Treatment of Reverse Factoring (Confirming) as component of Net Debt or Working Capital
Reverse factoring or Confirming is often used by companies when they want to offer their suppliers early payment, but themselves want to hold back the money for payment even longer. In this arrangement, the reverse factoring provider (usually a bank) pays the supplier immediately, and is then paid at a later date by the ordering company.
Question:
When constructing the Enterprise Value to Equity Value bridge, should the amount owed to the reverse factoring provider be considered as part of net debt? What is the common practice?
Based on the most helpful WSO content, the treatment of reverse factoring (confirming) in the Enterprise Value (EV) to Equity Value bridge depends on how the liability is classified in the financial statements and the nature of the arrangement:
If the liability is classified as trade payables:
If the liability is classified as financial debt:
Common Practice:
The classification often depends on the accounting treatment and disclosure by the company. If the reverse factoring arrangement is disclosed as financial debt, it is included in net debt for the EV to Equity Value bridge. If it remains under trade payables, it is excluded from net debt and remains part of working capital.
Analysts typically review the notes to the financial statements to determine how the company has classified the reverse factoring liability. Transparency in disclosure is key to making the correct adjustment.
For further insights, you can explore discussions on net debt and related topics here:
- https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/net-debt-the-d…</a">Net debt: The definite list | Wall Street Oasis
- https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/21-finance-int…</a">21 Finance Interview Questions and Answers | Wall Street Oasis
Sources: DCF Modeling Course ~ Pre-training text.pdf, Net debt: The definite list, Enterprise value and equity value, Net debt: The definite list, 21 Finance Interview Questions and Answers
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