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Showing 161–176 of 345 results
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In the News – Private companies welcome simplified M&A reporting
April / May 2015
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 424
Abstract: Last year was the hottest year for mergers and acquisitions (M&As) since the recession began, thanks to healthy cash reserves, improved growth prospects, greater access to financing and a large number of baby boomers in search of exit strategies. This article explores simplified accounting options, available only to private companies, that may sweeten M&A deals in 2015 and beyond.
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Advisory boards can be a boost to your borrowers
April / May 2015
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 603
Abstract: Borrowers who seek input from trusted professionals outside the company’s four walls tend to make better-informed decisions than those who keep decision-making close to the cuff. Private company advisory boards typically serve in an informal consulting capacity, bridging gaps in skills and experience. This article guides private companies on how to leverage the expertise of advisory boards, pick the right mix of board members and avoid potential pitfalls.
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Spotlight on the statement of cash flows
April / May 2015
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 686
Abstract: The statement of cash flows is arguably the most misunderstood and underappreciated part of companies’ annual reports. But it can also provide valuable insight to lenders who understand its uses and potential weaknesses. Here’s an overview of how this statement is organized and what FASB is doing to make it more user-friendly.
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Does your borrower need key person insurance?
April / May 2015
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 852
Abstract: People are often a business’s most valuable asset. Chances are that some borrowers rely so heavily on key people — owners, salespeople or executives — that a sudden, unexpected loss of those individuals would impair the company’s credit standing or ability to service debt. This article helps lenders identify which borrowers would benefit most from key person insurance, what types of coverage are available, and why it’s vital to update coverage on a regular basis. A sidebar offers a list of questions to help determine the right amount of coverage.
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In the News – A new twist on cost segregation studies
February / March 2015
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 424
Abstract: Now that the economy is picking up, many borrowers are reporting profits. While that’s good news, some borrowers might not have set aside enough cash to pay their 2014 tax bill — or they may want to lower taxes in 2015. Cost segregation studies are a proven strategy to defer taxes and improve cash flow. But today’s studies are slightly different from turn-of-the-century ones. This article explains how.
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Family business planning – Handing the torch to the next generation
February / March 2015
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 634
Abstract: Every family business must transition control to the next generation someday. But will the next leader be another family member — or is there a better choice outside the family circle? Successful succession plans don’t happen overnight. They take years (or even decades) of preparation, mentoring and training. This article addresses such issues as determining a successor, dividing up control and assets, and assembling an advisory team.
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Uncertainty in financial reporting – Pay close attention to management estimates
February / March 2015
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 572
Abstract: Some financial statement items are relatively cut-and-dried, but others can’t be measured precisely. As a result, the use of management estimates and judgments comes into play on borrowers’ financial statements. But this can lead to unintentional errors or, worse, intentional misstatement. While the PCAOB is currently considering ways to improve how public company auditors test and inquire about the use of estimates, this article explains how lenders can play a role in testing accounting estimates.
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Can you bank on your borrower’s inventory counts?
February / March 2015
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 859
Abstract: Cash is the asset most coveted by employees who resort to fraud. But inventory is another popular choice, especially for more-sophisticated thieves and particularly in certain industries. This article discusses some of the more common scams and how to prevent and detect them. A sidebar lists eight questions to ask to determine which borrowers are most at risk for inventory theft and misstatement.
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In the News – Pros and cons of corporate inversions
Year End 2014
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 420
Abstract: Establishing a tax domicile abroad — also known as a corporate inversion or expatriation — is a tax strategy that’s gotten a lot of media attention this year. But corporate inversions are nothing new. More than 50 large companies have expatriated over the last three decades. This article discusses the pros and cons, noting a Reuters study that failed to find a reliable correlation between tax savings from corporate inversions and shareholder returns.
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Teach borrowers to build higher business credit scores
Year End 2014
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 634
Abstract: Many private business owners underestimate the importance of establishing strong business credit early on — and are surprised when they don’t qualify for affordable financing when they eventually need it. Lenders are often the bearers of this bad news. This article can help you explain to borrowers why it’s important to gradually establish business credit and how they can improve their ratings.
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5 ways to speed up collections
Year End 2014
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 689
Abstract: Borrowers often pledge receivables as loan collateral. But recent studies show that many companies aren’t collecting receivables as fast as they did before the Great Recession. This article provides five simple steps to turn receivables into cash faster. Tighter collection procedures can expedite service debt and reduce working capital needs and bad debt write-offs.
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Due diligence tips – Are you paying enough attention to related-party transactions
Year End 2014
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 822
Abstract: Related-party transactions played a major role in accounting scandals that happened at Enron and Tyco International. But such scandals aren’t unique to large public companies that engage in complex business transactions. In fact, unaudited private firms may be at even greater risk. Lenders typically act as gatekeepers for small borrowers and scrutinize their related-party transactions as part of their regular due diligence procedures. This article describes common related-party transactions and suggests ways to unearth undisclosed related-party relationships and unusual transactions. A sidebar encourages lenders to monitor performance-based executive compensation for financial misstatement risks, too.
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In the News – Coming soon! Changes to the way borrowers report revenues
October / November 2014
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 432
Abstract: The new standard issued in Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, provides a unified set of principles for recognizing revenues — replacing the current mishmash of more than 80 industry-specific revenue-recognition rules. This update is part of a landmark global accounting convergence project that will change how borrowers report the top lines of their income statements. This article explains which borrowers will be most affected, how they will report revenues, and how borrowers and lenders can prepare for these changes.
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Teach small borrowers to think big
October / November 2014
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 629
Abstract: Small private businesses tend to be responsive, innovative, thrifty and focused on core operations. Nonetheless, banks often consider them to be high risk, especially if owners run their businesses like extensions of their personal finances. But, as this article explains, there are a number of healthy big-business practices that small borrowers can embrace — especially if their lenders provide encouragement. Practices discussed include systematic, formal planning, proactive branding, and leveraged operations.
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Typosquatting scams: Could your borrowers be victims?
October / November 2014
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 561
Abstract: A scam known as “typosquatting” involves the purchase of domain names in bad faith. It takes advantage of a tendency among Internet users to hit the wrong keys and enter misspelled trademarks or brands. Some of the worst fraudulent websites might feature phishing schemes or be used for corporate espionage. Revenues and business reputations are likely to suffer — making it harder to service debt. This article notes that it’s important for lenders to ask borrowers to disclose more about cyber threats, as well as any preventive measures, in their year end financial statements.
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Borrowers and occupational fraud – Who’s most vulnerable and how to assess risk
October / November 2014
Newsletter: Commercial Lending Report
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 926
Abstract: The most recent of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners’ biennial fraud studies indicates that the typical business continues to lose 5% of revenues to fraud — and financial institutions reported the most fraud cases. This article discusses the most fraud-prone industries and the kinds of fraud to which each is particularly susceptible. It also provides ten questions that lenders can ask to evaluate a company’s antifraud controls. A sidebar discusses how receivables, inventory and fixed assets can serve as red flags to warn lenders of fraud, which can impair the victim’s ability to service debt and can lower its collateral values.