Ratio analysis as a tool used to assess the financial condition of a company

Abstract

: The study presents the application possibilities of the ratio analysis in the context of the assess- ment of the financial condition of a company listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. Thus, the constitutive aim of the research is to present the practical application of the ratio analysis made on the basis of a review of the literature, full reporting - balance sheet and profit and loss account. The result of the research is the assessment of the financial standing based on the example of a joint-stock company operating in the food sector and producing confectionery products primarily for the Polish market, compared to the average results achieved in the industry. The research period is 10 years. The obtained results indicate that the analysed company pursued a conservative strategy regarding assets and liabilities. However, unlike other competitors related to the food sector, it was characterised by an aggressive policy aimed at increasing recipients of products or services. Moreover, the audited company applied a strict policy of crediting customers and had a low level of overall debt. Therefore, on the basis of the obtained results, it can be concluded that the audited entity was mainly focused on ensuring financial security. At the same time, the adopted strategy made it possible to achieve better results in the area of profitability than other companies operating in the same sector.