Abiomed Inc. (NASDAQ:ABMD)

Current ratio

The current ratio demonstrated relative stability with a general upward trend over the evaluated periods. Starting at 5.95 in June 2017, it experienced minor fluctuations, reaching a low of 4.82 in March 2020, which may indicate a temporary decrease in short-term liquidity. However, it rebounded strongly thereafter, peaking at 7.93 by September 2022, suggesting an increasingly robust ability to cover current liabilities with current assets. This overall increase points to improved liquidity management over time.

Quick ratio

The quick ratio followed a pattern somewhat similar to that of the current ratio but with a somewhat more pronounced dip during early 2020. Beginning at 5.17 in June 2017, it experienced a gradual decline, hitting a low point of 4.0 in March 2020. Thereafter, it exhibited a pronounced recovery, climbing steadily to reach 6.82 by September 2022. This ratio’s movements suggest cautious management of liquid assets, maintaining sufficient quick assets to meet immediate obligations while facing some pressure in early 2020.

Cash ratio

The cash ratio also reflected consistent strength with some variation across periods. Starting at 4.26 in June 2017, it experienced periods of minor decrease with a notable dip to 3.36 in March 2020, aligning with the troughs observed in other liquidity metrics. Following this, the cash ratio showed a recovery trend, increasing to 6.12 by September 2022. This indicates a growing emphasis on retaining cash resources, enhancing the company’s immediate liquidity position over the longer term.

The analysis of the quarterly financial data reveals notable trends in the liquidity position over the observed periods.

Current Assets

Current assets exhibit a consistent upward trend from June 30, 2017, to September 30, 2022. The value rose from approximately $351 million to over $1 billion, indicating a significant increase in the company's liquid and short-term resources. There are periods of rapid growth, particularly between March 31, 2020, and June 30, 2021, where current assets increased sharply.

Current Liabilities

Current liabilities also increased over the same timeframe, from nearly $59 million to approximately $134 million. However, the growth in liabilities appears less pronounced and more variable compared to current assets, with some fluctuations and short-term decreases, for instance between March 31, 2020, and September 30, 2020.

Current Ratio

The current ratio, reflecting short-term liquidity by measuring the ability to cover current liabilities with current assets, remained robust throughout the periods analyzed. Starting at around 5.95, it fluctuated but generally stayed above 5.0, reaching as high as 7.93 by the end of the period. This indicates a strong liquidity position, with current assets significantly exceeding current liabilities consistently. The highest ratios occurred in the later periods, suggesting an improvement in liquidity management or an accumulation of assets relative to liabilities.

In summary, the financial data points to a strengthening liquidity profile over the observed quarters, driven by substantial increases in current assets outpacing growth in current liabilities. The high and increasing current ratio underscores the company’s solid ability to meet its short-term obligations, indicating prudent working capital management and a strong buffer against liquidity risks.

The analysis of the financial data reveals several notable trends over the examined periods.

Total Quick Assets

The total quick assets show a general upward trajectory from mid-2017 through late 2022, increasing from approximately 305 million USD to over 900 million USD. There are some fluctuations within this growth trend, such as a peak around early 2019 followed by a slight dip by the end of 2019 and the first quarter of 2020. However, from mid-2020 onwards, the quick assets notably increase again, reaching the highest recorded values by mid-2022. This signifies growing liquidity and availability of highly liquid assets over the periods observed.

Current Liabilities

Current liabilities have also generally increased, starting from nearly 59 million USD in mid-2017 and rising to around 134 million USD by the end of the period in late 2022. The increase is relatively steady with occasional peaks and modest decreases. For example, there is a substantial rise observed from early to late 2019, followed by a decrease in mid-2020, then another gradual increase towards the end of the dataset. This indicates a growing obligation level, which, while rising, appears managed in relation to asset growth.

Quick Ratio

The quick ratio, which measures the company’s ability to cover current liabilities with its most liquid assets, exhibits values consistently above 4.0 across all periods, indicating strong short-term liquidity. The ratio fluctuates within a range roughly between 4.0 and 6.8, without a persistent upward or downward trend. Notably, there are periods of peaks, such as in mid and late 2018, and again in late 2021 through 2022. Conversely, some dips are evident, particularly in late 2019 and early 2020. The maintained high quick ratios suggest the company consistently sustains a solid liquidity position relative to its immediate liabilities.

In summary, the company has demonstrated an increasing capacity in liquid asset holdings that outpaces the growth in current liabilities, resulting in a stable and robust quick ratio throughout the analyzed timeframe. The fluctuations in liabilities and quick assets appear controlled and reflective of typical operational cycles, with no indications of liquidity stress. This implies prudent financial management and a stable liquidity profile over the observed quarters.

Cash Assets Trend

Total cash assets demonstrated a general upward trend from June 2017 through September 2022. Starting at approximately 251 million USD in mid-2017, cash assets increased steadily with some fluctuations, reaching a peak of around 844 million USD by June 2022 before slightly declining to approximately 820 million USD in September 2022. This overall growth indicates a strengthening liquidity position over the observed period.

Current Liabilities Trend

Current liabilities showed a consistent increase over the period, starting at about 59 million USD in June 2017 and rising steadily to around 134 million USD by September 2022. Although the growth in liabilities is clear, the rate of increase is moderate compared to the accumulation of cash assets, suggesting managed growth of obligations relative to available liquid resources.

Cash Ratio Analysis

The cash ratio, representing the company's ability to cover current liabilities with cash and cash equivalents, generally remained strong and well above 3.0 throughout the period. Initial values around 4.0 to 4.7 indicate substantial cash coverage in earlier years. Despite some fluctuations, the ratio increased notably from 2020 onwards, reaching a high above 6.0 in mid-2022. This trend reflects improving liquidity and an enhanced buffer against short-term obligations, showing a prudent cash management strategy.

Overall Insights

The data reveals a company with solid and growing liquidity, increasingly capable of meeting its short-term obligations comfortably. While current liabilities have grown, they have done so at a slower pace relative to cash assets, as demonstrated by the rising cash ratio. The peak in cash assets in mid-2022 alongside the high cash ratio suggests a cautious approach to maintaining liquidity amidst varying market conditions or operational needs during this timeframe.