Reference no: EM132645161 , Length: 1600 Words

MOD003279 Cost and Financial Management Assignment - Anglia Ruskin University

Assessment Description - Download the 2017 annual report for a large public limited company such as WS Atkins Plc / Balfour Beatty Plc. This will be referred to as 'your chosen company'.

Also download the 2017 annual report for one of your chosen company's competitors (in the same industry). The competitor should have the similar size (measured by total assets, sales turnover, number of employees, and/or capital employed) of your chosen company. The competitor should also have the same legal form as that of your chosen company (e.g. both companies should be Public Limited Company).

Research, analyse and critically evaluate your chosen company's financial results. Compare the results, analyses and evaluations with those of (i) the competitor's company and (ii) the industry.

A suggested approach to write a good report is demonstrated below.

1. Abstract

Report Objective

Main Findings.

2. Summary of the Basic Company Information

Before looking at any of the different analysis techniques, it is good to spend some time doing a little bit of background research into the companies you are investigating. This will help to put the technical analysis into an appropriate context and allow a greater level of insight into any anomalies the analysis throws up.

Brief History

Description of Industry Membership, Main Business and Principal Locations

Any Exceptional Recent Events that Could Impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements

Discussion of Competitive Environment

Brief Financial Information.

3. Evaluation of Financial Statements: A Comparative Analysis

In this section, you should interpret the ratios and trends and provide critical and meaningful commentary on the company's performance and position. Additionally, you should use any comparison tables, figures, graphs, share price charts, as appropriate to support the financial analysis and illustrate the relevant issues. However, it may be appropriate to include these in the form of an appendix.

4. Conclusions

Overview of Performance

Implications for Potential Investment

Credit Assessment

Limitations of the Analysis, Ratios and Financial Statements

5. References

A proper list of all references used including papers in academic journals, books, electronic sources, etc.