hk Essays - Benchmark, Ashley, Global Benchmarks,

The vertical analysis deals with questions like: How has Laura Ashley Holdings plc asset structure varied compared to global benchmarks for the Women Clothing Stores industry? Does it generally hold more cash and other short-term assets, or does it tend to concentrate its assets in physical plant and equipment? On the liability side, does Laura Ashley Holdings plc typically have a higher percent of payables compared to the benchmarks, or does it hold a higher concentration of long-term debt? Does Laura Ashley Holdings plc have a relatively higher cost of goods sold, operating costs, or income taxes compared to global benchmarks? Have Laura Ashley Holdings plc returns on equity been higher or its profit margins greater? While the labor productivity analysis answers the following: What has been the ratio of short-term and long-term assets to employee? What are typical capital-labor ratios? What are the average sales and net profits per employee compared to global benchmarks?