Use the resources linked below to help complete this assessment.

Locating Financial Ratios

If you are not familiar with resources for finding financial ratios for a company, explore the following:

• MBA Program Guide – What are Financial Ratios?
  • This Library Guide describes financial ratios and provides internet and library resources.
• BizMiner. (n.d.). Free business statistics and financial ratios. www.bizstats.com
• Financial Ratios for Measuring Performance | Transcript.
  • If you are unfamiliar with terminology around the topic of financial ratios, this multimedia provides terms and definitions.

Reading and Interpreting Financial Statements

Reading and interpreting financial statements can be demystified. These resources can help you to gain proficiency with financial statements; this is a critical skill in being able to assess the financial condition of a company.

• Ross, S. A., Westerfield, R. W., Jaffe, J. F., & Jordan, B. D. (2021). Corporate finance: Core principles and applications (6th ed.). McGraw-Hill. Available in the courseroom via the VitalSource Bookshelf link.
  • These chapters look at the financial statements and introduce financial analysis tools such as trend analysis, ratio analysis, and industry average analysis.
    • Chapter 2, "Financial Statements and Cash Flow," pages 19-41.
    • Chapter 3, "Financial Statements Analysis and Financial Models," pages 42-81.
• Secrets of Reading Financial Reports | Transcript.
  • Reading financial reports might feel like reading a letter written in code, so this media pieces breaks it down to demystify these very important documents. An illustration is provided to help you decode financial reports.
• Financial Statements Explained in One Minute: Balance Sheet, Income Statement, Cash Flow Statement.
  • Delve into the financial basics that will help you understand financial statements.

Additional Resources for Further Exploration

Introduction to Corporate Finance

• Ross, S. A., Westerfield, R. W., Jaffe, J. F., & Jordan, B. D. (2021). Corporate finance: Core principles and applications (6th ed.). McGraw-Hill. Available in the courseroom via the VitalSource Bookshelf link.
  • Chapter 1, "Introduction to Corporate Finance." This chapter introduces the discipline of finance and describes the structure of the corporate firm, the importance of cash flows over profits, and the primary goal of financial management: to maximize shareholder value.
• Hurd, M., & Vance, A. (2013, April 15). How to read a financial statement. Business Week, 70-71.
• Financial Acumen Self-Assessment.
  • This self-assessment will identify your strengths and weaknesses in financial literacy.
• Financial Terms: Interactive Glossary | Transcript.
  • This is a flashcard-style glossary of financial terms.

Goals of Corporate Finance

• Robinson, P. (2015, October 19). It is not all about shareholder value. Investment Advisor.
• Birkinshaw, J., Foss, N. J., & Lindenberg, S. (2014). Combining purpose with profits. MIT Sloan Management Review, 55(3), 49-56.
• Stybel, L. J., & Peabody, M. (2010). Enhance assets or reduce liabilities. MIT Sloan Management Review, 51(4), 96.