[QUOTE=makie;9983850]You can start by doing some research about fundamental analysis basics. Some of the very basic and very useful infos are EPS (Earnings-per-share) ratio and P/E (price per earnings ratio). There are actually a lot of methods to use in FA but those are are by far among the most popular.
Some of the things that I read in financial statements:
1.) Earnings growth. Consistent ba for the past years?
2.)
Debt to Equity ratio. Basis if the company is financing either through debt or equity. Kung debt, I stay away.
3.) EPS and P/E ratio.
4.)
Dividends. Though not really that important in comparison to value appreciation, at least it helps. Some companies are not just consistent, dagko pa gyud ug hatag.
5.) Company profile. Dakong factor pud ni. If reputable ang mga nagdala sa company, it will most likely go up
Debt financing, up to a certain point is good. It gives tax savings. You should stay away from companies who have management that avoid these advantages.
Dividends are very useful when valuing companies, IMO. When a company has been constantly giving out dividends, you can use the dividend discount model to value the company.