What Assets Can Be Used for Asset-Based Loans?
Asset-based lending refers to a specific type of secured loan that leverages company assets as collateral; not one based on the balance sheet. An asset-based loan can help established companies grow by using their assets as collateral for business financing. Asset-based lenders can approve loans with greater flexibility, because the loan is secured with an asset that can be converted to cash if the borrower defaults.
For companies looking for working capital solutions, asset-based lending may be easier and quicker to obtain than a line of credit or an unsecured loan.
What are the Best Assets for ABL Loans?
Asset-based lenders prefer assets that are more easily convertible to cash. Most asset-based loans are backed by:
- Accounts Receivable
- Inventory
- Machinery & Equipment
- Real estate
The more liquid the company’s assets are, the higher the advance rate. However, if an asset is more niche or difficult to liquidate (convert to cash), then the asset-based loan terms will be less favorable and may even carry a higher interest rate.
Businesses hold a variety of assets that can be used as collateral for a loan. Let’s look at the most common types of assets used to secure asset-based lending.
Accounts Receivable
As with all assets, accounts receivable have several factors that affect their value in the eyes of the lender. Most lenders prefer accounts receivable that are less than 90 days old. However, certain industries may have longer standard terms, which the lender will also consider. If some clients have a history of delinquent payment, the lender may not accept invoices from those clients as acceptable collateral. On the flip side, accounts receivable for clients with an excellent payment history, a good public reputation or outstanding credit can potentially increase the borrower’s availability.
Inventory
Businesses with large, physical inventories have a great asset to leverage for asset-based loans. Inventory may be used as collateral for a loan and allow you to purchase additional goods to sell. Most or all lenders will place a higher value and be more willing to lend against an inventory of finished goods. However, some lenders will also consider raw material inventories or, rarely, WIP (work-in-progress) depending on several factors.
Machinery & Equipment
From smaller businesses needing to finance equipment and using the asset as collateral for the loan, to large corporations expanding production lines or adding automation, machinery and equipment loans usually use the specific assets to back the loans.
Real Estate
Real estate can also be used as collateral for a business loan. While there are lenders who specialize in B2B real estate lending, other alternative lenders will accept real estate as part of a larger asset-based loan. For example, if a company is opening a new production facility, they may use an asset-based loan to finance the purchase of land, machinery and human capital, all while using the value of the real estate and equipment as collateral.
Determining the Asset-Based Lending Amount
As with other types of loans, an asset-based lender often relies on professional appraisers to assign a value to the asset used as collateral. Due to the reliance on the asset for loan repayment (in the event of default), knowing what an asset or group of assets would sell for under certain time constraints is critical to determine the funding limit. Appraisers use different methods so the lender can decide how much to lend.
Apply For Your Asset-Based Loan Today
Asset-based financing provides a convenient method for businesses that may not qualify for traditional loans or for those that need quick access to funding and working capital to succeed. Contact Accord Financial to learn how we can maximize the value of your assets with an ABL loan to help your business thrive.