In my view, ratios are just a screening tool and only as useful as the database you can access to find them. If there isn't a site that gives the ratio for all stocks on the ASX so that you can sort out the best ones to hunt through, then there isn't much point. Might as well start at the "A's"

Value measurement does not tend to indicate the direction of a share price, only the speed with which it can rise or fall. Which is where value parameters can put the octane in a portfolio.

However, once eyeballing a stock then it is the direction of profits and the speed of change in the future that is the focus, since that is the key element of a rising share price. Ratio's may provide a few clues as to what is possible, but it is more subjective guesses and assumptions that will be essential. (At least having made these guesses, each result or forecast can be rapidly scanned to see if things are on track.)

Finding companies that have transparency and consistency in their approach will generally reduce the range of likely outcomes. Lower risk is usually a positive, particularly for slow-moving types who are looking for the mid-long term trades.