Trends in the European Debt Markets & Valuation Implications
Apr 2020
Lender Sentiment
Lenders are honouring existing commitments with negligible retrades; however, debt and equity investors are cautious when reviewing new opportunities. Lenders remain focused on their existing portfolios and are in regular communication with management teams and sponsors to assess the impact of Covid-19. Government measures are helpful but unlikely to be sufficient for most companies. Many portfolio companies are drawing on revolver and delayed draw facilities as they seek liquidity to support operations and bridge the interim volatility. Impact of the COVID-19 Crisis on Valuation Approach Given extreme market volatility, Lincoln has opted to more heavily weight the income approach as opposed to a market approach (which is an unreliable indication of intrinsic value at present) when valuing credit positions of debt funds. European Equity Markets: Sector Return Indices (EUR) |
>1,000 portfolio company valuations in the last month ~50-150bps indicative margin increase in first lien ~2.0%-6.5% valuation declines in private credit ~150-200bps indicative margin increase in subordinated debt ~€34bn fundraising by European debt funds in 2019 ~50% lenders that would consider committing fresh liquidity |
Valuation Best Practices
Valuations must be considered on a company-by-company basis; Apply consistent treatment across high/medium/low Covid-19 impact names, and take care not apply both EBITDA haircut and lower multiples Sponsor support can significantly mitigate downside valuation pressure; Government support remains untested; Care must be taken in forecasting liquidity capacity The vast majority of illiquid positions will not experience the same magnitude of volatility as the public markets; However they will directionally follow trends |
Considerations for Business
Ensuring sufficient liquidity to operate is critical in current environment. Companies are looking at ways to improve liquidity Should we draw down our RCF in full? |
The next weeks and months will undoubtedly bring challenges but there are a range of options and potential solutions available. We can offer you a Debt & Valuation presentation to discuss the latest developments, please do not hesitate to get in touch with Lincoln’s Capital Advisory Team at www.lincolninternational.com/services/capital-advisory.
Disclaimer: Information herein is provided for information purposes only and no reliance should be placed on it for any purpose. No representations or warranties are made or given in respect of any information in the document, including as to its accuracy or sufficiency for any purpose. Nothing in the document constitutes advice or an offer to provide services.
Summary
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Lincoln International's Capital Advisory Group explores the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on European Debt Markets and Valuations.
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Aude Doyen
Managing Director
LondonMeet our Senior Team in Capital Advisory

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Aude Doyen
Managing Director
London
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Iván Marina
Managing Director | CEO Spain
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