Ratio and Financial Statement Analysis Essay - 2539 Words

Executive Summary This paper examines financial ratio analysis by defining, the three groups of stakeholders that use financial ratios, the five different kinds of ratios used and their applications, the analytical tools used in analysis, and finally financial ratio analysis limitations and benefits. The paper illustrates that financial ratio analysis is an important tool for firm’s to evaluate their financial health in order to identify areas of weakness so as to institute corrective measures. While financial ratio analysis does contain limitations that include little theory to guide them as well as the use of accounting data based on historical costs that may not reflect a firm’s true economic conditions, it is an excellent tool†¦show more content†¦One is Working capital to total assets ratio that measures a firm’s ability to pay off its short-term liabilities and is calculated by subtracting current liabilities from current assets divided by total assets. The retained earnings to total assets ratio that measures a firm’s use of its total asset base to generate earnings is also used. It is important to note that retained earnings can be easily manipulated distorting the final calculation. The third financial ratio used by the Z score formula is the market value of equity to book value of debt. This is the inverse of the debt to equity ratio, and it shows the amount a firm’s assets can decline in value before liabilities exceed assets. For closely held firms, stockholders’ equity or total assets less total liabilities can be used but this amount has not been statistically verified for purposes of the formula. The sale to total assets ratio that measures a firm’s ability to generate sales with its asset base is also used. The fifth financial ratio is the operating income to total assets. This ratio is the most important factor in the formula because its profit that eventually makes or breaks a firm. In calculating the Z score, each of these ratios is given a weight factor that is used within the formula. (IOMA’s report, 2003). See appendix I for the Z score formula and how to interpret the results obtained. The Z score is used by firms when running regular financial data and firms use it to spotShow MoreRelatedFinancial Statement Analysis And Ratios909 Words   |  4 Pages17 covers the financial statement analysis and ratios. Financial statement analysis is the process of examining financia l statements that will depict the financial position of the company allowing them to make better financial decisions. A typical financial statement consist of a balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statement and notes to account. The most common being the balance sheet and the income statement. The balance sheet, also referred to as a statement of financial positon, is usuallyRead MorePaper Ratio and Financial Statement Analysis2682 Words   |  11 Pagesof Ratio and Financial Statement Analysis July 25, 2013 MGMT640 Executive Summary In corporate finance, both ratio and financial statement analysis are important tools that can be used in order to assess a company’s strength financially. They can be used in order to forecast a business’ prospective cash flow and ability to grow in the future, as well as a company’s strengths and weaknesses. Income statements, balance sheets, the statement of retainedRead MoreComparative Analysis and Ratio Analysis of Financial Statements627 Words   |  3 Pagesï » ¿Comparative and Ratio Analysis Introduction At the end of the financial or business year of all companies, the company management prepares and publishes their financial statements and makes them available for their shareholders and other stakeholders. 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Financial ratio was defined by Robert (1994) as two financial variables being used that have been taken from either the income statement or from the balance sheet. Ratio analysis is a tool that is brought in by individuals to perform an evaluative analysis of information in the company’s financial statements. It is an important