DA Davidson maintains Weyerhaeuser stock Buy rating, $36 target

Published 22/05/2025, 14:48
DA Davidson maintains Weyerhaeuser stock Buy rating, $36 target

On Thursday, Weyerhaeuser Company (NYSE:WY), a leading timberland owner and wood products producer with a market capitalization of $18.37 billion, reached an agreement to sell its Princeton, British Columbia sawmill for approximately $86 million USD ($120 million CAD). According to InvestingPro data, the company has maintained dividend payments for 55 consecutive years, showcasing its commitment to shareholder returns despite industry challenges. The transaction is notable as the Princeton mill has been facing operational challenges, particularly with fiber availability and cost issues that are common to sawmills in British Columbia. This divestment comes at a time when the company’s gross profit margins stand at 18.23%, reflecting broader operational pressures in the industry.

Stifel analysts have noted that the Princeton mill was potentially the most expensive operation within Weyerhaeuser’s portfolio, which could have faced further difficulties due to expected increases in duties. These increases would vary depending on the mill’s customer exposure.

The agreed sale price of the sawmill, which equates to $288 per thousand board feet (mbf) of capacity, is considered lower than the market rate for sawmill transactions observed in recent years. Analysts believe that the lower sales price reflects the unique regional challenges faced by the Princeton sawmill. With revenue declining 6.56% over the last twelve months, this strategic move aligns with the company’s focus on operational efficiency. For deeper insights into Weyerhaeuser’s financial health and strategic positioning, investors can access comprehensive analysis through InvestingPro’s detailed research reports, available for over 1,400 US stocks.

The sale is part of Weyerhaeuser’s ongoing efforts to optimize its operations and asset base. By divesting the high-cost Princeton sawmill, the company can potentially improve its overall cost structure and focus on more profitable areas of its business.

Weyerhaeuser’s decision to sell the Princeton sawmill aligns with the company’s strategic approach to managing its extensive timberland and manufacturing operations. The move is expected to enhance the company’s financial flexibility and allow for a more concentrated allocation of resources.

DA Davidson analyst Kurt Yinger has reiterated a Buy rating on Weyerhaeuser stock with a price target of $36.00, signaling confidence in the company’s overall strategy and future performance. The analyst’s outlook remains positive despite the sale of the Princeton sawmill at a price below recent transaction averages for the industry. While the company maintains a healthy current ratio of 2.04 and operates with moderate debt levels, InvestingPro analysis suggests the stock may be trading above its Fair Value, making thorough research crucial for potential investors.

In other recent news, Weyerhaeuser Company announced its first-quarter 2025 earnings, reporting an earnings per share (EPS) of $0.11, which was slightly below the forecast of $0.12. The company’s revenue also fell short, coming in at $1.76 billion against an expected $1.81 billion. Despite these results, DA Davidson maintained its Buy rating on Weyerhaeuser with a price target of $36.00, citing stable timberland values and favorable lumber pricing conditions. In a significant development, Weyerhaeuser has agreed to sell its Princeton, British Columbia lumber mill to the Gorman Group for approximately C$120 million. The sale is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025 and includes the transfer of associated timber licenses. Additionally, Weyerhaeuser’s shareholders recently approved the company’s executive compensation plan and elected its board of directors during the Annual Meeting. The company also ratified KPMG LLP as its independent registered public accounting firm for 2025. These developments reflect Weyerhaeuser’s ongoing strategic adjustments and financial management efforts.

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