“Sales and lease-back” clever solutions for corporate cash management

In these uncertain times with the ongoing global pandemic crisis, companies’ cash flow is being put to the test. And yet, liquidity management is one of the keys to a company’s financial health. Without funds, no company can develop their business, take market share from its competitors or even simply survive in the market. Constantly evolving to adapt, companies have a constant eye on the management of their costs and investments. This management is all the more important as it involves optimising the allocation of resources to the most strategic positions, without penalising their cash flow. Rather than using their financial resources or taking out a bank loan, which is often long and complex to obtain, it is in the interest of companies to use clever solutions to optimise their cash flow.

“Sales and lease-back” is one of the most astute financing methods available to companies. This solution allows companies to quickly access funds by refinancing their previously acquired assets. Would it be a promising solution to strengthen the cash flow of companies during the global economic crisis created by Covid-19?

What is “sales and lease-back”?

Sales and lease-back” is a financing solution that enables a company to sell its existing assets to a financial partner who immediately makes them available to the company in the form of a lease that can be extended for several years. It is also known as “sales and rent back”. The company then retains possession of the asset sold and immediately receives an inflow of cash to rebalance its balance sheet. The major difference is that the company no longer owns its assets, but rents them. This approach has no consequences for the users because the assets remain in the company’s hands.

A sale-leaseback is a long-term contract that is usually accompanied by a purchase option favouring the selling company. The price of this purchase option is defined when the contract is concluded. At the end of the contract, the former owner may return the property, renew the lease contract or exercise the purchase option.

In the face of the pandemic and its consequences on the economy, leaseback can be a good way to generate immediate cash flow to benefit from a comfortable cash position. For example, if a company has acquired 50,000 euros of material goods during the year through self-financing, these invoices can be reimbursed by the financial service provider. At the same time, a lease contract is put in place based on the amount previously invested. The lease-back thus converts expensive investments into scalable assets and secures the companies’ cash flow.

What are the advantages of “sales and lease-back”?

Lease-back has many advantages, both in terms of company development and cash flow optimisation.

The first advantage of lease-back is financial. By transferring ownership of its property, the company has more capital at its disposal. This enables it to reduce its debt, rebalance its balance sheet or finance investments. This optimisation of cash flow is also an opportunity for the selling company to improve its working capital and enhance the value of the business.

Sale and leaseback also has a tax advantage: it allows the company to reduce its tax burden. Lease payments are 100% deductible from taxable income.

From an operational point of view, leaseback offers many advantages. In a company where the acquisition and renewal of new technologies represent a major asset for companies, remaining the owner of highly obsolete equipment does not represent added value. Thanks to this financing technique, the company is then in a position to constantly adapt to the evolution of technologies. It can, for example, lease the technological innovation necessary for the rapid development of its business.

À qui s’adresse le “sales and lease-back” ? 

Lease-back is available to all companies wishing to benefit from financing for their assets, regardless of turnover, number of employees or sector of activity.

This financing technique is not reserved exclusively for companies in financial difficulty. Some companies wish to diversify their sources of financing as part of their development policy, such as modernising their activity or financing their growth; others are looking for an alternative financing solution to bank loans and the mobilisation of equity capital; and some need an investor partner who will be able to enhance the value of their movable or immovable resources.

However, it should be noted that lease-back is recommended for companies with cash flow difficulties due to special circumstances, particularly in times of crisis. It is not a means of financing to meet a structural cash flow need. Indeed, this type of contract is more suited to sound financial structures that are seeking long-term resources to develop their business and that are encountering occasional liquidity problems.

Sales and lease-back” gives easy access to the latest technological innovations. Thus without the company having to draw on its own cash. Allowing the company to keep  its cash to finance activities directly related to its “core business”. This financing technique is a solid growth lever for companies. Without the need to resell and buy equipment, the company can switch from owner to tenant mode. A good way to optimise its operations and cash flow.

Are you looking for a financing solution? At FinGo we create, shape and sustainably model your own financing solution for your technology assets.

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At FinGO Solutions, we take the time to analyze your business needs. We work with you to develop a customized financing program. Let’s get started today! Simply call  +41 22 994 77 16  to speak to a specialist or ask for a fair quote here !

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