By Dominic Chopping

STOCKHOLM--Investor AB on Thursday reported a negative third quarter total shareholder return of 4% compared with a 19% positive return in the same period last year.

The investment firm noted that while the world economy continued to recover, it remained affected by the pandemic and supply chain challenges, while the energy shortage, geopolitics, inflation concerns and uncertainty about the Chinese economy are risks that need to be monitored closely.

All these risks have recently contributed to increased volatility in the financial markets, despite an improved macro environment and low interest rates, it added.

Investor's net asset value per share rose to 196 Swedish kronor ($22.75) at the end of September from SEK187 at the end of June. On an adjusted basis, NAV rose to SEK223 a share from SEK215.

Net profit attributable to shareholders for the third quarter was SEK26.97 billion, down from SEK27.19 billion a year earlier.

"In the coming years, sustainability, digitalization, an intensifying competition for talent and geopolitics will shape both Investor and our companies," Chief Executive Johan Forssell said.

Investor said it has updated its leverage policy, now targeting 0-10% net debt to total adjusted assets, from 5%-10% net debt to total reported assets previously.

Write to Dominic Chopping at dominic.chopping@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

October 18, 2021 06:44 ET (10:44 GMT)