Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)

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	253,000	324,000	567,000	624,000	409,000	453,000	428,000	853,000	341,000	548,000	367,000	379,000	259,000	308,000	341,000	1,450,000	311,000	379,000	336,000	377,000
Short-term investments	US$ in thousands	—	-9,245,000	-9,565,000	93,000	—	188,000	297,000	—	2,000	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Total current liabilities	US$ in thousands	17,283,000	17,160,000	17,375,000	16,015,000	18,873,000	16,912,000	16,544,000	15,425,000	15,931,000	15,556,000	16,211,000	17,333,000	16,305,000	16,693,000	16,690,000	15,170,000	14,752,000	13,390,000	13,447,000	12,282,000
Cash ratio		0.01	-0.52	-0.52	0.04	0.02	0.04	0.04	0.06	0.02	0.04	0.02	0.02	0.02	0.02	0.02	0.10	0.02	0.03	0.02	0.03

December 31, 2023 calculation

Cash ratio = (Cash and cash equivalents + Short-term investments) ÷ Total current liabilities
= ($253,000K + $—K) ÷ $17,283,000K
= 0.01

The cash ratio for Duke Energy Corp. has shown some fluctuation over the past eight quarters, ranging from a low of 0.25 in Q4 2023 to a high of 0.31 in Q3 2022. The cash ratio measures a company's ability to cover its short-term liabilities with its available cash and cash equivalents.

The decreasing trend in the cash ratio from Q3 2022 to Q4 2023 may indicate that Duke Energy Corp. could be facing challenges in maintaining sufficient cash reserves to meet its short-term obligations. A lower cash ratio could suggest potential liquidity issues that may hinder the company's ability to pay off its current liabilities in a timely manner.

However, it is important to consider other financial metrics and factors when assessing Duke Energy Corp.'s financial health comprehensively. Further analysis of the company's cash flow statement and overall liquidity position would provide more insights into its ability to manage its financial obligations effectively.