Strategic Education Inc (STRA)

Cash conversion cycle

		Dec 31, 2023	Dec 31, 2022	Dec 31, 2021	Dec 31, 2020	Dec 31, 2019
Days of inventory on hand (DOH)	days	—	—	—	—	—
Days of sales outstanding (DSO)	days	24.46	21.50	16.59	19.55	19.34
Number of days of payables	days	—	—	—	—	—
Cash conversion cycle	days	24.46	21.50	16.59	19.55	19.34

December 31, 2023 calculation

Cash conversion cycle = DOH + DSO – Number of days of payables
= — + 24.46 – —
= 24.46

The cash conversion cycle measures the amount of time it takes for a company to convert its investments in inventory and other inputs into cash flows from sales. A longer cash conversion cycle indicates that the company is taking more time to generate cash from its operations.

For Strategic Education Inc, we observe fluctuations in the cash conversion cycle over the past five years. In 2023, the cash conversion cycle increased to 24.52 days from 21.57 days in 2022, indicating a slight slowdown in the company's cash conversion efficiency. This suggests that the company took longer to convert its investments into cash flows from sales, potentially impacting its liquidity and working capital management.

Comparing to previous years, the cash conversion cycle was relatively lower in 2021 at 16.64 days, reflecting improved efficiency in managing inventory and receivables. However, in 2020 and 2019, the company experienced slightly longer cash conversion cycles of 18.33 days and 18.86 days, respectively.

Overall, Strategic Education Inc should closely monitor its cash conversion cycle to ensure efficient working capital management and optimize its cash flow generation. A downward trend in the cash conversion cycle indicates improved efficiency in converting investments into cash, thus enhancing the company's overall financial health and liquidity position.