Which of the following is NOT a component of quick assets?

Quick assets are a critical concept in financial analysis, particularly in evaluating a company's liquidity. They are those assets that can be quickly converted into cash to meet short-term liabilities. The primary components of quick assets include cash, marketable securities, and receivables.

Cash is the most liquid asset, readily available for use in operations or to settle debts. Marketable securities, which include stocks and bonds that can be easily sold on the market, also provide quick access to cash. Receivables represent money owed to the company from customers and can typically be converted into cash within a short period, often within a few months.

Inventory, on the other hand, is not classified as a quick asset because it may not be as readily converted into cash as the other components. Converting inventory into cash involves additional steps, such as selling the inventory, which can take time and may not guarantee immediate liquidity. Therefore, since inventory does not meet the criteria of being quickly liquidated, it is correctly identified as not being a component of quick assets.