Would Lenders Normalize EBITDA for an MFG Disruption?

May 17, 2025
by a searcher from University of New Mexico in Jackson, WY, USA
A B2B construction/industrial design/product business that I’m actively pursuing relies on a single third-party manufacturer for its build-on-demand products (which include both off-the-shelf and custom designs). This third-party manufacturer was closed for three months for retooling in 2023.
It’s my understanding that this is the only-time such a closure has occurred in the decade plus time the target company has partnered with the manufacturer. The target company continued to operate during this time, but could not sell/fulfill orders for these three months (thus incurring twelve months of expenses while having theoretically only nine months of net income).
How would a lender typically approach this for an SBA 7(a) loan? Would they normalize the 2023 net income when evaluating the business? Or simply approach such a disruption as an inherent operational risk and a reality that—thus—should not be given special consideration or used to justify normalizing the 2023 financials? On a more macro-scale, perhaps this is not that different from how lenders might handle broader challenges impacting income (such as extended supply chain disruptions that compromise revenue) . . .
Building on this, are there any addition thoughts to think and points to consider for making a valuation on the heels of such a situation? And what type of documentation would most lenders and the SBA ultimately require for such a disruption (at the moment, the third-party manufacturer is not aware that this target company—a key client of theirs—is for sale)? Thanks in advance for any wisdom and insights you are able to share!
from St. Cloud State University in Sheridan, WY 82801, USA
from University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA, USA