The first assignment for this project is to select a company. Questions to keep in mind as you review possible companies are: In what industry(ies) does this company operate? What do you already know about this industry? Do you know anyone with whom you could speak who works for this company or in this industry? Do you have a special interest in knowing more? Has this company or industry been featured in the current news? Is there sufficient information available about this company or industry? Does this company face interesting business or accounting issues? Before you can assess the financial health and prospects of your company, you must learn about its structure and business activities. Submit as an assignment the name of the company you have selected and a paragraph explaining the reason for your selection. Include in this assignment the following information: Full company name, postal address and Internet address The year the company was founded and the state in which it is incorporated The company's primary line(s) of business The company's independent auditor The ticker symbol for the company and the stock exchange where it is listed Membership of the company's Board of Directors - Describe the composition of the Board using characteristics that you find to be most relevant. Include a brief explanation of the characteristics selected. Majority-owned subsidiaries (maximum of four), if applicable. Review the major sections of the annual report for the most recent year available for your selected company. Typically, there are six segments to an annual report: Financial Highlights Company and Products Management Discussion and Analysis Financial Statements and Notes Statement of Management Responsibility and the Report of the Independent Auditors Basic Company Facts If there are any substantial deviations from this format, please note this information in your response. A. Review the year-end most recent year available balance sheet of the company and indicate the following: 1. the amount of total current assets 2. the amount of total non-current assets 3. the amount of total current liabilities 4. the amount of total non-current liabilities 5. the amount of total stockholders' equity For each of the above, note whether this was an increase, a decrease, or no change from the previous year-end balance sheet. B. Review the year-end (most recent year available) income statement and indicate the following: 1. total (operating) revenues 2. cost of goods sold (if listed) 3. total expenses (before income taxes) 4. any non-operating (or extraordinary) gains and losses 5. earnings per common share For each of the above, note whether this was an increase, a decrease, or no change from the previous year's income statement. C. Review the statement of cash flows for the most recent year available and indicate the following 1. if the company uses the direct or indirect method of presenting this statement 2. net cash inflow (outflow) from operating activities 3. net cash inflow (outflow) from financing activities 4. net cash inflow (outflow) from investing activities 5. net increase (decrease) in cash during the year