The final output of this project will consist of two major parts (written) and one minor part (oral presentation of 10 minutes).

Written project: (90%)

1. A three page, double-spaced analysis of the industry selected by your group.
   
   
2. Two double-spaced pages each (4 total) analyzing two interesting firms within the industry. You may have an additional five pages of tables or exhibits if you wish. Please keep to these space limitations using reasonable margins and either 10 or 12 point type. Following instructions is part of the grade.

Oral presentation: (10%)

A 10 minute presentation by one or two members of your group telling us what the most interesting things were that you found. To be evaluated primarily on entertainment value! (No boring ratio shows, please.)

Choosing an industry: One of the best ways to choose an industry is to head to the internet. One of the best sites I've found is www.publicregister.com. You can also access the SEC Edgar database of 10Ks from my webpage (Accounting Resources). I'm sure you will find others as well and I'd like to know about them for future reference.

Coordinate with other groups to ensure that you do not choose duplicate industries. Also, please pick industries that are not previously associated with any members of your group. Please obtain a paper copy of an annual report for me, even if you choose to do your work with the net online reports. Call the companies' stockholder relations office or email them for a copy. Do this soon!

Contents of report: Report should include but is not limited to...

• Industry:
  • General business environment
  • Special concerns of this industry
  • Industry benchmarks and ratios in recent years
• Each company:
  • How it fits into the industry
  • Company's special characteristics and problems
  • Financial performance in recent years
  • Prospects for future based on financial analysis

Grading basis: The final project will be graded in this manner:

1. Oral presentation – 10% of grade. All members of group get same grade.
   
   
2. Written presentation – 90% of grade. Half will be group grade. Half will be a function of evaluations of each individual's contribution by other members of the group.