Module 7 discussion question

Obtain the latest two Ford and General Motors Annual Reports online, like you have been doing for other companies in previous Module discussions. Please make sure the Annual Report you obtain is the latest two years.

A particularly important financial accounting and financial statement measure is a company’s ability to use its assets efficiently and effectively to generate sales.

Calculate the total asset turnover for both Ford and General Motors for the latest two fiscal years ending. Show the bases for your calculation at the start of your initial response for both companies. Answer the following questions as part of your initial response:

• What is Ford’s trend for the total asset turnover ratio the past two years?
• What is General Motors’ trend for the total asset turnover ratio the past two years?
• Comparing the trend in the total asset turnover for Ford and General Motors to each other the past two years, what do the trends tell us? Is there any reason(s) they are or may be different? (Hint: check the Annual Reports, the Management Discussion and Analysis Section, especially, for explanations)

Example to Include at the start of your initial response: 

Ford Motor Company. Total Asset Turnover: Last Year: 5 times. Previous Year: 4 times.

General Motors: Total Asset Turnover: Last Year: 5 times. Previous Year: 4 times.