Stockchase Opinions

Alex RuusCanfor CorpCFP.TOTOP PICKJul 02, 2021

Largest operator in North America of lumber mills. After a decade of low lumber prices, Canadian lumber capacity has severely curtailed. This gives the backdrop for huge cash flows out of forest products area. Trading at 2x 2021 earnings. Could double over the next year. (Analysts’ price target is $43.00)
$27.95

Stock price when the opinion was issued

$13.85

As of Jun 03, 2026. Market Open.

west coast forestry
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WEAK BUY

Homebuilding stocks in the US have been going straight up, but Canadian forestry stocks have been going the other way. WFG has done the best in holding its share price.

IFP and CFP have really started to bottom on the charts. He hasn't done enough digging to know who has a better earnings profile. But looking at the charts, one of these might be a good bet to catch up to WFG and to the US homebuilders. Lower interest rates will have an impact as well.

BUY

TOL is one of the biggest homebuilders in the US, and a leading indicator. When it starts to go, as it has in the last few days, it's usually good for the lumber stocks.

Unspecified

It looks like it is at a bottom which it has hit three times and it is close to its $14 support level. He doesn't see a reversal from its long downward drop. Be careful - sell if it goes below $13.75.

WATCH

Shows the struggles in forestry and wood products. Now in the part of the cycle of reducing capacity. US market is what will drive the upside, but rebound could be 3 months or 2 years away. You could start looking at it.

TRADE

Very cyclical. Higher rates have meant lower housing starts. She doesn't play in the pure-play commodity space too much, more trading vehicles than long-term holds.

DON'T BUY

The market doesn't believe their balance sheet; shares keep falling. He forecasts 60% downside. Massive losses for the company.

WATCH
He sold all lumber stocks after the huge runup. But if he had to look at one, this would be it. Over $10 cash per share, with stock at $24, which means over 40% of company value is net cash. Lots of optionality. Intriguing.
BUY ON WEAKNESS
Demand for wood products rising. Lumber will continue to be in demand for housing and energy. Buy on weakness.
PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Jul 02/21, Down 8%) Will continue to hold as still thinks a strong company. Currently trading at 2x earnings. Stock very attractive at current price. Volatility in lumber pricing creating opportunity for long term investors.
PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Jul 02/21, Down 3%) A play over the next year. If you look at housing demand in US and Canada over the next 5 years, there will be increasing demand for lumber. Trading at only 2x this year's earnings. Earnings for 2022 will be solid.
PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Aug 12/20, Up 79%) Pattison tried to buy them last year. He bought this as shares went well, and has since rallied strongly. He bought this for the housing boom, but the lumber price surge surprised him. Recently, lumber prices have weakened, but lumber is still at near-historic highs. He expects lumber to rise again.
PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Jan 27/20, Up 109%) He sold, albeit early. A commodity, so can be cyclical. Demand continues to be strong in NA, with tight market supply.
BUY
The commodity price is the big driver. New home building is strong as is renovation. A lot of supply was take out going into COVID. It is hard for them to ramp up any capacity so the prices continue to be high. Having a very large shareholder makes them a little more focused on the longer term and support of a major shareholder is never a bad idea. She thinks the price of lumber will be higher for longer.
HOLD
They have benefited from the strength in housing. It is a very cyclical industry and not one she typically goes into. Hold it for now but watch lumber prices. She is positive on the housing market in the US.