Asset-Based Revolving Line of Credit explained
An asset-based revolving line of credit may give an established business access to working capital supported by eligible receivables, inventory, equipment or other business assets. Availability can rise or fall as the eligible asset base changes.
Common business uses
- Large inventory and supplier purchases
- Payroll and expansion
- Working capital tied to growing sales
Potential qualification factors
- Quality and value of eligible assets
- Borrowing-base reporting and controls
- Business performance, liens and current obligations
Understand the structure
How a borrowing base may work
The provider may apply an agreed advance rate to eligible receivables, inventory or other approved assets. Ineligible, disputed, aged, concentrated, obsolete or previously pledged assets may be excluded. The resulting borrowing base can limit current availability even when the stated maximum line is higher.
Receivables, inventory and equipment are reviewed differently
Eligible business-to-business receivables may be assessed by customer quality, aging, disputes and concentration. Inventory may be reviewed for location, ownership, turnover, demand and liquidation value. Equipment may require identification, valuation, inspection, insurance and a review of existing liens.
Ongoing reporting and controls matter
Asset-based facilities may require regular borrowing-base certificates, receivables and inventory reports, field examinations, appraisals, deposit controls, insurance and covenant compliance. A business should understand the reporting burden and how quickly availability can change.
Compare the complete facility
Review the advance rates, eligible-asset definitions, interest or finance charges, unused-line or monitoring fees, audits, appraisals, minimum commitments, collateral, guarantees, lockbox arrangements, covenants, term, default provisions and early termination costs.
When another structure may fit better
Invoice factoring may be simpler when eligible receivables are the primary asset and the business wants invoices purchased individually. Equipment financing may better match one asset purchase. A conventional line or term loan may be preferable when the business qualifies without a borrowing-base structure.
Common questions
How is the available line calculated?
Providers commonly apply advance rates to eligible assets and adjust availability through a borrowing base. Eligibility rules, reserves and concentrations can reduce availability.
What assets may support an asset-based line?
Depending on the provider, eligible assets may include qualifying business-to-business receivables, inventory, equipment or another approved business asset. Not every asset or receivable qualifies.
Is asset-based lending the same as invoice factoring?
No. Factoring generally involves selling eligible invoices, while an asset-based line is commonly a secured revolving credit facility governed by a borrowing base. Agreements and provider requirements vary.
Can the amount available change after closing?
Yes. Availability can increase or decrease as eligible assets, reserves, concentrations, borrowing-base reports and compliance change.
What should a business prepare for review?
Useful records may include receivables and payable aging, inventory reports, financial statements, bank statements, current debt and lien information, equipment schedules, customer concentration and a clear use-of-funds plan.
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