Smurfit Kappa SK3.IR EURONEXT closed EUR 41.44 26 Feb 2026: heavy volume view
SK3.IR stock closed at EUR 41.44 on 26 Feb 2026 after a session with unusually high trading volume. The share price fell 0.16 or -0.38% on the day, while volume surged to 24,941,520, roughly 25.94x the average. This made Smurfit Kappa Group Plc (SK3.IR) one of the most active names on EURONEXT in Europe. Traders tracked the stock amid steady fundamentals, a PE of 14.24, and continued sector demand for packaging solutions. We use Meyka AI-powered market analysis to link the trading spike to valuation and near-term forecasts
Market snapshot and why SK3.IR stock was most active
Smurfit Kappa Group plc (SK3.IR) closed at EUR 41.44 after trading between EUR 40.45 and EUR 41.57 on 26 Feb 2026. Volume reached 24,941,520 versus an average of 961,574, driving a relative volume of 25.94 and placing the name among the day’s most active stocks on EURONEXT. The wider Consumer Cyclical sector showed modest moves, but packaging demand and short-term flows amplified trading in SK3.IR.
Large volume often signals rebalancing, index flows, or block trades. Here, the price remained within 50-day average EUR 43.17 and 200-day average EUR 37.49, suggesting active rotation rather than a clear trend breakout.
Earnings, cash flow and fundamental SK3.IR analysis
Smurfit Kappa reports trailing EPS of EUR 2.91 and a trailing PE of 14.24, metrics that point to moderate valuation for the sector. Trailing operating cash flow per share sits at EUR 5.88 and free cash flow per share at EUR 2.55, supporting capital spending and working capital needs.
Margins remain solid with an operating profit margin near 11.35% and net margin around 6.82%. Interest coverage is strong at 6.98x, and the company maintains a current ratio of 1.51, which helps liquidity during cyclical pressure.
SK3.IR stock valuation and ratios
Valuation compares favorably to peers: price-to-sales is 0.99, price-to-book is 1.92, and EV/EBITDA is 7.70. Return on equity stands at 14.19%, while net debt to EBITDA is 1.68x, which is manageable for capital-intensive packaging operations.
Investors focused on cash generation will note a free cash flow yield near 6.08% and a payout ratio around 47.39%, indicating capacity for dividends if the board resumes payouts. These metrics frame the stock as value-tilted within Consumer Cyclical packaging names.
Technical picture, trading flow and price context
Price sits below the 50-day average EUR 43.17 and above the 200-day average EUR 37.49, a neutral-to-bullish medium-term setup. Year high is EUR 45.88 and year low EUR 28.98, giving a wide trading range and room for mean reversion.
The heavy volume on 26 Feb 2026 concentrated near the close, suggesting institutional participation. Short-term support appears near EUR 40.00, while immediate resistance is around EUR 44.00 where the 50-day average clusters.
Meyka AI grade and forecast for SK3.IR stock
Meyka AI rates SK3.IR with a score out of 100: 65.38 | Grade: B | Suggestion: HOLD. This grade factors in S&P 500 benchmark comparison, sector performance, financial growth, key metrics, and analyst consensus.
Meyka AI’s forecast model projects a 12-month level at EUR 57.12, implying an upside of 37.86% versus the current EUR 41.44. The model also lists a three-year figure at EUR 69.19. Forecasts are model-based projections and not guarantees. For further company detail see the Smurfit Kappa investor site source and market quote overview source.
Risks and opportunities in SK3.IR stock outlook
Opportunities include durable packaging demand from food and e-commerce customers and margin gains from recycling and efficiency initiatives. Smurfit Kappa’s scale in Europe and the Americas supports pricing power during tight cycles.
Key risks are input-cost volatility, cyclical end-markets, and execution on capex. Currency swings and containerboard price swings can compress margins. Traders should weigh these risks alongside the elevated intraday activity seen on EURONEXT.
Final Thoughts
SK3.IR stock closed at EUR 41.44 on 26 Feb 2026 after a session defined by heavy volume and active institutional flows. Fundamentals are steady: EPS EUR 2.91, PE 14.24, free cash flow yield 6.08%, and net debt to EBITDA 1.68x. These metrics underpin Meyka AI’s neutral-to-positive view. Our model projects a 12-month target of EUR 57.12, an implied upside of 37.86%, while a conservative near-term price target of EUR 48.00 captures mean-reversion toward the 50-day average.
Given the current mix of solid cash generation, reasonable leverage, and sector demand, we rate Smurfit Kappa as a hold for core European cyclical exposure. Active traders should watch volume spikes and the EUR 40.00–44.00 band for trade setups. Visit Meyka AI for live indicators and the SK3.IR stock page for updated signals: https://meyka.ai/stocks/SK3.IR. Forecasts are model-based projections and not guarantees, and these grades are informational only, not investment advice.
FAQs
What drove SK3.IR stock to be one of the most active names today?
High trading volume of 24,941,520, roughly 25.94x average, drove activity. Trades clustered near the close, suggesting institutional flows and rebalancing. The stock’s valuation and cash flow metrics also attracted attention.
What is Meyka AI’s price forecast for SK3.IR stock?
Meyka AI’s forecast model projects EUR 57.12 in 12 months, implying 37.86% upside versus the current EUR 41.44. These are model-based projections and not guarantees.
Which financial ratios should investors watch for Smurfit Kappa?
Key ratios include PE 14.24, price-to-sales 0.99, price-to-book 1.92, free cash flow yield 6.08%, and net debt/EBITDA 1.68x. Monitor operating margin and cash conversion cycles for trend shifts.
Disclaimer:
Stock markets involve risks. This content is for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Meyka AI PTY LTD provides market analysis and data insights, not financial advice. Always conduct your own research and consider consulting a licensed financial advisor.