Stora Enso (Buy, TP: EUR16.50) - On track

Due to better volumes and prices in the packaging materials division, underlying Q1 earnings were above our expectations. Looking ahead, earnings are set to be supported by higher pulp prices at the same time as pricing power has strengthened for most of Stora Enso’s packaging products. We have made limited changes to our 2024–2027 forecasts, but as we are increasingly confident that Stora Enso will be able to raise its profits to a sustainably healthy level, we have increased our target price to EUR16.5 (16) and reiterate our BUY.

Up from a low base

Stora Enso (Buy, TP: EUR16.00) - There is a new sheriff in town

In September 2023, Hans Sohlström took over as CEO, with a stated ambition of creating shareholder value through: 1) asset divestments; 2) reduced opex; and 3) lowered NWC. After scrutinising the self-help opportunities, we see potential for a capital release of more than EUR2bn, translating into meaningfully lower 2025–2026e EV/EBIT multiples, together with a c1% better over-the-cycle ROCE. Coupled with improved market prospects for pulp and packaging, spurring earnings growth, we have raised our target price to EUR16 (14) and reiterate our BUY.

Medistim (Hold, TP: NOK190.00) - Sales in Americas weaken

Revenues grew 3.5% YOY in Q1 (currency-neutral total sales grew 2.2%), below our estimate c6%. The EBIT margin of 24% was almost back to normal and in our view shows the low margin in Q4 2023 (16.4%) should be seen as a one-off. However, we remain concerned about revenue growth, especially in the Americas, after the fifth consecutive quarter of declining currency-neutral sales. Thus, while we reiterate our HOLD, we have lowered our 2024–2026e sales by c3–8% and cut our target price to NOK190 (210).

Catena (Buy, TP: SEK515.00) - Time to put the money to work

The Q1 results were solid in our view; although the vacancy rate rose, it was from a very low level, and was therefore of limited concern. We reiterate our BUY and have raised our target price to SEK515 (500). In our view, Catena has (too much) firepower following its last equity raise and we would like to see more M&A, project activity, or speedy reinvestment. Following the equity raise the stock looks highly valued on a 2025–2026e P/FFO of 21–19x, but that drops to 15–14x adjusted for earnings from our forecast recurring development gains.

Kesko (Hold, TP: EUR17.00) - Technical(ly) weak

Q1 disappointed due to Building & Technical Trade (BTT) profitability well below expectations. We continue to see a mixed case, with stable to gradually improving Grocery Trade (GT) but still-weak Building & Technical Trade. We reiterate our HOLD but have cut our target price to EUR17 (18), after lowering our 2024–2026e clean EBIT and DPS by c4%.