Question: (a) Describe one difficult aspect of preparing a projected cash flow budget or a pro forma financial statement.

(b) Identify two principal sources of data needed to prepare financial statements for financial planning.

(c) Identify a financial ratio that can be used to analyze financial statements for financial planning, and explain how it can be used efficiently.

(d) Identify two important uses of pro forma financial statements by managers of a firm or by other decision makers doing business with a firm (e.g., bankers, investors, suppliers).

(e) Are financial managers and/or their firms to some degree legally liable for misrepresentations, careless errors, poor forecasts, and/or any other aspect of their pro forma financial statements that appear to be intentionally or unintentionally misleading? Explain.

(f) Is a financial manager's professional position, pay, and promotion opportunities likely to increase with the manager's education, skills, and productivity? Explain.