LTM revenue finance, short for Last Twelve Months revenue finance, focuses on providing businesses with capital based on their recent revenue performance. Instead of traditional methods that heavily emphasize profitability or asset valuations, LTM revenue financing assesses a company’s trailing twelve-month revenue as a key indicator of its ability to repay the financing.
This type of financing is particularly appealing to businesses that are experiencing rapid growth, have strong revenue streams but may not yet be consistently profitable, or are in industries where high growth precedes profitability. Common examples include SaaS companies, e-commerce businesses, and subscription-based services.
The financing model generally involves providing capital in exchange for a fixed percentage of future revenue over a set period. This revenue share is typically automated, allowing lenders to collect their repayment directly from the company’s sales channels. The specific percentage and term length vary based on the company’s revenue history, industry, and overall risk profile.
Benefits of LTM Revenue Finance:
- Accessibility: Startups and rapidly growing companies that may not qualify for traditional bank loans due to lack of profitability or established credit history can access capital.
- Flexibility: Repayments fluctuate with revenue, aligning with the company’s cash flow. This reduces the burden during slower months.
- Speed: The underwriting process is typically faster than traditional lending, allowing businesses to access funds quickly.
- Limited Dilution: Often structured as debt or revenue share agreements, LTM finance can minimize equity dilution compared to venture capital funding.
Drawbacks and Considerations:
- Cost: The cost of capital can be higher than traditional bank loans to compensate for the increased risk the lender undertakes.
- Impact on Cash Flow: Sharing a percentage of revenue can impact a company’s short-term cash flow, particularly during periods of lower revenue.
- Due Diligence: While the process is often faster, lenders still conduct due diligence to assess the quality and predictability of the company’s revenue streams.
- Revenue Verification: Accurate revenue reporting and access to sales data are essential for this type of financing.
Overall, LTM revenue finance offers a valuable alternative for businesses seeking capital based on their revenue performance. It is crucial for companies to carefully evaluate the terms, understand the impact on their cash flow, and choose a reputable lender that aligns with their long-term financial goals.