Fin 571

Liquidity ratios measure the capability of a business to cover expenses and meet its current and long-term responsibility. These ratios are imperative in order to keep the business alive. Lending institutions are typically unwilling to loan money to a business that finds itself in a cash flow jam, because that is often a sign of poor management. The liquidity is measured with 3 different ratios; current ratio, turnover – of – cash ratio and debt- to equity ratio.

The current cash debt ratio only measures the ability of a firm 's cash, along with investments easily converted into cash, to pay its short-term obligations. In 2007, the company has a current cash debt ratio greater than 1 and is in better financial shape than in 2006, when the ratio was less than 1.

In 2011, Walmart's inventory turnover was 11.62 and the industry average was 10.4(stock-analysis). It's fixed asset turnover was 3.88 and the industry average was 3.56, and it's total asset turnover was 2.34 and the industry average was 1.56(Stock-analysis). The values calculated for all three ratios mentioned all resulted in substantially different values in a positive way (Appendix B). Historically the values of each ratio have maintained relatively constant, which in this case is not a weakness. Asset management is a strength for Walmart, which ultimately means that they are maintaining their assets in the correct manner in order to have an efficient way of business.

Financial ratios are great indicators to find a firm’s performance and financial situation. Most of the ratios are able to be calculated through the use of financial statements provided by the firm itself. They show the relationship between two or more financial variables that can be used to analyze trends and to compare the firm’s financials with other companies to further come up with market values or discount rates, etc.

When comparing the debt-to-assets ratio of McDonalds and Wendys, you have to divide the firms total liabilities by their total assets. Essentially, the debt-to-assets ratio is the primary indicator of the firms debt management. As the ratio increases or decreases, it indicates the firms changing reliance on borrowed resources. The lower the ratio the more efficient the firm will be able to

Liquidity ratios measure the short term ability of a company to pay its obligations and meet their needs for maintaining cash. According to Cagle, Campbell & Jones (2013), “A good assessment of a company’s liquidity is important because a decline in liquidity leads to a greater risk of bankruptcy” (p. 44). Creditors, investors and analysts alike are all interested in a company’s liquidity. After computing liquidity

The debt-to-capital ratio gives users an idea of a company's financial structure, or how it is financing its operations, along with some insight into its financial strength. The higher the debt-to-capital ratio, the more debt the company has compared to its equity. Star River has always depended much on debt for its financing and the trend shows this ratio may get higher in future. Star River, with high debt-to-capital ratios, compared to a general or industry average, may show weak financial strength because the cost of these debts may weigh on the company and

In fiscal year 2014, Apple had a 1.08 debt-to equity ratio, meaning that debt holders contributed

These ratios help company in determining its capability to pay short-term debts. Liquidity ratios inform about, how quickly a firm can obtain cash by liquidating its current assets in order to pay its liabilities. General liquidity ratios are: current ratio and quick ratio. Current ration can be obtain by dividing company’s current assets by its’ current liabilities. Generally a current ratio of two is considered as good (Cleverley et al., 2011). Quick ratio also known as acid test determines company’s liabilities that need to be fulfilled on urgent basis. Quick ratio can be obtained by dividing quick assets by current liabilities. Quick ratio is considered as stricter because it excludes inventories from current assets. Generally a quick ratio of 1:1 is considered as good for the company. Higher quick

Total debt ratio remained stable in all periods in 2011 and is below 1:1, which is a good indication of the company maintaining its leverage. Interest coverage ratio shows a downward trend in Q2 and Q3 with a slight increase in Q4. These results are derived from an increase in interest expense. These changes are not very significant to the success of the business as the company’s ratio is well above 1.5, which implies the company is not burdened by its debt expenses. Debt/Equity ratio remained stable in all periods with a slight increase in Q4 as a result of increased liabilities.

The debt ratio for Smith Enterprises indicates that approximately 50% of the company is debt. Although the other 50% is assets, the company should consider a different financial approach.

The second ratio to evaluate is Debt-To-Total Assets Ratio, which is calculated as total debt divided by total assets. Halliburton’s debt-to-total assets of .43 has improved from the 2009 ratio of .47 and the 2008 ratio of .46 given it a stronger position in the industry. The low level shows very manageable debt allowing Halliburton to take advantage of the rising demand for oil and

Debt ratio helps in comparing total assets and total liabilities. If you have more liabilities it means you have lesser equity and therefore an increased leverage position.

The liquidity ratios are a group of ratios that show the relationship of a firm’s cash and other current assets to its current liabilities. This basically means that the ratios measure how well the company is able to pay its short-term obligations and how well they can confront unexpected needs for cash.

4. Why is it usually easier to forecast sales for seasoned firms in contrast with early-stage ventures?