Inter-business Comparison
Overview
How do you know whether a 20% gross margin is good? One powerful answer is to look at a similar business. Inter-business comparison sets one firm's ratios beside another's, so strengths and weaknesses stand out that a single set of accounts could never reveal. If one shop earns a better return on its capital, or collects from customers faster, the comparison shows it plainly and points to where the other could improve.
In this lesson you will learn how to compare the ratios of two businesses and draw sensible conclusions about profitability, liquidity and efficiency. Just as importantly, you will learn why such comparisons must be handled with care: different accounting policies, different sizes, different year ends and missing non-financial information can all make a comparison misleading if you ignore them.
Objectives
- the factors that may affect the ratios of two businesses.
- the problems of inter-business comparison.
Lesson Note
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Lesson Evaluation
Congratulations on completing the lesson on Inter-business Comparison. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.
You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
- An inter-business comparison is most valid when the two businesses are: A. In different trades B. Of very different sizes C. Similar in type and size D. From different countries Answer: C
- Business X has a higher gross margin than Business Y, but Business Y has a higher profit margin. The most likely reason is that Business Y: A. Sells at higher prices B. Controls its expenses better C. Has more inventory D. Has a lower revenue Answer: B
- Which of the following would make a comparison between two businesses misleading? A. They use the same depreciation method B. They have the same year end C. They use different inventory valuation methods D. They are in the same trade Answer: C
- A factor that influences a business's success but does NOT appear in its accounting ratios is: A. The gross profit B. The skill of the workforce C. The cost of sales D. The revenue Answer: B
- Comparing ratios for one year only is a problem because: A. Ratios cannot be calculated for one year B. Trends cannot be identified and the year may not be typical C. The figures are always wrong D. One year is always atypical Answer: B
Available on the Green Bridge App
Download the Green Bridge CBT app on your phone or computer to access full lesson notes, practice questions, and more.
Available on the Green Bridge App
Download the Green Bridge CBT app on your phone or computer to access full lesson notes, practice questions, and more.
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