PotlatchDeltic (PCH) is set to benefit from rising softwood lumber duties on Canadian lumber and US tariffs on imports from all countries, but its pending merger with Rayonier will dilute the impact, RBC Capital Markets analysts said in a Monday note.

"We expect some straightforward benefits of scale as the company comes together with Rayonier, although we think it will take some time for an inflection in timber demand to play out," analysts said.

Despite some potential headwinds on loss of incentives, the company expects to increase its solar development land area to 40,000 to 45,000 acres by the end of the year, analysts said.

Analysts said they view lithium as a longer-term opportunity for the company, but are "encouraged" by the current progress.

RBC is positive on the company's ramp-up at the Waldo sawmill and thinks its lumber business is running well, but noted that a soft commodity backdrop has been unsupportive.

RBC downgraded the stock's rating to sector perform from outperform, and has a $48 price target.

Price: 40.45, Change: -0.95, Percent Change: -2.29