Search
Close this search box.

Table of Contents

Distribution Waterfall



Definition

A Distribution Waterfall refers to the method by which capital gains are allocated between participants in a private equity investment. It outlines the process by which the investment returns are divided, usually between the general partners and the limited partners. The sequence of dividing the returns typically follows a tiered system that prioritizes the return of initial capital, return on investment, and then the sharing of remaining profits.

Phonetic

The phonetic pronunciation of “Distribution Waterfall” is: dihs-trib-yoo-shun waw-ter-fawl.

Key Takeaways

  1. Definition: The Distribution Waterfall refers to the method by which an investment’s income is distributed to the various participants of the investment, primarily investment’s profit is divided among the general partner and limited partners.
  2. Structure: It generally consists of four tiers: the Return of Capital, Preferred Return, Catch-Up, and Profit Split. Each tier serves a purpose in the distribution of profits, prioritizing the return of initial investments and moving through rewarding the general partner for successful investments.
  3. Importance: The Distribution Waterfall plays a vital role in private equity and real estate investment structures. It ensures that profits are allocated fairly and according to the agreed-upon conditions, incentivizing both the general and limited partners to strive for high-performing and successful investments.

Importance

The Distribution Waterfall is a critical concept in the business/finance field, particularly in private equity and venture capital models, because it establishes the hierarchy and method by which generated returns are shared amongst investors and managers. It helps in creating a clear understanding of how and when investment profits are distributed and directly impacts manager’s compensation and investors’ return on investment. Different tiers in a waterfall structure include return of capital, preferred return, and carried interest, thus ensuring that all parties involved – from general partners to limited partners – understand what they can expect in return for their investment. Ultimately, this concept plays a significant role in reducing disputes over the distribution of profits, making it a pivotal element in decision-making processes involving investments.

Explanation

The distribution waterfall is a pivotal aspect in private equity and venture capital firms, serving as the method in which the generated profits are shared among the investors and the fund managers. The fundamental purpose of a distribution waterfall is to set forth the priority and sequences of distributions to ensure that the financial returns are properly allocated among all that contributed the needed investment capital. This model helps these businesses to attract investors by providing an appealing incentives structure which gives investors their investment back, plus a preferred return, before the fund managers can participate in the profits. The structure of distribution waterfall is normally set in the Limited Partnership Agreement and entails a procedural process that begins with returning the initial capital to the limited partners. After this, the remaining returns are shared based on pre-agreed upon rules, often featuring a tiered system. These tiers typically include a return of capital tier, preferred return tier, catch-up tier, and carried interest tier. By mapping out this distribution, fund managers and investors can forecast potential profits, understand the distribution of risk, and maintain transparency in financial matters. Thus, distribution waterfall is a primary tool used for investor relations, risk management and compensating the fund managers.

Examples

1. Real Estate Investment: A common example of a distribution waterfall can be seen in real estate partnerships. Here, the initial capital is funded by investors and the property owner, but when profits roll in, a specific agreement leads to the division. For instance, after returning the initial invested capital to all members, the next clear profit might be distributed as 20% to the property owner and 80% to the investors until a preferred return of 8% is met. Any profits beyond that are divided differently, usually more favourably to the property owner. 2. Private Equity Funds: Another instance where distribution waterfalls are commonly used is in private equity funds. Typically, the general partners contribute about 1% of the total investment with limited partners accounting for the rest. Initial earnings are used to return the capital contributions. Thereafter, different tiers of profits are divided using varying formulae agreed upon beforehand. Anything beyond the specified hurdle rate usually goes primarily to the general partner, through a “catch-up” provision, before a final split is agreed upon. 3. Venture Capital Deals: In venture capital deals, proceeds from the sale of a portfolio company are distributed according to a pre-agreed distribution waterfall. Typically, the first tier would see all the capital contributions being returned to the venture capitalists. Then, the next tier might see a preferred return is being distributed. Remaining profits are then split on a pre-agreed basis, which usually favours the entrepreneur or company’s original owners.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)

What is a Distribution Waterfall?
A Distribution Waterfall is a method used by venture capital firms and private equity investors to determine the payout order in relation to the return of investment. It establishes the way profits are shared among partners with different classes of investments.
What are the key components or stages of a Distribution Waterfall?
The Distribution Waterfall typically comprises four stages: Return of Capital, Preferred Return, Catch-Up, and Carried Interest.
What does ‘Return of Capital’ mean in a Distribution Waterfall?
‘Return of Capital’ is the first level of the waterfall structure. It means that investors receive distributions until their initial investments are fully returned.
Can you explain the term ‘Preferred Return’ related to Distribution Waterfall?
‘Preferred Return’ is the next level after ‘Return of Capital,’ where investors are given a predetermined percentage of return on investments before the fund manager starts sharing in the profits.
What is implied by ‘Catch-Up’ in the context of a Distribution Waterfall?
‘Catch-Up’ gives the fund manager a chance to ‘catch up’ on profits after the investors have been paid their initial capital and preferred return. The fund manager and investor typically split profits during this stage.
How does ‘Carried Interest’ relate to a Distribution Waterfall?
‘Carried Interest’ is essentially the profit share for the fund manager. This stage arrives when investors’ initial capital and preferred returns have been paid and the fund manager has ‘caught up’. Profits are then divided according to a predetermined split, with the fund manager typically receiving a higher percentage.
Why is Distribution Waterfall important?
Distribution Waterfall provides an understanding of how and when investors will receive returns on their investments. This can be an essential part of choosing which funds to invest in.
Are all Distribution Waterfalls structured the same way?
No, Distribution Waterfalls can be setup differently depending on the contract agreed upon between the investors and fund managers. Some may have more complex structures with additional tiers, terms and conditions.

Related Finance Terms

  • Carried Interest
  • Capital Gains
  • Preferred Return
  • Limited Partners
  • General Partners

Sources for More Information


About Our Editorial Process

At Due, we are dedicated to providing simple money and retirement advice that can make a big impact in your life. Our team closely follows market shifts and deeply understands how to build REAL wealth. All of our articles undergo thorough editing and review by financial experts, ensuring you get reliable and credible money advice.

We partner with leading publications, such as Nasdaq, The Globe and Mail, Entrepreneur, and more, to provide insights on retirement, current markets, and more.

We also host a financial glossary of over 7000 money/investing terms to help you learn more about how to take control of your finances.

View our editorial process

About Our Journalists

Our journalists are not just trusted, certified financial advisers. They are experienced and leading influencers in the financial realm, trusted by millions to provide advice about money. We handpick the best of the best, so you get advice from real experts. Our goal is to educate and inform, NOT to be a ‘stock-picker’ or ‘market-caller.’ 

Why listen to what we have to say?

While Due does not know how to predict the market in the short-term, our team of experts DOES know how you can make smart financial decisions to plan for retirement in the long-term.

View our expert review board

About Due

Due makes it easier to retire on your terms. We give you a realistic view on exactly where you’re at financially so when you retire you know how much money you’ll get each month. Get started today.

Due Fact-Checking Standards and Processes

To ensure we’re putting out the highest content standards, we sought out the help of certified financial experts and accredited individuals to verify our advice. We also rely on them for the most up to date information and data to make sure our in-depth research has the facts right, for today… Not yesterday. Our financial expert review board allows our readers to not only trust the information they are reading but to act on it as well. Most of our authors are CFP (Certified Financial Planners) or CRPC (Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor) certified and all have college degrees. Learn more about annuities, retirement advice and take the correct steps towards financial freedom and knowing exactly where you stand today. Learn everything about our top-notch financial expert reviews below… Learn More