Typical interest rate spreads in the U.S. direct lending market are currently categorized by the type of loan structure and the quality of the borrower. According to recent market analysis, all-in yields reflect the following benchmarks:
- Senior Secured Direct Loans: For mid-market transactions, spreads generally range from SOFR + 400–600 bps.
- Unitranche Structures: High-quality sponsors typically see spreads of SOFR + 350–500 bps, while smaller or riskier borrowers may face spreads between SOFR + 600–800 bps.
- Second-Lien or Mezzanine Tranches: These riskier tranches carry higher spreads, ranging from SOFR + 800–1,200 bps.
Recent trends show significant spread compression driven by heightened competition among non-bank institutional lenders. Final pricing is influenced by several factors, including the specific deal size, the credit quality of the borrower, and the overall leverage applied to the transaction.
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