Thursday Dec 3, 2015

Our EXCEL listed amortization capability (vs hard copy paper) is nearing availability and will be incorporated into PAMS-DCF as a standard (not separate) feature.. This will permit easy customization of the presentation of amortization reports and easy transfer into other systems. It is being developed as part of the larger accounting capability function. It will also permit individuals to develop their own accounting systems custom fitted to their needs  assuming they are trained in EXCEL. Wow! Talk about power and versatility!  See our Website for updates.

Here is a brief discussion long promised on advance vs arrears payments.

Advance or Arrears Payments:

Typically, payment of interest for the use of money is made at the end of the period of use of the money.  As an example, most mortgages are paid at the end of the month for the use of money during that month.  Similarly, the principal portion of the payment is made together with the interest after the month expires or in "arrears". In some cases, loans or lease payments  are made having payments in the beginning  or the inception of the loan or lease before the lapse of any time in the contract. This loan would be referred to as having an "in advance" payment structure. So, what's the difference in rate effect and cash flow? Why is it done?

The change between advance and arrears  can have a major impact on the rate of interest in the loan or lease. Some loans or leases can require two or more payments in advance, or other in advance payments for fees etc.  The impact of any "in advance" payments for any reason by whatever they may be called, is to reduce the amount of initial investment by an amount equal to the in advance payments. Making the initial investment for the same loan/lease smaller while the pay back stream remains the same increases rate of return. The smaller the investment the higher the rate of return on the investment, all other things being equal. There is an endless list of fees and expenses a lender can charge or pass on to the borrower. Whatever the name, if the borrower pays over to the lender some amount, that amount serves to enhance the lenders yield or rate on the deal.

Assume a  business loan of $95,000 to be paid back monthly over  18 months with a rate of interest at 18% and an in arrears payment of $6,061.55. The stream rate is given as 18% and could be quoted as such.

If the lender were to require one payment in advance then the amount being loaned would reduce to (95,000-6061.55) or 88,938.45. The resulting rate to present value the stream of payment back to 88,938.45 is 26.95%,

If the lender required the 1st two in advance the rate jumps to 36.84%. The stream rate can still be said to be 18% while the actual rate is 36.84%.

If the lender required the 1st plus the last two payment in advance we get  95,000-(3 X 6061.55)) or an net investment of  76,815.35.  The rate increases to 47.85% with three in advance. The stream rate is still quoted as 18% while the effective rate has jumped to 47.85%. Wow...big difference.

Next let's assume a placement fee is charged, or call it a set up fee of 3% or 3,135 (.03 X 95,000). The net out of pocket to the lender drops from 76,815.35 to 73,680.35. The rate now goes to 54.06%.

So we have the first and last two in advance and a set up fee of 3%. We quote 18% on the stream and create a transaction returning  54.06% effective rate. That is what "in advance vs. in arrears" can do to the bottom line. The borrower needs the money and is often thankful that he has a resource at any rate, so he is willing to pay it even if he is aware of the material increase in rate created by in advance payment requirements. Many a small business would not survive without this resource. Banking requirements are unrealistically restrictive, and poorly executed. Too much emphasis on rate will often mislead a borrower.

These rates can be developed using a financial calculator. Having PAMS-DCF software to produce amortization schedules gives a better picture of the earnings spread over the term.   This concludes our discussion of in advance in arrears scenarios.

As of today, we ate still struggling with our Publisher to get our book properly listed on Amazon. It is listed, there is a picture of the book, however, the peek inside the book sample pages feature, the about the author blurb,  and some of the book title's layout remains missing or incorrect. We are goin into week 4 with this struggle. Come on guys...give us a break!

Apparently the FASB is getting close to a publication on US lease accounting. If you visit www.monitordaily.com  and go to the articles section (see the top navigation bar) and read the "Lease Accounting Project Update" article by Bill Bosco you will get a pretty good overview of what is happening. You can comment on the article as it is never too late to influence the Board.

We are in the process of listing our book on AMAZON, BLURB and other book retailers. We look forward to seeing this accomplished.

Book Description:
PAMS-DCF explains in detail starting from basic concepts, what "Discounted Cash Flow Analysis" is, why it is needed, and what its pitfalls are. It discusses and supports with examples the various issues surrounding yield analysis, including leveraged lease analysis, multiple yield scenarios, extended yield methods, and the concepts and methods used in portfolio summary yield techniques. It is a walk through the temples of high finance from a mathematical standpoint. PAMS-DCF (see WWW.PAMSDCF.COM) was written to accompany a software system that is available separately. As a stand-alone book the codifying and clarification of concepts is uniquely enlightening.The book contains many examples and reports, a glossary and a complete outline and index.The appendix for those interested, delves in detail into the mathematical issues of multiple rate scenarios.The book alone is an outstanding learning tool.The book and software together provide an affordable, powerful and easily mastered business tool. An eye-opening must-read book for anyone considering a career in finance, leasing, economics, business or banking.

Cost $ 29.95

On another note, we have broken ground on an Excel based accounting system that will permit cash, income and balance sheet reporting of a portfolio. Excel offers a virtual database functionality that lends itself to small and intermediate size companies in lending and leasing. We are looking at a six month development horizon hopefully.

Thursday August 13, 2015.
We demonstrated the system in the NY area at two locations.  We returned to home base yesterday. After considerable thought, we have concluded that  our book should be listed as a stand alone item on AMAZON for a modest price. It involves the loss of some control over the book's circulation, but we are of the belief that the benefits outweigh the risks. We are planning to offer the book alone at $29.95. The book is a walk through from beginner to expert in the area of Discounted Cash Flow Analysis and includes a comprehensive glossary. It is easy to read and very empowering for those new to the art. Full credit will be given for the purchase price of the book should the software be purchased at some latter date.

We were working on a portfolio scenario with some very good results from our yield engine. We introduced management expenses that went well beyond the end of  the majority of transactions and found the SSFM (Standard Sinking fund Method) handled the flows nicely by setting up a needed sinking fund. We hope to benign a direct contact campaign shortly. looking forward to talking to some of you.

Thanks God it's Friday! I would love to hear from some of the readers around the world that have been reading our "Shop Talk" discussions. I was thinking of having a brief talk about advance and arrears payments and how they impact yield. Not a lot of meat there but something worth looking at using PAMS-DCF generated examples. Does anyone have some area they would like us to explore with some examples and models? Let's hear from you. No question is too trivial if it is distracting you, and I realize that most do not have (yet) access to a discounted cash flow software system to help you answer questions. We do, so give us the opportunity to put it to good use. Off to see my "Buds" and down a wine or two at our local pub and Jazz club. It is Friday night! Music is my other great passion.