Private Equity Session 1 - Introduction
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Questions and Answers

What is the preferred method of valuing VC assets?

  • EBITDA and EBITDA multiple (correct)
  • Discounted cash flow analysis
  • Net asset value
  • Return on equity
  • What is the main goal of a VC investor regarding return rates?

  • Targeting a high IRR (correct)
  • Balancing short-term and long-term gains
  • Achieving a moderate IRR
  • Minimizing risk
  • What does a compound option provide to the investor?

  • Guaranteed profits on future investments
  • A mandatory investment requirement
  • The right but not the obligation to invest more money in the future (correct)
  • The obligation to pay additional capital immediately
  • What should be done with worthless out-of-money options as they reach expiration?

    <p>Abandon them by ignoring sunk costs (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Growth equity investments take place during which stage?

    <p>Pre-IPO stage (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is the growth equity value typically calculated?

    <p>By evaluating estimated sales revenues and a revenue multiple (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements best describes a Leveraged Buyout (LBO)?

    <p>LBOs involve substantial leverage to acquire control of assets (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following stages is typically NOT associated with VC?

    <p>Post-IPO stage (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary component that differentiates enterprise value from equity value?

    <p>Outstanding debt (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a key attribute of a successful business plan for VC investors?

    <p>It should clearly state the business strategy (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a compound option in the context of venture capital?

    <p>An option on an option (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which stage of investment comes directly after the venture capital stage?

    <p>Growth equity (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of control do growth equity securities typically have?

    <p>Minority position (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary source of growth for growth equity investments?

    <p>Increase in firm revenue and profitability (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following practices should growth equity investors follow concerning major changes?

    <p>They require notification and consent about major changes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about cash flow in growth equity is accurate?

    <p>They may have little to no interest payments (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of covenants in a loan agreement?

    <p>To control risk for lenders (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of covenant requires the borrower to take a specific action when a specified event occurs?

    <p>Incurrence covenant (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes affirmative covenants?

    <p>Requirements for maintaining minimum income for interest payments (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does a maintenance covenant require from the borrower?

    <p>Quarterly performance testing of financial ratios (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can happen if a borrower fails to maintain the covenants?

    <p>They achieve technical default on the loan (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the capital structure of a firm?

    <p>The mixture of equity and debt in a firm (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a bankruptcy scenario, which type of financing typically has the highest credit quality?

    <p>First-lien debt (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do lenders usually require to protect their interests regarding excess cash flow?

    <p>Payment of asset sales proceeds to debt holders instead of equity holders (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is mezzanine debt often viewed as?

    <p>A form of equity investment (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factor influences the number of warrants issued in mezzanine debt?

    <p>The coupon rate (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of mezzanine financing?

    <p>It generally involves control of the company (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a typical exit strategy for mezzanine debt?

    <p>When the company goes public (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key reason middle-market companies utilize mezzanine financing?

    <p>They face inefficiencies in capital markets (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement accurately reflects the risk profile of mezzanine financing?

    <p>It reflects a moderate risk profile with lower returns (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a feature that differentiates mezzanine debt from traditional VC investments?

    <p>Mezzanine debt is suitable for companies with reliable cash flows (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is mezzanine debt typically characterized in terms of liquidity?

    <p>Highly negotiated and very illiquid (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a defining characteristic of business development companies (BDCs)?

    <p>They transform underlying assets into shares. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary disadvantage of private equity funds of funds compared to single GP investments?

    <p>They have to pay double layers of management fees. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement about PIPEs is correct?

    <p>They are exempt from registration and issued outside of public offerings. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What advantage does a closed-end fund structure provide for illiquid asset ownership?

    <p>It facilitates liquid ownership of illiquid assets better than open-end structures. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What key skill is NOT essential for successful investing in private equity?

    <p>Extensive legal knowledge. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do BDCs compare to listed equities in terms of diversification?

    <p>They provide similar levels of diversification. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common use for funds of funds in private equity?

    <p>They serve as a first step into private equity investments. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is TRUE about the performance of business development companies?

    <p>It is highly correlated with equities of similar capitalization sizes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of 'normal' loans issued by banks?

    <p>They typically require a direct approach to the bank. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do primary and secondary loan markets serve?

    <p>They exist because banks cannot afford large exposures to single clients. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about big investment banks and loan investments is true?

    <p>They are reducing their loan investments due to high cash requirements. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is meant by 'direct lending'?

    <p>Money is lent directly without involving traditional banks. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a 'shadow bank'?

    <p>A non-bank entity that participates in the lending market. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor contributes to the spread difference in direct lending?

    <p>The specific ratings assigned to borrowers. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a reason why banks shy away from very large loans?

    <p>They must hold significant cash reserves which can be costly. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is indicated by the term 'non-refi-issuance' in the context of loans?

    <p>It suggests that these loans are newly issued. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What advantage does Modified Internal Rate of Return (MIRR) have over traditional IRR?

    <p>MIRR assumes cash flows are reinvested at a predetermined hurdle rate. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which issue is commonly associated with the use of IRR in performance measurement?

    <p>IRR calculations can yield multiple ambiguous solutions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a recommended practice for reporting investment performance?

    <p>Showing performance based on actual cash flow timings, net of fees. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What challenge is presented when comparing IRR to time-varying benchmarks?

    <p>Individual investment patterns may not align with benchmarks. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why might fund managers be incentivized to manipulate cash flows?

    <p>To showcase higher Internal Rates of Return (IRR). (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary advantage for an investor choosing to engage in co-investments?

    <p>Reduction in management fees (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of investor constitutes nearly 80% of the invested capital in private equity?

    <p>Institutional investors (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary reason why some pension funds limit their exposure to private equity to a maximum of 5%?

    <p>Concern over liquidity issues (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the investment lifecycle in venture capital typically begin?

    <p>With capital committed but not yet collected (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of an investment advisor in a private equity firm?

    <p>Advise on areas of investment (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which investment method represents the most indirect way to invest in private equity?

    <p>Investment in a fund-of-funds (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factor contributes to the higher return rates of certain private equity investments as compared to investments in funds?

    <p>Avoidance of additional fees (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which investor is described as seeking to collaborate with private equity firms but faces challenges due to high salary costs?

    <p>Institutional investors (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a fundamental characteristic of floating rate notes compared to fixed rate notes?

    <p>They reset to market interest rates periodically. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which description accurately defines a fulcrum security in the context of reorganization?

    <p>The most senior debt security likely to be repaid with equity. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key difference regarding liquidity between bonds and loans?

    <p>Bonds are publicly traded with higher liquidity. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the duration of a fixed-rate bond respond to rising interest rates?

    <p>The value of the bond declines. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of private equity funds, what does a loan-to-own objective primarily focus on?

    <p>The value of the asset and the company that could be repossessed. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What typically characterizes loans in terms of default risk compared to bonds?

    <p>Loans are the most senior debt in the capital structure. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to fixed-rate debt when interest rates rise?

    <p>Its value declines as new debt requires higher yields. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which aspect of duration is generally lower in floating-rate notes compared to fixed-rate notes?

    <p>The interest rate risk associated with the notes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following accurately characterizes leveraged loans?

    <p>They provide capital for acquisitions, refinancing, or working capital. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of venture capitalists during the investment process?

    <p>Actively monitoring progress and implementing incentive plans. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of companies is venture capital primarily aimed at supporting?

    <p>Young firms with high growth potential but without substantial revenue. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best describes the cash flow expectations from venture capital investments?

    <p>They are generally anticipated to be negative for several years. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key feature of growth equity investments?

    <p>They provide capital to firms with established track records but looking for expansion. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What unique characteristic defines the securities involved in venture capital?

    <p>They are typically preferred stocks or equity-linked securities. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical investment horizon for venture capital investments?

    <p>5-10 years. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a significant risk associated with venture capital investments?

    <p>They are inherently illiquid and based on unproven ideas. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines a leveraged loan?

    <p>It has a coupon that is at least 125 to 200 basis points over LIBOR. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is meant by the term 'dry powder' in private equity funds?

    <p>The amount committed but not yet called (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which option best describes the role of distressed debt investors during bankruptcy?

    <p>They must understand the bankruptcy procedure for potential investment. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a primary function of a private equity fund?

    <p>Providing long-term loans with low-interest rates (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a bankruptcy scenario, which type of debt typically has the lowest recovery rate?

    <p>Subordinated debt (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key disadvantage of a VC fund's fundraising phase?

    <p>Capital is locked up for a minimum term (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes debtor-in-possession financing?

    <p>It is a form of financing for firms that have filed for bankruptcy to continue operations. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do private equity funds play in the context of financing companies?

    <p>Facilitating investment in companies facing lending difficulties (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key characteristic of leveraged loans in the secondary market?

    <p>They have high priority in corporate reorganizations. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During which stage of a VC fund's life cycle is capital actually drawn down for the first time?

    <p>Investing stage (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of prepacked bankruptcy filing?

    <p>To reach an agreement with creditors in advance of bankruptcy proceedings. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary motivation for private equity funds to invest in companies?

    <p>To exploit inefficiencies in financial markets (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'cramdown' refer to in bankruptcy proceedings?

    <p>A legal mechanism to force acceptance of a reorganization plan by creditors. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of the 'vintage year' in venture capital?

    <p>The year when the first capital calls are made (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes direct lending from traditional banking?

    <p>It occurs outside of the established banking system. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential risk associated with private equity investments?

    <p>The general partner having no limited liability (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key advantage of Modified Internal Rate of Return (MIRR) compared to traditional IRR?

    <p>MIRR assumes cash flows are reinvested at a predetermined hurdle rate. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a recommendation for reporting performance metrics?

    <p>Avoid artificially grouping cash flows to inflate IRR. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is comparing IRR with time-varying benchmarks considered problematic?

    <p>IRR does not reflect changing investment patterns over time. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What problem is associated with IRR calculations?

    <p>IRR may result in multiple solutions or fail to converge. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the Implementation of Modified IRR (IMIRR) provide for individual investments?

    <p>A specific approach tailored for individual cash flows. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a notable characteristic of a venture fund's J-Curve?

    <p>It has more extreme negative cash flows initially. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What major risk differentiates private equity from public equity?

    <p>Liquidity risk (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the GP-LP relationship life cycle, what challenge is particularly faced by first-time fund managers?

    <p>They struggle to establish a unique value proposition. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should an investor always request when investing in private equity?

    <p>A listing of all fees associated with the investment. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What occurs during the catch-up phase in private equity?

    <p>General partners can catch up on fees charged previously. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which fee might be hidden in private equity investments that investors should be wary of?

    <p>Transaction fees (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common misconception about cash flow in venture capital?

    <p>Cash flow is always positive in early years. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What typically limits the liquidity of private equity investments?

    <p>The lack of a secondary market. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary focus when valuing VC assets?

    <p>EBITDA and EBITDA multiple (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is typically used to determine the investment threshold in venture capital?

    <p>Required rate of return (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes a compound option?

    <p>A right without obligation to acquire additional capital (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common approach when deciding on worthless out-of-money options?

    <p>To abandon them while disregarding sunk costs (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What stage follows the VC stage in the investment process?

    <p>Growth equity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes a Leveraged Buyout (LBO) from traditional investments?

    <p>LBOs involve a complete acquisition of a company (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the revenue multiple indicate in the context of growth equity value calculation?

    <p>The enterprise value to anticipated revenues at time T (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following factors is not considered a key to successful VC investing?

    <p>Holding onto investments regardless of market conditions (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of PIPE securities typically involve a higher illiquidity, thus leading to a greater discount on the PIPE issue price?

    <p>Privately placed common stock (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key advantage of PIPE issuers in raising capital?

    <p>Fast capital accumulation without extensive registration (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following defines a Structured PIPE?

    <p>Includes exotic securities like floating rate convertible preferred stock (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary reason investors may need to liquidate their investments in a secondary market?

    <p>To raise cash for funding requirements (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is NOT associated with Traditional PIPEs?

    <p>Floating conversion price (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What may be necessary for Limited Partners (LPs) to sell their shares in the secondary market?

    <p>General Partner (GP) permission (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of PIPE has features such as adjustable conversion terms?

    <p>Toxic PIPE (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which option provides a defined quantity of stock that can be sold at intervals of time?

    <p>Equity line of credit (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical carried interest percentage earned by GPs in private equity funds?

    <p>20% (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does a clawback provision ensure for Limited Partners (LPs)?

    <p>They receive back incentive fees under certain conditions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a potential issue created by high hurdle rates for fund managers?

    <p>They may lead to excessive risk-taking behaviors. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the main compensation structures for private equity managers?

    <p>Percentage of committed capital. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes drawdown funds in private equity?

    <p>Investor commitments are called as needed. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can the payment mechanism for carried interest vary?

    <p>It can be compounded at different intervals. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key difference between bonds and loans regarding liquidity?

    <p>Bonds are publicly traded securities with relatively high liquidity. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What incentive might encourage GPs to act against the best interests of the LPs?

    <p>A high percentage of carried interest. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What determines the default risk in capital structure?

    <p>Loans are typically the most senior debt instruments. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common consequence if a venture fund fails to meet its annualized preferred return?

    <p>GPs must repay incentive fees through clawback provisions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does fixed-rate debt behave when interest rates rise?

    <p>Its value declines. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What dilemma do fund managers typically face regarding hurdle rates?

    <p>Choosing between short-term and long-term investment strategies. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characteristic distinguishes floating-rate notes from fixed-rate notes?

    <p>Floating-rate notes reset to new market interest rates periodically. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the impact of rising interest rates on longer-duration notes?

    <p>They decline more in value compared to shorter-duration notes. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes a fulcrum security?

    <p>The most senior debt security possibly converted to equity. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary return mechanism for bonds?

    <p>Coupon payments based on fixed rates. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Enterprise Value

    The total value of a company calculated by adding its equity value to its outstanding debt and subtracting cash on hand.

    EBITDA

    A financial metric used to value a company's assets by considering its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization.

    Discounted Enterprise Value

    A method of valuing a company's future worth by discounting its projected future value based on a high required rate of return.

    Business Plan

    A document outlining a company's business strategy, market niche, resource needs, and financial projections, used by Venture Capital (VC) investors to make investment decisions.

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    Compound Option

    An option that gives the holder the right, but not the obligation, to buy another option at a predetermined price in the future. A VC investment can be viewed as a series of options that grant the investor the right to invest in subsequent stages of the venture.

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    Growth Equity

    A type of investment that focuses on companies with high growth potential, typically occurring after the initial VC stages and before an IPO or buyout.

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    Growth Equity Securities

    A minority equity investment that provides the investor with a significant share in liquidation proceeds, often structured as convertible preferred stock or debt.

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    Growth Equity Investment

    A stage of investment that focuses on providing funding to support the growth of a company's revenue and profitability.

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    EBITDA Valuation

    A method of valuing VC assets based on the company's earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) and a multiple applied to that figure.

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    Internal Rate of Return (IRR)

    The rate of return required by venture capitalists to justify their investment, calculated as a percentage.

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    Growth Capital

    The final financing round before a company goes public (IPO) or is acquired.

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    Leveraged Buyout (LBO)

    The process of acquiring a controlling interest in a company using a significant amount of debt financing.

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    Business Development Companies (BDCs)

    Publicly traded funds with underlying assets like equity or equity-like positions in small private companies.

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    BDCs as Closed-End Funds

    A closed-end fund structure facilitates liquid ownership of illiquid assets like shares in private companies.

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    PE Funds of Funds

    Private fund structures with underlying assets composed of private PE funds. They offer access to multiple PE funds, but come with double layers of management and incentive fees.

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    Private Investments in Public Equity (PIPE)

    Privately issued equity or equity-linked securities placed outside of a public offering. Used by publicly traded companies to raise capital directly from investors.

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    IPO Likelihood for LBO vs. VC

    An IPO is more likely for an LBO than for a VC deal because LBOs typically involve established companies with a clear path to profitability and a stronger track record, making them more attractive to public investors.

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    Funds of Funds for Beginner PE Investors

    Funds of funds can be a good starting point for individuals new to private equity investing because they provide access to a diversified portfolio of private equity funds with less risk than individual investments.

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    BDC Diversification

    BDCs do not always diversify portfolios better than listed equities because their performance is closely tied to the performance of the broader equity market.

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    Skills Needed for Successful PE Investing

    Investing in private equity successfully requires specific skills, including building wide networks, making sound investment judgments, and assembling well-balanced portfolios.

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    Direct Lending

    Loan market where institutions and individuals lend money to borrowers directly, bypassing traditional banks.

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    Big Issuers

    Large institutions, such as banks or funds, that specialize in lending large sums of money to businesses and individuals.

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    Non-Refi Issuance

    A type of loan that is not backed by an underlying asset, such as a house or car. These loans are considered riskier and typically carry higher interest rates.

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    Spread

    The difference between the interest rate a borrower pays on a loan and the interest rate a lender earns on the same loan. It is often used as a measure of risk.

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    Rating Grade

    A rating system used to assess the creditworthiness of borrowers, which in turn influences the interest rates they pay.

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    Very Big Loans

    Large loans that are typically too big for traditional banks to handle. They are often issued by specialized institutions in the primary and secondary loan markets.

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    Normal Loans

    These types of loans are issued by banks in the traditional sense.

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    Big Investment Banks

    Investment banks that are actively involved in lending and providing financial services.

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    Affirmative Covenant

    A requirement imposed by a lender that a borrower must maintain a minimum income level to ensure interest payments can be made.

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    Negative Covenant

    A prohibition placed on a borrower by a lender, restricting certain actions like increasing debt levels.

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    Incurrence Covenant

    A covenant that requires the borrower to take or avoid specific actions when a particular event happens. For example, maintaining a debt-to-EBITDA ratio below a certain limit.

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    Maintenance Covenant

    A type of covenant stricter than an incurrence covenant, requiring the borrower to meet a specified condition periodically, such as every quarter. This gives lenders early warning of potential problems.

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    Capital Structure

    The mix of debt and equity used to finance a company's operations.

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    Capital Stack

    The order of priority for different types of debt and equity in a company's capital structure, determining how much each investor gets in a bankruptcy scenario.

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    Recovery Rate

    The percentage of the original investment that a creditor can expect to recover in the event of a company's default.

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    Preservation of Collateral

    The ability of a lender to control risk through covenants by limiting the size of the loan relative to the value of the company's assets.

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    Mezzanine Debt

    A hybrid form of financing that combines debt and equity characteristics. It offers a higher return than traditional debt but lower risk than equity.

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    Mezzanine Financing

    A type of debt financing typically used by companies that have reliable cash flows, but may not qualify for traditional bank loans. It often involves higher interest rates than traditional debt, but also includes equity kicker.

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    Equity Kicker

    A provision that gives the mezzanine debt holder the right to purchase equity in the company at a pre-defined price (usually a very low strike price). This is often used to increase returns for the mezzanine debt holder.

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    Warrant

    A security that gives the holder the right to buy a certain number of shares in a company at a specific price (strike price) within a certain period of time.

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    Why is Mezzanine financing used?

    Mezzanine financing is typically used by companies that are too small or risky for traditional bank loans, but not yet ready for public markets. This is due to inefficiencies and imperfections in the capital market for these companies.

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    How does Mezzanine financing lower capital costs?

    Mezzanine financing can lower overall capital costs for a company by reducing the need for equity financing. This is because mezzanine debt holders are willing to accept a higher risk than traditional debt holders.

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    Why is Mezzanine debt considered equity-like?

    Mezzanine debt is often seen as an equity investment due to the potential for a higher return through the equity kicker. However, it is still technically considered debt.

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    Why is Mezzanine financing illiquid?

    Mezzanine financing typically involves negotiated transactions between the lender and borrower, making it less liquid than traditional debt or equity markets.

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    How are VC assets valued?

    VC investments are typically valued using EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) and a multiple applied to it.

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    How is VC modeling done?

    In VC modeling, the future enterprise value is discounted using a high required rate of return, which is typically reflected in the target IRR (Internal Rate of Return).

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    What is a compound option in VC?

    A compound option is the right, but not the obligation, to invest additional capital at a later stage, similar to buying a call option in finance. This option can be exercised or abandoned at the expiration date.

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    What are key strategies for successful VC investing?

    Identifying underestimated potential in projects, gathering information to assess profitability, and abandoning failing investments without attachment to sunk costs are key to successful VC investing.

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    What is growth equity?

    Growth equity is a later stage investment after VC, often used for expansion or IPO readiness. It's not clearly separated from late-stage VC, and the stages can overlap.

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    How is growth equity valued?

    Growth equity valuation uses projected future revenue and a revenue multiple to estimate the future enterprise value.

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    What is a Leveraged Buyout (LBO)?

    Leveraged Buyouts (LBOs) involve acquiring control of a company with significant debt financing, aiming to improve profitability through operational improvements and debt repayment.

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    How does an LBO differ from traditional investments?

    An LBO differs from traditional investments by using a large amount of debt to finance the acquisition and focusing on improving the acquired company's profitability and debt repayment.

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    Leveraged Loans

    Loans with high interest rates and low credit ratings, often used for acquisitions, refinancing, or working capital.

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    Venture Capital to IPO

    This strategy aims to invest in young companies that have high growth potential but lack a strong track record. The goal is to help them grow into publicly traded companies.

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    Growth Equity to IPO

    This strategy focuses on providing capital to companies that have already demonstrated growth and are on the brink of IPO. These companies are larger and have a more established track record.

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    Buyout to IPO

    This strategy involves acquiring a publicly traded company, taking it private, and then often taking it public again after some improvements. The goal is to create value by improving operations and financial performance.

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    Venture Capital (VC)

    Venture capital (VC) invests in early-stage companies with high growth potential but limited track records. They aim to help these companies grow into large, successful businesses.

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    VC Securities

    VC securities are privately held stakes in companies, often in the form of stock or equity-linked securities. Their goal is to become larger and eventually go public.

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    VC Exits

    VC exits are the ways in which investors realize their gains from VC investments. The most common exit strategy is through an IPO, where the company goes public and investors sell their shares.

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    VC Investments: Risk and Reward

    Investing in VC requires understanding that big wins need to cover many failures. Not all investments will be successful, but the ones that do can generate significant returns.

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    Undrawn Commitment (Dry Powder)

    The amount of capital that investors have committed to a PE fund but has not yet been called upon by the fund manager. It represents the fund's potential to make future investments.

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    Drawdown Funds

    A type of private equity fund where investor commitments are called only as needed.

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    Limited Partnership (LP)

    A limited partnership structure where investors (Limited Partners) provide capital and share in profits, but liability is limited to their investment. The general partner (GP) manages the fund and has unlimited liability.

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    Loan-to-Own Objective

    A private equity investment strategy where the investor focuses on both the value of the underlying asset and the potential to improve the company's value.

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    PE Funds as Intermediaries

    PE funds act as financial intermediaries by pooling capital from investors, investing in private companies, and providing management expertise. They bridge the gap between investors seeking high returns and private companies needing funding.

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    Fulcrum Security

    The most senior debt security in a company's capital structure, most likely to be repaid with equity during a reorganization.

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    Fundraising Stage

    The process where a PE fund raises capital from investors to invest in private companies. This capital is committed but usually not collected until needed for specific investments or expenses.

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    Liquidity in Bonds vs. Loans

    Bonds are publicly traded debt securities with higher liquidity, while loans are privately traded and more illiquid, requiring an illiquidity premium.

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    Sourcing Investments

    The stage where the PE fund actively seeks potential investment opportunities. This involves analyzing business plans, conducting due diligence, and assessing the company's potential for growth.

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    Default Risk in Bonds vs. Loans

    Loans are typically the most senior debt instrument in the capital structure, with a higher recovery rate in bankruptcy than bonds.

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    Investing Stage

    The stage where the PE fund manager decides which companies to invest in and allocates capital from the fund. This involves making capital calls to the investors (Limited Partners) to draw down committed capital to fund the investment.

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    Interest Rate Risk in Bonds vs. Loans

    Bonds typically have fixed interest rates and are not callable, while loans often have floating rates and are callable.

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    Controlling and Monitoring

    The stage where the PE fund actively manages its portfolio companies through monitoring performance, providing guidance, and seeking to maximize returns. This can involve improving operations, restructuring, or finding strategic buyers.

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    Fixed Rate Duration

    When interest rates rise, fixed-rate debt declines in value, and this risk is measured by duration.

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    Exit Stage

    The stage where the PE fund seeks to exit its investments, typically through an IPO (Initial Public Offering), a sale to another company, or a buy-back by the management team. This strategy aims to maximize returns for investors

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    Floating Rate Duration

    Floating rate coupons adjust periodically to new market interest rates, minimizing interest rate risk.

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    What is an investment advisor in the context of private equity?

    An investment advisor assists private equity firms in managing their funds. The investment advisor often operates as a separate entity and receives a management fee for their services. The investment advisor agreement outlines the advisor's responsibilities, including where to invest, and the management fee is a crucial aspect of the agreement. Typically, the investment advisor is owned by the general partner (GP).

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    Who are some of the key investors in private equity?

    Institutional investors like pension funds, insurance companies, and state funds are major contributors to private equity investments. They often provide significant capital, representing a large percentage of the total money invested in private equity. Examples include CalPERS (California Public Employees' Retirement System) in the United States and CPP (Canada Pension Plan) in Canada.

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    What is the most direct way to invest in private equity?

    The most direct way to invest in private equity is by directly investing in companies. This way, you don't require a fund to facilitate your investment.

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    What is a fund-of-funds in private equity?

    A fund-of-funds is an indirect approach to investing in private equity. The investor invests in the fund-of-funds, which then invests in other funds that ultimately invest in companies.

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    How else can you invest in private equity?

    Private equity investors can also invest directly in a fund. This approach allows them to participate in a fund's investments without managing the fund themselves.

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    What are co-investments in private equity?

    Co-investments involve investors who are already part of a fund also directly investing in a company. They buy shares alongside the fund, allowing them to save on fees since they are directly invested in the company. Typically, investors allocate around 90% of their capital to the fund and 10% to co-investments.

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    How does capital commitment typically work in private equity?

    Private equity funds typically raise capital from investors but don't collect it all at once. Instead, they draw down capital as needed when they make investments. Investors are required to provide the committed capital on a short timeline when the fund asks for it.

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    How do venture capitalist usually source investments?

    Personal networks play a crucial role in sourcing private equity investments. Venture capitalists often rely on their connections and industry relationships to identify promising opportunities.

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    Modified Internal Rate of Return (MIRR)

    A method of calculating returns that assumes reinvestment at a predetermined rate, aligning manager and investor interests and avoiding manipulation.

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    Isolated MIRR (IMIRR)

    A metric used to measure the return on individual investments within a private equity fund, as opposed to the fund as a whole.

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    Intermediary Dividend Manipulation

    A situation where one can manipulate cash flows to inflate the IRR, even if it leads to a decrease in the overall value of the investment.

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    Distorted Comparisons in IRR

    A weakness of IRR where it's difficult to compare returns against benchmarks like stock indices because of varying investment patterns over time.

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    Computational and Ranking Issues with IRR

    A situation where IRR calculations produce multiple solutions or don't converge due to complex computational processes.

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    Recovery Rate in Bankruptcy

    The percentage of the original debt amount that creditors can expect to recover from a company's assets in a bankruptcy scenario.

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    Reorganization Bankruptcy

    A type of bankruptcy where a company negotiates with its creditors to restructure its debts and continue operating. This is usually preferred for companies with strong potential but struggling financial performance.

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    Absolute Priority Rule

    A type of bankruptcy where all creditors get a fair share of the company's assets based on their priority, with senior debt holders usually getting paid before junior debt holders and equity holders.

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    Distressed Debt Investing

    Investing in debt securities of companies facing financial distress or potential bankruptcy, often with the expectation that the company will restructure or recover through bankruptcy.

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    Prepacked Bankruptcy

    A pre-negotiated bankruptcy plan where creditors have already agreed to the terms before filing for bankruptcy, simplifying the process and potentially reducing costs.

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    Cramdown

    A type of bankruptcy where a judge can impose a plan on creditors, even if they don't agree, if it's considered fair and in the best interest of all involved.

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    EBITDA Valuation for VC Assets

    A method of valuing VC assets that uses EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) and applies a multiple to it.

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    Discounted Enterprise Value in VC

    A method of VC modeling where the estimated future enterprise value is discounted using a high required rate of return, often reflected by the target IRR (Internal Rate of Return).

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    Compound Option in VC

    The right, but not the obligation, to invest additional capital at a later stage in a VC-backed company. This can be viewed as buying a call option in finance.

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    Clawback provision

    A clause in a private equity fund agreement that allows limited partners (LPs) to reclaim incentive fees paid to general partners (GPs) if the fund's returns fall below a certain threshold.

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    Carried interest

    The percentage of realized profits from a private equity fund that is distributed to the general partner (GP) as an incentive fee.

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    Hurdle rate

    A minimum return that limited partners (LPs) must receive before the general partner (GP) starts to earn carried interest.

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    Perverse incentives from fees

    A situation where the design of fees and incentives in private equity funds can lead to fund managers taking excessive risks or making sub-optimal investment decisions.

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    J-Curve

    A visual representation of the typical return profile of a private equity investment over time. It shows a period of initial negative cash flows followed by a sharp increase in returns.

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    Liquidity Risk

    The risk that an investor in private equity may not be able to easily sell their investment due to the lack of a liquid market for private company shares.

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    GP-LP Relationship Life Cycle

    The relationship between the general partner (GP) who manages a private equity fund and the limited partners (LPs) who invest in the fund, evolving over time as the fund matures.

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    Catch-up Clause

    A clause in a private equity fund's investment agreement that ensures investors receive a return on their investment above a certain hurdle rate before the general partner receives any carried interest.

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    Leveraged Buyout (LBO) Funds

    Private equity funds that use a significant amount of debt financing to acquire companies, aiming to improve profitability through operational improvements and debt repayment.

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    PE Management Fees

    The fees charged by private equity fund managers to manage the fund, often a percentage of the fund's assets under management.

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    Most Favored Nation Clause

    A clause in a private equity investment agreement that guarantees investors the same terms or better as any other investor in the fund.

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    IPO (Initial Public Offering)

    The initial public offering process, where a private company becomes publicly traded on a stock exchange.

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    PE Exit

    The process by which private equity investors exit their investments, typically through an IPO, sale to another company, or buyback by the management team.

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    Fund of Funds (PE)

    A type of private equity fund that invests in other private equity funds, offering investors access to a diversified portfolio of private equity investments.

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    Study Notes

    Private Equity Session 1 - Introduction

    • Private equity is often used as an umbrella term for private markets

    • Private markets include private equity (VC, growth equity, buyout), private debt (leveraged loans, mezzanine, distressed), and real assets (real estate, commodities, infrastructure)

    • Private equity is often used for investments in high-risk projects

    • Investors in private equity are involved to help companies grow

    • Private equity investments are riskier than listed investments but provide potentially higher returns

    • Growth of private assets under management has been constantly pushed, especially in 2021/2022, due to the poor performance of the stock market, making alternative investments more attractive.

    • Private equity is correlated with public markets

    • Interest rates affect the cost of financing for PE firms and valuations of potential investments

    Private Equity Definitions

    • Definitions:
      • Private markets overview

      • Venture Capital (VC): investments in nascent start-up companies

      • Growth equity: investments in companies too large for VC but too small for a typical buyout

      • Leveraged buyouts (LBOs): investments in established, mature companies

    • Current Trends:
      • Current trends and developments in private markets

    Summary of Private Equity

    • Private equity encompasses private market investments in companies, debt, and real assets. Private equity firms help grow companies by investing capital. The risk is higher than listed investments but the returns are potentially higher.
    • Investment performance is affected by the correlation to public markets and interest rates.
    • Investors should be cautious of investing in private equity as it is not a guaranteed positive investment.

    Learning Objectives

    • Understand different asset types in private markets
    • Understand venture capital (VC), growth equity, and leveraged buyout (LBO) market characteristics and valuation.
    • Key definitions, value drivers/return calculations, and exit mechanisms

    What is Private Equity

    • Investors get involved to help companies grow and secure a large return
    • Often buy assets to help a company grow; venture capital is an example
    • Risk is bigger than listed investments, leading to potentially higher returns

    Growth of Private Assets Under Management

    • Growth was driven by the poor performance of the stock market in 2021-2022, making alternative investments, like private equity, more enticing.
    • Private equity investments are correlated with public markets.
    • Interest rates influence funding costs and valuations.

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    Private Equity Summary PDF

    Description

    This quiz introduces the foundational concepts of private equity, covering its components, risks, and the impact of market conditions on investments. Explore the definitions of key terms and understand how private equity interacts with both private and public markets.

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