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How Inflation Impacts Your Business

Inflation is the subtle yet powerful economic current that can quietly erode the foundations of your business’s financial stability. While it’s most commonly analyzed from the consumer perspective, the inflationary pressure on businesses, particularly those with substantial capital investments, cannot be understated. In this article, we aim to unravel the impact of inflation on your business, providing insights to help you better navigate the ever-changing economic landscape.

What is Inflation?

At its most basic, inflation refers to the increase in the average price of goods and services over time. It results in the devaluation of a currency’s purchasing power, whereby each unit of currency procures less than before. While consumers feel this change, its effects also permeate the business world, greatly influencing the operations and strategies of companies, especially those that depend heavily on substantial physical assets.

The Impact of Inflation on Businesses

Cost of Capital: As inflation increases, so does the cost of capital. Banks and other financial institutions usually raise interest rates to combat inflation, which in turn raises the cost of borrowing for businesses. Consequently, the cost of obtaining new capital to finance equipment or other investments can increase. This makes it harder to finance growth initiatives or new equipment. And if your company has debt with variable interest rates, your repayments could increase drastically.

In anticipation of a rising inflation rate, you might start considering long-term, fixed-rate financing options. As a non-bank lender, AFG operates independently of traditional bank regulations and interest rate norms, offering you flexibility and competitive rates that could prove crucial in inflationary times. We invite you to explore how AFG can guide you through this process.

Equipment Costs: Companies dealing in physical assets, such as manufacturing, construction, or logistics, are significantly affected as inflation increases the cost of equipment. The price of raw materials, the cost of production, and the price of finished goods all rise, leading to an overall increase in the cost of business operations.

Cash Flow: The impact of inflation on cash flow can be significant and comes from many angles. For starters, if the business’s costs are rising due to inflation, this means that more cash is required to pay for the same level of goods and services as before. This includes everything from the electricity bill to the cost of replenishing inventories. If the company has not increased its prices (or cannot, due to competitive pressures), then more cash will be going out of the business, and less will be coming in. This can squeeze cash flow and make it more difficult to meet obligations or pursue growth opportunities.

Pricing Strategy: To keep pace with rising costs, businesses often have to increase their prices. However, doing so can be a delicate balancing act. If prices are raised too much or too quickly, it could drive customers away to competitors. On the other hand, if prices are not raised enough, the business might not cover its costs, squeezing profit margins. It’s essential to have a clear understanding of the market dynamics and the business’s cost structures to create an effective pricing strategy during inflationary times.

The Role of Equipment Financing Amidst Inflation

When inflation is on the rise, the benefits of equipment financing become even more pronounced. Here’s how AFG can help you:

Fixed Interest Rates: Equipment financing often comes with fixed interest rates, meaning the interest you pay won’t increase over the life of the loan. This provides a level of certainty and stability in your financial planning, protecting you from the ups and downs of inflation.

Manageable Costs: Equipment financing allows for the cost of equipment to be spread out over time, rather than requiring a significant upfront investment. This can be particularly beneficial in periods of inflation when preserving cash flow becomes critical.

Latest Technology: Equipment financing gives you the flexibility to access the latest technology. This can be a game-changer, especially in times of inflation, allowing businesses to improve efficiency and productivity, potentially offsetting increased operating costs.

Tax Benefits: The IRS Section 179 Deduction allows you to take the depreciation deduction for up to $1,080,000 of equipment you buy or finance in its first year. In an inflationary environment, this can provide valuable savings and help to partially offset the effect of increased costs.

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While inflation can present challenges, understanding its impact and strategically using tools like equipment financing can help mitigate its effects. At AFG, we strive to provide resources and solutions tailored to your unique circumstances, aiding you in navigating the uncertain waters of inflation. Remember, as daunting as economic changes may be, businesses equipped with knowledge and strategic tools are well-positioned to weather any storm. Reach out to us to discuss your equipment financing needs and learn how we can help you in these inflationary times.

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KBRA Assigns Preliminary Ratings to Alliance Funding Group’s First Equipment ABS

Kroll Bond Rating Agency assigned preliminary ratings to five classes of notes issued by Alliance Funding Group ABS I, (AFG 2023-1), an equipment ABS transaction. AFG 2023-1 represents the first equipment ABS transaction to be sponsored by Alliance Funding Group.

AFG 2023-1 is backed by a pool of equipment loans and leases (equipment contracts). The statistical discounted pool balance (statistical pool) totals $115.2 million and represents the projected cash flows of the equipment contracts discounted at a rate of 8.50%. As of the initial cutoff date, the discounted contract value will be at least $123.4 million and the initial pool characteristics are expected to be substantially similar to the statistical pool. The total collateral may increase by up to $31.3 million (27.20% of the statistical pool) through the addition of equipment contracts during the three-month prefunding period.

The statistical pool includes 1,421 contracts, with an average contract balance of $81,092. Obligor concentrations are low with 1,228 total obligors and the largest obligor representing less than 0.50%. The statistical pool is diversified geographically with the largest state, California, representing approximately 15% and all other states at less than 10% each. The pool is concentrated somewhat in the transportation industry, at approximately 19%. The pool benefits from a weighted average FICO of 747 and weighted average obligor time in business of 17 years.

AFG 2023-1 will issue five classes of notes, including a short-term tranche. Credit enhancement is comprised of overcollateralization, a cash reserve, subordination benefiting senior classes and excess spread. The overcollateralization is subject to a target equal to 15.00% of the current pool balance and a floor equal to 0.50% of the initial pool balance, accounting for any prefunding that occurs. The reserve account is funded at 1.00% of the initial pool balance and is non-amortizing.

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How To Finance Equipment For Your Business Needs

We’ve all heard the phrase you have to spend money to make money…  

But really, it’s only true if you spend that money wisely. Investing money into something that doesn’t improve the outcome of your business won’t get you anywhere. 

We know that having the right equipment to power your business is important. The proper equipment can increase your productivity, lower your costs, or give you access to new markets – all things that positively affect the bottom line.

Would you partner with an IT firm with old computers and network servers? Or how about a frequent coffee shop without an espresso machine? Or hire a construction company without the machinery required to build reliable houses? Absolutely not.

Businesses require the right equipment, machinery, hardware, and/or software in order to operate, grow, and succeed. And the ugly truth is, not everyone has the funds to cover these expenses. There are a few different options out there to get to the money-making stage.

We’ve summarized various ways to fund business equipment needs, each with pros and cons. 

Your pocket – Using cash payment to buy the equipment

Pros : Using your cash reserves to purchase equipment and machinery makes the transaction simple and fast as there’s no lease or loan to enter into, and the new purchase is owned outright.

Cons : Since cash is a finite resource compared to credit, it is almost never a good idea to purchase large business items with cash. Companies that only use cash limit their access to major resources when they are needed.

A bank/credit loan– Borrowing money to purchase a piece of equipment and paying it back over time.

Pros : For companies with a strong financial standing, it is easy to secure credit for a large purchase. Using credit creates more flexibility, allows expansion of purchasing power to readily respond to opportunities for growth and to proactively improve machinery and equipment.

Cons : Applying for a line of credit can take a while. It requires detailed documentation such as audited financial statements and involves numerous fees and a substantial down payment.

An equipment financing company (leasing) – Signing an agreement that allows you to use specific equipment for a period of time.

Pros : Leasing provides a fixed rate upfront and equal payments month-to-month, which makes budgeting and cash flow management easier. Leasing companies partner with you and understand your needs. They specialize in working with industrial equipment, so they understand your business and the equipment in your space. It is a smooth process where a credit decision can be made in under 48 hours. You are able to upgrade when needed. Plus, you can eliminate maintenance costs with leased equipment. Bonus: There are also significant tax deductions available!

Cons : Are there any? We haven’t found them. Leasing just makes sense.

 

Once you’ve decided to move forward with leasing your equipment…now what? Choosing a lease structure! There are a variety to consider: 

  • Operating Lease – This is the traditional lease agreement that typically provides the lowest payment and is a good option for overcoming any current capital restraints.
  • Capital Lease – a lease classified by the lessee as a purchase, with a title transfer to the lessee at the end of the term. 
  • First Amendment Lease – The first amendment lease allows you to purchase the equipment at one or more predetermined points during the lease. 
  • Tax Lease – A lease in which the lessor, is the party that is considered the owner of the leased equipment for tax purposes. The lessor assumes both the benefits and costs of ownership including depreciation, while the lessee (you) can still write off the lease payment as an expense.
  • Synthetic Lease – A synthetic lease is structured so that it is treated as a capital lease (similar to a loan) for tax purposes and an operating lease (traditional lease) for accounting purposes. 

How do you know which option is best for you? It depends on your business and specific situation. Before you shop for an equipment lease, think about your monthly budget, how long you’ll need the equipment for, how you’ll use it, and when you’ll need to upgrade it. 

Several other lease structures are available through AFG – we offer seamless flexibility to our clients, knowing every situation is different and unique.

Shopping for an equipment financing and leasing company can be overwhelming. Take a step back and consider these factors when selecting the company that is right for your business.

  • Experience – How long has the company been in business? Who are their satisfied customers? 
  • Convenience – How simple is the application process? How soon do you have access to the funds? Do they provide a personal account manager to help you in this process or do you have to reach out to customer care?
  • Specialization – Which industries does the company specialize in? 
  • Reputation – Customer references and overall experience

Businesses can work with a provider that’s intimately familiar with their industry and cooperatively select terms and conditions that meet the unique needs of the business.

With a number of variables involved in securing financing for equipment, AFG is a great place to lease. It makes the process straightforward, clear and convenient. It provides services to a wide range of credit profiles and brings competitive story-based financing to the table. 

“When we need equipment financing, we call Brandon at Alliance Funding. He gets our deals done on time and on budget. What else could you ask for?” – Steve “Barney” Byle, Corporate Controller, Edge metals Recycling, Inc.

AFG can help you find a solution that makes sense for your business.

Start your application today →

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Working Capital Solutions for Supply Chain Finance

With specific challenges post COVID-19, large businesses and SMEs are leveraging AFG’s suite of financing solutions for more than just equipment leasing. For many businesses, the complications associated with a decrease in working capital have been crippling to their bottom lines. Companies are experiencing new challenges that require strategic solutions in order to maintain or increase their solvency.

Having worked closely with over 25,000 clients, AFG has been able to identify the frustrations many customers have faced with supply chain management. By helping customers leverage our working capital solution with supply chain finance, customers have been able to manage and grow their cash more effectively and efficiently.

What is Supply Chain Finance?

Supply chain finance (SCF) encompasses a set of solutions that improves cash flow across the supply chain. It allows businesses to optimize payment terms to their suppliers while providing the option for their large and SME suppliers to get paid early. As a result, disruptions to the supply chain are minimized while the velocity of cash flow across the chain is optimized.

In supply chain finance engagements, buyers send approved invoices from their participating suppliers to a bank (or financing institution), and the bank can make an early payment to the supplier at a discount. Rates and discounts are contingent on the buyer’s credit, but the process of supply chain finance allows buyers to hold on to their cash longer, thus maximizing their working capital. Suppliers get paid faster and take advantage of financing rates they may not have been able to get on their own.

Why Consider Working Capital Solutions for Supply Chain Finance

According to the 2022 Business Leaders Outlook, business owners are more optimistic than ever in spite of the COVID-19 landscape. An increase in capital spending and credit needs reveals that companies are poised for growth and expansion. Clogged supply chains, however, rank second among the top five obstacles reported by business owners. Therefore, supply chains continue to struggle to meet demand, even with bottlenecks improving since 2021.

It doesn’t end there.  According to a Rutgers Study, the disruptions to businesses, from customers, to suppliers, and affiliated service providers, such as banks and logistics providers, have caused chaos. Businesses of all sizes are turning to supply chain financing solutions to stabilize liquidity and their net working capital in order to maintain solvency and ensure continuity of supply through their supply chains.

In order to stay competitive and meet the needs of their customers, small to mid-sized companies have started expanding their strategies to mirror those of their larger, multinational counterparts by diversifying their supply chains and taking a strategic approach to sourcing and stocking goods. This, however, requires available working capital.

How the AFG Working Capital Program Can Help

An infusion of working capital, either via loan or line of credit, can stimulate the movement of cash through your supply chain by offering money saving incentives for faster payments. This also promotes a symbiotic relationship between buyers and sellers through a series of processes that lower costs and improves efficiency for the involved parties, keeping the supply chain agile and competitive in spite of challenges.

The AFG Working Capital Program features flexible transaction amounts and term lengths with no prepayment penalties. In conjunction with our internal credit facilities and syndicate bank partnerships, AFG also has the ability to underwrite various credit profiles and can provide working capital, financing, and leasing to an array of businesses and government agencies. Our streamlined application process and minimal bank statement requirements help you get the financing you need so you can grow your business.

Managing a steady stream of cash flow is the hardest part of growing a business. Contact AFG to learn more about how a working capital solution can accelerate movement across your supply chain.