Core Insights - Atlantic Investment Management, Inc. has completely exited its position in Graphic Packaging, selling all 645,584 shares for an estimated $12.63 million [2][10] - The exit reflects a strategic shift away from Graphic Packaging, which had previously represented 7.3% of the fund's 13F reportable assets under management [8] Company Overview - Graphic Packaging is a leading provider of fiber-based packaging solutions, with a global customer base and a diverse product portfolio [6] - The company focuses on innovation and operational efficiency, leveraging integrated manufacturing capabilities and a broad distribution network [6] Financial Performance - As of February 17, 2026, Graphic Packaging's stock price was $12.37, down 53.2% over the past year, significantly underperforming the S&P 500's approximately 13% gain [8] - In 2025, net sales decreased by 2% to $8.6 billion, while net income fell to $444 million from $658 million the previous year, indicating compressed margins [11] - The company's net leverage increased to 3.8x from 3.0x, despite $935 million in capital expenditures primarily related to its $1.67 billion Waco project [11] Future Outlook - Management is targeting adjusted free cash flow of $700 million to $800 million in 2026, alongside guidance for lower adjusted EBITDA and EPS of $0.75 to $1.15, reflecting operational challenges [12] - The exit by Atlantic Investment Management may indicate a preference for reallocating capital towards businesses with stronger earnings momentum amid rising leverage and shrinking margins [12]

Core Insights - Graphic Packaging (NYSE:GPK) is recognized as one of the top eight paper and plastic packaging stocks favored by hedge funds [1] - Analysts have recently adjusted their price targets for GPK, reflecting concerns about near-term challenges and performance [2][3] Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - Ghansham Panjabi from Baird reduced the target price from $18 to $15, indicating a revised upside potential of over 13% while maintaining a Neutral rating due to near-term business challenges [1] - Michael Roxland from Truist Financial reaffirmed a Hold rating and lowered the price target from $18 to $14, citing weak volumes and pricing in the recently announced fourth-quarter results, which reported adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.29 [2][3] Future Guidance - Management's guidance for 2026 includes an expected EBITDA range of $1.05 to $1.25 billion and an EPS range of $0.75 to $1.15 [4] Company Overview - Graphic Packaging is a vertically integrated manufacturer of fiber-based consumer packaging materials, serving various segments such as food & beverage, foodservice, and household products [5] - The company operates in three segments: Americas Paperboard Packaging, Europe Paperboard Packaging, and Paperboard Manufacturing, offering products like unbleached, bleached & recycled paperboard, cups, lids, food containers, and specialized packaging machines [5]

Company Overview - Graphic Packaging Holding Company is a leading provider of fiber-based packaging solutions, focusing on sustainable and innovative packaging for food, beverage, and consumer goods sectors [6] - The company has a market capitalization of $4.51 billion and reported revenue of $8.61 billion with a net income of $511 million for the trailing twelve months [4] Recent Developments - On January 16, Howard Capital Management Group sold its entire holding of 1,069,223 shares in Graphic Packaging, with an estimated transaction value of $20.92 million [2] - Following this transaction, Graphic Packaging comprised 1.32% of the fund's reportable 13F assets [3] Financial Performance - As of January 16, shares of Graphic Packaging were priced at $15.28, reflecting a decline of 43.51% over the past year, significantly underperforming the S&P 500 by approximately 60 percentage points [3] - In the third quarter, packaging volumes decreased by 2% year over year, with sales slipping 1% to $2.19 billion, and adjusted EBITDA fell 11% year over year due to pricing pressure and cost inflation [7] Market Position and Strategy - Graphic Packaging offers a diverse range of products including coated paperboard, folding cartons, cups, lids, and food containers, and also provides packaging machinery and support services [8] - The company serves a wide array of clients including consumer packaged goods companies, quick-service restaurants, and foodservice providers across multiple regions [8] Operational Challenges - The company is experiencing increased net leverage, which climbed to 3.9 times adjusted EBITDA from 3.0 times at the end of the previous year, attributed to heavy capital spending on long-term projects [9] - The current operational environment shows that consumer demand has stalled, leading to compressed margins and increased balance sheet risk [9]