The purpose of this financial analysis is to determine the economic viability during the last five years of the Lance Company and to advise our client on whether the acquisition of this company would likely prove to be a profitable choice.

1. This should summarize the reason for this report.  It should be written prior to starting so you have a roadmap on what you are trying to determine. 

2. Do not include a summary or the details of how you are going to go about solving the "problem" at hand.

3. One, clear and concise paragraph (usually one or two sentences) is adequate.

4. At the end, when you complete your Conclusion, ask yourselves "Did I answer the Problem Statement?"