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Cash FlowGlossary Term

Growth Capital

Funding used to expand a subcontracting business beyond its current capacity. This includes financing new equipment, hiring crews, or bidding larger contracts. It differs from operating capital, which covers day-to-day expenses.

Related Terms

Standby (standby Time)

Cash Flow

Time when a subcontractor's crew or equipment is on-site but unable to work due to client-caused delays. Most contracts allow billing at a reduced standby rate during this period. Tracking and documenting standby time is critical to recovering these costs.

Beneficial Use

Cash Flow

The point when a client formally accepts and begins using delivered equipment or a completed scope of work. For subcontractors, this date often triggers final billing milestones or warranty periods. Confirm it in writing to protect your payment rights.

Breakeven Price

Cash Flow

The minimum rate a subcontractor must charge to cover all direct and indirect costs without losing money. It includes labour, equipment, fuel, overhead, and mobilisation expenses. Pricing below breakeven erodes working capital and threatens project viability.

Backcharge

Cash Flow

A charge issued by an operator or general contractor to a subcontractor for costs incurred due to defective work, delays, or failure to meet contractual obligations.

Construction Cost Index

Cash Flow

A benchmark tracking changes in construction costs over time, including labour, materials, and equipment. Subcontractors use it to justify price adjustments on long-term contracts. It helps protect margins when input costs rise unexpectedly.

Rule 144a

Cash Flow

A U.S. securities regulation allowing large private companies to raise capital without a public stock listing. For subcontractors, it signals a major client may have access to significant private funding. This can affect contract stability and payment capacity on large projects.

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