The Benefits of Real Estate and Equipment Sale Leasebacks

Introduction

In the wide-ranging topic of business growth, financial strategies play a crucial role in driving success. Among the array of tools available, Sale Leaseback Financing and Equipment Financing are essential instruments that, when used strategically, can propel businesses towards their growth objectives.

Sale Leaseback Financing: Generate Capital to Fund Footprint Expansion

As you know from prior posts, Sale Leaseback Financing presents businesses with a unique opportunity to unlock capital from balance sheet assets and convert to non-dilutive financing. This financing method involves selling owned real estate assets, and then leasing them back for continued operational use for the company.

One of the primary advantages of Sale Leaseback Financing is its ability to release equity tied up in existing non-earning assets. This infusion of funds can be instrumental in funding expansion plans, debt reduction, or making strategic investments, all which play a part in accelerating business growth. Moreover, by converting property ownership into a lease arrangement, businesses can maintain operational control over vital assets while potentially benefiting from tax advantages through deductible lease payments and from having an eager capital partner ready to fund future facility expansions as needed.  

We have first hand experience working with businesses who use the sale leaseback strategy specifically to drive business growth through footprint expansions. For example, we work with a leading food service equipment supplier who has successfully grown its footprint by 6 locations over the last year, all thanks to sale leaseback financing used to acquire new stores. 

Of course, it's crucial for businesses to carefully assess lease terms, potential operational impacts, and the long-term financial implications of a sale leaseback to ensure a seamless transition for the business into this new financial arrangement. Working with knowledgeable advisors to negotiate deal terms and underwrite tax implications is key to avoid any pitfalls.

Equipment Financing: Tailored Solutions for Asset Acquisition

Equipment Financing is a great strategy to pair with Sale Leaseback Financing, especially as many businesses that are asset intensive will own both real estate and machinery assets. Think about manufacturing companies for example. Many manufacturing businesses own their production facilities as well as expensive equipment and machinery on site. Equipment financing offer a creative solution for companies acquiring new equipment or machines. This financing avenue, typically structured through equipment loans or leases, enables businesses to spread the cost of new equipment over time while preserving current liquidity.

According to the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association, “nearly 8 in 10 U.S. companies use some form of financing when acquiring equipment, including loans, leases and lines of credit (excluding credit cards)”. Given the many benefits of the strategy, this is no surprise. 

The key advantage of Equipment Financing is the ability to customize and tailor a solution that meets your needs. Businesses can choose from various payment structures, including fixed-rate financing, variable-rate financing, or lease-to-own arrangements, aligning payment schedules with cash flow generation from asset utilization. This flexibility not only optimizes cash flow management but also supports with financial planning efforts.

Integrating Sale Leaseback Financing and Equipment Financing for Growth Optimization

The integration of Sale Leaseback Financing and Equipment Financing generates powerful synergies that optimize business growth: 

1. Capital Efficiency: Sale Leaseback Financing unlocks capital from existing assets, while Equipment Financing facilitates the acquisition of new assets, enabling efficient capital allocation for growth initiatives.
   
   
2. Risk Management: Diversifying financing strategies across asset categories mitigates risk and enhances financial resilience, ensuring stability and continuity during growth phases.
   
   
3. Tax Optimization: Structuring financing arrangements strategically can optimize tax deductions and benefits, contributing to improved financial performance and efficiency.
   
   
4. Operational Continuity: Sale Leaseback Financing allows businesses to access capital without compromising operational control over critical assets, ensuring seamless operations during expansion.
   
   
5. Asset Lifecycle Enhancement: Integrating financing strategies enables strategic management of asset lifecycles, from capital release through Sale Leaseback Financing to timely equipment upgrades and replacements through Equipment Financing. 

By combining the strengths of Sale Leasebacks and Equipment Financing, businesses can gain a competitive edge in today's market, especially as it relates to financing new acquisitions. Many times, companies engaging in M&A will find themselves in a situation where the target owns both real estate and equipment assets. In this scenario, the acquirer should seek out both real estate sale leaseback financing and equipment financing as a way to leverage the target's asset-heavy balance sheet. A clear understanding of how to best take advantage of these strategies is key to ensuring that your business is well-positioned for future growth.