Ratio analysis. Sounds like a fascinating topic. Something I really need to spend my time on. Right….
Most business owners react the same way. And no wonder. Ratio analysis can be dry as dust, impenetrable, complex and confusing. But it’s also a really good way to perform an “Executive Physical” on your company. If you don’t want to read about all the ratios, you can see what 6 top B2B CFOs told Inc. Magazine about ratios, or you can call me now for a free ratio analysis of your company – no strings attached, and a look at some simple ways to track this information. Make the call. Your banker will thank you…
Inc. Magazine article on ratios for business, featuring six B2B CFOs on a variety of industry types: Inc Article
And for those who like to do it themselves, here are the top ratios you should be looking at:
Financial Ratio Analysis – Net Profit Margin
Net Pretax Profit ÷ Revenue
The bottom line — the amount you have left after every other expense is taken out. Varies with industry and over time, but should be at least 5%. Otherwise, you might just want to open a pass book savings account.
Financial Ratio Analysis – Gross Profit Margin
Gross Profit ÷ Revenue
Gross profit is your revenue minus what it costs to make your product. Maximize this because you’ve got to make enough to cover the overhead – or you might as well close the doors. You cannot make it up on the volume!
Financial Ratio Analysis – EBITDA Margin
EBITDA ÷ Revenue
Many companies use this as a shorthand measure of cash flow. EBITDA is earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. You add back these items because they don’t use cash and because they are so variable for each company Thus EBITDA gives external analysts a better way to compare you with peer companies.
Financial Ratio Analysis – Return On Equity
Net Income ÷ Total Equity
The return your shareholders are getting on their investment. Better be in the 15% plus range, or else why would investors take a risk with you?
Financial Ratio Analysis – Return On Assets
Net Income ÷ Total Assets
Net income generated for each dollar of assets. It’s especially relevant for capital-intensive industries, like manufacturing. Tells you whether that shiny new laser that everyone insisted you needed was worth it.
Financial Ratio Analysis – Interest Coverage Ratio
EBITDA ÷ Interest Expense
This ratio shows roughly how easily you can repay your debts. Crucial ratio for a banker – they love it when it’s 6.0 or higher.
Financial Ratio Analysis – Debt to Equity Ratio
Total Liabilities ÷ Total Equity
What you owe compared with what you own. Also key for a banker who does not want to be the fall guy. If you don’t have much equity, the bank is exposed to higher risk. Think of your house.
Financial Ratio Analysis – Inventory Days
(Inventory ÷ Cost of Goods Sold) x 365
The amount of time it takes to convert inventory into sales. Varies by industry from 12 days in frozen foods to 45 days in manufacturing. If it’s more than 90 days your expensive “stuff” is gathering dust and losing value.
Financial Ratio Analysis – Accounts Payable Days
(Accounts Payable ÷ Cost of Goods Sold) x 365
The number of days, on average, you take to pay your bills. Typically around 40 days, you want to take advantage of creditor terms without sendng messages that you can’t pay bills. Look at the trend.
Financial Ratio Analysis – Accounts Receivable Days
(Accounts Receivable ÷ Sales) x 365
The number of days, on average, your customers take to pay you. Probably around 30 to 45 days depending on industry. Break it out by aging buckets and pay close attention if the trend is up.
Financial Ratio Analysis – Current Ratio
Total Current Assets÷Total Current Liabilities
The amount of cash (or assets that can be turned into cash) on hand. May be less in retail or in service companies, but 2:1 is viewed as good.
Financial Ratio Analysis – Quick Ratio
(Cash + Accounts Receivable) ÷ Total Current Liabilities
Similar to the current ratio, this is a good measure of a company’s short-term cash position. Generally should be 1:1.
With all ratios, the only way to see the big picture is to develop a trending dashboard that allows you to quickly review progress and highlight exceptions. You can plan to improve, but ignorance will kill you.
For a professional and complimentary review of your ratio performance, ask one of our B2B CFO® professionals on how they can help.
photo credit: Don’t go to pieces, please (Test Track, Epcot) via photopin (license)
