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Greif Class A (GEF)
NYSE:GEF
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Greif Class A (GEF) AI Stock Analysis

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GEF

Greif Class A

(NYSE:GEF)

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Neutral 63 (OpenAI - 4o)
Rating:63Neutral
Price Target:
$66.00
▲(10.70% Upside)
Greif Class A's overall stock score is driven by strong earnings call outcomes and stable financial performance, despite technical weaknesses and valuation concerns. The company's strategic divestments and cost optimizations are positive, but challenges with revenue growth and market softness remain.
Positive Factors
Strategic Divestitures
The sale of Soterra timberland and Containerboard business aligns with Greif's focus on higher-margin markets, enhancing capital efficiency and reducing debt, which positions the company for long-term growth.
Cost Optimization
Greif's progress in cost optimization, with significant savings, indicates a strong focus on operational efficiency, which can lead to improved margins and profitability in the long term.
Cash Flow Generation
Strong cash flow generation reflects efficient operations and provides the company with the flexibility to invest in growth opportunities and reduce debt, supporting long-term financial stability.
Negative Factors
High Leverage
High leverage poses risks, especially in volatile markets, potentially limiting financial flexibility and increasing vulnerability to economic downturns, which could impact long-term stability.
North America Market Challenges
Continued challenges in the North American market, particularly in industrial sectors, could hinder revenue growth and profitability, affecting the company's market position and long-term prospects.
Softness in Metal Solutions
Declining sales in Metal Solutions indicate potential structural issues in industrial markets, which could affect Greif's ability to maintain revenue growth and market share in this segment.

Greif Class A (GEF) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Greif Class A Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionGreif Class A (GEF) is a global leader in industrial packaging solutions, specializing in the production of steel, plastic, and fiber drums, as well as intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) and other packaging products. The company serves a diverse range of sectors including chemicals, food, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods, offering products that ensure the safe and efficient transport and storage of various materials. In addition to packaging, Greif provides services such as packaging design and logistics support, enhancing its value proposition to customers worldwide.
How the Company Makes MoneyGreif generates revenue primarily through the sale of its packaging products, which include steel, plastic, and fiber containers. The company has a diversified revenue model, with key revenue streams coming from the sale of new containers, reconditioned containers, and the provision of packaging-related services. Greif also benefits from long-term partnerships with major customers in various industries, which provide a steady stream of orders and foster customer loyalty. Furthermore, the company strategically focuses on operational efficiency and innovation in product development, enabling it to maintain competitive pricing and enhance profitability.

Greif Class A Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Aug 27, 2025
(Q3-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Dec 03, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call reflects positive strategic progress through divestments and cost optimization, resulting in improved cash flow and margins. However, challenges persist in certain markets and segments, with volume softness impacting overall performance.
Q3-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Successful Divestment of Containerboard Business
The divestment of the containerboard business is planned to close at the end of the month, with cash proceeds net of tax expected to be approximately $1.75 billion, reducing the leverage ratio below 1.2x.
Strong Free Cash Flow Growth
Free cash flow rose by almost 400% to $171 million in the quarter, demonstrating the resilience of the business model.
Improved EBITDA and Margin
Adjusted EBITDA dollars increased by $4 million, and EBITDA margins increased by 70 basis points, driven by improved price/cost in Fiber, Polymers, and Integrated segments.
SG&A and Cost Optimization Achievements
Achieved $20 million in run rate savings towards fiscal 2025 commitments, including $15 million in SG&A and network optimization efforts.
Growth in Polymer Segment
Customized polymer volumes were up 2.2%, led by low double-digit growth in small containers, highlighting the success of the strategic portfolio shift.
Negative Updates
Decline in Durable Metals and Fiber Volumes
Durable metals volumes declined 5.8%, and sustainable fiber volumes declined 7.6%, reflecting softness in industrial demand.
Challenges in North American and EMEA Markets
Low double-digit softness in North America and low single-digit declines in EMEA, particularly affecting the metals and bulk chemicals markets.
Impact of Industrial Demand Softness
Fiber sales were down due to converting demand softness, although gross profit dollars were up due to better price/cost dynamics.
Volume Softness Across Portfolio
Despite improvements in some areas, volume softness was noted across the portfolio, impacting overall performance.
Company Guidance
During Greif's Third Quarter 2025 Earnings Call, the company provided comprehensive guidance on its strategic and financial outlook. The divestment of the containerboard business is expected to close by the end of the month, with anticipated cash proceeds net of tax amounting to approximately $1.75 billion. This transaction is projected to reduce the leverage ratio below 1.2x. Greif has already achieved $20 million in run rate savings towards its fiscal 2025 commitment of $15 million to $25 million, primarily from SG&A reductions and network optimization. Customized polymer volumes increased by 2.2%, driven by low double-digit growth in small containers, while durable metals and sustainable fiber volumes declined by 5.8% and 7.6%, respectively. The company raised its 11-month guidance midpoint for EBITDA to $730 million and free cash flow to $310 million, underlining improved SG&A cost optimization and lower expected CapEx spend. Greif continues to focus on markets with strong growth potential, concentrating on areas such as Agrochemicals, Pharma, Flavor & Fragrance, and Food & Beverage, while navigating a mixed macroeconomic environment.

Greif Class A Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Greif Class A exhibits solid financial performance with stable revenue growth and efficient cash flow management. However, high leverage poses a risk, and there is room for profitability improvement through cost optimization.
Income Statement
65
Positive
Greif Class A demonstrates stable revenue growth, with a 1.37% increase in TTM revenue compared to the previous year. The gross profit margin is healthy at 20.71%, while the net profit margin is moderate at 3.86%. Although the EBIT and EBITDA margins are satisfactory at 8.62% and 13.44% respectively, there's room for improvement in cost management to enhance profitability further.
Balance Sheet
60
Neutral
The company's debt-to-equity ratio is relatively high at 1.44, indicating significant leverage, which could pose risks in volatile markets. However, the return on equity is decent at 9.99%, and the equity ratio stands at 31.60%, reflecting a balanced approach to asset management. Strengthening equity and reducing debt would improve financial stability.
Cash Flow
70
Positive
Greif Class A shows a strong cash flow position with a free cash flow growth rate of 25.56% in the latest period. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is robust at 1.73, demonstrating efficient cash generation. The free cash flow to net income ratio is also solid at 1.00, suggesting good cash conversion from earnings.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue5.20B5.45B5.22B6.35B5.56B4.51B
Gross Profit1.11B1.07B1.15B1.29B1.09B914.70M
EBITDA640.20M715.80M824.50M839.20M845.70M601.70M
Net Income190.00M268.80M359.20M376.70M390.70M108.80M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets6.74B6.65B5.96B5.46B5.82B5.51B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments285.20M197.70M180.90M147.10M124.60M105.90M
Total Debt2.94B3.07B2.54B2.17B2.52B2.80B
Total Liabilities4.41B4.40B3.85B3.65B4.22B4.29B
Stockholders Equity2.19B2.08B1.95B1.76B1.51B1.15B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow338.10M169.50M435.90M474.50M248.70M317.90M
Operating Cash Flow490.50M356.00M649.50M657.50M396.00M454.70M
Investing Cash Flow-24.70M-658.30M-670.20M-28.20M46.80M-25.20M
Financing Cash Flow-405.70M324.30M69.70M-531.00M-422.90M-405.30M

Greif Class A Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price59.62
Price Trends
50DMA
64.14
Negative
100DMA
61.77
Negative
200DMA
59.64
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-1.36
Positive
RSI
34.93
Neutral
STOCH
19.53
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For GEF, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 59.62 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 62.14, below the 50-day MA of 64.14, and below the 200-day MA of 59.64, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -1.36 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 34.93 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 19.53 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for GEF.

Greif Class A Risk Analysis

Greif Class A disclosed 24 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Greif Class A reported the most risks in the "Production" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Greif Class A Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (61)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
68
Neutral
619.13M62.743.49%3.26%1.11%-74.94%
65
Neutral
5.02B16.7230.65%2.35%-2.00%-18.50%
65
Neutral
4.57B-65.1417.10%4.53%0.90%-118.86%
63
Neutral
$2.89B21.897.46%3.66%-2.55%-40.81%
58
Neutral
2.31B-135.92-2.15%10.36%8.39%72.18%
57
Neutral
2.02B-7.91-11.70%-3.36%11.88%
61
Neutral
$18.38B12.79-2.54%3.03%1.52%-15.83%
* Consumer Cyclical Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
GEF
Greif Class A
59.62
-0.67
-1.11%
OI
O-I Glass
13.13
0.46
3.63%
SEE
Sealed Air
34.10
-0.46
-1.33%
SLGN
Silgan Holdings
42.80
-7.75
-15.33%
SON
Sonoco Products
46.31
-5.60
-10.79%
AMBP
Ardagh Metal Packaging
3.86
0.60
18.40%

Greif Class A Corporate Events

M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Greif Completes Sale of Containerboard Business
Positive
Sep 2, 2025

On September 2, 2025, Greif, Inc. announced the completion of the sale of its containerboard business to Packaging Corporation of America. This strategic divestment is expected to enhance Greif’s earnings power, capital efficiency, and accelerate debt reduction, while prompting an adjustment in its 2025 full-year guidance to reflect the exclusion of the containerboard business’s performance.

Executive/Board ChangesM&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Greif Class A Divests Containerboard Business for $1.8B
Neutral
Aug 29, 2025

On August 26, 2025, Greif announced the retirement of Gary R. Martz, Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary, effective October 1, 2025, with full retirement on November 30, 2025. Dennis Hoffman will succeed him. Additionally, Greif reported a 49.6% decrease in net income for the third quarter of 2025 compared to the previous year, primarily due to a prior gain from the divestiture of Delta Petroleum Company. The company is divesting its containerboard business for $1.8 billion, expected to close on August 31, 2025, and has signed an agreement to sell its timberlands business for $462 million. Greif continues to focus on cost optimization and shareholder returns, with a notable increase in adjusted free cash flow and a reduction in total debt.

M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and Strategy
Greif Class A Sells Soterra Timberland for $462 Million
Positive
Aug 7, 2025

On August 5, 2025, Greif, Inc. announced a definitive agreement to sell its Soterra timberland business to Molpus Woodlands Group for $462 million. This transaction, involving over 173,000 acres of timberlands in the Southeastern United States, aligns with Greif’s strategic focus on higher-margin, less cyclical markets and is expected to close around the company’s fiscal year-end. The sale will enable Greif to enhance its investment capabilities and position itself for long-term success, while Molpus aims to integrate these assets into its existing portfolio for sustainable forest management and competitive market positioning.

M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and Strategy
Greif Class A Divests Containerboard Business for $1.8 Billion
Positive
Jul 3, 2025

On July 1, 2025, Greif, Inc. announced the divestiture of its Containerboard Business for $1.8 billion, marking a significant step in its strategic transformation. This move is part of Greif’s ‘Build to Last’ strategy, aimed at sharpening its portfolio and enhancing capital efficiency. The divestiture includes the company’s Containerboard Mills, CorrChoice sheet feeder network, and a box plant in North Carolina, but excludes its URB network and converting facilities. The transaction is expected to close by the end of the fiscal year, with proceeds used to reduce debt and position the company for future growth in high-margin packaging solutions. This strategic shift is intended to reduce exposure to low-growth markets and focus on areas with greater stability and growth potential, ultimately aiming for $1 billion EBITDA and $500 million Free Cash Flow by 2027.

M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and Strategy
Greif Class A Sells Containerboard Business for $1.8B
Positive
Jul 1, 2025

On June 30, 2025, Greif, Inc. announced a definitive agreement to sell its Containerboard business, including Greif Containerboard Solutions, LLC and Box-Board Holding Corporation, to Packaging Corporation of America for $1.8 billion. This divestiture, which is expected to close by the end of fiscal year 2025, is part of Greif’s strategy to enhance its portfolio, improve capital utilization, and focus on growth priorities. The proceeds from the sale will be used to reduce debt, aiming for a leverage ratio below 2.0x, and will support strategic growth investments. This move is aligned with Greif’s ‘Build to Last’ strategy, aiming to deliver durable earnings and unlock value-creation opportunities.

M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Greif Class A Reports Strong Q2 2025 Financial Results
Positive
Jun 9, 2025

On June 5, 2025, Greif, Inc. reported its fiscal second quarter 2025 results, showcasing a 6.5% increase in net income and a 26.0% rise in adjusted EBITDA compared to the previous year. The company continues to make strategic progress, including the sale of its timberland business and cost optimization initiatives, positioning itself for future success and value creation.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Sep 03, 2025