How To Show Add Backs To Get Business Acquisition Loans

Share This Info:

Add Backs To Get Business Acquisition Loans

Requests for business acquisition financing are invariably met by a key question posed by prospective lenders. They want to know if the enterprise to be purchased will produce enough income for the new owner - the borrower - to be able to repay the loan. Of course there will be a need to provide collateral, probably assets of the business and perhaps other security offered by the borrower. But even if the lender will receive enough security interest in the buyer/borrower's personal or real property to cover the amount of the loan, it still will be necessary to demonstrate that the cash flow of the business will generate sufficient funds to meet the debt obligation.

And, as most buyers and all loan officers know, the profit and loss statements on the business that the seller provides, are unlikely to show all of the actual earnings the seller collected. Quite possibly, the buyer will collect enough money as owner of the business to meet the loan payments. Yet a look at the historical P&L's might not make that obvious. That's when it's necessary for the lender to understand the actual earnings expected by the proposed borrower, and it's up to the borrower to explain where the money will come from to support the monthly principal and interest payments.

As the prospective borrower points out cost items that don’t actually take any cash, as well as optional and one-time costs listed in the expense column, he wants to add the figures accompanying those entries to the bottom line; and then make the case that with these additions, there will be enough funds to pay off the loan as required. And while this is a very common and accepted practice, buyers can run into problems if not careful to include only legitimate addbacks in applications for business acquisition loans.

Depreciation Might Not Be A Legitimate Addback

The practice of treating depreciation as a non-cash expense is based on the assumption that the depreciable, or economic life of a capital asset is considerably shorter than its useful life. In other words, it's usually assumed that the $50,000 value of a manufacturing machine, for example, can be written off in three to five years, while it actually will be used on the production line for ten years or longer. And typically, the money theoretically set aside specifically for the purpose of replacing that machine will not be needed for several years. That’s why the depreciation figures assigned to that piece of equipment are considered non-cash costs that might appropriately be addbacks - funds available for other purposes, including the payments needed to get out of debt. This sum might not be a legitimate addback, however, if the equipment is nearly ready to be "retired," and the depreciation fund will actually be needed to replace it. In that case, the depreciation entry is not a "phantom" expense that can be added to the owner's actual earnings, but a real cost that will need to be paid.

When Personal Expenses Can't Be Used to Pay for Business Acquisition Loans

Also problematic is the attempt of a prospective borrower to convince a loan officer that certain expenses shown on the business P&L are actually for the seller's personal benefit and those amounts can be added back to earnings. That may be the case in some situations, but a loan applicant needs to be sure that the claim is accurate.

One common example is the cost of leasing, servicing, fueling and insuring the seller’s vehicle. If the vehicle is not needed for the business, it may be correct to argue that expenses associated with it can be added back to earnings. But the vehicle costs cannot and should not be added back if, for example, the new owner will need a car or truck to make deliveries.

Another personal expense that shouldn't be added back could be country club dues. Yes this looks like a non-business expense, unless the lender digs deeper and learns that the new owner will rely on the relationships cultivated at the club to sell the company’s products and services. Especially if that has been an important marketing strategy for the seller.

Help Available To Buyer/borrower In Recasting Earnings Statements

By correctly identifying seller expense entries, on business P&Ls, that can be added back to earnings and used for debt service, buyers often can strengthen their applications for business acquisition loans. But they can run into trouble if the addbacks aren't chosen correctly, or explained effectively.

That’s when it might be useful to seek the aid of a small business loan specialist with experience in helping buyers/borrowers prepare persuasive loan applications and get them reviewed by suitable lenders and financial institutions.

Categories: BizBen Blog Contributor, Business Purchase Financing, How To Buy A Business, How To Sell A Business, Small Business Financing

Contributor:

Peter Siegel, MBA, BizBen Founder, ProBuy, ProSell Programs

Areas Served: All Of California

Phone: 925-785-3118 Cell, 925-785-3118 Text

Founder & President Of BizBen.com (since 1994) & BizBenNetwork.com. I am the Lead Facilitator for the ProSell & ProBuy Programs on both websites. I consult daily with buyers, sellers, and intermediaries daily about buying and selling businesses. Call 925-785-3118.

Save This Contact • My Notes About This Contact • Email This Contact •

Helpful Resources To Assist In Selling And Buying California Businesses

Elizabeth McGovern: Escrow Services - San Francisco Bay Area

McGovern Escrow Services, Inc., is a leading independent escrow company. We are a trusted partner with our clients, assisting them through the tangled bulk sale & liquor license transfer process. We provide attentive, quality & innovative customer service. Phone Elizabeth McGovern at 415-735-3645.

William F. Ziprick, Attorney: Legal Services For Buyers And Sellers

Through creative problem solving, attention to detail, accessibility, & understanding that unnecessary delay is often a deal killer, I work closely with my clients and other professionals to consistently achieve a high rate of successful closings. Office: 909-255-8353, Cell: 509-951-7230.

Brad Steinberg, Business Broker: Laundromat Specialist

PWS is the leading laundromat broker in California. Since 1968 PWS has brokered over 2,500 laundromat sales. With over 90 employees dedicated to the coin laundry industry, PWS has 18 licensed agents, a 3 person in-house finance department, 10 service technicians and a 20 person parts department.

Diane Boudreau-Tschetter: Escrow & Bulk Sale Services - CA

California Business Escrow, Inc. is a full service independent escrow company serving all of California and has expertise in a wide range of escrows. Our team prides itself on providing an exceptional escrow experience. For more info phone Diane Boudreau-Tschetter at 888-383-3331 or 209-838-1100.

Helen Yoo, New Century Escrow - Escrow Services In Southern California

New Century Escrow, Inc. is a fully licensed & bonded independent escrow company. Over 20 years combined experience in handling bulk escrow transactions. Multi-lingual staff that speaks your language, including Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese. Call Helen Yoo direct at 626-890-1151.

Shalonda Chappel: Escrow & Bulk Sale Services - Southern California

Escrow services to brokers/agents, sellers, & buyers. Established 43 years. Extraordinary service. Experienced with handling difficult transactions. One stop for all your escrow needs: Bulk sales, lien searches, UCC searches, liquor license transfers, publishing & recording services. 951-808-3972.

Janet Carrera: Escrow & Bulk Sale Service - SF Bay Area

Redwood Escrow Services, Inc. is a full service, licensed independent escrow company. We are EAFC Fidelity bonded, fully insured & licensed with the Department of Corporations. Committed to offering our clients the most comprehensive variety of escrow services available. Phone Janet at 510-247-0741.

Willard Michlin, CPA, Certified Fraud Examiner, Due Diligence

Willard Michlin, CPA #106752, offers buyers step by step training & assistance in doing Due Diligence Services when they are thinking of making an offer, or are in process of investigating a business purchase. He helps to determine the actual net profit even when there is cash. Call 805-428-2063.

Related Articles, Events, Blog Posts, Discussions, Videos, Interviews

4 Reasons Why Business Brokers Do Not Cooperate With Other Brokers & Agents

Despite challenges in the business for sale marketplace, some of the business brokers who make a living by facilitating a deal between buyer and seller are known to stand in the way of a completed transaction because of some outdated ideas. Too bad they put greed ahead of the needs of their clients.

Should I Buy A Business That is Losing Money? Feedback From Top Advisors

Are businesses worth taking a look at when they are losing money? Multiple Advisors & Business Brokers weigh in on this topic and say yes! (but be careful) on a BizBen Discussion. Some great feedback on this topic will make potential business buyers (and money losing sellers) want to read this info!

How To Determine Whether The Buyer For Your Business For Sale Is Sincere

A problem owners encounter when offering a CA business for sale is that not all so-called business buyers are qualified to make the purchase. It's frustrating and costly to waste time showing non-qualified buyers the business. Here are ways to identify time wasters so the focus is on real buyers.

Absentee Run Businesses - A Myth Or Reality When Buying A Small CA Business?

Some buyers search for an absentee business to own, wanting to collect profits generated by a successful enterprise without having to stand at the sales counter or cash register, without having to cook, operate equipment or talk to customers. Here's some insight about finding such a business.

Financing A Business Purchase With Limited Or No Real Estate Collateral

In my experience working with the "right banks and financial institutions" repayment ability sometimes overrules collateral pledged by someone needing financing for a business purchase or a down payment. Peter Siegel, MBA (Business Purchase Financing Expert) at 925-785-3118 shares his experience.

Find Out Why 80% Of California Business Buyers Never Find And Buy A Business

First the dreaded statistic: 80% of all California business buyers looking to buy a small to mid-sized business in California never end up doing so! Peter Siegel, MBA BizBen Founder And Director at 925-785-3118 covers successful tactics all business buyers of small businesses should utilize.

Tips When Using Escrow Bulk Sale Services When Buying Or Selling A Business

The final part of the business for sale transaction is the escrow and bulk sale process by Peter Siegel, MBA (Business Purchase Financing Expert, ProBuy & ProSell Program Advisor) answers questions and describes the escrow and bulk sale process. Peter can be reached direct at 925-785-3118.

What Is The Typical Business Broker Fee For Sellers And Buyers? Who Pays It?

Was just asked the question from a business owner what the "typical commission" amount is for a broker or agent and if upfront fees are common? Thought this might be a great Discussion topic on BizBen for both business owner/sellers and potentially for business buyers (buyer representation).