Private Equity & Exit Opps
Lender's downside math: EBITDA $100; debt $500 at 8% cash interest; mandatory amortization $5/yr; maintenance capex $20; cash taxes $10. How much can EBITDA fall before the company stops covering its obligations, and what ratios frame this?
Model answer
Fixed cash charges = interest (500 × 8% = 40) + amortization 5 + maintenance capex 20 + cash taxes 10 = $75 (taxes would fall in a downturn — treat this as conservative). Breakeven EBITDA ≈ $75, so…
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