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In our initiation, we highlighted that NBPE is uniquely focused in the co-investment sector of PE. This sector has especially appealing return, cashflow, asset selection. risk management, and GP access characteristics. See the managers views at: NBPE’s 15 year listing anniversary: highlighting the benefits of the PE co-investment approach. We also believe that the manager adds value to this attractive market. NB has i) the resources to understand the investee company dynamics, ii) excellent GP relationships, and iii) experience/skills that add value to the GPs. It has seen a growing deal flow in a subdued PE market. NB is also focused in the attractive mid-market segment.

  • Evidence of the NB value added: i) in a slowing market, NB has seen a growing number of co-investment opportunities (3x the level of 10 years ago), ii) above peer investee company EBITDA growth, iii) broad spread of this growth, and iv) above-average shareholder returns over five & 10 years.
  • How NB adds value: NB’s platform is large (NB Private Markets $115bn of active capital commitments, including $36bn in co-investments and over 300 PE staff). This generates the scale to optimise the co-investment process. The deal completion rate (ca.8% of all opportunities) shows great selectivity.
  • Valuation: The 26% discount is in line with most direct peers (average 26% exc. HGT), but it rose sharply in 2022, to well above historical levels (10%-15%). We detail in our thematic notes what may lead to a rerating back to these levels. The discount appears absolutely and relatively anomalous.
  • Risks: Sentiment to costs, the cycle, modest residual positions in highly rated listed companies following IPOs in 2020-21, the duration of the discount and valuation are the key issues for NBPE, as they are across the whole listed PE sector. However, they are sentiment issues, and do not reflect reality, as we see it. The benefits from the current strategy may not yet be fully appreciated.
  • Investment summary: With 97% of the portfolio invested in direct equity, co-investments, NBPE is the most focused listed vehicle in the low-cost, attractive co-investment subsector of the market-beating PE sector. The company and GP selection have proved resilient in downturns, and consistent, large premiums on exit should give investors comfort in the NAV. Its portfolio is diversified by name, sector, GP and geographically, but it has enough concentration for individual investments to add value. The discount is anomalous with long-term, market-beating returns.
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