Yahoo Finance Does Weyco Group (NASDAQ:WEYS) Have A Healthy Balance Sheet?
Some say volatility, rather than debt, is the best way to think about risk as an investor, but Warren Buffett famously said that 'Volatility is far from synonymous with risk.' It's only natural to consider a company's balance sheet when you examine how risky it is, since debt is often involved when a business collapses. Importantly, Weyco Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:WEYS) does carry debt. But the real question is whether this debt is making the company risky.
When Is Debt A Problem?
Debt is a tool to help businesses grow, but if a business is incapable of paying off its lenders, then it exists at their mercy. Part and parcel of capitalism is the process of 'creative destruction' where failed businesses are mercilessly liquidated by their bankers. However, a more usual (but still expensive) situation is where a company must dilute shareholders at a cheap share price simply to get debt under control. Having said that, the most common situation is where a company manages its debt reasonably well - and to its own advantage. When we examine debt levels, we first consider both cash and debt levels, together.
Check out our latest analysis for Weyco Group
What Is Weyco Group's Net Debt?
The image below, which you can click on for greater detail, shows that Weyco Group had debt of US$5.18m at the end of September 2020, a reduction from US$16.9m over a year. However, its balance sheet shows it holds US$8.81m in cash, so it actually has US$3.63m net cash.
A Look At Weyco Group's Liabilities
The latest balance sheet data shows that Weyco Group had liabilities of US$26.8m due within a year, and liabilities of US$40.5m falling due after that. On the other hand, it had cash of US$8.81m and US$43.1m worth of receivables due within a year. So it has liabilities totalling US$15.4m more than its cash and near-term receivables, combined.
Given Weyco Group has a market capitalization of US$170.7m, it's hard to believe these liabilities pose much threat. Having said that, it's clear that we should continue to monitor its balance sheet, lest it change for the worse. Despite its noteworthy liabilities, Weyco Group boasts net cash, so it's fair to say it does not have a heavy debt load!
In fact Weyco Group's saving grace is its low debt levels, because its EBIT has tanked 66% in the last twelve months. Falling earnings (if the trend continues) could eventually make even modest debt quite risky. The balance sheet is clearly the area to focus on when you are analysing debt. But it is Weyco Group's earnings that will influence how the balance sheet holds up in the future. So when considering debt, it's definitely worth looking at the earnings trend. Click here for an interactive snapshot.
Finally, a company can only pay off debt with cold hard cash, not accounting profits. While Weyco Group has net cash on its balance sheet, it's still worth taking a look at its ability to convert earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) to free cash flow, to help us understand how quickly it is building (or eroding) that cash balance. Over the most recent three years, Weyco Group recorded free cash flow worth 57% of its EBIT, which is around normal, given free cash flow excludes interest and tax. This free cash flow puts the company in a good position to pay down debt, when appropriate.
Summing up
While it is always sensible to look at a company's total liabilities, it is very reassuring that Weyco Group has US$3.63m in net cash. So we are not troubled with Weyco Group's debt use. The balance sheet is clearly the area to focus on when you are analysing debt. But ultimately, every company can contain risks that exist outside of the balance sheet. Take risks, for example - Weyco Group has 2 warning signs (and 1 which makes us a bit uncomfortable) we think you should know about.
If, after all that, you're more interested in a fast growing company with a rock-solid balance sheet, then check out our list of net cash growth stocks without delay.
This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
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