Attractive assets at a discount
The refinancing completed earlier this year created a
more complex holding structure, but we believe the
market applies too large a holding discount as the stub is
trading at a 2025e EV/EBITDA of 3.4x and Solstad
Maritime at 3.7x (below peers’ c4.5x). We calculate
NOK9 (23%) upside potential for the stub to trade in line
with peers and further upside potential of NOK3–10 (7
26%) if Solstad Maritime is revalued at peer multiples
after applying a 20–0% minority discount (a separate
listing of Solstad Maritime is targeted for Q2 2025). We
initiate coverage with a BUY and NOK60 target price.
Leading CSV and AHTS vessel owner. Solstad Offshore is a leading offshore vessel
owner with a fleet of 26 CSVs and 14 AHTS vessels operating globally.
Holding structure after refinancing. After refinancing earlier this year, Solstad Offshore
was structured as a holding company with direct ownership/control of eight vessels and
the remaining fleet held through a 27% shareholding in unlisted Solstad Maritime. NOK28
of the current share price reflects Solstad Maritime and NOK13 RemainCo (stub).
Upside to peer-group valuation of stub. The stub is trading at a 2025e EV/EBITDA of
3.4x after adjusting for Solstad Maritime’s implied value through AMSC. Peers are trading
at 4.5x, implying NOK9 (23%) upside to trade in line with peers.
Solstad Maritime central to valuation. The valuation of Solstad Offshore is highly
sensitive to the valuation of its holding in Solstad Maritime, as it accounts for c70% of
the current share price. The implied value of Solstad Maritime (through AMSC) is also
below peers (3.7x EV/EBITDA), although a discount on the minority stake is warranted in
our view. A separate listing is planned for Q2 2025, and we calculate a NOK3–10/share
increase is needed to trade in line with peers (assuming 20%–0% minority discounts).
Initiating coverage with a BUY and NOK60 target price, based on our NAV and SOTP,
where we value the segments at a 2025e EV/EBITDA of 4.5–6.0x and Solstad Maritime
based on its implied value through AMSC.
DNB