Results

Private Market Steady Growth was Overshadowed by the S&P 500’s Gains

(NOTE: Both the LPMI and S&P 500 EV returns above reflect enterprise values)
(S&P 500 EV excludes financial companies for which enterprise value is generally not meaningful; however, including such companies produces similar results)

Sector Breakdown

Healthcare Valuations Improve Despite Increased Regulatory Scrutiny

Examining the LPMI

EBITDA Multiples versus Earnings

Examining the LPMI

Lower Middle Market vs Middle Market vs Large Corporate Sub-Indices

(Low is includes companies with LTM EBITDA <$20 million, Mid includes companies with LTM EBITDA of $20 million to $50 million and High includes companies with $50 million to $250 million)

Summary

The LPMI

General Observations

• Private company EVs increased for the seventh consecutive quarter as the LPMI increased 1.4%, driven by improved earnings.
• S&P 500 EVs grew more than the LPMI in Q1 2024 as the S&P 500 increase was driven by multiple expansion, whereas the LPMI was driven by improved performance.
• Since its inception in Q1 2014, the LPMI has shown that private company EV multiples have been less volatile than public company multiples and that earnings are the primary factor driving long-term value creation.

Enterprise Value Results

• Revenue growth continues to slow as inflation cools; however, companies grew earnings for the 14th consecutive quarter, highlighting the successful stewardship provided by PE sponsors.
• New leveraged buyout transaction multiples remained notably below peak levels in 2021 as sellers and buyers remain in a staredown; however, competition for A+ deals increased, driving optimism for valuation multiple increases as 2024 progresses.
• Smaller companies’ performance proved to be resilient as they grew earnings at the greatest rate in Q1 2024, although larger companies continue to be the beneficiaries of more stable performance and multiples.

Industry Breakdown on an Enterprise Value Basis

• Healthcare EVs improved despite recent regulatory pressures and potential election concerns; however, it remains to be seen if valuations will be impacted moving forward.
• Industrial companies saw improved EVs despite slowed earnings growth and rising covenant defaults.

Methodology

Source of Data and Sample Size

On a quarterly basis, Lincoln determines the enterprise fair value of over 5,000+ portfolio companies for over 175 sponsors (i.e., PE groups and lenders to PE groups). These portfolio companies report quarterly financial results to the sponsor or lender. Lincoln obtains this information and determines the appropriate EV multiple so as to compute the EV in accordance with the fair value measurement principles of generally accepted accounting principles. In assessing EV, Lincoln relies on well-accepted valuation methodologies such as the market approach and income approach considering each company’s historical and projected performance and other qualitative and quantitative factors. Finally, each valuation is then vetted by auditors, company management, boards of directors and regulators. Upon concluding each quarterly valuation cycle, Lincoln aggregates the underlying financial performance and EV data for analysis.

To construct the LPMI, Lincoln selects a subsection of the companies valued each quarter, including private companies each generating earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of less than $250.0 million, disregarding venture-stage businesses and non-operating entities, such as special purpose entities that own real estate and specialty finance assets.

For more information, visit www.lincolninternational.com/services/valuations-and-opinions/lincolnpmi

Academic Advisors

Professor Steven Kaplan

Professor Steven Kaplan is a Senior Advisor to Lincoln’s Valuations and Opinions Group. He is the Neubauer Family Distinguished Service Professor of Entrepreneurship and Finance and Kessenich E.P. Faculty Director at the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Among other courses, Professor Kaplan teaches advanced Master of Business Administration and executive courses in entrepreneurial finance and PE, corporate finance, corporate governance and wealth management. Professor Kaplan conducts research on a wide array of issues in private equity, venture capital, corporate governance, boards of directors, mergers and acquisitions and corporate finance. He has been a member of the Chicago Booth faculty since 1988.

Professor Kaplan serves on the board of Morningstar and several fund and company advisory boards. He is also a Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research. He received a Bachelor of Arts, summa cum laude, in applied mathematics and economics from Harvard College and earned a Doctor of Philosophy in business economics from Harvard University.

Professor Michael Minnis

Professor Michael Minnis is a Senior Advisor to Lincoln’s Valuations and Opinions Group. He is the Charles E. Merrill Faculty Scholar and a Professor of Accounting at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, where he researches the role of accounting information in allocating investment efficiently by both managers and capital providers. His recent research focuses on understanding the role of privately held companies in the U.S. economy and how these firms use financial reporting to access, deploy and manage capital. He particularly enjoys identifying unique data and methods to empirically examine issues in a novel way.

In January 2018, Professor Minnis became a member of the Private Company Council, the primary advisory council to the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) on private company issues. Professor Minnis received his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan and his Bachelor of Science from the University of Illinois, where he graduated with highest honors.

IMPORTANT DISCLOSURE: The Lincoln Private Market Index is an informational indicator only, and does not constitute investment advice or an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any security. It is not possible to directly invest in the Lincoln Private Market Index. Some of the statements above contain opinions based upon certain assumptions regarding the data used to create the Lincoln Private Market Index, and these opinions and assumptions may prove incorrect. Actual results could vary materially from those implied or expressed in such statements for any reason. The Lincoln Private Market Index has been created on the basis of information provided by third-party sources that are believed to be reliable, but Lincoln International has not conducted an independent verification of such information. Lincoln International makes no warranty or representation as to the accuracy or completeness of such third-party information.

The LPMI should not be construed as an offer to sell or buy, or a solicitation to sell or buy, any products linked to the performance of the LPMI. The use of the LPMI in any manner, including for benchmarking purposes, is not endorsed or recommended by Lincoln International and Lincoln International is not responsible for any use made of the LPMI. Lincoln International does not guarantee the accuracy and/or completeness of the LPMI and Lincoln International shall not have any liability for any errors or omissions therein. None of Lincoln International, any of its affiliates or subsidiaries, nor any of its directors, officers, employees, representatives, delegates or agents shall have any responsibility to any person (whether as a result of negligence or otherwise) for any determination made or anything done (or omitted to be determined or done) in respect of the LPMI and any use to which any person may put the LPMI. Lincoln International has no obligation to update the LPMI and has no obligation to investors with respect to any product based on the performance of the LPMI. Any investment in such a product will not acquire an interest in the LPMI. Lincoln International is not an investment adviser and will not provide any financial advice relating to a product linked to the performance of the LPMI. Investors should read any such product offering documentation and consult with their own legal, financial and tax advisors before investing in any such product.

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