Jan 23, 2022

LO Credit (HY/LL) Sr Analyst Comp Packages

Trying to get a better benchmark of long only sr analysts in credit (HY/LL) - think 8-12+ years total experience. There has been a lot of wage inflation recently at some firms so trying to get a handle on both salary and bonus (also cash/stock/deferred). Curious about large firms, such as a Pimco, Oaktree, Goldentree, etc. but also across the spectrum to more mid-sized firms (5-10bn) or even smaller firms (sub  5bn). Can also be more CLO type shops too. This site has great info on jr comp but less info on more senior levels. If someone has sr anlayst equity numbers thats cool too, I'm not sure if there is a large delta or of credit and equity guys get paid the same. Thanks. 

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Coming up on 5 years post MBA at LO focused on HY / LL, all in expect low 400s this year vs high 300s last year

 
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Cool, thanks. OP here - What size aum range, tier 1 or lower city, more credit only shop or larger asset manager or insurance? Do you know the trajectory as you continue to gain years? 

I'm 400 at a 2-5bn size fund, tier 1 city. Wasn't sure how out of context that is. I've heard that 500-600+ (or even more) is more standard but don't have data points to support. Always hard to figure out if what you hear is true. Seems like we are pretty similar so while everyone wants to make more, at least gives some comfort that others are in a similar range. 

 

400-500 sounds right for VP level (5-8yrs) and 600-700 at Principal/Director level (8-12yrs). Equity/carry can push higher if applicable, but amortized over long horizon. This is more like a BlackRock/Oaktree type place which I would use as an index. Can be +/-100-200 based on your firm culture and your specific negotiation when you signed (smaller/HF style firms pay better, insurance/mutual funds lower). 

 
Controversial

No, PIMCO is well-known to pay below avg due to Newport Beach location, poor comp culture, and generally tight budget. Each year, senior PMs have to fight viciously with CEO/CFO to secure a large comp pool for their team - this means hammering the table, emphasizing their returns/value add, justifying their seat. Don't think that's a true meritocracy, seems more like Succession to me.

My understanding is this year they had to find external recruiters because their historically low budgets, low-balling and underpaying has resulted in higher turnover and difficulty attracting talent. It's possible they are NOW paying market (or a premium) due to the attrition. However, I'd be wary of when the job market turns back to employers - they won't be so generous then...

POST MBA comp scale for PIMCO:

1. Mid $200s 1st yr

2. Low $300s 2nd yr -- big jump because lots of 1st yr attrition

3. High $300s 3rd yr

The max budget on their associate-level private credit team is $250k -- they've been hiring LA bankers and new grads though, so maybe $175-200k for them

 

2021 COMP SCALE - CLOs (post investment banking program, no MBA, no CFA)

Note: these are higher than you might remember from years ago due to recent raises, inflation, talent retention efforts seen in 2021

Assoc1 - $230k

Assoc2 - $260k

Assoc3 - $330k

VP1 - $400k

VP2 - $450k

VP3 - $500k

SVP1 - $540k

SVP2 - $560k

Please comment below if you disagree. Upvote this if you agree

 

I recommend doing deeper research on your job and what peers are making. Then ask for a raise or bonus boost. If all fails, start interviewing. Market pay is nothing more than what a buyer or selling is willing to pay — companies that comp below market will have attrition, employees who are overpaid will find themselves axed earlier or replaced with someone cheaper/younger. Free economy at work

 

Any recent grads (1-3 years of experience) interested in leveraged loans (broadly syndicated 1L and 2L loans) at a top-tier firm? Industry generalist. We're hiring in LA and Dallas (only, no remote work). Comment below with your interest and we can set up a call to discuss

Dude… sorry but no such thing as top tier fund with LA/Dallas footprint. If you’re talking Canyon, definitely tier 2 at this point. Tier 1 is Ares, Apollo, KKR, PIMCO, maybe Oaktree

 

what kind of lifestyle? how many hours/busy days a week outside of earnings? LO credit comp seems very low. rarely seeing anything/anyone breaking $400k

 

Should have clarified--very relaxed lifestyle, 9-5 (though I see senior analysts running for the door around 4:30). Morning meetings at 9:30am, never expected to work on weekends. PMs use the building gym during lunch or late afternoon. WFH two days a week. Summer Fridays. VPs definitely break $400k, 8-9 years experience on avg. Fair to note that comp across the industry has come up significantly in the past several months

 

CLO/HY junior research analyst at large-ish NY credit shop helping senior cover his 80-ish positions (will also provide opinions/light assistance to Direct Lending team and Distressed team for names in sector).

$150k Base/$150k Bonus

Had 3-odd years of Sell Side Research after undergrad no MBA

Basically an 8-6 culture but will need to work an odd 9pm night here and there. 

Much better WLB than sell-side for decent money and great office perks. I have no idea what the senior guys are earning.

 

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