Which of the following are the objectives of Ratio Analysis?

(A) To know the areas of the business which need more attention.

(B) To provide a deeper analysis of the profitability, liquidity, solvency and efficiency levels in the business.

(C) To know about the potential areas which can be improved with the effort in the desired direction.

(D) To provide information derived from financial statements useful for making projections and estimates for the future.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

(A), (B), (C) and (D)

The correct answer is option 3- (A), (B), (C) and (D).

All are the objectives of ratio analysis.

Ratio analysis is indispensable part of interpretation of results revealed by the financial statements. It provides users with crucial financial information and points out the areas which require investigation. Ratio analysis is a technique which involves regrouping of data by application of arithmetical relationships, though its interpretation is a complex matter. It requires a fine understanding of the way and the rules used for preparing financial statements. Once done effectively, it provides a lot of information which helps the analyst:

1. To know the areas of the business which need more attention;

2. To know about the potential areas which can be improved with the effort in the desired direction;

3. To provide a deeper analysis of the profitability, liquidity, solvency and efficiency levels in the business;

4. To provide information for making cross-sectional analysis by comparing the performance with the best industry standards; and

5. To provide information derived from financial statements useful for making projections and estimates for the future.