Financial metrics are the primary tools used to measure and analyze the financial performance of a business. They help businesses understand how well they are performing relative to their peers and other benchmarks, as well as how their decisions have impacted their bottom line. Commonly tracked metrics include gross profit margin, return on capital, debt-to-equity ratio, operating income margin, working capital, and current assets. By understanding these metrics and their trends over time, businesses can make informed decisions that impact the success of their operations.