Ratio Analysis

Ratio analysis is an accounting technique used to compare one figure with another figure. For example if the A business is twice as big as the B business we could represent the ratio of the sizes of the two business in the following way: A : B = 2 : 1

Ratios help us to instantly check whether a business is sound, and also to compare ratios over a period in time. Ratios can be used for the following purposes:

1. Examining trends in results over a number of years.

2. Comparing the results of a business with results of other businesses.

3. Comparing the results of the business with the average results of all businesses in that sector.

In business we also use the term ratio to apply to other measures such as calculations e.g. profit figures.

Here are some of the most important ratios used in business:

Profit margin ratios:

Gross profit % = (Gross profit / Sales) x 100%

Operating profit % = (Operating profit / Sales) x 100%

Gearing ratio:

Gearing ratio = (Preference share debt - cash at bank) / Equity

Management ratios:

Return on ordinary shareholders funds = (Net profit before tax / Average Equity) x 100%

Return on capital employed (ROCE) = (Operating profit / Average capital employed) x 100%

Investment ratios:

Earnings yield = (Earnings per share / Share Price) x 100%

Earnings