1. 1.List the basic financial statement analytical procedures. 2.Apply financial statement analysis to assess the solvency of a business. 3.Apply financial statement analysis to assess the profitability of a business. 4.Summarize the uses and limitations of analytical measures. 5.Describe the contents of corporate annual reports. Chapter 15Financial Statement Analysis Objectives Chapter 15 - Financial Statement Analysis Objectives

2. Horizontal Analysis It’s an analysis of the percentage increases and decreases of related items in comparative financial statements.

3. Lincoln Company Comparative Balance Sheet December 31, 2006 and 2005 Assets Current assets$ 550,000$ 533,000$ 17,000 3.2% Long-term investments95,000177,500(82,500)(46.5%) Fixed assets (net)444,500470,000(25,500)(5.4%) Intangible assets50,00050,000— Total assets $1,139,500$1,230,500$ (91,000)(7.4%) Liabilities Current liabilities$ 210,000$ 243,000$ (33,000)(13.6%) Long-term liabilities100,000200,000(100,000)(50.0%) Total liabilities $ 310,000$ 443,000$(133,000)(30.0%) Stockholders’ Equity Preferred 6% stock, $100 par$ 150,000$ 150,000— Common stock, $10 par500,000500,000— Retained earnings179,500137,500$42,000 30.5% Total stockholders’ equity $ 829,500$ 787,500$42,000 5.3% Total liab. & SE $1,139,500$1230,500$(91,000)(7.4%) 20062005AmountPercent Balance Sheet Increase (Decrease)

4. Assets Current assets$ 550,000$ 533,000$ 17,000 3.2% Long-term investments95,000177,500(82,500)(46.5%) Fixed assets (net)444,500470,000(25,500)(5.4%) Intangible assets50,00050,000— Total assets $1,139,500$1,230,500$ (91,000)(7.4%) Liabilities Current liabilities$ 210,000$ 243,000$ (33,000)(13.6%) Long-term liabilities100,000200,000(100,000)(50.0%) Total liabilities $ 310,000$ 443,000$(133,000)(30.0%) Stockholders’ Equity Preferred 6% stock, $100 par$ 150,000$ 150,000— Common stock, $10 par500,000500,000— Retained earnings179,500137,500$42,000 30.5% Total stockholders’ equity $ 829,500$ 787,500$42,000 5.3% Total liab. & SE $1,139,500$1230,500$(91,000)(7.4%) Horizontal Analysis: Horizontal Analysis: Lincoln Company Comparative Balance Sheet December 31, 2006 and 2005 Difference$17,000 Base year (2005)$533,000 = 3.2% 20062005AmountPercent Increase (Decrease)

5. Assets Current assets$ 550,000$ 533,000$ 17,000 3.2% Long-term investments95,000177,500(82,500)(46.5%) Fixed assets (net)444,500470,000(25,500)(5.4%) Intangible assets50,00050,000— Total assets $1,139,500$1,230,500$ (91,000)(7.4%) Liabilities Current liabilities$ 210,000$ 243,000$ (33,000)(13.6%) Long-term liabilities100,000200,000(100,000)(50.0%) Total liabilities $ 310,000$ 443,000$(133,000)(30.0%) Stockholders’ Equity Preferred stock, $100 par$ 150,000$ 150,000— Common stock, $10 par500,000500,000— Retained earnings179,500137,500$42,000 30.5% Total stockholders’ equity $ 829,500$ 787,500$42,000 5.3% Total liab. & SE $1,139,500$1230,500$(91,000)(7.4%) Horizontal Analysis: Horizontal Analysis: Difference$(82,500) Base year (2005)$177,500 = (46.5%) Lincoln Company Comparative Balance Sheet December 31, 2006 and 2005 20062005AmountPercent Increase (Decrease)

6. Assets Current assets$ 550,000$ 533,000$ 17,000 3.2% Long-term investments95,000177,500(82,500)(46.5%) Fixed assets (net)444,500470,000(25,500)(5.4%) Intangible assets50,00050,000— Total assets $1,139,500$1,230,500$ (91,000)(7.4%) Liabilities Current liabilities$ 210,000$ 243,000$ (33,000)(13.6%) Long-term liabilities100,000200,000(100,000)(50.0%) Total liabilities $ 310,000$ 443,000$(133,000)(30.0%) Stockholders’ Equity Preferred 6% stock, $100 par$ 150,000$ 150,000— Common stock, $10 par500,000500,000— Retained earnings179,500137,500$42,000 30.5% Total stockholders’ equity $ 829,500$ 787,500$42,000 5.3% Total liab. & SE $1,139,500$1230,500$(91,000)(7.4%) Lincoln Company Comparative Balance Sheet December 31, 2006 and 2005 (5.4%) 20062005AmountPercent Increase (Decrease)

7. Sales$1,530,500$1,234,000$296,500 24.0% Sales returns32,50034,000(1,500)(4.4%) Net sales$1,498,000$1,200,000$298,000 24.8% Cost of goods sold1,043,000820,000223,000 27.2% Gross profit $ 455,000$ 380,000$ 75,000 19.7% Selling expenses$ 191,000$ 147,000$ 44,000 29.9% Administrative expenses104,00097,4006,600 6.8% Total operating expenses$ 295,000$ 244,400$ 50,600 20.7% Operating income$ 160,000$ 135,600$ 24,400 18.0% Other income8,50011,000(2,500)(22.7%) $ 168,500$ 146,600$ 21,900 14.9% Other expense6,00012,000(6,000)(50.0%) Income before income tax$ 162,500$ 134,600$ 27,900 20.7% Income tax71,50058,10013,400 23.1% Net income$ 91,000$ 76,500$ 14,500 19.0% Lincoln Company Comparative Income Statement December 31, 2006 and 2005 20062005AmountPercent Increase (Decrease) Income Statement

8. Sales$1,530,500$1,234,000$296,500 24.0% Sales returns32,50034,000(1,500)(4.4%) Net sales$1,498,000$1,200,000$298,000 24.8% Cost of goods sold1,043,000820,000223,000 27.2% Gross profit $ 455,000$ 380,000$ 75,000 19.7% Selling expenses$ 191,000$ 147,000$ 44,000 29.9% Administrative expenses104,00097,4006,600 6.8% Total operating expenses$ 295,000$ 244,400$ 50,600 20.7% Operating income$ 160,000$ 135,600$ 24,400 18.0% Other income8,50011,000(2,500)(22.7%) $ 168,500$ 146,600$ 21,900 14.9% Other expense6,00012,000(6,000)(50.0%) Income before income tax$ 162,500$ 134,600$ 27,900 20.7% Income tax71,50058,10013,400 23.1% Net income$ 91,000$ 76,500$ 14,500 19.0% Horizontal Analysis: Horizontal Analysis: Increase amount$296,500 Base year (2005) $1,234,000 = 24.0% 24.0% Lincoln Company Comparative Income Statement December 31, 2006 and 2005 20062005AmountPercent Increase (Decrease)

9. Sales$1,530,500$1,234,000$296,500 24.0% Sales returns32,50034,000(1,500)(4.4%) Net sales$1,498,000$1,200,000$298,000 24.8% Cost of goods sold1,043,000820,000223,000 27.2% Gross profit $ 455,000$ 380,000$ 75,000 19.7% Selling expenses$ 191,000$ 147,000$ 44,000 29.9% Administrative expenses104,00097,4006,600 6.8% Total operating expenses$ 295,000$ 244,400$ 50,600 20.7% Operating income$ 160,000$ 135,600$ 24,400 18.0% Other income8,50011,000(2,500)(22.7%) $ 168,500$ 146,600$ 21,900 14.9% Other expense6,00012,000(6,000)(50.0%) Income before income tax$ 162,500$ 134,600$ 27,900 20.7% Income tax71,50058,10013,400 23.1% Net income$ 91,000$ 76,500$ 14,500 19.0% Horizontal Analysis: Horizontal Analysis: Increase amount$298,000 Base year (2005) $1,200,000 = 24.8% 24.8% Lincoln Company Comparative Income Statement December 31, 2006 and 2005 20062005AmountPercent Increase (Decrease)

10. Vertical Analysis A percentage analysis can be used to show the relationship of each component to a total within a single statement. The total, or 100% item, on the balance sheet is “total assets.”

11. Lincoln Company Comparative Balance Sheet Assets Current assets$ 550,00048.3%$ 533,00043.3% Long-term investments95,0008.3177,50014.4 Property, plant, & equip. (net)444,50039.0470,00038.2 Intangible assets50,0004.450,0004.1 Total assets$1,139,500100.0%$1,230,500100.0% Liabilities Current liabilities$ 210,00018.4%$ 243,00019.7% Long-term liabilities100,0008.8200,00016.3 Total liabilities$ 310,00027.2%$ 443,00036.0% Stockholders’ Equity Preferred stock, 6%, $100 par$ 150,00013.2%$ 150,00012.2% Common stock, $10 par500,00043.9500,00040.6 Retained earnings179,50015.7137,50011.2 Total stockholders’ equity$ 829,50072.8%$ 787,50064.0% Total liab. & SE$1,139,500100.0%$1,230,500100.0% December 31, 2006 December 31, 2005 AmountPercentAmountPercent Vertical Analysis: Vertical Analysis: Current assets $550,000 Total assets $1,139,500 = 48.3% 48.3%BalanceSheetBalanceSheet

12. Lincoln Company Comparative Balance Sheet Assets Current assets$ 550,00048.3%$ 533,00043.3% Long-term investments95,0008.3177,50014.4 Property, plant, & equip. (net)444,50039.0470,00038.2 Intangible assets50,0004.450,0004.1 Total assets$1,139,500100.0%$1,230,500100.0% Liabilities Current liabilities$ 210,00018.4%$ 243,00019.7% Long-term liabilities100,0008.8200,00016.3 Total liabilities$ 310,00027.2%$ 443,00036.0% Stockholders’ Equity Preferred 6% stock, $100 par$ 150,00013.2%$ 150,00012.2% Common stock, $10 par500,00043.9500,00040.6 Retained earnings179,50015.7137,50011.2 Total stockholders’ equity$ 829,50072.8%$ 787,50064.0% Total liab. & SE$1,139,500100.0%$1,230,500100.0% Vertical Analysis: Vertical Analysis: Current assets $533,000 Total assets $1,230,500 = 43.3% 43.3% December 31, 2006 December 31, 2005 AmountPercentAmountPercent

13. Lincoln Company Comparative Balance Sheet Assets Current assets$ 550,00048.3%$ 533,00043.3% Long-term investments95,0008.3177,50014.4 Property, plant, & equip. (net)444,50039.0470,00038.2 Intangible assets50,0004.450,0004.1 Total assets$1,139,500100.0%$1,230,500100.0% Liabilities Current liabilities$ 210,00018.4%$ 243,00019.7% Long-term liabilities100,0008.8200,00016.3 Total liabilities$ 310,00027.2%$ 443,00036.0% Stockholders’ Equity Preferred 6% stock, $100 par$ 150,00013.2%$ 150,00012.2% Common stock, $10 par500,00043.9500,00040.6 Retained earnings179,50015.7137,50011.2 Total stockholders’ equity$ 829,50072.8%$ 787,50064.0% Total liab. & SE$1,139,500100.0%$1,230,500100.0% December 31, 2006 December 31, 2005 AmountPercentAmountPercent

14. Sales$1,530,500102.2% $1,234,000102.8% Sales returns32,5002.234,0002.8 Net sales$1,498,000100.0%$1,200,000100.0% Cost of goods sold1,043,00069.6820,00068.3 Gross profit $ 455,00030.4%$ 380,00031.7% Selling expenses$ 191,00012.8%$ 147,00012.3% Administrative expenses104,0006.997,4008.1 Total operating expenses$ 295,00019.7%$ 244,40020.4% Income from operations$ 160,00010.7$ 135,60011.3% Other income8,5000.611,0000.9 $ 168,50011.3%$ 146,60012.2% Other expense6,0000.412,0001.0 Income before income tax$ 162,50010.9%$ 134,60011.2% Income tax expense71,5004.858,1004.8 Net income$ 91,0006.1%$ 76,5006.4% 2006 2005 Amount Percent Amount Percent Net sales is 100.0% Lincoln Company Comparative Income Statement For the Years Ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 IncomeStatementIncomeStatement

15. Sales$1,530,500102.2% $1,234,000102.8% Sales returns32,5002.234,0002.8 Net sales$1,498,000100.0%$1,200,000100.0% Cost of goods sold1,043,00069.6820,00068.3 Gross profit $ 455,00030.4%$ 380,00031.7% Selling expenses$ 191,000 Selling expenses$ 191,00012.8%$ 147,00012.3% Administrative expenses104,0006.997,4008.1 Total operating expenses$ 295,00019.7%$ 244,40020.4% Income from operations$ 160,00010.7$ 135,60011.3% Other income8,5000.611,0000.9 $ 168,50011.3%$ 146,60012.2% Other expense6,0000.412,0001.0 Income before income tax$ 162,50010.9%$ 134,60011.2% Income tax expense71,5004.858,1004.8 Net income$ 91,0006.1%$ 76,5006.4% 2006 2005 Amount Percent Amount Percent Vertical Analysis: Vertical Analysis: Selling expenses $191,000 Net sales $1,498,000 = 12.8% 12.8%

16. Sales$1,530,500102.2% $1,234,000102.8% Sales returns32,5002.234,0002.8 Net sales$1,498,000100.0%$1,200,000100.0% Cost of goods sold1,043,00069.6820,00068.3 Gross profit $ 455,00030.4%$ 380,00031.7% Selling expenses$ 191,00012.8%$ 147,00012.3% Administrative expenses104,0006.997,4008.1 Total operating expenses$ 295,00019.7%$ 244,40020.4% Income from operations$ 160,00010.7$ 135,60011.3% Other income8,5000.611,0000.9 $ 168,50011.3%$ 146,60012.2% Other expense6,0000.412,0001.0 Income before income tax$ 162,50010.9%$ 134,60011.2% Income tax expense71,5004.858,1004.8 Net income$ 91,0006.1%$ 76,5006.4% 2006 2005 Amount Percent Amount Percent Lincoln Company Comparative Income Statement For the Years Ended December 31, 2006 and 2005

17. Sales$1,530,500102.2% $1,234,000102.8% Sales returns32,5002.234,0002.8 Net sales$1,498,000100.0%$1,200,000100.0% Cost of goods sold1,043,00069.6820,00068.3 Gross profit $ 455,00030.4%$ 380,00031.7% Selling expenses$ 191,00012.8%$ 147,00012.3% Administrative expenses104,0006.997,4008.1 Total operating expenses$ 295,00019.7%$ 244,40020.4% Income from operations$ 160,00010.7$ 135,60011.3% Other income8,5000.611,0000.9 $ 168,50011.3%$ 146,60012.2% Other expense6,0000.412,0001.0 Income before income tax$ 162,50010.9%$ 134,60011.2% Income tax expense71,5004.858,1004.8 Net income$ 91,0006.1%$ 76,5006.4% 2006 2005 Amount Percent Amount Percent Lincoln Company Comparative Income Statement For the Years Ended December 31, 2006 and 2005

18. Common Size Statements Vertical analysis with both dollar and percentage amounts is also useful in comparing one company with another or with industry averages. Such comparisons are easier to make with the use of common-size statements in which all items are expressed in percentages.

19. Common-Size Income Statement

20. Solvency Analysis  Solvency is the ability of a business to meet its financial obligations (debts) as they are due.  Solvency analysis focuses on the ability of a business to pay or otherwise satisfy its current and noncurrent liabilities.  This ability is normally assessed by examining balance sheet relationships.

21. Current Position Analysis Current assets $550,000$533,000 Current liabilities 210,000 243,000 Working capital$340,000$290,000 Current ratio2.6 2.2 Working Capital and Current Ratio Use:To indicate the ability to meet currently maturing obligations. 2006 2005 Divide current assets by current liabilities

22. Quick Ratio Use:To indicate instant debt-paying ability. 20062005 Quick assets: Cash$ 90,500$ 64,700 Marketable securities 75,00060,000 Accounts receivable (net)115,000120,000 Total$280,500$244,700 Current liabilities$210,000$243,000 Quick ratio1.3 1.0 Current Position Analysis

23. Accounts Receivable Turnover Net sales on account$1,498,000$1,200,000 Accounts receivable (net): Beginning of year$ 120,000$ 140,000 End of year 115,500120,000 Total$ 235,000$ 260,000 Average (Total ÷ 2)$ 117,500$ 130,000 20062005 Accounts Receivable Analysis Net sales on account Average accounts receivable Net sales on account Average accounts receivable

24. Use:To assess the efficiency in collecting receivables and in the management of credit. Net sales on account$1,498,000$1,200,000 Accounts receivable (net): Beginning of year$ 120,000$ 140,000 End of year 115,500120,000 Total$ 235,000$ 260,000 Average$ 117,500$ 130,000 Accounts receivable turnover12.7 9.2 20062005 Accounts Receivable Analysis Accounts Receivable Turnover

25. Number of Days’ Sales in Receivables Accounts receivable (net), end of year$ 115,000$ 120,000 Net sales on account$1,498,000$1,200,000 Average daily sales on account (sales ÷ 365)$ 4,104$ 3,288 20062005 Accounts Receivable Analysis Accounts receivable, end of year Average daily sales on account Accounts receivable, end of year Average daily sales on account

26. Number of Days’ Sales in Receivables Use:To assess the efficiency in collecting receivables and in the management of credit. Number of days’ sales in receivables 28.0 36.5 receivables 28.0 36.5 Accounts receivable (net), end of year$ 115,000$ 120,000 Net sales on account$1,498,000$1,200,000 Average daily sales on account (sales ÷ 365)$ 4,104$ 3,288 20062005 Accounts Receivable Analysis

27. Inventory Turnover 20062005 Cost of goods sold$1,043,000$ 820,000 Inventories: Beginning of year$ 283,000$ 311,000 End of year 264,000283,000 Total$ 547,000$ 594,000 Average (Total ÷ 2)$ 273,500$ 297,000 Inventory Analysis Cost of goods sold Average inventory Cost of goods sold Average inventory Inventory turnover =

28. Inventory Turnover Use:To assess the efficiency in the management of inventory. 20062005 Cost of goods sold$1,043,000$ 820,000 Inventories: Beginning of year$ 283,000$ 311,000 End of year 264,000283,000 Total$ 547,000$ 594,000 Average (Total ÷ 2)$ 273,500$ 297,000 Inventory turnover3.8 2.8 Inventory Analysis

29. Number of Days’ Sales in Inventory 20062005 Inventories, end of year$ 264,000$283,000 Cost of goods sold$1,043,000$820,000 Average daily cost of goods sold (COGS ÷ 365)$ 2,858$ 2,247 Inventory Analysis Inventories, end of year Average daily cost of goods sold Inventories, end of year Average daily cost of goods sold Number of Days’ Sales in Inventory =

30. Use:To assess the efficiency in the management of inventory. Inventories, end of year$ 264,000$283,000 Cost of goods sold$1,043,000$820,000 Average daily cost of goods sold (COGS ÷ 365)$ 2,858$ 2,247 Number of days’ sales in inventory92.4 125.9 Inventory Analysis 20062005

31. Use:To indicate the margin of safety to long-term creditors. 20062005 Fixed assets (net)$444,500$470,000 Long-term liabilities$100,000$200,000 Ratio of fixed assets to long-term liabilities4.4 2.4 Ratio of Fixed Assets to Long-Term Liabilities Long-Term Creditors

32. Ratio of Liabilities to Stockholders’ Equity Use:To indicate the margin of safety to creditors. Total liabilities$310,000$443,000 Total stockholders’ equity$829,500$787,500 Ratio of liabilities to stockholders’ equity0.37 0.56 Long-Term Creditors 20062005

33. Number of Times Interest Charges Earned 20062005 Income before income tax$ 900,000$ 800,000 Add interest expense 300,000 250,000 Amount available for interest$1,200,000$1,050,000 Long-Term Creditors Income before income tax + interest expense Interest expense Income before income tax + interest expense Interest expense Number of Times Interest Charges Earned =

34. Use:To assess the risk to debtholders in terms of number of times interest charges were earned. 20062005 Income before income tax$ 900,000$ 800,000 Add interest expense 300,000 250,000 Amount available for interest$1,200,000$1,050,000 Number of times earned4.0 4.2 Long-Term Creditors

35. Profitability Analysis  Profitability is the ability of an entity to earn profits.  This ability to earn profits depends on the effectiveness and efficiency of operations as well as resources available.  Profitability analysis focuses primarily on the relationship between operating results reported in the income statement and resources reported in the balance sheet.

36. Ratio of Net Sales to Assets 20062005 Net sales $1,498,000$1,200,000 Total assets: Beginning of year$1,053,000$1,010,000 End of year 1,044,5001,053,000 Total$2,097,500$2,063,000 Average (Total ÷ 2)$1,048,750$1,031,500 The Common Stockholder Excludes long-term investments

37. The Common Stockholder Use:To assess the effectiveness of the use of assets. Ratio of net sales to assets 1.4 1.2 Ratio of net sales to assets 1.4 1.2 Ratio of Net Sales to Assets 20062005 Net sales $1,498,000$1,200,000 Total assets: Beginning of year$1,053,000$1,010,000 End of year 1,044,5001,053,000 Total$2,097,500$2,063,000 Average (Total ÷ 2)$1,048,750$1,031,500

38. Rate Earned on Total Assets Use:To assess the profitability of the assets. 20062005 Rate earned on total assets 8.2% 7.3% Rate earned on total assets 8.2% 7.3% Net income$ 91,000$ 76,500 Plus interest expense6,00012,000 Total$ 97,000$ 88,500 Total assets: Beginning of year$1,230,500$1,187,500 End of year 1,139,5001,230,500 Total$2,370,000$2,418,000 Average (Total ÷ 2)$1,185,000$1,209,000 The Common Stockholder

39. Rate Earned on Stockholders’ Equity Use:To assess the profitability of the investment by stockholders. Rate earned on stockholders’ equity 11.3% 10.0% Net income$ 91,000$ 76,500 Stockholders’ equity: Beginning of year$ 787,500$ 750,000 End of year 829,500787,500 Total$1,617,000$1,537,500 Average (Total ÷ 2)$ 808,500$ 768,750 20062005 The Common Stockholder

40. Leverage 10% 5% 0% Rate earned on total assets Rate earned on stockholders’ equity 8.2% 11.3% Leverage 3.1% 2006 7.3% 10.0% Leverage 2.7% 2005

41. Rate Earned on Common Stockholders’ Equity 20062005 The Common Stockholder Net income$ 91,000$ 76,500 Less preferred dividends9,0009,000 Remainder—common stock$ 82,000$ 67,500 Common stockholders’ equity: Beginning of year $ 637,500$ 600,000 End of year 679,500637,500 Total$1,317,000$1,237,500 Average (Total ÷ 2)$ 658,500$ 618,750

42. Use:To assess the profitability of the investment by common stockholders. 20062005 Rate earned on common Rate earned on common stockholders’ equity 12.5% 10.9% stockholders’ equity 12.5% 10.9% Net income$ 91,000$ 76,500 Less preferred dividends9,0009,000 $ 82,000$ 67,500 Remainder—common stock$ 82,000$ 67,500 Common stockholders’ equity: Beginning of year$ 637,500$ 600,000 End of year 679,500637,500 Total$1,317,000$1,237,500 $ 658,500$ 618,750 Average (Total ÷ 2)$ 658,500$ 618,750 The Common Stockholder Rate Earned on Common Stockholders’ Equity

43. Earnings Per Share on Common Stock 2006 2005 Earnings per share on common stock $1.64 $1.35 Earnings per share on common stock $1.64 $1.35 Net income$ 91,000$ 76,500 Less preferred dividends9,0009,000 Remainder—common stock$ 82,000$ 67,500 Shares of common stock50,00050,000 Use:To assess the profitability of the investment by common stockholders. The Common Stockholder

44. Price-Earnings Ratio Use:To indicate future earnings prospects, based on the relationship between market value of common stock and earnings. 20062005 Price-earnings ratio on common stock 25 20 Price-earnings ratio on common stock 25 20 Market price per share of common$41.00$27.00 Earnings per share on common÷ 1.64÷ 1.35 The Common Stockholder

45. Dividends and Earnings Per Share Dividends Earnings $0.80 $1.64 2006 $0.60 $1.35 2005 Per share $2.00 $1.50 $1.00 $0.50 $ 0.00

46. Dividend Yield on Common Stock Use:To indicate the rate of return to common stockholders in terms of dividends. 20062005 Dividend yield on common stock 1.95% 2.22% Dividend yield on common stock 1.95% 2.22% Dividends per share of common$ 0.80$ 0.60 Market price per share of common÷ 41.00 ÷ 27.00 The Common Stockholder

47. Corporate Annual Reports In addition to financial statements, the annual report includes a management discussion analysis (MDA) and an independent auditors’ report. The MDA includes an analysis of the results of operations and discusses management’s opinion about future performance. It compares the prior year’s income statement with the current year’s. It also contains an analysis of the firm’s financial condition.

48. Corporate Annual Reports In addition to financial statements, the annual report includes a management discussion analysis (MDA) and an independent auditors’ report. Before issuing annual statements, all publicly held corporations are required to have an independent audit of their financial statements. The CPAs who conduct the audit render an opinion as to the fairness of the statements.