Cash Flow Misunderstandings? Canadian business Financing Often Struggles With This Term

The Perils Of Not Understanding Cash Flow

OVERVIEW – Information on cash flow and business financing in the Canadian landscape



Cash Flow. We find that the term, or concept is widely misunderstood - having different meanings to different parties.

There are at least 7, if not more, methods in which the term is utilized in a number of areas of finance.

First of all the term is of course just a general term used in finance literature and textbooks relating to investments, etc.

When we see a company financial reports in the press there are often references to cash flow in the financial reports of the firm.

Getting even more specific, there are three parts to any financial statement, the balance sheet, the income statement, and the Cash flow statement. In older times this cash flow statement was called the Sources and Uses statement - simply indicating where a company got the money, and where they spent the money.

Some financial analysts refer to a company's ' funds statement ' and designate the total funds provided by operations as ' cash flow '.

Confused? We're not there yet. Financial managers and business owners use various types of analysis when making long term investments for the company. They use sophisticated financial analysis known as rate of return, payback analysis, and, guess what ' discounted cash flow ' analysis.

When a business owner is planning he will often prepare, and refer to, his ' cash flow ' budgeting.

And finally, business owners and financial mangers refer to; cash flow;
controls as they monitor the flow of funds and the control of those funds inside any company, small or large.

What becomes clear is that ' cash flow ' has become somewhat of a ' catch all ' wording and is somewhat confusing as more often than not it does not reference actual ' cash ' on hand, or even the flow!!

Most financial people would probably agree the purest form of ' cash flow ' is in fact one of the items we have mentioned above - that is to say its the cash referred to in the company’s CASH FLOW STATEMENT - we referred to it as one of the three pillars of any financial statement . The common calculation of this number is the net income of the company, plus the depreciation, which was not an actual cash outlay.

In summary, we have seen that the term cash flow means a lot of different things to different people - Business owners, and financial managers should know what method of cash flow they are utilizing, its uses, and how it will be interpreted by lenders, financial analysts, shareholders, etc.
Cash flow financing itself is achieved in many ways – it can be asset monetization , or working capital term loans.

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

And yes, you are forgiven for misunderstanding the term!

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.


Have A Question Or 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


Phone = 905 829 2653



Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com

Company Business Mergers Become More Productive When The Leveraged Acquisition Is Done Properly

Let Your Business Acquisition Move In The Right Direction

OVERVIEW – Information on company business mergers in Canada. How does a leveraged acquisition work and what issues need to be avoided or addressed In financing a purchase

Company business mergers or acquisitions have the ability to go in the wrong direction pretty quickly sometimes. What makes a financed leveraged acquisition work, what are the risks, and what needs to be done right? Let's dig in.

When structuring a deal to purchase a company it helps when the buyer has all cash and the seller wants all cash. Unfortunately the planets never really align on that one

and top experts tell us that over 80% of all deals need some for of financing to close properly.

The reality is, and it’s often forgotten by Canadian business owners and managers contemplating a purchase, is that a solid financing proposal will often get a higher price for the seller.

Business people know that leverage is a two edged sword. As such an all cash deal often puts the purchaser at risk when things go wrong.

A couple key issues quickly emerge in business mergers and acquisitions. One is that share sales are difficult to finance, and secondly the buyer assumes all the risk of assets and liabilities in such a deal. Therefore asset financing in a business purchase is the preferred method for buyers of a business.

What are some typical ways in which a business purchase can be accomplished successfully? One is borrowing against inventory and receivables of the company being acquired. Typical bank margins on A/R are 75%... and inventory tends to be valued on a one of basis depending on the nature of the asset. It's important to note that if you use a non bank lender in Canada, for example an asset based lender, you can achieve better borrowing power on current assets, but probably a higher interest rate will come with that.

Earn outs and vendor take backs are a great way to make a deal happen, and if the seller is agreeable an installment scenario is often a key part of making the final piece of the financial puzzle work.

It's no secret to buyers, or sellers for that matter that a deal almost always comes down to price and valuation ,and the differences therein! That's where the concept of an ' earn out ' often works, making the deal contingent on what happens in the future. Numerous things can often go wrong relative to loss of a major customer, product issues, and financial issues such as operating losses

What are some of the issues the buyer in a leveraged transaction should consider? They include sales history, client credit worthiness, asset valuation of fixed assets, quality of receivables and inventory.

When we meet with clients who wish to purchase a business we focus very quickly on the quality of financial statements of the target company in question. Issues such as asset turnover and examination of assets that already might be financed via leasing companies are key.

Who can provide the business owner with the right amount of financing and business guidance in a leveraged deal? Those parties include appraisers, business financing advisors, your lawyer, accountant, respected peers, etc.

The business owner’s ability to assess key issues such as gross margins, cash flow, and inventory turns will ultimately affect the size and type of financing you need.

All business purchasers want their proposed deal to move in the right direction. For company business mergers and purchases seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you in a practical manner with leveraged financeable transactions in the SME sector 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 M
:


7 Park Avenue Financial = Leveraged Financing Expertise For Business Mergers & Acquisitions





Have A Question Or 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
Phone = 905 829 2653

Fax = 905 829 2653

Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com

Stan Prokop

The SR ED Bridge Loan . Missing Out On A Key Benefit Of Your Tax Credit Claim ? It’s The Financing

Stop Dumbing Down On The SR&ED Bridge Loan Process And Benefits

OVERVIEW – Information on the SR&ED bridge loan in Canada. Tax credit financing of your SR ED claim provides valuable cash flow financing

for your research achievements








The SR&ED Bridge Loan allows Canadian business owners and financial managers to achieve... immediately... the one key benefit of their tax credit claim under the govt's ' SRED ' ( Scientific Research And Experimental Development) program . That benefit? The Cash! Let's dig in.


We suppose our favourite saying this week is ' Dumbing Down ‘...all sorts of connotations, but essentially its evidence of ' lacking intelligence' and ' good judgement’ we’re told. But armed with some basic yet key info around SRED Financing there is certainly no need in our opinion do ' dumb down’ when it comes to financing your tax credit.

Getting back to basics, we are quite sure there is still a large contingent of Canadian business that does not know that financing to claimants under the program is even available. It is, and the cash flow and working capital you secure via your collateralized claim allows you to continue your R&D under the program and replace valuable cash resources that have been spent on that whole process.

The key benefit of financing a SR&ED credit is simply beating the time factor. While the processing of your claim can take months, sometimes much longer (first time claimants are often audited) your ability to cash flow your claim is really what it's all about in SR&ED financing.

Historically the entire program has been around for close to 30 years now in various forms. In the 1990's popularity exploded, with Billions of dollars issued every year under the program. Top experts agree that it’s the largest ' support' program for private companies, partnerships, and even sole individuals who are working on new products, processes, etc to stay competitive and grow their business.

It's interesting to note that in the 2011 time frame the entire program came under massive review... was streamlined to a certain degree, and brought the role of the SRED consultant front and center. It's this group that typically business owners turn to prepare claims.

Govt stats show that over 75% of all tax credit claims under the program are in fact in the SME sector. That is where cash flow is king, so financing your claim emerges as a solid benefit.

And the process? Claims are typically financed in the 70% LTV range (loan to value)... meaning that a 200k claim , as an example provides a 140-150k range financing . Having your claim prepared and by a knowledgeable consultant is a solid key factor in financing approval.

The true beauty of tax credit financing under the program is that no payments are made for the duration of the financing... hence the term ' BRIDGE LOAN '. When the government processes your claim you are advances the remaining 30% of the tax credit, less financing costs.

99.9% of tax credits financed under the program are done by non bank entities... and rates are typically mezzanine in nature. It all comes back to the ability to achieve instant cash flow under the financing of the credit.

By the way .. Innovation has crept into SR&ED financing , and most claims can even be financed while the research and expenses are still in process. It’s a concept known as ' Accrual financing’ of our tax credit.

So if you're utilizing the program (your competitors probably are) there's no need to ' dumb down' when it comes to financing your claim. Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor with a track record of tax credit finance success. Accelerating your claim is what it's all about.




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 = SR&ED Bridge Loan Financing Expertise In Canada


Have A Question Or 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

Phone = 905 829 2653

Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com

Stan Prokop

Inside Mergers And Acquisitions Success In Canada. It Starts With Business Valuation

Can Anything Replace Good Business Valuation When It Comes To Buying A Business In Canada


OVERVIEW – Information on business valuation in Canada. What makes a good deal when it comes to mergers and acquisitions financing ?





Successful mergers and acquisitions deal making in Canada, particularly in the SME sector (small to medium enterprises) often starts with good business valuation. It’s a bit of art and science quite frankly, and if you don't have an army of analysts of investment bankers

doing the work for you these tips and advice should help. Let's dig in.







The proper valuation of a business you are looking at buying or acquiring is often driven by the amount of captial you can either invest or raise financing for. While there are a number of ' rules of thumb' in business valuation nothing makes better sense than... you guessed it... common sense.

In hindsight buying a business or merging with one will seem like a good or
bad deal. Many clients we meet boast they have been able to purchase a business for a great price - with often the reason being poor sales and profitability that they hope of course to turn around.

Knowing the amount of cash you need to both acquire and run the business is critical - and if you're not supplying equity then its all about the right amount, and cost... of debt.

A good business in Canada, when acquired, can often be financed with bank debt. However our bankers and lenders need to clearly understand the nature of the business. Issues you will want to cover off are seasonality of cash flows, client profiles, revenue recognition and billing issues and the level of financial control that you can demonstrate in running the business.

Cash flow analysis is critical, if only for the simply reason that your bank and other lenders want to know how and when the will be paid back. Here's where a clean business plan and cash flow forecast matter most. The latter document should show clearly how debt will be covered, and how profits will be generated via asset turnover, etc.

If your transaction has a proposed high debt to equity ratio a non bank lender will often be required to complete the deal. This type of deal can be successfully consummated via a cash flow mezzanine type loan, or even a non bank asset based line of credit. This latter facility simply monetizes their assets to the maximum allows by your ABL asset based lender.

Very few deals in Canada when it comes to mergers and acquisitions can be accomplished without some level of personal guarantee

from the purchasers. What many business owners don’t realize when it comes to the ' PG ' is that they are often negotiable in size, and can be negotiated to be released based on certain ' pivot points' in the future.

Although generally rare it is possible in Canada to have one bank place less emphasis on the personal guarantors than another bank. One age old technique is to provide a resolution of your directors confirming PG's of owners aren't allowed. That forces a bank to consider the transaction on its own merits. Possible, but not probable as we have hinted.

At the end of the day it comes down really to 4 key issues you face when acquiring a business and financing the transaction:

The amount of internal capital you have and the external capital you need

Types of financing that will accommodate your transaction

Distinguishing between working capital needs and long term debt

Cash flow generation

Proper business valuation focuses on benchmarking the proposed deal within industry parameters, understand key operating ratios, and being able to put solid mgmt in place to close a deal and run a business.

For solid business valuation financing advice seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you with your financing needs when it comes to buying a business.



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 = Mergers and Acquisitions Financing Expertise





Have A Question Or 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

Phone = 905 829 2653

Fax = 905 829 2653



Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com

Stan Prokop

How SBL Government Loans Work . Here’s A Hint . It’s Not Vegas But It Is The SME Canada Business Financing Alternative

Decoding The SBL Business Loan In Canada
SBL loans make total sense




OVERVIEW – Information on government loans in Canda. When SME Canada is searching for a business financing alternative SBL loans make total sense

Business financing in Canada, perhaps unbelievable to some, can actually be achieved via government loans. SME financing can benefit from a great tool. The Canada Small Business Loan. How does this loan work? .. and unlike Vegas odds,

it’s a sure thing if you meet certain clear criteria. Let's dig in.








The challenge of new and smaller businesses in the SME sector in Canada revolves around the issue of raising capital. The BIL/CSBF program, which are the official acronyms of the SBL loan provides a methods for our somewhat risk averse banks to approval business financing for our needs.

How does the SBL loan achieve this? It allows your firm to get financing for items such as leasehold improvements, typically not financeable with any other lender. Additionally, as we have hinted, our Canadian chartered commercial banks have some fundamental criteria for business lending.

Those criteria are typically historical track records which must evidence profits, cash flows, tangible net worth, and owner solid personal credit history. Not every business and certainly not every new business can meet or exceed this criteria.

So, as we have hinted, if you're not eligible at the bank for equipment and leasehold improvements financing you are immediately eligible if you apply under the government guarantee that Ottawa provides to our banks through INDUSTRY CANADA , which sponsors and administers the program.

In the last decades or so over 1 Billion dollars of loans have been made to Canadian business.

What are then some of the basic criteria that doesnt make this a Vegas crap shoot?! They are not complicated. Your business must have annual or projected revenues less than 5 Million dollars, the owner /owners must have a reasonable personal credit history, and also must not be in default of any federal income taxes. It would be somewhat ironic for the government to guarantee a loan to a business owner who has not filed, or has defaulted on income taxes owing.

What else does the business owner need to know? A couple more basics include the fact that the loan limit is $350,000.00, and that the program only finances 3 asset classes:

EQUIPMENT
LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS
REAL ESTATE

Research and development cannot be financed under the program, but the good news is that R&D financing can be also achieved under the SR&ED program. You can finance your SR&ED Credit separately.

It's therefore critical to understand that this is not a working capital loan, and does not operate as a line of credit. Simply speaking, it’s a term loan.

Looking for more ' DECODING' of the program. Simply speaking you must have a minimum of 10% permanent equity or down payment on the financing provided, and you only have to provide a 25% personal guarantee on the total amount of the loan.

Cost of financing? Loans are made at 3% over prime, and come with fixed and variable options.

Looking for assistance in completing SME financing under the SBL government loans? Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor who can assist you with your capital needs. Unlike our Vegas scenario, the odds of being approved are significantly in your favor if you understand the program requirements.




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 = SME Business Financing Options

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

Asset Backed Lending In Canada Is A Dynamic Way To Finance Your Business. ABL .. Works.

A Tale Of Two Business Credit Lines


OVERVIEW – Information on asset backed lending in Canada. How does this business credit method differ from other forms of financing, how does it work and what dos ‘ ABL ‘ cost




Asset backed lending in Canada just might be the way you ensure your business has the financing it needs. Simple as that. Let's dig in.

Often called ' ABL ' for short it’s a ‘niche’ financing that has come into it's own in the last 4-5 years in Canada. It's certainly been around longer than that and came our way from our good friends in the U.S. . . .

What exactly is this financing, how does it work, who is the right ABL lender for you, what does it cost?

Questions requiring a lot of answers, which we have.







Most business owners and managers know that their financing alternatives are much more limited than in the U.S. landscape. Our financial system is different, we have less ( but stronger?!) banks, and we're conservative in nature when it comes to lending, which has its pros and cons depending on whether you're the borrower or lender!

Part of the mystery around asset back lending/ABL in Canada is that the term in used in a variety of manners. In our case we're talking about a comprehensive business line of credit that allows you to borrow under one facility against receivables, fixed assets and inventory. Some people though use the term to denote the financing of equipment in a bridge loan manner, or even for describing equipment financing in Canada.

We've described then what the facility is, what does it cost and how does it work? Because ABL business credit is more generous when it comes to borrowing margins and because the qualifications are less stringent than bank criteria there are some cost and mechanics around the facility that the Canadian business owner / financial manager must consider.

In almost all cases there might be some sort of due diligence fee attached to the set up of the borrowing. We're already explained the ABL finances assets, so the asset backed lender wants to see the assets, Simple as that, so that often includes a due diligence visit or appraisal of some sort.

Almost any borrowing facility will come with some sort of legal fees to set up and collateralize the facility in the name of your lender - that pretty well goes for our banks also. Other miscellaneous fees might be monthly or yearly monitoring, and in some cases some sort of penalty for not using the facility that has been set up .

While the actual borrowing cost of this type of financing can be in some cases competitive or even lower than bank financing more realistically the costs are higher. They are often compared to mezzanine financing rates which typically are in their teens.

If the cost is higher what then are the benefits. They quite frankly are pretty dynamic. Your firm has access to more credit than you were ever able to achieve with the bank. This is basically because advances on a/r and inventory are more generous, and being able to then borrow daily, as you need it , against the value of fixed assets just makes things all that much better.

The reality is that many Asset backed borrowers in Canada either couldn’t achieve any or all the financing they need from our Chartered banks. Our banks place reliance on cash flow, owner’s credit, personal collateral, profits, and covenants. The ABL lenders only focus - assets!

Is this type of business credit for everyone? Probably not, but if you have a mix of assets, growth potential and the ability to present a strong case for a non bank line of credit it just might be your total solution to all your Canadian financing needs. Seek out and speak to a trusted, credible and experienced Canadian business financing advisor with a track record of success in asset based lending.




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/asset-backed-lending-canada-abl.html





Have A Question Or 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

Phone = 905 829 2653

Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com

Stan Prokop

Cash Flow Management Business Style . Here’s Some Success Formula Solutions

Need To Re-Engineer Your Cash Flow Financing Solutions?

OVERVIEW – Information on how business owners can implement cash flow management formula solutions for their company to enhance working capital and optimal financing for growth









Is there a cash flow formula (or formulas) that can help the business owner/financial manager with cash flow financing solutions. Your ability to re-engineer your financing as its needed is key to business success. Let's dig in.

It's your operating assets that fundamentally generate profit and getting the right financing in place for those assets is key. Understanding the relationship between sales on your income statement and accounts receivable is also critical


Although every aspect of the balance sheet, liabilities included affects cash flow we can place a lot of emphasis on financing current assets for cash flow. Those current assets on the balance sheet typically include receivables inventories, and your prepaid expenses.

In theory it's possible to have a ' lean' working capital position. While the business owner/manager wants to have optimal working capital and cash flow just simply turning over your inventories, keeping lower inventory on hands, and collecting accounts receivable when due helps you stay ' lean'.

What are the methods that Canadian business utilizes to finance current assets? Typically they are bank operating lines, non bank working capital facilities (they finance a/r and inventory and equipment under 1 credit facility)... as well as certain key ' niche ' financing solutions such as tax credit financing and Factoring .

Business owners / managers quickly realize that almost never does profit equal cash flow. There's a great old saying around that: ' IF WE'RE IN THE BLACK WHERE THE HECK IS THE GREEN?!)

The reality - cash flow from your firms operating profits move in the opposite direction to your changes in operating assets. That’s tough one for many of our clients to grasp sometimes.

What you do with your cash flow also affects your cash flow, right? Typical uses include replacement of assets. (This cash outflow can often be alleviated through the use of EQUIPMENT LEASE FINANCING. Surplus cash can also go to the owner’s accounts or to pay off term debt. The actual ' cash flow statement' of your financials (rarely read by the business owner by the way?) shows you exactly how all that transpires.

You can achieve a better cash flow management formula for your company by spending a bit more time on cash flow planning. That saves a lot of emergency running around when growth kicks in and you haven’t planned for it. Most lenders you will deal with will also respect you more (and lend you more) if you show better cash flow planning.

Never forget that all the benefits of sales and additional profits are offset by a cash flow drain on your business. It’s a common saying in business that you have to spend cash to get cash, right?

Can you honestly say your business has a total handle on cash working capital challenges and solutions? Consider seeking out and speaking to a trusted, credible and experienced CANADIAN BUSINESS FINANCING ADVISOR who can assist you in developing the right finance ' formula' for your business growth


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 = Canadian Business Financing Cash Flow Solution Expertise

Have A Question Or 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
Phone = 905 829 2653
Fax = 905 829 2653





Email = sprokop@7parkavenuefinancial.com

Stan Prokop