Accounting Ratio
An accounting ratio is a financial metric used to evaluate the performance, efficiency, and financial health of a company by comparing two related figures from the financial statements. These ratios provide insights into various aspects of a company’s operations, including profitability, liquidity, solvency, and efficiency. Accounting ratios are essential tools for investors, analysts, and management to make informed decisions about a company’s financial status. Common accounting ratios include the current ratio (liquidity), return on equity (profitability), debt-to-equity ratio (solvency), and inventory turnover ratio (efficiency).
Example
The debt-to-equity ratio is an accounting ratio that compares a company’s total liabilities to its shareholders’ equity, indicating how much debt the company is using to finance its operations relative to its equity.
Key points
• Used to evaluate a company’s financial performance and health.
• Compares related figures from financial statements.
• Includes various types like liquidity, profitability, and solvency ratios.