[SOLVED] Financial Performance Analysis

This assignment requires the student to analyze the financial performance of a company using various financial ratios and metrics. The student needs to calculate and interpret key financial indicators such as gross profit margin, operating profit margin, total debt, shareholder fund, gearing ratio, operating profit coverage ratio, liquidity ratio, net profit, return on equity, and return on capital employed for three different years. The student must also provide a summary of the analysis and draw conclusions based on the results.

BUSINESS FINANCE

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
PART 1............................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Explain..................................................................................................................................1
1.1.a Profit and cash flow with their difference..........................................................................1
1.1.b Working capital, receivables, inventory and payables.......................................................1
1.1.c Impact of alteration in working capital on cash flow.........................................................2
1.2 Application of above concept and managing might impact financial outcome...................2
1.3 Analysing and recommending steps must be undertaken for improving cash flow of
company via better working capital management.......................................................................4
PART 2............................................................................................................................................5
2.1 On basis of financial ratios....................................................................................................5
2.1.a Explaining element of financial performance....................................................................5
2.1.b Calculating ratio of each year............................................................................................9
2.1.c Applying the outcome of ratios with appropriate interpretation........................................9
2.2 Analysing and recommending board for assessing business's financial performance........10
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................10
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................11
APPENDIX....................................................................................................................................12
2.1 (b) Ratio analysis................................................................................................................12

INTRODUCTION
Business finance is replicated as money and credit employed in business as its basic is
finance. Finance is need for buying assets, raw materials along with other flow of economic
activities. Generally business finance could be elaborated as provision of money at time when its
is essential through business. The present report is all about UberTools Ltd and Madagascar
Industries Ltd as with profit and Cash flow, working capital, receivables, inventory and payables.
It will reflect about impact on cash flow with changes in working capital and recommendation
about steps could be undertaken for improving cash flow of company via better working capital
management. On basis of Madagascar Industries Ltd each element of financial performance
would be described along with ratio analysis of over past three years. Lastly, this report would
analyse and recommendation with reference to business's financial performance.
PART 1
1.1 Explain
1.1.a Profit and cash flow with their difference
Cash flow is replicated as money which flows in and out of business by its investing,
operations and financing activities. This is the money which is required for accomplishing near
term and current obligations. Profit is also known as net income as it remains through sales
revenue as each expense of firm is excluded (Aktas, Croci and Petmezas, 2015).
The organization could have positive cash flow as with absence of margin if cash
originates through sources instead of income like when any owner puts their own money or for
undertaking loan. These types of particular transaction are not known as income but instead of
equity or liability transactions which is reflected on balance sheet.
1.1.b Working capital, receivables, inventory and payables
Working capital is referred as financial metric which reflects availability of liquidity to
business, organization along with other entity as well. It shows short term financial position of
organisation and measures overall efficiency (Working capital, 2014). Elements of working
capital mainly includes inventory, receivables and payable period.
Receivables is replicated as amount owned through company with outcome of company
offering goods, credit or services. Mostly, amount of company is directly owed and recorded in
general ledger account which is entitled in Accounts Receivable. Furthermore, unpaid balance in
these accounts is accounted as contribution of current assets listed on balance sheet of company.
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Inventory is considered as collection of unsold products which are waiting to be sold
and it is listed on balance sheet of company as current asset. This is common thought for finished
goods which are accumulated prior to selling to end users. Simultaneously, it could also describe
raw materials implied for generating finished goods and goods which go by process of
production or goods which are in transit.
Payables is short term obligation for repaying creditors and suppliers for purpose of
goods and services bought on credit rather than cash. This is referred as accounting entry which
reflects obligation of company for repaying short term debt and appears on balance sheet under
current liabilities.
1.1.c Impact of alteration in working capital on cash flow
Alterations in working capital impacts cash flow statement of business as if
transaction raises current assets and liabilities by similar amount then this would not impact. For
instance organization has purchased any fixed asset then cash flow of company would fall. In
this aspect, working capital of company would also fall as cash portion of current assets would
be deceased but there would be no change in current liabilities as it would be replicated as long
term debt. Simultaneously, selling of fixed asset would directly boost working capital and cash
flow. Conversely, organisation purchased any inventory with cash, then there would be absence
in working capital due to cash and inventory both are replicated as current assets (Analysing and
Interpreting Financial Statements, 2014). On the contrary, cash flow would be reduced through
purchase of inventory.
1.2 Application of above concept and managing might impact financial outcome
Managing cash flow:
Cash flows should be managed effectively it shows that debts must be collected by
aligning agreed credit terms along with cash on quickly banked. As prompt banking would either
decrease charged interest or with outstanding overdraft with increment in earned interest on cash
deposits. The credit offered through suppliers must be used to payments made as late as it could,
offered the benefit of particular actions are higher than benefit undertaking with availability of
payment discounts.
Managing Inventory:
The significant amount of working capital could be invested within inventories related to
raw materials, finished goods and work in progress. As inventories of raw materials and work in
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progress might act as buffer among process multiple production stages as it ensures about
smooth operation. Furthermore, inventory of finished goods directly allows department of sales
for satisfying customer demand with absence of unreasonable delay along with potential loss of
sales. Alterations in inventory and inappropriate balance impact balance sheets, financial
statement which is snapshot of worth of company on basis of assets and liabilities. This could
give outcome in inaccurate reported assets value along with owner's equity on balance sheet.
Managing receivables:
The policy of credit management must help for maximising the expected margin. The
policy would account current and desired cash proportion of company as with ability for
satisfying the expected demand. On basis of adapting credit management policy, managers and
staff might be in need of training or new staff must be required. The key variables which are
impacting receivables level would be in terms for sale of prevailing in business area with ability
for matching the service comparable terms of sale. It would impact net worth on positive aspect
in financials, but it might run into difficulties to recoup daily expenses.
Managing payables:
The business which purchases supplies on credit might incur additional administration
along with accounting cost resulting through payment and scrutiny of invoices, updating and
maintaining payable accounts. In case customers who takes credit might be not treated well
comparatively to immediate payers.
By doing evaluation of case study, it has assessed that ineffectual working capital
management closely impacts financial results. Cited case situation clearly presents that
customers are not making payment on time. This is one of the main aspect which in turn affected
both Uber’s working capital management and thereby cash flow. Moreover, when company
receives payment from customers late then it faces difficulty in capitalizing opportunity. In other
words, when business unit receives payment from customers on time then it has opportunity to
invest money in other profitable activities. This in turn assists Uber Tools ltd in increasing the
level of income and thereby overall inflow. Further, high level of bad-debt is the main reason due
to which company’s cash position affected negatively. Hence, for better working capital
management emphasis needs to be placed on making lower inventory period and debtor’s
receivable period.
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1.3 Analysing and recommending steps must be undertaken for improving cash flow of company
via better working capital management
It had been analysed that cash flow could be improved my management of working
capital and it has been recommended that:
 Appropriate review of income statement and balance sheet is very significant but
understanding of cash flow would help business for better understanding of sources and
application of cash at specific time duration.
 There must active management of cash payments as advantage could be undertaken for
discounted payment terms with allowance of cash flow. In this aspect, application of
credit cards must be performed with failure caution for paying bills of credit cards would
continue for draining cash flow (Working Capital, 2016).
 On the basis of given case scenario, cash flow of the company negatively affected due to
the rising level of bad debt. Hence, Uber Tools Ltd should focus on checking the credit
rating of customers. This in turn helps in reducing the level of bad debts and ensure
proper management of cash flow.
 Along with this, Uber Tools is recommended to employ inventory management aspects
and promotional tools. Through this, company would become able to sell and replace its
inventory quickly. This in turn facilitates high inflow and cash flow management as well.
 Furthermore, monthly expense must be managed as per need it could be reduced.
 The receivables could be collected on timely basis and clients must be ensure about
payment terms. Hence, manager of Uber tools ltd should focus on decreasing debtor’s
collection period, and increasing the time frame associated with payables. Through this,
business unit can manage its cash flow in the best possible way.
 The collection process must be reviewed and each required information must be ensured
where per customer is on bill for eliminating confusion and payment delay.
Hence, by undertaking all the above depicted working capital management strategies Uber
tools ltd can improve its cash flow to a great extent.
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PART 2
2.1 On basis of financial ratios
2.1.a Explaining element of financial performance
Ratio analysis may be presented as a quantitative tool which enables firm and its
stakeholders to evaluate financial performance from several perspective such as liquidity,
profitability, efficiency, gearing etc. Hence, using such technique firm can measure and evaluate
its performance over the years and thereby would become able to take strategic measure or
action within the suitable time period.
Sales growth: This is a metrics which measures ability of sales team for raising revenue
over fixed duration. It shows increment in sales within particular period as it is important as
investor wants to know demand for product or services of company which would be raising in
the future.
Gross Profit Margin: This ratio is related to business's gross profit to sales revenue
which is produced for similar duration. It reflects difference among cost of sales and sales
revenue. It is profitability measure to purchasing and selling goods and services prior to other
expenses are account.
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Operating Profit Margin: It is related to operating margin for duration to the sales
revenue. Generally, it is used in ratio which reflects profit by trading operation before interest
payable expense. Hence, it clearly presents profit margin generated by the firm over indirect
expenses incurred.
Gearing ratio: This ratio directly measures contribution for long term lenders to long
term structure of business (Ratio Analysis, 2017). Generally, level of gearing would not be
normally be considered as very high. Such ratio clearly presents the extent to which capital
structure followed by the firm is sound.
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Interest Coverage ratio: This ratio measures availability of amount of operating profit
for purpose of covering interest payable. It elaborates that level of operating profit could incur
prior to level of operating profit failed for covering interest payable. There would be greater risk
to shareholders that lenders would undertake action to recouping due interest.
Liquidity Ratio: This is directly concerned with business ability for meeting short term
financial obligations as here it is performed with current ratio. This provides comparison of
liquid assets with context to current liabilities. The higher current ratio then there is more liquid
business as liquidity is vital for business survival. In other words, current ratio presents
company’s ability in relation meeting obligations from assets level maintained within the firm.
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By taking into account such ratio firm can evaluate its working capital management and thereby
would become able to formulate competent strategic and policy framework.
Return on equity: It is measured as profitability of company of annual return which is
divided through value of total shareholder's equity. This helps in evaluating returns as it gives
insight about management of company with application of funding through equity for business
growth. ROE assists in measuring company’s ability in relation to using shareholders’ funds
while carry out business activities and functions.
Return on Capital Employed: This is fundamental measure of business performance as
it shows relationship among operating margin generated during period along with average long
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term capital invested in business. This compares output with input for revealing effectiveness
where funds had been deployed.
2.1.b Calculating ratio of each year
Mentioned in appendix.
2.1.c Applying the outcome of ratios with appropriate interpretation
In the above scenario, there is evaluation of financial performance of Madagascar
Industries Ltd with reference to profitability, liquidity and solvency ratio. This organization is in
business or producing jewellery with use of gemstones imported from South Africa and
Madagascar. This was set up in Hastings 10 years ago and built good customer base in UK
jewellery chains. On basis of attaining sales growth, in year 20X0 it raised from 10% and in
20X1 it increased with 15.91% which shows that company has worked hard with context to
sales. This in turn presents that customers have positive attitude towards the products or services
offered by Madagascar Industries Ltd.
Furthermore, on basis of profitability it has evaluated performance related to gross and
operating profit over past three years. In year 20X9, its gross profit is of 63.89% as it is clearly
articulated, its ratio is decreasing till 20X1. The main reason behind this is gross profit as it was
increasing along with sale but gross profit raised with small proportion. Simultaneously, it is
clearly viewed that operating profit is reducing with huge change as organization's sales was
increasing along with operating expenses which has given this impact on operating profit.
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Referring the level of gross and net profit margin, it can be presented that direct as well indirect
expenses level of company is higher during the particular time frame.
By observing gearing ratio, it is increasing because of increasing debt and shareholder's
fund does not have major change. Its liquidity ratio says that in year 20X9 and 20X0 it was
capable but in 20X1, its current liabilities raise so current ratio was not optimum. In 2019,
current ratio of Madagascar Industries Ltd accounts for 2.24 respectively, whereas at the end of
2021 it reached on .92. On the basis of ideal liquidity framework, firm must have 2 current assets
in against to 1 liability. Accordingly, Madagascar Industries Ltd fails to maintain enough assets
within the firm in against to the present obligations. Moreover, return on equity was also
decreasing because in 20X1 company was not capable for give high returns comparatively to
previous year. Lastly, it was not able to produce high returns on employed capital because of
non-acceptable changes as decreasing operating profit and high debt but with constant
shareholders fund. Hence, outcome of ratio analysis clearly exhibits that Madagascar Industries
Ltd fails to generate suitable returns by using shareholders equity and capital employed.
2.2 Analysing and recommending board for assessing business's financial performance
It had been analysed that board should assess financial performance of Madagascar
Industries Ltd with evaluation of financial ratios over past three years. As it has been observed
that its sales has attained growth but rather than this each measure was decreasing. It has been
recommended that it should keep appropriate track of its cost of sales which is raised in 20X1
with high proportion (Assessing Financial Performance, 2016). Simultaneously, with reference
to operating profit margin, the company has incurred high operating expenses which is bad
signal for company so in all, it must be capable for monitoring its expenses in coming year.
In the same series, while evaluating financial performance of Madagascar Industries Ltd,
there is presence of high accumulated depreciation as its cash position in 20X1 was 0 which
shows poor liquidity. It has acquired more fixed assets which must adopt appropriate planning
however, it has undertaken huge debts which move towards decrement in losses. Thus, it had
been recommended that each ratio with financial standards must be in mind as it helps in
determining financial performance.
 In addition to this, company should focus on undertaking promotional plans or campaign
which helps in influencing customer decision making and thereby ensures enhancement
of customer base.
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 Madagascar Industries Ltd is advised to employ budgetary control tools and techniques.
This in turn helps in making continuous monitoring of expenses both direct & indirect
and thereby maximizes profitability.
 Further, at the time of raising funds company should keep in mind ideal ratio of .5:1. It
facilitates optimal capital structure and contributes in the profit margin.
 It is recommended to the firm that do changes in the existing strategic and policy
framework by keeping in mind both internal & external environmental influences.
CONCLUSION
On basis of above report, it had been concluded that both profit and cash flow differs as
cash flow is money flowing outside and inside whereas profit is net income of UberTools Ltd.
Furthermore, with context to Madagascar Industries Ltd for analysing financial performance, it
has been recommended that board must keep proper track on its operating expense and debt
which is in poor position and decreasing financial performance.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Aktas, N., Croci, E. and Petmezas, D., 2015. Is working capital management value-enhancing?
Evidence from firm performance and investments. Journal of Corporate Finance. 30.
pp.98-113.
Online
Analysing and Interpreting Financial Statements. 2014. [Online]. Available through <Atrill
2014. Financial Management for Decision Makers. 7th ed. London FT Prentice Hall.
Chapter 6 - Analysing and Interpreting Financial Statements.pdf>.
Assessing Financial Performance. 2016. [Online]. Available through <Watson Head, 2016.
Corporate Finance. 7th ed. London Pearson. Chapter 2.4 - Assessing Financial
Performance.pdf>.
Ratio Analysis. 2017. [Online]. Available through <Melville, 2017. International Financial
Reporting, A Practical Guide. 6th ed. London Pearson. Chapter 22 Ratio Analysis.pdf>.
Working capital. 2014. [Online]. Available through <Atrill 2014. Financial Management for
Decision Makers. 7th ed. London FT Prentice Hall. Chapter 10 - Working Capital.pdf>.
Working Capital. 2016. [Online]. Available through <Watson Head, 2016. Corporate Finance.
7th ed. London Pearson. Chapter 3 - Working Capital.pdf>.
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APPENDIX
2.1 (b) Ratio analysis
Particulars Formula 20X9 20X0 20X1
Sales 360 396 459
Sales growth
(Sales Y2- Sales
Y1)/ Sales Y1 NA 10% 15.91%
Gross profit 230 252 272
Sales 360 396 459
Gross profit
margin
Gross Profit/
Sales (%0 63.89% 63.64% 59.26%
Operating profit 108 101 49
Sales 360 396 459
Operating profit
margin
Operating Profit/
Sales (%) 30.00% 25.51% 10.68%
Total debt 29 48 102
Shareholders fund 304 347 344
Gearing
Total debt/
(Total debt +
shareholder
funds) 8.71% 12.15% 22.87%
Operating profit 108 101 49
Finance expenses 9 12 16
Interest coverage
ratio
Operating profit/
Finance expenses 12 8.42 3.06
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Current assets 65 114 94
Current liabilities 29 48 102
Liquidity ratio
Current assets/
Current
Liabilities 2.24 2.38 0.92
Net Profit 79 72 26
Shareholders fund 304 347 344
Return on equity
Net profit/
Shareholders
funds (%) 25.99% 20.75% 7.56%
Operating profit 108 101 49
Total debt 29 48 102
Shareholders fund 304 347 344
Return on capital
employed
Operating profit/
(Total debt +
Shareholder
Fund) 32.43% 25.57% 10.99%
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