The financial options must take into account a number of parameters
- the nature of the investment: the length of funding must reflect the length of use of the equipment
- the type of equipment: investments in equipment and/or intangible property
- the financial circumstances: economic conditions and the company’s accounting and tax position
- financial packages offered by different financial institutions
- additional costs following the investment: installation, maintenance and training costs
Each type of financing has its strenths and weaknesses.
Equity
PURCHASE
- cost is spread over time
- complete independence
- ownership of the equipment
- reduced cash outlay
- asset depreciation
- limited equipment upgrades
- recycling of obsolete equipment at owner’s expense
Operational leasing
RENTING
- fully financed and no advance VAT costs
- simplified administration
- easier cost control and budget forecasting
- no capital assets (off balance-sheet)
- cash-flow and borrowing capacity is maintained, allowing the business to invest in other projects
- flexible and scalable solutions meaning equipment can be regularly renewed
- minimizes the risk of products becoming outdated
- outdated equipment is recycled
- additional services (asset management, sales & rent back, insurance, structured packages to meet IAS and US GAPP requirements)
- no option to buy
Financial leasing
LEASING
- no need to use equity funding
- regular lease payments are tax-deductible
- option to buy at the end of the term
- rigid solution
- more expensive than conventional financing
- no additional services
- no business expertise