Operating Cash Flow to Current Liabilities

Understand the Operating Cash Flow to Current Liabilities ratio: definition, calculation, interpretation, and significance.

The Operating Cash Flow to Current Liabilities ratio measures a company's ability to pay off its short-term obligations using its operating cash flow. This ratio provides insight into a company's ability to meet its short-term obligations without relying on external financing or liquidating its assets.

 

The formula for the Operating Cash Flow to Current Liabilities ratio is:

Operating Cash Flow to Current Liabilities = Operating Cash Flow / Current Liabilities

 

Operating Cash Flow refers to the cash generated from a company's ongoing operations, before taking into account financing activities or investment activities. Current Liabilities are debts that are due to be paid within one year, such as short-term loans, accounts payable, and wages payable.

 

A rule of thumb for the Operating Cash Flow to Current Liabilities ratio is to aim for a ratio greater than 1, indicating that the company's operating cash flow is sufficient to cover its current liabilities. However, the ideal ratio varies depending on the industry and specific circumstances of the company, and a ratio lower than 1 may still be acceptable in some cases.