Horizontal Analyses
Horizontal Analysis on Shell (in millions)
Solvency Ratios
Total Debt Ratio 0.48 0.72
Debt to Equity Ratio 0.94 2.61
Time Interest Earned Ratio 22.81? 3.16?
Profitability Ratios
Gross Profit Margin Ratio 0.16 = 16% 0.10 = 10%
Profit Margin on Sales 0.06 = 6% 0.03 = 3%
Return on Total Assets 0.14 = 14% 0.04 = 4%
Return on Equity 0.28 = 28%? 0.14 = 14%?
Interpretation
Even though Petron has captured 30.4% of the market and Shell only captured 23% of the
market, Shell is the best gas company as of 2017. Comparing their financial statements I stand
that Shell is the best company to invest in as of 2017. This is because, according to the financial
ratios, Shell handles every sector of its business properly. Even though Petron has higher net
sales than Shell, Shell manages their assets pretty well that they can produce revenue and income
very well. They also have a good amount of liquidation of assets if the need ever arises so that
they can pay their short-term obligations. Also, they don’t have that much long-term debt in their
liabilities. Plus, Shell produces more profits than Petron that investors will get a 28% return on
investment in Shell compared to Petron where they will only get a 14% of return on investment.
The Financial Ratios prove these are true and that Shell, as of 2017, is the best gas company in
terms of its financing ability and that it is the best company to invest in.