Ratio Analysis

Using the Internet and Strayer databases, choose one (1) publically traded firm, and research the financial successes and challenges that the chosen firm has encountered. Select financial statements the firm has released within the past three (3) years, and study them carefully. 

Write a three (3) page paper in which you:

1. Use data from within the past three (3) years to identify the profit margin, debt to asset ratio, price-earnings (PE) ratio, inventory turnover, current ratio, and times interest earned for the firm that you have selected.
2. Analyze significant financial trends of the chosen firm. Examine whether it appears that the firm will achieve financial success throughout the next five (5) years, or whether there appear to be challenges that will hinder the firm’s financial growth. Provide a rationale for your response.
3. Imagine that you are the manager of the chosen firm. Summarize the major steps that you would take to either improve the firm or to maintain the firm’s current level of financial success. Explain the main reasons why you believe your approach would be effective.
4. Use at least three (3) quality references. Note: Wikipedia and similar Websites do not qualify as academic resources. However, you may use data sources, such as Yahoo Finance.

Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:

• Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.
• Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length.