West Fraser to Record $409 Million Impairment in Q4 Due to Economic Challenges
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 08 2026
0mins
Source: PRnewswire
- Impairment Charge: West Fraser anticipates recording approximately $409 million in non-cash goodwill impairment in Q4 2025, primarily due to prolonged economic downturns prompting management to reassess assumptions in its annual goodwill impairment test, indicating a total impairment of goodwill associated with its U.S. lumber operations.
- Market Environment Impact: This impairment reflects changes in pricing trends for lumber products, decreased demand and pricing for wood chip residuals, and the depth and duration of the current economic cycle, highlighting the company's vulnerability under adverse market conditions.
- 2026 Operational Guidance: West Fraser has also provided initial operational guidance for 2026, including expectations for key product shipments, operational costs, and capital expenditures, aimed at optimizing resource allocation to navigate market challenges.
- Capital Expenditure Plans: Expected capital expenditures will primarily focus on improvement projects and maintenance-of-business expenditures, with the company aiming to proceed on time and on budget despite uncertainties in market conditions to enhance optimization and automation of the manufacturing process.
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Analyst Views on WFG
Wall Street analysts forecast WFG stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for WFG is 80.70 USD with a low forecast of 69.11 USD and a high forecast of 88.00 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.
3 Analyst Rating
2 Buy
1 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 69.640
Low
69.11
Averages
80.70
High
88.00
Current: 69.640
Low
69.11
Averages
80.70
High
88.00
About WFG
West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. is a Canada-based diversified wood products company. The Company is engaged in manufacturing, selling, marketing and distributing lumber, engineered wood products such as oriented strand board (OSB), laminated veneer lumber (LVL), medium-density fiberboard (MDF), plywood, particleboard, pulp, newsprint, wood chips and other residuals. Its products are used in home construction, repair and remodeling, industrial applications, paper and tissue. Its segments include Lumber, North America engineered wood products (NA EWP), Pulp & Paper and Europe EWP. The Company’s business comprises lumber mills, OSB facilities, plywood facilities, MDF facilities, particleboard facilities, LVL facilities, veneer facilities, and pulp and paper mills. The Company operates approximately 58 facilities in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and Europe.
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.
West Fraser Timber Co. to Host Analyst Call on February 12, 2026
- Earnings Release Schedule: West Fraser will release its fourth quarter 2025 financial and operating results on February 11, 2026, followed by an analyst conference call on February 12 at 7:00 a.m. Pacific Time, ensuring timely access to critical financial information for investors.
- Participation Details: Investors can join the call by dialing 1-888-510-2154 (toll-free North America) or (437) 900-0527 (toll number), or by connecting via webcast, enhancing the accessibility of information for stakeholders.
- Management Discussion: The call will be chaired by CEO Sean McLaren, who will discuss quarterly results and invite analyst questions, fostering interaction and transparency with the investment community.
- Company Overview: West Fraser is a diversified wood products company with over 50 facilities across Canada, the U.S., the U.K., and Europe, committed to sustainable forest practices, with products used in home construction and industrial applications, highlighting its leadership in the timber industry.
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West Fraser Timber Upgraded to Outperform by Raymond James with $75 Price Target
- Rating Upgrade: Raymond James upgraded West Fraser Timber from Market Perform to Outperform, raising the price target from $70 to $75, reflecting expectations for a strong recovery in Canadian lumber producers by 2026.
- Market Outlook: The analyst noted that 2025 marks the trough of a four-year downturn in forest products, with current valuations at historic lows and supply tightening due to mill curtailments and restricted harvesting, shifting the risk-reward balance to the upside.
- Policy Impact: Potential changes in U.S. housing policy could improve affordability and boost lumber demand, while depressed share prices may encourage consolidation in the industry as cash-rich buyers seek acquisition opportunities.
- Industry Dynamics: In addition to West Fraser, Canfor and Interfor were also upgraded, with the analyst viewing these companies as having higher relative torque to lumber pricing, and Interfor expected to deliver a Q4 2025 earnings beat.
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