Zacks Downgrades Greif Stock to Strong Sell

Analysts cite concerns over the industrial packaging company's financial performance

Apr. 18, 2026 at 11:24am

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A highly detailed, macro-level view of the heavy machinery and industrial components that are the backbone of Greif's packaging business, conveying a sense of the company's institutional might and financial security.An extreme close-up of the intricate machinery and equipment that powers Greif's global industrial packaging operations, reflecting the company's financial strength and manufacturing prowess.Cleveland Today

Zacks Research has downgraded shares of Greif (NYSE:GEF) from a 'hold' rating to a 'strong sell' rating, citing the company's recent financial results that missed analyst estimates. Several other research firms have also issued reports on Greif, with a mix of 'hold' and 'sell' ratings and lowered price targets.

Why it matters

Greif is a major global player in the industrial packaging industry, so a 'strong sell' rating from a prominent research firm like Zacks could signal broader concerns about the company's financial health and outlook. This could impact investor confidence and the stock price, with potential ripple effects across the packaging sector.

The details

In its research report, Zacks cited Greif's recent quarterly earnings miss as a key factor behind the downgrade. The company reported earnings per share of $0.48, falling short of the $0.69 per share that analysts had expected. Greif also saw a 2.2% year-over-year decline in quarterly revenue to $994.80 million. Other analysts have also recently adjusted their price targets for Greif, with Robert W. Baird setting a $75 target and Wells Fargo dropping its target to $70.

  • Zacks Research downgraded Greif's stock rating on Thursday, April 18, 2026.
  • Greif reported its latest quarterly earnings on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

The players

Greif, Inc.

A global leader in industrial packaging products and services, with a history dating back to 1877. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Greif designs, manufactures and sells a range of industrial packaging solutions including steel, plastic and fiber drums, intermediate bulk containers, and containerboard.

Zacks Research

A prominent equity research firm that provides investment research, data, and analysis to investors and financial professionals.

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What’s next

Investors will be closely watching to see if Greif's stock price continues to decline following the Zacks downgrade, and whether the company can rebound in its next quarterly earnings report.

The takeaway

The Zacks downgrade highlights ongoing concerns about Greif's financial performance, which could signal broader challenges in the industrial packaging industry. As a major player, Greif's struggles may foreshadow difficulties for other companies in the sector.