What is Cash Return on Assets (CRA)?
Cash Return on Assets is a financial metric that measures the amount of cash generated by a company’s assets. It is calculated by dividing the cash flow generated by the assets by the total assets employed. In other words, CRA measures how much cash a company generates per dollar invested in assets.
How is Cash Return on Assets (CRA) Calculated?
The formula for Cash Return on Assets (CRA) is:
CRA = Operating Cash Flow / Total Assets
The operating cash flow is the cash generated by the company’s operations during a specified period, usually a year. Total assets refer to the sum of all assets used by the company in its operations. This includes both fixed assets such as buildings and equipment, as well as current assets like cash, accounts receivable, and inventory.
Why is Cash Return on Assets (CRA) Important?
Cash Return on Assets is an important metric because it tells you how effectively a company is using its assets to generate cash. A high CRA indicates that the company is generating a lot of cash relative to the amount invested in assets. This can be an indication of a well-run business, with efficient operations and good profitability. A low CRA, on the other hand, suggests that the company may not be using its assets effectively, or that it may be facing operational challenges.
How to Optimize Cash Return on Assets (CRA)?
There are several strategies that you can use to optimize your Cash Return on Assets.
1. Increase Operating Cash Flow
The first strategy is to increase your operating cash flow. This can be achieved by increasing your revenues, reducing your costs, or both. One way to increase revenues is to expand your customer base or increase your prices. Reducing costs can be achieved by streamlining your operations, negotiating better deals with suppliers, or reducing waste.
2. Decrease Total Assets
The second strategy is to decrease your total assets. This can be achieved by selling off assets that are not generating cash, or by outsourcing non-core functions to reduce the need for assets. For example, you may choose to outsource your IT department rather than maintaining your own in-house IT staff.
3. Optimize Asset Utilization
The third strategy is to optimize the utilization of your assets. This involves making sure that your assets are being used as effectively as possible. For example, you may choose to rent out excess office space to generate additional cash flow. You may also consider leasing or financing your equipment rather than buying it outright, which can reduce your capital expenditures.
4. Invest in High-Cash Generating Assets
The fourth strategy is to invest in assets that generate high levels of cash flow. These may include investments in high-growth industries, or assets that generate consistent cash flow over time. For example, you may choose to invest in rental properties or dividend-paying stocks.
By implementing these strategies, you can optimize your Cash Return on Assets and maximize your returns on investment.
Cash Return on Assets Calculator
Conclusion
Cash Return on Assets is a critical metric for investors looking to optimize their returns on investment. By measuring the cash generated by a company’s assets, you can gain insights into its operational efficiency and profitability.