Cadence Bank today announced the rebrand of AloStar Capital Finance, a division of the bank that provides asset-based lending (ABL) and specialty finance solutions, to Cadence Business Finance (CBF). Along with its new name, logo and website, the rebrand introduces new leadership and a realigned business focus to better serve the growth and operational needs of performing middle-market businesses.

Norbert “Norb” Schmidt has been appointed executive vice president and director of capital finance of Cadence Business Finance. 

XL Funding provides floorplan loans to auto dealers in more than a dozen markets, and will use the funding to refinance a previous bank loan and extend capital to more small and medium-sized dealers in populous states including California, Texas and Florida.

Wingspire was attracted to XL Funding’s position of strength as consumers pursue affordable pre-owned automobiles amid the uncertain economy and a desire for “private” transportation during the coronavirus pandemic.

Financial analysis is a cornerstone for any credit administration function.  Each loan officer must know his or her borrowers and thorough financial analysis is the best way to start.

The goal of financial analysis is to link business events to changes in the balance sheet, income statement and cash flow to explain the company’s performance during the period under analysis.  Without this linkage you end up with “elevator analysis” (sales are up, AR is up, EBITDA is down, etc.) and no meaningful understanding of the company’s performance.

Where do you start?  EBITDA is often a starting point for many people.  Why?  It is a standard measure of performance in the banking and finance industry.  EBITDA is a measure of the profitability generated by a business before interest expense, tax expense and depreciation and amortization expense.  While this gives the analyst a place to start and some ability to compare to comparable companies, EBITDA should not be viewed as a proxy for cash generation ability. 

As the Secured Finance Network and its members have examined the Main Street Lending Program, there have been two aspects of the program in particular that have been identified as impacting on the utility of the program for borrowers from asset-based lenders. 

Both points, along with some others, have been raised in letters from the Secured Finance Network to the Department of the Treasury and the Federal Reserve.  And the Secured Finance Network has followed up with specific questions to Treasury arising from the “Main Street Lending Program Frequently Asked Questions” published on July 31, 2020 by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston (the “FAQs”) in understanding what is permitted under the Program that could significantly impact how it may be used with an asset-based facility.

In March, when the world suddenly and completely switched to “virtual” everything, quick, yet thoughtful, decisions had to be made by SFNet’s leadership and staff to ensure the Association could fulfill its mission of bringing together and representing those who provide the capital that fuels our economies.

“As it became clear that COVID was causing a seismic shift in just about every aspect of our professional and personal lives, the well-being of our staff and the SFNet Community became our priority. We also had to find creative ways to bring critical information to our members, as changes were occurring with head-spinning speed. In addition, it was vital for SFNet to continue to facilitate the connections that are so important now, during this time of social distancing,” said SFNet CEO Rich Gumbrecht. “We recognized the urgency of addressing our members’ most-pressing needs through impactful advocacy, providing crucial conversations through online events and sharing relevant and timely content."

Q3 study highlights improved future outlook tempered by significant near term headwinds

Small business owners have faced unprecedented challenges due to the pandemic and are in the midst of great uncertainty with the upcoming presidential election. However, the Q3 Wells Fargo/Gallup Small Business Index indicates there is a continued spirit of forward-facing optimism among small business owners despite the persistent trials. The overall score rose 12 points from last quarter’s historic low-water mark, driven by a sharp rise in sentiment about future expectations. The overall positive movement in sentiment was contrasted by the third successive quarterly decline in optimism about current business conditions.

SFNet’s fourth annual Women in Secured Finance Conference attracted over 300 attendees for two days of inspiring (virtual) sessions featuring senior executives who shared their perspectives on leadership and communications while heading teams virtually and managing changes wrought by the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The consensus: Workers will not be returning to how it was even after a viable vaccine for the COVID-19 virus becomes available. Many of the speakers – women in top management, who are accustomed to being in the office, travelling, and meeting face-to-face with teams and clients—spoke about remote work challenges. They also offered creative ideas to ensure employees feel embraced during this challenging time.

White Oak Commercial Finance, LLC (“White Oak”), an affiliate of White Oak Global Advisors, LLC, announced it provided a $10 million factoring – inventory finance facility to a consumer electronics wholesaler and distributor serving public and private retailers in the US and international markets.

The funding was provided against the New Jersey-based company’s accounts receivable and inventory, which the firm will use to fund large-volume purchases to grow its business and provide competitive prices for top name-brand products.

The secured finance industry, just like so many others, has demanded that remote work become the “norm.” Will this change better enable the industry to attract and retain top talent?

Please join us in congratulating Fifth Third Business Capital President, Mike Sharkey, on his retirement.

SG Credit Partners provides situational capital ranging from $1-$10 million for the lower middle market with a focus on non-sponsored businesses. Headquartered in Southern California with offices in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago and Portland, the SG Credit Partners team has provided in excess of $250 million to 150-plus borrowers across a variety of industries and continues to expand its national footprint. Here, Marc discusses SG Credit’s efforts in going from a niche lender to a broader platform in order to better work with asset-based lenders and banks and why they are broadening their scope.