Green Plains Renewable Energy Inc (GPRE)

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	349,574	326,701	312,858	354,204	444,661	420,838	508,151	509,195	426,220	589,822	496,932	446,833	233,860	150,407	163,362	194,333	245,977	235,537	193,280	214,068
Short-term investments	US$ in thousands	—	—	—	—	0	24,989	24,966	24,942	124,859	—	—	—	3,994	73,563	—	—	—	—	—	—
Total current liabilities	US$ in thousands	384,962	402,472	513,791	478,839	486,922	420,602	647,574	580,657	471,804	404,304	370,627	421,479	452,556	331,480	324,012	461,201	541,791	483,915	716,756	765,939
Cash ratio		0.91	0.81	0.61	0.74	0.91	1.06	0.82	0.92	1.17	1.46	1.34	1.06	0.53	0.68	0.50	0.42	0.45	0.49	0.27	0.28

December 31, 2023 calculation

Cash ratio = (Cash and cash equivalents + Short-term investments) ÷ Total current liabilities
= ($349,574K + $—K) ÷ $384,962K
= 0.91

The cash ratio of Green Plains Inc has fluctuated over the past 8 quarters, ranging from 0.74 to 1.17. A higher cash ratio indicates that the company has a greater ability to cover its short-term liabilities with cash and cash equivalents.

In Q3 2022, the cash ratio was at its lowest point of 0.74, indicating that the company had a lower level of cash compared to its short-term liabilities. However, in Q2 2022 and Q4 2022, the cash ratio improved to 0.95 and 0.99 respectively.

Q3 2023 saw a slight increase in the cash ratio to 0.91, which may indicate an improvement in the company's ability to cover its short-term obligations with cash. However, this was followed by a decrease in Q4 2023 to 1.02.

Overall, the cash ratio of Green Plains Inc has shown some volatility, with fluctuations in its ability to meet short-term obligations with cash on hand. Further analysis of the company's liquidity position and cash management practices may be necessary to understand the reasons behind these fluctuations.