Write a 6-8 page research paper on the selected companies below. The 6-8 pages do not include the title page, graphs or references. The paper must include an introduction or abstract and a summary conclusion.  

Project Assignment:

Long time competitors in the soft drink industry, PepsiCo and Coca-Cola continue efforts to gain additional market share. Which do you prefer, Coke or Pepsi? Let’s take a look at these two companies from a financial perspective rather than our drink preference.

To learn more about PepsiCo and Coca-Cola Enterprises, download the latest PepsiCo 2012 Annual Report at: http://www.pepsico.com and the Coca-Cola 2012 Annual Report at: http://www.cokecce.com. Review the annual reports for general information.

Required:

1. Read -Understanding the Income Statement at: http://www.investopedia.com/articles/04/022504.asp

2. Read -Reading the Balance Sheet at: http://www.investopedia.com/articles/04/031004.asp

3. Compute- the following financial ratios for both companies and provide as an appendix to the required paper. If you need help understanding the meaning of the ratios or how to they are computed, go to: http://www.investopedia.com/university/ratios/

Liquidity measurement ratio: · Current ratio

Profitability indicator ratios:· Return on assets · Return on equity

Debt ratio: · Debt ratio

Operating performance ratio: · Fixed asset turnover ratio

Cash flow indicator ratio: · Dividend payout ratio

Investment valuation ratio: · Price / Earnings ratio

For each company and comparing the two, you are to write a six-eight (6-8) page report that answers the following:

1. Provide a short background on each company, the industry and the market (growing, declining, etc?) in which they operate. (This should be no more than 1- 1.5 pages for both companies in total and can be a part of your introduction.)

2. Using the current ratio, discuss what conclusions you can make about each company’s ability to pay current liabilities (debt). Support your conclusions. Which company is doing better, why or why not?

3. Using the profitability ratios, discuss what conclusions you can make about each company’s profits over the past three years. Support your conclusions. Which company is doing better, why or why not?

4. Using the cash flow indicator and investment valuation ratios, discuss which company is more likely to have satisfied stockholders. Support your conclusions. Which company is doing better, why or why not?

5. As an investor, discuss which company you would choose to invest in and provide a rationale for your decision. Support your conclusions, why or why not?

6. After concluding your research about each company and reviewing their annual report, Discuss what non-financial criteria you would consider when choosing between these two investment options? Support your conclusions, why or why not?