Best resources for learning how to do debt modeling?

I am currently in consulting doing largely technology, product, and cost takeout/value creation work with software companies on the buy-side. I am looking to try and make a move to PE at some point in the next couple of years and think the biggest gap I have is understanding the financing piece. Are there any good resources to learn? I am strong with modeling so don't need a basic LBO course.

9 Comments
 

that's not modeling of what you are asking, that is structuring which comes from understanding the overall leveraged loan market, private credit markets, etc. you need to read primers, etc. to understand the concepts which then you can apply to modeling, terms and conditions, pricing, etc. 

 
Most Helpful

Probably YouTube or WSP. I think a lot of it comes down to reps as well so you can become super comfortable with understanding covenants, restricted payments (payment baskets), and other items that come with taking on debt. Some instruments have their own nuances that just take time to learn, but these aren’t used as often. (FOLO, converts, PIK, etc.)

A bigger questions is what type of PE shop would be the end goal? Different groups will have different strategies and opinions on using leverage. Besides this, a lot of it comes down to structuring the transaction and understanding what’s market.

For LMM, understanding bank financing, unitranche facilities (non-bank), sub debt, etc. are all important. You can also check out tombstones posted on LinkedIn by private credit shops to see how shops are financing transactions. Stellus Capital Management is a good name to look up.

If you’re looking to tackle bigger deals, need to know fixed income, institutional (term loan b), and other high finance instruments. Textbook bootstrap acquisition. RP’s are huge in large, intricate capital structures with SSNs, SUNs, preferreds, whatever else someone throws in to minimize equity.

No matter where you land, it’s still important to understand LTV and how your comps structure their balance sheet.

 

Thanks, super helpful. Realistically, will likely land LMM just based on my resume. I think it’s pretty difficult to go into a larger fund from my position. Is WSP worth it? It’s tough to tell online but it seems like it has everything someone in my position would need + case studies, tests, etc

 

Doloribus qui corrupti veniam. Fuga est consequatur ab odio occaecati veniam. Voluptatem consequatur nesciunt et facilis nemo sapiente eius eos. Molestias dignissimos esse soluta eos amet qui enim. Dolor et quas iusto et cumque nisi dolor molestias.

Ut est unde pariatur et. Fugiat eum voluptates impedit totam quisquam quaerat et iusto. Fuga saepe labore voluptatem. Consequatur nam similique velit tenetur ex est.

Unde delectus ut sequi et. Maiores magnam voluptatem voluptatem necessitatibus facere asperiores nam. Tenetur omnis dicta voluptatem quae dolor quaerat. In fuga laboriosam necessitatibus quasi et eum omnis. Commodi possimus ratione corporis unde a placeat neque.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Private Equity

  • The Riverside Company 99.6%
  • Blackstone Group 99.2%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.9%
  • Warburg Pincus 98.5%
  • Bain Capital 98.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Private Equity

  • Blackstone Group 99.6%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 99.2%
  • The Riverside Company 98.9%
  • Ardian 98.5%
  • Starwood Capital Group 98.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Private Equity

  • Bain Capital 99.6%
  • The Riverside Company 99.2%
  • Blackstone Group 98.9%
  • Starwood Capital Group 98.5%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Private Equity

  • Principal (9) $653
  • Director/MD (24) $547
  • Vice President (98) $365
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (104) $281
  • 2nd Year Associate (235) $272
  • 1st Year Associate (411) $229
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (33) $157
  • 2nd Year Analyst (97) $134
  • 1st Year Analyst (272) $124
  • Intern/Summer Associate (38) $81
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (355) $62
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
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
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...”