Feb 01, 2010

Where to learn everything about Debt

Hi,

What is the best book / source to learn about debt, definition, lien, seniority, usual interest (LIBOR + X%), pros and cons for each type of debt, usual PE debt structure, debt swap to equity strategies, how do you treat PIK pre and post-transaction, etc...Any good website or useful information ?

Thanks

497 WSO Academy Private Equity Session Reviews: 4.82/5

Class of '23 Oct 2026 Cohort

5.00/5

Private Equity Short Resume Review / Recap

“Very good planning prior to the meeting and effective notes that allowed the session to go quickly and effectively. We covered a lot of topics on the resume and I recieved a good amount of notes that I can correct my resume in order to make it more specific for the PE companies I will work with. Was very helpful in the way of bringing out niche skills I have in order to maximise my chances at differentiating myself from more typical IB candidates. Also provided good insights on the MBA process, what is valuable and the WHY side of P.E. which I will go into depth with in my WHY statements that I am going to do. ”

Class of '27 Sep 2026 Cohort

5.00/5

Private Equity Mock Interview

“Andre was amazing to work with. He brought real energy and clarity to every conversation, explained complex ideas simply, and always made time to help. His attention to detail and calm under pressure lifted the whole team, and his feedback was honest, specific and genuinely useful. Beyond the work, he was approachable, generous with his knowledge and made everyone around him better. Every session with him felt insightful and inspiring. I'd love to work with Andre again and would recommend him without hesitation. ”

See All 11,005 WSO Academy Reviews

13 Comments

l2010

16y

good question, i want to know also

Quote

Report

Other

2133

16y

I would say the following are a good couple of books:

Stepehn Moyer's "Distressed Debt Analysis"
Pearl and Rosenbaum's "Investment Banking" -- has 2 chapters on LBOs and discusses a lot of useful information on the different types of debt used in LBO transactions

Quote

Report

Other

Authored by: Certified Private Equity Professional - Vice PresidentCertified Private Equity Pro

antmavel

16y

2133I would say the following are a good couple of books:

Stepehn Moyer's "Distressed Debt Analysis"

Pearl and Rosenbaum's "Investment Banking" -- has 2 chapters on LBOs and discusses a lot of useful information on the different types of debt used in LBO transactions

I read the Pearl and Rosenbaum's "Investment Banking" chapters on LBO, I agree it is quite good for a start. Concerning Stephen Moyer's "Distressed Debt Analysis" I have only read good things about the book but I have not bought it following some concerns that all the ananlysis presented in the book was too focused on distressed situations, is that the case ?

Quote

Report

Other

Authored by: Certified Corporate Finance Professional - ManagerCertified Corporate Finance Pro

jjpp18

16y

Gives you a pretty good overview of debt covenants, seniority etc. So it's well worth a read even if you aren't interested in distress.

Quote

Report

Other

CompBanker

16y

Best Response

The Obama Administration

Quote

Report

Other

CompBanker’s Career Guidance Services: https://www.rossettiadvisors.com/

apprentice7697

15y

CompBankerThe Obama Administration

Epic! SB for you, sir.

Thought about throwing monkey shit at you because you reminded me of a miserable truth, but it was just to damned clever ...

Quote

Report

Other

Authored by: Certified Private Equity Professional - 1st Year AnalystCertified Private Equity Pro

ranknfile

16y

moyer's book is the best

Quote

Report

Other

https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/resources/skills/strategy/franchise

MezzKet

16y

I've got an armada of books that cover all of those topics as well as websites... Unfortunately, I'm just not in a sharing mood today...

Quote

Report

Other

Authored by: Certified Private Equity Professional - 2nd Year AssociateCertified Private Equity Pro

oreos

15y

Any more suggestions?

Quote

Report

Other

"After you work on Wall Street it’s a choice, would you rather work at McDonalds or on the sell-side? I would choose McDonalds over the sell-side.” - David Tepper

analystforhire

15y

Leveraged Financial Markets by Maxwell/Shenkman

Quote

Report

Other

Authored by: Certified Private Equity Professional - PrincipalCertified Private Equity Pro

Nyctola

15y

I'd also read anything written by martin whitman. guy is a pioneer on the debt side of investing via graham/dodd approach

Quote

Report

Other

Kenny_Powers_CFA

15y

http://www.distressed-debt-investing.com/

Fabozzi's Fixed Income Guide is a good encyclopedia-style resource that covers all types of instruments

Quote

Report

Other

There have been many great comebacks throughout history. Jesus was dead but then came back as an all-powerful God-Zombie.

sharpie19

14y

Iure adipisci et amet minima sed ut et. Voluptatem aliquam ipsam odit ex. Consequuntur et consequatur iure. Possimus rerum dolore modi itaque ut sapiente.

Fugit et rerum et rerum minima quas sunt. Culpa facere suscipit hic aperiam eum qui. Commodi quidem voluptas modi quas labore.

Quote

Report

Other

Authored by: Certified Private Equity Professional - 1st Year AssociateCertified Private Equity Pro

+45	Mid/senior level PE - at a crossroads	8	1d
+35	What’s going on at Rede Partners?	9	5d
+27	Any experience working with Peterson, Pacific Lake, Anacapa, Housatonic or others?	7	4d
+26	Career break - do I still have a shot at US PE?	11	1h
+17	VP Promotion Chances at Megafund	16	1d
+16	Managers Starting Independent Sponsor Vehicles	3	2d
+14	BX / KKR Evergreen PE vs GS/EVR IB → Top MF PE	7	4d
+14	Does founder experience help or hurt in buyside recruiting?	6	7h
+14	Being honest in Interviews?	1	19h
+13	Contracted Revenue vs. Recurring Revenue - How Do You Underwrite It?	4	10h

1	redever	99.2
2	BankonBanking	99.0
3	Secyh62	99.0
4	kanon	99.0
5	dosk17	98.9
6	GameTheory	98.9
7	CompBanker	98.9
8	Betsy Massar	98.9
9	DrApeman	98.9
10	Linda Abraham	98.8

Elite Career Bootcamp. Top Job Offer Guaranteed.

Elite Career Bootcamp. Top Job Offer Guaranteed.

Where to learn everything about Debt

Score Breakdown

Feedback

Score Breakdown

Feedback

Elite Career Bootcamp. Top Job Offer Guaranteed.

Elite Career Bootcamp. Top Job Offer Guaranteed.

Where to learn everything about Debt

See All Comments - 100% Free

Trending Content - Private Equity Forum