Acid-test ratio

The acid-test ratio, also known as the quick ratio, is a financial metric used to evaluate a company’s ability to cover immediate financial obligations without relying on the sale of inventory. The acid-test ratio is calculated using the following formula:

Acid-test ratio = current asset – inventory / current liabilities

Key points about the acid-test ratio:

1. Focus on short-term liquidity: It specifically looks at a company’s ability to meet its short-term obligations without relying on the sale of inventory.
2. Stringent measure: By excluding inventory, the acid-test ratio provides a more conservative measure of a company’s ability to cover its current liabilities.
3. Ideal ratio: A ratio of 1 or higher is generally considered satisfactory. This means that the company has enough liquid assets to cover its current liabilities.
4. Comparison and analysis: It’s important to compare the acid-test ratio with industry benchmarks and the company’s historical performance to get a sense of its financial health.
5. Limitations: While the acid-test ratio provides valuable insights into short-term liquidity, it doesn’t provide a complete picture of a company’s overall financial health.

Overall, the acid-test ratio is a valuable tool for assessing a company’s ability to meet its short-term financial obligations, providing insights into its liquidity position and financial risk.