You are an accountant at RSM Group Accountants & Investment Advisers. You have been approached by a group of investors for your professional advice on investing in Billabong International Limited.
Your client is a strong believer in supporting Australian made products and Socially Responsible Investing. The latter would mean adopting an investment strategy which seeks to consider both financial return and social good. Your client is also a strong believer in sourcing from ethical suppliers that maintain good workplace health and safety standards in their factories.
Access the company's annual report for 2014.
Prepare a report for your client. Your report should include:
a. A description of the core business of the company including full details of its operating activities.
b. A discussion on any significant issues emerging from the Directors' Report.
c. A discussion on the Corporate Governance Statement.
d. A calculation of the key financial ratios for 2014.
e. An overall evaluation of the company and your recommendation on investing in the company.