Glossary & framework library

Distribution waterfall

Investment

Reference

The contractual order in which cash is split between investors and sponsor — typically return of capital, then a preferred return, then a catch-up, then a promote split above the hurdle.

Related terms

  • Diversification

    Spreading capital across assets, sectors, or geographies whose returns do not move together to reduce portfolio risk without a proportional cut in expected ret…

  • DPI

    Distributions to paid-in capital: cash actually returned to LPs divided by capital they have contributed — the realised, cash-in-hand measure of fund performan…

  • Due diligence

    The investigation of an asset legal, physical, and financial condition before purchase.

  • Equity multiple

    Total cash returned divided by total cash invested over the hold period.

  • Exit strategy

    The planned method and timing for realising value from an investment, usually sale or refinance.

  • Fund of funds

    A vehicle that invests in a portfolio of other funds rather than directly in assets, giving investors diversification and access at the cost of an extra fee la…

  • Fund vintage

    The year a fund makes its first investment, used to benchmark its performance against other funds that began deploying in the same market conditions.

  • General partner (GP)

    The sponsor entity that manages a fund or deal, makes investment decisions, and bears unlimited liability; typically commits a small slice of capital alongside…