Respond to the following scenario with your thoughts, ideas, and comments. Be substantive and clear, and use research to reinforce your ideas.

In anticipation of Mary's request for comparative analysis, it will be useful at this time to do some research. You know that you can obtain the financials of companies within the same sector or Standard Industry Code as Apix Printing (e.g., commercial printing), and that the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Standard Industry 2012 code for Apix Printing is presently 323111. Use the FINC615 Library Guideto search for two other companies in the same industry as Apix Printing.

When you get to work the next day, you see the following e-mail from Mary:

Here is the list of financial ratios you asked for. I need you to explain the computation of each and compute these for Apix's results for the financial statements you are using for the PowerPoint presentation. Also, compare Apix's 2-year trend results to that of two other firms in the sector. Indicate how each of Apix's ratios differ, and indicate whether the two other companies' ratios or Apix's ratios are indicative of better performance.

Explain the computation for each of the following, and compute each for Apix and two other companies in the same industry as Apix Printing:

• Current ratio
• (Long-term) debt to equity ratio
• Gross margin percentage
• Net profit margin percentage
• Return on equity percentage

Present your findings of the above data in a table. Add a paragraph that summarizes your results, indicating whether investors would find the financial analysis results of Apix competitive as compared to rivals in the sector. Be sure to include both positive and negative trends in your analysis.

****FINANCIAL STATEMENTS****

Apex Printing Balance Sheets As of December 31, 2013 and 2012

000$ 000$

Assets 2013 2012 Cash 6,000 5,700

Accounts Receivable 2,350 2,300

Inventory 12,100 6,500

Total Current Assets 20,450 14,500

Land 25,000 20,000

Building & Equipment 300,000 300,000

Less: Accumulated Depreciation - Building & Equipment (187,850) (160,000)

Total Long Term Assets 137,150 160,000

Total Assets 157,600 174,500

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Accounts Payable 4,600 3,500

Salaries Payable 0 2,100

Interest Payable 1,500 0

Short Term Notes Payable 12,000 0

Taxes Payable 0 5,600

Total Current Liabilities 18,100 11,200

Mortgate Payable 54,950 100,000

Total Long Term Liabilities 54,950 100,000

Common Stock 60,000 60,000

Retained Earnings 24,550 3,300

Total Stockholders' Equity 84,550 63,300

Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity 157,600 174,500

Apex Printing Income Statements For the Periods Ended December 31, 2013 and 2012

000$ 000$

2013 2012 Revenue: 450,000 475,000

Less: Cost of Goods Sold (324,300) (374,500)

Less: Depreciation Expense (27,850) (26,000)

Gross Margin 97,850 74,500

Selling, General & Administrative Expenses (29,100) (32,000)

Income Before Interest & Taxes 68,750 42,500

Interest Expense (7,500) (6,000)

Income Before Taxes 61,250 36,500

Income Taxes (35,000) (30,000)

Net Income 26,250 6,500

Apex Printing Statement of Cash Flows For the Period Ended December 31, 2013

000$

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

Net Income 26,250

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities

Depreciation Expense 27,850

Increase in accounts receivable (50)

Increase in inventory (5,600)

Decrease in salaries payable (2,100)

Increase in interest payable 1,500

Decrease in taxes payable (5,600)

Increase in Short Term notes Payable 12,000

Increase in accounts payable 1,100

Net Cash Flow from Operating Activities 55,350

Cash Flows from Investing Activities: Cash paid to purchase land (5,000)

Net Cash Flow from Investing Activities (5,000)

Cash Flows From Financing Activities: Cash paid for mortgage (45,050)

Cash paid for dividends (5,000)

Net Cash Flow from Financing Activities (50,050)

Net Increase in Cash 300

Plus: Cash Balance at December 31, 2012 5,700

Cash Balance at December 31, 2013 6,000