In one of the here shown matrices, the cash-flow of stars is said to be neutral. I am wondering why. It is solely because of the amount of investment since the market share and growth are big. Correct?
Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Interview Partners to connect and practice with!
Back to overview
16
Hi Sidi, thanks, that was what I thought but I wanted to double check! Thank you!
Why is the cash-flow of "stars" (BCG-matrix) neutral?
1
3.6k

Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer

Sidi
on Jan 16, 2019
Coach
McKinsey Senior EM & BCG Consultant | Interviewer at McK & BCG for 7 years | Coached 400+ candidates secure MBB offers
Hi! This is just an approximation and not an exact science. The cash flow is seen as a result of earnings power and rational investment strategy for each of the quadrants. For Cash Cows and Stars the rationale is as follows:
- Cash Cows: Strong relative market share in a mature low growth market --> low investment (outflows) and high earnings (inflows) --> high positive cash flow
- Stars: Strong relative market share in a growing market --> high investment (outflows) and high earnings (inflows) --> neutral cash flow (since earnings and investments cancel each other out)
Hope this helps!
Cheers, Sidi
1 comment

B
on Jan 16, 2019
Sign up for free to read all answers.
Sign up for free to read all answers.

Similar Questions
Most Popular Posts
Breaking into Strategy with a unique background (no undergrad degree with a masters) - London
21
on Sep 05, 2025
UK
5
2.0k

Top answer by
Margot
Coach
10% discount for 1st session I Ex-BCG, Accenture & Deloitte Strategist | 6 years in consulting I Free Intro-Call
5 Answers
2.0k Views


+2
McKinsey Implemntation role- legal info email after final round, 1 week silence: how to interpret?
15
on Sep 05, 2025
Global
3
1.0k

Top answer by
Hagen
Coach
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 9+ years consulting, interviewing and coaching experience
3 Answers
1.0k Views


Hello everyone, I hope you are doing well. I have a question about networking to get a referral.
14
on Sep 06, 2025
Global
4
500+

Top answer by
Mariana
Coach
xMckinsey | Consulting and Tech | 1.5h session | +200 sessions | Free 20-min introductory call
4 Answers
500+ Views


+1
Average CGPA, Tier-1 MBA 2024 grad from India, exceptional international strategy projects at Tier-2 consulting firm. Should I consider applying to MBB? Specifically BCG.
15
on Sep 08, 2025
Asia
5
800+

Top answer by
Pedro
Coach
30% discount in September | Experienced interviewer & consultant (+5 years) | ex-BCG | RWE
5 Answers
800+ Views


+2
Missed BCG coffee chat
17
on Sep 09, 2025
Global
5
800+

Top answer by
Lukas
Coach
50% OFF on first 2 sessions | ~10yrs in consulting | ex-BCG Project Leader | Personalized prep & coaching | INSEAD MBA
5 Answers
800+ Views


+2