...The use of Financial Ratios for Research: Problems Associated with and Recommendations for Using Large Databases Introduction The use of financial ratio analysis for understanding and predicting the performance of privately owned business firms is gaining in importance in published research. Perhaps the major problem faced by researchers is the difficulty of obtaining an adequate sample of representative financial statements with many studies using 50 or fewer firms for analysis. However, when larger databases are used, it is important to know that they have problems as well and that adjustments to these samples must be made to permit the use of multivariate analysis techniques. Understanding how to properly use large databases for ratio analysis will become of importance now that the Kauffman Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership (KCEL) has developed a financial statement database of more than 400,000 privately owned firms with a significant number of these including a base year and three operating years of financial statements. This database is currently available to a team of scholars working closely with the KCEL on selected internal studies. It is expected that this database will become generally available to researchers and this source of financial statement information is likely to become the standard for financial performance research in the future. For the first time, scholars will have a large commonly available database of privately owned firm financial...
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...1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Financial analysis is the starting point for making plans, before using any sophisticated forecasting and planning procedures. Understanding the past is a prerequisite for anticipating the future. Financial analysis is the process of identifying the financial strength and weakness of the firm by properly establishing relationship between the items of the balance sheet and the profit and loss account. Financial analysis can be undertaken by management of the firm, or by parties outside the firm, viz. owners, creditors, investors and others. The nature of analysis will differ depending on the purpose of the analyst. 1. Investors: Who invested their money in the firm’s shares, are most concerned about the firm’s earnings. They more confidence in those firm’s that show steady growth in earnings. As such, they concentrate on the analysis of the firm’s present and future profitability. They are also interested in the firm’s financial structure to that extent influence the firm’s earning ability and risk. 2. Trade creditors and financial institution: they are interested in firm’s ability to meet their claims over a very short period of time. Their analysis will, therefore, confine to the evolution of the firms liquidity position. And the financial institutions are interested in the financial statements of the borrowing concern to ascertain its short- term as well as long-term solvency and also it profitability. 3. Suppliers: On the other hand, are concerned...
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...F&B JU Principles of Management (109) Financial Accounting (FNB106) 612 620 Batch #02 Introduction The organization we have worked on- F&B JU Principles of Management (109) Batch #02 Introduction (cont’d) Operation starts Banking system Main objective June 2, 1999 Commercial bank Providing with caring services by being innovative in the development of new banking products and services Head office 61, Dilkusha Commercial Area Dhaka-1000 F&B JU Principles of Management (109) Financial Accounting (FNB106) Batch #02 Objectives of the presentation • Learning financial statement analysis • Analyzing the financial statement of Mercantile Bank Limited • Finding out its financial condition and whether it is making profit or not F&B JU Principles of Management (109) Financial Accounting (FNB106) Batch #02 Techniques of financial statement analysis There are several techniques of financial statement analysis. They are1. Ratio analysis 2. Funds flow analysis 3. Common size analysis 4. Break even analysis 5. Trend analysis F&B JU Principles of Management (109) Financial Accounting (FNB106) Batch #02 Techniques of financial statement analysis (cont’d) Here we will use ratio and trend analysis system: Ratio analysis: Ratio is a statistical yardstick that measures the relationship between two accounting figures based on comparison in numerical terms. It points out whether the financial condition of a firm is very strong...
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...FINANCIAL DECISION MAKING FOR MANAGERS: Ratio And Financial Statement Analysis NAME: JAMES B. TAYLOR DATE: 04/09/2015 Table of Content I. Executive Summary.....................................................................................3 II. Introduction..................................................................................................4 III. Financial statements tools and techniques...................................................4 IV. Exhibits…………………………………………………………………...10 V. Analysis of Results.....................................................................................11 VI. Recommendations……………………………….......................................13 VII. Conclusions……………………………………………………………….13 VIII. References………………………………………………………………...14 Executive summary This paper is focused to assess financial health of a business firm. I have chosen one of the leading retail companies in the country (Higgins, 2011). This paper will carry out a financial analysis on Hamster Limited in order to have a comprehensive assessment about its financial health analysis. This paper will analyze and assess the financial environment in which the company operated. Through a comprehensive analysis, my objective is to understand the influence of financial factors in the firm and its decision making. I will evaluate different ratios to acknowledge their impact on Hamsters performance over the few years. I will identify, assess and interpret...
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...Evaluate, using appropriate examples, the relative advantages and disadvantages of ratio analysis as an aid to decision-making by investors. Advantages and Uses of Ratio Analysis There are various groups of people who are interested in analysis of financial position of a company. They use the ratio analysis to workout a particular financial characteristic of the company in which they are interested. Ratio analysis helps the various groups in the following manner: - 1. To workout the profitability: Accounting ratio help to measure the profitability of the business by calculating the various profitability ratios. It helps the management to know about the earning capacity of the business concern. In this way profitability ratios show the actual performance of the business. 2. To workout the solvency: With the help of solvency ratios, solvency of the company can be measured. These ratios show the relationship between the liabilities and assets. In case external liabilities are more than that of the assets of the company, it shows the unsound position of the business. In this case the business has to make it possible to repay its loans. 3. Helpful in analysis of financial statement: Ratio analysis help the outsiders just like creditors, shareholders, debenture-holders, bankers to know about the profitability and ability of the company to pay them interest and dividend etc. 4. Helpful in comparative analysis of the performance: With the help of ratio analysis a company...
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...Statistical Tools for Financial Research Anna Hemmer University of Phoenix Statistical Tools for Financial Research The financial condition of an organization is identified through data provided in formal records called financial statements. Financial statements provide an accurate account of a company’s financial position and cash flow of the business. Stakeholders used the data to make decisions regarding future purchases, investments, and profitability of the organization. Analyzing financial statements consists of using various methods (statistical tools) including comparative statements, schedule of changes in working capital, common size percentages (analysis), fund analysis, trend analysis, and ratio analysis. The purpose of this paper is to review the financial statements of one domestic, and one global organization from the Financial Times 500. The two companies for review are the McDonald’s and Samsung organizations. The data provided in the financial statements will convert into a ratio analysis. Common size analysis, and accounting analysis limitations are tools for review. The pros and cons of each of these statistical tools will also be discussed. To understand the importance of statistical tools, a review of ratio analysis, common size analysis, and accounting analysis limitation will be the starting point for this paper. Ratio Analysis Ratio analysis is the most powerful tool of financial analysis (Accounting for Management, 2012, para. 1) used...
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...Apply the concepts, analytical techniques, and conventions of basic accounting in both the academic and practice environments. 1a. Describe THOUGHTFULLY why it is important to understand the application of concepts, analytical techniques, and conventions of basic accounting in both the academic and practice environments. (At least one paragraph.) Analytical techniques, and conventions of basic accounting In the accountants, no matter whether in public places exercise or perhaps business, expend time and effort and effort performing analysis with regards to clients. They must come to a decision tips on how to implement completely new information technology or perhaps auditing criteria, tips on how to provide abnormal monetary deals in the economic claims, and exactly how completely new levy legal guidelines influence their clients or perhaps companies. exactly how nicely recent auditing strategies perform and tips on how to improve these individuals; exactly how levy legal guidelines affect companies’ planning and information technology display; exactly how managerial information technology methods guide firms improve their by using the accessible information; exactly how information technology information impacts campaign and career within firms. therefore with the help of essential information technology knowledge there are the publicity to your school and also we could additionally find sensible understanding of exactly how financial is performed and also the strategy...
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...Financial statement analysis (or financial analysis) the process of understanding the risk and profitability of a firm (business, sub-business or project) through analysis of reported financial information, by using different accounting tools and techniques. Financial statement analysis consists of 1) reformulating reported financial statements, 2) analysis and adjustments of measurement errors, and 3) financial ratio analysis on the basis of reformulated and adjusted financial statements. The first two steps are often dropped in practice, meaning that financial ratios are just calculated on the basis of the reported numbers, perhaps with some adjustments. Financial statement analysis is the foundation for evaluating and pricing credit risk and for doing fundamental company valuation. 1. Financial statement analysis typically starts with reformulating the reported financial information. In relation to the income statement, one common reformulation is to divide reported items into recurring or normal items and non-recurring or special items. In this way, earnings could be separated in to normal or core earnings and transitory earnings. The idea is that normal earnings are more permanent and hence more relevant for prediction and valuation. Normal earnings are also separated into net operational profit after taxes (NOPAT) and net financial costs. The balance sheet is grouped, for example, in net operating assets (NOA), net financial debt and equity. 2. Analysis and adjustment of...
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.................................................................................... 5 Aim of the Research Report ...................................................................................................................... 5 Research Objectives .................................................................................................................................. 5 Research Questions .................................................................................................................................. 6 Research Approach ................................................................................................................................... 6 Part Two: Data Sources and Business and Accounting Techniques.............................................................. 8 Sources of information for research work ................................................................................................ 8 Annual Reports: .................................................................................................................................... 8 Online libraries and Websites: .............................................................................................................. 9 Books and Academic...
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...Corporate Finance a) WACC A company’s weighted average cost of capital (WACC) is usually regarded as the minimum required rate of return. It is defined as the weighted average rate of return a company must pay to its long-term creditors and shareholders for the use of their funds. When WACC is used as the discount rate, it serves as a screening device in net present value analysis. To calculate WACC we must first find the expected return on share i E(Ri), using the securities market line equation, as follows: E(Ri) = RF + βi (E(RM) - RF) = 3% + 1.2 (13% - 3%) = 15% E(Ri) = expected return on share i E(RM) = expected return on the market = (Market risk premium + the risk free rate of return) = 13% RF = risk-free rate of return = 3% βi = beta of share i =1.2 As such, WACC can be calculated using the following equation: WACC = [D/(D+E)*RD](1-T) + [E/(D+E)*RE] = [40%*6%(1-28%)] + [60%*15%] = 10.728% D = value of total debt E = value of shareholders’ equity RD = cost of debt RE = cost of equity T = corporate tax rate b) NPV, IRR, & Payback Period Assumptions: - Generally speaking, because of difficulties related to identifying costs with particular activities and determining the future benefits, all R&D costs are expensed when incurred. They do not become part of the capitalised investment asset. As such, the €20m OMG has spent on R&D will be excluded from the NPV calculations...
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...One of foundation of financial planning analysis and decision making is the financial information. It’s needed to forecast the financial statements to relate and also assessitsbusiness’sgrossingcapability. Financial decision making investment and financing decision making is also required. The financial information of an enterprise is contained in the financial statements. Its usage of financial statement analysis in investment decision has been addressed by a series of authors. According to Gautam, U. S. (2005) The Financial Statement commonlydescribedby means of financial information which is related to the information to financial position of severalfirm in a case form. According to J.AOhison (1999) was defined as a written report that...
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...QXD 06/29/2006 06:16 PM Page 150 FIRST PAGES 5 ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Reviewing and Assessing Financial Information Starting Point Go to www.wiley.com/college/Melicher to assess your knowledge of the basics of financial statement analysis. Determine where you need to concentrate your effort. What You’ll Learn in This Chapter ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ The five basic types of financial ratios How to use financial ratios properly in order to achieve financial growth When to use specific ratios in different situations How internally generated financing occurs The effect of ratio analysis on long-term financial planning How to read a financial statement The application of the cost-volume-profit analysis concept After Studying This Chapter, You’ll Be Able To ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ Distinguish the three categories of ratio analysis Compare and contrast financial statements from different companies Examine the link between asset investment and sales growth Apply the major components of Du Pont analysis Analyze the quality of financial reports Use analysis methods to evaluate profit levels Goals and Outcomes ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ Analyze and interpret financial statements Explain the categories of ratio analysis Perform the basic types of financial ratios Manage the application of ratios to evaluate business performance Prepare the requirements for external financing Evaluate the financial viability of particular business alternatives 2059T_c05_150-188...
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...Part 1 1. Introduction I chose topic 8 because analysis and interpretation of business and financial performance has interested me and I want to learn more about and it is the topic I feel most comfortable with having completed my ACCA studies. Writing reports and analysing business performance was covered in papers F7 and P3 and through this report I will have the opportunity to enforce practically the knowledge acquired. Moreover undertaking this research project will improve my performance at work and enhance my professional and communication skills. I work in accountancy practice and this project will be invaluable experience. I decide to write a research project on Marks & Spencer plc. and the reason being is that I had carried out an investigation on this company before and I have preliminary knowledge on its activities and the sector in which operates. Marks & Spencer is well known and reputable retailer which I personally favour as a customer. Marks and Spencer Group plc. is an international multi-channel retailer with headquarters in London, in the City of Westminster .It carries out the retailing of apparel, home products and food items. It was started as a Penny Bazar 1884 in Leeds selling only British made goods (Enc. Britannica,2004) As of 30 March 2013 the Company’s product were sold through 766 UK stores and 418 stores internationally (www.marksandspencer.com, 2013) 1.1.2 The reason for choosing the John Lewis Plc. as the comparator company John...
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...“A financial statement is the primary means of communicating the financial information of an organization to its external users” (Edmunds, 2010). They show recordings of obligations and are used for making decisions. The purpose of the analysis is to determine the meaning and significance of the data contained. As stated in the text, there are three different methods that is used for examining financial statements. They are horizontal analysis, vertical analysis, and ratio analysis. Horizontal analysis is one of the most common used techniques to analyze financial statements. The changes from period to period or year to year and over time are observed by absolute amounts or percentages. “Percentage uses the formula (subsequent year – previous year / previous year) * 100” (Zelman, McCue & Glick, 2009). Horizontal analysis is done for the income statement and the balance sheets. Using horizontal analysis is important. It states the facts very simple and makes analyzing more simple. “Vertical analysis uses percentages to compare individual components of financial statements to a key statement figure” (Edmunds, 2010). It analyzes the income statement and the balance sheet. It is also a common used method but it’s used more frequently to monitor annual changes. A benefit of vertical analysis is the ability to evaluate comparisons. The formula used for this analysis is “(line item of interest / base line item) * 100” (Zelman, McCue & Glick, 2009). Ratio analysis is the studying of...
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...WRITING A FINANCIAL STATEMENT ANALYSIS REPORT FOR A POTENTIAL USER The financial analyst should research, analyse and evaluate the company’s consolidated financial results. He/she should then compare such analysis and evaluation with that of a competitor or more working in the same industry group. The competitor should have the similar size (measured by total assets, sales turnover, number of employees, and/or capital employed) of the main company. The competitor should also have the same legal form as that of the main company (e.g. both companies should be Public Limited Company). It is essential that a financial analyst should write out a well-organised and structured financial statements analysis report in an appropriate format and style to an identified user of accounting information, using headings and sub-headings to indicate topics discussed. This report should include the key groups of ratios, and identify the key issues, explanations, and main findings obtained from the calculated ratios, horizontal and vertical analyses, and other sources of information. Then, the analyst should come to appropriate conclusions, implications, limitations, and recommendations. A suggested approach to write a good report is demonstrated below. I. Abstract * Report Objective; * Main Findings. II. Summary of the Basic Company Information Before looking at any of the different analysis techniques, it is good to spend some time doing a little bit of background research...
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