Accounting reports are an important means of communication with investors. This course focuses on the development analysis and use of these reports. It provides an understanding of what these reports contain what assumptions and concepts accountants use to prepare them and why they use those assumptions and concepts. The course uses simple examples to provide students with a clear understanding of accounting concepts It stresses the ability to apply these concepts to real world cases which by their very nature are complex and ambiguous. In addition to text oriented materials, the classes also include cases so that students can discuss applications of basic concepts actual financial reports and articles from newspapers. In addition to traditional introductory topics, other topics may include mergers and acquisitions purchase and pooling free cash flow and financial statement analysis.