Category Archives: financial value

Different degrees of loans subordination

0

A second method to slice the corporate bond universe, especially the financial sector, is by different degrees of subordination. We discuss the characteristics of different types of bank debt in detail. In summary, Tier 1 preferred, Upper Tier 2 and Lower Tier 2 differ from senior bank debt in two major dimensions: with respect to loss absorption and interest deferral features. Both Tier 1 and Upper Tier 2 capital are able to absorb losses. But while missed interest payments are canceled immediately for Tier 1 issues they are repaid at a later date for Upper Tier 2 bonds. On the other hand, Lower Tier 2 debt contains no loss absorption features.

Selection of your credit spread class

0

The risk profile of a credit portfolio, in absolute terms as well as relative to a benchmark index, is largely determined by the weighting of different risk classes. Of course, the allocation of capital to riskier asset classes not only increases risk, but also offers ample opportunities for outperformance. From a top-down perspective there are various methods to split the corporate bond universe in different risk classes. Here the three most popular approaches are introduced: dividing the universe by rating classes, by degrees of subordination or by the degree of cyclicality of the different industries.

Substituted equity by debt

0

In the last 20 years there were two periods, when US companies substituted equity by debt, especially by issuing corporate bonds. Consequently, between 1984 and 1990 and in the second half of the 1990s leverage rose dramatically. It also stands out that there were various periods when banks’ lending standards were extremely restrictive and one period, namely since 2000, when activity in the commercial paper market slowed down. Both events spurred corporate bond issuance in the past. If the usual pattern of the credit cycle holds, equity buybacks remain subdued until the economic expansion gains ground. As long as companies are willing to repair their balance sheets, net corporate bond issuance is also expected to be low. The analysis of the maturity structure of outstanding US and Euro corporate bonds shows a massive amount of redemptions for 2004 and 2005. On the other hand, while supply should remain weak during this period, demand for US financial assets by foreign residents is expected to remain strong. It is primarily driven by European investors and Asian central banks that pour huge amounts of money into the US capital market. A potential shift in the balance of supply and demand, however, is an important technical factor for the outlook for corporate bond spreads.

Trade Discounts Can Add Up!

0

One of the untapped income sources for many companies is the trade discount offered for prompt payments. Many suppliers offer anywhere from a one percent to three percent discount if the invoice is paid within 10 days, as opposed the usual net 30 days and beyond. Use the following equation to predict your trade discount:

discount income = discount percent / (due date – discount date) x 360

Let’s assume our example company that receives a two percent discount on payments made within 10 days, rather than by the 45-day average established through weighted average invoice aging. That discount equation would be as follows:

2% / (45 – 10) x 360 = 20.5%

Unless the company’s cost of funds or interest earnings match or exceed 20.5 percent, the company gains more financial value if it pays within the trade discount period.

Many companies curry favor with suppliers by paying either prior to the due date or as an exception to their own weighted average. A company that does this should make sure the vendors know the company is making a policy exception and, if appropriate, why it’s doing so. If the company chooses to reward vendors with cash for some reason, the vendors should know why.

Related

Categories

sidebar post bottom image

Recent Posts

sidebar post bottom image

Browse by tags

account balance accounting accounts accounts payable balance tracking credit score currency trading debtors due amounts economy forex funds general ledger insufficient funds invoice control ledger systems money advice mortgage payday loans payment policies real estate markets stock exchange subledger taxes tenancy turnover vendor accounts vendor credits vendors verifying credit