How Greenvale Capital Amassed a $99 Million Position in Varonis Systems

2025-12-31 15:52:09

The Latest Fund Move

On November 14, London-based Greenvale Capital revealed a significant expansion of its stake in Varonis Systems (NASDAQ:VRNS), adding 1.28 million shares during Q3. This aggressive accumulation bumped the fund’s total position to 1.73 million shares, now valued at approximately $99.14 million as of September 30. The data security specialist now ranks as Greenvale’s fifth-largest holding, representing 7.8% of the fund’s reportable assets under management.

Why the $76 Million Boost Matters

The position’s value surged by roughly $76.30 million, reflecting both the share purchase and market movement. At current trading levels around $33.34 per share, Varonis has retreated 26% over the past year—a stark contrast to the S&P 500’s 16% gain in the same period. Yet Greenvale’s conviction move suggests the fund sees opportunity beneath the surface.

Portfolio Context and Competitive Holdings

Varonis sits in an interesting spot within Greenvale’s $1.27 billion U.S. equity portfolio. The fund’s top positions reveal a growth-oriented allocation:

Sunrun (NASDAQ:RUN): $231.83 million (18.54% of AUM)
Roblox (NYSE:RBLX): $148.91 million (11.91% of AUM)
Zeta Global (NYSE:ZETA): $144.06 million (11.52% of AUM)
SharkNinja (NYSE:SN): $129.92 million (10.39% of AUM)
Varonis Systems (NASDAQ:VRNS): $99.14 million (7.93% of AUM)

The Business Behind the Numbers

Varonis delivers enterprise software for data security, analytics, and governance across on-premises and cloud infrastructures. The company powers its business model through software licensing and professional services, targeting IT security and business teams across industries. Its platform monitors sensitive data access, alerts on anomalies, and automates data governance at scale—capabilities increasingly critical as organizations accelerate cloud migrations.

The Cash Flow Turnaround

While operating losses appear elevated on paper, Varonis’ underlying momentum tells a different story. Annual recurring revenue climbed 18% year-over-year to $718.6 million in Q3, with SaaS now representing roughly 76% of total ARR. This mix shift explains why reported losses widened even as operational cash improved.

The company generated $122.7 million in operating cash flow year-to-date, up from $90.9 million in the prior year, alongside $111.6 million in free cash flow. Management also announced a $150 million share repurchase authorization, signaling confidence in long-term value.

Financial Snapshot

Metric	Value
Revenue (TTM)	$608.68 million
Net Income (TTM)	($114.54 million)
Market Cap	$3.93 billion
Share Price (Current)	$33.34

The Investment Thesis

Varonis occupies a unique intersection: enterprise security demand, accelerating cloud adoption, and AI-driven data governance. The stock’s 26% annual decline likely reflects investor frustration with near-term margin compression and softer legacy on-premise renewal rates—issues management cited during earnings.

However, the multi-year outlook appears constructive. A recurring, SaaS-heavy security platform with improving cash generation, $1 billion-plus in liquidity, and market tailwinds presents the type of asymmetric risk-reward that separates patient capital from quarterly traders. Greenvale’s willingness to amassed nearly a $100 million stake suggests conviction that Varonis’ valuation better reflects opportunity than near-term operating headwinds.

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