Ratio analysis is a quantitative tool used in financial analysis to evaluate a company’s performance, efficiency, profitability, and financial health by comparing different items in the financial statements.
| Type | Purpose | Common Ratios |
|---|---|---|
| Liquidity Ratios | Can the firm meet short-term obligations? | Current Ratio, Quick Ratio |
| Profitability Ratios | Is the business earning profits efficiently? | Net Profit Margin, ROE, ROA |
| Leverage Ratios | How much debt is the business using? | Debt-to-Equity, Interest Coverage |
| Efficiency Ratios | How well are resources being used? | Inventory Turnover, Receivables Turnover |
| Market Ratios | How is the business valued in the market? | EPS, P/E Ratio, Market-to-Book Ratio |
To do ratio analysis, we need two key financial statements:
Shows the company's revenues, expenses, and profit or loss over a specific period (usually quarterly or annually).
Income Statement (for the year ended…)
Revenue (Sales)
– Cost of Goods Sold (COGS)
= Gross Profit
– Operating Expenses (e.g., salaries, rent, marketing)
= Operating Profit (EBIT)
– Interest
= Profit Before Tax (PBT)
– Taxes
= Net Profit (or Net Income)
Shows the financial position of a business at a specific point in time. It lists the assets, liabilities, and equity.
Balance Sheet (as on a date)
ASSETS
Current Assets
- Cash
- Accounts Receivable
- Inventory
Non-Current Assets
- Property, Plant & Equipment
- Long-term Investments
TOTAL ASSETS
LIABILITIES
Current Liabilities
- Accounts Payable
- Short-term Debt
Long-term Liabilities
- Long-term Loans
EQUITY
- Share Capital
- Retained Earnings
TOTAL LIABILITIES + EQUITY
📌 Assets = Liabilities + Equity (Accounting Equation)
Ratio analysis is a powerful tool, but it relies on well-prepared income statements and balance sheets. By examining the relationships between items in these statements, businesses and investors can gain deep insights into financial health and performance.
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