LGD Calculator – Loss Given Default

Calculate the Loss Given Default (LGD) to measure the potential loss if a borrower defaults. LGD represents the portion of the exposure that is not recovered after default, expressed as a percentage.

Loss Information

LGD Results

Loss Given Default (LGD): 0.00%
Recovery Rate: 0.00%
Expected Loss: $0

Risk Assessment

Loss Severity: N/A
Recovery Quality: N/A
Credit Risk Level: N/A

Portfolio Impact

Capital Requirement: $0
Risk-Adjusted Return: N/A
Pricing Impact: N/A

Understanding Loss Given Default (LGD)

Loss Given Default (LGD) measures the potential loss a lender or investor faces when a borrower defaults on a loan or debt obligation. It represents the portion of the exposure that cannot be recovered through liquidation, restructuring, or other recovery processes.

LGD Formula

Basic Formula

  • LGD = (EAD - Recovery Amount) / EAD
  • EAD = Exposure at Default
  • Recovery Amount = Amount recovered
  • Expressed as a percentage

Example Calculation

  • EAD: $100,000
  • Recovery: $60,000
  • LGD: ($100,000 - $60,000) / $100,000 = 40%
  • 40% loss on default

LGD Interpretation

LGD Ranges and Recovery Quality

Understanding different loss severity levels

Low Loss (0-30%)

  • Excellent recovery
  • Strong collateral
  • Efficient workout process
  • Low credit risk

Moderate Loss (30-60%)

  • Fair recovery
  • Adequate collateral
  • Standard workout process
  • Moderate credit risk

High Loss (60-90%)

  • Poor recovery
  • Weak collateral
  • Complex workout process
  • High credit risk

Very High Loss (90%+)

  • Minimal recovery
  • Little or no collateral
  • Difficult or impossible recovery
  • Very high credit risk

Factors Affecting LGD

Factor Impact on LGD Reason
Collateral Quality Higher quality ? Lower LGD Better recovery value
Seniority Higher seniority ? Lower LGD Priority in recovery waterfall
Economic Conditions Recession ? Higher LGD Lower asset values, delayed recovery
Workout Process Efficient process ? Lower LGD Faster recovery, higher proceeds

LGD in Risk Models

Expected Loss Calculation

  • EL = PD × LGD × EAD
  • PD = Probability of Default
  • LGD = Loss Given Default
  • EAD = Exposure at Default

Regulatory Capital

  • Basel Accords requirements
  • Risk-weighted assets
  • Economic capital
  • Stress testing

Recovery Rate vs LGD

Recovery Rate

  • Recovery Amount / EAD
  • Percentage recovered
  • Higher is better
  • Complements LGD

LGD

  • 1 - Recovery Rate
  • Percentage lost
  • Lower is better
  • Risk measure

Industry LGD Benchmarks

Corporate Bonds

  • Investment grade: 20-40%
  • High yield: 40-70%
  • Senior secured: 15-30%
  • Subordinated: 60-90%

Bank Loans

  • Senior secured: 10-25%
  • Senior unsecured: 30-50%
  • Subordinated: 50-80%
  • DIP financing: 5-15%

LGD Estimation Methods

Historical Analysis

  • Actual recovery data
  • Loss experience
  • Industry benchmarks
  • Time series analysis

Market-Based Approaches

  • Credit spreads
  • Asset swap spreads
  • Equity volatility
  • Structural models

Applications in Finance

Risk Management

  • Portfolio risk assessment
  • Credit risk modeling
  • Economic capital allocation
  • Stress testing

Pricing and Valuation

  • Risk-adjusted pricing
  • Credit spread determination
  • Expected loss provisioning
  • Fair value calculations

Key Takeaways for LGD Calculator

  • LGD = (Exposure at Default - Recovery Amount) / Exposure at Default measures the loss percentage in case of default
  • LGD is a key component in expected loss calculations along with PD (Probability of Default) and EAD (Exposure at Default)
  • Lower LGD indicates better recovery prospects and lower credit risk
  • LGD varies by asset class, collateral quality, and seniority in the capital structure
  • The calculator helps assess potential losses and determine appropriate risk premiums
  • LGD is used in regulatory capital calculations and risk-weighted asset determinations
  • Recovery rate = 1 - LGD shows the percentage that can be recovered after default
  • Use the calculator to evaluate credit risk and make informed lending or investment decisions

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