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Overview

Recommended Prep Courses

These preparatory courses are optional, but we recommend you to complete the stated prep course(s) or possess the equivalent knowledge prior to enrolling in this course:
  1. Accounting Fundamentals
  2. Reading Financial Statements
  3. Excel Crash Course

Financial Analysis Course Overview

This four-module financial analysis course demonstrates how you can perform a comprehensive financial analysis of any organization using a variety of ratios derived from its financial statements. This program provides the skills and training necessary to be a complete financial analyst. Financial analysis course analyst screenshot

Vertical and Horizontal Income Statement Analysis

In this module of this financial analyst course, we work through the various components of the income statement and explain how to analyze it. Using real-life case studies, you will learn how to perform robust vertical and horizontal income statement analyses using various performance ratios. You will also learn how to benchmark income statement performance against an appropriate peer group. By the end of this module, you will be able to undertake a comprehensive financial analysis of any income statement.
  • Review the various components of the income statement
  • Conduct a comprehensive vertical and horizontal analysis of the income statement
  • Benchmark income statement performance against an appropriate peer group
vertical financial analysis ratios

Balance sheet and leverage ratio analysis

In this second module, you will analyze the balance sheet to determine the operational efficiency of a company. Key ratios taken from the balance sheet and their implications on a company’s cash flow are thoroughly explained in this segment. Illustrated using a technology firm and a retail firm, we will show you how to conduct a comprehensive analysis using efficiency ratios to determine how well a company is generating revenue. Exercises are provided to help apply proper benchmarking techniques and determine how a company is performing compared to its 5-year history and the industry as a whole. By the end of this course, you will be able to examine the overall financial condition and performance of a company more effectively using the ratios and research methods demonstrated in this module.
  • Breakdown and define each component of the balance sheet
  • Explain overall efficiency ratios: Total asset turnover and net asset turnover ratio
  • Explain working capital efficiency ratios: inventory efficiency, accounts receivable efficiency, and accounts payable efficiency ratios
  • Determine how to reduce the working capital funding gap to improve operational efficiencies
  • Undertake trend analysis to determine the overall financial performance of a company and forecast future performance.
ratio analysis course free

Cash flow statement and ratio analysis

In this third module of this financial analyst course, you will analyze the cash flow statement to better understand the inflows and outflows of cash throughout the year. Additionally, using different financial ratios taken from the balance sheet, we will help you assess the solvency and leverage of a business. Finally, we will examine different funding options for an organization looking to both operate efficiently and grow. The cash flow statement and the different components that make it up will be explained thoroughly to help you assess the financial situation of an organization. Using examples drawn from a technology and retail company, you will understand how different ratios can be used to properly assess the operation of an organization from a cash management standpoint. By the end of this course, you will be able to analyze how management is raising and using funds by reviewing the cash flow statement of the business. More importantly, you will understand how debt and equity interact with leverage and how different leverage levels can affect a company.
  • Breakdown and understand each component of the cash flow statement
  • Understand different types of debt financing tools (e.g., bonds, syndicated loans, and leasing), equity (e.g., common shares and preferred shares), and leverage ratios (e.g., debt to tangible net worth and total assets to equity)
  • Use real-life cash flow statements to assess the operations of a company
cash flow analysis course

Rates of return and profitability analysis

In the last module of this financial analyst course, you will combine everything you learned in previous modules to unlock the drivers of financial performance. This module guides you through the pyramid of ratios. You can use the pyramid to uncover the profitability, efficiency, and leverage drivers for any organization. By the end of this course, you will understand how to effectively use the pyramid of ratios to analyze any organization. This module includes a hands-on case study and an Excel spreadsheet template that can be used to generate individual ratios and a pyramid of ratios from any set of financial statements.
  • Unlock the drivers of the return on equity ratio
  • Analyze the profitability, efficiency, and leverage ratios that make up the pyramid of ratios
  • Understand the links between the pyramid’s primary, secondary, and tertiary ratios
  • Construct a pyramid of ratios using a set of published financial statements and perform a complete financial analysis.
  • Return on Equity (ROE) and Dupont analysis
pyramid of ratios analysis from course

Who should take this financial analysis course?

This financial analysis course is perfect for any aspiring financial analyst working in investment banking, financial planning and analysis (FP&A), equity research, corporate development, and other areas of finance and accounting. This class counts as continuing professional education (CPE) credits for CPAs. For further CPE information, please read before purchasing: https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/about/cpe-information/

Financial Analysis Fundamentals

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Level 3

Approx 6.5h to complete

100% online and self-paced

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What you'll learn

Lesson
Multimedia
Exams
Files
Qualified Assessment

This Course is Part of the Following Programs

Why stop here? Expand your skills and show your expertise with the professional certifications, specializations, and CPE credits you’re already on your way to earning.

Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA)® Certification
Financial Analysis Fundamentals is part of the Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA)® certification, which includes 40 courses.
  • Skills Learned Financial modeling and valuation, sensitivity analysis, strategy
  • Career Prep Investment banking and equity research, FP&A, corporate development

What our students say

Financial Fundamentals Analysis
It was a lot of information and well done!

Benson Yoder

Very helpful to serious learners who are already working adults
CFI is one of the rare places where I can get to learn the knowledge required in the working environment, and probably the only one that offers this kind of program on-demand.

Loh Ting Cheong Andrew

Great Experience
Comprehensive view of the fundamentals of financial analysis

Nick Chandler

Mohamed Marzouk

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Frequently asked questions

What are the requirements to take the courses?
All of our certification programs are open to students and professionals in various industries and levels of experience. Our curriculum is designed to teach what you need to know from basic fundamentals to advanced practical case studies. To take the courses and complete the exercises, students will only need access to a PC and/or Mac, Microsoft Suite (2016 or newer), and a stable internet connection. Click here to view the Technical Requirements
Can I download the Excel files and financial modeling templates for the course?
Absolutely! All the files and templates needed in a course are available for download. Just look for a module that shows Downloadable Files within the course dashboard. See here for a visual guide on how to do this.
How long do I have to complete the courses?
You will have yearly access to the courses as long as you maintain an active subscription. All the courses are self-paced as well so you can take your time in learning without worrying about any deadlines. Click here to compare our available enrollment options.
Are CFI courses officially accredited?
Yes, CFI is accredited by the Better Business Bureau® (BBB) to maintain training standards, the CPA Institutions in Canada, and the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) in the USA. Most of our courses qualify for verified CPE credits for CPA charter holders. Please refer to this page to view all available CPE credits.
Are there any additional fees or costs?
None! The bundle price includes everything and there are no additional fees or charges to earn your digital certification. You can see our enrollment fees listed here.
What currency are your courses priced in?
All our online courses are priced in USD. As this is a recurring payment, we accept all major credit and debit cards including Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.
How do I earn my certificates?
Students must complete all the video lessons, quizzes, and final assessments in each course. You can retake the assessments as many times as necessary until you reach an 80% passing grade. For more information on how to earn a course certificate, click HERE.
How are the exams conducted?
Students are required to complete an online assessment (Multiple choice questions, Fill-in-the-Blanks, and Excel Questions) at the end of each course. You can take the exams on your own schedule and will need to earn at least 80% to pass the course and earn your certificate of course completion. Please note that course exams can be repeated as many times as you need. Students are also required to complete the FMVA® final exam to earn their certification. How to Take a Qualified Assessment
Can I email the instructor if I have questions?
While the courses are designed mainly for self-study, we are happy to provide email assistance for general or technical support inquiries. The Full Immersion bundles include a premium email support function that allows you to communicate directly with in-house experts regarding course content. This is one of the key features that sets the Full Immersion bundle apart and makes it a worthwhile upgrade over the more affordable self-study bundle. You can compare more features in our bundles here.
Will these courses help me advance my career?
Based on hundreds of reviews from thousands of students we know how CFI courses have helped so many people advance their finance careers. Our courses are designed to be extremely practical and simulate the experience of being trained as a professional financial analyst…the ultimate way to advance your career. For real-world examples and to help delve even deeper into the course concepts, please look into our free career resources library.
More Questions?
You can view more detailed information through our Help Center or Email us and we'll be happy to answer any of your questions
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