Under the Microscope: Private vs Public Company Operating Metrics

Analyzing operating metrics can provide insights into the process by which private equity managers execute their strategy. This update to our annual report includes data from approximately 4,000 US portfolio companies acquired by PE firms from 2000 through 2017. This analysis includes our observations and more than 30 charts on key metrics including purchase price multiples, leverage multiples, revenue growth, earnings (EBITDA) growth, and earnings (EBITDA) margins. Our analysis allows for the comparison of private and public companies across industry sector and company size. The data illuminate the key levers and value drivers in private equity, as well as the risks and returns of private equity versus public equity.