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How ESOP Companies Can Save Money During Inflation

Skyrocketing inflation continues to disrupt industries all over the world, affecting consumers and businesses alike. In May, inflation jumped to 8.6%—the highest, most rapid increase since 1981. Businesses now have to not only manage outgoing expenses—from material costs to labor—but also maintain profitability in the face of input costs rising more than they have in decades. For companies that have debt associated with establishing their Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), this presents a specific challenge. Because floating rate loans fluctuate with market conditions, they carry a certain level of unpredictability.

In this environment, it’s crucial for businesses to take steps to lock in costs or lower your exposure to higher interest debt. Here are three key strategies that can help you navigate the current market, minimize future risks, and invest in your continuous growth.

  • Interest rate swaps: An interest rate swap allows borrowers to convert a floating rate loan to a fixed rate. That’s why swaps are among some of the most popular hedging offerings, as they can be executed efficiently while also providing flexibility. With swaps, borrowers can lock in rates for a longer term than traditional fixed rate loans. It’s recommended that business owners hedge a portion of their total ESOP debt so they are not completely exposed to floating rates, which might lead to unexpected future costs. That way, businesses have a more predictable cash flow, allowing them to better plan for future growth opportunities, repurchase obligation payments, etc.
  • Refinancing seller notes: If existing seller notes are at an above-market rate, you can lock in costs by simply refinancing them. This not only gives current selling shareholders access to some cash, but also helps cut the company’s interest costs by allowing the original selling shareholders to exit by cashing out. In turn, the company will not have to pay ongoing costs such as salary and benefits of a former shareholder who is no longer active in the business, saving more money in the process.
  • Early warrant termination: With early warrant termination, business owners may be able to provide selling shareholders with extra cash-out while cutting off future growth of that expense, providing some certainty for planning purposes. For instance, if their stock price rises quickly, terminating a warrant preserves value for existing employees while reducing long-term costs for the company itself.

Maintain Profitability with a Strong Financial Solution

First American Bank has a dedicated team that develops tangible solutions for companies with ESOPs. We strive for a financial partnership that helps businesses discover and pursue profitable growth—even amid rising prices. From our representation by the National ESOP Finance Committee, to being ESOP owners ourselves, First American Bank is actively involved in the ESOP community—and deeply familiar with the business needs of our customers.

In collaboration with our commercial teams specializing in business solutions, our ESOP team can help implement strategies to help your business grow, especially when it comes to programs that help retain and attract top employees. As you move through a challenging economic period, we will ensure that you have the support you need to succeed—today, and well into the future.

Get the right financial solutions put in place. Connect with First American Bank.

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Drew Limsky

Drew Limsky

Editor-in-Chief

BIOGRAPHY

Drew Limsky joined Lifestyle Media Group in August 2020 as Editor-in-Chief of South Florida Business & Wealth. His first issue of SFBW, October 2020, heralded a reimagined structure, with new content categories and a slew of fresh visual themes. “As sort of a cross between Forbes and Robb Report, with a dash of GQ and Vogue,” Limsky says, “SFBW reflects South Florida’s increasingly sophisticated and dynamic business and cultural landscape.”

Limsky, an avid traveler, swimmer and film buff who holds a law degree and Ph.D. from New York University, likes to say, “I’m a doctor, but I can’t operate—except on your brand.” He wrote his dissertation on the nonfiction work of Joan Didion. Prior to that, Limsky received his B.A. in English, summa cum laude, from Emory University and earned his M.A. in literature at American University in connection with a Masters Scholar Award fellowship.

Limsky came to SFBW at the apex of a storied career in journalism and publishing that includes six previous lead editorial roles, including for some of the world’s best-known brands. He served as global editor-in-chief of Lexus magazine, founding editor-in-chief of custom lifestyle magazines for Cadillac and Holland America Line, and was the founding editor-in-chief of Modern Luxury Interiors South Florida. He also was the executive editor for B2B magazines for Acura and Honda Financial Services, and he served as travel editor for Conde Nast. Magazines under Limsky’s editorship have garnered more than 75 industry awards.

He has also written for many of the country’s top newspapers and magazines, including The New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Miami Herald, Boston Globe, USA Today, Worth, Robb Report, Afar, Time Out New York, National Geographic Traveler, Men’s Journal, Ritz-Carlton, Elite Traveler, Florida Design, Metropolis and Architectural Digest Mexico. His other clients have included Four Seasons, Acqualina Resort & Residences, Yahoo!, American Airlines, Wynn, Douglas Elliman and Corcoran. As an adjunct assistant professor, Limsky has taught journalism, film and creative writing at the City University of New York, Pace University, American University and other colleges.