Feb 14, 2025

Distressed Debt / Opportunistic Credit Interview

Hey guys, I have a distressed debt / opportunistic credit interview coming up soon. Any suggestions on how to prep would be greatly appreciated! Don't have any RX background so a bit stumped. 

8 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s how you can prepare for a distressed debt/opportunistic credit interview:

  1. Understand the Basics of Debt Structures:

    • Familiarize yourself with the differences between senior debt, junior debt, mezzanine, and quasi-equity.
    • Learn about secured vs. unsecured debt, fixed vs. floating charges, and the hierarchy of debt in a capital structure.
  2. Review Key Restructuring Concepts:

    • Study the triggers of restructuring, such as liquidity issues, covenant breaches, and maturing debt.
    • Understand financial covenants like net debt, EBITDA, debt service, interest due, and cash flow, and how they are calculated in loan documentation.
  3. Dive into Technical Skills:

    • Practice creating cap tables, which outline the capital structure of a company, starting with the most senior debt down to equity.
    • Get comfortable with analyzing credit documents and indentures, as these are critical in understanding debt terms and restructuring options.
  4. Study Valuation and Bankruptcy Mechanics:

    • Read Stephen Moyer's Distressed Debt Analysis for an overview of the bankruptcy system and debt mechanics.
    • Explore resources like Houlihan Lokey’s case studies and the Distressed Debt Investing blog (http://www.distressed-debt-investing.com/) for insights into valuation and market trends.
  5. Focus on Credit Analysis:

    • Learn how to assess a company’s debt capacity and analyze yield curves, pricing, and interest rate drivers.
    • Be prepared to discuss where you would invest in the capital structure and the risks associated with different debt instruments.
  6. Understand Market Indicators:

    • Familiarize yourself with metrics like loan pricing on Markit and high-yield bond pricing, which can indicate distress.
    • Recognize signs of distress, such as negative EBITDA trends or subordinated debt trading below 70-80.
  7. Prepare for Case Studies:

    • Expect case studies that may involve analyzing leverage, fixed-charge coverage, and debt service coverage. These are often similar to LBO models but with a focus on downside protection and credit stability.
  8. Practice Behavioral Questions:

    • Be ready to discuss your deal experience, even if it’s not directly related to restructuring. Highlight transferable skills like financial modeling, problem-solving, and attention to detail.

Good luck with your interview! For more detailed insights, check out resources like Stephen Moyer’s book and the Distressed Debt Investing blog.

Sources: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/how-to-prepare-for-restructuring-technical-questions?customgpt=1, How to Prepare for Restructuring Technical Questions, Private Credit Interview Advice, leveraged finance interview - what to prep

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

It depends on who it is with/the type of shop, the level of seniority, etc. I'd have basic fit questions down (why distressed, why shop, etc.), maybe have a name you follow and how you think about it, what's your research process, etc. For technicals, I'd expect just basic accounting/LBO/RX questions (understanding basic liquidation preference, structural seniority/subordination, creation multiples, etc.) at first.

 

this is for an associate position at a MF. Would you have any specific resources?

 
Most Helpful

Congrats on landing the interview! For distressed debt and opportunistic credit, focus on understanding the key strategies and structures, like loan-to-own, equity kickers, and mezzanine financing. Even without direct RX experience, make sure you’re familiar with the bankruptcy process, how distressed companies are valued, and how you’d evaluate a potential recovery or restructuring. Brush up on recent distressed debt deals and market trends—things like interest rates or how economic shifts impact credit markets. Also, be prepared to talk about how you’d analyze a distressed company’s financials, such as looking at liquidity, covenants, and recovery potential. Just stay confident, and show your ability to think critically about these situations. Good luck!

 

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