Assignment: Financial Statement Analysis and Decision Making Activity
Purpose of Assignment
The activity requires students to perform research and analysis on competing companies and the potential implications of international standards. This real-world analysis is key to understanding how a company's profitability, liquidity, and solvency can be useful for all users. Students also learn to analyze financial statements and use managerial tools to make decisions from an investor's and creditor's standpoint.
Resources: U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), websites such as Annual Reports (AnnualReports.com)
Select two competing companies, one of which must be an international company, and locate annual reports for these two companies on the Internet. USE: Microsoft and Apple
Research the two companies on the Internet and download the Income Statement, Statement of Shareholders' Equity, Balance Sheet, and Statement of Cash Flows.
Develop a minimum 525-word examination of the financial statements and include the following:
• Which company would you recommend as an investment? Discuss the items that were considered in your decision.
• Research global implications for the international company selected. How might changing environmental factors affect organizational choices?
The response should include a reference list. Double-space, using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.