On Balance Article Summary

The Impact of a Volunteer
By Ann Glowacki, CPA

I read the article "The Impact of a Volunteer". I learned that about 61 million people volunteered at least once between September 2005 and September 2006. Volunteering can impact your life in a way that is good for your soul, career and community. Volunteering looks good on resumes and make you a better person. When volunteering, you meet new people and learn new things you didn't already know. Volunteering doesn't mean you have to do a big project. Little things count too. Volunteering not only helps you, but also the world around us. Everyone is capable of volunteering. There are many volunteer opportunities, you just have to find one that's right for you.You don't have to volunteer every day. If you every find yourself just sitting on the couch watching TV, turn the TV off and go volunteer. Make the world a better place.

Glowacki, Ann. "The Impact of a Volunteer." On Balance Jan/Feb 2008: 16-18.

Revenue and Expenses for Toys R Us and Wal-Mart

1. List the "Total Revenue or Net Sales," "Total Expenses," and "Net Income" or "Net Loss" for each company.
Toys R Us: (in millions)           Wal-Mart: (in millions)
Net Sales: $13,568                 Net Sales: $405,046
Total Expenses: $4,106           Total Expenses: $79,607
Net Income: $304                   Net Income: $14,335

2. For each company, calculate and record the component percentages for total expenses and net income by dividing each item by the amount of net sales.  round the percentage calculations to the nearest 0.1%
Toys R Us:                       Wal-Mart:
Total Expenses: 30.3%      Total Expenses: 19.7%
Net Income: 2.2%             Net Income: 3.5%

3. Compare the component percentages for net income for each company.  Which company has the better component percentage.
Wal-Mart

Fiscal Period for Toys R Us

Description of the company you choose, and why you picked it.
I chose Toys R Us because lots of people who have kids, grandkids, or need a gift for a friend, go to Toys R Us. Toys R Us is a toy store, obviously. It has toys for infants and up. Toys R Us is a great store to go to for Christmas shopping. It not only has toys, but also pregnant supplies, baby clothes and other things for babies. Toys R Us is also Babies R Us. They are two stores combined.
Link to company financial statements that show the fiscal period.
http://www.toysrusinc.com/investor-relations/

Explain when the fiscal period is
Year end is theSaturday nearest January 31.

Describe why you think the management of the company feels that is a good time for a fiscal period.
Every one just got done with Christmas and decided on what to keep and what to return.