Core Insights - NB Private Equity Partners (NBPE) reported a NAV total return of 4.0% in USD for the six months ending June 30, 2025, driven by strong performance from private companies and positive foreign exchange effects [4][8][27] - The portfolio achieved weighted average LTM revenue growth of 8.8% and LTM EBITDA growth of 9.8%, indicating resilient operating performance despite market challenges [5][9][31] - The company is well-positioned to capitalize on potential investment opportunities with $284 million in cash and undrawn credit lines available [6][19] Financial Performance - As of June 30, 2025, NBPE's net assets totaled $1,283 million, with a NAV per share of $28.14 (£20.53) [6][8] - The portfolio's valuation multiple was 15.4x EV/EBITDA, with a weighted average net debt/EBITDA multiple of 5.4x, indicating stable leverage levels [11][34] - Realisation activity generated $68 million in proceeds during the first half of 2025, with expectations for an additional $41 million from pending realisations [13][36] Market Environment - The exit environment showed signs of recovery after a slowdown in 2023 and early 2024, with renewed momentum expected in the latter part of 2025 [5][12][40] - Despite positive NAV returns, NBPE's share price declined by 7.6% over the same period, reflecting broader market sentiment and sector-wide challenges [15][16] - The company continues to face a wide discount in the listed private equity sector, which has been attributed to overall muted NAV performance [14][24] Investment Strategy - NBPE's investment strategy includes a focus on mid-life co-investments, with a recent $10 million investment in Infra Group, a leading infrastructure service provider [20][38] - The company has repurchased approximately 739,000 shares at a 29% discount to NAV, contributing to NAV accretion of $0.09 per share [6][17] - The board remains focused on improving share price performance and narrowing the discount to NAV through enhanced investor relations and marketing efforts [25][26]

Market Performance - All three major indexes, the Dow, Nasdaq, and S&P 500, reached record highs, with the Dow up 66 points (18 basis points), Nasdaq up 69 basis points, and S&P 500 up 4/10 [2][9] - The technology sector led the market, increasing by approximately 1.5%, while utilities also performed well, up 1% [3][4] - Notable performers included Nvidia and Apple, both rising about 4%, with Nvidia's deal with OpenAI valued at $100 billion contributing to the surge [4][35] Sector Analysis - The S&P 500 saw mixed results, with consumer staples being the biggest loser, down over 1% [3] - Small-cap stocks, represented by the Russell 2000, experienced a rally of about 35% since April lows, indicating a potential shift in market leadership [10][12] - The biotech sector (XBI) and solar stocks also showed strong performance, with tech stocks reaching record highs [6][10] Company Insights - Tesla shares closed higher, marking a significant recovery with a 30% increase over the past month, driven by positive sentiment and Musk's share purchases [23][24] - BYD's stock declined following Berkshire Hathaway's exit from its stake, highlighting competitive pressures in the EV market [29][31] - Nvidia is exploring growth opportunities beyond China, focusing on partnerships and investments in AI and data centers [39][40] Investment Opportunities - Small-cap stocks are viewed as undervalued, with potential for prolonged outperformance relative to large caps, driven by improving earnings and capital expenditure [11][12][14] - The AI sector is expanding beyond semiconductors, with opportunities in robotics and automation, which are expected to have a significant impact in the coming years [42][43][48] - Companies involved in edge computing and connectivity, such as Cloudflare and Qualcomm, are positioned to benefit from the growing demand for AI applications [48][56]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to investment recommendations, considering the entire investment ecosystem rather than evaluating companies in isolation [1]. Group 1 - The analyst, Michael Del Monte, has over 5 years of experience in the investment management industry and previously worked for over a decade in professional services across various sectors including Oil & Gas, Oilfield Services, Midstream, Industrials, Information Technology, EPC Services, and Consumer Discretionary [1].

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to investment recommendations, considering the entire investment ecosystem rather than evaluating companies in isolation [1]. Group 1 - Michael Del Monte is a buy-side equity analyst with over 5 years of experience in the investment management industry [1]. - Prior to his current role, Michael spent over a decade in professional services across various industries, including Oil & Gas, Oilfield Services, Midstream, Industrials, Information Technology, EPC Services, and Consumer Discretionary [1]. - The investment recommendations made by the analyst are based on a comprehensive understanding of the investment landscape [1].

Group 1 - The Virtus Equity & Convertible Income Fund (NYSE: NIE) is a multi-asset, closed-end fund aimed at providing capital appreciation and current income to investors [1] - The fund's strategy involves deploying capital across equities, convertible securities, and derivatives to achieve growth and income [1] - The fund pays out a distribution to its investors, although specific payout details are not provided in the text [1] Group 2 - Michael Del Monte is identified as a buy-side equity analyst with over 5 years of industry experience, previously working in professional services across various sectors [1] - Investment recommendations are based on a comprehensive view of the investment ecosystem rather than evaluating companies in isolation [1]

Market Overview - The S&P 500 is reaching record highs, currently above 6,600, which is seen as reasonable given the economic backdrop despite extended valuations [1][2] - Retail sales have exceeded expectations, indicating that consumer spending remains strong even as the job market shows signs of cooling [2][3] Employment and Wages - The demand for workers is decreasing, but the supply is also slowing due to retirements and reduced immigration, leading to a balanced job market [3] - The unemployment rate remains low, and real wages are experiencing positive growth, which supports consumer spending [3] Market Drivers - The current market rally is not solely driven by technology; financials and industrials are also participating, indicating a broader market strength [4][5] - A potential US-China trade deal could provide additional positive sentiment, although the market has largely moved past trade concerns [6][7] Federal Reserve and Interest Rates - The Federal Reserve is expected to cut rates by at least 25 basis points, which is already priced into the market [8][9] - The rate cut is seen as a move towards normalizing the yield curve and could help smaller businesses participate more in the market rally [12][13] Investment Strategies - Investors are encouraged to diversify beyond big tech, considering small and mid-cap stocks as well as European equities to benefit from a potential economic reacceleration [14][15] - Corporate and municipal bonds are recommended for income generation, as yields are expected to decline [15][16] Commodities and Gold - Despite gold reaching all-time highs, the sentiment is more optimistic towards equities and credit rather than investing heavily in gold [17][18] - The central bank's actions and political uncertainties have driven gold prices, but equities are still favored for long-term investment [18][19] Future Market Outlook - The market is expected to continue its upward trajectory, with projections suggesting the S&P could approach 7,000 by year-end [19]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to investment recommendations, considering the entire investment ecosystem rather than evaluating companies in isolation [1]. Group 1 - Michael Del Monte is identified as a buy-side equity analyst with over 5 years of experience in the investment management industry [1]. - Prior to his current role, Del Monte spent over a decade in professional services across various industries, including Oil & Gas, Oilfield Services, Midstream, Industrials, Information Technology, EPC Services, and Consumer Discretionary [1]. - The investment recommendations made by Del Monte are based on a comprehensive understanding of the investment landscape, rather than solely focusing on individual companies [1].

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to investment recommendations, considering the entire investment ecosystem rather than evaluating companies in isolation [1]. Group 1 - Michael Del Monte is identified as a buy-side equity analyst with over 5 years of experience in the investment management industry [1]. - Prior to his current role, Michael spent over a decade in professional services across various industries, including Oil & Gas, Oilfield Services, Midstream, Industrials, Information Technology, EPC Services, and Consumer Discretionary [1]. - The investment recommendations made by Michael are based on a comprehensive analysis of the investment ecosystem [1].

Market Overview - September is historically a weaker month, but the S&P 500 is at new highs, supported by banks, discretionary spending, and industrials [2][3] - There may be shifting macro winds globally, requiring attention to potential global growth reacceleration [3] Global Growth Indicators - Copper has broken out, and the Australian dollar is turning up, suggesting positive momentum for risk assets [4] - Commodity currencies like the Australian and Canadian dollars indicate positive economic momentum [4] - The material sector is only 2% of the S&P, and Chinese stocks and Nikkei have recently broken out, suggesting the global growth renition is still early [5] Sector Analysis and Investment Opportunities - Copper stocks (Freeport, Rio, Valet) and steel (Cleveland Cliffs) are showing signs of resurgence [7] - Consumer discretionary is performing well, indicating the resurgence in materials/commodities isn't at the expense of the consumer [8][9] - Power stocks (CEG, Vistra, GE Vernova) and AI-adjacent infrastructure stocks (Quanta) are recovering after a pause [9] AI and Power Sector - The AI power data center trade is back in gear after a 12-week pause [9][10] Federal Reserve Considerations - The potential impact of Federal Reserve (The Fed) actions on global growth, rates, and the dollar needs to be considered [6]

Summary of China Equity Strategy Conference Call Industry Overview - **Industry**: China Equity Market - **Key Focus**: 1H25 results, 15th Five-Year Plan, sector performance, and investment strategies Key Findings from 1H25 Results - **Performance Metrics**: Among 445 A and H share companies, 28% reported earnings beats, 40% in-line, and 31% misses [3][14] - **Top Performing Sectors**: - **Transportation**: 67% beats due to strong volume gains and cost control - **Semi-conductor**: 46% beats driven by revenue growth from tariff pull-ins and localization - **Industrial**: 40% beats attributed to margin expansion from lower commodity costs [14][15] - **Underperforming Sectors**: - **Utilities**: 55% misses due to weaker gas demand and renewable tariff cuts - **Small Caps & Education**: 45% misses linked to muted macro conditions - **Hardware**: 43% misses primarily from auto and surveillance demand [14][15] Economic Outlook for 2H25 - **GDP Growth**: PRC GDP grew by 5.3% in 1H25, exceeding the target of 5.0% for 2025 [21] - **PPI/CPI Trends**: PPI down 2.8% and CPI down 0.1% in 1H25, indicating challenges in industrial production prices [21] - **Government Focus**: Emphasis on supply-side reforms to boost CPI/PPI in 2H25, with key themes including economic development, technological innovation, social welfare, green development, and reform [4][20] Sector Recommendations - **Upgrades**: - **Healthcare and Insurance**: Upgraded to overweight due to aging population and increasing insurance needs [5] - **Downgrades**: - **Telecom and Oil & Gas**: Downgraded to underweight due to low profit growth and reduced price competitiveness [5] - **Technology Sector**: Increased weighting expected to benefit from the 15th Five-Year Plan [5] Index Target Revisions - **HSI Targets**: Revised targets for HSI are 26,800 (+7%) by end-2025, 27,500 (+6%) by mid-2026, and 28,800 by end-2026, driven by higher EPS growth [6] - **Valuation Metrics**: HSI's forward P/E at 10.3x and PB at 1.2x are in line with historical averages [6] Top Investment Picks - **H-Share Top Buys**: - Hengrui (Healthcare) - Sunny Optical - ASMPT - **Removed from Top Buys**: Anta, Huaneng Power, and BYD [7] Additional Insights - **Consumer Sector**: Anticipated shifts in consumer behavior and potential government pro-consumption policies in 2H25 [20] - **Yield Plays**: Domestic investors are focusing on yield plays amid cautious outlook for the PRC economy [22][23] Conclusion The conference call highlighted a mixed performance in the Chinese equity market for 1H25, with significant sectoral variations. The outlook for 2H25 suggests a focus on supply-side reforms and strategic investments in healthcare, technology, and insurance sectors, while maintaining caution in telecom and oil & gas. The revised index targets reflect optimism for EPS growth driven by government initiatives and market dynamics.