Which of the following ratios might be used to estimate the value of a stock?

• A. Inventory Turnover Ratio
• B. Current Ratio
• C. Debt-to-Equity Ratio
• D. Price-to-Earnings (P/E) Ratio

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the purpose of the question: The goal is to identify which financial ratio is commonly used to estimate the value of a stock. Ratios like Inventory Turnover, Current Ratio, and Debt-to-Equity Ratio are not directly related to stock valuation, but the Price-to-Earnings (P/E) Ratio is specifically designed for this purpose.
2. Learn the definition of the Price-to-Earnings (P/E) Ratio: The P/E Ratio is calculated as the market price per share divided by the earnings per share (EPS). It is used to evaluate whether a stock is overvalued or undervalued relative to its earnings potential.
3. Understand the application of the P/E Ratio: Investors use the P/E Ratio to compare the valuation of a company’s stock to its peers or the industry average. A higher P/E Ratio may indicate that the stock is overvalued, while a lower P/E Ratio may suggest undervaluation.
4. Recognize why other ratios are not suitable for stock valuation: Inventory Turnover Ratio measures how efficiently a company manages its inventory, Current Ratio assesses liquidity, and Debt-to-Equity Ratio evaluates financial leverage. These ratios are important for operational and financial analysis but do not directly estimate stock value.
5. Conclude that the Price-to-Earnings (P/E) Ratio is the correct answer for estimating the value of a stock, as it directly relates the stock price to the company’s earnings performance.