Evaluate BPP as a company using financial ratio analysis. Since the calculation of some ratios requires the averaging of balances

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brooks_plumbing_products.docx

Brooks Plumbing Products, Inc. (BPP) manufactures plumbing fixtures and other home improvement products that are sold in Home Depot and Wal-Mart as well as hardware stores. BPP has a solid reputation for providing value products, good quality, and a good price. The company has been approached by an investment banking firm representing a third company, Garden Specialties Inc. (GSI) that is interested in acquiring BPP. The acquiring firm (GSI) is a retailer of garden supplies; it sees the potential synergies of the combined firm and is willing to pay BPP shareholders $38 cash per share for their stock, which is greater than the current stock price; the stock has traded at about $35 in recent months. Summary financial information about BPP follows.