Debt financing isamong the most popular forms of financing. So, what makes it so widely used? Ownership and control – Unlike equity financing, debt financing allows you to retain complete control over your business. You don't have to answer to investors, therefore there's less potential for disagreements and conflict.
Many fast-growing companies would prefer to use debt to support their growth, rather than equity, because it is, arguably, a less expensive form of financing (i.e., the rate of growth of the business's equity value is greater than the debt's borrowing cost).
Acquiring companies that are seeking smaller amounts of funding and hope to obtain this funding more quickly will often pursue debt financing as opposed to equity funding. Businesses that want to retain control and remain local are also likely to seek debt-based acquisition financing.
All else being equal, companies want the cheapest possible financing. Since Debt is almost always cheaper than Equity, Debt is almost always the answer. Debt is cheaper than Equity because interest paid on Debt is tax-deductible, and lenders' expected returns are lower than those of equity investors (shareholders).
Drawbacks of debt financing
Having high interest rates – Interest rates vary based on various factors including your credit history and the type of loan you're trying to obtain.
Debt financing can be riskier if you are not profitable, as there will be loan pressure from your lenders. However, equity financing can be risky if your investors expect you to turn a healthy profit, which they often do. If they are unhappy, they could try and negotiate for cheaper equity or divest altogether.
If you need so much capital that you're already worried about repaying the debt financing for it, equity financing may be a safer bet. However, when you provide equity in return for a large amount of capital, your investors will likely require a proportionately large share of your company.
Good debt is money you borrow for something that has the potential to increase in value or expand your potential income. For example, a mortgage may help you buy a home that can appreciate in value. Student loans may increase your future income by helping you get the job you've wanted.
Acquisition through Equity
Equity financing is often desirable by acquiring companies that target companies that operate in unstable industries and with unsteady free cash flows. Acquisition financing is also more flexible, due to the absence of commitment for periodic payments.
By using borrowed funds to purchase property, you can acquire valuable assets that appreciate over time. For example, securing a mortgage to buy a home or rental property allows you to gain equity as you pay down the loan and as the property's value increases.
Generally, a good debt ratio for a business is around 1 to 1.5. However, the debt-to-equity ratio can vary significantly based on the business's growth stage and industry sector. For example, newer and expanding companies often utilise debt to drive growth.
Debt financing can be difficult to obtain. However, for many companies, it provides funding at lower rates than equity financing, particularly in periods of historically low-interest rates. Another advantage to debt financing is that the interest on the debt is tax-deductible.
Pros of debt financing include immediate access to capital, interest payments may be tax-deductible, no dilution of ownership. Cons of debt financing include the obligation to repay with interest, potential for financial strain, risk of default.
Wealthy family borrows against its assets' growing value and uses the newly available cash to live off or invest in other assets, like rental properties. The family does NOT owe taxes on its asset-leveraged loans because the government doesn't tax borrowed money.
High-interest loans -- which could include payday loans or unsecured personal loans -- can be considered bad debt, as the high interest payments can be difficult for the borrower to pay back, often putting them in a worse financial situation.
Debt financing can offer the means to grow without diluting ownership, while equity financing can provide valuable resources and partnerships without the pressure of repayment schedules. Remember, the best choice is one that aligns with your startup's unique circumstances and future aspirations.
In deciding between debt and equity financing, small-business owners should consider a few factors. These include the desired level of control, the financial situation and health of the business, the growth potential, and the cost of debt versus the percentage of ownership given up in equity financing.
If you are just getting started and can begin with a small amount of capital, consider a loan from family, friends, or a bank. As you grow and reach a larger market, equity funding may become a more viable option if you are willing to give up a portion of your company.
Unlike equity financing, where you give up a portion of your business in exchange for capital, debt allows you to grow without diluting your ownership stake. This means you retain decision-making power and control over your company's direction.
It may sound counterintuitive, but successful businesses borrow money. Even those with plenty of cash on hand borrow money to run operations more efficiently and take advantage of opportunities that arise. Having a good relationship with your lender plays a key role in growing your company.
Mezzanine financing is a business loan that offers repayment terms adapted to a company's cash flows. It is a hybrid of debt and equity financing—similar to debt financing in that you need cash flow to repay the loan, but with repayment terms that are more flexible than conventional debt financing.