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) Kinnevik seeks a buyback mandate and proposes two new board members ahead of its EGM; 2) we met VEF’s and Creditas’ CEOs in Stockholm; and 3) Flerie is set to present at our Healthcare Conference in Oslo next week.

Star Bulk (Hold, TP: USD20.20) - Coming challenges mostly priced in

We still see downward pressure on rates and asset values due to the imbalance between China’s underlying raw materials demand and its imports. On our 2025e spot rates and historical valuation multiples, we see 23% downside risk to current 5-year-old Capesize values, and even more for its Supramaxes. Still, we find the share price should be covered even in the event of a 25% drop in asset values. Hence, we have upgraded to HOLD (SELL) and raised our target price to USD20.2 (19.3).

Subsea 7 (Buy, TP: NOK260.00) - All eyes on 2025 guidance

We are in line with consensus on Q3e adj. EBITDA and expect 2025 revenue guidance to be the key focus (margin guidance already provided). Our 2025e revenue of USD7.1bn is in line with consensus, with YOY growth supported by an already-secured backlog (69% backlog coverage versus 55% historically), higher dayrates for its PLSVs, and two new fleet additions in 2025. We reiterate our BUY and NOK260 target price.