Company Analysis: Finance, Law, and the New Economy
Company Financial Analysis
Financial analysis studies a company’s ability to meet payment obligations as they mature without disrupting normal operations. It focuses on solvency and liquidity, using the balance sheet as a foundation. This involves analyzing assets (resources that can be converted to cash) and liabilities (obligations and their maturity). The goal is to ensure enough liquid assets are available to cover debts.
Financial Equilibrium
Financial equilibrium is a company’s ability to meet its obligations on time without hindering normal activities. Key considerations include:
- Matching the nature of financial sources with investments (e.g., financing fixed assets with permanent capital).
- Basing short-term funding on sales volume and collection timelines.
- Calculating long-term financing based on investment profitability and depreciation.
- Choosing between debt and equity capital based on the cost of each source.
- Maintaining positive retained earnings.
Financial ratios, comparing two magnitudes, are key tools. Important ratios include liquidity and debt ratios.
Working Capital
Working capital, or net working capital, is the difference between current assets and current liabilities. It represents the portion of assets funded by permanent capital. A positive working capital indicates sufficient permanent capital to finance assets and ensure production continuity. A negative working capital signals a risky situation where short-term credits are constantly needed to finance fixed assets.
Company Economic Analysis
Economic analysis focuses on profitability, using the profit and loss statement. The goal is to maximize profit relative to invested capital. Profitability is the ratio between profit and investment. Different types of profitability include:
- Shareholder return: compares profits to shareholder capital contributions.
- Return on permanent resources: relates profits to long-term non-equity capital.
- Economic profitability.
- Financial profitability.
Company Naming
Every company needs a unique name. A commercial register certifies name availability. Choosing the right name is crucial for brand identity and can even be a competitive advantage. Consider these principles:
- Make the name descriptive.
- Ensure it’s distinctive.
- Choose an attractive name.
- Consider future expansion plans.
Legal Status
Choosing the right legal structure is vital. Consider these criteria:
- Type of activity.
- Promoter responsibility (limited vs. unlimited).
- Economic needs and minimum capital requirements.
- Tax implications (corporate tax vs. personal income tax).
Sole Proprietorship
A sole trader is an individual habitually engaged in commerce in their own name. Requirements include:
- Legal capacity (age and property ownership).
- Habitual exercise of trade.
- Conducting business in one’s own name, assuming full liability.
Single Window
Single windows simplify business creation by offering integrated advice and handling. They:
- Facilitate administrative processes.
- Inform and guide entrepreneurs.
Their functions include:
- Reporting: guiding entrepreneurs and providing basic information.
- Advising: recommending appropriate legal structures.
- Processing: coordinating formalities.
Business Plan
A business plan is a formal document detailing the project, including objectives, actions, resources, and funding sources. It helps anticipate and address challenges.
Company’s Social Function and the Tax System
Businesses play a vital social role, creating wealth and contributing to citizen welfare. They drive technological progress, facilitate the exchange of goods and services, and contribute to society through taxes.
Globalization
Free trade agreements and deregulation have facilitated the flow of goods and international investments. Globalization increases economic interdependence between countries. Reduced transport and communication costs have enabled the division of production processes across borders. Outsourcing has become common. Globalization can lead to societal homogenization but also create economic asymmetries.
E-commerce
E-commerce encompasses processes related to buying, selling, and marketing products electronically. While the internet is popular, it’s not the only platform. E-commerce can be viewed from four perspectives:
- Communication: delivering information, products, services, or payments electronically.
- Business processes: automating transactions and workflows.
- Services: reducing service costs.
- Online: buying and selling via the internet.
Companies in the New Economy
Real-time interconnected operations have led to network-companies. This concept includes:
- Large corporations with decentralized, flexible units worldwide.
- SMEs linked to large corporations for specific production or distribution processes.
- Strategic alliances for specific investment projects.
These companies operate differently from classical economic models, often referred to as the “Cisco model”, focusing on linking suppliers and customers.