a$.$ Why are ratios useful? What three groups use ratio analysis and for what reasons? b$.$ Calculate the projected profit margin, operating profit margin, basic earning power $($BEP$),$ return on assets $($ROA$),$ and return on equity $($ROE$).$ What can you say aboutthese ratios? c$.$ Calculate the projected inventory turnover, days sales outstanding $($DSO$),$ fixed as$-$ sets turnover, and total assets turnover. How does Computron's utilization of assetsstack up against that of other firms in its industry?

d$.$ Calculate the projected current and quick ratios based on the projected balance sheet and income statement data. What can you say about the company's liquidity position and its trend?

e$.$ Calculate the projected debt ratio, debt$-$to$-$equity ratio, liabilities$-$to$-$assets ratio, times$-$interest$-$earned ratio, and EBITDA coverage ratios. How does Computron compare with the industry with respect to financial leverage? What can you conclude from these ratios?

f$.$ Calculate the projected price$/$earnings ratio and market$/$book ratio. Do these ratios indicate that investors are expected to have a high or low opinion of the company?

g$.$ Perform a common size analysis and percentage change analysis. What do these analyses tell you about Computron?

h$.$ Use the extended DuPont equation to provide a breakdown of Computron's projected return on equity. How does the projection compare with the previous years and with the industry's DuPont equation?

i$.$ What are some potential problems and limitations of financial ratio analysis?

j$.$ What are some qualitative factors that analysts should consider when evaluating a company's likely future financial performance?