Kerry Lathrop

The Alchemy of Capital Structure

Erik Schatzker, Joshua Friedman, Joshua Harris, Carey Lathrop, Jonathan Sokoloff, John Sokoloff, Kerry Lathrop

A panel of financial experts analyzes the current high-yield debt market, identifying a late-cycle environment where record leverage multiples and covenant erosion have created a fragile "refinancing wall" for overextended issuers. Drawing on historical shifts from the Drexel era to post-2008 regulatory constraints, the discussion highlights specific vulnerabilities in the energy sector and warns that passive investing has exacerbated liquidity mismatches. Consequently, the experts advise investors to maintain selective discipline and prioritize senior secured positions while urging corporate leaders to extend debt maturities and fortify balance sheets against an anticipated rise in borrowing costs and subsequent restructuring wave.