Stock market today: Stocks fall as investors rotate out of tech into Jackson Hole
Investing.com -- Goldman Sachs has initiated coverage of hygiene and health company Essity (ST:ESSITYb) with a “neutral” rating, flagging a trough valuation but noting the absence of immediate catalysts to support a re-rating.
The company, which has a market capitalization of $34.5 billion, was spun off from Swedish paper and packaging group SCA in 2017.
Analyst Aron Adamski, who is leading the coverage, sees 14% upside potential in the stock, underpinned by Essity’s strategic shift toward higher-margin segments and away from its core tissue business.
According to Goldman Sachs, this pivot could support a long-term sales growth rate of around 3%, with additional upside from margin expansion and accretive mergers and acquisitions.
However, Adamski flags margin volatility as a key risk, with pulp and energy accounting for about 20% of the company’s cost of goods sold.
These inputs have historically driven 90% of swings in profitability. While recent deflation in these costs may provide short-term relief, a prolonged decline could create a more promotional and competitive environment.
Essity shares are trading at a 25% discount to their average valuation since 2018, based on a 12x CY26 price-to-earnings multiple.