Graphic Packaging Reiterates Commitment to Enhancing Shareholder Value

Rhea-AI Summary

Graphic Packaging (NYSE: GPK) on Dec 19, 2025 reiterated its commitment to enhancing long-term shareholder value and welcomed shareholder input. The company reaffirmed its Vision 2030 and a cost and optimization plan targeting improved free cash flow, optimized cost structure and enhanced operational efficiency.

Graphic Packaging confirmed that Robbert Rietbroek will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer on January 1, 2026. The company named BofA Securities as financial advisor and Jones Day and DLA Piper as legal counsel, with Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher as strategic communications advisor. Graphic Packaging said it looks forward to ongoing dialogue with all shareholders, including Eminence Capital.

Positive

• CEO appointment effective Jan 1, 2026
• Vision 2030 and cost plan targeting improved free cash flow
• BofA Securities retained as financial advisor

Negative

• Ongoing activist engagement with Eminence Capital noted

Key Figures

CEO start date January 1, 2026 Robbert Rietbroek assumes Chief Executive Officer role

Strategic horizon 2030 Company’s stated Vision 2030 framework

Market Reality Check

$15.43 Last Close

Volume Volume 4,011,597 vs 20-day average 5,401,462 (relative volume 0.74x) indicates subdued trading. normal

Technical Shares at $15.43 are trading below the $21.14 200-day moving average, reflecting a weak longer-term trend.

Peers on Argus

Peers show mixed, modest moves: SLGN +0.39%, SON +0.44%, GEF +1.05%, while SEE -0.36% and REYN -0.12%. GPK’s slight -0.64% move appears more stock-specific than sector-driven.

Historical Context

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Dec 08	Leadership transition	Neutral	-2.6%	Announced CEO change effective Jan 1, 2026 with updated guidance context.
Dec 08	Cost optimization plan	Positive	-2.6%	Outlined cost and production initiatives with 2026 free cash flow targets.
Dec 03	Dividend declaration	Positive	-2.9%	Declared quarterly cash dividend of $0.11 per share with set pay date.
Dec 01	Conference appearance	Neutral	-0.6%	Announced CEO presentation at Raymond James 2025 TMT and Consumer Conference.
Nov 04	Q3 2025 earnings	Negative	+8.9%	Reported lower net sales and EBITDA margin versus prior-year quarter.

Pattern Detected

Recent news events, whether positive (dividends, cost savings) or negative (weaker results), have consistently seen price moves that do not clearly align with the apparent news tone.

Recent Company History

Over the last few months, Graphic Packaging has reported softer Q3 2025 financials but still saw a +8.88% reaction to earnings, contrasting with declines after a dividend declaration (-2.89%) and cost optimization update (-2.56%). Management transition news around the incoming CEO effective January 1, 2026 also coincided with a negative move. Today’s statement reiterating Vision 2030 and shareholder value sits against this backdrop of mixed fundamental updates and mostly negative short-term reactions.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement reiterates Graphic Packaging’s Vision 2030, highlighting goals to improve free cash flow, optimize its cost structure, and enhance operational efficiency under a new CEO starting January 1, 2026. Set against recent cost optimization initiatives and a declared quarterly dividend of $0.11, it underscores a continued focus on shareholder value. Investors may watch upcoming execution updates, cash flow trends, and leadership transition progress for further clarity.

Key Terms

free cash flow financial

"our goals to improve free cash flow, optimize cost structure"

Free cash flow is the amount of money a company has left over after paying all its expenses and investing in its business, like buying equipment or updating facilities. It shows how much cash is available to reward shareholders, pay down debt, or save for future growth. This helps investors understand if a company is financially healthy and able to grow.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

ATLANTA, Dec. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Graphic Packaging Holding Company (NYSE: GPK) ("Graphic Packaging" or the "Company"), a global leader in sustainable consumer packaging, today issued the following statement in response to the press release issued by Eminence Capital:

We are committed to enhancing long-term value and appreciate the views of our shareholders. We are confident that our Vision 2030, along with our cost and optimization plan, is the right strategy for the Company, including our goals to improve free cash flow, optimize cost structure and enhance operational efficiency. The Company is well positioned to capitalize on growth opportunities ahead while advancing innovation and sustainability for the benefit of customers, shareholders and employees. We are confident in our ability to accelerate execution of our value creation initiatives under the leadership of Robbert Rietbroek, who will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer on January 1, 2026. We look forward to an ongoing dialogue with all our shareholders, including Eminence Capital.

BofA Securities is serving as Graphic Packaging's financial advisor and Jones Day and DLA Piper (U.S.) LLP are serving as legal counsel. Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher is serving as strategic communications advisor.

Contact Information
Investors: Investor.Relations@Graphicpkg.com
Media: Comms@Graphicpkg.com

Forward-Looking Statements
Any statements of the Company's expectations in this press release, including but not limited to statements relating to expect free cash flow and execution of Vision 2030 priorities, as well as the expected timing and benefits of the planned management transition, constitute "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are based on currently available information and are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's present expectations. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, volatility of the global economy, inflation of and volatility in raw material and energy costs, continuing pressure for lower cost products, new leadership's ability to implement the Company's business strategies, including productivity initiatives and cost reduction plans, as well as the Company's debt level, currency movements and other risks of conducting business internationally, the impact of regulatory and litigation matters, including the continued availability of the Company's U.S. federal income tax attributes to offset U.S. federal income taxes and the timing related to the Company's future U.S. federal income tax payments. Undue reliance should not be placed on such forward-looking statements, as such statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and the Company undertakes no obligation to update such statements, except as required by law. Additional information regarding these and other risks is contained in the Company's periodic filings with the SEC.

About Graphic Packaging Holding Company
Graphic Packaging designs and produces consumer packaging made primarily from renewable or recycled materials. An industry leader in innovation, the Company is committed to reducing the environmental footprint of consumer packaging. Graphic Packaging operates a global network of design and manufacturing facilities serving the world's most widely recognized brands in food, beverage, foodservice, household, and other consumer products. Learn more at www.graphicpkg.com.

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SOURCE Graphic Packaging Holding Company

FAQ

Who will be CEO of Graphic Packaging (GPK) starting January 1, 2026?

Robbert Rietbroek will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer on January 1, 2026.

What strategic priorities did Graphic Packaging (GPK) emphasize on December 19, 2025?

The company emphasized Vision 2030, improving free cash flow, optimizing cost structure and enhancing operational efficiency.

Is Graphic Packaging (GPK) engaging with activists after the Dec 19, 2025 statement?

Yes; the company said it looks forward to ongoing dialogue with all shareholders, including Eminence Capital.

Which advisors did Graphic Packaging (GPK) name in its Dec 19, 2025 statement?

Graphic Packaging named BofA Securities as financial advisor, Jones Day and DLA Piper as legal counsel, and Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher as strategic communications advisor.

Does the Dec 19, 2025 statement from GPK include financial targets or numbers?

No; the statement restates strategic goals but does not provide specific financial targets or numeric guidance.