June 14, 2009

Debt swap – Principal determinants

The amount of debt swapped for equity will be an outcome of negotiations, but should enable the loan workout’s objectives to be met. Factors that influence this issue include:

If there is a balance sheet deficit, it is very likely that the company’s net worth will need to be restored. In this case, the target post-restructuring net worth of the company needs to be evaluated, for example, by making financial projections for a number of future accounting periods. This will directly impact on the amount of debt that should be swapped for equity.

The appropriate level of post-restructuring gearing will vary considerably between situations and the overall objectives of the loan workout. If a sustainable restructuring perhaps involving the raising of new debt or equity funds is envisaged, the balance sheet indicators may be required to reflect industry norms. In most workout cases, however, this may not be necessary. For instance, a restructuring which anticipates the short- or medium-term disposal of a substantial part of the business should be able to sustain a higher initial gearing.

If debt servicing is a temporary problem, it may suffice to convert some of the company’s debt into low or zero coupon bonds, say with warrants, or even to simply agree an interest holiday.

As highlighted previously, a high swap ratio may be necessary to attract new debt or equity. If so, the lenders need to consider how much new debt or equity could be raised, on what basis and whether the trade-off is acceptable.

Generally, the principal objective of loan workouts is to re-establish financial stability to a group’s operations. The swap ratio is the principal determinant of financial stability in a restructuring. It directly affects how much residual debt remains on the company’s balance sheet. It is therefore important to ensure that the lenders’ natural desire to preserve as much debt as possible does not defeat the main purpose of the restructuring.

June 6, 2009

Proportion of debt converted into equity

The amount of debt to be converted into equity is probably the most sensitive issue in debt for equity swap negotiations. It often takes the longest time to resolve. The conflict between the interests of the company and its shareholders on the one hand, and the lenders on the other, is the most transparent in this area. This is because the share of a company’s enlarged equity that lenders receive tends to be relatively insensitive to the swap ratio, as existing shareholders’ minimum needs must be satisfied.

As a result, a higher swap ratio tends to reduce the likely return for the lenders. On the other hand, the more of their debt that the lenders convert, the higher is the potential value accruing to the shareholders.

This problem is compounded in some jurisdictions if the lenders are automatically required to make a provision against any debt that has been converted into equity. The greater the swap ratio is, the higher the loss that the lenders have to recognise immediately.

This conflict of interest is also present in the perception of risk. The higher the swap ratio, the lower the financial risk of the company. Management needs to service a lower debt burden and, as a result, the value of the company’s shares increases. The lenders, however, are thereby relegating a higher proportion of their exposure to the company to claims behind the company’s creditors who may currently rank after them.

In reality, however, the lenders’ traditional argument in this matter is relatively weak. A properly structured swap transaction essentially crystallises the lenders’ effective equity risk position, enabling them to share in the commensurate potentially higher returns.

February 11, 2009

Crisis investment – how to pick good buys?

It is a fact that stock prices have fallen. So, wouldn’t it be sensible to purchase stocks that are trading at throw away prices? Value investing can be defined as choosing stocks that trade for less than their intrinsic values. Undervalued stocks of companies in the market are hectically looked for.

Investors are convinced that market is prone to overreacting and frequent price changes do not really reflect a company’s long-term fundamentals. The vital element of value investing is the ability to evaluate the intrinsic value of a given company. Such estimate is difficult and often two investors will arrive at different values for the same company.

Therefore, value investors should keep a margin of safety or buffer for errors in value estimations. Based on dividends, asset values, cash flows, earnings, and other ratios, an investor comes up with the intrinsic value. If the current market value is lower than the intrinsic value, it’s a good opportunity to invest. Although there are no error-proof rules for choosing beaten and battered good value stocks, there are some general rules that value investors tend to keep in their minds.

A PEG ratio of less than one may be a sign that a stock is undervalued. Such stocks are usually distinguished by a low P/E ratio. It is possible to use this ratio to compare companies within an industry. A debt-to-equity ratio lower than one and a strong earnings growth over a longer period are also considered to be good indicators. According to the efficient market hypothesis stock prices always reflect all relevant information, and as a result they already show the intrinsic value of companies.

November 21, 2008

Payday Loans and Personal Budgeting Improvement

You should remember that payday loans are not a long term solution for any significant problems and you are not advised to use them as any every month method to get some quick money. If you find yourself continuously forced to get a payday advance, then some serious budgeting changes are needed in your life.
Thinking ahead and planning a budget for the following month should allow you to save enough money to pay off your loan and then you won’t need another one for the upcoming month. Prepare a list of all of your important expenses, as well as any other smaller ones that may be waiting ahead. For the time being, resign from the things that are not absolutely necessary to your everyday survival. In the long run, payday loans will cost you more money than any other type of credit. Maintaining the number of payday loans that your received at a minimal level is a fundamental business rule.

November 3, 2008

Cushion yourself from crisis in an antique chair.

Valuable quality assets, for example antique furniture, are often considered to be a haven to investors during turbulent economic times. Mark Dodgson, secretary general of the British Antique Dealers’ Association (BADA), explains that provided investors take advice from proper experts, decide on quality and purchase the very best items, antiques will most likely preserve their original value and increase in value over the long term. However, similarly to art investment, the general advice is always to purchase something you would like and want to live with, not just some item you believe may possibly rise in value.

When you decide to buy using a dealer, search for specialists in the field you are interested in rather than general experts. A good method to start is by looking for a BADA member (on the bada.org website). According to the trade body’s code of practice, an error in the description of an object will typically entitle the purchaser to a full refund. Any problems with BADA members can also be taken to the association’s free arbitration service.

Auction houses are also a good place to look for antiques, but you should realize yourself that that the condition of objects may be a problem, because as you may not be able to inspect them fully before a sale concludes. Remember, always check the terms and conditions of each sale and make yourself certain that you know exactly what you are purchasing before you decide to part with cash.

September 15, 2008

Home Investment and Improvement – Work Plan

Overly excited do-it-yourself workers typically believe that it will take less time to finish a job than is necessary by not preparing a work plan before. This is a wrong perspective. Get yourself a calendar, day-by-day, describing each part of your work and how many hours it will take to finish it. This will allow you to stay on a tight schedule and provide you with a realistic time frame from start to finish. As a result you should be able to increase the value of your real estate investment on time and with no unexpected obstructions.
For example, a tiling job is impossible to be finished in a single day.
•    First, the mastic is applied, tiles are cut and laid. The area needs to cure and dry at least 24 hours.
•    After the tiles are set, you will grout.
•    You still need to wait another day to walk on it.

September 12, 2008

Consolidate Home Loans

  • You may have taken out a refinance loan some time ago and currently you are eager to consolidate all your home loans into a single home loan. This should be a relatively painless and easy procedure for you, so there is no need to hesitate.
  • Collect all your current home loan information involving account numbers, bank name, initial loan amount, loan date etc. Check how much equity you have in your home so you can find out if refinancing and erasing your second mortgage is really feasible. Finally, contact your mortgage specialist who should be able to give you an even more accurate and specific picture of the opportunities available to you.
  • Consolidating all your home loans may make life much easier, but it may not be the proper move at all. Pay attention to your financial advisor and your mortgage broker!

June 16, 2008

Lender’s mortgage insurance. Do you need it?

Those who are taking out their first home loan and they haven’t saved very much money, will most probably have to pay for lender’s mortgage insurance – the amount paid is related directly to the size of one’s deposit. Normally, if you save a deposit of 20% or more, there’s no need to pay LMI at all. On the other hand, if you pay a very low deposit, for example only 5%, the amount of insurance you pay will be very high. Before approving you for lender’s mortgage insurance, the insurance company requires a proof that you are able to service the loan, and it will take several factors into account before approving you. The most important factor considered is your savings history. To get an approval, you typically need to have saved 3% to 5% of the total mortgage cost – if you got the money from your parents or acquired it through some other source, and you have no solid savings history, you may not qualify for LMI and your home loan application will be rejected.

April 26, 2008

Mortgage Brokers, Bankers, or Loan Officers: Know the Differences

When applying for a mortgage loan or mortgage refinance, many people are unable to tell the difference between brokers, bankers, and loan officers. Such differences, however, are important, and may influence the service you’ll get, your costs, and the size of the selection of loan instruments offered.

Before you sign a mortgage application, it may be helpful to understand what kind of professional is serving you and guiding your decisions.

Many people are surprised to find out that loan officers employed by banks are not obliged to hold licenses like those required by mortgage brokers. Moreover, they might be just as astonished to learn that mortgage brokers work as freelance agents, and earn their fees by matching loans to customers.

Loan officers

Loan officers work for banks and credit unions, and provide a complete range of products to meet mortgage expectations based on your credit score and financial aims. Dealing with a loan officer offers the convenience of using your local bank, and may also qualify you for a better interest rate, or terms based on your being a loyal customer.

Mortgage brokers

Mortgage brokers can consider offers from various lending institutions. This provides the most competition from different lenders. They may also offer you a creative loan if you have been rejected by a bank, based on the bank’s own strict rules. Dealing with a broker allows you to shop a wide range of loans not limited to your local area.

Mortgage banks

Finally, there is a third category, the mortgage bank. This is a state-licensed financial institution that has no depositors, and deals only in mortgages. Such bankers are frequently more competitive on origination fees or points paid for lower rates, because they don’t have to share their costs with any “middle men.” However, they may not have access to some of the special low-cost loans provided by banks that can borrow at discounts through the Federal Reserve System.

March 7, 2008

Five tips to Avoid Foreclosure

The subprime mortgage crisis has made foreclosure a event that occurs quite often. Thousands of homeowners, who can’t afford to pay their mortgages, have found themselves facing the foreclosure process. Their problems are unfortunate, and frequently impossible to avoid. Nevertheless, there are some methods to avoid foreclosure. Read about them if you’re having trouble making ends meet.

1. Admit the problem

  • It’s easy to bury your head in the sand if you fall behind on a mortgage payment. However, the process can be hard to stop once it started. Deal with the issue as soon as possible.

2. Open the lines of communication with your lender

  • No lender desires to begin the foreclosure process. They’d rather have you making your payments on time – especially your interest due. When you fall behind on your mortgage payments, call your lender. They may offer you the possibility to work out a compromise payment deal.

3. Check your mailbox

  • You will be receiving official notices from your lender. Don’t get rid of these as junk mail. The letters will contain information on how to get through your financial problems, as well as legal papers. Read everything that your lender sends you, and read it thoroughly. Fate of your home may depend on it.

4. Know your rights and your options

  • It would be advised spending some time on the Internet researching foreclosure. Your state will probably have information describing your rights, and there are numerous online resources designed to help you avoid the process. Familiarize yourself with government sites to be sure that you have reliable information.

5. Revise your spending habits

  • Many people fall into foreclosure without revising their monthly budget. As cruel as reducing spending may seem, it should help you make those mortgage payments and avoid more serious trouble. Detail your monthly expenditures, then try to find areas where you can reduce costs.