The Rising Popularity of NAV Loans
Feb 2024
| The current economic environment has called for partial liquidity alternatives that provide value for private equity firms and other fund managers. One of those alternatives, the net asset value (NAV) loan, is becoming increasingly popular as it offers flexibility and liquidity at a competitive cost of capital and is non-dilutive.
In this perspective, Lincoln International will explore what NAV loans are—including their structure, use cases and why they are a beneficial solution for both borrowers and lenders—as well as how they are valued. |
Summary
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Lincoln International explores what NAV loans are—including their structure, use cases and why they are a beneficial solution for both borrowers and lenders—as well as how they are valued.
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NAV Loan Overview & Benefits
At the fund level, NAV loans leverage the collective net asset value of a fund’s portfolio as collateral and are an avenue to achieve liquidity in lieu of premature investment exits. NAV loans are repaid through asset exits, meaning when the fund sells investments, the proceeds are utilized to repay the NAV loan facility.
Structure:
- Amount: Lenders typically provide the commitment amount based on a percentage of a fund’s net asset value. Terms including pricing will vary depending on the risk and diversity of the portfolio, manager track record and reputation, the leverage of the facility relative to the underlying NAV, etc. with loan-to-value (LTV) ranging from 10% to 20%.
- Margins: NAV loan margin rates can be either variable or fixed and are typically guided by market conditions, fund creditworthiness as well as other negotiated terms. The margin can be capitalized into the loan or paid periodically.
- Terms: Terms vary and are influenced by market conditions and fund needs. The average term is three to five years, with several one-year extension options typically included as a structural feature.
- Covenants: Covenants, or the restrictions and conditions outlined in the governing loan agreement, often include financial performance metrics (typically based on LTV), limits on additional indebtedness and additional terms that protect lender interests.
- Margin calls: Many loan agreements include margin call provisions such that if a fund’s portfolio doesn’t meet covenants, the lender requires the fund to repay part of the loan or provide additional collateral.
- Collateral and security: As the NAV loan collateral is the fund’s portfolio, the lender takes a security interest in the portfolio to mitigate risk with additional protection often included in the form of a corporate or personal guarantee from the fund manager.
- Purpose: The loan agreement will outline the intended use of the proceeds which include, but are not limited to, growth capital, bolt-on acquisitions, or distributions to limited partners.
Valuing NAV Loans
When ascribing the fair value for NAV loans, Lincoln conducts a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the collateral structure, as outlined below.
| General Investment Considerations | Fundamental analysis:
Investment specific analysis:
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| Collateral Forecasting | For performing collateral:
For special situations / impaired investments:
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| Discount Rate Considerations |
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Lincoln PerspectiveWhile NAV loans are a favorable alternative solution, it is important to structure and value them soundly and consider the associated credit risk of both the collateral and the borrower when pricing and constructing the proper bumpers in the form of covenants. Working with a trusted advisor, such as Lincoln International, is crucial when navigating this alternative as properly structured NAV loans can create value and benefit all parties. |
Learn More
If you would like to learn more about NAV loans and whether you are well-positioned to access this alternative, please contact a member of our capital solutions team (listed below), which is supported by our Capital Advisory, Private Funds Advisory and Valuations & Opinions Groups.
Contributors
Meet Professionals with Complementary Expertise in Capital Advisory, Private Funds Advisory and Valuations & Opinions
I build trust with clients by putting their interests first at all times.
Aude Doyen
Managing Director
London
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