Interested In Why Equipment Lease Rates And Low Leasing Payments Might Not Be Important ? !

Wouldn’t You Like To Understand The Pricing Game In Asset Leasing?



Information on the key factors regarding equipment lease rates. Are low leasing payments the most important factor in asset financing . Maybe. Maybe not.





You tell us, because we sure don't know. We're talking about equipment lease rates, and why clients are almost always under the distinct impression that the concept of a ' low payment ‘ or a ' great rate ' via leasing finance in Canada is their sole focus .

We recently came across some great information on that very subject, so let's try and put that in perspective from the viewpoint of the Canadian lessee and in the context of lease finance in Canada. (It differs considerably from the U.S.! via types of leases, market players, etc.!)

If there is one major point we're trying to make its simply that many Canadian business owners and financial managers don't quite understand the difference between pricing, the proverbial ' low monthly payment ‘, and the element of ' structure ' in an equipment finance transaction.

One key factor in the concept of lease rates and pricing , and we can forgive clients for not addressing this, is the fact that many borrowers don't address the end of the lease term with the same focus as all the due diligence and effort they put into getting a lease transaction in place.

The end of term option is critical when assessing equipment lease rates, and never moreso if you are focusing on an operating lease as opposed to the alternative, the capital lease, aka ' lease to own.

Naturally the asset at the end of the lease term has value, and structuring your lease properly will significantly enhance the value of that asset to either yourself, or the lessor. (We’re on your side, ie the lessee, by the way!).

The majority of lease leasing of assets in Canada is under and unregulated financial services. So it’s up to you to determine what amount of information you need to achieve your asset financing goal.

Here’s the $ 64,000.00 question. Do lessors in Canada tell you what your options are at the end of a lease term in a proper manner, allowing you to plan in advance on asset disposition, re-financing, return of equipment, etc? We assure clients (because we've been there) that major corporations spend a lot of time on their leased assets portfolio, reporting, etc. It's in that management of the equipment lease that thousands of dollars are saved, or lost.

We talked before about how equipment lease rates and the concept of a ' low payments ' is often intermingled with other issues forgotten or not known by the lessee. What are some of those other issues?

Naturally the actual interest or borrowing rate drives a significant part of the transaction, but other factors include any payments you make in advance, including security deposits. Also, they way you structure your payments or cash flows ultimately affects the lessors yield and your overall pricing. We're spoken of the residual value at the end of the lease, particularly when it comes to operating leases, as well as other structures such as a bargain purchase option.

So, complicated? It could be if you let it. But our key take away today is simply that you should consider leasing and that ' low monthly payment ' in the context of many other factors that drive a lessors profit on your borrowing via a lease financing transaction. Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor about why that ' low rate ' you're looking for might not be the most important factor in asset 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/equipment_lease_rates_low_payments_leasing.html

Canadian Commercial Business Bank Financing - What’s Right ( And Wrong ) With Your Banking Strategy

Business Lines Of Credit In Canada



Information on Canadian bank financing . Commercial business banking strategies vary with your needs and current situation and required needs for growth or survival.



Canadian business owners and financial managers assess their commercial business banking and financing needs at different times in their company's life.

As in many other facets of business it's a little difficult to develop a solution and fix a problem if you don't understand the fundamental problem.

The need to grow your business and be profitable usually drives a bank financing need. A growing business consumes, and needs more cash, if only for the fact that you’re building up receivables and inventories.

In Canada business operating lines of credit are offered by our chartered banks. These facilities finance your A/R and inventory via specific margin calculations.

Most Canadian firms that have this type of credit facility submit monthly financials and aged receivables, which in turn create a new borrowing base under which you can draw funds. Companies that are having challenges ( i.e. they are in special loans ) or who are in breach of covenants may in fact be required to submit almost daily cash flow and receivable reports .

Although the basic arithmetic around bank financing and commercial banking is simple in reality there are a lot of other factors that might end up affecting your bank facility.

What are some of these? In the continuum of time certain industries fall in and out of favor. No better example of this is offered up than the auto industry. Other factors that you as a business owner might not like that affect your bank financing are issues such as your profits ( or lack thereof!) , they quality of business and outside collateral, and your banks insistence on personal guarantees.

Bank financing works best under the following condition - your company is expanding, but at a reasonable rate. One of the greatest ironies of Canadian business financing is that a hyper growth business, even if its generating profits, is often viewed as financing challenged by a Chartered bank.

Business banking utilizes a very basic concept that is often misunderstood by the Canadian business owner. That's simply the fact that with a commercial bank line of credit you're drawing on assets of your growing business to pay older items. But wow, when your business ceases to grow, or profit your ability to draw cash flow out of your A/R and inventory business line of credit stops. But you still have operating and fixed term payment obligations and it now becomes difficult to pay suppliers.

Companies that have a solid handle on cash flow needs and their historical working capital inflows and outflows are in the best position to manage their firms and access bank financing.

Time and time again we meet with clients that tell a very similar story - business grew, expansion plans were put in place, fixed and operating costs grew, and .. you guessed it .. sales started flattening or going down. The result - a recipe for financial disaster!

The ability to manage your cash flow, or, alternatively, slow down your business is key. Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor for commercial bank financing that makes sense from where your firm is now.






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/bank_financing_commercial_business_banking.html

Understanding the SBL . The Canadian Small Business Financing Loan Is A Winning Finance Strategy

Obtain Capital Financing You Need To Grow Or Start A Canadian Business


Information on the ‘ SBL’ . The Canadian small business financing loan provides asset financing to start up and small businesses in Canada via Industry Canada.




Understanding the Canadian Small Business Financing, aka, the ' SBL ' is not as hard as Canadian business owners, start up entrepreneurs, or first time franchisees might think.

It's those three categories of business in Canada that are typically the ' prime suspects' for success financing approval under the SBL.

So are there ways to fast track and maximize success under the program. We sure think there are. It probably begins with understanding the basic benefits and attributes of the program.

A simple overview of the basics is as follows. The program is sponsored by Industry Canada, a federal department in Ottawa. That’s exactly right where you involvement with the good folks at Industry Canada ends, because as nice as they probably are they only monitor and sponsor the program. Your actual interface to approval and successful receipt of funding is via your Canadian chartered bank, which administers and funds the program under the governments guarantee to the banks.

It is of course helpful to understand what can be financed under the program , that’s where clients we talk to have received a lot of mis communication about what's eligible and what isn't. In fact only a few asset categories can be financed under the program. They include leasehold business improvements, equipment and tangible assets, real estate (rarely used under the program), and miscellaneous items such as computer application software.

While we are often amazed at why more businesses don’t use the SBL to finance real estate part of that simply might be that some of the amortizations available might not make sense in a commercial mortgage sense.

It's therefore important that you have proper asset descriptions for your Canadian small business financing loan needs, allowing you to quickly determine if they are eligible under the program. These might be in the form of quotes from vendors, invoices you have paid already for which you want reimbursement, or quotes from prospective suppliers detailing the asset, service, or price. Just makes sense, right?

It's somewhat of a little known fact that items you have paid for can be in effect re-financed under the program if they under a 6 month timeline. In certain cases an appraisal might be required, which might come into play when there is a question about asset valuation. We point out to clients that the minimal cost of such an appraisal might actually work in your favor, as the appraisal required is usually just a fair market value appraisal.

The different asset categories don’t alter your basic rates, terms and structures under the program. They are constant. Amortizations under the loan are 5-7 years, rates are just 3% over prime, and if we had to pin down one of the biggest attributes of the program it's that clients are required to fully personal guarantee the loan.

We've hopefully demonstrated that taking the time to understand the SBL itself can save you time and maximize financing ability as well as the overall timeline to get approved, which in many cases is just a matter of days .

If your banker isn't 100% up to speed on the program consider seeking and talking to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who will put you in fast track mode on the Canadian Small Business financing Loan program






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/sbl_canadian_small_business_financing_loan.html

Making Sense Of Franchise Loan Financing In Canada . Business Loans That Work. Business Loans For Franchising

Pitfalls and Tips on Franchise Financing In The Canadian Franchise Industry

Information on franchise financing in Canada . What issues to address for your business loan. Franchising Loans In The Canadian Marketplace.



A lot. That’s our description these days about what's happening in franchise financing. Canada has hundreds of franchising opportunities that abound; it’s just sorting through the right opportunity and matching business loan / loans to fulfill that entrepreneurial dream.

Let's sift through some of those challenges, allowing the franchisee to realize on the business ownership dream.

Many clients we talk to seem to think that a tougher economy makes it tougher to get a business loans for franchise financing in Canada. We don't necessarily feel that’s the case, if, and it’s a big if, you have done your homework and have a game plan.

That game plan includes planning, ensuring you have the expertise and sources to get your transaction completed. And all of those financial needs in many cases need to be financed differently. Those needs might include the actual franchise fee itself, financial planning that covers off your royalty fee, as well as inventory, working capital, and leaseholds and equipment.

Franchise sizes vary significantly in Canada. Many are Canadian organization, while others are units out of a U.S. parent who has a direct organization in Canada or in other cases works through a Master franchisor who has purchased a territory - Canada! (Talk about a big territory!)

Your personal resources play a significant part in your overall franchise business loan financing plan. It's important to create a personal balance sheet that allows you get a sense of your overall liquidity. Simply speaking, what you have, and what you owe.

The importance of that document can be over stated. Both franchisor and your franchising lender want to get a sense of who they are dealing with, both from a financial and business experience point of view. And by the way, your personal credit history has a huge impact on your ability to both acquire the franchise, but moreso, get it financed!

There are some interesting trends happening in the franchise industry in Canada. Many entrepreneurs are actually increasing their chances of success, (or failure) by trying to acquire multi units at the same time. We generally caution clients who are looking at multi unit deals to ensure they have the financial bench strength to go the whole process. It's absolutely critical to also ensure they have legally structured their total opportunity to ensure the failure of one unit doesn't take down their entire empire!

The other key trend we see a lot of today is that multiconcepts seem to be popular. This has the owner juggling multiple brands, typically in the QSR (quick service restaurant) industry. So if they didn't think one restaurant was enough of a challenge, how about two!

One big, now scratch that, huge mistake that franchisees make, and we see it often, is the financing of a new store out of the working capital proceeds of their other store. Inevitably Murphy's Law sets in and the resources and financial reputation of both entities are strained to the point of collapse. Our advice, consider financing each unit separately on its own merits with some additional new equity.

We can’t begin to list all the risks and rewards of a franchise opportunity in Canada. But we can ensure franchisees that careful financial planning, with expertise, is critical .Speak to a trusted credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor on making sense of franchising opportunities in Canada. Minimize the risk, maximize the reward.





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/franchise_financing_canada_business_loan_loans.html

The Business Case For ABL Asset Based Lending Canada . The Ultimate Credit Revolver For Business Financing?

Considered Financing Your Business In A Different Way?


Information on abl asset based lending in Canada. Credit revolver deluxe!



The infamous ' business case '. We're told its a tool that ‘supports planning and decision making ...’ . Is there in fact such a case to be made for business owners considering ABL asset based lending in Canada via a credit revolver facility versus bank lines of business credit? We think so. Here is why.

We agree that more isn’t always best in business, that's for sure, but isn’t the fact that your company can generate more borrowing capacity based on the sole criteria of assets ( not rations, covenants, personal guarantees, outside collateral , etc) an impressive point. And remember, just because you have the ability to draw down additional working capital and cash flow on a daily basis doesn’t mean you have to use it. But boy, knowing its there has always helped.

More borrowing power is based on the same ' borrowing base ' certificates you might currently be utilizing at your bank. You assets of inventory and accounts receivable of course substantiate that base, and typically your receivables and inventories are margined at 90% for a.r and 30-70% range on inventory.

Many clients we meet have a traditional mix of A/R and inventory in some per cent age mix. However Canadian business owners and financial managers shouldn't think the A/R and inventory relationship is ' cast in stone '. It is not. You can still qualify for an ABL asset based line of credit in Canada if you just have inventory, or if you just have A/R, or if in fact you have both but one significantly outweighs the other.

Example? A good example might be a major retailer who has a huge inventory component on the balance sheet, but sells of course on cash basis, i.e. no receivables.

So is there an industry when our ' business case' doesn’t make sense for a credit revolver? We can make a general statement that all firms in Canada, regardless of size of nature of business still qualify for this type of financial vehicle. Naturally pricing, terms, and margining will always come back to analysis of the asset class.

Growing or just surviving are two very good reasons to consider ABL finance in Canada. But here’s a solid business case to be made - These facilities can also be used to acquire a competitor or strategic partner. In fact it works to your firm’s advantage to consider ABL financing for that type of transaction because it minimizes cash required to complete the deal.

So, the business case for ABL. It’s about benefits, return, and financial justification. Consider ABL asset based lending as making a great business case for your firms financial underpinning. Speak to a trusted credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor today.




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/abl_asset_based_lending_canada_credit_revolver.html

Danger Signs ( And Solutions!) For Canadian Working Capital Financing . Real World Cash Flow Solutions

Solvency Solutions For Canadian Business

Information on working capital financing & Cash Flow Solutions for Canadian firms.


Cash flow solutions are sort of best implemented when you know what the problem is. Makes sense, right ?We're discussing working capital financing and the danger signs your firm needs to look for to both prevent and of course solve some of those problems .

The challenge in business financing many times is that both the challenges and the solutions to business financing aren't readily obvious. The good news to that story is of course that many finance challenges can be fixed with some very immediate solutions.

And there are more solutions than you might think which becomes readily obvious every time we talk to a client. By identifying working capital problems early in the cycle allows you to prevent a much larger problem down the road?

Shrinking working capital is often the most obvious problem. The irony here is that many firms are in fact growing, and profitable (on paper - profits do not equal cash!) But a combination of external factors or losses, or hyper growth all can lead to insolvency.

Many business owners view bank credit as somewhat of a blessing, if in fact they can get a business line of credit from a Canadian chartered bank. This facility allows you to borrow against receivables and sometimes inventory based on pre established margins. The quick example is that 99% of eligible business can borrow against 75% of their total under 90 day receivables.

Operating lines of credit work great if you are growing !We can say that for both traditional bank financing and non traditional solutions such as receivable financing, inventory finance, tax credit finance and monetization, etc.

A real danger sign though is when your business has stopped growing and credit facilities, both short term and long term are in place. An even worse danger sign is when Canadian business owners and financial managers use the line of credit to unwittingly mask some other problems such as issues in their organization, financial or operational mistakes, or being at the mercy of some external event - i.e. the loss of a key supplier or client.

In general if you are operating at a loss and your balance sheet accounts aren’t really changing cash flow should be viewed as trending down, and that’s a danger signal.

What about the issue that we have referenced a couple times already, strong growth? There isn’t a more classic good news/ bad news scenario. Sales are great, inventories and receivables are up, and cash is down. In fact any expert will tell you strong long term growth is better when its planned, not just happening .

There are numerous danger signs as we have noted when it comes to cash flow solutions for working capital financing shortages. In Canada these solutions include asset based lending, invoice financing , sale leaseback of long term unencumbered assets, tax credit monetization, and purchase order and inventory finance .

Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor on both avoiding, and oh yes, fixing those challenges.




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/working_capital_financing_cash_flow_solutions.html

Caution - Danger Ahead ! IT Finance And Computer Leasing . Technology Financing Tips

Good Information Spells The Difference In Technology Financing

Information on IT Finance. Technology Financing And Computer Leasing Covered!






It's probably just us, but we think there’s no aspect of equipment financing in Canada where one small piece of info could cost you, or make you thousands of dollars. Let's cover off some IT Financing (IT = Information technology) basics. All of a sudden that cautionary road sign up ahead wont be as much of a concern.

Although the actual benefits and economics of any lease should always be considered it just seems more of a need when we are talking about IT finance for your infrastructure, computer, and even telecom needs. The challenge is actually pretty basic, matching a financial solution to those fast paced (and expensive) technology needs.

So know what you will face, what decisions you need to make now, and during and at the end of your lease financing is, well, critical!

The reality of tech financing is you have to be pretty sharp and well informed in several key areas - just knowing those areas is important. They include documentation, structure, as well as your rights and obligations in certain lease arrangements.

Hardware makes up probably the majority of dollars in computer leasing transactions. Whether it be telecom, server, pc, laptop, notebook, tablets, or even ' cloud ' type solutions that’s where the buck seem to be. Canadian business owners can finance hardware separately through 1 of the 2 lease vehicles available, or your transaction can be combined with soft costs such as application software, installation, etc.

Where hardware financing gets somewhat tricky and challenging is when it comes down to operating leases, residual values, disposition of equipment at end of term, etc.

The majority of Canadian business has financed larger computer leasing and it finance technology projects via operating leases. However, the next several years major changes in international accounting rules might well render a lot of the benefits of operating leases less effective, so it’s critical to stay on top of this development in accounting.

Although larger more sophisticated Canadian businesses have been utilizing software financing for years many smaller and medium sized businesses sometimes aren’t even aware soft costs such as software can be financed and bundled into your IT finance transactions. A good tip here is to ensure you understand how the cost of software is priced and blended into your entire transaction. It is most often amortized in full and sometimes attracts higher rates.

Medium sized and larger corporations are encouraged to take advantage of a Master Lease arrangement. A one time negotiation of terms, rights and obligations is going to save you time and dollars in the years ahead, along with the ease of simply adding on additional schedules of assets to be financed when you need them.

A common misstep in computer leasing is the failure of Canadian business to separate the financing from the manufacturer of the equipment, especially when it comes to warranties, service, and the right to use. So be careful in addressing issues separate, with the right party.

The largest benefits and the most risk in IT finance come from what happens during at end the end of a technology leasing transaction. Investigate and understand thoroughly your rights to terminate, upgrade, or renew at the end of the term. If you have entered into a capital ' lease to own' type scenario monitor your purchase options at the end of term.

Is there anything more ' mission critical ' than technology, computers, and telecom assets in Canadian business? Debatable, but doubtful don’t you think? Speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor for your IT finance needs. All of a sudden that ‘Danger Ahead’ becomes manageable.




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/it_finance_technology_computer_leasing.html