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Operating Cash Flow Ratio

The operating cash flow ratio measures a company’s ability to cover its current liabilities with the cash generated from its operating activities. It is calculated by dividing operating cash flow by current liabilities. A higher ratio indicates that a company has sufficient cash flow to meet its short-term financial obligations, which is a sign of good liquidity management.

Example

If a company has $500,000 in operating cash flow and $250,000 in current liabilities, its operating cash flow ratio is 2.0, meaning it has twice the cash flow needed to cover short-term obligations.

Key points

Measures a company’s ability to cover current liabilities with cash generated from operations.

A higher ratio indicates stronger liquidity and better short-term financial health.

Calculated by dividing operating cash flow by current liabilities.

Quick Answers to Curious Questions

It shows whether the company has enough cash from operations to cover short-term liabilities, indicating liquidity strength.

A low ratio suggests that the company may struggle to meet its current obligations using cash from operations.

Better operational efficiency can increase cash flow, improving the company’s ability to cover liabilities and boosting the ratio.
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