Acid-Test Ratio.

 The acid-test ratio, also known as the quick ratio, is a financial metric that measures a company's ability to meet its short-term financial obligations. The acid-test ratio is a more conservative measure of a company's liquidity than the current ratio, as it excludes inventory and other less liquid assets.

The formula for calculating the acid-test ratio is as follows:

Acid-Test Ratio = (Current Assets - Inventory - Prepaid Expenses) / Current Liabilities

Where:

• Current Assets are assets that can be converted into cash within a year, such as cash, marketable securities, accounts receivable, and inventory.
• Inventory is the value of the company's unsold goods.
• Prepaid Expenses are expenses that have been paid in advance, such as insurance premiums or rent.
• Current Liabilities are the company's short-term financial obligations, such as accounts payable, accrued expenses, and short-term debt.

The acid-test ratio is a more stringent measure of liquidity than the current ratio, as it excludes inventory and prepaid expenses, which may not be easily convertible into cash. A higher acid-test ratio indicates that the company has more liquid assets to meet its short-term obligations, while a lower acid-test ratio suggests that the company may struggle to meet its financial obligations.

The ideal acid-test ratio varies by industry and depends on the nature of the company's operations. Generally, a ratio of 1:1 or higher is considered acceptable, indicating that the company has sufficient liquid assets to cover its short-term obligations. However, this may not always be the case, and it is important to analyze the acid-test ratio in conjunction with other financial metrics and factors, such as the company's historical performance, growth prospects, and capital structure.