This calculation measures the rate at which a company pays off its suppliers over a period. It is determined by dividing the total purchases made on credit by the average accounts payable balance for the same period. For example, if a company’s credit purchases totaled $500,000 and its average accounts payable was $100,000, the resulting figure would be 5. This signifies that the company paid its suppliers five times during the defined period.
Understanding the rate at which a business fulfills its payment obligations is crucial for assessing short-term liquidity. A high figure might indicate that a company is not taking full advantage of available credit terms or that it is paying its bills too quickly. Conversely, a low figure could suggest potential cash flow issues or difficulties in maintaining supplier relationships. Analyzing this ratio allows for informed decisions regarding working capital management, potential negotiations with suppliers, and overall financial health assessment.