Unifirst Corporation (UNF)

Payables turnover

Aug 26, 2023 Aug 27, 2022 Aug 28, 2021 Aug 29, 2020 Aug 31, 2019
Cost of revenue US$ in thousands 1,481,300 1,306,450 1,141,280 1,164,930 1,139,200
Payables US$ in thousands 92,730 82,131 81,356 64,035 77,918
Payables turnover 15.97 15.91 14.03 18.19 14.62

August 26, 2023 calculation

Payables turnover = Cost of revenue ÷ Payables
= $1,481,300K ÷ $92,730K
= 15.97

The payables turnover ratio measures how efficiently a company manages its payables by comparing the cost of goods sold to average accounts payable over a specific period. A higher payables turnover ratio generally indicates that a company is paying its suppliers more quickly, which can be a positive sign of financial health.

Analyzing the payables turnover for Unifirst Corp over the past five years, we see a fluctuating trend. In 2019, the payables turnover ratio was 14.62, indicating that the company managed to pay its suppliers 14.62 times over the course of the year. This suggests a moderate level of efficiency in managing payables.

The payables turnover ratio then increased significantly to 18.19 in 2020, indicating that Unifirst Corp was able to pay its suppliers at an even faster rate, which could be a positive indicator of improved cash flow and supplier relationships.

However, in 2021, the payables turnover ratio decreased to 14.03, signaling a decrease in the speed of paying suppliers. This could be influenced by various factors such as changes in the company's operations, payment terms negotiation with suppliers, or changes in the industry landscape.

The ratio rebounded in 2022 to 15.91, showing an improvement in paying suppliers more efficiently compared to the previous year. In the most recent financial year, the payables turnover ratio was 15.97, remaining relatively stable and indicating that Unifirst Corp continued to manage its payables at a similar pace as in the prior year, though slightly improved.

In conclusion, Unifirst Corp's payables turnover ratio has generally exhibited a fluctuating but relatively stable trend over the past five years. While there have been some variations, the company has demonstrated the ability to manage its payables efficiently, albeit with some fluctuations from year to year. It would be important to further investigate the specific factors influencing these fluctuations to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the company's payables management.


Peer comparison

Aug 26, 2023

Company name
Symbol
Payables turnover
Unifirst Corporation
UNF
15.97
H&R Block Inc
HRB
Service Corporation International
SCI
Yelp Inc
YELP
78.43