...analyzed data of the organization Lowe’s Home Improvement Stores. Lowe’s is a home improvement store that provides its customers with the supplies needed for any improvements around the home. The discussion hereafter will assess the role of ethics in the financial department and describe the procedures the company has to encourage ethical behavior. Next, explain the role financial markets in the United States. Followed by how Lowe’s complies with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulations. Lastly, provide an evaluation of the company’s financial performance last two annual periods, followed by the calculations of ratios for each year. The ratios include current, debt, return on equity, and days receivable along with an explanation for trends. The code of business conduct and ethics at Lowe’s improvement stores starts with the board of directors down to the newest employee. Everyone associated with or represented by Lowe’s is required to read and adhere by the code of conduct. Lowe’s values its reputation as a leader when complying with governmental regulations involving ethics. Lowe’s applies ethics in its financial dealings by requiring, under Section B of the code of conduct. That “employees and members of their immediate families should not have any financial interest, direct or indirect, in any organization that is or is seeking to be a supplier of merchandise or other property or services to the company” according to (Lowe’s, 2012). Other important areas covered...
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...Ethics and Compliance Team C has chosen Lowe’s as our organization. The role of the ethics and compliance in Lowe’s financial environment will be assessed and the procedures the company has in place to ensure ethical behavior will be described. An explanation of how the financial markets work within the United States, identifying the processes that Lowe’s uses to comply with SEC regulations. Attached are the annual report and SEC filings for the past two years. With the financial information from Lowe’s, Team C will select one ratio from each of the ratio categories to include liquidity, asset management, debt management, profitability, and market value. It will be discussed the trend for each ratio and whit it says about the organization’s financial health. Lowe’s values it reputation for maintaining high ethical standards in its workplaces and around the world where ever they do business (Lowe’s, 2012). The company states that integrity is one of their core values and that every employee must comply with all governmental laws, regulations and rules while acting on behalf of the company. All employees of Lowe’s should avoid in any conduct that is inconsistent with the company’s ethical principles, even if it is legally permissible. Lowe’s also requires all vendors and suppliers to comply with their code of conduct and business ethics, failure to do so will result in termination of the business relationship. Lowe’s requires all personnel (including family members...
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...Chapter 01 Student: ___________________________________________________________________________ 1. What is the common characteristic of Aristotle's virtues and ethical standards for CPAs? A. Truthfulness B. Integrity C. Loyalty D. Due care Jane finds a material misstatement while auditing a client's accounts receivables. Her senior tells her to ignore the misstatement so that the client does not get upset. Jane wants to be viewed as a team player in order to advance in the firm. So Jane follows her senior's instructions and ignores the misstatement. Which ethical theory did Jane use to make her decision? A. Egoism B. Justice C. Virtue ethics D. Utilitarianism Which of the following situations would be considered ethical? A. The cashier at Wal-Mart gives you $5 more than you were supposed to receive and you don't do anything about it B. You accidentally back into a car at Wal-Mart and leave your information for them to call C. Receiving fake $20 bills and using them in a store while knowing they are fake D. Finding a phone in a restaurant and keeping it Each of the following characteristics describes the importance of integrity in decision making except for: A. Acting out of moral principle B. Being loyal to one's superior C. Having the courage to do the right thing D. Not subordinating professional judgment to others Each of the following describes the behavior of Cynthia Cooper in the WorldCom fraud except for: A. Persistence B. Competence C. Integrity D. Hesitance The...
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...Wal-Mart: Corporate Giant or Corporate Beast? Ever since Wal-Mart’s establishment, there has been an ongoing debate amongst shoppers of whether or not the company is a magnificent creation or a complete monster. On one side, costumers cannot deny that their everyday savings certainly do draw a smile on their faces; while on the other side, costumers feel that there must be some terrible reason for the prices of their products to be so low. This mystery that has stewed up this ongoing debate over the years about Wal-Mart needs to be discovered. In order to discover this mystery, research on the topic has to go all the way back to the beginning stages of the company. From the birth of the company to present day empire it has created, one question must be answered: corporate giant or corporate beast? Wal-Mart has a long history and they have been around much longer than what most people think. The founder of Wal-Mart was Sam Walton. Sam Walton was born into a farmer’s family in Kingfisher, Oklahoma on March 29, 1918. [31] He had one brother whose name was James Walton. Sam’s father was a farmer until he decided that farming was not producing enough revenue and decided to become a mortgage man. Sam grew up in the great depression where he learned many moral values like working hard. He had many odd jobs so he could help his family out with money. The family then moved to Florida, while there Sam became the youngest Eagle Scout in the state’s history. After graduating...
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...Overview of the Chapter In an uncertain competitive environment, managers must engage in thorough planning to find strategies that will help their organization to compete effectively. This chapter explores the manager’s role as both planner and as strategist. It discusses various elements of the planning process, different kinds of plans, strategy formulation, and the challenge of strategy implementation. This chapter also contains a detailed explanation of SWOT analysis and Michael Porter’s business level strategies. Learning Objectives 1. Identify the three main steps of the planning process and the relationship between planning and strategy. (LO1) 2. Describe the different levels and types of planning and how they lead to competitive advantage. (LO2) 3. Differentiate between the main types of business-level strategy and explain how they lead to competitive advantage. (LO3) 4. Differentiate between the main types of corporate-level strategies and explain how they are used to strengthen a company’s business-level strategy and competitive advantage. (LO4) MANAGERMENT SNAPSHOT: Different Ways to Compete in the Soft Drink Business To compete in the soft drink industry, both Pepsi and Coke decided to build global brands by manufacturing soft-drink concentrate and selling it in a syrup form to bottlers throughout the world. Pepsi and Coke charge a premium price for the syrup and invest part of the proceeds into advertising to build and maintain...
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...Cyber-crimes: A Practical Approach to the Application of Federal Computer Crime Laws Eric J. Sinrod† and William P. Reilly†† I. Introduction Cyber-crime, once the domain of disaffected genius teenagers as portrayed in the movies “War Games” and “Hackers,” has grown into a mature and sophisticated threat to the open nature of the Internet. “Cyber-criminals,” like their non-virtual traditional criminal counterparts, seek opportunity and are attracted to vacuums in law enforcement. The news media is filled with reports of debilitating denial of service attacks, defaced web sites, and new computer viruses worming their way through the nation’s computers. However, there are countless other cyber-crimes that are not made public due to private industry’s reluctance to publicize its vulnerability and the government’s concern for security.[1] Along with the phenomenal growth of the Internet has come the growth of cyber-crime opportunities.[2] As a result of rapid adoption of the Internet globally, computer crimes include not only hacking and cracking, but now also include extortion, child pornography, money laundering, fraud, software pirating, and corporate espionage, to name a few.[3] Law enforcement officials have been frustrated by the inability of legislators to keep cyber-crime legislation ahead of the fast-moving technological curve.[4] At the same time, legislators face the need to balance the competing interests between individual rights, such as privacy...
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...I. Justification of Punishment a. Theories of Punishment and Purpose of Criminal Law Sentencing i. Deterrence 1. Utilitarian concept, forward-looking, premise: humans will act in their own interest 2. Individual Deterrence: general public is protected 3. General Deterrence: helps to protect public at large, justified on grounds of 1) prevention of crime by threat of arrest, conviction, punishment 2) prevention of crime by strengthening of moral norms 3) prevention of crime by stimulating law-abiding contact based on the impulse to conform. 4. Criticisms: 1) ineffective in cases where criminal is motivated by emotional concerns 2) one person might be used as a means to an end in order to deter others and benefit society as a whole ii. Retribution 5. Premise: humans act under free will and must be punished when they choose to violate society’s norms, backward-looking 6. Based on proportionality of punishment: the evil done to the victim is paid back to the perpetrator iii. Rehabilitation/Reform 7. Criticisms: 1)allocating resources to those who least deserve them 2) remaking humans with what society deems is the best 3) assuming that humans can simply be reconditioned iv. Incapacitation 8. Renders def unable to cause further harm to society 9. Criticisms: 1) too costly 2) ineffective in reducing recidivism 3) further...
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...stoAnnual Report 2010 2010 year ended august 29, 2010 THE COMPANY Costco Wholesale Corporation and its subsidiaries (“Costco” or the “Company”) began operations in 1983 in Seattle, Washington. In October 1993, Costco merged with The Price Company, which had pioneered the membership warehouse concept, to form Price/Costco, Inc., a Delaware corporation. In January 1997, after the spin-off of most of its non-warehouse assets to Price Enterprises, Inc., the Company changed its name to Costco Companies, Inc. On August 30, 1999, the Company reincorporated from Delaware to Washington and changed its name to Costco Wholesale Corporation, which trades on the NASDAQ under the symbol “COST.” As of December 2010, the Company operated a chain of 582 warehouses in 40 states and Puerto Rico (425 locations), nine Canadian provinces (80 locations), the United Kingdom (22 locations), Korea (seven locations), Taiwan (six locations, through a 55%-owned subsidiary), Japan (nine locations) and Australia (one location), as well as 32 warehouses in Mexico through a 50%-owned joint venture. CONTENTS Financial Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Letter to Shareholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Map of Warehouse Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...
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...Annual Report 2012 2012 YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 2, 2012 THE COMPANY Costco Wholesale Corporation and its subsidiaries (Costco or the Company) began operations in 1983 in Seattle, Washington. In October 1993, Costco merged with The Price Company, which had pioneered the membership warehouse concept, to form Price/Costco, Inc., a Delaware corporation. In January 1997, after the spin-off of most of its non-warehouse assets to Price Enterprises, Inc., the Company changed its name to Costco Companies, Inc. On August 30, 1999, the Company reincorporated from Delaware to Washington and changed its name to Costco Wholesale Corporation, which trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “COST”. As of December 2012, the Company operated a chain of 622 warehouses in 41 states and Puerto Rico (448 locations), nine Canadian provinces (85 locations), Mexico (32 locations), the United Kingdom (23 locations), Japan (13 locations), Korea (nine locations), Taiwan (nine locations, through a 55%-owned subsidiary) and Australia (three locations). The Company also operates Costco Online, electronic commerce web sites, at www.costco.com (U.S.), www.costco.ca (Canada), and www.costco.co.uk (United Kingdom). CONTENTS Financial Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Letter to Shareholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...
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...Financial Highlights (In millions, except for per share amounts) Year-end 2011 2010 % B/(W) change Company sales Franchise and license fees and income Total revenues Operating Profit Net Income – Yum! Brands, Inc. Diluted Earnings Per Common Share before Special Items Special Items Earnings Per Common Share (a) (a) $ 10,893 1,733 $ 12,626 $ $ $ $ $ 1,815 1,319 2.87 (0.13) 2.74 2,170 $ 9,783 1,560 11 11 11 3 14 14 NM 15 10 $ 11,343 $ $ $ $ $ 1,769 1,158 2.53 (0.15) 2.38 1,968 Reported Diluted Earnings Per Common Share Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities (a) See page 23 of our 2011 Form 10-K for further discussion of Special Items. Contents Dear Partners..................................................................................... 1 China and A Whole Lot More .......................................................2–5 Improving US Brand Positions .................................................... 6-7 Core Strategies ...................................................................................... 8 Business Model...................................................................................... 9 Taking People With You ..................................................................... 10 ABOUT THE PAPER USED FOR THIS REPORT The inks used in the printing of this report contain an average of 25% - 35% vegetable oils from plant derivatives, a renewable resource. They replace petroleum based inks as an effort to also reduce...
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...Order Code RL33199 Data Security Breaches: Context and Incident Summaries Updated May 7, 2007 Rita Tehan Information Research Specialist Knowledge Services Group Data Security Breaches: Context and Incident Summaries Summary Personal data security breaches are being reported with increasing regularity. Within the past few years, numerous examples of data such as Social Security, bank account, credit card, and driver’s license numbers, as well as medical and student records have been compromised. A major reason for the increased awareness of these security breaches is a California law that requires notice of security breaches to the affected individuals. This law, implemented in July 2003, was the first of its kind in the nation. State data security breach notification laws require companies and other entities that have lost data to notify affected consumers. As of January 2007, 35 states have enacted legislation requiring companies or state agencies to disclose security breaches involving personal information. Congress is considering legislation to address personal data security breaches, following a series of high-profile data security breaches at major financial services firms, data brokers (including ChoicePoint and LexisNexis), and universities. In the past three years, multiple measures have been introduced, but to date, none have been enacted. This report will be updated regularly. Contents Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....
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...2011 Annual Report Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement We bring easy to your office. Staples is the world’s largest office products company and y a trusted source for office solutions. The company proy Revenue Mix2 2008 2007 2009 North American Delivery North American Retail vides products, services and expertise in office supplies, copy & print, technology, facilities and breakroom, and furniture. Staples invented the office superstore concept in 1986 and has annua sales Revenues ($B)1 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2010 2011 Diluted Earnings Per Share 3 in the world in eCommerce sales. With 88,000 associates worldwide, Staples operates in 26 countries throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia, making it easy for businesses y r of all sizes and consumers. f The company is headquartered outside Boston. More information about Staples (Nasdaq: SPLS) is available at www.staples.com/media. Cash Flow Generation ($M) of $25 billion, ranking second f Operating Cash Flow 2007 As Adjusted 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2008 2009 2010 2011 Free Cash Flow Capita Expenditures 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Stores Open at Fiscal Year End 2007 Dividends Per Share 2008 2009 2010 2011 1 2 2008 revenues include $4.2 billion of revenues from Corporate Express for the period July 2008–January 2009. f 2008 revenue mix includes $2.3 billion of North American Delivery...
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...MBA In A Day What You Would Learn at Top-Tier Business Schools (If You Only Had the Time!) Steven Stralser, Ph.D. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. TLFeBOOK More Praise for MBA In A Day® “Steve Stralser is a unique talent. It is unusual to meet people who are both highly professional as well as generous with their knowledge. Not only is Professor Stralser’s advice invaluable for business professionals, but those in the arts who are more focused on their creative endeavors would benefit from reading MBA In A Day® to help strengthen their business skills.” —Bobi Leonard, CEO, Arcara Enterprises, Inc. “Steve’s book is a valuable asset to anyone needing to avoid the pitfalls of business, be they a small business owner, a physician, a lawyer, or just about anyone who deals with business. Just because you have not had the opportunity to study for a formal MBA, why be at a disadvantage in the business world? In just a few days of quality reading time you will level the playing field. Let your own brainpower do the rest.” —George Reiss, MD, Clinical Instructor, Mayo Clinic; Eye Physician, Phoenix Coyotes Professional Hockey Club “Professor Stralser’s MBA In A Day® contains insights that are incredibly valuable for any entrepreneur obsessed with success. They provide quick access to sound practical thinking on the real-world business issues most likely to confront the busy start-up entrepreneur.” —Michael Hool, Partner, Rogers & Theobald, LLC; Chairman, Arizona...
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...The media’s watching Vault! Here’s a sampling of our coverage. “For those hoping to climb the ladder of success, [Vault's] insights are priceless.” – Money magazine “The best place on the web to prepare for a job search.” – Fortune “[Vault guides] make for excellent starting points for job hunters and should be purchased by academic libraries for their career sections [and] university career centers.” – Library Journal “The granddaddy of worker sites.” – US News and World Report “A killer app.” – New York Times One of Forbes' 33 “Favorite Sites” – Forbes “To get the unvarnished scoop, check out Vault.” – Smart Money Magazine “Vault has a wealth of information about major employers and jobsearching strategies as well as comments from workers about their experiences at specific companies.” – The Washington Post “A key reference for those who want to know what it takes to get hired by a law firm and what to expect once they get there.” – New York Law Journal “Vault [provides] the skinny on working conditions at all kinds of companies from current and former employees.” – USA Today VAULT GUIDE TO RESUMES, COVER LETTERS & INTERVIEWS © 2003 Vault Inc. VAULT GUIDE TO RESUMES, COVER LETTERS & INTERVIEWS HOWARD LEIFMAN, PhD, MARCY LERNER AND THE STAFF OF VAULT © 2003 Vault Inc. Copyright © 2003 by Vault Inc. All rights reserved. All information in this book is subject to change without notice. Vault makes no claims as to the accuracy and reliability...
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...Notice of 2013 Annual Shareholders’ Meeting and Proxy Statement b McDonald’s Corporation 2013 Contents 3 7 8 8 8 14 14 14 42 Proxy Summary Notice of the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting Election of Directors Proposal No. 1. Election of Directors Director qualifications and biographical information Executive compensation Compensation Committee Report Compensation discussion and analysis Proposal No. 2. Advisory vote to approve executive compensation Other management proposal Proposal No. 3. Advisory vote to approve the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as independent auditor for 2013 59 Stock ownership 59 Stock ownership guidelines 59 Security ownership of certain beneficial owners 60 Security ownership of management 61 Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act Transactions with related persons, promoters and certain control persons Policies and procedures for related person transactions 61 61 62 Related person transactions 62 Communications 62 Communications with the Board of Directors and non-management Directors 62 Consideration of Director nominations for the 2014 Annual Shareholders’ Meeting 63 Shareholder proposals for inclusion in next year’s Proxy Statement 63 Other shareholder proposals for presentation at the 2014 Annual Shareholders’ Meeting 64 Solicitation of proxies and voting 64 Notice and access 64 Record date 64 Voting prior to the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting 64 Voting at the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting 64 Quorum 64 Voting tabulation 65...
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