Ratio Analysis: How it Helps Determine A Company’s Financial Health

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Determining the financial health of your business depends on several aspects. One of them is ratio analysis which draws a clear comparison of line items in the financial statements of a business. Ratio analysis is a powerful tool for financial analysis. The report indicates the health of the business using the defined formula. The higher / lower ratio indicates good /poor liquidity position of the business. This report is not just useful for the stakeholders outside of a firm who do not have direct access to other crucial financial statements like balance sheet, profit and loss statement, etc, but also for internal management. Ratio analysis report permits the stakeholder of an entity to make better sense of the accounts and better understanding of the current fiscal scenario.

Objective of Ratio Analysis

While ratio analysis helps a business owner understand the overall financial health of his company, it also becomes a vital tool for financial management. With a clear understanding of the company’s finances, an entrepreneur can easily take crucial business decisions which would impact his company’s growth and profitability. Here are some of the most crucial objectives of ratio analysis report:

Profitability measurement

Profit is always the ultimate motive behind running a business. If a company is selling goods on a large scale, that does not necessarily mean that it’s making profits. The crucial part is drawing a comparison of two numbers with respect to each other and calculate the net profit. Ratio analysis also helps a company in determining the use of its assets and how these assets are incurring profits. To measure profitability, you must get adequate information on Gross Profit Ratios, Net Profit Ratio, Expense ratio etc which measure the profitability of a firm. The management can use such ratios to find out problem areas and improve upon them.

Evaluation of Operational Efficiency

Certain ratios highlight the degree of efficiency of a company in the management of its assets and other resources. It is crucial that assets and financial resources be allocated and used efficiently to avoid unnecessary expenses and prevent cash blockages. Turnover Ratios will point out any mismanagement of assets. A single ratio may sometimes give some information, but to make a comprehensive analysis, a set of inter-related ratios are required to be analysed and that’s exactly what ratio analysis does.

Ensure Suitable Liquidity

Every firm must ensure that some of its assets are liquid, in case of emergencies when cash is required. Thus, the liquidity of a firm is measured by ratios such as Current Ratio and Quick Ratio. These help a firm maintain the required level of short-term solvency.

Determine Long-Term Solvency

There are some ratios that help determine the firm’s long-term solvency. They help determine if there is a strain on the assets of a firm or if the firm is highly in debt. The management will need to immediately address and rectify the situation to avoid liquidation in the future.

Working Capital Ratios

Like the Liquidity ratios, it also analyses if the company can pay off the current debts or liabilities using the current assets. This ratio is crucial for the creditors to establish the liquidity of a company, and how quickly a company converts its assets to bring in cash for resolving the debts.

With Tally.ERP’s Ratio Analysis report you can get a clear picture between the principal groups and key figures in detail instantly without any added efforts. From determining the efficiency ratio to sundry debtors and sundry creditors to the inventory turnover, get information about all the crucial aspects which impact the financial health of a business in a single shot. Another important lever which regulates regular cashflow in your business, payment performance of debtors is also detailed out in ratio analysis. Both the receivable turnover in days and the customer’s actual payment performance is displayed in the report which helps you take appropriate decision to avoid blockage of cash. To get a better understanding of how ratio analysis will help you get a clear picture of your company’s finances, take a free trial now.

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