Acuity Brands Inc (AYI)

Quick ratio

Aug 31, 2023 Aug 31, 2022 Aug 31, 2021 Aug 31, 2020 Aug 31, 2019
Cash US$ in thousands 397,900 223,200 491,300 560,700 461,000
Short-term investments US$ in thousands
Receivables US$ in thousands 555,300 665,900 571,800 500,300 561,000
Total current liabilities US$ in thousands 595,400 733,600 692,200 617,600 596,100
Quick ratio 1.60 1.21 1.54 1.72 1.71

August 31, 2023 calculation

Quick ratio = (Cash + Short-term investments + Receivables) ÷ Total current liabilities
= ($397,900K + $—K + $555,300K) ÷ $595,400K
= 1.60

The quick ratio, also known as the acid-test ratio, measures a company's ability to meet its short-term obligations using its most liquid assets. A quick ratio of 1 indicates that a company's current assets are equal to its current liabilities, providing a margin of safety in meeting short-term obligations.

Analyzing Acuity Brands, Inc.'s quick ratio over the past five years, it is evident that the company has maintained a consistently strong position in terms of short-term liquidity. With a quick ratio of 1.72 as of August 31, 2023, the company's ability to cover its current liabilities using its quick assets remains robust, demonstrating a healthy financial position in the short term. When compared to the previous years, the quick ratio has fluctuated slightly, but has generally remained above 1, indicating prudent management of short-term liquidity.

The upward trend between 2020 and 2021, followed by a slight decline in 2022, could indicate changes in the nature of current assets and liabilities relative to the company's operations. Nevertheless, the quick ratio remains at a level that suggests Acuity Brands, Inc. has ample liquid assets to cover its short-term liabilities, providing investors and creditors with confidence in the company's ability to manage its short-term financial obligations effectively.

Overall, the quick ratio trend for Acuity Brands, Inc. reflects a consistent commitment to maintaining a strong liquidity position, which is favorable for the company's financial stability and operational flexibility.


Peer comparison

Aug 31, 2023

Company name
Symbol
Quick ratio
Acuity Brands Inc
AYI
1.60
AZZ Incorporated
AZZ
0.83