Financial Analysis : Case 13. 6 Butler Lumber Company

Professor Thomas Piper prepared the original version of this note, “Assessing a Firm’s Future Financial Health,” HBS No. 201-077, which is being

As Mr. Clarkson's financial advisor, we would caution him on expanding his business given the current financial trends and ratios of the company. The investment in inventory and receivables is too high. As a result, Clarkson Lumber's return on assets, return on equity and invested capital are lower when compared to other high profit outlets as shown in exhibit C. Additionally, a significant increase in debt, such as a $750,000 loan, will further reduce the current ratio of the company. Clarkson Lumber could benefit from some changes in its collection policies for

Secondary information is collected for this case. This case study limited only one techniques of financial analysis that is Ratio Analysis and also taken a single company. Thus the conclusion of the analysis carried out in a professional manner will be able to correctly describe the evaluation of the company and to substantiate the user’s decisions.

Butler Lumber Company, a lumber retailer with a rapid growth rate, is faced with the problem of cash flow shortage. In order to support this profitable business, BLC needs a great amount of cash. The loan of $250,000 from Suburban National and a line of credit of up to $465,000 from Northrop National Bank are the two choices provided. After a brief review of the operation and financial conditions of BLC, we first make analysis of the credit level of BLC from the perspective of banker. Although the feedback from all the firms that had business dealings with Butler are quite positive , both solvency and liquidity condition and the mortgage indicates that it is not a wise

DO YOU AGREE WITH MR. WILSON 'S ESTIMATE OF THE COMPANY 'S LOAN REQUIREMENTS? HOW MUCH WILL HE NEED TO FINANCE THE EXPECTED EXPANSION IN SALES TO $ 5.5 MILLION IN 2006 AND TO TAKE ALL TRADE DISCOUNTS?

Because they have faced cash shortage trouble. Their profitability has grown for 1993 ~ 1995 period, as we can see from their I/S (e.g. Sales and Net Income, etc.). However, as its business size grows, their A/R increased, which means that it is getting difficult to collect cash. On the other hand, A/P decreased for the same period, which means that the company paid cash for A/P, resulting in critical cash shortage. Furthermore, the A/P payment period is shorter than A/R collection periods, the company’s cash problem happens to be accelerated.

2. Forecast the firm’s financial statements for 2002 and 2003. What will be the external financing requirements of the firm in those years? Can the firm repay its loan within a reasonable period? In order to forecast the financial statements of 2002 and 2003, the following assumptions need to be made. The growth of sales is 15%, same as 2001, which is estimated by managers. The rate of production costs and expenses per sales is constant to 50%. Administration and selling expenses is the average of last 4 years. The depreciation is $7.8 million per year, which is calculated by $54.6 million divided by 7 years. Tax rate is 24.5%, which is provided. The dividend is $2 million per year only when the company makes profits. Therefore, we assume that there will be no dividend in 2003. Gross PPE will be $27.3 million (54.6/2) per year. We also assume there is no more long term debt, because any funds need in the case are short term debt, it keeps at $18.2 million. According to the forecast, Star River needs external financing approximately $94 million and $107 million in 2002 and 2003, respectively. In order to analysis if the company can repay the debt, we need to know the interest coverage ratio, current ratio and D/E ratio. The interest coverage ratios through the forecast were 1.23 and 0.87 respectively, which is the danger signal to the managers, because in 2003, the profits even not

This paper examines financial ratio analysis by defining, the three groups of stakeholders that use financial ratios, the five different kinds of ratios used and their applications, the analytical tools used in analysis, and finally financial ratio analysis limitations and benefits.

The company’s debt ratios are 54.5% in 1988, 58.69% in 1989, 62.7% in 1990, and 67.37% in 1991. What this means is that the company is increasing its financial risk by taking on more leverage. The company has been taking an extensive amount of purchasing over the past couple of years, which could be the reason as to why net income has not grown much beyond several thousands of dollars. One could argue that the company is trying to expand its inventory to help accumulate future sales. But another problem is that the company’s

Also, according to its leverage ratios, the company’s debts are not only very high, but are also increasing. Its decreasing TIE ratio indicates that its capability to pay interests is decreasing. The company’s efficiency ratios indicate that despite the fact that its fixed assets are increasingly being utilized to generate sales during the years 1990-1991 as indicated by its increasing fixed asset turnover ratio, the decreasing total assets turnover indicate that overall the company’s total assets are not efficiently being put to use. Thus, as a whole its asset management is becoming less efficient. Last but not the least, based on its profitability ratios, the company’s ability to make profit is decreasing.

Even though the company has been turning in profits, the ineffective collection practice, not availing trade discounts on time and ineffective inventory management has led the company in need of larger financing needs.

In recent years, the company experienced a rapid growth and expects a substantial increase in sales in the spring of

The aim of this paper is to analyse the financial position of Melbourne IT limited through the use of financial ratios, based on the annual report for the periods December 2012 and 2013. Financial ratios are useful since they measure a company’s performance and give an overview of the financial situation. Ratios are also used to analyse trends and to compare a firms financial figures to other competitors within the same industry.

In this case study I will be discussing following problem: Why has Butler Lumber been profitable in the increasing volume of sales but at the same time it is experiencing cash difficulties in 1988 – 1990? This is a historical problem and my calculations and assumptions are based on income statement and balance sheet for 1988 – 1990.

How would you access Jack Lawler’s entry & contracting process at B.R Richardson? Would you have done anything differently?