The recent 10-K SEC filings of American Eagle (Appendix B) and Urban Outfitters (Appendix C) are included in the back of your textbook. Your text also includes an Industry Ratio Report (Retail-Family Clothing Stores) in Appendix D. Please carefully review these three Appendices and then complete both requirements A & B.

1. Compute the ratios listed below for both companies      for the most recent year reported. In order to earn credit for your      answers you must attach your work. No credit will be awarded if legible      and logical calculations are not attached. Please show these      calculations on separate pages (one for American Eagle and one for Urban      Outfitters).

Ratios

American Eagle

Urban Outfitters

Industry Average

Return on equity

Earnings per share

Profit margin

Current ratio

Inventory turnover

Debt/Equity

Price earnings

Dividend yield

B. How does American Eagle compare to Urban Outfitters and the retail industry as a whole regarding each of the areas below. Provide your assessment for each area and support your conclusions by reference to both the ratios you computed and the industry averages provided.

· Profitability

· Liquidity

· Solvency

· Market Tests

C. If you had $100,000 to invest in a retail clothier, which of these two would you prefer to invest in? Explain why you think this way, making reference to answers to Parts A and B.