| Factor | Score | Distribution | Value | Avg | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Valuation | 66 | 4.7x | 17.8x | Top tier | |
Growth | 53 | -30.6% | 7.1% | Around median | |
Quality | 45 | 4.9% | 4.5% | Around median | |
Safety | 43 | — | 2.6x | Around median | |
Capital Return | 51 | — | 2.12% | Around median | |
Momentum | 89 | 34.7% | 2.9% | Top tier | |
Sentiment | 85 | 6 | 3 | Top tier |
Estimates — analyst targets and a simplified DCF, not investment advice.
Ten ratios that matter, each compared against its sector median and average — so you can see whether a number is rich or cheap relative to peers in the same sector.
Greif operates in industrial packaging solutions across four segments: Polymer Solutions, Metal Solutions, Fiber Solutions, and Closures. The company sells polymer containers, including intermediate bulk containers and small containers, alongside fiber products such as partitions, tubes, and cores, while relying on technologically advanced closures to win new customers. In the third quarter of fiscal 2026, the company specifically targeted the flavors, fragrances, and pharmaceuticals markets, while the Envaplast acquisition expanded its presence in small polymer containers in Spain and the agrochemicals market in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
In the third quarter of fiscal 2026, sales remained approximately level with the comparable period, but adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization increased by about 25%, with the margin expanding by more than 260 basis points year over year and by about 110 basis points compared with the second quarter of fiscal 2026. Adjusted earnings per share also improved by about 90% year over year, and adjusted free cash flow reached $58 million, driven by an improved price-cost relationship, structural cost reductions, and lower quarterly interest and tax expenses compared with the prior period.
The performance mix was varied in the third quarter of fiscal 2026: Polymer Solutions volumes increased 1.5%, and gross profit improved in both value and margin, while Metal Solutions gross profit also improved. Closures achieved mid-single-digit growth in third-party demand and high-single-digit growth in total volumes. By contrast, Fiber Solutions sales declined year over year because of the Los Angeles plant closure, and segment margins fell due to cost inflation. For historical comparison only, the latest filed EDGAR statements, which are for the second quarter of fiscal 2018, show revenue of $968.3 million, gross profit of $195.3 million, and net income of $45.1 million, equivalent to a gross margin of approximately 20.2% and a net income margin of approximately 4.7%.
Automated analysis for informational purposes only — not investment advice.
Analyst consensus on Greif is Neutral, with an average target of $85.5 and a wide range between $74 and $97. The average target falls within the 52-week range of $55.75–90.57, and the lowest target is also within it, while the highest target exceeds the top of the range. This reflects a divide between the value of the fiscal 2026 guidance increase and margin improvement on one hand, and weak demand and risks related to fiber and working capital on the other. The available data do not include a valid earnings multiple that can be used to confirm whether the valuation is low or high on an earnings basis.
Figures in the text are as of 2026-08-31; the live price is shown at the top of the page.
Sales remained approximately level with the comparable period, but adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization increased by about 25%. The improvement came primarily from a better price-cost relationship and structural cost reductions, expanding the margin by more than 260 basis points year over year and 110 basis points compared with the second quarter of fiscal 2026. Lower quarterly interest and tax expenses compared with the prior period also contributed to an approximately 90% increase in adjusted earnings per share.
The company raised its adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization range to $615–635 million, equivalent to expected annual growth of between 10% and 13%. The range includes an expected impact of about $20 million related to the Middle East conflict. Greif expects adjusted free cash flow of between $305 million and $325 million and cash conversion of approximately 50%, despite higher working capital assumptions and restructuring costs.
Envaplast gives Greif a stronger presence in the small polymer container market in Spain, where its presence was previously limited. It also expands its exposure to the agrochemicals market, which represents the majority of Envaplast’s business, and supports its growth strategy in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. According to the transaction criteria presented by management on July 29, 2026, Envaplast’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization margins exceed 18%, and its free cash flow conversion exceeds 50%, while Greif plans to continue pursuing similar small bolt-on acquisitions.
Fiber Solutions sales declined year over year in the third quarter of fiscal 2026 because of the Los Angeles plant closure, while margins also fell due to cost inflation. A $60 per ton price increase announced in April 2026 began to appear in the results, and the company then announced an additional increase of the same amount in June 2026 and fully implemented it for customers not tied to the RISI index. The index had not recognized the second increase by the time of the July 29, 2026 call, despite plant operating rates reaching 96% and management indicating healthy demand.
Leverage was 1.1 times in the third quarter of fiscal 2026, and management intends to keep the ratio below 2 times, while viewing a level below 1.5 times as more realistic in the near term. The company completed a $150 million share repurchase program earlier in fiscal 2026 and increased its regular dividend by 10.7%. It also asked the board’s share repurchase committee to authorize an additional $150 million program, alongside organic investment and small bolt-on acquisitions.
A positive view could be supported by Greif’s ability to achieve its adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization range of $615–635 million and adjusted free cash flow range of $305–325 million in fiscal 2026. Reaching annualized cost reductions of $120 million by the end of fiscal 2027, alongside continued growth in Polymer Solutions and Closures, would provide further evidence of strong structural improvement. By contrast, weak industrial markets, declining Fiber Solutions margins, and elevated working capital could keep the consensus at Neutral, consistent with the wide target range between $74 and $97.
