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Measuring the health of your business with ratio measures

As a business owner, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the daily grind and lose sight of the bigger picture. However, taking a step back to assess the health of your business is crucial. Understanding where you stand financially allows for better planning, early identification of potential issues, and a clearer path to success.


At Bidwell Accountancy, we pride ourselves on providing not just numbers, but insights that drive your business forward. Let us show you how to gauge the true health of your business using key financial ratios that reveal the underlying strength of your operations.


Liquidity Ratios: Ensuring You Can Meet Short-Term Obligations


Liquidity ratios are essential for understanding how quickly you can convert your assets into cash—critical for maintaining smooth operations, especially when cash flow is tight. High liquidity ratios indicate a healthy cushion of assets over liabilities, meaning your business is well-positioned to meet its financial obligations.


  • Current Ratio
    Formula: Current Ratio = Total Current Assets / Total Current Liabilities
    Benchmark: A ratio of 2:1 is generally considered healthy, though it may vary by industry. It shows that your business has twice the assets needed to cover its short-term liabilities.


  • Quick Ratio
    Formula: Quick Ratio = (Current Assets – Inventory) / Current Liabilities
    This ratio excludes inventory, which may not be easily converted to cash, providing a more immediate snapshot of your liquidity.


Solvency Ratios: Long-Term Financial Stability


Solvency ratios help assess whether your business can meet its long-term obligations, highlighting your reliance on debt versus equity.


  • Leverage Ratio
    Formula: Leverage Ratio = Total Liabilities / Equity
    A lower leverage ratio indicates a healthy balance between debt and equity, making it easier to secure financing and manage future growth.


  • Debt to Assets
    Formula: Debt to Assets = Total Liabilities / Total Assets
    This ratio shows the percentage of your assets financed by debt. A lower percentage is preferable as it indicates less reliance on borrowed funds.


Profitability Ratios: Measuring Efficiency and Profit


Profitability ratios give you a clear view of how well your business is turning sales into profit. These metrics are crucial for understanding operational efficiency and benchmarking against industry standards.


  • Gross Margin Ratio
    Formula: Gross Margin Ratio = Gross Profit / Total Sales
    This ratio reveals whether your sales revenue is sufficient to cover business overheads, providing insights into pricing and cost management strategies.


  • Net Margin Ratio
    Formula: Net Margin Ratio = Net Profit / Total Sales
    The net margin ratio shows the percentage of sales that translates into profit after all expenses, excluding income taxes. A higher ratio means better profitability and operational efficiency.


Why Choose Bidwell Accountancy?


At Bidwell Accountancy, we don’t just crunch numbers—we offer a strategic partnership that empowers you to make informed decisions. Our team is committed to delivering the highest standards of service, helping you navigate the complexities of financial management with confidence.


We’ll work with you to calculate and analyse these vital ratios, offering insights tailored to your specific industry and business model. With our guidance, you’ll have the tools and knowledge to keep your business on the right track, optimize performance, and plan for future growth.


Let’s Talk About Your Business Health


Don’t wait until small issues become big problems. Contact Bidwell Accountancy today to schedule a consultation. Let us help you assess your financial health and create a roadmap for sustained success.


Reach out to us at (01908) 380391 to start the conversation and discover how our expertise can benefit your business.


We’re here to ensure your business thrives—now and in the future.

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