Canatu has been awarded the 2024 Listing Award at the Stock Exchange Gala, which recognises the best publicly listed companies. Canatu is a rapidly growing deep-technology company that develops advanced carbon nanotubes (Canatu CNT), along with related products and manufacturing equipment, for the semiconductor, automotive, and medical diagnostics industries.
The Stock Exchange Gala jury justified Canatu’s award with the following remarks: “Canatu is a perfect example of the kind of company the Helsinki Stock Exchange needs more of. Focused on the semiconductor industry, Canatu demonstrates top-tier engineering expertise and cutting-edge technology, as well as the ability to promote, sell, and pursue aggressive growth. The company has successfully delivered on its ambitious growth promises: between 2020 and 2023, Canatu achieved an average annual growth of 108%. Furthermore, Canatu executed the listing process excellently, despite not having the resources of a large company.”
Further growth expected
In 2024, the company expects its revenue to grow to €20-25 million, up from €13.5 million in 2023. “The listing award is one of the most significant honours at the Stock Exchange Gala because newly listed companies foreshadow future economic growth. Growth-oriented Canatu is a great example of the potential and determination for growth that exists in Finnish companies and our domestic stock exchange,” says Sari Lounasmeri, CEO of the Finnish Foundation for Share Promotion.
When selecting the recipient of the Listing Award, all companies listed on the main list of the Helsinki Stock Exchange or the First North Growth Market are evaluated. The companies are ranked based on quantitative metrics that reflect the success of their listing (e.g., growth in the number of shareholders, proportion of equity investors among owners). When choosing the winner, the jury also emphasises qualitative factors, such as the company’s operations and listing communications.
“This is a great recognition of our successful listing. We are extremely delighted and grateful for the feedback we have received,” says Canatu CEO Juha Kokkonen. “The listing process progressed at a record-breaking pace – the company was prepared for the stock exchange in only 73 days, from the announcement in July to the listing in September. A big thank you to the entire team and the stock exchange for making this possible. Through the listing, we have gained an exceptionally strong board with extensive experience in developing growth companies. We are proud to bring to the Helsinki Stock Exchange a truly unique company at the forefront of EUV technology in the semiconductor industry.”
Stock Exchange Gala
The Listing Award was presented at the Stock Exchange Gala by Sari Elonheimo, Chair of the Board at PwC Finland. In previous years, the award has been given to the asset management company Mandatum, wood industry products manufacturer Koskisen, and Spinnova, a developer of recycled fibres for the textile industry.
The Stock Exchange Gala annually recognises the best publicly listed companies and their key individuals from the owner’s perspective in six categories: Listing, Chair of the Board, Nomination Committee, Sustainable Growth Achiever, Investor Relations Officer, and Best Investor Pages. Additionally, the Young Investor Award is presented to an active investor under the age of 23 who is passionate about stock investing and shares knowledge about it with others.