Homework
I. Within the context of valuation methodology and disclosure, discuss the concepts of "Relevance" and "Representational Faithfulness".
1. In what circumstances might you have one, but not the other, or both?
2. Could one have neither?
3. Provide and discuss some examples of each scenario, as well as the risk and ramifications.
II. Discuss and explain the difference between profit/loss and cash flow. How could a company have positive cash flow, but show a net loss at year end? What are some examples of industries and/or companies that might generate substantial cash flow, but could lose money? Conversely, what are some examples of industries and/or companies that might generate very limited cash flow, but could show a profit at year end?
III. The collapse of W. T. Grant, the 17th largest retailer in the U.S. with 1,200 stores and 82,000 employees in 1975, came as a surprise to the capital markets!
1. Why should this have not been a surprise?
2. What got overlooked?
3. What analysis would have help predict their downfall?
4. List the financial analysis that would have uncovered their problems?
IV. Look back on the research and discussion surrounding Grant Department stores.
1. Which types of risk were present? List and discuss them.
2. What types of ratio calculations and analysis should have taken place to better predict Grant's demise?
3. Which ratios in particular were likely indicators of Grant's impending demise?
V. What does profitability analysis mean to you? Why do companies analyze profits? What is Analysis? Do you believe that it is necessary to analyze profits? Answer these questions and provide an article link that supports your answers. Discuss and expand the conversation around each others' articles. Cite outside material properly.
VI. How can two companies with identical P & L statements (identical profitability) at year end provide different annual returns to each of their investors? Which company is the riskier investment? Discuss some different scenarios that result in different levels of risk in each of the cases. Cite outside articles/material.
Format your homework according to the give formatting requirements:
1. The answer must be double spaced, typed, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
2. The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the homework, the course title, the student's name, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
3. Also include a reference page. The references and Citations should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.