Swedish companies' working capital rises to 24.6% of sales, Knowit report shows

• Knowit's Capital Efficiency Outlook 2026 found Swedish listed companies tying up more capital in operations, reversing two years of declining working capital intensity.
• Net operating working capital rose to 24.6% of sales in the third quarter of 2026 from 21.8% a year earlier.
• Around three in four companies recorded increases; median inventory days rose by 12 days, while customers paid five days later.
• Post-tax operating margins exceeded pre-pandemic levels, but returns on invested capital were lower as companies required more capital to generate sales.
• Matching top-quartile working capital efficiency within their value-chain segments could release cash equivalent to around 5% of annual sales.

Disclaimer: This news brief was created by Public Technologies (PUBT) using generative artificial intelligence. While PUBT strives to provide accurate and timely information, this AI-generated content is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial, investment, or legal advice. Knowit AB published the original content used to generate this news brief on November 09, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained therein.