COLLATERAL INSPECTIONS AMA advocates the use of collateral inspections to help lenders gage changing conditions, casualty and ongoing maintenance of their assets. If you question the need for periodic inspection of booked assets, consider the following cases:
A bank client finances a sheet metal fabrication facility, which succumbs to early default. Lender is not knowledgeable as to what equipment, raw materials or work-in-process secures his loan.
Leasing company purchases equipment for transaction which defaults. Lessor then finds that their cost of equipment was far in excess of actual retail price.
Bank finances large construction equipment spread. After default lender finds that much of the equipment was never delivered.
Lessor becomes aware, after default, that high cost attachments to his equipment have been switched to those of nominal value. Lessor has no recourse due to original invoices and documentation being vague.
These examples represent real situations, which in retrospect, may have been prevented through a simple inspection.
An inspection is of utmost importance in providing lenders with the knowledge that their equipment meets the expected condition and can maintain the necessary values to support the collateral position.