Peek into stocks’ secrets by blending numbers in quantitative analysis and stories with qualitative analysis for better investment decisions!
Let us ask you, ‘How does a fundamentally strong company sound to you?’
You might think that a strong company is the one making lots of money, right? More sales, bigger profits, increasing margins and so on. Well, this is true, but there is something that you are missing, and that often gets overlooked.
But today, we will look at that side of analysing a company which people don’t talk about as much. So, what are we talking about? Well, we are talking about the magic of qualitative and quantitative analysis of a stock.
Even though the terms sound fancy, the concept is basic and easy to understand. So, let’s break it down.
What is Quantitative Analysis?
Quantitative analysis is like assessing a company’s report card. It aims to shed light on whether the company is a wise investment considering its current market price. Here, the focus is on numbers and data, which combine to reveal the company’s financial health.
So, you will look at how much money the company is making, how much they are spending, and how their profits are growing over time.
How to Examine a Stock Using Quantitative Analysis?
Examining a stock using quantitative analysis involves a step-by-step process of crunching numbers and interpreting financial data. Here is how you can analyse a stock using quantitative analysis.
1. Gather Financial Information of the Company
Start by compiling the company’s financial records, which include the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement. These documents hold valuable information about how well the company is doing financially. So, while analysing, focus on companies with growing revenues that comfortably exceed their expenses. Ensure that the majority of revenues come from stable ‘core’ sources.
Then check for financial reports, which include balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow data. Understanding these reports thoroughly can help distinguish between risky and confident investment choices. Look for sustained high earnings, as they indicate a successful business. Consistency in earnings is a vital indicator which drives stock price.
2. Calculate Financial Ratios
Use the financial statements data or the screener to calculate or analyse essential ratios that reveal crucial aspects of the company’s financial health.
Price-to-Earnings (PE) Ratio: It compares the stock’s price to its earnings per share (EPS). A low PE ratio indicates an undervalued stock.
Price-to-Book (PB) Ratio: Divide the stock’s market price by its book value per share. This ratio helps you assess the stock’s value relative to its assets.
Debt-to-Equity Ratio: It determines the company’s debt level compared to its equity. A high ratio might suggest higher financial risk.
Return on Equity (ROE): Calculate the company’s net income as a percentage of its shareholders’ equity. ROE reflects the company’s efficiency in generating profits from shareholder investments.
3. Analyse Historical Trends
Compare these ratios with the company’s historical data, industry benchmarks, and peers. Look for consistent trends. This can provide insights into the company’s stability and growth potential.
4. Dividends and Earnings Growth
Look at the company’s dividend history and earnings growth over time. Consistent dividends and steady earnings growth can indicate a strong company.
Remember, quantitative analysis provides a data-driven snapshot of a company’s financial health. Still, it is just one part of the picture which people analyse and decide whether to invest in the company.
What is Qualitative Analysis?
Qualitative analysis is like looking beyond the numbers and diving into the heart of a company’s story. So, instead of focusing on profits and ratios, you will explore the company’s personality, leaders, and reputation among its peers.
While doing qualitative analysis, you must ask questions like: Does the company have strong and trustworthy management? What makes their products or services stand out? Are they ahead of the game in their industry? This approach helps you understand if a company has a competitive advantage, a unique secret recipe for its products, or a loyal customer base.
So, while quantitative analysis digs into the numbers, qualitative analysis peels back the layers to reveal the company’s strengths, weaknesses, and potential for growth.
How to Examine a Stock Using Qualitative Analysis?
1. Assess Management Quality
Investigate the company’s leadership team. This includes everyone from the CEOs to board members – their expertise shapes a company’s destiny. Hence, evaluating each is crucial based on education, management style, and adaptability.
Yet, these insights are not always correct. Several CEOs have created multinational companies even after dropping out of university.
Secondly, check how the company’s management has handled past problems and challenges because if a company has effective and experienced management, it can greatly influence its success.
2. Analyse Business Strategy
Examine the company’s business strategy and its alignment with current market conditions. A transparent and well-defined strategy showcases a company’s intent and signifies its ability to adapt to changing market dynamics. For this, you can listen to the management’s commentary.
3. Evaluate Brand Strength and Reputation
Evaluating how customers see the company’s brand is crucial. A powerful and reliable brand can build strong customer loyalty, meaning people stick with the company’s products or services. This trust can pave the way for steady growth in the long run.
4. Assess Research and Development (R&D) Efforts
Explore the company’s investment in research and development. Innovation and continuous improvement can be indicators of long-term growth potential.
To conclude, the qualitative analysis provides a holistic view of a company’s potential beyond just the financial numbers. Combining qualitative insights with quantitative data can help you make a well-rounded investment decision.
*The article is for information purposes only. This is not an investment advice.
*Disclaimer: https://tejimandi.com/disclaimer
