Factors Directory

Quantitative Trading Factors

Accrual Ratio

Earnings qualityQuality FactorFundamental factors

factor.formula

The accrual ratio calculation formula is:

in:

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    Represents the net increase in operating current assets, which is the increase in current assets less the increase in cash and cash equivalents. This section reflects the changes in the company's current assets that are generated from operating activities rather than cash transactions.

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    Represents changes in current assets, including inventory, accounts receivable, etc., reflecting the changes in the total current assets generated by the company's operating activities.

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    It represents the net increase in cash and cash equivalents, which is the ending balance of cash and cash equivalents minus the beginning balance, reflecting the actual inflow and outflow of cash and cash equivalents of the company during the reporting period.

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    Represents the net increase in operating current liabilities, which is the increase in current liabilities less the increase in short-term borrowings and taxes payable. This component reflects the change in current liabilities that is caused by the company's operating activities rather than financing and tax activities.

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    Represents changes in current liabilities, including accounts payable, advances received, etc., reflecting changes in the total amount of current liabilities incurred by the company's operating activities.

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    Represents changes in short-term borrowings in current liabilities, reflecting changes in the scale of a company's short-term financing activities and is usually not included in the calculation of accrued earnings.

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    Represents changes in taxes payable, reflecting changes in a company's tax payable and is usually not included in the calculation of accrued earnings.

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    It stands for depreciation and amortization expense, which reflects the company's non-cash expenses and is an important part of accrued earnings. Depreciation and amortization here usually refers to the total amount, not just the depreciation of fixed assets.

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    Represents the average of total assets at the beginning and end of the period and is used as a basis for sizing earnings to make them comparable. Total assets include all assets of the company, such as cash, accounts receivable, fixed assets, intangible assets, etc.

factor.explanation

Companies with high accrual earnings ratios may rely more on non-cash items for their earnings, which makes earnings less sustainable and potentially more prone to earnings manipulation. On the contrary, companies with low accrual earnings ratios rely more on cash flow, and earnings quality and sustainability are often higher. Investors should combine other financial indicators to comprehensively assess a company's profitability and risk level.

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