IB Business Management SL 3.5.3 Liquidity ratios Question Bank
Practise IB Business Management SL/HL 3.5.3 by applying liquidity ratios concepts to exam-style questions.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2024
- Course
- Business management SL
- Level
- SL
Practise IB Business Management SL/HL 3.5.3 by applying liquidity ratios concepts to exam-style questions.
LuxEclairage (LE)
LuxEclairage (LE) was founded by Maurice Dahman, an Electrical Engineer from Algeria. He has a degree in electrical engineering and is fluent in French. In 2007, after 12 years working for a large lighting business in Luxembourg, Maurice established LE. His business produces energy-efficient parts for various indoor and outdoor lighting.
L E has a unique selling point (USP): the lowest price in the market. Although most sales are in Europe, all production is in Algeria, where costs are much lower. As a result, growth in sales revenue has been rapid and significant, and L E has gained market share each year.
Selected financial information for L E (all figures in €m):

With the rapid growth in sales revenue since it was first established, L E has experienced some diseconomies of scale, especially in the administration of the business. Production occurs in 12 small factories located around the city of Algiers, rather than in one large factory. Coordination between factories and the administrative offices is, therefore, complicated, and the internet is sometimes unavailable. Whereas French is the language used by managers and customers of L E, the workers generally speak only basic French and prefer to speak Arabic. In addition, patterns of non-verbal communication differ widely between Europe and Algeria.
Calculate for L E :
the current ratio for 2009 and 2013.
€1.94 m€5.74 m=2.96. Current ratio for 2009: 2.96
€11.0 m€15.52 m=1.41. Current ratio for 2013: 1.41
Award [1 mark] for the correct answer for 2009 and [1 mark] for the correct answer for 2013. Award a maximum of [2 marks].
the acid test (quick) ratio for 2009 and 2013.
€1.94 m(€5.74 m−€0.94 m)=2.47. Acid test ratio for 2009: 2.47
€11.0 m(€15.52 m−€4.32 m)=1.02. Acid test ratio for 2013: 1.02
Award [1 mark] for the correct answer for 2009 and [1 mark] for the correct answer for 2013. Award a maximum of [2 marks].
Comment on the decline in liquidity at L E.
Comment on the decline in liquidity at LE.
Between 2009 and 2013, liquidity declined at L E : the current ratio fell from 2.96 to 1.41 and the acid test ratio from 2.47 to 1.02 . Based upon the information provided, the main cause of the decrease in liquidity was the slower turnover of stock (stock turnover in days increased from 29.83 days in 2009 to 45.05 days in 2013). The probable cause of the increase in stock turnover was certain inefficiencies that resulted from growth because the firm did not have one large manufacturing facility but rather had numerous small facilities scattered around Algiers. Whereas L E 's liquidity situation at present is not a crisis, the trend is worrisome and, if it continues, L E will have genuine liquidity problems.
Award [1 mark] if the candidate comments on the decline in liquidity such that their comment conveys some understanding of liquidity.
Award [2 marks] if the candidate (1) comments that liquidity at L E is worsening and (2) supports the response with some numerate details and/or addresses that the liquidity situation is adequate and not yet a genuine problem (though soon will be).
Award [3 marks] if, in addition to the above, the candidate specifically links the decrease in liquidity to the slower stock turnover or the diseconomies of scale that have resulted from rapid growth, or makes some other relevant important and insightful comment.
Maximum award: [3 marks].