FORMULA

Current Assets /Current Liabilities

MEASURE WHAT

Measure the ability of the company to meet short term obligations namely paying the current liabilities like accounts payable and others. A test of solvency / a test of short-term financial strength

SCORE OR VALUE

Normally, the higher the ratio, the better it is

2:1 : means that every $1 of current liabilities owed by the business, there is available $2 in current assets to meet or repay such liabilities. Normally, 2:1 is a norm but this varies with the different type of industries.

1:1 below average

<1:1 : unsatisfactory

SALIENT POINTS TO NOTE:

    1. This ratio varies with different type of industries. Hence, in some industries, 1.5:1 ratio might still be above average not necessarily 2:1

    2. Closely link to the cash operating cycle of business. As this ratio is all about current assets and liabilities it is actually the component in the working capital cycle of a business. Hence, tracing the trend is very important to understand whether the company is doing well in its management of its working capital cycle. A better working capital management makes the ratio to fall with less fund tied up in current assets like accounts receivables. Too high a current asset ratio like say 3:1 will means that the company is having a poor working capital management

      3.Be awared that seasonal factors can affects this ratio for example at certain period of time, accounts receivable or inventory level might be at a lowest level in a particular type of industries.