The Q3 2023 rebalancing was characterized by a number of index components entering and exiting the index, in part due to market developments (trading activity, increased resp. decreased), in part due to the identification of new companies that were considered more suitable than some existing ones to be included based on a combination of qualitative and quantitative criteria.
Changes due to Quantitative Selection:
Three companies, Acadian Timber, Accsys Technologies and James Latham were included as their average daily volume (ADV) surpassed the $100’000 threshold for index inclusion. Acadian Timber is a Canadian Forest Management company, Accsys Technologies is a British engineered wood products manufacturer focused on “modified” timber (through a patented acetylation process) and James Latham is a British, family-run distributor of a broad range of timber products.
Boise Cascade, a timber products distributor and pressure-treated timber manufacturer, was included as its compliance with the index guidelines’ supply chain certification requirements was verified.
Bergs Timber, a Swedish manufacturer of timber products ranging from sawn wood to windows, doors, and timber products for exterior applications, was removed as its average trading volume fell significantly below the ADV threshold.
Changes due to Qualitative selection:
Nordic construction company Veidekke and French conglomerate Bouygues were removed from the index as their exposure to timber construction has been considered relatively low compared to other candidates that were identified during the quarter, which provide higher exposure to the timber value chain. The commitment by Bouygues to achieve a significant rate of timber construction in France and Veidekke’s solid goals and policies for timber procurement, nevertheless, continue to deserve mentioning.
Equipment manufacturer Husqvarna was included, having a significant share of business in the forestry equipment segment. Trex, an American composite products manufacturer using reclaimed wood and recycled plastic, was also included as it plays an important role in the circularity of the timber value chain, transforming waste into a value-added product.
For additional information, please refer to the Index Rebalancing Report here.