Release Date: November 07, 2024

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

• Apax Global Alpha Ltd (LSE:APAX) reported an improvement in portfolio performance for Q3 2024, with a NAV of approximately EUR1.2 billion.
• The private equity portfolio is well-positioned with continued good earnings growth, contributing to a 1.7% increase in NAV per share on a constant currency basis.
• The company has seen strong exit activity, with six full exits in the period returning an average of 2.7x cost.
• Apax Global Alpha Ltd (LSE:APAX) has returned EUR67 million to shareholders through share buybacks and dividends, equivalent to over 5% of opening NAV for 2024.
• The new capital allocation framework, including regular dividends and a distribution pool for buybacks, aims to enhance shareholder value and provide income certainty.

Negative Points

• Foreign exchange headwinds negatively impacted total NAV return per share, resulting in a slight decline of 0.2% for the quarter.
• The decision to no longer have a dedicated team focused on healthcare may limit opportunities in this sector.
• The debt portfolio experienced a return of minus 2.2% in Q3 2024, primarily due to foreign exchange headwinds.
• The increase in net debt levels in the portfolio, driven by M&A activities, could pose financial risks.
• Despite the commencement of buybacks, they have not yet had a measurable impact on NAV per share.

Q & A Highlights

• Warning! GuruFocus has detected 3 Warning Sign with LSE:APAX.

Q: Can you provide more details on the impact of foreign exchange on the NAV return per share? A: Ralf Russ, Partner, explained that while the total NAV return per share was up 1.7% on a constant currency basis, foreign exchange headwinds resulted in a slightly negative total NAV return per share of 0.2% for the quarter.

Q: What is the current exposure to listed holdings in the Private Equity portfolio? A: Ralf Russ noted that following recent exits, the exposure to residual listed holdings has reduced significantly. Pro forma for ThoughtWorks, the listed exposure was approximately 4% of AGA's net asset value at the end of September.

Q: Could you elaborate on the new capital allocation framework? A: The framework includes regular semi-annual dividends set at 11p per share per annum, equivalent to 5.4% of AGA's September NAV. Additionally, a distribution pool was created for buybacks, initially funded with EUR30 million, with EUR2.2 million worth of shares bought back in Q3.

Q: What is the investment thesis for the recent acquisition of ThoughtWorks? A: The Apax XI fund plans to take ThoughtWorks private to accelerate transformation and operational improvements, which are believed to be more effectively accomplished in a private setting. AGA's total indirect look-through exposure in ThoughtWorks is expected to be EUR54 million once the transaction closes.

Q: How has the debt portfolio performed in Q3 2024? A: The debt portfolio achieved a return of minus 2.2% or positive 0.3% on a currency-adjusted basis, primarily impacted by foreign exchange headwinds. Despite this, the portfolio maintains a strong income yield of approximately 9%, with an average yield to maturity of 11% at the end of the quarter.

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.