Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The combined ratio for the quarter was 102.7%, elevated due to catastrophe losses, particularly from California wildfires [5][20] - Total group written premium was $4.4 billion, similar to Q1 2024, with a gross written premium decrease of 2% in constant dollars [6][20] - Operating income for the quarter was $276 million, despite significant catastrophe loss activity [19][20] - The attritional loss ratio increased to 62.2%, a 330 basis point increase year-over-year, driven by aviation losses [21][29] - Shareholders' equity ended the quarter at $14.1 billion, with book value per share at $332.39, reflecting a 3.5% improvement from year-end 2024 [30][31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In reinsurance, gross premiums decreased by 1.1% in constant dollars, with property lines showing double-digit increases offset by discipline in casualty lines [22] - Written premium in the insurance segment was down 1.3% year-over-year, with property lines growing 19% and specialty businesses growing 16% [11][24] - The attritional loss ratio in the insurance business was 68.8%, with aviation losses contributing 0.9 points to the ratio [26][29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The reinsurance book shrank marginally at the January 1, 2025 renewal, reflecting 6% property growth offset by cutbacks in casualty [8] - The international insurance business turned a modest profit in the quarter, with strong growth in key markets [14] - Casualty rate increases averaged approximately 20% across commercial auto, general liability, and excess umbrella [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on growing where risk-adjusted returns meet or exceed thresholds, intentionally shrinking in areas with weak pricing relative to risk [7] - The strategy includes a one-year, one-renewal approach to improve the casualty lines within the insurance division [19] - The company expects to continue repurchasing shares throughout 2025, prioritizing shareholder value [17][32] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the significant impact of catastrophic events on financials but emphasized the importance of supporting communities [5] - The company anticipates moderate catastrophe pricing pressure for the remainder of 2025 but sees ample opportunities for capital deployment at attractive expected returns [8] - Management expressed confidence in the reserve position and the ability to respond to inflationary pressures [16][30] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $200 million of shares in the quarter at an average price of $348 per share [17][32] - Net investment income increased to $491 million for the quarter, driven by higher assets under management [29] - The company has completed a thorough assessment of exposure to new tariff regimes, expecting modest upward pressure on loss cost trends [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion on growth opportunities in Florida - Management expects the June 1 renewal to be attractive, with potential growth opportunities across both domestic and nationwide carriers [35][36] Question: Competitive market dynamics in specialty lines - Management noted that while competition has increased, there are still significant opportunities in specialty underwriting areas [38][39] Question: Capital capacity for growth and buybacks - Management indicated that there is sufficient capacity to support both growth initiatives and share repurchases [42][43] Question: Pricing actions from underlying primaries - Management confirmed that pricing remains strong, and they are focused on portfolio management and claims handling to ensure expected results [45][46] Question: Clarification on moderate pricing pressure in the market - Management explained that while pricing is moderating, expected returns remain attractive, allowing for continued capital deployment [50][54] Question: Impact of California wildfire losses on financials - Management stated that the majority of wildfire losses are in reinsurance, and any recoveries would benefit the company, although they are taking a cautious approach [57][58] Question: Aviation loss details and industry impact - Management estimated industry losses around $1 billion, with their portfolio performing well despite the significant loss [84][85] Question: Reserve review process and expectations - Management clarified that while reserve reviews occur annually, they have increased the frequency of assessing loss trend assumptions [101][102]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported strong earnings, contributing to high levels of capital and maintaining strong liquidity without debt [9][10] - The net interest margin (NIM) bottomed out at 4.60% and is expected to hold up well in Q2 and Q3 [48] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan growth was primarily driven by the hospitality portfolio, with additional strength in commercial and industrial (C&I) bookings [15][17] - The company has internal self-imposed limits on each loan category, ensuring that growth remains within norms [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company operates in high-growth areas such as Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and Texas, which are characterized by strong and diverse economies [17] - The capital markets are experiencing nervousness, with large outflows from equities affecting bank stocks [6][8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is cautiously optimistic about future growth while maintaining a strong capital base and liquidity [10][29] - There is a focus on monitoring the economic environment closely, especially regarding tariffs and their potential impact on consumer sentiment [7][8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the volatility in the current economic landscape and the potential inflationary effects of tariffs on consumers [6][7] - The company is prepared for potential distressed acquisition opportunities due to excess capital levels [69][72] Other Important Information - The company has a clean credit book with low past dues and strong capital levels, positioning it well for potential economic downturns [45] - The energy portfolio, which constitutes about 9-10% of overall loans, is well-managed with borrowers actively hedging against commodity price fluctuations [36][40] Q&A Session Summary Question: Loan growth and macro uncertainty - The hospitality portfolio showed strong growth, and there is a good backlog of deals, but future bookings remain uncertain due to economic conditions [15][17] Question: Trends in hospitality portfolio - Hospitality is seasonal, and while January and February are typically weak, current occupancy rates remain steady [21][24] Question: Share buyback strategy - The company does not feel pressured to conduct share buybacks due to strong capital levels and high returns on equity [26][29] Question: Energy portfolio risks - The underwriting process includes sensitivity analyses, and borrowers are well-capitalized and hedged against price fluctuations [38][40] Question: Non-performing assets (NPAs) and loan levels - The credit book is clean with low past dues, and there are no alarming trends in loan grades [45] Question: Net interest margin (NIM) outlook - NIM improved due to lower bond costs and is expected to perform well in the upcoming quarters [48] Question: Impact of tariffs on clients - Clients are exploring alternative supply chains to mitigate the impact of tariffs, and larger companies are proactive in finding solutions [54][56] Question: Oil and gas revenue trajectory - Oil and gas revenue is trending downwards, and the company expects a decrease in both income and expenses related to this sector [62][63] Question: M&A environment - The company is actively looking for acquisition opportunities but faces challenges due to high valuations and regulatory issues affecting other banks [71][72]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Organic revenue increased by 1.9% year on year, driven primarily by positive volume trends [7] - EBITDA was $114 million, which was at the high end of guidance, but declined year on year, with an EBITDA margin of 14.5% [8] - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) was $0.54, down compared to the same quarter in 2024, driven by lower operating income [15] - Net debt to EBITDA ratio increased to 3.5 times at the end of the first quarter, up from 3.1 times at the end of 2024 [16] Business Line Performance Changes - In HHC, organic revenue was up 4% year on year, with EBITDA margin at 12.7%, down from last year due to higher raw material costs [10] - Engineering Adhesives saw a 2% decline in organic revenue, but EBITDA increased by 16%, with an EBITDA margin of 18.7% [11] - Building Adhesive Solutions (BAS) organic sales increased by 2% year on year, with EBITDA also increasing by 2% [12] Market Performance Changes - Americas organic revenue was down 1% year on year, driven by declines in HHC and Engineering Adhesives, but BAS achieved over 8% organic revenue growth [12] - EIMEA region saw a 4% increase in organic revenue, driven by double-digit growth in HHC [13] - Asia Pacific organic revenue increased by 7% year on year, primarily due to strength in China [13] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - The company is focused on maintaining pricing discipline, driving market share gains, and managing cost structures effectively [6] - The strategic plan includes optimizing the portfolio mix and streamlining manufacturing costs to achieve a greater than 20% EBITDA margin target [6] - The company is adapting to market dynamics and is confident in its ability to drive sustained growth in organic sales and EBITDA [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains cautious due to weak overall market demand and unpredictable geopolitical conditions [6] - The company expects a favorable net benefit from pricing and raw material actions for the remainder of the year [9] - Management anticipates that the last three quarters of the year will see EBITDA margins closer to the 15% to 17% range as pricing improves [42] Other Important Information - The company repurchased 678,000 shares during the first quarter and plans to continue share buybacks opportunistically [16] - The company is temporarily slowing the timing of M&A transactions due to market volatility [17] - Full-year adjusted EBITDA is expected to be in the range of $600 million to $625 million, equating to growth of approximately 1% to 5% year on year [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the current operating conditions and customer management through volatility? - Management noted that customers are cautious and not seeing pre-buying in the U.S. or globally [27] Question: Can you provide an update on market share and competitive environment? - Management confirmed gaining market share in HHC and noted ongoing challenges in the solar segment [33] Question: What is the outlook for pricing in HHC? - Management expects improving margins in HHC throughout the year, targeting a normalized EBITDA margin of 16% to 17% [40] Question: How is working capital impacting cash flow? - Management indicated that working capital needs are higher due to volume and pricing growth, but expects improvement throughout the year [44] Question: What is the outlook for demand in March and beyond? - Management observed a steady crawl of volume without significant push-outs due to trade uncertainties [52] Question: How is the company managing debt reduction versus share buybacks? - Management is prioritizing share buybacks while being cautious about M&A due to leverage concerns [56] Question: What trends are being observed in China? - Management reported mid to high single-digit growth in China, with strong performance in both HHC and Engineering Adhesives [60] Question: What is the expected impact of solar business repositioning? - Management expects continued revenue drag in the solar business but anticipates margin improvements [70] Question: How are raw material costs affecting different business segments? - Management noted that raw material costs are increasing, particularly impacting HHC, but expects to drive pricing and reallocate materials [73]

Core Insights - NB Private Equity Partners (NBPE) reported a monthly NAV estimate as of 28 February 2025, with a total NAV of $1.2 billion [1][2] - The NAV total return (TR) for the year to date is 2.7%, while the one-year return is 1.6% [3] NAV Performance - NAV TR (USD) for various periods: Year to Date: 2.7%, One Year: 1.6%, Three Years: 72.3%, Five Years: 165.3%, Ten Years: 10.3% [3] - MSCI World TR (USD) for the same periods: Year to Date: 2.8%, One Year: 16.1%, Three Years: 96.4%, Five Years: 168.9%, Ten Years: 10.4% [3] - Share price TR (GBP) shows a Year to Date return of 1.6% and a Ten Year return of 205.5% [3] Portfolio Update - The NAV performance was driven by $29 million of realizations year to date, with $26 million realized in February 2025 [4] - NAV per share was reported at $27.16 (£21.57), reflecting a total return of 0.2% for the month [5] - Approximately 87% of fair value is based on private company valuations as of Q4 2024 [5] Liquidity and Share Buybacks - Total liquidity available as of 28 February 2025 is $279 million, consisting of $69 million in cash and liquid investments and $210 million in undrawn credit lines [7] - In February 2025, approximately 220,000 shares were repurchased at a weighted average discount of 27%, which was accretive to NAV by approximately $0.04 per share [10] Portfolio Valuation - The fair value of NBPE's portfolio as of 28 February 2025 is based on various private equity investments, with the top 30 investments accounting for 76.5% of the total portfolio value [11] - Geographic distribution shows 78% in North America, 21% in Europe, and 1% in Asia/Rest of World [12] - Industry allocation includes 23% in Tech, Media & Telecom, 21% in Consumer/E-commerce, and 17% in Industrials/Industrial Technology [12] Company Overview - NBPE invests in direct private equity alongside leading private equity firms globally, with a focus on capital appreciation and bi-annual dividends [13] - Managed by Neuberger Berman, which oversees $508 billion in various asset classes [14]