Zacks Research Issues Optimistic Outlook for Greif Earnings

Greif, Inc. (NYSE:GEF) – Equities research analysts at Zacks Research raised their Q2 2027 EPS estimates for shares of Greif in a note issued to investors on Friday, April 17th. Zacks Research analyst Team now forecasts that the industrial products company will post earnings of $1.07 per share for the quarter, up from their previous estimate of $1.06. Zacks Research currently has a “Strong Sell” rating on the stock. The consensus estimate for Greif’s current full-year earnings is $4.12 per share. Zacks Research also issued estimates for Greif’s Q3 2027 earnings at $1.18 EPS, Q4 2027 earnings at $1.16 EPS, FY2027 earnings at $4.15 EPS, Q1 2028 earnings at $0.94 EPS, Q2 2028 earnings at $1.14 EPS and FY2028 earnings at $4.50 EPS.

Greif (NYSE:GEF) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, January 27th. The industrial products company reported $0.48 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.69 by ($0.21). The firm had revenue of $994.80 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.02 billion. Greif had a net margin of 7.52% and a return on equity of 8.46%. Greif’s quarterly revenue was down 2.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $0.39 earnings per share.

Other equities analysts have also recently issued reports about the stock. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their target price on shares of Greif from $76.00 to $70.00 and set an “equal weight” rating for the company in a research report on Friday, March 20th. Robert W. Baird set a $75.00 price target on shares of Greif in a report on Thursday, January 29th. Finally, Truist Financial lifted their price target on shares of Greif from $71.00 to $79.00 and gave the company a “hold” rating in a report on Tuesday, January 6th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of “Reduce” and a consensus price target of $73.75.

Greif Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:GEF opened at $69.41 on Monday. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $69.74 and a 200-day moving average of $67.00. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.21 billion, a PE ratio of 25.71, a PEG ratio of 0.58 and a beta of 0.92. The company has a current ratio of 1.23, a quick ratio of 0.93 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23. Greif has a 12 month low of $50.71 and a 12 month high of $77.14.

Greif Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, April 1st. Investors of record on Monday, March 16th were issued a dividend of $0.56 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, March 16th. This represents a $2.24 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.2%. Greif’s payout ratio is 82.96%.

Insider Activity at Greif

In related news, CFO Lawrence A. Hilsheimer purchased 6,705 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 4th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $91.18 per share, with a total value of $611,361.90. Following the acquisition, the chief financial officer owned 207,416 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $18,912,190.88. This trade represents a 3.34% increase in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Bala Sathyanarayanan sold 2,731 shares of Greif stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $76.67, for a total transaction of $209,385.77. Following the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 34,076 shares in the company, valued at $2,612,606.92. This trade represents a 7.42% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. In the last ninety days, insiders purchased 22,252 shares of company stock worth $1,971,735 and sold 54,211 shares worth $3,948,606. Company insiders own 7.70% of the company’s stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Greif

Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Blue Trust Inc. boosted its position in Greif by 36.2% during the 3rd quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 662 shares of the industrial products company’s stock worth $40,000 after buying an additional 176 shares during the period. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd boosted its position in Greif by 106.0% during the 4th quarter. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd now owns 616 shares of the industrial products company’s stock worth $42,000 after buying an additional 317 shares during the period. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. boosted its position in Greif by 33.3% during the 4th quarter. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. now owns 689 shares of the industrial products company’s stock worth $47,000 after buying an additional 172 shares during the period. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC acquired a new stake in Greif during the 4th quarter worth approximately $84,000. Finally, Simplex Trading LLC boosted its position in Greif by 399.5% during the 4th quarter. Simplex Trading LLC now owns 1,853 shares of the industrial products company’s stock worth $125,000 after buying an additional 1,482 shares during the period. 45.74% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Greif

Greif, Inc is a global leader in industrial packaging products and services, with a history dating back to its founding in 1877. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, the company has evolved from a regional barrel and drum manufacturer into a diversified packaging provider serving a wide range of end markets. Greif’s longstanding heritage in container solutions has positioned it as a trusted partner for customers seeking reliable, high-quality packaging options.

The company’s core business revolves around the design, manufacture and sale of industrial packaging products, including steel, plastic and fiber drums; intermediate bulk containers (IBCs); safety closures; rigid, flexible and reconditioned packaging; containerboard and protective packaging.