Crossroads: Apollo's Dylan Foo previews 2021 North America Infrastructure Investing
Jan 22, 2021
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Dylan Foo, Senior Partner and Co-Head of Infrastructure at Apollo Global Management, shares insights on the landscape of U.S. infrastructure investing. He discusses the impact of President Biden's inauguration amidst the pandemic, highlighting the balance of defensive and offensive investment strategies. Foo explores trends in telecom with an emphasis on 5G and high valuations. He also delves into future prospects for transportation investments and opportunities in energy infrastructure and decarbonization, especially regarding public-private partnerships.
In 2020, telecom investments increased significantly to 16% and renewables soared to 28%, reflecting a shift in investor focus during the pandemic.
The Biden administration's control over Congress presents a conducive environment for infrastructure investments, emphasizing public-private partnerships and urgent needs in clean energy and transportation.
Deep dives
Impact of 2020 on Infrastructure Investing
The year 2020 served as a significant test for the infrastructure asset class amid unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite disruptions, telecom investments rose notably, reaching 16%, while renewables surged to 28%—indicating a shift in investment preferences during tough economic times. Apollo Global Management's response involved a strategic approach by emphasizing communication with stakeholders and adapting an investment strategy that distinguished between defensive and offensive tactics. By prioritizing the health and safety of employees and ensuring liquidity in their portfolio companies, they managed to navigate the year effectively and even identified dislocated investment opportunities.
Telecom Sector Trends and Opportunities
The telecom sector saw significant activity in 2020, but new entrants and inflated valuations raised concerns about potential market bubbles. However, there is an ongoing belief that the rollout of 5G technology presents strong investment opportunities, particularly in the low and mid-market segments. Apollo's strategy focuses on acquiring platforms and deploying capital in specific market areas, fostering value creation through active project-level management rather than simply paying for inflated asset prices. By taking a disciplined approach and engaging in proactive origination, firms can leverage growth in telecommunications infrastructure while managing associated risks effectively.
Future of Infrastructure Investment under the Biden Administration
The Biden administration presents a promising landscape for infrastructure investments, particularly given the Democrats' control over Congress, allowing for potential implementation of significant projects. The importance of public-private partnerships is underscored, especially as discussions about expanding urban infrastructure and electrification of vehicles gain traction. Areas such as clean energy, telecommunications, and public transport are expected to see increased capital flows, driven by a collective acknowledgment of the nation’s urgent infrastructure needs. Given the underlying trends, stakeholders are optimistic about tangible movement in infrastructure investment strategies over the coming years.