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Key messages from NBPE’s 2025 results include i) 5.0% NAV TR in the 12 months ‒ increase in private valuations, buybacks and forex offsetting quoted holdings (-0.8%), ii) private portfolio value increased 3.9% in 2025 on a constant currency basis, iii) portfolio company operating performance: LTM revenue and EBITDA growth of 9.1% and 9.7%, respectively, iv) $180m realisation proceeds (50%+ increase in distributions from co-investments), v) 31 Dec $302m cash and undrawn credit line available, vi) $0.94 p/sh. total dividend (5.1% yield) and a total of $102m returned to shareholders in 2025 by way of share buybacks and dividends (8% of opening NAV).

  • Buybacks: Including buybacks through 24 April 2026, since the beginning of 2025, NBPE has repurchased ca.4m shares (at a cost of $81m). The weighted average discount was 27%, which was accretive to NAV by ca.$0.62 p/sh. The programme has been accelerated (1H’25 $14m; 2H’25 $45m; YTD’26 $21m).
  • March update: YTD $ NAV TR (1.3%); 31 Mar’26 NAV p/sh $27.12 (£20.57). March estimate does not include any 1Q’26 private company updated valuations, with YTD driven by negative forex and quoted holdings. $79m committed to five new investments in 1Q’26. March $196m available liquidity.
  • Valuation: The 33% discount is in line with direct peers (average 32% inc. HGT). In our thematic notes, we have considered what may lead to a reversion to historical levels (10%-15%). The discount appears absolutely and relatively anomalous with a resilient, conservative NAV. The yield (5.1%) is above sector.
  • Risks: Sentiment to costs, the cycle (incl. higher-for-longer interest rates), realisation volatility, the duration of the discount and potential AI disruption to software businesses are all issues for NBPE, as they are across the listed PE sector. They are sentiment issues, and do not reflect reality, as we see it.
  • Investment summary: NBPE is uniquely focused in the low-cost, attractive co-investment subsector of the long-term, market-beating PE sector. It has proved resilient in downturns, and premiums on exit give comfort in the NAV. Its portfolio is diversified but has enough concentration for conviction holdings to add value. The discount appears anomalous with market-beating returns.
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