Greif CFO’s Insider Trades Signal Confidence in Class B Shares: What Investors Need to Know

Insider Activity at Greif Inc. – What the Recent Trades Signal

Greif Inc., a well‑established player on the NYSE, has maintained a steady trading range around $75 per share. Its most recent 52‑week high has not yet been surpassed, indicating a period of relative stability for the company. Nevertheless, a filing dated February 3 reveals a noteworthy series of transactions by EVP and CFO Lawrence Hilsheimer, which may provide insight into the firm’s near‑term strategic orientation.

A Mixed Bag of Trades in a Single Day

On the filing date, Hilsheimer executed the following moves:

The net cash outflow from the day amounted to roughly $2.2 million, while the purchases of Class B shares added approximately $1.1 million to Hilsheimer’s position. Consequently, his holding of Class A shares fell to zero, having been transferred to a Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust, whereas his stake in Class B shares increased to 207 186 shares.

The pattern—selling the more liquid Class A shares while buying the less liquid, premium‑valued Class B shares—suggests a deliberate shift in allocation rather than a reaction to market volatility. It may reflect confidence that the Class B share class, which commands a higher price, will deliver superior long‑term value.

Contextualizing the Insider Activity

Hilsheimer’s recent trading history provides a backdrop for interpreting this move. In December 2025 he sold several hundred shares, and in January 2026 he made sizable purchases that elevated his holdings to the high‑90 000‑share level. The February trades represent the first instance in which he has liquidated his entire Class A position. Other senior executives, including the CEO and several vice‑presidents, have also traded, but none have demonstrated a move as pronounced as Hilsheimer’s.

Potential Investor Takeaways

1. Confidence in Class B The acquisition of Class B shares amid a Class A sell‑off can be interpreted as a bet on the higher‑priced class’s future performance. Holders of Class A shares might consider evaluating the merits of converting or acquiring Class B shares.

2. Capital Management Play The modest net cash outflow indicates that the transaction is unlikely to be driven by liquidity needs or large‑scale projects. Instead, it appears to be a purposeful portfolio rebalancing aligned with Hilsheimer’s long‑term view of Greif’s prospects.

3. Tax or Estate Considerations The sale of shares held in a Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust suggests a philanthropic motive. The trust’s payout schedule could influence future cash flows and the ownership structure of the company.

4. Market Sentiment With an almost neutral sentiment score and moderate buzz, the trade has not yet spurred significant social‑media attention or bullish speculation. The stock’s proximity to its 52‑week high mitigates the likelihood of a sharp price dip unless further large‑scale sales occur.

Hilsheimer Lawrence A.: A Profile Based on Historical Patterns

• Position & Influence As EVP and CFO, Hilsheimer occupies a pivotal role in Greif’s financial strategy and operational oversight. His trades carry weight because they reflect the insights of a senior executive with intimate knowledge of the company’s cash flows and capital allocation priorities.

• Trading Style Historically, Hilsheimer has tended to acquire large blocks of Class A shares (e.g., 36 921 shares in January 2026) and later sell them in smaller increments. The recent pivot to Class B shares demonstrates a willingness to adjust ownership mix in response to perceived valuation differentials.

• Risk Appetite The pattern of buying and holding a substantial minority stake, interspersed with occasional sales for liquidity or rebalancing, indicates a balanced risk profile. Hilsheimer is neither a frequent trader nor a passive holder; instead, he appears to time his transactions around key corporate events or market cycles.

• Implications for Corporate Governance By actively managing his holdings, Hilsheimer exemplifies a commitment to aligning personal interests with shareholder value. This behaviour can reinforce investor confidence in the board’s stewardship, especially in a dual‑class environment where voting power and market value diverge.

Looking Forward

Greif’s share price remains anchored near its 52‑week high, and the company’s fundamentals—robust earnings, a modest price‑to‑earnings ratio, and steady commodity‑driven demand—support a cautiously bullish outlook. Hilsheimer’s latest insider activity signals a nuanced view of the dual‑class structure but does not foreshadow imminent distress. Investors should monitor subsequent filings for further adjustments in Class B holdings and watch for any strategic commentary that may explain the CFO’s rebalancing decision.

Transaction Summary (Extended)

This analysis offers a structured assessment of the recent insider activity at Greif Inc., providing context, potential implications, and a clear view of the company’s market dynamics and competitive positioning.