May 27, 2026
5 Comments
 

In direct lending, the approach to modeling can vary depending on the situation and the resources available. Based on the most helpful WSO content:

  1. Using Sponsor or Sell-Side Models: It is common to leverage sponsor or sell-side models as a starting point. This often involves copying and pasting relevant sections, especially if the sponsor or sell-side has already built a detailed model. However, these models are typically adjusted to reflect the credit-specific perspective, such as focusing on debt capacity, leverage ratios, and cash flow available for debt repayment.

  2. Filling in Historical Financials: In some cases, you may need to fill in historical financials directly from the financial statements. This is particularly true if the sponsor or sell-side models are incomplete, inaccurate, or not tailored to the specific needs of the credit analysis. Building from scratch ensures accuracy and allows for a deeper understanding of the company's financials.

Ultimately, the choice depends on the quality of the existing models and the level of customization required for the credit analysis.

Sources: Leveraged Finance – 2017 Update, Private Credit Resources and Prep, Restructuring --> Direct Lending / Private Credit, Seeking advice on Corporate Banking modeling

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

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