Z-Score

What is the Z-Score?

The Z-score is a financial statistic that measures the probability of bankruptcy. 

How Does the Z-Score Work?

The Z-score is used to predict the likelihood that a company will go bankrupt. A company's Z-score is calculated based on basic indicators found on its financial statements (e.g. earnings, assets, liabilities, equity, etc.). Lower and negative Z-scores indicate a higher likelihood that a company will go bankrupt, whereas higher and positive scores indicate that a company will survive.

To illustrate, suppose company XYZ is given a Z-score of 3 and that company ABC is given a Z-score of 1. Of these two, company ABC has the greater likelihood of going bankrupt.

Why Does the Z-Score Matter?

The Z-score serves as a critical indicator of a company's financial health and likelihood to survive. Therefore, the Z-score is important in auditing as well as analyzing credit.