Days cash on hand is a liquidity ratio that estimates the number of days a company can cover its operating expenses with its available cash. The calculation involves dividing a company’s cash and cash equivalents by its daily operating expenses. Daily operating expenses are derived by taking total operating expenses and subtracting non-cash expenses, such as depreciation and amortization, and then dividing the result by the number of days in the period, typically 365. For example, if a company has $500,000 in cash and its daily operating expenses are $10,000, the days cash on hand would be 50 days ($500,000 / $10,000).
This metric is significant as it provides a snapshot of a company’s short-term financial health and its ability to meet its immediate obligations. A higher number generally indicates a stronger liquidity position, signaling the company’s capacity to weather short-term financial difficulties or take advantage of unexpected opportunities. Historically, businesses have monitored this ratio to ensure they maintain sufficient liquid assets to continue operations during periods of reduced revenue or increased costs. It is a crucial indicator scrutinized by investors, creditors, and management alike when assessing financial risk.
