NB Private Equity Partners Limited: Interim Results
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Results for the Six Months to 30 June 2024 driven by 4.3% Uplift
From Private Valuations
25 September 2024
NB Private Equity Partners (NBPE), the $1.3bn1 listed
private equity investment company managed by Neuberger Berman,
today announces its results for the six months to 30 June 2024.
Highlights from six months to 30 June 2024
- Net Assets of $1.3 bn - NAV per
share of $27.87 (£22.05) a return of 1.0% in the six months
- Performance driven by 4.3% increase
in private company valuations (ex-FX), which have been partially
offset by continued volatility in quoted holdings and foreign
exchange headwinds
- Positive operating performance
continues with 11% aggregate weighted average LTM revenue growth
and 16% aggregate LTM EBITDA growth from private
companies2
- Robust investment activity: $72
million invested in new and follow-on investments in the six
months
- $126 million of proceeds received
during the first six months of the year
- 1H 2024 dividend of $0.47 per share
paid in February 2024
- Well positioned to take advantage of
investment opportunities with $386 million of cash / liquid
investments and undrawn credit line available
As of 30 June 2024 |
YTD |
1 Year |
3 years |
5 years |
10 years |
NAV TR (USD)*
Annualised |
1.0% |
1.4% |
7.1%
2.3% |
70.5%
11.3% |
174.8%
10.6% |
MSCI World TR (USD)*
Annualised |
12.0% |
20.8% |
23.8%
7.4% |
78.8%
12.3% |
153.2%
9.7% |
Share price TR (GBP)*
Annualised |
(1.8%) |
11.7% |
31.1%
9.5% |
75.7%
11.9% |
297.4%
14.8% |
FTSE All-Share TR (GBP)*
Annualised |
7.4% |
13.0% |
23.9%
7.4% |
30.9%
5.5% |
77.8%
5.9% |
*Reflects cumulative returns over the time periods shown and
are not annualised.
Peter von Lehe, Managing Director and Head of Investment
Solutions and Strategy at Neuberger Berman commented:
“Our NAV per share at 30 June 2024 was $27.87, translating to a
NAV total return of 1.0% in the six months. Positive performance of
our private companies continued and appreciated in value by 4.3% on
a constant currency basis, offset by quoted holdings and foreign
exchange headwinds. We’ve invested more than $70 million so far
this year and our liquidity position remains strong, with total
realisations for the first six months of the year of $126 million.
We expect to continue to be active during the second half of the
year, while maintaining balance sheet strength.”
Paul Daggett, Managing Director at Neuberger Berman,
continued:
“We are pleased with the positive operating performance of our
portfolio companies which we believe reflects the high-quality
nature of the underlying assets. The companies in the portfolio
generated weighted average LTM revenue growth of 11% and LTM EBITDA
growth of 16%. We think this performance can be attributed to the
active ownership of our underlying private equity managers, who
continue to drive operational enhancements and revenue growth, both
organically and through M&A, in a still challenging market
environment. We believe the portfolio remains well positioned,
supported by our two key themes of long-term secular growth and
companies with lower expected cylicality.”
Chairman’s statement for the six months to 30 June
2024
NBPE ended the period with net assets of $1.3bn ($27.87 per
share), reporting a NAV total return of 1.0% in the first six
months of 2024. Performance was driven by a 4.3% constant currency
return from our private companies. This was partially offset by
weaker performance from our quoted holdings and foreign exchange
headwinds.
Continued underlying revenue & EBITDA growth and
portfolio well positioned
NBPE focuses on investing in companies that benefit from two key
themes: long-term secular growth trends, and / or lower expected
cyclicality. The portfolio is performing well, reporting weighted
average LTM revenue and LTM EBITDA growth of 11% and 16%,
respectively at 30 June 2024. This continued strong underlying
growth and resilience from many of NBPE’s private companies
underscores the value of our focus, with our private companies
continuing to drive positive performance overall, driven by
operational enhancements, EBITDA growth and M&A, despite a
challenging environment.
$72 million of new investments against $126 million of
realisations through 30 June 2024 with new investments this year
off to good starts
During the first six months of the year NBPE invested $72
million in new and follow-on investments. Two of the new
investments were in the healthcare industry, Zeus, a medical device
component manufacturer alongside EQT, and Benecon, a company
focused on health insurance alongside TA Associates. The third new
investment was FDH Aero, a parts distributor in the aerospace and
defense industry alongside Audax Private Equity.
Despite a subdued private equity exit environment, NBPE received
cash proceeds of $126 million during the first six months of the
year which includes transactions which were announced in 2023, but
closed in 2024.
Approximately 84% of these realisations were from equity
co-investments and a structured equity security, as the result of
full exits, partial liquidity and sales of quoted holdings. The
remaining 16% of realisations in the first six months were from
legacy income investments. Subsequent to this reporting period,
NBPE received a further $25 million from a partial liquidity event
in Action. Together with additional proceeds during July and
August, total realisation proceeds for the first eight months of
2024 were $158 million. These realisations compare to $171 million
for the whole of 2023.
Remaining highly selective and continuing to evaluate
new opportunities
NBPE today has 97% of fair value invested in direct equity and
is the only London listed private equity investment company solely
dedicated to investing in direct equity co-investments. One of the
benefits of NBPE’s co-investment model is the ability to remain
highly selective and make investments on a deal-by-deal basis,
without the need for long-term unfunded commitments. The Board
believes this is a significant advantage in today’s investing
environment. NBPE builds its portfolio company by company, with the
Manager picking what it believes to be the best opportunities from
the pipeline of opportunities sourced from its $115bn global
Private Equity platform. Maintaining balance sheet strength is a
core focus for the Board, and we expect the pace of new investments
to remain balanced with the overall level of realisations, and
considered in the light of other capital needs, including dividends
and share buybacks.
Ongoing commitment to the dividend
The Board maintained the 2024 dividend at 2023 levels.
Semi-annual dividends of $0.47 were paid in February and August
2024, bringing total dividends paid to shareholders since 2013 to
approximately $360 million. The Board remains committed to the
Company’s policy of targeting an annualised dividend yield of 3% of
NAV or greater, giving shareholders the opportunity to participate
directly in the performance of the underlying portfolio.
Strong balance sheet and simplification of capital
structure
At 30 June 2024, NBPE had total available liquidity of $386
million ($176 million cash and liquid investments and $210 million
undrawn credit line) and at 30 June 2024 NBPE’s investment level
was 100%, at the lower end of its target range of 100% - 110%.
As previously announced, NBPE intends to repay the 2024 ZDP
final entitlement of £65 million (~$82 million at 30 June 2024) at
maturity in October 2024, simplifying the Company’s capital
structure.
Discount remains wide while market volatility
persists
Following a period of positive share price performance and
improving sentiment more generally for listed private equity in
late 2023, the environment for the first half of this year has been
more uncertain with concerns centered around slowing economies.
NBPE’s share price has not been immune to the volatility in the
market, resulting in a negative 1.8% total return for the six month
period to June 2024.
Discounts across the listed private equity sector remain
unsatisfactorily wide. The Board believes that NBPE’s current
discount of approximately 26% presents a compelling opportunity for
investors looking to buy into a high quality, diversified portfolio
of direct private equity co-investments alongside leading private
equity managers in a capital and fee efficient manner.
The Board has supported the efforts for a change in the cost
disclosure regime alongside the London Stock Exchange, other fund
managers, brokers and parliamentarians and is heartened by the
recent FCA announcement that investment trusts have been
temporarily exempted from Packaged retail and insurance-based
investment products (“PRIIPs”) and associated EU Law. This
announcement is a helpful development for the Listed Investment
Company sector as a whole and specifically for NBPE and we are
encouraged by this first step on the road to longer term
reform.
Portfolio of performing companies selected under the
manager’s ‘all-weather’ investment approach is well positioned for
a range of environments
While the current macro and geopolitical environment remains
uncertain, there is cause for optimism with inflation moderating
and central banks beginning to lower interest rates. This potential
shift in monetary policy could provide a boost to economic activity
and investor sentiment. We have already seen this to some extent,
with the Russell 2000 index multiples rebounding and now exceeding
2019 levels. However, private equity valuations have not
experienced the same increase, as PE funds maintain a long-term
perspective on price multiples, similar to their approach in 2022
and 2023.
We believe active private equity ownership in today’s
environment remains an advantage and NBPE’s portfolio companies are
continuing to drive LTM revenue and EBITDA growth, demonstrating
the strength of our investment portfolio and the benefits of our
co-investment approach and advantages of our strategy.
Investment Manager’s review
NBPE’s investment portfolio appreciated in value by $51 million
during the first six months of 2024. Performance was driven by the
portfolio’s private companies (93% of direct equity fair value),
which delivered an overall return of 4.3% in constant currencies,
while headwinds from quoted holdings (7% of direct equity fair
value) and foreign exchange detracted from performance. Taken
together, NBPE’s NAV total return was 1.0% for the first six months
of the year, but with continued strong operating performance in
many of NBPE’s underlying companies.
Value gains driven by a number of core
positions
The largest gains, measured in terms of dollar appreciation,
were broadly spread across the consumer, technology, industrial and
financial sectors. The largest ten investments by dollar value
appreciation increased in value by $57 million during the first
half relative to their combined year end valuations. These value
increases were driven by a number of positive underlying company
developments including organic growth driven by new store rollouts
or customer wins, strong renewals and bookings activity, and by
M&A. The largest ten negative value drivers in terms of dollar
value, depreciated by $25 million relative to their 2023 year end
valuations in aggregate. Negative performance was largely driven by
highly specific factors in certain consumer, technology, and
business services companies, but broadly the result of an overall
operating environment that remained difficult, particularly for
companies with large consumer end-markets
or an ultimate reliance on consumer demand. Despite some
positive momentum, these investments largely faced weaker demand or
slower recoveries, while some companies reported inventory
challenges and price compression.
Operational improvements and M&A continue to drive
EBITDA growth
NBPE’s portfolio is focused on companies with resilient business
models, with many providing mission-critical products or services
or being leaders in their respective end-markets. Strong underlying
growth and operational improvements continue to drive performance,
despite a challenging operating environment. As at 30 June 2024, on
a weighted average basis, the portfolio generated LTM revenue and
EBITDA growth of 10.6% and 16.2%, respectively, which also includes
the impact from M&A in the portfolio. Approximately 20% of the
portfolio by fair value grew LTM revenues in excess of 20%, with
41% of the portfolio by fair value growing LTM EBITDA in excess of
20%.
Industrials, consumer and financial services (55% of fair value
in aggregate) were the strongest growing sectors with LTM revenue
growth in excess of 10% and LTM EBITDA growth in excess of 15%, on
a weighted average basis; within industrials and financial
services, M&A contributed meaningfully to the overall growth,
in addition to organic growth and operational enhancements. Private
equity managers also continue to drive synergies and cost savings
through integration of previous M&A transactions, and this also
contributed to growth. Business services (12% of fair value) was
the only sector in the portfolio that saw negative LTM revenue and
LTM EBITDA growth, primarily driven by lower volumes, slower
recoveries and more challenging macro environments. In addition,
there were certain companies in other parts of the portfolio, that
reported softer revenue growth, primarily as a result of headwinds
from macro challenges and depressed volumes, which in some cases
had been offset by new business wins.
Overall, underlying LTM EBITDA growth remains strong, driven by
a number of factors including a deep focus on operational
improvements, favourable trends in raw material and freight costs,
and M&A. Portfolio company optimisation is a continued focus by
private equity managers, whether that is through improving
planning, inventory management, sales and marketing, systems or
talent in order to drive substantive operational improvements. We
believe these initiatives have contributed meaningfully to overall
portfolio LTM EBITDA growth and are occurring as part of private
equity managers’ value creation plans.
Valuation multiple increased slightly relative to year
end as companies continue to grow
As of 30 June 2024, the weighted average EV/LTM EBITDA multiple
was 15.2x3. Multiples have declined by approximately two
turns since 2021, however, they now appear to have stablised, with
the aggregate multiple increasing slightly versus December
2023.
The weighted average Net Debt/LTM EBITDA multiple was
5.4x4, a slight increase relative to the prior
period.
$72 million of total new and follow on investment
activity
During the first six months of 2024, NBPE deployed approximately
$63 million into three new platform investments and an additional
$9 million to other new and follow-on investments. $25 million was
invested in Benecon, a healthcare company which is a developer and
manager of self-funded medical benefit programs for small and
medium sized businesses in the U.S.. Benecon’s model allows for
more efficient self funding of medical benefits programs, which
effectively lowers healthcare costs for employer groups and
members. We believe this was an attractive opportunity to invest in
a large, underserved market with high barriers to entry in a
company with multiple levers for value creation and strong
operating performance. Additionally, we believe healthcare cost
reduction is particularly relevant today and this was an
opportunity to partner with TA Associates on a mid-life
co-investment transaction. TA is a private equity sponsor with deep
experience in US healthcare and a strong long-term track
record.
NBPE invested $13 million into Zeus, a healthcare company
focused on fluoropolymer tubing for medical devices and select
industrial applications. The company’s components enable the
delivery of minimally invasive interventional procedures which is
an area with strong secular tailwinds. Zeus is a market leader with
considerable barriers to entry which provides mission-critical
components for medical devices in a specific niche that requires
high precision products. Historically, the company has generated
strong operating performance and we believe future R&D and
active ownership could drive significant innovation, growth and
increased profitability for the company. The investment was made
alongside EQT Partners, a global private equity firm, with a
30-year track record across multiple investment strategies.
The final new investment in the first six months of 2024 was a
$25 million investment in FDH Aero, a leading parts distributor to
the aerospace and defense industry. The company has a leading
market position and high barriers to entry, which has driven
historic organic growth, augmented by a thoughtful acquisition
strategy. The mid-life co-investment was made alongside Audax
Private Equity, a leading private equity firm focused on
middle-market companies which are positioned to accelerate growth,
using Audax’s buy and build approach. The equity investment will be
used to support organic and inorganic growth initiatives.
Portfolio realisations continue in a challenging
environment for exit activity demonstrating the quality of assets
and portfolio resilience
During the first six months of 2024, NBPE received $126 million
of realisations. $65 million was received from equity investments
from three full sales, two of which were announced during 2023 but
which closed in 2024 and an additional $40 million was received
from NBPE’s PIK preferred position in Cotiviti. Additional
realisations primarily consisted of partial sales of quoted
holdings, where exposure continues to decline. Approximately $21
million was received from legacy fund and income investments,
consisting primarily of realisations from the NB Private Credit
Opportunities Program and NB Specialty Finance Program, the latter
of which has now fully liquidated. Going forward, the NB Private
Credit Opportunities Program will be the primary source of
realisations from income investments, and we expect this exposure
to continue to reduce over time (currently 2% of fair value).
Subsequent to this reporting period in July, NBPE received an
additional $25 million from Action, consisting primarily of
proceeds received as a result of an option for a partial liquidity
event, where the Manager elected to take a measured amount of
liquidity for portfolio construction reasons.
Competition for high-quality investments remains high;
private equity managers focused on liquidity options
Despite the persistence of a number of challenges, including
macro uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, elevated interest rates
and volatility in the public markets, we believe there are also a
number of positive dynamics at play in the private equity market
environment. The market remains well capitalised and debt
availability is high, while the cost of debt has generally
decreased in recent months as spreads compress and with base rates
now declining. With the demand for liquidity from private equity
limited partners continuing, it is possible that deal activity and
exits could increase in the short to medium term (although this has
now been a long ongoing possibility) and lower borrowing costs
should provide a tailwind for transaction activity. Sponsors are
actively pursuing multiple avenues for full and partial liquidity
in their portfolios, and the demand for partial liquidity solutions
in particular may continue to present opportunities for NB’s
co-investment model.
In terms of investment activity, overall deal activity has
increased versus 2023 but remains below other recent years. The
demand for high-quality companies remains particularly strong, with
valuations for these businesses highly competitive. In part due to
the competitive pricing in the market, we continue to believe
M&A will be a significant source of value creation for private
equity managers as managers look to create value in their companies
by growing and diversifying businesses, while lowering the total
entry cost of their positions.
High-quality assets growing strongly and well-positioned
for possible liquidity; remaining highly selective for new
investments while prioritising balance sheet strength
The underlying portfolio is performing well, driven by the
strong LTM EBITDA growth and a focus on operational enhancements
and M&A in the portfolio. While a challenging environment
exists for certain companies in the portfolio, we believe overall,
the portfolio is well-positioned in a mature set of highly
attractive assets. Even though the opportunity for exits remains
constrained, underlying private equity managers are generally
focused on ways of returning capital to their investors. With an
average age of the
portfolio of 4.9 years (see vintage year diversification on
following page), we think a number of companies have the potential
to benefit from potential liquidity.
We believe the portfolio is invested in many market leading,
mission-critical businesses where overall portfolio operating
metrics continue to grow, and private equity managers continue to
seek ways to drive value at the underlying company level. We
continue to evaluate new investment opportunities for NBPE, but
remain highly selective, seeking what we believe to be the best
assets for the portfolio from the available opportunity set. We
will continue to balance new investments with the pace of
realisations and other capital needs while maintaining a strong
balance sheet.
Supplementary information
Geography |
30-Jun-24 |
|
North America |
75% |
|
Europe |
24% |
|
Asia / Rest of World |
1% |
|
Total Portfolio |
100% |
|
|
|
|
Industry |
30-Jun-24 |
|
Consumer / E-commerce |
25% |
|
Tech, Media & Telecom |
22% |
|
Industrials / Industrial
Technology |
17% |
|
Financial Services |
13% |
|
Business Services |
12% |
|
Healthcare |
5% |
|
Other |
4% |
|
Energy |
1% |
|
Total Portfolio |
100% |
|
|
|
|
Vintage
Year |
30-Jun-24 |
|
2016 & Earlier |
11% |
|
2017 |
20% |
|
2018 |
16% |
|
2019 |
14% |
|
2020 |
14% |
|
2021 |
15% |
|
2022 |
3% |
|
2023 |
2% |
|
2024 |
5% |
|
Total Portfolio |
100% |
|
Note: numbers may not sum due to
rounding.
Top 30 companies
Company
Name |
Vintage |
Lead
Sponsor |
Sector |
Fair Value ($m) |
% of FV |
|
Action |
2020 |
3i |
Consumer |
91.5 |
7.1% |
|
Osaic |
2019 |
Reverence Capital |
Financial Services |
62.7 |
4.9% |
|
Solenis |
2021 |
Platinum Equity |
Industrials |
58.2 |
4.5% |
|
BeyondTrust |
2018 |
Francisco Partners |
Technology / IT |
42.0 |
3.2% |
|
Branded Cities Network |
2017 |
Shamrock Capital |
Communications / Media |
40.1 |
3.1% |
|
Monroe Engineering |
2021 |
AEA Investors |
Industrials |
38.3 |
3.0% |
|
Business Services
Company* |
2017 |
Not Disclosed |
Business Services |
37.2 |
2.9% |
|
True Potential |
2022 |
Cinven |
Financial Services |
34.4 |
2.7% |
|
Kroll |
2020 |
Further Global / Stone
Point |
Financial Services |
31.4 |
2.4% |
|
Marquee Brands |
2014 |
Neuberger Berman |
Consumer |
30.8 |
2.4% |
|
Staples |
2017 |
Sycamore Partners |
Business Services |
30.7 |
2.4% |
|
GFL (NYSE: GFL) |
2018 |
BC Partners |
Business Services |
29.7 |
2.3% |
|
Constellation Automotive |
2019 |
TDR Capital |
Business Services |
29.6 |
2.3% |
|
Fortna |
2017 |
THL |
Industrials |
28.7 |
2.2% |
|
Viant |
2018 |
JLL Partners |
Healthcare |
27.2 |
2.1% |
|
Stubhub |
2020 |
Neuberger Berman |
Consumer |
26.6 |
2.1% |
|
FDH Aero |
2024 |
Audax Group |
Industrials |
25.3 |
2.0% |
|
Agiliti |
2019 |
THL |
Healthcare |
25.3 |
2.0% |
|
Benecon |
2024 |
TA Associates |
Healthcare |
24.9 |
1.9% |
|
Engineering |
2020 |
NB Renaissance / Bain
Capital |
Technology / IT |
24.8 |
1.9% |
|
AutoStore (OB.AUTO) |
2019 |
THL |
Industrials |
24.5 |
1.9% |
|
Solace Systems |
2016 |
Bridge Growth Partners |
Technology / IT |
24.4 |
1.9% |
|
Addison Group |
2021 |
Trilantic Capital
Partners |
Business Services |
23.8 |
1.8% |
|
USI |
2017 |
KKR |
Financial Services |
23.2 |
1.8% |
|
Auctane |
2021 |
Thoma Bravo |
Technology / IT |
22.5 |
1.7% |
|
Excelitas |
2022 |
AEA Investors |
Industrials |
21.9 |
1.7% |
|
Qpark |
2017 |
KKR |
Transportation |
20.6 |
1.6% |
|
Renaissance Learning |
2018 |
Francisco Partners |
Technology / IT |
19.4 |
1.5% |
|
Exact |
2019 |
KKR |
Technology / IT |
19.3 |
1.5% |
|
Bylight |
2017 |
Sagewind Partners |
Technology / IT |
18.6 |
1.4% |
|
Total Top 30 Investments |
|
|
|
$957.7 |
74.1% |
|
*Undisclosed company due to confidentiality
provisions.
Statement of principal risks and
uncertainties
The principal risks and uncertainties of the
Company include external risks, investment and strategic risks,
financial risks and operational risks. These risks, and the way in
which they are managed, are described in more detail under the
heading ‘Risk Management and Principal Risks’ in the Company’s
annual report for the year ended 31 December 2023. The Company’s
principal risks and uncertainties have not changed overall since
the date of that report; however, the Board has identified
heightened risk related to the overall economic
and investment environment as well as sovereign and geo-political
factors, which could impact investment valuations in future
periods. The Board also continues to discuss and evaluate efforts
taken over time to address the discount including buybacks, the
investor relations programme, shareholder engagement and
communication, and capital allocation. The Board monitors the
Company’s discount in conjunction with these efforts.
Statement of directors’
responsibilities
The directors confirm that to the best of our
knowledge:
- the unaudited interim consolidated
financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S.
generally accepted accounting principles, as required by DTR 4.2.4R
of the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency rules;
- the Interim Financial Report and
Consolidated Financial Statements meets the requirements of an
interim financial report, together with the statement of principal
risks and uncertainties above, includes a fair review of the
information required by DTR 4.2.7R and DTR 4.2.8R of the Disclosure
Guidance and Transparency Rules and includes:
(a) an indication of important events that have
occurred during the first six months of the financial year and
their impact on the financial statements; and a description of the
principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of
the year; and
(b) a description of related party transactions that have taken
place in the first six months of the current financial year and
that have materially affected the financial position or performance
of the Company during that period; and any changes in the related
party transactions described in the last annual report that could
do so. Please refer to Note 10 of the unaudited interim
consolidated financial statements.
The directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity
of the corporate and financial information included on the
Company’s website, and for the preparation and dissemination of
financial statements. Legislation in Guernsey governing the
preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ
from legislation in other jurisdictions.
By order of the Board
William Maltby
Chairman
John Martyn Falla
Director
Date: 24 September 2024
Independent Review Report to NB Private Equity Partners
Limited
Conclusion
We have been engaged by NB Private Equity Partners Limited (the
"Company") to review the consolidated financial statements in
the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 30 June
2024 of the Company and its subsidiaries (together, the "Group"),
which comprises the consolidated balance sheet, consolidated
condensed schedule of investments, consolidated statement of
operations and changes in net assets, consolidated statement of
cash flows and the related explanatory notes.
Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that
causes us to believe that the consolidated financial
statements in the half-yearly financial report for the period
ended 30 June 2024 do not give a true and fair view of the
financial position of the Group as at 30 June 2024 and of its
financial performance and its cash flows for the six
month period then ended, in accordance with U.S. generally
accepted accounting principles and the Disclosure Guidance and
Transparency Rules ("the DTR") of the UK's Financial Conduct
Authority ("the UK FCA").
Scope of review
We conducted our review in accordance with International
Standard on Review Engagements (UK) 2410 Review of Interim
Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the
Entity (“ISRE (UK) 2410”) issued by the Financial Reporting
Council for use in the UK. A review of interim financial
information consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons
responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying
analytical and other review procedures. We read the other
information contained in the half-yearly financial report and
consider whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material
inconsistencies with the information in the consolidated financial
statements.
A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted
in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) and
consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would
become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in
an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.
Conclusions relating to going concern
Based on our review procedures, which are less extensive than
those performed in an audit as described in the Scope of review
section of this report, nothing has come to our attention to
suggest that the directors have inappropriately adopted the going
concern basis of accounting or that the directors have identified
material uncertainties relating to going concern that are not
appropriately disclosed.
This conclusion is based on the review procedures performed in
accordance with ISRE (UK) 2410. However future events or conditions
may cause the the Group and the Company to cease to continue as a
going concern, and the above conclusions are not a guarantee that
the the Group and the Company will continue in operation.
Independent Review Report to NB Private Equity Partners
Limited (Continued)
Directors’ responsibilities
The half-yearly financial report is the responsibility of, and
has been approved by, the directors. The directors are responsible
for preparing the interim financial report in accordance with the
DTR of the UK FCA.
The consolidated financial statements included in this
interim report have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally
accepted accounting principles.
In preparing the half-yearly financial report, the directors are
responsible for assessing the the Group and the‘Company’s ability
to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters
related to going concern and using the going concern basis of
accounting unless liquidation is imminent.
Our responsibility
Our responsibility is to express to the Company a conclusion on
the consolidated financial statements in the half-yearly
financial report based on our review. Our conclusion,
including our conclusions relating to going concern, are based on
procedures that are less extensive than audit procedures, as
described in the scope of review paragraph of this report.
The purpose of our review work and to whom we owe our
responsibilities
This report is made solely to the Company in accordance with the
terms of our engagement letter to assist the Company in meeting the
requirements of the DTR of the UK FCA. Our review has been
undertaken so that we might state to the Company those matters we
are required to state to it in this report and for no other
purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not
accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company
for our review work, for this report, or for the conclusions we
have reached.
Rachid Frihmat
For and on behalf of KPMG Channel Islands Limited
Chartered Accountants
Guernsey
24 September 2024
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investments at
fair value: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Private equity
investments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of
$749,058,303 at 30 June 2024 and $780,503,840 at 31 December
2023 |
$ 1,292,846,293 |
|
$ 1,321,345,503 |
|
|
|
Government
obligations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of
$120,368,907 at 30 June 2024 and $115,157,505 at 31 December
2023 |
120,375,758 |
|
115,181,468 |
|
|
Cash and cash
equivalents |
55,752,761 |
|
50,617,431 |
|
|
Other assets |
2,066,042 |
|
2,336,264 |
|
|
Distributions and
sales proceeds receivable from investments |
284,004 |
|
333,138 |
|
|
Total assets |
$ 1,471,324,858 |
|
$ 1,489,813,804 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities and share capital |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
ZDP Share
liability |
$ 81,424,886 |
|
$ 80,428,778 |
|
|
Credit facility
loan |
90,000,000 |
|
90,000,000 |
|
|
Payables to
Investment Manager and affiliates |
4,771,534 |
|
4,895,272 |
|
|
Accrued expenses
and other liabilities |
4,141,039 |
|
6,975,041 |
|
|
Net deferred tax
liability |
24,877 |
|
24,877 |
|
|
Total liabilities |
$ 180,362,336 |
|
$ 182,323,968 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share
capital: |
|
|
|
|
|
Class A Shares,
$0.01 par value, 500,000,000 shares authorised, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
49,388,127 shares
issued and 46,237,719 shares outstanding at 30 June 2024 |
$ 493,882 |
|
$ 496,530 |
|
|
|
49,653,014 shares
issued and 46,502,606 shares outstanding at 31 December 2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
Class B Shares,
$0.01 par value, 100,000 shares authorised, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,000 shares
issued and outstanding |
100 |
|
100 |
|
|
Additional paid-in
capital |
486,140,004 |
|
491,555,393 |
|
|
Retained
earnings |
811,550,911 |
|
822,682,245 |
|
|
Less cost of
treasury stock purchased (3,150,408 shares) |
(9,248,460) |
|
(9,248,460) |
|
|
Total net assets of the controlling interest |
$ 1,288,936,437 |
|
$ 1,305,485,808 |
|
|
Net assets of the
noncontrolling interest |
$ 2,026,085 |
|
$ 2,004,028 |
|
|
Total net assets |
$ 1,290,962,522 |
|
$ 1,307,489,836 |
|
|
Total liabilities and net assets |
$ 1,471,324,858 |
|
$ 1,489,813,804 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net asset
value per share for Class A Shares and Class B Shares |
$ 27.87 |
|
$ 28.07 |
|
|
Net asset
value per share for Class A Shares and Class B Shares
(GBP) |
£ 22.05 |
|
£ 22.02 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net asset
value per 2024 ZDP Share (Pence) |
128.83 |
|
126.18 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of
the consolidated financial statements.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unfunded |
|
Private Equity
(1) |
|
|
Private
equity investments |
Cost |
|
Fair Value |
|
Commitment |
|
Exposure |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2024 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Direct equity
investments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NB Alternatives Direct
Co-investment Program A |
$ 33,124,662 |
|
$ 18,930,024 |
|
$ 17,102,040 |
|
$ 36,032,064 |
|
|
|
NB Alternatives Direct
Co-investment Program B |
68,271,762 |
|
159,541,439 |
|
19,131,472 |
|
178,672,911 |
|
|
|
NB Renaissance Programs |
14,725,431 |
|
28,387,704 |
|
5,134,552 |
|
33,522,256 |
|
|
|
Marquee Brands |
26,591,034 |
|
30,810,097 |
|
3,410,816 |
|
34,220,913 |
|
|
|
Direct equity
investments(2)(3) |
567,809,218 |
|
1,019,522,947 |
|
2,690,984 |
|
1,022,213,931 |
|
|
Total
direct equity investments |
$ 710,522,107 |
|
$ 1,257,192,211 |
|
$
47,469,864 |
|
$ 1,304,662,075 |
|
|
|
|
Income
Investments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NB Credit Opportunities
Program |
$ 20,033,226 |
|
$ 29,917,835 |
|
$ 5,000,000 |
|
$ 34,917,835 |
|
|
|
Income investments |
10,916,047 |
|
573,921 |
|
- |
|
573,921 |
|
|
Total
income investments |
$ 30,949,273 |
|
$ 30,491,756 |
|
$
5,000,000 |
|
$
35,491,756 |
|
|
|
|
Fund investments |
|
$ 7,586,923 |
|
$ 5,162,326 |
|
$ 5,292,801 |
|
$ 10,455,127 |
|
|
Total investments |
$ 749,058,303 |
|
$ 1,292,846,293 |
|
$
57,762,665 |
|
$ 1,350,608,958 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Direct equity
investments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NB Alternatives Direct
Co-investment Program A |
$ 43,905,518 |
|
$ 19,573,022 |
|
$ 17,102,040 |
|
$ 36,675,062 |
|
|
|
NB Alternatives Direct
Co-investment Program B |
74,332,209 |
|
170,167,212 |
|
19,340,324 |
|
189,507,536 |
|
|
|
NB Renaissance Programs |
10,587,835 |
|
23,890,095 |
|
9,603,804 |
|
33,493,899 |
|
|
|
Marquee Brands |
26,047,730 |
|
30,573,581 |
|
3,410,816 |
|
33,984,397 |
|
|
|
Direct equity
investments(2)(3) |
534,272,602 |
|
979,327,044 |
|
2,529,601 |
|
981,856,645 |
|
|
Total
direct equity investments |
$ 689,145,894 |
|
$ 1,223,530,954 |
|
$ 51,986,585 |
|
$ 1,275,517,539 |
|
|
|
|
Income
Investments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NB Credit Opportunities
Program |
$ 25,043,808 |
|
$ 37,927,794 |
|
$ 11,981,976 |
|
$ 49,909,770 |
|
|
|
NB Specialty Finance
Program |
8,259,427 |
|
7,750,000 |
|
15,000,000 |
|
22,750,000 |
|
|
|
Income investments |
48,817,095 |
|
44,326,526 |
|
- |
|
44,326,526 |
|
|
Total
income investments |
$ 82,120,330 |
|
$ 90,004,320 |
|
$
26,981,976 |
|
$ 116,986,296 |
|
|
|
|
Fund investments |
|
$ 9,237,616 |
|
$ 7,810,229 |
|
$ 5,318,896 |
|
$ 13,129,125 |
|
|
Total investments |
$ 780,503,840 |
|
$ 1,321,345,503 |
|
$
84,287,457 |
|
$ 1,405,632,960 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1):
|
Private equity
exposure is the sum of fair value and unfunded commitment.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2): |
Includes direct
equity investments into companies and co-investment
vehicles.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3): |
This includes
investment(s) above 5% of net asset value. See Note 3. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of
the consolidated financial statements.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment
Description |
Geography |
|
Industry |
Cost |
|
Fair Value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2024 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Government
obligations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Treasury Bill 0% 7/9/2024 |
USA |
|
Sovereign |
$ 12,665,057 |
|
$ 12,665,223 |
|
|
|
Treasury Bill 0%
7/23/2024 |
USA |
|
Sovereign |
15,150,922 |
|
15,151,314 |
|
|
|
Treasury Bill 0% 8/6/2024 |
USA |
|
Sovereign |
12,433,837 |
|
12,434,751 |
|
|
|
Treasury Bill 0%
8/20/2024 |
USA |
|
Sovereign |
14,890,240 |
|
14,890,836 |
|
|
|
Treasury Bill 0%
8/27/2024 |
USA |
|
Sovereign |
19,833,251 |
|
19,834,138 |
|
|
|
Treasury Bill 0% 9/3/2024 |
USA |
|
Sovereign |
24,766,041 |
|
24,767,498 |
|
|
|
Treasury Bill 0%
10/31/2024 |
USA |
|
Sovereign |
20,629,559 |
|
20,631,998 |
|
|
Total government obligations |
|
|
|
$ 120,368,907 |
|
$ 120,375,758 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Government
obligations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Treasury Bill 0%
1/18/2024 |
USA |
|
Sovereign |
$ 12,966,797 |
|
$ 12,969,450 |
|
|
|
Treasury Bill 0% 2/6/2024 |
USA |
|
Sovereign |
27,810,903 |
|
27,818,058 |
|
|
|
Treasury Bill 0%
2/29/2024 |
USA |
|
Sovereign |
14,869,685 |
|
14,872,800 |
|
|
|
Treasury Bill 0% 4/2/2024 |
USA |
|
Sovereign |
5,004,141 |
|
5,003,623 |
|
|
|
Treasury Bill 0%
4/16/2024 |
USA |
|
Sovereign |
15,010,757 |
|
15,010,671 |
|
|
|
Treasury Bill 0% 5/9/2024 |
USA |
|
Sovereign |
15,009,923 |
|
15,009,866 |
|
|
|
Treasury Bill 0%
5/23/2024 |
USA |
|
Sovereign |
24,485,299 |
|
24,497,000 |
|
|
Total government obligations |
|
|
|
$ 115,157,505 |
|
$ 115,181,468 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of
the consolidated financial statements.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair Value |
|
Fair Value |
|
|
Geographic
diversity of private equity investments
(1) |
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
North America |
$ 974,460,307 |
|
$ 961,966,491 |
|
|
Europe |
304,597,477 |
|
319,680,132 |
|
|
Asia / rest of
world |
13,788,509 |
|
39,698,880 |
|
|
|
|
$ 1,292,846,293 |
|
$ 1,321,345,503 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Industry
diversity of private equity investments
(2) |
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consumer |
24.7% |
|
21.0% |
|
|
Technology /
IT |
18.8% |
|
18.2% |
|
|
Industrials |
17.2% |
|
17.8% |
|
|
Financial
services |
13.2% |
|
11.9% |
|
|
Business
services |
11.8% |
|
12.1% |
|
|
Healthcare |
5.4% |
|
9.3% |
|
|
Communications /
media |
3.4% |
|
3.3% |
|
|
Diversified /
undisclosed / other |
2.6% |
|
3.8% |
|
|
Transportation |
1.6% |
|
1.4% |
|
|
Energy |
1.3% |
|
1.2% |
|
|
|
|
100.0% |
|
100.0% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Asset
class diversification of private equity investments
(3) |
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
|
Direct Equity
Investments |
|
|
|
|
|
Mid-cap buyout |
46.6% |
|
47.3% |
|
|
Large-cap buyout |
35.1% |
|
32.2% |
|
|
Special situation |
12.2% |
|
10.2% |
|
|
Growth equity |
3.4% |
|
3.2% |
|
|
Income
investments |
2.5% |
|
6.8% |
|
|
Growth / venture
funds |
0.2% |
|
0.3% |
|
|
|
|
100.0% |
|
100.0% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1): |
Geography is
determined by location of the headquarters of the underlying
portfolio companies in funds and direct co-investments. |
|
|
|
A portion of our
fund investments may relate to cash or other assets or liabilities
that they hold and for which we do not have adequate |
|
|
|
information to assign a
geographic location. |
|
|
|
|
|
(2): |
Industry
diversity is based on underlying portfolio companies and direct
co-investments which may be held through either |
|
|
|
co-investments or
NB-managed vehicles. Percentages are calculated based on the total
portfolio value. |
|
|
|
|
(3): |
Asset class
diversification is based on the net asset value of underlying fund
investments and co-investments. Percentages are |
|
|
|
calculated based on the
total portfolio value. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of
the consolidated financial statements.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest
and dividend income (net of foreign withholding taxes of
$0 for 2024 and $2,263 for 2023) |
$ 5,744,303 |
|
$ 2,503,183 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment
management and services |
$ 9,589,666 |
|
$ 10,536,415 |
|
|
|
Finance costs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Credit facility |
4,612,825 |
|
4,286,358 |
|
|
|
|
ZDP Shares |
1,749,787 |
|
1,602,405 |
|
|
|
Administration and
professional fees |
2,411,885 |
|
2,268,823 |
|
|
Total expenses |
$
18,364,163 |
|
$
18,694,001 |
|
|
Net
investment loss |
$ (12,619,860) |
|
$ (16,190,818) |
|
|
|
Tax expense |
33,847 |
|
50,443 |
|
|
Net investment loss after taxes |
$ (12,653,707) |
|
$ (16,241,261) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Realised
and unrealised gains |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Realised gain on
investments |
$ 19,792,210 |
|
$ 23,296,219 |
|
|
|
Net change in
unrealised gain on investments, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
net of tax expense of $0 for
2024 and $0 for 2023 |
3,613,145 |
|
52,959,982 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net realised and change in unrealised gain |
$ 23,405,355 |
|
$ 76,256,201 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase in
net assets resulting from operations |
$ 10,751,648 |
|
$ 60,014,940 |
|
|
Less net
increase in net assets resulting from operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
attributable to
the noncontrolling interest |
(22,057) |
|
(77,017) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
increase in net assets resulting from operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
attributable to the controlling interest |
$
10,729,591 |
|
$
59,937,923 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets at
beginning of period attributable to the controlling interest |
$ 1,305,485,808 |
|
$ 1,327,266,223 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less dividend
payment |
(21,860,925) |
|
(21,982,384) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less cost of stock
repurchased and cancelled (264,887 shares for 2024 and 250,024
shares for 2023) |
(5,418,037) |
|
(4,843,359) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets
at end of period attributable to the controlling
interest |
$
1,288,936,437 |
|
$
1,360,378,403 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings per share for Class A Shares and Class B
Shares of the controlling interest |
$ 0.23 |
|
$ 1.28 |
|
|
Earnings
per share for Class A Shares and Class B Shares of the controlling
interest (GBP) |
£ 0.18 |
|
£ 1.05 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of
the consolidated financial statements.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from
operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase in
net assets resulting from operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
attributable to
the controlling interest |
$ 10,729,591 |
|
$ 59,937,923 |
|
|
Net increase in
net assets resulting from operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
attributable to
the noncontrolling interest |
22,057 |
|
77,017 |
|
|
Adjustments to
reconcile net increase in net assets resulting from operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
to net cash
provided by operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Realised gain on
investments |
(19,792,210) |
|
(23,296,219) |
|
|
|
Net change in
unrealised gain on investments, net of tax expense |
(3,613,145) |
|
(52,959,982) |
|
|
|
Contributions to
private equity investments |
(6,919,909) |
|
(3,786,555) |
|
|
|
Purchases of
private equity investments |
(65,563,905) |
|
(13,517,184) |
|
|
|
Distributions from
private equity investments |
78,475,517 |
|
26,865,484 |
|
|
|
Proceeds from sale
of private equity investments |
47,254,844 |
|
17,684,702 |
|
|
|
Purchases of
government obligations |
(167,222,010) |
|
- |
|
|
|
Proceeds from sale
of government obligations |
164,721,489 |
|
- |
|
|
|
In-kind payment of
interest income and change in accrued interest |
(4,685,921) |
|
(2,101,082) |
|
|
|
Amortisation of
finance costs |
201,664 |
|
200,410 |
|
|
|
Amortisation of
purchase premium/discount (OID), net |
(17,877) |
|
(17,693) |
|
|
|
Change in other
assets |
101,803 |
|
(201,107) |
|
|
|
Change in payables
to Investment Manager and affiliates |
(123,738) |
|
218,894 |
|
|
|
Change in current
tax liability |
(3,091,972) |
|
14,380 |
|
|
|
Change in accrued
expenses and other liabilities |
1,938,014 |
|
1,881,861 |
|
|
Net cash
provided by operating activities |
$
32,414,292 |
|
$
11,000,849 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from
financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividend
payment |
$ (21,860,925) |
|
$ (21,982,384) |
|
|
|
Stock repurchased
and cancelled |
(5,418,037) |
|
(4,843,359) |
|
|
|
Borrowings from
credit facility |
- |
|
30,000,000 |
|
|
|
Payments to credit
facility |
- |
|
(20,000,000) |
|
|
Net cash used
in financing activities |
$
(27,278,962) |
|
$
(16,825,743) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
$ 5,135,330 |
|
$ (5,824,894) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash
equivalents at beginning of period |
50,617,431 |
|
7,034,276 |
|
|
Cash
and cash equivalents at end of period |
$ 55,752,761 |
|
$ 1,209,382 |
|
|
Supplemental cash flow information |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Credit facility
financing costs paid |
$
4,493,092 |
|
$
4,152,319 |
|
|
|
Taxes paid |
$
3,127,931 |
|
$ 37,835 |
|
|
|
Taxes refunded |
$ 2,111 |
|
$ 1,772 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of
the consolidated financial statements.
Note 1 – Description of the
Group
NB Private Equity Partners Limited (the
“Company”) and its subsidiaries, collectively (the “Group”) is a
closed-ended investment company registered in Guernsey. The
registered office is Floor 2, Trafalgar Court, St Peter Port,
Guernsey, GY1 4LY. The principal activity of the Group is to invest
in direct private equity investments by co-investing alongside
leading private equity sponsors in their core areas of expertise.
The Company’s Class A Shares are listed and admitted to trading on
the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange (“Main Market”) under
the symbols “NBPE” and “NBPU” corresponding to Sterling and U.S.
dollar quotes, respectively. NBPE has a class of Zero Dividend
Preference (“ZDP”) Shares maturing in 2024 (see note 5) which is
listed and admitted to trading on the Specialist Fund Segment of
the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange (“Specialist Fund
Segment”) under the symbol “NBPS”.
The Group is managed by NB Alternatives Advisers
LLC ("Investment Manager"), a subsidiary of Neuberger Berman Group
LLC (“NBG”), pursuant to an Investment Management Agreement. The
Investment Manager serves as the registered investment adviser
under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.
Note 2 – Summary of Significant
Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
These consolidated financial statements present
a true and fair view of the financial position, profit or loss and
cash flows and have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally
accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and are in compliance
with the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008 (as amended). All
adjustments considered necessary for the fair presentation of the
consolidated financial statements for the periods presented have
been included. These consolidated financial statements are
presented in U.S. dollars.
The Group is an investment company and follows
the accounting and reporting guidance in the Financial Accounting
Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”)
Topic 946, Financial Services – Investment Companies.
Accordingly, the Group reflects its investments on the Consolidated
Balance Sheets at their estimated fair values, with unrealised
gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value reflected in
net change in unrealised gain (loss) on investments in the
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Changes in Net Assets.
The Group does not consolidate majority-owned or controlled
portfolio companies. The Group does not provide any financial
support to any of its investments beyond the investment amount to
which it committed.
The Directors considered that it is appropriate
to adopt a going concern basis of accounting in preparing the
consolidated financial statements. In reaching this assessment, the
Directors have considered a wide range of information relating to
present and future conditions including the balance sheets, future
projections, cash flows and the longer-term strategy of the
business.
Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
(Continued)
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include
accounts of the Company consolidated with the accounts of all its
subsidiaries in which it holds a controlling financial interest as
of the financial statement date. All inter-group balances have been
eliminated.
The Company’s partially owned subsidiary, NB PEP
Investments, LP (incorporated) is incorporated in Guernsey.
The Company’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, NB PEP
Holdings Limited, NB PEP Investments I, LP, NB PEP Investments LP
Limited and NB PEP Investments Limited are incorporated in
Guernsey.
The Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, NB PEP
Investments DE, LP is incorporated in Delaware and operates in the
United States.
Use of Estimates and
Judgements
The preparation of the consolidated financial
statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the Directors to
make estimates and judgements that affect the reported amounts of
certain assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets
and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during
the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.
The following estimates and assumptions were
used at 30 June 2024 and 31 December 2023 to estimate the fair
value of each class of financial instruments:
- Cash and cash equivalents - The
carrying value reasonably approximates fair value due to the
short-term nature of these instruments.
- Government obligations - Further
information on valuation is provided in the Fair Value Measurements
section below.
- Other assets - The carrying value
reasonably approximates fair value.
- Distributions and sales proceeds
receivable from investments - The carrying value reasonably
approximates fair value.
- ZDP Share liability - The carrying
value reasonably approximates fair value (see note 5).
- Credit Facility Loan - The carrying
value reasonably approximates fair value.
Note 2 – Summary of Significant
Accounting Policies (Continued)
- Payables to Investment Manager and
affiliates - The carrying value reasonably approximates fair
value.
- Accrued expenses and other
liabilities - The carrying value reasonably approximates fair
value.
- Private equity investments –
Further information on valuation is provided in the Fair Value
Measurements section below.
Fair Value Measurements
It is expected that most of the investments in
which the Group invests will meet the criteria set forth under FASB
ASC 820 Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures (“ASC 820”)
permitting the use of the practical expedient to determine the fair
value of the investments. ASC 820 provides that, in valuing
alternative investments that do not have quoted market prices but
calculate net asset value (“NAV”) per share or equivalent, an
investor may determine fair value by using the NAV reported to the
investor by the underlying investment. To the extent ASC 820 is
applicable to an investment, the Investment Manager will value the
Group’s investment based primarily on the value reported to the
Group by the investment or by the lead investor / sponsor of a
direct co-investment as of each quarter-end, as determined by the
investments in accordance with its own valuation policies.
ASC 820-10 Fair Value Measurements and
Disclosure establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritises
the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The
hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in
active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1
measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level
3 measurements). ASC 820-10-35-39 to 55 provides three levels of
the fair value hierarchy as follows:
Level 1:
Quoted prices are
available in active markets for identical investments as of the
reporting date.
Level 2:
Pricing inputs are
other than quoted prices in active markets, which are either
directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date.
Level 3:
Pricing inputs are
unobservable for the investment and include situations where there
is little, if any, market activity for the investment. The inputs
used in the determination of the fair value require significant
management judgement or estimation.
Note 2 – Summary of Significant
Accounting Policies (Continued)
Fair Value Measurements
continued
Observable inputs refer broadly to the
assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset
or liability, including assumptions about risk, based on market
data obtained from sources independent of the Group. Unobservable
inputs reflect the Group’s own assumptions about the assumptions
market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability
based on the information available. The inputs or methodology used
for valuing assets or liabilities may not be an indication of the
risks associated with investing in those assets or liabilities. The
Group generally uses the NAV reported by the investments as a
primary input in its valuation utilising the practical expedient
method of determining fair value; however, adjustments to the
reported NAV may be made based on various factors, including, but
not limited to, the attributes of the interest held, including the
rights and obligations, any restrictions or illiquidity on such
interest, any potential clawbacks by the investments and the fair
value of the investments' portfolio or other assets and
liabilities. Investments that are measured at fair value using the
NAV per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient are not
categorised in the fair value hierarchy.
Government Obligations
The fair value of U.S. Treasury Bills is based
on dealer quotations. U.S. Treasury Bills in this portfolio are
categorised as Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.
Realised Gains and Losses on
Investments
Purchases and sales of investments are recorded
on a trade-date basis. Realised gains and losses from sales of
investments are determined on a specific identification basis. For
investments in private equity investments, the Group records its
share of realised gains and losses incurred when the Investment
Manager knows that the private equity investment has realised its
interest in a portfolio company and the Investment Manager has
sufficient information to quantify the amount. For all other
investments, realised gains and losses are recognised in the
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Changes in Net Assets in
the year in which they arise.
Net Change in Unrealised Gains and
Losses on Investments
Gains and losses arising from changes in value
are recorded as an increase or decrease in the unrealised gains or
losses of investments based on the methodology described above.
Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
(Continued)
Foreign Currency
Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign
currencies are translated into U.S. dollar amounts at the reporting
date. Transactions denominated in foreign currencies, including
purchases and sales of investments, and income and expenses, are
translated into U.S. dollar amounts on the date of such
transactions. Adjustments arising from foreign currency
transactions are reflected in the net realised gain (loss) on
investments and the net change in unrealised gain (loss) on
investments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and
Changes in Net Assets.
The Group’s investments of which capital is
denominated in foreign currency are translated into U.S. dollars
based on rates of exchange at the reporting date. The cumulative
effect of translation to U.S. dollars has decreased the fair value
of the Group’s foreign investments by $10,722,495 for the six month
period ended 30 June 2024. The cumulative effect of translation to
U.S. dollars increased the fair value of the Group’s foreign
investments by $2,309,843 for the six month period ended 30 June
2023.
The ZDP Shares are denominated in Sterling (see
note 5 and note 6). The Group has unfunded commitments denominated
in currencies other than U.S. dollars. At 30 June 2024, the
unfunded commitments that are in Euros and Sterling amounted to
€5,323,434 and £29,588, respectively (31 December 2023:
€9,080,803 and £32,138). They have been included in the
Consolidated Condensed Schedules of Investments at the U.S. dollar
exchange rates in effect at 30 June 2024 and
31 December 2023. The effect on the unfunded commitment
of the change in the exchange rates between Euros and U.S. dollars
was a decrease in the U.S. dollar obligations of $172,331 for 30
June 2024 and an increase in the U.S. dollar obligations of
$294,762 for 31 December 2023.
The effect on the unfunded commitment of the
change in the exchange rates between Sterling and U.S. dollars was
a decrease in the U.S. dollar obligations of $317 for 30 June 2024
and an increase in the U.S. dollar obligations of $2,311 for 31
December 2023.
Investment Transactions and Investment
Income
Investment transactions are accounted for on a
trade-date basis. Investments are recognised when the Group incurs
an obligation to acquire a financial instrument and assume the risk
of any gain or loss or incurs an obligation to sell a financial
instrument and forego the risk of any gain or loss. Investment
transactions that have not yet settled are reported as receivable
from investment or payable to investment.
The Group earns interest and dividends from
direct investments and from cash and cash equivalents. The Group
records dividends on the ex-dividend date, net of withholding tax,
if any,
Note 2 – Summary of Significant
Accounting Policies (Continued)
and interest, on an accrual basis when earned,
provided the Investment Manager knows the information or is able to
reliably estimate it. Otherwise, the Group records the investment
income when it is reported by the private equity investments.
Discounts received or premiums paid in connection with the
acquisition of loans are amortised into interest income using the
effective interest method over the contractual life of the related
loan. Payment-in-kind (“PIK”) interest is computed at the
contractual rate specified in the loan agreement for any portion of
the interest which may be added to the principal balance of a loan
rather than paid in cash by the obligator on the scheduled interest
payment date. PIK interest is added to the principal balance of the
loan and recorded as interest income. Prepayment premiums include
fee income from securities settled prior to maturity date, and are
recorded as interest income in the Consolidated Statements of
Operations and Changes in Net Assets.
For the six month period ended 30 June 2024,
total interest and dividend income was $5,744,303, of which $0 was
dividends, and $5,744,303 was interest income. For the six month
period ended 30 June 2023, total interest and dividend income was
$2,503,183, of which $2,825 was dividends, and $2,500,358 was
interest income.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents represent cash held in
accounts at banks and liquid investments with original maturities
of three months or less. Cash equivalents are carried at cost plus
accrued interest, which approximates fair value. At 30 June 2024
and 31 December 2023, cash and cash equivalents consisted of
$55,752,761 and $50,617,431, respectively, held in operating
accounts with Bank of America Merrill Lynch and U.S. Bank. Cash
equivalents are held for the purpose of meeting short-term
liquidity requirements, rather than for investment purposes.
As of 30 June 2024 and
31 December 2023, the cash equivalents were $34,805,658
and $14,858,215, respectively. Cash and cash equivalents are
subject to credit risk to the extent those balances exceed
applicable Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) or
Securities Investor Protection Corporation (“SIPC”)
limitations.
Income Taxes
The Company is registered in Guernsey as an
exempt company. The States of Guernsey Income Tax Authority has
granted the Group an exemption from Guernsey income tax under the
provision of the Income Tax (Exempt Bodies) (Guernsey) Ordinance
1989 and the
Note 2 – Summary of Significant
Accounting Policies (Continued)
Income Taxes continued
Group has been charged an annual exemption fee
of £1,200 (2023: £1,200). Generally, income that the Group derives
from the investments may be subject to taxes imposed by the U.S. or
other countries and will impact the Group’s effective tax rate.
In accordance with FASB ASC 740-10, Income
Taxes, the Group is required to determine whether its tax positions
are more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the
applicable taxing authority based on the technical merits of the
position. Tax positions not deemed to meet a more-likely-than-not
threshold would be recorded as a tax expense in the current
year.
The Group files tax returns as prescribed by the
tax laws of the jurisdictions in which it operates. In the normal
course of business, the Group is subject to examination by U.S.
federal, state, local and foreign jurisdictions, where applicable.
The Group’s U.S. federal income tax returns are open under the
normal three-year statute of limitations and therefore subject to
examination. The Investment Manager does not expect that the total
amount of unrecognised tax benefits will materially change over the
next twelve months.
Investments made in entities that generate U.S.
source investment income may subject the Group to certain U.S.
federal and state income tax consequences. A U.S. withholding tax
at the rate of 30% may be applied on the Group’s distributive share
of any U.S. sourced dividends and interest (subject to certain
exemptions) and certain other income that the Group receives
directly or through one or more entities treated as either
partnerships or disregarded entities for U.S. federal income tax
purposes.
Investments made in entities that generate
business income that is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or
business may subject the Group to certain U.S. federal and state
income tax consequences. Generally, the U.S. imposes withholding
tax on effectively connected income at the highest U.S. rate
(generally 21%). In addition, the Group may also be subject to a
branch profits tax which can be imposed at a rate of up to 23.7% of
the after-tax profits treated as effectively connected income
associated with a U.S. trade or business. As such, the aggregate
U.S. tax liability on effectively connected income may approximate
44.7% given the two levels of tax.
The Group recognises a tax benefit in the
consolidated financial statements only when it is more likely than
not that the position will be sustained upon examination by the
relevant taxing authority based on the technical merits of the
position. To date, the Group has not provided any reserves for
taxes as all related tax benefits have been fully recognised.
Although the Investment Manager believes uncertain tax positions
have been adequately assessed, the Investment Manager
Note 2 – Summary of Significant
Accounting Policies (Continued)
Income Taxes continued
acknowledges that these matters require
significant judgement and no assurance can be given that the final
tax outcome of these matters will not be different. Deferred taxes
are recorded to reflect the tax benefit and consequences of future
years’ differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities
and their financial reporting basis. The Group records a valuation
allowance to reduce deferred tax assets if it is more likely than
not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be
realised. Management subsequently adjusts the valuation allowance
as the expected realisability of the deferred tax assets changes
such that the valuation allowance is sufficient to cover the
portion of the asset that will not be realised. The Group records
the tax associated with any transactions with U.S. or other tax
consequences when the Group recognises the related income (see note
7).
Shareholders in certain jurisdictions may have
individual income tax consequences from ownership of the Group's
shares. The Group has not accounted for any such tax consequences
in these consolidated financial statements. For example, the
Investment Manager expects the Group and certain of its non-U.S.
corporate subsidiaries to be treated as passive foreign investment
corporations (“PFICs”) under U.S. tax rules. For this purpose, the
PFIC regime should not give rise to additional tax at the level of
the Group or its subsidiaries. Instead, certain U.S. investors in
the Group may need to make tax elections and comply with certain
U.S. reporting requirements related to their investments in the
PFICs in order to potentially manage the adverse U.S. tax
consequences associated with the regime.
Forward Foreign Exchange
Contracts
Forward foreign exchange contracts are reported
on the balance sheets at fair value and included either in other
assets or accrued expenses and other liabilities, depending on each
contract’s unrealised position (appreciated / depreciated) relative
to its notional value as of the end of the reporting periods. See
note 6.
Forward foreign exchange contracts involve
elements of market risk in excess of the amounts reflected on the
consolidated financial statements. The Group bears the risk of an
unfavourable change in the foreign exchange rate underlying the
forward foreign exchange contract, if any contract exists, as well
as risks from the potential inability of the counterparties to meet
the terms of their contracts.
Note 2 – Summary of Significant
Accounting Policies (Continued)
Dividends to Shareholders
The Company aims to pays dividends semi-annually
to shareholders upon approval by the Board of Directors subject to
the passing of the ZDP Cover Test (see note 5) and the solvency
test under Guernsey law. Liabilities for dividends to shareholders
are recorded on the ex-dividend date.
The Company may declare dividend payments from
time to time. Prior to each dividend announcement, the Board
reviews the appropriateness of the dividend payment in light of
macro-economic activity, the financial position of the Company, and
other factors. The Company targets an annualised dividend yield of
3.0% or greater on NAV which has been paid out semi-annually.
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses are recognised when incurred.
Operating expenses include amounts directly incurred by the Group
as part of its operations, and do not include amounts incurred from
the operations of the Group's investments. These operating expenses
are included in administration and professional fees on the
Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Carried Interest
Carried interest amounts due to the Special
Limited Partner (an affiliate of the Investment Manager, see note
10) are computed and accrued at each period end based on
period-to-date results in accordance with the terms of the Third
Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of NB PEP
Investments LP (Incorporated). For the purposes of calculating the
incentive allocation payable to the Special Limited Partner, the
value of any fund investments made by the Group in other Neuberger
Berman Funds (“NB Funds”) in respect of which the Investment
Manager or an affiliate receives a fee or other remuneration shall
be excluded from the calculation.
Note 3 – Investments
The Group invests in a diversified portfolio of
direct private equity companies (see note 2). As required by ASC
820, financial assets and liabilities are classified in their
entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to
the fair value measurement. The Group has assessed these positions
and concluded that all private equity companies not valued using
the practical expedient, with the exception of marketable
securities, are classified as either Level 2 or Level 3 due to
significant unobservable inputs. Marketable securities distributed
from a private equity company are classified as Level 1. The Group
values equity securities that are traded on a national
securities
Note 3 – Investments
(Continued)
exchange at their last reported sales price.
There were two marketable securities held by the Group as of 30
June 2024 and 31 December 2023.
The following table details the Group’s
financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair
value as of 30 June 2024 and
31 December 2023 by level and fair value hierarchy.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets (Liabilities) Accounted for at Fair
Value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
measured at |
|
|
|
|
As of 30 June 2024 |
Level 1 |
|
Level 2 |
|
Level 3 |
|
net asset value1 |
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock |
$ 2,768,828 |
|
$ 5,476,680 |
|
$ - |
|
$ - |
|
$ 8,245,508 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Government obligations |
120,375,758 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
120,375,758 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Private
equity companies |
- |
|
4,520 |
|
147,091,161 |
|
1,137,505,104 |
|
1,284,600,785 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Totals |
$
123,144,586 |
|
$
5,481,200 |
|
$
147,091,161 |
|
$
1,137,505,104 |
|
$ 1,413,222,051 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
measured at |
|
|
|
|
As of 31 December 2023 |
Level 1 |
|
Level 2 |
|
Level 3 |
|
net asset value1 |
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock |
$ 6,784,603 |
|
$ 6,556,933 |
|
$ - |
|
$ - |
|
$ 13,341,536 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Government obligations |
115,181,468 |
|
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
115,181,468 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Private
equity companies |
- |
|
235,297 |
|
206,759,351 |
|
1,101,009,319 |
|
1,308,003,967 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Totals |
$ 121,966,071 |
|
$ 6,792,230 |
|
$ 206,759,351 |
|
$ 1,101,009,319 |
|
$ 1,436,526,971 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) Certain investments that are
measured at fair value using the NAV per share (or its equivalent)
practical expedient have not been categorised in the fair value
hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are
intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to
the amounts presented in the Consolidated Condensed Schedules
of Investments.
Significant investments:
At 30 June 2024, the Group’s share of the
following underlying private equity company exceeded 5% of net
asset value.
Note 3 – Investments (Continued)
|
|
|
|
|
Fair Value as a |
|
|
|
|
|
Fair Value |
Percentage of |
|
|
Company (Legal Entity
Name) |
Industry |
Country |
2024 |
net asset value |
|
|
3i 2020 Co-investment 1 SCSp (Action) |
Consumer/Retail |
Netherlands |
$ 91,479,922 |
7.10% |
|
|
(LP Interest) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At 31 December 2023, the Group’s share of the
following underlying private equity company exceeded 5% of net
asset value.
|
|
|
|
|
Fair Value as a |
|
|
|
|
|
Fair Value |
Percentage of |
|
|
Company (Legal Entity
Name) |
Industry |
Country |
2023 |
net asset value |
|
|
3i 2020 Co-investment 1 SCSp (Action) |
Consumer/Retail |
Netherlands |
$ 85,631,976 |
6.56% |
|
|
(LP Interest) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The following table summarises the changes in
the fair value of the Group’s Level 3 private equity investments
for the six month period ended 30 June 2024.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(dollars in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Period Ended 30 June 2024 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Private |
|
|
|
Large-cap |
Mid-cap |
Special |
Growth/ |
Income |
Equity |
|
|
|
Buyout |
Buyout |
Situations |
Venture |
Investments |
Investments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, 31 December 2023 |
$
43,314 |
$
99,598 |
$
8,191 |
$
11,331 |
$
44,325 |
$ 206,759 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchases
of investments and/or |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
contributions to investments |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Realised gain (loss) on investments |
- |
6,033 |
- |
- |
2,599 |
8,632 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Changes
in unrealised gain (loss) of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
investments still held at the reporting date |
3,034 |
2,307 |
(3,462) |
(1,233) |
(5,852) |
(5,206) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Changes
in unrealised gain (loss) of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
investments sold during the period |
- |
(5,928) |
- |
- |
- |
(5,928) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distributions from investments |
- |
(16,666) |
- |
- |
(40,500) |
(57,166) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transfers into level 3 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transfers out of level 3 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, 30 June 2024 |
$ 46,348 |
$ 85,344 |
$ 4,729 |
$ 10,098 |
$ 572 |
$ 147,091 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
There were no transfers into Level 3. There were
no transfers out of Level 3.
Note 3 – Investments
(Continued)
The following table summarises changes in the
fair value of the Company’s Level 3 private equity investments for
the year ended 31 December 2023.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(dollars in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Year Ended 31 December 2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Private |
|
|
|
Large-cap |
Mid-cap |
Special |
Growth/ |
Income |
Equity |
|
|
|
Buyout |
Buyout |
Situations |
Venture |
Investments |
Investments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, 31 December 2022 |
$
38,312 |
$
84,149 |
$
13,383 |
$
19,789 |
$
40,147 |
$ 195,780 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchases
of investments and/or |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
contributions to investments |
- |
278 |
- |
- |
- |
278 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Realised gain (loss) on investments |
- |
353 |
312 |
13 |
4,815 |
5,493 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Changes
in unrealised gain (loss) of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
investments still held at the reporting date |
5,002 |
(280) |
(4,538) |
(3,972) |
(637) |
(4,425) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Changes
in unrealised gain (loss) of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
investments sold during the period |
- |
64 |
(245) |
(13) |
- |
(194) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distributions from investments |
- |
(353) |
(721) |
(13) |
- |
(1,087) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transfers into level 3 |
- |
15,387 |
- |
- |
- |
15,387 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transfers out of Level 3 |
- |
- |
- |
(4,473) |
- |
(4,473) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, 31 December 2023 |
$ 43,314 |
$ 99,598 |
$ 8,191 |
$ 11,331 |
$ 44,325 |
$ 206,759 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investments were transferred into Level 3 as
management’s fair value estimate included significant unobservable
inputs. Investments were transferred out of Level 3 into Level
2.
Note 3 – Investments
(Continued)
The following table summarises the valuation
methodologies and inputs used for private equity investments
categorised in Level 3 as of 30 June 2024.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(dollars in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Impact to |
|
|
|
|
Fair Value |
|
|
|
Valuation from an |
|
|
Private Equity Investments |
30 June 2024 |
Valuation Methodologies |
Unobservable
Inputs1 |
Ranges (Weighted
Average)2 |
Increase in
Input3 |
|
|
Direct equity investments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Large-cap buyout |
$
46,348 |
Market Comparable Companies |
LTM EBITDA |
12.9x-23.0x (15.3x) |
Increase |
|
|
|
|
|
Market
Comparable Companies |
NTM
EBITDA |
21.5x |
Increase |
|
|
|
Mid-cap buyout |
85,344 |
Escrow Value |
Escrow |
1.0x |
Increase |
|
|
|
|
|
Market Comparable
Companies |
LTM Net Revenue |
4.0x |
Increase |
|
|
|
|
|
Market Comparable
Companies |
LTM EBITDA |
11.0x-13.5x (12.0x) |
Increase |
|
|
|
Special situations |
4,729 |
Market Comparable Companies |
LTM EBITDA |
11.2x |
Increase |
|
|
|
Growth / venture |
10,098 |
Market Comparable Companies |
LTM Revenue |
1.8x-2.5x (2.0x) |
Increase |
|
|
|
|
|
Market Comparable
Companies |
LTM EBITDA |
25.3x |
Increase |
|
|
Income investments |
572 |
Market Comparable Companies |
LTM EBITDA |
9.6x |
Increase |
|
|
Total |
|
$ 147,091 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) LTM
means Last Twelve Months,
EBITDA means Earnings Before
Interest Taxes Depreciation and
Amortisation, NTM means Next Twelve Months.
(2) Inputs
weighted based on fair value of investments in
range.
(3) Unless
otherwise noted, this column represents the directional change in
the fair value of Level 3 investments that would result from an
increase to the corresponding unobservable input. A decrease to the
unobservable input would have the opposite effect. Significant
increases and decreases in these inputs in isolation could result
in significantly higher or lower fair value
measurements.
The following table summarises the valuation methodologies and
inputs used for private equity investments categorised in Level 3
as of 31 December 2023.
Note 3 – Investments
(Continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(dollars in thousands) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Impact to |
|
|
|
|
Fair Value |
|
|
|
Valuation from an |
|
|
Private Equity Investments |
31 December 2023 |
Valuation Methodologies |
Unobservable
Inputs1 |
Ranges (Weighted
Average)2 |
Increase in
Input3 |
|
|
Direct equity investments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Large-cap buyout |
$
43,314 |
Market Comparable Companies |
LTM EBITDA |
12.8x |
Increase |
|
|
|
|
|
Market Comparable
Companies |
LTM Revenue |
23.0x |
Increase |
|
|
|
|
|
Market
Comparable Companies |
NTM
EBITDA |
20.0x |
Increase |
|
|
|
Mid-cap buyout |
99,598 |
Escrow Value |
Escrow |
1.0x |
Increase |
|
|
|
|
|
Market Comparable
Companies |
LTM EBITDA |
8.8x-15.0x (13.4x) |
Increase |
|
|
|
Special situations |
8,191 |
Market Comparable Companies |
LTM EBITDA |
9.4x |
Increase |
|
|
|
|
|
Market Comparable
Companies |
LTM Net Revenue |
1.0x |
Increase |
|
|
|
Growth / venture |
11,331 |
Market Comparable Companies |
LTM Net Revenue |
1.8x-2.5x (1.9x) |
Increase |
|
|
|
|
|
Market Comparable
Companies |
LTM EBITDA |
27.2x |
Increase |
|
|
Income investments |
44,325 |
Market Comparable Companies |
LTM EBITDA |
9.6x-11.9x (11.6x) |
Increase |
|
|
Total |
|
$ 206,759 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) LTM
means Last Twelve Months, EBITDA means Earnings Before Interest
Taxes Depreciation and Amortisation, Boed means Barrels of oil
equivalent per day
(2) Inputs
weighted based on fair value of investments in range.
(3) Unless
otherwise noted, this column represents the directional change in
the fair value of Level 3 investments that would result from an
increase to the corresponding unobservable input. A decrease to the
unobservable input would have the opposite effect. Significant
increases and decreases in these inputs in isolation could result
in significantly higher or lower fair value measurements.
Since 31 December 2023, there have been no changes in
valuation methodologies within Level 2 and Level 3 that have had a
material impact on the valuation of private equity investments.
In the case of direct equity investments and
income investments, the Investment Manager does not control the
timing of exits but at the time of investment, typically expects
investment durations to be meaningfully shorter than fund
investments. Therefore, although some fund and direct investments
may take 10-15 years to reach final realisation, the Investment
Manager expects the majority of the Group’s invested capital in the
current portfolio to be returned in much shorter timeframes.
Generally, fund investments have a defined term and no right to
withdraw. In the case of fund investments, fund lives are typically
ten years; however, a series of extensions often mean the lives can
extend significantly beyond this. It should be noted that the
Group’s fund investments are legacy assets, non-core to the current
strategy and are in realisation mode.
Note 4 – Credit Facility
As of 30 June 2024, a subsidiary of the Company
had a $300.0 million secured revolving credit facility (the
“MassMutual Facility”) with Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance
Company (“MassMutual”). The ten year borrowing availability period
of the MassMutual Facility expires on 23 December 2029, while the
MassMutual Facility matures on 23 December 2031. For the six month
period ended 30 June 2024 and the year ended 31 December 2023, the
borrowings drawn from the MassMutual Facility were NIL and
$120,000,000, respectively, and the payments to the MassMutual
Facility were NIL and $30,000,000, respectively. The outstanding
balances of the MassMutual Facility were $90,000,000 at 30 June
2024 and 31 December 2023.
Under the MassMutual Facility, the Group is
required to meet certain portfolio concentration tests and certain
loan-to-value ratios not to exceed 45% through 23 December 2027
with step-downs each year thereafter until reaching 0% on 23
December 2029 and through maturity. In addition, the MassMutual
Facility limits the incurrence of loan-to-value ratios above 45%,
additional indebtedness, asset sales, acquisitions, mergers, liens,
portfolio asset assignments, or other matters customarily
restricted in such agreements. The MassMutual Facility defines
change in control as a change in the Company’s ownership structure
of certain of its subsidiaries or the event in which the Group is
no longer managed by the Investment Manager or an affiliate. A
change in control would trigger an event of default under the
MassMutual Facility. At 30 June 2024, the Group met all
requirements under the MassMutual Facility. The MassMutual Facility
is secured by a security interest in the cash flows from the
underlying investments of the Group.
Under the MassMutual Facility, the interest rate
through 30 June 2023 was calculated as the greater of either LIBOR
or 1% plus 2.875% per annum. On 30 June 2023 the MassMutual
Facility was amended for the interest rate calculation from greater
of either LIBOR or 1% plus 2.875% to SOFR plus 2.875% per annum,
subject to a credit spread adjustment. The amended Credit Facility
agreement results in no material economic changes to the
facility.
The Group is required to pay a commitment fee
calculated as 0.55% per annum on the average daily balance of the
unused facility amount. The Group is subject to a minimum
utilisation of 30% of the facility size, or $90.0 million,
beginning eighteen months after the closing date or 23 June 2021.
If the minimum utilisation is not met, the Group is required to pay
the amount of interest that would have been accrued on the minimum
usage amount less any outstanding advances. As of 30 June 2024, the
Group met the minimum utilisation requirement, only the commitment
fee applied.
Note 4 – Credit Facility
(Continued)
The following table summarises the Group’s
finance costs incurred and expensed under the MassMutual Facility
for the six month periods ended 30 June 2024 and 2023.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30 June 2024 |
|
30 June 2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest
expense |
$ 3,857,987 |
|
$
170,305 |
|
|
Undrawn
commitment fees |
583,917 |
|
580,708 |
|
|
Servicing
fees and breakage costs |
39,000 |
|
17,236 |
|
|
Amortisation of capitalised debt issuance costs |
131,921 |
|
131,196 |
|
|
Minimum utilisation fees |
- |
|
3,386,913 |
|
|
Total Credit Facility Finance Costs |
$ 4,612,825 |
|
$ 4,286,358 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of 30 June 2024 and 31 December 2023,
unamortised capitalised debt issuance costs (included in Other
assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets) were $1,980,282 and
$2,112,203, respectively. Capitalised amounts are being amortised
on a straight-line basis over the terms of the applicable credit
facility.
Note 5 – Zero Dividend Preference Shares (“ZDP
Shares”)
As of 30 June 2024, there were 50,000,000 ZDP
Shares (the “2024 ZDP Shares”) outstanding at a Gross
Redemption Yield of 4.25%. The 2024 ZDP Shares were issued
pursuant to the Initial Placing and Offer for Subscription at a
price per 2024 ZDP Share of 100 pence. The holders of the
2024 ZDP Shares will have a final capital entitlement of
130.63 pence on the repayment date of
30 October 2024.
The 2024 ZDP Shares rank prior to the Class
A and Class B Shares in respect of repayment of the final
entitlement. However, they rank behind any borrowings that remain
outstanding. They carry no entitlement to income and their entire
return takes the form of capital. The 2024 ZDP Shares require the
Company to satisfy their respective ZDP Cover Test (the “Test”)
prior to taking certain actions. In summary, the Test requires that
for the 2024 ZDPs the Gross Assets divided by the liabilities
adjusting for the final 2024 ZDP liabilities should be greater than
2.75. The details of the restrictions and the Tests are set out in
the ZDP Prospectus. Unless the Test is satisfied, the Company is
not permitted to pay any dividend or other distribution out of
capital reserves. A voluntary liquidation or winding-up of the
Company would require ZDP Shareholder approval where such
winding-up is to take effect prior to the relevant ZDP repayment
date. As of 30 June 2024, the Company was in compliance with the
ZDP Cover Test.
Note 5 – Zero Dividend Preference Shares (“ZDP Shares”)
(Continued)
The following table reconciles the liability for
ZDP Shares, which approximates fair value, for the six month period
ended 30 June 2024 and the year ended 31 December 2023.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ZDP Shares |
Pounds Sterling |
|
U.S. Dollars |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liability, 31 December 2022 |
£
60,521,167 |
|
$ 72,800,912 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
change in accrued interest on 2024 ZDP Shares |
2,570,123 |
|
3,141,388 |
|
|
Currency
conversion |
- |
|
4,486,478 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liability, 31 December 2023 |
£
63,091,290 |
|
$ 80,428,778 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
change in accrued interest on 2024 ZDP Shares |
1,322,037 |
|
1,680,044 |
|
|
Currency
conversion |
- |
|
(683,936) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liability, 30 June 2024 |
£
64,413,327 |
|
$ 81,424,886 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The total liability balance related to the
2024 ZDP Shares was £64,413,327 (equivalent of $81,424,886)
and £63,091,290 (equivalent of $80,428,778) as of 30 June 2024 and
31 December 2023, respectively.
As of 30 June 2024, the 2024 ZDP Shares were the
only outstanding ZDP share class.
ZDP Shares are measured at amortised cost.
Capitalised offering costs are being amortised using the effective
interest rate method. The unamortised balance of capitalised
offering costs of the 2024 ZDP Shares at 30 June 2024 was
$46,408 and the unamortised balance of capitalised offering costs
of the 2024 ZDP Shares at 31 December 2023 was
$116,151.
Note 6 – Forward Foreign Exchange
Contracts
The Group currently
does not employ specific hedging techniques to reduce the risks of
adverse movements in securities prices, currency exchange rates and
interest rates; however, the investments may employ such
techniques. While hedging techniques may reduce certain risks, such
transactions themselves may entail other risks. Thus, while the
investments may benefit from the use of these hedging mechanisms,
unanticipated changes in securities prices, currency exchange rates
or interest rates may result in poorer overall performance for the
investments than if they had not entered into such hedging
transactions. The Group may utilise forward foreign
Note 6 – Forward Foreign Exchange
Contracts (Continued)
currency contracts to hedge, in part, the risk
associated with the Sterling contractual liability for the issued
ZDP Shares (see note 5).
As of 30 June 2024 and 31 December 2023, the
Group did not hold any active forward foreign currency
contracts.
Note 7 – Income Taxes
The Group is exempt from Guernsey tax on income
derived from non-Guernsey sources. However, certain of its
underlying investments generate income that is subject to tax in
other jurisdictions, principally the United States (“U.S.”). The
Group has recorded the following amounts related to such taxes:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30 June 2024 |
|
30 June 2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current
tax expense |
$ 33,847 |
|
$
50,443 |
|
|
Deferred tax expense |
- |
|
- |
|
|
Total tax expense |
$ 33,847 |
|
$ 50,443 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30 June 2024 |
|
31 December
2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross
deferred tax assets |
$
6,934,094 |
|
$
6,934,094 |
|
|
Valuation allowance |
(6,934,094) |
|
(6,934,094) |
|
|
Net
deferred tax assets |
- |
|
- |
|
|
Gross deferred tax liabilities |
(24,877) |
|
(24,877) |
|
|
Net deferred tax liabilities |
$ (24,877) |
|
$ (24,877) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current tax expense (benefit) is reflected in
Net investment income/(loss) and deferred tax expense (benefit) is
reflected in Net change in unrealised gain/(loss) on the
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Changes in Net Assets.
Net deferred tax liabilities are related to net unrealised gains
and gross deferred tax assets, offset by a valuation allowance, are
related to unrealised losses on investments held in entities that
file separate tax returns.
The Group has no gross unrecognised tax
benefits. The Group is subject to examination by tax regulators
under the three-year statute of limitations
Note 8 – Earnings (Loss) per Share
The computations for earnings (loss) per share
for the six month periods ended 30 June 2024 and 2023 are as
follows:
Note 8 – Earnings (Loss) per Share
Continued
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase (decrease) in net
assets resulting from operations |
|
|
|
|
|
attributable to the controlling interest |
$ 10,729,591 |
|
$ 59,937,923 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Divided by weighted average
shares outstanding for |
|
|
|
|
|
Class A Shares and Class B Shares of the controlling interest |
46,282,625 |
|
46,742,619 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings (loss) per share for Class A Shares
and |
|
|
|
|
|
Class B Shares of the controlling interest |
$ 0.23 |
|
$ 1.28 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note 9 – Share Capital, Including Treasury
Stock
Class A Shareholders have the right to vote on
all resolutions proposed at general meetings of the Company,
including resolutions relating to the appointment, election,
re-election and removal of Directors. The Company’s Class B Shares,
which were issued at the time of the initial public offering to a
Guernsey charitable trust, whose trustee is First Directors Limited
(“Trustee”), usually carry no voting rights at general meetings of
the Company. However, in the event the level of ownership of Class
A Shares by U.S. residents (excluding any Class A Shares held in
treasury) exceeds 35% on any date determined by the Directors
(based on an analysis of share ownership information available to
the Company), the Class B Shares will carry voting rights in
relation to "Director Resolutions" (as such term is defined in the
Company's articles of incorporation). In this event, Class B Shares
will automatically carry such voting rights to dilute the voting
power of the Class A Shareholders with respect to Director
Resolutions to the extent necessary to reduce the percentage of
votes exercisable by U.S. residents in relation to the Director
Resolutions to not more than 35%. Each Class A Share and Class B
Share participates equally in profits and losses. There have been
no changes to the legal form or nature of the Class A Shares nor to
the reporting currency of the Company’s consolidated financial
statements (which will remain in U.S. dollars) as a result
of the Main Market quote being in Sterling as
well as U.S. dollars. Additional paid-in capital (“APIC”) is the
excess amount paid by shareholders over the par value of shares.
The Company’s APIC is included on the Consolidated Balance
Sheets.
The following table summarises the Company’s
shares at 30 June 2024 and 31 December 2023.
Note 9 – Share Capital, Including
Treasury Stock (Continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30 June 2024 |
|
31 December 2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A
Shares outstanding |
46,237,719 |
|
46,502,606 |
|
|
Class B
Shares outstanding |
10,000 |
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
46,247,719 |
|
46,512,606 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A
Shares held in treasury - number of shares |
3,150,408 |
|
3,150,408 |
|
|
Class A
Shares held in treasury - cost |
$ 9,248,460 |
|
$
9,248,460 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Company currently has shareholder authority
to repurchase shares in the market, the aggregate value of which
may be up to 14.99% of the Class A Shares in issue (excluding Class
A Shares held in treasury) at the time the authority is granted;
such authority will expire on the date which is 15 months from the
date of passing of this resolution or, if earlier, at the end of
the Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) of the Company held in June
2025. The maximum price which may be paid for a Class A Share is an
amount equal to the higher of (i) the price of the last independent
trade and (ii) the highest current independent bid, in each case,
with respect to the Class A Shares on the relevant exchange (being
the Main Market).
The Company entered into a share buyback
agreement with Jefferies International Limited (“Jefferies”) on 5
October 2022, subject to renewals.
For the six month period ended 30 June 2024, the
Company purchased and cancelled a total of 264,887 shares of its
Class A stock (0.57% of the issued and outstanding shares as of 31
December 2023) pursuant to general authority granted by
shareholders of the Company and the share buy-back agreement with
Jefferies International Limited. For the year ended 31 December
2023, the Company purchased and cancelled a total of 258,424 shares
of its Class A stock (0.55% of the issued and outstanding shares as
of 31 December 2022).
Note 10 –
Management of the Group and Other Related Party
Transactions
Management and Guernsey
Administration
The Group is managed by the Investment Manager
for a management fee calculated at the end of each calendar quarter
equal to 37.5 basis points (150 basis points per annum) of the fair
value of the private equity and opportunistic investments. For
purposes of this computation, the fair value is reduced by the fair
value of any investment for which the Investment Manager is
separately compensated for investment management services. The
Investment Manager is not entitled to a management fee on: (i) the
value of any fund investments held by the Company in NB Funds
in
Note 10 – Management of the Group and
Other Related Party Transactions (Continued)
respect of which the Investment Manager or an
affiliate receives a fee or other remuneration; or (ii) the value
of any holdings in cash and short-term investments (the definition
of which shall be determined in good faith by the Investment
Manager, and shall include holdings in money market funds (whether
managed by the Investment Manager, an affiliate of the Investment
Manager or a third party manager)). For the six month periods ended
30 June 2024 and 2023, the management fee expenses were $9,589,666
and $10,536,415, respectively, and are included in Investment
management and services on the Consolidated Statement of Operations
and Changes in Net Assets. As of 30 June 2024 and 2023, Investment
Management fees payable to the Investment Manager and its
affiliates were $4,771,534 and $5,396,266, respectively. If the
Company terminates the Investment Management Agreement without
cause, the Company shall pay a termination fee equal to: seven
years of management fees, plus an amount equal to seven times the
mean average incentive allocation of the three performance periods
immediately preceding the termination, plus all underwriting,
placement and other expenses borne by the Investment Manager or
affiliates in connection with the Company’s Initial Public
Offering.
Administration and professional fees include
fees for Directors, independent third party accounting and
administrative services, audit, tax, and assurance services,
trustee, legal, listing and other items. The Group pays to Ocorian
Administration (Guernsey) Limited (“Ocorian”), an affiliate of the
Trustee, a fee for providing certain administrative functions
relating to certain corporate services and Guernsey regulatory
matters affecting the Group. Fees for these services are paid as
invoiced by Ocorian. The Group paid Ocorian $66,304 and $54,552 for
the six month periods ended 30 June 2024 and 2023, respectively,
for such services. The Group also paid MUFG Capital Analytics LLC,
an independent third party fund administrator, $650,000 ($325,000
quarterly) for each of the six month periods ended 30 June 2024 and
2023. These fees are included in Administration and professional
fees on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Changes in
Net Assets.
Directors’ fees are paid in Sterling and they
are based on each Director’s position on the Company’s Board.
Directors' fees are subject to an annual increase equivalent to the
annual rise in the Guernsey retail price index, subject to a 1% per
annum minimum. For the six month period ended 30 June 2024,
Directors’ fees were as follows: Chairman received £94,847 annually
(£23,712 quarterly), Chairman of the Audit Committee received
£70,847 annually (£17,712 quarterly), Senior Independent Director
received £65,347 annually (£16,337 quarterly), Chairman of the NRC
and MEC Committees received £65,347 annually (£16,337 quarterly),
and Non-Executive Directors each received £59,847 annually (£14,962
quarterly). As of 30 June 2024, an additional fee was assessed in
the amount of £11,509 annually and payable to two Directors (£5,754
each) for serving as directors of the Guernsey Subsidiaries of the
Company. At 30 June 2024, the beneficial interests of the Directors
in the issued share capital of the Company was 145,695 ordinary
shares.
Note 10 – Management of the Group and
Other Related Party Transactions (Continued)
For the six month periods ended 30 June 2024 and
2023, the Group paid the independent directors a total of $270,489
(of which $7,283 related to services provided to the Guernsey
Subsidiaries of the Company) and $217,040 (of which $8,736 related
to services provided to the Guernsey Subsidiaries of the Company),
respectively.
Related Parties
In order to execute on its investing activities,
the Investment Manager may create an intermediary entity for tax,
legal, or other purposes. These intermediary entities do not charge
management fees nor incentive allocations. Additionally, the Group
may co-invest with other entities with the same Investment Manager
as the Group.
Special Limited Partner’s
Non-controlling Interest in Subsidiary
An affiliate of the Investment Manager is a
Special Limited Partner in a consolidated partnership subsidiary.
At 30 June 2024 and 31 December 2023, the non-controlling interest
of $2,026,085 and $2,004,028, respectively, represented the Special
Limited Partner’s capital contribution to the partnership
subsidiary and income allocation.
The following table reconciles the carrying
amount of net assets, net assets attributable to the controlling
interest and net assets attributable to the non-controlling
interest at 30 June 2024 and 31 December 2023.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Controlling Interest |
|
Noncontrolling
Interest |
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets balance, 31 December 2022 |
$ 1,327,266,223 |
|
$ 1,947,323 |
|
$ 1,329,213,546 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
increase (decrease) in net assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
resulting from operations |
27,069,151 |
|
56,705 |
|
27,125,856 |
|
|
Dividend payment |
(43,843,309) |
|
- |
|
(43,843,309) |
|
|
Cost of stock repurchased and cancelled (258,424 shares) |
(5,006,257) |
|
- |
|
(5,006,257) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets balance, 31 December 2023 |
$ 1,305,485,808 |
|
$ 2,004,028 |
|
$ 1,307,489,836 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
increase (decrease) in net assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
resulting from operations |
10,729,591 |
|
22,057 |
|
10,751,648 |
|
|
Dividend payment |
(21,860,925) |
|
- |
|
(21,860,925) |
|
|
Cost of stock repurchased and cancelled (264,887 shares) |
(5,418,037) |
|
- |
|
(5,418,037) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets balance, 30 June 2024 |
$ 1,288,936,437 |
|
$ 2,026,085 |
|
$ 1,290,962,522 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Carried Interest
The Special Limited Partner is entitled to a
carried interest in an amount that is, in general, equal to 7.5% of
the Group’s consolidated net increase in net assets resulting from
operations, adjusted by
Note 10 – Management of the Group and
Other Related Party Transactions (Continued)
withdrawals, distributions and capital
contributions, for a fiscal year in the event that the Group’s
internal rate of return for such period, based on the NAV, exceeds
7.5%. For the purposes of this computation, the value of any
private equity fund investment in NB Funds in respect of which the
Investment Manager or an affiliate receives a fee or other
remuneration shall be excluded from the calculation of the
incentive allocation payable to the Special Limited Partner. If
losses are incurred for a period, no carried interest will be
earned for any period until the subsequent net profits exceed the
cumulative net losses. Carried interest is also accrued and paid on
any economic gain that the Group realises on treasury stock
transactions. Carried interest is accrued periodically and paid in
the subsequent year. As of 30 June 2024 and 31 December 2023,
carried interest of nil was accrued, respectively.
Private Equity Investments with NBG
Subsidiaries
The Group holds limited partner interests in
private equity fund investments and direct investment programs that
are managed by subsidiaries of NBG (“NB-Affiliated Investments”).
NB-Affiliated Investments will not result in any duplicative NBG
investment management fees and carry charged to the Group. Below is
a summary of the Group’s positions in NB-Affiliated
Investments.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NB-Affiliated Investments (dollars in
millions) |
Fair Value (1) |
|
Committed |
|
Funded |
|
Unfunded |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2024 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NB-Affiliated Programs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NB Alternatives Direct
Co-investment Programs |
$ 178.5 |
|
$ 275.0 |
|
$ 238.8 |
|
$ 36.2 |
|
|
|
NB Renaissance Programs |
28.4 |
|
41.2 |
|
36.1 |
|
5.1 |
|
|
|
Marquee Brands |
30.8 |
|
30.0 |
|
26.6 |
|
3.4 |
|
|
|
NB Credit Opportunities
Program |
29.9 |
|
50.0 |
|
45.0 |
|
5.0 |
|
|
Total NB-Affiliated Investments |
$ 267.6 |
|
$ 396.2 |
|
$ 346.5 |
|
$ 49.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NB-Affiliated Programs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NB Alternatives Direct
Co-investment Programs |
$ 189.7 |
|
$ 275.0 |
|
$ 238.6 |
|
$ 36.4 |
|
|
|
NB Renaissance Programs |
23.9 |
|
41.2 |
|
31.6 |
|
9.6 |
|
|
|
Marquee Brands |
30.6 |
|
30.0 |
|
26.6 |
|
3.4 |
|
|
|
NB Credit Opportunities
Program |
37.9 |
|
50.0 |
|
38.0 |
|
12.0 |
|
|
|
NB Specialty Finance
Program |
7.7 |
|
50.0 |
|
35.0 |
|
15.0 |
|
|
Total NB-Affiliated Investments |
$ 289.8 |
|
$ 446.2 |
|
$ 369.8 |
|
$ 76.4 |
|
|
|
|
. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1): |
Fair value does
not include distributions. At 30 June 2024 and 31 December 2023,
the total distributions from |
|
|
|
NB-Affiliated
Investments were $506.3 and $472.1, respectively. |
|
Note 11 – Risks and
Contingencies
Market Risk
The Group’s exposure to financial risks is both
direct (through its holdings of assets and liabilities directly
subject to these risks) and indirect (through the impact of these
risks on the overall valuation of its private equity companies).
The Group's private equity companies are generally not traded in an
active market, but are indirectly exposed to market price risk
arising from uncertainties about future values of the investments
held. Each fund investment of the Group holds a portfolio of
investments in underlying companies. These portfolio company
investments vary as to type of security held by the underlying
partnership (debt or equity, publicly traded or privately held),
stage of operations, industry, geographic location and geographic
distribution of operations and size, all of which may impact the
susceptibility of their valuation to market price risk.
Market conditions for publicly traded and
privately held investments in portfolio companies held by the
partnerships may affect their value in a manner similar to the
potential impact on direct co-investments made by the Group in
privately held securities. The fund investments of the Group may
also hold financial instruments (including debt and derivative
instruments) in addition to their investments in portfolio
companies that are susceptible to market price risk and therefore
may also affect the value of the Group's investment in the
partnerships. As with any individual investment, market prices may
vary from composite index movements.
Additionally, the Group’s investments in non-USD
denominated investments may result in foreign exchange losses
caused by devaluations and exchange rate fluctuations.
Credit Risk
Credit risk is the risk of losses due to the
failure of a counterparty to perform according to the terms of a
contract. The Group may invest in a range of debt securities
directly or in funds which do so. Until such investments are sold
or are paid in full at maturity, the Group is exposed to credit
risk relating to whether the issuer will meet its obligations when
the securities come due.
The cash and other liquid securities held can
subject the Group to a concentration of credit risk. The Investment
Manager attempts to mitigate the credit risk that exists with cash
deposits and other liquid securities by regularly monitoring the
credit ratings of such financial institutions and evaluating from
time to time whether to hold some of the Group's cash and cash
equivalents in U.S. Treasuries or other highly liquid
securities.
The Group’s investments are subject to various
risk factors including market and credit risk, interest rate and
foreign exchange risk, inflation risk, and the risks associated
with investing in private securities. Non‐U.S. dollar denominated
investments may result in foreign exchange losses caused by
devaluations and exchange rate fluctuations. In addition,
consequences of political, social,
Note 11 – Risks and Contingencies
(Continued)
economic, diplomatic changes, or public health
condition may have disruptive effects on market prices or fair
valuations of foreign investments.
Liquidity Risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will
not be able to meet its obligations as they fall due. The
Investment Manager mitigates this risk by monitoring the
sufficiency of cash balances and availability under the Credit
Facility (see note 4) to meet expected liquidity requirements for
investment funding and operating expenses.
Contingencies
In the normal course of business, the Group
enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations and
warranties which provide general indemnifications. The Group’s
maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would
involve future claims that may be made against the Group that have
not yet occurred. The Investment Manager expects the risk of loss
to be remote and does not expect these to have a material adverse
effect on the consolidated financial statements of the Group.
Note 12 – Financial Highlights
The following ratios with respect to the Class A
Shares and Class B Shares have been computed for the six month
periods ended 30 June 2024 and 2023 and the year ended 31 December
2023:
Per share operating performance |
For the Six Month Period Ended |
|
For the Year Ended |
|
For the Six Month Period Ended |
(based on average shares outstanding during the
year) |
30 June 2024 |
|
31 December 2023 |
|
30 June 2023 |
|
Beginning
net asset value |
$ 28.07 |
|
$ 28.38 |
|
$ 28.38 |
|
Net increase in
net assets resulting from operations: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income
(loss) |
(0.27) |
|
(0.67) |
|
(0.35) |
|
|
Net realised and unrealised
gain (loss) |
0.50 |
|
1.25 |
|
1.63 |
|
Dividend payment |
(0.47) |
|
(0.94) |
|
(0.47) |
|
Stock repurchased and cancelled |
0.04 |
|
0.05 |
|
0.05 |
|
Ending net
asset value |
$ 27.87 |
|
$ 28.07 |
|
$ 29.24 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total return |
For the Six Month Period Ended |
|
For the Year Ended |
|
For the Six Month Period Ended |
(based on change in net asset value per
share) |
30 June 2024 |
|
31 December 2023 |
|
30 June 2023 |
|
Total return
before carried interest |
0.96% |
|
2.22% |
|
4.69% |
|
Carried
interest |
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
Total return after carried interest |
0.96% |
|
2.22% |
|
4.69% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income (loss) and expense
ratios |
For the Six Month Period Ended (Annualised) |
|
For the Year Ended |
|
For the Six Month Period Ended (Annualised) |
(based on weighted average net assets) |
30 June 2024 |
|
31 December 2023 |
|
30 June 2023 |
|
Net investment
income (loss), excluding carried interest |
(1.96%) |
|
(2.36%) |
|
(2.46%) |
|
Expense
ratios: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expenses before interest and
carried interest |
1.98% |
|
2.36% |
|
2.58% |
|
|
Interest expense |
0.86% |
|
0.48% |
|
0.26% |
|
|
Carried
interest |
- |
|
- |
|
- |
|
|
Expense ratios total |
2.84% |
|
2.84% |
|
2.84% |
Note 12 – Financial Highlights
(Continued)
Net investment income (loss) is interest income
earned net of expenses, including management fees and other
expenses consistent with the presentation within the Consolidated
Statements of Operations and Changes in Net Assets. Expenses do not
include the expenses of the underlying private equity investment
partnerships.
Individual shareholder returns may differ from
the ratios presented based on differing entry dates into the
Group.
Note 13 – Subsequent Events
On 30 August 2024, the Group paid a dividend of
$0.47 per Ordinary Share to shareholders of record on 25 July
2024.
The Investment Manager and the Board of
Directors have evaluated events through 24 September 2024, the date
the financial statements are available to be issued and have
determined there were no other subsequent events that require
adjustment to, or disclosure in, the financial statements.
For further information, please contact:
NBPE Investor
Relations +44
(0) 20 3214 9002
Luke
Mason NBPrivateMarketsIR@nb.com
Kaso Legg
Communications +44
(0)20 3882 6644
Charles
Gorman nbpe@kl-communications.com
Luke Dampier
Charlotte Francis
About NB Private Equity Partners Limited
NBPE invests in direct private equity
investments alongside market leading private equity firms globally.
NB Alternatives Advisers LLC (the “Investment Manager”), an
indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Neuberger Berman Group LLC, is
responsible for sourcing, execution and management of NBPE. The
vast majority of direct investments are made with no management fee
/ no carried interest payable to third-party GPs, offering greater
fee efficiency than other listed private equity companies. NBPE
seeks capital appreciation through growth in net asset value over
time while paying a bi-annual dividend. LEI number:
213800UJH93NH8IOFQ77
About Neuberger Berman
Neuberger Berman is an employee-owned, private, independent
investment manager founded in 1939 with over 2,800 employees in 26
countries. The firm manages $481 billion of equities, fixed income,
private equity, real estate and hedge fund portfolios for global
institutions, advisors and individuals. Neuberger Berman’s
investment philosophy is founded on active management, fundamental
research and engaged ownership. The PRI identified the firm as part
of the Leader’s Group, a designation awarded to fewer than 1% of
investment firms for excellence in environmental, social and
governance practices. Neuberger Berman has been named by Pensions
& Investments as the #1 or #2 Best Place to Work in Money
Management for each of the last ten years (firms with more than
1,000 employees). Visit www.nb.com for more information. Data as of
June 30, 2024.
1 Based on net asset value.
2 Revenue and EBITDA growth: Past
performance is no guarantee of future results. Fair value as of 30
June 2024. Growth rate data includes both organic growth
and growth from M&A transactions in the
portfolio. The data is subject to the
following adjustments: 1) Excludes public companies, Marquee Brands
and other investments not valued on multiples of EBITDA. 2)
Analysis based on 58 private companies.
3) The private companies included in the data represent
approximately 83% of the total direct
equity portfolio by NAV. 4) The following
exclusions to the data were made: a) EBITDA
growth of one company (approximately 2% of
value) was excluded from the data as the Manager believed the
EBITDA growth rate was an outlier due to an
extraordinary high percentage change b) one
company (<1% of direct equity
fair value) was excluded due to noncomparable
periods of revenue and/or EBITDA c) five
companies (5% of direct equity fair value)
were held less than one year and excluded from the portfolio
company operating metrics data due to noncomparable periods of
revenue and/or EBITDA prior to private equity ownership. Where
necessary, estimates were used, which include pro forma adjusted
EBITDA and other EBITDA adjustments, pro forma revenue adjustments,
run-rate adjustments for acquisitions, and annualised
quarterly operating metrics. Portfolio company
operating metrics are based on the most recently available
(unaudited) financial information for each company and are as
reported by the lead private equity sponsor to the Manager as
of 23 September 2024, with LTM
periods as of 30/6/24 and 31/3/24
and 30/6/23 and 31/3/23.
LTM revenue and LTM EBITDA growth rates are weighted by fair
value.
3 Valuation & Leverage: Past performance is no
guarantee of future results. Fair value as of 30 June 2024 and
subject to the following adjustments. 1) Excludes public companies,
Marquee Brands and other investments not valued on a multiple of
EBITDA. 2) Based on 57 private companies
which are valued based on EV/EBITDA metrics. 3) The private
companies included in the data represents 80% of
direct equity investment fair value. 4) Companies not valued on
multiples of EBITDA (billings, revenue or other valuation
metrics) are excluded from valuation statistics. 5)
Leverage statistics exclude companies with net cash position and
leverage data represents 80% of direct equity
investment fair value. Portfolio company operating metrics are
based on the most recently available (unaudited) financial
information for each company and are as reported by the lead
private equity sponsor to the Manager as of 23
September 2024, based on reporting periods as of 30 June 2024
and 31 March 2024. EV and leverage data is weighted by fair
value.
4 Valuation & Leverage: Past
performance is no guarantee of future results. Fair value as of 30
June 2024 and subject to the following adjustments. 1) Excludes
public companies, Marquee Brands and other investments not valued
on a multiple of EBITDA. 2) Based on 57 private
companies which are valued based on EV/EBITDA metrics. 3) The
private companies included in the data represents
80% of direct equity investment fair value. 4)
Companies not valued on multiples of EBITDA (billings,
revenue or other valuation metrics) are excluded from
valuation statistics. 5) Leverage statistics exclude companies with
net cash position and leverage data represents
80% of direct equity investment fair value. Portfolio
company operating metrics are based on the most recently available
(unaudited) financial information for each company and are as
reported by the lead private equity sponsor to the Manager as
of 23 September 2024, based on reporting periods
as of 30 June 2024 and 31 March 2024. EV and leverage data is
weighted by fair value.
This press release appears as a matter of record
only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of
an offer to purchase any security.
NBPE is established as a closed-end investment
company domiciled in Guernsey. NBPE has received the necessary
consent of the Guernsey Financial Services Commission. The value of
investments may fluctuate. Results achieved in the past are no
guarantee of future results. This document is not intended to
constitute legal, tax or accounting advice or investment
recommendations. Prospective investors are advised to seek expert
legal, financial, tax and other professional advice before making
any investment decision. Statements contained in this document that
are not historical facts are based on current expectations,
estimates, projections, opinions and beliefs of NBPE's investment
manager. Such statements involve known and unknown risks,
uncertainties and other factors, and undue reliance should not be
placed thereon. Additionally, this document contains
"forward-looking statements." Actual events or results or the
actual performance of NBPE may differ materially from those
reflected or contemplated in such targets or forward-looking
statements.
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