Ratio analysis is a quantitative method used to analyze a company's financial statements by comparing various metrics. There are four main types of ratios: profitability, activity/turnover, liquidity, and solvency ratios. Profitability ratios measure operating efficiency and profit generation. Activity/turnover ratios measure how efficiently a company uses its assets and manages its inventory and receivables. Liquidity ratios measure a company's ability to meet its short-term obligations, and solvency ratios measure the company's long-term debt obligations and financial leverage. Ratio analysis is useful for managers in planning and decision making, and for investors, creditors, and employees to evaluate the company's financial position.