UBS cuts Orkla target to NOK 89, starts Unite buy coverage and names executive
UBS•UBS analysts cut Orkla’s 12-month target to NOK 89 from NOK 130 (14% downside) and forecast a 14% profit drop at Jotun, prompting a 7–15% EPS estimate reduction for 2026–27. The bank launched Unite Group coverage with a 585p buy target and named John Houlihan Southeast Market Executive.
1. Orkla Downgraded by UBS
UBS analysts downgraded Orkla to Sell, cutting its 12-month price target to NOK 89 from NOK 130 due to rising freight, packaging and energy costs, weaker consumer demand in Europe and a forecasted 14% fall in profit contributions from associate Jotun. The bank trimmed its 2026 and 2027 EPS estimates by 7% and 15% based on slower organic sales growth and cost inflation.
2. Unite Group Coverage Initiated
UBS initiated coverage of Unite Group with a Buy rating and a 585p price target, citing an undue market discount of 50% to net tangible asset value and arguing that recent weakness is driven by postgraduate accommodation demand rather than structural enrolment declines.
3. Southeast Region Leadership Appointment
UBS Wealth Management USA appointed John Houlihan as Market Executive for the South Market in its Southeast Region, which covers major wealth centers including Miami, Atlanta, Charlotte and Washington, D.C., aiming to leverage recent asset inflows and regional growth.
