Greif Completes Sale of Containerboard Business

Rhea-AI Summary

Greif (NYSE: GEF) has completed the sale of its containerboard business to Packaging Corporation of America. The strategic divestment is expected to enhance the company's earnings consistency and capital efficiency while accelerating debt reduction.

Following the transaction, Greif has revised its fiscal year 2025 guidance, excluding $168 million of year-to-date Adjusted EBITDA and $50 million implied Q4 performance from the containerboard business. The updated guidance for continuing operations projects Adjusted EBITDA of $507-517 million and Adjusted Free Cash Flow of $290-300 million, reflecting a $15 million adjustment due to the discontinued containerboard operations.

Positive

• Strategic divestment to enhance earnings consistency and capital efficiency
• Immediate value creation for shareholders through the sale
• Accelerated debt reduction opportunity from transaction proceeds

Negative

• Loss of $218M in annual EBITDA contribution from containerboard business
• Reduction in free cash flow guidance by $15M
• Decreased operational scale and revenue diversification

News Market Reaction

-2.03%

1 alert

-2.03% News Effect

On the day this news was published, GEF declined 2.03%, reflecting a moderate negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

DELAWARE, Ohio, Sept. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Greif, Inc. (NYSE: GEF, GEF.B), a global leader in performance packaging and services, announced today it has completed the previously announced sale of its containerboard business to Packaging Corporation of America.

“The closing of this sale marks an important step forward for Greif. This transaction unlocks immediate value for our shareholders and allows Greif to deliver stronger and more consistent earnings power, enhances our capital efficiency, and accelerates debt reduction.” said Ole Rosgaard, President and CEO of Greif.

As a result of this divestment, Greif is also adjusting its 2025 full-year guidance to exclude the previously disclosed $168 million of year-to-date Adjusted EBITDA performance, as well as implied fourth quarter performance of $50 million related to the containerboard business. The revised guidance, which comprises only continuing operations for the full fiscal year 2025, is $507 million to $517 million of Adjusted EBITDA. Our Adjusted Free Cash Flow guidance remains as previously presented inclusive of discontinued operations due to the impracticality of separately presenting cash flows from discontinued operations and is adjusted by $15 million to a range of $290 million to $300 million to adjust for lack of expected September cash contribution from the containerboard business operations.

Goldman Sachs acted as exclusive financial advisor to Greif on the transaction.

About Greif

Founded in 1877, Greif is a global leader in performance packaging located in 40 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 Integrated Solutions at www.greif.com and follow Greif on Instagram and LinkedIn.

Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to statements about future expectations, prospects, estimates and other matters that are dependent upon future events or developments. These forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "will," "should," "could," "would," "project," "continue," "likely," and similar expressions, and include statements reflecting future results, trends or guidance and statements of outlook. All forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, expectations and other information currently available to management. All forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those forecasted, projected or anticipated, whether expressed or implied. These risks and uncertainties include those described in its Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K reports and exhibits to those reports. This release reflects management's views as of the date of this release. Except to the extent required by applicable law, Greif undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement.

Investor Relations Contact

Bill D’Onofrio
VP, Investor Relations & Corporate Development
bill.donofrio@greif.com | +1 (614) 499-7233

Media Contact

TJ Struhs
Director, Corporate Communications
tj.struhs@greif.com | +1 (207) 956-2304

FAQ

What is the impact of Greif's (GEF) containerboard business sale on its 2025 guidance?

The sale reduces Greif's 2025 Adjusted EBITDA guidance to $507-517 million, excluding $218 million related to the containerboard business. Adjusted Free Cash Flow guidance is reduced by $15 million to $290-300 million.

Why did Greif (GEF) sell its containerboard business in 2025?

Greif sold the containerboard business to unlock immediate shareholder value, deliver stronger and more consistent earnings power, enhance capital efficiency, and accelerate debt reduction.

Who was the buyer of Greif's containerboard business in 2025?

Packaging Corporation of America acquired Greif's containerboard business.

How much EBITDA contribution will Greif (GEF) lose from the containerboard sale?

Greif will lose $218 million in EBITDA contribution, comprising $168 million year-to-date and $50 million implied Q4 performance from the containerboard business.

Who advised Greif on the containerboard business sale?

Goldman Sachs acted as exclusive financial advisor to Greif on the transaction.