Financialanalysis
Financialanalysis
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Financial analysis
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Financial analysis
Mahmoud Mohamad Osama Fares
[email protected]
2024 -1445
1: Introduction:
Financial analysis relies on a set of rules and methods used to interpret the
interrelationships between elements of financial data, such as assets, liabilities, expenses,
and revenues. This interpretation provides useful information by linking these elements,
which aids in making various decisions by all users. Achieving these results requires the
application of a set of laws and mathematical equations, which demand care, time, effort,
and prior knowledge of how to calculate. With the development of computers, there has
been significant progress in various sciences, especially in the applications of financial,
administrative, and accounting sciences.)1(
All economic units prepare financial reports at the beginning of each year to manage
the financial position and the result of activities. These reports are relied upon by users
to make various decisions. However, financial reports do not include information that
clarifies the relationship between the elements of financial statements. By linking these
elements, it is possible to obtain a variety of useful information. Therefore, financial
analysis ratios are used to demonstrate these relationships and benefit from the
information obtained in guiding users’ decisions.)2(
1
): Hassanein Hamid Al-Abidi, Noor Abdul Razzaq, (n.d.), Financial Analysis of Financial Statements Using
Computers for a Sample of Economic Units, Journal of Al-Turath University College, Issue 19, p: 108.
2
): Hassanein Hamid Al-Abidi, Noor Abdul Razzaq, (n.d.), Financial Analysis of Financial Statements Using
Computers for a Sample of Economic Units, Journal of Al-Turath University College, Issue 19, p: 109.
1
University of Aleppo Faculty of Economics Business Administration
Financial analysis also aims to provide concerned parties with information and data about
the institution’s financial situation, evaluate its performance over a certain period, verify
the institution’s success or failure in achieving set goals, and assist in decision-making
within the institution.)1(
Interest in financial analysis began at the start of this century, especially with the
increasing prevalence of joint-stock companies, which necessitate a separation between
management and ownership. Initially, the focus was on the balance sheet as the most
important statement, with particular attention given to long-term financing sources. As
the banking role expanded, especially in providing credit facilities, the balance sheet
became essential for approving the requested credit facilities from the enterprise. This
dates back to February 9, 1859, when the Executive Council of the New York State
Bankers Association recommended that its members require borrowers to provide written
statements of their assets and liabilities in a format recommended by the Unified Data
Committee for various groups. Since then, this topic has been extensively researched,
and leading bankers have recommended using data for granting credit facilities. For the
first time in 1906, it was recommended to analyze this data comprehensively by those
responsible for granting credit facilities through study and comparison, allowing for the
identification of strengths and weaknesses in the data. The idea of comparison was well-
received, and they began to consider which data should be compared. In 1908,
quantitative measurement by ratios was adopted. The goal of analysis and the desired
information determined the statement to be relied upon to achieve the required results.
The focus was no longer limited to the balance sheet or income statement but extended
to all accounting data. Financial analysis now uses all accounting data and external data
related to the unit. Financial analysis has become instrumental in performance evaluation
and future planning for all activities, even subjecting uncertain conditions to control and
oversight.)2(
1
): Dahamna Islam, Daqdaq Abdul Basit, (2022), The Role of Financial Analysis in Diagnosing the Financial Situation
of the Economic Institution, Mohamed Boudiaf University, Algeria, p: 7.
2
): Munir Shaker Mohammed, Abdul Nasser Noor, Ismail Ismail, (2008), Financial Analysis and Decision-Making
Approach, Wael Publishing and Distribution House, Jordan, p p: 12-13.
2
University of Aleppo Faculty of Economics Business Administration
Financial analysis is the system through which analytical tools are applied to
financial statements and other financial data to consistently interpret trends and
relationships. Essentially, financial analysis involves converting data into information,
thereby aiding in a diagnostic process aimed at scanning, examining, and forecasting
information. A financial analyst interested in assessing the creditworthiness of an
enterprise must estimate the enterprise's future cash flows, assess the risks associated
with those estimates, and determine the appropriate discount rate to apply to those
estimates. The purpose of financial statements and IFRS standards is to provide useful
information to users for making economic decisions. However, these financial
statements do not contain all the information an individual user might need. Additional
information, such as a five-year performance record of the company and unit sales
analysis by product line, can be useful to users.)2(
1
): Mohammed Matar, (2000), Financial and Credit Analysis Methods and Tools, Wael Publishing House, Amman, p:
3.
2
): Tarek Abdel Aal Hamad, (2006), Analysis of Financial Statements for Investment and Credit Granting Purposes,
University House, p: 474.
3
): Ahmed Al-Adasi, (2011), Financial Analysis of Financial Statements According to International Standards,
Scientific Hurricane Publishing and Distribution House, Jordan, p: 105.
4
): Moayad Radi Khanfar and Dr. Ghassan Faleh Al-Matarna, (2000), Analysis of Financial Statements, Al-Masirah
Publishing, Distribution, and Printing House, Jordan, p: 73.
5
): Munir Shaker Mohammed, Abdul Nasser Noor, Ismail Ismail, (2008), Financial Analysis and Decision-Making
Approach, Wael Publishing and Distribution House, Jordan, p: 22.
3
University of Aleppo Faculty of Economics Business Administration
1
): Khaldoun Ibrahim Al-Shadifat, (2000), Financial Management and Analysis, Wael Publishing House, Jordan, p: 1.
4
University of Aleppo Faculty of Economics Business Administration
The stages of financial analysis can be summarized into three main stages:.)1(
1
): Khaldoun Ibrahim Al-Shadifat, (2000), Financial Management and Analysis, Wael Publishing House, Jordan, p:
96.
2
): Munir Shaker Mohammed, Abdul Nasser Noor, Ismail Ismail, (2008), Financial Analysis and Decision-Making
Approach, Wael Publishing and Distribution House, Jordan, p: 10.
5
University of Aleppo Faculty of Economics Business Administration
questions and draw attention to sensitive points that require study to develop
solutions, often in the form of financial, production, sales, and general policies
implemented by the enterprise. While setting policies is not the responsibility of the
financial analyst, they can provide suggestions and recommendations based on their
expertise. Questions typically arise when something appears inconsistent with
expectations or industry norms. Raising these questions helps managers who review
the analysis results to assess past and present management performance and plan for
the future based on past achievements. The primary purpose of financial analysis is to
provide management, investors, and lenders with financial information used to:.)1(
1. Measure the profitability and liquidity of the enterprise, i.e., its ability to meet
obligations.
2. Prepare financial forecasts.
3. Conduct financial planning for the enterprise.
4. Implement financial control.
5. Evaluate the overall adequacy of management and the activity of its various
departments.
6. Demonstrate the success of the enterprise to its owners.
1
): Alaa Mubarak Abdul Rahman Al-Bashir, Rafida Ali Awad Al-Karim Mohammed, Malaz Al-Sadiq Elias Ali, Nihal
Ahmed Mohammed Ali Murad, Hadeel Rahmatullah Babofath Salem, (2017), Financial Analysis and Its Role in
Evaluating the Financial Performance of Commercial Companies, Sudan University of Science and Technology,
Sudan, p: 23.
2
): Osaif Issa, (n.d.), Using Financial Ratios and Financial Analysis Indicators to Evaluate the Financial Performance
of the Institution, Mohamed Boudiaf University, Algeria, pp: 15-17.
6
University of Aleppo Faculty of Economics Business Administration
9-3-1: Vertical or Static Analysis: This involves using financial ratios to study the
overall relationship between items in financial statements, such as the relationship
between each item in the balance sheet and total assets, or between each item in the
income statement and total sales. The goal of this analysis is to evaluate the economic
efficiency of the organization, its ability to achieve profitability, and meet both short-
term and long-term obligations. Financial ratios represent the relationship between two
items in the same financial statement (balance sheet, income statement, or cash flow
statement) or between two accounting items in different statements. The results of
financial ratios are meaningful only when compared to standard or benchmark ratios to
understand the financial position and economic performance of the organization. This
type of analysis is called static because it focuses on analyzing financial statements
7
University of Aleppo Faculty of Economics Business Administration
prepared at a specific date, studying their components, and the relative importance of
their elements. Each part of the elements is related to the total of these elements or a
subset of them. This type of analysis relies on studying the quantitative relationship
between different elements of financial statements at a specific date, making it static
due to the lack of a time dimension.
Financial data forms the basis for most analytical processes related to economic
activity. Therefore, it is essential to review the nature and limitations of this data to
understand its usefulness and role in financial analysis. Generally, accounting data is
prepared according to generally accepted accounting principles and reflects the effects
of past and current management decisions. Financial data is often ambiguous as it is
governed by financial accounting rules that aim to present information fairly and
accurately for each economic activity using conservative accounting principles,
including:.)1(
Transactions are recorded at historical cost (the cost at the time of the
transaction), with adjustments made only if current values decrease.
Revenues are recognized only upon sale.
Provisions are made for current assets (potential losses), thereby reducing
profits.
1
): Munir Shaker Mohammed, Abdul Nasser Noor, Ismail Ismail, (2008), Financial Analysis and Decision-Making
Approach, Wael Publishing and Distribution House, Jordan, pp: 12-13.
8
University of Aleppo Faculty of Economics Business Administration
Such rules leave the results (outputs) of financial accounting open to numerous
interpretations, especially when an analyst seeks to understand the economic
performance and value of an enterprise. The key financial statements used in financial
analysis include:
11-1: Balance Sheet: Also known as the statement of financial position, the
balance sheet must always be balanced because the total assets invested in economic
activity at any given time must equal the liabilities and equity. The balance sheet shows
the main account groups and amounts related to assets, liabilities, and shareholders’
equity, and the relationships between these groups at a specific point in time, usually at
the end of each year.)2(
11-3: Cash Flow Statement: This statement has become an integral part of
financial statements for companies or enterprises in recent years. It provides
information about cash inflows to the enterprise, showing the liquidity available during
the financial cycle and its ability to meet current cash obligations. The cash flow
statement is essential for investors to evaluate the enterprise’s ability to generate cash
and its need to use these cash flows.
1
): Abdul Nasser Mohammed Said Darwish, (2010), Principles of Financial Accounting, Safaa Publishing and
Distribution House, Jordan, p: 321.
2
): Naeem Dahmash and others, (1999), Principles of Accounting, Published with the support of the Institute of
Commercial Studies (First Edition), Jordan, p: 34.
9
University of Aleppo Faculty of Economics Business Administration
1. Vertical Analysis.
2. Horizontal Analysis.
3. Ratio Analysis.
4. Break-even Analysis.
1
): Kamal Al-Din Al-Zahrawi and others, (2003), Accounting in Joint-Stock Companies, University New Publishing
House, Egypt, p:333.
2
): Mohammed Taysir Al-Rajabi, (1998), Analysis of Financial Statements, Umm Al-Samaq Publishing House, Jordan,
p:1.
10
University of Aleppo Faculty of Economics Business Administration
1. Nature of the data used in the analysis: Historical data in the balance sheet,
while the cash balance in the income statement does not match the net profit
due to the accrual principle.
2. The financial analyst is usually external to the company and cannot access
general and sensitive data within the company, as it is considered confidential.
3. Limitations related to ratio analysis: Financial ratios measure the company’s
position at a specific moment, and the ratio itself is meaningless unless
compared to another figure called the benchmark. The reason for changes in
the financial ratio cannot be determined.
Financial analysis relies on financial statements and other sources as the basis
for study and analysis, containing historical data.
Financial statements must be reclassified in a manner that allows for analysis.
Various methods can be used when analyzing financial statements.
Analysis can be conducted at the level of a single enterprise over a time series
or between similar enterprises in the same industry.
Analysis is not limited to calculating indicators and ratios but seeks to
understand the implications behind these indicators and ratios for decision-
making.
1
): Khaldoun Ibrahim Al-Shadifat, (2000), Financial Management and Analysis, Wael Publishing House, Jordan, p:
129.
2
): Ahmed Al-Adasi, (2011), Financial Analysis of Financial Statements According to International Standards,
Scientific Hurricane Publishing and Distribution House, Jordan, p: 104.
11
University of Aleppo Faculty of Economics Business Administration
17: Conclusion:
The goal of every institution is to survive, grow, continue, and prosper. To achieve
its primary goal, it seeks to achieve other objectives, such as maximizing profits,
increasing the market value of the institution, achieving adequate liquidity, and more,
1
): Khaldoun Ibrahim Al-Shadifat, (2000), Financial Management and Analysis, Wael Publishing House, Jordan, p:
94.
2
): Munir Shaker Mohammed, Abdul Nasser Noor, Ismail Ismail, (2008), Financial Analysis and Decision-Making
Approach, Wael Publishing and Distribution House, Jordan, p: 20.
12
University of Aleppo Faculty of Economics Business Administration
all related to the institution’s financial analysis. Financial analysis is a topic of interest
to managers, shareholders, and other stakeholders, as it reflects the expected outcome
of every activity and investment, representing a fundamental motivation for the
institution’s continuity and existence. To achieve a good financial position that aligns
with its plans and objectives, the institution continuously evaluates its financial
performance using various financial tools and methods. This ongoing evaluation aims
to discover strengths to support and weaknesses to address.)1(
1
): Abdul Sattar Hamidi, Omar Atiya, Al-Hussein Naroura, (2021), Using Modern Financial Analysis Methods to
Judge the Financial Situation of the Institution, Martyr Hama Lakhdar University, Algeria, p:2.
13
University of Aleppo Faculty of Economics Business Administration
18: References:
1. Hassanein Hamid Al-Abidi, Noor Abdul Razzaq, (n.d.), Financial Analysis of Financial Statements
Using Computers for a Sample of Economic Units, Journal of Al-Turath University College, Issue 19.
2. Dahamna Islam, Daqdaq Abdul Basit, (2022), The Role of Financial Analysis in Diagnosing the
Financial Situation of the Economic Institution, Mohamed Boudiaf University, Algeria.
3. Munir Shaker Mohammed, Abdul Nasser Noor, Ismail Ismail, (2008), Financial Analysis and
Decision-Making Approach, Wael Publishing and Distribution House, Jordan.
4. Mohammed Matar, (2000), Financial and Credit Analysis Methods and Tools, Wael Publishing House,
Amman.
5. Tarek Abdel Aal Hamad, (2006), Analysis of Financial Statements for Investment and Credit Granting
Purposes, University House.
6. Ahmed Al-Adasi, (2011), Financial Analysis of Financial Statements According to International
Standards, Scientific Hurricane Publishing and Distribution House, Jordan.
7. Moayad Radi Khanfar and Dr. Ghassan Faleh Al-Matarna, (2000), Analysis of Financial Statements,
Al-Masirah Publishing, Distribution, and Printing House, Jordan.
8. Khaldoun Ibrahim Al-Shadifat, (2000), Financial Management and Analysis, Wael Publishing House,
Jordan.
9. Alaa Mubarak Abdul Rahman Al-Bashir, Rafida Ali Awad Al-Karim Mohammed, Malaz Al-Sadiq
Elias Ali, Nihal Ahmed Mohammed Ali Murad, Hadeel Rahmatullah Babofath Salem, (2017),
Financial Analysis and Its Role in Evaluating the Financial Performance of Commercial Companies,
Sudan University of Science and Technology, Sudan.
10. Osaif Issa, (n.d.), Using Financial Ratios and Financial Analysis Indicators to Evaluate the Financial
Performance of the Institution, Mohamed Boudiaf University, Algeria.
11. Abdul Nasser Mohammed Said Darwish, (2010), Principles of Financial Accounting, Safaa Publishing
and Distribution House, Jordan.
12. Naeem Dahmash and others, (1999), Principles of Accounting, Published with the support of the
Institute of Commercial Studies (First Edition), Jordan.
13. Kamal Al-Din Al-Zahrawi and others, (2003), Accounting in Joint-Stock Companies, University New
Publishing House, Egypt.
14. Mohammed Taysir Al-Rajabi, (1998), Analysis of Financial Statements, Umm Al-Samaq Publishing
House, Jordan.
15. Ben Nouna Abdul Hamid, Hamoudi Mariam, (2020), Mechanisms for Predicting Financial Failure in
Economic Institutions, Ahmed Draia University, Faculty of Economic, Commercial, and Management
Sciences, Algeria.
16. Kadouri Zahraa, Haj Hamo Rashida, (2021), The Importance of Financial Ratios in Financial Failure
Prediction Models for Economic Institutions, Ahmed Draia University, Faculty of Economic,
Commercial, and Management Sciences, Algeria.
17. Abdul Rahim Bin Khalifa, (2021), The Role of Financial Failure Prediction Models in Managing
Financial Risks of the Institution, Faculty of Economic, Commercial, and Management Sciences,
Algeria.
18. Nasreen Shatayi, Raqia Finshi, (2020), The Role of Quantitative Models in Predicting Financial Failure
of the Economic Institution, Faculty of Economic, Commercial, and Management Sciences, Algeria.
19. Abdul Sattar Hamidi, Omar Atiya, Al-Hussein Naroura, (2021), Using Modern Financial Analysis
Methods to Judge the Financial Situation of the Institution, Martyr Hama Lakhdar University, Algeria.
14