Question

Define a 'current asset'. Give four examples of such assets.

Answer 1

Current asset of a firm refers to those assets which can be converted into cash or cash equivalents in a short period of time, i.e. less than one year. Such assets are used to facilitate the day to day business operations. As they can be easily converted into cash or cash equivalents, these assets provide liquidity to the company. Firms acquire such assets to meet its various payment obligations. However, such assets provide very little return and are thereby, less profitable. Current assets can be financed through short-term as well as long term sources.

Some of the examples of current assets are short term investment, debtors, stocks and cash equivalents.