Sparebanken Vest (Buy, TP: NOK158.00) - Long-term synergy potential

In this note, we have included the merger with Sparebanken Sør in our estimates (scheduled for 1 May 2025 pending regulatory approval). The banks have guided for annual operating synergies of NOK350m–400m from 2027–2028, as well as combined capital benefits of NOK4.1bn (NOK2.1bn from the new standard method and NOK2bn from SVEG’s IRB models). While we have cut our 2025–2026e EPS by ~5% due to the synergy time lag, we expect the merger to be accretive longer-term. Also seeing generous dividend prospects, we continue to find the valuation attractive at a 2025e P/E of 9.6x. We reiterate our BUY a...

Norwegian banks: Q3'24 outcome vs. expectations

The weekly navigator

From the past week, we highlight: 1) Bure reported Q3 results, outperforming the SIXRX by more than 5%-points; 2) VEF’s largest holding, Creditas, reported Q3 numbers, with origination improving 17% QOQ ahead of a profitable growth reacceleration and potential listing; 3) Apotea (10% of Creades’ unlisted assets) announced its intention to go public before year-end; and 4) Kinnevik’s chair is set to step down in 2025.

Ørsted (Hold, TP: DKK390.00) - Balance sheet risk still in focus

Ørsted reported underlying results on the downside and further construction issues in the US. The reversal of cancellation fees and deferred capex helps near-term liquidity, but we still believe significant asset sales are needed to fix its balance sheet. We reiterate our DKK390 target price and have upgraded the stock to HOLD (SELL), as it is valued on a par with existing business and visible growth. However, we see uncertainty in the US and a weak balance sheet to continue to weigh on the stock.

US shale: limited revisions and colour on 2025 activity levels

Our Q3 survey of the US shale universe showed limited revisions to guidance for 2024, and we still expect muted 2024 production growth of ~4–5% YOY (+8% YOY in 2023). Our survey also suggests capex down ~2% YOY, as the companies continue to guide for flat activity. Limited colour was provided on 2025 activity levels and associated capex, which we will know more about in the Q4 results season. For Q3, our universe marginally underspent its cash flow, albeit with net debt continuing to build QOQ across the industry due to M&A activity.