Note Card Set: Private Equity

1. Definition of Private Equity (PE)

Investment in privately held companies or buyouts of public companies, leading to their delisting from public stock exchanges.

2. Types of Private Equity Investments

Venture Capital: Investing in early-stage companies.
Growth Capital: Providing capital to expand existing companies.
Buyouts: Acquiring a controlling interest in a company.
Distressed Investments: Buying troubled companies to restructure.

3. Structure of a Private Equity Fund

Limited Partners (LPs): Investors providing capital (e.g., pension funds, wealthy individuals).
General Partners (GPs): Fund managers making investment decisions.

4. Fundraising Process

GPs raise capital through a series of fundraising rounds, targeting institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals.

5. Investment Thesis

A strategy that outlines how the fund intends to create value in its portfolio companies, including industry focus and operational improvements.

6. Due Diligence Process

Comprehensive evaluation of potential investments, including financial, operational, and legal assessments.

7. Valuation Methods

Discounted Cash Flow (DCF): Projecting future cash flows and discounting them to present value.
Comparable Company Analysis: Valuing a company based on the valuation multiples of similar companies.

8. Deal Structure

Includes terms such as equity stake, debt financing, management fees, and preferred returns.

9. Leverage in Private Equity

Use of borrowed funds (debt) to increase potential returns on investment (leveraged buyouts).

10. Value Creation Strategies

Operational improvements, cost cutting, revenue growth, and strategic realignment of the business.

11. Exit Strategies

Ways to realize investment returns, including IPOs, strategic sales, or secondary buyouts.

12. Timeline of Investment

Typical PE investments range from 4 to 7 years, with GPs aiming for exits within this timeframe.

13. Performance Metrics

Internal Rate of Return (IRR): Annualized effective compounded return.
Multiple on Invested Capital (MOIC): Total value returned relative to invested capital.

14. Risks Associated with PE

Market risk, operational risk, illiquidity, and valuation risk.

15. Regulatory Environment

PE firms must comply with regulations governing securities, taxes, and corporate governance.

16. Current Trends in Private Equity

Increasing interest in technology, sustainability, and healthcare sectors.

17. Role of Technology

Utilizing data analytics and software tools to enhance investment decisions and operational efficiencies.

18. Impact of Globalization

PE firms are expanding their investments into emerging markets for growth opportunities.

19. Key Players in PE

Major firms include Blackstone, KKR, Carlyle Group, and Bain Capital.

20. Networking and Relationships

Building strong relationships with industry professionals, brokers, and entrepreneurs is crucial for sourcing deals.

21. Operational Focus

Engaging with portfolio companies post-investment to implement changes and track performance.

22. Fund Lifecycle

Phases include fundraising, investing, managing portfolio companies, and exiting.

23. Investor Returns

LPs typically receive a preferred return before GPs take their share of profits (carried interest).

24. Carried Interest

The percentage of profits (usually 20%) that GPs receive as compensation after returning capital to LPs.

25. Market Outlook

PE market growth is driven by low-interest rates, availability of capital, and increasing demand for private investments.

26. Economic Cycle Impact

PE performance can be counter-cyclical, as firms can acquire distressed assets during downturns.

27. Legal Structures

PE funds are typically structured as limited partnerships for tax and liability benefits.

28. Sector-Specific Funds

Funds may specialize in sectors such as healthcare, technology, consumer products, etc.

29. Private Equity and ESG

Growing emphasis on environmental, social, and governance factors in investment decisions.

30. Career Paths in Private Equity

Roles include analysts, associates, VPs, and managing directors, often requiring a finance or business background.

31. Exit Timing Considerations

Economic conditions, company performance, and industry trends influence when to exit an investment.

32. Impact of Technology on PE

Digital transformation and innovation are crucial for operational improvements in portfolio companies.

33. Resources for Further Learning

Books, podcasts, online courses (e.g., Coursera, Udemy), and industry reports for in-depth understanding.

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