The following table contains current asset and current liability balances for Deere and Company (DE):

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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?

($ thousands) 2013 2012 2011 Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 2,292,400 2,284,700 1,630,500 Short-term investments 0 1,717,500 0 Net receivables 3,886,300 3,627,300 3,529,600 Inventory 3,083,100 2,215,500 1,804,600 Total current assets 9,261,800 9,845,000 6,964,700 Current liabilities Accounts payable 6,505,200 3,086,200 4,746,200 Short-term/current long-term debt 8,432,400 10,071,000 8,226,500 Other current liabilities 0 2,796,300 0 Total current liabilities 14,937,600 15,953,500 12,972,700