Financial Statistics Analysis of Microsoft, Apple, Pfizer and Merck

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has had far-reaching effects on global industries. The pandemic's impact on financial performance varied widely across sectors. This report aims to provide a preliminary understanding of the impact of the pandemic on companies in different industries and with different business models. This report selects four other companies, Microsoft, Apple, Pfizer, and Merck, from two different sectors, pharmaceuticals and technology. By comparing companies from these diverse industries, the report gains insights into the different business models reflected in their financial data. The financial statistics examined include annual stock returns, EBIT margin, and EPS. This analysis of technology and pharmaceutical companies' financial data highlights differences in performance and trends. The findings emphasize the significance of operating margin and EPS as key indicators of financial performance across industries. The differing financial performances of these four companies before and after the pandemic are primarily influenced by the characteristics of their respective industries, the nature of their business operations, and their financial strategies.