Financing
Definition
Levered yield accounts for the effects of financing on the return of an investment, factoring in debt service costs.
Levered yield represents the return on an industrial real estate investment after accounting for the impact of financing through debt. Unlike unlevered yield, which considers the property’s income and value without debt, levered yield factors in the cost of debt service—including interest and principal repayments—thus reflecting the actual return to equity holders. This metric is essential for investors and asset managers because it shows how leverage, or borrowed capital, enhances or diminishes returns. By incorporating financing costs, levered yield provides a more accurate picture of profitability and risk, enabling more informed investment decisions. In practical terms, levered yield helps quantify how the use of debt amplifies the equity returns but also increases exposure to financial risk, especially if operating income fluctuates or interest rates change. For industrial and logistics properties, where large capital investments are common, understanding levered yield is crucial to balance growth opportunities with prudent financial management.
Practical Example: IPEC Group
At IPEC Group, levered yield analysis is integral when evaluating new industrial and logistics projects across the CEE region. For example, during the development of a logistics park near Bratislava, we assessed the levered yield by incorporating project financing terms from our banking partners. This helped us quantify how debt financing would influence returns to equity investors after interest payments, enabling us to optimize the capital structure. By adjusting leverage levels, IPEC ensured a risk-balanced approach that supported competitive returns while maintaining financial stability, critical for long-term asset performance in dynamic markets like Slovakia.
Related Terms
Unlevered Yield, Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Capital Structure, Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR), Cash-on-Cash Return