CenterPoint Energy Inc (CNP)

Number of days of payables

		Dec 31, 2023	Sep 30, 2023	Jun 30, 2023	Mar 31, 2023	Dec 31, 2022	Sep 30, 2022	Jun 30, 2022	Mar 31, 2022	Dec 31, 2021	Sep 30, 2021	Jun 30, 2021	Mar 31, 2021	Dec 31, 2020	Sep 30, 2020	Jun 30, 2020	Mar 31, 2020	Dec 31, 2019	Sep 30, 2019	Jun 30, 2019	Mar 31, 2019
Payables turnover		0.88	1.19	1.14	1.02	0.71	0.94	0.95	0.94	0.81	1.02	1.15	1.17	1.33	3.43	4.53	5.22	5.50	6.16	5.84	4.51
Number of days of payables	days	413.73	306.71	319.33	356.97	514.58	389.64	385.53	389.43	449.12	359.44	316.89	312.13	274.31	106.55	80.58	69.88	66.39	59.29	62.55	80.84

December 31, 2023 calculation

Number of days of payables = 365 ÷ Payables turnover
= 365 ÷ 0.88
= 413.73

Centerpoint Energy Inc.'s number of days of payables has shown variability over the past eight quarters, ranging from 101.79 days to 159.65 days. In Q4 2023, the company took an average of 154.96 days to pay its suppliers, which is notably higher compared to the previous quarter at 101.79 days. The current level of payables is also higher than the levels observed in Q2 and Q3 of 2023.

It is important to note that a higher number of days of payables could indicate that Centerpoint Energy Inc. is taking longer to settle its outstanding obligations with suppliers. This could be due to various factors such as changes in payment terms, negotiations with vendors, or potential cash flow constraints. As such, closer monitoring of payables management may be warranted to ensure efficient working capital management.