CLR
Showing 145–160 of 345 results
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In the News – What’s keeping your borrowers up at night?
Year End 2015
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 446
Abstract: A borrower’s woes typically become its lender’s woes. This article identifies the Top 10 CFO concerns and global trouble spots, according to the 2015 Duke University / CFO Magazine Global Business Outlook survey. Despite these issues, most domestic CFOs are optimistic about the year ahead.
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The power of one – Identifying potential pitfalls can help enhance value in a roll-up
Year End 2015
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 679
Abstract: Operating inefficiencies are one of the biggest struggles small and midsize borrowers face — and those that lose the battle may go out of business. A roll-up, where several smaller companies in the same or similar industries join forces to form a larger company, can reinforce a struggling borrower’s defenses. This article discusses the advantages of roll-ups, which go beyond economies of scale and synergies. From an underwriting perspective, a larger company is an easier sell than a smaller one, providing greater access to capital and more favorable loan terms. However, inattention to consolidation issues can lead to disaster, so companies should approach this strategy with caution.
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Proud to be “Made in America”
Year End 2015
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 525
Abstract: There’s a mounting grassroots movement favoring domestic-made products. People want to feel good about their purchases. For many, this means products that are locally sourced from companies that they feel they can trust. This trend is good news for retailers and manufacturers that operate primarily in the United States — and their lenders. This article explains what it takes to claim that a product is “Made in America” and why that label makes good business sense.
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Variable vs. fixed rates: Help borrowers weigh their options
Year End 2015
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 860
Abstract: Interest rates have been near historical lows. But as rates slowly start to increase, now may be a smart time for customers with variable-rate loans to lock into fixed-rate loans. This article reviews where rates have been over the last four decades and which types of borrowers might benefit from making the variable-to-fixed conversion. A sidebar takes a closer look at interest rate swaps as a financing alternative.
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In the News – Assessing and mitigating data breach risks
October / November 2015
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 436
Abstract: Hackers may steal sensitive data from retailers, manufacturers, health care providers, contractors and professional services firms of all sizes. However, closely held borrowers stand to lose the most, because they typically lack the resources to absorb losses from data breach. This article discusses a recent study about the rising costs of data breach in the United States and helps lenders identify which borrowers are taking steps to lower their risks.
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Help fund a start-up and watch your relationship grow
October / November 2015
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 648
Abstract: Lenders who provide a helping hand to entrepreneurs stand to become trusted advisors as the business grows. This article helps lenders evaluate which start-ups are worth the risk and how to engender long-term customer loyalty.
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How to navigate safer passage into global markets
October / November 2015
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 579
Abstract: Going global may seem like a smart growth strategy. But borrowers who take this decision lightly could be headed for stormy seas, taking their lenders along for a turbulent ride. This article discusses potential hidden costs, administrative tasks and other pitfalls that need to be factored into the decision and managed when participating in foreign markets.
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The value of appraisals – What is a borrower’s collateral worth?
October / November 2015
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 864
Abstract: Commercial borrowers may pledge equipment, real property, stock and other assets as loan collateral. But the amount shown on a borrower’s balance sheet may not reflect an item’s current market value. This article reviews appraisal techniques and shows how formal appraisals can lead to smarter lending decisions. A sidebar highlights the appraisal provisions mandated under the SBA 7(a) loan program.
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In the News – Eye on the FASB’s simplification initiative
August / September 2015
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 438
Abstract: Many borrowers and lenders are frustrated with the complexity of financial reporting. In response, the FASB has launched a simplification initiative to reduce narrow, confusing areas of GAAP. This article describes some recent changes to the reporting requirements for development stage entities and extraordinary items, as well as ongoing projects to simplify inventory measurements and reduce “disclosure overload.”
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Visit your borrowers before year end
August / September 2015
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 570
Abstract: Fall is a convenient time of year to pay a visit to borrowers’ facilities. Everyone is back from their summer vacations, and they’re focused on business operations before the start of the hectic holiday season. This article discusses how physical site inspections can create goodwill, generate additional revenue and catch financial distress before year end.
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Gauging the quality of accounts receivable
August / September 2015
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 634
Abstract: Borrowers often pledge accounts receivable as loan collateral. But lenders shouldn’t necessarily take receivables at face value. Poorly maintained or fraudulent balances hobble the lender’s ability to recover losses. This article introduces the due diligence procedures that lenders should perform to help ensure that the book value of accounts receivable is accurate and up to date.
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C corporations vs. S corporations – How entity types affect financial statement comparisons
August / September 2015
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 847
Abstract: When lenders compare C corporations to S corporations, they may not obtain a complete, accurate picture — unless they understand the key differences and potential risks associated with each type of entity. This article summarizes what lenders should know to make better-informed corporate lending decisions. A sidebar outlines the eligibility requirements for electing S status.
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In the News – What do borrowers value most about their lenders?
June / July 2015
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 436
Abstract: Every business, including banks, can add value by focusing on customer feedback, positive or negative. A recent CFO Magazine survey revealed what finance executives like, and dislike, about their current lenders. This article highlights key findings from this survey and provides suggestions for building goodwill for banks — and individual bankers.
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Look up and down the supply chain for concentration risks
June / July 2015
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 617
Abstract: Concentration risks happen when a borrower relies on a customer or supplier for 10% or more of its revenue or materials. If a “key” customer or supplier experiences turmoil, the repercussions travel up or down the supply chain and could quickly impact the borrower’s business. These risks also arise when a borrower relies on several customers or suppliers located in the same geographic region. This article explains why it’s important to evaluate a borrower’s product and geographic concentration risks and provides strategies for lowering these risks to more acceptable levels.
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GAAP vs. tax-basis reporting – How lenders can avoid apples-to-oranges comparisons
June / July 2015
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 649
Abstract: Some borrowers may want to issue tax-basis financial statements, rather than statements that comply with GAAP. But the use of simplified special purpose frameworks could result in significant differences in financial results compared to GAAP. This article compares and contrasts the two most common financial reporting frameworks — GAAP and tax-basis reporting — to help lenders understand where the differences lie and make meaningful comparisons.
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Shareholder disputes: The good, the bad and the ugly
June / July 2015
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 849
Abstract: When owners don’t see eye-to-eye about major decisions, it can disrupt business operations and compromise debt service, especially if the parties wind up in court. One way borrowers can help themselves — and their stakeholders — is to implement a valid, comprehensive buy-sell agreement. This article discusses how buy-sells can prevent shareholder disputes and what relevant details to include in a buy-sell agreement. A sidebar identifies potential sources of buyout funding, including life insurance and loan proceeds.