Solvency Ratio vs. Liquidity Ratios

Solvency Ratio vs. Liquidity Ratios: An Overview

Liquidity ratios and the solvency ratio are tools investors use to make investment decisions. Liquidity ratios measure a company’s ability to convert its assets into cash. On the other hand, the solvency ratio measures a company’s ability to meet its financial obligations.

The solvency ratio includes financial obligations in both the long and short term, whereas liquidity ratios focus more on a company’s short-term debt obligations and current assets.

Solvency Ratio

The solvency ratio is a comprehensive measure of solvency, as it measures a firm’s actual cash flow—rather than net income—to assess the company’s capacity to stay afloat.

It measures this cash flow capacity in relation to all liabilities, rather than only short-term debt. This way, the solvency ratio assesses a company’s long-term health by evaluating its repayment ability for its long-term debt and the interest on that debt.

Liquidity Ratios

Liquidity ratios gauge a company’s ability to pay off its short-term debt obligations and convert its assets to cash. It is important that a company has the ability to convert its short-term assets into cash so it can meet its short-term debt obligations. A healthy liquidity ratio is also essential when the company wants to purchase additional assets.

For example, internal analysis regarding liquidity ratios involves using multiple accounting periods that are reported using the same accounting methods. Comparing previous time periods to current operations allows analysts to track changes in the business. In general, a higher liquidity ratio shows a company is more liquid and has better coverage of outstanding debts.

One common liquidity ratio is the current ratio. The current ratio measures a company’s ability to meet its short-term debt obligations. It is calculated by dividing its current assets by its current liabilities. Generally, a higher current ratio indicates that the company is capable of paying off all of its short-term debt obligations. Another common liquidity ratio is known as the quick ratio. It measures a company’s ability to meet its short-term obligations with its most liquid assets and therefore excludes inventories from its current assets. It is also known as the “acid-test ratio”

Liquidity ratio analysis may not be as effective when looking across industries as various businesses require different financing structures. Liquidity ratio analysis is also less effective for comparing businesses of different sizes in different geographical locations.