The main task of a financial analyst is to perform an extensive analysis of financial statements that is used in various aspects of financial decision-making in business. A business growing and extending internally and globally are depend strongly on making the right decision that hinge on how the financial information are analysed and interpreted in both internal and external financial decision contexts.

In Australia, entities are becoming larger, more diversified and multinational. For example, National Australia Bank (NAB) is one of the four largest financial institutions in Australia in terms of market capitalisation, earnings and customers.^[1] In addition, according to the Banks around the world website,^[2] NAB was ranked 53th largest bank in the world as measured by total assets in September 2016.The National Australia Bank (NAB) and its reported profit and total assets for the year 1996 compared to 2016.

As a financial analysist, you required to:

1) Obtain recent financial reports for The National Australia Bank (NAB) and any other bank operates in Australia for a minimum of 2 consecutive years. Summarize the net profit achieved for years selected and evaluate the profitability and financial liquidity for both years (and both banks) using any 2 profitability ratios and 2 financial liquidity ratios.

2) Based on financial statements obtained, evaluate the financial liquidity of the NAB and the comparative bank for both years and explain how banks that manage current assets well may establish competitive advantage?

1

3) Write a report to advise the manager of the NAB to make Investment decisions based on the results of point 1 and 2, and common features of investments that must be taken into consideration for investment decision making activity for domestic and international investment.

[1] https://accr.org.au/politics/nab/.

[2] https://www.relbanks.com/worlds-top-banks/assets-2016.