Understanding first lien, senior secured and subordinated debt
When you invest in debt, it’s critical for you to know whether the debt is “first lien,” “senior secured” or “subordinated” debt. This tells you where you stand in line to be paid back in the event that the borrower fails to pay back the loan.
Not all senior debt holders are created equal, however. First lien debt holders are paid back before all other debt holders, including other senior debt holders. A lien is the legal right of a creditor to seize property from a borrower that has failed to repay the creditor. The creditor may exercise the lien by selling the property if the loan is not paid back.
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It’s important to bear in mind, however, that even first-lien debt holders may not get all their money back if a borrower is unable to raise enough money from the sale of its collateral to pay them. That’s why it’s so important before investing in any loan to make sure the loan is backed by significant collateral in the form of real, tangible assets.
All senior debt has priority over subordinated debt, which is also known as “junior debt.” In the case of default, creditors holding subordinated debt wouldn’t get paid until all senior debt holders are paid in full. This makes subordinated debt more risky than senior secured debt, therefore it typically pays a higher yield.
Debt is often issued in “tranches,” which are chunks of the debt organized into groups according to their seniority. A loan to a real-estate developer, for example, might include tranches of first-lien debt, second-lien debt and subordinated debt, with each tranche paying a different yield and carrying a different level of risk.
In conclusion, investing in debt requires a clear understanding of the borrower’s financial situation, the type of debt being issued, and its seniority within the capital structure.
As an investor, it’s important to know the priority of the debt in the event of a default. This can significantly impact the amount of money you could potentially receive. First-lien debt holders are generally considered to have the highest priority and are paid back before all other debt holders. However, even they may not receive full repayment if the collateral backing the loan is insufficient. Subordinated debt is riskier, as it is paid back after all senior debt holders have been satisfied.
Understanding the structure of debt tranches can provide additional insight into the different levels of risk and yield associated with each tranche. In short, thorough due diligence is key when investing in debt, and investors should carefully evaluate the risk-return profile of any debt investment before making a decision.
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