Now that you have covered the basic financial statements and a little bit about how they are used, where do we find them? In this next section we will explore the requirements for what needs to be reported, when, and to whom. It’s also important to keep in mind that each method has its strengths and weaknesses. Therefore, the value of any method, including common size analysis, depends largely on the question you are trying to answer with your financial analysis. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach and often the most insight can be gained from utilizing a combination of techniques.

The nature of financial statements can often be dense and difficult to comprehend for those who are not accustomed to them. By scaling the vast array of figures down to percentages, common size analysis can turn intricate and complicated financial data into simpler, more digestible snapshots. This greatly facilitates easier interpretation of the financial health of a company and the identification of any unusual fluctuations that may warrant further investigation.

Example of a Common Size Income Statement

Common-size analysis, also known as vertical analysis, is the process of constructing a financial statement of a common size. In income statements, line items are most often divided by total revenues or total sales. If Company A had $2,000 in operating expenses and $4,000 in total revenues, the operating expenses would be presented as 50%. The next point of the analysis is the company’s non-operating expenses, such as interest expense.

Compare the common size statements with industry benchmarks to gain further insights. For instance, ratio analysis can provide concrete numerical values reflecting a company’s financial performance, while common size analysis offers a view into how income or assets are distributed. Moreover, common size analysis can determine the impact of these initiatives on profitability.

Common-Size Financial Statements

It allows you to gauge a company’s ability to generate profits against its revenues, operational costs, or even given assets. Expressing the profit margins, return on assets, or return on equity as percentages gives a clearer perspective into a company’s money-making ability. Consistent or increasing profitability ratios over time may imply sound financial health.

Income Statement Common Size Analysis

Since we use net sales as the base on the income statement, it tells us how every dollar of net sales is spent by the company. For Synotech, Inc., approximately 51 cents of every sales dollar is used by cost of goods sold and 49 cents of every sales dollar is left in gross profit to cover remaining expenses. Of the 49 cents remaining, almost 35 cents is used by operating expenses (selling, general and administrative), 1 cent by other and 2 cents in interest. We earn almost 11 cents of net income before taxes and over 7 cents in net income after taxes on every sales dollar. This is a little easier to understand than the larger numbers showing Synotech earned $762 million dollars. Analysts also use vertical analysis of a single financial statement, such as an income statement.

1. However, net income only accounted for 10% of 2022 revenue, whereas net income accounted for more than a quarter of 2021 revenue.
2. Common-size income statement analysis states every line item on the income statement as a percentage of sales.
3. The firm did issue additional stock and showed an increase in retained earnings, both totaling a $10,000 increase in equity.
4. This form of analysis informs the allocation of resources to different initiatives, considering their relative impact.
5. Jami has collaborated with clients large and small in the technology, financial, and post-secondary fields.
6. Common size analysis is also an excellent tool to compare companies of different sizes but in the same industry.

How Common Size Financial Statement Differs from Regular Financial Statements

It also shows the impact of each line item on the overall revenue, cash flow or asset figures for your company. It’s important to note that the common size calculation is the same as calculating a company’s margins. The net profit margin is simply net income divided by sales revenue, which happens to be a common-size analysis. On the other hand, horizontal analysis refers to the analysis of specific line items and comparing them to a similar line item in the previous or subsequent financial period. Although common size analysis is not as detailed as trend analysis using ratios, it does provide a simple way for financial managers to analyze financial statements. The main difference is that a common size balance sheet lists line items as a percentage of total assets, liability, and equity, which is different common size statement analysis from the normal numerical value.