Core Viewpoint - The private equity (PE) industry is facing significant challenges, as evidenced by the low Distribution to Paid-In (DPI) ratios of major funds, raising questions about the sustainability of the industry's business model [1][2][9]. Group 1: DPI Performance - Blackstone's 2015 vintage private equity fund has a DPI of only 0.85, which is concerning for the industry as a whole [1][2]. - Other major funds also show low DPI figures, such as KKR's 2016 vintage at 0.90 and Hellman & Friedman’s 2018 vintage at 0.13, indicating a broader trend of underperformance [9]. - Blackstone's flagship fund, BCP VII, has a DPI that is the worst in its history, with a "gross DPI" of only 1.06 after ten years, compared to better performances from older funds [9][10]. Group 2: Fundraising and Investment Challenges - The current environment shows that older funds are struggling to exit investments, while new funds are having difficulty deploying capital, leading to a stagnation in the industry [8][11]. - Blackstone's latest flagship fund, BCP IX, has only called 2.9 million USD, primarily for management fees, indicating a lack of active investment [11]. Group 3: Revenue Models and Industry Shifts - Despite low DPI, Blackstone's private equity division generated 2.64 billion USD in distributable earnings in 2024, a 39.7% increase, suggesting a shift away from reliance on carry income [15][20]. - Blackstone's management fee income has increased significantly, while carry income has not kept pace, indicating a strategic move towards a more stable revenue model [18][19]. - KKR is also transitioning its business model to focus on dividends rather than carry, which has led to a significant increase in assets under management (AUM) and market value [22][23]. Group 4: Industry Outlook and Evolution - The VC/PE industry is entering a low-margin era, with many firms struggling to maintain profitability amid increasing operational costs and tighter fee structures [25][26]. - The traditional business model of relying on carry for income is being challenged, prompting firms to explore alternative strategies, such as focusing on operational capabilities and dividend income [29][30].
黑石的LP也没回本呢