COLLECTION PERIOD (Period Average) Definition

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COLLECTION PERIOD (Period Average) is used to appraise accounts receivable (AR). This ratio measures the length of time it takes to convert your average sales into cash. This measurement defines the relationship between accounts receivable and cash flow. A longer average collection period requires a higher investment in accounts receivable. A higher investment in accounts receivable means less cash is available to cover cash outflows, such as paying bills. NOTE: Comparing the two COLLECTION PERIOD ratios (Period Average and Period End) suggests the direction in which AR collections are moving, thereby giving an indication as to potential impacts to cash flow. Formula: ((AR (current) + AR (period ago)/2) / (Net Revenue / 365)

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PRIME COST is equal to the sum of DIRECT MATERIAL plus DIRECT LABOR.

 

EXTENSION is a. In options, the expiration date. Occasionally the parties to an option contract will agree to extend the expiration to a certain date in the future; b. In taxes, the day that one must file one's return if one asked the tax agency for more time to do it. For example, in the United States the deadline to file tax returns is 15 April. If a taxpayer is unable to make this deadline, he/she may ask the IRS for an extension until 15 October. In this case, 15 October is the extension date; or, c. In an offer for bids on a contract, the date to which a deadline is lengthened. If there is either a lack of interest or no good bids on a contract, the company or government offering it may extend the deadline to allow other companies to decide whether to make a bid. This second deadline is the extension date.

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