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?
Back to overview
18
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
4.1k
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 500+ 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
Similar Questions
Most Popular Posts
Once invited to interviews, are candidates evaluated only on interview performance?
8
on Mar 10, 2026
Global
8
100+
Top answer by
Franco
Coach
Ex BCG Principal & Global Interviewer (10+ Years) | 100+ MBB Offers | 95% Success Rate
8 Answers
100+ Views
+5
BCG Assessment
9
on Mar 11, 2026
Middle East
4
100+
Top answer by
Franco
Coach
Ex BCG Principal & Global Interviewer (10+ Years) | 100+ MBB Offers | 95% Success Rate
4 Answers
100+ Views
+1
Onboarding at McKinsey
8
on Mar 11, 2026
Europe
5
100+
Top answer by
Franco
Coach
Ex BCG Principal & Global Interviewer (10+ Years) | 100+ MBB Offers | 95% Success Rate
5 Answers
100+ Views
+2
McKinsey London - R2
8
on Mar 11, 2026
UK
3
100+
Top answer by
Franco
Coach
Ex BCG Principal & Global Interviewer (10+ Years) | 100+ MBB Offers | 95% Success Rate
3 Answers
100+ Views
McKinsey Round 1 Rejection (Experienced Hire) – ‘Inconsistent Case Performance’ Feedback but No Details?
9
on Mar 15, 2026
Middle East
7
100+
Top answer by
Ian
Coach
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success
7 Answers
100+ Views
+4