What is a common use of financial ratios?

A common use of financial ratios is to compare different companies within the same industry. This practice allows investors and analysts to evaluate companies' financial health and operational efficiency relative to their peers. By analyzing ratios such as profitability, liquidity, and leverage, stakeholders can gain insights into how well a company performs compared to others in its sector. This benchmarking is critical because it helps assess competitive advantage, operational practices, and overall market positioning.

For instance, comparing the current ratio of two companies in the same industry can reveal which company is better positioned to meet its short-term liabilities. These comparisons provide a clearer picture than looking at absolute numbers alone, as the financial landscape can vary significantly across industries, making direct comparisons misleading.