Current assets are assets that are expected to be converted into cash or used up within one year or one operating cycle, whichever is longer. They are listed on a company's balance sheet and are important for assessing a company's liquidity and short-term financial health. Examples of current assets include:
1. Cash and Cash Equivalents: This includes physical cash, bank deposits, and highly liquid investments that can be easily converted into cash, such as money market funds.
2. Marketable Securities: These are short-term investments that can be easily bought or sold, such as stocks, bonds, or treasury bills.
3. Accounts Receivable: This represents the amount of money owed to a company by its customers for goods or services provided on credit. It is a claim that the company expects to convert into cash within a short period.
4. Inventory: This includes raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods that a company holds for sale or use in its production process.
5. Prepaid Expenses: These are expenses paid in advance, such as insurance premiums or rent, which will be used or consumed within the next year.
6. Short-term Investments: These are investments that are expected to be converted into cash within a year, such as certificates of deposit or government bonds.
7. Supplies: These are materials or goods that a company uses in its day-to-day operations, such as office supplies or maintenance supplies.
It is important to note that the specific current assets a company has may vary depending on its industry, business model, and accounting practices.