Assessment 1 booklet 2024 S1 Completed

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Curtin University *

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ACCT5008

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Finance

Date

Apr 3, 2024

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docx

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16

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Financial Statement Analysis (FNCE5006) – Assessment 1: Exercise (20%) The purpose of this assessment is to check on the understanding of the basic concepts of financial statements we have covered in the first 4 weeks. This is an individual assessment . This assessment represents 20% of the overall mark for the unit. Students should attempt all the questions, and submit a Word document via Turnitin before the due date/time. In answering the questions, students must demonstrate the detailed calculations/justifications . I would also remind you of your obligations under the University rules on academic integrity; if you are unsure of your responsibilities then please check the relevant section of the Curtin website: http://academicintegrity.curtin.edu.au/ . To answer Questions 1 and 2, students need to analyse Telstra’s 2022 annual report provided in the assessment folder on Blackboard. Question 1 Assume that you are analyzing the financial statements of Telstra for the year 2022. Where can you find the information to examine its performance? How would you comment on the performance of Telstra for the year 2022? What more information do you need to draw a reasonable conclusion about the performance of the firm? What is your expectation for its future performance, and what is your conclusion? Explanation:   Analyzing Telstra's Performance in 2022: A Comprehensive Assessment In the realm of corporate finance, meticulous scrutiny of financial statements is paramount to assess an organization's performance and overall well-being. In this comprehensive analysis, we delve into the financial statements of  Telstra Corporation Limited  for the fiscal year 2022. As a prominent Australian telecommunications company, Telstra plays a pivotal role in the country's communication infrastructure. Our examination aims to provide nuanced insights into Telstra's financial standing, profitability, liquidity, and potential future prospects.   Page 1 of 16
a.  Locating Relevant Information To embark on our assessment, we must first identify reliable sources from which we can access Telstra's financial data. Fortunately, Telstra diligently publishes its annual reports and financial statements, serving as invaluable resources for investors, analysts, and stakeholders. These documents encapsulate a wealth of information, including income statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements, and accompanying notes. Interested parties can readily find these reports on Telstra's official website or other reputable financial platforms.   b.  Performance Evaluation Financial Metrics Let us now delve into Telstra's performance for the year 2022. We meticulously scrutinize key financial metrics to gauge the company's health: Revenue and Profitability Our examination begins with Telstra's total revenue, operating income, and net profit. A rising revenue trend signifies business growth, while profitability metrics reveal the efficiency of the company's operations.   Earnings Per Share (EPS) EPS provides a crucial lens through which we assess the portion of profit attributable to each outstanding share. A higher EPS translates to better returns for shareholders.   Liquidity Ratios We delve into Telstra's ability to meet short-term obligations. Metrics such as the current ratio and quick ratio offer insights into the company's liquidity position.   Debt Management Telstra's debt-to-equity ratio and interest coverage ratio provide essential context regarding its leverage and capacity to repay debt. Page 2 of 16
c.  Commentary on Telstra's Performance Based on the available data, we draw the following observations: Revenue Stability Telstra's revenue remained relatively stable throughout 2022, reflecting resilience in its core business operations. This stability is particularly commendable given the dynamic nature of the telecommunications industry.   Profitability Challenges However, Telstra faced profitability challenges. Increased competition and regulatory changes may have impacted on net profit margins. A deeper dive into cost structures and revenue streams is necessary to pinpoint specific areas of concern.   Liquidity Position :  The liquidity ratios suggest that Telstra maintained a healthy position to meet short-term obligations promptly. This stability is crucial for operational continuity and strategic maneuvering.   Debt Levels While Telstra carries a certain level of debt, prudent management becomes paramount. Striking the right balance between leveraging for growth and managing debt risk is essential.   d.  Additional Information Required To draw a more robust and reasonable conclusion about Telstra's performance, we need further details: Segment Analysis : Understanding performance across different business segments (e.g., mobile, fixed-line, data services) provides a holistic view. Are there segments driving growth, and are there any underperforming areas? Comparative Analysis : How does Telstra fare compared to industry peers? Benchmarking against competitors sheds light on relative performance. Are there specific areas where Telstra outperforms or lags behind? Page 3 of 16
Investment in Innovation : Details of Telstra's investments in technology, infrastructure, and digital transformation are crucial for long-term prospects. How is the company positioning itself for the future?   e.  Future Expectations and Conclusion Expectations: Telstra's future performance hinges on several critical factors: 5G Rollout : Telstra's success in deploying 5G networks will significantly impact revenue growth and customer retention. The ability to capitalize on this technological shift is pivotal. Digital Transformation : Continued investment in digital services, cloud solutions, and emerging technologies can enhance competitiveness. Telstra's adaptability to the digital landscape will shape its trajectory. Regulatory Environment : Changes in regulations may affect Telstra's profitability and strategic direction. Staying abreast of regulatory shifts is essential.   Conclusion: In summary, Telstra's performance in 2022 reflects stability amid challenges. Further analysis, including segment-specific data and industry comparisons, will provide a comprehensive picture. Our expectation remains cautiously optimistic, considering Telstra's strategic initiatives and market dynamics. Investors should closely monitor developments and exercise due diligence in their investment decisions.   key references: Telstra. (2022). Telstra Annual Report 2022. https://www.telstra.com.au/content/dam/tcom/about-us/investors/pdf-g/TEL-AR-2022-Pages- FINAL.pdf .   Telstra - Annual reports - Investors. (2023). Telstra.com. https://www.telstra.com.au/aboutus/investors/reports .   TLS.AU | Telstra Group Ltd. Annual Income Statement - WSJ. (2024). Wsj.com. https://www.wsj.com/market-data/quotes/AU/TLS/financials/annual/income-statement . Page 4 of 16
Annual Reports. (2022). Telstrasuper.com.au. https://www.telstrasuper.com.au/about-us/about-telstrasuper/annual-reports .   Telstra. (2022). Telstra Annual Report 2022. https://www.telstra.com.au/content/dam/tcom/about-us/investors/pdf-g/TEL-AR-2022- Spreads-FINAL.pdf . [1+2+2+1=6 marks] Question 2 What information can you obtain from the MD&A (pages 2-19) in Telstra’s 2022 Annual Report? How can it help you evaluate the performance of Telstra? Telstra's 2022 MD&A reveals financial trends and strategic direction. Telstra InfraCo's income has declined, impacted by lower active wholesale revenue yet partially offset by asset disposal and passive infrastructure growth. Despite total income challenges, segments like Amplitel show growth. Revenue breakdown indicates potential strategic adaptations to market trends. Comparing external and internal incomes illustrates operational shifts, whereas one-off nbn payments emphasize the importance of accounting for episodic revenue when considering sustainability. These insights are crucial for evaluating Telstra's market position and future performance. Explanation: The Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) section of Telstra's 2022 Annual Report offers in-depth insights into the company's financial conditions and operating results over the past fiscal year. Analyzing the MD&A can help you understand the strategic direction of the company, identify risks and opportunities, and gauge its overall performance, which in turn can influence investment decisions, compare the company's performance against its competitors, and provide a clearer picture of its market position. Here are some key pieces of information that can be extracted from the MD&A and how they can help in evaluating Telstra's performance: 1. Segment Overview:   - The performance of Telstra InfraCo, one of Telstra's business units focusing on infrastructure, shows a decline in income largely attributed to reduced income from Fixed - Page 5 of 16
Active Wholesale legacy products and commercial works.   - The decline was partly offset by disposal of legacy assets not in use and growth in income from core passive infrastructure.   - External access charges and an increase in wholesale mobility contributed positively to the income figures when excluding internal access charges. 2. Segment Performance Analysis:   - Insights into segment performance indicate a decrease in total income, highlighting challenges within certain product lines such as Fixed - Active Wholesale.   - However, performance is also characterized by positive aspects such as increased recurring nbn DA receipts adjusted for CPI and growth in segments like Amplitel. 3. Revenue Breakdown:   - An understanding of revenue from different products helps identify which areas are performing well versus those that are declining, like mobile service revenues versus hardware revenues.   - This breakdown speaks to potential strategic shifts or market trends impacting Telstra's business. 4. Income Comparatives:   - Comparative data for both external income and internal charges offer a view on operational adjustments that Telstra has made over time.   - The report reflects organizational changes which provide context for year-over-year comparison and insight into whether new strategies are yielding results. 5. One-off Items:   - Specific line items such as one-off nbn DA & connection figures that significantly decrease highlight the episodic or cyclical nature of certain revenues which need to be considered when assessing sustainable growth rates. [1+1=2 marks] Page 6 of 16
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