The need for "back to basics" information about credit risk has not disappeared; in fact, it has grown among lenders and investors who have no easy ways to learn about their clients. This short and readable book guides readers through core risk/performance issues. Readers learn the ways and means of running more efficient businesses, review bank and investor requirements as they evaluate funding requests, gain knowledge selling themselves, confidence in business plans, and their ability to make good on loans. They can download powerful tools such as banker's cash flow models and forecast equations programmable into a cell or tablet. Readers can punch keys to ascertain financial needs, calculate sales growth rates calling for external financing, profits required to internally finance their firms, and ways to position revenue growth rates in equilibrium with their firm's capital structure – a rock-solid selling point among smart lenders and investors. The book's "how-to," practical and systematical guide to credit and risk analysis draws upon case studies and online tools, such as videos, spreadsheets, and slides in providing a concise risk/return methodology. - Introduces ways to define and manage risk - Uses case studies and online tools to extend and apply credit analysis and business management tools - Surveys "hard" and "soft" data and ways they help lenders, other financiers, small-business owners, and entrepreneurs spot potential problems, write optimal business plans, and deliver effective loan or /investor geared presentations
A complete appraisal of analytical tools available to managers to assess performance Required reading for anyone starting, running, or growing a business, Business Ratios and Formulas, Third Edition puts answers at the fingertips of business managers, with nearly 250 operational criteria and clear, easy-to-understand explanations that can be used right away. The Third Edition includes twenty new measurements. Approximately 20 new measurements Offers a comprehensive resource of nearly 250 operational criteria An Appendix including a dictionary of accounting and finance terms A thorough list of every ratio and formula, and how to compile and interpret that information Also by Steven M. Bragg: Fast Close: A Guide to Closing the Books Quickly, Second Edition An ideal tool for measuring corporate performance, this authoritative resource allows you to pick and choose the tools you need to best assess your organization's performance.
Introduction It has been my experience that in almost every walk of life, there are, for want of a better word SECRETS. There are secrets to business, secrets to health, secrets to developing real estate, secrets to wine making you name it. The purpose of this book is to share with you the secrets and tricks of the trade that I have learned regarding small business loans. These tricks are not grand illusions or mysteries. They are not difficult to understand. They are, like almost all secrets, simple formulas, procedure and principles that if followed, will elevate your success. Business owners have a quality about them which is unlike other individuals, whom do not aspire to own a business. In working with entrepreneurs for over two decades, I have found they literally have a sense of magic about them. The ability to win success, lose it, and win it again; the ability to have vision and see beyond others in an industry; and the ability to focus with intention and purpose unlike spouses, friends, or associates that may be around them. Thus, the purpose of this book is to help business owners make their magic happen. They are the soul of the economy. I have been in banking and lending for 23 years. The bulk of my career has been working with small business owners who are seeking commercial credit. During this time, I have realized that I have spent the majority of my time answering questions about the start-to-finish process of business loans. It doesnt matter if I am talking to a client, real estate agent, business broker, mortgage loan broker, etc. Always, the majority of the conversation is focused on the details and how to succeed in the process. The purpose of this book is to answer 90% of these questions. Neither this, nor any book, will be able to give 100% of the answers. The commercial lending industry is always changing and in many ways is subjective in how items are considered for a loan. But, I promise that this book will provide you a solid foundation to move forward in the loan process. This book is an attempt to make the process easy to understand, and at the same time provide a sufficient guide to walk you through every step. It is being written in plain English, like I was sitting across the table from you. I am intentionally trying to avoid terms which only bankers will understand, and I am intentionally not going into details which you will not need to be concerned with. I am also writing this book in a brief version that could be read in a weekend. I know your time is money, and I dont want to waste it. This book is not written, however, as a guide for larger loan transaction (those over $10 million). The focus of this book is to aid small business owners and the professionals that serve them. Also, it is intended to be an aid, but not a Band-Aid. In other words, dont try to use this book to cover up problems or deceive lenders. Deception or fraud to lenders is the worst thing you can do. It will waste everyones time, and could place you in a position which you will regret later. The best thing to do is always be of full disclosure. Find the right loan program, find the right lender, complete the paperwork, and move on to success. It can be as easy as 1, 2, 3 Lending is an art, and this is my interpretation. Borrowers are encouraged to look at all options and available sources. In my quest to be a productive member of the lending and business community, I am genuinely hopeful that this book will be beneficial for you, with these intentions in mind. The greatest moments of my career are when I witness clients succeeding in their business. Be focused. Be successful.
Joseph Mancuso means business. He takes you into your bank and into the offices of America's venture capitalists for an inside look at how they work and what they expect from prospective borrowers. He tells you exactly what actions to take every step of the way and how to distinguish yourself in the lender's eyes. How to Get a Business Loan will dramatically enhance your chances of putting together a deal you can live with and profit by.
A new but timeless strategy and mindset that should greatly help investors lower downside risk while achieving market outperformance In The 52-Week Low Formula: A Contrarian Strategy that Lowers Risk, Beats the Market, and Overcomes Human Emotion, wealth manager Luke L. Wiley, CFP examines the principles behind selecting the outstanding companies and great investment opportunities that are being overlooked. Along the way, Wiley offers a melding of the strategies used by such investment giants as Warren Buffett, Howard Marks, Michael Porter, Seth Klarman, and Pat Dorsey. His proven formula helps investors get the upper hand by identifying solid companies that are poised for growth but have fallen out of the spotlight. Shows you how to investigate companies and identify opportunities Includes detailed discussions of competitive advantage, purchase value, return on invested capital, and debt levels Presents several case studies to examine companies that have overcome obstacles by trading around their 52-week lows The 52-Week Low Formula is a must-read for investors and financial advisors who want to break through conventional strategies and avoid common mistakes.
A Tea Reader contains a selection of stories that cover the spectrum of life. This anthology shares the ways that tea has changed lives through personal, intimate stories. Read of deep family moments, conquered heartbreak, and peace found in the face of loss. A Tea Reader includes stories from all types of tea people: people brought up in the tea tradition, those newly discovering it, classic writings from long-ago tea lovers and those making tea a career. Together these tales create a new image of a tea drinker. They show that tea is not simply something you drink, but it also provides quiet moments for making important decisions, a catalyst for conversation, and the energy we sometimes need to operate in our lives. The stories found in A Tea Reader cover the spectrum of life, such as the development of new friendships, beginning new careers, taking dream journeys, and essentially sharing the deep moments of life with friends and families. Whether you are a tea lover or not, here you will discover stories that speak to you and inspire you. Sit down, grab a cup, and read on.
