If an individual's current ratio is less than 1.0, what does it signify?

When an individual's current ratio is less than 1.0, it indicates that they do not have enough liquid assets to cover their short-term liabilities. The current ratio is calculated by dividing current assets by current liabilities. A ratio below 1 means that the individual's current liabilities exceed their current assets, which suggests potential financial difficulties.

This condition often signifies that the individual may be facing too much debt relative to their available liquid assets. It raises a red flag regarding their ability to meet immediate financial obligations, such as bills or short-term loans. Being unable to cover current liabilities can lead to cash flow issues and possibly increase the risk of financial distress.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe the implications of having a current ratio below 1.0. For instance, being financially stable would typically correlate with a current ratio of 1.0 or higher, indicating that the individual can meet their liabilities. Similarly, high income alone does not guarantee financial stability if it is accompanied by excessive debt or inadequate liquid asset holdings. Lastly, holding only cash assets is not necessarily relevant here; the critical factor is the relationship between current assets and current liabilities.