(Related to Checkpoint 18.1) (Measuring firm liquidity)The following table contains current asset and current liability balances for Deere and Company (DE):

a.Measure the liquidity of Deere & Co. for each year using the company's net working capital and current ratio.

b.Is the trend in Deere's liquidity improving over this period?

2013 2012 2011 Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 2,100,700 2,134,000 1,740,500 Short-term investments ----- 1,517,100------ Net receivables 3,927,200 3,695,900 3,475,200 Inventory 2,950,400 2,343,400 1,958,300 Total current assets 8,978,300 9,690,400 7,174,000 Current liabilities Accounts payable 6,535,900--3,185,100- 4,744,800 Short-term/current long-term debt 8,416,900 10,224,500 8,239,000 Other current liabilities 0 --- 2,833,100--- 0 Total current liabilities 14,952,800 16,242,700 12,983,800