The assignment requires a financial statement analysis of two companies, Marks & Spencer (M& S) and Sainsburys, both retailers. The task is to analyze their performance over the last three years, calculating 8-10 financial ratios covering efficiency, liquidity, solvency, investment, and profitability. The report should include an introduction, calculation of financial ratios with formulas and workings for each ratio, a copy of the company's income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement in an appendix, and a conclusion.