Chapter 5 Carrefour S.A. Teaching Note Version: March 2007
Introduction The Carrefour case is a financial analysis case. Carrefour S.A. is one of the world’s largest retailers. During the first half of the 2000s, the company’s share prices steadily declined, despite the fact that the company reported above-average returns on equity. Students are asked to analyze Carrefour’s financial statements and segment data to find explanations for the company’s poor share price performance and to make recommendations for the future. The discussion of the financial analysis is preceded by a discussion of Carrefour’s strategy and accounting. Both the accounting analysis and the financial analysis are affected by Carrefour’s switch from French GAAP
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International growth. When large companies such as Carrefour start to obtain a dominant position in their domestic markets, they may be “forced” to expand overseas or enter other industries. Carrefour’s corporate strategy is to expand overseas rather than diversify. More importantly, as indicated above, achieving growth is an essential part of Carrefour’s strategy because (international) growth helps the company to obtain economies of scale in purchasing, logistics and the development of Carrefourbranded products. For example, Carrefour sells its own branded products in the same packaging worldwide (of course printed in different languages). The company’s overseas retailing operations are, however, more risky than its domestic operations. First, to some extent retailing remains a local business because consumers’ tastes differ substantially across countries. Profitable expansion outside Carrefour’s domestic market is only possible if the company has good knowledge about local customers’ preferences and tastes. Consequently, a slightly safer way to expand abroad is to acquire local supermarket chains. A disadvantage of this strategy is, however, that acquisition premiums have to be paid, which can also drive down profits. Second, many of Carrefour’s “intercontinental” hypermarkets are located in countries where the economic environment is risky: consumers in economically less developed countries are likely to be more price sensitive; East Asian
Macy’s, Inc. is known as the Great American Department Store was established in 1858 and now has 810 stores operating in the United States, coast-to-coast. Macy’s stores nationwide are grouped into 69 geographic districts that average ten to twelve stores each. Most stores are located at urban or suburban areas. As of January 30, 2010, the Company’s operations were conducted through four retail operating divisions – Macy’s, macys.com, Bloomingdale’s, and bloomingdales.com. The Company is a retail organization operating retail stores and Internet websites under two brands (Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s) that sell a wide range of merchandise, including men’s, women’s and children’s apparel and accessories, cosmetics, home furnishings and other
The analysis of a company's financial statements helps in the determination of both the weaknesses and strengths of the concerned entity. Further, such an analysis helps in the determination of the future viability of firms. There are a wide range of techniques utilized in the analysis of financial statements. In that regard, it is important to note that the relevance of a horizontal, vertical as well as ratio analysis of a company's financial statements cannot be overstated. This is more so the case when it comes to the interpretation of the various dollar amounts presented in both the balance sheet and the income statement. In this text, I carry out a horizontal, vertical as well as ratio analysis of both The Coca-Cola Company and PepsiCo, Inc. The analysis' results will be critical in the evaluation of each company's performance. Findings will be used as a basis for recommendations on how each company can improve its financial status.
Commutronics had not accumulated enough profits and had no sufficient capital reserves. The company’s registered capital was therefore very low. The withholding tax rate of
For my project I decided to analyze the financial status of the CVS Corporation. CVS is one of the largest retail pharmacies in the United States and a fortune 500 company. The word of mouth from friends that currently work for the CVS Corporation and my consistent positive encounter with company as customers propped my curiosity about the company. Additionally, the CVS Corporation’s mission to lead their costumers to a better health and the corporation’s innovative attributes were also determining factors in my decision to evaluate the CVS Corporation (” CVS health,” 2015).
In 2009 and forward, Loblaw Companies were up against aggressive competitive markets while still dealing with the backlash from the 2008 world economic crisis. Same store sales were on the decline and Loblaw’s was in desperate need to change their store strategies. By 2011, Loblaw’s had come up with the idea to diversify and expand their operations with new upgrades to in store departments as well as expanding upon their leading brands, President’s Choice and No Name. This case study underlines the premise of national and global strategies, which is a key subject matter and general broad topic when studying International Business. The main concerns of this case study would be to identify if Loblaw’s new strategies gave them a leading edge in the ever-expanding market, as well as seeing if these new strategies will hold up to market standards in the near future.
In conclusion, financial statements of Dollar General present the increase in company’s profitability and sales over the last two years, they reduced their expenses as well. The only information that the statements do not disclose is which brands of merchandise increased their sales, and what was the cost of goods sold compared to the profit they made. Since the company was concerned about promotion of their private brand it would be helpful to know what percent of sales does their private brand make comparison to other brands. Nevertheless, the long-term liquidity risk does not look as safe. The company will have to show the stability in its ratios overtime to insure investors that it has low risk and is able to repay its debt in a long run as well as maintain stable
There is no doubt that the contribution of each of the group members is equal.
British grocery and general merchandise retailer Tesco PLC had announced they were to depart from their international operations within Japan and the United States markets, Tesco had stated that they were to end of such operations due it being unprofitable (Reuters, 2013). This paper seeks out to critically analyse and address the factors which had led to Tesco’s failure in the Japanese and United States market. To aid in justifying the influences in Tesco’s departure relevant international business literature will be evaluated for the suggested reasons for the exit. Furthermore, Part (B) of the paper seeks out to discuss the management of transnational businesses , a range of theories concerning the internationalisation of firms will be compared and contrasted, for instance the explanations presented by Vernon, Johnson and Dunning will aid towards the reasons for the internationalisation process of emerging market multinationals.
Open-ended questions such as these will generate energy in the class, though the instructor should take care to limit the amount of time spent in this phase of the class, since students will find it easy to offer observations about the firm’s apparent strategy and financial performance. By letting the students assess the problems of this company in a nondirective fashion, the instructor can gauge students’ abilities and build students’ “ownership” of the analysis. The next three questions are a directive approach to problem assessment and could supplement this question or be used in place of it.
Long the pride of Peoria, Illinois, Caterpillar, Inc. has established itself as a premier global manufacturing powerhouse whose commercial construction, transportation and engine solutions have come to symbolize durability, quality, and economic progress. This project paper examines the operational and financial numbers resulting from the company’s global sales reach. This paper reviews the publically available corporate financial results for the last decade. This financial data review will be expanded to incorporate how operating and investing activities and results have also impact the Caterpillar bottom line. The paper will conclude with a short summary analysis providing team conclusions to whether the Caterpillar
Within this report, diligent focus will be shown to the financial year of 2010 and the final year of
Investing in a company has certainly changed over the years. Financial information is literally at one's fingertips via the internet. In today's fast paced corporate environment companies are under tremendous scrutiny to maintain their edge. The company I am evaluating is NIKE. This Financial analysis will consist of the following: Ratios from the Income Statement, Statement of Owner's Equity, and Balance Sheet. This information is designed to assist a potential investor.
All managers need to understand where value comes from in their firm. The purpose of this analysis is to identify the financial strategy and performance of this particular publicly traded company. The process of understanding the risk and profitability of a company by analyzing reported financial info, especially annual and quarterly reports are vital to identifying the company’s overall financial performance. I wanted to analyze Coca Cola because the company has so much history and is one of the most recognizable brands in the world. I have always enjoyed researching food and beverage companies
Ralph Lauren Corporation (NYSE:RL) is well known in the apparel clothing field. The corporation engages in the design, marketing and distribution of lifestyle product. This analysis paper will illustrate the current financial situation and forecast the future free cash flow based on the previous financial statement and financial data collected. These information and forecast are served for the potential investor to have a general understanding of RL Corporation and make the right choice on their money.
The aim of the following report is to assess the financial activity of Britvic PLC over a sixty months period, from January 2005 until December 2009, in order to make recommendations for a future investment in the company.