’Reddit is built for this moment’ - Stock soars on crushed earnings
Ken Bowles, the Executive Vice President and Group Chief Financial Officer of Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:WRK) plc (NASDAQ:SW), recently sold 24,225 ordinary shares of the company. The shares were sold at a weighted average price of $55.06, generating a total of approximately $1.33 million. The transaction comes as the stock trades near its 52-week high of $56.99, having gained over 30% in the past six months. This transaction occurred on February 19, 2025, leaving Bowles with 111,458 shares remaining in his direct ownership. The shares were sold in multiple transactions at prices ranging from $55.02 to $55.13. With a market capitalization of $27.6 billion and a P/E ratio of 64, InvestingPro analysis suggests the stock is currently trading above its Fair Value. Subscribers can access 8 additional ProTips and comprehensive insider trading analysis on the InvestingPro platform.
In other recent news, Smurfit Westrock’s fourth-quarter earnings and first-quarter guidance have drawn significant attention. The company reported earnings that did not meet expectations and provided a first-quarter revenue guidance of $1.25 billion, below the consensus estimate of $1.31 billion. Analysts have reacted by adjusting their price targets, with Citi lowering it to $58 while maintaining a Buy rating, and Jefferies reducing it to $18, also retaining a Buy rating. Truist Securities initiated coverage with a Buy rating and a price target of $62, expressing confidence in the company’s strategic direction post-merger. JPMorgan reiterated an Overweight rating with a $65 price target, highlighting potential structural gains within the company.
Smurfit Westrock has also announced a leadership change, with Jairo Lorenzatto stepping down as President and CEO for the LATAM region, to be succeeded by Alvaro Henao. The company expects to realize approximately $400 million in synergies by the end of the year, with additional synergies anticipated in the future. Despite challenges such as tariffs and foreign exchange fluctuations, analysts remain optimistic about the company’s long-term growth prospects. The combination of these developments has set the stage for investors to closely watch Smurfit Westrock’s performance in the coming months.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.