Core Insights - Greif, Inc. reported strong fiscal second quarter 2025 results, demonstrating resilience and strategic progress under its "Build to Last" strategy, with a focus on cost reductions and operational discipline [4][5][23]. Financial Highlights - Net income increased by 6.5% to $47.3 million, or $0.82 per diluted Class A share, compared to $44.4 million, or $0.77 per diluted Class A share in the prior year [5]. - Adjusted EBITDA rose by 26.0% to $213.9 million from $169.7 million [5]. - Net cash provided by operating activities increased by $48.9 million to $136.4 million [5]. - Total debt decreased by $140.9 million to $2,775.2 million, with net debt down by $197.6 million to $2,522.5 million [5]. Segment Performance - Customized Polymer Solutions saw net sales increase by $43.7 million to $329.3 million, primarily due to contributions from recent acquisitions [11]. - Durable Metal Solutions experienced a net sales decrease of $34.8 million to $378.9 million, attributed to lower volumes and selling prices [13]. - Sustainable Fiber Solutions reported a net sales increase of $19.0 million to $599.1 million, driven by higher containerboard and boxboard prices [16]. - Integrated Solutions faced a net sales decline of $13.2 million to $78.4 million, mainly due to the divestiture of Delta Petroleum Company [19]. Cost Optimization and Strategic Actions - The company achieved $10.0 million in run-rate savings from its cost optimization program and expects to reach $15.0 million to $25.0 million by the end of fiscal year 2025 [5]. - Greif is progressing on the sale of its timberland business, anticipating using the proceeds for further debt reduction [5]. Tax and Dividend Information - The income tax rate for the quarter was 35.5%, with an expected range of 27.0% to 32.0% for fiscal 2025 [21]. - The Board of Directors declared quarterly cash dividends of $0.54 per share of Class A Common Stock and $0.81 per share of Class B Common Stock, payable on July 1, 2025 [22]. Company Outlook - The company acknowledges a multi-year period of industrial contraction with no compelling demand inflection identified, but remains positioned for a potential recovery in the industrial economy [23]. - Fiscal 2025 low-end guidance for Adjusted EBITDA is raised to $725 million and for adjusted free cash flow to $280 million [24].

DELAWARE, Ohio, April 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Greif, Inc. (NYSE: GEF, GEF.B), a global leader in industrial packaging products and services, announced today it has been recognized with a Gold and Silver Stevie® Award in the Management - Manufacturing category of the Annual American Business Awards®. Ole Rosgaard, President and CEO of Greif, was awarded with a Gold Stevie Award for Achievement in Management – Manufacturing, and Greif was awarded with a Silver Stevie Award for Company of the Year - Large ...

Core Viewpoint - Graphic Packaging Holding Company will permanently close its Middletown, Ohio, coated recycled paperboard manufacturing facility around June 1, 2025, as part of a strategy to consolidate production into its Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Waco, Texas facilities, impacting approximately 130 employees [1][2]. Group 1 - The closure is aimed at enhancing the company's competitive advantage in paperboard manufacturing while improving environmental efficiency, including water and energy usage [2][3]. - The investments in Kalamazoo and Waco are critical for delivering high-quality, economically advantageous paperboard in North America, with the Waco facility nearing completion [3]. Group 2 - Graphic Packaging is recognized as a global leader in sustainable consumer packaging, focusing on reducing the environmental footprint through the use of renewable and recycled materials [5]. - The company operates a global network of design and manufacturing facilities, serving well-known brands across various sectors, including food and beverage [5].