It is expected that you prepare a report based on information about Microsoft Corporation. You should approach this from the perspective of upper-level managers. Included in the report should be:
1) An evaluation of the analysis provided in the annual report
2) A discussion of other things to consider, besides the ratios provided, that may affect the performance of the company.
3) Discuss the factors that may be affecting Bond and Stock valuation and performance on secondary markets.
Information can be found from the following links:
Microsoft 2019 annual report (fiscal year ending June 2019)
https://www.microsoft.com/investor/reports/ar19/index.html
New York Stock Exchange listing for Microsoft Corporation
https://www.nyse.com/quote/XNGS:MSFT
You may look for information from other sources such as The Wall Street Journal, US News, Bloomberg, etc., just be sure that the sources you are using are reliable (professional journals, newspapers, academic
articles).
Guidelines
Your assignment will be evaluated on the following:
1) Formatting of the document:
a. Introduction explaining the purpose, structure, and methodology of the paper
b. The main body provides an analysis of Microsoft Corporation and covers the topics of ratio analysis, stock, and bond valuation, risk, and return.
c. Conclusion providing recommendations based on your analysis (from a managers perspective)
d. Reference list including all sources cited and no other sources.
e. Supporting information can be included in appendices; however, appendices should not be needed since no calculations are required.
2) Proper citing and referencing
3) Content
a. Choice of information to include; identification of key issues
b. Accuracy of information and conclusions made
4) Presentation of the document
a. Writing has a good flow
b. Paragraphs are of a good size, neither too long nor too short
c. Accuracy of grammar and punctuation
d. Appropriate writing style
Specifications
1) The report should be about 3000 words (+/- 10%) in length.
2) This assignment carries a weight of 50% of your final grade for the module.
3) Read the assignment brief and guidelines carefully to ensure that you provide all information in the correct format.
4) Plan to submit your report early to avoid last-minute connectivity issues.
5) Plan to submit your report early so that you can view your
TurnItIn similarity prior to finalizing the submission (submitting for marking) so that changes can be made.
6) The assignment should be submitted through the assignment link on the module VLE.