verview: For this task, you will analyze the financial health of two competitors in the same industry based on their ratios, using the provided Excel spreadsheet template. Then, you will complete your analysis by writing a short synopsis of your findings in the space below the analysis.
Prompt: Follow the steps below to analyze the financial health of two competitors. Use the Module Two Activity Template to complete this task.
Select two companies operating in the same industry (for example, Macy’s and Dillard’s). The companies have to be in the same business for the ratios to be
valuable to your analysis. Then, complete the template, providing the following:
·  Ratio Research: Use the template to analyze the selected ratios (profitability, financial strength, valuation, management effectiveness, dividends, and efficiency) for both of the competitors. To complete this part, you can reference the Morningstar website in the Module Two resources to obtain the ratios. You can also use the SEC EDGAR Company Filings resource from Module One to obtain the ratio from annual reports. Please note: The ratios have to be from the same time period (the same year for both competitors). For training on how to use Excel, visit the Hoonuit training site or search YouTube to find appropriate Excel training videos.
·  Industry Ratios: To analyze ratios for the companies, you also need to obtain the ratios for the industry that the competitors operate in. Industry values for the ratios can be found in the Shapiro Li
ary’s Mergent Online Database, which offers in-depth public and private company profiles, financial information, and industry overviews with financial ratios suitable for company performance comparisons. If no ratio values are available for your sub- industry or industry sector, put the five-year averages for both companies in the industry column and use these figures for the industry comparison of your ratio analysis. For additional support, be sure to review the resources provided for Mergent Online within the Module Two Reading and Resources area.
·  Ratio Analysis: Compare the two companies based on their ratios. Use the last column in the template to write in detail how each company is doing based on the ratios. Compare the company ratios to the industry and each other.
·  Summary: This short write-up should be done directly in your Excel spreadsheet.
o Whatisaratioanalysis?Brieflyexplaininaboutoneparagraph.Pleasequoteyou
esource. o Refe
ingtotheratioanalysis,inwhichcompanywouldyoubewillingtoinvestandwhy?
Note: This is a theoretical exercise. You should not be investing according to this analysis.