Ratio Analysis – An Introduction

Ratio Analysis – An Introduction What is Ratio?  The relationship between two variables expressed mathematically is called a ratio. It refers to the systematic use of ratios to interpret the financial statements in terms of  operating performance and financial position of a firm. Some important definitions:  “The relation of one amount, a to another b, expressed as the ratio of a to b”– Kohler “Ratio is the relationship or proportion that one amount bears to another, the first number being the numerator and the later denominator” – H.G.Guthmann  Significance of ratio analysis:  It consolidates and simplifies the accounting information or data It is a clear indicator of an organisation’s efficiency It helps in the evaluation of a firm’s performance by comparing the past and present ratio It aids the management in formulating poilicies, preparing budgets etc., It points out the liquidity position thereby assisting in assessing the short-term obligations and long-term solvency It facilitates inter-firm and intra-firm comparison, the former to understand the position of firm in the market and latter to gauge the performance of different divisions of the firm. Since ratios have the power to speak, they are considered as effective means of communication  A broad classification of ratios:  Pic Courtesy : Financial Ratios CLASSIFICATION BY FUNCTION 1. Solvency  Short-term         Long-term Current ratio      Proprietory ratio Liquid ratio         Debt-Equity ratio 2. Profitability Gross profit ratio Net profit ratio Operating profit ratio Return on Investment ratio 3. Activity ratio Fixed assets turnover ratio Debitors turnover ratio Creditors turnover ratio Stock turnover ratio 4. Leverage  Financial leverage ratio Operating leverage ratio Capital gearing ratio CLASSIFICATION BY STATEMENTS 1. Balance sheet ratios Current ratio Liquid ratio Proprietory ratio Debt-Equity ratio Capital Gearing ratio 2. Profit and Loss Account ratios or Profitability ratios  Gross profit ratio Net profit ratio Operating profit ratio Return on Investment ratio 3. Inter-Statement ratios or Turn-over ratios  Fixed assets turnover ratio Debitors turnover ratio Creditors turnover ratio Stock turnover...