Commercial Loan(Debt) Facility "Underwriting"
Dale C. Changoo
Managing Principal at Changoo & Associates(30,000+ LinkedIn Connections)
Commercial loan underwriting is the process by which a lender evaluates the creditworthiness of a business or commercial entity and the viability of a loan request.
The underwriting process typically involves:
1. Financial statement analysis: Reviewing the business's financial statements, such as balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
2. Credit evaluation: Assessing the business's credit history, credit score, and creditworthiness.
3. Business operations and management review: Evaluating the business's operations, management team, and industry.
4. Collateral evaluation: Assessing the value and quality of the collateral, such as property, equipment, or inventory.
5. Loan-to-value (LTV) calculation: Calculating the LTV ratio to ensure it meets the lender's requirements.
6. Debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) analysis: Evaluating the business's ability to repay the loan through cash flow analysis.
7. Industry and market analysis: Assessing the industry and market conditions, trends, and outlook.
8. Risk assessment: Evaluating the risk of lending to the business and the potential for loan repayment.
9. Loan approval or denial: The underwriting results will determine the final decision on loan approval or denial.
10. Loan terms and conditions: Determining the loan terms, interest rate, and repayment terms.
Commercial loan underwriting considerations:
1. Business credit score
2. Financial ratios (e.g., DSCR, LTV, debt-to-equity)
3. Industry and market conditions
4. Management experience and expertise
5. Collateral value and quality
6. Cash flow and revenue growth potential
7. Existing debt and liabilities
8. Legal and regulatory compliance
Effective commercial loan underwriting helps lenders manage risk, ensure loan repayment, and build strong relationships with business borrowers.