Understanding Company Performance Through Practical Comparison
Learning how to assess financial data isn't about memorizing formulas. It's about developing judgment through repeated exposure to real company scenarios. Our autumn 2025 program walks you through structured analysis of actual businesses operating in Australian markets.
How We Approach Company Analysis
Most people struggle with financial statements because they try to learn everything at once. We break it down into smaller, connected pieces that actually stick.
Side-by-Side Context
You'll look at two similar companies from the same sector—maybe retail or manufacturing—and spot the differences in how they manage inventory, debt, or revenue growth. Comparison makes patterns obvious.
Following Changes Over Time
Numbers from one quarter don't tell you much. We track metrics across several reporting periods so you can see whether a company's improving, declining, or just bouncing around their usual range.
Industry Benchmarks
A 15% profit margin might be excellent for a grocery chain but worrying for a software company. You'll learn what numbers actually mean within specific industries rather than applying generic rules.
What You'll Actually Be Able to Do
After working through our materials, you won't just understand terminology—you'll have practical skills for evaluating real businesses. This matters if you're considering investment decisions, career moves into financial analysis, or just want to understand what's happening at your own company.
- Read balance sheets and income statements without getting lost in the jargon
- Identify warning signs like deteriorating cash flow or unsustainable debt levels
- Compare competitors using the same metrics professional analysts rely on
- Understand how different business models show up in financial statements
We start enrolling for our September 2025 intake in late April. The program runs for seven months with flexible scheduling that works around full-time employment.
See Full CurriculumProgram Timeline and Focus Areas
The content builds progressively. Each phase assumes you've absorbed the previous material, so the sequence matters. You'll spend about eight hours per week on readings, practice exercises, and reviewing real company filings.
Financial Statement Fundamentals
Starting from scratch with how companies record transactions and build up to understanding complete financial statements. Heavy focus on actually reading annual reports rather than just theoretical explanations.
- Balance sheet structure
- Income statement components
- Cash flow mechanics
- Common adjustments
Ratio Analysis and Metrics
Moving beyond raw numbers to calculated metrics that reveal efficiency, profitability, and financial health. You'll calculate dozens of ratios yourself using real company data to build intuition.
- Liquidity measurements
- Profitability indicators
- Leverage ratios
- Efficiency metrics
Comparative Analysis Projects
Working through structured comparisons of competing companies. You'll identify which businesses are gaining market share, managing costs better, or facing structural challenges based entirely on their reported numbers.
- Peer group selection
- Trend analysis
- Competitive positioning
- Red flag identification
Final Assessment Period
Independent analysis of two companies you select yourself. You'll produce a detailed comparison report demonstrating your ability to extract insights from financial data without guided instructions.
- Research methodology
- Report structure
- Presentation skills
- Professional documentation