CCC — Cash Conversion Cycle
Definition: The number of days between paying suppliers and collecting from customers (DIO + DSO − DPO). A negative CCC means customers fund your operations — the ultimate working-capital flex.
Example
Amazon famously runs a negative CCC: it collects from buyers before it pays suppliers.
When you'll hear it
CCC shows up most often in board meetings, quarterly business reviews, and strategy off-sites. When someone uses it, they're usually referring to cash conversion cycle — and they expect the room to already know what that means.
FAQs
What does CCC stand for?
CCC stands for Cash Conversion Cycle.
What does CCC mean in business and finance?
The number of days between paying suppliers and collecting from customers (DIO + DSO − DPO). A negative CCC means customers fund your operations — the ultimate working-capital flex.
Where will I hear CCC used at work?
CCC comes up most often in board meetings, quarterly business reviews, and strategy off-sites. It's used as shorthand for cash conversion cycle, so people assume you already know the term.