Raise Capital

The equipment financing decision goes beyond determining how to pay for an item. It is a decision that needs to be made in the context of a company's overall financial situation.
There are many factors to consider in deciding the best option for obtaining the equipment businesses need to move forward. Here are six of the top issues.

Even in the face of uncertainty, abundant capital and intense demand are expected to drive the M&A environment into 2018.
Whether you’re contemplating buying or selling a business — or if you’re just curious about current market conditions — this webinar will provide valuable, real-time market insights for key decision makers.

Whether your goal is to diversify while staying actively involved in the business or to execute on a complete sale of the business, an ESOP can accomplish either.
ESOPs provide owners with the ability to attain liquidity and address transition objectives in a tax advantaged manner. ESOPs provide flexibility and intangible benefits that are difficult or impossible to achieve with alternative exit strategies.

Many studies corroborate the notion that employee ownership yields positive outcomes for the company and benefits that employees can readily recognize.
ESOPs provide owners with the ability to attain liquidity and address transition objectives in a tax advantaged manner. ESOPs provide flexibility and intangible benefits that are difficult or impossible to achieve with alternative exit strategies.

You can't afford to wait for clarity when determining European strategies in the face of an uncertain Brexit environment. This seminar will arm your company with the tools it needs.
Improve your understanding of the economic impact and potential disruption to trade flows. Identify possible negotiation outcomes surrounding passporting rights and data privacy. Review foreign exchange concerns including currency volatility. Recognize the potential impacts on employees, customers and vendors.

When you plan for the cost of new equipment, don’t forget to plan for the significant portion of the total equipment expense called “soft costs.”
Finding a lender with a strong specialty in equipment financing and who understands more than just the invoice amount is key. As long as soft costs stay within certain parameters of the total investment, you can fold them into your affordable monthly equipment payment, preserving your cash for more important needs.

Gain market insights from research developed by PNC’s Real Estate Market Analytics team by viewing this webinar.
Get an inside look at location and product concentrations; market rankings; product winners and outlook and opportunities in the market.

Trade negotiations, including changes to NAFTA and the uncertainties presented by Brexit make the need for foreign exchange risk mitigation more urgent than ever.
Evaluate current risk management practices, including the establishment of a hedge policy. Ensure that your internal policies and controls correctly account for risks. Update your management reporting systems to correctly list your FX exposures and hedging activity.

PNC’s economists forecast that the Federal Reserve will continue to raise interest rates throughout 2017 and beyond.
In order to reduce the impact of rising rates on borrowing costs, companies should develop and implement a comprehensive plan to manage their interest rate exposure.  PNC speakers provide a perspective on how external factors may affect your financing costs and what you can do to regain control.

Despite the prospect of a higher interest rate environment, access and availability in the debt capital markets remain open and attractive in both floating and fixed-rate segments.
Banks maintain a solid appetite for new loans as we enter 2017; however, it remains to be seen if banks begin to become more selective in their investment decisions in the overall context of a rising rate environment coupled (potentially) with a less rigid regulatory environment.

2016 included a number of significant political and economic events that will usher in changes during 2017.
PNC’s Harris Williams & Co. subsidiary (www.harriswilliams.com) is a leading M&A advisor with experience across a wide range of industries. Bill Watkins, Managing Director, and Larissa Rozycki, Vice President, discuss results from 2016 and the rationale behind predictions for 2017 M&A activity.

Cyber criminals are finding new and subtler ways to infiltrate legitimate businesses to conceal or advance their objectives.
As a financial institution that is focused on creating long-term, collaborative relationships with its customers, PNC believes strongly that the USA PATRIOT Act requirement to know our customers, their ownership, business purpose, suppliers and customers benefits our national security — and your security as well.

When outside capital is needed, good cash flow and working capital management will make it easier to find and less expensive no matter what the economic cycle.
Companies that make working capital efficiency part of their organization’s culture have the opportunity to generate more of their working capital internally, thereby lowering costs, improving their performance and boosting their competitive position.

Whether you have made the decision to sell your business or are just exploring your options for the future, understanding the road ahead can mean the difference between success and disappointment.
Business sales are complex transactions that are influenced by many variables. Planning ahead can increase the likelihood of success and potentially enable you to navigate tax considerations. An experienced investment banker who is familiar with your industry can ensure that your business is positioned to achieve maximum value and that the sale process is managed properly.

Will the Frothy Market Continue?
Merger and acquisition activity returned to pre-recession levels in 2014, and significant opportunities for high-quality companies continued throughout 2015. The question remains — how long will this robust M&A market environment continue?

More and more companies are exploring the benefits of an asset-based solution. It works especially well in industries with tighter operating margins.
With liquidity at a premium, asset-based lending can be a particularly attractive alternative to a traditional bank loan or, to having to raise equity, which could dilute ownership. It can help middle-market companies move their business forward.

Companies are continually looking for ways to stay ahead of the competition. And yet many of them overlook the benefits of regular interaction with their banking team.
It's a good idea to meet with your banker and talk through upcoming expenditures, including capital expenses. Get to know your bank and the people on your banking team. Regular meetings can help your banker capture a more accurate picture of your business and respond more quickly when needs and opportunities arise.

The ability to offer your customers and prospects financing for the purchases they make from you at competitive rates can help you meeting important business goals.
Using financing as a core sales strategy can help you sell more of your product to more people and keep your customers longer. You can close deals faster, include more product in the sale and get paid faster. Vendor finance programs also deliver significant benefits to your customers. They can get financing more quickly at favorable rates.

Equipment is just as important to the success of your company as intellectual capital and management strength. Are you leveraging its value to deliver maximum benefits?
Many companies have minimized or frozen spending and investments. However, the pressure to stay competitive in the global marketplace makes it unrealistic to hold off on technology and operations improvements for the long term. It's time to determine what initial investments make the most  sense and how to finance them. We take a look at some creative approaches.

Securitization allows a company to monetize its trade receivables by legally isolating the assets from the bankruptcy estate of the company originating them.
As attractive revolvers mature over the next four years, there can be a liquidity gap that could hamper a company’s ability to finance working capital needs and pursue growth opportunities. Securitization can close that gap. It has enabled many companies to increase liquidity, lower financing costs and diversify their overall capital structure.

Industrial Revenue Bonds
Public sector financing can support private development projects that will fuel economic growth in communities. The lower interest rates and longer payment terms characteristic of programs such as tax-exempt Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRBs) can be used to finance growth.

Syndicating your bank credit facility can enhance your access to liquidity so that you can deal with day-to-day challenges and opportunities more effectively.
Syndicated loans can deliver capital in a timely manner and on more favorable market terms compared to conventional loans. By working with a group of banks rather than a single provider, you can also mitigate the risks that  might arise from dealing with only one bank in an unpredictable environment.

Many companies are finding that an asset-based structure provides the liquidity necessary to quickly execute a buyout or facilitate a turnaround plan.
In the past, asset-based financing was viewed as the best option for companies with high risk profiles. Today, the rules about what type of company can benefit from this strategy are changing. And more and more are embracing the flexibility that asset-based financing can offer.

While banks today still consider traditional criteria like cash flow, leverage, equity and collateral, the experience and integrity of the management team is growing in importance.
Some managers who find themselves in challenging circumstances may be reluctant to talk with their bankers, fearing that relaying bad news might close off credit options. Successful companies are open and transparent with their banks, through good times and bad.

Credit is available with competitive terms for companies that see their bank as a vital resource. Here are tips for keeping an open relationship with your banker.
Imagine that you run a mid-size company with deep ties to an industry challenged by economic conditions. After decades of success, growth has stalled -- and your income statement is beginning to show it.  Open communication with your banker puts everyone in a better position to structure and negotiate the right credit solutions for the challenges at hand.