Half-year Report - Replacement

abrdn Private Equity Opp Trst plc
28 June 2023
 

AMENDMENT

Please note that the announcement released at 07:00hrs this morning (RNS No: 1001E) included a typographical error in the performance table within the Investment Manager's Report. 

 

The NAV of 768.4 pence per share is at 31 March 2023 and not 30 September 2021 as set out in the original announcement.

 

The announcement has been updated below.  All other information remains unchanged.

 

28 June 2023

 

 

abrdn Private Equity Opportunities Trust plc

Legal Entity Identifier (LEI): 2138004MK7VPTZ99EV13

 

HALF YEARLY REPORT FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

As at

As at

As at


31 March

30 September

31 March


2023

2022

2022

Net Asset Value Total Return*+

3.0%

14.1%

6.8%

Share Price Total Return*+

2.3%

-15.1%

5.8%

FTSE All - Share Index Total Return

12.3%

-4.0%

4.7%

Net Assets

£1,181.4m

£1,158.1m

£1,095.3m

Share Price

412.0p

410.0p

520.0p

Expense Ratio*+

1.05%

1.06%

1.06%

* Considered to be an Alternative Performance Measure. 
+ A Key Performance Indicator by which the performance of the Manager is measured by the Board.

 

HIGHLIGHTS TO 31 MARCH 2023

 

 

·      Investment Activity - Five new primary commitments were made during the period, two direct co-investments, two follow-on investments into two existing direct co-investments and one secondary investment during the period, totalling £140.8 million (31 March 2022: £239.7 million).

 

·      Co-investments - Direct co-investment has continued to grow as a proportion of the portfolio and has now reached a portfolio of 25* underlying companies and 22% of portfolio NAV (30 September 2022: 22 underlying companies and 19% of portfolio NAV).

 

·      Cashflows - The portfolio generated distributions of £83.6 million (31 March 2022: £120.6 million) and had total drawdowns of £104.4 million in the six months to 31 March 2023 (31 March 2022: £145.5 million).

 

·      Outstanding Commitments - Outstanding commitments at the year-end amounted to £699.7 million (31 March 2022: £627.1 million). The over-commitment ratio of 37.6% at year-end (31 March 2022: 38.9%) was at the lower end of the Company's target range (30-75%).

 

·      Balance Sheet & Liquidity - The revolving credit facility was increased to £300.0m in size (from £200.0m) and extended in duration by a year (to December 2025). APEO had cash and cash equivalents of £19.9 million (31 March 2022: £26.6 million) and had £207.2 million undrawn on its revolving credit facility (31 March 2022: £175.6 million undrawn).

* Following the incompletion of Project Concorde as previously reported in the Company's Annual Report to 30 September 2022, AV Invest B3, which was an initial acquisition as part of the wider project has now been reclassified as a co-investment as opposed to a secondary investment within the Company's portfolio from the start of the current period.

 

 

 

abrdn Private Equity Opportunities Trust plc (the "Company" or "APEO") is an investment trust with a premium listing on the London Stock Exchange

 

APEO provides investors with exposure to leading private equity funds and private companies, mainly in Europe.

Its investments are across primary funds, secondaries and co-investments, and are driven by its Manager's deep, longstanding relationships with a group of core private equity firms. Its investment objective is to achieve attractive long-term total returns

 

for investors and its policy is to maintain a broadly diversified portfolio by country, industry sector, maturity and number of underlying investments.

 

APEO has appointed abrdn Capital Partners LLP, a wholly owned subsidiary of abrdn plc, as its alternative investment fund manager ("AIFM") and Manager (the "Investment Manager" or the "Manager").

 

CHAIR'S STATEMENT

 

Introduction

I am delighted to present APEO's Half-Yearly Report for the six months to 31 March 2023. The past six months have continued to be a challenging period in the global economy and financial markets, carrying on where we left off in the previous financial year. The war in Ukraine continues with no sign of resolution and the pace of interest rate rises, in order to tackle the high levels of inflation in the global economy, has been unprecedented. We have seen the unintended consequences of these rate rises, most notably impacting US regional banks, creating a situation of even greater uncertainty.

 

Whilst I expect this challenging period still has some way to run yet, I gain a great deal of confidence in APEO's NAV performance during the six months to 31 March 2023, in the face of this volatile backdrop. In addition, APEO's balance sheet was further strengthened through the increase of its revolving credit facility during the period. I continue to believe that APEO's focused and consistent strategy, tested over 22 years, and the quality and diversified nature of the existing portfolio will continue to position APEO well, in weathering short term challenges and in delivering longer term value growth.

 

Manager Update

Shareholders may be aware of media articles in recent months claiming that abrdn is looking at strategic options with respect to its Private Equity division. While abrdn has made no comment in response to such articles, shareholders should be assured that your Board has always maintained, and will continue to remain, in close discussion with senior management of abrdn and its Private Equity team to ensure the ongoing consistency of its approach and the allocation of appropriate resources in fulfilling its role as Manager of APEO for the benefit of APEO's shareholders. In the event of a potential change in ownership of the Manager, shareholders can be further assured that the Board would take all necessary steps to work with abrdn and the Manager to fully protect the ongoing interests of shareholders with the aid of suitable professional advice and appropriate due diligence.

 

This oversight of the Manager is a key part of the Board's responsibilities and is carried out through regular and direct contact between the Board and the various areas of the abrdn Private Equity team that contribute to the management of APEO. The Manager has managed the Company since inception and has delivered strong, consistent performance through multiple market cycles.

 

Investment Performance & Discount

The results for the six months to 31 March 2023 show resilient NAV performance, with a NAV per share total return of 3.0% and net assets at £1,181.4 million. This performance is testament to APEO's core investment strategy, which has remained focused on partnering with a relatively small cohort of high-quality private equity firms, predominately in the European mid-market.

 

APEO's underlying portfolio of private companies is made up of businesses that are often amongst the market leaders in resilient sub-sectors and are profitable and cash generative. On the whole, these businesses have continued to grow in spite of the more difficult market conditions.

 

For example, the top 50 portfolio companies by value in APEO, which equate to 41.1% of portfolio NAV, experienced average earning growth over the last twelve-month ("LTM") of 29.7% at 31 March 2023.

 

Despite this NAV growth and portfolio performance, public market sentiment has remained lukewarm with respect to private equity investment trusts, including APEO, meaning that the wide share price discounts to NAV that we saw in the second half of 2022 have persisted into 2023. APEO's share price total return was 2.3% during the period but the share price discount to NAV at 31 March 2023 remained wide at 46.4%, with the discount ranging between 50.3% and 32.5% during the last six months. The share price total return underperformed the total return of 12.3% from the FTSE All-Share Index, its comparator index and we remain disappointed in the current rating of APEO.

 

However, it is also worth noting that APEO's share price total return has outperformed the FTSE All-Share Index over three, five and ten years, and since the Company's inception in 2001.

 

Much of the current sentiment around private equity centres on the underlying valuations, and NAV, and whether the valuations can be trusted in the current environment. In terms of APEO specifically, I would highlight the active role that the Manager, Board and Audit Committee play in terms of the governance of the valuation process. The vast majority of APEO's underlying portfolio companies are profitable, cash generative businesses that are subject to bottom-up revaluations every quarter. I am confident in the level of scrutiny that APEO's portfolio valuations receive.

 

I am conscious that some shareholders will be asking about share buybacks in the face of our wide discount to NAV. I would highlight that the Board does not have a stated discount control policy, but the Board, the Manager and our Corporate Broker monitor the discount  on a regular basis to ensure that APEO is not an outlier when compared to other investment companies with a similar investment approach and shareholder structure.

 

The Board has bought back its own shares in the past and sought shareholder approval to do so again at the recent AGM in March 2023, as we keep this matter under active and careful consideration. In the interim, the Board remains happy with the current valuation of the overall portfolio.

 

Suffice to say there is always a balance to consider in terms of buying-back shares on an accretive discount versus preserving cash liquidity for investment purposes. The Board is also cognisant of APEO's relatively concentrated shareholder register and, when considering buybacks, we are mindful of liquidity in APEO's shares, which we believe is a key long-term focus of our shareholders.

 

Commitments, Investments & Distributions

APEO employs a consistent, long-term approach to deployment and therefore the six months ended 31 March 2023 remained an active period for new investment, with the Company making new commitments totalling £140.8 million. Specifically, APEO made five new primary commitments (£121.3 million), two new direct co-investments (£9.3 million), two follow-on investments in existing co-investments (£5.6 million) and one secondary investment (£4.6 million). Of particular note is the fact that direct co-investment has continued to grow as a proportion of the portfolio and has now reached a portfolio of 25 separate underlying companies and 22% of portfolio NAV (30 September 2022: 22 separate underlying companies and 19% of portfolio NAV).

 

APEO overcommits to private equity funds, in order to ensure the most efficient use of its resources and optimise returns, and has done so since its inception in 2001. Outstanding commitments at the year-end amounted to £699.7 million (31 March 2022: £627.1 million). The value of outstanding commitments in excess of liquid resources as a percentage of portfolio value (referred to as the "over-commitment ratio") was 37.6% at 31 March 2023 (31 March 2022: 38.9%). This is broadly in line with the figure twelve months prior and is at the lower end of our long-term target range of 30%-75%.

 

APEO received £83.6 million of distributions from investments during the period (31 March 2022: £120.6 million), in spite of the wider slowdown in private equity M&A activity. The realised return from the distributions equated to 2.6 times cost (31 March 2022: 2.2 times), which I would consider as strong performance given the market backdrop during the period. The total drawdowns during the period of £104.4 million (31 March 2022: £145.5 million) were higher than amounts received as distributions. However, it is worth noting that £20.6 million of this relates to new co-investment and secondaries (31 March 2022: £60.2 million), which is deployment directly under the Manager's control and discretion.

 

Liquidity & Bank Facility

APEO's balance sheet remains in a strong position, having extended its revolving credit facility during the period, from £200.0 million to £300.0 million and extended the maturity by a year to December 2025. The increase, provided by RBS International, Société Générale and State Street Bank International, provides APEO with additional capacity for new investment activity. APEO had £207.2 million remaining undrawn on its £300.0 million revolving credit facility at 31 March 2023 (31 March 2022: £175.6 million undrawn) and held cash and cash equivalents of £19.9 million (31 March 2022: £26.6 million).

 

Dividends

APEO pays a quarterly dividend, and the Board is committed to maintaining the value of the dividend. APEO has already paid one quarterly dividend of 4.0 pence per share so far this year and the Board has announced a second quarterly dividend of 4.0 pence per share. This will be paid on 28 July 2023 to shareholders on the register on 23 June 2023. The Board expects that, in the absence of any adverse market event, the third and fourth interim dividends will also be 4.0 pence per Ordinary Share, payable in October 2023 and January 2024 respectively, which would make a total dividend payment for the year ending 30 September 2023 of 16.0 pence per ordinary share.

 

Outlook

Whilst APEO continues to perform resiliently through this more challenging period in the wider market, both the Board and the Manager are taking nothing for granted. Private equity has not been immune to the changing market conditions, and we are currently seeing fewer buyout transactions taking place, both from buy-side and sell-side perspectives. This slowdown in activity will have a short-term impact on APEO and I expect the second half of the year to show a reduction in the number of portfolio exits and the overall quantum of distributions in particular.

 

At an underlying portfolio level, I do expect a combination of higher inflation, higher interest rates and an economic slowdown to have a downward impact upon earnings growth in the portfolio. This will have a knock-on impact on NAV growth, especially when combined with the aforementioned lower exit activity, given private equity managers tend to sell portfolio companies at an uplift to valuation.

 

That said, I continue to view private equity as a long-term asset class where new investment decisions are often made with a five-year time horizon in mind. Whilst the second half of 2023 appears relatively uncertain, I believe that the private equity ownership model, which typically involves majority control of businesses, allows underlying companies to adapt more quickly to changing market circumstances. Periods of uncertainty also tend to offer up new and different opportunities for investment, which private equity firms have proved adept at sourcing and completing.

 

APEO has invested for over 22 years, emerging in the aftermath of the dot-com bubble, through the global financial crisis and the global pandemic. Our strategy has been proven to work through the cycle. I believe that the quality and diversification of the existing portfolio, combined with careful ongoing management of new commitments and the balance sheet, will help to position the Company well during these challenging market conditions and will allow APEO to continue to generate attractive long-term returns to shareholders in the coming years.

 

Finally, I would add that the Board will continue to be highly engaged in terms of APEO's activity, whether that be the share price discount to NAV, the underlying valuations, or its regular, close dialogue with the Manager. The Board closely monitors the matters that impact APEO's performance and shareholders can rest assured that will continue to be the case moving forward.

 

Alan Devine

Chair
 27 June 2023

 

INTERIM MANAGEMENT REPORT AND DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT

PRINCIPAL RISKS & UNCERTAINITIES

 

The Board has an ongoing process for identifying, evaluating and managing the principal risks, emerging risks and uncertainties of the Company. The principal risks faced by the Company relate to the Company's investment activities and are set out in the Strategic Report contained within the Annual Report for the year ended 30 September 2022 (the "2022 Annual Report"). They comprise the following risk categories:

 

•     Market risk

•     Liquidity risk

•     Over-commitment risk

•     Credit risk

•     Investment selection

•     Operational risk

 

The Board continues to closely monitor the political and economic uncertainties which could affect the global economy and financial markets, particularly the heightened interest rate risk in the UK and the knock on impact on the recent collapses of the likes of Silicon Valley Bank, Credit Suisse and First Republic Bank. The Board also monitors the impact of the ongoing war in Ukraine and potential supply chain issues.

 

The Company has made enquiries of its Manager and third party service providers in relation to continued compliance with sanctions measures enacted by the UK in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

 

These factors are addressed in the risk categories set out above and further details on how they are managed and mitigated are provided in the 2022 Annual Report. The Board will continue to assess these risks on an ongoing basis.

 

In all other respects, the Company's principal risks, emerging risks and uncertainties have not changed materially since the date of the 2022 Annual Report.

 

GOING CONCERN

In accordance with the Financial Reporting Council's Guidance on Risk Management, Internal Control and Related Financial and Business Reporting, the Directors have undertaken a rigorous review of the Company's ability to continue as a going concern as a basis for preparing the financial statements.

 

The Board has taken into account; the £300.0 million committed, syndicated revolving credit facility which matures in December 2025; the future cash flow projections, including the impact of stress testing on the portfolio, the ongoing expenses forecasts for the financial year, and the Company's net resources available for investment. The Directors are also mindful of the principal and emerging risks and uncertainties, as disclosed.

 

Having reviewed these matters, the Directors believe that the Company has adequate financial resources to continue its operational existence for the foreseeable future and for at least 12 months from the date of this Half-Yearly Report. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the Half-Yearly Report.

 

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

There have been no material changes in the related party transactions reported in the 2022 Annual Report. Details of the Company's parent undertaking and related party transactions are set out in note 13 to the Financial Statements.

 

DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Half-Yearly Report, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. The Directors confirm that, to the best of their knowledge:

 

•     The condensed set of financial statements has been prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 104 (Interim Financial Reporting) and gives a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Company;

•     The Interim Management Report, together with the Chair's Statement and Investment Manager's Report, includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.7R of the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, being an indication of important events that have occurred during the first six months of the financial year and their impact on the condensed set of financial statements, and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year; and

•     The financial statements include a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.28R of the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, being related party transactions that have taken place in the first six months of the 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.

 

The Half-Yearly Financial Report was approved by the Board and the above Directors' Responsibility Statement was signed on its behalf by the Chair.

 

For abrdn Private Equity Opportunities Trust plc

Alan Devine

Chair

27 June 2023

 

INVESTMENT STRATEGY

APEO'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.

 

INVESTMENT POLICY

The Company: (i) commits to private equity funds on a primary basis; (ii) acquires private equity fund interests in the secondary market; and (iii) makes direct investments into private companies via co-investments. Its policy is to maintain a broadly diversified portfolio by country, industry sector, maturity and number of underlying investments.

 

The objective is for the portfolio to comprise around 50 "active" private equity fund investments; this excludes funds that have recently been raised, but have not yet started investing, and funds that are close to or being wound up. The Company may also invest up to 25% of its assets in co-investments.

 

The Company may also hold direct private equity investments or quoted securities as a result of distributions in specie from its portfolio of fund investments. The Company's policy is normally to dispose of such assets where they are held on an unrestricted basis.

 

To maximise the proportion of invested assets, the Company follows an over-commitment strategy by making commitments which exceed its uninvested capital. In making such commitments, the Manager, together with the Board, will take into account the uninvested capital, the value and timing of expected and projected cashflows to and from the portfolio and, from time to time, may use borrowings to meet drawdowns. The Board has agreed that the

over-commitment ratio should sit within the range of 30% to 75% over the long-term.

 

The Company's maximum borrowing capacity, defined in its articles of association, is an amount equal to the aggregate of the amount paid up on the issued share capital of the Company and the amount standing to the credit of the reserves of the Company. However, it is expected that borrowings would not normally exceed 30% of the Company's net assets at the time of drawdown.

 

The Company's non-sterling currency exposure is principally to the euro and US dollar. The Company does not seek to hedge this exposure into sterling, although any borrowings in euros and other currencies in which the Company is invested would have such a hedging effect.

 

Cash held pending investment is invested in short-dated government bonds, money-market instruments, bank deposits or other similar investments. Cash held pending investment may also be invested in other listed investment companies or trusts. The Company will not invest more than 15% of its total assets in such listed equities.

 

The investment limits described above are all measured at the time of investment.

 

PORTFOLIO CONSTRUCTION AND APPROACH

Investments made by APEO are typically with or alongside private equity firms with whom the Manager has an established relationship of more than 10 years.

 

As at 31 March 2023, APEO directly held 80 separate fund investments (30 September 2022: 75) comprising primary and secondary fund interests, as well as 25 separate co-investments (30 September 2022: 22).

 

Through its portfolio of investments, the Company has indirect exposure to a diverse range of underlying portfolio companies, as well as additional underlying fund of fund and co-investment interests. At 31 March 2023, APEO's underlying portfolio included exposure to 685 separate underlying portfolio companies (30 September 2022: 655), 44 underlying fund investments (30 September 2022: 41) and 9 underlying co-investments (30 September 2022: 9).

 

APEO predominantly invests in European mid-market companies. Around 77% (30 September 2022: 76%) of the total value of underlying portfolio company exposure1 is invested in European domiciled operating companies and the Board expects this to remain the case over the longer term, with a weighting towards North Western Europe. This has been APEO's geographic focus since its inception in 2001 and where it has a strong, long-term track record. However, APEO also selectively seeks exposure to North American mid-market companies, as a means to access emerging growth or investment trends that cannot be fully captured by investing in Europe alone.

 

APEO has a well-balanced portfolio in terms of non-cyclical and cyclical exposure. Currently the largest single sector exposure represents 20% of the total value of underlying portfolio company exposure1 (30 September 2022: 20%) and it is expected that no single sector will be more than 30% of the portfolio over the longer term. Over time, the Manager anticipates a continuation of the recent shift toward sectors that are experiencing long-term growth (such as Technology and Healthcare) at the expense of more cyclical sectors, such as Industrial and Consumer Discretionary.

 

Environmental, Social and Governance ("ESG") is a strategic priority for the Board and the Manager. APEO aims to be an active, long-term responsible investor and ESG is a fundamental component of APEO's investment process. Further detail on the Manager's approach to ESG can be found in the Annual Report to 30 September 2022.

 

1 Excludes underlying fund and co-investments indirectly held through the Company portfolio.

 

INTRODUCTION TO THE MANAGER - HOW WE INVEST

In order to achieve the investment objective, maintain a balanced portfolio and take advantage of opportunities as they arise, APEO invests in three types of private equity investment:

 

1.   Primary Investment

APEO commits to investing in a new private equity fund. The committed capital will generally be drawn over a three to five year period as investments in underlying private companies are made. Proceeds are then returned to APEO when the underlying companies are sold, typically over a four to five year holding period.

 

Primary investment has been the core focus of APEO's Investment Objective since its inception in 2001. Primary investments can provide APEO with:

•     consistent exposure to leading private equity managers;

•     underlying portfolio diversification;

•     a steady, predictable cashflow profile; and

•     help drive APEO's dealflow in secondaries and co-investments.

 

2.   Secondary Investment

APEO acquires a single fund interest or a portfolio of fund interests from another investor, with the prior approval of the private equity managers of the target funds. APEO pays the seller a cash amount for the interests and takes on any outstanding commitments to the target funds.

 

Typically this would occur at a point where the target funds have already invested the majority of its capital. The price paid in this type of transaction will reflect the age profile of the funds, the quality of the managers and the quality of the underlying portfolios. Secondaries allow the Manager to gain exposure to funds of new or existing managers a later stage in a fund's life.

 

Therefore they typically have a shorter investment duration than a primary investment. Secondaries are opportunistic in nature and their availability is dependent on multiple market and deal-specific factors.

 

3.   Co-investment

APEO makes direct investments into private companies alongside other private equity managers. APEO's strategy is to invest alongside private equity managers with which abrdn Private Equity has made a primary investment.

 

Co-investment was introduced to the Investment Objective in 2019. The Manager is seeking to build a diversified portfolio of around 30 co-investments in order to mitigate concentration risk.

 

INVESTMENT MANAGER'S REVIEW

 

Performance

APEO continues to be positioned well by its 22-year-old core strategy of partnering with a small group of top performing private equity firms, which typically focus on profitable, cash generative underlying portfolio companies in the private equity mid-market (enterprise values between £100.0m and £1.0bn). Furthermore, APEO's portfolio is well diversified across a range of sectors, with Technology (typically profitable B2B software) and Healthcare the top two sector exposures at 20% and 19% respectively. This has helped the portfolio deliver resilient NAV performance during the first six months of the financial year, in spite of continued headwinds in the broader financial markets and the global economy.

 

The NAV TR for the six months ended 31 March 2023 was 3.0% versus 12.3% for the FTSE All-Share Index. The valuation of the portfolio at 31 March 2023 increased 5.4% over the period on a constant currency basis, with a decrease of 1.8% attributable to FX, principally due to the appreciation of pound sterling compared to US dollar and the Euro. The increase in value of the portfolio on a per share basis was 15.2p. This was principally made up of unrealised and realised gains and income of 42.0p, partially offset by FX, dividends and costs associated with management fee, administrative and financing of 26.8p.

 

Performance

The unrealised gains in the period are attributable to the strong performance of the underlying portfolio, which continues to perform well operationally. Looking at the top 50 underlying portfolio companies, which are the main value drivers and equate to 41.1% portfolio NAV, the average revenue and EBITDA growth was 23.6% and 29.7% respectively in the twelve months to 31 March 2023.

 

That has helped drive the resilient valuation performance in the portfolio, in spite of declining listed comparable multiples. Focusing on the same cohort, the median valuation multiple was 14.5x EBITDA at 31 March 2023, compared with 16.1x EBITDA a year prior. We are especially pleased about progress in APEO's co-investment portfolio, which has seen a valuation uplift of 13.0% during the six months to 31 March 2023.

 

Realised gains were derived from full or partial sales of underlying portfolio companies during the six-month period, which were at an average uplift of 15.1% to the unrealised value two quarters prior (31 March 2022: 20.2%). The headline realised return from the portfolio exits equated to 2.6 times cost (31 March 2022: 2.2 times cost), which we consider a strong performance in what was a challenging backdrop to conduct successful exit processes

 

Pence per share

NAV as at 1 October 2022

753.2

Net realised gains and income from portfolio

33.2

Net unrealised gains at constant FX on portfolio1

8.8

Net unrealised FX losses on portfolio

-13.8

Dividends paid

-7.2

Management fee, administration and finance costs

-5.7

Net loss for other assets

-0.1

NAV as at 31 March 2023

768.4

 

1 Includes the reversal of previously recognised unrealised gains that have realised during the financial year and are therefore included in Net realised gains and income from portfolio.

 

Drawdowns

 

Amount - £million

Seidler Equity Partners VII

7.2

PGO2

6.7

IK Partnership II

5.6

Altor V

5.5

One Peak Co-invest III LP (Co-investment)

5.3

PAI Mid-Market I

4.7

Leviathan Holdings, L.P. (Co-investment)

4.1

MSouth Equity Partners IV

4.0

Nordic Capital X

3.9

Capiton Quantum

3.9

Other - £53.5m

53.5

 

£104.4 million was drawn down during the period, primarily for investment into existing and new underlying portfolio companies. £83.8 million of this figure related to primary fund drawdowns, with the remainder related to co-investment and secondary deployment, which is fully under the control of the Manager and as planned. Co-investment and secondary activity are covered in detail later in the review.

 

Primary fund drawdowns during the year were mainly used to fund new underlying investments into portfolio companies, with notably large drawdowns relating to the following new underlying portfolio companies:

•     Cold Jet Technologies (Seidler Equity Partners VII) - dry ice technologies utilising recycled CO2;

•     Unither (IK Partnership II) - pharmaceutical CDMO serving the ophthalmology and respiratory end-markets;

•     The ACES (Excellere Partners Fund IV) - Arizona-based school operator focused on special needs education;

•     Medix Staffing Solutions (MSouth Equity Partners IV) - leading US provider of healthcare staffing services;

•     Ascot Lloyd (Nordic Capital X) - leading UK independent financial advisor platform.

 

We estimate that APEO had around £92.9 million held on underlying fund credit facilities at 31 March 2023 (31 March 2022: £91.9 million), and we expect that this will be largely drawn over the next 6 months.

 

Distribution

 

Amount - £million

HgCapital 8

15.2

InvestIndustrial Growth

10.8

Nordic VII CV I

8.7

IK VIII

7.7

IK VII

5.3

Other

35.9

 

£83.6 million of distributions were received from funds during the year (31 March 2022: £120.6 million). As expected, this was a decrease on the record distribution levels seen in recent years, given the lower levels of private equity M&A activity during the period. Exit activity was driven by market appetite for high quality private companies in resilient sectors, often which have the potential to expand inorganically through add-on acquisitions. Both trade and financial buyers remained active during the period, albeit at lower levels than in 2021 and the first half of 2022. However, the demand for Initial Public Offerings ("IPOs") declined materially in the period, to the extent that APEO saw no new IPOs from its portfolio during the period.

 

The largest distributions during the period related to the following underlying portfolio companies, with the relevant funds stated in brackets:

•     Access (HgCapital 8) - a provider of business management software to mid-market organisations;

•     Benvic (Investindustrial Growth) - a developer and producer of highly customised, innovative thermoplastic solutions;

•     The Binding Site (Nordic VII) - a global leader in specialty diagnostics;

•     Linxis (IK VIII) - global manufacturer of industrial equipment for the food, pharma and cosmetic industries;

•     Exxelia (IK VII) - designer and manufacturer of electronic components and rotary joint assemblies for aerospace and defence industries.

 

Outstanding Commitments

 

As at

Outstanding Commitments

Outstanding commitments in excess of undrawn loan facility and case resources as a % of portfolio NAV (£million)

30 September 2019

47.4%

450.3

30 September 2020

30.9%

471.4

30 September 2021

32.5%

557.1

30 September 2022

42.8%

678.9

31 March 2023

37.6%

699.7

 

Shortly after the period end, APEO undertook a partial realisation of its holding in Action, the European non-food discount retailer, for portfolio management reasons. This was achieved through a number of transactions with existing investors in the 3i 2020 Co-investment Programme. These transactions generated €26.0 million of cash proceeds at a value equivalent to 100% of 31 December 2022 valuation. As a reminder, APEO has been an investor in Action since 2011, initially through 3i Eurofund V and then as a co-investor alongside 3i, Action's lead investor. Following this partial realisation, Action remains the largest underlying portfolio company in APEO's portfolio.

 

APEO made new commitments totalling £140.8 million during the period (31 March 2022: £239.7 million), with five new primary commitments, two new direct co-investments, two follow-on investments in existing co-investments and one secondary investment.

 

Outstanding commitments at the year-end amounted to £699.7 million (31 March 2022: £627.1 million). The value of outstanding commitments in excess of liquid resources as a percentage of portfolio value (referred to as the "over-commitment ratio") was 37.6% at 31 March 2023 (31 March 2022: 38.9%). This is broadly in line with the figure twelve months prior and is at the lower end of our long-term target range of 30%-75%. We estimate that £72.0million of the reported outstanding commitments are unlikely to be drawn down (31 March 2022: £69.9 million), due to the nature of private equity investing, with private equity funds not always being fully drawn

 

Balance Sheet and Liquidity

The balance sheet remains in a strong position with cash and cash equivalents at 31 March 2023 of £19.9 million (31 March 2022: £26.6 million). APEO also extended its revolving credit facility during the period, from £200.0 million to £300.0 million and extended the maturity by a year to December 2025. This additional capacity, provided by RBS International, State Street Bank International and Société Générale, provides APEO with both additional flexibility and new investment capacity for the months and years ahead. APEO had £207.2 million remaining undrawn on its £300.0 million revolving credit facility at 31 March 2023 (31 March 2022: £175.6 million undrawn).

 

Investment Activity

 

Primary Funds

£121.3 million was committed to five new primary funds during the first six months of the year (31 March 2022: £168.6 million into eight new primary funds). As a reminder, APEO's primary fund strategy is to partner with private equity firms, principally in Europe, that have genuine sector expertise and operational value creation capabilities and have a core mid-market buyout orientation, i.e. focusing on businesses with an enterprise value between €100.0m and €1.0bn. The firms that APEO has partnered with during the period fulfil this criteria and are relationships that the Manager established over many years, often decades.

 

Investment

 

£m

Description

Vitruvian Investment

Partnership V


26.4

Growth-focused fund principally targeting European businesses which operate principally in the Technology, Healthcare, Financial Services and Sustainability sectors

Altor Fund VI


25.9

Mid-market buyout fund with a strong sustainability focus, which targets businesses across the Nordic and DACH regions.

Hg Genesis 10


26.1

Mid-market buyout fund targeting investments in software and services businesses primarily in Northern Europe.

Hg Mercury 4


26.7

Lower mid-market buyout fund targeting investments in software and services

businesses primarily in Northern Europe.

Seidler Equity Partners VIII


16.2

North American lower mid-market fund targeting investments in branded consumer products, business services and specialty manufacturing sectors.

Case study - primary funds- Altor

Altor is a leading mid-market private equity firm in the Nordic region, with top tier networks across their target markets and a high quality, creative investment team.

 

Investment:  Altor Fund VI

Commitment year: 2022

Fund size: €3.0bn target

APEO's commitment: €30m

Geographic focus: Northern Europe but with a focus on the Nordic Region

Target company size: Mid-market focus

Sectors: Business Services, Consumer, Industrials, FIG and Technology

Investment strategy: Buyout / Growth

Overview

•       Established in 2003 by Harald Mix to focus on private equity activities in the mid-market segment of the Nordic region.

•       From the start, Altor raised considerable interest among investors and its performance since then has meant latter funds being highly sought after. As abrdn had a relationship with Mix from his days at IK Partners, we were invited to invest in Altor's first fund in 2003.

•       Altor has a strong Swedish heritage and specialism but today operates across Northern Europe. The firm has gradually opened offices in Oslo (2005), Copenhagen (2007), Helsinki (2007) and Zurich (2018) to build up their presence on the ground.

•       It has a flexible ownership approach and a strong focus on partnerships with founders and management teams, which mean it can take majority and minority positions in its portfolio companies. It also has a strong focus on the green transition, backing a number of sustainability-focused businesses.

•       Altor is an active owner of its portfolio companies and helps management teams to drive operational change and growth. Its focus is to double earnings during its ownership and generate 3x cost or more.

APEO's Exposure

•     APEO has invested with the manager since 2014, committing to the previous 2 funds: Altor IV & Altor V.

•     The abrdn Private Equity team has known Altor for two decades and been an investor in Altor since its first fund.

 

Co-investments

During the six-month period, APEO invested and committed £14.9 million into two new co-investments and two follow-on investments in existing co-investments (31 March 2022: £65.8 million into nine new co-investments and one follow-on investment).

 

The level of deployment into new co-investments has decreased in the period to 31 March 2023 compared to prior year, when the private equity market was particularly active, creating many co-investment deal leads. With the reduction in private equity M&A during the first six months of the year, APEO has seen lower co-investment deal flow activity than in the prior year and the Manager has been especially selective in terms of asset quality and entry pricing, given the tougher economic backdrop and uncertain pricing environment.

 

As a reminder, co-investments were introduced to APEO's investment objective in 2019 and bring a number of advantages, most notably greater control over portfolio construction and lower associated costs (and therefore higher return potential). Over the longer term the Manager expects co-investments to equate to around 25% of the portfolio.

 

At 31 March 2023 there were 25 separate co-investments in APEO's portfolio, equating to 22% of NAV. Whilst the co-investment portfolio remains relatively immature, with an average investment age of 1.6 years at 31 March 2023, we are delighted with its performance so far, with no material underperformers but several co-investments ahead of their initial investment case.

 

Investment

 

£m

Description

Undisclosed


5.3

Investment, alongside One Peak Partners, into a European-headquartered software company that allows patients and healthcare professionals to connect more easily, making healthcare experiences more efficient and human.

Undisclosed


4.0

Investment into a US-headquartered consumer business alongside one of APEO's core private equity managers, the details of which remain undisclosed due to confidentiality restrictions.

Follow-on investment in Funecap


3.0

Additional commitment provided to Funecap alongside Latour Capital as part of a shareholder reorganisation following a period of strong growth at the business. The additional capital will also be used to support future growth initiatives.

Follow-on investment in European Camping Group


2.6

Additional investment made into European Camping Group in order to fund the strategic acquisition of Vacanceselect, a French headquartered peer in the outdoor accommodation market which, similar to European Camping Group, has campsites across Europe including France, Italy, Spain and Croatia.

 

Secondary Investments

APEO invested and committed £4.6 million into a new secondary investment during the period (31 March 2022: £5.1 million into one new secondary investment).

 

Investment

 

£m

Description

Capiton Quantum


4.6

Through APEO's existing commitment to Capiton V, APEO rolled its position of €4.5 million in two underlying private companies into the Capiton Quantum continuation fund, with an additional top-up commitment of €0.7 million also provided for additional M&A opportunities.

 

Case Study - Co-investment- European Camping Group

European Camping Group (ECG) is a leading player in Europe's premium outdoor accommodation market.

Lead Manager: PAI Partners

Investment year: 2021

Size at entry: Mid-market (<€1bn EV)

APEO's investment: €11m (includes €3m follow-on)

Geographic focus: France/Western Europe

Sector: Travel & Leisure

 

Company Overview

•       ECG ("European Camping Group") is the fourth largest tour operator in France and its growth has consistently outperformed the broader outdoor accommodation market since 2012.

•       ECG boasts a pan-European footprint of over 23,000 mobile homes located across more than 300 camp sites in France, Italy, Spain and Croatia.

•       ECG also operates a portfolio of leading brands including Eurocamp, Homair, Roan, Al Fresco and Palmiers Ocean. This multi-brand approach is unique and enables ECG to attract a broad international customer base by tailoring each brand to suit its end market.

•       ECG recently completed the transformational acquisition of Vacanceselect, the number 3 player in France's outdoor accommodation market with a footprint of c.30k pitches and c.22k Mobile Homes (MH) across more than 260 camp sites. The acquisition positions the newly combined entity as the clear leader in the French market, with ~11% share, and as the third largest platform in Europe.

 

The Opportunity

•       One of the market leaders in Europe's highly resilient outdoor accommodation sector, with future growth underpinned by a number of tailwinds including ongoing site densification and premiumisation of campsites as well as various consumer trends (i.e. increasing appetite for staycations, rise in multigenerational travel and growing desire to holiday "close to nature").

•       Strongly positioned within a highly fragmented market - the management team identified >200 acquisition targets on entry.

•       Attractive entry pricing, at a significant discount to the market valuation implied by comparable transactions.

•       Several value creation initiatives started in recent years are expected to bear fruit during the investment period. The most notable initiatives include the implementation of yield management processes (i.e. implementation of group-wide tools and systems aimed at optimising pricing and/or occupancy rates), ongoing expansion of the group's geographic footprint and a rebalancing of the group's site portfolio to include a larger proportion of more profitable, directly managed sites.

•       Opportunity to invest alongside a high-quality private equity manager in PAI, who possess an unparalleled track record and clear expertise within Europe's travel sector having previously generating strong returns on their investments in Roompot and B&B Hotels.

 

Portfolio Construction

The underlying portfolio consists of over 650 underlying portfolio companies, largely within the European mid-market and spread across different countries, sectors and vintages. At 31 March 2023, only 11 companies equated to more than 1% of portfolio NAV based on underlying portfolio company exposure, with the largest single exposure equating to 5.6% (Action).

 

Geographic Exposure1 2

We believe that the portfolio is well diversified, which positions APEO well as we move into a more recessionary macroeconomic environment. At 31 March 2023, 77% of underlying portfolio companies were headquartered in Europe (30 September 2022: 76%). APEO's underlying portfolio remains largely positioned to North Western Europe, with only 7% of underlying portfolio company exposure in Italy and Spain (30 September 2022: 6%). APEO is well diversified by region across North Western Europe, with the UK and the Nordics being the highest exposures at 15% each (30 September 2022: UK 17%, the Nordics 14%).

 

North America equates to 22% of the total (30 September 2022: 23%), with exposure to the region obtained through European private equity managers that have expanded their operations into North America and US-headquartered lower mid-market private equity managers that APEO partners with for specific sector exposure (e.g. Great Hill Partners in Technology, American Industrial Partners in Industrials, Windrose in Healthcare and Seidler in Consumer).

 

1 Based on the latest available information from underlying managers. Figures represent % of total value of underlying portfolio company exposure. This excludes any underlying fund and co-investments held through the Company portfolio.

2 In addition to the above, 4% of underlying portfolio companies are based in European countries not separately disclosed above, while 1% are based in countries outside of Europe, excluding North America.

 

Sector Exposure1

At 31 March 2023, Technology and Healthcare represented a combined 39% of the underlying portfolio company exposure (30 September 2022: 40%). When combined with Consumer Staples, these more stable, less cyclical sectors equate to over half of APEO's underlying portfolio at 52% (30 September 2022: 52%). It is worth noting that APEO generally invests in Technology businesses that are profitable and B2B-focused and therefore has relatively low exposure to higher growth, unprofitable technology businesses that have been particularly out of favour over the last twelve months following interest rate rises.

 

The other half of the portfolio is exposed to more cyclical sectors, notably Industrials, Consumer Discretionary and Financials. That said, there are sub-sectors within these areas that provide growth opportunities, such as Fintech, ecommerce and B2B Services, where businesses often have a valuable product or an essential service offering with a strong digital component. Some examples within our top 20 underlying portfolio companies by value include European Camping Group, CFC Underwriting (cyber security insurance MGA), Trioplast (sustainable manufacturer of polyethylene film) and Planet (provider of payments solutions for hospitality and retail).

 

 

% Exposure as at

Sector

 

31 March 2023

Technology


20

Healthcare


19

Industrials


19

Consumer discretionary


14

Consumer staples


13

Financials


8

Materials


4

Energy


1

Utilities


1

Communication services


1

 

1 Based on the latest available information from underlying managers. Figures represent % of total value of underlying portfolio company exposure. This excludes any underlying fund and co-investments held through the Company portfolio.

 

Maturity Analysis1, 2

The Manager does not try to time the market with respect to APEO, instead aiming for consistent exposure across recent vintage years. Therefore, there is a fairly even split of portfolio companies at the underlying level that are approaching maturity (held for more than four years) and companies typically still in the value creation phase (held for less than 4 years). With 47% being in vintages of four years or more (30 September 2022: 47%), this should underpin exit activity and distributions once private equity market activity returns to long-term, "normal" levels.

 

Holding Period

%

1 year

13

2 years

25

3 years

15

4 years

13

5 years

13

>5 years

21

 

1 Based on the latest available information from underlying managers. Figures represent % of total value of underlying portfolio company exposure. This excludes any underlying fund and co-investments held through the Company portfolio.

2 The holding period is the length of time that an underlying portfolio company has been held since its initial investment date by the Company.

 

Outlook

We are delighted by the resilient performance of APEO's underlying portfolio during the first six months of the year and remain bullish on the long-term prospects for both private equity as an asset class and APEO. However, we still remain cautious as we look to the short-term. Higher inflation, interest rate rises and the conflict in Ukraine have created a high degree of uncertainty in both the global economy and financial markets, and we do not expect these challenging conditions to abate during the remainder of 2023.

 

Specifically in relation to private equity, we are currently seeing dealflow levels slow down as buyers and sellers attempt to reconcile differing price expectations. Furthermore, debt financing is less available and more expensive than in recent years, as banks retrench from the leverage buyout market and private credit funds become the main source of debt funding for new transactions. As less money is flowing back to investors, new private equity fundraises are, on average, taking longer than seen in previous years and we expect to see some managers fail to hit their fundraising targets.

 

Whilst distributions by underlying funds to APEO have held up during the first six months of the year, this slowdown in the private equity market will eventually impact upon APEO's cashflows. Going forward, exits and distributions are expected to decline but less money is expected to be drawn for new investments too. It will also have implications on the portfolio valuation growth, as private equity investments typically sell at an uplift to carrying value, which helps drive APEO's NAV growth in normal times. We expect private equity dealflow to pick up again soon, given the record levels of "dry powder" in private equity, but we expect that the remainder of the year will continue to see a slower pace compared to recent years.

 

That said, it is worth reiterating that APEO has navigated multiple cycles over a 22-year period and the strategy has remained broadly consistent since its inception in 2001. We take comfort in the quality of the private equity firms that APEO partners with, the broad diversification of the underlying portfolio by sector, geography and maturity, and the Company's strong balance sheet position, which has been further enhanced by the extension of its revolving credit facility from £200.0m to £300.0m.

 

More generally, the governance model of private equity, through majority control and active ownership, provides the opportunity for hands-on value creation and for decisions to be taken more efficiently and effectively in response to changing market circumstances. The private equity firms that APEO partners with today are much more specialised within sectors and sub-sectors, and have deeper value creation toolkits compared to, for example, before the global financial crisis.

 

Furthermore, market volatility does provide a silver lining around attractive new investment opportunities, and we believe that private equity particularly thrives during these periods. We saw in the aftermath of the dotcom bubble and the global financial crisis that private firms make many of their best investments during periods of uncertainty, with more differentiated investment opportunities becoming available, like long-held family-owned businesses, corporate carve outs and public to private transactions, and entry pricing tends to be more reasonable during these periods.

 

We believe that private equity is a long-term asset class, and we expect it to continue to deliver outperformance on both absolute and relative bases. Whilst we expect the remainder of 2023 to be more challenging in terms of financial markets, the global economy and private equity dealflow, we take comfort in the private equity governance model, the quality of APEO's current portfolio and its set of core managers, and the opportunity to make attractive new investments during this period of greater uncertainty.

 

Alan Gauld,

Lead Portfolio Manager

For abrdn Capital Partners LLP

27 June 2023

 

TEN LARGEST INVESTMENTS

at 31 March 2023

 

1


Action


Since its establishment in 1993, Benelux-based Action has grown into the leading non-food discount retailer in the region with more than 2,300 stores and close to 80,000 employees
















Fund Size: €2.5bn
Sector: Consumer staples

Location: Netherlands

Year of Investment: 2020

Private Equity Manager: 3i Group plc

Investment: Co-investments

Website: www.action.nl


3i 2020 Co-investment 1 SCSp1

31/03/23

30/09/22



Value (£'000)

73,484

59,695



Cost (£'000)

22,630

22,630

6.2% of NAV (30 September 2022: 5.1%)



Commitment (€'000)

26,540

26,540



Amount Funded

100.0%

100.0%



Income (£'000)*

-

-












2


Advent International


Invests in attractive niches within business & financial services, healthcare, industrial, retail and technology sectors.
















Fund Size: €13.0bn
Strategy: Mid to large buyouts Enterprise Value of Investments: $200m - $3bn

Geography: Global with a focus on Europe and North America

Website: www.adventinternational.com


Advent International Global Private Equity VIII

31/03/23

30/09/22



Value (£'000)

52,688

52,171



Cost (£'000)

31,652

31,652

4.5% of NAV (30 September 2022; 4.5%)



Commitment (€'000)

45,000

45,000



Amount Funded

100.0%

100.0%



Income (£'000)*

-

-












3


CVC Capital Partners


Undertakes medium and large sized buyout transactions across a range of industries and geographies.
















Fund Size: €16.4bn
Strategy: Mid to large buyouts Enterprise Value of Investments: €500m - €5bn

Geography: Europe and North America

Website: www.cvc.com


CVC Capital Partners VII

31/03/23

30/09/22



Value (£'000)

45,567

44,399



Cost (£'000)

25,160

24,862

3.9% of NAV (30 September 2022: 3.8%)



Commitment (€'000)

35,000

35,000



Amount Funded

91.5%

84.1%



Income (£'000)*

1,945

31












4


Altor Funds


Focuses on investing in and developing medium-sized companies with a Nordic origin that offer potential for value creation through revenue growth, margin expansion, improved capital management and strategic re-positioning.
















Fund Size: €2.1bn
Strategy: Mid-market buyouts Enterprise Value of Investments: €50m - €500m

Geography: Northern Europe

Website: www.altor.com


Altor Fund IV

31/03/23

30/09/22



Value (£'000)

39,406

37,158



Cost (£'000)

28,416

27,886

3.3% of NAV (30 September 2022: 3.2%)



Commitment (€'000)

55,000

55,000



Amount Funded

74.3%

73.2%



Income (£'000)*

-

794












5


Nordic Capital


Invests in medium to large-sized buyout deals in Northern Europe, through four dedicated sector teams, with the ability to invest in healthcare on a global basis.
















Fund Size: €4.3bn
Strategy: Mid to large buyouts Enterprise Value of Investments: €200m-€800m

Geography: Northern Europe (Global in Healthcare)

Website: www.nordiccapital.com


Nordic Capital Fund IX

31/03/23

30/09/22



Value (£'000)

38,043

35,841



Cost (£'000)

23,585

22,355

3.2% of NAV (30 September 2022: 3.1%)



Commitment (€'000)

30,000

30,000



Amount Funded

94.7%

89.0%



Income (£'000)*

-

-












6


Exponent


Target businesses have strong market positions, evidence of historical constraints and are capable of transformation. Companies often have a significant international footprint
















Fund Size: £1.0bn
Strategy: Mid-market buyouts Enterprise Value of Investments: £75m-£350m

Geography: UK

Website: www.exponentpe.com


Exponent Private Equity Partners III, LP.

31/03/23

30/09/22



Value (£'000)

36,538

34,963



Cost (£'000)

23,299

22,479

3.1% of NAV (30 September 2022: 3.0%)



Commitment (€'000)

28,000

28,000



Amount Funded

88.8%

87.5%



Income (£'000)*

-

252












7


IK Partners


Invests in growth strategies supporting business transformation. Unique Northern Continental European footprint
















Fund Size: $1.9bn
Strategy: Mid-market buyouts

Enterprise Value of Investments: $100m-$500m

Geography: Northern Europe

Website: www.ikinvest.com


IK Fund VIII

31/03/23

30/09/22



Value (£'000)

35,237

38,225



Cost (£'000)

19,371

22,944

3.0% of NAV (30 September 2022: 3.3%)



Commitment (£'000)

46,000

46,000



Amount Funded

94.7%

94.7%



Income (£'000)*

3,576

4












8


Undisclosed


A diversified secondary transaction comprising large cap buyout funds in Europe and the US
















Fund Size: $125bn
Strategy: Various

Enterprise Value of Investments: $500m-$5bn

Geography: Europe and North America

Website: N/A


Structured Solutions IV Primary Holdings

31/03/23

30/09/22



Value (£'000)

33,006

28,507



Cost (£'000)

28,935

28,093

2.8% of NAV (30 September 2022: 3.2%)



Commitment (€'000)

62,500

62,500



Amount Funded

67.1%

62.9%



Income (£'000)*

886

-












9


Bridgepoint


A leading mid -market focused private equity firm targeting buyout investments in European companies with strong market positions and earnings growth potential across six core sectors
















Fund Size: €5.8bn
Strategy: Mid-market buyouts

Enterprise Value of Investments: €200m- €1bn

Geography: Europe

Website: www.bridgepoint.eu


Bridgepoint Europe VI

31/03/23

30/09/22



Value (£'000)

30,332

28,650



Cost (£'000)

20,808

20,118

2.6% of NAV (30 September 2022: 2.5%)



Commitment (€'000)

30,000

30,000



Amount Funded

83.2%

79.7%



Income (£'000)*

222

-












10


Cinven


Targets companies that have the ability to deploy clearly identified sector strategies to accelerate growth in Europe or globally.
















Fund Size: €7.0bn
Strategy: Mid to large buyouts

Enterprise Value of Investments: €250m -€6bn

Geography: Europe and North America

Website: www.cinven.com


Sixth Cinven Fund

31/03/23

30/09/22



Value (£'000)

30,002

28,151



Cost (£'000)

16,651

16,654

2.5% of NAV (30 September 2022: 2.4%)



Commitment ($'000)

28,100

28,100



Amount Funded

92.3%

92.3%



Income (£'000)*

-

622













Notes:











1 APEO's position in Action is held through 3i 2020 Co-investment 1 SCSp, a special purpose vehicle managed by 3i as co-investment lead.


* Performance information has been prepared by APEO and has not been approved by the General Partners of the funds or any of their Associates. Income figures are for the six months to 31 March 2023 and 31 March 2022 respectively.

 

INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO

at 31 March 2023

 

Vintage

Investment

Number of investments

Outstanding commitments
£'000

Cost
£'000

Valuation
£'0001

Net multiple2

% of NAV

2020

3i 2020 Co-investment 1 SCSp3

1

-

22,630

73,484

3.4x

6.2

2016

Advent International Global Private Equity VIII

29

-

31,652

52,688

2.0x

4.5

2017

CVC Capital Partners VII

32

2,615

25,160

45,567

1.8x

3.9

2014

Altor Fund IV

16

12,420

28,416

39,406

1.9x

3.3

2018

Nordic Capital Fund IX

14

1,393

23,858

38,043

1.6x

3.2

2015

Exponent Private Equity Partners III, LP.

9

3,144

23,299

36,538

1.9x

3.1

2016

IK Fund VIII

11

2,152

19,371

35,237

1.9x

3.0

2021

Structured Solutions IV Primary Holdings*

53

16,646

28,935

33,006

1.2x

2.8

2019

Bridgepoint Europe VI

17

4,437

20,808

30,332

1.5x

2.6

2016

Sixth Cinven Fund

14

1,909

16,651

30,002

2.0x

2.5

2017

HgCapital 8

11

4,692

10,746

28,935

2.6x

2.4

2019

Advent International Global Private Equity IX

36

1,803

19,304

28,540

1.5x

2.4

2018

PAI Europe VII

18

5,382

21,024

28,158

1.4x

2.4

2014

CVC VI

22

2,405

14,099

28,062

2.2x

2.4

2013

TowerBrook Investors IV

10

11,123

16,062

27,894

2.3x

2.4

2019

Altor Fund V

19

14,259

23,301

27,612

1.3x

2.3

2019

Triton Fund V*

18

11,384

14,890

24,715

1.5x

2.1

2014

PAI Europe VI

12

1,797

13,911

22,671

2.0x

1.9

2020

Cinven 7

15

6,872

14,777

19,719

1.3x

1.7

2014

Permira V

10

740

9,832

18,567

3.4x

1.6

2019

American Industrial Partners VII

13

3,665

13,133

18,479

1.5x

1.6

2020

IK IX

12

5,346

16,215

18,415

1.1x

1.6

2020

Investindustrial VII

11

8,339

13,920

18,404

1.3x

1.6

2020

Nordic Capital X

16

7,385

14,292

18,301

1.3x

1.5

2015

Bridgepoint Europe V

9

2,554

13,159

18,214

2.1x

1.5

2021

Arbor Co-Investment LP3

1

-

8,374

17,632

2.1x

1.5

2020

Vitruvian IV

28

7,088

14,363

17,285

1.2x

1.5

2020

MPI-COI-NAMSA SLP3

1

1,921

5,562

16,966

2.6x

1.4

2019

MSouth Equity Partners IV

11

3,768

13,300

15,770

1.2x

1.3

2015

Equistone Partners Europe Fund V

12

2,192

16,476

15,169

1.6x

1.3

2013

Nordic Capital VIII

11

2,194

17,552

14,848

1.6x

1.3

2021

ECG Co-invest SLP*3

1

250

6,663

13,831

2.1x

1.2

2018

Investindustrial Growth

4

6,291

11,028

13,507

2.4x

1.1

2020

Capiton VI

10

7,983

9,335

13,415

1.4x

1.1

2022

Uvesco Co-invest*3

1

-

8,451

12,713

1.5x

1.1

2019

PAI Strategic Partnerships SCSp

2

205

6,579

11,764

1.8x

1.0

2020

Seidler Equity Partners VII L.P.

7

2,850

11,303

11,503

1.0x

1.0

2021

Excellere Partners Fund IV

3

17,733

10,589

11,396

1.1x

1.0

2021

MPI-COI-PROLLENIUM SLP3

1

1,450

7,133

11,273

1.6x

1.0

2020

PAI Mid-Market I

6

12,096

9,683

10,828

1.1x

0.9

2020

Hg Genesis 9

12

4,789

8,204

10,469

1.2x

0.9

2017

Onex Partners IV LP

8

1,032

10,259

10,383

1.4x

0.9

2019

Vitruvian I CF LP

5

8,168

7,828

10,056

1.3x

0.8

2021

IK Co-invest Questel

1

-

8,658

10,005

1.2x

0.8

2021

MI NGE S.L.P.

1

848

8,153

9,980

1.2x

0.8

2021

Hg Isaac Co-Invest LP3

1

41

7,571

9,923

1.3x

0.8

2021

Eurazeo Payment Luxembourg Fund SCSp3

1

1,104

7,798

9,801

1.3x

0.8

2021

Advent Technology II-A

11

16,942

8,630

9,786

1.1x

0.8

2021

Hg Riley Co-Invest LP3

1

-

6,836

9,636

1.4x

0.8

2020

Hg Saturn 2

7

4,976

7,056

9,486

1.3x

0.8

2019

Great Hill Partners VII

18

803

8,012

9,376

1.4x

0.8

2020

Vitruvian III

28

1,671

5,264

9,189

2.0x

0.8

2021

IK Partnership II

4

12,990

9,000

9,109

1.0x

0.8

2015

Astorg VI

5

4,038

205

8,948

1.7x

0.7

2021

CDL Coinvestment SPV3

1

-

5,294

7,837

1.5x

0.7

2021

MPI-COI-SUAN SLP3

1

45

6,395

6,987

1.1x

0.6

2020

Hg Vardos Co-invest L.P.3

1

-

4,244

6,951

1.7x

0.6

2021

Latour Co-invest Funecap*3

1

-

4,287

6,951

1.5x

0.6

2021

Bengal Co-Invest SCSp*3

1

2,488

6,198

6,914

1.1x

0.6

2020

Hg Mercury 3

10

6,119

4,645

6,396

1.3x

0.5

2021

Capiton VI Wundex Co-Investment*3

1

3,240

5,378

6,176

1.1x

0.5

2021

CFC Continuation Fund3

1

5,085

3,915

6,064

1.5x

0.5

2020

Triton Smaller Mid-Cap Fund II*

8

14,070

7,641

6,005

0.8x

0.5

2015

Nordic Capital VII

4

1,601

10,998

5,998

1.4x

0.5

2021

Permira Growth Opportunities II

9

19,716

9,037

5,781

0.6x

0.5

2019

Alphaone International S.à.r.l.*3

1

1,742

3,522

5,629

1.6x

0.5

2021

bd-capital Partners Chase3

1

-

4,279

5,361

1.3x

0.5

2021

WindRose Health Investors Fund VI

4

10,768

5,735

5,339

0.9x

0.5

2023

One Peak Co-invest III LP3

1

-

5,277

5,272

1.0x

0.4

2012

IK Fund VII

3

1,756

6,707

4,935

2.1x

0.4

2012

Equistone Partners Europe Fund IV

7

649

8,762

4,725

2.1x

0.4

2022

AV Invest B3*3

1

316

4,789

4,508

0.9x

0.4

2012

Advent International Global Private Equity VII

18

835

5,495

4,125

2.1x

0.3

2022

Leviathan Holdings, L.P.*3

1

-

4,119

4,044

1.0x

0.3

2023

Capiton Quantum GmbH & Co

2

741

3,857

3,869

1.0x

0.3

2015

Capiton V

9

370

7,038

3,856

0.9x

0.3

2021

Nordic Capital WH1 Beta, L.P.3

1

1,121

2,597

3,461

1.2x

0.3

2021

ASI Omega Holdco Limited*3

1

1,194

3,111

3,425

1.1x

0.3

2021

Nordic Capital Evolution Fund

5

23,076

3,234

3,369

1.0x

0.3

2022

ArchiMed - Med Platform 2

2

23,272

2,930

2,312

0.8x

0.2

2001

CVC III*

1

421

4,283

1,966

2.7x

0.2

2011

Montagu IV

4

675

4,771

1,922

1.8x

0.2

2013

Bridgepoint Europe IV

5

795

2,920

1,852

1.6x

0.2

2022

American Industrial Partners V

6

-

1,312

1,790

1.4x

0.2

2023

ECG 2 Co-Invest S.L.P.*3

1

911

1,753

1,733

1.0x

0.1

2022

Advent International Global Private Equity X

6

24,384

1,999

1,536

0.8x

0.1

2022

Investindustrial Growth III

1

25,461

881

794

0.9x

0.1

2021

ArchiMed III

4

11,881

1,266

786

0.6x

0.1

2008

CVC V*

1

438

4,329

786

2.4x

0.1

2022

Hg Saturn 3

2

28,022

300

630

2.1x

0.1

2019

Gilde Buy-Out Fund IV

1

-

2,262

519

1.2x

0.0

2006

3i Eurofund V

1

-

9,282

383

2.7x

0.0

2023

Latour Capital IV

0

25,649

715

312

0.4x

0.0

2022

Hg Genesis 10

2

26,115

246

210

0.9x

0.0

2007

Industri Kapital 2007 Fund

0

1,525

5,545

78

1.4x

0.0

2009

Capiton IV GmbH & Co. Beteiligungs KG*

5

149

241

30

1.1x

0.0

2022

Altor Fund VI

0

26,213

150

5

0.0x

0.0

2021

Great Hill Equity Partners VIII

4

15,342

844

-

0.0x

0.0

2022

One Peak Growth III

5

13,043

133

-

0.0x

0.0

2023

Hg Mercury 4

0

26,361

-

-

0.0x

0.0

2023

Latour Co-invest Funecap II3

0

2,951

-

-

0.0x

0.0

2022

Nordic Capital Fund XI

0

26,361

-

-

0.0x

0.0

2022

PAI Europe VIII

0

26,361

-

-

0.0x

0.0

2023

Seidler Equity Partners VIII, L.P.

0

16,175

-

-

0.0x

0.0

2023

Vitruvian V

0

26,361

-

-

0.0x

0.0

 

Total investments4

774

699,683

912,026

1,256,658

 

106.4

 

Non-portfolio assets less liabilities

 

 

 

(75,248)

 

(-6.4)

 

Total shareholders' funds

 

 

 

1,181,410

 

100.0










1      All funds are valued by the manager of the relevant fund or co-investment as at 31 March 2023, with the exception of those funds suffixed with an * which were valued as at 31 December 2022 or initial funding amount paid.

2      The net multiple has been calculated by the Manager in sterling on the basis of the total realised and unrealised return for the interest held in each fund and co- investments. These figures have not been reviewed or approved by the relevant fund or its manager.

3      Co-investment position. A number of these positions represent follow-on investments in the same underlying company.

4      The 774 underlying investments represent holdings in 685 separate companies, 44 fund investments and 9 co-investments.

 


 

 

CONDENSED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

For the six months ended 31 March 2023

 

 

 

For the six months ended 31 March 2023

For the six months ended 31 March 2022


Notes

Revenue

Capital

Total

Revenue

Capital

Total



£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000



 

 

 




Total capital gains on investments


-

37,688

37,688


-

71,998

Currency (losses)/gains


-

(396)

(396)

 

-

131

Income

4

6,357

-

6,357

4,750

-

4,750

Investment management fee

5

(278)

(5,291)

(5,569)

(516)

(4,646)

(5,162)

Administrative expenses


(568)

-

(568)

(520)

-

(520)

Profit before finance costs and taxation


5,511

32,001

37,512

3,714

67,483

71,197

Finance costs


(136)

(2,411)

(2,547)

(153)

(875)

(1,028)

Profit before taxation


4,464

29,963

34,427

3,017

66,762

69,779

Earnings per share - basic and diluted

7

2.90p

19.49p

22.39p

1.96p

43.42p

45.38p









The Total columns of this statement represents the profit and loss account of the Company.

There are no items of other comprehensive income, therefore this statement is the single statement of comprehensive income of the Company.

All revenue and capital items in the above statement are derived from continuing operations.

No operations were acquired or discontinued in the year.

 

 

CONDENSED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION (UNAUDITED)

As at 31 March 2023

 

 

 

As at

As at

 


31 March 2023

30 September 2022


Notes

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Non-current assets

 

 

 

 


Investments

8


1,256,658


1,192,380




1,256,658

 

1,192,380

Current assets



 

 


Receivables


109


1,056


Cash and cash equivalents


19,899


30,341




20,008

 

31,397

 

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

 

 

 

 

 

Payables


(4,237)


(3,713)


Revolving credit facility

10

(91,019)


(62,012)


Net current liabilities

 

 

(75,248)

 

(34,328)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets less current liabilities

 

 

1,181,410

 

1,158,052

Capital and reserves

 

 

 

 


Called-up share capital



307


307

Share premium account



86,485


86,485

Special reserve



51,503


51,503

Capital redemption reserve



94


94

Capital reserves



1,043,021


1,019,663

Revenue reserve



-


-

Total shareholders' funds

 

 

1,181,410

 

1,158,052

 

 

 

 

 


Net asset value per equity share

9


768.4p

 

753.2p













The Financial Statements of abrdn Private Equity Opportunities Trust plc, registered number SC216638 were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 27 June 2022 and were signed on its behalf by Alan Devine, Chair.


 

CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

 

For the six months ended 31 March 2023

 

 Notes

Called-up

 

Share

 

 

Capital

 

 

 



share

premium

Special

redemption

Capital

Revenue

 



 capital

 account

reserve

 reserve

reserves

 reserve

 Total

 

 

 £'000

 £'000

 £'000

 £'000

 £'000

 £'000

 £'000

Balance at 1 October 2022

 

307

86,485

51,503

94

1,019,663

-

1,158,052

Profit after taxation


-

-

-

-

29,963

4,464

34,427

Dividends paid

6

-

-

-

-

(6,605)

(4,464)

(11,069)

Balance at 31 March 2023


307

86,485

51,503

94

1,043,021

-

1,181,410

 

 








For the six months ended 31 March 2022







 

 

Called-up

 

Share

 

 

Capital

 

 

 

 

 

 share

premium

Special

redemption

Capital

Revenue

 

 

 

capital

account

reserve

reserve

reserves

reserve

Total

 

 

 £'000

 £'000

 £'000

 £'000

 £'000

 £'000

 £'000

Balance at 1 October 2021

 

307

86,485

51,503

94

897,578

-

1,035,967

Profit after taxation


-

-

-

-

66,762

3,017

69,779

Dividends paid

6

-

-

-

-

(7,437)

(3,017)

(10,454)

Balance at 31 March 2022


307

86,485

51,503

94

956,903

-

1,095,292

 

 

















 

 

CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

 






For the six months

For the six months



ended 31 March 2023

ended 31 March 2022


Notes

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

Cashflows from operating activities

 

 

 



Profit before taxation



34,965


70,169

Adjusted for:



 



Finance costs



2,547


1,028

Gains on disposal of investments

8


(39,321)


(63,774)

Revaluation of investments



1,430


(8,438)

Currency losses / (gains)



396


(131)

Increase in debtors



(51)


(308)

Increase in creditors



193


840

Tax deducted from non-UK income



(538)


(390)

Net cash outflow from operating activities

 

 

(379)

 

(1,801)

 

 

 

 



Investing activities

 

 

 



Purchase of investments

8

(100,594)


(145,453)


Purchase of secondary investments

8

(3,857)


-


Distributions of capital proceeds received by investments

8

78,064


116,178


Net distributions receivable from investments


249


(1,825)


Receipt of proceeds from disposal of unquoted investments


-


15,714


Net cash outflow from investing activities

 

 

(26,138)

 

(15,386)

 

 

 

 



Financing activities

 

 

 



Revolving credit facility - amounts drawn

 

30,813

 

41,421


Revolving credit facility - amounts repaid

 

-

 

(17,020)


Interest paid and arrangement fees

 

(3,273)

 

(797)


Ordinary dividends paid

6

(11,069)


(10,454)


Net cash inflow from financing activities

 

 

16,471

 

13,947



 

 



Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

(10,046)

 

(3,240)

 

 

 

 



Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period



30,341


29,714

Currency (losses)/gains on cash and cash equivalents



(396)


131

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period

 

 

19,899

 

26,605

 

 





 

 





Cash and cash equivalents consist of:

 

 

 



Cash



19,899


26,605

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

19,899

 

26,605













Included in profit before taxation is dividends received from investments of £3,139,000 (2022: £2,753,000), interest received from investments of £2,937,000 (2022: £1,997,000) and interest received from cash balances and money market funds of £286,000 (2022: £Nil).

 

 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

1  Financial Information 

The financial information for the year ended 30 September 2022 within the report is considered non-statutory as defined in sections 434-436 of the Companies Act 2006. The financial information for the six months ended 31 March 2023 and 31 March 2022 has not been audited. The financial information for the year ended 30 September 2022 has been extracted from the published accounts that have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies and on which the report of the auditor was unqualified under section 498 of the Companies Act 2006.


2. Basis of preparation and going concern

The condensed financial statements for the six months ended 31 March 2023 have been prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 104 (Interim Financial Reporting) and with the Statement of Recommended Practice for "Financial Statements of Investment Trust Companies and Venture Capital Trusts".

 

The condensed financial statements for the six months ended 31 March 2023 have been prepared using the same accounting policies as the preceding annual financial statements. This is available at www.abrdnpeot.co.uk or on request from the Company Secretary.

 

The Board has made an assessment of the Company's ability to continue as a going concern and are satisfied that the Company has the resources to continue in business for a period of at least 12 months from the date of these condensed financial statements. In preparing these condensed financial statements, the Board has considered:

 

·      the remaining undrawn balance of the £300.0 million committed, syndicated revolving credit facility with a maturity date in December 2025;

·      the level of cash balances. The Manager regularly monitors the Company's cash position to ensure sufficient cash is held to meet liabilities as they fall due;

·      the future cash flow projections (including the level of expected realisation proceeds, the expected future profile of investment commitments and the terms of the revolving credit facility); and

·      the Company's cash flows during the period.

 

Based on a review of the above, the Directors are satisfied that the Company has, and will maintain, sufficient resources to continue to meet its liabilities as they fall due for at least 12 months from the date of approval of the condensed financial statements. Accordingly, the condensed financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.


3.  Exchange rates

Rates of exchange to sterling were:




As at 31 March 2023

As at 30 September 2022

Euro

1.1381

1.1395

US Dollar

1.2365

1.1163

Canadian Dollar

1.6734

1.5339

 


Six months ended

Six months ended



31 March 2023

31 March 2022

4.

Income

£'000

£'000


Income from investments

3,139

2,753


Interest from investments

2,937

1,997


Interest from cash balances

281

-


Total income

6,357

4,750

 

Six months ended 31 March 2023

Six months ended 31 March 2022


Revenue

Capital

Total

Revenue

Capital

Total

5

Investment management fees

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000

£'000


 

 

 





Investment management fee

278

5,291

5,569

516

4,646

5,162








The Manager of the Company is abrdn Capital Partners LLP. In order to comply with the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive, the Company appointed abrdn Capital Partners LLP as its Alternative Investment Fund Manager from 1 July 2014.








The investment management fee payable to the Manager is 0.95% per annum of the NAV of the Company. The investment management fee is allocated 95% to the realised capital reserve - gains/(losses) on disposal and 5% to the revenue account. Prior to 01 October 2022, the investment management fee was allocated 90% to the realised capital reserve - gains/(losses) on disposal and 10% to the revenue account. The management agreement between the Company and the Manager is terminable by either party on twelve months written notice.


Investment management fees due to the Manager as at 31 March 2023 amounted to £3,445,000 (30 September 2022:

£2,888,000).


 

6  Dividend on ordinary shares

For the financial period ending 31 March 2023, the first quarterly dividend of 4.0p per ordinary share was paid on

21 April 2023 (2022: dividend of 3.6p was paid on 22 April 2022). A proposed dividend of 4.0p per share is due to be paid on 28 July 2023 (2022: dividend of 3.6p was paid on 29 July 2022).

 

In respect of the year ended 30 September 2022, the third quarterly dividend of 3.6p per ordinary share was paid on 28 October 2022 (2021: dividend of 3.4p per ordinary share paid on 29 October 2021). The final dividend of 3.6p per ordinary share was then paid on 27 January 2023 (2021: dividend of 3.4p per ordinary share paid on 25 January 2022).

 

 

Six months ended

Six months ended



31 March 2023

31 March 2022

7

Earnings per share - basic and diluted

p

£'000

p

£'000


The net return per ordinary share is based on the following figures:






Revenue net return

2.90

4,464

1.96

3,017


Capital net return

19.49

29,963

43.42

66,762


Total net return

22.39

34,427

45.38

69,779








Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue:

153,746,294

 

153,746,294









There are no diluting elements to the earnings per share calculation in the six months ended 31 March 2023 (2022: none).

 

 

 

8

Investments

Six months

ended 31 March 2023

Unquoted Investments

Year ended

30 September 2022 Unquoted Investments

 

 

£'000

£'000

 

Fair value through profit or loss:

 

 


Opening market value

1,192,380

1,007,843


Opening investment holding gains

(346,062)

(304,629)


Opening book cost

846,318

703,214





 

Movements in the period/year:

 

 


Additions at cost

100,594

245,270


Secondary purchases

3,857

8,347


Distribution of capital proceeds

(78,064)

(201,806)


Secondary sales

-

(15,714)



872,705

739,311


Gains on disposal of underlying investments

39,321

107,007


Closing book cost

912,026

846,318


Closing investment holding gains

344,632

346,062


Closing market value

1,256,658

1,192,380






The total capital gain on investments of £37,688,000 (2022: £147,940,000) per the Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income for the six months ended 31 March 2023 also includes transaction costs of £203,000 (2022: £214,000).

 

 

9

Net asset value per equity share

As at 31 March 2023

As at 31 March 2022

 

Basic and diluted:

 

 


Ordinary shareholders' funds

£1,181,409,611

£1,158,052,447


Number of ordinary shares in issue

               153,746,294

                  153,746,294


Net asset value per ordinary share

768.4p

753.2p






The net asset value per ordinary share and the ordinary shareholders' funds are calculated in accordance with the Company's articles of association.


There are no diluting elements to the net asset value per equity share calculation in the six months ended 31 March 2023 (2022: none).

 

10

Revolving credit facility

As at 31 March 2023

As at 30 September 2022

 

 

£'000

£'000

 

Revolving credit facility

91,019

62,012






On 10 October 2022, the Company announced an expansion of the credit facility which increased from £200.0 million to £300.0 million with The Royal Bank of Scotland International Limited joining as a lender and Natwest Markets Plc replacing Citibank Europe plc as Agent in the syndicate of banks providing the revolving credit facility, alongside current providers Société Générale and State Street Bank International GmbH.

 

The interest rate on the expanded facility is unchanged and is calculated as the defined reference rate of the currency drawn plus 1.625% rising to 2.0% depending on the level of utlisation, whilst the commitment fee rate payable on non- utilisation is now between 0.7% and 0.8% per annum based on the level of facility utilisation. The maturity date of the facility was extended by one year to December 2025.

 

Inclusive of the revolving credit facility balance is £1,806,000 of unamortised revolving credit facility fees which partially offsets the total amount of the facility balance drawn as at 31 March 2023. With respect of the comparative period to 30 September 2022, the unamortised revolving credit facility fees of £748,000 were included as part of Receivables.

This amount is not considered material to require restatement of the prior year financial statements, and does not impact the Net asset value of the Company at either date.

 

11

Commitments and contingent liabilities

As at 31 March 2023

As at 30 September 2022

 

 

£'000

£'000

 

Outstanding calls on investments

699,683

678,880






This represents commitments made to fund and co-investment interests remaining undrawn.

 

12. Fair Value hierarchy

FRS 104 requires an entity to classify fair value measurements using a fair value hierarchy that reflects the significance of the inputs used in making the measurements. The fair value hierarchy has the following classifications:

 

•       Level 1: The unadjusted quoted price in an active market for identical assets or liabilities that the entity can access at the measurement date.

•       Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable (i.e., developed using market data) for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.

•       Level 3: Inputs are unobservable (i.e., for which market data is unavailable) for the asset or liability.

 

The Company's financial assets and liabilities, measured at fair value in the Condensed Statement of Financial Position, are grouped into the following fair value hierarchy at 31 March 2023:

 

 

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

Level 1

£'000

Level 2

£'000

Level 3

£'000

Total

£'000


Unquoted investments

-

-

1,256,658

1,256,658


Net fair value

-

-

1,256,658

1,256,658








As at 30 September 2022::


 




Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

Level 1

£'000

Level 2

£'000

Level 3

£'000

Total

£'000


Unquoted investments

-

-

1,192,380

1,192,380


Net fair value

-

-

1,192,380

1,192,380

 

Unquoted Investments

Unquoted investments are stated at the directors' estimate of fair value and follow the recommendations of the EVCA and the BVCA (European Private Equity & Venture Capital Association and British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association). The estimate of fair value is normally the latest valuation placed on an investment by its manager as at the Condensed Statement of Financial Position date. The valuation policies used by the manager in undertaking that valuation will generally be in line with the joint publication from the EVCA and the BVCA, "International Private Equity and Venture Capital Valuation guidelines". Fair value can be calculated by the manager of the investment in a number of ways. In general, the managers with whom the Company invests adopt a valuation approach which applies an appropriate comparable listed company multiple to a private company's earnings or by reference to recent transactions. Where formal valuations are not completed as at the Condensed Statement of Financial Position date, the last available valuation from the manager is adjusted for any subsequent cash flows occurring between the valuation date and the Condensed Statement of Financial Position date. The Company's Manager may further adjust such valuations to reflect any changes in circumstances from the last manager's formal valuation date to arrive at the estimate of fair value.

 

13. Parent undertaking and related party transactions

The ultimate parent undertaking of the Company is Phoenix Group Holdings. The results of the Company are incorporated into the group financial statements of Phoenix Group Holdings, which will be available to download from the website www.thephoenixgroup.com.

 

Standard Life Assurance Limited ("SLAL", which is 100% owned by Phoenix Group Holdings), and the Company have entered into a relationship agreement which provides that, for so long as SLAL and its Associates exercise, or control the exercise, of 30% or more of the voting rights of the Company, SLAL and its Associates, will not seek to enter into any transaction or arrangement with the Company which is not conducted at arm's length and on normal commercial terms, take any action that would have the effect of preventing the Company from carrying on an independent business as its main activity or from complying with its obligations under the Listing Rules or purpose or procure the proposal of any shareholder resolution which is intended or appears to be intended to circumvent the proper application of the Listing Rules. During the period ended 31 March 2023, SLAL received dividends from the Company totalling £5,931,000 (31 March 2022: £5,855,000).

 

During the period ended 31 March 2023, the Manager charged management fees totalling £5,569,000 (31 March 2022: £5,162,000) to the Company in the normal course of business. The balance of management fees outstanding at 31 March 2023 was £3,445,000 (30 September 2022: £2,888,000).

 

abrdn Investment Management Limited, which shares the same ultimate parent as the Manager, received fees for the provision of promotional activities of £29,000 (31 March 2022: £60,000) during the period. The balance of promotional fees outstanding at 31 March 2023 was £Nil (30 September 2022: £325,000).

 

The Company Secretarial services for the Company are provided by abrdn Holdings plc (former Aberdeen Asset Management PLC), which shares the same ultimate parent as the Manager. During the period ended 31 March 2023, the Company incurred secretarial fees of £36,000 (31 March 2022: £35,000). The balance of secretarial fees outstanding at 31 March 2023 was £139,000 (30 September 2022: £104,000).

 

No other related party transactions were undertaken during the six months ended 31 March 2023.

 

 

 

 

ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURES

 

Alternative Performance Measures

Alternative performance measures ("APMs") are numerical measures of the Company's current, historical or future performance, financial position or cash flows, other than financial measures defined or specified in the applicable financial framework. The Company's applicable financial framework includes FRS 102 and the AIC SORP.

 

In selecting these Alternative Performance Measures, the Directors considered the key objectives and expectations of typical investors in an investment trust such as APEO.

 

Discount

The amount by which the market price per share is lower than the net asset value per share of an investment trust. The discount is normally expressed as a percentage of the net asset value per share.

 

 

 

Six months ended 31 March 2023

Year ended 

30 September
2022

Share price (p)

a

412.0

410.0

Net Asset Value per share (p)

b

768.4

753.2

Discount (%)

c=(b-a)/b

46.4

453.6

Dividend yield

The total dividend per ordinary share in respect of the financial year divided by the share price, expressed as a percentage, calculated at the year end date of the Company:

 

 

As at 30 September 2022

As at 30 September 2021

Dividend per share (p)

a

14.4

13.6

Share price (p)

b

410.0

498.0

Dividend yield (%)

c=(a/b)

3.5

2.7

NAV total return

NAV total return shows how the NAV has performed over a period of time in percentage terms, taking into account both capital returns and dividends paid to shareholders. This involves reinvesting the net dividend into the NAV at the end of the quarter in which the shares go ex-dividend. Returns are calculated to each quarter end in the year and then the total return for the year is derived from the product of these individual returns.

 

 

NAV (p)

NAV per share (p) as at 30 September 2022

a

753.2

NAV per share (p) as at 31 March 2023

b

768.4

Price Movement

c=(b/a)-1

2.0%

Dividend Reinvestment 1

d

1.0%

NAV Total return

e=c+d

3.0%

1 NAV total return assumes investing the dividend in the NAV of the Company on the date on which that dividend goes ex-dividend.

 

Ongoing charges ratio/ expense ratio

The ongoing charges ratio is calculated as management fees and all other recurring operating expenses that are payable by the Company, excluding the costs of purchasing and selling investments, performance fees, finance costs, taxation, non-recurring costs, and the costs of any share buy-back transactions, expressed as a percentage of the average NAV during the period. The ratio also includes an allocation of the look-through expenses of the Company's underlying investments, excluding performance-related fees.

 

The ongoing charges ratio has been calculated in accordance with the applicable guidance issued by the Association of Investment Companies ("AIC").

 

Six months ended

31 March 2023

£'000

Year ended

30 September 2022

£'000

Investment management fee

a

5,569

10,600

Administrative expenses

b

568

1,054

Ongoing charges *

c=a+b

12,274

11,654

Average net assets

d

1,169,927

1,099,764

Expense ratio

e=c/d

1.05%

1.06%

Look-through expenses

f

1.67%

1.67%

Ongoing charges ratio

g=e+f

2.72%

2.73%

* The interim ongoing charges figure above is calculated using actual costs and charges to 31 March 2023 annualised for the full financial year.

 

The look-through expenses represent an allocation of the management fees and other expenses charged by the underlying investments held in the portfolio of the Company. Performance related fees, such as carried interest, are excluded from this figure. This is calculated over a five year historic average, and is recalculated on an annual basis based on the previous calendar year.

 

Over-commitment ratio

Outstanding commitments less cash and cash equivalents and the value of undrawn loan facilities divided by portfolio NAV.

 

Six months ended

31 March 2023
£000s

Year ended
30 September 2022
£000s

Undrawn Commitments

a

699,684

678,880

Less undrawn loan facility

b

(207,189)

(137,988)

Less resources available for investment

c

(19,899)

(30,341)

Net outstanding commitments

d=a-b-c

472,595

510,551

Portfolio NAV

e

1,256,659

1,192,380

Over-commitment ratio

f=d/e

37.6%

42.8%

 

Share price total return

The theoretical return derived from reinvesting each dividend in additional shares in the Company on the day that the share price goes ex-dividend.

Date

 


Share price (p)

Share price (p) as at 30 September 2022

a

410.0

Share price (p) as at 30 September 2023

b

412.0

Price Movement

c=(b/a)-1

0.5%

Dividend Reinvestment 1

d

1.8%

NAV Total return

e=c+d

2.3%

1  Share price total return assumes reinvesting the dividend in the share price of the Company on the date on which that dividend goes ex-dividend.

 

 

For abrdn Private Equity Opportunities Trust plc

abrdn Holdings Limited, Company Secretary

 

For further information please contact:

 

Alan Gauld,

Lead Portfolio Manager, abrdn Capital Partners LLP

Tel: 0131 528 4424

 

William Hemmings

Client Director, Investment Trusts, abrdn

Tel:  020 7463 6223

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