Greif, Inc. (GEF)
NYSEMaterialsPackaging & ContainersSnapshot 2026-09-04
$85.00-0.02%
Close 2026-09-04 · 1-day change
NYSEMaterialsPackaging & ContainersSnapshot 2026-09-04
QuarterlyIQ Insights · GEF
How strong the business is — where it ranks within its sector on capital efficiency and cash generation, and how well management has been executing.
How management runs the business: capital, margins, balance sheet, and how reliably they guide and deliver.
A guidance track record builds as the company issues and delivers on guidance.
Priorities management has stated in recent disclosures, with status and evidence drawn from earnings calls, filings, and press releases.
Continue the multi-quarter cost optimization program targeting $120 million cumulative run-rate savings by fiscal year 2027.
Stated as a priority in 3 of last 3 quarters. Cost optimization run-rate savings increased from $50 million at 2025-Q4 to $65 million at 2026-Q1 and $90 million at 2026-Q2. Management reaffirmed the target of at least $120 million cumulative savings by fiscal 2027. The trajectory shows delivering consistent progress toward the stated cost optimization goal.
Each factor is a parallel diagnostic with a clear read of what it shows and how names like it have historically fared. Never aggregated into a single score.
Operating income rose in 2 of the last 3 quarter-over-quarter moves. Historically, Materials names rated neutral grew net income 46% of the time over the next year (vs 54% for the rest of the cohort, n=2582).
Not investment advice. Scores describe historical and current data; they are not forecasts of future returns. Consult a licensed advisor before making investment decisions.
“Achieved $90 million cumulative run-rate savings on cost optimization program, reaffirmed expectation to achieve at least $120 million by fiscal year 2027.”
“Achieved $65.0 million of run-rate cost optimization by the end of first quarter of fiscal 2026, increased from $50.0 million at 2025-Q4.”
“Cost optimization progress with $50.0 million run-rate savings reported at end of 2025-Q4.”
Execute and complete the $150 million share repurchase program authorized by the Board, with additional future repurchase authorization.
Stated as a priority in 3 of last 3 quarters. The $150 million share repurchase program was nearly completed with $130 million repurchased by 2026-Q1 and fully completed by 2026-Q2. Additionally, the Board authorized $300 million of future repurchases. Management is delivering on the share repurchase commitment.
“Completed $150 million share repurchase program on April 15, 2026, repurchasing 1.8 million Class A and 0.4 million Class B shares.”
“Completed approximately $130 million of share repurchases under $150 million plan during first quarter of fiscal 2026.”
“Board authorized an additional $300 million of future share repurchases to be utilized in a disciplined manner.”
Provide and reaffirm low-end guidance for fiscal 2026 Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Free Cash Flow amid subdued demand environment.
Stated as a priority in 3 of last 3 quarters. Management reaffirmed low-end guidance for fiscal 2026 Adjusted EBITDA at $630 million and Adjusted Free Cash Flow at $315 million consistently from 2025-Q4 through 2026-Q2. The guidance was slightly adjusted downward in 2026-Q2 to $615-$635 million EBITDA and $305-$325 million free cash flow reflecting a conservative outlook amid subdued demand. The trajectory is consistent with management's stated cautious approach.
“Fiscal 2026 guidance outlook: Adjusted EBITDA $615 - $635 million; Adjusted free cash flow $305 - $325 million.”
“Reaffirming low-end guidance of $630 million Adjusted EBITDA and $315 million Adjusted Free Cash Flow for fiscal 2026.”
“Fiscal 2026 low-end guidance estimate Adjusted free cash flow $315 million.”
Maintain disciplined capital allocation including refinancing debt and managing leverage to strengthen financial position.
Stated as a priority in 3 of last 3 quarters. Management refinanced long-term debt extending maturity to 2031 and reduced total debt by approximately $1.9 billion from 2025-Q4 to 2026-Q2. Leverage ratio improved from 3.6x to 1.1x over the same period. These actions demonstrate delivering on disciplined capital allocation and strengthening the balance sheet.
“Refinanced long-term debt to 2031 through $500 million Term Loans and $800 million revolving credit; leverage ratio decreased to 1.1x.”
“Total debt decreased by $1.9 billion primarily due to repayment from sales of Containerboard and timberlands; leverage ratio decreased to 1.2x.”
“Total debt decreased by $1.8 billion primarily due to repayment from sales of Containerboard and timberlands; leverage ratio decreased to 1.3x.”
Pursue targeted tuck-in acquisitions to complement organic growth and enhance margins and free cash flow conversion.
Stated as a priority in 2 of last 3 quarters. Management completed the Envaplast bolt-on acquisition in 2026-Q2, targeting Agrochemical markets with attractive EBITDA margins and free cash flow conversion. The acquisition supports the stated strategy of selective tuck-in M&A complementing organic growth. The trajectory shows delivering on M&A activity consistent with management's stated approach.
“Completed growth-enabling strategic bolt-on acquisition of Envaplast on June 2, 2026.”
“Strategy includes targeted tuck-in M&A, remaining selective and focused on value.”
Over the trailing year it converted 0.48x of net income into operating cash flow. Historically, Materials names rated fragile grew net income 45% of the time over the next year (vs 52% for the rest of the cohort, n=1401).
Most sensitive to the broad stock market.
Not enough signal to read sensitivity to the US dollar, real (inflation-adjusted) rates, long-term interest rates, Fed net liquidity (low R² over the window).
15 material management or governance events in the past 24 months, led by M&A activity. Historically, Materials names rated neutral grew net income 49% of the time over the next year (vs 52% for the rest of the cohort, n=976).
Not investment advice. As of 2026-09-04.