Does a slowing economy increase the risk of loan defaults in private debt?

Well-run private debt funds use rigorous scenario testing and real-time monitoring to mitigate risks. Historical net write-offs by banks peaked at just 0.68% during the GFC and were 0.04% in September 2024, demonstrating strong resilience across economic cycles.

Does a loan default always result in a credit loss?

No. Private debt investors are protected by their seniority in the capital structure. Senior debt holders get repaid first, before subordinated debt, preferred equity, and common shareholders. Covenants and controls act as early warning signals allowing lenders to engage with borrowers to mitigate financial loss.

Are all private debt managers the same?

No. Private debt managers differ significantly in scale, credit skills, and experience. Quality managers need sizable assets under management, bank-level credit skills, extensive networks, and the ability to directly originate and diversify loans across borrowers to achieve optimal outcomes.

Does commercial real estate debt put capital at risk in a property downturn?

Property owners face greater risk than lenders. With typical loan-to-value ratios of 60%, owners' equity acts as a buffer. Even if property values fall significantly, lenders can compel borrowers to restore their position or pursue asset sales to maximize recovery without necessarily incurring losses.

Are non-bank lenders lenders of last resort?

No. Competent private debt managers lend to quality companies and often compete with banks or work alongside them in lending syndicates. Post-GFC regulations requiring banks to hold more capital have created financing gaps that private debt fills for established companies with sound fundamentals.

Private debt is made for today’s market

Private debt has come into its own as an asset class as inflation and rates have risen.

In this Livewire Markets Listed Series interview, Metrics Managing Partner, Andrew Lockhart discusses the unique features of Metrics’ two listed private debt funds, Metrics Master Income Trust (MXT) and Metrics Income Opportunities Trust (MOT), and the different roles each strategy can play in an investor portfolio.

Topics discussed:

0:37 – Why Metrics decided to offer two listed investment products – Metrics Income Opportunities Trust (ASX: MOT) and Metrics Master Income Trust (MXT)

1:32 – The role these products play in an investment portfolio.

2:37 – How MXT and MOT generate their total target return.

4:04 – Metrics investment strategy.

5:03 – How Metrics is navigating the current macro environment.

6:42 – Should investors be concerned about loan defaults given the current market?

8:52 – The key industries and sectors that Metrics lends to and what kind of returns you can expect from them.

Livewire Markets – Listed Series | 14 March 2023

The Trust Company (RE Services) Limited (ABN 45 003 278 831, AFSL 235 150) is the Responsible Entity of the Metrics Master Income Trust and Metrics Income Opportunities Trust (the Trusts). Equity Trustees Limited (CAN 004 031 298, AFSL 240 975) is the Responsible Entity of the Metrics Direct Income Fund. This content has been prepared by Metrics Credit Partners Pty Ltd ABN 27 150 646 996 AFSL 416 146 (Metrics), the investment manager of the Trusts and Fund. For further information on the Trusts and Fund, please refer to the relevant PDS and Target Market Determination available at metrics.com.au. The information provided is issued by The Trust Company and has been prepared to provide you with general information only. In preparing this information, The Trust Company did not take into account the investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any particular person. It is not intended to take the place of professional advice and you should not take action on specific issues in reliance on this information. Neither The Trust Company, Metrics nor any of their related parties, their employees or directors, provide any warranty of currency, accuracy, completeness or reliability in relation to such information or accept any liability to any person who relies on it. Neither The Trust Company nor Metrics guarantees repayment of capital or any particular rate of return from the Fund. Always consult a licensed and trustworthy professional before making a financial, taxation or legal decision. Total returns mentioned for the Metrics Master Income Trust (ASX: MXT) and Metrics Income Opportunities Trust (ASX: MOT) have been calculated using exit prices after taking into account all of Perpetual’s ongoing fees and assuming reinvestment of distributions. No allowance has been made for taxation. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

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