Analysis of Bad Debts
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable (bad debts) is a contra account which reduce the balance of the company gross accounts receivable. The relationship between the allowance and the balance in receivables should be relatively constant unless there is a change in the economy overall or a change in customer base.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2014-12-31).
1 2018 Calculation
Allowance as a percentage of accounts receivable, gross = 100 × Allowance for doubtful accounts and authorized credits ÷ Accounts receivable, gross
= 100 × 106 ÷ 818 = 12.96%
| Financial ratio | Description | The company |
|---|---|---|
| Allowance as a percentage of accounts receivable, gross | Allowance for doubtful accounts divided by the gross accounts receivable. | eBay Inc. allowance as a percentage of accounts receivable, gross increased from 2016 to 2017 and from 2017 to 2018. |