04MayMay 4, 2023 By Patrick

How To Prepare Your Business When Applying For An Asset Based Loan

If your business has a good mix of tangible and intangible assets, an asset based loan can be a great way of accessing working capital. You can use the funds from asset based loans to purchase inventory, finance accounts receivables, or even hire additional staff.

Like other forms of financing, there is a process when applying for an asset based loan. Here are some thoughts on how to improve your chances of approval. Consider these 5 steps when applying for an asset based loan.

1. Prepare a Sound Business Plan

While asset based loans are secured by company assets, lenders will still need to know how you plan to use the additional funds. Additionally, it is important that you not only have the assets to support the loan, but also the cash flow from operations to make the monthly payments. Therefore, prepare a business plan that includes how the funds will be used, your vision for growth, and a clear path to success using the borrowed funds. Lenders need to clearly understand the use of funds and how they are going to benefit and grow the company going forward.

A sound business plan inspires confidence in the lender and will help you secure a more competitive rate. In some instances, as is the case with contract financing, you can negotiate flexible repayment terms based on the cash flow of the contract because the lender understands your goals and how you plan to achieve them.

A solid business strategy will also open doors for establishing a long-term relationship with the lender. In this way, you can access future lines of credit whenever you need additional funding.

2. Value Your Assets

Asset based lenders typically accept both tangible and intangible assets as collateral. However, lenders prefer liquid assets such as cash, securities, and inventory items that are easy to sell. Accounts receivables with quick payment cycles are also valuable assets.

Additionally, lenders may consider the long-term value of fixed assets such as real estate, business equipment, and even office furniture. Conduct a thorough valuation of your assets as you prepare your application. Determine how quickly your fixed assets depreciate, and provide an honest assessment backed by an independent appraiser.

It’s not uncommon for lenders to assign a lower value to your assets than you expected. Asset based lenders will lend a percentage against the “cost value” or “liquidation value” of the assets to minimize their risk. It is important to understand that asset based lenders are not equity investors, they are debt providers. As such, they look to the the value of the assets being used as collateral and the cash flow of the company. They are not in the market to provide funding for the promise of future returns and ownership interest, like equity firms are. It is a common frustration our clients have when they first start exploring asset based loans. The expectation is that they will receive debt priced financing with an equity investment structure. This, unfortunately, doesn’t exist.

3. Prepare your Business Documents

In addition to having a sound business plan, prepare supporting documents that shed light on the state of your business. Asset based lenders typically will request the past two years of tax returns, year-end financial statements, current interim financial statements, past 6 months of bank statements and your accounts receivable and accounts payable aging reports. If you are using equipment or inventory as collateral, they will need an estimated value of each. Appraisals on real estate and evaluations on inventory and equipment are required as part of the lender’s due diligence.

You will also need to provide identification documents for yourself and your business. These documents may include articles of incorporation, a brief description of business operations, and your driver’s license.

4. Negotiate Terms

Because asset based loans are a form of secured financing, lenders are not boxed in to defined parameters and terms are negotiable. Often times, rates, terms, fees and loan structure are negotiable. There is more room to negotiate when your debt service ability (ability to make the monthly payments) and asset quality are high. In an inventory financing or accounts receivable financing scenario, you can negotiate discounted terms from suppliers if you have the cash on hand to cover your cost of goods. Discounts of 2%/10, N30 are common and a reduction in your cost of goods, partially offsets your cost of capital. This is how the majority of our clients mitigate the finance cost and leverage their companies in a responsible way to facilitate their growth.

You can negotiate rates, terms and fees with the lender and then negotiate discounts with your suppliers in exchange for early payment.

5. Catch Up on Your Accounts Receivable

If the majority of your accounts receivable are aged past 60 days, this will have a detrimental effect on the lender’s decision. Regardless of the type of asset based loan being requested, lenders analyze the accounts receivable to measure the cash flow cycle of the business. If your accounts receivable are stretched, it could indicate future cash flow problems. Lenders like to see that the accounts receivable are being collected within industry norms. Additionally, your accounts payable should be paid as promptly as possible and always be less than your accounts receivable. If your accounts payable are larger than your accounts receivable, this is referred to “negative working capital” and is a red flag in the credit review process. Simply put, your company owes more money than it is collecting and this is a concern for all lenders.

In an accounts receivable asset based loan, collection days and collection percent are closely reviewed. The lender wants to know that you have control of the credit you are extending to customers. Collection within terms and collected amounts equal to the amounts billed are key indicators of asset quality. If your accounts receivable are stretched this could be an indicator that your customer credit profile is poor. Deductions taken on the amounts billed could point to poor product quality and customer dissatisfaction. Both items are areas of concern for the lender and weigh heavily on their credit decision.

Are you ready to apply for an asset based loan and grow your business? Huntington Coast Capital can help. We’re your one-stop resource for asset based funding, working to connect businesses with funding options that enable entrepreneurs to achieve their goals. Contact us for a consultation today! Apply online or call at 844-239-2632 to discuss your business growth plans!

05AprApril 5, 2023 By Patrick

Equipment Financing Mistakes | Huntington Coast Capital

Regardless of size and sector, businesses at some point will need equipment financing to expand operations and/or improve efficiencies. However, this requirement can often come with a high price tag.

Luckily, you can access financing through an equipment loan if you don’t have enough funds to buy the equipment. This financing lowers your initial expense, which is helpful, especially when starting a business. Furthermore, equipment financing allows you to acquire the equipment fast, any many programs come with maintenance options to handle unexpected equipment breakdowns or failures.

However, the impact of your decision to take out an equipment loan will depend on how you manage and use it. To ensure that the loan benefits your business in the long run, here are some mistakes to avoid while financing equipment.

Failure to Set a Budget

Setting a budget can help you determine how much you can afford to borrow and what you need the loan for. As tempting as it may be to acquire a particular piece of equipment, you must consider whether you can comfortably repay the loan.

First, establish how much you can raise as a down payment. Then, consider how much you will pay each month and over the loan term.

You can easily set a budget by considering how much the equipment will earn for your business. Evaluate the expected income, and if it exceeds the loan repayment cost, you can proceed with the loan.

Failure to Plan

Don’t just borrow a loan for the sake of it. You must plan how to use the loan and repay it. Ensure that you develop an achievable repayment plan before taking out the loan.

Before you conclude that you need the loan, consider if your business would function without it. Could you work with your current equipment for a while longer? Can you make minimal adjustments or repairs to keep it functioning? Otherwise, you will likely make huge financial mistakes that will take time to recover.

Failure to Set Realistic Expectations

Numerous aspects determine if you qualify for an equipment loan, and if you do qualify, understand how much you can borrow and on what terms. The lender will consider your creditworthiness and income factors when determining whether to issue the loan and what restrictions they will place.

Therefore, take your time to assess where your business stands, so you will know how much you can borrow and pay. Don’t overestimate the amount of money available or what your business can manage; set realistic expectations to avoid over-borrowing.

Failure to Explore Different Options

Some business owners assume that banks are the only source of equipment loans, but that’s not true. You have the option to choose where to source your financing, and equipment financing offered by credit unions, finance companies, and equipment dealers, may suit your business’s needs.

Take your time to research and explore different options. By doing so, you will likely secure equipment financing that meets your payment terms, interest rates, and document fees.

Failure to Consult an Expert

You may be excited about qualifying for the equipment loan, but you should consult an expert before committing to the loan. You need the right partner and adviser to guide you on the best financing option for your business.

An expert will assess your income, creditworthiness, and other factors before recommending the best financing option. The adviser will also offer a financing proposal that best fits the needs of your business.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure you have a successful borrowing experience. Explore, research, and consult an expert to ensure you get the best terms for your equipment loan. With the right strategy, you can ensure the loan works for your business.

You can trust us at Huntington Coast Capital to help you secure the best equipment financing terms. We are a capital market advisory firm offering equipment loan options and solutions to help businesses grow. Contact us for a consultation or call us at 844-239-2632.

26FebFebruary 26, 2023 By Patrick

I Need A Business Loan | Huntington Coast Capital, Inc.

Are you thinking about getting a business loan? Like individuals, businesses also need credit from time to time. The loan comes in handy if a company has cash flow challenges or you need to use the extra funds as a strategic tool to help the company grow.

Although the needs of each business may vary, there are common instances when all companies may need to secure financing. Keep reading to learn the signs that you need a business loan.

1. The Company Doesn’t Have Enough Funds to Cover Employee Salaries

Your employees are the backbone of the company and need their salaries and wages to meet their personal and family needs. Sometimes, the business may not have adequate funds to operate and still pay their employees. This usually doesn’t mean the company is failing or unprofitable, just suffering from cash flow constraints.

Maybe some emergencies have caused a cash flow problem, and the business still needs to stay afloat and cover all expenditures, including salaries. If there is not enough money to cover your day-to-day overhead, you can secure a business loan.

Lenders can provide business loans and lines of credit to meet the working capital needs of your business. Depending on the type of business loan being requested, the turn around time from initial application to funding can be in as little as a week to up to 90 days. Because of the urgency, lenders fund payroll loans more quickly than other business loans. Payroll loans are most typically secured against your company’s accounts receivable. Consider this loan as an option when looking to level out your cash cycles. Many companies experience peaks and valleys in their cash flow that causes stress and uncertainty. A working capital business loan such as this, alleviates the stress associated with cash flow fluctuations.

2. The Business Is Growing Rapidly

Each time a small or middle-sized company experiences rapid growth, more funds may be useful. Rapid growth is often good, but the endeavor can strain your finances before you get the profits. You may get a business loan if you are not ready for rapid growth or the company savings aren’t enough to facilitate the growth expenses. Purchase order financing meets the capital needs in growing companies and is favorite type of business loan. Purchase order financing covers the cost of your orders received from your customers. This type of business loan pays your suppliers covering up to 100% of your cost of goods.

When a company grows fast, you may need money for inventory, expand the business premises or hire more workers. These things can be costly, and you may be in debt if you fail to manage the situation correctly. With a purchase order financing business loan, you’ll get money you need to cover these expenses and ensure the business grows efficiently. The result is adequate capital to meet the demand and an increase the bottom line.

3. The Company Needs Debt Consolidation

Whenever a small or middle-sized company struggles to pay multiple debts, it may be good to consolidate the debts through refinancing. Through debt merging, one may lessen interest rates, reduce monthly payments, and complete debt payments faster.

If you calculate the interest rates creditors charge on your debts and realize they are incredibly high, it is prudent to roll them up in to a new, lower interest rate, loan. The loan will allow you to reduce the interest rates, helping you save the company money.

Also, loans are useful when you want to come out of debt fast or struggle to make monthly payments. Once you combine the debts in one loan, the payments will be easy to manage.

Before you secure this loan, your company will need good credit (and typically above a 620 FICO score for each guarantor on the loan) — this helps acquire the loan at a low-interest rate. In addition, you’ll need to have a adequate debt service coverage to qualify for the loan. Your company’s debt service ratio improves when you refinance your company debt at lower interest rates. Your financial advisor can share tips on handling this process and ensure you get the company out of debt as quickly as possible.

Operating a business without enough capital can be challenging. You will struggle to sustain it, and if matters like rapid growth occur, you may face funding challenges. Luckily, you can rely on business loans to maintain a positive cash flow. At Huntington Coast Capital, Inc., we can help you secure a loan that meets your business requirements and increases the chances of growth. Talk to us today to get a suitable loan for your company.

Call today to see how we can help your business grow, 844-239-2362!

26JanJanuary 28, 2023 By Patrick

Myths About Small Business Loans | Huntington Coast Capital, Inc.

A business may occasionally require additional cash for short or long-term purposes. As a business owner, you can invest your own money or seek external investment. A small business loan, however, is a more common option.

However, some business owners, especially those who have never taken a business loan, can have several doubts about business loans. Indeed, the process involved in arranging a business loan, its benefits, and many other issues are commonly misunderstood.

Here are some common myths about business loans and the facts that all business owners should know.

Loans Only Benefit Businesses That Aren’t Doing Well

Many assume that any company in need of a loan is facing a hard financial time. Distressed companies have a particular motivation to get loans, but plenty of strong businesses also require occasional loans.

The type of business determines the need for additional financing. Your business can acquire a loan to finance growth and expansion, for instance, through hiring more staff or installing additional equipment. Such improvements can boost your business’ success and make it more competitive.

You Need to Have a Perfect Credit Rating to Get a Loan

To be clear, you should always maintain good credit scores on your personal and business accounts. Having a good credit rating makes borrowing easier and gives you more options for deals you can choose from. However, a low credit score isn’t an indication that you can’t get a loan.

Bad credit does happen, and lenders recognize that. The lenders also recognize that a lower credit score does not necessarily mean you are a lending risk. Therefore, you may still be able to find a lender willing to work with you. You may have to make a trade-off, such as accepting a higher interest rate.

Small Businesses Cannot Apply for Larger Loans

In no way should the size of your business prevent you from approaching a lender for a larger loan. Many lenders prefer high-amount loan applications, including mainstream banks.

However, repayment capability is key for a small business looking to borrow a larger sum of money. Thus, you should be able to provide proof to your lender that your business can afford to repay the loan. If your company lacks adequate cash flow, you may still get a loan if you convince the lender that your business plan will allow you to repay the loan.

All Business Loans Are the Same

Your business may want to borrow money for many reasons, and you have many options for financing your endeavor. Numerous loan options can be advantageous, but they also necessitate research before you apply.

Choosing the right business loan is the first step to obtaining business financing. Some of the types of business loans can include:

Working capital loans for every day variable expenses the business has
A term loan to finance the cost of fixed expenses or a business acquisition
Equipment financing
Inventory financing
Accounts receivable financing
Purchase order financing

You can determine what business loan is best for you by considering factors such as your loan purpose and desired loan terms.

Loan Applications Are Time Consuming

The myth was true years ago — getting business finance approval could take months due to paper-based submissions and employee evaluations. Thanks to paperless digital solutions and software, the process is much faster today. You can complete your application within minutes and get approval in days.

But don’t ignore the importance of doing some preparation beforehand. The lender can turn your business loan request around faster if you provide all of the necessary items they need to underwrite your loan request quickly. The count down to closing starts when the lender has 100% of what they need to issue an approval on your loan.

The misconceptions about business loans can prevent you from being able to take advantage of a favorable financing opportunity. Hopefully, having busted a few myths on business loans has given you a good idea about why loans can be an excellent financing source.

For more information on business funding or to complete a funding application, feel free to contact us at Huntington Coast Capital, Inc., today. Call 844-239-2632 and learn how a business loan can help grow your business!

29DecDecember 29, 2022 By Patrick

Accounts Receivable Financing | Huntington Coast Capital

If you are a business owner or financial manager, you know that cash flow management can be a challenging task. One tool that can help businesses address short-term cash needs is accounts receivable financing. In this article, we will provide an overview of what accounts receivable financing is, how it works, and the benefits to help you decide if it is the right option for your company.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable financing helps businesses secure a line of credit by offering their accounts receivable as collateral. Accounts receivable are amounts that a company expects from its customers for goods or services that it delivered, but have not yet received payment for. Accounts receivable are company assets, because they represent future cash inflows that the company expects to receive. By securing a line of credit against your company’s accounts receivable, you are able to improve and level off the capital needed in your business.

Mechanics

During your operations, your business will gradually accumulate credit from customers that have yet to pay for your products. However, you might need to pay recurrent expenditure like wages or bills and might require funds immediately. If the customers cannot pay within the time you require funds, a financing institution can lend you money minus the fee based on the amount of accounts receivable, business type, and industry.

Types of Accounts Receivable Financing

Accounts receivable financing is delivered in different forms depending on how the loan is structured between the financial institution and the borrowing entity. Asset sales, factoring, and loans are three types of financing arrangements that businesses can use to access funds based on their accounts receivable.

Asset sales

In an asset sale, a company sells its accounts receivable, a current asset, to a financial institution in exchange for immediate cash. The financial institution then becomes responsible for the credit and collection from the customer. Asset sale financing can be a useful option for businesses that need to access funds quickly and are willing to sell their accounts receivable at a discount. Also known as a “non-recourse” transaction, the invoices used as the collateral are purchased outright at a discount whereby the purchaser takes the risk of collection. This financing option is typically only available when the invoices being purchased are from large, credit-worthy institutions.

Factoring

Factoring is a financial arrangement in which a lender provides a business with funds based on the value of its outstanding invoices. The lender evaluates the invoices and decides to fund a percentage of their value. The business then receives the funds upfront and uses them to cover everyday expenses. The lender charges a fee for this service, which they deduct from the proceeds of the invoice when the customer settles their debt. Unlike an asset sale, a factoring agreement is ongoing and accounts receivable are used on a daily basis as invoices are generated by the borrower. It is a line of credit that grows as the business grows using the accounts receivable as collateral. Advance rates range from 50% to 95% depending on the collection quality experienced by the business and industry as a whole. For example, in the temporary staffing and trucking industry, advance rates of 95% are fairly common because the invoiced amount is typically paid at full value. Conversely, in the healthcare industry where invoices are sent to insurance companies for payment, a much lower advance rate is given due to the reduced payments experienced in the industry (i.e. invoiced amount may be $10,000 and collected amount could be $7,500 based on what the insurance company deems as eligible).

Loans

A loan is a financial arrangement in which a lender provides a business with a set amount of funds the business must pay over a fixed period, including interest. These are referred to as term loans. Businesses can use term loans to finance accounts receivable; however, the collateral is usually a blanket lien on all assets, including accounts receivable, in these scenarios. Term loans are used to cover fixed expenses such as acquisition of real estate, acquisition of a business, tenant improvements, new equipment, marketing and advertising, hiring, etc. Term loans usually include a 10-year amortization (the “fixed period”). Loans are the only option in accounts receivables where the business does not pass the accounts receivables to the financial institution. Rather, the accounts receivable are a part, together with other assets such as inventory and equipment, of the total collateral for the loan.

Benefits

Unlike traditional business loans, institutions approve and fund accounts receivable financing quickly, often within a few days. Thus, this financing method makes it a good option for businesses that need to access cash quickly.

Many types of financing, such as business loans, require collateral to secure the loan. With accounts receivable financing, the only collateral is is the accounts receivable. This makes accounts receivable financing and attractive and easier to obtain form of financing to enhance the working capital of your business.

Minimal paperwork and easy application process: The application process for accounts receivable financing is generally simpler and requires less paperwork than traditional business loans. This can be a significant advantage for businesses that are short on time or resources. There are fewer covenants and restrictions contained in accounts receivable financing contracts, making them an attractive option for most when compared to traditional bank financing.

Accounts receivable financing can help businesses smooth out their cash flow and make it easier to plan for future financial needs. This kind of financing is especially useful to businesses with rapid growth but slow cashflows. They receive the funds they need and worry about debt collection later.

Contact us at Huntington Coast Capital to discuss your accounts receivable financing needs or call 844-239-2632. We look forward to bringing value to your business!

13DecDecember 13, 2022 By Patrick

Fix and Flip Loan of $2,500,000 Secured Through Huntington Coast Capital

Huntington Coast Capital came to the aid of our client with a creative fix and flip loan solution! The client was on the brink of foreclosure and needed a creative fix and flip loan solution quickly!

The scenario:

The borrower owned two high end properties with the intention of renovating and selling them. Work had begun with a local contractor and the improvement plans were on schedule.

The problem:

After some initial work had been completed, the general contractor walked out on the job on both properties prior to all improvements being completed. This placed the owner in to a dire situation. Unable to complete the project and having paid the contractor his remaining cash reserves, the properties went in to default. Most projects in this predicament would most certainly be headed for foreclosure.

The Solution:

Huntington Coast Capital was able to secure a lender that not only had the funds to rescue the project, but also had a familiarity with the area and realized the demand for homebuying in the neighborhood. As a added value, the lender was able to bring in a general contractor they were comfortable with to complete the project. This emergency situation was solved! The client is now looking forward to completing these two projects as well as future opportunities moving forward.

Do you have a residential or commercial fix and flip loan need? Call us at 844-239-2632!

About Huntington Coast Capital.

Huntington Coast Capital secures funding for companies in a broad base of industries. Our clients come to us to find a more flexible lending partner to meet their growth needs. Many are declined by the bank and are in need of a more creative and entrepreneurial funding solution.

We consult on a wide range of funding options for business owners throughout the United States in the following areas:

Supply chain financing
Equipment loans and lease programs (learn more about our equipment loan platform offered through our subsidiary)
Lines of credit for working capital needs
Term loans for marketing, hiring staff and general expansion needs
Factoring services for accounts receivable financing that also provides for back office credit and collection functions
Purchase order financing
Asset based loans
Business acquisition financing
Inventory financing
Private commercial real estate bridge loans
SBA loans for business and real estate needs

Whether you are a startup or established, in need of $100,000 or $10,000,000 we have the capital partners to meet your needs.

Patrick Zazueta
Huntington Coast Capital, Inc.
Direct: 714-719-8966
patrick@huntingtoncoastcapital.com
www.huntingtoncoastcapital.com

BRE License #: 02090967

24NovNovember 24, 2022 By Patrick

Benefits of a Small Business Loan | Huntington Coast Capital, Inc.

Perhaps a friend or colleague has advised you to take out a loan for your small business, but you’re still in doubt. After all, you may not want to burden your business with debt. However, the following reasons may convince you to consider a small business loan.

1. Enjoy Flexibility

Loans for small businesses have varying terms and repayment periods that can suit your business needs. You can go for a long-term loan with an extended repayment duration or a short-term loan that has to be repaid after a short time. Your choice will depend on whether the loan is for personal, business, or mixed-use. In some cases, you can even apply for many types of loans.

2. Liability-Free

Generally, business borrowers do not need to have collateral or a specific revenue to apply for a loan. The lack of requirements is an advantage to a small business that just started and has limited income or no assets to put up as collateral. Hence, aspiring business owners can easily enter the corporate world quickly and get their businesses running.

3. Retain Full Ownership

When you get financing from investors or partnerships, you must relinquish a portion of the business. Although the arrangement may be helpful initially, problems may arise as the company expands. You have to consult partners on significant decisions and how the business operates, but a loan allows you to keep full ownership of your business.

4. Improve Business Credit

If you repay the loan on time, you will boost your business’s credit score. A good credit score makes it easier to get more loans at favorable terms in the future. For example, companies with good credit scores tend to get lower interest rates for their loans and can easily avoid accrued interest.

5. Access Funds Quickly

Business expansion requires significant capital to hire new employees and operate the business. You can choose to wait for business profits to increase before reinvesting them. However, if you have projects that should start soon, you may take out a loan. The loan allows you to buy new equipment and finance new product development before your competitors do it first.

6. Take Advantage of Low-Interest Rates

Lenders often provide low-interest rates on business loans to get customers. As competition in the lending business becomes stiffer, business borrowers can negotiate for the best deals. Also, business loans are likely to come with lower interest rates than any personal loan.

7. Nurture Relationships With a Specific Lender

When you nurture relationships with your lender, you increase your chances of getting a loan in the future. The lender will have worked with you and knows how you handle money. The next time you go to get a loan, you can always refer back to the previous loan that you repaid on time.

8. Overcome Liquidity Problems

Businesses require working capital to operate effectively. However, small businesses often face challenges that make it difficult to meet utilities and payroll requirements. Since these challenging times are temporary, the business can get through the hard times with the help of a small business loan.

9. Refinance Debt

If your business already has a loan, the mounting debt may interfere with your ability to pay bills and sustain business operations. A small business loan can help refinance your debt and give you time to pay off any loans. The new loan may have a lower monthly payment and interest rates.

10. Reduce Tax Payments

Sometimes, your tax obligations may be lower if you take out a small business loan. For example, you can claim deductibles on the interest you pay on loans. The best approach is to consult a tax expert to know how taking a loan can impact your taxes.

Taking a loan for your small business is easy if you use the right lender. Huntington Coast Capital provides lending solutions for small and medium businesses that need quick cash. Contact us for more information.

30Aug By Patrick

New Purchase Order Financing Program For Contractors!

Huntington Coast Capital is pleased to announce a new purchase order financing program for contractors! There are typically costs associated with the mobilization of a project. Contractors need to pay for a wide variety of expenses prior to their first invoice. Internal cash flow for contractors is often constrained due to capital being locked up in existing projects. Capital allocation becomes a key skill in managing the cash flow needs.

How is this program different than other purchase order funding programs?

The mobilization funding program is a type of purchase order financing that provides our clients with working capital when they need it most — at the beginning of a project. We work with you to build a repayment schedule, so you pay us when you get paid. This is not your typical factoring or purchase order financing loan.

Benefits of the program.

This purchase order financing program for contractors solves the short-term cash flow shortage that comes with the cost of mobilizing on a new project. But, that’s only the beginning. Working capital and an accurate project cash flow schedule gives you peace of mind to make payroll, pay vendors, and perform great work with less stress!

How It Works.

This program is based on your contract, not your credit. Once we have your complete application and supporting documents, funding can be available as quickly as 5 business days. Repayment is typically within 5 months and aligns with the first two to three invoices paid on the project.

Requirements To Your Path to Funding (There is some flexibility on these requirements on a case-by-case basis).

In business for 2 or more years
Gross annual revenue of $1,000,000 or more
Three or more active projects at the time of the application being submitted

Initial items needed for the underwriting file.

Last 4 months of business bank statements
Last two year-end financial statements (balance sheet and income statement)
Current interim financial statement
Company tax returns for the past 2 years
Copy of the contract or purchase order in need of financing

General details of the program.

Loans up to 20% of the contract’s value can be utilized for the mobilization of a project
Repayment is typically 60 to 150 days
Repayment schedule is aligned with your customer payments to allow for sufficient cash flow throughout the life of the project
Funds can be utilized for any project related expenses such as direct labor, sub-contractor payments, materials, equipment rental, bonding, and more!
Program available for commercial contractors only, residential contractors and projects are not eligible

If your company could benefit from purchase order financing to mobilize your contract, give us a call at 844-239-2632 to discuss the details.

To your success!

Patrick Zazueta | Founder
Huntington Coast Capital, Inc.

23JulJuly 23, 2022 By Patrick

Purchase Order Financing Or Equity. Which Is Better For The Growth Of My Business?

Purchase order financing is the most frequently requested business loan inquiry we receive. Depending on the size of the orders and opportunities that lie ahead for the company, bringing in an equity investor is also a consideration. There are distinct advantages to both and we will outline the main advantages of each here.

The day has come! The customer you have been chasing for weeks, months or even years gives you the purchase order that you have been hoping for! Now, how do we afford to pay suppliers and other costs associated with the order? Ideally, you would be able to do this with internal cash flow and not have a need for outside financing. However, the truth is, if you are doing a good job on the sales and marketing side, you will quickly outgrow your internal capacity. AND, this is a good thing! Of all the stresses business owners encounter, having a large pipeline of sales if the best!

The conversation quickly turns to, “how do we afford these orders now that we have them?” Is purchase order financing or equity the better option? The answer, it depends.

Purchase Order Financing

By financing the cost of goods for your orders, you are leveraging the growth of your business through outside capital. Let’s go through an example:

You receive a PO for $100,000
Your gross profit is 50%
This makes your cost of good also 50%
You borrow $50,000 to cover the costs to your suppliers, shipping costs, etc.
Your working capital cycle is 90 days from the time you receive the order, to the time you ship, to the time the customer pays
Cost of the financing is 3% every 30 days the money is outstanding

Let’s say a major retailer awarded your company a $100,000 PO as outlined above. You need to borrow $50,000 for 90 days. The cost of the financing will be $4,500 for the 90-day period ($50,000 X 9%). Your adjusted gross margin would be $45,500 ($50,000 – $4,500).

The purchase order finance company is repaid by the customer’s payment. By using this form of financing you are leveraging 100% of the cost of goods and have the capital to grow your business. Additionally, the PO financing allows you the added strength of being a cash buyer. Our clients negotiate discount terms with suppliers to offset a portion of the cost of the financing.

For example, a 2% product discount for early payment in the sample transaction above would equate to $1,000 ($50,000 x 2% = $1,000). This savings in product cost would reduce the adjusted finance cost to $3,500 ($4,500 – $1,000 = $3,500).

The advantage of purchase order financing is that it can grow as your business grows assuming your customers are credit worthy. The PO finance company’s primary source of repayment is the customer. This makes the customer’s financial strength a key factor in underwriting these transactions.

The disadvantage of PO financing is that it only covers variable expenses associated to sales. This is where equity may be a better fit.

Equity Capital

Equity comes in to play when you need more than your cost of goods covered. Examples of when equity may be a better call would include the following:

The equity group brings value outside of the capital being invested such as supplier and customer contacts.
In-roads and introductions of value that the equity group brings to the table
When funding for marketing, salaries, plant expansion, and other fixed expenses are needed to grow and scale the company

The equity group will take a percent of ownership in exchange for their investment. The strategy may or may not include the sale of the company in the future at some multiple.

Equity can be a viable option if there are a lot of fixed expenses to be covered. Prepare to give away a large chunk of your company when exploring equity options. The equity group is seeking a return on their investment and realize that they are in the power position by bringing in the majority of the capital needed to grow the company.

Summary

Both forms of financing can be useful when growing your business. Purchase order funding can be used as a bridge to finance your growth. Once you scale your business to a certain level and can fund operations internally, you don’t need outside financing and can save the finance cost. On the other hand, equity can cover the costs of a much broader list of expenses. The downside is that it’s a “now and forever” proposition. The equity group and your company are joined “until sale do you part.”

We always advise on debt versus equity when you can. It’s the bridge needed to grow your business, but not permanent by definition. If you would like to discuss which form of financing is best for your business, call us at 844-239-2632. We would be happy to lend a hand!

To your success!

Huntington Coast Capital.

14Feb By Patrick

Purchase Order Financing Versus Letters Of Credit

Paying suppliers is a required and continuous expense for business owners whether you’re in retail, own a restaurant or are a manufacturer or distributor. Cost of goods sold is the first deduction against gross revenue on any companies income statement. The lack of ability to pay for the cost of goods expense severely impacts the growth potential of the business. In this article, we are going to look at the difference between purchase order financing and letters of credit and how they are used in business.

Letters of Credit

Letters of Credit (abbreviated “LC’s”) are bank instruments drafted to secure international and domestic purchases. They provide assurances for both the buyer and the seller of the goods. The seller is assured payment as long as the terms within the LC are met. These can include satisfactory inspection and acceptance of the goods at the port, factory or upon arrival to their destination. When the goods are paid for under the LC is negotiated between the parties.

Letters of Credit essentially assure two things: 1) the buyer has the financial wherewithal to make the payment for the goods, and 2) the supplier will deliver the goods as ordered on time. LC’s are opened with both the buyer’s bank and the seller’s bank and work together to assure the performance of each.

Requirements are a bit more strict with Letters of Credit than they are with purchase order financing. The LC has to have underlying collateral that is typically in the form of cash or accounts receivable.

When a company applies for a Letter of Credit from a bank the company must have an equal or greater amount of cash or accounts receivable available once the LC is drawn on. The buying entity needs to demonstrate that they have the financial wherewithal to cover the cost of goods once conditions have been met. The buying entities funds are typically held in a control account (similar to an escrow account) until needed. This control of the funds is necessary to assure the supplier that funds will remain available for payment from the time ordered to delivery and payment.

In this respect, LC’s really are not a financing tool as no monies are actually borrowed but rather set aside for a particular transaction. This form of international trade “finance” is a protection against financial loss on available capital versus new money used to cover the cost of goods.

This form of financing is set aside for more established companies with enough liquid collateral available to cover the expense. Consider LC’s as an insurance against loss of principle versus true outside financing. For more granular details on Letters of Credit click here.

Purchase Order Financing

Conversely, purchase order programs offer financing to cover the cost of goods to suppliers beyond cash and accounts receivable collateral. Startups, companies experiencing high growth and even the majority of established companies often need additional capital. In the majority of cases, the capital needs are larger than the accounts receivable balance or internal cash reserves.

In these scenarios, Letters of Credit would fall short of the financing needs required to cover the cost of goods.

Purchase order financing pays suppliers for materials required for the buying entity’s growth. Clients utilizing purchase order financing sign contracts with the finance partner. There is typically a personal guaranty for the facility that acts as a backstop should the transaction not offer enough support to pay back the line in a downside scenario.

Purchase order finance underwriters focus on three main areas when assessing new funding requests:

Financial strength of the customer(s) for which the PO’s are being generated: when purchase order financing is being requested the fund will want to thoroughly understand the credit strength of the underlying customer. For example, if the underlying customer is a nationally known retailer odds of approval are greater. Conversely, if the PO’s are being generated for a “mom and pop shop” with limited to no financial information available, approval is much more difficult.

Financing strength of the supplier: the source of where the goods are coming from whether international or domestic must also be fully understood. Suppliers are typically larger and more established. Usually, but not always, financial information is available on these companies and information can be verified to give the purchase order finance company comfort in wiring them money for the transaction.

Transaction history between the parties: It is important to know how long the client has been dealing with a particular supplier. Approval is much easier if there is a long history that can be documented through shipping documents, invoices and bank transactions supporting successful delivery of past orders. Purchase order financing works best when taking a company’s current business cycle from Point A to Point B versus financing orders for an entirely new supplier relationship that has zero past transaction history. This is because there are a number of inherent risks that go with financing first time orders; lack of past, successful delivery of orders, fraudulent supplier claims, capital at risk before performance, to name a few.

Purchase order financing is a line of credit used specifically to cover the cost of goods when capital needs are larger than available internal cash or accounts receivable.

In Summary

If you are an established company with no need to borrow outside capital, a Letter of Credit would be adequate for your needs. LC’s provide assurance against loss of principle by providing a check and balance prior to releasing funds.

Purchase order financing comes in to play when cash needs are higher than internal capabilities.

Both mechanisms facilitate trade financing and move business forward. Which program is best for your company depends on where you fall on the spectrum. To learn more about how Huntington Coast Capital’s purchase order financing solutions can work for you, watch this short video that explains the process.

We provide consultation and secure funds for a broad base of business financing needs. Call 714-719-8966 to learn how these programs can work with you to grow your business!