tiprankstipranks
Trending News
More News >
Western Forest Prod (TSE:WEF)
TSX:WEF

Western Forest Prod (WEF) AI Stock Analysis

Compare
150 Followers

Top Page

TS

Western Forest Prod

(TSX:WEF)

50Neutral
Western Forest Products faces significant financial challenges, with negative profitability and liquidity issues reflected in its low financial performance score. Technical analysis and valuation metrics are also weak, suggesting potential further downside. Despite some positive signals from recent earnings call improvements and strategic initiatives, external challenges such as tariffs and market uncertainties weigh heavily on the score.

Western Forest Prod (WEF) vs. S&P 500 (SPY)

Western Forest Prod Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionWestern Forest Products Inc. engages in the timber harvesting, sawmilling logs into specialty lumber, value-added lumber remanufacturing, and lumber purchasing and wholesaling businesses. Its products have applications in outdoor living; exterior appearance; interior living; and structural applications. The company sells its products in Canada, the United States, China, Japan, Europe, and internationally. Western Forest Products Inc. was founded in 1955 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.
How the Company Makes MoneyWestern Forest Products Inc. generates revenue primarily through the sale of its wood products. The company's key revenue streams include the harvesting and sale of logs, as well as the production and sale of lumber products. It operates several sawmills and remanufacturing facilities, enabling it to produce a wide array of wood products tailored to customer needs in various sectors, such as construction and homebuilding. The company benefits from its access to high-quality timber resources in British Columbia and leverages strategic partnerships and long-term customer relationships to maintain a steady demand for its products. Additionally, Western Forest Products' focus on sustainable forestry practices and certifications helps enhance its market position and appeal to environmentally conscious buyers.

Western Forest Prod Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Western Forest Prod is currently navigating through financial difficulties with negative profitability and cash flow concerns. While the balance sheet remains relatively strong, the income statement and cash flow statement highlight significant operational and liquidity challenges that the company must address to stabilize its financial health.
Income Statement
40
Negative
Western Forest Prod's revenue has experienced significant volatility with a sharp decline from 2022 to 2023, before a modest recovery in 2024. The gross profit margin has improved slightly in 2024, yet net profit margins remain negative due to continued net losses. EBIT and EBITDA margins indicate operating challenges, signaling ongoing financial stress.
Balance Sheet
55
Neutral
The balance sheet reflects a stable equity position with a debt-to-equity ratio remaining manageable, though slightly increasing. The equity ratio showcases a solid capital structure with a significant portion of assets financed by equity. However, return on equity is negative, highlighting profitability issues.
Cash Flow
45
Neutral
Cash flow analysis reveals improvement in operating cash flow from 2023 to 2024, yet free cash flow remains negative. The company struggles with generating sufficient cash to cover capital expenditures and net income, indicating liquidity challenges.
Breakdown
Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
1.06B1.02B1.44B1.42B964.90M
Gross Profit
90.20M50.60M254.50M399.00M171.60M
EBIT
-45.40M-83.40M84.30M267.10M53.90M
EBITDA
13.20M-35.10M137.00M317.70M107.00M
Net Income Common Stockholders
-30.40M-68.50M61.70M201.40M33.10M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
7.90M2.30M15.80M130.00M2.90M
Total Assets
915.50M915.40M932.80M959.00M852.20M
Total Debt
105.00M104.60M20.60M18.30M93.70M
Net Debt
97.10M102.30M4.80M-111.70M90.80M
Total Liabilities
349.20M347.50M281.10M341.80M346.60M
Stockholders Equity
558.20M565.00M647.20M612.10M504.50M
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
-13.30M-78.20M-56.80M248.50M61.70M
Operating Cash Flow
20.10M-33.80M-10.30M281.60M80.40M
Investing Cash Flow
3.00M-38.60M-59.90M38.70M-14.50M
Financing Cash Flow
-17.50M58.90M-44.00M-193.20M-65.10M

Western Forest Prod Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price0.39
Price Trends
50DMA
0.41
Negative
100DMA
0.42
Negative
200DMA
0.44
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
>-0.01
Negative
RSI
54.57
Neutral
STOCH
88.89
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For TSE:WEF, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 0.39 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 0.38, below the 50-day MA of 0.41, and below the 200-day MA of 0.44, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of >-0.01 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 54.57 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 88.89 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for TSE:WEF.

Western Forest Prod Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (49)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
TSADN
70
Outperform
C$310.65M14.086.61%6.65%24.29%-27.59%
TSWEF
50
Neutral
C$123.53M-5.41%4.63%55.62%
49
Neutral
$1.95B-1.32-21.23%3.72%0.87%-29.37%
* Basic Materials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
TSE:WEF
Western Forest Prod
0.40
-0.13
-24.53%
TSE:ADN
Acadian Timber
17.33
0.62
3.71%
STLJF
Stella-Jones
48.85
-4.51
-8.45%
CADNF
Cascades
6.36
-0.22
-3.34%
IFSPF
Interfor
9.94
-3.34
-25.15%
CFPZF
Canfor
9.73
-1.20
-10.98%

Western Forest Prod Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:May 06, 2025
(Q4-2024)
|
% Change Since: -7.14%|
Next Earnings Date:Jul 31, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The call reflects a strong positive sentiment with significantly improved financial performance, successful strategic investments, and operational efficiency gains. However, challenges remain due to increased US tariffs and market uncertainties in Japan and China.
Q4-2024 Updates
Positive Updates
Significantly Improved Financial Results
The company delivered significantly improved results in the fourth quarter and full year of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Fourth quarter adjusted EBITDA was $14.4 million compared to negative $1.2 million in the same period last year.
Operational Efficiency Enhancements
Operational uptime improved to 85% in 2024 from 83% in 2023, contributing to an incremental gross margin in excess of $6 million.
Strategic Investments and Innovations
Completed and commissioned the first continuous dry kiln on the BC coast at Saltair sawmill with 99.2% capacity utilization, and new automated grading equipment at Duke Point, both expecting EBITDA payback in less than two years.
Successful Strategic Partnerships and Asset Sales
Completed the sale of a 34% interest in a new limited partnership with four Vancouver Island First Nations for $35.9 million, and the sale of northern private timberlands for gross proceeds of $69.2 million.
Negative Updates
Increase in US Tariffs
US President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing a 25% tariff on imported goods from Canada, in addition to the current US softwood lumber duties of 14.4% for Western.
Challenges in the Japanese Market
Pricing in Japan remains challenged due to a weaker yen to US dollar exchange rate, with moderate consumption as housing starts and construction activities are low.
China Market Uncertainty
Despite softwood lumber markets performing above expectations, volatility is expected due to potential US tariff threats impacting exports to the US.
Company Guidance
During the fourth quarter 2024 conference call, Western Forest Products provided guidance reflecting strong performance improvements compared to 2023. Key metrics included an adjusted EBITDA of $14.4 million versus a loss of $1.2 million the previous year, highlighting higher lumber shipments and prices. Capital investments like the $13 million continuous dry kiln at Saltair sawmill operated at 99.2% capacity, with expected payback in under two years. Additionally, the company commissioned automated grading equipment at Duke Point, forecasting a payback period of less than two years on a $4.6 million investment. Inventory turnover increased by 5%, while controllable corporate overhead was reduced by $2.4 million. Looking ahead, Western anticipates improved North American cedar demand and pricing, with expectations of a 25% tariff on Canadian imports into the US, emphasizing strategic priorities and maintaining a strong balance sheet.

Western Forest Prod Corporate Events

Private Placements and FinancingBusiness Operations and Strategy
Western Forest Products Extends $250 Million Credit Facility
Positive
May 1, 2025

Western Forest Products Inc. has announced the amendment and extension of its $250 million syndicated credit facility, now maturing on July 21, 2028. This move ensures financial stability and supports the company’s strategic operations in the competitive global softwood market, maintaining unchanged security and financial covenants.

Spark’s Take on TSE:WEF Stock

According to Spark, TipRanks’ AI Analyst, TSE:WEF is a Neutral.

Western Forest Products faces significant financial challenges with negative profitability and liquidity issues, reflected in a low financial performance score. Technical analysis and valuation metrics are also weak, suggesting potential further downside. Despite some positive signals from recent earnings call improvements and strategic initiatives, external challenges such as tariffs and market uncertainties weigh heavily on the score.

To see Spark’s full report on TSE:WEF stock, click here.

Delistings and Listing ChangesShareholder MeetingsStock Split
Western Forest Products Proposes Share Consolidation to Boost Investor Interest
Positive
Apr 7, 2025

Western Forest Products Inc. has announced a proposal for a share consolidation to be considered at its upcoming Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders. The Board of Directors believes this move will attract interest from new and existing investors and improve the trading liquidity of the company’s common shares. If approved, the Board will have the discretion to determine the consolidation ratio and timing within a year. The number of common shares will be proportionately reduced, with fractional shares rounded to the nearest whole number.

Spark’s Take on TSE:WEF Stock

According to Spark, TipRanks’ AI Analyst, TSE:WEF is a Neutral.

Western Forest Products shows signs of operational improvement and strategic reinvestment, yet financial and market challenges remain. The stock’s valuation metrics are unattractive, and technical indicators suggest potential further downside. The company’s positive earnings call highlights progress, but significant external challenges persist, impacting the overall score.

To see Spark’s full report on TSE:WEF stock, click here.

Financial Disclosures
Western Forest Products to Announce Q1 2025 Results
Neutral
Apr 1, 2025

Western Forest Products Inc. announced the release date for its first quarter 2025 financial and operating results, set for May 6, 2025, with an analyst conference call scheduled for May 7, 2025. The call will feature discussions led by key executives, including the CEO, CFO, and Senior VP of Sales, Marketing, and Manufacturing, followed by a Q&A session with analysts. This announcement is significant for stakeholders as it provides insights into the company’s financial health and strategic direction, potentially impacting its market positioning and investor confidence.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Western Forest Products Reports Improved Fiscal 2024 Results
Positive
Feb 13, 2025

Western Forest Products Inc. reported a significant improvement in its financial performance for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2024 compared to the previous year. The company achieved an adjusted EBITDA of $14.4 million in Q4 2024, in stark contrast to the negative figures from the previous periods. This financial upturn is attributed to better lumber market conditions, a stronger mix of cedar and industrial lumber sales, and favorable exchange rates. The improved results indicate enhanced market positioning and operational efficiency, likely benefiting stakeholders with a more robust financial outlook.

M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and Strategy
Western Forest Products Sells Vancouver Island Land to Eastwood for $69.2 Million
Positive
Feb 11, 2025

Western Forest Products has sold 14,500 hectares of land on northern Vancouver Island to Eastwood Climate Smart Forestry Fund for $69.2 million. This sale aligns with Western’s strategy to optimize its BC operations by reducing debt and investing in higher value product manufacturing. Eastwood aims to manage the land with a focus on sustainable forestry and climate change mitigation, while building relationships with local stakeholders to ensure positive ecological and economic impacts.

Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.