Better from insurance

Storebrand (Buy, TP: NOK120.00) - Strong AUM momentum

Storebrand is set to benefit from strong equity markets in Q1, as we expect AUM to be up ~22% YOY. Together with solid profit sharing from the Swedish Guaranteed business, this should offset a soft insurance result from harsh weather and disability benefits, resulting in Q1 profit before amortisation of NOK924m, up 20% YOY. We forecast a Q1 Solvency II ratio of 195%, supporting continued buybacks in line with the 2023 CMD target of NOK12bn by 2030. We have raised our 2025–2026e EPS by 1–3% and our target price to NOK120 (118), and reiterate our BUY.

Storebrand (Buy, TP: NOK118.00) - Further insurance repricing needed

Cash-equivalent earnings before amortisation were 13% higher in Q4 YOY despite the soft trend within Insurance. Repricing measures were taken throughout 2023 and as part of the 1 January renewal, with management expecting the targeted profitability to be reached in 2025. The board proposed a new NOK400m buyback programme, with the remaining NOK1.1bn to come after the AGM. We reiterate our BUY, but have cut our 2025e EPS by 3% and our target price to NOK118 (120).

Boliden (Buy, TP: SEK420.00) - In a sweet spot

Despite low mining volumes, the Q1 results were close to our expectations, thanks to good cost control. We have made significant estimate increases on better metal price and FX assumptions, and beyond 2024 we continue to see additional earnings support from: 1) higher mining volumes due to richer metal grades; 2) normal operations at Rönnskär; and 3) growing profits from the Odda smelter. Our spot-based estimates for 2027 translate to an EV/EBIT of 5.2x, but we see significant upside potential to our forecasts on our view of a promising outlook for copper and gold. We have raised our target pr...

Beijer Ref (Hold, TP: SEK156.00) - Building (cash flow) confidence

We have increased our cash flow estimates but have made moderate underlying forecast changes after the Q1 report. Inclusion of recent M&A and updated FX has led us to raise our adj. EBITA by c3% on average for 2024–2026e. We have raised our target price to SEK156 (152) due to our model changes and updated peer multiples. We reiterate our HOLD and see limited upside potential given the valuation seems on the high side.

Epiroc (Buy, TP: SEK230.00) - Mix headwind, benefits to come

Similar to Sandvik’s Mining business, the main miss in Epiroc’s Q1 was the soft margin, albeit for different reasons. Sandvik pointed to the unfavourable timing of equipment deliveries, while Epiroc alluded to a pure mix issue (high share of equipment, low share of service). Only small benefits from Epiroc’s cost measures have started to show – we expect more to be gradually realised through 2024. We have trimmed our 2024–2026e adj. EBIT by 1% on average. We reiterate our BUY, but have lowered our target price to SEK230 (235).