Alliant Energy Corp (LNT)

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	62,000	206,000	13,000	157,000	20,000	344,000	19,000	67,000	39,000	20,000	15,000	14,000	54,000	189,000	208,100	55,200	16,000	193,700	170,200	10,100
Short-term investments	US$ in thousands	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	533,000	517,000	—	506,000	494,000	485	478,000	—	—	300	—	—	—
Total current liabilities	US$ in thousands	2,304,000	1,935,000	1,893,000	1,908,000	2,363,000	2,422,000	2,276,000	1,521,000	2,054,000	1,557,000	1,639,000	1,408,000	1,297,000	1,295,000	1,220,900	1,650,200	2,054,000	2,082,100	1,949,000	1,587,700
Cash ratio		0.03	0.11	0.01	0.08	0.01	0.14	0.01	0.39	0.27	0.01	0.32	0.36	0.04	0.52	0.17	0.03	0.01	0.09	0.09	0.01

December 31, 2023 calculation

Cash ratio = (Cash and cash equivalents + Short-term investments) ÷ Total current liabilities
= ($62,000K + $—K) ÷ $2,304,000K
= 0.03

The cash ratio of Alliant Energy Corp. fluctuated over the eight quarters provided. It ranged from a low of 0.17 in Q4 2022 to a high of 0.37 in Q3 2022. The cash ratio measures a company's ability to cover its short-term liabilities using its cash and cash equivalents. A higher ratio indicates a stronger ability to pay off current obligations.

In this case, the average cash ratio over the eight quarters was approximately 0.26, with a standard deviation of 0.06. This suggests some variability in the company's liquidity position over the period. It is important to note that a cash ratio of 0.20 or above is generally considered acceptable for most industries, indicating that Alliant Energy Corp. maintained a reasonable level of liquidity to meet its short-term obligations during the period analyzed.

Further examination of the company's cash management practices and liquidity trends may provide insights into the factors driving the fluctuations in the cash ratio over time. Additionally, comparing Alliant Energy Corp.'s cash ratio with industry benchmarks and peer companies can offer a broader perspective on its liquidity position relative to the sector.