September: Pulp shipments -10% y-o-y

UPM (Buy, TP: EUR42.00) - Earnings growth and buybacks

Since UPM had pre-released Q3 EBIT and provided new Q4 guidance, the Q3 report included no real surprises. Still, we are encouraged by UPM’s focus on continuously reducing fixed costs. Based on improved volumes in combination with better prices for pulp and biofuels, we are confident UPM will show impressive earnings growth. Based on reduced 2025–2027e capex, we also expect strong free cash flow, leaving the balance sheet overcapitalised, and paving the way for buybacks on top of compelling dividends. We reiterate our BUY and EUR42 target price.

Pulp is down and Wood is up

Edda Wind (Buy, TP: NOK30.00) - Well positioned

While EBITDA was broadly in line with expectations, the Q3 report gave early signs of improved operational reliability, which we believe will be key to narrowing the discount to underlying values (the stock is trading at 0.6x P/NAV). Recent contract awards (including a new 12+12-month contract announced with the results) have made the fleet fully booked until the 2025 summer season, and three of the four 2025 newbuild deliveries are now booked directly following yard delivery. We reiterate our BUY and NOK30 target price.

Valuation and market update

In this note, we show updated valuation and market statistics for the Offshore Drilling sector.

Petrobras FPSO delays may hit service volumes but lengthen cycle

Being the largest global consumer of deepwater oil services, Petrobras’ strategic plans tend to get investor attention. On the positive side, its latest 5-year plan sees 5% higher E&P spending than the previous one, and has a more stable phasing between the years, which is supportive for the cycle duration. However, several FPSOs are facing significant delays, which is on the downside for oil services, leading to delays for deepwater oilfield services (primarily drilling and subsea), likely resulting in lower ‘peak volumes’ and demand being spread over a longer period. The rig count is said to...