Solvency Ratio vs. Liquidity Ratios: What's the Difference?

As an investor, you would certainly want to assess a firm’s liquidity ratios as well as its solvency ratios which are important parameters to give a go-ahead for an investment decision.

It is essential for the investors to know whether or not the investment will be beneficial. For a clear understanding, the article will elaborate upon the following points:

  • Definition of Liquidity
  • Definition of Solvency
  • What is Solvency Risk?
  • Comparison between Liquidity and Solvency
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Investing decisions are based on liquidity ratios and solvency ratios. An organization's liquidity ratio measures its ability to translate its assets into cash. In contrast, the solvency ratio determines whether a company is capable of meeting its financial obligations.

Definition of Liquidity

Liquidity in accounting refers to a company's ability to pay its liabilities as due, in a timely manner. An abundance of current assets and cash indicates high liquidity.

The ease with which an asset can be converted into cash quickly and at a minimal discount is also considered while estimating liquidity. A liquid asset is one that has an active market with many buyers and sellers. It is still possible for companies that lack the liquidity to go bankrupt despite being solvent.

Definition of Solvency

The business' long-term financial stability is called solvency. Solvency refers to the total assets being greater than the total liabilities of a company. An assessment of solvency is based on solvency ratios. By measuring these ratios, we can determine if the business can repay its long-term debts and interest.

Solvency Ratio Formula

The formula for the Solvency Ratio is given by:

(Net after-tax income + Non-cash expenses) / (Short-term liabilities + Long-term liabilities)

The steps to calculate the solvency ratio are as follows:

  • Adding all non-cash expenses to the after-tax business income will provide the approximate cash flow generated by the business
  • Then, liabilities for both short- and long-term are added together
  • Total liabilities divided by adjusted net income

What is Solvency Risk?

Despite disposing of its assets, an organization faces the risk of not being able to meet its financial obligations at full value. Insolvent businesses are unable to pay their debts and will be forced to file for bankruptcy. A company's financial statements should be examined thoroughly to ensure the business is solvent and is in a profitable condition.

Comparison between Liquidity and Solvency

The following table gives away the differences between liquidity and solvency:

Factors for Comparison

Liquidity

Solvency

Definition

Liquidity in accounting refers to a company's ability to pay its liabilities as due, in a timely manner. 

The business' long-term financial stability is called solvency. Solvency refers to the total assets being greater than the total liabilities of a company.

Purpose

Provides insight into whether the firm’s current assets can be turned into cash. 

Lack of solvency could be detrimental to a firm’s routine operations.

Obligations

Addresses short-term obligations

Addresses long-term obligations

Risk

Although the risk is low, it can potentially impact the company’s reputation

Risk is high as insolvency could result in the company filing for banruptcy

Functional Challenges

When a firm is unable to convert its assets into cash quickly

When a firm lacks enough number of assets for the repayment of their due bills

Ratios

Current ratio, cash ratio, quick ratio/acid test ratio

Debt-to-equity ratio, interest coverage ratio, debt-to-asset ratio

Basic functionality

Using all the current assets to settle all outstanding debts



To determine a company's ability to meet its debt obligations on time by measuring its financial health

Ratio Analysis

Higher ratios result in better outcomes for the company

High ratio of interest coverage and low ratio of debt-to-equity is indicative of the firm not defaulting on its long term obligations

Impact on Each Other

High solvency can help in achieving liquidity in a short period of time

High liquidity may or may not help in achieving solvency in a short span of time

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Key Takeaways

It is important to grasp the fundamentals of solvency and liquidity and misinformation about either of them could have serious repercussions on business operations.

  • Despite measuring the ability of a company to pay its obligations, they are not interchangeable since both attribute to different ranges and objectives
  • Liquidity in accounting refers to a company's ability to pay its liabilities as due, in a timely manner
  • The business' long-term financial stability is called solvency. Solvency refers to the total assets being greater than the total liabilities of a company
  • Financially troubled companies may have difficulty attracting customers and vendors. Unexpected bankruptcy can happen to a business in certain extreme cases
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