This course is designed to develop skills in interpreting and analyzing the financial reports prepared by firms for investors and creditors. The following topics are covered: 1) analyzing profitability and risk , (2) understanding the major accounting choices affecting financial statements and managerial incentives that influence these choices, (3) assessing the quality of earnings, (4) using cash-flow based and earnings-based valuation models. The course also includes a brief review of some important accounting principles, emphasizing areas that were not covered in AC710. [Lectures, exercises, exams, and project.]