C & L BUILDERS LTD.

Company number 13648855 ·

Active

This analysis was written by an AI from the company's public filings. It may contain errors or omissions and is not financial or professional advice.

C & L BUILDERS LTD. - Analysis Report

Company Number: 13648855

Analysis Date: 2025-07-29 16:15 UTC

  1. Credit Opinion:
    DECLINE – The company's latest financials as of 30 September 2024 show a significant deterioration in financial position, with net current liabilities of £8,268 and negative shareholders’ funds of £6,449. This reversal from prior positive net assets (£35,782 in 2023) indicates financial distress. The increase in current liabilities, especially taxation and social security costs, has outpaced current assets, raising concerns about liquidity and ongoing solvency. The company also paid substantially increased dividends (£93,500 in 2024 vs £30,000 in 2023) despite deteriorating net assets, which suggests poor financial stewardship and may impair the company’s ability to meet debt obligations. Given these factors, the company poses a high credit risk and is not recommended for credit approval at this time.

  2. Financial Strength:
    The balance sheet reveals weakening financial strength. Fixed assets remain minimal (£1,819), and the company is heavily reliant on current assets, mainly cash (£124,397) and debtors (£15,110). However, current liabilities have grown sharply to £151,775, largely driven by trade creditors (£69,572) and a substantial increase in taxation and social security liabilities (£80,502). This has caused working capital to slip into negative territory. Negative shareholders’ funds reflect accumulated losses in the profit and loss account, eroding net asset value. The company’s financial trajectory is negative, moving from a modest net asset base to a net liability position within one year.

  3. Cash Flow Assessment:
    While the company maintains a reasonable cash balance (£124,397), the sharp increase in current liabilities, especially tax-related payables, indicates potential cash flow strain. Negative net current assets mean the company may struggle to cover short-term obligations without additional financing or operational improvements. Debtor balances have decreased, which could imply tighter credit control or reduced sales, but combined with rising creditors, it suggests pressure on liquidity. The substantial dividend payments during a period of financial decline are a red flag, potentially compromising working capital. Overall, liquidity is tight and cash flow risk is elevated.

  4. Monitoring Points:

  • Monitor current liabilities closely, especially tax and social security payments, to assess if the company can meet these obligations promptly.
  • Track cash balances and operating cash flow monthly to detect any liquidity shortfalls early.
  • Watch for any further dividend payments given the current negative equity position, as this could worsen financial health.
  • Review debtor aging to ensure timely collections and avoid bad debt risk.
  • Evaluate the company’s ability to reduce creditors or secure additional financing to restore positive working capital.
  • Monitor management changes and governance practices to ensure improved financial stewardship.

Perspective: Business Credit Analyst · Model: gpt-4.1-mini · Generated 29 July 2025

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