“Gotta have it. Really need it.” Click for mood music
- Surety Bond underwriters DEMAND it.
- Contractors maneuver to maximize it.
- Bond agents pray for it…
What is Working Capital, and what is the awful truth that everyone ignores?
Define the term
When contractors apply for bonding, the company financial statement is analyzed by the surety underwriters. They always calculate the Working Capital As Allowed on the Balance Sheet, which is simply:
Current Assets minus Current Liabilities
This number is also subject to interpretation by the analyst. For example, they may disallow assets they feel are overstated or of questionable value – thus the title “As Allowed.”
The working capital figure is then compared to the size bonds and aggregate (overall) program the contractor desires. Here is the important part:
For many bonding companies, if the WCAA is deemed insufficient, there is an immediate declination.
It’s true that “everything is important” in surety underwriting. But it is also true that this is a life or death issue for many decision-makers. Specifically, the fiscal year-end Working Capital As Allowed must be adequate for the capacity requested. And that isn’t the awful part…
Underwriters focus their decision-making on the fiscal year-end (FYE) of the company, tax day. For many contractors, this day is 12/31 each year. This is a natural and convenient annual milestone that is presumed to be realistic and conservative. Underwriters don’t want puffed up numbers designed to impress them. That makes good sense.
Awful Truth #1
The Working Capital calculation is only accurate for ONE DAY. If the company spends cash on January 1st, bills a contract, incurs an invoice, the WC is immediately different.
Awful Truth #2
The WC calculation is always based on obsolete info. When does the 12/31 statement get produced? Maybe February, but more likely March, April or later. This GUARANTEES that the WC calculation is always based on old, outdated info.
Awful Truth #3
Considering the great emphasis placed on the importance of fiscal year-end numbers, interim financial statements (produced on other days in the year), are largely ignored by underwriters. This means if the company has a good mid year results they may be overlooked – however a downturn is always taken into consideration!
Conclusion
Like an elusive pot of gold, the WCAA underwriters depend on may never materialize as actual cash flow. But another “truth” is that underwriters must base their decisions on something, and historically this has been a relevant indicator of future success. Despite the often overlooked flaws we cited, Working Capital analysis will remain part of surety underwriting.
We keep the relative value of this indicator in perspective, and realize that interim statements and other underwriting elements should also play an important role.
About us: FIA Surety is a NJ based bonding company (carrier) that has specialized in Site, Subdivision, Bid and Performance Bonds since 1979 – we’re good at it! Call us with your next one.
Steve Golia, Marketing Mgr.: 856-304-7348