Understanding Accounts Receivable Turnover: A Key Financial Metric
Definition & Meaning
Accounts receivable turnover is a financial metric that measures how effectively a company collects payments from its customers. It is calculated by dividing total annual credit sales by the average accounts receivable during a specific period. This ratio indicates how quickly a business converts its receivables into cash, reflecting the efficiency of its credit policies and customer payment behaviors.
Legal Use & context
In legal and business contexts, accounts receivable turnover is crucial for assessing a company's financial health. It is often used in financial statements, audits, and when evaluating creditworthiness. Legal professionals may encounter this term in contract negotiations, bankruptcy proceedings, or when assessing compliance with financial regulations. Users can manage their accounts receivable processes using legal templates available through US Legal Forms, which can help streamline documentation and ensure compliance.
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
For instance, if a company has annual credit sales of $500,000 and an average accounts receivable of $100,000, the accounts receivable turnover would be 5. This means the company collects its receivables five times a year.
(Hypothetical example) A small business with annual credit sales of $200,000 and average accounts receivable of $50,000 would have a turnover ratio of 4, indicating a healthy collection process.