1. Find all the ratios presented in Chapter 3, and compare the last two years of data for improvement or deterioration of the ratios. Note that the category titles may not be exactly the same as those in your text, but you can find the items listed separately. If an item is missing or labeled in a slightly different manner, don’t get hung up on the titles. For example you might find average assets rather than ending assets in some ratios. As long as the ratios are consistently calculated you can determine whether the company improved or not. Specifically:

a. Write up an analysis of the profitability ratios.

b. Write up an analysis of the activity ratios (asset utilization ratios in text).

c. Write up an analysis of the liquidity ratios.

d. Write up an analysis of the leverage ratios (debt utilization ratios in text).

Close this window and return to the first page. Click on “Industry,” which is the second box below the Market Insight title. In the box directly below Industry, scroll to

“Apparel Retail” and click Go. You will see “Industry Surveys” as the third major category in the left-hand margin. Click on “Retailing Specialty” to open the industry survey.

There is a wealth of information about this industry that you can read. However, go to the last item in the table of contents called: “Comparative Company Analysis.”

Go to this page and scroll down to the tables with ratios. You will find Abercrombie &

Fitch listed first, then Aeropostale, and American Eagle Outfitters.