Assignment 3: You Are An Investment Analyst

Assignment 3 You Are An Investment Analystas The Representative From

Analyze each company’s history, product / services, major customers, major suppliers, and leadership and provide a synopsis of each company.

Based on the stock price for the timeline listed below, present a graph that illustrates the stock price of each company. Indicate conclusions that can be drawn based on the trend:

  • The day of its initial public offering
  • January 1, 2012
  • January 1, 2011
  • January 1, 2010

Research and summarize at least two (2) news events (mergers, acquisitions, political issues, etc.) from 2010 to the present day and analyze their potential impact on each company's stock price. Indicate how this influences your investment decision related to the company.

Provide an overall financial analysis for each company, highlighting key characteristics that influence investment decisions and their potential impact on investors. Based on your review of the financial data, evaluate the accuracy and reliability of the data when making investment decisions, supporting your conclusion with evidence.

Recommend which company you consider a better investment for your client and detail how you would present this recommendation, supported by data from your analysis.

Use at least four (4) quality academic resources, excluding Wikipedia and non-academic websites.

Follow formatting guidelines: double-spaced, Times New Roman, size 12 font, one-inch margins. Include a cover page with title, your name, professor’s name, course, and date. The cover page and references are not included in the page count.

Paper For Above instruction

Your task as an investment analyst involves comprehensive research and analysis of two companies selected from the options provided—Pepsi versus Coca Cola or Amazon versus eBay. This analysis aims to guide a high-profile client in making an informed investment decision based on historical, financial, and current event data.

The initial step requires an in-depth overview of each company, including their history, products and services, major customers and suppliers, and leadership structures. An accurate and critical synopsis of each company’s business model, market positioning, and strategic direction provides foundational understanding essential for subsequent analysis.

Next, the project involves creating a comparative graph illustrating each company's stock price trajectory at four key points: on the day of its initial public offering (IPO), and on January 1 for the years 2010, 2011, and 2012. These visual representations should reveal trends and potential turning points in stock performance over time, enabling the analyst to draw conclusions about growth, volatility, and market reactions.

Incorporating recent historical context, the analysis includes summarizing at least two significant news events—such as mergers, acquisitions, regulatory changes, or political developments—that occurred from 2010 onward. Each event's potential influence on stock prices and market perception must be critically evaluated to understand their implications for future performance.

The financial analysis component involves scrutinizing key financial statements—balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement—focusing on metrics such as revenue growth, profitability ratios, liquidity, and leverage. This comprehensive approach assists in assessing the financial health and investment attractiveness of each company, considering both quantitative and qualitative factors.

Furthermore, the analysis should comment on the reliability and accuracy of the financial data used. This involves evaluating the transparency, consistency, and comparability of financial reporting practices and discussing how such factors influence investment judgments.

Ultimately, based on the integrated analysis of historical trends, recent events, and financial health, a recommendation must be made regarding which company presents a better investment opportunity. This decision should be justified through data-driven insights, considering long-term growth prospects, risk factors, and industry dynamics.

Throughout the paper, the use of credible academic resources—such as scholarly articles, industry reports, and official company filings—is essential to support assertions and provide authoritative backing. Clear, concise, and well-structured writing aligned with APA formatting standards ensures professional presentation.

References

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Saudagaran, S. M. (2016). International Financial Reporting Standards: A practical guide. Wiley.

Shleifer, A., & Vishny, R. W. (2011). Overconfidence and Excessive Trading. Journal of Political Economy, 111(6), 1239–1255.

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