Financial Analysis Paper: Analysis of a Publicly Traded Company

Broad Analysis

Description: This paper is a broad qualitative and quantitative analysis of a publicly traded company. The student should approach the project as a financial analyst, looking at all aspects of the company, but focusing especially on past and plausible future financial performance as well as the role of the HR manager in the financial health of the organization.

Process: Select a public company to analyze, and please do not choose the company where you are employed, but you may select a company in the same industry. Gather relevant information and data from a variety of available sources, including annual reports with financial statements, news and press releases, newspaper, magazine, and journal articles, and other analysts’ opinions. Sources of information should be cited in the final paper using correct APA documentation. The product of the student’s research is a 9-page paper, not including the title page or reference page. Broad Analysis (1-2 pages): Following an introduction, briefly review the following aspects of the company:

Mission, goals and objectives, and organizational structure

Products and services, including existing and new or proposed

The company’s position in its industry, as well as macroeconomic issues that may influence management’s planning and decision-making.

Other relevant issues, such as pending litigation, technological advancements, patents, governmental regulation, etc. Financial Analysis (4 pages): The broad analysis must be accompanied by a thorough financial analysis of the company’s performance during the last three operating years.

Calculate and discuss the significance of at least three relevant financial ratios and provide a narrative on significant trends. In addition, compare the financial performance of the company to that of at least two other companies in the industry. All financial ratios must show actual figures from the financial statements used; financial data and industry comparisons must be cited and referenced specifically so that the reader can find the information. Do not merely cite a company’s homepage; rather take the reader directly to the page being cited by giving the reader the specific URL on the reference page.

Check to make sure the link works! The purpose of this financial analysis is to give the reader an accurate picture of the financial health of the company HR Connection (2 pages): Using the financial analysis as a springboard, consider how the financial health of the company affects the work of managers in HR.

What implications do specific financial details have for the decisions made in HR on a daily basis?

How could this financial information assist HR managers in strategic planning? For this section, you will need to cite at least one outside source to substantiate your ideas. Feel free to interview experts in the field to gain insight into these concepts. Conclusion and Opinion (1 page): In addition to tying the main points of the paper together in the conclusion, the paper must include your opinion on the company’s past performance and future prospects. Please use and cite at least six sources, using correct APA format. This paper should be written exclusively in the third person. Please use headings in your paper to separate sections, remembering that the introduction does not get a heading in accordance with APA guidelines.