Business ratios are a set of 22 different analytical formulas used to evaluate the overall value of a business. In general, a sophisticated entrepreneur will utilize no less than a dozen of the ratios to gain an overall understanding of the financial performance of a company.
Another performance ratio used in business is return on equity. It is similar to return on assets except return on equity uses one section of the bottom half of the balance sheet. This section is technical what the owner’s have rights along with the earnings of the business entity. Recall that the balance sheet formula...
Far and above the most valuable liquidity ratio is the operating cash ratio. Unlike the other liquidity ratios that are balance sheet derived, the operating cash ratio is more closely connected to activity (income statement based) ratios than the balance sheet.
Operating profit margin refers to the value earned as a percentage of net sales. The operating profit is often referred to as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, (EBITDA). This is a misleading reference as operating profit is actually defined differently by industry sector. EBITDA is used primarily in valuing businesses.
Within the group of activity ratios, the total assets turnover rate is the broadest in scope. Similar to other activity ratios, it utilizes net sales as the numerator. However the denominator doesn't focus in on a single balance sheet asset group like the working capital turnover or fixed assets turnover rates, it includes all assets.
Debt is a natural part of business. The most volume (number of transactions) of debt occurs with the simple purchase of materials (inventory) or supplies on account. Every business buys on account whether it is a traditional vendor account like that found in retail or simply using a credit card. A third party provides credit …
The fixed asset turnover rate is another activity ratio whereby an income statement financial characteristic is compared to a balance sheet asset section. In this case, comparing adjusted sales against historical cost of fixed assets. This financial business ratio is only effective for business operations that are fixed asset intensive. So with service based industries …
One of the liquidity ratios used in business is the cash ratio. It is a much more effective tool for small business than the traditional current or quick ratio. Although the cash ratio is more difficult to manipulate in small business, most entrepreneurs miscalculate the result. This resource paper is designed to explain to the business entrepreneur …
How does a business investor compare a small railroad line serving only a few states to a large railroad like Union Pacific? Answer: Ratios! Ratios are used in business to compare companies of different sizes within the same industry. The goal is to discover the best investment for return on your stock purchase. Business ratios …
The last of the leverage ratios isn’t really a pure leverage indicator but augments the debt ratio. Debt requires the payment of interest and so an indicator of the ability to pay this interest is needed. This is the interest coverage ratio. It basically identifies how many times earnings can pay the interest required by existing debt. The …
Another leverage ratio used to evaluate the financial integrity of a business is the debt to equity ratio. It is strictly a bottom half balance sheet ratio. Its result explains the relationship of volume of debt and corresponding equity to finance the operations of a business, i.e. the purchase of assets. What is important to understand …
