Accountancy Ratios
Here are short notes and formulas for major accountancy ratios, categorized by type:
1. Profitability Ratios
Measure a company’s ability to generate profit.
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Gross Profit Margin
Indicates profit after direct costs (COGS). -
Net Profit Margin
Shows overall profitability after all expenses. -
Return on Capital Employed (ROCE)
Measures efficiency in using capital (Capital Employed = Equity + Debt).
2. Liquidity Ratios
Assess short-term financial health.
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Current Ratio
Ideal: 2:1. Tests ability to cover short-term debts. -
Quick (Acid-Test) Ratio
Stricter measure (excludes inventory). Ideal: 1:1.
3. Efficiency Ratios
Evaluate operational effectiveness.
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Inventory Turnover
Higher = better inventory management. -
Receivables Days
Measures how quickly customers pay. -
Payables Days
Shows how quickly a company pays suppliers.
4. Gearing (Leverage) Ratios
Measure financial risk and debt reliance.
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Debt-to-Equity Ratio
High ratio = higher financial risk. -
Interest Cover
Ability to pay interest from profits (Ideal: >3x).
5. Investment Ratios
For shareholder returns.
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Earnings Per Share (EPS)
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Price-to-Earnings (P/E) Ratio
Higher P/E = growth expectations. -
Dividend Yield
Key Notes:
- Profitability → Focus on margins and returns.
- Liquidity → Short-term solvency.
- Efficiency → Asset/utilization management.
- Gearing → Debt vs. equity structure.
- Investment → Shareholder value metrics.
These ratios help analyze financial statements for decision-making. Adjust formulas based on context (e.g., using EBITDA instead of EBIT).
Would you like a deeper dive into any specific ratio?