精彩内容 Externat Comparisons and Sources of Industry Ratios. The second method of com-parison involves comparing the ratios of one firm with those of similar firms or with indus-try averages at the same point in time. Such a comparison gives insight into the relativefinancial condition and performance of the firm. It also helps us identify any significant devi-ations from any applicable industry average （or standard）. Financial ratios are published forvarious industries by The Risk Management Association, Dun & Bradstreet, Prentice Hall（Almanac of Business and Industrial Financial Ratios）, the Federal Trade Commission/theSecurities and Exchange Commission, and by various credit agencies and trade associations.2Industry-average ratios should not, however, be treated as targets or goals. Rather, they pro-vide general guidelines. The analyst should also avoid using "rules of thumb" indiscriminately for all industries.The criterion that all companies have at least a 1.5 to 1 current ratio is inappropriate. Theanalysis must be in relation to the type of business in which the firm is engaged and to the firmitself. The true test of liquidity is whether a company has the ability to pay its bills on time.Many sound companies, including electric utilities, have this ability despite current ratiossubstantially below 1.5 to 1. It depends on the nature of the business. Failure to considerthe nature of the business （and the firm） may lead one to misinterpret ratios.
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