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Cash FlowGlossary Term

Capped-Call Transactions

A financial tool used by larger contractors to manage costs when issuing convertible debt. It limits share dilution, helping protect company ownership structure. Subcontractors may see clients reference these when explaining capital raise decisions affecting project budgets.

Related Terms

Tolling Agreement

Cash Flow

A contract where a subcontractor processes or treats a client's raw material using your equipment or facility, without taking ownership of it. You charge a fee for the service rather than buying and reselling the material. Common in midstream and processing work, it directly affects how you invoice and recognise revenue.

Quantity Drift

Cash Flow

The gradual increase or decrease in actual field quantities compared to original contract estimates. For subcontractors, untracked drift leads to unbilled work or disputed invoices at project close-out. Monitor quantities continuously to support change order claims.

Expansion Capital

Cash Flow

Funds raised or borrowed to grow a subcontracting business beyond its current capacity. This covers new equipment, additional crews, or entry into new service markets. It differs from operating capital, which keeps day-to-day work running.

Levelized Cost

Cash Flow

The average total cost of delivering a service or operating equipment, spread evenly across its full working life. Subcontractors use it to set competitive day rates that recover mobilisation, maintenance, and labour costs over time. It helps avoid underpricing long-term contracts where early margins look healthy but tail-end costs erode profit.

Joint Check

Cash Flow

A payment cheque issued by a general contractor made payable to both the subcontractor and their supplier or creditor simultaneously. It ensures supplier invoices are paid directly from project funds, reducing lien risk. Subcontractors must endorse the cheque alongside the named party before cashing it.

Differential

Cash Flow

A pay premium added to a base rate for working in hazardous, remote, or demanding conditions. Subcontractors should account for applicable differentials when pricing bids and setting crew rates.

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