Why Shares of Graphic Packaging Holding Company Popped 10% At the Opening Bell

Although we don't believe in timing the market or panicking over market movements, we do like to keep an eye on big changes -- just in case they're material to our investing thesis.

What: Shares of Graphic Packaging Holding Company jumped as much as 10% today after reporting earnings that came in well ahead of estimates.

So what: Fourth-quarter revenue actually fell 7% to $1.0 billion but was in-line with what analysts were expecting. But net income of $41.5 million, or $0.21 per share on an adjusted basis was six cents ahead of estimate.

To top off the solid quarter, management announced a $0.05 per share quarterly dividend and a $250 million share repurchase program.

Now what: Graphic Packaging has been divesting from some of its businesses, so adjusting for that, revenue from ongoing operations was up 5.6% in the quarter, not bad in a highly competitive environment. More than the earnings beat, management's confidence to pay a dividend and implement a share repurchase program are great signs for investors. Shares are still pretty expensive at 19 times forward estimates, but if operations continue to improve the stock could continue to hit new highs.

The article Why Shares of Graphic Packaging Holding Company Popped 10% At the Opening Bell originally appeared on Fool.com.

Travis Hoium has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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