Senior bank loans are issued by companies to support business operations, finance merger and acquisition activity and refinance existing debts. Bank loans sit at the top of the company’s capital structure, are secured by the borrower’s assets and have priority versus unsecured debt in the event of bankruptcy, with higher recovery rates.
Typically, a corporate capital structure is composed of around 40% senior loans, 40% subordinated bonds and 20% equities. Since 2011, however, the “loan-only” structures, without any subordinated debts, have more than doubled in size, thereby reducing the loss cushion for the senior loan market broadly. This will likely result in lower recovery rates during the next credit downturn. Historically, loan-only issuer recovery rates are approximately 54%, significantly below loan & bond issuer recovery rates of 70%.
Companies are less attractive to borrowers in the high yield market and will finance in the loan market as an alternative. Even though subordinated bonds do not guarantee fewer losses on the senior loans, loan-only issuers are inherently riskier than loans with subordinated debts, as there is less cushion for the loan investors. Therefore, bonds would absorb losses before the loans.
Fundamentally, the loan-only structures are more common among smaller issuers. Bank loan borrowers are not transparent due to their limited access to financial data, lack of quarterly earnings calls and limited communication and guidance overall. Portfolio managers and loan investors will face more difficulties when monitoring these types of investments.
Technically, loan-only issuers tend to issue in smaller facility sizes, generally leading to low liquidity, which is crucial in the current market environment and economic cycle. Investors are focusing more on covenant-lite exposure and leverage, and neglecting rising loan-only structures. Investors should start to monitor loan-only structures as they track second liens and covenant-lite exposures in their portfolios.
Key Takeaway
Currently about 55% of the loan market consists of loan-only structures, compared to 30% in the last default cycle. Collateralized loan obligation (CLO) managers are the biggest buyers of leveraged loans and broadly own the risks from rising loan-only capital structures. Due to this large share of the loan market, it’s becoming more difficult to avoid investing in loan-only structures in CLOs. At this point, it has become more of a sector-wide risk rather than a bottom-up CLO manager-level risk. We are closely monitoring loan-only exposures as the record-long economic expansion begins to show signs of slowing.
The material provided here is for informational use only. The views expressed are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Penn Mutual Asset Management.
This material is for informational use only. The views expressed are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Penn Mutual Asset Management. This material is not intended to be relied upon as a forecast, research or investment advice, and it is not a recommendation, offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or to adopt any investment strategy.
Opinions and statements of financial market trends that are based on current market conditions constitute judgment of the author and are subject to change without notice. The information and opinions contained in this material are derived from sources deemed to be reliable but should not be assumed to be accurate or complete. Statements that reflect projections or expectations of future financial or economic performance of the markets may be considered forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ significantly. Any forecasts contained in this material are based on various estimates and assumptions, and there can be no assurance that such estimates or assumptions will prove accurate.
Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. All information referenced in preparation of this material has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness are not guaranteed. There is no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information and Penn Mutual Asset Management shall have no liability for decisions based upon such information.
High-Yield bonds are subject to greater fluctuations in value and risk of loss of income and principal. Investing in higher yielding, lower rated corporate bonds have a greater risk of price fluctuations and loss of principal and income than U.S. Treasury bonds and bills. Government securities offer a higher degree of safety and are guaranteed as to the timely payment of principal and interest if held to maturity.
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