What is defined as analyzing comparisons expressed as a percentage?

The process of analyzing comparisons expressed as a percentage is referred to as ratio analysis. This method involves evaluating the financial performance and condition of a business by calculating and interpreting various financial ratios. Ratios provide insights into the relationships among financial statement items, helping stakeholders assess aspects such as profitability, liquidity, and efficiency.

For instance, when analyzing the gross profit margin, you would take gross profit as a percentage of total sales. This allows for easier comparisons over time or between different companies, shedding light on operational efficiency and profitability trends.

The other options focus on different aspects of analysis. Linear trend analysis looks at data trends over time, base year analysis uses a specific year as a reference point for comparison, and vertical analysis involves showing each item on a financial statement as a percentage of a base figure from that statement. However, these methods do not specifically focus on the interpretation of comparisons as ratios expressed as percentages in the same way that ratio analysis does.