finance

A. This discussion assignment will allow for the preparation of a ratio analysis.  It will also provide background information that will be useful as you prepare the written report for Assignment 1: Financial Research Report, which is due at the end of Week 9.

 Step 1: Select a publicly-traded company that you will (or might) use for Assignment 1: Financial Research Report, which is due at the end of Week 9.

 Step 2: Locate financial ratio data from Mergent Online.  Financial statements, ratios, and other useful information are available from the Mergent Online database that is available through the Strayer University Learning Resource Center (online).  Please notice that financial ratios are grouped into appropriate categories (Profitability Ratios, Liquidity Ratios, Debt Management Ratios, and Asset Management Ratios), which makes it easy to set up the ratios and use them in the analysis.

 Accessing the Mergent Online Database – Financial Statements for companies, financial ratios, and Form 10K annual reports can be obtained from the Strayer University Learning Resource Center, which is accessible from the Online Classroom (see tab at the top of the screen).

 Select – Learning Resource Center

Select – Databases

Select Mergent Online

 Then, in the block titled “Company Search – Enter Symbol or Company Name” enter the company’s name or its Stock Ticker Symbol (e.g., for McCormick & Company, enter MKC).  Next, select the company from the drop-down menu.

 For Financial Statements – Select “Company Financials” tab

For Financial Ratios – Select “Company Financials” tab and “Ratios” sub-tab

For Form 10K Annual Reports – Select “Filings” tab (and then select the most recent Annual Form 10K report)

 Step 3: Enter the financial ratio data into the Financial Ratio Analysis Model (the attached Excel spreadsheet).  The data need to be entered into the yellow-coded cells (column is titled “Oldest Year”) progressing to the most recent year on the left (column is titled “Most Recent Year”).

 The model presently contains financial information for McCormick & Company (Stock Ticker MKC).

 You will note that the Excel spreadsheet model is programmed to identify if each ratio improved or deteriorated over the time period.  And, the spreadsheet is programmed to calculate the percentage change in each of the ratios during the same period.  This information should be helpful as you examine the ratio data.

 Step 4:  Answer the following questions about the ratio data:

1. What are the three (3) most significant observations about the ratio data for the company?
2. Why did you identify these observations as being the most important (e.g., how and why do the ratios seem to reflect the performance of the company)?

 Make sure that you submit the Excel model with the ratio analysis.

 (Note: In addition to Mergent, another good source of financial data and company information is:  http://www.advfn.com  .)

B. From the scenario, determine two (2) financing strategies that TFC could utilize to accomplish its expansion goals.  You may, for example, consider your analysis of TFC’s financial statements, as well as your knowledge of TFC’s excessive cash position.  What is the rationale for your response?

 NOTE: THE TFC FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ARE PROVIDED AS AN “ANNOUNCEMENT” IN THE ONLINE CLASSROOM.