...FINANCIAL STATEMENT ANALYSIS OF TWO INDUSTRY GIANTS POLARIS INDUSTRIES AND ARCTIC CAT [pic] [pic] [pic] [pic] Question 1: Describe each business in terms of its market, strategy, business model, or distinctive competence. History: Polaris Industries and Arctic Cat Polaris Industries was founded by Edgar Hateen in 1952 in the town of Roseau, Minnesota and introduced the world’s first Snowmobile (at that time called a Sno Traveler) in 1957. In 1962, Polaris officially declared itself the world’s first Snowmobile Company and reported nearly $800,000 in sales. For the next several decades, Polaris would expand greatly in the worldwide production and sales of Snowmobiles and after ownership under Textron in the 1960’s and 1970’s Polaris was back in the hands of its employees and went public in the year 1986 under the stock ticker PII. It’s first ATV rolled off the production line in 1985, and business quickly expanded into the popular watercraft market of the 1990s. Today, with over $2.5B in sales, Polaris Industries is the world’s largest producer of Off-Road Vehicles, holds the number one position in market share of snowmobiles, and currently is the second largest retailer of Heavy-Weight Motorcycles (1400cc+) in the world under the brand names of Victory and Indian Motorcycles. Polaris has dealerships, distributors and subsidiaries in 110 countries around the world selling its product through numerous...
Words: 2922 - Pages: 12
...CHAPTER 5—BASICS OF ANALYSIS MULTIPLE CHOICE 1. Statements in which all items are expressed only in relative terms (percentages of a base) are termed: a. vertical Statements. b. horizontal Statements. c. funds Statements. d. common-Size Statements. e. None of the answers are correct. \. 2. In financial statement analysis, ratios are: a. the only type of analysis where industry data are available. b. absolute numbers converted to a common base. c. fractions usually expressed in percent or times. d. the only indication of the financial position of the firm. e. None of the answers are correct. 3. Denver Dynamics has net income of $2,000,000. Oakland Enterprises has net income of $2,500,000. Which of the following best compares the profitability of Denver and Oakland? a. Oakland Enterprises is 25% more profitable than Denver Dynamics. b. Oakland Enterprises is more profitable than Denver Dynamics, but the comparison can't be quantified. c. Oakland Enterprises is only more profitable if it is smaller than Denver Dynamics. d. Further information is needed for a reasonable comparison. e. Oakland Enterprises is more profitable if it is a larger firm than Denver Dynamics. 4. Which of the following can offer a type of comparison in financial statement analysis? a. Past ratios and figures b. Industry averages c. Statistics of competitors d. All of the answers are correct. e. None of the answers are correct. 5. Which of the following...
Words: 2598 - Pages: 11
...Financial Statement Analysis Financial statements are the primary information companies publish about themselves. Financial statement analysis is the method used by any interested party to answer questions about a company by extracting the information from company financial statements. Financial statement analysis mainly focuses on investors, since businesses are in business to make profits, financial statements are prepared with shareholders’ in mind. Much of financial statement analysis for investors is relevant to other parties. While the shareholder is concerned with profitability, governmental regulators, short and long term creditors, competitors, and employees are concerned with profitability also. There is also a concern with the riskiness of the business for stockholders’ and employees as well. For the purpose of this paper, I will focus on financial statement analysis in regard to shareholders and short and long term creditors. Stockholders’ (shareholders’) equity can be found on the balance sheet. It is the claim by owners, the residual claim on the assets after subtracting liability claims. This is important to stockholders because it shows the degree of which net operating assets are financed by common equity, financial leverage. The balance sheet is a statement of the company’s investments, from its investing activities, and the claims to the payoffs from those investments. Both assets and liabilities are divided into current and long-term categories...
Words: 617 - Pages: 3
...Executive Summary Brambles Ltd. is a pooling solutions company which emphasizing on reusable pallets, crates, containers and associated logistics services. (Brambles, 2013) This report aims to evaluate Brambles' overall financial performance, prospect and provide recommendations on holding or selling Brambles' share finally. The accounting analysis assesses the influence that may be exerted by Brambles accounting policies through analyzing three aspects of key accounting policies, accounting flexibility and the quality of disclosure. The financial analysis illustrates that the financial profitability of Brambles is relatively favorable due to the high-level of ROE and ROA in the past five years. In addition, the highest financial leverage in Brambles result in the increased profits were insufficient to offset the increment in cash capital expenditure. Therefore, Brambles' efficiency and liquidity in investment management may induce risk in the future. The valuation analysis combines the discounted cash flow model, discounted residual income model and sensitivity analysis. The range of estimated share price is within AUD$8.7-$16.62. The current market share price is AUD$9.17. Therefore, the recommendation is strong hold or buy. 1 Accounting Analysis 1.1 Key Accounting Policies The key success factors for Brambles Ltd. include Goodwill and Property, Plant, and Equipment. The following table summarizes accounting measures: (Brambles Ltd. Annual Report, 2012, p.81,...
Words: 2079 - Pages: 9
...Compilation of Financial Statements 2011 AR Section 80 Compilation of Financial Statements Issue date, unless otherwise indicated: December 2009 See section 9080 for interpretations of this section. Source: SSARS No. 19 .01 This section establishes standards and provides guidance on compilations of financial statements. The accountant is required to comply with the provisions of this section whenever he or she is engaged to report on compiled financial statements or submits financial statements to a client or to third parties. Establishing an Understanding .02 The accountant should establish an understanding with management regarding the services to be performed for compilation engagements1 and should document the understanding through a written communication with management. Such an understanding reduces the risks that either the accountant or management may misinterpret the needs or expectations of the other party. For example, it reduces the risk that management may inappropriately rely on the accountant to protect the entity against certain risks or to perform certain functions that are management's responsibility. The accountant should ensure that the understanding includes the objectives of the engagement, management's responsibilities, the accountant's responsibilities, and the limitations of the engagement. In some cases, the accountant may establish such understanding with those charged with governance. .03 An understanding with management and...
Words: 10549 - Pages: 43
...The financial statements’ limitations include intentionally manipulating the figures; cross-company or cross-time comparison difficulties in times when different accounting methods are used to prepare the statements and where incomplete records of a firm’s economic prospects exist due to a sole focus on financial measures Financial statements are open to human interpretation and error, worse of all, intentional manipulation of figures. There are instances when high profile management officials have been involved in manipulating figures of the financial statements to indicate inflated economic performance. As such, there are calls focusing on the independence and objectivity of auditing firms. Public companies require an audit of the financial statements useful for investment, tax purposes and financing. Independent accountants and auditing firms usually carry out an audit and their report is included in the annual report. The managing official, for example, the CEO is responsible for attesting that the financial statements are not misleading or untrue. They should also make sure that the financial statements expose those officials involved in any malpractice to face the law. Different ways of accounting across companies and across periods pose another limitation of financial statements since it is difficult comparing a company’s finances across time or comparing finances across companies. In addition, different countries have adopted their own accounting principles thus international...
Words: 265 - Pages: 2
...Financial Statement Paper Kaitlin Williams University of Phoenix ACC/280-Principles of Accounting Carol Demuth Jun 22, 2011 Financial Statement Paper Businesses today need to run quickly, efficiently, and have smaller margin for error than ever before. To keep up with the fast paced world around them, companies must assure things run as smoothly as possible to have a chance at competing with their competitors. One of the biggest details that have to be correct is the company’s accounting. Getting the numbers right isn’t just important, it’s the reason that a business can make money. Without proper accounting, it would not be possible to know how much money is being made or lost, what can be done to change these things for the better, or even where the money ends up. It is a part of everyday business, and will be as long as people continue to do business. Accounting is utilized to record all of the receiving, sending, and all other transfers of money for a particular company. Think of it like the balancing of a checkbook for an entire business as opposed to a personal bank account. If transactions are not kept up with, money can easily fall through the cracks and companies could lose a substantial amount of it simply by not knowing what the numbers should look like. It would be impossible to know if someone was stealing money from the company, or if a company that business was done with had actually paid its bill correctly. Accounting is more than a necessity, it is...
Words: 914 - Pages: 4
...Conclusion 17 Appendix 18 Bibliography 19 Abstract Financial statement fraud is a very costly type of fraud and has a significant financial impact on the company businesses and also individuals, as well as influence investor confidence in the markets. In this project, our group will going to present on a case study in Financial Statement Fraud by a company that we choose. First of all, in this report we will investigate on our background of the Case Study Company which is MEMS TECHNOLOGY BHD. In the case study, we will determine the current status of the company and how the financial statement fraud will give impact to the organization by referring to the company’s annual report 2009. Hence, in this report we will give some practical guide on the different schemes and components that are used for detection on the Financial Statement Fraud that might be probably incurred in the company annual report 2009. 2.0 Introduction Financial reporting frauds and earnings manipulation have attracted high profile attention recently. The generally accepted definition of the financial statement fraud is the deliberate, misrepresentation, misstatement or omission of financial statement data for the purpose of misleading financial statement users and also creating a false impression of an organization's financial strength. The purpose of this financial statement fraud committed by the public businesses is to maintain the investor...
Words: 3772 - Pages: 16
...Financial Statements In accounting there are four basic financial statements that are considered standard practice by the generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). These are the income statement, the retained earnings statement, the balance sheet and the statement of cash flows. While each of these reports is very important in its own regard, they are also intermingled and depend on each other to represent a complete unbiased view of an organizations financial situation. The income statement reports revenues and expenditures for the given period of time. This report is important because it will show net income or net loss for a given period of time. However, not all monies received are considered revenue and not all monies put out are considered expenditures. For example money received from selling or issuing stocks are not considered revenue. The same holds true for dividends, they are not considered expenditures. This period of time can vary from organization to organization. Most reports are shown on a quarterly and annual basis. When the income statement is properly prepared will produce the company's net income. This amount is then transferred to the retained earnings statement. The retained earnings statement shows the income that is retained by the organization. This report not only shows changes but also the reason for said changes. This allows all interested parties to see and understand if there is a significant variation from the previous report. This...
Words: 920 - Pages: 4
...Financial Statements Patty Reagan ACC/561 September 24, 2012 Bethany Kessel Financial Statements The financial statements of a company give the reader a view of the financial health of the company. The four major reports are the income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, and the statement of shareholders’ equity. By understanding the statements and how they relate to one another can help any individual to understand the financial position of the company and will aid in making good decisions when relating to the company. Each report is of importance to the management, creditors, and the investors. Income Statement The gains, revenues, losses, and expenses of a company are listed on the income statement (Johnson, 2012). The money that a company earned from the usual business operations is the revenue. The costs that are associated with earning revenue are expenses. If a company were to sell an asset, it will be considered to be either a capital gain or loss. The amount of net income is found on the cash flow statement as well. This report will be important to investors, creditors, and management. All involved parties want to see if the company is making money or if it is losing money. Balance Statement The balance sheet is a summary of a company’s assets, liabilities, and shareholders’ equity for a particular period (Balance Sheet, 2012). The three segments will give an investor a view of what a company owns and owes and the amount that shareholders...
Words: 887 - Pages: 4
...Katrina Baron Financial Statements The four basic financial statements are the balance sheet, income statement, statement of cash flow, and the statement of retained earnings. The balance sheet depicts the current financial circumstances of the company. This reports the company’s assets, liabilities, and net equity as of a given point in time. The income statement reports the company’s cost and revenues. This reports the company’s income, expenses, and profits over a period of time. The statement of cash flow describes the changes is cash and cash equivalents. This reports the company’s activities, such as its operating, investing, and financing costs. The statement of retained earnings reports the changes in equity. Basically this explains the company’s retained earnings over the reporting period. The internal users would be managers and employees that use the financial statements. They would use the financial statements to obtain the data to use for any future budget concerns. The internal users can use the data to set performance goals for the company. They can also use the data to see where the company needs to increase revenue from a certain department in the company. Along with being able to see where they need to make cutbacks. The internal users rely on the financial statement to direct the company in all its daily activities. The external users for the financial statement would be investors and creditors. The data obtained from the financial statement would be used...
Words: 326 - Pages: 2
...Financial Statements Paper Angela Carson Acc/280 Principles of Accounting Stephen Willden October 4, 2010 The purpose of accounting is to help users of financial information to understand how a company or individual is functioning in the economy. Accounting takes the financial information of an organization and it identifies records and communicates its economics to the interested parties. There are four basic financial statements. The income statement shows the revenues, expenses and income of a company over a specific period of time. The retained earnings statement summarizes the changes in earnings over a specific period of time. The balance sheet shows a report of assets, liabilities and equity for an exact point in time. The last would be the statement of cash flows which summarizes cash flows in and out of a company over a specific amount of time. The four basic financial statements are interrelated with one another. They should be prepared in a specific sequence. Net income, which is the income statement, is completed first. The net income is needed to help determine the ending balance in retained earnings. The retained earnings statement provides information if there was an increase or decrease during the specific period of time. The end balance from the retained earnings statement is used to prepare the balance sheet. This is where the basic accounting equation, Assets equal Liabilities plus Equity, is used to calculate the balance sheet. The balance sheet gives...
Words: 382 - Pages: 2
...Financial Statements Genesis Ruiz Acc/290 June 14, 2012 Mary Larsen Financial statements When people think of business they think of money. Business is not about just money there is a lot more to it. Money is business but what happen when you go deeper into financial statements. Financial statements are a collection of reports about an organization's financial results and condition. Financial statements are useful to determine the balance sheet, income statement sheet, statement of stockholders equity, and cash flow statement. Financial statement helps conclude if the business has the potential to pay back its debts, track financial results as well to derive financial ratios. Investigate the details of certain business transactions, and determine the ability of a business to generate cash, and the sources and uses of that cash. Financial statement in a business is not just one thing but there are four basic financial statements. It all begins with the balance statement. Balance sheet statement review business assets, liabilities and shareholders' equity at a precise instant in time. It gives investors an idea as to what the company owns and owes, as well as the amount invested by the shareholders. Second statement is the incomes sheet of the actions a company's financial operation over a precise accounting time. On the other hand is the cash flow statement. Cash flow statements illustrate the total of increase or decrease in cash that...
Words: 781 - Pages: 4
...Financial Statements ACC/280 July 23, 2011 Cary Schulz, Facilitator Financial Statements Accounting is a critical aspect of any organization; without accounting a business will not be successful. This paper will inform one of the purposes of accounting; the four basic financial statements; how the basic financial statements are interrelated; and why they are useful for managers, investors, creditors, and employees. Accounting is crucial for every business. Purpose of Accounting Accounting is the information system that records, identifies, and communicates an organization’s economic events to interested users (Weygandt, Kimmel, & Kieso, 2008). The definition of financial accounting is the field of accounting that treats money as a means of measuring an organization’s economic performance as opposed to a factor of production. This is comparable to cost accounting (Walden University, 2011). Financial accounting involves the entire system of controlling and monitoring money as it comes in and out of the organization as liabilities and assets; as well as revenues and expenses (Walden University, 2011). Financial accounting pulls together and summarizes the financial data to produce financial reports, such as a balance sheet and income statement for an organization’s investors, lenders, management, tax authorities, suppliers, and other stakeholders (Walden University, 2011). Financial accounting provides financial and economic data for creditors, investors, and...
Words: 844 - Pages: 4
...Done by: Shannan T. Week 1 Assignment: Financial Statements Numbers play a major role in business and to keep track of all of those numbers, financial statements are used. Financial statements are a way of communicating those numbers within the business organization. Financial statements are used as a foundation for decisions that will impact information systems, production, management, and marketing. Any income that a company is receiving needs to be able to cover any of the overhead debt costs such as employee wages, utilities, rent, goods, and supplies. If a company is not in good financial standing, it may not qualify to receive additional loans for expansion or may need to do cutbacks such as laying off some of the employees. All of these aspects are monitored with four basic financial statement reports, which are the balance sheets, income statements, retained earnings statements, and statements of cash flow. The balance sheet shows what is owned, revenue, and assets and what is owed, expenses, or debts, also known as overhead costs. An income statement shows how a business has performed in a certain time frame based on its revenue and expenses. The retained earnings statement tells how the revenue was divided in to the organization or company to promote future growth, and finally a statement of cash flows shows just where that revenue is coming from and how it was used to cover the debts. Financial statements are vital in business and they all work together...
Words: 547 - Pages: 3
