| Borrower |
SPV that owns the asset and its contracts |
Existing operating company or holding company |
| Source of repayment |
Cash flow from the single asset |
Cash flow from the entire business |
| Recourse to sponsors |
Limited or none after completion tests are met |
Full corporate recourse |
| Security and controls |
Security over all SPV assets, share pledges, account control, strict cash waterfall, reserve accounts |
Security over group assets if secured, broader flexibility on cash movement |
| Key credit tests |
DSCR, LLCR, minimum reserve days, distribution lock-ups |
Leverage, interest cover, fixed charge cover, liquidity tests |
| Documentation |
Common terms agreement, intercreditor, direct agreements with key counterparties, hedging agreements |
Credit agreement, security documents, sometimes an intercreditor for multiple facilities |
| Typical tenor |
Matched to asset life or contract life |
Shorter to mid-term, based on corporate profile |
| Time and cost to close |
More time and higher third-party costs due to technical, legal, and insurance diligence |
Usually faster and cheaper to launch if the business is strong |