× FreshBooks App Logo
FreshBooks
Official App
Free - Google Play
Get it
You're currently on our US site. Select your regional site here:

Waterfall Payment: Definition & How Does It Work

Updated: November 24, 2022

In a waterfall payment system, lower-tiered creditors receive principal and interest payments from a debtor after senior lenders have been paid. Higher-tiered creditors acquire interest and principal payments from a debtor first.

The person who owes money and is in debt is called a debtor.

In such plans, the borrower will give priority to the debts with the highest principal first since they are probably the most expensive.

Debtors will waterfall existing loans so that the less expensive loans receive minimum interest payments while the more expensive loans are eliminated with bigger principal payments.

Read on as we fully explore waterfall payments, including the working process of waterfall payments, their importance, and how to calculate waterfall payments. 

List IconTable of Contents


    KEY TAKEAWAYS

    • A waterfall payment is a type of payment made in a staggered, or “tiered,” manner. 
    • In a typical waterfall structure, the borrower makes interest payments to the lender during the life of the loan. 
    • At the end of the loan term, the borrower repays the remaining principal balance in a lump sum.
    • Waterfall payments work in a variety of situations, including real estate transactions, business loans, and investment funds. 
    • The structure of waterfall payments can be customized to fit the needs of the borrower and the lender.

    What Is a Waterfall Payment?

    A waterfall payment is a type of payment that is made in a series of installments, typically based on milestones being met or benchmarks being reached. In business, waterfall payments are often used in project financing, where funds are disbursed based on the achievement of certain milestones.

    Waterfall payments can also be used in other contexts, such as in real estate transactions. For example, a buyer might make a series of payments to the seller based on the seller hitting certain milestones in the construction of the property.

    Waterfall payments can be structured in a variety of ways, and the specific terms will depend on the agreement between the parties involved. However, there are some common features of waterfall payments.

    To find out about these features and whether this structure works for you, keep reading for more information on waterfall payments.

    Put Your Books On Autopilot

    Working Process of Waterfall Payment

    A waterfall payment is a distribution of proceeds from the sale of a business or other major transaction. The senior lender often receives the first minimum interest payments. The remaining balance is then distributed in a systematic fashion.

    The lower-tiered lender will receive payment according to predetermined criteria. This payment cycle is otherwise known as a “waterfall.”

    Importance of Waterfall Payment

    The importance makes waterfall payment suitable for a number of reasons. First, it allows for a more predictable return on investment for those creditors. Second, it may be necessary in order to protect the interest of certain creditors.

    For example, suppose Creditor A is due $100 and Creditor B is due $50. But the total amount available for distribution is only $80. Then Creditor A would receive all the proceeds if there was no preference given to Creditor B.

    How to Calculate Waterfall Payment?

    There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The amount of each payment depends on the specific terms of the debt agreement.

    However, there are a few general steps to follow to calculate a waterfall payment method:

    1. Determine the total amount of debt owed.
    2. Divide the total debt into different tiers based on the riskiness of the debt.
    3. Calculate the interest and principal payments for each tier.
    4. Make the payments to the creditors in each tier according to the calculated schedule.
    Analyze Your Finances

    Waterfall Payment Example

    In a waterfall payment structure, the subordinate lenders get paid after the senior lender gets paid in full. The subordinate lenders may only receive interest payments. Or they may receive a portion of the principal, as well. The method of payment can vary depending on the terms of the loan agreement.

    The subordinate lenders typically get paid after the higher-tiered lender gets paid in full. If the deal goes sour, the subordinate lenders are often the first to lose their investment. As such, they usually require a higher rate of return than the senior lender.

    Under this arrangement, preference goes to certain creditors over others. For example, Creditor A may get first preference in payment. Creditor B follows. Any extra payments would then go to the general pool of lower-tier creditors.

    Once paying off the high-risk debt, the entire monthly payment goes towards paying down the principal of the low-risk debt.

    Summary

    The waterfall payment system is a type of payment system in which payments are made in a sequential order. This means that each payment is made only after the previous one has been made in full. 

    This type of system is often used in construction projects, where each stage of the project must be completed before the next stage can begin. This ensures that the project is completed on time and within budget.

    The main advantage of the waterfall payment system is that it provides a clear roadmap for the project. This makes it easier to track progress and ensure that each stage is completed as planned. It also reduces the risk of cost overruns, as each stage of the project is paid for separately.

    Today's Numbers Tomorrow's Growth

    FAQs about Waterfall Payments

    What is waterfall entry in accounting?

    In accounting, a waterfall entry is a type of journal entry used to record the payments made to creditors in a tiered system.

    What is waterfall in credit?

    A waterfall in credit is a type of debt structure in which payments go to creditors in a tiered system.

    What is waterfall method?

    The waterfall method is a process that is typically used in software development. It is a linear approach to problem-solving where each step builds on the previous one.

    Where are waterfall charts used?

    A waterfall chart is a type of graph used to visualize how a value changes as it moves through a series of steps or events.

    What is a cash flow waterfall?

    A cash flow waterfall is a type of financial model used to track the flow of cash within a company. It can track inflows and outflows of cash, as well as to predict future cash needs.

    WHY BUSINESS OWNERS LOVE FRESHBOOKS

    553 HRS

    SAVE UP TO 553 HOURS EACH YEAR BY USING FRESHBOOKS

    $ 7000

    SAVE UP TO $7000 IN BILLABLE HOURS EVERY YEAR

    30M+

    OVER 30 MILLION PEOPLE HAVE USED FRESHBOOKS WORLDWIDE

    Try It Free for 30 Days. No credit card required. Cancel anytime.