The Business and Financial Performance of Harley Davidson and Polaris - Research Paper Example

The paper "The Business and Financial Performance of Harley Davidson and Polaris " is a wonderful example of a research paper on finance and accounting. A financial analysis based on past five- years' financial statements and valuation of the Harley Davidson compared with Polaris showed the former’s profitability to be not as high as the latter but it is still higher than the average competitors. Its liquidity is definitely superb over that of Polaris and other industry competitors. Harvey’s risk position is less than Polaris and industry averages.

However, in terms of price-earnings ratio, the company appears to have a higher value compared which appears to reward the high-risk ratio faced by the company. A more position and bigger size, along with its strengths of Harvey and supported with favorable industry opportunities explains Harvey’s advantage over that of Polaris in terms of attracting investors. This paper seeks to prepare a financial analysis of Harley Davidson, Inc. (or “Harley”) while being compared with Polaris Industries, Inc.

(or “Polaris”) using different models or ratios. The financial analysis would include looking into the company‘s financial performance in the last five years in terms of profitability, management efficiency liquidity, solvency, and shareholder or investment ratios. The said financial analysis will be accompanied by industry analysis, SWOT Analysis, and Pest Analysis The paper will attempt to make conclusions and recommendations based on analyses made. 1.   Part 1 - Project objectives and overall research approach   1.

1 Reason for selecting this topic.I have chosen this topic “The Business and Financial Performance of Harvey-Davidson, Inc., as compared with Polaris Industries, Inc.” as I believe this would improve my knowledge of the important subject in my chosen field of study of accounting and finance. 1.2 Reason for selecting this company The choice of company is of much interest to this researcher considering the relevance of motorcycles in relation to the motorcycle industry and the transport system as a whole.

I am interested to find out what is the connection of the company’s mission, vision, and financial and business strategies and to know how decisions are made in effecting the strategies as the company tries to deliver goods and services to its clients.