Topic: How To Invest

What is Pat’s commentary for the week of November 7, 2017

Article Excerpt

The Republicans released some details last week on their long-awaited U.S. tax reform plan. It seems to me that one largely unexpected proposal could bring some gradual, subtle improvements to the U.S. stock market and economy. This proposal is a limit on the interest expense that big corporations can deduct from their taxable income. The limit would be 30% of Ebitda (earnings before interest taxes, depreciation and amortization). “Ebitda” came into common use in the 1980s. Back then, high interest rates and high inflation forced many big companies to the verge of insolvency. When that happens, companies have to restructure their finances and/or operations, or risk going bankrupt. They may need to pay off their current loans and bonds, because they no longer qualify for the low rates offered under terms of the earlier financing. This means they have to find new, higher-cost financing. That can mean they have to find new lenders who accept higher-risk borrowers and charge higher interest…