3.11 : Current Liabilities

Current liabilities are short-term obligations that a company must settle within one year, reflecting its liquidity and ability to meet immediate financial commitments. Examples include accounts payable, short-term loans, income taxes payable, and accrued expenses such as unpaid salaries, utility bills, and rent.

For instance, retail companies like Target experience high sales volumes, which lead to frequent inventory purchases and the need to manage short-term obligations. To maintain supply, Target relies on vendor credit and incurs current liabilities such as accounts payable. Target must also account for accrued expenses, such as employee wages, to ensure effective current liabilities management. Effectively managing these liabilities is crucial for maintaining cash flow and ensuring timely payments to suppliers and employees, helping the company meet its financial commitments.

By efficiently managing its inventory, cash flow, and short-term obligations, Target can maintain operational efficiency and financial stability. Handling current liabilities is crucial to the company's sustainability and overall business success.