Where to learn about Lev Fins/ Private Credit (Relevent Modelling and Fundamentals)?

I am starting as MBA Associate at a Semi Large Private Credit Fund ($8B Fund). Pre MBA I was BIG 4 Accounting and had little experience with financial modeling or Lev Finance. I am good at interviews and was able to talk my way into the job. Would appreciate if anyone can share where would be the best place to learn fundamental Lev Fins terminologies and Private Debt Modelling. Would like to be completely across technicals before starting role.

Terms I have heard before are OID, IRR, YTM, YTC, etc. I understand most but would be keen to get a textbook and practical modelling course to actually do it

Do people make fresh models or do we get models from sponsors to tweak? Do people do 3 statement models or just work out CFADS and make reasonable forecast assumptions

20 Comments
 

Though it might not be super useful / the most applicable there is a textbook called Moyer (the name of the author) I believe about distressed debt investing. Kind of different but you may find common/helpful concepts in there as a start. I believe that may be a popular book for those on this forum / in the distressed debt or restructuring world 

 
Most Helpful

Moyer would be semi helpful - I’d focus more on the discussions around covenants there for example.

If you Google, you’ll find a lot of books that are meant to introduce you to LF/PC, however I haven’t come across any which teach you credit modelling. Tbh it’s not as difficult as you may think once you get a hang of it. Operating models are provided by sponsors/coverage/M&A guys. I’d say both LF & PC are more about developing a fundamental understanding of what makes a good credit story. Drawing out a cash flow waterfall or debt sculpting isn’t rocket science and you’ll quickly pick on those once you’re on the job. Pretty sure people who hired you know your background and have their expectations adjusted to reflect that.

I’d focus more on LevFin primers (I know there’s one by S&P and another pdf by Bear Stearns you could get with Googling around). The rest - credit structures/legal structures/covenant analysis/term sheet negotiation skills/credit paper drafting, etc. are skills you’ll gradually acquaint yourself with as you progress within your role. Every transaction as you’d know is different in one way or the other and I believe it might be a near impossible task to come up with a comprehensive primer/book on this topic.

 

One of the most helpful resources I’ve found is A pragmatist's guide to leveraged finance: Credit Analysis for Bonds and Bank Debt a book by Robert S. Kricheff. It gives you exposure to different areas of leveraged finance which should be helpful when you start.

Best of luck!

 

Currently a Sr. Associate at a large credit fund. Just know how to build a LBO under multiple scenarios and not just cash free debt free basis. Also know how a debt refi model works. You are not always providing new financing...its also a refi, div recap and etc. I wouldn't focus on anything else.. you got the job so you know the basic stuff. Moyer is not worth the time if you aren't doing RX IB or stressed/distressed type lending. Pragmatist Guide to Lev Fin is great if you know nothing at allll. You will be spending a ton of time in data rooms so know short cuts well.

 

hey can you share how you land the PC job directly from business school? I'm interested in this space too and everyone I knew going have levfin/ib backgrounds.

 

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