1. Financial Statements
Financial statements are the backbone of any business analysis. They include income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. These documents offer a snapshot of a company’s financial health, showing profits, losses, assets, liabilities, and cash flows. By analyzing these statements, business analysts can identify trends, measure financial performance, and evaluate the financial impact of proposed changes.
2. White Whale Financial: Business Plans
A business plan outlines the company’s goals, strategies, market analysis, and financial projections. It serves as a roadmap for business operations and growth. For analysts, the business plan provides insights into the company’s long-term vision and strategic objectives, helping to align the analysis with the overall direction of the business.
3. Market Research Reports
Market research reports provide valuable information about the industry, target market, competition, and consumer behavior. These reports are essential for understanding the external factors that influence the business. They help analysts assess market opportunities, threats, and trends that could impact the company’s performance.
4. Operational Documents
Operational documents include process manuals, workflow diagrams, and production schedules. These documents help analysts understand how the business operates on a day-to-day basis. By reviewing these, analysts can identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement in the company’s operations.
5. Employee Records
Employee records, including organizational charts, job descriptions, and performance evaluations, are important for analyzing the human resources aspect of the business. These documents help assess whether the company’s workforce is aligned with its strategic goals and whether there are gaps in skills or staffing that need to be addressed.
6. Customer Feedback and Sales Data
Customer feedback, surveys, and sales data provide insights into customer satisfaction, product performance, and sales trends. These documents are vital for understanding the company’s relationship with its customers and for identifying areas where customer service or product offerings can be improved.
7. Contracts and Legal Documents
Contracts, agreements, and other legal documents are crucial for understanding the company’s obligations, risks, and regulatory compliance. These documents help analysts assess the legal aspects of the business, ensuring that any recommendations made do not violate existing agreements or regulations.
8. IT Systems and Data Analytics
In today’s digital age, IT systems and data analytics play a critical role in business analysis. Documents related to IT infrastructure, data management policies, and analytics reports provide insights into how technology supports the business. Analysts can use this information to identify opportunities for digital transformation and data-driven decision-making.