What is Current Ratio Analysis? (2024)

Current Ratio Analysis

Current ratio analysis is the process of using the current ratio to evaluate a company’s ability to cover its short-term liabilities with its short-term assets. The current ratio is calculated as follows:

\(\text{Current Ratio} = \frac{\text{Current Assets}}{\text{Current Liabilities}} \)

The result of this calculation gives a measure of the company’s liquidity, or its ability to pay its debts as they come due. Here’s how to interpret the current ratio:

1. A current ratio of 1 or more: This means that a company has at least as much in current assets as it does in current liabilities. This is generally a good sign, as it indicates that the company should be able to cover its short-term obligations.
2. A current ratio of less than 1: This is a potential red flag, as it suggests that the company does not have enough current assets to cover its current liabilities. This could indicate a liquidity problem, especially if the company runs into unexpected challenges or expenses.
3. A very high current ratio: This might seem good at first, as it suggests a strong liquidity position. However, it could also indicate that the company is not using its assets efficiently to generate profits.

In the analysis, it’s also important to compare the company’s current ratio with those of other companies in the same industry, as different industries have different standards of liquidity. In addition, it’s helpful to look at how the company’s current ratio has changed over time to identify any trends or potential issues.

Keep in mind that while the current ratio can provide valuable insights into a company’s short-term financial health, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Other financial ratios and metrics should also be considered for a comprehensive analysis.

Example of Current Ratio Analysis

Let’s illustrate the current ratio analysis with a hypothetical example:

Suppose we have two companies in the same industry, Company A and Company B. Their current assets and liabilities are as follows:

Company A

• Current Assets: $500,000
• Current Liabilities: $400,000

Company B

• Current Assets: $800,000
• Current Liabilities: $900,000

The current ratio for each company would be:

Company A
\(\text{Current Ratio} = \frac{\$500,000}{\$400,000} = 1.25 \)

Company B
\(\text{Current Ratio} = \frac{\$800,000}{\$900,000} = 0.89 \)

Analyzing these ratios, we can see that Company A has a current ratio of 1.25, indicating that it has $1.25 in current assets for every $1.00 in current liabilities. This suggests that Company A should be able to meet its short-term obligations.

On the other hand, Company B has a current ratio of 0.89, indicating that it only has $0.89 in current assets for every $1.00 in current liabilities. This suggests that Company B could struggle to meet its short-term obligations, and might face liquidity issues if it doesn’t increase its current assets or decrease its current liabilities.

However, while these ratios can provide useful insights, they are just one part of the overall financial picture. The companies’ profitability, debt levels, cash flows, and other financial metrics should also be considered. In addition, it would be helpful to compare these current ratios with industry averages and with the companies’ historical current ratios to better understand their financial health and trends over time.