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Multiple Choice
Which of the following ratios can investors use to evaluate a company's potential earning power?
A
Inventory Turnover
B
Current Ratio
C
Debt-to-Equity Ratio
D
Return on Assets (ROA)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the question: The problem is asking which ratio investors can use to evaluate a company's potential earning power. The correct answer provided is Return on Assets (ROA). Let's break this down step by step.
Step 1: Define 'Return on Assets (ROA)': ROA is a financial ratio that measures how efficiently a company uses its assets to generate profit. It is calculated using the formula: . This ratio is expressed as a percentage.
Step 2: Explain why ROA is relevant: ROA is a key indicator of a company's earning power because it shows how effectively the company is using its assets to generate profits. A higher ROA indicates better performance and efficiency.
Step 3: Compare ROA with the other ratios mentioned: Inventory Turnover measures how efficiently inventory is managed, Current Ratio assesses short-term liquidity, and Debt-to-Equity Ratio evaluates financial leverage. While these are important, they do not directly measure earning power like ROA does.
Step 4: Conclude: Investors use ROA to evaluate a company's potential earning power because it directly links net income to the total assets employed, providing insight into profitability and operational efficiency.