Caterpillar Inc (CAT)
Liquidity ratios
| Dec 31, 2023 | Dec 31, 2022 | Dec 31, 2021 | Dec 31, 2020 | Dec 31, 2019 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current ratio | 1.35 | 1.39 | 1.46 | 1.53 | 1.47 |
| Quick ratio | 0.80 | 0.79 | 0.92 | 1.38 | 0.60 |
| Cash ratio | 0.26 | 0.22 | 0.34 | 0.73 | 0.31 |
Based on the data provided, we can analyze Caterpillar Inc.'s liquidity ratios over the past five years.
1. Current Ratio:
The current ratio measures a company's ability to cover its short-term obligations with its current assets. Caterpillar's current ratio has fluctuated slightly over the years, ranging from 0.90 to 0.94. A current ratio below 1.0 may indicate potential difficulties in meeting short-term obligations. While the company's current ratio has been below 1.0, it has remained relatively stable in recent years.
2. Quick Ratio:
The quick ratio, also known as the acid-test ratio, provides a more stringent measure of liquidity by excluding inventory from current assets. Caterpillar's quick ratio has varied between 0.37 and 0.43 over the past five years. A quick ratio below 1.0 suggests that the company may have difficulty meeting its immediate obligations without relying on inventory sales. The company's quick ratio indicates a dependency on inventory to meet short-term liabilities.
3. Cash Ratio:
The cash ratio is the most conservative measure of liquidity, representing the ability of a company to cover its current liabilities with its cash and cash equivalents alone. Caterpillar's cash ratio has ranged from 0.18 to 0.26 during the analyzed period. A cash ratio below 1.0 suggests that the company may have limited cash reserves to meet short-term obligations without relying on other current assets.
Overall, Caterpillar Inc.'s liquidity ratios indicate some challenges in meeting short-term obligations, with the quick and cash ratios consistently below 1.0. It is essential for the company to closely monitor its liquidity position and actively manage its working capital to ensure it can address any short-term liquidity needs as they arise.
See also:
Additional liquidity measure
| Dec 31, 2023 | Dec 31, 2022 | Dec 31, 2021 | Dec 31, 2020 | Dec 31, 2019 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash conversion cycle | days | 176.34 | 176.67 | 184.90 | 212.90 | 104.79 |
The cash conversion cycle of Caterpillar Inc. has shown fluctuations over the past five years. In 2023, the cash conversion cycle increased to 124.57 days from the previous year's 121.31 days. This suggests that Caterpillar took slightly longer to convert its resources into cash during the year. In 2021 and 2022, the cash conversion cycle remained relatively stable around 121 days, indicating efficient management of working capital during those years.
The highest cash conversion cycle was in 2020 at 130.16 days, signifying a longer period for Caterpillar to convert its investments into cash. Conversely, the lowest cash conversion cycle in the provided period was in 2019 at 111.03 days, indicating a more efficient cash management process. Overall, fluctuations in the cash conversion cycle of Caterpillar Inc. reflect changes in its operating efficiency and working capital management over the years.