7 Reasons to Prioritize Increasing Vendor Trade Credit Over External Debt

In the fast-paced world of finance, CFOs are constantly seeking efficient strategies to optimize their company's capital structure. One significant consideration is the choice between external debt and vendor trade credit. While both have their merits, there are compelling reasons for CFOs of mid-market industrial companies to lean more heavily on vendor trade credit. Here's why:

1. Lower Cost of Capital: At its core, finance is about managing costs. External debt usually brings along with it the baggage of interest costs and other associated fees. Conversely, trade credit is interest-free. This directly translates to a reduced cost of capital, ensuring a healthier bottom line for your company.

2. No Collateral Requirements: Securing external debt often comes with strings attached, notably the demand for collateral. The potential risk of losing valuable assets in adverse situations is a significant drawback. In contrast, supplier trade credit operates without the necessity for such pledges, giving you more peace of mind.

3. Preservation of External Borrowing Capacity: Every business needs a financial cushion for unexpected opportunities or challenges. By relying more on supplier trade credit, you effectively preserve your external borrowing capacity, ensuring that you have ample room to maneuver when the need arises.

4. Simplicity and Speed: Time is of the essence in today's business landscape. While external financing often gets bogged down with extensive due diligence, supplier trade credit agreements are usually more straightforward and faster to conclude, helping CFOs achieve their financial objectives more rapidly.

5. Confidentiality: Discretion is invaluable in finance. External debt arrangements might necessitate disclosing sensitive company information. With supplier trade credit, however, companies can maintain a tighter lid on their internal strategies and financial health.

6. Reduction in Financial Covenant Restrictions: Covenants can be restrictive. With bank loans and other forms of external debt often come conditions that can bind a company's hands, limiting its operational flexibility. The beauty of supplier trade credit is its freedom from such constraints, giving companies the liberty to operate without constantly looking over their shoulder.

7. Enhanced Liquidity Management: Matching revenue with expenditures is a delicate dance. Supplier trade credit allows businesses to synchronize their payment terms with cash flow patterns more efficiently, promoting effective liquidity management.

In conclusion, while external debt has its place in a company's financial toolkit, the advantages of vendor trade credit are hard to overlook. It provides a unique blend of cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and operational freedom that's vital for mid-market industrial companies looking to thrive in a competitive environment.

On the flip side, increasing supplier credit carries along with it the risk of hurting vendor relationships. This, in many cases, makes CFOs hesitate on whether it is worth the risk. 

However, extending vendor payment terms and increasing trade credit doesn't have to mean risking vendor relationships. Quartix allows your company to enjoy the benefits of extended terms while ensuring strong and healthy partnerships with your vendors. 

Want to learn more? Let’s talk!

‍