Tariffs could offset merger benefits

Article Excerpt

On July 5, 2024, cardboard maker Westrock merged with Dublin, Ireland-headquartered Smurfit Kappa. Westrock investors received one share of the new Smurfit Westrock and $5 in cash for each share they held. Demand for its packaging products is cyclical, and a slowing global economy is largely why the stock is down 17% since the merger. While the company’s long-term prospects remain sound, the current uncertainty over tariffs will probably hurt consumer spending. SMURFIT WESTROCK PLC $41 is a hold. The company (New York symbol SW; Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 522.0 million; Market cap: $21.4 billion; Dividend yield: 4.2%; Takeover Target Rating: Medium; www.smurfitWestrock.com) is a leading provider of packaging materials and systems. Pre-merger, Smurfit was one of the leading corrugated packaging manufacturers in Europe and Latin America. Westrock was a North American leader in the corrugated and consumer packaging segment. Today, the combined company’s shares trade on both the New York Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange. The company has its headquarters in Ireland. Smurfit Westrock…