Patria Private Equity Trust — H124 NAV TR of 2% amid still muted markets

Patria Private Equity Trust (LSE: PPET)

Last close As at 20/11/2024

GBP5.39

4.00 (0.75%)

Market capitalisation

GBP821m

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Research: Investment Companies

Patria Private Equity Trust — H124 NAV TR of 2% amid still muted markets

Patria Private Equity Trust (PPET) reported a modest 2.0% NAV per share total return in H124 (ending March 2024) as exit activity in private equity markets remained subdued, suggesting continued buyer cautiousness. Meanwhile, PPET’s share price total return was a strong 22.9% in H124, with the narrowing discount to NAV assisted by, among other things, PPET’s buyback programme (see our March 2024 note for details). Given the trust’s current balance sheet headroom, the board targets an annual dividend of 16.8p for FY24, up 5% versus FY23.

Milosz Papst

Written by

Milosz Papst

Head of Content, Investment Trusts

Investment Companies

Patria Private Equity Trust

H124 NAV TR of 2% amid still muted markets

Investment trusts
Private equity

25 June 2024

Price

562p

Market cap

£864m

NAV*

£1,190m

NAV per share*

776.4p

Discount to NAV

27.6%

Yield

2.9%

Ordinary shares in issue

153.7m

Code/ISIN

APEO/GB0030474687

Primary exchange

LSE

52-week high/low

586.0p

410.5p

776.4p

740.2p

*As at end-May 2024.

Gearing

Net gearing at end-May 2024

10.0%

Fund objective

Patria Private Equity Trust’s investment objective is to achieve long-term total returns through holding a diversified portfolio of private equity funds and direct investments into private companies alongside private equity managers (co-investments), a majority of which will have a European focus.

Bull points

Focus on strong relationships with topperforming European private equity managers.

High exposure to less cyclical sectors.

Increasing share of co-investments that offer greater control over capital deployment and are not subject to second-layer fees.

Bear points

Macroeconomic uncertainty and lower debt availability are curbing global M&A volumes (and in turn private equity exit activity).

Interest rate normalisation may reduce prospective private equity returns, put pressure on interest coverage and/or lead to refinancing issues across private equity-backed companies.

Persistent muted private equity exit activity would make PPET reliant on further credit facility drawdowns and/or secondary sales to fund net capital calls.

Analyst

Milosz Papst

+44 (0)20 3077 5720

Patria Private Equity Trust is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

Patria Private Equity Trust (PPET) reported a modest 2.0% NAV per share total return in H124 (ending March 2024) as exit activity in private equity markets remained subdued, suggesting continued buyer cautiousness. Meanwhile, PPET’s share price total return was a strong 22.9% in H124, with the narrowing discount to NAV assisted by, among other things, PPET’s buyback programme (see our March 2024 note for details). Given the trust’s current balance sheet headroom, the board targets an annual dividend of 16.8p for FY24, up 5% versus FY23.

Portfolio earnings momentum remains supportive

PPET’s portfolio valuations increased by 4.4% on a constant currency basis in H124, partially offset by 1.9% FX headwinds from sterling strength and PPET’s ongoing charges (1.06% annualised). Portfolio values were assisted by a solid 12 months of top-line and EBITDA growth across its top 50 holdings (making up 38.2% of portfolio value) of 12.4% and 22.4%, respectively. This is likely to have been partly offset by lower EBITDA multiples across PPET’s larger underlying companies, with the median multiple for the top 30 holdings at 14.9x versus 15.4x at endSeptember 2023, although in part it could be due to different constituents. PPET’s direct investment portfolio (22% of the trust’s portfolio value) continues to perform well, with an 8.9% fair value increase excluding FX in H124. Importantly, PPET is realising its investments at an uplift to the carrying value two quarters prior, which in H124 stood at a healthy 27.3% and implied a robust 2.3x average realised multiple of cost.

Fund drawdowns declining year on year

While distributions received by PPET from its fund investments remained moderate at £61.0m (c 5% of opening portfolio NAV) in H124, they outpaced fund drawdowns of £57.1m, indicating more balanced cash flows from PPET’s primary investments (though during the six months to May 2024, fund drawdowns of £81.6m outpaced distributions of £53.8m). Further drawdowns of £27.7m in H124 were related to the trust’s secondary and direct investments, which are at the full discretion of PPET’s manager. Meanwhile, the trust made £108.2m in new commitments in H124 (vs £140.8m in H123) across primary investments, new and follow-on direct investments, and one secondary investment.

Liquidity provides further runway until exits pick up

The trust’s end-May 2024 liquidity consisted of £13.2m cash balances and £168.2m of undrawn credit facility (a c 44% utilisation rate vs 34% at end-September 2023), which translated into a 35% overcommitment ratio (close to the lower end of the 30–75% target range). We note that vintages of four years or more made up 50% of PPET’s end-March 2024 portfolio, indicating a good pipeline of exit candidates. Moreover, PPET’s manager expects some realisations from its direct portfolio over the next 12–24 months, which would allow PPET to partly pay down its credit facility. Finally, the manager is considering opportunistic secondary sales of its older (2017 or earlier), ‘less-core’ vintages given the benign secondary pricing environment, with secondary discounts to NAV of 10–15% on average, and even closer to NAV for some of the higher-quality assets.

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by Patria Private Equity Trust and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by Patria Private Equity Trust. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £60,000 pa for the production and broad dissemination of a detailed note (Outlook) following by regular (typically quarterly) update notes. Fees are paid upfront in cash without recourse. Edison may seek additional fees for the provision of roadshows and related IR services for the client but does not get remunerated for any investment banking services. We never take payment in stock, options or warrants for any of our services.

Accuracy of content: All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable, however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report and have not sought for this information to be independently verified. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the research department of Edison at the time of publication. Forward-looking information or statements in this report contain information that is based on assumptions, forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable, and therefore involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of their subject matter to be materially different from current expectations.

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No personalised advice: The information that we provide should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, the information provided by us should not be construed by any subscriber or prospective subscriber as Edison’s solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect, any transaction in a security. The securities described in the report may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors.

Investment in securities mentioned: Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing and conflicts of interest. Edison Group does not conduct any investment business and, accordingly, does not itself hold any positions in the securities mentioned in this report. However, the respective directors, officers, employees and contractors of Edison may have a position in any or related securities mentioned in this report, subject to Edison's policies on personal dealing and conflicts of interest.

Copyright: Copyright 2024 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison).

Australia

Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Edison AU) is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison AU is a Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Crown Wealth Group Pty Ltd who holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (Number: 494274). This research is issued in Australia by Edison AU and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia. Any advice given by Edison AU is general advice only and does not take into account your personal circumstances, needs or objectives. You should, before acting on this advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. If our advice relates to the acquisition, or possible acquisition, of a particular financial product you should read any relevant Product Disclosure Statement or like instrument.

New Zealand

The research in this document is intended for New Zealand resident professional financial advisers or brokers (for use in their roles as financial advisers or brokers) and habitual investors who are “wholesale clients” for the purpose of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (FAA) (as described in sections 5(c) (1)(a), (b) and (c) of the FAA). This is not a solicitation or inducement to buy, sell, subscribe, or underwrite any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (i.e. without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision.

United Kingdom

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This Communication is being distributed in the United Kingdom and is directed only at (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments, i.e. investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "FPO") (ii) high net-worth companies, unincorporated associations or other bodies within the meaning of Article 49 of the FPO and (iii) persons to whom it is otherwise lawful to distribute it. The investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to such persons. It is not intended that this document be distributed or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other class of persons and in any event and under no circumstances should persons of any other description rely on or act upon the contents of this document.

This Communication is being supplied to you solely for your information and may not be reproduced by, further distributed to or published in whole or in part by, any other person.

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Edison relies upon the "publishers' exclusion" from the definition of investment adviser under Section 202(a)(11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and corresponding state securities laws. This report is a bona fide publication of general and regular circulation offering impersonal investment-related advice, not tailored to a specific investment portfolio or the needs of current and/or prospective subscribers. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personal advice and the research provided is for informational purposes only. No mention of a particular security in this report constitutes a recommendation to buy, sell or hold that or any security, or that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.

London │ New York │ Frankfurt

20 Red Lion Street

London, WC1R 4PS

United Kingdom

London │ New York │ Frankfurt

20 Red Lion Street

London, WC1R 4PS

United Kingdom

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by Patria Private Equity Trust and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by Patria Private Equity Trust. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £60,000 pa for the production and broad dissemination of a detailed note (Outlook) following by regular (typically quarterly) update notes. Fees are paid upfront in cash without recourse. Edison may seek additional fees for the provision of roadshows and related IR services for the client but does not get remunerated for any investment banking services. We never take payment in stock, options or warrants for any of our services.

Accuracy of content: All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable, however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report and have not sought for this information to be independently verified. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the research department of Edison at the time of publication. Forward-looking information or statements in this report contain information that is based on assumptions, forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable, and therefore involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of their subject matter to be materially different from current expectations.

Exclusion of Liability: To the fullest extent allowed by law, Edison shall not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential losses, loss of profits, damages, costs or expenses incurred or suffered by you arising out or in connection with the access to, use of or reliance on any information contained on this note.

No personalised advice: The information that we provide should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, the information provided by us should not be construed by any subscriber or prospective subscriber as Edison’s solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect, any transaction in a security. The securities described in the report may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors.

Investment in securities mentioned: Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing and conflicts of interest. Edison Group does not conduct any investment business and, accordingly, does not itself hold any positions in the securities mentioned in this report. However, the respective directors, officers, employees and contractors of Edison may have a position in any or related securities mentioned in this report, subject to Edison's policies on personal dealing and conflicts of interest.

Copyright: Copyright 2024 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison).

Australia

Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Edison AU) is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison AU is a Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Crown Wealth Group Pty Ltd who holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (Number: 494274). This research is issued in Australia by Edison AU and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia. Any advice given by Edison AU is general advice only and does not take into account your personal circumstances, needs or objectives. You should, before acting on this advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. If our advice relates to the acquisition, or possible acquisition, of a particular financial product you should read any relevant Product Disclosure Statement or like instrument.

New Zealand

The research in this document is intended for New Zealand resident professional financial advisers or brokers (for use in their roles as financial advisers or brokers) and habitual investors who are “wholesale clients” for the purpose of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (FAA) (as described in sections 5(c) (1)(a), (b) and (c) of the FAA). This is not a solicitation or inducement to buy, sell, subscribe, or underwrite any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (i.e. without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision.

United Kingdom

This document is prepared and provided by Edison for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation for investment in any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. A marketing communication under FCA Rules, this document has not been prepared in accordance with the legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research.

This Communication is being distributed in the United Kingdom and is directed only at (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments, i.e. investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "FPO") (ii) high net-worth companies, unincorporated associations or other bodies within the meaning of Article 49 of the FPO and (iii) persons to whom it is otherwise lawful to distribute it. The investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to such persons. It is not intended that this document be distributed or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other class of persons and in any event and under no circumstances should persons of any other description rely on or act upon the contents of this document.

This Communication is being supplied to you solely for your information and may not be reproduced by, further distributed to or published in whole or in part by, any other person.

United States

Edison relies upon the "publishers' exclusion" from the definition of investment adviser under Section 202(a)(11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and corresponding state securities laws. This report is a bona fide publication of general and regular circulation offering impersonal investment-related advice, not tailored to a specific investment portfolio or the needs of current and/or prospective subscribers. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personal advice and the research provided is for informational purposes only. No mention of a particular security in this report constitutes a recommendation to buy, sell or hold that or any security, or that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.

London │ New York │ Frankfurt

20 Red Lion Street

London, WC1R 4PS

United Kingdom

London │ New York │ Frankfurt

20 Red Lion Street

London, WC1R 4PS

United Kingdom

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