How can I tell if a deal will work for high leverage scenarios?

Hi All,

I was wondering how one would consider the merits of an investment in a high leverage scenario both on a levered IRR basis and from a cash-on-cash perspective. Essentially if I have a deal that works for a low leverage scenario (say ~50% LTC) producing a roughly 11% IRR & 5% cash-on-cash, how would I be able to tell if this would work better with greater leverage? Is there a mental framework that I can use to think this through?

Thanks a lot,

Comments (4)

1y 
WSO Monkey Bot, what's your opinion? Comment below:
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1y 
Managing Dictator, what's your opinion? Comment below:

Not perfect, but you can use

RoE = RoA + D/E x (RoA - CoD), where:

RoE: equity returns

RoA: unlevered returns/ asset returns

D/E: debt to equity ratio

CoD: agg. cost of debt

It's derived from the wacc formula. Doesn't account for cash generation/ debt paydown, but just as a quick and dirty mental model.

Hope it helps.

  • Analyst 1 in PE - LBOs
1y 

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