Working capital cycle

Learn all about this metric that measures the time it takes for a business to turn its current assets into cash.
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3 mins
22 June 2023

Working capital cycle is an important financial metric that measures the time it takes for a business to turn its current assets into cash. In simple terms, it quantifies the business's efficiency and the speed in which it can generate profit from its investment. Business owners should understand the working capital cycle to improve their business operations and keep their finances in check.

What is the working capital cycle?

The working capital cycle indicates the time taken for a business to convert its resources like inventory and receivables into cash. It measures the duration between when cash is paid out for resources, and the cash is received from customers. In other words, it measures the period of time required for the business to sell products or services and collect money from customers.

Steps in the Working Capital Cycle

The working capital cycle for most companies involves several key steps:

  1. Material acquisition: Initially, materials are purchased on credit, allowing production without immediate cash outlay. This step ensures a steady supply of resources for manufacturing.
  2. Inventory management: Manufactured inventory is sold within an average of 85 days, with sales recorded but payment deferred as goods are sold on credit. This step involves monitoring and controlling inventory levels to meet demand.
  3. Receivable days: Payment from customers occurs approximately 20 days after the sale. Accounts receivables are recorded until payment is received, contributing to cash flow management.

The cycle concludes with the receipt of payment, marking the completion of the working capital cycle. This iterative process enables companies to sustain operations, manage cash flow effectively, and balance the need for materials with revenue generation from sales. Efficient working capital management is essential for business stability and growth.

Working capital cycle formula

The working capital cycle formula calculates the time it takes for a company to convert its current assets into cash. It is calculated by subtracting the average payment period from the sum of the average collection period and the average inventory holding period. This formula helps assess the efficiency of a company's working capital management in managing cash flow and liquidity.

Simply put, Working capital cycle= Inventory days+ Receivable days-Payable days.

How to calculate the working capital cycle

Assume a company has an average inventory of ₹50,000, a cost of goods sold of ₹100,000, average accounts receivable of ₹25,000, annual credit sales of ₹200,000, and average accounts payable of ₹20,000.

  • Inventory days = (₹50,000 / ₹100,000) x 365 = 182.5 days
  • Accounts receivable days = (₹25,000 / ₹200,000) x 365 = 45.63 days
  • Accounts payable days = (₹20,000 / ₹100,000) x 365 = 73 days

Working capital cycle = 182.5 + 45.63 – 73 = 155.13 days

This indicates that the company takes an average of 155.13 days to turn its current assets into cash and settle its current liabilities.

What affects the working capital cycle?

Several factors influence the working capital cycle. Efficient inventory management is crucial, as it reduces holding costs and frees up cash, thereby shortening the cycle. The speed at which accounts receivable are collected also plays a significant role; faster collections improve cash flow and reduce the cycle length. Extending payment terms with suppliers can delay cash outflows, which affects the cycle by potentially lengthening it. Additionally, higher sales volumes may lead to increased inventory and receivables, potentially lengthening the cycle. Operational efficiency is another factor; streamlined operations and reduced lead times can accelerate turnover rates, impacting the cycle duration. Lastly, economic conditions and market demand fluctuations can affect cash flow and working capital needs, further influencing the cycle.

Positive vs. negative working capital cycle

Aspect

Positive Working Capital Cycle

Negative Working Capital Cycle

Cash Flow

Cash inflow exceeds outflow, ensuring liquidity and financial stability.

Cash outflow surpasses inflow, potentially leading to liquidity issues and financial strain.

Inventory Management

Inventory turnover is slow, indicating surplus stock and potential inefficiencies.

Rapid inventory turnover reduces holding costs but may result in stockouts and missed sales opportunities.

Accounts Receivable

Lengthy collection periods improve cash flow but may signal credit risks and delayed payments.

Short collection periods expedite cash inflow but may strain customer relationships and limit sales.

Accounts Payable

Longer payment terms provide flexibility but can strain supplier relationships and result in missed discounts.

Short payment terms improve cash flow but may damage supplier relationships and limit access to credit.

Overall Efficiency

Slower turnover rates may indicate inefficiencies in operations and resource allocation.

Faster turnover rates suggest efficient operations but require careful management to avoid stockouts and cash flow disruptions.

Financial Health

Positive working capital cycle signifies stability and resilience in managing day-to-day operations.

Negative working capital cycle may signal financial distress or overreliance on short-term financing.

 

Working capital cycle in financial modeling

The Working Capital Cycle in financial modeling represents the time it takes for a company to convert its investments in raw materials into cash from sales. It encompasses inventory turnover, accounts receivable collection, and accounts payable payment periods. A shorter cycle indicates efficient cash flow management, while a longer cycle may strain liquidity. Financial modeling incorporates this cycle to assess a company's operational efficiency, liquidity position, and overall financial health. By analyzing the components of the working capital cycle, businesses can optimize cash flow, improve profitability, and make informed strategic decisions for sustainable growth.

How to reduce the working capital cycle?

To reduce the working capital cycle, optimize inventory management by implementing just-in-time inventory systems and negotiating favourable payment terms with suppliers. Accelerate receivables collection by offering discounts for early payments and enforcing stricter credit policies. Additionally, extend payables without affecting vendor relationships and consider alternative financing options like invoice financing. Streamlining operational processes and improving efficiency across departments can also shorten the working capital cycle, ultimately enhancing cash flow and liquidity for sustained business growth.

Why working capital cycle is important?

The working capital cycle is a critical metric as it indicates the business' profitability and its ability to meet its financial obligations effectively. A shorter cycle means that the business can cover its costs faster, reduce its overheads, and invest in growth opportunities. In contrast, if the cycle is longer, it can cause financial strain as the business has to manage its working capital with inadequate cash flow.

How to improve the working capital cycle?

Several strategies help to reduce the working capital cycle and improve cash flow:

  1. Efficient management of inventory: Businesses should carefully manage stock to avoid stockpiling and prevent wastage.
  2. Timely invoicing: Businesses should invoice customers promptly and follow-up on payment to ensure they receive payment as soon as possible.
  3. Effective supplier payment terms: Businesses should negotiate favourable payment terms with their suppliers to ensure that they have the cash flow to cover expenses.
  4. Managing accounts payable: Businesses should keep careful track of their bills to avoid penalties and preserve their creditworthiness.

Conclusion

The working capital cycle provides essential insights into a business's financial health and the effectiveness of its operations. Business owners should understand the working capital cycle and consider ways to improve it to achieve financial stability and growth. By taking steps to manage inventory, invoicing and payment terms with suppliers, businesses can improve cash flow, reduce risks, and build a solid foundation for growth.

Additional Read: Capital Budgeting

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Frequently asked questions

What is the formula for working capital cycle?

The formula for working capital cycle is: (Average Inventory Period) + (Average Receivables Period) - (Average Payables Period). It measures the time it takes to convert raw materials into cash through sales.

What are the 4 main components of working capital?

The four main components of working capital are:

  1. Cash
  2. Accounts Receivable
  3. Inventory
  4. Accounts Payable.

These elements represent the short-term assets and liabilities essential for a company's day-to-day operations.

How does the working capital optimisation cycle work?

The working capital optimisation cycle works by identifying areas where working capital can be improved and implementing strategies to achieve those improvements. This can include reducing inventory holding costs, speeding up the cash conversion cycle, and improving collection times for accounts receivable. By optimising these processes, companies can improve their cash flow and overall financial health.

What are working capital cycle ratios?

Working capital cycle ratios assess a company's efficiency in managing its operating capital. They include metrics like the inventory turnover ratio, accounts receivable turnover ratio, and accounts payable turnover ratio. These ratios measure how quickly a company converts its assets and liabilities into revenue.

What is the length of the working capital cycle?

The length of the working capital cycle varies depending on factors such as industry, business size, and efficiency of operations. It typically encompasses the time it takes to convert inventory into cash, settle accounts payable, and collect accounts receivable, ensuring smooth cash flow for day-to-day operations.

Is a high working capital cycle good?

A high working capital cycle can indicate inefficiencies in operations, such as slow inventory turnover or lengthy accounts receivable collection periods, tying up cash. While it may suggest strong sales, it's generally not ideal, as it can strain liquidity and hinder growth opportunities.

How to relieve pressure on your business by shortening your Working Capital Cycle?

To relieve pressure on your business by shortening your working capital cycle, focus on improving inventory management, speeding up accounts receivable collections, and negotiating better payment terms with suppliers. Streamline operations to reduce lead times and enhance efficiency. Regularly review financial processes to identify and address any delays in cash flow.

What are the four phases of the working capital cycle?

The four phases of the working capital cycle are inventory management, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and cash conversion. First, inventory is purchased and stored. Next, sales generate receivables. Then, payments are made to suppliers. Finally, cash from receivables is collected, completing the cycle and allowing for reinvestment.

What is the sequence of the working capital cycle?

The sequence of the working capital cycle begins with purchasing and storing inventory. This is followed by selling the inventory on credit, which creates accounts receivable. After this, the business pays its suppliers, creating accounts payable. Finally, cash is collected from receivables, completing the cycle and preparing for the next inventory purchase.

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