Common Size Financial Statement Analysis

Introduction

Financial statements provide a summary of a company's financial activities, including its income, expenses, assets, and liabilities. However, raw financial data alone may not provide a clear picture of a company's financial position. This is where common size financial statement analysis comes into play.

What is Common Size Financial Statement Analysis?

Common size financial statement analysis involves converting the numbers in a financial statement into percentages relative to a common base. It allows for easy comparison and identification of trends within a company's financial performance over time. Common size analysis is typically conducted on the income statement and the balance sheet.

Why is Common Size Analysis Important?

Common size analysis is important for several reasons. Firstly, it enables investors, analysts, and stakeholders to evaluate the relative importance of different line items in a financial statement. It helps identify areas of strength or weakness within a company's operations. Additionally, common size analysis allows for meaningful comparisons between companies of different sizes and industries.

Conducting Common Size Analysis

Gather Financial Statements

To perform a common size analysis, you need the financial statements of the company you wish to evaluate. This includes the income statement and balance sheet.

Prepare Common Size Statements

Once you have the financial statements, the next step is to convert the numbers into percentages. On the income statement, each line item is divided by the total revenue. On the balance sheet, each line item is divided by the total assets or total liabilities and equity.

Interpret the Results

After preparing the common size statements, you can interpret the results. Look for trends, patterns, and significant changes in the percentages. Identify areas where the company excels or needs improvement. Compare the common size statements with industry benchmarks to gain further insights.

Benefits of Common Size Analysis

Identifying Trends and Patterns

Common size analysis allows you to identify trends and patterns in a company's financial performance. By analyzing the percentages over time, you can determine if the company is improving or declining in certain areas.

Comparing Companies of Different Sizes

One of the significant advantages of common size analysis is its ability to compare companies of different sizes. By converting the financial numbers into percentages, you can compare companies with varying scales of operations effectively.

Assessing Financial Performance

Common size analysis helps assess a company's financial performance by highlighting key areas such as profitability, liquidity, and solvency. It enables stakeholders to make informed decisions based on the company's financial health.

Limitations of Common Size Analysis

Ignoring Absolute Values

One limitation of common size analysis is that it ignores absolute values. While percentages provide relative information, they may not give a complete understanding of the company's financial position.

Overlooking Industry Specifics

Common size analysis does not consider industry-specific factors. Companies within the same industry may have different operational structures, which can significantly impact their financial statements.

Examples of Common Size Analysis

Let's consider an example of common size analysis using an income statement. By converting each line item into a percentage of total revenue, we can identify which expenses are consuming a significant portion of the company's income. This analysis helps in making informed decisions about cost-cutting measures or investment in revenue-generating activities.

Conclusion

Common size financial statement analysis is a powerful technique for evaluating a company's financial position. By converting financial numbers into percentages, it allows for easy comparison and identification of trends. However, it's essential to consider the limitations and complement the analysis with other financial evaluation methods to gain a comprehensive understanding.

FAQs

What is the purpose of common size financial statement analysis?

Common size financial statement analysis helps evaluate a company's financial position, identify trends, and compare companies of different sizes.

How is common size analysis conducted?

Common size analysis is conducted by converting financial numbers into percentages relative to a common base, such as total revenue or total assets.

Can common size analysis be used for balance sheets?

Yes, common size analysis can be used for both income statements and balance sheets. It provides insights into the composition of assets, liabilities, and equity.

What are the benefits of common size analysis?

Common size analysis helps identify trends, compare companies, and assess financial performance, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions.

What are the limitations of common size analysis?

Common size analysis ignores absolute values and industry-specific factors, which may impact the overall interpretation of the financial statements.