Tag Archives: balance sheet

Do I Really Need Balance Sheets?

A balance sheet, along with a Profit & Loss statement (P&L) are the two components of professional financial statements. In fact, every lender in our network will request balance sheets, without exception. Yet many of our clients have incomplete or nonexistent balance sheets for their various businesses.

What is a balance sheet? Why do lenders request balance sheets?

Balance Sheet Basics:

  • A balance sheet states the book value of all your assets (including land, property and cash on hand.) The assets also incorporate accounts receivable, which will be expected previously contracted income.
  • Ultimately, a balance sheet offers a snapshot of the health of your business. Are the assets greater than the liabilities or vice verse?

Why Do Lenders Request a Balance Sheet:

• The business being purchased or refinanced. If you are purchasing or refinancing an existing business, the lender wants to know if it is profitable. The P&L only provides a partial picture. Lenders are particularly trying to determine your DSCR or Debt Service Coverage Ratio. This means how much you are paying for financing.

• Other businesses you own. If you own or manage other businesses (usually ownership of 20% or more), lenders want more information. They will typically ask for recent tax returns and current financials. Again, they will want a balance sheet to determine your global cash flow.

• How do Business debt Schedules differ from Balance Sheets? Business debt schedules give more detailed information about long-term liabilities. This includes the history of the loan, the interest rate, the maturity date and the current balance. The balance on the Business Debt Schedule should match the balance on the Balance Sheet.

• My accountant doesn’t provide balance sheets. What should I do? Insist on balance sheets from now on. Your financial reporting simply isn’t complete with them. If you know you will be seeking financing, inform your accountant right away. Let them know you will soon be needing balance sheets. Lenders typically request full financials for any years in which tax returns have not yet been filed.

• The business I am purchasing or refinancing has an EIDL. Is that a problem? Not usually. EIDL’s should always be in good standing. Be diligent in making payments on these low interest loans. Purchasing a business with an EIDL may require paying off the EIDL, If you would like more information about dealing with current EIDL loans in future financing arrangements, click here.

If you are considering a loan for purchase or refinance or construction and would like to discuss your plans, feel free to contact our team.  We can conduct a business evaluation and even prequalify you for a loan at no cost to you.

Making Your Financial Reports Work for You

Do your financial reports work for you?

Tax Day is behind us and either you have filed your taxes or have filed an extension. Now is the perfect time to look more closely at your financial reports.

Ask yourself these questions:

  • Are your financial reports giving you a true picture of your businesses?
  • Are they a useful tool?
  • Do you receive these reports in a timely fashion?

Consider making these changes to improve your financial reports:

• Produce reports more often. If your CPA only creates financial reports for you taxes, then you aren’t regularly receiving financial reports. Make the change and allocate the funds right now for at least quarterly reports and insist on receiving your quarterly reports within 30 days of the end of the quarter. (You can make exceptions to accommodate for your accountant’s tax preparation schedule.) If you are looking for financing, you may need monthly reports. If this is the case, again, let your CPA know.

• Balance Sheets are a critical part of financial reporting. Financial reports have two components: profit and loss statements as well as balance sheets. Balance sheets should clearly list your assets and also your liabilities, including any EIDL (Economic Injury Disaster Loans). If you would like more information about dealing with current EIDL loans in future financing arrangements, click here.

• Create your own business debt schedule. Whenever you are looking for financing, the lenders will ask for your business debt schedule. To make sure your balance sheets are accurate, try to fill out a business debt schedule ahead of time. We can provide you with a typical form if you want to try this exercise.

• Make sure your P&L is complete and accurate. If you produce your own financial statements, then you can merge your payroll and electronic bill payments into your reporting. Then, more aspects of your business are included. If your accountant is producing your reports, now is a good time to set up a meeting to discuss your reports and making them work for you by being more complete.

If you are considering a loan for purchase or refinance or construction and would like to discuss your plans, feel free to contact our team.  We can conduct a business evaluation and even prequalify you for a loan at no cost to you.

accountant working on documents

The Importance of Monthly Financials for Business Owners

All members of our GRP Capital team understand the value of monthly financials. This is especially the case when seeking financing or selling a business or property. If you’re not already creating or receiving monthly financials, we strongly recommend you start this process right away.

Finding Patterns Early

When you only receive financials quarterly, it is hard to spot emerging patterns. As a business owner, you may be very well aware of new contracts and vendors. These can include the big ticket items like equipment rental and insurance. However, following each line of a profit and loss statement monthly often reveals other expenses that are creeping up. Conversely, they can also reveal weakening or softening income sources.

Nimble decision-making:

If you are conversant with your monthly financials, you have enough time to course correct. You can quickly assess:

  • Whether you need to change rates or prices
  • If you should switch between payroll and contract labor
  • How effective your marketing plan is
  • How this month compared to the same month last year

Ultimately, if you only receive financials quarterly, you may miss your entire high season without a chance to act appropriately.

Understanding your financial position

Don’t forget balance sheets. Be sure that you or your accountant creates balance sheets in addition to Profit & Loss statements (P&L). Your P&L shows your income and expenses. Your balance sheet includes all of your long-term and short-term debts (your mortgages and other loans, including SBA EIDL loans). These debts are listed along with your assets. Assets include real estate, furnishings, accounts receivable and stock on hand, as well as your money in various bank accounts.

Your balance sheet will help you determine your DCR (debt coverage ratio), which is a critical figure to know when you are looking for future financing.  For more information about debt coverage ratio and appraisals, consult with our GRP Capital team. 

Preparing for financial transactions

If you are in need of financing, any lender will require current financial statements. Waiting for the end of the quarter may not be an option. If you think that you will be in a position to sell, buy or refinance, switching immediately to monthly financials will prevent any delays in the underwriting process and even in obtaining a variety of competitive term sheets from lenders.

Our GRP Capital team collaborates with you and your accountant to be sure the financial documents make the strongest case for a lender.

DIY vs. CPA: Choosing the Right Approach

If your business is rather simple, and if you have an accounting background, you may be able to create your own financials statements. This is especially true if you do not have ownership in  multiple businesses. However, for most of our clients, their money is well spent on hiring a professional.

A knowledgeable CPA will be able to recommend strategies to lower your tax outlay throughout the year. With just a few pieces of well-timed advice, you will quickly learn that a CPA is an essential regular expense.

Whether you are buying, refinancing, building, expanding your existing portfolio or investing in your first business, GRP Capital has the resources to help you meet your required capital needs. Contact any member of our GRP Capital team for a free consultation to determine next steps. We have access to a large network of lenders to help you meet your business goals.