In analyzing financial statements, horizontal analysis is a
a. requirement.
b. tool.
c. principle.
d. theory.
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is:
b. tool.
Explanation
Horizontal analysis is a tool used in financial statement analysis to evaluate changes in financial data over a period of time. It involves comparing financial figures from different periods (such as year-over-year comparisons) to identify trends, growth patterns, and potential concerns within a company’s financial performance.
Understanding Horizontal Analysis
- Definition
Horizontal analysis, also known as trend analysis, examines financial statements over multiple periods. It calculates the percentage change in financial statement items (revenues, expenses, assets, liabilities, etc.) over time to assess performance trends. - How It Works
The process typically involves:
- Selecting a base year for comparison.
- Calculating the difference between the current period and the base period.
- Expressing the change as a percentage to highlight trends. Formula:
[
\text{Percentage Change} = \left(\frac{\text{Current Year Value} – \text{Base Year Value}}{\text{Base Year Value}}\right) \times 100
]
- Why It Is a Tool
- It is not a requirement, principle, or theory but rather an analytical method used by investors, analysts, and managers to interpret financial data.
- It helps in identifying growth trends, spotting financial issues, and making informed business decisions.
- It is widely used in combination with vertical analysis and ratio analysis for comprehensive financial evaluation.
Conclusion
Horizontal analysis is a valuable financial analysis tool that helps stakeholders track a company’s financial health over time. It aids in making strategic decisions by identifying strengths, weaknesses, and potential areas of concern in financial performance.