Laekohustused

Laekohustused, or "liquidity obligations" in English, refer to a company’s or individual’s financial responsibilities related to maintaining sufficient liquidity—meaning the ability to meet short-term financial obligations without undue strain. These obligations are critical for ensuring operational continuity and financial stability, particularly in scenarios where immediate cash flow is required.

In the context of businesses, laekohustused encompass commitments such as paying salaries, settling supplier invoices, covering operational expenses, and fulfilling debt repayments. These obligations are typically short-term in nature, often due within months rather than years. Failure to meet these obligations can lead to cash flow problems, liquidity crises, or even insolvency. Companies must carefully manage their liquidity to avoid liquidity risk, which arises when cash inflows are insufficient to cover outflows.

For individuals, laekohustused may include regular expenses like rent, utilities, loan repayments, or credit card bills. Maintaining a balance between income and these obligations is essential for personal financial health. Poor management of liquidity obligations can result in late payments, penalties, or damage to creditworthiness.

Liquidity obligations are often monitored through financial ratios such as the current ratio (current assets divided by current liabilities) or the quick ratio (cash and near-cash assets divided by current liabilities). These metrics help assess whether an entity has enough liquid assets to cover its short-term liabilities. Strong liquidity management ensures that obligations are met efficiently, reducing financial stress and supporting long-term sustainability.