Z-Score (Altman)

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The Z-Score formula for predicting bankruptcy of Edward Altman is a multivariate formula for a measurement of the financial health of a company and a powerful tool to diagnose the probability that a company will go bankrupt within a 2 year period. Studies measuring the effectiveness of the Z-Score have shown the model is often accurate in predicting bankruptcy (72%-80% reliability).
 

The Z-Score was developed in 1968 by Dr. Edward I. Altman, Ph.D., a financial economist and professor at New York University's Stern School of Business.
 

Composition of the Z-Score

The Z-Score bankruptcy predictor combines five common business ratios, using a weighting system calculated by Altman. Thus it determines the likelihood that a company will go bankrupt. It was derived based on data from manufacturing firms, but has since proven to be also effective (with some modifications) in determining the risk that a services firm will go bankrupt.

Analyzing the results of the Z-Score method

How should the results be judged? It depends:

• Original Z-Score [For Public Manufacturer] If the score is 3.0 or above - bankruptcy is not likely. If the Score is 1.8 or less - bankruptcy is likely. A score between 1.8 and 3.0 is the grey area. Probabilities of bankruptcy within the above ranges are 95% for one year and 70% within two years. Obviously, a higher score is desirable.
• Model A Z'-Score [For Private Manufacturer] Model A of Altman's Z-Score is appropriate for a private manufacturing firm. You should not apply Model A to other companies. A score of 2.90 or higher indicates that bankruptcy is not likely. But a score of 1.23 or below is a strong indicator that bankruptcy is likely. Probabilities of bankruptcy in the above ranges are 95% for one year and 70% within two years. Obviously, a higher score is desirable.
• Model B Z'-Score [For Private General Firm] Edward Altman developed this version of the Altman Z-Score to predict the likelihood that a privately owned non-manufacturing company will go bankrupt within one or two years. Model B is appropriate for a private general (non-manufacturing) firm. Model B should not be applied to other companies. A score of 1.10 or lower indicates that bankruptcy is likely, while a score of 2.60 or higher can be an indicator that bankruptcy is not likely. A score between the two is the gray area. Probabilities of bankruptcy in the above ranges are 95% for one year and 70% within two years. Again, obviously, a higher score is desirable.

For the Z-Score Formula, see the figure on the right. Note the variations for public and private companies.

Book: John B. Caouette, Edward I. Altman, Paul Narayanan - Managing Credit Risk

Forum Forum discussions about the Z-Score (Altman). Below you can ask a question about this topic, share your experiences, report a new development, or explain something. Predicting Bankruptcy of SMEs Altman Z.Score has been made for big companies but does not include SME. This kind of companies usually has different environment, behavior and variables. What method can be used here to predict bankr... 12   Very High Z Score: Is a Z score of 1000 Possible? Could a Z score potentially be 1000...?... 7   2 comments Dynamic Aspects of Altman's Z-Score How does Z-Score take into account the dynamic aspect of companies and economies? (How) Is the model corrected for periods of crisis?... 4   Various Ways to Calculate the Z-score? I am doing a project in finance. I would like to know how manual calculations can be done in Z-Score method?... 4   2 comments Z-scores Calculator for Spanish SMEs I've prepared an automatic calculator for Altman's z-scores (dopplerp.com/financialviability). You'll notice there's a type of calculation called 'Spanish Company'; that's because it has been prepared... 4   Fault in the formula on this page According to Altman's own article (find references on the English Z-score Wikipedia page) the ratio for X4 for private manufacturers and non-manufacturers should be: Book value of equity/Book value... 4   Non-financial Factors in Prediction of Financial Distress Financial distress management may lead to a successful turnaround of a firm if there would be timely detection of the symptoms of decline well in advance. On the other hand, some turnarounds do not su... 3   Strengths and Weaknesses of Z-Score Help me, who can tell me about the strength and weaknesses of z-score model?... 3   Applicability of Z Score to Financial Institutions? I've read that the Altman Z score shouldn't be used for financial firms. Is this correct? Thank you.... 3   2 comments 🔥 Personal and Corporate Bankruptcy If a director of several corporations declares personal bankruptcy; will they be removed from the director positions and are the corporations liable for their debts?... 2   Start a new topic about the Z-Score (Altman) Ask a question or explain something

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Compare Z-Score model with these liquidity measurement ratios:  Current Ratio  |  Quick Ratio  |  Cash Ratio  |  Credit Risk Management

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