Guide to Fundamental Analysis

• Introduction
This is a very brief introduction to the very vast subject of fundamental analysis. To understand and make productive use of fundamental analysis, familiarity with accountancy and economics are essential. However, one need not be an accounting or economics expert for this purpose.
From a shorter – term perspective, one could argue that fundamental analysis does not apply to the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange (KLSE). From a longer – term perspective, however, it is very difficult to invest successfully even on the KLSE without incorporating fundamental analysis into one’s methodology. While the general perception is that the KLSE is still an inefficient market where rumours, tips, poor corporate governance, etc. rule, the smart investor would realise that applying sound fundamental analysis in such a stock market can be rewarding. But just like any other investment methods, fundamental analysis has its strength and weakness.
• A. Earnings Per Share (EPS)
The Formula for calculating net EPS is:
Net Attributable Profit divided by Number of Shares Outstanding
EPS is generally used as an indicator of the performance of a company over a long period of time. For example, while a company’s earnings may be rising over a period of time, its EPS may not be. There are various ways in calculating a company’s EPS, depending on what the objective of the investor or analyst is. Most use net attributable earnings, that is, earnings after tax and minority interests.
EPS can also be based on historical or prospective earnings. Projected EPS is important because it can significantly influence the company’s share price. A company’s EPS can also be calculated on a diluted or non-diluted basis. Where a company has warrants outstanding, it is common practice to calculate the EPS assuming that all the warrants are exercised. The number of shares outstanding may also be affected by rights and bonus issues. In such cases, the number of shares outstanding could be an average figure.
• B. Price – Earnings Ratio (PE ratio)
PE Ratio is a useful tool for valuing companies, that is, it establishes a quantitative relationship between the share price and earnings of a company. It shows how much one is paying relative to its earnings. PE ratio can be used for the same company over a period of time or it can be used to compare 2 or more companies at the same period of time.
The formula for PE ratio is:
Current market price divided by earnings per share.
There are generally 2 types of PE ratio calculated:
a) Historical PE ratio is based on past EPS.
b)Prospective PE ratio is based on future or forecasted EPS.
For example, when we say that the 2001 PROSPECTIVE PE ratio for company XYZ is 17 times, this refers to the present market price of Company XYZ but based on its forecasted EPS for 2001. If we use the 1999 EPS, then we are referring to the HISTORICAL PE ratio.
• C. Dividend Yield
The formula for Dividend Yieldis:
Dividend per share divided by Market price per share
It is always expressed in percentage terms. Dividend yield is often used to compare with the interest derived from fixed deposits or other investment alternatives. This will help us evaluate which investment alternative gives a better return. In making such comparisons, one needs to decide whether it is more relevant to use net or gross dividends. Just like calculating a PE ratio, the dividend per share can be on a historical or prospective basis.