HgCapital Trust — Reporting a considerable uplift to NAV

HgT (LSE: HGT)

Last close As at 18/03/2024

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−10.00 (−2.17%)

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Research: Investment Companies

HgCapital Trust — Reporting a considerable uplift to NAV

Following a solid H120, HgCapital Trust (HGT) announced several portfolio transactions representing a considerable uplift to the carrying value at end March 2020 and translating into a c 12.0% ytd NAV total return (TR) to end August. On completion of these deals, HGT’s cash resources will improve significantly to £314m from £123m in early July, while its unfunded commitments will decline to £814m. Consequently, HGT’s commitment coverage ratio will improve markedly to c 39% vs 13% in early July.

Milosz Papst

Written by

Milosz Papst

Director, Financials

Investment Companies

HgCapital Trust

Reporting a considerable uplift to NAV

Investment trusts

14 September 2020

Price

275.0p

Market cap

£1,123.2m

NAV

£1,152.6m*

NAV per share

282.2p*

Discount to NAV

2.6%

*Pro forma at 21 August 2020

Yield

1.8%

Ordinary shares in issue

408.4m

Code

HGT

Primary exchange

LSE

AIC sector

Private Equity

Benchmark

FTSE All-Share Index

Share price/discount performance

Three-year performance vs index

52-week high/low

275.5p

155.0p

282.5p

236.3p

Gearing

Gross**

7.5%

Net cash***

£314m

**At end June 2020

***Liquid resources at 31 August 2020 (pro forma)

Analysts

Milosz Papst

+44 (0) 20 3077 5700

Richard Williamson

+44 (0) 20 3077 5700

HgCapital Trust is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

Following a solid H120, HgCapital Trust (HGT) announced several portfolio transactions representing a considerable uplift to the carrying value at end March 2020 and translating into a c 12.0% ytd NAV total return (TR) to end August. On completion of these deals, HGT’s cash resources will improve significantly to £314m from £123m in early July, while its unfunded commitments will decline to £814m. Consequently, HGT’s commitment coverage ratio will improve markedly to c 39% vs 13% in early July.

Several transactions announced recently

In August 2020, HGT announced further investments in Visma and Sovos through the recently launched Hg Saturn 2 fund (investing £17.1m and £40.8m, respectively), together with other institutional clients of Hg (its investment manager). At the same time, however, HGT sold part of its holdings in both companies held through Hg Genesis 7 (a mid-market buyout fund at the realisation stage), reducing its overall exposure. HGT also announced a c £11m investment in F24 (active in emergency notification, crisis and incident management and critical communications), the sale of Citation Group to KKR (with cash proceeds of £25.8m) and an £8.1m investment in Evaluate (we assume through Hg Mercury 2), coupled with a full exit from this company by Hg Mercury 1. Overall, these transactions (which may be considered partial rollovers) represent new investments of £90m and realisations (net of carried interest) of over £250m.

Deals conducted visibly above last carrying value

All four realisations will be carried out above the value reflected in HGT’s NAV reported at end March 2020. Visma’s new valuation (implying a total enterprise value of US$12.2bn) means HGT’s stake is now valued at £268.8m, with an uplift of 35% to the last carrying value. Similarly, the partial exit from Sovos translates into a 58% uplift, while the Citation Group and Evaluate exits (alongside other investors in Hg funds) were completed at 16% and 40% above the end March 2020 valuations, respectively. This suggests HGT has been able to exploit the recent increase in market valuations, in particular in the case of SaaS businesses, discussed in our recent review note. HGT’s shares now trade at a c 2.6% discount to its pro forma NAV as at end August 2020 (which, except for the recent transactions, is based on valuations at end June 2020).

Improved coverage of unfunded commitments

HGT estimates that following all the transactions and corporate actions to date (including the dividend of 2.0p per share payable in October), its liquid resources will improve to £314m (compared to £123m in early July, when we last published on HGT). Simultaneously, its unfunded commitments will decrease to £814m, with a coverage ratio of c 39%, according to our estimates. While this is still slightly below its 2015–19 average of 48%, it represents an improvement from 13% in early July and seems quite a safe level, especially given the Genesis 9 and Mercury 3 commitments (making up around half of HGT’s overall unfunded commitments) will not be drawn this year, according to the company. Moreover, the company is negotiating a new £200m debt facility (its existing £80m facility is fully drawn).

Interim results reflecting tech resilience

HGT’s performance in H120 illustrates both the COVID-19 resilience of its software and services portfolio and positive investor sentiment towards tech companies. Last 12 months (LTM) revenue and EBITDA growth to end June 2020 across HGT’s top 20 holdings (representing 88% of portfolio) stood at 23% and 27%, respectively. In H120 alone, these figures stood at a robust 17% and 27% y-o-y respectively, with only a limited decline in organic growth in Q220, according to the company. At the same time, the average EV/EBITDA multiple for its top 20 investments was 20.6x (vs 19.6x at end March 2020) and net debt to EBITDA stood at 6.1x (vs 6.5x at end March 2020). The majority of its portfolio was valued based on LTM earnings to end May 2020, with forward earnings applied in selected cases where HGT expected results for the full fiscal year to be lower.

A total of £51.0m in cash was returned to HGT in H120 from realisations at an uplift to book value and refinancings (primarily the opportunistic sale of part of its Visma co-investment). Meanwhile, £169.5m was deployed into well-known companies (most notably Argus, P&I, Visma and Intelerad) and HGT intends to continue selective investments in 2020 into companies it knows well. Moreover, bolt-on acquisitions and strategic M&A remain a key focus area within its existing portfolio and several of HGT’s holdings have already signed new transactions in 2020 (MediFox, Access, Visma, Mitratech, Sovos and IT Relation). HGT’s new commitments amounted to £755m (to be deployed over four to five years) and were attributable to Hg Saturn 2, Hg Genesis 9 and Hg Mercury 3. Co-investments represented 11% of HGT’s NAV at end June 2020 (in line with its 10–15% target).

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by HgCapital Trust and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by HgCapital Trust. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £49,500 pa for the production and broad dissemination of a detailed note (Outlook) following by regular (typically quarterly) update notes. Fees are paid upfront in cash without recourse. Edison may seek additional fees for the provision of roadshows and related IR services for the client but does not get remunerated for any investment banking services. We never take payment in stock, options or warrants for any of our services.

Accuracy of content: All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable, however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report and have not sought for this information to be independently verified. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the research department of Edison at the time of publication. Forward-looking information or statements in this report contain information that is based on assumptions, forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable, and therefore involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of their subject matter to be materially different from current expectations.

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No personalised advice: The information that we provide should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, the information provided by us should not be construed by any subscriber or prospective subscriber as Edison’s solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect, any transaction in a security. The securities described in the report may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors.

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The research in this document is intended for New Zealand resident professional financial advisers or brokers (for use in their roles as financial advisers or brokers) and habitual investors who are “wholesale clients” for the purpose of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (FAA) (as described in sections 5(c) (1)(a), (b) and (c) of the FAA). This is not a solicitation or inducement to buy, sell, subscribe, or underwrite any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (i.e. without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision.

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This document is prepared and provided by Edison for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation for investment in any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. A marketing communication under FCA Rules, this document has not been prepared in accordance with the legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research.

This Communication is being distributed in the United Kingdom and is directed only at (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments, i.e. investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "FPO") (ii) high net-worth companies, unincorporated associations or other bodies within the meaning of Article 49 of the FPO and (iii) persons to whom it is otherwise lawful to distribute it. The investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to such persons. It is not intended that this document be distributed or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other class of persons and in any event and under no circumstances should persons of any other description rely on or act upon the contents of this document.

This Communication is being supplied to you solely for your information and may not be reproduced by, further distributed to or published in whole or in part by, any other person.

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Edison relies upon the "publishers' exclusion" from the definition of investment adviser under Section 202(a)(11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and corresponding state securities laws. This report is a bona fide publication of general and regular circulation offering impersonal investment-related advice, not tailored to a specific investment portfolio or the needs of current and/or prospective subscribers. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personal advice and the research provided is for informational purposes only. No mention of a particular security in this report constitutes a recommendation to buy, sell or hold that or any security, or that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

1185 Avenue of the Americas

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United States of America

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

1185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by HgCapital Trust and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by HgCapital Trust. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £49,500 pa for the production and broad dissemination of a detailed note (Outlook) following by regular (typically quarterly) update notes. Fees are paid upfront in cash without recourse. Edison may seek additional fees for the provision of roadshows and related IR services for the client but does not get remunerated for any investment banking services. We never take payment in stock, options or warrants for any of our services.

Accuracy of content: All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable, however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report and have not sought for this information to be independently verified. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the research department of Edison at the time of publication. Forward-looking information or statements in this report contain information that is based on assumptions, forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable, and therefore involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of their subject matter to be materially different from current expectations.

Exclusion of Liability: To the fullest extent allowed by law, Edison shall not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential losses, loss of profits, damages, costs or expenses incurred or suffered by you arising out or in connection with the access to, use of or reliance on any information contained on this note.

No personalised advice: The information that we provide should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, the information provided by us should not be construed by any subscriber or prospective subscriber as Edison’s solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect, any transaction in a security. The securities described in the report may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors.

Investment in securities mentioned: Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing and conflicts of interest. Edison Group does not conduct any investment business and, accordingly, does not itself hold any positions in the securities mentioned in this report. However, the respective directors, officers, employees and contractors of Edison may have a position in any or related securities mentioned in this report, subject to Edison's policies on personal dealing and conflicts of interest.

Copyright: Copyright 2020 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison).

Australia

Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Edison AU) is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison AU is a Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Crown Wealth Group Pty Ltd who holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (Number: 494274). This research is issued in Australia by Edison AU and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia. Any advice given by Edison AU is general advice only and does not take into account your personal circumstances, needs or objectives. You should, before acting on this advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. If our advice relates to the acquisition, or possible acquisition, of a particular financial product you should read any relevant Product Disclosure Statement or like instrument.

New Zealand

The research in this document is intended for New Zealand resident professional financial advisers or brokers (for use in their roles as financial advisers or brokers) and habitual investors who are “wholesale clients” for the purpose of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (FAA) (as described in sections 5(c) (1)(a), (b) and (c) of the FAA). This is not a solicitation or inducement to buy, sell, subscribe, or underwrite any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (i.e. without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision.

United Kingdom

This document is prepared and provided by Edison for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation for investment in any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. A marketing communication under FCA Rules, this document has not been prepared in accordance with the legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research.

This Communication is being distributed in the United Kingdom and is directed only at (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments, i.e. investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "FPO") (ii) high net-worth companies, unincorporated associations or other bodies within the meaning of Article 49 of the FPO and (iii) persons to whom it is otherwise lawful to distribute it. The investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to such persons. It is not intended that this document be distributed or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other class of persons and in any event and under no circumstances should persons of any other description rely on or act upon the contents of this document.

This Communication is being supplied to you solely for your information and may not be reproduced by, further distributed to or published in whole or in part by, any other person.

United States

Edison relies upon the "publishers' exclusion" from the definition of investment adviser under Section 202(a)(11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and corresponding state securities laws. This report is a bona fide publication of general and regular circulation offering impersonal investment-related advice, not tailored to a specific investment portfolio or the needs of current and/or prospective subscribers. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personal advice and the research provided is for informational purposes only. No mention of a particular security in this report constitutes a recommendation to buy, sell or hold that or any security, or that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

1185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

1185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

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