Select a company of your choice from the S&P 500 Index and locate its 2008 10-K, annual report, and proxy statement. Answer the following questions.
a. Give an overview of the company's business. Which products/services does the company provide? Which geographies/demographics does the company market to?
Who are its main customers, suppliers, and competitors?
b. What pattern do you observe in the company's net income, cash flow from operations, and working capital over the past three years? Which company-specific developments and macroeconomic factors influenced these patterns? Support your answer quantitatively and graphically. Attach a copy of the cash flow statement in your answer.
c. How does the company finance its business? Do the amount and maturity of outstanding debt pose potential cash problems for the company in the foreseeable future?