What does a working capital ratio result of less than 1 indicate about a business?

A working capital ratio of less than 1 indicates that a business has more current liabilities than current assets. This means that the business does not have enough short-term assets to cover its short-term obligations. As a result, it suggests that the business may struggle to repay its short-term debts when they come due. A ratio below 1 can signal potential liquidity issues, where the company might need to rely on external financing or may even face insolvency if it cannot manage to convert its current assets into cash quickly enough.

In contrast, a ratio of 1 or higher would suggest that the business has sufficient current assets to settle its current liabilities, indicating better financial health in terms of liquidity. Consequently, the implication of a ratio of less than 1 is particularly concerning and serves as a red flag for creditors and investors regarding the business's ability to meet its short-term financial commitments.