Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the hidden risks in controlling stake acquisitions, particularly focusing on inventory, accounts receivable periods, and free cash flow as significant factors that can derail acquisition plans [1][3][4]. Group 1: Inventory Risks - High inventory levels, particularly when they exceed 50% of current assets, signal potential issues such as unsold products and low turnover efficiency [1]. - A case study involving a solar equipment company revealed that despite appearing profitable, it had two-year-old components in stock, indicating a risk of acquiring outdated inventory [1]. Group 2: Accounts Receivable Risks - Lengthening accounts receivable periods, especially exceeding 90 days, can indicate a company's struggle with cash flow and may lead to a "ticket-for-ticket" survival mode [3]. - An example of a new energy materials company showed an increase in accounts receivable turnover days from 48 to 126 days without a significant rise in sales, raising questions about the sustainability of reported growth [3]. Group 3: Free Cash Flow Risks - Negative free cash flow indicates a company is reliant on external financing, akin to a patient needing blood transfusions to survive [4]. - A real estate industry case highlighted a company with three consecutive years of negative operating cash flow, suggesting deeper operational and financing issues [4]. Group 4: Interconnected Risks - The three identified risks often coalesce, creating a "capital exhaustion flywheel" that can ensnare acquirers, as seen in a case where a large private enterprise faced cash flow issues due to high inventory and extended accounts receivable periods [4]. - The article warns that these risks are frequently overlooked due to the urgency of acquisitions, with acquirers focusing on net profits and valuations rather than cash flow realities [4][6]. Group 5: Recommendations for Mitigation - Goheal suggests a three-step approach to identify and manage these risks: assessing inventory aging and technology depreciation, establishing a linkage model between accounts receivable and sales, and conducting sensitivity tests on free cash flow [4][6]. - It is recommended to include performance guarantees and cash flow targets in acquisition agreements to prevent inflated profits through extended accounts receivable periods [6].

Core Viewpoint - The downgrade of the U.S. sovereign credit rating by major credit rating agencies signals that U.S. government debt may no longer be considered a risk-free asset [2][3]. Group 1: Credit Rating Downgrade - Moody's downgraded the U.S. sovereign credit rating from Aaa to Aa1, with a stable outlook, following similar actions by S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings [2][3]. - The downgrades are closely linked to the unsustainable nature of U.S. government debt, with the debt-to-GDP ratio projected to rise from 6.4% in 2024 to 9% by 2035 [2][3]. - Mandatory spending, including interest payments, is expected to account for 78% of total government spending by 2035, up from 73% in 2024 [2]. Group 2: Market Implications - The current downgrade is unlikely to trigger immediate panic in the markets, unlike the 2011 downgrade, due to relaxed conditions for eligible collateral [3]. - However, the downgrade increases risk exposure in the market, as the sustainability of U.S. fiscal policy remains a concern [3][4]. - If U.S. debt is no longer viewed as a safe asset, it could lead to a steep rise in U.S. Treasury yields, increasing the risk premium for global financial markets [4]. Group 3: Global Economic Impact - The downgrade could hinder global economic growth and raise liquidity costs for emerging economies, increasing their risk pressures [4]. - The loss of the highest credit rating for U.S. debt may destabilize the global financial market, which relies on U.S. Treasuries as a stability anchor [4][5]. - The need for bipartisan cooperation in U.S. fiscal policy is emphasized to restore the sovereign credit rating to its highest level [4][5]. Group 4: Investor Considerations - Investors holding significant dollar-denominated assets are advised to conduct risk assessments and adjust their asset allocations accordingly [5]. - The downgrade serves as a warning for the U.S. government to address its fiscal responsibilities and move towards a sustainable fiscal path [5].