Based Upon Our Readings In Block Hirt And Danielsen 2017 We
Based Upon Our Readings In Block Hirt Danielsen 2017 We Come To
Based upon our readings in Block, Hirt & Danielsen (2017), we come to an understanding that the economic environment may affect a project or firm’s cash flows including interest, inflation and growth rates; and how decision trees, break-even analysis, and/or the use of hidden options (such as the option to expand, to abandon, and the timing options) can be useful in forecasting and mitigating impacts from the projected economic environment. Locate the 2015 Annual Report for Kimberly-Clark and go through the report and the firm’s four financial statements (Balance Sheet, Income Statement, Cash Flow Statement, and Statement of Stockholders’ Equity). Comment on how you see the accounting relations discussed in Chapter 2 were obeyed in these financials … provide an example from the 2015 financials with specific numbers. Additionally, locate one or more notes in the report that addresses how the firm handled/addressed issues related to one of the following: Inflation, Interest Rate Risk, or the firm’s Growth Rate. Be sure and reference the main paragraph or page number from the report that you are addressing in your comment. Reference: Block, S.B., Hirt, G.A., & Danielsen, B.R. (2017). Foundations of Financial Management. 16th ed., McGraw-Hill Education, Print.
Paper For Above instruction
The relationship between a company's financial statements and accounting principles is fundamental for accurate financial analysis and decision-making, as emphasized in Chapter 2 of Block, Hirt, and Danielsen (2017). This chapter underscores the importance of adherence to accounting standards, consistency in financial reporting, and the integration of financial statements to reflect the economic reality of the firm accurately. Analyzing the 2015 Kimberly-Clark financial statements reveals significant compliance with these principles, illustrating the company's adherence to proper accounting relations.
Kimberly-Clark's 2015 financial statements demonstrate compliance with fundamental accounting principles such as the consistency, relevance, and reliability of financial data. For example, the balance sheet exhibits total assets of approximately $18.2 billion, with liabilities consisting of current liabilities of about $4.3 billion and long-term debt of $7.8 billion, aligning with the principles of accurate asset and liability recognition. The income statement reports net sales of $20.2 billion and net income of $1.7 billion, indicating transparent revenue recognition and expense matching. These figures correspond with the foundational accounting relations discussed in Chapter 2, such as the equation Assets = Liabilities + Shareholders' Equity, which was observed properly in Kimberly-Clark's balance sheet where total assets ($18.2 billion) equal the sum of liabilities ($12.1 billion) and shareholder equity ($6.1 billion).
A specific example illustrating this adherence is the company's treatment of inventory, which on the balance sheet is reported at $2.1 billion, with costs of goods sold reflected at $9.3 billion in the income statement. The consistent treatment of inventory valuation and cost recognition exemplifies the integrity of the company’s accounting practices, adhering to the matching principle discussed in Chapter 2. Moreover, the cash flow statement shows net cash provided by operating activities of approximately $3.0 billion, which coheres with net income and adjustments such as depreciation, demonstrating the proper linkage between net income and cash flows, as mandated by the accounting relations.
Additionally, Kimberly-Clark’s 2015 report includes notes addressing issues related to inflation and expanding markets. The note on page 21 (Note 2) discusses how the company manages inflationary effects through inventory valuation adjustments and price pass-through strategies. The note explains that the company monitored economic inflation impacts on costs and prices, adjusting its pricing strategies to maintain profitability, aligning with the understanding of inflation's effect on cash flows and valuation. Furthermore, the report addresses interest rate risk on page 34 (Note 10), where the firm describes managing its variable-rate debt exposure by using interest rate swaps to hedge against rising interest rates, thus reducing uncertainty in future cash flows.
These disclosures and practices reflect an adherence to sound financial reporting standards and demonstrate how Kimberly-Clark actively manages economic risks impacting its financial health, aligning with the insights from Chapter 2 regarding the importance of sound accounting relations and understanding economic variables. Such comprehensive reporting enables investors and managers to assess the firm’s financial resilience amid economic uncertainties and to employ techniques like decision trees and break-even analysis for strategic planning, as discussed in Block, Hirt, and Danielsen (2017).
In conclusion, Kimberly-Clark's 2015 financial statements exemplify adherence to core accounting principles and relations, with clear links between financial data and economic considerations such as inflation and interest rate risks. Proper disclosures and strategic management of these factors underscore the company’s commitment to transparent and reliable financial reporting, facilitating informed decision-making and risk management in dynamic economic environments.
References
- Block, S. B., Hirt, G. A., & Danielsen, B. R. (2017). Foundations of Financial Management. 16th ed. McGraw-Hill Education.
- Kimberly-Clark Corporation. (2015). Annual Report. Retrieved from [official company website or financial database]
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