The underlying financial health of Small Mid-Size Enterprises (SME) has always been difficult to determine, hard to identify and its never been more important.
To manage risk in the credit and capital markets it is critical for lenders and credit suppliers to understand the relative financial health of counter-parties, customers and suppliers. Effective credit extension decisions cannot be made without superior analysis generated by forward-looking, unbiased tools.
The credit crisis and recession has devastated small and mid-sized businesses. Getting a bank loan or securing capital from investors is a big challenge for small businesses. Banks have become extremely cautious in lending to small businesses. To be successful in securing credit you'll have to demonstrate that you are a good credit risk, that your company's prospects for growth are strong and that your business model is sound.
Why Credit Score is important?
The quality of your credit rating and financial health form the basis for decisions other businesses make about you. Managing your business to improve your Credit Score will improve your company's financial health. A strong Credit Score indicates good financial health and is used by lenders, capital providers, customers and suppliers to determine:
- How much business credit a supplier will extend to you
- What interest rates you will pay
- How much money lending institutions will loan you
- How your customers view you
- What your insurance premiums will be
- The level of potential investor interest
Sum2 utilizes Altman's Z Score method to determine fundamental financial health ratings. The Z Score credit rating is valid measure of financial health for any public or privately held corporation. The Z Score rating methodology is a proven credit risk indicator that is widely used by banks, investment managers, Fortune 1000 companies and small to medium sized enterprises to determine and manage risk. Sum2's clients use the Z Score rating products to determine financial health, remain in compliance with loan covenants, and assess credit worthiness of clients and mission critical suppliers.
Altman's Z score method examines fundamental financial data derived from a company's balance sheet and income statements. A credit rating is generated by the use of ratio analysis that yields valid comparative results regardless of the currency utilized. Working capital, earnings, reinvested earnings and leverage are integrated into a composite credit rating score. The components and standards are similar to those used by traditional lenders. It is an easily understood approach that provides comprehensive financial details not available with the standard agency reports.
Click here to access Sum2's Z Score Input Template.
Click here to access zip file of sample reports. Palm Corp Z Score Report.
Click here to access zip file of sample reports. Palm Corp Z Score Report.
We recommend supplementing the analysis with trade reports from firms like the Credit Management Association (CMA) or Experian and others for their pertinent data and services.
Businesses that extend credit can determine cutoff scores needed to qualify for credit as their risk tolerance and economic conditions change. Lower scores and classifications indicate higher probabilities of default.
Businesses that extend credit can determine cutoff scores needed to qualify for credit as their risk tolerance and economic conditions change. Lower scores and classifications indicate higher probabilities of default.
Credit ratings must include a careful analysis of the income statement, balance sheet, changes in financial position and key metrics along with consideration of trends, economic conditions and other available data.
Credit|Redi is a set of business assessment tools that helps businesses determine credit worthiness. It is a critical business tool SME's need to incorporate to better manage and assess credit risk.
More information on how to manage credit risk can be found here: Credit|Redi
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