The ratio of current assets less inventories to total current liabilities. This ratio is the most stringent measure of how well the company is covering its short-term obligations, since the ratio only considers that part of current assets which can be turned into cash immediately (thus the exclusion of inventories). The ratio tells creditors how much of the company's short term debt can be met by selling all the company's liquid assets at very short notice. also called acid-test ratio.

Copyright©2009 by InvestorWords.com. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Reproduction of all or part of this glossary and/or this page, in any format, without written consent is prohibited. If you have questions about this dictionary please feel free to contact us feedback\@\investorguide.com