Classification and Calculation of Ratios

Ratios are an important tool used in financial analysis to evaluate the financial performance of a company. They are used to measure the relationship between different financial variables and help in the interpretation of financial statements.

Ratios can be classified into several categories based on the financial variable that they measure. Some of the commonly used categories are:

Liquidity Ratios: These ratios measure a company’s ability to meet its short-term obligations. Some commonly used liquidity ratios are the current ratio, quick ratio, and cash ratio.

Solvency Ratios: These ratios measure a company’s ability to meet its long-term obligations. The debt-to-equity ratio, interest coverage ratio, and debt service coverage ratio are some of the commonly used solvency ratios.

Profitability Ratios: These ratios measure a company’s ability to generate profits from its operations. The gross profit margin, operating profit margin, and net profit margin are some of the commonly used profitability ratios.

Efficiency Ratios: These ratios measure a company’s ability to use its assets efficiently to generate sales. The inventory turnover ratio, receivables turnover ratio, and asset turnover ratio are some of the commonly used efficiency ratios.

Market Ratios: These ratios measure a company’s market value relative to its financial performance. The price-to-earnings ratio, price-to-sales ratio, and price-to-book ratio are some of the commonly used market ratios.

The calculation of ratios involves using financial data from the company’s financial statements. The formula for each ratio is different and depends on the financial variable being measured. For example, the formula for the current ratio is:

Current Ratio = Current Assets / Current Liabilities

The formula for the debt-to-equity ratio is:

Debt-to-Equity Ratio = Total Debt / Total Equity

It is important to note that financial ratios should be used in conjunction with other financial analysis tools and should not be relied on in isolation. Additionally, the interpretation of ratios depends on the industry and the company’s specific circumstances, and should be done with caution.

Analysis of financial statements is subject to the purpose of analysis and the methodology adopted. This imply that any number of ratios can be evaluated by comparing accounting figures in the financial statements, it is thus very difficult, to give an exhaustive list of accounting ratios. Also in different situations, different analysts may calculate different ratios.