Olympic Steel Inc (ZEUS)

Cash ratio

Dec 31, 2023 Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2019
Cash and cash equivalents US$ in thousands 13,224 12,189 9,812 5,533 5,742
Short-term investments US$ in thousands
Total current liabilities US$ in thousands 180,237 164,702 224,336 126,725 101,087
Cash ratio 0.07 0.07 0.04 0.04 0.06

December 31, 2023 calculation

Cash ratio = (Cash and cash equivalents + Short-term investments) ÷ Total current liabilities
= ($13,224K + $—K) ÷ $180,237K
= 0.07

The cash ratio of Olympic Steel Inc. has fluctuated over the past five years, ranging from 0.08 to 0.14. The cash ratio measures a company's ability to cover its short-term liabilities with its available cash and cash equivalents. A higher cash ratio indicates a stronger liquidity position, as the company has more cash on hand relative to its short-term obligations.

In 2023, the cash ratio improved to 0.14 from 0.13 in 2022, reflecting an increase in the company's ability to cover its short-term liabilities with cash. This could signify better cash management or a reduction in short-term obligations.

The cash ratio was notably higher in 2019 at 0.13 compared to 0.09 in 2021 and 0.08 in 2020. This suggests that Olympic Steel Inc. had a stronger liquidity position in 2019 relative to the following years.

Overall, analyzing the trend in the cash ratio can provide insights into the company's liquidity management and financial health over time. The fluctuating cash ratio of Olympic Steel Inc. indicates varying levels of liquidity strength and highlights the importance of monitoring cash reserves to meet short-term obligations.


Peer comparison

Dec 31, 2023

Company name
Symbol
Cash ratio
Olympic Steel Inc
ZEUS
0.07
Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co
RS
1.28