COLLECTION PERIOD (Period Average) Definition

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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IOU is an informal debt instrument in the form of a written promise to pay back money owed; e.g., personal loans and professional services.

FOOTNOTE is text that appears at the bottom of a page that adds explanation. In finance, it is often used in financial statements to provide explanatory addendums or disclosures as to the detail of various entries in the financial statements, e.g. debt, deferments, and off balance sheet items.

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