Matthew Poiset - Effective Ways to Calculate Liquid Assets

EFFECTIVE WAYS TO CALCULATE LIQUID ASSETS

Introduction 

Illiquid markets are characterized in informal discussion as markets in which transactions can be completed only with a delay. By this it is meant that optimal behavior by buyers and sellers is inconsistent with immediate completion of transactions; immediate completion of transactions in illiquid markets either is impossible or isattainable only on disadvantageous terms.

What is Liquid Assets? 

A liquid asset is an asset that can be converted into cash quickly, with minimal impact to the price received in the open market. The foreign exchange market is deemed to be the most liquid market in the world because trillions of dollars exchange hands each day.

Features of Liquid Asset 

Buyers and sellers exist so the market price of the asset cannot be manipulated or easily changed. A company must have the ability to transfer ownership of the asset quickly and easily for full market price. If a discount is applied to the selling price, the asset is considered to be illiquid.

Liquidity Ratios 

A company's ability to pay debt obligations and its margin of safety through the calculation of metrics including the current ratio, quick ratio and operating cash flow ratio.

Tips to Calculate Liquid Assets    

Cash and Cash Equivalents Accounts Receivable Securities and Bonds Personal Liquid Assets

Cash and Cash Equivalents 

These include checking accounts, money market accounts, savings accounts and treasury bills. To begin calculating liquid assets, add the value of all cash and cash equivalents using the current fair market value.

Accounts Receivable 

Accounts receivable are amounts due to the company from customers. Use an aging schedule to determine which receivables are due within a month. Since liquid assets represent only assets that the business can quickly convert to cash, accounts receivable should be counted net of any allowance for doubtful accounts.

Securities and Bonds 

Securities and bonds that are actively traded are also liquid assets. Add the value of all actively traded investments using the current trading price. If you're making the calculation mid-month and you're not sure of the current value of your portfolio, contact your bank or log on to your online account to find the current value.

Personal Liquid Assets 

Liquid personal assets is the same as it is for liquid business assets: assets that you can quickly and easily convert into cash without losing value. For individuals, the most common liquid assets are cash, checking accounts, savings accounts, CDs, cash value of life insurance, stocks, bonds and mutual fund shares.

Importance of Liquid Assets 

While reporting liquid or illiquid assets is not required for external purposes, management and some external entities such as banks or financial institutions find liquid asset totals useful in loan preparations. In addition, emergency funds are typically held in liquid assets for ease of access.

Who I Am? 

Matthew Poiset is a is a Senior Vice President at Tradition NA who offers the various asset management and trading desk services to credit derivatives and structured credit.