23.2: An Integrated Approach to Net Working Capital (NWC) Management Flashcards

1
Q

Explain how managing receivables, inventory, and payables is related in an integrated approach to net working capital management.

A

Managing receivables, inventory, and payables together ensures that a firm has enough liquidity to pay its bills and invest in growth, balancing short-term and long-term financial health.

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2
Q

What is trade credit?

A

Trade credit is a form of credit in which a customer orders a product or service and the firm delivers it, along with an invoice indicating the terms of payment.

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3
Q

How did the change in ABC’s working capital affect its financial situation?

A

The change in working capital, including increased receivables and inventory without corresponding payables, led to a cash flow shortage, causing financial distress despite profitability.

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4
Q

What was the main problem faced by Mr. Jones of ABC Co. in the provided example?

A

Mr. Jones faced cash flow problems due to rapid growth, increased receivables, and inventory, highlighting the importance of managing working capital effectively.

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5
Q

Why is generating profit not sufficient for a company’s financial health?

A

Generating profit is essential, but without proper working capital management, a company can still face liquidity issues and financial distress.

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6
Q

How can rapid growth cause cash flow problems for a company?

A

Rapid growth can increase accounts receivable and inventory faster than payables, leading to a cash flow shortage despite increased sales and profits.

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7
Q

What lessons can be learned from the example of SNC-Lavalin Group Inc.?

A

Effective working capital management and strategic restructuring are crucial for turning around a struggling company, as seen with SNC-Lavalin’s efforts to become a more focused engineering services company.

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8
Q

What is the importance of the cash flow statement compared to the income statement and balance sheet?

A

The cash flow statement provides a clearer picture of a firm’s liquidity and cash-generating ability, while the income statement and balance sheet may not reflect actual cash flow.

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9
Q

How does managing working capital contribute to a company’s long-term health?

A

Proper working capital management ensures liquidity, allows for timely bill payments, and supports sustainable growth, preventing financial crises.

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10
Q

Why is it important to consider both profit and cash flow in financial management?

A

Profit indicates overall performance, but cash flow shows the actual liquidity available for operations and investments, essential for day-to-day management.

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11
Q

What role does inventory management play in working capital management?

A

Efficient inventory management reduces excess stock, frees up cash, and ensures timely order fulfillment, balancing investment and liquidity.

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12
Q

What is a cash budget?

A

A cash budget is a cash flow statement for each month, projecting a firm’s cash inflows and outflows over a forecast horizon.

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13
Q

Why is a cash budget important for firms?

A

A cash budget helps firms understand their cash inflows and outflows, plan for excess cash investments, and identify potential shortfalls to arrange necessary financing.

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14
Q

How did ABC’s cash budget reveal its cash flow problems?

A

ABC’s cash budget indicated a cash flow shortfall in months 5 and 6 due to increased sales and inventory without corresponding cash inflows, highlighting the need for better working capital management.

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15
Q

What role do banks play in a firm’s cash budget?

A

Banks require a cash budget to assess loan requirements and terms for short-term or permanent financing, ensuring the firm can cover any cash shortfalls.

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16
Q

What key components should be included in a cash budget?

A

Key components include sales forecasts, estimated production schedules, major inflows (e.g., asset sales), and outflows (e.g., capital expenditures, dividend payments).

17
Q

How does a cash budget help in managing excess cash?

A

A cash budget identifies periods with excess cash, allowing firms to invest surplus funds in marketable securities or other assets to optimize returns.

18
Q

Explain the relationship between operating cash flow and net cash flow in a cash budget.

A

Operating cash flow is derived from the firm’s core operations, while net cash flow includes all cash inflows and outflows, providing a comprehensive view of the firm’s liquidity.

19
Q

How did Mr. Jones use the cash budget to manage ABC’s finances?

A

Mr. Jones used the cash budget to identify the need for short-term borrowing, arrange credit, and plan investments, ensuring ABC maintained adequate liquidity.

20
Q

Why is it crucial to include non-cash charges in a cash budget?

A

Non-cash charges like depreciation and amortization need to be added back to net income to reflect true cash flow, as they do not affect actual cash availability.

21
Q

What is the significance of the surplus/deficit in a cash budget?

A

The surplus/deficit indicates the net cash position, helping firms determine if they need to arrange financing or invest surplus funds to maintain optimal cash levels.

22
Q

How can a firm forecast a deficit cash position using a cash budget?

A

By projecting monthly cash inflows and outflows, a firm can identify periods with cash shortfalls and plan for necessary short-term borrowing or other financing options.

23
Q

What is the difference between profit and cash flow from operations?

A

Profit represents the financial gain after all expenses, while cash flow from operations indicates the actual cash generated or used by the firm’s core activities.

24
Q

Why should all firms prepare a cash budget?

A

Preparing a cash budget helps firms plan for future cash needs, avoid liquidity issues, and make informed financial decisions, ensuring long-term financial stability.