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Microlesson · 5-min read

Pledging of Receivables

## Pledging of Receivables

Pledging of receivables is a short-term financing method where the firm uses its trade receivables (debtors) as collateral (security) to obtain a loan. The firm does not sell the receivables — it merely pledges them.

### How It Works

  • Lender assesses the quality of receivables and advances 50% to 90% of the receivable amount.
  • The firm remains responsible for repaying the loan regardless of whether customers pay.
  • This is a secured loan — must be repaid.

### Advantages

AdvantageExplanation
Easy FundingRegular and readily available
FlexibleFunding level adjusts with receivable volume

### Disadvantages

DisadvantageExplanation
High CostInterest rates can be significant
Balance Sheet ImpactLoan appears as debt, worsening the debt-equity ratio

Worked example

### Example 1

Example: A firm has ₹10,00,000 in receivables. A bank agrees to pledge at 80%.

  • Loan Available = ₹10,00,000 × 80% = ₹8,00,000
  • The firm must repay ₹8,00,000 plus interest regardless of customer collections.
  • If a customer defaults, the firm — not the bank — bears the loss.

⚠️ Common exam mistakes

  • Confusing pledging with factoring: in pledging the firm still owns the receivables and must repay the loan; in factoring the receivables are sold outright.
  • Thinking pledging has no cost — it carries significant interest cost and increases debt on the balance sheet.
  • Assuming 100% of receivables can be pledged — lenders typically advance only 50%–90% based on quality.
Reference:
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