Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 24% year-over-year, with EBITDA margins improving by 260 basis points to 12.3% due to cost optimization efforts [9][10] - Earnings per share rose by 140% year-over-year, driven by higher EBITDA and lower interest expenses, despite an increase in tax expenses [10] - The company reaffirmed its low-end guidance for 2026, targeting $630 million in adjusted EBITDA and $315 million in adjusted free cash flow [11][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Customized Polymer Solutions, demand was flat overall, with IBC volumes up low singles and small containers down low singles, while large containers declined mid-single digits [6][7] - Durable Metal Solutions faced pressure, particularly from chemical customers, while Sustainable Fiber Solutions saw volume declines due to industrial softness in North America [7] - Innovative Closure Solutions experienced a high single-digit decline in volumes, but total sales remained flat due to a strong price mix [7][8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The overall market environment remains soft, particularly in fiber and steel, affecting demand across various segments [19] - The company noted that while some seasonality may improve small container volumes in Q2, the overall demand conditions are still muted [19][20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on its "Build to Last" strategy, emphasizing cost optimization and capital flexibility to create shareholder value [3][4] - There is a commitment to organic growth, with significant capital allocated to high-return investments and a disciplined approach to share repurchases [12][14] - The management is transforming the commercial team to focus on aggressive market capture, shifting from a "farmer" to a "hunter" mentality [20][48] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the continued muted demand environment but expressed confidence in the company's ability to manage costs and drive growth [15][19] - The company is optimistic about the potential for volume recovery in the latter half of the year, supported by ongoing commercial initiatives [48][50] Other Important Information - The company completed $130 million of its $150 million share repurchase program and announced a new $300 million authorization for future buybacks [4][13] - The company is actively addressing manufacturing costs and expects improvements as the year progresses [38] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on inventory management and volume trends - Management noted that demand conditions remain muted, particularly in fiber and steel, but some seasonality may improve volumes in Q2 [19][20] Question: CapEx and growth projects - The company is deploying additional capacity in Europe and Africa, particularly in the mining sector, which is showing significant growth [26][27] Question: Volume performance and EBITDA guidance - Management expressed confidence in achieving volume targets for the year despite a weaker Q1, citing ongoing commercial activities and customer wins [48][50] Question: Price cost spread in Fiber - Management indicated that the price cost spread will be more favorable in the second half of the year, with ongoing efforts to manage costs effectively [35][36] Question: Share repurchase strategy - The company plans to maintain a disciplined approach to share repurchases, with a commitment to a 2% annual buyback, while remaining open to potential acquisitions [66][68]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 24% year-over-year, with EBITDA margins improving by 260 basis points to 12.3% due to cost optimization efforts [9][10] - Earnings per share rose by 140% year-over-year, driven by higher EBITDA and lower interest expenses, despite an increase in tax expenses [10] - The company reaffirmed its low-end guidance for 2026, targeting $630 million in adjusted EBITDA and $315 million in adjusted free cash flow [11][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Customized Polymer Solutions, demand was flat overall, with IBC volumes up low singles and small containers down low singles, while large containers declined mid-single digits [6][7] - Durable Metal Solutions faced pressure, particularly from chemical customers, while Sustainable Fiber Solutions saw volume declines due to industrial softness in North America [7] - Innovative Closure Solutions experienced a high single-digit decline in volumes, but total sales remained flat due to strong price mix [7][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The overall market environment remains soft, particularly in fiber and steel, affecting demand across various segments [19] - The company noted that while some segments may see seasonal improvements, the overall demand conditions are still muted [19][20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on its "Build to Last" strategy, emphasizing cost optimization and capital flexibility to create shareholder value [3][4] - There is a commitment to organic growth, with capital being deployed in areas with strong business cases, particularly in Europe and Africa [26][27] - The company is transforming its commercial team to focus on aggressive market capture, shifting from a "farmer" to a "hunter" mentality [20][48] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the continued muted demand environment but expressed confidence in the company's ability to manage costs and drive growth [15][19] - The company is optimistic about the potential for volume recovery in the second half of the year, supported by ongoing commercial initiatives [48][50] Other Important Information - The company completed $130 million of its $150 million share repurchase program and announced a new $300 million share repurchase authorization [4][13] - The company is committed to increasing dividends over time and maintaining a leverage ratio well below 2x [12][14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on inventory management and volume trends - Management noted that demand conditions remain muted, particularly in fiber and steel, but some seasonality may improve volumes in Q2 [19][20] Question: CapEx and growth projects - The company is deploying additional capacity in Europe and Africa, particularly in the mining sector, which is seeing significant growth [26][27] Question: Volume performance and EBITDA guidance - Management expressed confidence in achieving volume targets for the year despite a weaker Q1, citing ongoing commercial activities and customer wins [48][50] Question: Price cost spread in fiber and polymer margins - Management indicated that the price cost spread for fiber will annualize in the second half of the year, with polymer margins impacted by product mix [35][36][38] Question: Share repurchase strategy and future capital allocation - The company will flex its capital allocation strategy based on market conditions and M&A opportunities, with a primary focus on organic growth [67][68]

First Quarter 2026 Earnings Conference Call January 28, 2026 1 R0 G113 B206 #0070CD R234 G118 B34 #F07623 Safe Harbor and Presentation Note R51 G63 B72 #333F48 R0 G40 B85 #002855 R116 G255 B11 #74FF6F R201 G244 B255 #C9F4FF Primary Colors: Secondary Colors: R52 G119 B98 #337761 R255 G199 B44 #FFC72C FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This presentation contains certain forward-looking information within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words "may," "will," "expect," "intend," ...

Core Viewpoint - Greif, Inc. reported strong fiscal first quarter 2026 results, demonstrating significant growth in Adjusted EBITDA and net income, despite a challenging demand environment [6][9]. Financial Highlights - Net income increased to $176.6 million or $3.00 per diluted Class A share, compared to $6.6 million or $0.13 per diluted Class A share in the previous year, marking a substantial increase [9]. - Adjusted EBITDA rose by 24.0% to $122.5 million from $98.8 million year-over-year [9]. - Total debt decreased by $1,896.2 million to $944.0 million, primarily due to debt repayment from the divestiture of the Containerboard Business [9]. - The leverage ratio improved to 1.2x from 3.6x in the prior year quarter [9]. Segment Results - **Customized Polymer Solutions**: Net sales increased by $10.7 million to $305.1 million, driven by positive foreign currency translation impacts [15]. - **Durable Metal Solutions**: Net sales decreased by $1.1 million to $354.8 million, primarily due to lower volumes, but gross profit increased by $1.7 million to $70.7 million [17]. - **Sustainable Fiber Solutions**: Net sales decreased by $32.1 million to $311.9 million, largely due to lower volumes, while operating profit surged by $217.4 million to $218.5 million due to a gain from the sale of timberlands [19]. - **Innovative Closure Solutions**: Net sales increased by $0.6 million to $23.0 million, with gross profit rising by $1.4 million to $8.9 million [22]. Strategic Actions - The company executed approximately $130.0 million in share repurchases during the first quarter and obtained authorization for an additional $300.0 million in future repurchases [9]. - Greif reaffirmed its low-end guidance for fiscal 2026, estimating Adjusted EBITDA at $630.0 million and Adjusted Free Cash Flow at $315.0 million [26]. Company Outlook - The company acknowledges a multi-year period of industrial contraction and does not foresee a compelling demand inflection in the near term, maintaining a cautious outlook [25].

Financial Performance & Divestments - The company divested its Containerboard Business for $1.8 billion[4] and Land Management for $462 million[8], resulting in gross proceeds of $2.3 billion[8] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 7.4% from $92.1 million in Q4 2024 to $98.9 million in Q4 2025[23, 25] - Adjusted Free Cash Flow improved by 24.3% from $98.6 million to $122.6 million[23, 25] - The company initiates share repurchases of $150 million[34] Cost Optimization & Savings - The company is accelerating its cost optimization program, targeting $80-90 million in run-rate cost savings by the end of FY26[11] - The company is increasing its savings commitment to $120 million by the end of FY27[13, 14] - SG&A rationalization has yielded $35 million in cumulative savings[14] Segment Performance - Customized Polymer Solutions net sales increased from $199.0 million to $205.4 million, with gross profit margin improving from 20.0% to 22.2%[26] - Durable Metal Solutions net sales decreased from $259.5 million to $247.3 million, but gross profit margin improved from 19.2% to 20.3%[26] - Sustainable Fiber Solutions net sales decreased from $208.2 million to $196.6 million, but gross profit margin improved from 19.6% to 24.9%[26] FY26 Guidance - The company provides low-end 2026 guidance for Adjusted EBITDA of $630 million[29] and Adjusted Free Cash Flow of $315 million[29]

Core Insights - Greif, Inc. reported significant financial results for the two-month fourth quarter and eleven-month fiscal year 2025, highlighting a substantial decrease in net income and changes in operational performance due to the divestment of its Containerboard Business [1][2][3]. Financial Performance - For the two-month fiscal fourth quarter of 2025, net income decreased by 227.4% to $(43.3) million, or $(0.73) per diluted Class A share, compared to $34.0 million, or $0.58 per diluted Class A share in the same period of 2024 [6]. - Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter increased by 7.4% to $98.9 million, while combined Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 3.7% to $122.7 million [6]. - For the eleven-month fiscal year, net income decreased by 93.2% to $15.1 million, or $0.28 per diluted Class A share, compared to $220.5 million, or $3.81 per diluted Class A share in the previous year [6]. - Adjusted EBITDA for the eleven-month period increased by 3.1% to $511.3 million, while combined Adjusted EBITDA rose by 10.9% to $702.6 million [6]. Operational Changes - The company divested its Containerboard Business for $1.8 billion, which is now classified as discontinued operations starting in Q3 2025 [2][3]. - The fiscal year-end was changed to September 30, resulting in an 11-month fiscal year for 2025 [3]. Debt and Cash Flow - Total debt decreased by $1,538.1 million to $1,202.5 million, and net debt decreased by $1,597.1 million to $945.8 million, leading to a leverage ratio reduction to 1.63x from 3.48x [7]. - Net cash provided by operating activities decreased by $376.5 million to a use of $244.7 million for the fourth quarter, while adjusted free cash flow increased by $24.0 million to $122.6 million [6]. Strategic Actions - The company achieved cost optimization run-rate savings of approximately $50 million by the end of fiscal year 2025 and increased its anticipated cost optimization commitment to $120 million [15]. - Plans for share repurchases in 2026 reflect confidence in the company's earnings power and operational leverage [9]. Market Outlook - The company noted a multi-year period of industrial contraction with no compelling demand inflection identified, leading to conservative guidance for fiscal 2026 [31][32]. - The low-end guidance for fiscal 2026 includes an estimated Adjusted EBITDA of $630 million and Adjusted Free Cash Flow of $315 million [32].

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 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]

Financial Performance - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 2025 was $213.9 million, compared to $169.7 million in Q2 FY24[17] - Adjusted EBITDA percentage increased to 15.4% in Q2 2025 from 12.4% in Q2 FY24[17] - Adjusted Class A Earnings Per Share increased to $1.19 in Q2 2025 from $0.83 in Q2 FY24[17] - Adjusted Free Cash Flow increased to $109.6 million in Q2 2025 from $59.0 million in Q2 FY24[17] - The company is raising the low-end guidance for Adjusted EBITDA to $725 million (previously $710 million) and Adjusted Free Cash Flow to $280 million (previously $245 million)[23] Segment Performance - Customized Polymer Solutions net sales increased to $329.3 million in Q2 2025 from $285.6 million in Q2 2024[20] - Durable Metal Solutions net sales decreased to $378.9 million in Q2 2025 from $413.7 million in Q2 2024[20] - Sustainable Fiber Solutions net sales increased to $599.1 million in Q2 2025 from $580.1 million in Q2 2024[20] - Integrated Solutions net sales increased to $78.4 million in Q2 2025 from $76.4 million in Q2 2024[20] Cost Optimization - The company is on pace to meet its 2025 run-rate cost commitment of $100 million[7] - The company has a savings commitment of $15-25 million for FY25 run-rate[7] - The company achieved $10 million in year-end run-rate savings as of Q2 2025[7] Other Key Points - The company anticipates a maximum annual impact of $10 million in cost before mitigating actions due to global trade monitoring[16]