Regarding stock trading, there are two main approaches that investors can take: fundamental analysis and technical analysis. Fundamental analysis focuses on analysing a company’s financials to make informed investment decisions, while technical analysis uses historical price data to identify trends and predict future price movements. You can learn more about them on this site.
Both fundamental and technical analysis have strengths and weaknesses, and the best approach for any given investor will depend on their trading style and goals. However, one thing is certain: if you want to be successful at stock trading, you need to do your research.
By taking the time to understand a company’s financials, you can get a better sense of its actual value and make more informed investment decisions. Similarly, by studying price data, you can identify patterns that can give you an edge in the market.
Look at a company’s financial statements
The first step in conducting a fundamental analysis is to look at a company’s financial statements. It includes the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement. By looking at these documents, you can better understand a company’s overall financial health.
For example, the balance sheet will give information about a company’s assets and liabilities. It can help assess a company’s solvency and ability to meet its financial obligations. On the other hand, the income statement will show you how much revenue a company is generating and what its expenses are. It can give you an idea of a company’s profitability and long-term sustainability.
Analyse a company’s financial ratios
Once you’ve examined a company’s financial statements, the next step is to analyse its financial ratios. Financial ratios are mathematical expressions traders can use to compare different aspects of a company’s financial health.
There are several financial ratios that traders can use for this purpose. Still, some of the most important ones include the price-to-earnings ratio, the debt-to-equity ratio, and the return on equity ratio. By analysing these ratios, you can better understand a company’s value, level of risk, and overall efficiency.
Read company filings
Another vital part of fundamental analysis is reading company filings. These include the annual report, the 10-K, and the 8-K.
Company filings contain a wealth of information about a company, including its business model, competitive landscape, and financial performance. By reading these documents, you can get a better understanding of how a company operates and what its prospects are for the future.
Attend investor presentations
Another way to get valuable information about a company is to attend investor presentations. Public companies typically hold these events to give investors an update on the business.
At an investor presentation, you’ll usually hear from the CEO and other senior executives. They’ll discuss the company’s strategy, financial performance, and other essential topics. It is a great way to get first-hand information about a company and its plans for the future.
Meet with management
If you’re serious about conducting fundamental analysis, you should try meeting with management. It can be challenging if you’re not an institutional investor, but it’s definitely worth the effort.
When you meet with management, you’ll have the opportunity to ask them questions about the business and get their insights on the company’s prospects. It is a great way to get a complete picture of a company and its potential.
Analyse the competition
In addition to looking at a company’s financials, another essential part of fundamental analysis is analysing the competition. After all, a company’s stock price is not just affected by its performance but also by the performance of its competitors.
By looking at the financials of a company’s competitors, you can get a better sense of the industry as a whole and how each company stacks up. This information can help make investment decisions.
Consider macroeconomic factors
When conducting fundamental analysis, it’s also vital to consider macroeconomic factors. These are broad economic trends that can have an impact on a company’s business.
For example, if interest rates are rising, that could adversely affect a company with a lot of debt. Conversely, if the economy is growing, that could be positive for companies reliant on consumer spending.
By considering macroeconomic factors, you can get a better sense of the overall environment in which a company operates and how that might impact its business.