Accounting Ratios

Meaning of Accounting ratio

Accounting ratios also referred to as financial ratios, are applied to compute the performance and profitability of a firm grounded on its financial statements. They furnish a way of stating the association between one accounting data point to another and are the source of ratio analysis. To put it in other words, an Accounting ratio implies a quantitative agreement which is employed for the purpose of decision making and analysis. It furnishes the basis for intra-firm as well as inter-firm comparisons. Further, in order to make the ratios efficient, they are compared with ratios of base period or with the industry average ratios or with criteria.

COMPUTATION OF LIQUIDITY RATIOS

 LIQUIDITY The ability of the firm to meet its short term obligations. LIQUIDITY RATIO Calculating the ratio for liquidity. TYPES OF LIQUIDITY RATIOS Quick Ratio Current Ratio CURRENT RATIO It is the relationship between current assets and current liabilities of the firm. Mathematically it is represented as: Current Ratio =$\large \frac{current \, Assets }{current \, liabilities}$ LIQUID RATIO It is the relationship between liquid assets or quick assets and current liabilities of the firm. Mathematically it is represented as: Liquid ratio or quick ratio or acid test ratio =$\large \frac{Liquid \, Assets \,or \, Quick Assets }{current \, liabilities}$

Objectives of Accounting Ratio

Ratio analysis is a vital part of the analysis of outcomes unveiled by financial statements. It furnishes the users with essential financial data and points out the areas which demand research. Ratio analysis is a method which includes regrouping of information by utilisation of arithmetical associations, though its interpretation is a complicated concern. It needs a fine knowledge and the laws used for outlining the financial statements. Once it is done efficiently, it furnishes a lot of data which helps the analyst :

• To be aware of the areas of the trade which requires more concentration
• To know about the possible areas which can be developed with the effort in the solicited direction
• To furnish a deeper analysis of liquidity, solvency, efficiency and profitability degrees in the trading concern
• To furnish data for making a cross-sectional investigation by comparing the achievement with the valid business models
• To furnish data procured from financial statements beneficial for making forecasts and estimations for the prospect
 3-4 MARKS QUESTIONS Q.1 WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY ACCOUNTING RATIOS? DISCUSS THE METHODS OF EXPRESSING ACCOUNTING RATIOS. ANSWER: (A) MEANING OF ACCOUNTING RATIOS The ratio is a numeral relationship between one item and another The ratio can be calculated on the basis of accounting information are termed as Accounting Ratios These are those ratios which are based on financial statements and express an arithmetical relation between various accounting variables (B) METHODS OF EXPRESSING ACCOUNTING RATIOS: (1)PROPORTION RATIO In this form, the relationship between the two items is directly expressed in proportion. For e.g. Current Ratio explains the relationship between Current Assets and Current Liabilities (2)TIMES In this form, the ratio is expressed in a number of times, a particular item in comparison to other items. (3)PERCENTAGE In this form, the relationship between the two items is expressed in percentage. For e.g. Net Profit expresses the relationship between Net profit and Revenue from Operations Q.2 WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY RATIO ANALYSIS? STATE THEIR MAIN OBJECTIVES. ANSWER: (A) MEANING OF RATIO ANALYSIS Analysis of financial statement with the help of ratio can be termed as ratio analysis. Examination and interpretation of the relationship between numerical figures. (B) OBJECTIVES OF RATIO ANALYSIS: (1)Provides analysis of profitability, liquidity, the solvency of the business. (2)Traces the area which seeks more attention (3)Helps in making estimates (4)Supports in comparing the performance with best industry standards. Q.3 WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF RATIO ANALYSIS? ANSWER: (1)Assists in comparative studies. (2)Simplifies complex figures. (3)Supports financial analysis. (4)Helpful in forecasting (5)Helps in judging the operating efficiency of a business. Q.4 WRITE ANY FOUR LIMITATIONS OF RATIO ANALYSIS? ANSWER:(1)The analysis will give a false picture of the affairs, if financial statements are not true & fair. (2)It ignores qualitative factors which can be important in decision making. (3)Ratio analysis is not free from personal bias. (4)If two companies follow different accounting policies then ratios cannot be compared.
 1 MARK QUESTIONS Q.1 WHAT IS MEANT BY ACCOUNTING RATIOS? ANSWER: Accounting Ratios are those which are based on financial statements and express an arithmetical relation between various accounting variables. Q.2 WHAT IS MEANT BY RATIO ANALYSIS? ANSWER: Ratio Analysis is the process of determining and interpreting the numerical relationship between figures of the financial statements. Q.3 STATE ANY TWO LIMITATIONS OF RATIO ANALYSIS. ANSWER: (i) Ignores Qualitative or Non-monetary Aspects (ii) Ignores Price level changes Q.4 GIVE TWO OBJECTIVES OF RATIO ANALYSIS. ANSWER: (i) To locate the areas of business which need more attention (ii) To provide a deeper analysis of the profitability and financial position of the business. Q.5 GIVE TWO USES OF RATIO ANALYSIS. ANSWER: (i) Helps in Analysis of Financial Statements (ii) Simplifies complex figures and establishes relationships. Q.6 GIVE ONE LIMITATION OF RATIO ANALYSIS. ANSWER: Ignores Qualitative or Non-monetary aspects
 MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS Q-1. Current Ratio is calculated by:/ (a). Current Liabilities/Current Assets. (b). Current Assets/Current Liabilities. (c). Current Assets/Long Term Liabilities. (d). Long term assets/ Long term liabilities. Q-2. The Ideal Current ratio is: (a). 1.25:1 (b). 2:1 (c). 1:2 (d). 10% Q-3. The liquid ratio is calculated by: (a). Current ratio/ Net Profit Ratio. (b). Current assets/ Liquid Liabilities. (c). Liquid Assets OR Quick Assets/ Current Liabilities. (d). Current Liabilities/ Liquid Assets