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Analysis of Financial Statements 4 You have learnt about the financial statements (Income Statement and Balance Sheet) of companies.

Basically, these are summarised financial reports which provide the operating results and financial position of companies, and the detailed information contained therein is useful for assessing the operational efficiency and financial soundness of a company.
This requires proper analysis and interpretation of such information for which a number of techniques (tools) have been developed by financial experts.

In this chapter we will have an overview of these techniques.

4.1 Meaning of Analysis of Financial Statements The process of critical evaluation of the financial information contained in the financial statements in order to understand and make decisions regarding the operations of the firm is called ‘Financial Statement Analysis’.
It is basically a study of relationship among various financial facts and figures as given in a set of financial statements, and the interpretation thereof to gain an insight into the profitability and operational efficiency of the firm to assess its financial health and future prospects.

The term ‘financial analysis’ includes both ‘analysis and interpretation’.

The term analysis means simplification of financial data by methodical classification given in the financial statements.
Interpretation means explaining the meaning and significance of the data.

These two are complimentary to each other.


Analysis is useless LEARNING OBJECTIVES After studying this chapter, you will be able to : • explain the nature and significance of financial analysis; • identify the objectives of financial analysis; • describe the various tools of financial analysis; • state the limitations of financial analysis; • prepare comparative and common size statements and interpret the data given therein; and • calculate the trend percentages and interpret them.
Analysis of Financial Statements 177 without interpretation, and interpretation without analysis is difficult or even impossible.

Financial statement analysis is a judgemental process which aims to estimate current and past financial positions and the results of the operation of an enterprise, with primary objective of determining the best possible estimates and predictions about the future conditions.
It essentially involves regrouping and analysis of information provided by financial statements to establish relationships and throw light on the points of strengths and weaknesses of a business enterprise, which can be useful in decision-making involving comparison with other firms (cross sectional analysis) and with firms’ own performance, over a time period (time series analysis).
4.2 Significance of Analysis of Financial Statements Financial analysis is the process of identifying the financial strengths and weaknesses of the firm by properly establishing relationships between the various items of the balance sheet and the statement of profit and loss.

Financial analysis can be undertaken by management of the firm, or by parties outside the firm, viz., owners, trade creditors, lenders, investors, labour unions, analysts and others.
The nature of analysis will differ depending on the purpose of the analyst.

A technique frequently used by an analyst need not necessarily serve the purpose of other analysts because of the difference in the interests of the analysts.
Financial analysis is useful and significant to different users in the following ways: (a) Finance manager: Financial analysis focusses on the facts and relationships related to managerial performance, corporate efficiency, financial strengths and weaknesses and creditworthiness of the company.

A finance manager must be well-equipped with the different tools of analysis to make rational decisions for the firm.
The tools for analysis help in studying accounting data so as to determine the continuity of the operating policies, investment value of the business, credit ratings and testing the efficiency of operations.

The techniques are equally important in the area of financial control, enabling the finance manager to make constant reviews of the actual financial operations of the firm to analyse the causes of major deviations, which may help in corrective action wherever indicated.
(b) Top management: The importance of financial analysis is not limited to the finance manager alone.

It has a broad scope which includes top management in general and other functional managers.

Management of the firm would be interested in every aspect of the financial analysis.

It is 178 Accountancy : Company Accounts and Analysis of Financial Statements their overall responsibility to see that the resources of the firm are used most efficiently and that the firm’s financial condition is sound.
Financial analysis helps the management in measuring the success of the company’s operations, appraising the individual’s performance and evaluating the system of internal control.

(c) Trade payables: Trade payables, through an analysis of financial statements, appraises not only the ability of the company to meet its short-term obligations, but also judges the probability of its continued ability to meet all its financial obligations in future.
Trade payables are particularly interested in the firm’s ability to meet their claims over a very short period of time.

Their analysis will, therefore, evaluate the firm’s liquidity position.

(e) (d) Lenders: Suppliers of long-term debt are concerned with the firm’s long- term solvency and survival.
They analyse the firm’s profitability over a period of time, its ability to generate cash, to be able to pay interest and repay the principal and the relationship between various sources of funds (capital structure relationships).

Long-term lenders analyse the historical financial statements to assess its future solvency and profitability.

Investors: Investors, who have invested their money in the firm’s shares, are interested about the firm’s earnings.
As such, they concentrate on the analysis of the firm’s present and future profitability.

They are also interested in the firm’s capital structure to ascertain its influences on firm’s earning and risk.

They also evaluate the efficiency of the management and determine whether a change is needed or not.

However, in some large companies, the shareholders’ interest is limited to decide whether to buy, sell or hold the shares.
(f) Labour unions: Labour unions analyse the financial statements to assess whether it can presently afford a wage increase and whether it can absorb a wage increase through increased productivity or by raising the prices.

(g) Others: The economists, researchers, etc., analyse the financial statements to study the present business and economic conditions.

The government agencies need it for price regulations, taxation and other similar purposes.
4.3 Objectives of Analysis of Financial Statements Analysis of financial statements reveals important facts concerning managerial performance and the efficiency of the firm.
Broadly speaking, the objectives of the analysis are to apprehend the information contained in financial statements with a view to know the weaknesses and strengths of the firm and to make a forecast about the future prospects of the firm thereby, enabling the analysts to take decisions regarding the operation of, and further investment in the firm.
To Analysis of Financial Statements 179 be more specific, the analysis is undertaken to serve the following purposes (objectives): • to assess the current profitability and operational efficiency of the firm as a whole as well as its different departments so as to judge the financial health of the firm.

to ascertain the relative importance of different components of the financial position of the firm.

to identify the reasons for change in the profitability/financial position of the firm.
to judge the ability of the firm to repay its debt and assessing the short-term as well as the long-term liquidity position of the firm.

• • • Through the analysis of financial statements of various firms, an economist can judge the extent of concentration of economic power and pitfalls in the financial policies pursued.
The analysis also provides the basis for many governmental actions relating to licensing, controls, fixing of prices, ceiling on profits, dividend freeze, tax subsidy and other concessions to the corporate sector.

4.4 Tools of Analysis of Financial Statements The most commonly used techniques of financial analysis are as follows: 1.
Comparative Statements: These are the statements showing the profitability and financial position of a firm for different periods of time in a comparative form to give an idea about the position of two or more periods.

It usually applies to the two important financial statements, namely, balance sheet and statement of profit and loss prepared in a comparative form.

The financial data will be comparative only when same accounting principles are used in preparing these statements.
If this is not the case, the deviation in the use of accounting principles should be mentioned as a footnote.

Comparative figures indicate the trend and direction of financial position and operating results.

This analysis is also known as ‘horizontal analysis’.

2.

Common Size Statements: These are the statements which indicate the relationship of different items of a financial statement with a common item by expressing each item as a percentage of that common item.
The percentage thus calculated can be easily compared with the results of corresponding percentages of the previous year or of some other firms, as the numbers are brought to common base.

Such statements also allow an analyst to compare the operating and financing characteristics of two companies of different sizes in the same industry.
Thus, common size statements are useful, both, in intra-firm comparisons over different years and also in making inter-firm comparisons for the same year or for several years.

This analysis is also known as ‘Vertical analysis’.

180 3.

4.

5.

Accountancy : Company Accounts and Analysis of Financial Statements Trend Analysis: It is a technique of studying the operational results and financial position over a series of years.
Using the previous years’ data of a business enterprise, trend analysis can be done to observe the percentage changes over time in the selected data.

The trend percentage is the percentage relationship, in which each item of different years bear to the same item in the base year.

Trend analysis is important because, with its long run view, it may point to basic changes in the nature of the business.
By looking at a trend in a particular ratio, one may find whether the ratio is falling, rising or remaining relatively constant.

From this observation, a problem is detected or the sign of good or poor management is detected.

Ratio Analysis: It describes the significant relationship which exists between various items of a balance sheet and a statement of profit and loss of a firm.
As a technique of financial analysis, accounting ratios measure the comparative significance of the individual items of the income and position statements.

It is possible to assess the profitability, solvency and efficiency of an enterprise through the technique of ratio analysis.

Cash Flow Analysis: It refers to the analysis of actual movement of cash into and out of an organisation.
The flow of cash into the business is called as cash inflow or positive cash flow and the flow of cash out of the firm is called as cash outflow or a negative cash flow.

The difference between the inflow and outflow of cash is the net cash flow.

Cash flow statement is prepared to project the manner in which the cash has been received and has been utilised during an accounting year as it shows the sources of cash receipts and also the purposes for which payments are made.
Thus, it summarises the causes for the changes in cash position of a business enterprise between dates of two balance sheets.

In this chapter, we shall have a brief idea about the first three techniques, viz., comparative statements, common size statements and trend analysis.

The ratio analysis and cash flow analysis is covered in detail in Chapters 5 and 6 respectively.

Analysis of Financial Statements 181 Test your Understanding – I Fill in the blanks with appropriate word(s): 1.
Analysis simply means—————data.

2.

Interpretation means —————data.

3.

Comparative analysis is also known as ———————— analysis.

4.

Common size analysis is also known as ———————— analysis.

5.

The analysis of actual movement of money inflow and outflow in an organisation is called——————— analysis.
4.5 Comparative Statements As stated earlier, these statements refer to the statement of profit and loss and the balance sheet prepared by providing columns for the figures for both the current year as well as for the previous year and for the changes during the year, both in absolute and relative terms.
As a result, it is possible to find out not only the balances of accounts as on different dates and summaries of different operational activities of different periods, but also the extent of their increase or decrease between these dates.

The figures in the comparative statements can be used for identifying the direction of changes and also the trends in different indicators of performance of an organisation.
The following steps may be followed to prepare the comparative statements: Step 1 : List out absolute figures in rupees relating to two points of time (as shown in columns 2 and 3 of Exhibit 4.1).

Step 2 : Find out change in absolute figures by subtracting the first year (Col.2) from the second year (Col.3) and indicate the change as increase (+) or decrease (–) and put it in column 4.

Step 3 : Preferably, also calculate the percentage change as follows and put it in column 5.
Absolute Increase or Decrease (Col.4) ____________________________________________________________ × 100 First year absolute figure (Col.2) Particulars First Year Second Year Absolute Increase (+) or Decrease (–) Percentage Increase (+) or Decrease (–) 1 2 Rs.

3 Rs.

4 Rs.

5 %.

Exhibit.


4.1 182 Accountancy : Company Accounts and Analysis of Financial Statements Illustration 1 Convert the following statement of profit and loss into the comparative statement of profit and loss of BCR Co. Ltd.: Particulars Note No.

2013-14 2014-15 Rs.

Rs.


(i) Revenue from operations 60,00,000 75,00,000 (ii) Other incomes (iii) Expenses (iv) Income tax Solution: 1,50,000 1,20,000 44,00,000 50,60,000 35% 40% Comparative statement of profit and loss for the year ended March 31, 2014 and 2015: Particulars 2014-15 2013-14 Absolute Increase (+) or Decrease (–) Percentage Increase (+) or Decrease (–) I.

Revenue from operations 60,00,000 75,00,000 15,00,000 Rs.

Rs.

Rs.

% 25.00 II.


Add: Other incomes 1,50,000 1,20,000 (30,000) (20.00) III.
Total Revenue I+II 61,50,000 76,20,000 14,70,000 IV Less: Expenses 44,00,000 50,60,000 6,60,000 Profit before tax 17,50,000 25,60,000 8,10,000 V Less: Tax 6,12,500 10,24,000 4,11,500 Profit after tax 11,37,500 15,36,000 3,98,500 23.90 15.00 46.29 67.18 35.03 Illustration 2 From the following statement of profit and loss of Madhu Co. Ltd., prepare comparative statement of profit and loss for the year ended March 31, 2014 and 2015: Particulars Note No.

2013-14 2014-15 Rs.

Rs.


Revenue from operations Employee benefit expenses Other expenses Tax rate 40 % 16,00,000 20,00,000 8,00,000 10,00,000 2,00,000 1,00,000 Analysis of Financial Statements 183 Solution: Comparative statement of profit and loss of Madhu Co. Limited for the year ended March 31, 2014 and 2015: Particulars 2013-14 2014-15 Absolute Increase (+) or Decrease (–) or Decrease (–) Percentage Increase (+) Rs.

Rs.

Rs.

I.

Revenue from operations 16,00,000 20,00,000 4,00,000 II.
Less: Expenses a) Employee benefit expenses 8,00,000 10,00,000 2,00,000 b) Other expenses 2,00,000 1,00,000 (1,00,000) Profit before tax 6,00,000 9,00,000 3,00,000 III.

Less tax @ 40% 2,40,000 3,60,000 1,20,000 Profit after tax 3,60,000 5,40,000 1,80,000 % 25 25 (50) 50 50 50 Do it yourself From the following particulars, prepare comparative statement of profit and loss of Narang Colours Ltd. for the year ended March 31, 2014 and 2015: Particulars 1.

Revenue from operations 2.

Other income 3.


Cost of material consumed 4.

Changes in inventories of finished goods 5.

Employee benefit expenses 6.

Depreciation and amortisation 7.

Other expenses 8.

Profit Note No.

2014-15 2013-14 40,00,000 50,000 15,00,000 10,000 2,40,000 25,000 2,66,000 20,09,000 35,00,000 50,000 18,00,000 (15,000) 2,40,000 22,500 3,02,000 14.27,300 Notes to Accounts Particulars 1.
Other expenses i) Power and fuel ii) Carriage outwards iii) License fees iv) Selling and distribution v) Provision of tax 2014-15 2013-14 36,000 7,500 2,500 1,70,000 50,000 40,000 9,500 2,500 1,90,000 60,000 2,66,000 3,02,000 184 Accountancy : Company Accounts and Analysis of Financial Statements Illustration 3 The following are the Balance Sheets of J. Ltd. as at March 31, 2014 and 2015.

Prepare a Comparative balance sheet.

Particulars I.

Equity and Liabilities 1.


Shareholders’ Funds a) Share capital b) Reserve and surplus 2.

Non-current Liabilities Long-term borrowings 3.

Current liabilities Trade payables Total II.

Assets 1.

Non-current assets a) Fixed assets - Tangible assets - Intangible assets 2.

Current assets - Inventories - Cash and cash equivalents Total Solution: Note No.

March 31, 2015 (Rs.)

March 31, 2014 (Rs.)


20,00,000 3,00,000 15,00,000 4,00,000 9,00,000 6,00,000 3,00,000 35,00,000 2,00,000 27,00,000 20,00,000 9,00,000 15,00,000 6,00,000 3,00,000 3,00,000 4,00,000 2,00,000 35,00,000 27,00,000 Comparative Balance Sheet of J.

Limited as at March 31, 2014 and March 2015: Particulars I.

Equity and Liabilities 1.

Shareholders’ Funds a) Share capital b) Reserve and surplus 2.

Non-current Liabilities a) Long-term borrowings 3.


Current liabilities a) Trade payables Total March 31, March 31, Absolute Percentage 2014 2015 Change Change (Rs.

in Lakhs) 15 04 06 02 27 20 03 09 03 35 05 (01) 03 01 08 33.33 (25) 50 50 29.63 Analysis of Financial Statements 185 II.

Assets 1.
Assets 1.

Non-current assets a) Fixed assets - Tangible assets - Intangible assets b) Current assets - Inventories - Cash and cash equivalents Total Illustration 4 15 06 04 02 27 20 09 03 03 35 05 03 (01) 01 08 33.33 50 (25) 50 29.63 From the following Balance Sheets of Amrit Limited as at March 31, 2014 and 2015, prepare a comparative balance sheet: Particulars I.

Equity and Liabilities 1.

Shareholders’ Funds a) Share capital b) Reserve and surplus 2.

Non-current Liabilities Long-term borrowings 3.


Current liabilities Trade payables Total II.

Assets 1.

Non-current assets a) Fixed assets - Tangible assets - Intangible assets 2.

Current assets - Inventories - Cash and Cash Equivalents Total Note March 31, 2015 No.

(Rs.)

March 31, 2014 (Rs.)


20,00,000 13,00,000 15,00,000 14,00,000 19,00,000 16,00,000 3,00,000 55,00,000 2,00,000 47,00,000 20,00,000 19,00,000 15,00,000 16,00,000 13,00,000 3,00,000 14,00,000 2,00,000 55,00,000 47,00,000 186 Accountancy : Company Accounts and Analysis of Financial Statements Solution: Particulars Comparative Balance Sheet of Amrit Limited as at March 31st, 2014 and March 31st , 2015 March 31, March 31, 2014 2015 Rs.

Rs.

Absolute Increase (+) or Decrease (–) Rs.

(Rs.


in Lakhs) Percentage Increase (+) or Decrease (–) % I.

Equity and Liabilities 1) Shareholders’ funds a) Share capital b) Reserves and surplus 2) Non-current liabilities Long-term borrowings 3) Current liabilities Trade payables Total II.
Assets 1) Non-current assets Fixed assets a) Tangible assets b) Intangible assets 2) Current assets a) Inventories b) Cash and Cash Equivalents Total 15 14 16 2 47 15 16 14 2 47 20 13 19 3 55 20 19 13 3 55 5 (1) 3 1 8 5 3 (1) 1 8 33.33 (7.14) 18.75 50 17.02 33.33 18.75 (7.14) 50 17.02 From the Balance Sheets for the year ended March 31, 2014 and 2015, prepare the comparative Balance Sheet of Omega Chemicals Ltd.: Do it yourself Particulars I.
Equity and Liabilities 1) Shareholders’ Fund a) Share capital b) Reserve and surplus 2) Non-current liabilities Long-term borrowings 3) Current liabilities Trade Payable Total Rs.

in Lakhs Note 2015 No.

(Rs.)

2014 (Rs.)

5 3 5 2 15 10 2 8 4 24 Analysis of Financial Statements 187 II.
Assets 1) Non-current assets a) Fixed assets - Tangible assets - Intangible assets 2) Current assets Inventories a) b) Cash and cash equivalents Total 4.6 Common Size Statement 14 3 5 2 24 8 2 4 1 15 Common Size Statement, also known as component percentage statement, is a financial tool for studying the key changes and trends in the financial position and operational result of a company.

Here, each item in the statement is stated as a percentage of the aggregate, of which that item is a part.
For example, a common size balance sheet shows the percentage of each asset to the total assets, and that of each liability to the total liabilities.

Similarly, in the common size statement of profit and loss, the items of expenditure are shown as a percentage of the net revenue from operations.

If such a statement is prepared for successive periods, it shows the changes of the respective percentages over a period of time.
Common size analysis is of immense use for comparing enterprises which differ substantially in size as it provides an insight into the structure of financial statements.

Inter-firm comparison or comparison of the company’s position with the related industry as a whole is possible with the help of common size statement analysis.

The following procedure may be adopted for preparing the common size statements.

1.
1.

List out absolute figures in rupees at two points of time, say year 1, and year 2 (Column 2 & 4 of Exhibit 4.2).

2.

Choose a common base (as 100).

For example, revenue from operations may be taken as base (100) in case of statement of profit and loss and total assets or total liabilities (100) in case of balance sheet.

3.

For all items of Col. 2 and 3 work out the percentage of that total.

Column 4 and 5 shows these percentages in Exhibit 4.2.
Common Size Statement Particulars 1 Year one 2 Year two 3 Percentage of year 1 Percentage of year 2 4 5 Exhibit 4.2 188 Accountancy : Company Accounts and Analysis of Financial Statements Illustration 5 From the following information, prepare a Common size Income Statement for the year ended March 31, 2014 and 2015: Particulars 2014-15 2013-14 Net sales Cost of good sold Operating expenses Non-operating expenses Depreciation Wages Solution: Rs.

18,00,000 10,00,000 80,000 12,000 20,000 10,000 Rs.
25,00,000 12,00,000 1,20,000 15,000 40,000 20,000 Common Size Income Statement for the year ended March 31, 2013 and March 31, 2014 Particulars Absolute Amounts Percentage of Net Sales 2013-14 2014-15 2013-14 2014-15 Net Sales (Less) Cost of goods Sold* Gross Profit (Less) Operating Expenses** Operating Income (Less) Non-Operating expenses Rs.

25,00,000 12,00,000 Rs.


18,00,000 10,00,000 13,00,000 1,20,000 8,00,000 80,000 (%) 100 48 52 4.80 11,80,000 15,000 7,20,000 12,000 47.20 0.60 (%) 100 55.56 44.44 4.44 40 0.67 Profit 11,65,000 7,08,000 46.60 39.33 * Wages is the part of cost of goods sold; ** Depreciation is the part of operating expenses.
Illustration 6 From the following information, prepare Common size statement of profit and loss for the year ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2015: Particulars Revenue from operations Other income 2013-14 Rs.

25,00,000 3,25,000 2014-15 Rs.
20,00,000 2,50,000 Analysis of Financial Statements 189 Employee benefit expenses Other expenses Income tax (% of the profit before tax) 8,25,000 2,00,000 30% 4,50,000 1,00,000 20% Solution: Common size statement of Profit and Loss for the year ended March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2015: Particulars Absolute Amounts Percentage of Net 2013-14 2014-15 2013-14 2014-15 Revenue from operations Revenue from Operations (Add) Other income Total revenue (Less) expenses: a) Employee benefit expenses b) Other expenses Profit before tax (Less) taxes Profit after tax Rs.
25,00,000 3,25,000 28,25,000 Rs.

20,00,000 2,50,000 22,50,000 8,25,000 4,50,000 2,00,000 18,00,000 5,40,000 12,60,000 1,00,000 17,00,000 3,40,000 13,60,000 (%) 100 13 113 33 8 72 21.6 50.4 (%) 100 12.5 112.5 22.5 5 85 17 68 Illustration 7 Prepare common size Balance Sheet of XRI Ltd. from the following information: Particulars I.

Equity and Liabilities 1.

Shareholders’ Fund a) Share capital b) Reserves and surplus 2.

Non-current liabilities Long-term borrowings 3.


Current liabilities Trade Payable Total II.

Assets 1.

Non-current assets a) Fixed assets - Tangible asset Plant & machinery - Intangible assets Goodwill b) Non-current investments 2.

Current assets Inventories Total Note No.
March 31, 2014 March 31, 2015 15,00,000 5,00,000 12,00,000 5,00,000 6,00,000 5,00,000 15,50,000 41,50,000 10,50,000 32,50,000 14,00,000 8,00,000 16,00,000 10,00,000 12,00,000 10,00,000 1,50,000 41,50,000 2,50,000 32,50,000 190 Accountancy : Company Accounts and Analysis of Financial Statements Solution: as at March 31, 2014 and March 31 , 2015: Common size Balace Sheet Particulars Absolute Amounts Percentage of Total Assets 31.03.2014 31.03.2015 31.03.2014 31.03.2015 Rs.

Rs.

(%) (%) I.
Rs.

(%) (%) I.

Equity and Liabilities 1.

Shareholders fund a) Share capital b) Reserve and surplus 2.

Non-current liabilities 15,00,000 5,00,000 12,00,000 5,00,000 Long-term borrowings 6,00,000 5,00,000 3.

Current liabilities Trade payables Total II.

Assets 1.

Non-current assets a) Fixed assets - Tangible asset Plant & machinery - Intangible assets Goodwill 15,50,000 10,50,000 41,50,000 32,50,000 14,00,000 8,00,000 16,00,000 Non-current investments 10,00,000 12,00,000 10,00,000 2.
Current assets Inventories Total 1,50,000 2,50,000 41,50,000 32,50,000 36.14 12.05 14.46 37.35 100 33.73 38.55 24.10 3.62 100 36.93 15.38 15.38 32.31 100 24.62 36.92 30.77 7.69 100 Prepare common size balance sheet of Raj Co. Ltd. as at March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2015 from the given information: Do it yourself Particulars I.

Equity and Liabilities 1.

Shareholders fund a) Share capital b) Reserve and surplus 2.
Non-current liabilities 2015 2014 20,00,000 3,00,000 15,00,000 4,00,000 Long-term borrowings 9,00,000 6,00,000 3.

Current liabilities Trade payables Total 3,00,000 35,00,000 2,00,000 27,00,000 Analysis of Financial Statements 191 II.

Assets 1.
Assets 1.

Non-current assets a) Fixed assets - Tangible assets - Intangible assets 20,00,000 9,00,000 15,00,000 6,00,000 b) Current assets - Inventories - Cash and cash equivalents Total 3,00,000 3,00,000 35,00,000 4,00,000 2,00,000 27,00,000 Test your Understanding – II Choose the right answer : 1.

The financial statements of a business enterprise include: Statement of Profit and loss account (a) Balance sheet (b) (c) Cash flow statement (d) All the above 2.
The most commonly used tools for financial analysis are: (a) Horizontal analysis (b) Vertical analysis (c) Ratio analysis (d) All the above 3.

An Annual Report is issued by a company to its: (a) Directors (b) Auditors (c) Shareholders (d) Management 4.

Balance Sheet provides information about financial position of the enterprise: (a) At a point in time (b) Over a period of time (c) (d) None of the above For a period of time 5.
Comparative statements are also known as: (a) Dynamic analysis (b) Horizontal analysis (c) Vertical analysis (d) External analysis 4.7 Trend Analysis The financial statements may be analysed by computing trends of series of information.

Trend analysis determines the direction upwards or downwards and involves the computation of the percentage relationship that each item bears to the same item in the base year.
In case of comparative statement, an item is 192 Accountancy : Company Accounts and Analysis of Financial Statements compared with itself in the previous year to know whether it has increased or decreased or remained constant.

Common size analysis is to ascertain whether the proportion of an item (say cost of revenue from operations) is increasing or decreasing in the common base (say revenue from operations).
But in case of trend analysis, we learn about the behaviour of the same item over a given period, say, during the last 5 years.

Take for example, administrative expenses, whether they are exhibiting increasing tendency or decreasing tendency or remaining constant over the period of comparison.

Generally trend analysis is done for a reasonably long period.

Many companies present their financial data for a period of 5 or 10 years in various forms in their annual reports.
4.7.1 Procedure for Calculating Trend Percentage One year is taken as the base year.

Generally, the first year is taken as the base year.

The figure of base year is taken as 100.

The trend percentages are calculated in relation to this base year.

If a figure in other year is less than the figure in base year, the trend percentage will be less than 100 and it will be more than 100 if figure is more than the base year figure.

Each year’s figure is divided by the base year figure.
Trend Percentage = ____________________________________ 100 Present year value Base year value The accounting procedures and conventions used for collecting data and preparation of financial statements should be similar; otherwise the figures will not be comparable.

Illustration 8 Calculate the trend percentages from the following figures of sales, stock and profit of X Ltd., taking 2010 as the base year and interpret them.

Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Sales (Rs.)


1,881 2,340 2,655 3,021 3,768 Stock (Rs.)

709 781 816 944 1,154 (Rs.

in lakhs) Profit before tax (Rs.)

321 435 458 527 627 Analysis of Financial Statements 193 Solution: Trend Percentages (base year 2010 = 100) Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Sales Rs.

1881 2340 2655 3021 3768 Trend % 100 124 141 161 200 Stock Rs.

709 781 816 944 1154 Trend % 100 110 115 133 163 Interpretation : (Rs.

in lakhs) Profit Rs.

321 435 458 527 627 Trend % 100 136 143 164 195 1.

2.
2.

3.

The sales have continuously increased in all the years up to 2014, though in different proportions.

The percentage in 2014 is 200 as compared to 100 in 2010.

The increase in sales is quite satisfactory.

The figures of stock have also increased over a period of five years.

The increase in stock is more in 2013 and 2014 as compared to earlier years.

Profit has substantially increased.


The profits have increased in greater proportion than sales which implies that the company has been able to reduce their cost of goods sold and control the operating expenses.

Do it Yourself The following data is available from the Statement of profit and loss of Deepak Ltd. Particulars 2012 (Rs.)

2013 (Rs.)

2014 (Rs.)

2015 (Rs.)


Revenue from operations 3,10,000 3,27,500 3,20,000 3,32,500 Wages 1,07,500 1,07,500 1,15,000 1,20,000 Selling Expenses Gross Profit 27,250 90,000 29,000 95,000 29,750 77,500 27,750 80,000 You are required to show Trend Percentages of different items.

Illustration 9 From the following data relating to the assets of Balance Sheet of ABC Ltd., for the period ended March 31, 2011 to March 31, 2014, calculate trend percentages.
194 Accountancy : Company Accounts and Analysis of Financial Statements Particulars Cash Debtors Stock Other current assets Land Buildings Plant Solution: 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 (Rs.
in Lakhs) 100 200 300 50 400 800 1000 120 250 400 75 500 1000 1000 80 325 350 125 500 1200 1200 140 400 500 150 500 1500 1500 Trend Percentages Assets 2010-11 Trend 2011-12 Trend 2012-13 Current Assets Cash Debtors Stock Other Current Assets Non-current Assets Land Buildings Plant % 100 100 100 100 100 200 300 50 120 250 400 75 650 100 845 % 120 125 133.33 150 130 (Rs.
in lakhs) Trend 2013-14 Trend % % Total Assets 2,850 100 3,345 117.36 3,780 132.63 4,690 164.56 Interpretation: 1.

2.

3.

The assets have exhibited a continuous increasing trend over the period.
The current assets increased much faster than the Non-current assets.

Sundry debtors and other current assets and buildings have shown higher growth.

Analysis of Financial Statements 195 Illustration 10 From the following data relating to the Equity and liabilities of balance sheet of X Ltd., for the period March 31, 2010 to 2013, calculate the trend percentages taking 2010-11 as the base year.

(Rs.
(Rs.

in lakhs) Particulars 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 Equity Share Capital General Reserve 12% Debentures Bank Overdraft Trade Payable Sundry Creditors Outstanding Liabilities Solution: 1,000 800 400 300 100 300 50 1,000 1,000 500 400 120 400 75 1,200 1,200 500 550 80 500 125 1,500 1,500 500 500 140 600 150 Trend Percentages Equity and Liabilities 2010-11 Trend 2011-12 Trend 2012-13 % % Shareholder Funds (Rs.
in Lakhs) Trend 2013-14 Trend % % Equity Share Capital 1,000 100 1,000 100 1200 120 1,500 150 General Reserve 800 100 1,000 125 1200 150 1,500 187.5 1,800 100 2,000 111.11 2400 133.33 3,000 166.67 Long-term Debts Debentures 400 100 500 125 500 125 500 125 400 100 500 125 500 125 500 125 Current Liabilities Bank Overdraft 300 100 400 133.33 550 183.33 500 166.67 Trade Payable 100 100 120 120 80 80 140 Sundry Creditors 300 100 400 133.33 500 166.67 600 Outstanding Expenses 50 100 75 150 125 250 150 140 200 300 750 100 995 132.67 1,255 167.33 1,390 185.33 Total 2,950 100 3,495 118.47 4,155 140.85 4,890 165.76 196 Accountancy : Company Accounts and Analysis of Financial Statements Interpretation: 1.
2.

Shareholders’ funds have increased over the period because of retention of profits in the business in the form of reserves, and the share capital has also increased, may be due to issue of fresh shares or bonus shares.

The increase in current liabilities is more than that of long-term debt.

This may be due to expansion of business and/or availability of greater credit activities.
Test your Understanding – III State whether each of the following is True or False : (a) The financial statements of a business enterprise include cash flow statement.

(b) Comparative statements are the form of horizontal analysis.

(c) Common size statements and financial ratios are the two tools employed in vertical analysis.

(d) Ratio analysis establishes relationship between two financial statements.

(e) Ratio analysis is a tool for analysing the financial statements of any enterprise.
(f) (g) Financial analysis is used only by the creditors.

Statement of profit and loss account shows the operating performance of an enterprise for a period of time.

(h) Financial analysis helps an analyst to arrive at a decision.

(i) Cash Flow Statement is a tool of financial statement analysis.

(j) In a Common size statement each item is expressed as a percentage of some common base.
4.8 Limitations of Financial Analysis Though financial analysis is quite helpful in determining financial strengths and weaknesses of a firm, it is based on the information available in financial statements.

As such, the financial analysis also suffers from various limitations of financial statements.
Hence, the analyst must be conscious of the impact of price level changes, window dressing of financial statements, changes in accounting policies of a firm, accounting concepts and conventions, personal judgement, etc.

Some other limitations of financial analysis are: 1.

Financial analysis does not consider price level changes.

2.

Financial analysis may be misleading without the knowledge of the changes in accounting procedure followed by a firm.

3.
3.

Financial analysis is just a study of reports of the company.

4.

Monetary information alone is considered in financial analysis while non-monetary aspects are ignored.

Analysis of Financial Statements 197 5.

The financial statements are prepared on the basis of accounting concept, as such, it does not reflect the current position.

Terms Introduced in the Chapter 1.

Financial Analysis 2.

Common Size Statements 3.

Comparative Statements 4.

Trend Analysis 5.

Ratio Analysis 6.


Cash Flow Statement 7.

Intra Firm Comparison 8.

Inter Firm Comparison 9.

Horizontal Analysis 10.

Vertical Analysis Summary Major Parts of an Annual Report An annual report contains basic financial statements, viz., Balance Sheet, Statement of Profit and Loss and Cash Flow Statement.

It also carries management’s discussion of corporate performance of the year under review for futuristic prospects.
Tools of Financial Analysis Commonly used tools of financial analysis are: Comparative statements, Common size statement, trend analysis, ratio analysis, and cash flow analysis.

Comparative Statement Comparative statement shows changes in all items of financial statements in absolute and percentage terms over a period of time for a firm or between two firms.
Common Size Statement Common size statement expresses all items of a financial statement as a percentage of some common base such as revenue from operations for statement of profit and loss and total assets for balance sheet.

198 Accountancy : Company Accounts and Analysis of Financial Statements Questions for Practice Short Answer Questions List the techniques of Financial Statement Analysis.

1.

2.

Distinguish between Vertical and Horizontal Analysis of financial data.

3.
3.

State the meaning of Analysis and Interpretation.

4.

State the importance of Financial Analysis?

5.

What are Comparative Financial Statements?

6.

What do you mean by Common Size Statements?

Long Answer Questions 1.

Describe the different techniques of financial analysis and explain the limitations of financial analysis.

2.

Explain the usefulness of trend percentages in interpretation of financial performance of a company.

3.

What is the importance of comparative statements?


Illustrate your answer with particular reference to comparative income statement.

4.

What do you understand by analysis and interpretation of financial statements?

Discuss its importance.

5.

Explain how common size statements are prepared giving an example.

Numerical Questions 1.

Following are the balance sheets of Alpha Ltd., as at March 31, 2014 and 2015: Particulars March 31, March 31, I.
Equity and Liabilities Equity share capital Reserves and surplus Long-term borrowings Short-term borrowings Trade payables Short-term provisions Other current liabilities Total II.

Assets Fixed assets Non-current investments Current investments 2014 Rs.

2,00,000 1,00,000 2,00,000 50,000 30,000 20,000 20,000 2015 Rs.
4,00,000 1,50,000 3,00,000 70,000 60,000 10,000 30,000 6,20,000 10,20,000 2,00,000 1,00,000 60,000 5,00,000 1,25,000 80,000 Analysis of Financial Statements 199 Inventories Trade receivables Short term loans and advances Cash at bank Total 1,35,000 1,55,000 60,000 40,000 25,000 90,000 60,000 10,000 6,20,000 10,20,000 You are required to prepare a Comparative Balance Sheet.

2.

Following are the balance sheets of Beta Ltd. at March 31, 2014 and 2015: Particulars March 31, March 31, I.
Equity and Liabilities Equity share capital Reserves and surplus Loan from IDBI Short-term borrowings Trade payables Short-term provisions 2015 (Rs.)

4,00,000 1,50,000 3,00,000 70,000 60,000 10,000 2014 (Rs.)

3,00,000 1,00,000 1,00,000 50,000 30,000 20,000 Other current liabilities 1,10,000 1,00,000 Total II.
Assets Fixed assets Non-current investments Current investments Stock Trade receivables Short-term loans and advances Cash and cash equivalents 11,00,000 7,00,000 4,00,000 2,25,000 80,000 1,05,000 90,000 1,00,000 1,00,000 2,20,000 1,00,000 60,000 90,000 60,000 85,000 85,000 Total 11,00,000 7,00,000 3.

Prepare Comparative Statement of profit and loss from the following information: Particulars 2014-15 2013-14 Freight Outward Wages (office) Manufacturing Expenses (Rs.)

20,000 10,000 50,000 (Rs.)
10,000 5,000 20,000 200 Accountancy : Company Accounts and Analysis of Financial Statements Stock adjustment Cash purchases Credit purchases Returns inward Gross profit Carriage outward Machinery 10% depreciation on machinery Interest on short-term loans 10% debentures Profit on sale of furniture Loss on sale of office car Tax rate (60,000) 80,000 60,000 8,000 (30,000) 20,000 30,000 60,000 20,000 4,000 90,000 10,000 3,00,000 2,00,000 10,000 5,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 90,000 40% 20,000 10,000 10,000 60,000 50% 4.
Prepare Comparative Statement of Profit and Loss from the following information: Particulars Manufacturing expenses Opening stock Sales Returns outward 2013-14 (Rs.)

35,000 30,000 9,60,000 2014-15 (Rs.)
80,000 60% of closing stock 4,50,000 4,000 (out of credit 6,000 (out of cash purchase) purchase) Closing stock 150% of opening 1,00,000 Credit purchases Cash purchases Carriage outward Building Depreciation on building Interest on bank overdraft 10% debentures Profit on sale of copyright Loss on sale of personal car Other operating expenses Tax rate stock 1,50,000 150% of cash purchase 80% of credit 40,000 purchases 10,000 1,00,000 20% 5,000 2,00,000 10,000 10,000 20,000 50% 30,000 2,00,000 10% - 20,00,000 20,000 20,000 10,000 40% Analysis of Financial Statements 201 5.
Prepare a Common size statement of profit and loss of Shefali Ltd. with the help of following information: Particulars Revenue from operations 2013-14 (Rs.)

6,00,000 2014-15 (Rs.)

8,00,00 Indirect expense 25% of gross profit 25% of gross profit Cost of revenue from operations 4,28,000 Other incomes Income tax 10,000 30% 7,28,000 12,000 30% 6.

Prepare a Common Size balance sheet from the following balance sheet of Aditya Ltd., and Anjali Ltd.: Particulars I.
Equity and Liabilities a) Equity share capital b) Reserves and surplus c) Current liabilities Total II.

Assets a) Fixed assets b) Current assets Total Aditya Ltd. Anjali Ltd. Rs.

Rs.

6,00,000 3,00,000 1,00,000 8,00,000 2,50,000 1,50,000 10,00,000 12,00,000 4,00,000 6,00,000 7,00,000 5,00,000 1,00,0000 12,00,000 Answers to Test your Understanding Test your Understanding – I 1.

Simplification 4. vertical 2. explaining 5. cash flow.
Test your Understanding – II 3. the impact of horizontal 1 (d) 2 (d) 3 (c) 4 (a) 5 (b) Test your Understanding – III (a) True (g) True (b) True (h) True (c) True (i) True (d) True (j) True (e) True (f) False