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  • November 2010 (Revised May 2012)
  • Background Note
  • HBS Case Collection

Assessing a Company's Future Financial Health

By: Thomas R. Piper
  • Format:Print
  • | Pages:13
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Abstract

The case provides students with (1) an understanding of the essence of long-term financial health; (2) familiarity with the calculation and meaning of various financial ratios; and (3) an understanding of the influence of a company's operating and competitive characteristics on its investment in various type assets, on the profitability of these investments, and on the financial structure of its balance sheet. The case also allows a discussion of (1) the incomplete and lagging nature of financial measures; (2) the influence of financial measures on behavior; and (3) the reality that financial analysis often results in better, more focused questions to be asked of management, not conclusive answers.

Keywords

Financial Condition; Forecasting and Prediction; Investment Return; Operations; Competitive Strategy

Citation

Piper, Thomas R. "Assessing a Company's Future Financial Health." Harvard Business School Background Note 911-412, November 2010. (Revised May 2012.)
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About The Author

Thomas R. Piper

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Related Work

    • November 2010 (Revised May 2012)
    • Faculty Research

    Assessing a Company's Future Financial Health

    By: Thomas R. Piper
Related Work
  • Assessing a Company's Future Financial Health By: Thomas R. Piper
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