Regarding Gokhale Method's financial instruments, what assets potentially subject the company to concentrations of credit risk?
Gokhale_Method Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalent accounts in financial institutions and trade accounts receivables from customers. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, cash and cash equivalents did not exceed the federally insured limit.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD page 34)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Gokhale Method's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, the company faces potential concentrations of credit risk primarily from its cash and cash equivalent accounts held in financial institutions, as well as trade accounts receivables from customers. However, the document states that as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the cash and cash equivalents did not exceed the federally insured limit. This suggests that the company's cash deposits are protected up to the insured limit, mitigating some of the credit risk associated with those accounts.
Accounts receivable is primarily comprised of net royalty receivables from franchise, teachers, or class fees collected by GME. The company uses the allowance method to account for doubtful accounts, basing the allowance on management's review of past due accounts. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, management believed that all receivables were collectable after year end.
For a prospective Gokhale Method franchisee, this information indicates that the financial stability of Gokhale Method is influenced by its ability to collect payments from franchisees and customers. While the company believes its receivables are fully collectable, economic downturns or other factors could impact the ability of franchisees and customers to pay, which could in turn affect Gokhale Method's financial health. It is important to note that Gokhale Method does not file taxes at the federal level due to Qualified Sub-Chapter S Subsidiary, GMI files a consolidated return with Gokhale Method Enterprises, Inc.
Prospective franchisees should consider these factors and perhaps inquire about the historical collectability rates of receivables and the criteria used by management to assess the allowance for doubtful accounts. Understanding these aspects can provide a clearer picture of the financial risks associated with investing in a Gokhale Method franchise.