Question

Interpret statement of operations and balance sheet. An explanation of each account. For example, the company is repaying its debt at an increasing speed year after year. Is it good? Is it bad? Why did it increase or decrease?

Statements of Operations:
(Millions of Dollars)
		2016		2017
Premium revenue		$313.7		$357.6
Interest revenue		2.4		3.5
Total revenues		$316.1		$361.1
Operating expenses:
Medical costs		$263.0		$291.8
Selling and administrative		36.8		43.6
Depreciation		4.7		5.0
Total operating expenses		$304.5		$340.4
Net income		$11.6		$20.7
Balance Sheets:
(Millions of Dollars)
		2016		2017
Cash		$37.2		$27.2
Short-term investments		42.7		60.9
Premiums receivable		3.7		7.4
Total current assets		$83.6		$95.5
Net plant and equipment		30.0		31.7
Total assets		$113.6		$127.2
Medical costs payable		$44.8		$48.7
Accounts payable/accruals		15.4		17.3
Total current liabilities		$60.2		$66.0
Long-term debt		17.1		4.2
Net assets (equity)		36.3		57.0
Total claims		$113.6		$127.2

Answer 1

Yes it is good that the company is paying its debt at an increasing speed. It means the company is achieving profitability. The net profit margins have increased from 3.70% (11.6/313.7) to 5.79% (20.7/357.6). The reduction in debt was possible as the company had enough reserve cash available with them. The difference between the cash holding in 2016 and 2017 is $10mn which has gone into the repayment of debt. The net income has increased by 78.45% ($20.7- $11.6 /11.6). This increase in net income has helped in the build-up of more reserves which is evident as the Net assets (equity has risen from $36.3mn to $57mn).