For many business owners, the dream of an eventual exit looms large. You may be already planning about the ability to cash out, secure your financial future, and move on to the next chapter of business and life. However, getting the timing and value right for your exit can be tricky.
That’s where Maximum Possibilities can help as a trusted advisor and partner. One of the most important factors that potential buyers will scrutinize is your company’s cash flow profile. Just like a compass guides an explorer, understanding the positive and negative cash flow indicators can help steer you toward a lucrative exit.
Positive Cash Flow Signals
Strong Operating Cash Flow
Operating cash flow shows how much cash a company generates from its core business operations after paying ordinary operating expenses like payroll, rent, utilities, etc. Healthy and growing operating cash flow indicates the business can self-fund its growth and sustain itself. Buyers love to see consistent, positive operating cash flow as it gives them confidence the business can service any debt from the acquisition.
Low Debt Levels
The debt-to-equity ratio measures how much debt a company is carrying compared to its equity capital. Many buyers prefer a debt/equity ratio under 0.5, meaning debt is no more than half of equity. With low debt levels, buyers don’t have to worry about the company struggling under a heavy debt load post-acquisition.
The interest coverage ratio, which shows how many times over a company could pay its interest expenses, is another key debt metric – a ratio over 2.0 is generally perceived as reasonably low risk.
Healthy Working Capital
Working capital is the funds a business has available to fund short-term operations and growth after covering current liabilities. The more working capital, the less a buyer would have to immediately invest to keep the business running smoothly. Positive trends in the cash conversion cycle (how long it takes to convert working capital into cash) demonstrate a business is efficiently managing its cash flow.
Negative Cash Flow Warnings
Declining Cash Reserves
If a company has to continuously dip into cash reserves to fund operations and capital expenditures, that’s a red flag for potential buyers or investors. It signals an underlying financial problem that the capital injected post-acquisition will quickly get drained. An upward swing in the cash burn rate is concerning.
Rising Debt Load
Companies that have increasing debt levels likely had to take on more loans or issue bonds to cover shortfalls and fund cash needs. An increasing debt/equity ratio over 1.0 is worrisome – it means a company is becoming over-leveraged and a buyer may have to pay down a lot of debt or personally guarantee certain loans. Rising interest costs cut into profit margins as well.
Days Sales Outstanding
Another critical cash flow metric to watch is days sales outstanding (DSO), which measures how long it takes a company to collect payment after a sale. A high DSO means accounts receivable are taking longer to turn into cash in the bank. While a lower DSO is preferred, an extremely low number can also signal overly aggressive collection practices that turn customers away. Most buyers want to see a DSO in the 30-45 day range as a healthy equilibrium.
A rising DSO trend indicates customers are taking longer to pay, tying up more of the company’s capital in receivables rather than being deployed for operations and growth. It can foreshadow future bad debt write-offs as well. Buyers will scrutinize the reasons behind a high or increasing DSO, as it directly impacts the cash conversion cycle and ongoing working capital needs post-acquisition. Ensuring timely collections is an important part of demonstrating strong cash flow management capabilities.
Tips for Charting Your Cash Flow Course
While understanding the positive and negative signals is crucial, taking proactive steps to optimize your cash flow position is equally important when preparing for a business exit. By implementing sound cash flow management practices and making strategic maneuvers, you can steer your company towards a more attractive valuation and smoother transition.
Here are some tips to help chart the right course:
- Monitor financial metrics and ratios closely, at least quarterly. Identify and address any negative trends early before they become embedded problems.
- Implement tight working capital management practices like enforcing payment terms, using cash on delivery for new customers, factoring receivables, and negotiating extended payables.
- Analyze cash flow statements over a 2-5 year horizon before attempting an exit. Buyers want to see a solid track record, not just one good year.
- Invest in upgrading software and hire qualified accounting staff to ensure pristine financial records.
- Work with an experienced advisor that understands cash flow dynamics for exits in your specific industry.
Cash Flow is King
A successful business exit requires much more than just having a great product or service offering. Ultimately, it comes down to the financial foundations and proving a company can generate sustainable positive revenue. By closely monitoring your financial indicators and ratios, addressing any negative trends early on, and implementing robust cash management practices, business owners can position themselves for a maximum value exit.
Prospective buyers want to acquire companies built on solid financial footing that can fund their own growth and avoid excessive debt burdens post-acquisition. Tracking metrics like operating cash flow, debt levels, working capital, cash reserves, and receivables turnover becomes essential in demonstrating whether a business is dialed in on cash flow.
While understandably complex, getting ahead of potential cash flow pitfalls and proving a positive trajectory puts sellers in the driver’s seat. With diligent cash flow management and an experienced advisor by your side, you can confidently navigate toward a lucrative exit opportunity. You’ll also be future-proofing your biggest asset – the business you’ve built from the ground up.
The cash flow compass provides the guide, but you have to commit to reading it properly and making any necessary course corrections along the way.
Is it Time you Planned Your Exit Strategy?
Navigating the cash flow complexities towards a successful business transition takes experience and commitment. The team at Maximum Possibilities has both.
We can help in getting your cash position in order and identifying potential pitfalls upfront. This will chart a course toward maximum value for the ultimate exit. With prudent cash management as the lodestar, business owners can confidently pass on their company knowing it’s built on a solid financial foundation.
Contact us today to discuss your business so you will be prepared for a possible sale.