Difference between gross operating cycle and net operating cycle?

Answer 1

Operating CycleAn operating time cycle is the average time period between the acquisition of inventory and the receipt of cash from the inventory's sale. A short operating cycle means a more prompt return on investment for the firm's inventory. During an economic downtown, an operating cycle typically lasts longer than in periods of economic growth. Cash Conversion CycleThe cash conversion cycle is the number of days required for a company to convert resources to cash flows. This measure calculates the time period during which each input dollar is committed to production and sales processes before it is converted to cash through the accounts receivable process. The cash conversion process gives insight into the financial stability of a company because it reflects the time period during which assets are committed to business processes and therefore are not available to invest to achieve even greater returns. As a result, the shorter the cash conversion cycle, the better. Calculating the Operating CycleTo calculate the operating cycle, determine the duration of each element of the operating cycle including raw materials, work-in-process, finished goods and bills receivable. Next, calculate the aggregate duration of the cycle by adding together each of these elements. The greater the operating cycle, the greater the business requirement for working capital. The greater the working-capital requirement, the higher the inventory-carrying cost, including interest payments, and the greater the opportunity cost due to the inability to invest funds in a higher use. In addition, the lower the operating cycle, the greater the number of completed cycles per year, and the greater the annual gross and net profits. Caculating the Cash ConversionThe cash conversion cycle calculation uses elements of the operating cycle equation, including raw materials, work-in-process, finished goods and bills receivable, in addition to the days' payables outstanding. The days' payables outstanding is the average time required by the company to pay its vendors. First, calculate the Accounts Payable turnover by dividing the cost of goods sold by accounts payable. Next, divide 365 days by the accounts payable turnover to determine the days' payables outstanding. To determine the cash conversion cycle, first add the days' sales outstanding and the days' sales in inventory, and then subtract the days' payables outstanding. The resulting cash conversion cycle measures the time period between the cash outflow for materials required for the production of a product or service and the cash inflow from sales. A decrease in the cash conversion cycle can lead to an increase in the operating profit margin.