BofA Downgrades Potlatch to Underperform, Lowers Target to $46 Amid Lumber Weakness

Core Viewpoint - BofA Securities downgraded PotlatchDeltic Corp. from Buy to Underperform, reducing its price target to $46 from $49 due to ongoing weakness in the lumber and construction markets [1] Group 1: Market Conditions - Lumber prices and construction demand are expected to remain subdued through the winter [1] - Lumber operating rates of 78–80% indicate an oversupplied market, which limits the impact of tariffs or duties on pricing [2] Group 2: Company Valuation - Potlatch's land value supports its long-term asset base, but current valuations are not compelling on an operating cash flow basis due to weak commodity pricing [3] - The new price target of $46 reflects a lower target AFFO multiple of 16–20x, down by two turns from the previous estimate [3] Group 3: Future Catalysts - The closing of Potlatch's planned merger with Rayonier is unlikely to occur before late Q1 or early Q2 2026 [3]