Consolidated Communications (CNSL)

Cash ratio

		Dec 31, 2023	Sep 30, 2023	Jun 30, 2023	Mar 31, 2023	Dec 31, 2022	Sep 30, 2022	Jun 30, 2022	Mar 31, 2022	Dec 31, 2021	Sep 30, 2021	Jun 30, 2021	Mar 31, 2021	Dec 31, 2020	Sep 30, 2020	Jun 30, 2020	Mar 31, 2020	Dec 31, 2019	Sep 30, 2019	Jun 30, 2019	Mar 31, 2019
Cash and cash equivalents	US$ in thousands	4,765	89,617	202,578	247,877	325,852	462,049	18,019	74,171	99,635	98,682	199,314	325,142	155,561	99,719	45,876	14,139	12,395	6,178	10,450	6,724
Short-term investments	US$ in thousands	—	—	1,039	87,951	87,951	6,148	25,005	85,767	110,801	154,963	89,967	110,801	111,665	111,555	—	—	—	—	—	—
Total current liabilities	US$ in thousands	317,245	318,121	316,029	318,673	266,904	303,528	296,501	302,423	285,545	321,074	275,432	274,724	270,470	263,127	224,757	237,674	244,296	258,381	264,111	285,028
Cash ratio		0.02	0.28	0.64	1.05	1.55	1.54	0.15	0.53	0.74	0.79	1.05	1.59	0.99	0.80	0.20	0.06	0.05	0.02	0.04	0.02

December 31, 2023 calculation

Cash ratio = (Cash and cash equivalents + Short-term investments) ÷ Total current liabilities
= ($4,765K + $—K) ÷ $317,245K
= 0.02

Consolidated Communications Holdings Inc's cash ratio has displayed considerable variability over the past eight quarters. In Q4 2023, the cash ratio dropped to 0.19, indicating that the company had $0.19 in cash and cash equivalents for every dollar of current liabilities. This marked a significant decline from the previous quarter's ratio of 0.44.

The trend over the last few quarters shows a generally declining pattern in the cash ratio, reaching its lowest point in Q4 2023. This could suggest potential liquidity challenges for the company in meeting its short-term obligations with its available cash resources.

It is important for stakeholders to closely monitor the company's cash management practices and liquidity position to ensure it can effectively manage its financial obligations going forward.