AEW ACCOUNTING

ALBERT

PART 1 COMPLETE DISCUSSION

Just like with most tools, ratio analysis has benefits and limitations. Please discuss at least one benefit and one limitation of ratio analysis.

PART 2 REPLY TO DISCUSSION

Greetings Prof. Frazier and Classmates,

Based on our readings this week, ratio analysis allows us to compare the financial health of different companies by looking at key financial metrics. For instance, the current ratio compares a company’s current assets (like cash and inventory) to its current liabilities (such as short-term debt and upcoming bills). A high current ratio indicates that a company has enough current assets to cover its current liabilities, which suggests financial stability. By analyzing ratios like this, investors and managers can make informed decisions about which companies are in a strong financial position and which ones might be facing financial challenges.

While ratio analysis provides valuable insights, it has limitations too. One major limitation is the lack of context. Ratios only show us part of the picture because they don’t consider external factors that can influence a company’s performance. For example, economic conditions, industry trends, and changes in consumer behavior can all impact a company’s financial health. A company might have strong ratios, but if it operates in a declining industry or faces economic challenges, those ratios may not accurately reflect its future prospects. Therefore, relying solely on ratio analysis without considering these external factors can lead to incomplete or misleading conclusions about a company’s financial health.

Reference:

Cornett, M. M., Adair, Jr., T. A., & Nofsinger, J. (2022). Finance (5th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.

PART 3 REPLY TO DISCUSSION

Greetings Professor and class,

The Role of the Financial Manager and Financial Analysis

Just like with most tools, ratio analysis has benefits and limitations. Please discuss at least one benefit and one limitation of ratio analysis.

Ratio analysis is the process of calculating and analyzing financial ratios to assess a firm’s performance and to identify actions needed to improve firm performance. When used correctly, ratio analysis can help identify problems and positive things in a firm. Ratios are like whistleblowers, they draw attention to issues that need attention.

Asset Management Ratio measure how efficiently a firm uses its assets (inventory, accounts receivable, and fixed assets), as well as how efficiently the firm manages its accounts payable. The specific ratios allow managers and investors to evaluate whether a firm is holding a reasonable amount of each type of asset and whether management uses each type of asset to effectively generate sales. While this may be a benefit, there are limitations as well. Ratio analysis does not take into account external factors such as a worldwide recession. Ratio analysis does not measure the human element of a firm. Ratio analysis can only be used for comparison with other firms of the same size and type.

For Example, Similarly, a firm’s cross-sectional competitors may often be located around the world. Financial statements for firms based outside the United States do not necessarily conform to GAAP. Even beyond inventory pricing and depreciation methods, different accounting standards and procedures make it hard to compare financial statements and ratios of firms based in different countries.

PART 4 COMPLETE DISCUSSION

What is the Time Value of Money Principle? Please provide a real-world application which requires use of the Time Value of Money Principle.

PART 5 REPLY TO DISCUSSION

Greetings Prof. Frazier and Classmates,

Based on our readings this week, the Time Value of Money (TVM) principle is a fundamental concept in finance. It states that a sum of money is worth more now than the same sum will be at a future date due to its earnings potential in the interim.

I would like to break it down in simplest terms with the following examples:

1. Why Does It Matter?

• Real-World Example:

The time value of money affects decisions like whether to finance a purchase or increase retirement contributions instead of spending money today.

PART 6 REPLY TO DISCUSSION

Good morning Professor and Class! I hope everyone is well!

What is the Time Value of Money Principle? To answer this question I’ll be referring to this week’s Chapter reading stating, the term “time value and money” really refer to the difference in buying power for a dollar over time. A real- world application which requires use of the Time Value of Money Principle would be for example if I decided to save up money let’s just say $10,800 cash to cover 1 year of grocery cost next year, to counteract the inflation that’s going on today with groceries being so high. Let’s say I calculate how much my groceries are now a month which is $900 hypothetically thinking. If I decide to put this $10,800 cash in a shoe box to use for next year to purchase for a year the $900 per month groceries, it probably won’t be enough. Inflation might cause the groceries cost per month $945 a month next year. So I’ll be a little short. The dollar would have lost value over the one year. Maybe not by much but it would still be slightly higher for groceries per month by next year. If I were to put the $10,800 in a bank that would like to use my money and pay me back later, with interest. This interest is my compensation to offset the money’s decline in value. Which would more than likely give me more than what I need for a year’s cost for groceries next year. Each dollar will be worth less in the future, but you’ll get more dollars with interest. I’ll be able to buy the same types of groceries next year using this principle if I decide to stash money aside for it but with interest.