Why private equity markets are maintaining long-term appeal
What does the current environment mean for the long-term appeal of private markets? In this article, Titanbay considers recent research into investor sentiment towards private equity and more. You can find more Titanbay insights here.
Private markets are continuing to generate long-term outperformance for investors. More than 70% of limited partners (LPs) say returns on their private equity portfolios have outpaced their public equity holdings over the past decade, according to Coller Capital’s 2022 Summer Global Private Equity Barometer report [1].
This has helped boost lifetime returns. The number of investors who have netted annual returns of more than 16% across the lifetime of their private equity holdings is at a near-record high of 42%, the report showed. The only time it has been higher was in 2007, when 45% reported lifetime returns in excess of 16%.
The report also showed that even if LPs’ funds for each vintage only achieved median performance, a majority would still hit their private equity return targets. This is highest in Asia Pacific, where 88% of LPs would meet their targets with only median performance, compared to 55% in North America.
Family offices increase exposure
These buoyant returns are attracting keen interest in private market assets from a broader array of investors. Family offices, for instance, have steadily increased their allocation to private equity over the past two years. According to UBS’s 2022 Global Family Office Report [2], their allocations rose to 80% this year from 75% in 2020.
Almost three-quarters of family offices (74%) said they are likely to increase their allocation to private equity over the next three to five years because they are attracted by its return potential. UBS data also shows that just over half (52%) said they are also likely to increase their private equity exposure to broaden their opportunity set beyond what is on offer in public markets. These opportunities are coming partly due to a fall in the number of initial public offerings as startups choose to stay private for longer. In the US, the number of private equity-backed companies has skyrocketed over the past two decades from 1,698 in 2000 to 8,892 in 2020.
Private debt still in demand
LPs are most confident about the prospects for private credit in North America and Europe, with just over half saying those regions will be more attractive over the next two years. By contrast, more than two-thirds (68%) say Asia Pacific will be less attractive.
Even so, a third of North American LPs are anticipating an uptick in defaults as central banks increase interest rates, compared to a quarter of LPs in Asia Pacific. European LPs are most optimistic, with only a fifth expecting higher default rates as a result of rising borrowing costs.
More broadly, Coller Capital’s data showed that half of LPs plan to increase their allocation to alternative assets over the next 12 months. Just under half (48%) intend to add to their exposure to infrastructure, while 42% plan to increase private equity allocations and 39% to private credit.
With public market volatility increasing amid surging inflation and higher interest rates, the appeal of private market assets remains clear.
You can find more Titanbay insights here.
[1] Coller Capital
[2] UBS
The views, opinions and estimates expressed herein constitute personal judgments of certain members of the Titanbay Ltd. (Titanbay) team based on current market conditions and are subject to change without notice. This information in no way constitutes Titanbay research and should not be treated as such. Titanbay does not make investment recommendations, and no communication, including this document, should be construed as a recommendation for any security offered on or off the Titanbay investment platform. The views contained herein are not to be taken as advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any investment in any jurisdiction. Any forecasts, figures, opinions or investment techniques and strategies set out are for information purposes only, based on certain assumptions and current market conditions and are subject to change without prior notice. All information presented herein is considered to be accurate at the time of production.
This material does not contain sufficient information to support an investment decision and it should not be relied upon by you in evaluating the merits of investing in any securities or products. In addition, investors should make an independent assessment of the legal, regulatory, tax, credit and accounting implications and determine, together with their own professional advisers, if any investment mentioned herein is believed to be suitable to their personal goals. Investors should ensure that they obtain all available relevant information before making any investment. It should be noted that investment in private placements involves risks, the value of investments and the income from them may fluctuate in accordance with market conditions and taxation agreements and investors may not get back the full amount invested. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Non-affiliated entities mentioned are for informational purposes only and should not be construed as an endorsement or sponsorship of Titanbay.
