Greif Inc (NYSE: GEF) reported Q3 EPS of $0.85, in-line with the analyst estimate of $0.85. Revenue for the quarter came in at $1.08 billion versus the consensus estimate of $1.13 billion.

Third Quarter Highlights include (all results compared to the third quarter of 2019 unless otherwise noted):

• Net income of $20.7 million or $0.35 per diluted Class A share decreased compared to net income of $62.7 million or $1.06 per diluted Class A share. Net income, excluding the impact of adjustments(1), of $50.1 million or $0.85 per diluted Class A share decreased compared to net income, excluding the impact of adjustments, of $74.7 million or $1.26 per diluted Class A share. Adjusted EBITDA(2) decreased by $44.4 million to $159.4 million.
• Net cash provided by operating activities decreased by $6.5 million to $135.0 million. Adjusted free cash flow(3) decreased by $0.5 million to $106.6 million.
• Total debt decreased by $240.9 million to $2,637.6 million. Net debt(4) decreased by $263.6 million to $2,539.1 million and decreased $70.8 million sequentially from the second quarter of 2020.

Pete Watson, Greif's President and Chief Executive Officer, commented:

"Our global Greif team executed well during the fiscal third quarter in the face of a challenging operating environment. Financial results were weaker as expected, dragged down by soft industrial conditions around much of our global portfolio and by a significant price/cost squeeze in our paper business. Despite these external challenges to profit, we generated free cash flow essentially flat to the prior year and paid down debt through stronger operating discipline and better working capital performance. Given our strong execution driving cost reduction and operating efficiencies, combined with increased near term visibility of the COVID-19 pandemic volume impacts to the remainder of the fiscal year, we are reintroducing financial guidance ranges."

GUIDANCE:

Greif Inc sees FY2020 EPS of $3.00-$3.20, versus the consensus of $3.38.

• The Company expects the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to create uncertainty in its end markets. The magnitude of the impact will depend on the depth and duration of the crisis, as well as the timing of the recovery in the markets served by the Company.

For earnings history and earnings-related data on Greif Inc (GEF) click here.