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Supplier Financial Analyses

Duration: 3 Days

Overview

Outline

Whether dealing with suppliers or similar counterparties, it is vital for the Procurement function to understand and monitor their financial viability and strength. The reliability and financial robustness of the suppliers is essential for the continuity of the business. Any disruption in the supply chain can have a deep and long-lasting impact on the business, not least from a cost perspective.

 

There are several financial analytical techniques that can alert the procurement function on the health, or otherwise, of the suppliers. This course is designed to cover all the essential tools and techniques that the non-financial buyers and other staff in Procurement need to know when assessing new suppliers and/or reviewing the ongoing financial viability of existing suppliers.

 

Another vital aspect is the need to understand the financial language and references to maximise the interaction with suppliers, especially when engaging with new suppliers and/or expanding business operations with existing suppliers.

Types of Financial Statements

  • Corporate and management accounts

  • The different kinds of analyses applicable to internal and external reports

  • Accessing vendor-specific information

Understanding Financial Statements

  • The Audit Report

  • Balance sheet / Statement of Financial Position

  • Profit & Loss Statement / Income Statement / Income & Expenditure Statement

  • Statement of Comprehensive Income

  • Statement of Changes in Equity

  • Notes to the Accounts

Assessing Financial Performance & Health of Companies

  • Vertical and Horizontal Trend analysis

  • Common-size Analysis

  • Profitability (Profit Margins, EBITDA, Return on Assets)

  • Efficiency (Asset Turnover, Fixed Asset Turn, Cash Operating Cycle, Inventory Turn, Collection Period, Productivity)

  • Solvency ratio (Financial Gearing, debt/Equity, Current Ratio, Interest Cover)

Use of Common  Ratios to Evaluate Supplier Strategy

  • Return on Equity

  • Impact of financial gearing on Return on Equity

  • Dividend Yield & Dividend Pay-out

  • EPS ratio, Net Asset Value

  • External value (e.g. Stock market)

Assessing Cash Flow to Identify Potential Issues

  • Importance of Operating Cash Flow

  • Interpreting Cash Flow Statement

  • Relevance of Free Cash Flow

Viewing Finance as a Service Provider

  • Identifying stakeholders

  • Understanding the needs of users and customers

  • Customising service and information according to customer needs

Other Ways to Detect Financial Risks

  • Relevance of other parts of the annual report

  • Use of external information such as the news, market performance, rating agencies etc.

  • Comparing the supplier’s financial status with the industry and competitor information

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