Contextualised analysis of Associated British Foods PLC Dissertation

Contextualised analysis of Associated British Foods PLC - Dissertation Example For the purpose of operational capability of the company, its corporate strategy has been analyzed in addition to the competitive environment and other risks to which it is being exposed. The paper presents the financial evaluation of the company and for this particular purpose, the most effective tool of ratio analysis has been utilized. The financial ratios are usually divided into various sub categories such as profitability, gearing and liquidity, each put emphasis on a different area of the financial outlook of the organization. These analyses form an integral part of the financial statement analysis, especially from the investor’s point of view, which are always looking for avenues to invest in countries having strengthened and stabilized financial ratios and representing an upward trend. In addition to the financial evaluation, for the purpose of risk assessment, several risks has been identified and assessed such as firm related risks, currency risks, capital structure risks and market risks. The ABF plc actively follows the corporate governance directives issued by the FRC for the corporation registered in the UK. Being a premium company listed on the stock exchange, the company is required to follow the directives of the corporate governance requirements. The company has stated in its latest financial report that it has complied with all of the provisions and directives of the corporate governance as per the regulations. The company has always remained sincere to its corporate social responsibility and has always strived for it. Being a multinational, the policies of corporate social responsibility extends to all of the countries in which the company has its operations. 1 Overview of the Company Associated British Foods is not a new name in the food and ingredients industry and is considered analogous to quality and premium branding. The company is a diversified conglomerate having five major strategic segments which are sugar, agriculture, ret ail, grocery and ingredients. The company is a multinational and has been working to further broaden its horizon. As per the latest financial statements of the company for the annual year 2012, the company is operating in more than 47 countries worldwide having employed more than 106,000 employees. The vision and mission statement of the company is to achieve strong leadership in the course of business which is sustainable and long lasting. The company always strives to provide quality products to the individuals and other consumers and to become a necessary brand in the people’s day to day active life. The financial year 2012 proved to be a vital year for the company as it continued to progress and thrive in the midst of all the financial difficulties and was able to divert various operating hurdles as well. One of the indicators of the robust financial performance of the company was the fact that its revenue increased by an impressive 11% during the current financial year t o ?12.3 billion which caused the adjusting operating profit to increase by 17% as compared to the previous