Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The operating cycle is the time period between the acquisition of inventory and the collection of cash from receivables. It measures the efficiency and effectiveness of a company's operations and liquidity management.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
The operating cycle includes both the inventory turnover period and the accounts receivable collection period.
A shorter operating cycle indicates that a company can quickly convert its inventory into cash, enhancing liquidity.
The operating cycle does not include the payment period for accounts payable.
Merchandising companies typically have longer operating cycles than service companies due to inventory management.
Calculating the operating cycle helps in assessing a company's working capital needs.
Review Questions
Related terms
inventoryTurnover: A ratio showing how many times a company's inventory is sold and replaced over a period.
accountsReceivableTurnover: A measure of how efficiently a company collects revenue from its credit customers.
workingCapital: The difference between current assets and current liabilities, representing short-term financial health.