The Borrowing Base
A borrowing base is the total amount of collateral against which a lender will lend
funds to a business. This typically involves multiplying a discount factor by each
type of asset used as collateral. For example:
• Accounts receivable. 60% to 80% of accounts receivable less than 90 days
old may be accepted as a borrowing base. Receivables from related parties
and foreign entities are excluded.
• Inventory. A smaller percentage of finished goods inventory may be
accepted as a borrowing base. Raw materials and work-in-process, as well
as custom-made goods and slow-moving finished goods are usually not
allowed, since they are more difficult to liquidate.
It is also common for a lender to only use the accounts receivable of a borrower as
collateral - it may not accept any inventory as part of the borrowing base.
If the business is a small one, the lender issuing a line of credit will probably
also want a personal