The Dirtiest Words in Private Equity: NAV Loans
Over the last three years, average annual distributions for buyout funds between five and ten years old have dropped from 39% in 2021 to 13% in Q2 2023, the lowest distribution levels since 20091. Decreased M&A activity, wide bid-ask spreads for secondary transactions, and increased financing cost for portfolio companies are the key reasons. Not surprisingly, private capital fundraising is down 14% year-over-year as of Q3 2023. The confluence of these factors has led to a significant increase in fund level financings.