2017
Showing 657–672 of 690 results
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3 ways to minimize risk when lending to seasonal businesses
February / March 2017
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 372
Abstract: Some borrowers, such as landscapers, hotels and toy manufacturers, experience significant seasonal fluctuations in their financial performance. But seasonal businesses still require working capital throughout the year, and often turn to banks for support during the off season. This article discusses three approaches that can help lenders assess and manage the credit risk associated with lending to seasonal businesses.
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Trust but verify: Evaluate financial restatements carefully
February / March 2017
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 641
Abstract: Misinterpretation of accounting standards or mistakes may cause businesses to reissue their financial statements. But financial restatements also can be a sign of incompetence or fraud. This article explains that lenders need to closely examine financial restatements to accurately evaluate their borrowers’ situations. The article looks at the most common reasons for financial restatements, pointing out that lenders need to dig deeper to determine whether restatements are simply correcting mistakes or potentially fraudulent.
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Timing is everything – How to measure liquidity using the cash conversion cycle
February / March 2017
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 582
Abstract: To measure liquidity, lenders traditionally look to the balance sheet and compute the current or quick ratio. This article discusses another, lesser-known metric called the cash conversion cycle (CCC), using an example to illustrate how the CCC metric functions. The article notes that using the CCC and other liquidity benchmarks together with other tools, such as leverage, growth and profitability metrics, can help a lender gain a comprehensive risk assessment.
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Is your borrower worth the risk? SWOT analysis provides answers
February / March 2017
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 815
Abstract: An analysis of a prospective borrower’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) can reveal whether the company is vulnerable to competitors or potential threats. This article offers some guidance to help lenders decide whether to continue to work with a troubled borrower to fix problem areas. A brief sidebar notes the importance of determining whether the borrower is willing, or unwilling, to remedy any issues revealed by the SWOT analysis.
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Help yourself and the environment with recycled materials
Winter 2017
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 443
Abstract: Using recycled and reclaimed materials for construction projects can benefit the environment. Although doing good is its own reward, construction companies that use or produce such materials can also reap financial advantages. This article looks into construction and demolition sites, where contractors can procure or sell recycled items, and construction byproducts can be turned into building materials.
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Looking for skilled workers in all the right places
Winter 2017
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 667
Abstract: The construction industry has long faced a shortage of skilled labor. One might hope a new year would bring good news, but statistics and general sentiment indicate that there will be no breakthrough anytime soon. This article offers some ideas for finding skilled construction workers and working toward a solution to the shortage.
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Third-party funding helps contractors pursue claims
Winter 2017
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 542
Abstract: To avoid the high cost of litigation, many contractors fail to pursue even strong claims or settle for far less than they deserve. This article explores an increasingly popular option that may help with this dilemma: third-party funding, in which an outside party agrees to finance some or all of a claimant’s legal costs in exchange for a portion of any recovery.
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Soggy numbers – 6 common accounting mistakes to avoid
Winter 2017
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 921
Abstract: In a tumultuous industry like construction, it’s all too easy to let crisp, timely financials go soggy with outdated data and flat-out mistakes. This article describes six common accounting errors to avoid, including inaccurate allocation of overhead and failure to recognize loss contracts. A sidebar looks at a forthcoming accounting standard addressing revenue recognition.
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Bank Wire – Beware of UDAAP
Winter 2017
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 442
Abstract: This summary of recent developments in banking looks at how the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has been cracking down on banking practices it views as unlawful under the Dodd-Frank Act’s regulations on unfair, deceptive or abusive acts or practices. In addition, the article cites the evidence supporting use of a fraud hotline and explains updated OCC guidance on corporate and risk governance.
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Don’t compare apples to oranges – Evaluate borrowers accurately by normalizing financial statements
Winter 2017
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 651
Abstract: Borrowers’ accounting practices can vary widely. An accounting tool called “normalizing” can help adjust income statements and balance sheets to compensate for companies’ different accounting methods. Failing to normalize financial statements may result in faulty lending decisions. This article uses some examples to illustrate how normalizing works and the difference it can make in helping a lender who is evaluating a borrower accurately compare its practices to those of a competitor or to industry benchmarks.
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New rules on customer due diligence – FinCEN answers frequently asked questions about beneficial ownership
Winter 2017
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 599
Abstract: As a result of an action in May 2016 by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), financial institutions will be required to verify the identities of the beneficial owners of their legal-entity customers when the owners open new accounts. This article answers some questions regarding the new due diligence rules, such as which institutions are covered and who a beneficial owner is. The article also notes that banks should have a plan to ensure that the policies and procedures are in place to collect information about the beneficial owners of legal-entity customers.
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Cybersecurity takes the spotlight
Winter 2017
Newsletter: Community Banking Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 927
Abstract: Federal and state regulators are increasingly scrutinizing banks’ information security efforts. This article points out that, in light of this heightened scrutiny, banks should review, and if necessary, update their cybersecurity programs. The article explains what examiners look for, including risk identification, risk measurement and risk mitigation. A sidebar discusses increased state regulation of cybersecurity.
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Words matter when selling vehicles
Winter 2017
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 293
Abstract: When talking to customers about vehicles they’re considering buying, auto salespeople can boost the chances of making a sale by using certain words to describe vehicles — as well as not using other words. This article discusses marketing firm findings that identify the words and phrases most effective in converting automobile shoppers into buyers.
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Attention partnerships: Change ahead – New IRS regulations will affect tax strategies
Winter 2017
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 744
Abstract: Dealerships structured as a partnership — or those considering transferring property to a partnership — should take note of new IRS regulations that took effect October 5, 2016. This article explains components of the new regs, including Section 707 disguised sales and recourse and nonrecourse liabilities, and provides an illustrative example to bring the point home.
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Checking the backgrounds of new hires
Winter 2017
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 653
Abstract: A crucial step in the hiring process is the employee background check. This article highlights laws affecting background checks and other rules that need to be followed, as well as how to choose the right firm to do the job.
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Environmental sustainability – How you can run a “greener” dealership
Winter 2017
Newsletter: Auto Focus
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 817
Abstract: Many dealerships are looking for ways to operate their business in a more Earth-friendly way. And dealerships may enjoy a host of benefits by operating “greener.” This article discusses the benefits, including manufacturer initiatives, reduced expenses and an improved image in the community. A sidebar reports on the Business Energy Investment Tax Credit, which provides up to a 30% federal tax credit for the installation of commercial solar systems.