Selecting Your Company, You need to select a company to analyze. Your company must be publicly traded. It is in your best interest to pick a non-financial U.S. company, but this is not a requirement. If you pick a foreign company, you may find issues with comparisons, and with currency. If you pick a financial company, you’ll find that their financial statements are somewhat different than a non-financial company. It is also a good idea to try and pick a company that is primarily in one industry, as opposed to conglomerate such as Berkshire Hathaway or General Electric. This will make comparisons much easier.

Your paper should include an analysis of:

1. The Economy. You should begin with a general analysis of past, current, and anticipated future economic conditions.

2. The Industry and Sector. Analyze the prospects for your company’s industry (or industries) and sector in the context of current and anticipated economic conditions. Discuss your company’s position and prospects within its industry (or industries) and sector. (For example, which company is the industry/sector leader, and how does your company compare?)

3. Your Company. Your analysis of your company should include two basic parts. The first part should be a fundamental analysis, including a discussion of your company’s history and development, its management, and its current activities and performance. What is the company’s business plan, and does it make sense? Do they have the money they need to achieve their goals? The second part should be a valuation of the company’s stock.