Quick Ratio – Meaning, Formula and Assumptions
The quick ratio is a variation of the current ratio. However, a quick ratio is considered by many to be a more conservative estimate than the current ratio. This characteristic fetches it the nickname of being the “Acid test ratio”. The difference between the current ratio and the quick ratio is the fact that quick […]
Hedge Funds and Leverage
Leverage is one of the defining features of any hedge fund. Therefore hedge funds have gained expertise in the creation and utilization of leverage. Not only do they use traditional means like equity and fixed income leverage but they also use create leverage with the help of futures, options and swaps. In this article, we […]
Capital Structure – Meaning and Factors Determining It
Meaning of Capital Structure Capital Structure is referred to as the ratio of different kinds of securities raised by a firm as long-term finance. The capital structure involves two decisions- Type of securities to be issued are equity shares, preference shares and long term borrowings (Debentures). Relative ratio of securities can be determined by process […]
Issues With the Valuation of Sports Franchises
The valuation of sports franchises is often quoted widely in the public domain. This is generally done based on the valuation provided by the sports franchise itself. The media just published the number that was quoted by the sports franchise. This is because the media is in no position to validate these numbers. Also, since […]
Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE)
In the previous articles, we have discussed the concept of convertible notes. We have also seen the various pros and cons of convertible notes. However, convertible notes are not the only hybrid security that can be used by startups if they want to raise funds. A Silicon Valley-based startup accelerator named “Y Combinator” has created […]
The ultimate aim of all business is to generate profit. That is what the investors invest for, management plans for and employees execute for.
Two companies may be generating the exact same amount of rupee profits, however that does not mean that they are equally profitable. This is because profit is an output measure. And jumping to a conclusion only by looking at the output and not the input that was used to generate the output would not be very prudent!
The profit numbers are therefore seen in relation to various measures of inputs like capital, equity, assets etc. Each of these measures tell a separate story about how the company is performing specific to the input. Analysts often use these numbers together, connect the dots and find out the true picture of the company’s profitability.
Shareholders want the business to generate as much profit as possible. Debt holders on the other hand are content with enough money to ensure that they get paid. Banks want to know whether the company has been making efficient use of fixed assets before granting a loan to buy another one. Thus different user groups have different needs. Hence there is a need for a wide variety of profitability ratios that serves them.
A careful analysis of the profitability ratios also unearths the drivers of profitability. Analysts can look at the financial ratios of an extended period of time and use correlation analysis to unearth the same. The ability to express the company’s business as an accurate input output model is vital for analysts. This is because they can then guess the input, obtain the output and value the firm based on this information.
Common drivers of profitability include economies of scale, economies of scope, mechanization, automation, investment in brand value etc.
Industries have their specific business cycles. These business cycles have similar duration and the highs and lows that the business will experience can also be gauged fairly accurately. Profitability ratios help in doing the same.
Analysts use ratios from past several years and then conduct a trend analysis to find out the patterns hidden in the data. This helps them find out how the sales are expected to move in the next quarter.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
