AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course of Financial statement analysis covers the fundamental techniques for analysing financial statements. These include: horizontal and vertical analysis of financial statements, calculation and interpretation of financial ratios, and cash flow analysis. Students will be able to apply the acquired knowledge to understand and critically examine corporate performance, liquidity, financial position and growth.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completing the course, students will be able to interpret the main financial statements, calculate and explain key financial ratios, assess a firm's profitability, liquidity, and solvency, identify strengths and weaknesses in financial performance, and communicate the results of a financial statement analysis using appropriate terminology and critical reasoning.

TEACHING METHODS

The course combines theoretical instruction on the principles and techniques of financial statement analysis with a practical, application-oriented approach. Students will apply the analytical tools acquired during the course to a range of real financial statements from companies operating in the energy sector, discussing results through case studies and guided exercises.

Please note that this course is delivered online (9 hours online videos + 6 hours in person) via the Learn platform. To request access, students must contact the Settore metodi e contenuti at edunext@aulaweb.unige.it.  

Exam accommodations for students with disabilities or SLD Students with a valid disability certificate or a diagnosis of Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) (under Italian Law 104/1992) or Special Educational Needs (SEN), who are registered with the University's Inclusion Services, can request compensatory tools and/or dispensatory measures for exams. Students with disabilities, with SLD or with SEN are reminded that, to request exam accommodations, they must first upload their certification to the University website at servizionline.unige.it<https://servizionline.unige.it/>, in the "Students" section. The documentation will be checked by the University's Services for the Inclusion of Students with Disabilities and with SLD. At the beginning of the course, students are advised to contact the lecturer to agree on exam arrangements which, while respecting the learning objectives of the course, take individual learning needs into account. To request compensatory tools or dispensatory measures, students with disabilities or SLD must fill in the dedicated Webform available athttps://unige.it/disabilita-dsa, at least 7 working days before the exam. Students with SEN may instead send their request by e-mail to the lecturer, copying the Department Representative, Prof. Elena Lagomarsino,at inclusione.economia@unige.it, and the Inclusion Office  inclusione.studenti@info.unige.it.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

1. Introduction to Financial Statement Analysis
Purpose and users of financial statement analysis. Overview of financial reporting and the main financial statements.

2. Financial Statements
Structure and interpretation of the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement. Relationships among the three statements.

3. Financial Ratio Analysis
Key indicators of profitability, liquidity, solvency, efficiency, and leverage. Interpretation and limitations of ratio analysis.

4. Performance Assessment
Trend analysis and benchmarking. Evaluation of financial performance and financial position to support business decisions.

5. Financial Statement Analysis in Practice
Application of analytical tools to real company financial statements. Interpretation of results and communication of findings.

6. Financial Statement Analysis in the Energy Sector
Application of financial statement analysis to energy companies. Discussion of selected financial indicators and performance drivers, highlighting the sector's distinctive characteristics through practical examples and case studies.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Please note that online lectures are scheduled to begin on March 8, 2027 (second semester).

The 6-hour lectures in-person will take place from May 3 to May 28, 2027 (second semester).

Further details about the lecture timetable will be announced at a later date.

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy