Svolder’s downward spiral continues. The company’s quarterly report, released on Friday, reveals an 8% decrease in net asset value over the past quarter.
CEO Tomas Risbecker describes the quarter as a “mixed bag.”
“The net asset value declined and fell below the benchmark index, which is obviously not our goal,” he tells Afv, citing that portfolio companies New Wave and Ependion have faced a tough autumn.
Risbecker can also look back on an active quarter, with several changes in the portfolio.
“We bought shares for 400 million SEK and sold for 300 million SEK, reducing our stake in New Wave and increasing it in Troax. We also made an investment in the reacquired holding Beijer Alma. We also participated in Mildefs and Itabs capital increases,” notes the CEO.
“You, like many small-cap funds, have chosen to sell shares in New Wave. Are you losing faith in Torsten?”
“For us, it’s about adjusting the portfolio. During the quarter, we sold in Nolato and New Wave, which is still our largest position. So we haven’t lost faith in the company,” says Tomas Risbecker, describing the company as stable but the quarter as weak.
“Overall demand is cautious in their markets. But what we like is that they continue their investments in marketing and sales force. It shows in the costs but strengthens the company’s long-term position,” says the CEO.
Positive cash flow and reduced net debt continue to instill confidence in Torsten Jansson’s life’s work.
“They really have the muscle to invest forward when the market is challenging,” says Risbecker.
In 2021, Svolder’s stock is down over 15%.
“What will turn it around?”
“One must remember that when looking at Svolder’s portfolio, we truly invest in small companies, that’s our niche. We focus on companies with a market value between 1-20 billion SEK. We are good at that, and historically we have been good at it,” responds the CEO, emphasizing the investment process that he believes has delivered over time.
“However, one must remember that the liquidity in the holdings we have is significantly lower than in small companies. If you look at small companies and compare them with small-cap funds, they have companies up to 90 billion SEK. We compare ourselves with a small-cap index, but we invest in 35% of that index,” says Risbecker, adding, “That sometimes works against us. And sometimes it works in our favor.”
“Do you mean you would like to make more changes than you can?”
“That’s what it is. We have certain positions, and the liquidity in them is low. Instead, we support and try to influence the companies. We can see the effects, but the effects take time.”
One company Svolder has been active in is the electrical installation company Garo, according to Risbecker.
“We have spent a lot of time on it during the period.”
“What changes do you want to see there?”
“There have already been changes. There is a new CEO on the way in, which is an important piece moving forward.”
“Does this mean you were not satisfied with the previous management?”
“If the board makes such a decision, we support it. It’s no secret that Garo has had a tough period, especially in the e-mobility area with reduced demand and low volumes. It takes some time to make these changes, and I feel confident that we are on the right track and making the right kind of changes in various companies, and that was just one example,” says Tomas Risbecker.
“As a shareholder in Svolder, I guess it can feel hopeless with the weak performance. What do you want to say to them?”
“There has been no change in the investment process, and quarterly fluctuations are a natural part of our work. The important thing is that we continue on the long-term path. And we are convinced that we have the right strategy to create value over time. That’s what I want to say to them.”
“But you must be disappointed nonetheless? I assume you want to deliver better?”
“Yes, absolutely. Of course, we want that. We have a goal to outperform the small-cap index. That goal is not something we compromise on.”
| Svolder, SEK million | Q1 2024/2025 | Q1 2023/2024 | Change |
|———————-|—————|—————|——–|
| Operating income | -471.0 | -199.8 | |
| Pre-tax income | -469.1 | -198.2 | |
| Net income | -469.1 | -198.2 | |
| Earnings per share, SEK | -4.60 | -1.90 | |
| Net asset value per share, SEK | 52.50 | 48.30 | 8.7% |
In conclusion, while Svolder has faced challenges in the recent quarter, the company remains committed to its long-term strategy and values. With a focus on small-cap investments and a history of success, Svolder continues to navigate market fluctuations and make strategic decisions to create value for its shareholders over time.