EDS Rides Out a Storm - ' What You Should Do ' (
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Current Ratio
Tells you a company's ability to pay its bills. Use balance sheet. Divide "current assets" by "current liabilities.'' Result should be greater than one.
Quick Ratio
The acid test. Also on balance sheet. Eliminate inventory from "current assets." Then divide by current liabilities. If still greater than one, fine.
Days Payable
Shows whether the company is paying its bills on time. Divide accounts payable by 365. Number of days that result should not be increasing.
Days of Inventory on Hand
Shows whether the company is having trouble selling its hardware or software. Divide inventory by 365. Should not be increasing.
Debt to Equity Ratio
Shows how heavily indebted a company is. Divide long-term debt (don't count amounts due this year) by shareholders' equity. If result is greater than 50%, it's a red flag.
SOURCES: American Express, Baseline Research
Projects: Management 
