This week on Levered Lines, host Krista Giovacco speaks with Brian Garfield and Lucas Weiss from Lincoln International's Portfolio Valuation and Opinions Practice to discuss private credit market dynamics heading into 2026. They discuss deal making momentum with transaction multiples exceeding 2021 peak levels and the outlook for continued M&A activity alongside robust refinancing volume. The conversation covers portfolio company fundamental performance with over half growing EBITDA, borrower-friendly market conditions driven by substantial private credit dry powder, spread compression trends, and junior debt capital stack normalization. Key themes include the impact of withdrawn leverage lending guidelines on bank and direct lender competition, AI's potential influence on software underwriting dynamics, management team optimism with 8-10% growth projections, tactical positioning in subordinated debt markets, and challenges addressing underperforming companies and aged portfolio exits in sponsor funds.