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Topic 4 of 6 · Form 5

Analysis and interpretation of financial statements

Comparisons over time and with competitors; users' needs (investors, lenders, suppliers); limitations of ratio analysis; the importance of non-financial information.

Notes for this topic 1 file, in order

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Ratios

  • Profitability: gross margin, profit margin, ROCE (profit from operations ÷ capital employed).
  • Liquidity: current ratio, acid test ratio.
  • Efficiency: inventory turnover, trade receivables and payables turnover in days, non-current asset turnover.
  • Investment: gearing, interest cover, earnings per share, price/earnings ratio, dividend per share, dividend cover, dividend yield.

Worked example: Profit for the year attributable to ordinary shareholders US$450 000; 1 500 000 ordinary shares; market price US$3.60. Find EPS and P/E ratio.

EPS = US$0.30 → P/E = 3.60 ÷ 0.30 = 12

Interpretation

Comparisons over time and with competitors; users' needs (investors, lenders, suppliers); limitations of ratio analysis; the importance of non-financial information.

Ethics in accounting

Integrity, objectivity, professional competence and confidentiality; creative accounting.

Exam tip: Always explain WHY a ratio has changed and suggest what the business could do.

Check yourself

  1. Profit from operations US$90 000; capital employed US$600 000. Find ROCE.
  2. Non-current liabilities US$200 000; capital employed US$800 000. Find gearing.
  3. Profit before interest US$120 000; interest US$15 000. Find interest cover.
Show answers
  1. 15%
  2. 25%
  3. 8 times
Next topicCost and management accounting

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