CH 16 - Narrative Report-Short Term Business Financing
CH 16 - Narrative Report-Short Term Business Financing
Brequillo
MBA107- FINMAN
NARRATIVE REPORT
The size and age of a firm are two important factors that can affect short-term
financing. Smaller firms may have difficulty obtaining short-term financing because they
may not have the same level of creditworthiness as larger firms. In addition, younger
firms may not have a long enough track record to demonstrate their ability to repay
loans 1.
Larger firms, on the other hand, may have an easier time obtaining short-term
financing because they have a longer track record and are generally considered more
creditworthy. However, larger firms may also have more complex financing needs,
which can make it more difficult to obtain financing.
Growth and profitability
Growth and profitability are two important factors that can affect short-term
financing. Profitability is the ability of a company to generate profits, while growth is the
ability of a company to increase its size and expand its operations.
Profitability is important because it helps companies generate cash flow, which
can be used to finance short-term debt. However, growth is also important because it
can help companies increase their market share and generate more revenue in the long
run.
In general, companies that are profitable and growing are more likely to be able
to obtain short-term financing than companies that are not profitable or growing.
However, companies that are growing too quickly may have difficulty obtaining short-
term financing because they may not have the cash flow to support their growth.
Seasonal variation
Seasonal variation is an important factor that can affect short-term financing.
According to a report by Finance Strategists, time series analysis is concerned with the
numerical ways that the past can be used to forecast the future. It is useful as a tool to
help forecast future sales, but it can also be used in other circumstances. In a nutshell,
the idea of time series analysis is based on the assumption that in the future, data will
continue to move in the same direction as they did in the past.
In addition, seasonal trends can also affect short-term financing. For example,
rates tend to be lower in spring and fall, and higher in winter and summer, and
corporations and individuals try to obtain major financing when rates are lowest. Spring
is historically the prime home-buying season, which leads to a sharp increase in
applications for home mortgages during March, April, and May.
Sales trend
The sales trend of a company can have a significant impact on its short-term
financing. According to a report by Finance Strategists, time series analysis is
concerned with the numerical ways that the past can be used to forecast the future. It is
useful as a tool to help forecast future sales, but it can also be used in other
circumstances. In a nutshell, the idea of time series analysis is based on the
assumption that in the future, data will continue to move in the same direction as they
did in the past.
Cyclical Variations
Cyclical variations are fluctuations in the economy that occur over a period of
time. According to an article by Investopedia, cyclical risk is the risk of business cycles
or other economic cycles adversely affecting the returns of an investment, an asset
class, or an individual company’s profits.
In addition to trade credit, there are several other sources of short-term financing
available to businesses, such as bank lines of credit, invoice financing, and merchant
cash advances. Short-term financing can provide your business with a quick capital
injection to cover unforeseen expenses or capitalize on a new business opportunity.
This can be an ideal financing solution for small businesses that have to contend with
fluctuating cash flows and that might not have a lot of collateral to offer up.
Pledging
Pledging accounts receivable is a financing method that allows a company to use
its receivables as collateral for a loan. It means the company borrows money by
promising the lender the right to collect on outstanding invoices if it fails to repay
according to the agreed-upon terms. The lender may physically take the accounts
receivable but typically has recourse to the borrower. Pledging accounts receivable is
an example of giving up some of the rights to an asset in order to borrow money.
Accounts receivable are listed on the balance sheet as a current asset. Any
amount of money owed by customers for purchases made on credit is AR. The strength
of a company’s AR can be analyzed with the accounts receivable turnover ratio or days
sales outstanding. A turnover ratio analysis can be completed to have an expectation of
when the AR will actually be received.
Factoring
Factoring accounts receivable is a financial transaction in which a business sells
its accounts receivable (i.e., invoices) to a third party (called a factor) at a discount. This
is a source of debt financing available to businesses that sell on credit terms. Factoring
receivables is one of the most popular ways to finance companies struggling with limited
cash flow. The borrower assigns or sells its accounts receivable (or specific invoices) in
exchange for cash today.
Accounts receivable are listed on the balance sheet as a current asset. Any
amount of money owed by customers for purchases made on credit is AR. The strength
of a company’s AR can be analyzed with the accounts receivable turnover ratio or days
sales outstanding. A turnover ratio analysis can be completed to have an expectation of
when the AR will actually be received.
Acceptance
An acceptance is a type of financial instrument that arises from sales
transactions. It is a written order by the buyer of goods or services to pay the seller at a
future date. The seller can then use the acceptance as collateral to obtain short-term
financing from a bank or other financial institution.
Banker’s acceptances are a type of acceptance that are guaranteed by a bank.
They are often used in international trade transactions to provide assurance to the seller
that they will be paid.
Inventory Financing and Other Secured Loans
Inventory Loans
Inventory financing is a type of short-term financing that allows businesses to
purchase inventory to sell at a later date. It is often used by small to mid-sized retailers
and wholesalers who lack the financial history and available assets to secure larger
financing options. Inventory loans are typically secured by the purchased inventory,
meaning that the lender can take possession of the inventory if the borrower defaults on
the loan. Inventory financing can be helpful for inventory-heavy businesses that need to
keep cash flow steady through busy and slow seasons, update product lines, increase
inventory supplies, and respond to high customer demand. Some of the best inventory
financing loans of 2023 include BlueVine, Fundbox, and Kabbage.
Loans secured by stocks and bonds
Loans secured by stocks and bonds are a type of collateralized financing option
that uses assets such as equity or cryptocurrencies to secure loans with modest interest
rates and limited risk. The original stock certificate of the stock being collateralized is
placed with the bank as collateral. Secured loans are usually cheaper than unsecured
loans because the borrower assumes the risk. Share secured loans use the money in a
savings account, CD, or money market account as collateral to lower the risk level for
the lender. SBLOCs use investments in a taxable brokerage account as collateral to
back a revolving line of credit. Loan stock refers to shares of common or preferred stock
that are used as collateral to secure a loan from another party. These types of loans can
be helpful for those who need quick cash for a down payment or to cover an
unexpected expense, but may not be sure whether it warrants raiding their emergency
savings. By using stocks and bonds as collateral, borrowers can access cash so they
can grab onto an investment opportunity or make ends meet when they’re stuck in a
jam.
Other Forms of Security for Loans
Life Insurance Loans
Life insurance loans are a type of collateralized financing option that uses the
cash value of a life insurance policy as collateral. It often has lower interest rates than a
personal loan and you can use the money for any purpose. You don’t need to repay this
loan before you die. To initiate a policy loan, you’ll need to contact your life insurance
company. Before taking out a policy loan, find out what will happen to the components
of your policy after the loan. If you need money to fund a major expense or necessity,
you may be able to turn to your insurance policy. If you have permanent life insurance,
which includes whole life, adjustable life, variable life, universal life, and indexed
universal life, you’ll likely have a cash value component you can access. Unlike term life
insurance, which has a set time limit on its coverage period and does not accumulate
cash value, permanent life insurance does have a cash component. At the beginning of
the policy, more of the premium goes toward funding the indemnity benefit. As the
policy matures, cash value increases. Borrowing from your life insurance policy is one
option to access money to pay for a major expense or necessity. If you have a policy
with a cash value, such as permanent life insurance (which includes whole life or
universal life), you can borrow from your life insurance. Term life insurance does not
have a cash value, so you cannot borrow from these policies. The funds you borrow are
tax-free, but there are typically interest payments. Paying back the loan is often
optional, however, if you do not repay, the death benefit will be lower.
Co-maker Loan
A co-maker is a person who, by virtue of contract, promises to pay the loan of
another in case of default. Co-makers are often used when applying for a collateral loan
and when the borrower is unable to meet certain credit criteria such as age or
insufficient proof of income. By having a co-maker, you can increase the amount of loan
and boost chances of approval, especially if the co-maker is in good credit standing and
has sufficient income. As a co-maker, he or she does not receive or benefit from the
proceeds of the loan. Nonetheless, one is responsible in ensuring that the full amount of
the loan including interests are paid. Co-maker loans are not a type of short-term
financing, but rather a way to secure a loan with the help of another person. If you need
short-term financing, you may want to consider other options such as inventory loans,
loans secured by stocks and bonds, or life insurance loans.
The Cost of Short-Term Financing
For most asset-based and unsecured loans, a simple method can be used to
combine the interest expenses and fees to determine the true interest cost of a short-
term loan. Fortunately, we discussed this earlier in this chapter when we examined
commercial paper. Here, we break it into steps and present an example. First,
determine the amount to be borrowed. Discounted loans or bank loans with
compensating balances will need to use equations 16-2 and 16-3 to determine the
amount. Second, determine the interest expense on the borrowed funds. This is the
interest rate multiplied by the amount borrowed. Third, determine the fees and other
expenses associated with using the financing source. We know, for example, that
factors charge a service fee, inventory loans may carry warehouse charges, and
pledged loans usually carry extra fees because of the extra analysis done by the lender.
Fourth, estimate the net proceeds. This may be the same as the amount borrowed, but
in the case of discounted loans (such as commercial paper), the net proceeds will be
less than the amount borrowed. Fifth, to estimate the financing cost, divide the sum of
the interest expenses and fees.
1. Determine the amount received
2. Determine the interest expense
3. Determine the fees and other expenses
4. Estimate the net proceeds
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