Like many in the PE space, NBPE’s 2024 total $ NAV return (1.5%) was below the five-year average (11.0%), driven by falling valuations of listed holdings and forex. The private company growth (6.9% constant currency) was also below average, with lower-than-usual exit activity seeing less exit uplift benefit. In our view, 2024 was noise within a long-term value-creation model that should outperform listed equities. Despite challenges, the past 12-month EBITDA growth from investee companies was a strong 12%. NBPE has cash and credit facilities totalling $283m, and minimal fund commitments, meaning it can flexibly take new investment opportunities as they arise.
