Introduction to medical technology and equipment financing

Most businesses require equipment in order to operate and make money. To remain competitive, each business has to make the best procurement choices based on many factors such as cash flow, balance sheet impact and available credit lines.

Equipment finance is a key component of asset acquisition for both large and small businesses. Domestically, equipment finance accounts for $725 billion of business each year. More than 90% of all U.S. businesses use some type of equipment finance to fund their operations. It is one of the most important ways for businesses to invest in capital while managing their balance sheets and cash flow positions.

Equipment financing can take many forms, though the traditional methods are via leasing and commercial loans.

Leasing, the most popular form of equipment finance, offers flexible choices that can work with diverse objectives of most businesses. A lease is an arrangement where one party who owns equipment (the lessor) transfers possession and use of that equipment to another party (the lessee). In exchange for the use of the equipment, the lessee pays rent to the lessor over the term of the lease. Typically, 100% of the equipment acquisition cost is financed.

A commercial loan refers to an arrangement where a lender finances the acquisition of equipment by a borrower. Lenders usually finance up to 75% of the equipment cost. The loan is satisfied once the borrower repays the lender the principal plus interest. At the end of the term, the borrower owns the equipment outright.

-Medical technology and equipment

-Agricultural equipment

–Business, retail and office equipment

–Construction and off-road equipment

–IT equipment and software

–Manufacturing and mining machinery

–Trucks and transportation equipment

With a wide range of benefits, equipment finance can be an optimal alternative for companies ranging from small businesses to Fortune 100 enterprises. Advantages include:

1) 100% Financing – Users can finance the asset with no downpayment.

2) Cash Preservation – Businesses can retain their cash or working capital and use it for other areas of business, such as expansion, improvements, marketing or research and development.

3) Risk Management – Leasing helps mitigate the uncertainty of investing in a capital asset a business needs until it achieves a desired return, increases efficiency, saves costs or meets other business objectives.

4) Cash Flow Control – Leasing equipment helps maintain cash flow and greater certainty in budgeting by setting rent payments to match annual or seasonal cash flows.

5) Obsolescence Management – Businesses can acquire more and better equipment through technology upgrades and/or replacement programs.

6) Bundled Costs – Certain finance structures allow customers to finance the entire cost of the equipment (installation, maintenance, training, etc.) into one, easy-to-manage payment.

What are the most common lease options? 

The two most common types of leases are operating leases and capital leases.

• With an operating lease, the term is shorter than the expected useful life of the equipment. Rental payments do not cover the equipment cost for the lessor (owner/lender) during the initial lease term. This type of lease is popular for companies using cutting-edge technology because shorterterm leases help users stay ahead of equipment obsolescence.

• With a capital lease, the term is longer, more nearly covering the useful life of the equipment. A longer-term provides more flexibility, lower payments and greater cash flow benefits.

What is a lease rate factor? 

A monthly lease payment is determined by a lease rate factor, a periodic rental payment to the lessor for the use of the equipment. Lease rates are different from interest rates. With leasing, users are paying to rent the equipment. The lease rate factor is multiplied by the equipment cost to determine the monthly lease payment. The lease rate factor is determined by a number of variables, including length of term, lease structure, the type of equipment and the user’s credit history.

What happens at the end of the lease? 

For capital leases, the lessee owns the equipment outright at the end of the term once the original lease terms are satisfied. For operating leases, the lessee has three options at the end of the initial lease period: 1) continue to rent the equipment for an indefinite period; 2) purchase the equipment from the lessor at fair market value; or 3) return the equipment to the lessor.

The information mentioned in these articles is for informational purposes only, is intended to provide general guidance and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Each person’s situation is unique and may materially differ from the information provided herein. You should seek the advice of a financial professional, tax consultant and/or legal counsel to address your specific needs before any financial or other commitments regarding the issues related to your situation are made. Popular Bank does not make any representations or warranties as to the content contained herein and disclaims any and all liability resulting from any use of or reliance on such content.