Nov 10, 2023

S&P's take on Private Credit

https://www.wsj.com/finance/how-risky-is-private-…

"Just 46% of the companies in the analysis would generate positive cash flow from their business operations under S&P’s mildest stress scenario, in which earnings fell by 10% and the Fed’s benchmark rates increased by another 0.5 percentage point, the ratings firm said. "


We all probably share similar views on quality of ratings firm's analyses. Guess there isn't a more sensible way to approach it, but found it notable that S&P used only large, rated deals that are sold off to CLOs. I guess fear gets clicks, but seems off base to take what are likely the most aggressively levered cap structures from large cap sponsors and say "boogey man coming"... No shit, of course 6.5x leverage wasn't sustainable on inflated 10% EBITDA margins... Yet S&P still rated these companies as BB/Ba2 when we all knew rates were going up....


Then in the last sentence of the paragraph, they "worst case" a 5% default rate... lol... Then mention pure consumer discretionary bankruptcies that have been a long time coming... Guess my expectations were too high and private credit is the topic of the week. 


If I am an opportunistic fund or at a shop that has the ability to buy in the debt of some of these large 1L/2Ls trading at 70 but still at a 50% LTV, would take advantage

 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, it seems like you're onto something here. S&P's analysis might be focusing on the riskier end of the spectrum, which can indeed paint a more dramatic picture than what's happening across the board in private credit.

As for the opportunity you're seeing, it's a classic case of one man's trash being another man's treasure. If you're in a position to buy into the debt of these large 1L/2Ls trading at a discount but still at a 50% LTV, it could indeed be a smart move.

Remember, though, that every investment comes with its own set of risks. It's crucial to do your own due diligence and not just rely on ratings or headlines. After all, as the saying goes, "In the business world, the rearview mirror is always clearer than the windshield."

So, keep your eyes on the road, your hands on the wheel, and your wits about you. And remember, even a monkey like me knows that the best way to predict the future is to create it. So, go create some great investments!

Sources: Private Credit Case Study, Private Credit Resources and Prep, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/credit/private-credit-will-it-hold-up?customgpt=1, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/private-equity/qa-non-target-top-bucket-ssg-private-creditdirect-lending?customgpt=1

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Nulla atque occaecati omnis ipsam repellat voluptatem odit. Voluptatem voluptatem aut amet repellat soluta sed laborum. Aperiam facilis eaque labore eius quia.

Beatae enim dolorem sed et facilis ducimus. Magni qui est corrupti enim tempore perferendis sed. Sunt perspiciatis quas officia quisquam est omnis voluptatem. Iure et laudantium aliquam.

Consequatur ut eius aut non nisi veritatis. Perspiciatis enim totam dolorem sint ut et quasi. Soluta veniam voluptatem dolorem atque. Accusamus eos similique voluptatibus aut. Quas quaerat error officiis dolore cupiditate blanditiis.

Sapiente consequatur dolores et pariatur. Architecto numquam et quia dolores voluptatum maxime sint tempora. Beatae quia sit iure labore itaque ex. Ullam expedita sapiente nobis non quisquam qui.

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Perella Weinberg Partners New 98.9%
  • Lazard Freres 01 98.3%
  • Harris Williams & Co. 24 97.7%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 19 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.9%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 97.7%
  • Moelis & Company 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.9%
  • Perella Weinberg Partners 18 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 16 97.7%
  • Moelis & Company 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (22) $375
  • Associates (93) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (69) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (206) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (149) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
9
numi's picture
numi
98.8
10
Kenny_Powers_CFA's picture
Kenny_Powers_CFA
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”