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Stock Analysis & ValuationAudacia S.A. (ALAUD.PA)

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4.16
Sector Valuation Confidence Level
High
Valuation methodValue, Upside, %
Artificial intelligence (AI)633.1715120
Intrinsic value (DCF)149.933504
Graham-Dodd Method3.21-23
Graham Formula5.0221

Strategic Investment Analysis

Company Overview

Audacia SA (ALAUD.PA) is a Paris-based venture capital and private equity firm specializing in investments across startups, growth capital, SMEs, and real estate. Founded in 2007, Audacia focuses on diverse sectors, including consumer goods, industrials, B2B/B2C services, and cutting-edge quantum technologies. The firm typically invests between €2M–€10M via convertible bonds and €0.5M–€1.5M in equity, targeting French companies with revenues of €5M–€250M. With a market cap of €17.5M and a low beta (0.291), Audacia operates in the competitive Financial Services sector, emphasizing innovative physics and quantum computing—a niche with high growth potential. Its portfolio reflects a strategic balance between traditional industries and disruptive tech, positioning it uniquely in Europe’s mid-market investment landscape.

Investment Summary

Audacia SA presents a specialized investment opportunity in European mid-market ventures, particularly in quantum tech and B2B services. Its €13.5M revenue and €0.9M net income (2024E) reflect modest but stable performance, supported by €3.58M cash reserves and low debt (€0.63M). The firm’s zero dividend policy suggests reinvestment focus, aligning with growth-stage investing. However, its small market cap (~€17.5M) and negative free cash flow (operating cash flow: €0.49M vs. capex: -€1.11M) signal liquidity constraints. The low beta indicates lower volatility but may limit upside. Investors should weigh its niche expertise against scalability challenges in a crowded private equity market.

Competitive Analysis

Audacia SA’s competitive edge lies in its dual focus on traditional sectors (consumer goods, industrials) and high-growth quantum technologies, a rarity among European mid-market PE firms. Its €2M–€10M investment range fills a gap between micro-VCs and larger PE players, offering flexibility via convertible bonds. However, its France-centric portfolio limits geographic diversification, unlike pan-European peers. The firm’s emphasis on quantum computing and sensors aligns with France’s national tech priorities, potentially granting access to government-backed deals. Yet, its small scale (~€17.5M market cap) restricts capacity to compete with mega-funds in follow-on rounds. Audacia’s lack of dividend payouts may deter income-focused investors, but its low debt (€0.63M) provides stability. Competitively, it must differentiate via sector specialization as generalist PE firms dominate the €5M–€250M revenue target space.

Major Competitors

  • Eurazeo SE (EPA.PA): Eurazeo (€4.5B market cap) is a larger French PE firm with global reach, investing €50M–€500M—far exceeding Audacia’s capacity. Its diversified portfolio (luxury, healthcare) and listed structure provide liquidity advantages. However, Eurazeo’s size limits agility in niche sectors like quantum tech, where Audacia focuses.
  • Ipsen SA (IPN.PA): Ipsen, primarily a biopharma firm, overlaps indirectly via its venture arm’s life sciences investments. Its €8B+ market cap and R&D focus overshadow Audacia’s generalist approach but lack cross-sector versatility.
  • Argan SA (ARG.PA): Argan (€2.3B market cap) specializes in logistics real estate, competing indirectly for capital. Its steady dividends attract income investors, contrasting Audacia’s growth-only model. Argan’s asset-heavy approach differs from Audacia’s equity-focused strategy.
  • Casino Guichard-Perrachon SA (CO.PA): Casino’s retail focus competes for consumer-sector deals. Its distressed status (€0.3B market cap) limits new investments, but its B2C expertise rivals Audacia’s consumer goods bets. Casino’s scale in retail networks is unmatched but lacks tech focus.
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