Debt Financing vs. Equity Financing | Debt Financing vs. Equity Financing (2024)

DEBT FINANCING VS. EQUITY FINANCING

Understand the difference between debt and equity to find financing that works for you.

Book an Appointment

Debt Financing vs. Equity Financing | Debt Financing vs. Equity Financing (1)

Debt Financing vs. Equity Financing

Debt financing refers to taking out a conventional loan through a traditional lender like a bank. Equity financing involves securing capital in exchange for a percentage of ownership in the business. Finding what’s right for you will depend on your individual situation.

The benefits of debt financing are that you can get money quickly, you know exactly how much your financing is going to cost and you can retain full ownership of your business. The downside is that you need to pay back the money you borrowed plus interest, which could put a strain on your cash flow.

Equity financing provides an option that doesn’t require any debt payment. Instead of repaying what you borrowed, you’ll forgo a percentage of future earnings. But giving up part of a business that may become very profitable could be an expensive long-term decision.

M&T’s Business Banking Specialists can help you find the financing option that best serves your situation.

Can you qualify for a loan?

Debt financing qualifications depend on your financial situation, including your credit history and cash flow. Some new business owners opt for equity financing because they don’t have the capacity to repay a loan.

How fast do you need money?

With equity financing, there might be a period of negotiation to determine what percentage of the business is worth the amount of money being invested. Debt financing often moves much quicker. Once you’re approved for a loan, you may be able to get your money faster than with equity financing.

Will you give up part of your business?

Giving up a percentage of ownership is the biggest drawback to equity financing for many business owners. Debt financing doesn’t require using business equity as collateral. Also, depending on the terms of an equity financing deal, an investor may have a voice in decision making at the company. Differences in opinions and personalities could compromise the original owner’s vision for the business. On the other hand, an investor may have knowledge or experience that could help a business succeed.

M&T offers fixed or variable interest rates and flexible terms on a variety of business loans.

Book an appointment>

GET FAMILIAR

Understanding your potential business’ financial needs can help determine the funding sources that best meet those needs. Our resources will help to inform you of your next steps.Learn more about raising capital

Debt Financing vs. Equity Financing | Debt Financing vs. Equity Financing (2024)

FAQs

Debt Financing vs. Equity Financing | Debt Financing vs. Equity Financing? ›

Debt financing refers to taking out a conventional loan through a traditional lender like a bank. Equity financing involves securing capital in exchange for a percentage of ownership in the business. Finding what's right for you will depend on your individual situation.

What are the three major forms of equity financing available to a firm? ›

Common equity finance products include angel investment, venture capital, and private equity. Read on to learn more about the different types of equity financing.

What does equity financing mean? ›

Equity financing is the process of raising capital through the sale of shares. Companies raise money because they might have a short-term need to pay bills or need funds for a long-term project that promotes growth. By selling shares, a business effectively sells ownership of its company in return for cash.

What are the three most common sources of equity funding? ›

Major Sources of Equity Financing

When a company is still private, equity financing can be raised from angel investors, crowdfunding platforms, venture capital firms, or corporate investors.

Is debt or equity financing riskier? ›

Debt financing is generally considered to be less risky than equity financing because lenders have a legal right to be repaid. However, equity investors have the potential to earn higher returns if the company is successful. The level of risk and return associated with debt and equity financing varies.

What is the difference between debt financing and equity financing? ›

Debt financing refers to taking out a conventional loan through a traditional lender like a bank. Equity financing involves securing capital in exchange for a percentage of ownership in the business. Finding what's right for you will depend on your individual situation.

What is the most popular form of equity financing? ›

Equity financing comes in various forms, with the most common being private investment and public stock issuance.

What is the difference between debt and equity funds? ›

Debt funds offer stable returns with lower risk, while equity funds have the potential for higher returns but higher risk. Debt funds generate income through interest, while equity funds generate income through dividends and capital gains.

What is the disadvantage of equity financing? ›

Equity Financing also has some disadvantages as compared to other methods of raising capital, including: The company gives up a portion of ownership. Leaders may be forced to consult with investors when making a decision. Equity typically costs more than debt financing due to higher risk.

What is meant by debt financing? ›

Debt financing occurs when a company raises money by selling debt instruments to investors. Debt financing is the opposite of equity financing, which entails issuing stock to raise money. Debt financing occurs when a firm sells fixed income products, such as bonds, bills, or notes.

Which is a disadvantage of debt financing? ›

Drawbacks of debt financing

Having high interest rates – Interest rates vary based on various factors including your credit history and the type of loan you're trying to obtain.

Why is equity financing expensive? ›

The Cost of Equity is generally higher than the Cost of Debt since equity investors take on more risk when purchasing a company's stock as opposed to a company's bond.

What does mezzanine mean in finance? ›

Mezzanine financing is a hybrid of debt and equity financing that gives the lender the right to convert the debt to an equity interest in the company in case of default, generally, after venture capital companies and other senior lenders are paid. In terms of risk, it exists between senior debt and equity.

In which circ*mstances should you use equity financing? ›

When Should You Use Equity to Finance Growth? Equity should be used for financing when the risk of not being able to service debt (payment of principal and interest) is high. If you can't repay, don't borrow! The greater the business risk makes equity the better choice for financing.

Why do companies prefer equity financing? ›

The main advantage of equity financing is that there is no obligation to repay the money acquired through it. Equity financing places no additional financial burden on the company, however, the downside can be quite large.

Why is debt financing better? ›

Reasons why companies might elect to use debt rather than equity financing include: A loan does not provide an ownership stake and, so, does not cause dilution to the owners' equity position in the business. Debt can be a less expensive source of growth capital if the Company is growing at a high rate.

What are the three types of equity? ›

Rewards equity is based on three fundamental principles: individual equity, internal equity and finally, external equity.

What are the three main sources of financing for any firm? ›

The three major sources of corporate financing are retained earnings, debt capital, and equity capital. Retained earnings refer to any net income remaining after a company pays off any expenses and obligations.

Who are 3 sources you could obtain equity capital from? ›

Equity financing can be obtained from a range of sources, including angel investors, crowdfunding platforms, venture capital firms, corporate investors, and Initial Public Offerings (IPOs).

What are the three major types of finance companies? ›

Answer and Explanation: Overall, there are three main types of finance companies: business, sales, and consumer.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Kareem Mueller DO

Last Updated:

Views: 5676

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (66 voted)

Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Kareem Mueller DO

Birthday: 1997-01-04

Address: Apt. 156 12935 Runolfsdottir Mission, Greenfort, MN 74384-6749

Phone: +16704982844747

Job: Corporate Administration Planner

Hobby: Mountain biking, Jewelry making, Stone skipping, Lacemaking, Knife making, Scrapbooking, Letterboxing

Introduction: My name is Kareem Mueller DO, I am a vivacious, super, thoughtful, excited, handsome, beautiful, combative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.