The Living Planet Index ( Lpi ) - 1963 Words

Over the course of history, many scientist experts have raised the fright and panic about population numbers that only increase every year. According to the Living Planet Report, â€Å"the Living Planet Index (LPI), which measures more than 10,000 representative populations of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish, has declined by 52 per cent since 1970.† Population sizes of different species in the world has dropped by at least half. Some of these species are the living things that establishes the fabric of the ecosystems which sustain life on Earth. â€Å"In the following two centuries, the population increased at an annual growth rate of 6 per 1,000, reaching 2.5 billion by 1950. In the following five decades, it has more than doubled, at a growth rate of 18 per 1,000 to reach more than 6 billion in 2000. The world population will reach 8 billion to 10 billion by the year 2030† (Robbins, 130). Today, we are using and taking so much from our ecosystems and na tural processes, we are actually exposing and exploiting our own very existence on Earth. Nature preservation and sustainable ecological development complement each other. They are just as much about protecting the future of humanity – our well-being, economy, food security, and social stability. Earth’s population is approaching ten billion at the same time that resource limits and environmental deprivation are becoming more apparent every day. Rich countries have long guaranteed poor nations that they, too, wouldShow MoreRelatedChallenges Associated With Biodiversity Loss For 21st Century Conservation Biologists And Society1230 Words   |  5 Pages4 billion people on the planet by 2050 (WWF, 2014), the pressures we exert on the planet will only increase. This overuse of resources is not only making it difficult to support our needs, but is also leaving little space and resources left for all the other species around the globe to thrive, and more importantly, surviv e. This has led to a decline in biodiversity at a much faster than would be seen under natural circumstances. According to the Living Planet Index (LPI); which measures the trendsRead MoreEncouraging the Heart10264 Words   |  42 Pagessometimes we forget how important they are to adults . . . Research tells us that stories have more of an impact on whether businesspeople believe information than do straight data. Venture capitalists (some of the most numbers-driven people on the planet) always talk about how important the story is when taking a company public and selling the initial public offering to Wall Street. Good stories move us. They touch us, they teach us, and they cause us to remember. They enable the listener to put

Early Us Hist Essay - 1006 Words

Is early United States history a story of progress? Progress in westward expansion (for white Americans) not good for native Americans. The early United States history is a story of progress and conflict in terms of political, territorial, and social advancement. Political: Alien and Sedition Acts- During the Adams administration, congress passed the Alien and Sedation acts to suppress public criticism of the government and limit the freedom of foreigners in the US. Outcry against these acts helped the republican cause. then the rise of democratic politics – between 1820 and 1840, a revolution took place in American Politics. When property and taxpaying qualifications for voting were repealed, voter participation grew drastically.†¦show more content†¦Tecumsen and Tenskwatawa – Calling for a return to traditional Native American practices, these brothers created a powerful pan-indian military movement and eventually allied with the British in order to stop Anglo-American expansion War of 1812 – The war of 1812 effectively destroyed the ability of the Native Americans to resist American Expansion east of the Mississippi and it convinced Americans that they could now fend off European threats. Missouri compromise – The Mississippi compromise, which represents the nation’s first extended debate over slavery’s expansion, preserved sectional balance and prohibited the formation of slave states north of the Mississippi compromise line. Indian removal act – Passed in 1830, this act forced Native Americans to leave their tribal lands and settle on federal lands to the west of the Mississippi River. manifest destiny. – â€Å"Manifest Destiny†, the commonly-held belief that God had chosen Anglo-Americans to expand westward, was in reality a racial, economic, and political justification for aggressive territorial expansion. But with the US War with Mexico came great debate over whether slavery should continue to exist expanding.– This war bitterly divided American public opinion, greatly expanded the nations borders,Show MoreRelatedHist 405 Final Exam Latest Devry1210 Words   |  5 PagesHIST 405 FINAL EXAM LATEST DEVRY To purchase this visit following link: http://www.activitymode.com/product/hist-405-final-exam-latest-devry/ Contact us at: SUPPORT@ACTIVITYMODE.COM HIST 405 FINAL EXAM LATEST DEVRY HIST 405 Final Exam Latest DeVry Page 1 Question 1.1. (TCO 4) The Spanish who settled in Florida and New Mexico were primarily (Points : 2) conquistadors. merchants. missionaries. plantation owners. Type: MC Question 2.2. (TCO 1) The Jamestown colony was established byRead MoreAmerindian Arguments and Actions Essay771 Words   |  4 Pagesin 1607 (The Early European Colonies). These colonists sought after riches so they sailed over from England in search of gold (The Early European Colonies). While in America, the English received tobacco from local Indians. The Englishmen adored the new crop and took some back to England (The Early European Colonies). Tobacco was a remarkable success in England. However, because tobacco could not be grown in England’s climate, Englishmen grew tobacco and sold it in England (The Early European Colonies)Read MoreEarly College High School College1300 Words   |  6 PagesEARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL Early College High Schools (ECHS) are innovative high schools that allow students least likely to attend college an opportunity to earn a high school diploma and 60 college credit hours. Early College High Schools: †¢ provide dual credit at no cost to students †¢ offer rigorous instruction and accelerated courses †¢ provide academic and social support services to help students succeed †¢ increase college readiness, and †¢ reduce barriers to college access. The University ofRead MorePersonal Career Analysis : Pediatric Nurse Practitioner1023 Words   |  5 Pagesprerequisites which includes eight hours of science from BIOL 2010/2011BIOL 2020/2021 and/or BIOL 2300/230, 16 hours nursing prerequisites from PSY 1010, PSY 3100, SOC 2010, and/or MATH 1530, 16 hours of APSU core from ENGL 1010, ENGL 1020, ENGL 2030, HIST 2010, HIST 2020, Humanities 6 hours, and/or COMM 1010. According to the APSU nursing program website, I must have at least an 80 on the TEAS Test and no lower than a C on in any of the prerequisites in order to enter into the school of nursing. AfterRead MoreThe Great Divide : How And Why The Apartheid Differ From Colonial Rule1438 Words   |  6 Pagesneighbourhoods, in one of the largest mass removals in modern history. While this process has happened previously, in South Africa these rural residents were not permitted to move to towns to find new jobs. This system is comparable to Khoisan resistance to early white settlement at Cape Colony, 1650-1770. Europeans coveted the lands that belonged to the Khoisan (a group of indigenous peoples living in South Africa), thus they freed their soldiers to infringe on the Khoisan’s traditional lands, while the DutchRead MoreHistory of Golf Essay1823 Words   |  8 Pagestechnological advances and personal accomplishments, which through time has shown to shape the sport into what it has become today. The organ of golf in it most primary of forms is unknown, but there are many cultures that show golf in times as early as the thirteenth century. Three groups of people claim that they started golf: The English, the Dutch and the Scots. The English say that they started golf because of the sketches of a man apparently preparing to strike a ball in a golf like mannerRead MoreEssay Cold War Study Guide609 Words   |  3 PagesNicole Marie Ascano 10310850 HIST 4381 October 24, 2012 History As We Know It Writing about the already written history of the Cold War events have been relatively challenging due to numerous circumstances. Not only are authors biased, but there has also been difficulty in getting primary sources because of national security. Also, Soviet and Chinese documents had previously been cut off, as well as some of the information from their allies. Much of the Cold War history includes differentRead MoreDevry Hist 405 Final Exam - Latest1189 Words   |  5 PagesDeVry HIST 405 Final Exam - Latest IF You Want To Purchase A+ Work Then Click The Link Below , Instant Download http://www.hwspeed.com/DeVry-HIST-405-Final-Exam-Latest-873483.htm?categoryId=-1 If You Face Any Problem E- Mail Us At JOHNMATE1122@Gmail.Com Page 1 Question 1.1. (TCO 4) The Spanish who settled in Florida and New Mexico were primarily (Points : 2) conquistadors. merchants. missionaries. plantation owners. Type: MC QuestionRead MoreRegents Exam in U.S. History and Government7115 Words   |  29 Pagesa (1) proposal for reuniting the colonies and England (2) statement of grievances against the King of England (3) request for a treaty between the colonies and Spain (4) plan for organizing the western territories 4 Which set of events related to early America is in the correct chronological order? (1) inauguration of George Washington → passage of Stamp Act → Battle of Saratoga → French and Indian War (2) Battle of Saratoga → French and Indian War → passage of Stamp Act → inauguration of GeorgeRead MoreAbraham Lincoln s The Argument Against The War1182 Words   |  5 PagesDestiny Hellyer Hist-1301 â€Å"Abraham Lincoln Condemns the War with Mexico, 1848† 1) What is Abraham Lincoln’s main argument against the war? When Lincoln was a Congressman in the House of Representatives, during his short term, he loudly opposed the Mexican war held in 1846. His main argument was that the war was unconstitutional and unnecessary and was based on a lie. He faced severe criticism from fellow Whigs including other congressmen for raising voice against the USA intervention in the Mexican

Essay about Jay Gatsby´s American Dream in The Great Gatsby

The ideal American Dream can be portrayed in many different ways, though generally based upon the idea of opportunity for upward mobility within society. While people move to the top of society, they accumulate the perceived good things in life: the perfect partner, high social status and respect in the workplace to go along with the unlimited wealth and power. This idea is dated all the way back to the beginning of American literature. In the past, Americans started with the basic needs and only the things they needed to get by in life. Now families are transforming into a life view filled with the perfect life, nice car, large house, and the ideal family. In The Great Gatsby the main character Jay Gatsby was born into a family with no†¦show more content†¦This lovely rich girl is known Daisy Buchanan, a women married to Tom Buchanan and also the love of Jay Gatsby’s life. The two met five years prior to her marriage, but were separated when Jay was forced to go off to war. The root of his desire for wealth occurs back to when Daisy’s parents did not approve of Gatsby for their daughter due to the fact that he came from a poor family. Jay is once again blinded, this time by the beauty and grace of Daisy and fails to see that Daisy is not who she appears to once be. He craves her for the realization of his golden family in his perfect dream, but really Daisy is far from that. Throughout the novel Fitzgerald shows that Daisy is self-centered and careless at heart; she is a dreamer who fails to face reality. Continuing an affair with Gatsby with no real intentions of leaving her husband eventually leads to the death of Gatsby. In return she shows little to no concerns over the death of her â€Å"love† Gatsby and returns into the arms of her corrupt husband. Tom, who is also unfaithful in their relationship has a mistress of his own who is killed in a car accident while Daisy was driving. Tom as well shows no remorse in her death and moves on like nothing ever happened. Daisy and Tom are the prime example of corruption in both material success and with what wealth can bring; â€Å"They instinctively seek out each other because each recognizes the other’s strength in the corruptShow MoreRelatedAspirations And Greatness : F. Scott Fitzgerald s The Great Gatsby 1436 Words   |  6 Pagesand Greatness; The Case of Jay Gatsby Dedication and tenacity are examples of attributes that allow one to accomplish a societal label for effort shown towards attaining goals and dreams. Through his work The Great Gatsby, F.Scott Fitzgerald used the protagonist, Jay Gatsby, to demonstrate the American Dream and greatness. Gatsby was a mysterious character, commonly mistaken as a mere criminal; but actually, he was a victim of his perseverance and the American Dream. Despite his criminal activitiesRead MoreGatsby American Dream Essay1363 Words   |  6 Pages The American Dream The great Gatsby is a classic novel in which money is centered around everything. All Jay Gatsby wants to do is live the American dream. Some say Gatsby did live the American dream. Though Gatsby made lots of money and threw tons of parties their was one thing he was missing. The thing Gatsby was missing was a peaceful state of mind and a lover. In this book written by Scott Fitzgerald called The Great Gatsby Jay Gatsby finds out the American Dream isn t attainableRead More Gatsbys Dream and Daisys Conflicts in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald1163 Words   |  5 PagesGatsbys Dream and Daisys Conflicts in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald Jay Gatsby, the central character of F. Scott Fitzgerald?s The Great Gatsby symbolizes the American dream. The American dream offers faith in the possibility of a better life. Its attendant illusion is the belief that material wealth alone can bring that dream to fruition. Through Gatsby, Fitzgerald brings together both these ideas. Jay Gatsby thinks money is the answer to anything he encounters. He has theRead MoreThe Great Gatsby Essay864 Words   |  4 PagesThe Great Gatsby and Today s Society In American society, the way people act is quite an interesting, yet confusing subject to look at. If you were to look closely at the behavior and the thinking of the average American man in the modern day, you would see that he is not too different from a man that lived one hundred years ago in America. Obviously many things have changed in society that make a man different nowadays compared to one hundred years ago, but the point is that, in general,Read MoreThe Great Gatsby By F. Scott Fitzgerald1599 Words   |  7 PagesFrancis Scott Fitzgerald was an author who wrote several books based around his time of life. Fitzgerald lived during the Roaring 20’s and recorded many important events and themes that occurred around him. One of Fitzgerald’s most popular novels is named The Great Gatsby. The Great Gatsby is written to reproduce the environment that Fitzgerald was living in. This semiautobiographical work uses fictitious characters to portray how people aroun d Fitzgerald acted and what the overall theme ofRead MoreF. Scott Fitzgerald s The Great Gatsby1720 Words   |  7 PagesThe American Dream is defined as the idea that all citizens of the United States of America are able to have an equal chance to gain success, and to prosper through hard work and determination. The American Dream is the driving force of evolution in humanity. It allows the aspiration of being able to do astonishing things, and proffers them prosperity in life. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald delves into the American Dream and it’s demise. Fitzgerald focuses on the character of Jay Gatsby toRead MoreF. Scott Fitzgerald s The Great Gatsby Essay1490 Words   |  6 Pages‘The Great Gatsby’ seems to suggest that Gatsby s rags-to-riches success story makes him an embodiment of the American Dream. However, upon deeper of his character has yielded that there are aspects of Jay Gatsby that call into question his so called success. As a result, I have concluded that F.Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, although still displays the overarching theme that is the American Dream it, in fact, portrays ‘The disintegration of the American dream’ through the character that is Jay GatsbyRead MoreComparison of the American Dream in The Great Gatsby and â€Å"Winter Dreams†953 Words   |  4 Pagesof â€Å"Winter Dreams† was written around the same time that Fitzgerald was developing ideas for a story to turn into a novel. While The Great Gatsby wasn’t published until 1925, â€Å"Winter Dreams† dà ©buted in 1922 and the similarities between the novel and short story were done on purpose. â€Å"Winter Dreams† became a short draft which Fitzgerald paralleled The Great Gatsby after, but also differentiated the two in specific ways (â€Å"Winter Dreams† 217). The main characters are both men, Jay Gatsby and DexterRead MoreGatsby American Dream Essay1698 Words   |  7 PagesThe Amer ican dream is defined as â€Å"an equal opportunity to achieve success and prosperity through hard work, determination, and initiative† (Google). There were many conflicts that interfered with trying to reach each individual s dream. Each character had their own meaning of their dream, Jay Gatsby especially. He had a big impact in his life, Daisy, which led to failure in his own American dream. In The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Jay Gatsby almost lived out his American dream, by findingRead MoreF. Scott Fitzgerald s The Great Gatsby1289 Words   |  6 Pagesof the American Dream, they may think of glam and fame and a beach house on the coast. The American Dream is more or less a fantasy in which the dreamer achieves fortune and riches with their work (or lack thereof). People want to get rich quick, and they want to have everything they have ever wanted handed to them on a silver platter. The twenties in America, commonly known as the â€Å"Roaring Twenties,† were a prosperous time, and many people realized their own version of the American Dream during

Essay on Smoking; Who Does it Really Affect - 1128 Words

Secondhand smoke is extremely hazardous. It can cause death and dangerous health defects. Therefore, smoking is not only bad for the smoker, but for people around him or her too. However, there are only few laws that restrict public smoking. More legislation on smoking restrictions is needed because secondhand smoke causes asthma attacks in children, heart disease in adults, and sudden infant death syndrome in babies. These health problems are a result of the harmful chemicals in cigarettes. According to the National Cancer Institute, Beryllium, Butadiene, Chromium, Nickel, and Polonium are just a few of the 69 deadly chemicals that can cause cancer. The Office of the Surgeon General has proven that when inhaled, the same cancer-causing†¦show more content†¦Because of secondhand smoke, about 3,000 adults who do not smoke die of lung cancer each year. Research even proves that secondhand smoke possibly heightens the chances of breast cancer, nasal sinus cavity cancer, and nasopharyngeal cancer in grownups [National Cancer Institute]. Also, the chances of leukemia, lymphoma, and brain tumors in adolescents are heightened. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. National Toxicology Program, the U.S. Surgeon General, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer have all classifies secondhand smoke as a known human carcinogen. Carcinogens are the causes of cancer. Adolescent s subject to secondhand smoke have also have heightened chances of sudden infant death syndrome, ear infections, colds, pneumonia, bronchitis, and extreme asthma [National Institutes of Health]. Besides those health effects, another concerning matter of secondhand smoke is heart disease. The American Heart Associations prove that although most people believe that smoking only affects your lungs, being subject to secondhand smoke practically doubled the chances of a heart attack. â€Å"Short exposures to secondhand smoke can cause blood platelets to become stickier, damages the lining of blood vessels, and decrease coronary flow velocity reserves. These are all mechanisms that may increase the risk of a heart attack† [American Heart Association]. People who do not smoke and are around smoke at home or at work heightenShow MoreRelatedTeenage Smoking In Teenagers886 Words   |  4 PagesSmoking in teenagers has been a topic of conversion for years. Should it be legal, illegal? Should there be an age requirement? Teenagers do what they want, and smoking is part of that. Most teenagers have taken in the consequences of smoking and its effects. Smoking isn’t a problem with teenagers anymore because most of them have had classes about smoking, the price has risen, and it has horrible effects to your body. The first reason why smoking isn’t a problem among teens is they care aboutRead MoreEffects Of Smoking On Children s Body System Essay827 Words   |  4 PagesCigar contains 4000 toxic chemicals to body, and some are even cancer causing agents. (1) Smoking cigar does not only affect the smoker but also others by secondary smoking, especially to children and infants. Secondary smoking could negatively impact children’s body system. NHS is one of the biggest and famous website in health field in the UK. It contains many health information and provide the different types of services which patients would like to choose and receive from clinics. It developedRead MoreSmoking Is A Problem Of Smoking1567 Words   |  7 PagesStop smoking The issue of smoking is a problem that’s occurring in America. Smoking is a deadly killer that has taken many loved ones, it causes issues when it is inhaled into the human body and causes certain types of diseases. Many people are dying due to the chemicals in cigarettes unfortunately, but there are ways we can stop this and with the help of the students here we can start doing this immediately. Smoking is the inhalation of the smoke from burning tobacco encased in cigarettes, pipesRead MoreThe Issue Of Smoking Is A Problem1565 Words   |  7 Pages The issue of smoking is a problem that’s occurring in America. Smoking is a deadly killer that has taken many loved ones, it causes issues when it is inhaled into the human body and causes certain types of diseases. Many people are dying due to the chemicals in cigarettes unfortunately, but there are ways we can stop this and with the help of the students here we can start doing this immediately. Smoking is the inhalation of the smoke from burning tobacco encased in cigarettes, pipes, and cigarsRead MoreWhy Smoking Should Be Banned884 Words   |  4 Pagessmoke? Is smoking really healthy for them? How much does it cost an individual to smoke? What are the costs to society when people smoke? These are all questions that can easily be taken care of by banning cigarette smoking. It is really a disgusting sight to see a woman with a cigarette hanging out of her mouth. It is equally bad to see children with smoking cigarettes. B. Cigarette smoking should be banned, not only in restaurants but everywhere. When someone smokes cigarettes it affects the entireRead MoreSmoking Cigarettes Should Not Be Legal Essay1115 Words   |  5 PagesIs Smoking Worth Being Legal Smoking is not worth being out there for the public to do, there are activities you could be doing and having an exciting moment of your life instead of smoking. Everyone thinks about the smell of a cigarette and the appearance of a smoker and think â€Å"Hey, there s a bum right there,† but they do not know about the true nature of cigarettes and smoking. Smoking may be considered a ‘hobby’ to someone who smokes yet most people do not know is the dark side to smoking. Read MoreShould Smoking Be Harmful?882 Words   |  4 Pageshigh for something that is deadly. There are poster ads, flyers and TV adds saying to stop smoking or learn how to quit smoking because it can cause Colds, Wheezing, Coughs and asthma as well and that is only the start of smoking. Smoking can be extremely harmful diseases such as lung cancer. 84% of deaths cause by lung cancer comes from smoking cigarettes. Smoking does not help you in any way, it affects your body,. But do people listen to adds they see, not necessarily when they find out that itsRead MoreDo Cigarette Warning Labels Work1150 Words   |  5 Pageswarning labels do not affect the smokers. Warning labels were adapted in the late 1960s with a minor note saying Smoking can be Hazardous to Health. It was only the 1970s that confirmed, smoking could kill. And, in 1985 other labels including warnings for Lung Cancer, Heart Diseases, Emphysema and that Smoking during pregnancy is Dangerous, were added. Smoking is one habit that people are not ready to quit even when they are dying. This is because cigarette smoking leads to a rapid addictionRead MoreCigarettes are Harmful and Should Be Made Illegal Essay1235 Words   |  5 Pagesesophagus for smoking too much. Or having to spend thousands of dollars on treatments for your lungs and mouth. Smoking not only affect you, but it also affects your children and future children. When a women smokes during pregnancy cause premature birth of the baby and miscarriage. Also affect how the baby comes out it can come out to lite which means it’s at risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure (better health channel). So it does not just affect you it also affect your soon toRead MoreEffects Of Smoking On Our Brain And Body By Causing Heart Attacks1379 Words   |  6 PagesSwinson 1 Robert Swinson Mrs. Barbara Purdie Honors English III Honors 16 November 2015 Effects of smoking marijuana Smoking marijuana can affect your brain and body by causing heart attacks, killing brain cells, and reducing sperm cells. Marijuana is one of the most dangerous drugs in the U.S. It is also one of the easiest drugs to get or obtain from someone. Marijuana refers to the dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds from the hemp plant, Cannabis Sativa. Marijuana has many nicknames like

Billabong International Limited Skyrocketed-Myassignmenthelp.Com

Question: Discuss About The Billabong International Limited Skyrocketed? Answer: Introduction Billabong International Limited is an Australian company engaged in the business of distribution, wholesale and retail of sports apparel, accessories, sports equipment, eyewear and wetsuits. The sports for which the company majorly provides the accessories include surf, skate and snow. The company operates through various brands which include Billabong, RVCA, Element, Tigerlily, Von Zipper, Xcel, Palmers, Kustom and Honolua. The company has presence in Asia Pacific, America, and Europe with major operations in Australia, France, California and Hossegor (Bloomberg) The Company operates through its own branded stores and specialized board sports retailers. It also sells online for each of its major brands. It employs over 4000 people globally and has around 407 stores win more than 100 countries around the world (Billabong, Annual General Meeting and Annual Report, 2016) Ratio Analysis Financial ratios are used as tools to analyse the financial performance and position of a business. They may be used to compare the performance of a company over the years or comparison with another company. A ratio analysis has been performed for Billabong International Limited for the financial years 2015 and 2016 and the results are presented as under: Ratios 2016 2015 Profitability Gross profit margin 50.8% 53.1% Net profit margin -2.1% 0.2% Return on equity -9.1% 0.9% Return on assets -3.2% 0.3% Liquidity Current ratio 2.3 2.2 Quick ratio 1.4 1.4 Times interest earned ratio -0.6 -0.4 Efficiency Inventory turnover ratio 2.9 2.6 Receivables turnover ratio 6.4 6.4 Payables turnover ratio 3.2 2.7 Total assets turnover ratio 1.5 1.3 Gearing Debt to Equity ratio 1.1 0.9 Debt ratio 0.7 0.6 Investment performance Earnings per share -0.12 0.01 Price earnings ratio -10.09 227.57 Dividend pay-out ratio 0 0 Dividend yield ratio 0 0 (Billabong, Annual General Meeting and Annual Report, 2015) Profitability The revenue of the company has increased by 4.5% in 2016 as compared to 2015. The increase is due to the three major brands Billabong, Element and RVCA as a result of the growth in social media engagement which led to higher sales. The companys market share in speciality retail channels increased in America and Australia. The revenue increase in America was 6.5% and in Europe it was 8.4%. The year 2016 was also marked by increase in operating costs as a result of currency movements. The company operates majority of its business outside Australia, hence is exposed to currency risks. As a result, the cost of sales increased due to currency movements in Asia Pacific and Europe. The gross margin fell by 3% even though the revenue has increased. Another reason for decreased margins was costs incurred in clearing excess inventory in America for Sector 9 brand. The brand performed poorly; hence it was sold off in June 2016. The company incurred losses in 2016. This is majorly on account of income tax expense of $7.8 million in 2016. In 2015 there was an income tax benefit of $12.2 million. Hence there were profits in 2015 but in 2016 apart from the increased cost of operations on account of current movements, income tax expense accounted for majority of the loss. Also the interest expense increased due to strengthening of the US dollar as the companys debt is US dollar denominated. There were losses in 2015 before tax due to currency movements and sale of Surf Stitch and Swell in 2015 (Harbaugh, 2016) The return on equity decreased in 2016 as a result of losses incurred in the year. The total equity has decreased in 2016 due to an increase in retained losses. However the increase in losses are more than decrease in equity and hence the return on equity is negative. The return on assets has also become negative in 2016 due to losses incurred. The total assets have also decreased by 7.4%. This is majorly on account of decrease in current assets as the inventory has reduced and the cash balance has reduced significantly. The cash balance has reduced due to cash utilized in purchase of a property in America and also costs incurred in selling off Sector 9 in America. Liquidity Liquidity ratio measure the ability of the company to meet its short term obligations with its current assets. The liquidity of a company can be measured by using ratios like current ratio, quick ratio and interest coverage ratio. The current ratio of the company is almost the same in both the years above 2. The current assets comprise of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, inventories, current tax receivables and others and the current liabilities comprise of payables, borrowings, current tax liabilities and provisions. Both current assets and current liabilities have reduced in 2016. The current assets have reduced on account of a decrease in cash and cash equivalents and inventory. The cash balance has decreased due to repayment of borrowings worth $16 million. Also the company has purchased a property in Australia. The cost of sales and finance costs have increased as a result of strengthening of dollar. The inventory has reduced due reduction in surplus inventory for the Sector 9 store in America. The payables have reduced leading to a decrease in current liabilities. Also the deferred payment amounting to $20 million has been eliminated. The quick ratio is the same in both the years. This is because both the current assets and current liabilities have reduced and the change in inventory is not significant enough to change the ratio. The quick ratio is more than 1 which means the company has enough immediate liquid assets to pay for its current obligations. The times interest earned ratio is negative for both the years and has decreased further in 2016. The company has a negative EBIT in both the years. Year 2015 was also challenging for the company due to currency movements leading to an increase in cost of goods purchased. Though the loss before interest and tax has reduced in 2016 due to increased revenue, however, the negative earnings make the company unable to pay for its interest expenses. The interest expense has increased in 2016 as the company has undertaken additional borrowings in 2016 and also the value of interest expense has increased due to strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the Australian dollar as most of the debt is dollar denominated. Efficiency The efficiency ratios measure the ability of the company to utilize its short term and fixed assets to generate sales. It also measures the working capital management of the company and takes a look at its operations efficiency. The inventory turnover ratio is low at approx. 3. Though the ratio has improved in 2016, however the inventory is very slow moving and only rotated three times in 2016. This also can be related to the nature of the industry the company operates in. It is a retail and wholesale company and hence has to maintain large stocks of items for sale. The increase in the ratio in 2016 as a result of a decrease in inventory and increase in cost of goods sold. The inventory reduced owing to reduction of surplus inventory in Sector 9, America. The receivables turnover has remained the same in both the years. The receivables have increased to some extent in 2016 and so has the revenue. The turnover is at approx. 6 which mean the company can turnover its receivables six times into cash during the year. The payables turnover ratio has increased in 2016 from 2.7 to 3.2. This is due to an increase in revenue and decrease in payables. The payables have reduced as a result of the companys supplier consolidation strategy. This has improved the ratio. This means the company is paying its suppliers faster as it is now concentrating only on limited suppliers. The total assets turnover ratio has increased from 1.3 to 1.5 due to an increase in revenue and a decline in total assets. The fall in total assets is majorly on account of a decline in cash. The fixed assets have more or less remained the same. Gearing Gearing ratio measures a companys long term stability. The capital structure of a company comprises of debt and equity. Debt to equity ratio shows the share of debt and equity in a companys financing. The ratio has increased in 2016 as the company has increased its debt whereas the total equity has declined due to retained losses. The net debt has increased from $185.2 million in 2016 as compared to $113.5 million in 2015. The additional debt was taken to pay for the deferred consideration of RVCA which was acquired in 2014 (Bradstreet, 2015), to finance the capital expenditures undertaken by the company and the increase in finance charges. The company is undergoing a structural change since 2013 where it is focusing on the three major brands and selling off the unprofitable ones. Hence, capital expenditures are taking place. The group has more debt than equity in 2016. This makes it a little risky. Debt ratio is the ratio of total liabilities to the total assets. The company has more assets than liabilities as the ratio is below 1. The total liabilities have decreased in 2016 due to a decrease in the payables owing to suppliers consolidation strategy and the total assets have also decreased due to a decrease in the cash balance. The company is in a position to pay for its total liabilities from its total assets. Investment Performance These ratios are specific to the market performance of the company in terms of its share price. It shows how the share prices have moved and measures the returns of the shareholders. The earnings per share have become negative in 2016 due to losses incurred. There is no change in the number of outstanding shares. The price earnings ratio is the prospect of the market for the company in relation to its earnings. A higher ratio means the market is positive about the company and the shares are trading at higher than the earnings. Billabong has a negative ratio in 2016 again due to negative earnings. The share price has gone down from $2.88 to $1.21 (Yahoo)as a result of negative performance. The dividend pay-out ratio and the dividend yield are both at 0 because the company has not paid out any dividends in the two years. This show the shareholders have not received any returns from the company in last two years and hence the negative market sentiments about the company. Conclusion The companys profitability is poor as it has incurred losses before tax in both the years as a result of increased cost of sales due to tough economic and business environments. Also the selling and administration expenses have increased along with an increase in the finance costs resulting in loss for the company before tax. Also the company is under the process of brand strengthening where it is selling off the unprofitable ones and strengthening the profitable ones. It aims to focus on the three main brands which are Billabong, Element and RVCA. It has sold off Surf Stitch and Swell in 2015 and Sector 9 in 2016. This restructuring cost have added to the total costs and hence made the company unprofitable. The liquidity of the company is good as both the current ratio and quick ratio are more than 1. The current assets are more than the current liabilities and hence the liquidity is good. The trade payables have reduced as a result of selling off of the unprofitable brands like Sec tor 9 which has reduced the excessive purchasing of raw materials. Also Sector 9 sale has enabled the company to get rid of surplus inventory. The asset management efficiency of the company is poor as all the turnover ratios have low values. The inventory is slow moving with turnover of 3, the receivables turnover is only at 6 and payables turnover is at 3. This shows lot of company funds are stuck in working capital. The company is highly geared with more debt than equity. The company is undergoing a structural change and the funds required for the restructuring is being financed through debt as the company is low on cash balance also. Thus, the riskiness of the company is increasing. The debt ratio is at 70% which means most of the assets of the company are financed through debt. The investment performance ratios also show poor performance as the earnings per share and price earnings ratio are negative and the dividend pay-out ratio is 0 as the company has not declared any dividen ds over the last two years. The shareholders are not getting proper returns on their shareholding. Recommendation On the basis of the above ratio analysis, we do not recommend to invest in the shares of Billabong International Limited as the company has poor profitability, inefficient asset management, instable business as it is highly geared and thus exposed to risks and also poor market performance with no dividends at all for the shareholders. The company has been incurring losses for continuous two years. The company has many brands and most of the brands are performing poorly. As a result the company has undertaken a restructuring activity under which it is selling off the non performing brands and focussing on three major brands which are Billabong, Element and RVCA. The company is faced with challenges which are outside its control like foreign currency exposure and channels disruption. Such challenges have slowed down the effect of the brand strengthening strategy the company is working on. The company believes to have positive EBIDTA with the implementation of the strategy provided the external environment remains stable. Thus, on the basis of the current performance, we do not recommend investing in the shares of Billabong but the future outlook of the company may be good if the implementation of the strategy is successful and the external environment is also supportive of the changes being made by the company (Mickleboro, 2016) Hence, in future depending on the companys financial performance one may think of investing but as of now, it is not a good investment. References Billabong. (2015). Annual General Meeting and Annual Report. Australia: Billabong International Limited. Billabong. (2016). Annual General Meeting and Annual Report. Australia: Billabong International Limited. Bloomberg. (n.d.). Company Overview of Billabong International Limited. Retrieved September 15, 2017, from Bloomberg: https://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=1061739 Bradstreet, K. (2015, February 25). Billabong Returns To Profitability In Half-Year Report. Retrieved September 13, 2017, from Transworld Business: https://www.grindtv.com/transworld-business/news/billabong-returns-profitability-half-year-report/ Harbaugh, J. (2016, August 30). The Future Isn't Here Yet: Billabong Results for the Year. Retrieved September 15, 2017, from Jeff Harbaugh Associates: https://www.jeffharbaugh.com/the-future-isnt-here-yet-billabongs-results-for-the-year/ Mickleboro, J. (2016, November 22). Why Billabong International Limited shares have skyrocketed today. Retrieved September 16, 2017, from The Motley Fool: https://www.fool.com.au/2016/11/22/why-billabong-international-limited-shares-have-skyrocketed-today/ Yahoo, F. (n.d.). Billabong International Limited (BBG.AX): Historical Data. Retrieved September 14, 2017, from Yahoo Finance: https://au.finance.yahoo.com/quote/BBG.AX/history?period1=1433097000period2=1467225000interval=1dfilter=historyfrequency=1d

Archeology Glorified Grave Robing Essay Example For Students

Archeology Glorified Grave Robing Essay Archeology Glorified Grave RobingArcheologists have toiled for years trying to piece together the puzzle of past civilizations. Archeology, however, can be classified as a form of glorified grave robbing, rather than a way to recreate and understand the ways of past societies. While the artifacts uncovered can be helpful in painting a picture of what the lives of past civilizations were like, the act of digging up such artifacts can be considered immoral. A person claiming to be conducting an archeological study in a present-day cemetery would most definitely be apprehended and punished for his actions. Cemeteries are considered sacred places, and those who violate the laws made to protect them will be punished for their actions. There is no difference between the aforementioned act and that of unearthing sacred Native American burial grounds, for example. Great care was taken to ensure that the dead received proper and sacred burials in past civilizations. Unearthing the remains these civilizations generates a great disrespect for cultures that existed long before ours. One has to think to himself how he would feel if, hundreds of years in the future, his remains were dug up, studied, and placed in public museums for anyone to view. Certainly this idea is not pondered in everyday life, but it must be considered in order to fully understand what archeology truly is. Information provided by archeological findings, while interesting and informative, is not crucial to present-day life, and, therefore, archeology is an unnecessary part of society.