Liquiditätsgrade

Liquiditätsgrade, also known as liquidity ratios, are financial metrics used to assess a company's ability to meet its short-term obligations. They measure the relationship between a company's liquid assets and its short-term liabilities.

The most common liquidity ratios are the current ratio, the quick ratio, and the cash ratio. The current ratio (also known as the working capital ratio) is calculated by dividing current assets by current liabilities. It indicates a company's ability to pay off its short-term liabilities with all its current assets. A ratio above 1 generally suggests a healthy liquidity position.

The quick ratio (or acid-test ratio) is similar to the current ratio but excludes less liquid current assets, typically inventory, from the numerator. This is calculated by dividing (current assets - inventory) by current liabilities. It provides a more stringent measure of a company's ability to meet its immediate obligations without relying on the sale of inventory.

The cash ratio is the most conservative liquidity ratio. It is calculated by dividing cash and cash equivalents by current liabilities. This ratio shows a company's ability to pay off its short-term debts solely with its most liquid assets.

Analyzing these ratios over time and comparing them to industry benchmarks can provide valuable insights into a company's financial health and its ability to manage short-term financial risks. A consistently low liquidity ratio may signal potential difficulties in meeting upcoming payments, while a very high ratio could indicate inefficient use of assets.