Business Analysis and Valuation: Using Financial Statements

Paul M. Healy; Krishna G. Palepu

Text Book | 2007

Business Analysis and Valuation: Using Financial Statements

Abstract

Financial statements are the basis for a wide range of business analysis. Managers, securities analysts, bankers, and consultants all use them to make business decisions. There is strong demand among business students for course materials that provide a framework for using financial statement data in a variety of business analysis and valuation contexts. The fourth edition of Business Analysis and Valuation: Using Financial Statements allows you to undertake financial statement analysis using a four-part framework—(1) business strategy analysis for developing an understanding of a firm's competitive strategy; (2) accounting analysis for representing the firm's business economics and strategy in its financial statements and for developing adjusted accounting measures of performance; (3) financial analysis for ratio analysis and cash flow measures of operating; and (4) prospective analysis. Then, you'll learn how to apply these tools in a variety of decision contexts, including securities analysis, credit analysis, corporate financing policies analysis, mergers and acquisitions analysis, and governance and communication analysis.

Keywords: Valuation; Framework; Decision Choices and Conditions; Financial Statements;

Format: Print

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Healy, Paul M., and Krishna G. Palepu. Business Analysis and Valuation: Using Financial Statements. 4th ed. Mason, OH: Thomson South-Western, 2007.

Founded in 2015 by serial entrepreneur, Colin Huang, Pinduoduo Inc. (PDD) had become China’s fastest-growing e-commerce platform in history. PDD pioneered a new approach to online shopping that allowed shoppers to share products, invite friends to form shopping teams, and purchase together at discounted prices. The company’s rapid development helped it debut on the Nasdaq in July 2018, only three years after its inception. The fast growth was partly boosted by PDD’s heavy investment in marketing and branding, such as through coupons and promotions. How should the company make its competitive advantages more sustainable? Could its business model be replicated outside China?

In October 2013, when Mehta had taken over the reins of Unilever’s business in India and the larger South Asia region, HUL had been going through a difficult time. Caught in the midst of a weakening economy, falling consumer spending and increasing competition, growth at the firm had slowed. HUL was underperforming not only the market index but also the FMCG index. At the same time, HUL was struggling with many internal woes, ranging from slow market responsiveness to a higher cost structure. The next quarter had not brought any relief. With the external situation worsening, Mehta wondered what changes he needed to make to ensure consistent, competitive and profitable growth at HUL. The case is accompanied by a video in which the CEO outlines his thinking, and the choices he made. The video can be used in class as the class discussion unfolds to bring closure to the discussion, and to brief the class on what actions were taken.

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Business Analysis and Valuation: Using Financial Statements

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