UBS Reiterates Buy Rating on Smurfit WestRock Amid Containerboard Recovery
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 20 Jan 26
Smurfit WestRock PLC's stock fell 5.01% and hit a 5-day low amid broader market declines, with the Nasdaq-100 down 2.13% and the S&P 500 down 2.05%.
UBS analysts reiterated a Buy rating on Smurfit WestRock, citing expectations for a recovery in the containerboard sector driven by supply-demand improvements and a forecasted price increase of $40 in 2026. They highlighted significant capacity reductions and anticipated growth in box shipments, although they maintain a cautious outlook on consumer boxboard due to potential oversupply risks.
The implications of UBS's positive outlook suggest that Smurfit WestRock could benefit from the anticipated recovery in the containerboard market, despite current market pressures.
Analyst Views on SW
Wall Street analysts forecast SW stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for SW is 50.49 USD with a low forecast of 45.00 USD and a high forecast of 60.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
11 Analyst Rating
11 Buy
0 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 42.120
Low
45.00
Averages
50.49
High
60.00
Current: 42.120
Low
45.00
Averages
50.49
High
60.00
About SW
Smurfit Westrock plc is a multinational provider of sustainable fiber-based paper and packaging solutions. Its segments include Europe, the Middle East and Africa (MEA) and Asia-Pacific (APAC); North America, and LATAM, which has a system of mills and plants that primarily produce a full line of containerboard that is converted into corrugated containers within each segment or is sold to third parties. Its North America segment offers linerboard, white-top linerboard and containerboard, and kraft paper and caters primarily to corrugated packaging markets. Its Europe, MEA and APAC segment primarily offer a full line of containerboard that is converted into corrugated containers. It is also engaged in packaging and paper market segments, such as sack kraft paper, machine glazed paper, graphic board, solid board, solid board packaging and boxboard. The LATAM segment is engaged in producing containerboard, consumer packaging board and sack kraft paper.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
