Liquidity Ratios: Current and Quick Ratios

CFA Level I Financial Reporting & Analysis · 3:54

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Lyrics

[Verse 1]
When creditors come knocking at your door
You need to know what cash you have in store
Current assets versus current debt
Will tell you if you're safe or in a threat
Accounts receivable and inventory too
Cash and short-term investments help you through
Divide by liabilities due this year
The current ratio makes it crystal clear

[Chorus]
Current over current, that's the way
Two to one means you're okay
Quick assets when you need them fast
Acid test will make you last
Liquid-ity, liquid-ity
Shows your payment ability
Current quick, don't be sick
Financial health you can predict

[Verse 2]
But inventory might be hard to sell
When cash is needed and time won't tell
So take it out and find the quick
Subtract inventory, that's the trick
Cash plus receivables and short-term stocks
Divided by the debt that really rocks
Your boat when payments can't delay
The acid test shows what you can pay

[Chorus]
Current over current, that's the way
Two to one means you're okay
Quick assets when you need them fast
Acid test will make you last
Liquid-ity, liquid-ity
Shows your payment ability
Current quick, don't be sick
Financial health you can predict

[Bridge]
One point five for current's fine
One point oh for quick's the line
Below these marks you're in the red
Above them keeps your business fed
Working capital tells the tale
Positive means you will not fail

[Verse 3]
Industry standards matter too
What's good for one won't work for two
Seasonal trends can shift the score
Compare to peers and years before
Bankers look at these ratios first
To see if cash flow might get worse
So calculate them every quarter
Keep your liquidity in order

[Chorus]
Current over current, that's the way
Two to one means you're okay
Quick assets when you need them fast
Acid test will make you last
Liquid-ity, liquid-ity
Shows your payment ability
Current quick, don't be sick
Financial health you can predict

[Outro]
When the bills are due tomorrow
Don't let ratios bring you sorrow
Keep them strong and keep them high
Liquidity will never lie

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