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A Look at Altman's Z-Score
By Cindy Moorhead
Moorhead Management Services

Question: What is Altman's z-score and how can I use it in my analysis of customer financial statements? Answer: Altman's zscore is a statistical ratio model developed by Edward I. Altman to predict the probability of bankruptcy within two years. While some credit people tend to use this as a magical formula that can predict bankruptcy, it really is

First, the modeler would identify some criteria, such as bankruptcy, for failing firms. They then pick a sampling of firms who meet the criteria. They must pick enough firms that meet the criteria for results to be considered statistically valid.

Once they have identified firms having the desired criteria, they would find a similar group of companies, with the only difference being these firms are financially healthy.

Financial statements of these two types of companies would be entered into a database. With the help of computer analysis, a determination would be made of which financial ratios are consistently and significantly different for a healthy and bankrupt company.

Last, a scoring system is developed to weight the importance of the different ratios.

There are actually three different z-scores that have been developed by Edward Altman. The original z-score was developed in 1968. This formula was developed for public manufacturing firms and eliminated all firms with assets less than $1 million. This original model was not intended for small, non-manufacturing, or non-public companies, yet many credit managers today still use the original zscore for all types of customers.

Altman later made two additional models (sometimes referred to as model "A" and model "B") to the original z-score. In 1983, the model "A" z-score was developed for use with private manufacturing companies. The weighting of the various ratios is different for this model as well as the overall predictability scoring. In addition, while the original score used the market value of equity to calculate the equity to debt formula, model "A" used stockholder's equity on the balance sheet.

Model "B" was developed for private general firms and included the service sector. In this statistical model, the ratio of sales to total assets is not used, the weighting on this model is different, and the scoring is, again, different.

Although computerized statistical modeling would aid in determining the weighting of each ratio, common sense helps us understand the purpose of each ratio used.

All three models use return on total assets, working capital to total assets, retained earnings to total assets and the equity to debt ratio. In addition, the original model and model "A" also used sales to total assets in the calculation.

Return on total assets is the ratio that has the highest weighting in each of the three models. This would be the earnings before interest and taxes divided by total assets. It is a measure of how efficiently a company operates before financial and tax considerations are taken into account. It makes sense that, in order to have long-term viability, a company must be able to efficiently produce a profit. The higher the profit generated in relation to assets being used, the stronger the company.

Working capital to total assets is another ratio used in the model. Working capital is an indication of liquidity and this formula would measure this liquidity in comparison to the size of all assets. Most firms file bankruptcy because (for various reasons) they cannot pay their bills, therefore it makes sense that some form of liquidity would be used in predicting bankruptcy.

Retained earnings to total assets is another formula used in the model. Long-term profitability accumulates in retained earnings. Many companies who file bankruptcy are new companies who have not yet had a period of time to accumulate profits. Therefore, it would make sense that firms who have accumulated profits into retained earnings over many years would be less likely to file bankruptcy.

Equity to debt is a formula in the model that would put a weight on the leverage of a company. The higher the debt in proportion to the equity, the more riskier a firm is considered.

The last ratio of sales to total assets is used only in the original z-score and the model "A" scoring. It is a measure of how efficiently the total assets are used to generate sales. Because this ratio varies greatly from industry to industry, it was not included in the model "B" scoring.

The z-score models were developed using large companies. The original model eliminated all companies with assets less than $1 million and the third model used assets averaging approximately $100 million. Small firms may have very different ratios than large companies. Therefore, none of the z-scores may be appropriate for small companies.

I have found in working with the z-score that it tends to be a quick look at the likelihood of a company filing bankruptcy. However, if you have already done good analysis of the financial statements and used your analysis to understand what is going on with your customer, you probably have already come to the conclusion as to whether or not your customer is on shaky financial ground. Using the z-score, in my opinion, does not give you a magical answer. If your customer is unprofitable, has negative retained earnings and is highly leveraged, chances are the statistical model of the zscore will also show you that this company is heading towards trouble.

Cindy Moorhead is owner of Moorhead Management Services. She specializes in training credit departments to spot red flags in customer financial trends. Her email is cindy@moorheadmgmt.com. Her website is www.moorheadmgmt.com. Her e-mail is cindy@moorheadmgmt.com

Reprinted by permission from Trade Vendor Quarterly
Blakeley & Blakeley LLP Spring 01

 
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