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Stock Analysis & ValuationKarnov Group AB (publ) (0A39.L)

Professional Stock Screener
Previous Close
£97.90
Sector Valuation Confidence Level
Low
Valuation methodValue, £Upside, %
Artificial intelligence (AI)3.00-97
Intrinsic value (DCF)58.07-41
Graham-Dodd Methodn/a
Graham Formulan/a

Strategic Investment Analysis

Company Overview

Karnov Group AB (publ) is a leading provider of online and offline information products and services for legal, tax, accounting, environmental, and health and safety professionals across Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and other European markets. Headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, and listed on the London Stock Exchange, Karnov Group operates under well-established brands such as Karnov, Norstedts Juridik, Notisum, and LEXNordics. The company primarily offers subscription-based digital solutions, complemented by printed publications and legal training courses. Serving law firms, tax advisors, corporations, and public sector entities, Karnov Group plays a critical role in the legal and regulatory information sector. Founded in 1867, the company has a long-standing reputation for reliability and expertise in Nordic legal information services. With a market capitalization of approximately SEK 10 billion, Karnov Group is a key player in the European legal tech and professional information industry.

Investment Summary

Karnov Group presents a mixed investment profile. The company operates in a stable, subscription-driven industry with recurring revenue streams, which is attractive. However, its recent financials show a net loss of SEK 33.1 million and negative diluted EPS (-SEK 0.31), raising concerns about profitability. Positive aspects include strong operating cash flow (SEK 315.5 million) and a solid cash position (SEK 402.8 million), but high total debt (SEK 2.87 billion) is a risk. The company’s low beta (0.684) suggests lower volatility compared to the broader market, which may appeal to risk-averse investors. Expansion in digital solutions could drive future growth, but competition and debt levels warrant caution.

Competitive Analysis

Karnov Group holds a strong position in the Nordic legal and professional information market, leveraging its well-known brands and deep regional expertise. Its competitive advantage lies in its comprehensive, localized content tailored to Scandinavian legal systems, which is difficult for global competitors to replicate. The shift toward digital subscriptions aligns with industry trends, reducing reliance on print media. However, Karnov faces competition from both local niche providers and larger international players like Thomson Reuters and Wolters Kluwer, which have greater resources and global reach. Karnov’s focus on the Nordic region allows for specialized offerings but limits scalability outside these markets. The company’s ability to integrate digital solutions while maintaining high-quality content will be critical in defending its market share. Pricing pressure from free or low-cost legal information platforms could also pose a long-term threat.

Major Competitors

  • Wolters Kluwer NV (WKL.AS): Wolters Kluwer is a global leader in professional information services, with a strong presence in legal, tax, and regulatory markets. Its extensive product portfolio and technological capabilities give it an edge over Karnov in terms of scale and innovation. However, Wolters Kluwer’s Nordic-focused offerings may lack the depth of Karnov’s localized content.
  • Thomson Reuters Corporation (TRI.TO): Thomson Reuters dominates the global legal and tax information industry with its vast resources and advanced AI-driven platforms. While it competes with Karnov in the Nordic region, its broader focus may limit its ability to match Karnov’s specialized regional expertise. Thomson Reuters’ financial strength allows for aggressive R&D and acquisitions.
  • RELX PLC (REL.L): RELX operates LexisNexis, a major competitor in legal and professional information. Its global footprint and data analytics capabilities provide a competitive advantage, but Karnov’s strong Nordic brand recognition and tailored solutions help it retain regional market share. RELX’s diversified business model reduces reliance on legal information alone.
  • Inforte Corp (INFOLIT.HE): Inforte provides legal and business information primarily in Finland, making it a regional competitor. While smaller than Karnov, its focus on Finnish markets allows for deep local expertise. However, Karnov’s broader Nordic presence gives it an advantage in scalability and cross-border services.
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