Start with the reference date
Short answer: a credit report is only useful if you know where each piece of data comes from and how old it is. A score without a source and reference date is an opinion, not information.
The key figures and what they mean
| Key metric | Formula | Rule of thumb |
|---|---|---|
| Solvency ratio | equity / total assets | > 25% healthy |
| Current ratio | current assets / current liabilities | > 1,2 |
| Working capital | current assets − current liabilities | positive |
| Interest cover | EBITDA / interest expense | > 3 |
| Customer DSO | trade receivables / turnover × 365 | compare with sector |
The risk score
A score summarises the overall picture in a single number or category. Use it as a starting point, not a final verdict. Always ask: which factors carry the most weight, and what event would change the score tomorrow? A score based on figures from 2023 will not change if a customer stops paying today — your own payment data will.
Five pitfalls
- Overestimating micro-entity accounts. Small BVs file very limited figures; these provide little scope for calculating ratios.
- Confusing the holding company with the operating company. You supply one entity — assess that entity.
- Mistaking growth for financial health. Rapid growth consumes working capital; many bankruptcies follow a growth spurt.
- Ignoring one-off items. A book profit can mask loss-making operations.
- Assessing a single snapshot. A three-year trend tells you more than a single year.
How to turn a report into a decision
- Read the warning signs first: insolvencies, negative equity, payment arrears
- Check the key figures against the rules of thumb above
- Compare with the sector — a 20% solvency ratio means something different in construction than in software
- Translate this into a limit and payment terms
- Record the reasons for your decision, including the source and reference date
That last step is not just good practice: if a dispute arises with your insurer, accountant or finance provider, a traceable record is your evidence.
From explanation to a company file
- Check a company's creditworthiness
Combine registration details, annual accounts, payment history and insolvency information before doing business.
- Credit report: example and request
View a clearly fictional file, its sources and limitations, and request credit information.
Sources and scope
Examples and policy choices in this article are illustrative, not a current quotation, fixed standard or financial or legal advice. The editorial revision date relates to the summary, structure and source references; it is not a reference date for the underlying data.
| Primary source | What is it used for? |
|---|---|
| KVK (Dutch Chamber of Commerce) — checking business partners | Company identification and checks on business partners. |
| De Rechtspraak — Central Insolvency Register | Official insolvency notices and available public reports; check the relevant entity and the date of the court ruling. |
Source links support the topic mentioned, but do not automatically substantiate all percentages, time frames or examples in this article. Check current terms and rules with the responsible authority.
Request credit information with sources and reference dates
