Citi cuts Smurfit Westrock target to $58 but retains Buy rating

Published 13/02/2025, 16:04
Citi cuts Smurfit Westrock target to $58 but retains Buy rating

On Thursday, Citi analyst Anthony Pettinari adjusted the price target for Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) shares, bringing it down to $58.00 from the previous $62.00, while continuing to recommend a Buy rating for the company. Currently trading at $53.59, the stock sits within a broader analyst target range of $47-$68, according to InvestingPro data. The revision follows Smurfit Westrock’s recent performance, which saw the company’s shares decline by 5% in contrast to the S&P 500’s stable position after the firm reported earnings for the fourth quarter that did not meet expectations and provided a first-quarter guidance below the consensus estimate of $1.31 billion at $1.25 billion.

Smurfit Westrock chose not to offer a full-year guidance and brought attention to potential headwinds for the year 2025, which include tariffs, foreign exchange fluctuations, and energy costs. Despite these challenges, InvestingPro analysis indicates a GOOD overall Financial Health Score of 2.53, with particularly strong marks in profitability metrics. Subscribers can access 5 additional ProTips and over 30 financial metrics for deeper analysis. On a positive note, the company is on track to realize approximately $400 million in synergies by the end of the year, with an additional $400 million or more in synergies reiterated as a future opportunity. Despite undergoing a merger and contract restructuring, North American box volumes have remained steady, matching the industry performance.

Pettinari has also revised the full-year 2025 EBITDA estimate for Smurfit Westrock to $5.235 billion, factoring in the impact of foreign exchange challenges, which could result in a $60 million reduction, and adopting a more conservative stance on price and cost. This forecast is a decrease from the pro forma view of the company potentially generating around $5.5 billion in EBITDA, excluding synergies, at the time of the merger.

Despite the lowered estimates, Pettinari’s stance on Smurfit Westrock remains optimistic, citing the stock’s current valuation at 7.5 times the next twelve months’ (NTM) EBITDA as an attractive entry point for investors. The reiteration of the Buy rating, coupled with the new $58 price target, reflects confidence in the company’s ability to navigate the outlined challenges and capitalize on the anticipated synergies. Based on comprehensive Fair Value analysis from InvestingPro, the stock appears to be trading above its Fair Value, suggesting investors should carefully consider their entry points.

In other recent news, Smurfit Westrock reported significant developments, including financial forecasts, a merger, leadership changes, and analyst ratings. Jefferies revised its price target for Smurfit Westrock to $18, maintaining a Buy rating. This followed the company’s Q4 results and 2025 guidance, which prompted a 2% reduction in the 2025 revenue forecast to $288 million and a decrease in the adjusted EPS estimate to $0.04.

Meanwhile, Truist Securities initiated coverage of Smurfit Westrock with a Buy rating and a price target of $62, expressing optimism about the company’s potential after its merger with Smurfit Kappa (IR:SKG) and WestRock (NYSE:WRK). The merger positions Smurfit Westrock as a major player in the sustainable fiber-based paper and packaging solutions industry, with projected revenues of approximately $32 billion in 2025.

In executive news, Smurfit Westrock announced a leadership change, with Jairo Lorenzatto stepping down as President and CEO for the LATAM region, to be succeeded by Alvaro Henao. Lastly, JPMorgan reiterated its Overweight rating on Smurfit Westrock stock, maintaining a $65 price target. The firm’s positive stance is based on anticipated structural improvements within the WestRock legacy business. These are recent developments that investors should take note of.

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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