What Types of Business Assets are Typically Accepted as Collateral for Asset-based Lending?

In asset-based lending (ABL), financing is secured by specific tangible assets on a company’s balance sheet. Lenders focus on the liquidation value and quality of these assets to determine borrowing capacity. The four primary types of business assets typically accepted as collateral include:

• Accounts Receivable: These are considered the most liquid and preferred collateral class. Because they convert into cash through normal collection cycles, they typically command the highest advance rates (70%–90%). Lenders evaluate them based on aging reports and customer concentration.
• Inventory: This includes finished goods, raw materials, and work-in-progress. Inventory is subject to third-party appraisals to account for obsolescence and turnover velocity, with typical advance rates ranging from 40%–60%.
• Equipment: Machinery and vehicles are valued based on their orderly liquidation value. Lenders generally extend 50%–80% of the appraised value depending on the age, condition, and secondary market demand for the equipment.
• Real Estate: While this is the slowest asset class to fund due to the need for title searches and environmental assessments, it offers substantial long-term value. Typical advance rates for real estate fall between 60%–75% of the appraised value.

In some complex transactions or M&A scenarios, certain structures may also accommodate intellectual property as a specialized form of collateral.