1134 ET - Canadian lumber producers are set up for a stronger 2026, according to Raymond James analyst Daryl Swetlishoff, who says the sector has finally hit bottom after a four-year downturn. With valuations at historic lows and supply tightening due to mill curtailments, restricted Canadian harvesting and limited U.S. imports, the analyst sees the risk-reward profile shifting to the upside. Potential U.S. housing policy changes ahead could also improve affordability and lift lumber demand. Depressed share prices may also encourage consolidation in the industry as cash-rich buyers look for deals. Against this backdrop, Swetlishoff picks Canfor and Interfor as top winners with strong buy ratings, while West Fraser is upgraded to outperform from market perform as conditions across the industry begin to improve. (adriano.marchese@wsj.com)
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
January 14, 2026 11:34 ET (16:34 GMT)
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