When a $50 million manufacturer found itself on the brink of collapse—cycling through three CFOs in just 12 months—it turned to CSuite for a financial partner who could steer the company back to stability. With plummeting sales, cash shortages, inaccurate financial statements, and the threat of a lender taking control, the stakes couldn’t have been higher. CSuite’s expert CFO, Bob Rankin, quickly assessed the dire situation and implemented a strategic turnaround that not only restored profitability but also set the company on a path to long-term success. Here’s how he transformed the business despite a 37% drop in sales.
The Challenges
The company was facing a perfect storm of internal and external financial pressures:
- Plummeting Sales: Sales were projected to drop by over 35% in the next two years.
- Inaccurate Financials: The company’s financial statements were not in compliance with GAAP, with significant errors in revenue recognition.
- Cash Flow Crisis: They were out of cash, with payables over 100 days overdue, threatening the supply chain.
- Forbearance Agreement Expiration: An expiring forbearance agreement risked putting the company in default, allowing the lender to take control.
- Team Turnover: Key accounting staff, including the controller and senior cost accountant, resigned.
- Outdated ERP System: The 20-year-old ERP software was modified extensively and not being utilized effectively.
The Solutions
CSuite’s CFO, Bob Rankin, quickly implemented a series of strategic initiatives to stabilize the company’s finances and get it back on track:
- Cost Restructuring: Aligned the company’s cost structure with declining market conditions, implementing reductions in force (RIFs) and reorganizations to enable profitability.
- Upgraded Accounting Staff: Hired a new controller and senior cost accountant to strengthen the financial team.
- GAAP Compliance: Established procedures and controls to bring the company’s financials into GAAP compliance, restating previous errors and completing the year-end audit.
- Improved Cash Flow Forecasting: Enhanced the accuracy of the 13-week cash flow forecast, enabling the company to develop payment plans and keep the supply chain running smoothly.
- ERP System Training: Engaged an external software company to train staff on effectively utilizing the ERP system.
- Negotiated Forbearance Agreement: Met with senior lenders to present accurate forecasts, securing a new forbearance agreement and addressing the company’s short-term cash needs.
The Outcome
Thanks to Rankin’s strategic guidance, the company experienced a remarkable turnaround:
- From Loss to Profit: Despite a 37% drop in sales, the company moved from a loss of 11.6% in 2015 to profits of 2.9% in 2016 and 5.9% in 2017.
- Increased Liquidity: An infusion of equity and a new lender provided additional liquidity.
- New Leadership: The company attracted new C-level executives, positioning it for future growth and success.
Conclusion
This case study demonstrates the critical role that an experienced CFO can play in navigating financial distress and driving a company toward profitability. By aligning cost structures, ensuring financial compliance, and improving cash flow forecasting, CSuite helped this manufacturer stabilize and thrive in a challenging market.