environmental standards [5] - Cuprina's CEO emphasized the importance of transitioning from incineration and landfill methods to a new model that protects public health and the environment while creating long-term shareholder value [7]

Company Overview - Greif, Inc (NYSE: GEF) is undergoing significant strategic changes by shedding lower-margin businesses and focusing on high-value end markets [1] - The company has demonstrated resilient profitability despite a sluggish macro backdrop and uneven segment volumes [1] Financial Performance - For 3Q25, Greif, Inc has shown strong financial performance, indicating effective management and strategic realignment [1]