5 Key Investment Ratios Every Analyst Should Know

Investing in the stock market can be a tricky business, and finding the right stocks to buy can feel like trying to navigate a maze blindfolded. That's why financial analysts use key investment ratios to help them make informed decisions. These ratios provide valuable insights into a company's financial health and help analysts avoid potential potholes on their investment journey. While there are many different ratios and methodologies used for analyzing investment data, in this article we'll explore 5 key investment ratios that every investment analyst should know.

Earnings Per Share (EPS) is a critical metric that gives investors an insight into the profitability of a company. It is calculated by dividing the net earnings of a company by its outstanding shares of common stock. EPS is a straightforward and easy-to-understand ratio that reflects a company's ability to generate profits for its shareholders. This ratio is a valuable tool for investors to assess the overall health of a company and to make informed investment decisions. In simple terms, a higher EPS indicates that the company is making more money and is therefore a more attractive investment opportunity. But just like with most things in life, it's important to remember that high EPS alone is not a guarantee of success and that it's just one piece of the puzzle in evaluating a company's financial health.

The Price to Earnings (P/E) ratio is a key metric for investors to evaluate a company's stock price. It's calculated by dividing the stock price by earnings per share. A high P/E suggests investors are willing to pay more for each dollar of earnings, while a low P/E may indicate undervaluation. A low or high P/E alone doesn't always equal a good investment. A high P/E for a company in a declining industry may mean lower future earnings, while a low P/E for a growing industry may indicate high growth potential. P/E should be used in combination with other ratios and factors to make informed investment decisions. Overall, it's a powerful instrument to assess a stock's relative value.

The quick ratio, also known as the acid test, is a key investment ratio that measures a company's ability to meet its short-term obligations with its most liquid assets. It is calculated by dividing the sum of a company's cash, marketable securities, and accounts receivable by its current liabilities. The quick ratio is an important metric for investors as it provides a quick assessment of a company's liquidity. Think of it like a "financial fire drill" for companies – it gives a snapshot of how well a company would be able to handle a sudden drop in cash flow or an unexpected expense. A high quick ratio is a good sign, indicating that a company has the resources to cover its debts if the going gets tough. On the other hand, a low quick ratio may signal that a company is heavily reliant on short-term borrowing to stay afloat. So, when evaluating a company's financial health, be sure to take a closer look at its quick ratio to see if it passes the acid test.

Debt to Equity Ratio, also known as Leverage Ratio, is a measure of a company's financial leverage and debt-paying ability. It's calculated by dividing a company's total debt by its equity. This ratio sheds light on the proportion of a company's financing that comes from debt as opposed to equity. A higher Debt to Equity Ratio may indicate that a company is relying more heavily on debt to finance its operations and growth, which can be a red flag for investors. On the other hand, a lower Debt to Equity Ratio may suggest that a company is in a stronger financial position and is less vulnerable to financial difficulties. Investors can use this ratio to evaluate a company's financial risk and determine its ability to repay debt and pay dividends.

The Return on Equity (ROE) Ratio is a measure of a company's profitability and efficiency in using its shareholders' investments to generate profits. It's calculated by dividing a company's net income by its shareholder's equity. This ratio is a reflection of how well a company is utilizing its shareholders' capital to generate returns. Think of the Return on Equity (ROE) Ratio as a report card that tells investors how well a company is using its shareholders' capital to generate profits. Like a report card, the ROE Ratio provides investors with a grade that reflects the company's financial performance. A high ROE indicates that a company is performing well and generating more profits for its shareholders, while a lower ROE may suggest that the company needs to improve its financial management. By using the ROE Ratio, investors can better understand a company's profitability and efficiency in generating returns, allowing them to make more informed investment decisions.

In conclusion, key investment ratios play a crucial role in helping investors make informed investment decisions. By providing valuable insights into a company's financial health, ratios such as the P/E Ratio, Earnings per Share, Quick Ratio, Debt to Equity, and Return on Equity allow investors to quickly assess a company's profitability, liquidity, and financial stability. Investment managers will certainly consider these ratios but will dive deeper into the financials of individual companies before making the decision to invest. Investment ratios, however, can rarely tell the full story: when performing due diligence on an investment manager, it is also important to understand a manager’s investment process. That is, how does that manager assess profitability, liquidity and financial stability and have they demonstrated the ability to assess and anticipate these attributes over multiple market cycles.

Sources:

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4. Kibet, L. (n.d.). The quick ratio is a basic liquidity metric that helps determine a company's solvency. Business Insider. Retrieved February 16, 2023
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