In South Africa, over-the-counter (OTC) bond options may be used in order to either hedge or speculate. However, since 2001, this market deteriorated significantly. The current research assessed the role of the local bond option market, reasons for the deterioration of the South African OTC bond option market, and how this bond option market could possibly be restored as a primary hedging instrument. The opinions of individuals operating in this market were obtained using a questionnaire. In the opinion of the respondents, wide bid–offer spreads, regulatory interferences and poor participation within this market caused market deterioration. The market could be restored as a hedging instrument if effective market integration exists, interbank trading regularly takes place, liquidity was enhanced, transparency increased and investor knowledge improved. Future research could focus on regulatory transformation, the types of derivatives used for hedging, and an assessment of appropriate continuous professional development interventions for investors. / Business Management / M. Com. (Business Management)

For many financial analysts the relationship between dividend policy and share price volatility remains inconclusive. The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether the relationship between dividend policy and share price volatility for JSE-listed firms in South Africa differs from previous, similar research done on different markets. The research study answered the research question and determined what the relationship is between dividend policy and share price volatility for a representative sample of JSE-listed firms. In addition, it met the objective of finding and evaluating the relationship between dividend policy and share price volatility for a selection of JSElisted firms, under various economic conditions. The research study spanned a 12- year period with more than 1 065 observations noted. Quantitative, secondary data was collected and descriptive statistics were used during the analysis phase. Two standard multiple regression models were used to regress dividend policy and share price volatility, with the first regression model only providing a crude test between the variables. The second regression model accounted for factors that affect both variables and was included to provide a more accurate test estimation. The relationship between the dividend payout ratio and share price volatility and the relationship between dividend yield and share price volatility were evaluated and reported on, under various different economic conditions (pre, during and post the 2008 financial crisis). The study concluded that there is a negative correlation between a firm’s dividend policy and share price volatility. It further found that a firm’s dividend payout ratio, and not the dividend yield ratio, remains the single biggest contributor in explaining the variance in share price volatility throughout the different economic phases presented by pre, during and post the 2008 global financial crisis. / Finance, Risk Management and Banking / M. Com. (Financial Management)

The objective of this study investigated the successful prediction of business failure of JSE listed companies using financial ratio analysis. During the research, financial statement data of failed and non-failed JSE listed companies during 2007-2012 financial periods were analysed, compared and interpreted. The interpretation of the trends and comparisons is of a quantitative nature, together with a qualitative genre which examines the tables, figures and equations in order to get the entire picture of the company’s performance for a five year period. The combination of literature on various failure predictor models and experience of these models resulted in the development of a modified model. The conclusion from the study indicated that financial ratio analysis successfully predicts failure and non-failure of the 16 companies that were investigated. These companies were grouped into eight delisted (failed) and eight listed (non-failed) JSE companies, which were paired in accordance to industry, fiscal period and closest asset size. The adoption of the traditional ratio analysis methods and EMS model yielded some interesting findings. The traditional ratio analysis methods (trend and comparative ratio analysis) were used with the Emerging Market Score (EMS) Model. The outcomes indicated the traditional methods are viable company failure prediction tools and the EMS model points out companies at a score of 2.60 and above as being financially stable. Between 2.60 and 1.10 the results are not very dependable because it is known that the company is in distress, yet uncertain whether the company has financially failed and below 1.10 the company has failed. It was concluded that a combination of the various prediction models enhances the accuracy of failure prediction. Therefore further research is required to assist stakeholders of South African companies to predict business failure by developing an adjusted model in a South African context. / MCom (Accountancy)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2015

The objective of this study investigated the successful prediction of business failure of JSE listed companies using financial ratio analysis. During the research, financial statement data of failed and non-failed JSE listed companies during 2007-2012 financial periods were analysed, compared and interpreted. The interpretation of the trends and comparisons is of a quantitative nature, together with a qualitative genre which examines the tables, figures and equations in order to get the entire picture of the company’s performance for a five year period. The combination of literature on various failure predictor models and experience of these models resulted in the development of a modified model. The conclusion from the study indicated that financial ratio analysis successfully predicts failure and non-failure of the 16 companies that were investigated. These companies were grouped into eight delisted (failed) and eight listed (non-failed) JSE companies, which were paired in accordance to industry, fiscal period and closest asset size. The adoption of the traditional ratio analysis methods and EMS model yielded some interesting findings. The traditional ratio analysis methods (trend and comparative ratio analysis) were used with the Emerging Market Score (EMS) Model. The outcomes indicated the traditional methods are viable company failure prediction tools and the EMS model points out companies at a score of 2.60 and above as being financially stable. Between 2.60 and 1.10 the results are not very dependable because it is known that the company is in distress, yet uncertain whether the company has financially failed and below 1.10 the company has failed. It was concluded that a combination of the various prediction models enhances the accuracy of failure prediction. Therefore further research is required to assist stakeholders of South African companies to predict business failure by developing an adjusted model in a South African context. / MCom (Accountancy)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2015

This research report examines the cost and benefits of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX) on South African companies who have had to comply due to them or their holding companies being listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as well as voluntary adaptors of the code. This report further seeks to identify best practices implemented by these companies.

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2005. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study explores the feasibility of establishing a diversified hotel property fund (DHPF) on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. To be launched in 2005/2006, the proposed unit trust fund is made up of a diversified portfolio of hotels located throughout South Africa. Research suggests that Hotel Property Funds have traditionally been the most volatile of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) with their share value largely dependent on hotel revenue. However, investing in HPFs and REITs have numerous advantages such as their stipulated 90% dividend-payout ratio, steady stream of cash flow and zero corporate income taxes. The Property Unit Trust sector in South Africa in 2003 realised annualised rates of returns of 39%, and furthermore, the economic outlook and hotel industry sector show promising signs with economic growth rates for 2004 and 2005 reaching 4% and 5% respectively. This study thus considers whether a hotel property fund will succeed in South Africa and what returns investors can expect. By drawing on empirical and primary research and lessons learnt from international best practices this ground-breaking report identifies and analyses key performance variables of HPFs and REITs and applies them to a South African context. These variables include; capital structure, investment strategy, risk and return, Net Asset Value (NA V) and initial public offerings (IPO's). The report establishes that there is no optimal capital structure for REITs and only when the market reacts to the issuance of debt can one tell if the REIT is favourably structured or not. Concerning investment strategy, investors are in general, often lured to a diversified portfolio, however this report suggests that there is no optimal strategy for investing in REITs. In addition, over a medium to long term, REIT performance is strong, while over the short term performance is varied impacting on investor strategy. In assessing risk and return it was concluded that including REIT shares in an already diversified portfolio, the maximum expected return for each given level of risk is increased, and the level of risk for each level of expected return is reduced. Furthennore, the performance of RElTs is not necessarily detennined by size or Net Asset Value and thus small and large REITs can offer investors similar returns. Finally, initial-day returns for industry lnitial Public Offerings (lPO's) easily outperfonn REIT lPO's. Similarly to RElTs, there are numerous advantages to Hotel REITs which include, unlocking and redeployment of capital, investment spread and risk reduction and the provision of synergies between counter cyclical performing properties. However, empirical research indicates that Hotel REITs prove to be the most volatile of REIT sectors. Hotel REITs differ enonnously from their parent group in terms of their revenue & earnings which are more diverse in source and are generated from short-tenn leases. As such. Hotel REITs are also considered to be more management intensive. As with REITs there is no evidence to suggest an optimal capital structure and with the envisaged 50% debt ratio, the DHPF could be considered to be following international best practices. Several drawbacks with Hotel REITs include the lowest dividend yield among all RElT sectors, high volatility in income earnings, sensitivity to upswings and downturns in the tourism market, large capital investments and fixed operating expenses for staff and infrastructure. However despite these obstacles and in answer to the research problem, the prospects of the DHPF succeeding in South Africa are very high indeed. The REIT and Hotel REIT markets have proved successful throughout major capital markets, providing investors with a multitude of benefits. South Africa's economic and tourism climate is very favourable. The Property Unit Trust (PUT) sector has performed immensely well and investors can expect a healthy return which, as shown, is considerably higher than other investments. Finally, the fund is being spearheaded by a high calibre DHPF management team, which is key to the listing and management of the fund. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie ondersoek die moontlikheid om 'n Diverse Hotel Eiendomsfonds (DHEF) op die Johannesburgse Aandelebeurs te loods. Die huidige aanvangsfase sal in 2005/2006 wees, en sal bestaan uit 'n portfolio van verskillende hotelle wat reg oor Suid-Afrika versprei is. Die navorsing toon dat hoteleiendomsfondse tradisioneel die mees veranderlikste van die Eiendoms Beleggings Trusts (EBT) was en dat die aandeel waarde hoogs afhanklik is van die hotel se inkomste. Nieteenstaande, het investering in DHEFs en EBTs 'n verskeidenheid van voordele soos die voorgeskrewe 90% dividend uitbetalingspersentasie, 'n bestendige kontantvloei en geen korporatiewe inkomstebelasting nie. Die eiendomsbeleggingsfondse sektor in Suid-Afrika het gedurende 2003 'n jaarlikse groei van 39% getoon, en verder beloof die ekonomiese uitkyk in die hotel bedryf om tussen 4% en 5% gedurende 2004 en 2005 onderskeidelik te groei. Gegewe die inligting, is die vraag dus of 'n hoteleiendomsfonds sukses kan behaal in Suid-Afrika en watter opbrengs beleggers kan verwag. Deur na primere empiriese navorsing, sowel as lesse wat geleer is deur beste internasionale praktyke, te bestudeer, identifiseer hierdie verslag sleutel prestasie veranderlikes van EBTs en DHEFs plaas dit in konteks van Suid-Afrika. Hierdie veranderlikes sluit in: kapitaaistruktuur, beleggingsstrategie, risiko en terugkeer, Bruto Bate Waarde (Net Assest Value) (BBW) sowel as aanvanklike openbare aanbod (Initial Public Offering) (AOA). Daar is bevind dat daar geen optimale kapitaalstruktuur vir DHEFs bereken kan word nie. Verder word aangetoon dat daar slegs bepaal kan word of EBTs se struktuur voordelig is wanneer die mark reageer op nuwe skuld wat aangegaan is. Wat beleggingsstrategie betref, is beleggers oor die algemeen meer aangetrokke tot 'n diverse portefeulje van beleggings. Hierdie verslag bevind egter dat daar geen optimale strategie is om in EBTs te bele nie. Daar word verder bevind dat medium- tot langtermyn opbrengste goed vertoon, terwyl prestasie oor die korttermyn wisselvallig is wat gevolglik 'n invloed op beleggers se strategie het. In waardering van risiko en wins, is dit bepaal dat die insluiting van EBT aandele in 'n diverse portfeulje, die maksimum verwagte opbrengs vir elke vlak van risiko verhoog en dat die vlak van fisiko vir elke vlak van die verwagte opbrengs verlaag word. Verder is daar bevind dat die prestasie van EBTs nie noodwendig bepaal word deur batewaarde of -groote nie en klein EBTs kan beleggers vergelykende opbrengste bied. Eerstedag opbrengs vir industriele AOAs presteer beter as die van EBTs. Soortgelyk aan EBTs is daar verskeie voordele aan hotel EBTs wat die ontsluiting en herontplooiing van kapitaal, beleggingsverspreiding en risikoverlaging insluit. Empiriese navorsing dui aan dat hotel EBT's die mees onstabiele van die EBT sektor is. Hotel EBT's verskil wesenlik van ander EBTs in terme van opbrengs en verdienste wat meer divers is in oorsprong en gegenereer word deur korttermyn huurkontrakte. Hotel EBTs word ook gesien as meer bestuursintensief. Net soos met EBTs is daar geen bewyse dat daar 'n optimale kapitaalstruktuur bestaan nie en met die verwagte 50% skuld verhouding, volg DHEF wereldwye beste praktyk. Daar is verskeie nadele aan hotel EBTs, insluitend die laagste dividenduitkeer onder alle EBT sektore, hoe vlakke van onstabiliteit in verdienste, sensitiwiteit vir opswaai en afloop in die toerismemark, groot kapitaalbelegging en hoe vaste operasionele uitgawes op werknemers en infrastruktuur. Die gevolgtrekking is dat ten spyte van negatiewe faktore, die vooruitsig dat DHEF in Suid-Afrika sal slaag, hoog is. Die EBT en hotel EBT mark het bewys dat dit suksesvol is in talle ander groot kapitaalmarkte wat beleggers met 'n verskeidenheid van voordele kan voorsien. Suid-Afrika se ekonomiese- en toerismevooruitsig is baie positief. Die Eiendoms Eenheids Fonds (EEF) sektor het goed vertoon en beleggers kan 'n gesonde opbrengs verwag wat, soos aangedui word, aansienlik hoer is as ander beleggings. Die fonds word gedryf deur 'n hoe kaliber bestuurspan wat krities is tot die notering en die bestuur van fondse.

Study project (MBA)--University of Stellenbosch, 2003. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The objective of this study is to verify the cumulative factors developed by the Graduate School of Business of the University of Stellenbosch when calculating prices per share (price) over the period 1970 to 2000, earnings per share (EPS), cash flows per share (CFS) and net asset values per share(NA V). All four are done in a time series format. This study project forms part ofa larger research project of the Graduate School of Business ofthe University of Stellenbosch (USB). The data was extracted from the database of the USB and also from companies' financial annual reports and/or directors' reports of the annual financial statements of each company included in the research for the specified periods. The aim of this study is to compare the calculated implicit cumulative factors used in practice with the specific cumulative factor calculated/used by the USB. The !NET prices were compared with the prices of the USB (after using the USB specific cumulative factors). The study also compares the NAV published by companies with the NAV obtained by the USB by dividing equity/weighted average number of shares duly adjusted by the cumulative factor. Companies with minor and major differences were observed but for the purpose of this study only the examples of companies with major differences have been indicated and properly documented. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van hierdie studie is om die kumulatiewe faktore wat deur die Nagraadse Bestuurskool van die Universiteit van Stellenbosch ontwikkel is, te verifieer, wanneer pryse per aandeel (prys) oor tydperk 1970 tot 2000, verdienste per aandeel, kontantvloei per aandeel en netto batewaardes per aandeel bereken word. Al vier word in 'n tydreeksformaat gedoen. Hierdie studieprojek vorm deel van 'n groter navorsingsprojek van die Nagraadse Bestuurskool van die Universiteit van Stellenbosch (USB). Die data is van die USB databasis verkry, asook van maatskappye se finansiële jaarverslae en/of direkteure se verslae van die jaarlikse finansiële state van elke maatskappy wat in die navorsing vir die spesifieke tydperke ingesluit is. Die doelwit van hierdie studie is om die berekende implisiete kumulatiewe faktore wat in die praktyk gebruik word met die spesifieke kumulatiewe faktore wat deur die USB bereken/gebruik word, te vergelyk. Die !NET pryse is met die pryse van die USB (nadat die USB spesifieke kumulatiewe faktore gebruik is) vergelyk. Die studie vergelyk ook die netto batewaardes per aandeel wat deur die maatskappye gepubliseer is met die netto batewaardes per aandeel wat deur die USB verkry is, deur die aandeelhouersbelang/geweegde gemiddelde aantal aandele wat behoorlik aangepas is, met die kumulatiewe faktore te deel. Maatskappye met groter of kleiner verskille is waargeneem, maar vir die doel van hierdie studie is slegs die voorbeelde van maatskappye met groter verskille aangedui en behoorlik voorsien.

Thesis (MComm)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis examines the effect of liquidity on excess stock returns on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) over the period 2003 to 2011. It builds on the findings of previous studies that found size, value and momentum effects to be significant in explaining market anomalies by adding a further explanatory factor, namely liquidity. A standard CAPM, as well as a momentum-augmented Fama-French (1993: 3) model are employed to perform regression analyses to examine the effect of the four variables on excess stock returns. Results suggested that the log of the stock‘s market value best captured the size effect, the earnings yield best captured the value effect and the previous three month‘s returns best captured the momentum effect. Five liquidity proxies are used: the bid-ask spread first proposed by Amihud (1986: 223), turnover, the price impact measure of Amihud (2002: 31) and two zero return measures proposed by Lesmond et al. (1999: 1113). Despite prior studies having found liquidity to be an influential factor, this thesis found the opposite to be true. This finding remains robust, irrespective of the type of liquidity measure used. While size, value and momentum are found to be significant to a certain extent in explaining excess stock returns over the period, liquidity is not found to be significant. This is a surprising result, given that the JSE is seen as an emerging market, which is generally regarded as illiquid. This fact is exacerbated by the fact that the JSE is a highly concentrated and therefore skewed market that is dominated by only a handful of shares. Hence liquidity is expected to be of utmost importance. The result that liquidity is however not a priced factor on this market is therefore an important finding that requires further analysis to determine why this is the case. In addition, significant non-zero intercepts remained, indicating continued missing risk factors. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: In hierdie tesis word die effek van likiditeit op oormaat aandeel-opbrengste op die Johannesburg Effektebeurs (JEB) ondersoek gedurende die periode 2003 tot 2011. Dit bou voort op die bevindinge van vorige studies wat toon dat grootte, waarde en momentum beduidend is in die verklaring van mark onreëlmatighede deur 'n addisionele verklarende faktor, likiditeit, toe te voeg. 'n Standaard kapitaalbateprysingsmodel (KBPM) sowel as 'n momentum-aangepaste Fama-French (1993: 3) model word gebruik om deur middel van regressie analise die effek van die vier veranderlikes op oormaat aandeel-opbrengste te ondersoek. Die resultate toon dat die grootte effek die beste verteenwoordig word deur die logaritme van die aandeel se mark kapitalisasie, die verdienste-opbrengs verteenwoordig die waarde effek en die vorige drie-maande opbrengskoerse verteenwoordig die momentum effek die beste. Vyf likiditeitsveranderlikes is gebruik: bod-en-aanbod spreiding voorgestel deur Amihud (1986: 223), omset, die prys-impak maatstaf van Amihud (2002: 31) en twee nul-opbrengskoers maatstawwe voorgestel deur Lesmond et al. (1999: 1113). Afgesien van die feit dat vorige studies die effek van likiditeit beduidend vind, word die teenoorgestelde in hierdie tesis gevind. Hierdie bevinding bly robuus, ongeag van die likiditeitsveranderlike wat gebruik word. Terwyl bevind is dat grootte, waarde en momentum beduidend is tot 'n sekere mate in die verklaring van oormaat aandeel-opbrengste tydens die periode, is geen aanduiding dat likiditeit 'n addisionele beduidende verklarende faktor is gevind nie. Hierdie bevinding is onverwags, aangesien die JEB beskou word as 'n ontluikende mark, wat normaalweg illikied is. Hierdie feit word vererger deur dat die JEB hoogs gekonsentreerd is en dus 'n skewe mark is wat oorheers word deur slegs 'n hand vol aandele. Dus word verwag dat likiditeit 'n baie belangrike faktor behoort te wees. Die bevinding dat likiditeit nie 'n prysingsfaktor op hierdie mark is nie, is dus 'n belangrike bevinding en vereis verdere analise om vas te stel waarom dit die geval is. Addisioneel word beduidende nie-nul afsnitte verkry, wat aandui dat daar steeds risiko faktore is wat nog nie geïdentifiseer is nie.

Thesis (MBA (Business Management))--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Prior to 30 June 1999 companies in South Africa were not allowed to buy back their own shares. Amendments to the Companies Act, the Companies Amendment Act (Act 37 of 1999) radically changed the philosophy around capital maintenance. The result of this amendment is that a company is allowed to buy back its own shares and finance the backbuying of its shares under certain circumstances. A sample of 140 companies listed on the Johannesburg Securities Exchange for the period 2000 to 2005 was selected. The backbuying of shares by the relevant company, subsidiary and trust was analysed for the period 2000 to 2005. For the purposes of this empirical study, the financial sector, as well as the alternative exchange, that is focussed on good quality small and medium-sized high growth companies, were excluded during sample selection. The outcome of this exploratory study is the identification of the fact that a share buyback took place or not in Tables 4.1 and 4.2; a summary of the number of shares bought back in Table 4.3; and, in Table 4.4, a summary of the number of shares bought back, expressed as a percentage of the weighted average number of shares in issue. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Maatskappye in Suid-Afrika was voor 30 Junie 1999 deur die Maatskappywet verbied om hul eie aandele terug te koop. Wysigings aan die Maatskappywet, naamlik die Wysigingswet op Maatskappye (wet 37 van 1999) het ’n radikale verandering bewerkstellig in die filosofie rakende kapitaalinstandhouding. Die gevolg van dié wysigingswetgewing is dat maatskappye sedert 30 Junie 1999 hul eie aandele kan terugkoop en in sekere omstandighede die aankoop van hul eie aandele finansier. ’n Steekproef van 140 genoteerde maatskappye op die Johannesburgse Aandelebeurs is geselekteer vir die tydperk 2000 tot 2005. Die terugkooptransaksies van aandele deur die betrokke maatskappy, filiaal en trust is opgesom vir die tydperk 2000 tot 2005. Hierdie empiriese ondersoek het die finansiële sektor, asook die alternatiewe beurs van die Johannesburgse Aandelebeurs, wat fokus op goeie kwaliteit klein en mediumgrootte maatskappye met groot groeipotensiaal, tydens die steekproefseleksie uitgesluit. Die resultate van hierdie empiriese ondersoek is die identifisering en opsomming van die terugkooptransaksies van aandele vir die steekproef in Tabelle 4.1 en 4.2; ’n opsomming in Tabel 4.3 van die getal aandele teruggekoop; en ’n opsomming in Tabel 4.4 van die getal aandele teruggekoop, uitgedruk as ’n persentasie van die gemiddelde getal uitgereikte aandele.

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2000. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The aim of the study is to establish a fault bank that highlights the differences between the published Value Added Statement of various companies and a standardised Value Added Statement. This standardised Value Added Statement is obtained from an already existing database. In the attached Appendices, full details of the analysis done between the standardised Value Added Statement and the published Value Added Statement are presented. This report highlights the differences of the Value Added Statement between various sectors of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the various years of reporting, and the various companies. No Standard Accounting Practice exists for the preparation of Value Added Statements resulting in variations on the theme. Material differences exist between the various sectors, companies in a sector compared with other companies in the same sector, and there are even differences in companies reporting from one year to the next. In addition, it is also clear that in the reporting of the Value Added Statement, companies do not show any sign of improvement over the years. From this it is clear that there are significant shortcomings in the preparation of the Value Added Statement. There is a serious need for an Accounting Standard to be set in the reporting of the Value Added Statement, and companies should be obligated to comply herewith if the Value Added Statement is to be used as a meaningful criterion. It is important to ensure meaningful comparisons between various sectors, various years of analysis, and even various companies in different sectors of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van die verslag is die opstel van 'n foutbank wat verskille uitwys van verskeie maatskappye se gepubliseerde Toegevoegedewaardestaat en 'n gestandardiseerde Toegevoegdewaardestaat. Hierdie gestandardiseerde Toegevoegdewaardestaat is verkry uit 'n alreeds bestaande databasis. Die vergelykings is opgesom in die aangehegte bylaes. Die verslag wys verskille uit tussen verskillende sektore op die Johannesburgse Effektebeurs, jare van rapportering en verskillende maatskappye. Daar is geen Standaard Rekeningkundige voorskrifte nie - gevolglik is daar heelwat variasie op die tema. Verskillende sektore verskil wesenlik van mekaar, maatskappye in 'n sektor verskil wesenlik van ander maatskappye in dieselfde sektor en daar is selfs verskille in hoe maatskappye van jaar tot jaar gerapporteer het. Dit is ook duidelik soos die jare verloop dat maatskappye se verslagdoening geen verbetering toon nie. Die afleiding is dat daar tekortkominge is in die voorbereiding van die Toegevoegdewaardestaat. 'n Rekeningkundige Standaard sal daargestel moet word en maatskappye sal verplig moet word om hieraan te voldoen as die Toegevoegdewaardestaat gebruik wil word as 'n betekenisvolle maatstaf. Dit is uiters belangrik om te verseker dat betekenisvolle vergelyking getref sal kan word oor verskeie jare, tussen verskeie sektore en selfs tussen verskeie maatskappye in verskeie sektore op die Johannesburgse Effektebeurs.