Regarding short-term solvency assessment, identify the correct statements about liquidity: definition, formula basis (current assets vs. current liabilities), and the use of liquidity ratios to indicate a firm's financial position.
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AThe ability of a company to meet obligations which are likely to mature in the short term is called liquidity.
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BThe liquidity ratio may be defined as a relationship of current liabilities and current assets and advances.
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CThe liquidity ratios are used to indicate the financial position of the firm.
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DAll of these
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ENone of these
Answer
Correct Answer: All of these
Explanation
Introduction / Context:Liquidity reflects a company’s capacity to pay near-term liabilities using near-term assets. In construction, maintaining liquidity is vital due to progress payments, retention, and high payroll obligations. Liquidity ratios translate balance-sheet values into indicators that stakeholders can interpret quickly.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Liquidity is about meeting short-term obligations.
- Ratios relate current assets (and advances) to current liabilities.
- These ratios signal short-term financial position.
Concept / Approach:
Common liquidity ratios include the Current ratio (Current assets / Current liabilities) and the Quick ratio ((Current assets − Inventories) / Current liabilities). Both assist in gauging the safety margin for paying debts due within the operating cycle. Owners, lenders, and sureties rely on these to judge a contractor’s risk profile.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Define liquidity: ability to meet short-term obligations → correct.Formulate liquidity ratios: compare near-cash assets to obligations → correct.Interpretation: ratios indicate financial position and resilience → correct.Therefore, all statements are correct → select 'All of these'.Verification / Alternative check:
Financial statements across industries use these ratios. Construction-specific guidance emphasizes maintaining adequate liquidity to handle delays in receivables and retention release.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- Choosing only one statement ignores the complete picture of definition, measurement, and use.
- 'None of these' is incorrect because the statements are standard finance basics.
Common Pitfalls:
- Overreliance on a single ratio without considering cash flow timing.
- Ignoring the quality of current assets (e.g., aged receivables).
Final Answer:
All of these