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Non-Financial Credit Risk Analysis

Financial statements offer a unique perspective into a debtor's liquidity, profitability and solvency. However, any discussion of credit risk management would be incomplete without applying the "Four C's of Credit" to the credit decisionmaking process. The four C's refer to Character, Capacity, Capital and Conditions.  Conditions refer to the general economic condition of the country. Conditions should also refer to the specific condition of the creditor company and the industry in which it competes.

Capital refers to the financial capacity of the company, and more specifically its ability to pay debts as they come due. It is best evaluated based on a careful study of a customer or applicant's financial statements.

Capacity refers to an assessment the credit professional must make about the customer or applicant's ability to continue to operate as a going concern. Another aspect of Capacity that must be gauged by the credit manager is the capacity of senior management to control and to manage all aspect of the company's business.

Character refers to the reputation of management along with their history and business experience. The evaluation involves an assessment by the credit manager of the moral character of the owners or management of the company, and an assessment of their desire or intention to pay trade creditors on time.

© 2011.  Michael C. Dennis.  All Rights Reserved.