Lease Equipment or Buy Equipment? - Let's Get Technical!

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We can safely say that all growing companies need financing to fund ongoing capital expenditures, commonly called 'CAPEX' by CFO's and Wall Street. It goes without saying, also, that even established companies need to replace assets at some point in time.

When companies utilize lease financing they are in effect leverage their capital investments. They could clearly only buy so much with their own capital resources, but borrowing or leasing they can do more than might otherwise have been possible.

There is a technical term called 'WACC', which accountants and financial analyst recognize as WEIGHTED AVERAGE COST OF CAPITAL. As fancy as that term sounds, it simply says that if a company understands how much it costs them to borrow, and then can earn more on a new investment than their borrowing rate, well, then It makes sense to lease. Using a simple example, if a company wishes to purchase a new asset that will deliver a 15% return on assets, and their borrowing cost is 10%, the 5% difference is a major economic positive and benefit to the company. It would not make sense to pursue the asset if borrowing costs were 15% and the return was 12%!!

Naturally at all times business owners and CFO's know that their company can assume only so much debt, as in additional leases, etc. At a certain point there is a threshold that is reached where a company is maxed out on debt.

Leasing also has the ability to defer taxes - in essence its interest free debt. So in these case a major lease financing scenario can also be viewed as a form of deferred taxes, which many financial analysts and bankers view as quasi - equity. And that's a good thing!

Naturally an aggressive lease financing strategy in effect accelerates capital investment, business expansion, etc. The company does not have to pay out 100% of the value of the asset at inception. In companies where capital expenditure and free cash flow are critical those are important measurements of success. The lower investment in a equipment leasing strategy allows a company to invest in other assets and projects. Leasing therefore increases the speed of investment - the company is trading future cash flows for a lower cash outlay now.

In summary, companies debating a lease or buy strategy must ensure they have their primary data correct, re borrowing costs, expected returns of assets/project, etc. The company needs to clearly assess how long the asset will be used for, and ensure It matches the cash flow analysis they are using on that particular asset or project. Customer need to know their borrowing rates, and be realistic, as we have seen that they will be benchmarked against their return rates.



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

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 100 Million $ of financing for Canadian corporations .

' 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/3588687

Should You Lease Equipment? What Leasing Company Is Your Best Financing Bet ?

Confused About Your Equipment Leasing Decision?

OVERVIEW – Information on the right leasing company to choose when your company is financing assets . A solid lease equipment strategy pays off significant dividends !


The ' lease equipment ' decision can be a complex and / or confusing one when the Canadian business owner or financial manager is ready to choose the right leasing company for the firms asset financing needs . Who should you deal with? What are the differences between lessors? What mistakes can be made... and how can you take advantage of the right benefits of leasing assets? Whew... a lot of questions! Let's provide some solid answers to the lease finance conundrum!

There are numerous financiers of equipment assets in Canada. While some might be ' pure play ' equipment lessors others might be a hybrid, offering loans, bridge loans, etc. Choosing who to use, as we have pointed out carries rewards... and some risk.

At the end of the day there are 3 real, as we call them ' pure play ' lease type firms in Canada. They are independent commercial financing companies, captive finance firms (more about those later), and bank subsidiaries and divisions of our Canadian chartered banks. There is also what we can call a ' hybrid ' provider that might just possible be your best solution, an independent Canadian business financing advisor who has strong relations with all of the above. At the end of the day a little help from an expert never hurts.

When you at least know the different categories of lessors out there it certainly helps to level the playing field!

We would venture to say that independent commercial lease companies in Canada provide the bulk of asset financing to the industry. It's their only job, and they do it well. They aggressively market asset financing to Canadian business and are in a position to use credit and asset expertise to deliver on solid fixed asset financing solutions to your firm. They industry, as we have noted in the past is diverse even on its own - there are micro, small, mid and large ticket lessors, and all of them have different ranges of pricing and credit criteria . Typically commercial independent lease firms offer two types of leases, lease to own ' capital ' leases, and lease to use ' operating’, or ' rental ' leases. Knowing which type of lease you need helps you narrow who to deal with.

Independent lease firms pay your vendor on your behalf and enter into a lease contract with your company. Title remains with the leasing company until you typically have paid all the monthly rentals. These firms make their profit from the finance charge, and on occasion from the residual value of the equipment if you are obligated to return it.

Captive lease firms are typically associated with a specific manufacturer. They are the ' in house ' arms of large computer and auto and construction equipment firms as an example. They are usually great to deal with because, no surprise here, they are incented to finance the product their parent company sells your firm. Credit is sometimes more flexible and in many cases return and upgrade options are plentiful.

Many of Canada's chartered banks have re - entered the equipment leasing market. While credit criteria and standards are very high it’s no surprise that rates and terms are great. Typically banks will only do lease to own type transactions. Don't expect your bank to offer a computer upgrade option on your technology financing needs!

Using an experienced Canadian business financing advisor for your needs might often be the perfect solution to size up the entire market at once - with no financial or time investment by yourself. Talk about a win / win! Working with a respected and credible party can add value, reduce pricing, and enhance terms and benefits to your lease equipment needs when you need a leasing company in Canada.




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/lease-equipment-leasing-company-financing.html



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

Why You Should ( And Should Not ) Lease Equipment. When Do Financing Leases Make Sense Via A Leasing Company In Canada

Lease Equipment Strategies In Canada – Is Timing Right For Your Company?



Information on the pros and cons of financing leases in Canada . To Lease Equipment may via a leasing company may, and may not always be the right decision for your firm . Here is why !


Financing leases in Canada. Should we... or perhaps we shouldn’t ... and who with... and when ... and why. Can we make up our minds here!

No one is a bigger fan of lease equipment strategies in Canada than us... when you're with the right leasing company it's a powerful double whammy of financing success. But is it always advisable to choose equipment finance, and when are there some clear disadvantages to this popular method of Canadian business financing.

Although 80% of North American firms utilize lease finance it might not always be your preferred strategy. Two obvious alternatives of course are to purchase the equipment outright, while the other options might just be a term loan strategy.

If there was in fact on perfect method of financing fixed assets, trust us... we'd be all over it. However the real world suggests that it's always about some pros and cons where you as the business owner or financial manager have to weigh in.

One of the most obvious benefits of those who have used leasing before is simply that it more efficient and less time consuming than seeking loan financing. The industry in Canada is basically categorized as ' document efficient’... smaller transactions can almost always be approved in a day or so ... sometimes within hours if you're at the lower end of the spectrum.

One other key advantage of asset finance via a lease strategy is your ability to manage what is known as the obsolescence factor. Because you're paying over time and the lessor owns the asset it becomes the risk of your leasing company when it comes to declining asset values. Most of us know that 99% of busines assets depreciate, not appreciate in value.

One solid example of the whole issue of obsolescence is the technology area. Whether its computers, software (yes software and software licenses can be financed) and telecom equipment are prime examples of expensive higher ticket items that can lose their value almost overnight given changing technologies. So to pay for them in cash or to lock into a term loan that has no flexibility is simply... not recommended!

Many companies in the manufacturing sector rely on production assets to run their company. These quite often need to be upgraded, if simply for the wear and tear aspect something mechanical. So the idea of flexibility in a lease to return, upgrade, trade in, and then refinance is a highly sought after financing strategy in Canadian business.

Not all fixed assets that your company needs will be needed for a long time... in some cases they may even be project oriented. That’s when a shorter lease term with an aggressive depreciation policy makes solid sense.

That’s just a couple advantage of leasing in Canada. But should you always be using this option? We do like to present a balanced picture!

If there are situations when you can maintain residual upside in the value of the equipment or asset (perhaps your company jet?!) then by all means consider an operating strategy or a term loan scenario.

Also, if you are in a position to pay cash and not hinder your overall cash flow situation then there is some accounting and cost advantages to outright purchase.

So, bottom line today? It's simply to manage and understand the weight of evidence that come with any lease vs. buy strategy.

Need help? Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor today for your lease equipment needs.

7 PARK AVENUE FINANCIAL
CANADIAN LEASE 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/leasing_company_lease_equipment_financing_leases.html

Choose The Right Canadian Leasing Services and Financing Companies When You Lease Equipment !

Canadian Equipment Leasing Assistance – For Free!



Information on choosing the right equipment financing services and leasing companies in Canada . Maximize benefits when you lease equipment with a partner that meets your asset acquisition needs .




You know you want to. We're talking about dealing. Dealing? Don't panic, our topic is leasing and financing services from lease equipment companies in Canada. Choosing the right partner and type of lease is critical to asset acquisition strategies for Canadian business owners and financial managers.


You've chosen to lease equipment, rather than purchase it, for a variety of reasons. The lease vs. buy decision is a classic business decision that more often than not demonstrates the value of leasing financing. We're all heard the basics, the tax and accounting benefits, flexibility, ease of acquisition with respect to approval, etc, etc!

Of course when it comes to showing those lease obligations it’s getting harder and harder to mask the fact that at the end of the day lease obligations are still debt. Even recent international accounting rule changes have taken away some of the aspects of off balance sheet financing , but the reality is that operating leases still offer a significant technology hedge ( and a lower payment ) than the capital lease .. Or lease to own option.

When you are looking for the right lease equipment companies to deal with its critical to understand their product offering. Are they focused to small, medium or larger size transactions? Canadian business owners and financial managers don’t realize it, but it’s a very, repeat very small handful of firms that handle all sizes of transactions, from 5k to 5 Million, and we tell clients they can waste a lot of time dealing and negotiating with the wrong firm.

Your current advantage as a Canadian business owner or financial manager is that the leasing and financing services available to yourself are quite frankly... booming! The industry has returned to fairly good health after 2008 - 20009 and the industry is full of captive firms, independent commercial firms, bank leasing companies, all of which are a combo of Canadian owned or foreign owned in some cases.

So, is there a way to wade through the industry players and determine which firm is for you, based on your asset financing and services needs? That requires a lot of time, and some solid due diligence. Naturally a better way to address the challenge is to work with an industry expert, at no charge , to determine the best deal when it comes to rates, structures, types of lease you choose, and , today’s topic, who you deal with .

Other ways you can find the right lease equipment companies are of course through internet searches , referrals from a bank or trusted business friend, , etc.

We're quite frankly on the side of letting and expert do the work for you , someone who has the experience and industry and market knowledge to negotiate rates, terms, misc fees, and overalls structure with a focus on one goal - maximizing lease equipment services and benefits for your firm .

So, bottom line? It's not as hard as you think. Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor on maximizing leasing and financing services for your firm.





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/lease_equipment_leasing_financing_companies.html

5 Reasons Why Your Competitors Lease Equipment – Achieving Great Leasing Rates On A Commercial Equipt. Loan

A Canadian Equipment Financing Perspective


Information on why Canadian companies lease equipment and how the best leasing rates and terms and structures are achieved on a commercial equipment loan .






Recently we ' Canadianized' a U.S. update on what was termed the ' 10 Advantages of Leasing Equipment. The U.S. document also spoke of the top 5 reason why companies lease... We thought those were worthy of some comments also.

Canadian owners and financial managers who wish to lease equipment or obtain a commercial lease/loan for equipment are not only motivated by good leasing rates. Let’s examine some of those other motivators also.

Number 1 on the list was ' the bank won't help our firm’. That’s a common thread when we talk to clients looking to finance their assets. However, we must also point out that the Canadian chartered banks in very recent times have become very aggressive in lease financing of assets. Several banks have even purchased commercial lease companies and reframed them under the bank logo.

If your company can ' meet mustard' for the bank credit bar, which is typically quite high then you are in a position to get rates, terms and structures that clearly can't be beaten.

Another complication we have noted with bank leasing in Canada is that the preference is for them to only finance their own commercial borrowing customers under their lease programs. If they can’t do that there is usually a strong pitch made for moving all your credit facilities over to their bank. That of course may, or may not, make sense! It certainly complicates the process in our opinion. However, those bank leasing rates can be very appealing and are often significantly, and we really mean significantly under their competitors, the independent lease finance firms in Canada.

Reason # 2 for Canadian firms to choose Leasing .We guess you can call it our ' royalty' reason, because, so we've been told, cash is king ! So if you can obtain 90-100% financing of your asset, conserve credit lines, and finance numerous ancillary needs of the asset, i.e. maintenance, warranty, delivery, installation, etc then you are clearly way ahead of the game.

Reason # 3 - It's easy, it’s as plain and simple as that. The reality is that in 2011 the equipment lease is a highly competitive offering in Canada. Numerous firms that finance small, medium and large ticket transactions are very aggressive in marketing their financing services for a commercial loan / lease. The trick here we caution customers is not to reverse that ease of application by wasting time in talking to the wrong firm - someone who doesn’t match your firms credit quality or asset financing need .

Reason # 4- Want to be held captive? What do we mean by that? Simply that one of the category of lease offerings in Canada is held by captive finance companies and dealers who offer financing. They have one main motivation. Sell you their products! So their ability to finance those products for you becomes their motivator, with your firm being the winner, often getting great lease rates and terms by an incented manufacturer or dealer.

Reason # 5 - Hold on a minute, we have to talk to our accountant. By that we're simply saying there are number tax, deprecations and accounting implications and benefits around an equipment lease. This further solidifies the reason why many firm not only focus on leasing rates but other intangible benefits such as accounting, tax treatment, etc.

So, as always there’s a bottom line. Canadian firms who lease equipment have some great reasons to finance their asset needs in this manner. Speak to a trusted, credible an experienced Canadian business financing advisor to find out which of these reasons make the most sense to your firm.




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/lease_equipment_leasing_rates_commercial_loan.html

3 Obvious And 1 Not So Obvious Reasons To Consider Canadian Lease Equipment Financing For A Capital Asset Loan

How To Capitalize On Equipment Leasing In Canada

Information on lease equipment financing in Canada and what solid benefits Canadian business owners and financial managers can achieve via a capital asset loan financing program .


It's always a little easier to consider the obvious in business and business financing in Canada. Occasionally though we think it’s prudent for clients to ensure they consider all the benefits of certain methods of financing, some of which might not be so obvious. Let's clarify with respect to lease equipment financing in Canada, and why and asset loan or lease for capital financing purposes is often head and shoulders above any other financing alternative .

It's a given that you want to ensure any financing decision has solid reasons and benefits prior to entering into the transaction. In Canadian equipment finance the ability to finance between 90 - 100% per cent of the asset, as well as additional miscellaneous costs is clearly a huge, and obvious benefit.

In the past we have often referred to lease equpment strategies with a phrase we always thought was quite powerful... it’s simply as follows - Asset loan and capital lease financing helps you overcome ' obstacles to innovation '.

Because quite often when we sit with a client the cost of an asset acquisition is in fact the largest obstacle to innovation and growth within their firm. Simply put, if we had all the capital we needed we probably would always by the best (most expensive) fixed assets for our business.

Let’s get back to that 90-100% financing. Although many lessors tout the fact that lease finance in Canada is 100% financing the reality is that on many occasions clients are asked to put down a down payment of security deposit on the lease finance transaction. We would point out though if your firm has very good commercial credit and financials and cash flow that support your transaction you should in fact focus, if not demand! 100% financing.

So, on to our 2nd obvious reason to focus on lease equipment financing asset loan/lease. It’s all about the term. The term of course refers to the length of your lease... it can be long to ensure lower payments and reflect the assets useful economic life, or it can be shorter it means getting an approval vs. not getting one. We point out to clients that ,on balance, lease terms of less than 2 years to not make sense for the lessor... so don’t focus on too short a term!

We heard a rumor the other day... that being that ' cash is king’! If you subscribe to that rumor then equpment financing is for your firm, reducing cash flow drain and be adjusted for seasonality, delivery issues, or simply staggering payments to ensure your match benefits of the asset with cash outflows.

Those all 3 very obvious, and often discussed benefits of asset financing via leasing in Canada. We have focused on who you are dealing with, which is one of the hundreds of equipment finance firms in Canada. So our ' not so obvious ' point today is simply that by not dealing with banks , insurance companies, hedge funds, etc , all of which might hold other security over your firm you are in effect freeing up the business credit than any firm so badly requires these days . And you can further expand that business credit by considering off balance sheet financing via operating leases, which make perfect sense for larger ticket items such as computers, aircraft, etc.

So as we have said, there are a number of ' economic ' benefits to leasing equipment in Canada. To further explore some of these obvious( and not so obvious!) benefits to your firm consider talking to an experienced Canadian business financing advisor who has a trustworthy, credible and experienced reputation in Canadian equpment finance .




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/lease_equipment_financing_asset_loan_capital.html

How To Get The Best Finance Deal When You Lease Equipment from Commercial Leasing Companies

Isn't it true that everyone knows ' a guy ‘. in business .. Today we'd like to be ' your guy ‘when it comes to best deal / best pricing when you lease equipment via commercial financing leasing companies. Let’s get some major benefits around equipment financing, pricing, and structures.

As a Canadian business owner and financial manager you just might be overlooking one of the best forms on long term ' asset finance ' capital in Canada. And getting a solid deal on rates, terms, structure and prompt approval is why commercial leasing companies are often massively under utilized when it comes to providing your company with an alternate form of financing.

As we said, we promised to be ' your guy ‘... so here it goes. You can immediately go to the head of the class by showing that you are aware of a major choice you need to make when you start the lease vs. buy equipment decision. There are two types of leases, capital and operating. Think of them as basically owning or using, in that respective order.

Have you been read your rights? No, we're not arresting you... just letting you knows that as ' your guy ‘you have all sorts of rights when you entire into an operating lease. Payments are cancelable at end of term and you have no ownership or acquisition rights. However, the good news is that if you choose to, you have the rights to purchase the equipment; upgrade it and re finance, or return or extend the transaction. How is that for flexibility -- and you make those choices not the lessor.

Naturally when you opt to own equipment, as many assets to maintain their value (dont think computing in this case!) you now have a non cancelable commitment but payments are fixed and if you're smart you will match the term of the lease to the expected useful life of the equipment .

Don't forget also that we can divide the area of capital leasing into two subsets - a direct acquisition of an asset, or a sale leaseback on assets you already own. Sale leasebacks were somewhat out of vogue during the 2008 -2009 global recession, but they seem to be coming back, and as an alternative many of our clients have benefited from a simple short term bridge loan (i.e. not a lease) on certain unencumbered assets. At the end of the day it’s purely a financial move on your part - generate working capital from assets you already own.

Again, we're ' your guy ' right. So we have an obligation to remind you of 6 other key benefits of lease equipment strategies in Canada. Working with commercial leasing companies on these strategies will save you thousands of dollars.

The strategies are: the freeing up of working capital in your operating lines. In business you want to match the right debt with the right assets, and lease finance perfectly handles long term asst financing. The other 5 benefits are 100% financing, no additional outside collateral requirements, tax write off of assets that normally might not be expensed, simplified record keeping and approval processes .

Have we done an ' ok ' job as ' your guy ' in equipment leasing? We hope so. Are there potential disadvantages or other solutions to lease equipment or acquire assets? Yes there are. So speak to a trusted, credible, and experienced Canadian business financing advisor on commercial leasing strategies that will work for you, not against you. That’s business 101!

-

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 50 Million $$ of financing for Canadian corporations .Info re: Canadian business financing & contact details :

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