High interest rates can significantly reshape the dynamics and outcomes of selling a company in today’s competitive market. Elevated rates often dampen buyer enthusiasm, recalibrate valuation metrics, and alter financing structures. Before planning to sell a company, sellers should understand all the ways high interest rates can affect the process.
Brendan Freeman, President - Private Wealth, contributes his experience to this article that outlines how interest rates influence company valuations, buyer behavior, and deal structures. But it’s not all bad news - we offer actionable insights for those poised to make strategic decisions in a high-rate environment.
Understanding Interest Rates When Selling A Business
Interest rates represent the cost of borrowing money, often expressed as a percentage of the principal amount. Central banks, like the Federal Reserve in the U.S., play a pivotal role in setting benchmark interest rates. Various economic factors, including inflation, unemployment, and overall economic growth, influence their decisions. By adjusting rates, central banks aim to stimulate borrowing and investment or cool down an overheated economy.
“Historically, elevated interest rates have consistently narrowed the field of potential business buyers, making financing more costly and often suppressing sale prices,” says Freeman. “Companies and potential buyers must adjust their strategies and expectations in such environments, given the tangible effect on deal-making and valuations.”
During the early 1980s, many countries, including the U.S., experienced soaring interest rates aimed at curbing inflation, which led to tightened credit conditions, reduced consumer spending, and stalled business expansions. Back then, it was expensive for companies to finance their growth, and potential buyers often faced prohibitive borrowing costs.
How High Interest Rates Impact Business Valuations
High interest rates introduce multiple challenges for business valuations, impacting both the financial and operational parts of the business.
“High interest rates directly impact business valuations by adjusting the cost of capital, affecting projected cash flows, and altering asset values,” says Freeman. “It’s essential for business leaders to understand and account for these shifts.”
Decreased Borrowing: When interest rates rise, the cost of capital follows suit. This makes borrowing more expensive for potential buyers, often shrinking the pool of qualified acquirers. With fewer buyers able to secure the necessary financing, sellers may face longer times on the market or even downward pressure on price.
Higher Discounted Cash Flow Rate (DCF) and Reduced Valuation: One of the foundational business valuation methods is DCF, which calculates the present value of projected future cash flows. As interest rates climb, the discount rate used in these calculations typically increases. This results in a lower present value for future cash flows, often translating to reduced business valuations.
Lower Asset-Based Valuations: For businesses that rely heavily on interest-sensitive assets, such as bonds or certain types of real estate, high interest rates can erode the value of these assets. This can have a cascading effect on a company’s balance sheet, which factors into the overall valuation.
How Buyers & Sellers React To High Interest Rates
When faced with high interest rates, sellers may expect reduced valuations due to potentially limited financing options. At the same time, buyers, mindful of higher borrowing costs, might negotiate more aggressively or postpone transactions altogether.
These behavioral shifts, caused by economic cues, can fundamentally modify the dynamics and valuations in business transactions.
“High interest rates recalibrate a business owner’s approach to selling,” Freeman says. “They require careful consideration of timing, valuation, and buyer financing options, often leading to more strategic, potentially cautious, decision-making during the sale process.”
Behavioral economics can help us understand how high interest rates impact the perspectives of sellers and buyers. One key concept is the endowment effect — the tendency for people to value something more simply because they own it — leading sellers to overprice their businesses, especially in a high-interest rate environment when buyers are more risk-averse.
Another concept is called anchoring, which is the tendency for people to rely too heavily on the first piece of information they receive when making a decision. Anchoring can make it difficult for sellers to negotiate a fair price in a high interest rate environment. Given the recent surge in real estate and mergers, a seller may still reference comparative valuations that were near all-time highs in a low interest rate environment.
Effects of High Interest Rates on Potential Buyers
Understanding how high interest rates affect buyers is important for business owners looking to sell their businesses, as it can help to tailor sales strategies, anticipate challenges, and identify the most suitable buyers in a high-interest-rate environment.
Buyer Financing: High interest rates consistently increase the cost of borrowing. This uptick deters some potential buyers altogether, especially ones who rely on external financing. For others, the steeper borrowing costs can limit the scale or ambition of their acquisitions.
A potential buyer focuses on certain measurements like Earnings Before Interest, Taxes and Depreciation/Amortization (EBITDA), profit margins, and Return on Equity (ROE). The higher the ROE potential, the more incentivized the buyer is to leverage (finance) the purchase. Buyers often only finance a purchase when there is “positive leverage.” Positive leverage is when the return on the investments is greater than the financing costs, with a comfortable margin to profit from. Even in a high interest rate environment, there still may be an opportunity for positive leverage. Therefore, it is important to understand your business reporting metrics. Key Performance Metrics (KPM), such as growing customer base or patented technology, communicate the value proposition.
Private Equity and Institutional Investors: These groups are typically known for leveraging financial mechanisms to fund acquisitions. In a high-interest-rate environment, their return-on-investment expectations might be more challenging to meet, which can cause them to be more cautious, potentially opting for fewer deals or looking for businesses with robust cash flows to offset higher financing costs.
“As borrowing becomes costlier, there’s a noticeable shift in acquisition strategies,” Freeman says. “Leveraged buyouts, where buyers use significant debt to acquire a company, become less attractive. Instead, we often see a pivot toward strategic acquisitions, where buyers, often companies in related industries, aim for synergies and longer-term value rather than short-term financial gains.”
Seller Financing For Business Acquisitions: Sellers sometimes offer loans directly to buyers in an alternative lending arrangement called “seller financing.” This method can be particularly useful when high interest rates might make traditional bank loans less accessible or more expensive for potential buyers. The terms, including the repayment schedule, interest rate, and the duration of the loan, are mutually agreed upon and documented in a promissory note — a binding legal document that outlines the buyer’s obligation to repay the seller according to the specified terms.
“In a high-interest rate environment, seller financing can be a key negotiating tactic for closing business sales,” Freeman says. “It not only opens the door for buyers who might be edged out by traditional lending barriers but also potentially offers a better return for the seller due to earning interest income in addition to sale proceeds. However, sellers need to approach this option with a clear understanding of the risks and structuring the deal to safeguard their financial interests.”
There are a few advantages of seller financing. Bypassing banks can create a straightforward transaction between seller and buyer, accelerating and streamlining the process. Also, the flexibility offered by seller financing can make a business more attractive to buyers, potentially allowing the seller to negotiate a higher price because the seller is providing a valuable service by easing the buyer’s credit burden.
At the same time, seller financing also presents some risks. For instance, there’s the possibility the buyer could default on their payments. Unlike traditional lenders, sellers may not have the same resources to assess buyers’ creditworthiness, which can increase the financial risk. Also, consider that seller financing means the seller has an ongoing financial stake in the business until the buyer fully repays the loan, which delays the final payout and emotional separation from the company.
Tips For Structuring Seller Financing Deals
Legal Framework: A comprehensive legal agreement is crucial. It should cover every aspect of the financing arrangement, including recourse if the buyer defaults.
Collateral: Usually, the business itself or its assets serve as collateral, securing the seller’s interest. Should the buyer fail to meet the repayment terms, the seller can claim these assets.
Down Payment: Requiring a down payment mitigates the risk of default by ensuring the buyer has substantial equity in the deal from the start.
Payment Terms: The terms should include a competitive interest rate reflective of the higher rates prevalent in the market and a realistic payment schedule. It’s also critical to spell out penalties for late or missed payments to maintain financial discipline.
Effectively structured, seller financing can be a powerful tool for sellers in a high-interest-rate economy, providing a balanced approach to selling a business while managing risk. In addition to financing terms, this also includes tax effects of how the deal is structured legally (i.e. stock sale vs. asset sale).
Business owners contemplating this route should consult financial and legal experts to ensure that the agreement is both protective and fair, reflecting the interests of both parties involved.
Alternative Business Exit Strategies In High Interest Rate Eras
In periods of high interest rates, traditional exit strategies can become less effective or desirable for business owners who want to sell. Sellers might want to explore alternative options, such as:
Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) can provide greater financial stability, shared resources, and access to new markets. Aligning with companies that offer complementary strengths or resources can create a more competitive and financially sound entity, making it more resilient against economic turbulence.
Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) transfer company ownership to employees through a trust. ESOPs allow employees to become owners, buying the business over time. This strategy not only ensures business continuity but also can boost employee morale and strengthen employee satisfaction and retention. ESOPs can provide tax benefits and can be an easier route for financing compared to traditional sales, especially when loan terms are unfavorable during times of high interest rates.
Delaying the sale until economic conditions improve can mean a better selling price. However, this decision carries the risk of market conditions worsening, potentially leading to lower business valuations in the future. Delaying a sale often means continuing to manage the company longer than intended, which might not be attractive to all business owners.
In each of these alternatives, business owners must balance immediate financial needs with long-term goals and the current economic landscape. A comprehensive understanding of each option, along with professional advice, can guide you in choosing the most suitable exit strategy in a high-interest-rate environment.
Preparing Your Business for Sale in a High Interest Rate Climate
In a high interest rate environment, selling a business requires a strategic approach to make it appealing to prospective buyers grappling with expensive borrowing costs.
“In a high-interest rate climate, preparing your business for sale demands a focused strategy that goes beyond just the numbers,” Freeman says. “It’s crucial to streamline financials and bolster non-financial assets like brand and customer loyalty to counterbalance the borrowing hesitance of buyers. Flexibility in valuation and an understanding of current market dynamics become key in successfully navigating a sale in choppy economic waters.”
Tips to prepare your business for sale in these challenging financial conditions include:
Streamline Operations: Optimize your business’s financials by reducing unnecessary expenses and focusing on efficient operations. A lean, financially sound business is more attractive, as it suggests lower risks and higher profitability for potential buyers.
Solid Financial Reporting: Ensure that all your financial statements and records are accurate, transparent, and up to date. Strong financial records reassure buyers of the business’s health and stability. There are many instances where solo entrepreneurs or family businesses may run additional expenses through the business as perks, but when preparing for a sale, review to ensure all expenses are business-related.
Highlight Intangible Value: When buyers scrutinize financial assets under the high interest microscope, intangible assets like a strong brand, loyal customer base, or an excellent reputation can be significant selling points.
Document Success Stories: Provide evidence of your business’s unique strengths, such as customer testimonials, case studies, or industry awards, which can enhance its perceived value.
Obtain a Business Valuation: Understand that the market value of your business might differ from your expectations due to the prevailing economic conditions. Conducting a professional valuation can provide a realistic picture.
Flexibility in Pricing: Be prepared to negotiate on price. Flexibility can make the difference between closing a deal and having your business remain on the market for an extended period. However, be aware of your bottom line to avoid underselling.
By proactively addressing these areas, you position your business as a more compelling and secure investment, even when high interest rates add an extra layer of complexity to the selling process. Preparation, strategy, and working with your trusted advisors will help you navigate a sale or exit successfully.
Although higher interest rates may lead to a slowdown in acquisitions or cause hesitancy, many businesses remain strong through the cyclicality of higher rates and are looking for the right buyer and opportunity.
