Asset Based Loans  The Difference Between Interest Rate and Opportunity Cost

Asset Based Loans The Difference Between Interest Rate and Opportunity Cost

Huntington Beach CA 

What is the interest rate? How much does it cost? What fees are involved? These are some popular questions our clients ask when considering borrowing money to grow their business. These questions are typical when looking to see how much something is going to cost over the long run. However, these questions are more applicable to purchases related to a home mortgage, a car loan, applying for a credit card or other more commodity based financial products.

When considering Opportunity Cost the analysis is much different. For example, if I told you the cost of capital for fulfilling multiple $100,000 orders is 20%, you may say “that’s too expensive!” However, when you take a closer look at it, the true funding costs may be only 6% to 7% per order less early payment discounts. The borrower makes substantially more money than the cost of financing if the margins can support the cost.

Here is an example of a typical analysis we take our clients through. It’s a simple way to determine if financing is right for your business.

  • A purchase order is received from a customer and the cost of goods is $100,000 (your cost or wholesale cost)
  • Your gross margin on this sale is 60% (your sales price to the customer is $160,000)
  • Your financing cost is 6.5% of your wholesale cost for 120 day funding or $6,500 ($100,000 multiplied by 6.5%)
  • The gross profit calculated after financing cost is $53,500 on this order ($60,000 profit minus $6,500 in finance cost)

The question becomes, “would you spend $6,500 to earn $53,500?” Most all of us would agree that is a worthwhile opportunity. There are some variables that can effect these numbers both positively and negatively. For example, if your company has high fixed costs, this will chew in to the profits. On the contrary, if you are able to negotiate a discount for early payment to suppliers (i.e. a 2% discount for payment in 10 days, expressed as 2%/10 net 30) it will have a positive effect on profits.

Keep in mind that this is one sale and each additional sale will have a better net earnings ratio. This is because fixed costs typically stay the same and more profit gets kicked to the bottom line as more sales are realized. An example of where this analysis doesn’t make sense is if a company has out of control fixed expenses or super slim margins as seen in the electromics industry. In our experience, this analysis pencils out for most of our clients.

We always encourage our clients to look at how much they stand to make versus solely focusing on cost. The lender also needs to earn a return and if expectations are managed, business owners can grow their companies and earn more as a result.

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. Contact us to see how we can assist in taking your business to the next level. To your success!