Financial ratios are critical tools used by financial analysts to evaluate a company's financial performance, health and make informed investment decisions. There are numerous financial ratios available to analysts, each providing different insights into a company's operations and financial standing. Here are ten of the most commonly used financial ratios that every analyst should know and analyze.

1. Current Ratio

The current ratio is a measure of a company's liquidity, expressing its ability to meet short-term obligations. It is calculated by dividing current assets by current liabilities. A high current ratio indicates good liquidity and suggests the company is capable of meeting its short-term obligations.

2. Quick Ratio

The quick ratio, also known as the acid-test ratio, is another measure of a company's liquidity, but it is more stringent than the current ratio. It excludes inventory from current assets since inventory may be difficult to convert into cash quickly. The quick ratio is calculated by dividing the sum of cash, accounts receivable, and short-term investments by current liabilities.

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3. Debt-to-Equity Ratio

The debt-to-equity ratio measures a company's financing structure, indicating the extent to which it relies on debt financing. The ratio is calculated by dividing total liabilities by shareholders' equity. A high ratio suggests that a company has a high level of debt relative to equity, which can increase financial risk.

4. Gross Profit Margin

The gross profit margin is a measure of a company's profitability, representing the percentage of revenue remaining after deducting the cost of goods sold. The ratio is calculated by dividing gross profit by revenue. A high gross profit margin indicates that a company is effectively managing its cost of production and has room for growth.

5. Net Profit Margin

Similar to the gross profit margin, the net profit margin represents a company's profitability but after all expenses have been deducted. The ratio is calculated by dividing net income by revenue. A high net profit margin indicates a company's ability to generate profits from its operations.

6. Return on Equity

The return on equity (ROE) measures a company's profitability relative to shareholders' equity. The ratio is calculated by dividing net income by shareholders' equity. A high ROE indicates that a company is using shareholder funds effectively to generate profits.

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7. Earnings Per Share

Earnings per share (EPS) provide insights into a company's profitability on a per-share basis. The ratio is calculated by dividing net income by the number of outstanding shares. EPS can be used to compare a company's profitability over time or compared to other companies in the same industry.

8. Price-to-Earnings Ratio

The price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is a measure of a company's valuation, comparing its market price per share to its earnings per share. The ratio is calculated by dividing the current market price per share by EPS. A high P/E ratio suggests that a company's stock may be overvalued.

9. Dividend Yield

Dividend yield is a measure of how much a company pays out to its shareholders in dividends each year relative to its stock price. The ratio is calculated by dividing the annual dividend per share by the current market price per share. It indicates a company's willingness to share profits with shareholders.

10. Asset Turnover Ratio

The asset turnover ratio measures a company's efficiency in generating revenue from its assets. The ratio is calculated by dividing revenue by total assets. A high asset turnover ratio indicates that a company is effectively using its assets to generate revenue.

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In conclusion, financial ratios are essential tools for analysts to evaluate a company's financial health and performance. Knowing and analyzing these ten key financial ratios can help analysts make informed investment decisions. However, it's important to note that financial ratios should not be used in isolation but instead be considered alongside other factors, such as industry trends, company strategy, and economic conditions.

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