White Papers
The Lane

The Lane

This paper introduces “The Lane” – a fundamentals-based investor guide for identifying and better understanding the basic elements of a business, and, it follows, whether an investment in that company is a better private investment alternative. Applying the Lane’s simple framework to investment analysis and due diligence helps organize what is, arguably, the most demanding type of investment...

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Investing in Real Estate

Investing in Real Estate

With the pundits betting that the U.S. economy is headed for a recession, commercial real estate (CRE) is expected to suffer – but it is also likely to bounce back faster than other investment sectors.  Nevertheless, over the last 20 years through market cycles, CRE has generated an average annual return roughly of 9.5%, higher than the S&P over the same period[1]. Passive investing in CRE...

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Private Lending: Underwriting = Risk Evaluation

Private Lending: Underwriting = Risk Evaluation

The low interest rates offered from U.S. Treasury and public bond markets are increasing private lending among investors looking for greater returns on their fixed-income investments. At the same time, smaller companies (SMB’s) must turn to other financing sources to fill the void left by commercial banks who have largely retreated from SMB lending. Credit analysis by any type of lender, remains...

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What’s a Good Deal?

What’s a Good Deal?

After decades of evaluating, financing, supporting and tracking direct private investments (DPI), I find it amusing when someone suggests that their deal was “destined to be a success.” Investing success is never assured. In the following white paper, I’ve distilled DPI investment decisions down to the 5 most fundamental factors to screen for in a company – and I share some misadventures that...

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Co-Investing in Direct Private Investments

Co-Investing in Direct Private Investments

Since 2015, the number of, and wealth represented by, family offices have grown dramatically.  So, too, have their levels of sophistication and professionalism matured.  In the process, their investment strategies, adding direct private investments (DPI) to the portfolio mix, and organizational models have significantly evolved to meet their long-term goals. Co-investing with another family...

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Beauty Products — Why Investing Makes Sense

Beauty Products — Why Investing Makes Sense

With some of the world’s greatest wealth being created within the beauty industry, direct private investors should consider adding beauty to their portfolios. Beauty offers:   its inherent product characteristics (e.g., high gross margins, repeat purchase patterns, brand loyalty);   an effective means of marketing via social media;   a growing middle class worldwide with discretionary spending...

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3 Tracks — Preparing yourself for Private Investing

3 Tracks — Preparing yourself for Private Investing

Direct private investing is challenging.  It requires a commitment to learning and an organized, thoughtful approach. Carofin’s Knowledge Base contains comprehensive resources to guide private investors that fall into three tracks: Personal Considerations – Self-evaluation for suitability as well as investment portfolio management; Issuer Evaluation – Corporate analysis and due diligence; and...

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Understanding Private Securities

Understanding Private Securities

If considering private investments, investors should understand the types of securities most often issued in debt and equity private placements. This paper highlights three aspects: what each type of security represents as an obligation of its Issuer; what this means for investors; and how each is structured to perform for the investor. Fundamental financial concepts are outlined: what is a...

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In the interest of accessibility, here are some terms that any investor should be familiary with.

© Copyright 2024 Carofin, LLC. All Rights Reserved

PRIVATE PLACEMENTS ARE HIGH RISK AND ILLIQUID INVESTMENTS. AS WITH OTHER INVESTMENTS, YOU CAN LOSE SOME OR ALL OF YOUR INVESTMENT.

Securities offered through Carofin, LLC. Carofin, LLC and Carolina Financial Securities, LLC are affiliated Broker-Dealers, Members of FINRA/SIPC, and subsidiaries of Carolina Financial Group, LLC. For more information on the services we offer and details associated with such services, please see our Customer Relationship Summary.

This site is published for residents of the United States only. Representatives may only conduct business with residents of the states and jurisdictions in which they are properly registered. Therefore, a response to a request for information may be delayed until appropriate registration is obtained or exemption from registration is determined. Not all services referenced on this site are available in every state and through every advisor listed. For additional information, please contact Craig Gilmore at 828.393.0088 x 520 and/or cgilmore@carofin.com

The information contained herein is for informational purposes only and is not intended for further distribution. The information does not constitute a complete description of any investment or investment performance. This webpage is in no way a solicitation nor is it an offer to sell securities nor is it advice or recommendation regarding any investment. The information is not directed to any person who is not believed to qualify under the definition of an Accredited Investor under the rules of Regulation D of the 1933 Securities and Exchange Act. No security listed on this webpage or otherwise offered through Carofin, LLC may be purchased without prior receipt of a complete Private Placement Memorandum or other official offers of sale.

Carolina Financial Securities and Carofin only offer one type of alternative investment, those sold as private placements. Nothing on this website should be interpreted to state or imply that past results are an indication of future performance nor should it be interpreted that FINRA, the SEC or any other securities regulator approves of any of these securities. Additionally, there are no warranties expressed or implied as to accuracy, completeness, or results obtained from any information provided on this website. Investing in private securities transactions bears risk, in part due to the following factors: there is no secondary market for the securities; there is credit risk; where there is collateral as security for the investment, its value may be impaired if it is sold.