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2024 Norwegian bank survey - Sector trends remain promising

While the respondents unsurprisingly forecast margins to decline from current highs, our 11th annual survey of the 50 largest banks in Norway presents an upbeat outlook, in our view. In addition to robust asset quality, the banks expect a slight uptick in lending growth. Supported by a market-disciplining profitability focus and solid dividend potential, we still find the sector valuation undemanding at an average 2025e P/E of ~9.3x. Noting a slightly more nuanced perspective with some HOLD recommendations, we maintain our positive sector view.

Lyko Group (Sell, TP: SEK95.00) - Waiting for further positive signs

For Q3, we are slightly above consensus on EBIT but below on net profit. We expect Lyko’s results to be weighed down by continuously high financial costs. In our view, focus will remain on its European market, the efforts to improve its group gross margin, and the cash flow position (net debt/EBITDA of c4.4x at end-Q2). We reiterate our SELL and SEK95 target price, reflecting its stretched balance sheet and our belief that it will take time to properly balance growth and profitability.

The weekly navigator

From the past week, we highlight: 1) we hosted investor lunches with the CEOs of Svolder and Byggmästaren at our Stockholm office; 2) we met with Investor, which is continuing to execute on its M&A agenda; 3) we met with VEF, which is seeing positive momentum for fintech VCs in its core markets of Brazil and India.

Bilia AB (Buy, TP: SEK150.00) - Recovery likely pushed to 2025

We are cautious ahead of the Q3 report, as a likely recovery in car earnings is pushed to 2025e, while we expect service earnings to be flattish on still-restrained consumer sentiment near-term. Nevertheless, with c+40% EPS growth in 2025e on a forecast new-car market recovery next year, we remain positive on the stock. We reiterate our BUY but have cut our target price to SEK150 (160), mainly on lower estimates.