Answer
Current liabilities are short-term obligations expected to be repaid within one year. They arise from day-to-day operations and are typically settled using current assets like cash.
Solution
It looks like you're outlining key characteristics of **current liabilities** in accounting. Let's break down each statement to ensure clarity and accuracy:
### **1. "Current liabilities will never be repaid"**
**Clarification:**
This statement is **incorrect**. Current liabilities **are expected to be repaid** within a short period, typically within one year or the company's operating cycle, whichever is longer. They represent obligations that the company needs to settle in the near term.
**Examples of Current Liabilities Include:**
- **Accounts Payable:** Money owed to suppliers for goods and services received.
- **Short-Term Loans:** Loans and other borrowings due within one year.
- **Accrued Expenses:** Expenses that have been incurred but not yet paid, such as wages, utilities, and taxes.
- **Deferred Revenue:** Payments received in advance for services or goods to be delivered in the future.
### **2. "Current liabilities always arise from the purchase of current assets and are used up or turned into cash within 12 months"**
**Clarification:**
This statement is **partially correct** but could use some refinement for accuracy.
- **Origin:**
Current liabilities often arise from the **purchase of current assets** or from operational activities. For example, purchasing inventory on credit creates accounts payable, a current liability.
- **Conversion to Cash or Use:**
These liabilities are generally expected to be **settled within 12 months**. This settlement typically involves using current assets (like cash) or generating cash through operations to pay off the obligations.
**Refined Statement:**
"Current liabilities arise from a company's short-term operational activities, such as the purchase of current assets on credit, and are expected to be settled using current assets or through generating cash within a 12-month period."
### **Summary of Current Liabilities Characteristics:**
1. **Short-Term Obligations:** Due within one year or the operating cycle, whichever is longer.
2. **Operational Origin:** Typically arise from day-to-day business operations, such as purchasing inventory or incurring expenses.
3. **Settlement Methods:** Paid off using current assets like cash or by generating sufficient cash flow from operations.
4. **Impact on Liquidity:** Current liabilities are a key component of a company's liquidity measurements, such as the current ratio and working capital.
### **Importance in Financial Analysis:**
Understanding current liabilities is crucial for assessing a company's short-term financial health and liquidity. It helps stakeholders determine whether the company has enough assets to cover its immediate obligations.
### **Common Ratios Involving Current Liabilities:**
- **Current Ratio:** Current Assets / Current Liabilities
Indicates the company's ability to pay off its short-term liabilities with its short-term assets.
- **Quick Ratio (Acid-Test Ratio):** (Current Assets - Inventory) / Current Liabilities
Provides a more stringent measure of liquidity by excluding inventory from assets.
- **Working Capital:** Current Assets - Current Liabilities
Measures the short-term financial health and operational efficiency.
### **Conclusion:**
Current liabilities are **definitely expected to be repaid** within a year and are integral to understanding a company’s short-term financial obligations and liquidity. Ensuring accurate management and reporting of current liabilities is essential for maintaining financial stability and operational efficiency.
Reviewed and approved by the UpStudy tutoring team
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