Determining the mean value of outstanding customer balances, adjusted for potential uncollectible amounts, involves summing the net receivables at the beginning and end of a specific period and then dividing by two. For example, if a company’s net receivables were $100,000 at the start of the year and $120,000 at the end, the average would be calculated as ($100,000 + $120,000) / 2, resulting in $110,000.
This calculation is a critical element in assessing a company’s operational efficiency and financial health. It provides insights into how effectively the organization manages its credit and collection processes. By tracking this average over time, analysts can identify trends in payment behavior, assess the quality of receivables, and benchmark performance against industry peers. Monitoring this metric allows for better cash flow forecasting and working capital management.