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Debt service coverage ratio

Understanding the DSCR, how it works and whether a DSCR loan is the right finance solution for your business.

In the world of business, understanding your financial metrics is crucial to making informed decisions. One important metric for business owners is the Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR).

What is the debt-service coverage ratio?

Debt-service coverage ratio is a widely used indicator of a company's financial health, especially for businesses carrying a significant amount of debt. The ratio compares a company's total debt obligations (including principal repayments and some capital lease agreements) to its operating income.

What is a DSCR loan?

A DSCR UK loan is a ratio that compares a business's net operating income to its total debt service, providing lenders with a clear picture of financial health.

It's an essential tool for lenders to assess a borrower's capability. The DSCR measures the cash flow available to cover the annual debt obligations, ensuring that borrowers can manage the loan repayments.

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Key takeaways

  • DSCR is an important measure of a company's financial health.
  • Lenders, stakeholders, and partners will target different DSCR metrics.
  • DSCR can vary based on industry, company history, and other factors.
  • Seasonal businesses may experience more flexible DSCR terms.

Understanding the debt service coverage ratio

Debt-service coverage ratio is crucial for businesses with considerable debt. Different lenders, stakeholders, and partners will target different DSCR metrics, depending on a company's history, industry, product pipeline, and prior relationships with lenders.

External parties may also be more lenient during seasonal operation when a company's income is variable, though DSCR terms are often included in loan agreements.

What is the debt service coverage ratio used for?

DSCR is primarily used to determine a company's ability to meet its debt obligations. It helps lenders assess the risk associated with providing a loan or extending credit to a business.

DSR calculations

What is the formula for calculating DSCR?

DSCR = Net Operating Income / Total Debt Service

Calculating DSCR Using Excel:

To calculate DSCR in Excel, simply divide the net operating income by the total debt service using a formula like "=A1/B1" where A1 contains the net operating income and B1 contains the total debt service.

Debt service coverage ratio example:

Suppose a company has a net operating income of £200,000 and total debt service of £150,000. The DSCR would be calculated as follows:

DSCR = £200,000 / £150,000 = 1.33

What is a good or bad debt service coverage ratio?

A DSCR of 1 or higher indicates that the company has sufficient operating income to cover its debt obligations. A ratio below 1 suggests that the company may struggle to meet its debt payments. Lenders typically prefer a DSCR of at least 1.2 to 1.5, but this can vary depending on the industry and other factors.

Have you ever thought about invoice finance to help improve your cash flow?

Invoice finance allows you to release cash quickly from your unpaid invoices.

As your lender, we can release up to 90% of your invoices within 24 hours. On payment of the invoice from your customers, we will then release the final amount minus any fees and charges. There are different types of invoice financing options available to businesses depending on the situation and the level of control they require in collecting unpaid invoices.

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The benefits of invoice finance companies such as Novuna Business cash flow

  • Boost your cash flow without having to wait up to 120 days for your customers to pay you

  • Release up to 90% of the invoice straight away, and the final 10% when the invoice is settled

  • Access funds within 24 hours from initial appointment with our revolutionary digital onboarding process

  • Benefit from our in-house credit control processes, allowing you to focus on running your business, instead of chasing clients for payment

  • Six month trial period followed by a rolling contract

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