Dividend Recapitalization Activity Shows Signs of Renewed Life
Sep 2023
| The dividend recapitalization market slowed down in 2nd half of 2022 as companies digested rising interest rates. However, in recent months, there has been an uptick in volume as borrowers reconsider utilizing dividend recap transactions for a variety of reasons and recalculate the impact a leveraged dividend has on their shareholders.
In our latest perspective, Lincoln International explores the current market environment, provides an overview of dividend recaps and why they are an attractive option and discusses how solvency opinions can mitigate risk in these transactions. |
Summary
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Lincoln International explores the current market environment, provides an overview of dividend recaps and why they are an attractive option and discusses how solvency opinions can mitigate risk in these transactions.
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Dividend Recap Market Environment
Number of Dividend Recapitalizations
Source: S&P LCD Comps; August 2023 data as of August 24, 2023
What Does the Current Environment for Dividend Recaps Look Like Compared to the Last Time the Market Opened?
Source: S&P LCD Comps, Lincoln
(1) Reflects syndicated market pricing
(2) Illustrative example based on 50% LTV
Dividend Recaps Overview
Why should a board consider a dividend recap?
- Current leverage level is below “market”, including situations where a sponsor over-equitized the initial purchase due to lower leverage availability
- Company is generating strong free cash flow and has the ability to service a higher level of debt while maintaining appropriate fixed-charge coverage
- Avenue to provide liquidity to shareholders in an M&A environment where a full sale is not optimal
- Balance sheet recapitalization simultaneous with general partner-led continuation vehicle transaction
- Allows owners to take “chips off the table” and de-risk fund returns today while preserving upside returns through a future M&A exit
- Potential alternative to a full sale or initial public offering (IPO) in the event the board / management believes appropriate value has not been achieved through the sale / IPO process
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“Dividend recap transactions were traditionally underwritten with a focus on loan-to-value (LTV) with debt service metrics being less of a concern. Today, total leverage and fixed charge coverage ratios will carry equal weighting in assessing a company’s debt capacity for a debt-driven recap. As a rule of thumb, new-money acquisitions were historically levered to approximately 60% LTV, while dividend recap transactions often peaked at approximately 50% LTV (or 0.50x to 0.75x lower than buyout leverage). In recent weeks, the leveraged buyout market has shifted to approximately 45% to 50% LTV resulting in dividend recap transactions capping out at approximately 40% to 45% LTV. Moreover, the disruption in the markets has resulted in a lack of transparency around enterprise values if there has not been a market-clearing process, causing a heightened focus on the “V” in “LTV.” Consequently, lenders are exercising more caution on how much they will lend in a recap.”
Christine Tiseo, Managing Director and co-head of Lincoln’s Capital Advisory Group |
Use of Solvency Opinions to Mitigate Risks is Inherent in Any Dividend Transaction
Risks
In the event the borrower becomes distressed or insolvent in the future, creditors may allege the dividend was a fraudulent conveyance.
- Directors: Could face significant personal liability
- Potential “Unwinding”: Shareholders could be forced to return dividend and / or settle litigation
- Secured Lenders: Secured claims may need to settle for significant discounts, despite previously negotiated collateral
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“Our clients obtain solvency opinions for many reasons, but the personal liability that members of the board of directors could face is often the leading one.”
Chris Gregory, Managing Director in Lincoln’s Valuations & Opinions Group who leads fairness and solvency opinions |
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Lincoln’s Valuations & Opinions Group, which performs 4,500+ valuations per quarter as part of an investment bank with highly active M&A and Capital Advisory Groups that closed 350+ transactions in 2022, brings real world experience and deep industry expertise to every one of its fairness and solvency opinions engagements. In addition, the portfolio valuation work performed on behalf of over 100 alternate asset managers has earned Lincoln a sterling reputation and credibility within the institutional LP community.
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