William Demant Holding (Hold, TP: DKK220.00) - 2019 guidance below estimates

2019 guidance below estimates H2 sales were slightly below consensus, and the adj. EBIT margin was weak at just c19.3% versus our forecast and consensus of c20.8%. The 2019 EBIT guidance of DKK2.65bn–2.95bn was also weak, with the top end below both our estimate and consensus. In addition, the successor to Oticon Opn was revealed, set for launch in Q1, in time for the VA window in May. We expect consensus 2019e EPS to come down c3% and a 3–5% negative share price reaction today.

Northern Lights

William Demant Holding (Hold, TP: DKK220.00) -

William Demant Holding (WDH DC, Hold) - (14 pages)

XXL ASA (Hold, TP: NOK11.00) - Encouraging LFL growth

The Q1 results were below expectations, but we find the positive LFL growth encouraging amid challenging winter conditions and years of consecutive negative LFL growth. We have reinstated our recommendation at HOLD (NO REC) and target price at NOK11 (N/A), as the earnings trend remains subdued and near-term multiples and financial risk are high. However, this is partly offset by Frasers' NOK10 per share bid for the company.

Catena (Hold, TP: SEK480.00) - Strong Q1 margin, but muted activity

Solid Q1 results included a 7% consensus beat on PFPM, driven by the top line and NOI margin. We reiterate our HOLD, as we consider Catena overcapitalised and are concerned about the lack of attractive investment opportunities, particularly given a slow project market (historically the company’s highest ROI investment). In addition, we believe the valuation looks stretched versus its European logistics peers. However, we have raised our target price to SEK480 (470) and our 2026–2027e FFOps by 2–3%.

Royal Unibrew (Buy, TP: DKK670.00) - Q1 softer than expected

Royal Unibrew’s Q1 was affected by a less-favourable Easter effect in the important Northern Europe region. While this was expected to some degree, the c4% top-line and c10% EBIT misses to consensus were a negative surprise. We reiterate our BUY, but have lowered our target price to DKK670 (690).