Chart of the Week

The share of loans with free and clear grower components climbed to a record high in the three months through May 2019.

The vast majority of “most-favored nation” provisions in loan agreements are gone after 12-18 months.

Lender protection, as measured by composite documentation scores, continues to weaken.

Two-thirds of all middle market LBOs are being financed by direct lenders, from zero in 2013.

Direct lending supply and demand is driven by increasing amounts of dry powder.

As enduring as the US expansion seems, eight other economies have done better over past three decades.

Asset valuations tops the worries confronting sponsors in meeting return hurdles.

Since the credit crisis private equity sponsors have quickened the pace and number of add-on acquisitions.

The number of buyouts with purchase price multiples over 10x has increased markedly since 2013.

Purchase price multiples eased last year, though still sustained at near record levels.