Z Score

Business, Legal & Accounting Glossary

Definition: Z Score


Z Score

Quick Summary of Z Score


The Z Score is a multivariate formula used to gauge a business’s susceptibility to failure.




What is the dictionary definition of Z Score?

Dictionary Definition


An indicator used in data analysis which measures how far a given data point is from the mean of the data. Z-scores are often used to analyze credit, and will give an estimation of the probability of going bankrupt.

The Z Score is a multivariate formula, first devised in 1968 by Edward I. Altman (Assistant Professor of Finance at New York University), that aims to gauge the susceptibility of a business to failure.

An entity’s score is calculated by applying beta coefficients to a number of selected ratios taken from an organisation’s final accounts using the multiple discriminant analysis technique.

In 1983, A UK-based version of the Z score was introduced by Richard J. Taffler – who is a professor of finance and accounting at Warwick Business School.


Full Definition of Z Score


A multivariate formula, first devised by Edward I. Altman in 1968.

It attempts to measure the susceptibility of a company to failure and indicates the probability of a company entering bankruptcy within the next two years.

The Z Score is computed by applying beta coefficients to a number of selected ratios taken from an organisation’s final accounts using the multiple discriminant analysis technique.

A UK version of the Z score was introduced by Richard J. Taffler in 1983.


Synonyms For Z Score


Altman Z score


Z Score FAQ's


What is the Z Score?

The Z score is a methodology for predicting bankruptcy. It is widely used by investors and creditors, who collect the data necessary to calculate a Z score from a company’s financial filings. Within one year of the measurement date, the model has demonstrated a high degree of accuracy in forecasting bankruptcy, with a slightly lower level of accuracy within two years of the measurement date.

How to Calculate the Z Score

The Z score calculation is as follows:

Z = 1.2A x 1.4B x 3.3C x 0.6D x 0.99E

The letters in the formula designate the following measures:

  • A = Working capital / Total assets [ Measures the relative amount of liquid assets]
  • B = Retained earnings / Total assets [Determines cumulative profitability]
  • C = Earnings before interest and taxes / Total assets [measures earnings away from the effects of taxes and leverage]
  • D = Market value of equity / Book value of total liabilities [incorporates the effects of a decline in market value of a company’s shares]
  • E = Sales / Total assets [measures asset turnover]
How to Interpret the Z Score

A Z score of greater than 2.99 indicates that the organisation being evaluated is not insolvent. A score of less than 1.81 indicates that a business is significantly at risk of bankruptcy, while scores in the middle should be viewed as a warning indicator for potential concerns.

This method of evaluating firms is superior to utilising a single ratio since it takes into account the influence of various variables – assets, profits, and market value. It was created in the 1960s by Professor Edward Altman and has remained a standard credit analysis tool ever since.


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Definition Sources


Definitions for Z Score are sourced/syndicated and enhanced from:

  • A Dictionary of Economics (Oxford Quick Reference)
  • Oxford Dictionary Of Accounting
  • Oxford Dictionary Of Business & Management

This glossary post was last updated: 13th April, 2022 | 0 Views.