Fundamental Analysis Course Outline

Course Objectives:

  • Understand the principles of fundamental analysis.
  • Learn to evaluate financial statements.
  • Develop skills to analyze economic indicators and industry trends.
  • Gain proficiency in assessing a company’s intrinsic value.
  • Understand the impact of macroeconomic factors on stock prices.
  • Learn to make informed investment decisions based on fundamental analysis.

Course Schedule:

Month 1: Introduction to Fundamental Analysis and Financial Statements

Class 1: Introduction to Fundamental Analysis

  • Definition and importance of fundamental analysis
  • Difference between fundamental and technical analysis
  • Overview of the course

Class 2: Understanding Financial Statements I

  • Introduction to financial statements
  • The balance sheet: assets, liabilities, and equity
  • How to read and interpret a balance sheet

Class 3: Understanding Financial Statements II

  • The income statement: revenues, expenses, and profits
  • How to read and interpret an income statement
  • Key financial ratios derived from the income statement

Class 4: Understanding Financial Statements III

  • The cash flow statement: operating, investing, and financing activities
  • How to read and interpret a cash flow statement
  • Importance of cash flow in assessing a company’s health

Month 2: Financial Ratios and Industry Analysis

Class 5: Financial Ratios I

  • Liquidity ratios: current ratio, quick ratio, etc.
  • Profitability ratios: gross margin, operating margin, net margin, etc.
  • How to calculate and interpret these ratios

Class 6: Financial Ratios II

  • Leverage ratios: debt-to-equity, interest coverage, etc.
  • Efficiency ratios: asset turnover, inventory turnover, etc.
  • Market value ratios: P/E ratio, P/B ratio, etc.
  • How to calculate and interpret these ratios

Class 7: Industry Analysis I

  • Understanding industry dynamics
  • Porter’s Five Forces analysis
  • Analyzing industry trends and competitive landscape

Class 8: Industry Analysis II

  • SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats)
  • Evaluating industry growth prospects
  • Identifying key industry drivers and challenges

Month 3: Valuation Methods, Macroeconomic Factors, and Investment Decisions

Class 9: Valuation Methods I

  • Intrinsic value vs. market value
  • Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) analysis: concepts and calculations
  • Using DCF to estimate a company’s intrinsic value

Class 10: Valuation Methods II

  • Relative valuation methods: comparables analysis
  • Valuation multiples: EV/EBITDA, P/E, P/B, etc.
  • How to use multiples for valuation

Class 11: Macroeconomic Factors and Their Impact on Stock Prices

  • Key economic indicators: GDP, inflation, interest rates, etc.
  • Impact of monetary and fiscal policy on markets
  • Understanding the global economic environment

Class 12: Making Investment Decisions Based on Fundamental Analysis

  • Integrating financial and industry analysis
  • Case studies: Analyzing real companies
  • Developing and presenting investment theses