Greif Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2026 Results

DELAWARE, Ohio, Nov. 03, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Greif, Inc. (NYSE: GEF, GEF.B), a world leader in industrial packaging products and services, today announced fourth quarter and fiscal 2026 results.

On June 30, 2025, we entered into a definitive agreement to divest our Containerboard Business, including our CorrChoice sheet feeder system. Beginning in the third quarter of fiscal 2025, the Containerboard Business has been reported as discontinued operations. Unless otherwise noted, all financial results and discussions in this press release relate to continuing operations. Additional information regarding the basis of presentation and changes in reportable segments is provided under "Basis of Presentation and Comparability".

Fiscal Fourth Quarter 2026 Financial Highlights:
(all results compared to the fourth quarter 2025 and both periods reflect only continuing operations unless otherwise noted)

• Net loss decreased to $6.5 million or $0.11 per diluted Class A share compared to net loss of $24.3 million or $0.42 per diluted Class A share.
• Net income, excluding the impact of adjustments⁽¹⁾, increased 46.1% to $49.1 million or $0.87 per diluted Class A share compared to net income, excluding the impact of adjustments, of $33.6 million or $0.58 per diluted Class A share.
• Adjusted EBITDA⁽²⁾ decreased 3.1% to $163.0 million compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $168.2 million. The current quarter's results were $18.2 million unfavorable due to timing of incentive accrual changes in the prior year quarter.
• Net cash provided by operating activities increased by $314.5 million to a source of $126.0 million, as prior year operating activities included an unfavorable tax impact from the sale of our Containerboard Business of approximately $381 million. Adjusted free cash flow⁽³⁾ decreased by $89.4 million to $83.3 million. Adjusted free cash flow in the prior year quarter includes contribution from the Containerboard Business and is not directly comparable to current quarter results.
  
  

Fiscal Year 2026 Financial Highlights:
(all results compared to the fiscal year 2025 and both periods reflect only continuing operations unless otherwise noted):

• Net income increased to $261.5 million or $4.54 per diluted Class A share compared to net income of $31.6 million or $0.55 per diluted Class A share.
• Net income, excluding the impact of adjustments, increased 73.3% to $231.9 million or $4.04 per diluted Class A share compared to net income, excluding the impact of adjustments, of $133.8 million or $2.31 per diluted Class A share.
• Adjusted EBITDA increased 11.7% to $625.7 million compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $560.0 million.
• Net cash provided by operating activities increased by $198.4 million to a source of $296.0 million, as prior year operating activities included an unfavorable tax impact from the sale of our Containerboard Business of approximately $381 million. Adjusted free cash flow decreased by $101.0 million to $279.3 million, below our most recent guidance range, primarily due to elevated inventory balances and higher resin costs, reflecting our strategic decision to ensure continuity of supply for customers amid Middle East supply disruptions. Adjusted free cash flow in the prior year includes contribution from the Containerboard Business and is not directly comparable to current year results.
• Total debt decreased by $106.2 million to $1,096.3 million primarily due to repayment of debt in connection with the sale of our timberlands business. Net debt⁽⁴⁾ decreased by $144.9 million to $800.9 million. The Company's leverage ratio⁽⁵⁾ decreased to 1.2x from 1.7x.
  
  

Strategic Actions and Announcements

• Announced strategic exit of Coated Recycled Board business with the closure of our Sweetwater paperboard mill in Austell, GA. This decision reflects our continued focus on businesses where we have leading market positions and attractive long-term growth opportunities, while strengthening the efficiency and profitability of our remaining Fiber operations.
• Announcing $105 million cumulative run-rate cost optimization achieved by the end of fiscal 2026, outpacing our original $100 million three-year commitment one year ahead of schedule.
• Announcing expanded total cost optimization commitment to $150 million cumulative run-rate savings by the end of fiscal 2027.
  
  

Commentary from CEO Ole Rosgaard

“We delivered a strong fiscal 2026, growing adjusted EBITDA by nearly 12% despite continued weakness in global industrial markets,” said Ole Rosgaard, Chief Executive Officer. “Our performance reflects the strength of our businesses and the actions our teams are taking to improve profitability, rather than relying on a market recovery.

We achieved $105 million in annual run-rate cost savings, exceeding our original commitment a year ahead of schedule. This success gives us the confidence to increase our original cost optimization target by 50% to $150 million by the end of fiscal 2027.

Our sharpened portfolio is focused on core businesses where we hold leading market positions and see attractive opportunities for profitable growth. With a lower cost base, stronger balance sheet and further improvements ahead, we are well positioned to grow earnings, increase cash flow and deliver lasting value to our shareholders, even without a meaningful recovery in industrial demand.”

Note: A reconciliation of the differences between all non-GAAP financial measures used in this release with the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures is included in the financial schedules that are a part of this release. These non-GAAP financial measures are intended to supplement, and should be read together with, our financial results. They should not be considered an alternative or substitute for, and should not be considered superior to, our reported financial results. Accordingly, users of this financial information should not place undue reliance on these non-GAAP financial measures.

Basis of Presentation and Comparability

On June 30, 2025, we entered into a definitive agreement to divest our Containerboard Business, including our CorrChoice sheet feeder system, in an all-cash transaction for $1.8 billion to Packaging Corporation of America. Beginning in the third quarter of 2025, the Containerboard Business was reported as discontinued operations. The transaction closed as of August 31, 2025.

Effective fiscal 2025, we changed our fiscal year end from October 31 to September 30. As a result, prior-year comparative information has been recast to reflect a twelve-month period ended September 30, 2025, for comparability with fiscal 2026. The results for the twelve-month period recast for fiscal 2025 is unaudited and not included in our audited financial statements for that fiscal year.

Effective October 1, 2025, our Integrated Solutions reportable segment was renamed Innovative Closure Solutions. Additionally, activities related to the purchase and sale of recycled fiber and the production and sale of adhesives used in paperboard products, which were previously reported within the Integrated Solutions reportable segment, are now reported within the Sustainable Fiber Solutions reportable segment. Likewise, activities related to production and sale of complementary packaging products and services such as paints, linings and filling, that are used in or relate to our steel products and were previously reported within the Integrated Solutions reportable segment, are now reported within the Durable Metal Solutions reportable segment.

Segment Results (all results compared to Q4 2025 unless otherwise noted)

Net sales are impacted mainly by the volume of products sold, selling prices, product mix and the impact of changes in foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar. The table below shows the percentage impact of each of these items on net sales for our primary products for the fourth quarter of 2026 as compared to the prior year quarter for the business segments indicated. Net sales from completed acquisitions are not included in the table below but will be included one year after purchase within its respective segments.

Customized Polymer Solutions

Net sales increased by $39.2 million to $361.9 million primarily due to $40.0 million from higher average selling prices, contributions from recent acquisitions and positive foreign currency translation impacts, partially offset by lower volumes.

Gross profit increased by $1.2 million to $71.4 million primarily due to the same factors that impacted net sales, partially offset by higher raw material, transportation and manufacturing costs.

Operating profit increased by $7.1 million to $8.6 million primarily due to the same factors that impacted gross profit and lower compensation expenses related to cost optimization.

Adjusted EBITDA remained flat at $44.5 million primarily due to the same factors that impacted gross profit.

Durable Metal Solutions

Net sales increased by $0.6 million to $392.5 million primarily due to higher average selling prices and positive foreign currency translation impacts, partially offset by lower volumes.

Gross profit increased by $1.1 million to $84.7 million primarily due to the same factors that impacted net sales.

Operating profit increased by $5.4 million to $41.9 million primarily due to the same factors that impacted gross profit and lower compensation expenses related to cost optimization.

Adjusted EBITDA decreased by $0.8 million to $56.2 million primarily due to higher SG&A expenses, partially offset by the same factors that impacted gross profit.

Sustainable Fiber Solutions

Net sales increased by $4.9 million to $360.1 million primarily due to $8.5 million from higher average selling prices as a result of higher published index prices and $4.0 million attributed to higher volumes, partially offset by a $4.8 million impact from our Soterra land management business divestiture during our first quarter of fiscal year 2026.

Gross profit decreased by $1.0 million to $84.1 million primarily due to higher raw material and manufacturing costs, partially offset by the same factors that impacted net sales.

Operating profit decreased by $15.8 million to an operating loss of $21.4 million primarily due to the same factors that impacted gross profit and current quarter impairment charges related primarily to the closure of the Sweetwater paperboard mill, partially offset by lower restructuring and other charges.

Adjusted EBITDA decreased by $9.5 million to $52.0 million primarily due to the same factors that impacted gross profit and various corporate SG&A expenses.

Innovative Closure Solutions

Net sales increased by $4.6 million to $29.1 million primarily due to $5.2 million from higher average selling prices.

Gross profit increased by $4.1 million to $14.4 million primarily due to the same factor that impacted net sales.

Operating profit increased by $4.7 million to $7.3 million primarily due to the same factor that impacted net sales.

Adjusted EBITDA increased by $5.1 million to $10.3 million primarily due to the same factor that impacted net sales.

Tax Summary

During the fourth quarter, we recorded an income tax rate of 118.6 percent and a tax rate excluding the impact of adjustments of 42.2 percent. Note that the application of accounting for income taxes often causes fluctuations in our quarterly effective tax rates. For the full year, we recorded an income tax rate of 28.0 percent and a tax rate excluding the impact of adjustments of 28.1 percent.

Dividend Summary

On August 25, 2026, the Board of Directors declared quarterly cash dividends of $0.62 per share of Class A Common Stock and $0.93 per share of Class B Common Stock, resulting in a total dividend payment of approximately $35.1 million. Dividends were paid by October 1, 2026, to stockholders of record at the close of business on September 17, 2026.

Company Outlook

Our markets have now experienced a multi-year period of industrial contraction, and we have not identified any compelling demand inflection on the horizon. While we believe we are well positioned for an eventual recovery of the industrial economy, at this time we believe it is appropriate to continue to provide only low-end guidance based on the continuing demand trends reflected in the past year, current price/cost factors, and other identifiable discrete items.

Note: Our fiscal 2027 low-end guidance estimates of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted free cash flow contain forward-looking statements and actual results may differ materially as a result of known and unknown uncertainties and risks, including those set forth below under the heading “Forward-Looking Statements.” In addition, these forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures are presented on a non-GAAP basis without reconciliations to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, forecasted net income in the case of Adjusted EBITDA and forecasted net cash provided by operating activities in the case of Adjusted free cash flow, due to the inherent difficulty in projecting and quantifying the various adjusting items necessary for such reconciliations, such as gains or losses on the disposal of businesses or properties, plants and equipment, non-cash asset impairment charges due to unanticipated changes in the business, restructuring related activities, acquisition and integration related costs, debt extinguishment costs, stock-based compensation expense, amortization and depreciation expense, merger and acquisition activity, and other costs that have not yet occurred, are out of our control, or cannot be reasonably predicted. Accordingly, reconciliations of our guidance for Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted free cash flow are not available without unreasonable effort.

Conference Call

The Company will host a conference call to discuss the fourth quarter and fiscal 2026 results on November 4, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time (ET). Participants may access the call using the following online registration link: https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI9802eb67f1134c2e9ef42b25d7bf319a. Registrants will receive a confirmation email containing dial in details and a unique conference call code for entry. Phone lines will open at 7:30 a.m. ET on November 4, 2026. A digital replay of the conference call will be available two hours following the call on the Company's web site at http://investor.greif.com.

Investor Relations contact information

Bill D’Onofrio, Vice President, Corporate Development & Investor Relations, 614-499-7233. Bill.Donofrio@greif.com

About Greif

Founded in 1877, Greif is a global leader in performance packaging located in over 35 countries. The company delivers trusted, innovative, and tailored solutions that support some of the world’s most demanding and fastest-growing industries. With a commitment to legendary customer service, operational excellence, and global sustainability, Greif packages life’s essentials – and creates lasting value for its colleagues, customers, and other stakeholders. Learn more about the company’s Customized Polymer, Sustainable Fiber, Durable Metal, and Innovative Closure Solutions at www.greif.com and follow Greif on Instagram and LinkedIn.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “aspiration,” “objective,” “project,” “believe,” “continue,” “on track” or “target” or the negative thereof and similar expressions, among others, identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, expectations and other information currently available to management. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements have a reasonable basis, the Company can give no assurance that these expectations will prove to be correct. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those forecasted, projected or anticipated, whether expressed or implied.

Such risks and uncertainties that might cause a difference include, but are not limited to, the following: (i) economic conditions, end-market demand and competitive pressure may adversely affect our results of operations, (ii) the continuing consolidation of our customer base and suppliers may intensify pricing pressure, (iii) our global operations expose us to geopolitical, regulatory, currency and other international risks, (iv) volatility in raw material, energy, transportation and other input costs could continue to impact profitability, (v) our ability to execute strategic initiatives, including acquisitions, divestitures, restructuring and operational improvements, may affect future performance, (vi) we may incur additional rationalization costs and product dispositions and there is no guarantee that our efforts to reduce costs will be successful, (vii) we depend on our workforce, joint venture relationships and operational continuity, (viii) we may be subject to losses that might not be covered in whole or in part by existing insurance reserves or insurance coverage and general insurance premium and deductible increases, (ix) technology failures, cybersecurity incidents, artificial intelligence risks and data privacy obligations could disrupt our business, (x) our capital structure, access to financing, tax position and asset valuations may adversely affect our results, (xi) we have in the past been and in the future could be subject to changes in our tax rates, the adoption of new U.S. or foreign tax legislation or exposure to additional tax liabilities, (xii) environmental, climate, sustainability and other regulatory requirements and trends may increase costs and create additional risks, (xiii) we may be unable to achieve our greenhouse gas emission reduction targets, (xiv) legislation/regulation related to environmental and health and safety matters could negatively impact our operations and financial performance, (xv) product liability claims and other claims, legal proceedings and compliance failures could adversely affect our operations and financial performance, and (xvi) we may incur fines or penalties, damage to our reputation or other adverse consequences if our employees, agents or business partners violate, or are alleged to have violated, anti-bribery, competition or other laws.

The risks described above are not all-inclusive, and given these and other possible risks and uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. For a detailed discussion of the most significant risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those forecasted, projected or anticipated, see “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of our most recently filed Form 10-K and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

All forward-looking statements made in this news release are expressly qualified in their entirety by reference to such risk factors. Except to the limited extent required by applicable law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

⁽⁶⁾ The Innovative Closure Solutions reportable segment’s total sales, including intersegment sales, was $48.1 million and $41.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2026 and 2025, respectively. Gross profit margin as a percentage of total sales was 29.9 percent and 25.0 percent for the fourth quarter of 2026 and 2025, respectively.

⁽⁷⁾ Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income, plus interest expense, net, plus other (income) expense, net, plus non-cash pension settlement charges, plus debt extinguishment charges, plus income tax (benefit) expense, plus depreciation, depletion and amortization expense, plus acquisition and integration related costs, plus restructuring and other charges, plus non-cash asset impairment charges, plus gain (loss) on disposal of properties, plants and equipment, (gain) loss on disposal of businesses, net, plus other costs.

⁽⁸⁾ Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income, plus interest expense, net, plus other (income) expense, plus non-cash pension settlement charges, plus debt extinguishment charges, net, plus income tax (benefit) expense, plus depreciation, depletion and amortization expense, plus acquisition and integration related costs, plus restructuring and other charges, plus non-cash asset impairment charges, plus (gain) loss on disposal of properties, plants and equipment, plus (gain) loss on disposal of businesses, net, plus other costs. However, because the Company does not calculate net income by segment, this table calculates adjusted EBITDA by segment with reference to operating profit by segment, which, as demonstrated in the table of consolidated adjusted EBITDA, is another method to achieve the same result.

⁽⁹⁾ Adjusted free cash flow is defined as net cash provided by operating activities, less cash paid for purchases of properties, plants and equipment, plus cash paid for acquisition and integration related costs, net, plus cash paid for integration related ERP systems and equipment, plus cash paid for other nonrecurring costs, plus cash paid for taxes related to Containerboard Business divestment, plus cash paid for taxes related to Soterra Assets divestment. The cash flows from Containerboard Business are included within adjusted free cash flow.

⁽¹⁰⁾ Cash paid for integration related ERP systems and equipment is defined as cash paid for ERP systems and equipment required to bring the acquired facilities to Greif’s standards.

⁽¹¹⁾ Cash paid for other nonrecurring costs is defined as cash paid for fiscal year-end change costs and other operating costs specifically related to the Containerboard Business divestment.

The income‑tax effects of the non‑GAAP reconciling adjustments are calculated using the applicable statutory tax rate for each relevant jurisdiction and may include both current and deferred components, determined in a manner consistent with the nature of each adjustment. Non‑GAAP reconciling adjustments are presented on a gross (pre‑tax) basis, and the related income‑tax effects of those adjustments are disclosed separately from other tax items (e.g., discrete tax benefits or expenses). When a tax item could be viewed as both a discrete tax item and related to a non‑GAAP reconciling adjustment, the Company classifies the item in a single category for the period and does not double‑count the impact.

⁽¹²⁾Adjustments to EBITDA are specified by the 2026 Credit Agreement and include certain equity earnings of unconsolidated affiliates, net of tax, certain acquisition savings, deferred financing costs, capitalized interest, income and expense in connection with asset dispositions, and other items.

⁽¹³⁾Adjustments to net debt are specified by the 2026 Credit Agreement and include the European accounts receivable program, letters of credit, and balances for swap contracts and other items.

⁽¹⁴⁾ Leverage ratio is defined as Credit Agreement adjusted net debt divided by Credit Agreement adjusted EBITDA.