Partners Group Private Equity — Seeing good demand for several of its assets

Partners Group Private Equity (LSE: PGPE)

Last close As at 03/12/2024

EUR10.90

−0.05 (−0.46%)

Market capitalisation

EUR754m

More on this equity

Research: Investment Companies

Partners Group Private Equity — Seeing good demand for several of its assets

Partners Group Private Equity’s (PGPE’s) recent portfolio realisation efforts (supported by the gradual pick-up in M&A activity and an opening IPO window) included, most notably, the sale of SRS Distribution earlier this year (see our September 2024 note for details) and more recently Techem (3.8% of end-Q324 NAV, sold to a trade buyer in October 2024), as well as the successful IPO pricing of Galderma in March and KinderCare in October. The positive valuation effects from these activities (21% weighted average uplift to latest published NAV) were coupled with a 5.1pp contribution to portfolio performance in 9M24 from earnings growth (average 11% increase in last 12-month EBITDA across top 20 holdings) and a slight 1.2pp tailwind from peer multiples. This was partly offset by an increase in portfolio net debt amid several debt package refinancings at a lower spread to strengthen capital structures and in turn support growth. Moreover, the Q324 return was affected by a weakening US dollar, which makes up c 40% of the portfolio’s exposure by currency (although these FX headwinds have more than reversed so far in Q424). As a result, the company posted a moderate 3.1% NAV total return (TR) in 9M24.

Milosz Papst

Written by

Milosz Papst

Head of Content, Investment Trusts

Investment Companies

Partners Group Private Equity

Seeing good demand for several of its assets

Q324 results

Investment trusts
Private equity

28 November 2024

Price ord.

€10.60

Price (PEYS)

884p

Market cap

€733m

NAV*

€985m

NAV per share*

€14.24

Discount to NAV

25.6%

Yield (LTM)

6.7%

Shares in issue

69.2m

Codes (€/£ quote)

PEY/PEYS

Primary exchange

LSE

52-week high/low

€11.60

€10.10

€14.96

€14.16

*As at end-September 2024.

Gearing

Net gearing at end-September 2024

0.0%

Fund objective

Partners Group Private Equity (formerly Princess Private Equity Holding) is an investment holding company domiciled in Guernsey that invests in private equity and has a minor private debt position. Its portfolio consists mostly of direct investments but may also include primary and secondary fund investments. It aims to provide shareholders with long-term capital growth and an attractive dividend yield.

Bull points

Attractive dividend policy and a well-structured buyback framework.

Focus on transformative trends in various ‘foundational’ subsectors of the real economy and entrepreneurial governance approach.

Good earnings momentum delivered across its portfolio versus public markets historically.

Bear points

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

NAV TR below peer average in recent years.

A persistently weak exit environment could affect the company’s returns, new investment activity and liquidity.

Analyst

Milosz Papst

+44 (0)20 3077 5720

Partners Group Private Equity is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

Partners Group Private Equity’s (PGPE’s) recent portfolio realisation efforts (supported by the gradual pick-up in M&A activity and an opening IPO window) included, most notably, the sale of SRS Distribution earlier this year (see our September 2024 note for details) and more recently Techem (3.8% of end-Q324 NAV, sold to a trade buyer in October 2024), as well as the successful IPO pricing of Galderma in March and KinderCare in October. The positive valuation effects from these activities (21% weighted average uplift to latest published NAV) were coupled with a 5.1pp contribution to portfolio performance in 9M24 from earnings growth (average 11% increase in last 12-month EBITDA across top 20 holdings) and a slight 1.2pp tailwind from peer multiples. This was partly offset by an increase in portfolio net debt amid several debt package refinancings at a lower spread to strengthen capital structures and in turn support growth. Moreover, the Q324 return was affected by a weakening US dollar, which makes up c 40% of the portfolio’s exposure by currency (although these FX headwinds have more than reversed so far in Q424). As a result, the company posted a moderate 3.1% NAV total return (TR) in 9M24.

The company’s shares continue to trade at 20–30% discount to NAV, which, according to the company’s new capital allocation policy, implies that 50% of its free cash flow will be used for share buybacks. As the company’s realisation proceeds collected in H124 were partly used to repay the credit facility (with the entire €140m amount undrawn at end-September 2024) and pay the interim dividend, no free cash flow was available for buybacks at the quarterly test at the beginning of July. Q324 realisation proceeds were a minor €8.2m and included primarily a €6.0m sale of Galderma shares through an off-market block trade to L’Oréal (which recently acquired a 10% stake in the business), as well as €1.6m from KinderCare (a US childhood education services provider) before the IPO. The company’s stake in the latter is subject to a 180-day lock-up following the listing, and therefore the company has so far benefited only from an unrealised gain (a strong 50% uplift to end-August 2024 NAV based on the first day closing price). Further exit proceeds may, however, translate into positive free cash flow and share repurchases.

The company invested €10.2m in Q324, which includes €5.5m deployed into FairJourney Biologics (a biologics contract research organisation) and €1.1m into Pest Control Partnership (a greenfield entry into the European pest control market, see our September 2024 note for details). The major drivers in terms of value creation in Q324 included International Schools Partnership (which has shown continued solid financial performance, both organically and through M&A) and Telepass (which recently announced a partnership with Atlante to make over 1,000 electric charging points in Italy available via the Telepass app).

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by Partners Group Private Equity and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by Partners Group Private Equity. 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.

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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 Partners Group Private Equity and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by Partners Group Private Equity. 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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