Why are ratios considered means to an end rather than the end themselves?

Ratios indicate trends and areas of concern

Ratios in financial analysis are considered means to an end rather than the end goal themselves. This means that ratios are tools or methods used to achieve a specific purpose, which is to gain insights into a company's financial performance, position, and operations. They are not the ultimate objective, but rather a way to achieve a deeper understanding of the company's financial health. Ratios help identify trends and highlight areas of concern or improvement within a company's financial operations. They are used to interpret financial data and provide a basis for decision-making. For example, if a company's current ratio (a liquidity ratio) has been decreasing over multiple periods, it indicates a potential area of concern regarding the company's ability to meet short-term obligations.