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CFA Level 1 Financial Statement Analysis - Cheatsheet

Anshuman Patnaik
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Section 1

CFA Level 1 Financial Statement Analysis - Cheatsheet

STUDY GUIDE

🎓 CFA Level 1 Financial Statement Analysis - Study Guide

📋 Course Structure

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📚 Financial Statement Analysis ├── 📖 Chapter 1: Introduction to Financial Statement Analysis │ ├── 🔹 Financial Statement Analysis Framework │ ├── 🔹 Regulated Sources of Information │ └── 🔹 Importance of Financial Statement Notes and Supplementary Schedules ├── 📖 Chapter 2: Analyzing Income Statements │ ├── 🔹 Revenue Recognition Principles and Applications │ ├── 🔹 Expense Recognition Principles and Applications │ ├── 🔹 Non-Recurring Items and Changes in Accounting Policies │ ├── 🔹 Earnings Per Share (EPS) │ └── 🔹 Common-Size Analysis and Financial Ratios Based on the Income Statement ├── 📖 Chapter 3: Analyzing Balance Sheets │ ├── 🔹 Intangible Assets │ ├── 🔹 Goodwill │ ├── 🔹 Financial Instruments │ ├── 🔹 Non-Current Liabilities │ └── 🔹 Ratios and Common-Size Analysis of the Balance Sheet └── 📖 Chapter 4: Analyzing Statements of Cash Flows I ├── 🔹 Linkages between Financial Statements ├── 🔹 Direct Method for Cash Flows from Operating Activities ├── 🔹 Indirect Method for Cash Flows from Operating Activities └── 🔹 Conversion from Indirect to Direct Method
Section 2

📖 Chapter 1: Introduction to Financial Statement Analysis

What this chapter covers: This chapter introduces the framework for financial statement analysis, emphasizing the importance of understanding accounting standards and the economic environment. It outlines the steps involved in the analysis process, from articulating the purpose to developing conclusions. It also covers regulated sources of information and the role of regulatory bodies.

🔑 Essential Concepts & Formulas

Concept/FormulaDefinition/EquationWhen to UseQuick Check
Financial Statement Analysis FrameworkArticulate purpose, collect data, process data, analyze/interpret, develop conclusions, follow up.Analyzing a company's financial performance and position.Ensure all steps are logically sequenced and justified.
Form 10-KAnnual report filed with the SEC by US companies.Obtaining comprehensive financial information about a US company.Verify the form is audited and includes management's discussion and analysis.
Form 20-FAnnual report filed with the SEC by foreign private issuers.Obtaining comprehensive financial information about a foreign company listed in the US.Check for differences in accounting standards used (IFRS vs. US GAAP).
IOSCOInternational Organization of Securities Commissions.Understanding international regulatory standards for financial reporting.Confirm adherence to IOSCO principles for cross-border offerings.

🛠️ Problem Types

Type A: Identifying the Correct Sequence of Steps in the Financial Statement Analysis Framework

Setup: "When you encounter a question asking for the correct order of steps in analyzing financial statements."

Method: "Remember the sequence: Articulate purpose, collect data, process data, analyze/interpret, develop conclusions, and follow up. Look for keywords associated with each step."

Example: "Which of the following is the correct sequence of steps in the financial statement analysis framework? A) Collect data, analyze, articulate purpose... B) Articulate purpose, collect data, process data... C) Analyze, process data, collect data... The correct answer is B."

Type B: Matching Specific Tasks to the Appropriate Phase in the Financial Statement Analysis Framework

Setup: "If presented with a scenario describing a task performed by an analyst."

Method: "Determine which phase of the framework the task belongs to. For example, calculating ratios is part of the 'process data' phase, while defining the audience for the analysis is part of the 'articulate purpose' phase."

Example: "An analyst is calculating the debt-to-equity ratio for a company. In which phase of the financial statement analysis framework is the analyst engaged? The answer is 'process data'."

🧮 Solved Example

Problem: An analyst is tasked with evaluating the financial health of a company. What is the first step they should take according to the financial statement analysis framework?

Given: The analyst needs to perform a financial statement analysis.

Steps:

  1. Identify the first step: Articulate the purpose and context of the analysis.
  2. Define the purpose: Determine the specific questions to be answered and the scope of the analysis.
  3. Consider the context: Understand the industry, economic environment, and any specific factors affecting the company.
  4. Document the purpose and context: Clearly define the objectives and scope of the analysis.
"
Answer: The first step is to articulate the purpose and context of the analysis.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

❌ Mistake 1: Forgetting to articulate the purpose of the analysis before collecting data.

✅ How to avoid: Always start by defining the objectives and scope of the analysis.

❌ Mistake 2: Ignoring the financial statement notes.

✅ How to avoid: Always read the notes to understand the accounting policies and assumptions used in preparing the financial statements.

🦁 Erik's Tip

Memorize the financial statement analysis framework as an iterative process, not just a linear one. The follow-up phase is crucial for refining your analysis based on new information.

📖 Chapter 2: Analyzing Income Statements

What this chapter covers: This chapter focuses on analyzing income statements, including revenue and expense recognition, non-recurring items, earnings per share (EPS), and common-size analysis. It emphasizes understanding accounting standards and adjusting financial statements for comparability.

🔑 Essential Concepts & Formulas

Concept/FormulaDefinition/EquationWhen to UseQuick Check
Revenue Recognition (5-step model)Identify contract, identify performance obligations, determine transaction price, allocate transaction price, recognize revenue when obligations are satisfied.Determining when to recognize revenue under IFRS and US GAAP.Ensure all five steps are properly applied and documented.
Basic EPSNet Income Available to Common ShareholdersWeighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding\frac{\text{Net Income Available to Common Shareholders}}{\text{Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding}}Calculating earnings per share for a simple capital structure.Verify that only common shareholders' portion of net income is used.
Diluted EPSConsiders the impact of dilutive securities (e.g., convertible bonds, stock options).Calculating earnings per share for a complex capital structure.Ensure all dilutive securities are properly accounted for using the if-converted and treasury stock methods.
Gross Profit MarginGross ProfitRevenue\frac{\text{Gross Profit}}{\text{Revenue}}Assessing a company's profitability from its core operations.Compare the margin to industry averages and historical trends.

🛠️ Problem Types

Type A: Applying the Five-Step Revenue Recognition Model

Setup: "When presented with a scenario involving a company providing goods or services to customers."

Method: "Systematically apply the five steps of revenue recognition: identify the contract, identify performance obligations, determine transaction price, allocate transaction price, and recognize revenue when performance obligations are satisfied."

Example: "A software company sells a license and provides ongoing support. How should revenue be recognized? The answer involves allocating the transaction price between the license and the support service and recognizing revenue as each is delivered."

Type B: Calculating Basic and Diluted EPS

Setup: "If given a company's net income, number of shares outstanding, and information about convertible securities or stock options."

Method: "Calculate basic EPS using the formula. Then, determine if any securities are dilutive and calculate diluted EPS using the if-converted method or treasury stock method, as appropriate."

Example: "A company has net income of $1 million, 500,000 shares outstanding, and convertible bonds that would increase shares by 100,000 if converted. Calculate basic and diluted EPS. The answer involves calculating basic EPS as $2 and diluted EPS considering the impact of the convertible bonds."

🧮 Solved Example

Problem: A company has revenue of $5 million and cost of goods sold of $3 million. Calculate the gross profit margin.

Given: Revenue = $5,000,000 Cost of Goods Sold = $3,000,000

Steps:

  1. Calculate Gross Profit: Revenue - Cost of Goods Sold = $5,000,000 - $3,000,000 = $2,000,000
  2. Calculate Gross Profit Margin: (Gross Profit / Revenue) * 100 = ($2,000,000 / $5,000,000) * 100
  3. Simplify: 0.4 * 100
"
Answer: Gross Profit Margin = 40%

⚠️ Common Mistakes

❌ Mistake 1: Incorrectly applying the revenue recognition principles.

✅ How to avoid: Carefully analyze the contract and identify all performance obligations.

❌ Mistake 2: Failing to consider dilutive securities when calculating EPS.

✅ How to avoid: Always assess the potential impact of convertible securities and stock options on EPS.

🦁 Erik's Tip

When analyzing income statements, always compare the company's performance to its historical trends and industry peers to identify any significant deviations.

📖 Chapter 3: Analyzing Balance Sheets

What this chapter covers: This chapter focuses on analyzing balance sheets, including intangible assets, goodwill, financial instruments, and non-current liabilities. It emphasizes understanding accounting standards and adjusting financial statements for comparability.

🔑 Essential Concepts & Formulas

Concept/FormulaDefinition/EquationWhen to UseQuick Check
Intangible AssetsIdentifiable non-monetary assets without physical substance.Analyzing a company's long-term assets and their impact on financial performance.Verify that intangible assets are properly amortized or tested for impairment.
GoodwillExcess of purchase price over the fair value of net identifiable assets acquired in a business combination.Analyzing the value of an acquired company and assessing potential impairment.Ensure goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually.
Debt-to-Equity RatioTotal DebtTotal Equity\frac{\text{Total Debt}}{\text{Total Equity}}Assessing a company's financial leverage and risk.Compare the ratio to industry averages and historical trends.
Current RatioCurrent AssetsCurrent Liabilities\frac{\text{Current Assets}}{\text{Current Liabilities}}Assessing a company's ability to meet its short-term obligations.Ensure the ratio is above 1 to indicate sufficient liquidity.

🛠️ Problem Types

Type A: Analyzing Intangible Assets and Goodwill

Setup: "When presented with a company's balance sheet and information about its intangible assets and goodwill."

Method: "Understand the nature of the intangible assets and goodwill, and assess their impact on the company's financial position. Check for any impairment losses."

Example: "A company has a significant amount of goodwill on its balance sheet. What steps should an analyst take to assess the potential risk associated with this goodwill? The answer involves reviewing the company's impairment testing procedures and assessing the likelihood of future impairment losses."

Type B: Calculating and Interpreting Balance Sheet Ratios

Setup: "If given a company's balance sheet and asked to calculate and interpret various financial ratios."

Method: "Calculate the required ratios (e.g., current ratio, debt-to-equity ratio) and interpret their significance in the context of the company's industry and historical performance."

Example: "A company has current assets of $2 million and current liabilities of $1 million. Calculate the current ratio and interpret its meaning. The answer involves calculating the current ratio as 2 and interpreting it as an indicator of strong liquidity."

🧮 Solved Example

Problem: A company has total debt of $4 million and total equity of $8 million. Calculate the debt-to-equity ratio.

Given: Total Debt = $4,000,000 Total Equity = $8,000,000

Steps:

  1. Calculate Debt-to-Equity Ratio: Total Debt / Total Equity = $4,000,000 / $8,000,000
  2. Simplify: 0.5
"
Answer: Debt-to-Equity Ratio = 0.5

⚠️ Common Mistakes

❌ Mistake 1: Ignoring off-balance-sheet financing.

✅ How to avoid: Carefully review the financial statement notes for any off-balance-sheet arrangements.

❌ Mistake 2: Misinterpreting the significance of balance sheet ratios.

✅ How to avoid: Always compare the ratios to industry averages and historical trends.

🦁 Erik's Tip

When analyzing balance sheets, pay close attention to the company's accounting policies and any changes in those policies, as they can significantly impact the reported financial position.

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