Debt sizing and pricing

Based on the most helpful WSO content, your approach to debt sizing and pricing in a case study or model test is on the right track, but here are some refinements and insights to ensure your assumptions are reasonable and aligned with industry norms:

Debt Sizing

1. Leverage Ratios:

   • For LBOs, reasonable leverage assumptions typically range from 4.5x to 6.5x EBITDA, depending on the industry and the company's financial profile.
   • Splitting tranches:
     • TLB (Term Loan B): 3x leverage is a reasonable assumption.
     • Senior Secured Notes: 2x leverage is a good benchmark.
     • Unitranche: If you're using a unitranche structure, 5x leverage is a solid starting point for middle-market deals.

2. Industry Considerations:

   • Cyclical industries (e.g., retail, consumer products) may warrant lower leverage (e.g., 3x-4x) due to higher risk during downturns.
   • Asset-intensive or defensive industries (e.g., manufacturing) can support higher leverage, closer to 6x.

3. Equity Contribution:

   • Most LBOs are structured with 35-40% equity and 60-65% debt in a pre-COVID market. Adjust accordingly based on the company's risk profile and market conditions.

Debt Pricing

1. Indicative Pricing:

   • Revolver: S+300 is reasonable for a standard revolver.
   • TLB: S+400 aligns with typical pricing for senior secured term loans.
   • Unitranche: S+500 is a fair assumption for blended pricing in middle-market deals.

2. Case Study Adjustments:

   • If time permits, use the Bloomberg terminal or other resources to pull debt comps for companies of similar size and industry. This will provide more accurate pricing benchmarks.
   • Consider the company's credit profile, industry risk, and market conditions when adjusting spreads.

Key Considerations

• Flexibility in Capital Structure: Ensure the structure provides the company with enough flexibility to manage its operations and potential downturns. For example, avoid overleveraging to the point where interest coverage ratios are too tight.
• Interest Coverage Ratios: Aim for a starting interest coverage ratio (e.g., EBITDA/Interest Expense) that is strong enough to handle potential stress scenarios. A ratio of 1.5x or higher is generally safer.
• Free Cash Flow (FCF) Support: Ensure the company's FCF can comfortably cover debt service, including interest and amortization.

Final Tips

• In a live test, simplicity and reasonableness are key. Stick to standard assumptions like the ones you've outlined unless specific guidance is provided.
• In a case study, demonstrate your ability to back up assumptions with data (e.g., debt comps, industry benchmarks) and explain your rationale clearly.

By following these guidelines, your pricing and sizing assumptions should be well within the range of what is considered reasonable and won't detract from your model.

Sources: Creating own LBO assumptions, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/how-to-prepare-for-restructuring-technical-questions?customgpt=1, Private Credit Resources and Prep, Distressed publicly traded credit - case study help needed!, Reasonable entry multiple for buyout target?