Course Details

Financial Statement Analysis

EC0106

Course
Financial Statement Analysis
Code
EC0106
Academic Year
2024/2025
Curriculum Year
2022/2023
Degree Programme
BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT
Curriculum
000 - CORSO GENERICO
Course coordinator
-
Credits
6
Lecture Hours
45
Scientific Disciplinary Sector (SSD)
SECS-P/07 - Business Administration
Course Type
Single-subject learning activity
Course Delivery
OPZ - Opzionale
Year
3
Teaching period
Secondo Semestre
Campus
ALESSANDRIA
Teaching language
Italian
Course Contents
Introduction to OIC Financial Statements: Review of Key Concepts and Main Documents The Information Basis for Financial Statement Analysis: Conceptual Framework Overview of Strategic Analysis: Competitive Environment Analysis Overview of Strategic Analysis: Strategy Analysis Financial Statement Equilibrium: Conceptual Framework Financial Statement Comparisons: Comparisons Over Time and Space Reclassification of the Balance Sheet Reclassification of the Income Statement Ratio and Cash Flow Analysis Practical Exercises
Reference Texts
Mandatory Resources: - Educational materials provided on the website - OIC principles Optional/ Further Reading: - Giunta, F., & Pisani, M. (2016). L'analisi di bilancio. Maggioli Editore.
Learning Outcomes
Understand the fundamental concepts and main documents of OIC financial statements. Conceptualize the informational foundation for financial statement analysis. Perform strategic analysis to assess competitive environments and strategies. Grasp the conceptual framework of financial equilibrium. Conduct financial statement comparisons over time and across different firms. Reclassify balance sheets and income statements for better analysis. Analyze financial performance using ratio and cash flow analysis. Apply theoretical concepts through practical exercises.
Prerequisites
Basic Accounting Knowledge Participants should have preliminary knowledge of fundamental accounting principles, including key concepts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses, to better understand the structure of financial statements. Familiarity with Financial Documents Basic experience in reading financial documents such as the Balance Sheet, Income Statement, and Cash Flow Statement is necessary to correctly interpret financial data. Understanding Financial Operations Students should have an idea of how financial and operational activities impact business performance, along with knowledge of the main commercial processes.
Teaching Methods
Lecture Practical exercises Corporate testimonials
Additional Information
Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request
specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse

e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-
students-physical-or-learning-disabilities

Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted
the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination
modalities, concerning academic aspects.
Assessment Methods
Written test
Detailed Syllabus
Introduction to OIC Financial Statements: Review of Key Concepts and Essential Documents We'll start by exploring the standards and fundamental principles of financial statements according to OIC (Italian Accounting Standards). We will analyze the purpose and structure of the main accounting documents, such as the Balance Sheet and Income Statement, highlighting the differences between Italian and international standards. This module provides a review of key concepts to ensure that all participants have a solid understanding. Information Basis for Financial Statement Analysis: Conceptual Framework A detailed analysis of the conceptual framework supporting financial decisions will be provided, focusing on the importance of financial information for stakeholders. Students will understand the main sources of financial data, learning how to assess the quality of information and how this can influence strategic decisions. Overview of Strategic Analysis: Competitive Environment Analysis This module introduces the key concepts of strategic analysis with a particular focus on the competitive environment. Using Porter's Five Forces model, participants will identify market dynamics and understand how external variables affect business profitability. Additionally, they will learn to assess the threats and opportunities arising from competitors, suppliers, and customers. Overview of Strategic Analysis: Strategy Analysis Continuing with strategic analysis, techniques will be introduced to identify, understand, and evaluate business strategies. We'll discuss the differences between corporate and competitive strategies and how these are reflected in financial results. Financial Statement Equilibrium: Conceptual Framework Financial equilibrium is essential for business sustainability. This module provides an overview of the concept, demonstrating how to identify imbalances and manage risk. We'll discuss the importance of managing the balance between revenue and expenses, working capital, liquidity, and investments. Financial Statement Comparisons: Comparisons Over Time and Space Learning to compare financial statements across periods and companies is crucial for effective evaluation. Students will be guided through the process of temporal comparison to identify trends in business performance. Spatial comparison methods will also be presented to evaluate a company against its competitors. Reclassification of the Balance Sheet This module will show how to reclassify the Balance Sheet for more effective analysis. Participants will learn how to reorganize asset and liability items to better highlight critical areas of financial management, such as liquidity, solvency, and working capital. Reclassification of the Income Statement We will analyze how to reclassify the Income Statement to emphasize the structure of costs and revenues. Understanding the different components of operating and financial expenses will help identify key areas that influence profitability. Ratio and Cash Flow Analysis Learning to use financial ratios is fundamental for evaluating business performance. Participants will analyze the main profitability, efficiency, liquidity, and solvency indicators, learning how to interpret them and apply them to real financial statements. Practical Exercises During the course, practical sessions will be organized where students will work on real-world case studies. Participants will learn solid methodologies for reclassifying documents.
Expected Learning Outcomes
Participants will be able to accurately interpret financial statements, understanding the key differences between OIC and international standards. They will comprehend the structure and purpose of essential documents such as the Balance Sheet and Income Statement. Students will understand the principles of financial equilibrium, identify imbalances, and propose strategic adjustments to ensure sustainable financial health in areas like working capital, liquidity, and investments. Participants will become proficient in comparing financial data across different periods and companies, reclassifying the Balance Sheet and Income Statement for a deeper analysis, applying these skills to their work or studies. Additionally, they will be able to compare the results obtained with the relevant competitive environment. Students will gain skills in ratio and cash flow analysis, learning to calculate, interpret, and leverage key profitability, liquidity, and solvency ratios to evaluate business performance and make informed financial decisions
Last update:09-09-2026 00:14:31