Horizontal analysis, also known as trend analysis, is a technique used to evaluate financial statement data by comparing it to a previous period's data. This type of analysis can be used to identify trends, changes, and patterns in a company's financial performance over time.
To perform a horizontal analysis, a company's financial statements from two or more periods are compared side by side. Each line item on the financial statement is expressed as a percentage of a base year, which is usually the first year being compared. This allows the analyst to see the percentage change in each line item over time.
For example, if a company's net income was $100,000 in 2020 and $110,000 in 2021, a horizontal analysis would express the 2021 net income as a percentage of the 2020 net income. In this case, the 2021 net income would be 110% of the 2020 net income, indicating an increase of 10%.
Horizontal analysis is a useful tool for identifying trends and patterns in a company's financial performance. It can help investors, creditors, and management to better understand a company's financial health and identify any potential issues or areas for improvement.
One advantage of horizontal analysis is that it allows for comparison of financial data across different time periods, even if the company has undergone significant changes during that time. For example, if a company has undergone significant expansion or restructuring, a horizontal analysis can still be useful in evaluating the company's financial performance over time.
However, it is important to note that horizontal analysis should not be used in isolation. It is typically used in conjunction with other analytical techniques, such as vertical analysis and ratio analysis, to provide a more comprehensive view of a company's financial performance.
In conclusion, horizontal analysis is a valuable technique for evaluating financial statement data. It allows for comparison of financial data across different time periods and can be used to identify trends, changes, and patterns in a company's financial performance. However, it should be used in conjunction with other analytical techniques to provide a more comprehensive view of a company's financial performance.