Uncovering the Unnoticed Business Affairs
In a podcast you have previously mentioned that when you took on the CEO role, you could only foresee financially a week ahead. However, it changed so that you could see a month ahead. How far ahead can you see now?
“Next fall is our big test when we have a bond maturing. We already have processes in place to manage that. So, the major liquidity demands come then, in about a year and a half,” says Synnes, continuing:
“This allows us to focus more long-term and not rush with short-term issues. This results in lower costs for us and a better strategic maneuvering space.”
Since taking over SBB, you have dealt with an acute debt situation, completed numerous divestments, restructured the entire company, and skillfully navigated away from the demands in your dispute with bondholders. Why hasn’t this been reflected in your stock price?
“The market sometimes chooses to focus on problems and threats. Some deals that can be made may not be what the market had in mind. For example, the solution we had in the bond dispute that we planned for a long time,” says Synnes.
When will the market regain trust in SBB?
“I believe it’s on the rise. But if you’ve stumbled like we have, it takes a long time to come back. We are gradually moving in the right direction. Then we’ll see when the market deems us a company worthy of a premium valuation again.”