Factoring as a financing alternative: Turkish case

Abstract

This study attempts to find out the common aspects of the firms that have preferred factoring as a financing alternative, checking out their financial structures and performances together with an overview of factoring. The financial statements of the companies were analyzed from the perspectives of liquidity, financial stability, profitability, efficiency and financial structure. Comparisons were made over time and with industry averages. The analysis showed that the majority of the firms are smal1-to-medium sized firms that are growing fast, are in need of cash due to overtrading with an inadequate financial base and have undertaken high liabilities with high financial risks- Their sales are mostly on credit and receivables collection periods and cash conversion periods are quite long for the majority of the firms. As a result, the majority of the sample are possible beneficiaries of factoring to improve their cash flows, liquidity and profitability levels.