Which liquidity metric provides the more severe (conservative) test of a firm's ability to meet short-term obligations without relying on inventory liquidation?

Introduction / Context:
Short-term solvency analysis distinguishes between readily realisable assets and those that may be slower to convert to cash. The quick (acid-test) ratio excludes inventory and prepaids, offering a sterner test than the current ratio of whether a firm could pay its bills soon without asset sales at a discount.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Quick assets = Cash + Cash equivalents + Marketable securities + Net receivables.
• Current liabilities are obligations due within a year.
• Inventory may not be quickly liquid or may require discounts.

Concept / Approach:
The current ratio counts inventory among current assets, potentially overstating near-cash resources. The acid-test ratio removes inventory to reflect a harsher, more conservative liquidity view. Debt ratio and inventory turnover are not liquidity ratios in the strict short-term sense; they address capital structure and efficiency.

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