CFRA lifts SCA stock target to SEK175, maintains Buy rating

Published 03/02/2025, 22:34
CFRA lifts SCA stock target to SEK175, maintains Buy rating

On Monday, CFRA analyst Lee Zhao Jun increased the price target for Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget SCA (SCAB:SS) (OTC: SVCBF) shares to SEK175.00, up from the previous SEK165.00, while reiterating a Buy rating on the stock. The adjustment reflects CFRA’s optimistic outlook on the company’s financial performance, particularly noting SCA’s effective cost control measures.

The revised 12-month target price is based on a projected 2025 price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 22.7 times, which represents a premium compared to the peer average P/E of 17 times. CFRA justifies this premium by pointing to SCA’s superior margins, which the firm attributes to the company’s efficient cost management.

SCA’s fourth-quarter revenue for 2024 showed a year-over-year increase of 17%, reaching SEK5.2 billion. However, EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) grew at a more modest rate of 1% to SEK1.6 billion due to a dip in EBITDA margin, which was affected by rising raw material costs in the forest and containerboard segments.

Despite the challenges posed by increased costs, SCA has proposed to raise its dividend per share (DPS) to SEK3.00 for 2025, up from SEK2.75, citing improved profitability and strong cost control. The company remains cautious about the demand for solid-wood products and packaging materials but anticipates a gradual improvement in demand and earnings. CFRA’s outlook is further buoyed by expectations of better pricing in pulp and wood, SCA’s ability to withstand rising wood costs, and its profitable expansion in the renewable energy sector.

CFRA has also introduced its 2026 earnings per share (EPS) forecast for SCA, setting it at SEK7.90. The firm views the company’s renewable energy ventures as a key driver for future revenue growth and a supporting factor for the continued Buy rating on SCA stock.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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