Question

Black Sparrow Aviation, Inc. is concerned they are not maintaining adequate liquidity. The accounting department has provided you, the newly hired finance manager, with the following ratios:
1. Current ratio 4.5 Industry norm 4.0
2. Quick ratio 2.0 Industry norm 3.1
3. Inventory turnover 6.0 Industry norm 10.4
4. Average collection period 73 days Industry norm 52 days
5. Average payment period 31 days Industry norm 40 days
Discuss · In your opinion, what do these ratios indicate about Black Sparrow Aviation, Inc.?
A. What recommendations would you make based on these ratios?
B. What results do you think you can achieve if your recommendations are followed?
C. Why might your recommendations not be effective?

Answer 1

Answer:

Black Sparrow Aviation, Inc.

1. Indications from ratios about Black Sparrow Aviation:

The current ratio of 4.5 is higher than the industry's norm of 4.0.  This indicates that working capital elements are not being managed properly.  This is supported by the the remaining four ratios.  Inventory level is not optimal.  More inventory is held without being sold to customers.  Obviously, from the inventory turnover of 6.0 translating to approximately 61 days that it takes the company to sell its inventory as against the industry average of 35 days, it shows that the marketing and sales forces lack stamina.  Debt collection from customers is over-delayed, showing poor credit policy and management.  Perhaps, it takes the company many days to issue invoices.  More time than necessary is allowed to customers to pay compared to the industry norm.  In addition, payments are made to suppliers 11 days earlier than the industry average.  Advantage is not being taken of trade credit offered by suppliers.   Trade credit is an important source of funding operations, which every company should utilize to the maximum.

2A.  Based on the above ratios, I would recommend:

1. Minimum inventory should be maintained.

2. Sales efforts should be intensified, so that more sales are made each year than it is currently the case.

3. Debt collection is an important activity for every company that sells on account.  This activity should be taken seriously.  Credit extension to customers should not exceed 50 days.

4. Payments to suppliers can be delayed by more 10 days without offending suppliers.

2B. Results from Recommendations:

1. Working capital is not tied in inventory.

2. More debts are recovered from customers and on time.  Delay increases credit default.

3. More sales are made to customers, increasing the turnover.  The profit is always in the frequency of turnover.

4. Short-term financing is obtained from suppliers, which strengthens liquidity.

Explanation:

Liquidity management is a financial management tool, which describes a company's ability to meet financial obligations through cash flow, funding activities, and capital management in order to minimize the risks associated with illiquidity.

Calculation, analysis, comparison of ratios are some of the ways to make informed decisions on liquidity management.  Ratios should be compared over many periods, with best performing competitors, and the industry norm to ascertain the position of the reporting entity.