IDI reported solid NAV growth of +28% yoy, boosted by a very active 2021 in terms of deal flow. This strong dynamic has been accompanied by an improvement in shareholder remuneration with an excellent total dividend pay-out of €3.40 per share. Regarding the current geopolitical environment, IDI’s cautious valuation profile and a lower leverage at the underlying company level versus PE peers should result in a portfolio that is less vulnerable to external shocks, supporting a resilient outlook for the group.
Strong performance that supports increased shareholder returns
IDI’s investment activity was strongly dynamic in 2021 with 16 transactions exceeding a total value of €300m, of which €140m in capital deployed (new investments and build-ups) and €172m in disposals, achieving an average exit multiple of 3.25x, moreover, the IRR of the realised exits exceeded 30%, a solid execution that should accompany increased shareholder returns. The strong dynamic in the investment activity has historically supported special dividend pay-outs to shareholders, as seen in 2018 (following the disposal of Albingia at very favourable terms) and now in 2021.
Based on the total €3.40 per share pay-out, the dividend yield stands at a notable 6.3% (based on the current share price), substantially above the 2.3% average yield among our holding company coverage.
Following a very active 2021, IDI pursues the strong momentum in 2022, having announced four deals already: the Culturespaces acquisition aforementioned, two build-up transaction involving Newlife and Dubbing Brothers, and a new strategic investment (currently in exclusive negotiations) for the company that would see IDI expanding its portfolio into third-party asset management through a minority stake in Omnes, a major alternative asset management player in France with over €5.0bn in AUM.
Solid financial standing to affront challenges
The liquidity position at the close of 2021 provide IDI with plenty of financial flexibility to pursue new investment opportunities in 2022 as well as absorb external shocks in view of the volatile geopolitical environment. Obviously, the visibility for 2022 has been affected by the Ukraine-Russia war.
However, IDI’s cautious valuation profile should result in a NAV that is less vulnerable to drastic adjustments in times of crisis. In addition, the leverage of the underlying companies of 2.9x is sensibly below those of other PE players; IDI prioritises nourishing the growth of its investee companies rather than resorting to increased leverage to quickly boost returns, which should support their resilience in spite of increased market volatility.
Regarding the current geopolitical environment, IDI comments that the impact from the Ukraine-Russia war and its ripple effects on the global economy cannot be accurately assessed at this point. Nonetheless, the company notes that its holdings have little overall exposure to the conflict zones, hence any potential impact is likely to stem from the wider macro-economic effects on the French and overall European economy. Two holdings are directly impacted by the ongoing conflict; one of them very modestly and the other one in a more significant manner. Nonetheless, in overall terms, the direct impact on the portfolio is quite subdued.
Governance changes
IDI will propose the appointment of Cyrille Chevrillon, CEO of Groupe Chevrillon, as the new member of the Supervisory Board. As a reminder, IDI has partnered with Groupe Chevrillon in several deals, most recently for the acquisition of Culturespaces (announced in January 2022). Both companies share an engaged and entrepreneurial investment DNA and a flexible approach not subject to the time constraints of most PE funds.
Making progress on the ESG path
On the ESG front, IDI is raising its engagement in the integration of ESG criteria through the investment selection process and the management of the portfolio companies, for this, the company has established a dedicated ESG committee chaired by Hélène Molinari, and is expected to sign the UN’s PRI pact to confirm its commitment.
While IDI has not undertaken major revisions to the valuation of the underlying companies, listed peer group multiples are likely to contract following the recent market correction. We will be incorporating the FY21 figures into our model and roll forward our estimates until 2024. The solid FY21 results continue to support our positive stance on the stock.