Horizontal analysis of comparative financial statements is a technique used to evaluate the changes in the financial performance of a company over a period of time. It involves comparing the financial statements of a company for two or more periods, such as years or quarters, and analyzing the changes in the financial metrics from one period to another.
To perform horizontal analysis, financial statements from different periods are presented side by side, and the changes in the financial metrics are calculated as a percentage of the base period. For example, if the sales revenue for the current year is $100,000 and the sales revenue for the previous year was $90,000, the change in sales revenue would be calculated as $100,000 - $90,000 = $10,000. This change in sales revenue would then be expressed as a percentage of the base period (previous year), which in this case would be $10,000 / $90,000 = 11.11%.
Horizontal analysis can be used to evaluate various financial metrics, such as revenue, expenses, net income, and cash flow. By analyzing these metrics over time, companies can identify trends and patterns in their financial performance and make informed decisions about their operations.
One of the advantages of horizontal analysis is that it allows companies to compare their financial performance to that of their industry peers or to their own performance in previous periods. This can provide valuable insights into the company's relative strengths and weaknesses, as well as identify areas for improvement.
However, it is important to keep in mind that horizontal analysis is only one tool for evaluating financial performance and should be used in conjunction with other analysis techniques, such as vertical analysis and ratio analysis. It is also important to consider external factors that may have influenced the company's financial performance, such as economic conditions, changes in industry regulations, or competitive dynamics.
In conclusion, horizontal analysis of comparative financial statements is a useful technique for evaluating the changes in a company's financial performance over time. It can provide valuable insights into the company's relative strengths and weaknesses and identify areas for improvement. However, it should be used in conjunction with other analysis techniques and consider external factors that may have influenced the company's financial performance.