Name a common financial ratio used to measure profitability.

The net profit margin is a widely recognized financial ratio that assesses a company's profitability by revealing the percentage of revenue that remains as profit after all expenses are accounted for. It is calculated by dividing the net profit by total revenue, and then multiplying by 100 to express it as a percentage. This metric is critical for understanding how effectively a company converts revenue into actual profit, making it essential for stakeholders who want to evaluate the financial health and operational efficiency of a business.

While other ratios like gross margin and return on investment also indicate profitability, the net profit margin provides a comprehensive view by considering all expenses, not just direct costs. The gross margin focuses primarily on production costs, while the return on investment assesses the gains relative to the investment made. The current ratio, on the other hand, is a liquidity measurement and does not directly relate to profitability. Thus, net profit margin stands out as a clear and direct measure of overall profitability, making it a preferred choice in this context.