Understanding Receivable Financing Pricing And Rates Is Not Impossible! Invoice Discounting 101

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Information on receivable financing and invoice discounting rates in Canada. Understanding Factoring Prices

' Misunderstanding all you see '; those are lyrics from

the Beatles ' Strawberry Fields ', and talk about being a bit appropriate for the confusion around receivable financing and invoice discounting rates in Canada.

So, talk about confusing... let's try and clear up some real basics around receivable finance in Canada -mostly along the lines of how it works and how it is priced. Clients are always providing their version of what they think they are getting but the reality is often far from that.

A/R finance is used by thousands of firms in Canada to address cash flow shortages when in fact more traditional financing simply doesn't make sense or can't be attained.

A good way to clear up some of the confusion around this method of business finance in Canada is to address it head on, which is simply to say that this finance mechanism isn't financing per se, it's simply the sale of one of your assets at a discounted rate. So from that perspective even we own up to being guilty sometimes around the terminology!

Another way of looking at our issue to frankly address what might be perceived or real drawbacks or negatives around A/R financing. The discount rate used on receivables when you sell them, in Canada, ranges anywhere from 1-5%. To be fair, the average discount rate tends to be in the 2% range.

Invoice discounting rates make the most sense when they are used to take advantages of opportunities for growth and higher profits and sales via asset turnover.

Part of the reason A/R finance is viewed as confusing by many is that it's essentially part of an unregulated industry. Clearly our banks are regulated and you know what you get (when you can get it!)

So what does that all mean to Canadian business owners and financial managers. Simply 4 words. Pick a solid partner! Or adviser.

Where invoice discount financing gets confusing is in the terms/contracts, and the rates.

So how do you address that pricing in terms of benefits? Several factors have to be taken into consideration. They are the quality and age of your receivable portfolio, the ' opportunity cost' of what you can do with additional cash flow, and the actual cost of carrying your receivables and inventory as opposed to monetizing them more quickly via a receivable financing strategy.

As we have said in the past carrying receivables anywhere from 60-90 days can easily cost you anywhere from 10-20% when you factor in days to pay your firm, admin costs, lost opportunities, your current financing costs, etc.

So why do Canadian business owners and their finance staff stumble on the issue of receivable finance. It's partly, as we have shown due to their inability to overlook the total pictures in the areas we have demonstrated above.

Invoice discounting rates makes the most sense when you look at opportunity cost. If you finance your receivables as you generate them you lower the balance sheet investment and reduce your day's sales outstanding.

A quick example - if your annual sales are 1.2 million and your daily sales are $3300 per day for example you could add $10,000 to cash flow by a 3 day reduction in DSO. A 30 day reduction adds 100k to cash flow!

Charges or costs for a 100k per month facility equate to a 2k per month cost if you are turning your A/R promptly.

So, confusing. We hope not, although we're the first to admit it takes a bit of time. Speak to a trusted credible and experienced Canadian business financing adviser for clarity on achieving best invoice discounting rates and benefits for your firm.

Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial –
Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 13 years - Completed in excess of 100 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations . Core competancies include receivables financing, asset based lending, working capital, equipment finance, franchise finance and tax credit financing. Info & Contact Details :
http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

7 Park Avenue Financial
South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8

Direct Line = 416 319 5769

Office = 905 829 2653

Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com

' Canadian Business Financing with the intelligent use of experience '

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Stan has had a successful career with some of the world’s largest and most successful corporations.
Prior to founding 7 Park Avenue Financial in 2004 his employers over the last 25 years were, ASHLAND OIL, ( 1977-1980) DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORPORATION, ( 1980-1990) ) CABLE & WIRELESS PLC,( 1991 -1993) ) AND HEWLETT PACKARD ( 1994-2004 ) He is an expert in Canadian Business Financing.

Stan has over 40 years of business and finance executive experience. He has been recognized as a credit/financial executive for three of the largest technology companies in the world; Hewlett-Packard, Digital Equipment and Cable & Wireless. Stan has had in depth, hands on experience in assessing and evaluating thousands of companies that are seeking financing and expansion. He has been instrumental in helping many companies progress through every phase of financing, mergers & acquisitions, sales and marketing and human resources. Stan has worked with startups and public corporations and has many times established the financial wherewithal of organizations before approving millions of dollars of financing facilities and instruments on behalf of his employers.


Stan Prokop

















Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Stan_Prokop/432698

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6774297

Alternative Finance 2014 Resolution : You Intend To Understand Invoice Discounting And Factoring

And In Other News : Understanding A/R Finance : A Securitization Alternative For The Little Guy!

OVERVIEW – Information on alternative finance solution in Canada. Why factoring and invoice discounting allows the SME sector to mirror large corporate financing alternatives such as securitization






Canadian small and medium sized firms ( The ‘ SME’ sector of our economy ) do not have the financing alternatives enjoyed by their larger, often public company counterparts. As an example many larger corporations use the concept of securitization as a method of financing working capital and enhancing balance sheets. This type of sophisticated financing allows firms to improve liquidity and satisfy lender loan covenants.

Smaller firms, usually do to cost, lack of financial sophistication, and size are unable to utilize such alternative financing. Additionally, in the post 2009/2010 financial environment many firms are struggling with their ability to maintain bank credit facilities, let alone increase them!


Therefore factoring continues to grow and become more widely used in small and middle sized firms in the Canadian business environment.
The factoring or 'discounting' of receivables allows firms to convert working capital into immediate cash. This comes with a cost which we will also discuss. Unbeknownst to many Canadian firms they have the option of selling some of their receivables, at once or on an ongoing basis, or all of their receivables - again, on a one time basis or ongoing.


It is critical to note that when a firm sells, or factors, or discounts (they all mean the same thing) they retain no ownership or interest in the receivable. Depending on how the factoring or working capital facility is structured they may or may not have responsibility for the ultimate non- collectibility of the account. Lenders address that issue in a variety of manners.
As we talked about previously, larger corporations utilize this process in a very large and serious way. Millions, rather Billions of dollars are packaged up, put into special investment vehicles called ABCP or SPV ( asset backed paper ) ( special purpose vehicle ) and then sold to corporate and institutional buyers based upon the over all quality of the total assets.

IMPORTANT NOTE – Small and medium sized firms in Canada can ‘ mirror’ the securitization process by considering CONFIDENTIAL A/R FINANCING, which allows them to bill and collect their own receivables with no notice to their clients, vendors, etc. Check it out!
Smaller and medium sized companies in Canada aren't able to enter to large multi year arrangements, with lower costs, that would allow them to achieve the benefits of a true securitization.

Smaller and medium size firms have the ability to, either with their banks (possible, but doubtful) or independent finance firms, sell receivables under a factoring or discounting agreement. This means they don't have to spend time and costs on setting p those asset backed commercial paper trusts, deals can be structured uniquely to the customers situation, and their is a lower cost and no reliance or need for rating agencies, lawyers, etc.

If used on a regular basis the factoring or invoice discounting process continually generates new working capital, allows the customer to generate better rates as time goes on, and, most importantly, relieves the financial stress of managing working capital.

It is very important to note that smaller companies have some distinct choices that on occasion the larger firms don't have. They can on a one time basis, or periodically choose to utilize this alternate financing method.


We discussed previously the company's responsibility around the invoice not being ultimately collected. If that is the case, 99% of this type of financing in Canada is done on a ' recourse ' basis. This means the customers has to pay back the lender, or replace the invoice with another one of equal value.


Typically the costs in Canadian receivable financing and factoring vary greatly. Rates range from 1 - 3% on a monthly basis. Most customers view this as an ' interest rate ', while the lender tends to view it as discount rate.

Generally the factoring (receivable discounting) facility can be set up in a couple of weeks. As we can imagine it takes the larger corporations many months (and many thousands of dollars) to set up their large dollar securitization facilities.
The factoring facilities are set up

In summary, more and more firms are turning towards factoring (receivable discounting) to manage their working capital and liquidity challenges. Firms are strongly advised to search out experts in this area who know the Canadian marketplace, as it differs substantially from the U.S. environment in this unique method of alternative financing. Seek a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business Financing Advisor with a track record of success
who can assist you in successfully completing A/R financing alternatives successfully .



Stan Prokop - 7 Park Avenue Financial :

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Business financing for Canadian Firms , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing , Equipment Leasing , franchise finance and Cdn. Tax Credit Finance . Founded 2004 - Completed in excess of 90 Million $ of financing for Canadian corporations . Info /Contact :


http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com/factoring-invoice-discounting-alternative-finance.html



Have A Question /Comment On Our Blog Or Canadian Business Financing Alternatives ?

CONTACT:

7 Park Avenue Financial
South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8

Direct Line = 416 319 5769

Office = 905 829 2653


Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com


' Canadian Business Financing with the intelligent use of experience '

Stan Prokop

Invoice Discounting In Canada. Can Factoring Invoices Unbreak Your Working Capital Challenges

A Review Of The ‘ Good Bad And The Ugly ‘ Of A/R Finance In Canada


OVERVIEW – .Information on invoice discouting in Canada . Factoring invoices is the new kid in town when it comes to a working capital and cash flow solution






Invoice discounting in Canada. It's one a couple terms Canadian business owners use for the concept of ' factoring invoices ' in Canada. We can safely say that Canadian business owners/managers view this method of financing as somewhat of their own review of ' THE GOOD, THE BAD, and AND THE UGLY '. Let's dig in.

No business owner or manager in Canada, especially in the start up to SME sector business denies that financing a business is a challenge. So when exactly does utilizing A/R finance make sense, and when does it get ' good ' and how you prevent ' bad' and ' ugly '?

When to utilizing invoice discounting is probably the easier one for us to address first, with a viewpoint to allowing you to see quite quickly if you're a solid candidate for this method of financing your firm. Typically you find yourself in one of probably 3 different situations.

The first solid qualifier is simply that you have typically found your firm is unable to access traditional chartered bank financing in Canada. In some cases you do have access to bank capital, but... it's not enough. That's very simply because our banks focus heavily on a small handful of criteria that all must be in place - they include profits in your firm, cash flow coverage, strong personal credit of the owners of the business, etc.

We can absolutely say that thousands of firms that could never qualify for bank credit in Canada access daily millions of dollars in commercial financing via factoring. The quick explanation for this seeming conundrum is simply that factoring, a subset of asset based lending, focuses on your assets, not necessarily your performance. Hopefully you're constantly striving to improve financial performance. Otherwise your business is probably a hobby as opposed to a business!

Growing is the other component of what drives the success of A/R finance in Canada. Banks typically prefer regular steady growth. The business owner and entrepreneur would love to generate 10% growth per annum neatly in the future. But business life doesnt work that way. Large opportunities emerge that the owner / manager wishes to seize. It's at that time that invoice financing comes to the rescue.

Our third category. It's simply allowing your company to be more diverse. That might include taking on larger deals and contracts, selling into the U.S. or other foreign markets, launching new product lines, etc.

All of the above scenarios lend themselves to a Factoring/invoice discounting solution.

So, if that’s the ' GOOD ‘, what then is the bad and ugly?! We can boil that down into a few very helpful tips. First of all, consider a confidential accounts receivable financing solution that doesn't involves your suppliers or clients when it comes to how your firm is financed. Traditional factoring (we call it ‘old school ' ) can only be viewed as cumbersome when it comes to the paper trail that is required and notification to clients, etc. Also, make sure to get a handle on pricing as not all parties make understanding that simple. And it is simple if you are dealing with the right firm or advisor.

So, if your working capital financing is ' broken ' consider ' unbreaking' it with a solid invoice discounting and factoring solution. Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you with surmounting the business finance challenge.




Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 10 years - has completed in excess of 80 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations . Core competancies include receivables financing, asset based lending, working capital, equipment finance, franchise finance and tax credit financing.
Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com/invoice-discounting-factoring-invoices.html




CONTACT:
7 Park Avenue Financial
South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8
Phone = 905 829 2653
Fax = 905 829 2653
Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com
























Stan Prokop

Invoice Discounting And Factoring Are One Solution To Working Capital Cost

Is Working Capital Cost Somewhat Disturbing? Understanding the True Cost of Factoring and Invoice Discounting For Canadian Firms

OVERVIEW – Information on working capital cost and how invoice discounting and factoring solutions bridge the gap between the cost to carry current assets and the cash flow you need to run and grow business



Working Capital Cost? Most business owners understand that their largest working capital assets are accounts receivable, often followed by inventory. ( On occasion inventory might be larger - that is not the norm)

If the largest working capital asset ( and the much needed cash!) is tied up in accounts receivable then does it make sense for customers to utilize factoring and invoice discounting, despite their concerns ( and perceptions ) around cost of using this method of financing. A rought estimate of payment terms in business might be that probably 90% of the worlds firms run on 30 day payment terms. Most business owners will quickly respond that while the worlds terms are 30 days, most customers pay in 45-60 days, and, unfortunately, sometimes longer!

Business owners need and want to convert those receivables into cash. When business owners hold receivables for 60 days this becomes a more costly scenario than they think. This is one of our main points around customers perception and lack of knowledge of the true cost of carrying receivables versus converting them into cash utilizing a factoring or receivable discounting facility. We will take a look a solid example of reality and perception of reality!

Let us say that a company has a 30 day payment terms. Let us also assume that they generate a 20% overall return on equity on their business model. Finally, lets say that the customer pays in 44 days. ( Not the 30 they promised!)
$100 x 1.20 44/365 = 100$ x 1.02 = 102.22
Therefore the company can earn a 2.2 % return on the funds in those 44 days. ( Example courtesy of Standard & Poors )


If a company factors or discounts their receivables at the time those invoices are generated then they have the true ability to immediately reduce the overall period that it takes a dollar to flow through their company. The new working capital / cash can be used to expand operations, buy more inventory, etc. If a customer is charged a discount rate of 2% / month on the factoring any new financial statement will show that days sales outstanding have reduced significantly.


The most important point in our example is as follows: The longer a business owner waits to convert receivables the lower the overall return on equity is for the firm.

Business owners and financial managers are strongly urged to investigate a Wall Street term, or ratio, known as the DUPONT FORMULA. While the analysis of that formula is not the subject of our information today the business owner will see that the formula is an incredibly great way to see how asset size and asset turnover impact RETURN ON EQUITY. We would quickly note that Return on Equity is one of the strongest measures Warren Buffett uses to measure financial success. The essence of the formula is simply that if a company can turn assets more efficiently then return on assets and equity increases.


In summary we have shown that while customers many times focus only the factoring rate or price, this type of analysis is very short sighted, as the ability of a firm to utilize factoring or invoice discounting great enhances their overall asset turnover and return on equity. Factoring/Invoice Discounting reduces a company's collection period, allowing the company to finance growth.

Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you with your working capital and finance needs.






Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial –

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 10 years - has completed in excess of 80 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations . Core competancies include receivables financing, asset based lending, working capital, equipment finance, franchise finance and tax credit financing.
Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :

7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL = WORKING CAPITAL FINANCING




7 Park Avenue Financial
South Sheridan Executive Centre
2910 South Sheridan Way
Suite 301
Oakville, Ontario
L6J 7J8
Phone = 905 829 2653
Fax = 905 829 2653
Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com












Stan Prokop

Turn $500,000.00 Of Promises Into Cash In 4 Hours . Financing Receivables Via Invoice Discounting And Receivable Lending In Canada

Canada’s Newest Cash Flow Financing Tool


Information on financing receivables in Canada . How invoice discounting via receivable lending turbo charges cash flow and working capital .




Financing receivables in Canada. Trust us, it's not magic . The concept of invoice discounting and receivables lending practices in Canada allows Canadian business owners and financial managers to turn sales into cash ,, pretty well in 4 hrs .. ! In case you haven't thought about that a lot, 4 hrs is better than waiting 1, 2, and yes sometimes almost 3 months for your sales to turn into customer receipts of payment . Talk about bridging the gap!

Surely business owners can't be surprised when they hear that the majority of firms tend to drag their feet when it comes to paying their bills . In the world of corporate financing slowing down payables is actually part of the formula for cash flow calculations ! And be honest, you cant be surprised about that one since the your firm is probably itself in that same majority of firms who in a calculated manner only pay suppliers at the last minute .

At the root of the matter though is the fact that the slow down in receipts from your clients creates a problem for your firm . Can it be fixed ? Absolutely .

We'll quickly add that your own firm can do a lot internally to accelerate cash - that can be done by stressing payment terms with clients and maintaining a focused ( but professional ) approach to collecting your accounts . That type of policy also prevents you from hearing about invoice or product or service problems much too late in the business cash flow cycle .

While many firms want a positive business relationship rather than have their valued customers on ' credit hold ' its safe to say this is a tough balancing act to manage . One U.S. survey, and we're pretty sure it is the same in Canada had 1000 of the largest corporations in America acknowledging they were paying suppliers more slowly . We already told you the reason why of course . Another survey indicated by the way that 50% of all ' small guys ' were experiencing cash flow ' concerns'! No surprise, right .

Naturally the concern of the SME business owner and manager revolves around ' will I lose a client if we have a strict credit policy '. We don't think so , but at the same time that is yours to decide . We would add by the way that profits of lack thereof rarely takes down a company, but running out of cash ... does .

So, our ' magic solution ' on turning , in our example 500k of promises into cash . Its invoice discounting. It's basically getting cash before your client pays you, and it’s done via legitimate receivable lending firms, typically non bank in nature in Canada.

Your receivable or receivables are purchased when you issue the invoice, and typically, 4 hrs or so later you have cash in the bank. In Canada a typical advance rate is 90%, so if you have 550,000.00$ in sales you would receive approx 500,000.00$ in cash. Oh and by the way, that remaining 10% is yours when your client pays, less the financing cost.

Accounting for all this is quite simple , using one invoice as an example you would CR a/r and DEBIT cash and invoice financing expense . Mission accomplished!

The largest corporations in North America use a more formal program that typically is called ' securitization ' whereby they move their a/r off the balance sheet to a third party in exchange for immediate cash . Boy does that balance sheet look good. No A/R and plenty of cash.

The benefits of financing receivables should by now be pretty obvious - it comes down to customer retention, not running out of cash, better supplier relations , and the ability to feel you have a sense on future sales and growth financing .


Speak to a trusted, credible and experience Canadian business financing advisor on how your firm can benefit from invoice discounting. It's not magic, just experience and knowledge!

7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL
CANADIAN INVOICE FINANCING EXPERTISE


Stan Prokop - founder of 7 Park Avenue Financial –

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com

Originating business financing for Canadian companies , specializing in working capital, cash flow, asset based financing . In business 7 years - has completed in excess of 80 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations . Core competancies include receivables financing, asset based lending, working capital, equipment finance, franchise finance and tax credit financing.
Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :

http://www.7parkavenuefinancial.com/financing_receivables_invoice_discounting_lending.html