Capacity (5 C's of Credit)

What does it mean

In the 5 C’s of Credit Framework, Capacity refers to the ability of the borrower to generate sufficient and sustainable cash flow to pay their loans.

 

Why does it matter

Capacity matters because the main goal of giving a loan is to ultimately get the money back (+ interest :).  Gauging a borrower’s ability to generate cash flow into the future to repay the loan is one of a banker’s primary tasks.  When gauging a borrower’s income stream, a prudent banker will qualify the income based on the following criteria:

  1. Stable - How volatile is the income
  2. Recurring - Has the income been consistently available in the past
  3. Likely to Continue - Is it like the income will be consistently available into the future

Using these criteria, you will identify which income you can rely on to gauge a borrower’s ability to repay.  Why should we look for income that meets these criteria?  Because we are looking to match this income up with our new loan payment, and guess what are some characteristics of our loan payment: Stable, Recurring and Likely to Continue.  By viewing capacity this way, you position yourself in the best possible way to get your loan repaid.

 

Other Relevant Terms

Want to Master Banking's Favorite Ratio?

The Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) is one of banking's favorite ratios. Want to ace it without breaking a sweat? No problem! We've got some simple, no-fuss pointers that will help you nail this ratio every time. You've got this!

Get the Cheatsheet Now

Not Finding What You Are Looking For?

Let me know what terms, ratios or content you want to see covered.

Request Term or Ratio

Am I missing a key term or ratio? Let me know what you want to see covered.

Request Term/Ratio

Request Content

Do you have a topic idea you'd like to see covered?  Send it my way.

Request Content

Checkout Courses

Enhance your skills through a deeper understanding of your customers' businesses.

See Courses

A bit about me

Greetings! I'm Clay Sharkey, and there is nothing I like more than assisting others in achieving their goals. I firmly believe that by enhancing a banker's understanding of their customer's' business, they can provide superior service. This superior service, in turn, leads to stronger relationships for the bank, improved performance for the businesses, and better experiences for our communities.  Win-win-win.