How to Interpret and Analyze Credit Reports | JBT
Your customer requests a $50,000 line of credit and now you’re faced with a dilemma. The allure of a significant sale is undeniable, but is it a risk worth taking? As a credit manager or business owner juggling multiple responsibilities, the added pressure to make this decision quickly makes the situation even more conflicting.
The Jewelers Board of Trade understands the challenges in credit extension and offers detailed credit reports to empower you with the data needed to help make informed credit decisions. This guide will walk you through the process of reading a JBT credit report with clarity and efficiency.
Overview: Page One
A JBT credit report typically spans around three pages. Although every piece of information in the report holds significance in some regard, we’ll direct our focus to the aspects of the JBT credit report that demand the most scrutiny. Let’s dive into the key elements of page one:
Credit Report Summary, Contact Information, and Principal Details
The left section of the page outlines essential information, such as JBT ID#, legal name, business classification, contact details, and ownership data.
Current Credit Rating, Previous Credit Rating, Payment Charts, and Collections Claims
On the right side, find the company’s current credit rating, the prior credit rating, and two important payment charts. The first chart, "Days Outstanding Based on Agreed Terms," outlines the company’s average pay days at 3, 7, and 12 months. The second chart provides insights into trades reported in the last 7 months, number of trades reported, total amount owed, and the number of prompt and slow trades. Below these charts, a snapshot of the number of collections claims placed against a company, if any.
Analysis of Page One
You may be wondering how to best evaluate the information presented on page one of the credit report. Consider the following when making your assessment:
- Cross-check the data provided by your customer with details in the JBT credit report. Examine both the current and previous credit ratings.
- Analyze payment averages over the last 12 months, based on agreed upon terms, noting any trends (refer to the first graph).
- Compare the company's payment trends to your company's credit policies and payment terms (for more detailed trend information, proceed to the analysis of pages two and three).
- Assess the percentage and dollar amount of prompt vs. slow reported trades in the last 7 months (refer to the second graph).
- Review the number of claims placed against the company. If the company has claims placed against them, proceed to the analysis of pages two and three.
Overview: Pages Two and Three
Even though the first page provided you with a substantial amount of information, perhaps even enough that you feel confident in making a credit decision—don’t quit yet. Let’s continue to review pages two and three of the JBT credit report, which carve out a clearer image of the business.
General Remarks, UCC Liens, Trade Report, and Claims
At the page’s top, the “General Remarks,” section serves as a record of JBT’s most recent interaction with the business, and specification of whether it occurred through telephone, email, fax, or mail. Further down you’ll find UCC lien filing information, a more detailed credit overview, titled “Trade Report,” as well as collections claim records, if any.
History, Advised, and Method of Operation
Moving forward, the “History – Antecedents” section reveals company history, officers’ employment background, details of potential bankruptcy filings, relocations, branch openings and closings, and any adverse events suffered by the company. Subsequently, the “Advised” and “Method of Operation” portions provide details on insurance and lease specifications, and a breakdown of the company’s provided services and products.
Analysis of Pages Two and Three
After review of pages two and three, proceed with your assessment of the business:
- Examine the credit information in the "Trade Report."
- Analyze the details provided on the company’s highest line of credit, current amount of credit extended, outstanding balance, and any past-due amounts.
- Pay attention to the percentage and duration of past-due amounts, along with the dates on the Trade Report and the payment status over the current/previous 6 months.
- Note any emerging payment trends and again consider your company’s credit policies and payment terms.
Conclusion
We hope this has been an illuminating read and encourage you to apply the insights gained here to your interpretation of JBT credit reports. It’s intentional that our credit reports contain a lot of data, as we believe the more data at your disposal, the more adept you are at making informed credit extension decisions.
Visit the Members-Only site and download a credit report to test out your new analysis skills. If you have questions about a report you have ordered, you can call JBT at (401) 467-0055 and ask to speak to your dedicated analyst, who will be happy to help you.
Not Part of the Community?
Access detailed credit reports by becoming a Member of The Jewelers Board of Trade. Take a proactive step to shield your business against credit risk and customer pitfalls. Click the link below to contact our Membership department to learn more.
