
Greif Inc is a global leader in industrial packaging, but how does it stack up against its competitors? The company's market positioning is rooted in its diverse product portfolio, which includes steel, plastic, and fiber drums, as well as intermediate bulk containers.
Greif Inc operates in a highly competitive market, with major players like Mauser Group and Schütz GmbH. However, the company's strong brand recognition and extensive distribution network give it a unique edge.
Greif Inc has a significant presence in the industrial packaging market, with a diverse customer base that spans various industries, including food, beverage, and pharmaceuticals.
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Financial Performance
Greif, Inc. reported a disappointing earnings per share of $0.39 for the quarter, missing analysts' consensus estimates by $0.33.
The company's revenue for the quarter was $1.27 billion, which was higher than the analyst estimates of $1.26 billion.
Greif's return on equity was 11.84%, indicating a decent level of profitability.
For the current fiscal year, research analysts forecast that Greif will post earnings per share of 4.11.
Investor Insights

Greif, Inc. has a strong track record of delivering value to its investors.
The company has consistently generated positive free cash flow, with a median of $130 million over the past five years.
Greif's commitment to sustainability has also contributed to its long-term success, with a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2025.
Dividend Announcement
Greif recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, April 1st. This is great news for investors who were eligible to receive it.
Investors of record on Monday, March 17th received a $0.54 dividend. This is a significant payment, especially for those who hold Greif stock in their portfolio.
The ex-dividend date was also Monday, March 17th, which is an important date for investors to note. This is the date after which new investors won't be eligible to receive the dividend.
On an annualized basis, the dividend payment works out to $2.16. This is a substantial amount, especially for those who plan to hold onto their shares for the long haul.

The dividend yield for Greif is 4.20%, which is a relatively high yield compared to other stocks. This is likely to be attractive to income investors who are looking for a reliable source of returns.
Greif's payout ratio is 61.71%, which is a significant percentage of the company's earnings. This suggests that the company is committed to returning value to its shareholders.
Insider Trading
Insider trading can be a valuable tool for investors who want to get a sense of the company's inner workings. Corporate insiders own 7.60% of Greif's stock.
Director Frank Calhoun V. Miller recently bought 1,000 shares of Greif's stock at an average price of $58.50 per share. This purchase was a significant increase in their position.
The total transaction amount for Miller's purchase was $58,500.00. He now owns 1,000 shares of Greif's stock, valued at approximately $58,500.
Director Mark A. Emkes also made a significant purchase, buying 3,000 shares of Greif stock at an average price of $55.89 per share. This purchase was a 7.27% increase in their ownership of the stock.
The total transaction amount for Emkes' purchase was $167,670.00. He now directly owns 44,257 shares in the company, valued at $2,473,523.73.
Hedge Funds Weigh

Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of Greif, a industrial products company.
Sanctuary Advisors LLC boosted its stake in Greif by 24.0% during the 3rd quarter.
Park Avenue Securities LLC raised its holdings in Greif by 26.6% in the fourth quarter.
Wedge Capital Management L L P NC boosted its position in shares of Greif by 8.8% during the fourth quarter.
Avior Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Greif in the 4th quarter valued at $31,000.
Twelve Points Wealth Management LLC increased its position in shares of Greif by 15.1% in the 4th quarter.
45.74% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.
Competitive Landscape
Greif, Inc. operates in a competitive landscape with several key players.
The company is a public entity, listed alongside Crown Holdings Inc, Graphic Packaging Holding Co, and O-I Glass Inc, who all share the same entity type.
Greif, Inc. has a significant presence in the United States, with headquarters located in Delaware, Ohio. This is in contrast to Crown Holdings Inc, which is based in Tampa, Florida.
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A comparison of the number of employees among these companies reveals some interesting insights. Greif, Inc. has 12,000 employees, while Crown Holdings Inc has a significantly larger workforce with 25,000 employees.
Here's a brief overview of the key players in Greif, Inc.'s competitive landscape:
This comparison highlights the varying sizes and locations of these companies, offering a glimpse into the competitive landscape that Greif, Inc. operates within.
Navigating Challenges, Innovating for Sustainability
Greif, Inc. has been navigating challenges and innovating towards a sustainable future. The company recently announced a price increase for its uncoated recycled paperboard, tube and core, and protective packaging products due to a significant rise in current liabilities.
This move reflects broader economic trends and the company's commitment to financial stability. Greif, Inc. has been prioritizing shareholder value, declaring significant quarterly dividends, and demonstrating strategic confidence in its dividend payments.
The company's commitment to sustainability is evident in its innovative products and services. In December 2024, Greif, Inc. unveiled ModCan, a groundbreaking modular packaging solution set to transform the way businesses handle a diverse range of products.

Here are some key highlights of Greif, Inc.'s commitment to sustainability:
- Unveiling of ModCan, a modular packaging solution
- Price increase for sustainable products
- Declaration of significant quarterly dividends
- Acquisition of Ipackchem Group SAS to expand operations
Greif, Inc.'s dedication to sustainability and innovation is a testament to its commitment to delivering value to shareholders and the environment.
Not Clear-Cut Case
The case against Greif's board members isn't as straightforward as you'd think. Experts in securities law are divided on the strength of the insider trading allegations.
Bill Singer, a New York securities lawyer, believes Kramer's complaints might not rise to the level of "material" information. He thinks it's more like a person's opinion.
There's a fine line between using your brain and insider trading. As Singer puts it, "We have to be careful we're not punishing people for using their brain."
Jeffrey Cramer, a former federal prosecutor, disagrees. He thinks selling shares after learning about a news investigation is trading on inside information. This information wasn't known to the public and had the potential to affect the share price.

The fact that Greif's share price didn't drop significantly after the Journal Sentinel investigation was published might deter a prosecution. Cramer notes that the stock price remained at about $58, and it wasn't until early March that it dropped about 9% before rebounding.
It's not a defense against a case, but it's definitely part of the calculation for federal prosecutors. Cramer believes a case could still come in the right circumstances, even if it's just a "shot across the bow" for a federal prosecutor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Greif Company do?
Greif Company is a leading manufacturer of a wide range of industrial packaging products, including drums, containers, and paperboard solutions. From steel to plastic, and paper to specialty products, Greif offers a diverse portfolio of innovative packaging solutions.
How many employees are at Greif?
Greif has a workforce of over 14,000 colleagues worldwide. Our diverse team spans 37 countries and 250+ facilities.
Sources
- https://www.globaldata.com/company-profile/greif-inc/
- https://csimarket.com/news/greif-inc-navigating-challenges-and-innovating-towards-a-sustainable-future2025-01-29130749
- https://www.packagingdive.com/news/greif-closures-georgia-massachusetts-140-employees-capacity/738585/
- https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/investigations/2017/10/06/greif-board-members-face-insider-trading-complaint/735737001/
- https://www.defenseworld.net/2025/04/20/greif-inc-nysegef-receives-consensus-rating-of-moderate-buy-from-analysts.html
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