Assignment objective: 1. To understand how financial statements can assist in the decision-making process. 2. Analyzing changes in Financial Statement 3. Apply ratio analysis to determine the financial health of an organization Assignment Overview: Please select two public traded companies that are either listed in NYSE or TSX. Obtain each of your companys annual reports for the year 2018, 2019 and 2020. Research the internet and other sources of information to familiarize yourself with the industry in which your chosen company operates and with company specific factors that may have or will affect either companys performance. Maximum group members: 6 Assignment Task 1. Company background research Write a short response to each item below to build background knowledge of each company and their industry. a) Describe the operating activities of each company noting similarities and difference between two companies. b) Identify two economy wide factors and industry wide factors that could impact on the financial performance and position of two companies. 2. Financial Ratio Analysis Calculate all the relevant financial ratios (you need to calculate all the major financial ratios that are mentioned in your slide) for both companies and comment on the financial health of the company. You need to give explanations for all the ratios and compare the performances of both companies in terms of financial ratios. 3. Z score Calculation Calculate the z score for both companies for the year 2018 and 2019 and comment. 4. Calculate the sustainable growth rate for both companies for the year 2019 and 2020. . If you are a potential investor, then which companys stock you want to buy and why?