Evaluating Company Management in Fundamental Analysis

When evaluating a stock, many investors will look at the strength and effectiveness of company management as part of the due diligence process. The corporate scandals of recent years have reminded all of us of the importance of having a high-quality management team in place. The role of the management team, as far as investors are concerned, is to create value for the shareholders. While most investors see the significance of strong management, assessing the competence of an executive team can be difficult.

The Role of Company Management

A strong management team is critical to the success of any company. These are the people who develop the ongoing vision of the company and make strategic decisions to support that vision. While it can be said that every employee brings value, it is the management team that “steers the ship” through competitive, economic and the other pressures associated with running a company. In measuring the effectiveness of the management team the investor is able to determine how well the company is performing relative to its industry competitors and the market as a whole.

Assessing Management Performance

Some of the metrics a fundamental investor might use in measuring the effectiveness of company management might include:

Return on Assets: The ROA provides an indication of company profitability in relation to its total assets. Part of effective company management is the efficient leverage of company assets to produce earnings.

A Return on Assets Calculator

Return on Equity: The ROE measures net income as a percentage of shareholders equity. For shareholders, the ROE provides a means of measuring company profitability against how much they have invested. The ROE is best used to compare the profitability of the company (and company management, by extension) with other companies in the industry.

A Return on Equity Calculator

Return on Investment: The ROI measures the effective use of debt for the benefit of the company. Skillful use of debt resources by company management can play a significant role in the growth and prosperity of the company.

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The above information is educational and should not be interpreted as financial advice. For advice that is specific to your circumstances, you should consult a financial or tax advisor.

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