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Stock Analysis & ValuationGroupe IRD S.A. (IRD.PA)

Professional Stock Screener
Previous Close
44.20
Sector Valuation Confidence Level
High
Valuation methodValue, Upside, %
Artificial intelligence (AI)n/an/a
Intrinsic value (DCF)n/a
Graham-Dodd Method56.2227
Graham Formula320.24625

Strategic Investment Analysis

Company Overview

Groupe IRD SA is a France-based venture capital and private equity firm specializing in seed, startup, early venture, and mid-venture investments. Founded in 1956 and headquartered in Marcq-en-Baroeul, the firm focuses on growth capital, buyouts, and leasing solutions for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the wholesale, e-commerce (high-tech products), industry, and services sectors. With a regional focus on Nord-Pas de Calais, Picardy, and Ile-de-France, Groupe IRD typically invests between €0.02 million to €2 million, taking minority or majority stakes in portfolio companies. The firm exits investments after five to seven years, often through resale to company managers. As part of the Financial Services sector, Groupe IRD plays a critical role in funding innovation and business expansion in France's regional economies, leveraging its deep local market expertise and long-standing industry presence.

Investment Summary

Groupe IRD SA presents a niche investment opportunity in the French venture capital and private equity space, with a focus on regional SMEs. The firm's low beta (0.55) suggests lower volatility compared to broader markets, making it a potentially stable choice for risk-averse investors. However, the negative operating cash flow (-€3 million) and high capital expenditures (-€28.8 million) in FY 2021 raise liquidity concerns. The firm's €20.3 million net income and €0.25 diluted EPS indicate profitability, but its €103.6 million total debt could pose financial strain. The generous dividend yield (€34.91 per share) may appeal to income-focused investors, but sustainability remains a question given the firm's cash position (€8.1 million). Investors should weigh Groupe IRD's regional expertise against its limited scale and high leverage.

Competitive Analysis

Groupe IRD SA operates in a competitive French private equity landscape, differentiating itself through hyper-local focus and SME specialization. Unlike larger pan-European firms, Groupe IRD's strength lies in its deep regional networks in Nord-Pas de Calais and Picardy, allowing for proprietary deal flow and hands-on portfolio management. The firm's ability to provide both equity (€0.02-2 million tickets) and debt solutions (leasing/commercial loans) creates a unique value proposition for French SMEs seeking flexible capital. However, its small fund size and regional concentration limit its ability to compete for larger deals or high-growth tech startups that typically attract global investors. The firm's 65+ year history provides stability and local credibility but may also reflect conservative investment strategies compared to newer, tech-focused venture firms. Groupe IRD's competitive position is strongest in lower-middle-market transactions where local knowledge and relationships outweigh pure financial firepower.

Major Competitors

  • Eurazeo SE (EPA.PA): Eurazeo is a larger French alternative investment group with €31.5 billion AUM, competing in growth capital and buyouts but with global reach. Its scale and diversified portfolio (luxury, healthcare, tech) overshadow Groupe IRD's regional focus. However, Eurazeo's minimum ticket sizes are typically much higher, leaving the SME segment to firms like Groupe IRD.
  • Imerys S.A. (IPN.PA): Imerys operates in industrial minerals rather than direct private equity competition, but its presence in Nord-Pas de Calais region overlaps with Groupe IRD's geographic focus for potential co-investments or exits. Not a direct competitor but represents regional industrial investment alternatives.
  • ALD S.A. (ALD.PA): ALD (Societe Generale group) is a major French leasing/fleet management company that competes with Groupe IRD's leasing services for SMEs. ALD's multinational scale and lower funding costs give it an advantage, but Groupe IRD's integrated equity+debt approach provides more flexible SME solutions.
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