Benefits Of A Debt Free Company – Foreword

How much debt financing is right for a business? In today’s low cost money environment, the ‘easy’ answer might be “as much as you need” because it is inexpensive (depending on a company’s financial situation). However, the credit environment has tightened significantly during the past two years due to the stress that has been placed on the financial markets. Low cost money really isn’t that easy to come by.

Possibly the more important question may be, what would it take to run the business without any debt? As the B2B CFO® partner for a number of small and mid-sized businesses, I can attest to the fact that operating a business on the cash flow generated from operations is easier and lower stress than being saddled with a lot of debt. It also increases control over the company.

With a good focus on cash flow and a deliberate plan to reduce debt, it is possible to achieve the objective of being debt free. The elements of a robust cash flow plan will likely include a sound understanding of the classic elements of the sources and uses of cash. In simple terms, you want to increase the sources of cash and reduce the uses of cash to the extent possible.

Benefits Of A Debt Free Company – Sources of Cash

Sources of Cash

  • Improve the efficiency of revenue generating processes
  • Collect customer receivables faster
  • Turn inventory faster and reduce the inventory balance
  • Lengthen supplier payment terms, request early pay discounts, or take full use of existing terms
  • Reduce operating expenses
  • Increase gross margin of products or services

Benefits Of A Debt Free Company – Uses of Cash

Uses of Cash

  • Increasing working capital in all its forms – A/R, Inventory, etc.
  • Increasing interest expense as a result of increasing debt or rate increases
  • Increasing operating expenses – payroll, benefits, rent, travel and entertainment
  • Capital expenditures
  • Adding employees or contractors
  • Decreases in gross margin

Benefits Of A Debt Free Company – Conclusion

Successfully implementing these actions so that the sources outweigh the uses will increase cash flow in the business. The CFO is then able to turn this into a comprehensive financial plan to determine when the business can be debt free. Without debt in the business, owners are no longer reliant on other entities for success.

Debt isn’t always a detriment. In fact, by the end of the year my firm will have helped clients obtain over $200 million in debt financing. These clients have largely been growing businesses where a loan can be very helpful to support capital expenditures and increased working capital to support additional revenue. When used properly growth supporting loans are paid off when the revenue growth and increased profitability are achieved.

Unfortunately in a difficult economy, too much reliance on debt has become a way of life for many businesses versus a vehicle for growth. As we enter a year when the economy has at least stabilized, eliminating or reducing debt is one beneficial goal to achieve for companies in 2010.

Click here and see how one of our B2B CFO® professionals can help your business flourish!

photo credit: 3D Shackled Debt via photopin (license)

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